For the love of Home Ownership

Easy to say and yes I am happy, actually I am ecstatic that I finally entered the home owner elite. Well it seems that way at the moment even though I know we are no more elite than anyone else. In actual fact nothing has really changed. I have to pay money to someone else every month for the privileged of staying in a house. I do not like where I am going with this. I love my new house, all mine now I need to make it my own. The mortgage and insurance are taken care of and I have my new carpets arriving next week so all is well.

Friday, July 10, 2009

The Best Debt Busting Advice In Ten Words

By Duncan Cunningham

If you've been trying to tackle your debt or save up for a new home for some time now, you may be tempted to seek out long and complicated advice to help you in your quest. After all, if getting rid of debt and saving up for a big purchase can take months or years, then surely financial advice should reflect this long and complicated process, right?

Actually, the best financial advice around today isn't from the best stockbroker in the world - it comes from the oldest sayings in the book! Get ready to simplify your money woes by following these nuggets of wisdom, all of which take up ten words or less:

Always put aside money, no matter how much. It can be easy to think that defeating your debt is all about making as much money as possible, or winning a huge sum from the lottery. However, even the smallest contribution towards your bills is a step towards the financial freedom that you deserve. Small but steady steps will always take you where you need to go, and will turn that raging river of bills into a small trickle in no time.

Know the difference between needs and wants. Thanks to the recession, it's almost certain that you've heard this advice before; however, it couldn't be more spot on when it comes to straightening out your finances. Needs are things like food, shelter, utilities and other items that make your household work - wants are luxury electronics, brand-name clothes and other splurges that will just plummet you further in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

Buying quality is smart. Stretching your money is all about finding cheaper options; yet sometimes it's more financially savvy to buy a high-priced quality item than to downgrade (fashion doesn't count!). A high-quality item will be backed by a support team who will fix it for free whenever it breaks down or doesn't work - just try getting that same deal out of the cheaper guys!

Save today what you want tomorrow. Credit cards have made it all too easy to go out and purchase whatever we want without saving up for it. Yet if you want to break out of the debt cycle, you need to save up for those purchases that you want, as credit card balances will just keep you in that dreaded debt cycle. If you want that expensive mp3 player, then put aside money each month for it, since you'll feel better listening to it knowing that it's completely paid off!

If you need more money, make more money. Feel like your income isn't enough to pay off that debt? Then stop complaining and make more money. You don't need a second job in order to make a considerable chunk of change that can be put towards debt; instead, sell old books and clothes on ebay or have a garage sale with your family members and friends. That extra income will go a long way towards paying off your debt, not to mention give you extra room to breathe in your budget!

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Gold Investment For Prudent Investors - Why Is It the Wisest Option?

By Peter Blake

For investors like small companies, an investment portfolio without precious metals like gold is embarrassing now, and there are too many compelling reason for investing in gold.

Small companies are now considering gold as the prudent resource to rely on. Almost every country including India and others are investing on gold through ornaments. This is definitely a wealthy investment.

However, it is better to invest in gold bars and coins than ornaments, albeit every form of gold investment is known to be the safe and prudent option. The power of gold as an investment has been backed up by various reason especially for the small companies and business plans. There are many inherent advantages of gold investment for small companies, such as:

- Gold poses to be Main Currency: Thats true! The different paper currencies of different nations ranging from dollars to pounds and euros are all backed up by gold. Gold actually determines how much paper currencies can be printed by different countries, as the value of these paper currencies like dollars and others lie in the real gold, which acts as security. So, gold acts as the primary currency of our world and has an unquestionable value unlike the paper currencies. It does have an intrinsic value for the holders of real or physical gold.

- Gold is the Most Liquid of All Assets: Gold is the one and the only liquid asset of the world. Small companies investing in gold can easily convert it into currencies at any given point of time. Under any economic distress, gold can be easily cashed when you sell gold since it has great liquidity. The liquidity of gold makes it a compelling tool for investment.

- Gold Provides Hedge against Inflation: Gold is the best class of asset that provides edge against inflation. It is equally effective for small company investment and for personal investment policies. You can buy gold anytime also.

- Gold Offers Great Diversification: Gold investments provide good diversification to portfolios of every investor. It also gives protection to the portfolio in the inflationary environments from losing the intrinsic value of the gold and its subsequent returns for investors.

Therefore, gold investment for small companies is prudent. You should have 5-10% of the companys portfolio invested in precious metals like gold and reap its benefits at the end of the year and whenever you trade gold. Gold also survives in the long run and in crisis situations.

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7 Money Saving Tips And Ideas For Buying Baby Clothes

By Paula Heron

Babies are expensive " but worth every penny " so any tips and ideas on how to save money are worth looking into. Because babies grow quickly they seem to need new clothes every few weeks but with a little bit of planning you can actually save money during your next shopping trip. Here are some tips you might find helpful:

* Always buy a larger size than they actually need because babies grow so fast. Clothes that fit perfectly now will probably be too small in a few weeks. Buying baby clothes in a larger size will extend the amount of time they will be able to wear them, thus saving you money.

