Paul Merriman's Book - First Time Investor: Grow and Protect Your Money - Review

Investing for retirement can be one of the most confusing jobs we have to deal with in our financial lives. It not only confuses people, it also scares them to death when they see their investments declining in a down market. The only way to overcome these impediments is to have a good solid plan. With all the different voices out there, with conflicting advice, who do you listen to? There is a new book out that explains, in plain English, how to do it right. 

The "How To Invest" series - "First-Time Investor: Grow and Protect Your Money" by Paul Merriman with Richard Buck is Merriman's latest book on educating young and old on how to invest and handle their money. The title of the book says "First Time Investor" in big bold type. This is one of the things that I like about Merriman's continuing goal of helping the new and equally confused investor. 

The first thing I wanted to do with the book was to dive in and get to the meat and potatoes of where to put those investing dollars. I was surprised to find the first half of the book teaches the many foundational things you needed to learn before investing any money. It reminded me of when I read Paul Merriman's last book, "Financial Fitness Forever". Merriman is a teacher at heart. He wants you to be educated as to the reasons things work the way they do. Just listening to an author and following a to-do list leads to failure. Knowing why and really understanding why you are investing in a certain way, with certain investments, keeps you on track when the markets are going crazy. The average investor does great when markets are doing well. It's knowing what to do when the markets are in turmoil and your afraid of losing you hard earned dollars. 

Book Review - Financial Fitness Forever: 5 Steps to More Money, Less Risk, and More Peace of Mind by Paul Merriman

The book is an easy read of a 114 pages. It's divided into 11 chapters and each chapter divided into easy to read and understand topics. As you will find in all of Merriman's books this book also has data, figures, and illustrations backing up what the author talks about. Whether Merriman is explaining 401(k)'s, mutual funds, or bonds you will always find the data to back up the information.

Why listen to Paul Merriman?

Paul Merriman has been advising people on how to manage and invest their savings for over 30 years. He believes it's necessary to explain the risks, mistakes, and stumbling points many investors will encounter. He explains the good, the bad, and the ugly so you can make informed investing decisions. His many years of meeting with clients and putting together investment plans has given him the knowledge and a passion for helping people learn how to be successful investors. 

Who is this book for.

While reading this book I come across many things I already know and many things I didn't. But I consider myself well read on the subject matter. But this book is for the new investor as well as the old. You won't be overwhelmed or bored. The new investor will learn what to do before even putting one dollar into an investment and shown the best places to invest. The young will gain a firm foundation for investing. The seasoned investor can compare notes and learn a thing or two. 

I recommend you get this book because if want to learn where you should invest your money you will get that knowledge and more in this book. You can purchase the book on Amazon.com or at PaulMerriman.com where digital copies in a variety of formats are available for all your electronic reading devices. 

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Private And Public Sector Organizations Prefer Direct Debit

The rise in popularity of online banking has led many British consumers to abandon traditional payment methods, such as cash or cheque, in favor of automated payment methods, such as direct debit. As a result, many organizations have had to expand the range of payment options they offer.

Flexibility

According to one estimate, over 3.3 billion direct debit payments were processed in 2011, an increase of two-thirds o the number processed ten years earlier. One of the reasons direct debits are becoming widely accepted is their flexibility. 

They are ideal for ach payment processing of the same or varying amounts on the same or varying collection dates. They are also less expensive, in terms of transaction costs, than traditional payment methods, including credit cards. 

They are also immune to the effects of unexpected events, such as postal strikes, which can play havoc with payment methods that rely on paper. Their only real drawback is that they are not suitable for one-off payments.

Efficiency

Public sector organizations are always looking to improve their efficiency as an alternative to making job cuts. As a result, many public sector organizations, including local councils, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and TV Licensing, now offer direct debit as a payment option for Council Tax, business rates, commercial and domestic rent, road tax, and many other recurring payments. In fact, many private and public sector organizations offer discounts to encourage consumers to pay by direct debit.

Direct Debit Guarantee

Direct debits for the public sector ensure both parties that bills are paid on time. If a direct debit payment fails, both the payer and payee find out quickly and can take prompt action to rectify the situation. 

Furthermore, the Direct Debit Guarantee entitles consumers to a full and immediate refund if an error is made in the payment of a direct debit from their bank or building society account, regardless of who actually made the error. 

Direct debits can only be set up for payments to approved payees, who are subject to rigorous quality control procedures and must provide indemnity guarantees through their banks, so unscrupulous organizations cannot take payments that are not due to them.

Direct Debit Versus Standing Order

Over 75% of British consumers already pay their Council Tax by direct debit or standing order. The principal advantage of direct debit, however, is that the payee can make amendments to the payment amount without needing to obtain the payer's signature on each occasion. 

The payee must, however, give advance notice, typically 10 working days, of any change(s) to the payment amount and collection date. If the collection date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the payee must take the payment after the due date unless they give advance notice. 

Most bank and building society accounts, including some special savings accounts, accept direct debit payments. Banks and building societies retain the details for 13 months from the date of the last payment. 

At the end of this period, known as a dormancy period, the payee must obtain the authority of the payer to continue collecting payments.

