Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Calorie Restriction Diet Plan Much More than a Money Saver

Calorie restriction meal plan keeps costs down

Making fruits and vegetables the basis of your diet is a good step toward reducing calorie intake.

Making fruits and vegetables the basis of your diet is a good step toward reducing calorie intake.

You don’t need a personal trainer, a nutritionist — you don’t even have to watch Oprah to go on a calorie restriction diet plan. While some people count each and every calorie as part of their calorie restriction diet plan, some simply confine themselves to eating only low calorie foods to begin with.

The best way to stick to a calorie restriction diet plan is to eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods that don’t have any additives. Add in some lean meats, nuts and even more fruits and vegetables, and you have a basic calorie restriction diet plan. Fresh fruits, vegetables cost a lot less than packaged, processed foods so this plan can make your grocery bill lower, and that’s just the beginning of the benefits.

A very inexpensive diet plan

If you simply stick to natural, low calorie foods, you’ll be able to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight without having to buy expensive pills, books or diet food. There’s no need to take out quick cash loans to fund your weight loss.

But weight loss is just one of the many positive effects that a calorie restriction diet can have. Many people report that they have a lot more energy and never get colds while on a calorie restriction diet plan. An 85-year-old man reports on Oprah’s web site that he hasn’t gotten a cold for 20 years. He says his secret is drinking a smoothie made from 15 different fruits and vegetables multiple times a day and never consuming saturated fat. The vitamins and nutrients keep his immune system running so well, he never needs to buy cold medicine or other drugs. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Calorie Restriction Diet Plan Much More than a Money Saver"

Monday, June 29, 2009

4 Important Tips for Graduates Beginning a First Real Full-Time Job

The summer following graduation is an interesting time for recently-former students. The newly-commenced young men and women, those not opting to pursue an additional number of years in an institution of higher learning, spend their time amongst activities such as attending backyard barbecues in celebration of their achievements, traveling to distant lands with newfound free time, and possibly beginning the first real job on their career path.

Not every job is the same, but for the most part there are a number of things in common.

  • You need to make a positive impression on people you are meeting for the first time.
  • How you perform on your first job sets the stage for your work ethic.
  • If you stay in the same career throughout your life, your initial salary will be your most important negotiation.

Here are more specific tips for making the most of your first job.

1. Look the part. As much as it is superficial and stupid, people will judge you by your appearance. You need to dress and carry yourself in a manner that is expected and accepted by the people who work in your field. What is acceptable varies. If you work in banking in New York City, it’s almost guaranteed you will be expected to show up in a suit every day. If you work in the graphic arts, more liberal clothing might be acceptable. Find out what your manager or supervisor wears and emulate.

If you have not been accumulating attire during college, you may find the need to buy a variety of clothing at the last minute. This is one reason it may make sense to accept a controllable level of debt. Attire is a start-up cost associated with accepting a first job, and if you are required to dress well, your salary should cover these costs before long.

2. Negotiate. Graduates may be experiencing a “sellers’ market” while starting new careers this summer. With stories of the difficulty of finding a great job in the right field, it may be tempting to jump at the first offer. It is true that times like this call for adjusted expectations, but the dance of negotiation is an important and expected part of every job offer.

Not every job has this flexibility. For example, if you start as a teacher in New York City, your salary and benefits are determined by the union contract and you have no room for negotiation. If your first job is with a cash-strapped non-profit organization, you may face resistance. But the first salary offer you receive is almost always lower than the company’s true ability to pay.

The best suggestion is to be prepared to support your desire for a higher salary by researching your peers’ compensation and by explaining well the skills you can bring to the table above other candidates. As you may not have much experience in your field when you start your first job, you may not have a list of accomplishments, so be creative while being honest.

Here are tips for dealing with a low salary offer. Remember to look at the total compensation, not just the salary. You may have more wiggle room if you ask for more vacation days or for quicker establishment of your retirement benefits.

3. Enroll in your company’s retirement plan. When I started at the company where I currently work, I qualified for the company’s 401(k) on the day I began. Although a portion of my company’s matching contributions wouldn’t vest (become officially mine) until I had been working there for three years, my first paycheck included a deduction for my 401(k) and a matching contribution from the company. While enrollment is often automatic, some companies don’t start helping you put aside money for retirement until you tell them how much you want taken out of your paycheck.

Young adults with their first job often do not think about retirement, an event likely to be more than forty years in the future. Not enrolling in a 401(k) with matching contributions is the same as throwing away money. I understand that people who are just establishing themselves at work and in life have expenses, and retirement savings cuts into income. But putting aside two or four percent of your income — or up to the maximum matched by your employer — should not be a stretch.

4. Open an IRA. Your 401(k) contributions are taken right from your paycheck, so you might not even notice your money is being transfered to your future self. It may be more painful to your wallet to open an IRA, but if there is no pain, there is no gain. So open an IRA at a low-cost brokerage like Vanguard. When I started my IRA, I didn’t have the $3,000 minimum, so I jumped right in with TIAA Cref. I suggest saving money periodically in a special bank account until you have the $3,000 necessary to open an account at Vanguard because I have encountered some problems with TIAA-Cref.

If you already have a 401(k), open a Roth IRA. These two types of accounts have different tax treatment, and it’s good to diversify. If your company does not offer a 401(k) or its non-profit cousin the 403(b), split your money between a Traditional and Roth IRAs, if you can, to get the same tax diversification.

