Online College Degrees Becoming More Accepted By Employers

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Even though the growth of online education has exploded, students are still worried if their online degrees will be accepted by potential employers like traditional university degrees are. According to many hiring managers, online education is continually gaining more respect as it establishes itself in academia and the workplace. 

A recent article by Bloomberg Business Week says in the past many employers were not familiar with online degrees. This accounted for their lack of knowledge and skepticism. Today, this opinion is fading because many mainline universitys are offering MBA's, Master of Public Administration Courses, and other Master's degrees online. 

A recent study by the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration shows that hiring mangers are becoming more accepting of web based degrees. The need for employees to have a MBA, required for their employment, is not being satisfied by the regular university system. Their findings show that the time commitment required when attending a traditional university can not be integrated into an employees life. The time constraints of a full time job and the many duties that a family and home life require put an employees time at a premium. 

What is changing the opinion of many hiring managers is present employees, who have gone through online degree programs. It is becoming apparent that the training they have received has made a them valuable members of the team. The managers also responded that their opinion of a potential employee with an online degree five years ago would of put that persons resume to the bottom of the pile.

One of the managers major concerns are that when you take courses online you do not have a way to use your social interaction skills that are necessary in a business environment. Sitting in front of a computer in your pajamas doing your course work can not be transferred to a dynamic office environment. Hiring managers have this opinion and it's something the employee has to think about when being interviewed.

Not all companies see the benefits of taking entire degree courses online. They do give much credence to already working employees adding additional degrees like an MBA or a public administration degree to an employees credentials through online learning. There still is a prejudice against online colleges. The advancement of online degrees has made it's way into the systems of many state colleges. Every year you see the technology of delivering complete degrees through online programs becoming better.

The online student has to keep in mind the views hiring managers have. When taking your course work it is imperative that you work toward receiving the highest possible grades and while your attending your online school you should continue to work so as to have even more job experience when finally going for an interview after you receive your online degree.

The Basics of Home Finances Elude Most Americans

Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)

In today's America, more than one-third of households can barely manage to pay their bills. They are only getting by paycheck to paycheck. The Consumer Federation of America's research reveals Americans are less well off than they were 10 years ago. 

According to the survey of 1,508 US households, 30 percent of families are living paycheck to pay check. They aren't complaining because they feel they are financially comfortable. The have all the things they need to live. The problem is that when an emergency arises, their world is thrown off balance. Without savings or credit they are at a disadvantage to financially solve an emergency cash need.

The lack of income combined with a high cost of living has led many people to take out debt for financial needs but because of the lack of income they are unable to pay these loans back. The result is bad credit or no credit at all. Their only solution is to secure personal loans with no credit check.

There are companies that will give a personal loan for poor credit. These loans can nowadays be done online and with great speed. The funds can be deposited into your bank account in a short period of time.

Because of the convenience and the ability of borrowing with bad credit, the fees for these loans are high. On the websites of these loan companies the rates, fees and late fees are clearly listed. The loan company eLoanPersonal clearly displays the exact amount of fees payable for the amount of money you borrow. There are no surprises. This transparency is refreshing.

When entering into any type of debt arrangement be sure you know all the facts, fees and schedules to pay your loan back. The borrower needs to take responsibility for paying back the loan and should take seriously the risks involved with any loan agreement. Using personal loans on a continual basis is irresponsible and sets you up for a unnecessary cycle of debt.

5 Trips to Take the Grandkids On

Cinderella Castle by day (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Its summertime and the grandkids are out of school and heading your way for a week or so. Want to do something extra special with them this summer? Take them on a trip that they will never forget, here are 5 trip ideas to help you:

Disney: Who doesn’t want to go to Disneyland or Disneyworld? Whether you choose the west coast or the east coast, there is fun to be had for both kids and adults. Disney is a magical place where your grandkids can run wild and use their imaginations. The best time to take them is between about 4 years old to 12 years old. There are always great specials and deals for families, especially in the off season.

Beach: Summer vacations are always best spent next to the ocean, playing in the sand. You can rent little houses or hotel rooms near a beach for a weekend getaway. Avoid big party beaches and aim for family friendly beaches. They tend to be the smaller beaches outside of the big ‘party’ beaches. Find a nice beach to build sandcastle and collect seashells on. And don’t forget the sunscreen and watch the tide!

Camping: There are plenty of camping sites across the United Sates that offer great camping sites. Go big and head to Yellowstone or go local. This is a great time to show your grandchildren things in nature and get them away from video games and television. Whether you want to head to a lake or the mountains, your options are unlimited. Camp by a fire or in a cabin, whatever you do bring the bug spray and the mores.

Washington DC: A very educational and beautiful city to teach your older grandchildren about the history of the United States. There are many things outside of political monuments to visit like huge art museums and the zoo.

Historical cities: If big road trips out of the budget this summer, travel to the closest city for historical landmarks. Major cities like Ft. Worth, Texas, Boston, Massachusetts and San Diego California are just a few examples of affordable cities with rich history and plenty of attractions to visit. Cities like this have a great visitor bureau website to help you plan your next trip!

Call the grandkids, pack the bags and hit the road for a fun summer trip with quality time spent with your family. Pick a location based on their age and enjoyment level for the whole family and go! Have fun and safe travels!

About the Author:

This guest post is contributed by Debra Johnson, blogger and editor of full time nanny.
She welcomes your comments at her email Id: - jdebra84 @ gmail.com.