* Consider the season: Think for a minute about the clothes labels that give size in terms of a baby's age, such as 9 or 12 months. Then consider what the weather or temperature will be like when your baby is X months old. This will help you to buy clothes that not only fit, but will also be appropriate for the time of year.

* When picking baby outfits look for ones that are easy to put on and don't require removing for diaper changes. Those beautiful outfits with buttons down the back may look good but they can test your patience when you are struggling with a crying infant. It is far better to choose clothes that open down the front and have poppers or zips for easy diaper changes.

* No matter how careful you are your baby is going to spill food down his clothes or dribble or be sick on them. Make sure you have enough changes of clothes to deal with these messy accidents.

* A great way to save money is to shop for baby clothes during big sales events at the stores, you can pick up some good bargains. Another good place to look is on the clearance rails which a lot of stores have especially when they are restocking for a new season.

* If you are lucky enough to have friends or family members with children older than your baby they may have some of their baby clothes they would like to offer you. This can be a big money saver especially on clothes that are for birth to 6 or 9 months old as these will probably be like new.

* You can make a little bit of money by selling your nearly new baby clothes on line (eBay for example) or in a yard sale or perhaps a thrift shop. Although you probably won't get back the money you paid for them originally you should make a little bit of cash.

I hope these money saving ideas will help you next time you shop for baby clothes and I'm sure you can probably think of others.

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Marriage Tips That Men Should Live By

By Bart Icles

Marriage is a two-way street. Period. It's not only the wife who should do all the hard work. A lot of articles and books are written about marriage designed for the women alone, how about the husbands? They are also a part of the whole marriage and working-it-out thing. If you want to keep your wife and make her stay married to you at all costs, you should do all the things necessary to be able to work it out just fine and to have your marriage running smoothly.

Some of the best marriage tips I can give you are:

1. Always remember to say thank you to your wife. How many times has she set the table for you? How many times has she prepared your meals? How many times has she kept your home clean and orderly? How many times has she given you massages and back rubs to soothe your everyday stress? A simple sign that you will be able to show in terms of appreciation of all her hard work will make her work harder and be happy while doing her everyday chores. Just be able to realize how important she is to you and always thank her. This will keep both of you happy.

2. You should not lie about where you are, especially if you are going to go clubbing with your friends. Chances are, you will get caught in the lies that you weave and they will all boomerang on you, big time. Be honest about your whereabouts at all times. Honesty pays. Trust me.

3. Put to heart the things that are important to your wife, even if you think that they are trivial. Without being able to respect those things, your wife would feel that you do not respect her as well. It will put a dent on her ego and, worse, on your marriage.

4. Do not get involved in a flirtation, even if it is not serious. It can lead you to having an affair.

5. Clean up your own mess. Literally. Do not leave it up to your wife to pick up the clothes that you have used for work, clean the dishes after you've had a late night dinner, etc. It can annoy the hell out of her and can bring her to a breaking point. Help her out as much as you can.

6. Remember important dates. Always.

To be able to make your marriage work, take responsibility for yourself. Learn how to appreciate your wife more. Your married life will be more rewarding if you are able to do these marriage tips. Start doing them now.

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Parcel Post: What to Find Out

By Abigail Smith

The wrong parcel post shipment company could mean problems for you along the way. It is the right firm if it is able to ship all packages to their destinations in the safest and fastest way possible. The various shipment choices offered ensure that parcels do not reach their destinations late and over budget.

Numerous Services Available

Choices for parcel delivery service are diverse. However, some firms offer limited shipping services options. A company answering all delivery and courier service concerns is perfect for the job. Firms not tied to any one carrier are able to provide the necessary service you need to get your work done right. Their workforce is able to offer you sound advice on the best shipment options that satisfy your requirements.

The Deal With Express Parcel Post

Sometimes you are in a hurry to get a package where it needs to go. Express parcel post service takes care of this problem. The right company offer same day and overnight services to guarantee your items get to their destination on time. Parcel post also offers several ways to track shipments you sent. The firm sends you messages to your mobile phone or email address but you can also check package status yourself over the Internet.

More Concerning International Courier Service

Sometimes parcels require safe shipment across great distances. The right company will provide an international courier service that is unsurpassed. Aside from shipping choices, they also offer various packing materials to ensure your send box stays totally secure.

Different Packaging And Boxes Are Available

Companies carrying a complete stock of packaging and boxes are the ones worth considering. They carry assorted tapes and wraps to secure items, and have specialized containers for your oversized and delicate articles. Preparations for safe shipment can be done by their team or you can opt to do it yourself. Boxes are likewise provided for removal and storage purposes.

The right company has everything you need to get precious items from one location to another safely and efficiently. Whether searching for an overseas parcel post or just delivering packages across town, a reliable firm has what it takes to satisfy your parcel delivery service requirements.

The Online Website Provides Free Quotes

To receive estimates based on your needs or learn more about services provided by the right firm, call them or view their site for info on store locations.

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