Your career and the skills and tools you use to thrive in that career are your biggest assets, even though you won’t see them measured on any balance sheet. Protect, refine, and showcase your self and your skills when you can. If your career is important to you, go above and beyond the call of duty.

The Consumerism Commentary Podcast is in full swing with new episodes every Sunday. Listen and subscribe now!

4 Important Tips for Graduates Beginning a First Real Full-Time Job



Read more of 4 Important Tips for Graduates Beginning a First Real Full-Time Job…



The Personal Finance Hour, Episode 14: Home Improvement

Summer’s here, and for many homeowners that means it’s time for projects around the house. Since we bought our current home, Kris and I have spent a lot of money to make improvements. (At this very moment, contractors are painting the house!)

Join Jim and me this afternoon for the 14th episode of The Personal Finance Hour. We’ll be discussing home improvement: what projects are worth the money, how can you keep costs down, and how do hire a good contractor?

We would love to have you call with questions and share your own experiences! There are four ways to hear the show. You can listen through an audio feed at the show page, or you can dial the call-in number at (347) 327-9144. You can also listen through this widget:

Note that the widget always holds the archive of the most recent episode. So, right now it contains last week’s discussion about credit scores (with special guest Liz Weston). Later this afternoon it will contain episode number fourteen.

We’re also on iTunes! You can subscribe to The Personal Finance Hour as a weekly podcast by following this link (which will open iTunes).

Jim and I do this every Monday — and we hope you’ll join us. We think this is a fun way to connect with readers and to help everyone learn more about money management. You can catch The Personal Finance Hour live at 3pm Pacific (6pm Eastern) every Monday.


Related Articles at Get Rich Slowly:



Read more about The Personal Finance Hour, Episode 14: Home Improvement…



Get Smarter With College Savings Plans

If you are saving for college in a 529 plan, you probably took a bigger hit than you expected during the 2008 market crash.


Featured Advertiser
The best thing you can do to minimize your risk of identity theft is ensure that your personal information is secure. It is very often small acts of criminal mischief that result in years of hardship for individual consumers. Applying common sense can provide a measure of identity theft protection.

1. Don’t leave your financial paperwork lying around your house. Store paperwork with personally identifying information in a filing cabinet that is secured with a tamper-proof lock.

2. Never reveal any personal information to anyone who has called or e-mailed you. Ask them to send their request to you in writing through the mail.

3. Sign up for a credit monitoring service. It is a great way to track your credit improvement and stop identity theft.

Additional Resources
Proactive identity theft protection with Lifelock
Monitor your credit score to track improvement and spot identity theft red flags

 

Read more about Get Smarter With College Savings Plans…



A Painless Way To Hold Down Health Costs?

While opponents of the overhaul proposals currently under consideration warn of long waits for care or draconian cuts to payments to doctors and hospitals, some experts say slowing the growth of health spending doesn’t have to hurt. “You can deliver high-quality care for far fewer resources if you organize your processes right,” says one expert.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Read more about A Painless Way To Hold Down Health Costs?…



Friday, June 26, 2009

Dr. Conrad Robert Murray: MJ overdose?

Dr. Conrad Robert Murray didn’t use to be famous. He is a cardiologist, but now a subject of a lot of interest, as Dr. Conrad Robert Murray was the personal physician to one Michael Jackson. Nothing is confirmed, but it is believed that Dr. Murray was visiting Jackson the day of his death. Jackson was believed to have been receiving Demerol, an opioid pain killer that may have been used to treat symptoms of lupus. Demerol, along with other strong pain killers, can be dangerous, and police are seeking to question Dr. Conrad Robert Murray, and lot of people would give an unsecured loans to find out if the good doctor’s prescription dealt Michael a coup de grace.



Thursday, June 25, 2009

When I was young, my family was on a vacation

We went on this really long road trip. I was sitting in the back seat and had a blanket over me. It was a little cold in the car with the air conditioning. I had to go to the bathroom really bad. I started yelling to my mom that I needed to go to the bathroom. They didn't pull over fast enough. Finally I threw up all over myself. My family looked back at me to hear me say I didn't have to go to the bathroom anymore. That has been held over my head ever since. I will never be able to get away from that. It is this really big family joke. I am glad they are getting a good laugh out of it. I got to love my family no matter how much they make fun of me.



My brother’s girlfriend cheated today

He bought a ring for them to get engaged. He has had it sitting on his dresser for about a month now. She decided she couldn't take it anymore and looked at it. She even put it on. I thought it was pretty funny that she just decided it was time to look at it herself. She said she was sick and tired of waiting for him to propose. I thought it was funny. I'm not supposed to tell anybody but I thought it was funny enough that it would probably be okay. I'm sure he won't find out anytime soon anyway.



I remember when Remember the Titans came out

It was the first big football movie that had to do with racism and a team overcoming that. Now there a million movies that has to do with football and racism both. It makes me mad that they do that with movies. I like to be able to watch a new movie and not feel like I have already seen it. It annoys me to have to watch the same plot over and over again in movies. It is just like the movies where the kids are really bad and then the teacher comes in and teaches them that they are really good people. If you have seen one, you have seen them all. There is no point in wasting your time watching another one of them when you already know the plot.