AUTHOR BIO

Peter Smith holds a Master's Degree in business administration and has worked extensively in the public sector during his career. He regularly writes about automated payment methods, including direct debits for the public sector and various business-related websites and blogs.

3 Things to Do Before Retirement (Other Than Securing Finances)

Retirement (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

Whether you are prepared financially or not, there’s more to retirement than just having enough money in savings, life insurance and retirement funds to survive after your working days are over. Sure, financial stability is the foundation to a happy, stress-free retirement, but there are a few other things that must be done before you clock out from your last shift on the job.

The following three pieces of advice will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy a retirement full of fun and relaxation.

1. Pay off debt: Ideally, you should be working toward a zero-debt goal long before you set a definitive retirement date. As a rule of thumb, you should focus on paying off high-interest rate debt first (such as credit card debt), then pay off moderate-interest rate debt (such as car loan debt) and then pay off your low-interest rate debt last (such as your mortgage). Obviously, you want to make regular payments on all of your debt, but whatever high-interest rate debt you can pay off early, find a way to do it. It will help you save money in the long run. Paying off all debt before retirement gets a huge monkey off your back and allows you to quit working free of worry.

2. Retire near family and friends: We’re living in a world where it isn’t always common to reside in the same town (or even region) as your family and close friends. Retirement can be lonely; if you aren’t located near the people you love and enjoy spending time with. If you moved years ago for work (or if your family or friends moved away for work), it may be a good idea to think about moving closer to someone or a group of people you can depend on for help in your older years. A two-hour drive is the longest distance that should separate you from your closest friends and family members. As you grow older, the importance of this point will become clearer.

3. Clean out the house: Preparing your home for retirement is a must. You and your family have probably accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. Some of this stuff may be junk, and some of it may be for keepsakes. Dig through closets, the attic and other storage spaces, and parse out what you want to keep and what you want to give away and throw away. This will save you and your family a huge hassle down the road, because sooner or later, someone is going to have to clean it out. It also frees up space in your home for new uses, like a craft or hobby room.

Retirement is supposed to be fun and free of worry. By making the necessary preparations, you will make more time for traveling and doing the things you always dreamed of doing when you were working.

As a regular contributor to several finance websites, like www.CreditScore.net, Stella Walker uses her knowledge of economics, consumer trends and budgeting to help readers better understand their own personal finance issues. Feel free to leave your questions and comments for her below!

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Insuring Your Teen Driver as an Older Parent

Mark McCrell is an auto aficionado who loves to drive his 1974 Buick LaSabre around town and write about all things auto. He currently blogs for the website AutoInsuranceQuotes, which specializes in cheap auto insurance. 

Of all the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a parent later in life, a strong benefit is that you are most likely more equipped to handle the financial challenges that accompany raising a teenager. This is most true when it comes to adding your teen driver to your car insurance policy. Your greater age and experience are powerful allies to have in your corner for this fight. Here are some tips for surviving adding your teen to your insurance policy. 

You have some good things on your side as an older parent: 

● Your credit score is generally higher 

● You’re more likely to be married, which can lower your premium overall 

● You’ve most likely been with your insurance company for a long time 

● You’re more secure in your financial affairs, including investments and saving 

● You’re more likely to be a homeowner, in which case you can bundle home and auto 

● You’re more likely to have multiple cars under the same policy 

Tips to insure your teen driver for less: 

Give them an inexpensive, safe car 

If you are giving them a car, make sure that it’s a safe car that’s cheap to insure. They may beg for the dragster or the muscle car, but if you put your foot down and get a car that’s safe and reliable, then you can make sure they are safe and save money on insuring your teen. 

Raise their deductibles 

Raise the deductibles on your teen’s policy to $1,000 more. They are almost sure to have a few small dings and scrapes along the way and if you don’t have to file a claim for every paint scratch, then you will save money in the long run with a claims free discount. 

Drop the comprehensive coverage 

If your teen is driving an older, or less expensive car, you may want to drop your comprehensive coverage entirely. If your car is worth less than the deductible, then you definitely want to consider dropping it off your policy. 

Continued education 

Enroll your teen in a defensive driving course, or some insurers will send an information packet out or instructional DVD to your teen. If they complete the included material, then you could get another break on your insurance. 

Don’t let your teen modify their car 

Many teen drivers may be in to learning about car modifications that make cars look cooler or driver faster, but these modifications can lead to huge jumps in your insurance premiums. If you modify your car to give it more horsepower or modify the body to make it look “sleeker,” then it could pose a greater risk for theft or vandalism. If your teen wants to help modify a car, just make sure that it’s a friend’s car. 

There are lots of tools in your tool belt as an older parent that will help you to build a better financial future for your teen driver. Make sure you take advantage of your wisdom and experience and turn it into extra money in your pocket each month, just in case your teen wants to borrow money to go to the movies.

Understanding the Real Story with Payday Loans

Payday Loans Neon Sign (Photo credit: rinkjustice)

Payday loans can provide instant financial relief to those who are experiencing short term cash crunches. Payday lending companies specialize in short term loans that target employed individuals as well as those with stable and regular source of income. However, it is important to note that this short term loan was never meant to be treated as an alternative to regular bank loans.

