Life in Balance and Credit

jessicaper @ 2008-08-27T11:05:00

2008-08-27T05:08:24Z

I’ve decided to save money for Christmas presents. Want to save $100 per month (at least $50). Think it is possible. Hope, I resist the temptation to buy new clothes and other unnecessary stuff during the next three months. Wish me Good Luck!

My Dreams Came True!

2008-08-22T08:00:36Z

I visited my ophthalmologist yesterday. Last year I had sight improvement. I suffered from near sight since childhood. I don’t remember when I could see everything clear without glasses or license. I always hate glasses! So, when I got enough money for the improvement, I took a chance without a hesitation.
I had -4,5 in June 2007, and after the improvement it became – 0,8! I was happy, but I could not say I was satisfied. I was dreaming about 100% sight! Doctors said there is a chance, but it is very little.
When I was sitting at the hospital yesterday, I was afraid that my sight is falling again and it could have become worse. But then my doctor came. Guess what she said? Now I have 100% good sight!
The dream came true! I am happy!!

My Friend is Leaving for New York City

2008-08-18T09:04:52Z

My best friend decided to move to New York. We have been friends since childhood. I moved to NYC several years ago, and now my friend decided to follow me. She asked me for a piece of advice. Well, it was a hard thing. Of course, I’m glad that she is going to move, changes are always great. Her native small town (and it is mine, too) can give her nothing she is dreaming about. And New York is great! It is the city of “Two L” that every woman is looking for, as Carrie says. But it is not so easy to leave for a big city from a town.
Face the truth! Of course, big cities have lots of work places, but it doesn’t mean that you will easily get a place wherever you want. You’ll have to struggle for a job! One more thing about big cities: they demand big money. Without money, you are nothing. Well, you need money everywhere, but no doubt, the bigger city is, the more money you need.
There is one more problem - an apartment. Newly arrived are sure to face the problem of finding a place to stay. Of course, you can always rent an apartment but look at the prices! I know, my friend do not have enough money for a good apartment.
But the worst thing about my friend’s leaving for NYC, I could not tell my friend all the facts. She made her mind on moving and does not want to listen to anybody. The problem is she has so many expectations and a very cloud view of the difficulties! I’m afraid, she is not ready for the possible collapse of her dreams. But I do not know how to help her. All I can do is to do my best to back her up.

Some Facts about Balance Transfer Credit Cards

2008-08-04T10:51:46Z

I checked my bills yesterday. My current debt is growing rapidly. I am afraid it will become a real burden in the future. I have decided to obtain a balance transfer credit card that will let me to reduce my debt. So, now I’m shopping for the best balance transfer to apply for.
Browsing the Internet, I found an interesting website RequestCredit.com. The site provides really useful information about all types of credit cards.
Having read the page about balance transfer cards, I learned that the main mistake that consumers do while using balance transfers is that they make purchases on such a plastic. It is a big mistake! These cards provide low interest rates just to pay off the deb. But they can have rather high APR on purchases. So, making purchases on such a card can turn into deeper debt instead of recovering strong financial position. But still, you have to make purchases on balance transfers from time to time. It is necessary to keep your balance.
Another trap of such deals is ongoing and introductory APR. Intro APR is usually really low, and most of consumers feel tempted to apply for such a card without paying any attention to ongoing interest rate. Be careful! Often creditors offer low introductory APR that can skyrocket after the introductory period is over.
One more thing to pay attention to before to apply for a balance transfer card, is the introductory period. No doubt, the longer this period is the more you benefit.
Well, now that I know more about balance transfer I’m ready to apply for such a deal. Hope, it will help me.

Are You Happy With Your Life?