Michael Jackson Heart Attack Lands King of Pop in Hospital

Jackson family says Michael ‘not doing well’

Michael Jackson had a heart attack today. Someone from his Los Angeles home called the police about 12:20 p.m. California time today. TMZ reports that a family member said Michael Jackson is “in really bad shape.” TMZ also says a reporter spoke to Michael’s dad, Joe Jackson, shortly after he was placed in the hospital. Joe Jackson reported said  Michael is “not doing well.”

Reports say paramedics had to administer CPR after Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest. He has been hospitalized for a heart attack, and his family is with him at UCLA medical center.

Financial security

Michael Jackson’s huge fortune will come in handy, as a visit to the hospital is never cheap. Michael Jackson has been making money since long before payday loan stores were around. In fact, he’s been pulling in the big bucks since he was just 7 years old as a member of the Jackson 5.

Now, Michael Jackson is a young heart attack victim at only 50 years old. But in his 50 years he managed to earn himself the title King of Pop.



I wish I was at the lake right now

I really want to go wakeboarding. I used to go all of the time with my brother when he had his boat, but like everyone else during the recession, he had to sell it and I haven't been out at the lake since. Today would be a really nice day to go though because of the weather. Not too hot or humid and just enough clouds to keep your eyes from burning out of their sockets! I miss going a lot, maybe I should just break down and buy boat so that why my board will quit gathering dust in storage.



Newspaper Holds Sanford Hostage Over Mistress E-mail

Mark Sanford mistress photo not yet available

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford is back from Argentina with some big news. He was definitely there to recharge his batteries after all of his struggles with the state legislature. But as all of America now knows, he wasn’t there just to cruise the coastline. He was cruising for Maria Belen Shapur. And based upon Gina Smith’s detective work for South Carolina’s The State newspaper, it appears that Sanford was going to continue to lie about it.

However, Smith greeted the governor at the airport with news that they had copies of surreptitious E-mails he had exchanged with his mistress, and that if he didn’t come forward and confess, they were going to print the messages.

Now he cries contrition, lets people know he’s in Bible study (note to Sanford: I’ve read “Jack and the Beanstalk,” works just as well), etc, etc. We’ve heard it all before. Another Republican spits up on his shirt for all to see. If this man still thinks he’ll be able to run for president in 2012, he’ll need a boatload of payday loans and fast cash, because he won’t be receiving contributions any other way.

Loses presidency, wins booby prize

Tommy Tomlinson of the Charlotte Observer wonders if this man really wants his job. Sanford lied to his staff about his whereabouts, committed one of those acts that tend to bar you from the presidency if you aren’t already in office and tried to be slick about it. Now he’s slipped in his own puddle of 10-40. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Newspaper Holds Sanford Hostage Over Mistress E-mail"

Sometimes I wonder what it would like to be a caterpillar

I would be so concerned about trying to become a butterfly. I would probably try so hard to get out of that tree and then one day start building my cocoon. That would be devastating. Then I would have to sit and wait patiently for my body to make the transformation to a butterfly. It would be really hard to be patient about it. Luckily it would be worth it in the end. I would get to fly away to a pretty place far away. I would finally be free.



My pants are cursed

I have this problem where I always sit in pee whenever I wear this certain pair of jeans. One time I was at my sister in law's house. While I was there I sat on the couch. It was really wet. Because it was so wet I sat up and smelt it. Apparently my nephew had just peed there. I decided to avoid their home for a while. After I washed that pair of jeans I went over to a friend's house. I sat down in a big puddle of cat pee. It was disgusting. I have officially decided that the pair of pants I was wearing is cursed. If I weren't wearing them I would never sit in pee of any sort. That is just my conclusion.



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Obama Signs Tough Anti-Smoking Bill, Still Struggles to Quit

Personal Money Store Videos on Youtube

One of the bubble heads will be President Obama. He is a smoker, yet he does not suffer from the delusion of something foolishly called smokers rights. Society should not cater to leisure users of known cancer-causing chemicals, so the president has signed a tough anti-smoking bill that promises sweeping changes.

For more information on this article and others like it, please click on the following link:Personal Money Store:Obama Signs Anti-Smoking Bill



In science, we don't prove things

Rather, we try to prove that the opposite of our hypothesis is wrong. We try to rule out all other possibilities so that our hypothesis is the only option left. For example, let’s say that I think the refrigerator smells bad because of the old cottage cheese in there. If I take the cottage cheese out and it doesn’t smell bad anymore, I got my desired result. That does not prove that it was the cottage cheese making the fridge smell bad, but it proves that wasn’t not the old cottage cheese. If I had taken the cottage cheese out and the fridge still smelled bad, I didn’t get my desired result. This proves that my null hypothesis, that it was not the cottage cheese causing the bad smell, was correct.



I love family portraits

As a child my family took one every year. We didn't miss a year of family pictures until my siblings starting marrying other people. We started being unable to meet up with each other anymore for holidays. It made it nearly impossible to get family pictures. It is still impossible because my family is really big. It is hard to drag all the nieces and nephews out to one place to try and do some big holiday with them. There isn't much that we can do to solve it. We have to break apart and have our own families eventually. A family reunion every so often is okay of course.



I am not sure how I feel about our new couches

They are really comfortable which is nice. Comfort is definitely a big issue in choosing which couch you want to buy. It definitely makes a big difference. I love these couches. They are a little too poufy for my taste. I wish they had a little less fluff. It is mostly the arm rests that are bothering me. They are so poufy that it makes it almost impossible to sit in them. Our rocking chair has such puffy armrests that it would be almost impossible for someone who were bigger to sit in them. I like them still I think.



