Cosmetic Tattoo Australia News
Wed, 2 May 2007
Interest rates on hold: reprieve for homeowners
In a boon for the nation's mortgage belt, the Reserve Bank decided at its quarterly meeting on May 1 to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 6.25 per cent. The Reserve Bank's decision followed the publication of a much lower than expected March-quarter consumer price index, which showed inflation rose just 0.1 per cent for the quarter and 2.4 per cent for the year. This was well within the Reserve Bank’s target of 2-3 per cent. In a rare show of consensus, many economic forecasters are now predicting a further easing in inflation and most believe interest rates will stay on hold for the rest of 2007, particularly given the impending federal elections.
Sun, 09 December 2007
Oldest in Greece
Pláka, the trendy district in the shadow of the Acropolis, is packed with restaurants and souvenir shops, and is definitely one of the most interesting areas in Athens. If you’re into archaeology and historical monuments of the past – not to mention good food and wine – making Pláka your tourist homebase is a wise decision. On the other hand, if you want to get inked by some of the best in Greece, you could check out the brother and sister tattoo tag team of Paul and Anna Mamatsis at Jimmy’s Custom Tattoo.
Jimmy’s (at 13 Kyristou Street) is the oldest tattoo shop in Greece and was opened by Paul and Anna’s father Jimmy in 1977. Jimmy is a legend in Greece, and back in the 50s and 60s he traveled the world as a seaman, picking up the tattooing bug in 1957 in Bombay. “It was a handtapped job of a Native American chief and cost six rupees,” he says. “But damn if it didn’t look good. I couldn’t wait to get another!” Jimmy later moved to Toronto and, during 1959-1965, skipped between Canada and New York City as a greenhorn tattooist. He came back to Athens in the late 60s and began tattooing out of his home in 1973. The studio opened four years later, despite that fact that tattooing was an illegal profession in Greece at that time. Jimmy persevered, however, and after five years of fighting city officials, “Jimmy’s” was finally licensed in 1982 as the first tattoo studio to operate in Athens, not to mention Greece!
Jimmy’s (open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday) is the only tattoo studio in Pláka, but according to Paul, there are at least 30 others around town and probably 50 more home studios. Paul, who has been tattooing since 1980, enjoys the opportunity to create a lasting work of art. He told me, “I’ve always been attracted to the beauty, the passion, and the spiritual energy of tattooing, and when it all comes together, you express life through artistic creativity on other people’s skin. For me, tattooing is one of the most respectful professions I can think of. It’s an experience in life.”
The clientele at Jimmy’s extends to Greek models, soccer players, actors, doctors, attorneys, and sometimes, tourists. Since Jimmy himself is legendary, Paul believes that “90% of all Athenians who are looking for a tattoo pass through our studio first.” Plus, being located on Acropolis Hill doesn’t hurt either. It’s one of the most amazing views you can find in the ancient world!
2006 by Lars Krutak
Mon, 17 December 2007
Tattooing
Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of body art. The impetus to decorate and adorn is essentially a human characteristic and is something that people have always done. For many people the designs and symbols of adornment can hold great meaning. Similar designs can be found across cultures but their meaning can be significantly different. Within cultures the meaning of certain designs can change across time.
Source: Australian museum body art
Wed, 26 December 2007
Tattoos
Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment.
Source: Vanishing tattoo.com
Tue, 15 January 2008
The Meaning Of Dragon Tattoos
Especially the long and flexible dragon, who descends from japanese tattoo traditions, is one of the most popular tattoo motives. Due to his shape he practically fits on every part of the body. Covering full backs, winding himself around arms or coiling up on the chest of the carrier.
In the western culture the dragon, according to the snake, symbolizes evil and has to be fought therefore. Different the japanese dragon which is called Oni and stands as a symbol of luck. The japanese dragon has its roots in the chinese mythology. He was said to live in the skies and had the ability to bring out the rain which was of big importance for the rice cultivation.
The dragon reached japan as a live spending water symbol due to the close cultural connection between china and japan where he is highly honored and admired. It is important to keep him happy because after all he could easily cause a seaquake if begrudgingly. One of the most famous and most tattooed dragon legends, aside the display of the buddhistic gods of wind and thunder (Fu-jin and Rai-jin) who are riding the dragons, is the Tamatori Hime.