Payday loans have a distinct purpose and you have to understand that they are in a completely different league from regular bank loans. If your need for extra cash is minimal and immediate and you are looking for a short term payment period, then a payday loan may be the ideal choice for you.

When it comes to payday loans and other types of short term loans, it is extremely important that you abide by the terms and conditions of the loan and ensure that you have the cash to pay back the loan when it matures. For payday loans, you have to develop the mindset that you are drawing part of your unearned income. Thus, you need to set aside that portion of your next paycheque for the amount that you need to pay back the loan even before you take out one.

Think short term when it comes to payday loans or cash advances. This means that such loans are to be used as financial tools for exigencies that are temporary or transient. And while it may be tempting to opt for payday loans every time we need cash, it is extremely important that we don’t misuse or abuse this credit option.

To avoid serious complications and problems when you take out payday loans, it is important that you know and abide by the rules with regard to the use of payday loans.

• Don’t use it as substitute for regular loans – You are inviting serious trouble when you look at payday loans as fallback in case your application for a loan with the bank is denied.

• Don’t use payday loans to pay off other loans – This unsound practice will dramatically escalate the cost of your loans. And this is the main reason why people get into a vicious debt cycle.

• Don’t borrow more than you need – You have to observe restraint when it comes to this type of short term loan. Take out only the amount needed for essential things.

One of the best ways to find the most reliable and trusted providers of payday loans is by checking the latest information and feedback in websites that specialize in reviews and comparison of various lending companies.

Of course, you would want to find out more about the track record of the companies before you make your final choice. In addition to this, it is also imperative that you assess the kind of service that they provide to their clients. You are better off with a company that provides 24/7 customer assistance.

Finally, before you finalize the loan agreement with a lending company, it is essential that you read through the fine print of the loan agreement and clarify all issues with the company representative.

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Graduates Moving Back Home To Retired Parents

 (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

It should be a time of happiness and satisfaction but the graduating class of 2012 are feeling a sense of defeat. A combination of a weak labor market and economic climate many graduates are forced to move back home. But in mom and dad's house many things have change since the student was a freshman. Mom and dad are now retired and were not expecting their kids moving back in.

These boomerang graduates are facing double digit unemployment rates in some fields. Even with advanced degrees, graduates can't land jobs. To make matters worse even if they can find a job, grads are burdened with school loan debt or have extensive credit card debt putting them into a position of not being able to make it in the real world. Making moving back home the only viable option.

Moving back home is not anyone's first choice. Lots of graduates have tasted the free life from living at college and don't want to give that up. Many parents have not planed on having anyone move back in, many have already made plans to downgrade to smaller homes. They also have tasted the life of not having any children at home.

If the student does have to come home there are a few things to make the situation equitable for both parties.

Helping Around the House

Moving back home changes the dynamic for the graduate. When they were on their own they called the shots. When coming home it changes to community mode. That means pitching in on the household work. Grads should offer to help around the house with cutting the grass, cleaning the house, or cooking meals. 

Also contributing to the family financial needs should be addressed. Some amount of money should come from the grad that should go to the mortgage or rent. There is an increase in the variable expenses of the home, the grad should step up and contribute their fair share.

Retired parents still need to pursue their goals and plans. The financial impact of the student returning should be kept at a minimum and it will be with the student contributing financially. It may even benefit the parents by having the grad take care of the home, dog and other obligations when traveling on vacation.

Full and Open Communication

Good communication is the most important part of moving back home. Mom and Dad must be specific and honest about the rules and expectations. The parents must explain that this is a short term solution. They must set up rules concerning friends, activities, and time frame.

The student should thank the parents and throughout the process express appreciation and gratitude. Even though the situation is not perfect, any frustration or anger should be kept in check and not vented on people who are helping you.

The parents should make clear that they are retired and their finances must not be put out of balance. Large purchases and expenses are not allowed, the future of their retirement is at stake.

Falling Back On Old Habits

There is nothing like the benefits of living at home. I tell my kids they will only appreciate it when they are on their own.  Plenty of food, someone to cook it for you, your laundry done, and a clean place to live. Sometimes when coming home you fall into the old parent-child, mothered relationships. If parents fall back into this old style they could be hurting the student. 

At this time of their lives with hopes of starting their career and lack of money it contributes to a lack of self-esteem. They don't need to be coddled. The parents job is to point them in the right direction and offer encouragement. 

Parents also have old habits like paying for everything. It's an old habit parents must try to avoid. When you see your child working on their job search and it's tough you may want to help financially. Remember they are adults now and must figure this out themselves. 

Always be Searching for That Job

The students job when living at home is to be always searching for a job. It's not time to lie on the couch and watch Oprah. Hit the pavement a good part of the day and when home be on the computer sending resumes, emailing perspective employers, and networking.

During this process, the student must be communicating the progress or lack of progress they are making. The parents saw to it to give the grad a good education, the grad. should respect the parents sacrifice and apply themselves fully.

The Parents Main Goal

When things aren't going well a loving parent always wants to step in and make things better. But when the children are adults it is the the job of the parents to show them how to fix their own problems by being independent. Going through this process will build a better relationship between parent and child. Parents will gain a whole new respect for their child and the child will see their parents in a whole different way. 

During this process, sadly, the parents can really do some damage to their retirement nest egg. If you are not able to pay expenses because you are helping your kid out, you on the wrong track. 