2008-08-01T08:11:43Z

Are you happy? – a friend of mine asked me yesterday. We haven’t seen each other for two years. Yesterday we were chatting and she asked me this “simple” question. The question embarrassed me.
Well, everything in my life is OK. I have the job I like, I have friends whom I trust and love. The only “but” in my life: I am not in love at the moment. But it doesn’t make a problem. I enjoy my life.
But how to determine: whether you are happy or not. I mean, is happiness an everlasting thing? I have always thought that happiness is an emotion, emotional outburst that lasts only for several minutes, hours, days. Happiness has boundaries. You cannot feel happy always. So, how to answer a simple question: Are you happy with your life? What it is about: the current moment or past?
I do not understand this question. So, yesterday I have nothing to do but answer “Yes”. There is nothing bad in my life at the moment, so why not to be happy?

Chosing a Credit Card

2008-07-23T11:29:27Z

How to choose a credit card? Credit card offers are innumerous and all of them are promised to be beneficial and give you alluring incentives. But how to choose a credit card you really need. My cousin asked me this question yesterday. Well, here are the things to consider before signing a credit card agreement.
• Your credit history. Apply only for credit cards you are eligible for. Mind, every time you get denial on your credit request applying for a card that demands higher credit score than you have, your credit rating drops. If you have low credit rating at the moment, do not be upset, take your time and gradually you will manage to raise your score.
• Financial goals. If you need a card to make purchases only, pay attention to credit cards with low interest rates and cash back rewards. Business owners can benefit from business credit cards that offer special incentives for entrepreneurs. Student credit offers will attract young people who are just starting their credit history. There are also offers that aimed to fit frequent travelers’ needs, gasoline credit cards, etc.
• Interest rates and an annual fee. Do not apply for the first credit offer you get. Shop around and do your best to get a card with the lowest interest charges or a card with no annual fee. Thus you will save your money.
Do not hurry. Take your time and you are sure to find a card that will meet your financial requirements.

Are You Ready to Save Money?

2008-07-17T11:22:41Z

I was browsing the Internet yesterday and came across lots of websites devoted to frugal living. All these websites give advice on how to save your money, how to get out of debt, etc. Their motto is Spend less, save more! Well it is all great and I think we should pay more attention to such resources. The reason is most of the Americans are in debt, so it is high time to start saving and do your best to get out of debt and become financially free.
Today there is a strong competition among the recourses that teach us to save money and the millions of websites that provoke us to spend money. I think, though almost everyone faces debt, there are a few people who are ready to stop spending and start saving. That’s why recourses about frugality lose out to ads that promise us great pleasure for little money. But if we spend money without thinking as we do now, we are going to get into deep debts that will be unmanageable even for our grandchildren.
So, check bills and calculate how much time it will take YOU to pay your debt.

How To Find Best Credit Card For You As Quick As Possible?

2008-06-30T08:42:11Z

My friend and I tried to find a credit card a few days ago. My friend, Alice, decided to apply for a credit card online. So we browsed tons of website in search of a suitable offer. Just imagine, lots of different offers for all kinds of credit history and all financial purposes. But do you have time and strengths to look through thousands of credit card offers?
Well, Alice and I came across an interesting website these days. The site is MegaCredit.com. It provides a great option, Credit Card Finder. All you need is to follow four easy steps and Credit Card Finder will find and present you credit cards according to your credit history, according your aims and preferences. The service is very useful. It is free and helps you save your time. So, if you are looking for a credit card and do not want to waste time browsing tons of credit card offers, visit MegaCredit.com. Take use of Credit card Finder and make your choice.

Three US Soldiers Were Killed In Iraq on Tuesday

2008-06-25T07:13:44Z

Three US soldiers died in Iraq… On Tuesday three American soldiers and an interpreter were killed in a bombing in Northern Iraq. Iraq victims are countless…
I do not understand why US troops are still in Iraq? I think everyone understands that this war has no end. Iraqis do not want to obey democratic rules, they strongly believe in their leaders, and do not listen to democratic society. So, why not to leave them in piece?
I think it is time for American soldiers to come home. Why should our men die in far away country struggling for the things that Iraqis do not appreciate?