I hate traffic

It makes me so mad to have to sit in it. It is understandable when there is traffic because of a car accident or something to that extent. It is when there is traffic just because a couple of cars in the front decided that they wanted to drive really slow that is when I get mad. I hate it when people decide they want to control the roads on their own. It is okay for someone to drive slowly because they are nervous about it or because they don't want to speed. It is not okay for someone to be in the fast lane driving slowly. That is what causes such congested traffic. If people understood that it would make things so much easier for me and for the cops who want to pull over people who speed.



I love being home again

Whenever I go to visit my parents I feel like I'm at home again. I never get the chance to be home with them. It is weird because ever since I've been in college the only place that really felt like home was my home with my parents. Everywhere else always just felt like it was only a momentary place. My spouse and I finally bought a home and it still doesn't feel as much like home as much as when I go home to my parents. It is nice just to have that family around to make it feel so much like the home that you remember for most of your life.



I love reading the newspaper

It is one of those things that are getting lost in today's society. Nobody reads the newspaper anymore. Either they don't care or they just buy it on the internet. Luckily there are enough people like me that enjoy reading to make it so there is still a business. I would be really sad if there was no newspaper for me to read every morning while I have my breakfast. That is my morning routine. Luckily we get two different newspapers so that my spouse can read one while I read the other one. It keeps us from fighting over which one gets to read it first.



Today I learned that the word gravid means pregnant

It just happened to be the word of the day. I thought it was funny considering my sister in law is now about eight months pregnant. I thought I would call her gravid and see what she thought about it. When I said it to her, she laughed and asked what exactly it was that I was calling her. I told I was just calling her pregnant and she laughed for a really long time. I thought she might be dying or something considering how much she was laughing. I was afraid she was going to go into labor or something. It was pretty funny.



Friends are the family we choose

The word friend can bring about mixed feelings to so many of us. So many memories both bitter and sweet, so many incidents that bring about a smile on your face, make you roll on the floor laughing and a few that you might never want to recall.

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. Knowingly or unknowingly so many of them become a part of our lives adding beauty to it in their own ways. It is only after sometime when we try recalling as to how we came to know them, can linger back some funny incidents or may be you might not even remember how you got to know a person but you guys could be the best of friends.

Life is weird sometimes, but one lesson learnt is to enjoy life no matter what, as one might not get that part of the day that has gone by. And it is always nice to believe that whatever happens happens for good. By thinking so you might not really feel all that sad for the bad happenings in life, after all life has to go on and this too shall pass.

Friends were meant for different things at different ages. As a toddler we shared our play toys and candies with them. You always wanted that toy your best friend had. In primary classes they were the ones with whom you could play running catching, hide and seek, share your lunch. As you grew older, in your teens they were your best confidantes of your crushes and the ones who could give you tips on how to have a great date. As time passed by they were there to guide you with their experiences, help you choose a career and so on… Friends are always there throughout our lives, but the bond we share with them at various stages of life gets one thinking.



The Importance of Organic Multivitamins

The magnitude of the importance of the organic multivitamin is gaining ground. It is very effective in boosting up the body and it is much conducive to the betterment of the health of human beings. Organic multivitamins are those which are void of any synthetic preservative and color. This natural multivitamin is manufactured with pure and natural nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Therefore there is no side effect and this multivitamin will produce a massive impact on the body.

After consuming this multivitamin supplement, a person will feel energized and powerful. It will give the full safeguard to the body from the onset of the viruses and germs. However, one should feel the difference between the organic multivitamin and common multivitamin. The difference lies in the usage of all natural elements and protein without relying on artificial vitamin or other components. It is seen that there are numerous drug manufacturing companies which claim that they always manufacture natural multivitamin supplements. However, there is little realistic foundation.

In actuality, they use high graded synthetic preservatives, color and other chemical components which have more or less side effects. Therefore at the time of selecting the organic multivitamin, one should make homework. He must read the online reviews to build up the prominent conception and idea. In this connection, an intimate tete-a-tete with the experts will certainly stand guys in good stead. Last but not the least, PhytoVitamins are fully equipped with organic elements and these essential components are utilized to make a fully upgraded organic multivitamin supplement.

However the good combination of Super Green Vitamin Food Formula with these nutrients will definitely turbocharge the body to act much more accurately. Those who work hard must require the adequate amount of organic multivitamins to fight against deadly diseases and viruses



Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Obama Press Conference | Iran, Healthcare and Stimulus II

The gloves almost came off

President Obama has a lot of things on his plate these days, what with an economy in shambles, multiple wars being fought and post-election rioting and death in Iran. What did he have to save in today’s press conference? Helene Cooper and Sheryl Gay Stolberg live blogged the Obama press conference for the New York Times. Click through and you’ll also find a transcript of the president’s opening remarks, too.

What I have here for you is highlights and comments. Considering that Cooper and Stolberg considered the president to have appeared “angrier” than he normally does, I’m sure you’ll want to know why. Perhaps coming to him right now with a bill that would remove restrictive caps on payday lending and same day loans. I’ll bide my time.