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Career Advice for College Students About to Enter the Job Market

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With another school year just over, countless college seniors are preparing themselves for gainful employment. Students will draft resumes and request letters of recommendation, each hoping that their record stands out among the rest. It’s likely that hundreds of similarly qualified college grads will vie for the same few positions in a company.

In other words it’s no secret why so many seniors would be anxious about their job prospects—times are tough. You can see the evidence of student anxiety over the job market on college campuses across the nation. Most students who attend job recruitment sessions want helpful career advice rather than detailed information specific to a company’s recruiting needs. Networking and communication skills will make the difference in a young professional’s initial foray into the job market. Students must understand the importance of marketing themselves to potential employers if they want to be part of the American workforce.

With so much at stake, it’s critical that college students are prepared for their careers as soon as they receive their diplomas. Here are some tips for students intimidated by the lack of job prospects as they begin their final year in college. 

Build marketable experiences in college

When you apply to jobs right after college, you want to cite skills and exploits that you undertook and learned from. These ‘marketable experiences’ garnered through earnest involvement in organizations and institutions would serve to highlight your ability to a potential employer.

Use these resume decorations to your advantage as a way to showcase your strong suits. Positions in student government, founding campus organizations, speaking on a panel on behalf of the university: students should understand that employers see these experiences as a signs of leadership, perseverance and commitment—all great qualities in an employee. Be sure to include only the experiences that you can discuss in length and those from which you can cite real life lessons. Otherwise you’ll look as if you’re padding your resume. 

Cultivate your knowledge in the field

You may lack hands-on experience for your first real job after college, so try tempering that inexperience with in-depth knowledge of the requisite field. A potential employer interviewing you will be well aware of your relative inexperience if they know you’re a recent college graduate. Before an interview, use all the resources at your disposal to research the fundamental components of a job.

When you meet with a potential employer, surprise them by showcasing a strong command over knowledge related to the job—be it business, marketing, engineering or design—to prove that you the basics necessary to flourish in the position. There’s nothing wrong with exuding enthusiasm during an interview. After all, it doesn’t hurt to be charismatic about your profession! 

Make connections where you can

Remember that you’re surrounded by useful resources in your university. Feel free to utilize these resources to make in rows with a contact that may prove to be useful in the future—that’s why they’re there! You can investigate useful connections with professors of related disciplines, relevant student organizations, or visiting professionals that work with the university. While you’re in college, you have access to all the resources you could ever need, so take advantage of your time and use them to their full capacity.

Carol Wilson is a freelance blogger who writes about business, finance, and higher education for businessinsurance.org. When she’s not writing about her passions, Carol is usually out in the sticks hiking or brushing up on her photography. Feel free to write her some comments!

Selling a House in Australia

Estate Agents 2 (Photo credit: gusset)

Last year, Australian Property Investor Magazine reported that the average time to sell a house had increased from 41 days the year before to 55 days. There are a number of ways to minimize this period.

Renovation increases the value of a house, with the kitchen and bathroom being prime candidates. Pre-sales renovation has become increasingly common. At the very least, a seller should apply fresh paint and new flooring. Mark Dawes, an estate agent for Richardson & Wrench in South Sydney, said, “You'll definitely get top dollar or best possible price, and sell quickly.” People buying their first home prefer to avoid the bother of remodeling Dawes said there is no need to go over the top, and all that is required is that a buyer believes no further work on the house is required.

You should compare the house with other houses for sale in the neighborhood in the same price range, and see what assets they have that yours lacks. If the house is already at the higher end of the market in the area, increasing the price after renovation could result in the house being on the market for longer. The decision to renovate should be made sufficiently early, as renovation takes time and does not always go to plan. Rushing the job will result in an outcome of poorer quality.

Do-it-yourself home renovation is very popular in Australia, and a number of television shows show what is possible. Hardware shops often offer free renovation classes outside of working hours. An estate agent can give advice on what can be done.

Brent Courtney of the estate agent, McGrath Lane Cove, says the best time to sell a house is in September or early in spring. Summer may be better if the house has a good outdoor area or impressive outdoor views. Alas, there will be more other houses on sale at that time, giving you greater competition. A house could sell in winter or autumn if it has much natural light. If the house is family oriented, school holidays and Christmas should be avoided, but a small apartment can be sold at any time of the year.

You should market your house properly. Buyers must know that it is on the market. Marketing includes advertising online, in newspapers and real estate magazines and in mail drops in the vicinity. A house that is dirty or in disarray will repel potential buyers.

One Australian man sold his house for $135,000 more than the asking price by using social media: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. Online contact allows you to give a more personal touch while still keeping some distance from correspondents. The trick is to use keywords that will attract the target audience and create a website using WordPress. The website should include your own stories of the house and photos and videos. Telling of what's great about living there, nearby amenities and the community turns a house into a home. An estate agent would be hard pressed to create comparable material. 

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Six Tips to Help You Qualify for Financial Aid for College

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to qualify for financial aid for college is a dilemma that bothers high school graduates, college students, let alone their parents. It's because a college education can cost a lot and it is also not something that everyone can to afford to pay for. Many students who wish to take on an undergrad or possibly a master's degree typically search for financial aid so they can continue with their school work.