Summer In the City

2008-06-19T11:07:02Z

Summer… It is great! It is hot! I adore summer. I always think it is the greatest time of a year.
But now… Summer in a city can be really awful, especially if you have to spend day by day in an office.
Summer is not the time for work. It is a season of vacation and pleasure.
I have no vacation this summer. It is awful. I cannot concentrate on my work and every hot day in the city is like a burden for me. How to survive this summer in the city?!

How to Get Into Gear?

2008-06-09T11:13:36Z

How to spend your free time and then feel full of strength for work weeks?
I have no idea. Well, I like everything: I like spend my vacation just doing nothing but lying on the sofa, watching TV, and reading magazines. I like travelling, too. New places, new people. It is great! Vacation on a beach? It is wonderful! I can say, I enjoy my vacation to the full.
The problem is my vacation is too short and after several free days I can’t say that I had a good rest and now I am ready to work day and night. Moreover it is always hard for me to start working after vacation. It takes some time to get into gear. Does anybody know how to get into gear faster? Or maybe, I am just too lazy…

Establishing Good Credit

2008-05-27T08:44:44Z

How to get a credit card with no credit? Many youngsters are concerned about this problem. The fact is credit card companies prefer to give credit only to people with good credit history. Lenders often avoid people with no credit, as these potential clients are considered to be a great risk. My friend and I have recently consulted a financial expert, who told about some useful credit card tips.
If you are student, you will have no problem with getting a student credit card. Student credit cards often come with more favorable terms than regular plastics for people with no credit. Other consumers can also easily find a deal that will meet their needs. But they will probably have to pay higher interest and an annual fee.
Before to apply for a plastic, consider all pros and cons of a deal. Mind, credit cards are not plastic toys. Every credit card implies debt and demands great responsibility. So, before signing an application, read carefully the agreement. Thus, you will avoid many problems. Never miss your payments. Moreover, if you want to establish good credit you must always make payments on time. Try to make more than a minimum payment a month, it will let you save on interest charges and will help to build strong financial future.

It Is All About Money

2008-05-19T10:23:50Z

I hate money! The reason, no matter how much money you make it is never enough. I tried to save something for more than a half year, and what? I manage to save only about $250. It is too little.
I should save more if I want to have great vacation on autumn.
My friend gave me a piece of advice. She told me to make a list of monthly purchases. She said, when you see what you buy and analyze your purchases you will be able to decide how you can save.
Well, the list is done. It is long. Very long. But I need all that things. I can’t live without cosmetics and new clothes. I tried to keep to a diet and use fat free products. It costs a pretty penny.
So, I have a question, How to save money?

What Means to Be Attractive?

2008-05-13T10:57:40Z

I’ve just read an article that proves that attractive people have more chances to be a success in all spheres of life than less attractive people. Recent researches show that attractiveness help in career advancement. That’s why more and more people go to plastic surgeons.
I think it is awful. I think people should go to analytics but not to undergo plastic surgery. When you have complexes because of your body, nose, shape of eyes, or etc, consult a psychologist.
Why should all of us look like Barbies? Besides, does attractiveness means only regular features and slim body? I think, things are different. I am sure, even a person with “irregular” shape of nose or shape of eyes, or who is plump a bit can become a success and be happy. I think attractiveness is closely connected with self-confidence, and you do not need a perfect body to feel confident and be a success.

How To Build Credit

2008-05-07T08:39:45Z

I had a dinner with my relatives yesterday. Everything was as usual till Jane, my 12-year old niece asked me: How to establish credit and not to get into debt? Well, the answer seems to be easy at the first sight: just obtain a credit card and use it wisely. Then Jane asked what means to use credit card wisely. Everyone started to name different things. The rules seemed to be innumerous. So, Jane said that it is too difficult and an ordinary person will never be able to remember all these tips.
So, we decided to browse the Internet to find out how to build credit and not to get into mess.
Here are the main 4 tips:
• Pay all you bills on time and in full every months.
• Never exceed credit limit.
• Do not buy on your plastic more things that you need. Keep track of your spendings.
• Do not hold lots of credit cards. Every credit card means debt. The more credit cards you have the more you owe credit companies.
Jane thinks these tips are easy enough and following these rules everyone can establish good credit without any problems. Do you agree?