Iran dominated the opening statement

The president opened up with comments on what’s happening in Iran, saying that “The United States and the international community have been appalled and outraged by the threats, beatings, and imprisonments of the last few days. I strongly condemn these unjust actions, and I join with the American people in mourning each and every innocent life that is lost.” That definitely makes his position clear, but he added that the U.S. respects Iran’s sovereignty, which seems to indicate that America isn’t going to swoop in and force them to do a recount. That is as it should be. But Obama calls Iran’s bluff when they say that the U.S. instigated the post-election protests: “This tired strategy of using old tensions to scapegoat other countries won’t work anymore in Iran.” ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Obama Press Conference | Iran, Healthcare and Stimulus II"

Today I learned what the word espy means

I learned it means to see something. For example, yesterday espied a couple friends walking from a long distance away while I waiting for them to catch up to me. I love learning new words. Another one I just learned was vicarious. It is a word used in reference to taking the place of another. For example, I could do a vicarious act of service or get a vicarious thrill which would be getting a thrill through another person. I really enjoy taking the time out of my day to learn about new words. I also try to use them in my every day conversations.



Fly Clear Puts Abrupt Halt to Clear Card Program

Your clear card is no longer valid

clear cardThe Clear Traveler program, also known as Fly Clear, has shut down and stopped issuing clear cards. The Fly Clear program helped frequent flyers avoid lengthy security lines by issuing users clear card, which gave them access to separate, dedicated security security screening.

There was little or no advance notice to members of the Fly Clear plan that their clear cards would no longer be valid as of yesterday. Furthermore, the people who spent $200 on a clear card will not get back their money now.

Message to clear card holders

The Fly Clear service web site has been replaced the following message to customers:

Clear Lanes Are No Longer Available.

At 11:00 p.m. PST on June 22, 2009, Clear will cease operations. Clear's parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations.

What will happen to my personal information?

Applicant and Member data is currently secured in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration's Security, Privacy and Compliance Standards. Verified Identity Pass, Inc.  will continue to secure such information and will take appropriate steps to delete the information.

Will I receive a refund for membership in Clear?

At the present time, because of its financial condition, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. cannot issue refunds.

Short and sweet?

The lines Fly Clear passengers used were short, and so was the duration of this business’s operations. The Clear Traveler program started issuing clear cards in 2005, and it only grew slightly during its four-year stint. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Fly Clear Puts Abrupt Halt to Clear Card Program "

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of the movies I really liked as a kid. I used to watch it all the time. I remember one year for Christmas my parents bought me action figures of the gypsy and her lamb that goes around with her everywhere. I loved to play with those while I watched the movie. They were my favorite shows. I wish Disney made movies like that still. I am pretty sure that they don't because all the good ideas are already taken and have been used up. I wish I still had that figure. It probably has become a collectible and is worth a lot of money.



Crooked Houses:Playful Yet Pricey Fun For Kids

TLC show gets Crooked Houses noticed

The Conostoga Wagon custom Crooked House costs $6,187 plus shipping.

The Covered Wagon Crooked House costs $6,187 plus shipping.

Thanks to some oft-repeated product placement, playhouse retailer Kids Crooked Houses is about to get slammed with business. That is, of course, if people can afford them.

Kids Crooked Houses are beautiful, fun, imaginative playhouses for kids. However, if you want the type you saw on “Jon & Kate Plus 8″ last night,  you’ll need a lot more money than you can get from a quick payday loan.

Do it yourself

If you are hoping to have the same experience you watched Jon and Kate have last night, I’m sad to inform you that their reality show did not reflect reality. If you buy Crooked Houses, you’ll have to assemble them yourself. There won’t be a big teddy bear of a man playing with your kids while a crew puts together your playhouse for you.

Crooked Houses can be delivered, with a pretty hefty shipping fee. But they come unassembled. The Crooked Houses web site assures customers that assembly is quick and easy, and that all you need is a screwdriver.

The bottom line

Crooked Houses start at $1,249. That price will get you the Original Playhouse, which will arrive unpainted in seven pieces. Shipping costs $239 to $499, so unless you live near a Kids Crooked Houses facility in Utah, Oklahoma, Indiana or Maine, you’re looking at spending at least $1,500 for an unpainted playhouse with a 4-by-6-foot base, some of which is dedicated to the porch. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Crooked Houses:Playful Yet Pricey Fun For Kids"

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

A new law signed by the president yesterday gives the Food and Drug Administration the ability to regulate the tobacco industry. The primary focus of the law is to stop cigarette companies from aggressively marketing to children.

To that end, it will soon be illegal to:

  • sell candy-flavored and fruit-flavored cigarettes
  • put tobacco company logos on sporting, athletic or entertainment events or on clothing and other promotional items
  • place outdoor tobacco ads within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds

There are some other changes coming for all smokers, including adults:

  • tobacco companies will be prohibited from using terms such as “low tar,” “light” or “mild” – so-called light cigarettes make no difference to a smoker’s health
  • cigarette packages will carry larger warning labels, up to 50% of the surface of one side
  • depending on the results of upcoming FDA studies, tobacco companies may be required to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes – nicotine is the strongly-addictive stimulant which makes cigarettes a logical part of the FDA’s oversight

To summarize: cigarettes, aside from the candy-flavored kind, aren’t going anywhere, though they may become less addictive.

Picture-5

Lawmakers have been trying to pass this legislation for over a decade. 70% of the House voted in favor, as well as 79% of the Senate.

And according to CNN:

Despite a significant decrease in the percentage of Americans who smoke in recent decades, more than 400,000 Americans still die from tobacco-related illnesses every year, the president noted. Tobacco-related health care costs exceed $100 billion annually.