The tragic point is not every student who applies for federal financial aid for college, or privately-endowed student financing gets it. It's not only because the competition for grants is enormous, but it is because students getting this aid do not completely appreciate the appropriate way to to get financial aid for college.

There are many of places you can look to reference on how to qualify for financial aid for college, and the following are the six most useful guidelines which will assist you.

1. The most common suggestion is to seek the recommendations of a financial aid adviser. A financial aid adviser knows the ins and outs of the process. This financial aid advisor will take you through the process to make your application more distinct, so it will be very important that you get one and work closely together with them. Another essential word of advice you need to remember is to keep tabs on the deadlines and move promptly.

2. Almost all programs offering financial assistance for college students, particularly those run by the federal government, are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The quicker you deliver the documents and requirements for the federal grants you are applying to, the higher your chances of you getting that financing.

3. If it is your child who is going to attend college or university soon, you should start converting whichever investments you have available a couple of years just before your kid would need school funding. If the federal agency that is giving the aid finds that you have the dollars to send your child to college, you will end up hurting your child's probabilities for obtaining that support. Why do you have to limit your readily available assets two years prior to application? That is because each and every sale you will be making within that two-year period ahead of the application will probably be viewed as capital gain, therefore an income.

4. Lowering your earnings can also help. Do you have any sort of extra income or perks moving your way in the couple of years before you can put in your FAFSA? See if you possibly could defer them until after your FAFSA has been approved. Do you have any money originating from ventures or savings in the bank? Sell off or dispose of what investments you will be able to so the government is not going to realize that you've got cash to send your kid to university.

5. As you are liquidating your belongings, try putting money into your residence, a 401K or 529 plan. The only financial savings that the federal government will never check out as they review your kid's qualifications for assistance to fund their higher education are financial savings needed for your primary home, your pension or a 529 account. Hence, in the act of cleaning your resources and downplaying your revenue, you could make extra payments on your property loan, get a new residence, or place funds in a 401K or any retirement account. You must also place some cash in a 529 account.

6. If you can, set that 529 policy in your child's grandparents' name and nominate your child as the beneficiary.And lastly, although not the least, use up the enrollees savings. The government considers that 35% of the student's personal funds must be employed to funding their college education right before they could be given assistance.

Consequently, to add to the prospect of securing that assistance successfully, your kid must use up that cash they have got in their name prior to asking for federal financial aid for college. It could possibly be for a brand new computer or things they may require for their dorm room or apartment.

These are only a number of recommendations you may work with to acquire the financial aid for college that you need. The matter is that you have to make the government notice that you do not possess financial assets on hand for your kid to use as college money. You will be able to end up with cash for college with success if you know how to qualify for financial aid for college. Read more.

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50+ Concerns About Retirement Savings

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Folks entering their 50s have a lot to worry about or be concerned, what with kids starting to go to college, planning for retirement, creeping health issues due to age, work, and where things will be in the near future. That said, one of the most complicated concerns tends to be how to save enough for retirement. Most want their retirement to be at least the same as when they worked, just without the job. But how that works is lost in the details for many.

Fortunately, instead of aiming for an imaginary dollar figure that seems impossible to achieve, people in their 50s need to instead focus on maximizing their savings by doing the following:

• Make the maximum annual deposit to a Roth IRA if eligible. For an individual this is $6,000 after age 50. If a spouse doesn't work, a spousal Roth IRA can take another $6,000 as well. The money grows tax free in the meantime with no deadline when it needs to be withdrawn. 

• If pre-tax money is regularly received through a business, put it into a traditional IRA up to $6,000 a year after age 50. The same spousal benefit works in this scenario as well. 

• Where a 401k is available at work, up to $50,000 can be deposited annually. If the employer provides a match, that’s an extra pot of cash added into the 401k for free. Many who do provide a match do so dollar for dollar. 

• With the legal tax shelters taken care of, savers then need to make sure they continue to add to conservative savings and market investments with a mix of at least 60% immediate savings and 40% market investment or bonds. This approach maintains value while still taking advantage of market upswings when they occur, without risking the entire balance. 

• Extra-dedicated types might want to consider taking on a second part-time job if they have the time. This allows additional earning power while young enough to handle the burden without any liabilities against the extra revenue stream. That means large amounts of incoming money each month that can be sent direct to savings and investments. 

• Consider working a bit longer to maximize both savings as well as social security benefits. By working to 67 rather than 62, the difference income and savings can as much as $50,000 or more.

Fifteen years of doing the above while working other asset angles such real estate and inheritance will definitely build a large retirement base for the dedicated saver. While it may not produce a guaranteed $5 million, the saver will have a significant amount of funds to rely on in retirement when needed. This approach will not only alleviate concerns about saving enough, it tends to get a saver thinking about other ways to live more efficiently. That in turn causes other ripple benefits along the way.

Author Bio:

Roxanne Porter is a freelancer & a regular contributor for www.nannyjobs.org/.  She helps in providing knowledge about nanny services & love writing on nanny related articles. She helps in giving a fair knowledge about nanny Jobs to the community. You can be in touch with her at “r.poter08ATgmail.com”.