Car Insurance Shopping Online Saves You Time And Money

 (Photo credit: West Midlands Police)

These days many more people are using the Internet to research large purchases. With so many car insurance companies competing for our insurance dollars, competition has driven down the costs and it is of great benefit for consumers. The Internet has made it easy to find car insurance quotes online.

A recent poll by the American Automobile Association (AAA) has found that, sixty-two percent of people shopping for auto insurance, start their search on the Internet. Most car insurance shoppers go to at least two online insurers websites prior to arriving at a decision.

Before doing some online shopping take time to do some research.

1. Collect all your important documents together. Your going to need your drivers license. If you had any accidents, have that information ready. Also have your address and social security number ready. You will need the year, make, model, license plate, mileage, and VIN (vehicle identification number) from your car.

2. Use your computer to search for "discount insurance quotes." When you see your search results first check out aany companies you are already familiar with. Also find insurers that will show quotes from many car insurance companies. Some companies represent a lot of different insurance companies. They can compare reates for you and deliver the cheapsest one to you.

3. Choose the kind of coverage you need. It depends on the state you reside in what our options are for what required insurance you need to have. The website will know and walk you through the specifics of your states car insurance requirements.

4. Input all necesary information and get your free quote. There are too many insurance companies that offer free quotes, stay away from websites that require a deposit, credit card number, or any kind of fee.

5. Compare the rates and coverage along with the costs. When you feel comfortable about your selection you can pay with a credit card. You will be able to print out a temporary insurance I.D. car and later a formal one will be mailed to you.

My Car is in Storage Does it Need Insurance?

A car crash on Jagtvej in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We all know that having a good insurance policy for your car when your out and about not only protects your car but it also protects the people injured in the accident. What if your car is damaged while in your driveway and your not even driving it? How does your insurance coverage work. What's is covered then?

If your involved in an accident and your car is damaged you may put your car in storage  waiting for repairs. Do you need to carry insurance? You may have a second car that you drive very little or not at all. Should you still have insurance for it? The answer to all these questions is yes and you need to find some discount insurance quotes.

For any period of time where your car is not going to be on the road you still need insurance because your car can be subject to collisions, vandalism, or theft. You should make sure you have the correct car insurance coverage by contacting your insurance provider and inquiring what insurance is available for your particular situation.

Your rates for storage insurance could be much lower than your regular car insurance coverage. You should also check with your states insurance commission and see if you are even required to carry regular auto insurance.

This also applies to vehicles you only drive at certain times of the year like RV's, motorcycles, and other seasonal vehicles. 

Your insurer may only say you should carry your comprehensive coverage because it covers theft, fire, and other damage that does not result from driving the vehicle. 

Consider a Home Exchange for a Money Saving Vacation

Poniente Beach's sight in Benidorm, Alicante (Spain) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's time again for summer vacations with the family. But with people having a smaller budget for vacations a way to save money is needed. One of the major costs of a vacation is your accommodations. If there was a way to save money on that expense, you could make the trip fit into your budget. A way to save some money is to use your home and exchange it for a home in a destination you would like to travel to.

A home exchange often called “house-swapping” is a great vacation idea that’s been around for a long time. With everyone feeling the economic squeeze, some exchanges are more popular than ever before. With home swapping you can afford to take great trips to Aspen's mountains, Mexico's beach's, London's countryside, and Spain's Benidorm holidays

How it works. 

The idea of a home exchange is that 2 families agree to live in each other’s home (usually at the same time) at no cost. People find one another from home exchange website that give detailed lists of homes available. Exchanges take place within the United States or internationally, and the length of stay is whatever the parties agree upon. Exchangers typically do not meet in person but get acquainted via phone calls and emails before the exchange happens. Details, including pets, the use of a car, and cleaning are all agreed upon ahead of time, usually in a written contract provided by the website.

Is my home a good exchange?

Home exchangers are looking for location, location, location. They want to explore attractions in your area, attend an event, or visit family. A beachfront house in California is highly desirable, as is a condo in an exciting city—and even a home in the suburbs will appeal to the right travelers. Because swappers are primarily looking for a convenient jumping-off point for their adventures, your home’s age, floor plan, and furnishings don’t matter too much, as long as it’s clean, comfortable, and accommodating.

What"s a perfect swap home?

If it’s a rustic cottage on a secluded fishing lake or a condo at a popular ski area, a second home is ideal for exchanges. Logistically, you don’t have to vacate your primary residence, and you have more flexibility as to when the swap can happen.  For this reason, many retirees—who often own second homes and enjoy freer schedules—find home exchanges especially appealing.

How do I list my Home?

Start by exploring a few websites where you can view a lot of information for free. Home exchange websites typically charge an annual membership fee of $50 to $100 to list your home. If you decide to join a service, you’ll provide several photos and a detailed description of your home. You’ll also post your desired destinations and travel dates, and you’ll be able to peruse the homes that meet your criteria. It’s common to trade information with several homeowners before finding just the right match, and the process may take several months.

Is my home attractive or good enough for a home swap?

A clean, clutter-free home is universally appealing, and comfortable mattresses and attractive bedding are a must. Your kitchen should be well organized, and Internet access is a big plus. Your guests know they’re staying in someone’s home, so don’t worry about scuffed baseboards and well-worn furniture.  Likewise, don’t expect five-star accommodations when you step into your host’s home.

The tipping point for a home swapper is can you take the thought of strangers sleeping in your bed and using your home while you are far away. Do you fear coming back to seeing your home trashed? This sort of thing rarely happens. But if you are worried, you are not a good candidate for home swapping. But if you want to save some money and you have a sense of adventure why not give it a try.