I Want to Have a Dog!

2008-05-06T09:12:19Z

Do you like pets? Do you have any?
I have none:((( It kills me. I am dreaming of a pug. They are so lovely. But I can’t have any. I just can’t afford it myself. My life style does not let me have pets.
First, I spend a lot of time at work. Every day I have a lot of to do and I rare manage to finish my working day in time. I am often snowed at the office. But pets demand a lot of attention and discipline. If you care about your dog, you will have to come home earlier to feed your pet and walk him/her.
Besides, if you have a dog, you have some problems with travelling I think. Of course, you can always take your beloved dog with you, but I believe dogs ardently dislike buses, trains, planes. But I adore travelling! I often visit my friends from other cities, fly to my parents, abroad…
Well, I don’t know what to do. I am dreaming of a dog, but can’t change my life style to become a caring owner. It is so sad.

Truth or White Lie?

2008-05-02T05:31:21Z

My parents have friends who adopted a boy 7 years ago. James and Lillian (my parents’ friends) decided to conceal the adoption. They spent more than a year abroad and then came back with a child. Most of their acquaintances were sure that David is James and Lillian’s son and only close people knew the truth. Of course, James and Lillian want their boy would never know that he is an adopted child. But it turns out that the neighbors got to know the truth. Now Lillian and James are afraid that someone would tell their boy that he is adopted.
Well, adoption is a HARD task. It is not easy to be parents, but to be stepparents is much harder. I am not speaking about the problems of brining-up children, about misunderstanding and so on. But what’s right, to tell your adopted children about the fact of adoption, or to conceal the truth? How to make the right decision? Is the truth is always better than white lie? I have no answer to this question. The only thing I am sure about is nobody has the right to tell adopted children the truth except their stepparents.

Credit Card Shaving

2008-04-28T09:28:28Z

Everyone has ever heard about credit card fraud. Lots of people have faced identity theft for the last years. Credit card companies have been struggling with fraudsters for a long period of time and it seems they are winning the battle. But it is only at the first sight.
I have recently known about a new type of fraudulent actions. Credit Card Deals Shaving. Have you heard about this?
Now fraudsters do not need to steal your credit card and all the personal information. They just try out combinations of numbers until one of the combinations will fit someone’s credit card number. And that’s it! Now they can charge money from your plastic.
I have asked a financial consultant (who is a friend of mine) what can card holders do to protect themselves from credit card shaving. He said the only thing we can do is be very careful and try to keep an eye on all transactions on our credit cards. And if you notice that something is wrong, contact immediately your bank. And that’s all.
Well, it seems to me that cardholders are defenseless against fraudsters. Hope, credit card companies will make something up to protect us.

What Success Means For You?

2008-04-24T07:36:37Z

What it means to be a successful person? I believe, everyone understand “success” in his/her own way. Some people feel successful only when they can earn$10,000, other when they can earn $1 million. But is success connected only with money? I believe, NO.
You can earn million dollars, have a great mansion, drive a Porsche, etc but be unhappy. You doubt it? Well, but what about friends and love? Do you think all rich people are happy in love and have true friends?
Of course, money plays a great role in our life. It is a necessity. But I believe, a person who earns million dollars but has no friends and loves nobody cannot be called a “successful person”. I think, you are a success in life when you live in balance. When you can earn as much money as you need, when you have friends who support you and who you can rely on, when you have a boyfriend/girlfriend who you love.
I believe, success is close connected with happiness. If you are happy, you feel successful. And that’s all.

Bad Day

2008-04-14T11:36:28Z

I had a really bad day yesterday. Really bad.
Nothing said that it would be a bad day in the morning. At least before I decided to drink a cup of green tea. When I was filling my cup, I burned myself and dropped the cup. And of course, I broke the cup. It was my favorite cup:((
Then I was about to fall on the slippery floor in the bathroom but managed to recover the steady position. (yes, I’m lucky!)
Well, I didn’t broke anything more that day, but still during the whole day I dropped everything I took, I couldn’t find at once necessary things even if everything seemed to be on the proper place… I missed the bus when I was going to visit my friend, so I was late. And so on, and so on.
It was a REALLY BAD day. Happy it is over.