Obama signs bill putting tobacco products under FDA oversight, CNN, June 22, 2009

Photo by isabel bloedwater

The Consumerism Commentary Podcast is in full swing with new episodes every Sunday. Listen and subscribe now!

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act



Read more of The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act…



Monday, June 22, 2009

Tonight I realized what a horrible cook I really am

For dinner it was just me and my niece. I ended up making hot dogs and ramen. It was pretty much disgusting. My niece probably did more to cook it than I actually did. In fact, the whole meal was her idea. She thought they would go well together. I thought it was disgusting but apparently she liked it a lot. I am glad that she can cook for herself at such a young age. That will make the college experience a lot easier for her. Maybe I should take some cooking classes or pay better attention when my spouse cooks dinner.



That song I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It really bothers me

Every time I hear it I get really mad. It gets caught in my head and I can't get it out. Now, those who know me know that is not a song I would ever sing. I was in the car with my sister the other day driving her kids to school. The song came on the radio and my sister immediately turned it off. While we were driving I started singing the song and my sister got very confused with me. My nieces and nephews started asking me why in the world I would ever sing that song. I was even disappointed in myself. I guess that's what happens when you listen to an extremely annoying and catchy song in the car even for two seconds.



I really need a new car

My car is breaking into tons of pieces. Every day something new breaks in the car. It has been totaled more than once I'm pretty sure. For some reason I am still driving. It has been a really reliable car for me. I hate to get rid of it. I have used it since college. I was hoping one day my nieces or nephews could use it for high school or college. I think it is getting a little outdated. I guess I am getting pretty old. My poor car probably needs to be put down like a dying dog.



UPDATE: Topless Coffee Shop Fire Was Arson, Says Official

Personal Money Store Videos on Youtube

The Grand View Topless Coffee Shop in Vassalboro, Maine put smiles on the faces of its 18-and-over crowd. Despite there having been no open threats made, some conservative Christian members of the 4,500-strong town were in the wrong kind of heat over the titillating blend of coffee, donuts and topless baristas, but that’s no cause to burn the place to the ground. Now owner Donald Crabtree is considering his options while employees like Krista Macentyre and 12 others wonder whether they’ll need to rely on credit cards and payday loans during their period of unemployment.

For more information on this article and others like it, please click on the following link:Personal Money Store:UPDATE: Topless Coffee Shop



I love salt

I put way too much salt on everything. I don't have any health problems from it yet, but I'm sure I will in time have problems with salt. When I make spaghetti, I put a whole bunch of salt in my sauce. I tend to like a salty spaghetti sauce rather than a sweet one. I will put a little bit of sugar in it but stick to a more salty sauce than a sugary one. I love putting salt on all of my meals. In fact, my favorite lunch meal is a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich with salt on it. Sometimes people think I'm going to die young because of it but I don't really mind. It still tastes good.



Energy drinks are not okay to drink in my opinion

They are so unhealthy. Anything that helps promote energy without actually working for it doesn't seem like it should be used. When people drink energy drinks they end up having a whole bunch of energy for a moment but crash a couple of hours later. It isn't healthy and isn't the way our bodies were created. We are supposed to be able to get through a day being hard working. Perseverance through being tired is much more admirable than someone who drinks energy drinks to get the kind of energy they need to make it through their day.



It sucks being on a diet

I have to count all of my calories all the time. I am on a two thousand calorie diet. I have to make sure I count everything that I eat. I can't have a meal at someone else's home because I don't know what they are putting into their food. I even have to count calories on such things as gum and mints. Granted it is only one or two calories for a piece of gum or a mint. I wish I didn't have to be on this strict diet. I miss being a teenager and being able to eat or drink whatever I want. It was really nice having such a fast metabolism.



Friday, June 19, 2009

Www.craigslist.org a Great Source for Cheap and Free Stuff

Personal Money Store Videos on Youtube

As soon as I decided to buy a couch, I got online and went to www.craigslist.org. Its a no-brainer. Www.craigslist.org is an online service that works like the classifieds section of a newspaper. The difference between www.craigslist.org and a classified section in a newspaper is that its free and its nationwide. The internet is popping up with new services and offerings every day, from instant payday loans to extremely specific dating web sites, but craigslist has been around for quite some time.

For more information on this article and others like please visit us by clicking the following link: Personal Money Store:Craig’s List Free Stuff



Front-Feet Flip Flops® for National Flip Flop Day®

The significance of National Flip Flop Day®

cat-flip-flops

The Cat had been to charm school and could walk on her hind legs

I found out that today is National Flip Flop Day® when I was getting warmed up to look online for a quick payday loan. I saw it listed on Google Trends between "US Open" and "Jammie Thomas-Rasset," so I knew it was significant. However, the mysteries surrounding National Flip Flop Day® – including how the Dog found out about it — are not pertinent to this story.

The Dog was a desperado

It was June 19, 2009, the third annual National Flip Flop Day®, and quite naturally the Dog was bored. When no one was watching, he went out the front door to do something. He worked for a while at digging a hole in the yard where no one would ever see it. Then he saw the next-door Cat walking down the sidewalk.

The Cat was a capitalist

The Cat had lots of extra cash and had been to charm school. She had on green flip flops and a coordinating necklace of flowers and leaves. That was impressive. But what really got the Dog's goat was the way Cat was walking on her hind legs. The Dog didn't know whether the Cat had any money now, but he gave chase anyway.