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The Perks of Capital One Miles

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you are currently a Capital One cardholder or if you are seeking a new credit card for your own personal or business expenses, Capital One has a variety of options and incentives to apply for one. With Capital One credit cards it is possible to earn "Capital One Miles", or, flying miles which are rewarded based on the card you have chosen and the amount that you spend using the card each month (for either personal or business transactions).

Who Can Use Capital One Miles?

Anyone who is interested in applying for a credit card from Capital One has the option to select a card that offers miles as rewards. Whether you are seeking a business credit card or a card for personal expenses and bills, Capital One has cards available for everyone who is looking for a way to get rewards for their spending and paying the credit card bills on time each month.

The Perks of Capital One Mile Credit Cards

A major advantage to applying for a Capital One Miles credit card is that you do not have to concern yourself with blackout dates and there are also no seat restrictions when selecting when you want to fly and put the mils you have earned to use. Additionally, Capital One does not limit where you can travel when you decide to use your miles, even if it is an international trip and vacation.

A significant advantage to having a Capital One Miles credit card is that all of the miles you earn cannot expire throughout your entire lifetime, making them redeemable at just about any time you want to plan a trip or getaway.

Redeeming your miles is simple and can be done through the online Capital One banking and rewards system. Upon logging in with your Capital One banking username and password, you will have immediate access to the company's virtual catalog of rewards that are redeemable with the miles you have to your name. You can select from flights and travel to redeeming your miles for home goods, gift cards, and even services that appeal to you and that are offered in your area.

What Are Capital One Miles Useful For?

Although Capital One Miles seems to only offer free flight miles from the name itself, they can also be redeemed for gift cards, vacation packages, merchandise, car rentals, and even hotel rooms that are available from the actual Capital One redeeming center online.

Using your miles earned from your Capital One card can be used for personal items, even if your credit card is intended to be used only for business purposes--as the rewards are of no cost to you additionally.

Finding a Capital One Card to Earn Miles

When you want to apply for a Capital One card to begin earning Capital One Miles, you can do so right from home using the internet. Comparing different Capital One cards, APR on each card, and even the number of miles you will earn based on your spending are all ways to determine which card is ideal for you and even for your business.

Author Bio: Jacob brown has a vast experience in writing articles on insurance and related topics. In this article he has discussed the ways to avail a Cheap Life Insurance. He suggests his readers to visit Arc-protect.com for further information.

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4 Ways to Save Money on Expensive College Textbooks

iPad vs. Textbooks (Photo credit: Abstract Machine)

In another week my kids will be returning to college. Besides paying the tuition and fee's, colleges have to gouge you one more time by charging insane prices for textbooks. For many years the college bookstore has been the only source of these books but thankfully things have changed.

A course my daughter had to take called for an expensive book for her Chemistry class. The college bookstore wanted to charge $226 for it. Today, if I went on Amazon the book was going for $147. A third party vendor on the Amazon Marketplace was selling the same book for $98. Not bad. But lets try for a better deal.

A real lifesaver for parents and students is the companies that rent text books. This expanding and growing business has exploded because it has provided students with their required textbooks for a price which is at a fraction of the cost of a new book purchase. The required chemistry text book mention previously rents for $24 at many textbook rental websites. That's an overall savings of $202, wow!

Textbooks have become a commodity. The same version of textbook, rented by many online sources allows the costs to come down. The success of the textbook rental business has made them affordable again. Now it's just a game to find the cheapest source for your textbook. To save money sourcing your textbooks I have listed a few tips to help you get started.

Shop early. Campus bookstores usually carry a good number of used books, but if students wait too long, they could be forced to go new or look elsewhere.


1. Look online. This is pretty obvious, but there are still some students who go by the book and buy all their books at the bookstore. Be careful of shipping costs; most big rental websites offer free shipping, but buying new and used could incur big shipping costs. Amazon is the kingpin, but Half.com, AbeBooks.com, or BigWords.com may have better deals, depending on what students are looking for.

2. Go digital. Electronic textbooks are really starting to become more of a factor in the textbook world. E-readers are gaining popularity and offer students an easy and convenient book-reading experience. It's important to look at software requirements, however, as some computers can't run certain book software. E-books usually don't come with access codes or accompanying CDs, either.

3. Don't buy, rent. Renting books can save a lot of money, that's no secret. Renting also eliminates the dreadful book-selling process at the end of the semester. CampusBookRentals, Chegg, and BookRenter are the big players in the rental business, and those companies advertise up to 90 percent in savings over the retail cost of books. Don't miss the due dates because there are late fees and they can make a dent in the savings.

4. Save your receipts. The American Opportunity Tax Credit may be available to students who qualify because of textbook and other out-of-pocket higher educational expenses.

Students can save up to $2,500 on their 2012 federal taxes and up to 40 percent is refundable. The full $2,500 is available to those who pay $4,000 or more in qualified expenses for an eligible student.

Another avenue for textbook shopping seems to be on the horizon. PostYourBook.com is a social networking website dedicated to connecting users so that they are able to buy and sell textbooks with each other. Students are able to search textbooks and find the best possible price, and then exchange books with other students from their school.