Life, Risk and Protection

2008-04-10T11:32:46Z

Humans are social beings. Every individual life has many connections with other lives. The most evident form of such relations is a family. Husbands, wives, children, grandparents. The most dangerous risk is a potential threat of somebody’s death. The most “death-vulnerable” group is elderly people. No doubt, loss of close people hurt a lot. But death, together with soul pain, means also great financial loses.
Of course, you will find few young people who think about death and especially think of problems connected with funerals and financial losses they bring. Elderly people are quite different. They know about the coverage to them.
If you are thinking of your future, it is time to learn about life insurance. We live in a dangerous world: car and plane crashes, terrorist attacks, floods, earthquakes…. Awful! We can never feel quite save today. Insurance gives some confident.
So, take your time and study the offers on the market. There are websites than can help you a lot, as they not only provide information on prices, terms and conditions but they help you to compare all the offers in order to choose one with the most favorable rates.

I am not a Shopacholic!

2008-04-10T10:08:39Z

I was watching MTV yesterday. They talked about celebrities’ bad habits. It turned out that one of the most common celebs’ bad habits is shopaholism.
They say that many celebs spend millions of dollars while shopping. Many often buy clothes and shoes that they never put on. For instance, Keira Nightly and Lindsey Lohan.
I have always thought that I am shopacholic as I can spend hours shopping. But now I see I am quite normal. Yes, I admit, sometimes I waste money in shops, sometimes I buy too much things (as it was in November, when I spoiled my credit, a bit only!) but I always know why and for what occasion I purchase clothes, shoes, and purses.
You can say that I seem to be normal only because I can’t afford spending million dollars on shopping. Maybe, if I was a superstar I make useless purchases like they do. Who knows?
But I am glad that at least at the moment I can say about myself: I am NOT a shopacholic!

low APR cards - getting benefits or debts?..

2008-04-02T10:14:18Z

Being an accurate cardholder can give you lots of benefits - for example, you can apply for the credit cards with best rates. Of course, there are many options for any credit - fair, bad and no score plastics. But its obvious that best credit card rates are affordable only for customers with good credit history.

I just recently found out how many pluses these low interest cards have - no annual fee, 0% APR balance transfer, low fixed rate, cash back and rewards programms.And it is even possible to get instant approval when applying for low APR credit card, although, i think, this also works for good score plastics only.

Low APR cards can also be very useful if you're making large purchases and pay them off before the end of the introductory period - thus you'll significantly save on interest.

Anyway, before applying you have to make the right choice in order not to get into debts, or spoil your credt history instead of improving it. That's so simple and obvious, right? But that's one of the most commonmistakes many beginners make. So try to make your own research and find out what you really need and what suits you the best.

Use Your Rewards Credit Card Wisely

2008-03-11T12:53:47Z

Credit cards with reward programs have become increasingly popular for the last two years. But still there are a few people who really know how to benefit from these cards and not to get into debt. Spending as much as possible on your reward credit card is not all you need to do to get benefits.

First of all, you need to make sure that you can earn rewards for your purchases in any place. That means, read the terms and conditions in a credit card application. If the plastic offers you rewards only for purchases made in certain merchants that you rare visit, you will hardly benefit from such a credit card.

What concerns gasoline credit cards, mind, you can benefit not only from fueling your car but from making your daily purchases as well. So, study credit card offers, compare the terms and fees and choose the one that will let you get rewards from making as gasoline, so your usual purchases.

And one more important thing about reward credit cards. Many of them come with very attractive introductory rates, but before to apply for a card make sure that after the introductory period will be over, these low rates will not jump to high. Otherwise, you will get more problems than rewards.

Add-on

2008-02-27T11:59:20Z