They kept communications open

The Cat jumped out of her flip flops and ran up a tree. She didn't have any cash now, so the Dog picked the flip flops up in his teeth and ran back to the hole. He buried the flip flops as fast as he could and sat down on top. The Cat came down from the tree. She hissed perfunctorily and began to discourse. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Front-Feet Flip Flops® for National Flip Flop Day®"

I love superman.

He is a guy who can't control whether or not he has his powers but decides to do good anyway. It is sad that he has such a lonely life. He makes sure that everyone else is safe.

He is lonely and sad yet everyone else is safe because of his efforts to protect them. He doesn't know where he came from or why he has the powers that he does. All he knows is that he is some sort of alien to the planet earth but has been sent to protect it.

He could just as easily be a bad guy. Luckily he decided that he wanted to be a kind protective person than an evil guy. I'm sure if he turned evil he would kill everyone who he came in contact with. That would be a bad thing.



MySpace makes Big Cuts in Workforce | Is Facebook to Blame?

Huge layoffs at MySpace

Owen Van Natta

Owen Van Natta

This week, social networking giant MySpace eliminated 30 percent of its workforce. Who knew the once-biggest, most well-known and first “major” social networking site would fall victim to the economy?

Perhaps it doesn’t have anything to do with the economy. Maybe the company really did just want to return to a “startup culture” and “restore an environment of innovation,” like MySpace executive Owen Van Natta told the New York Times. Or maybe it was something else.

Facebook is in your face

Facebook crept up on MySpace a bit, I think. It started off only allowing college students to join. Then it allowed high schoolers. Ever since it opened the floodgates to a “come one, come all” guest list, there’s no doubt it has overtaken a huge share of the social networking market. Though facebook can be used for marketing things like online payday loans, it is mostly a quick, easy way to connect with and keep up with friends, acquaintances and business contacts.

For a while, it seemed everyone had a facebook account anda MySpace account. As applications and features and news feeds made facebook a downright addiction for most users, MySpace lost its luster for many. It just doesn’t have the slick design, speedy application downloads and overall classiness that facebook seems to exude. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "MySpace makes Big Cuts in Workforce | Is Facebook to Blame?"

Social Security Reform - Government Improvement Series

Being the largest government program in the world and eating up as much as 23 percent of the federal budget, the Social Security is a system that most Americans either love or hate. If you are receiving benefits and depend on the checks that come through regularly, you appreciate what this program does for you. If you are working and realized that you won’t see much of a benefit from this system in the future, not so much.

In the latest Social Security trustee report (here’s a summary), it is projected that Social Security will start running on a deficit by 2016. This means that in seven years, the program will need to start drawing on the surpluses of prior years.

This may sound like no problems to most of you, but note that the surpluses, held in what’s known as the Social Security Trust Fund, has no real assets. Therefore, the government will need to somehow manufacturer money to pay the fund back. Furthermore, even if the government is able to produce the dollars needed for the fund without hurting taxpayers, it is projected that the fund will be completely depleted by 2037 - not a good sign for the younger workforce hoping for benefits.

This suggestion is a no brainer - We need a Social Security Reform, pronto.

The latest Social Security report also suggested that we could prolong the inevitable another 75 years by increasing Social Security taxes by 16 percent (from 12.4 to 14.4 percent currently) or through a reduction of 13 percent in benefits. The most obvious solution is to do a combination of both, and the longer we wait, the worst the situation will get.

My Long Term Social Security Solution

Here’s a suggestion - Eliminate the Social Security System gradually. There are talks of privatizing the system as a solution, which is nothing more than letting us invest in our own benefits. If we all agree that it’s a good idea, just roll that program into our 401k system. We really don’t need an taxable investment account, 401k, traditional IRA, roth IRA, 529 for every person in the United States just so we can be confused with our investments. With separate programs, it’s nothing but politics anyway.

Now back to the system. I believe the best approach is to keep taxes the same, and maintain the benefits for current retirees but start paying new retirees less, then newer retirees even less until we aren’t paying retirees anymore.

As an example (the numbers and details are just hypothetical to illustrate the point), let’s say we are paying current retirees $2,000 a month. We will start paying new retirees $1,800, and every year later that you retire, you will be paid $100 less per month. Eventually, the Social Security system will be eliminated and younger workers won’t have to pay a dime.

Sure, retirees will get less benefits, but since they still have time, they will find a way to deal with it as long as the rules are clearly spelled out. As it stands now, no one has any idea how much benefits they will get and how long the system will last. Without factual information, how can we plan for retirement? And if we have to assume we won’t get any Social Security benefits in our planning, what’s the point of having that extra check?

Forget the bailouts. Work on Social Security.

This article is part of the Government Improvement Series, where I discuss on Fridays some ways that the administration can really help fix our great country.


Related Articles at Personal Finance Blog by Money Ning:


Read more of Social Security Reform - Government Improvement Series…



During Tough Times, Canning Makes A Comeback

At the University of Missouri’s extension school, interest in food canning classes has skyrocketed as young and old alike look for ways to save money.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Read more about During Tough Times, Canning Makes A Comeback…



Thursday, June 18, 2009

Taylor Swift and T Pain Unite Country and Rap in 'Thug Story'

Taylor Swift and T Pain duet

T Pain, left, and Taylor Swift

T Pain, left, and Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift had two goals at the CMT Awards this year: to raise money for charity and to rap like a gangsta. Taylor Swift and T Pain collaborated on a satirical rap version of “Love Story” called “Thug Story.”