My hope for the future is for textbooks to go totally digital. Apple Computers new platform for digital textbooks is incredible. An entire textbook can be uploaded to an iPad. It has the entire book and also the capability to have video and audio. For an affordable rental fee a textbook can be used by a student during the semester and afterwards can be erased when the semester is up. This purely electronic supplying of textbooks would be environmentally better and increase the bottom line for textbook providers. And of course save parents lots of money.

5 Ways to Stretch Your Casino Vacation Dollars

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you’re a real penny pincher like me, finding ways to have the most fun for the least amount money is a necessity. Whether you are going to Vegas, Atlantic City, or a Mobile Casino; setting rules and a budget is important. Just as you set a budget and plan an itinerary for your trip, why not set a budget for your gambling. Setting a daily limit to your expenditures will not only allow you to stretch your dollars but it can also take the worry away of running out of money or spending too much.

I have 5 simple rules that will help you not only save money but have a more enjoyable experience. 

1. Do your research.

If you have little or no experience with gambling it would be a great idea to do some reading about what type of gambling you would like to do. It's so easy to go online and search for information concerning gambling or gambling activities you may want to try. You can learn how games operate and if they are appropriate for you. Learning the rules and difficulty of different gambling games will help you feel more confident when you play. 

2. Gambling is Entertainment.

Gambling is just another form of entertainment that carries a bonus of monetary payback. Only the hype of the media or advertising shows you how you can win big money. It's true you can win and win big but most people don't. If you know the house has the advantage and only play for fun you will have a much more enjoyable time.

Just as you set a certain amount of money aside for vacations, dinners, and other entertainment so you must with gambling. You don't go overboard when spending money on a dinner at a restaurant, by ordering the most expensive meal. Why is gambling treated any different? 

3. Join a player's clubs.

You may think player's clubs are only for the high rollers. You would be surprised to know the bulk of any casinos business comes from the average visitor like you or me. Player's clubs are a great way to get great discounts on food, drink, shopping and accommodations. Be sure to register online before visiting the casino because there may be greater sign-up bonuses when applying online. 

4. Use your player's club card as much as possible.

You probably are not surprised to learn that when using your player's club card the casino is tracking you. Whenever possible use your player's club card. The casino will see your activity and reward you with discounted or free rooms, meals, or shows. When you’re in the casino make sure you place your card in the slot machine or show the dealer when at a table.

Another way player’s club help you save money is by mailing you money saving offers. Be sure to check your mailbox for offers sent to you trying to entice you back with free meals or entertainment. 

5. Don't have too many free drinks.

One of the great things about the way casinos try to keep you gambling is by offering you free cocktails while you gamble. This can be a great way to save money on your alcohol but it can also impair your thinking.

Remember the problem with gambling is when people abuse it by overspending. If you are frugal by setting limits on your spending you can have a great time.

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How to Save Money on Car Insurance When You Retire

 (Photo credit: West Midlands Police)

When going to work or driving the kids to school you can really put a lot of miles on your car. Also running errands to the mall and grocery store add to those miles. But what happens when you are in your retirement years when none of that occurs anymore? When lifestyle changes occur in your life it's best to have your car insurance policy reevaluated to see if you can save some money. 

When you call or meet with your car insurance agent you need to ask if there are ways to lower your monthly payment. The amount of driving you do has changed, you drive less so it makes sense that you should pay less. When discussing your policy be sure to ask a lot of questions. I have listed a few topics to consider. 

Driving less every month.

Not driving to work and family commitments can really reduce the mileage driven. Keep a log and record the mileage when you make trips to the store and other errands. You will find that there is a drastic reduction in miles driven. Bring the log to your agent and show them the miles you drive, I am sure it will get you a reduction in your payment.

Offer to take driving courses.

Some car insurance companies have or can tell you about safe driving course for the older driver. These course for people over 55 years old are similar to drivers education courses that are taught in high school for teenagers. Many car insurers offer generous discounts when you have taken a course. Some states even require insurers to give you discounts when you complete a course. 

These courses can be had for as little as $25. They can be taken in a classroom or online. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has information about these courses and can be contacted via phone or email. 

Cut down to just one car.

When everyone has to go their separate ways to work or shopping; it pays to have multiple cars. But when there is no need to do a lot of driving it makes sense to cut back to one car. If it's just you and your spouse and you mostly go everywhere together, why two cars. Get rid of the older car and save some money. Not paying insurance and maintenance on a the car save you a lot of money over time. Read more

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One of the Most Beautiful Ski Resorts in the World – The Courchevel Chalets

Courchevel hosted the Nordic combined events for the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Courchevel Chalet is a ski resort nestled in the town of Saint-Bon-Tarentaise located in the French Alps in the Rhône-Alpes locale. The entire resort spans half of Les Trois Vallées and is the largest linked ski resort on the planet. Courchevel is comprised of five separate villages known by their heights in meters as: Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), La Tania (1350), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850. The five villages are connected by piste, road and ski lift so you can easily get from one location to another fairly easily.

The alternative villages that make up Courchevel (1650, 1550 and 1300) tend to be less pretentious than 1850. They also have more affordable accommodations, but their prices seem to rising as the market rises.

Though large numbers of Courchevel's patrons are British nationals, the resort also has an elite Russian following that usually visits the chalets when Russian Orthodox Christmas and Russian New Year occur. Because this influx of Russian visitors happens every season, Courchevel has become the "winter playground of the wealthy and famous" of Russia. January's first two weeks have become the height of Courchevel's resort season.

There are many ways to occupy your time while at Courchevel Chalets. If you like shopping, Courchevel 1850 has lots of boutiques, and snowshoeing has also gotten very popular. There is a pedestrian lift available which makes it easy for non-skiers to get around the mountain, and you can book panoramic flights around the mountain from the altiport.

Of course, if you love skiing, there is plenty to be had. With the various ski trails offered by the Three Valleys lift pass you will have trouble deciding which one to try first. The Jardin Alpin also offers access to some great runs for novices, while at the Saulire there are some wonderful red and blue runs. Each of Courchevel’s runs is marked with their famous colors.

The Courchevel Valley is a great starting point for discovering the entire Three Valleys area. You'll find tree runs great for newbies along side the more advanced red and blue runs. There is lots of variety so that skiers of all skill levels can all use the same area. Also, there are lots of black runs available for more advanced skiers.

The Courchevel Chalet is world's most famous ski resort. It towers above all other ski resorts since it provides the most varied range of accommodations of anywhere in Alpine region. No matter what your interests or your spending capacity, the chalet staff and personnel will make sure that you have the ski vacation of a lifetime as you enjoy the strikingly beautiful environs.

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Finding the Right Creative Agency to Promote Your Business

 (Photo credit: bargainmoose)If you own a business, you spend a lot of your energy, money and time promoting your service or product. The problem is you have no way of knowing whether your investments will translate into profit for your company. The practical resolution is to hire a creative agency to promote the product or service for you. Contracting a dependable creative firm is very cost-effective move because a good agency will bring with it the skills and knowledge needed to help you get more sales for your company.

The best way to start your search is to make a short list then narrow it down to what you feel are the best two or three firms. Set up a meeting with each of them to discuss the particular goals that you would like to carry out. Of course, clear communication in this area is critical. Be sure to raise any questions with them about how they plan to help you hit your targets, or whether they can even deliver what you are looking for. Can your business afford the agency's rates? You may have to talk terms with them to get an affordable arrangement.

Make certain that the creative agency you select has the right frame of mind. After all, branding is what makes your business stand out. If you're working with a firm that is too conservative no one will ever notice your company. Spend time researching prospective agencies until you find the right one for you.

On a more specific note, it is essential that the agency you pick has a team of professionals skilled and experienced in custom creative development and design. The agency should be keeping you apprised as the production process progresses. Finally, just as you must be open to suggestions, the agency should take your opinion into account as well. Furthermore, the agency's own imagination and creativity should be able to discern the reaction that you wish to generate from your customer base. 

A confident creative agency will not take "no" for an answer. 

The main reason some of the largest brands in the world are where they are today is because to them the sky was the limit. Anything is possible if your have a creative agency with the firepower to open the doors to those prospective customers.

However, it is crucial to choose the proper agency for your business goals. You must thoroughly examine each agency's creative style and services. Find out their track records and also the various types of clients they have served. Check out their portfolios (these are usually available online) and see if they have any experience with the sort of services you are asking them to provide.

Finding the best creative agency for your needs might be difficult, but if you use some of these suggestions, you will ultimately be able to find an agency that's just right for your particular needs and goals.

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You CAN Recover Your Deleted Emails – Find Out How

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)Have you ever unintentionally deleted an important email? Has a virus attack left you with lost files? You probably thought that you could never get these files back again? Well, believe it or not, lost or deleted emails can be recovered. You can restore your lost or deleted emails the same way you would recover lost data on your hard drive. As a matter of fact, there are lots of email recovery software tools available on market today.

Each email account is located on a "server" maintained by your email provider. 

This server where all your sent and received emails are kept. Each email is sent to the recipient's post office protocol (POP3) email account. This protocol is used to bring up email messages quickly so they can be read through programs like Outlook. But sometimes people don't realize they need to create certain account settings in their email software so that their get saved to the server. Otherwise, it will only be sent to the POP3 account saving only "soft copy" of the email.

Since email was an early form of information sharing, it shouldn't be any surprise that emails get lost as they are sent from all over the web. Since so much critical information is sent via email these days the process of email recovery has become a field in its own right.

An email server recovery tool is a piece of software that can help you recover deleted emails. Whatever the reason for the email deletion, whether it be an application error or accidental deletion, the email recovery software can bring them back.

Here are some features to look for if you want a good piece of email recovery software:

• Make sure you have the option of using both HTML and RTF formats for your email messages. 
• It should have the ability to bring back password-protected files 
• It should be able to fix broken or corrupted PST files 

You should also check out Outlook PST Repair Software. It can bring back emails that have been deleted as well as restoring many features of Outlook Express and Outlook such as emails, notes, contacts, distribution lists and calendar information.

If you're a novice user you should check with other experienced users or professionals before choosing email recovery software. Getting good advice before choosing a recovery program will keep you from wasting time and money that you would later regret. If you find a software package you think will do the job for you, evaluate its performance.

Since information loss can happen at anytime, you should have good email recovery software on hand so that you can be up and running as quickly as possible. Whether you are dealing with personal or business email, time is money and you don't want to waste either.