Taylor Swift and T Pain performed “Thug Story” at the CMT Awards, but you can see a video of “T Pain and T Sweezy rappin’ on the same track” on the CMT blog.

Meshing music

Rap and country are generally considered opposite ends of the music spectrum, so Taylor Swift and T Pain’s collaboration has raised more than a few eyebrows. But could it mean a big pay day for them both?

Aside from their similar sounding titles, “Thug Story” and “Love Story” don’t have much in common, lyrically, but it’s clear that the song is a throwback to the song that won her the top prize at the CMT Awards, Video of the Year.

Music awards for a good cause

Taylor Swift’s wins for Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year mean that the charity she selected, The American Red Cross, will recieve donations in Swift’s name. The CMT web site says:

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Taylor Swift and T Pain Unite Country and Rap in 'Thug Story'"

Minx Nails | 'Grillz' for Your Fingernails?

Minx Nails a hot celebrity craze

minx nailsI think Rina Raphael at TODAY explained Minx Nails very well: “Imagine metallic Lee Press-On Nails that can last roughly four weeks, but look more like grillz for your fingers.”

I had to dig around a bit to find out how much it costs to have Minx Nails shrink-wrapped to your fingertips, and The Frisky says it’s about $40. Although that’s not so expensive that an average woman would need a quick loan to pay for it, so far it’s been labeled a “celebrity trend.”

Minx Nails go mainstream

After today, though, Minx Nails will be pulling in a lot more business from the “common folk.” The Frisky says Beyonce, Solange, Eve, Rihanna and Mariah Carey have been spotted wearing Minx Nails, so it’s just a matter of time  until their fans follow suit and pay top dollar for their own set.

But, will fans of Beyonce and Eve get Obama’s face emblazoned on their fingernails? My guess is yeah, probably.

How do Minx Nails work?

Minx Nails are not an alternative to acrylic nails, rather they go on top of them — or on top of your real fingernails. Minx Nails are only an alternative to nail polish. Hm, $40 for a month’s worth of “nail polish”? That might explain why, so far, it’s only a celebrity trend.

Still, I am sure well-to-do women will be willing to shell out the money to have custom-designed fingernail coatings. KMGB9.com describes Minx Nails as:

A new polish alternative that heat bonds a super-thin film of color to your nails.

It comes in the standard reds, pinks and mauves, but you can get a Minx coat in all kinds of patterns, from fishnet and cheetah to hibiscus aloha print. There’s a chrome silver and a true metallic gold too. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Minx Nails | 'Grillz' for Your Fingernails?"

Hometown Vacationing without using Personal Loans

Save money vacationing right where you live!

888 =  August 8, 2008, 8-8-8, 8/8/8, 8.8.8, 08.08.08, 08082008 or 080808 - morning, Chicago Loop - HDR - flickr888 Day or flickr Day 24 hrs.My imagination helps me accumulate more money than receiving hefty personal loans. It's something about the adventure in accepting and seeking out the unknown that makes your inner child emerge, if only momentarily. When your inner child does spring forth, however, you're sure to have great fun and save some bucks in the process. So many things lie around your city for you to experience at little to no cost. These are just a few examples:

  • Abandoned Buildings
  • Road Kill
  • Practically Demolished Streets
  • Littered Parks

But underneath all that rotting boringness that seems to be surrounding you, there is a thin veneer of mystery and excitement waiting to be encountered. There are so many things that you haven't tried. I know, a day vacationing in the same city showed me things that I never thought existed in medium town Toledo, Ohio. Be sure to only take these ideas as a starting point. There should be many more things for you to do in your own city.

First: Out to Breakfast

I love going out to breakfast. There's just something about getting up early, especially when you don't really have to, and enjoying the bird's chirps, the fresh morning air, and the caffeine deprived employees screaming on their way to work. All of these things fill me with pleasure, and so does turkey bacon, pancakes, toast, and scrambled eggs. And Breakfast usually costs a lot less than going out to lunch or dinner! ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Hometown Vacationing without using Personal Loans"

The Free Frugal Email Newsletter

Want to with know the secrets to frugal living, less spending and happiness?

Save Money Every MonthThank you for all the positive feedback of the free newsletter I debuted a week ago!  Everyone who subscribed to it already received the first part of the 7-part mini course and there are already some people who said that they gained insight into cutting down their monthly expenses.  Here’s what some of those readers wrote:

From Mary

David, I knew that writing it down will help but reading you relay the idea gave me the final push to actually take action. I’m happy now because it worked… I can’t wait till the next lesson.

From Miss P

Your email reminded me of what my dad used to say about finding a date. “Who knows what the chances of succeeding is but you definitely have no chance if you don’t ask” Thank you for the memory!

From Emma (btw, my wife would think your name is great)

I can’t believe I missed your 50 ways to save money on travel post. It’s packed full of info and that alone was worth signing up. Keep them coming.

Here’s a reminder that the free subscription entitles you to the email newsletter that includes:

  • 7-part mini course for simpler, more frugal and happier life.
  • Daily Blog Post Delivered in the Morning (no more remembering to come read your favorite insights in personal finance!)
  • Newsletter exclusive discount on the upcoming frugal book.
  • All For Free

Still thinking? Here’s the real reason why you need to subscribe. Once you get emails from the newsletter, you can just hit reply to send an email to me. Who wouldn’t want that?!?!?


Related Articles at Personal Finance Blog by Money Ning:


Read more of The Free Frugal Email Newsletter…