Source: Tattoo joy.com
Tue, 22 January 2008
Cosmetic Surgery Information
By: Ivar Rudi
Obesity is becoming a condition of epidemic proportions throughout much of the world. Highly overweight people are leaving their annual physicals with the order to lose a significant amount of weight. Whether this weight is lost naturally, or as a result of an elective procedure, the weight loss almost always leaves behind some unattractive sagging skin.
Weight loss of 100 pounds or more can be merely the first step in an obese person’s transformation. People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery, or who have lost the weight through significant exercise and diet changes, have achieved something very important, and deserve to see an attractive shape when they stand in front of the mirror.
It is important to wait to tighten up that sagging skin until after your weight loss has stabilized, a process that takes about 18 months after the weight-loss surgery, depending on how much the patient weighed before the operation, and how much weight has been loss. Performing this surgery too early can lead to skin that is not sufficiently tight, and may require further cosmetic procedures later.
Patients who have lost such significant amounts of weight are not always aware that body contouring surgery can have ramifications for the whole body. Surgeons may need to approach the whole body, rather than just in one or two specific parts of the body, which is often the case with cosmetic surgery for patients within a more normal weight range.
Common areas of sagging for patients who lose 100 pounds or more in a relatively short time include the back, thighs, abdomen, arms, breasts, face, and neck.
Body contouring is one type of cosmetic surgery that can significantly improve the shape of the body, but it cannot improve the quality of the skin. It is important to have realistic expectations from body contouring, especially after significant weight loss. The skin tissue will still be supple over time, but not like it was before the initial weight gain.
There is a wide variety of options in cosmetic surgery, and it is often necessary to perform more than one to achieve the full effect for a person who has lost over 100 pounds. The surgery should be custom-designed to fit your wants and needs.
Here is a list of some common surgeries connected with weight loss and related skin-tightening procedures:
Tummy Tuck - The tummy tuck is an operation designed to remove extra skin and fat from your abdominal area. It should also tighten the muscles along your abdominal wall. You will see almost immediate results; on your way out of the operating room, you should be able to perceive a tighter, firmer stomach.
Upper Arm Lift - The upper arm lift eradicates unwanted skin and fat from the arm, eliminating unsightly flabbiness. You will come away from this procedure with a firmer, younger skin tone that is closer to the rest of your body than the flabby arm had been.
Thigh Lift – Incisions or liposuction are used to take away excess skin and fat from the thighs. This will take the "orange peel" look away from your legs and will help you to have tighter buttocks and thighs over time.
Full Body Lift – This is the most thorough, and the most popular, post-weight loss cosmetic surgery. Excess skin and fat are removed from all over the body, including the hips, buttocks, belly, back, and outer thighs, and can offer lifelong dramatic results for the disciplined patient.
Significant weight loss comes at a cost. Whether you paid in money or in sweat for your weight loss, there is no reason why you should not now have the body you deserve.
Wed, 30 January 2008
Solving A Crisis With An Unsecured Personal Loan
If you have recently found yourself in financial trouble because of an unexpected event or problem and you aren't sure how you are going to pay the bills or get the problem taken care of you might want to consider taking out an unsecured personal loan. This is a great way to protect your assets and solve the problem sooner rather than later. This is not something that you want to do for just any reason, if you can help it, but a personal loan can really help you out in a pinch.
Personal loans come in really handy in a pinch because you don't have to wait weeks at a time for an approval process. These loans are made for those that need to pay off other debts or paying off a onetime expense that you hadn't planned for. Many people use these loans when unexpected medical bills come up or when they have to travel for a family emergency, buy a new car, or repair a vehicle.
Unsecured personal loans are preferable because you can receive the entire amount of the loan up front, you don't have limits as to what you can use and when. In addition to getting the full amount of the loan right away, if you need it, the funds that you are approved for will be paid to you by check or even by direct deposit into your checking account so they are available for immediate use. You can be approved for a personal loan in as little as a couple hours and you can receive the money in as little as 24 hours. You simply cannot beat timing like this.
Personal loans provide consumers with the ability to pay off bills and other expenses to help prevent a financial crisis, but then they continue to be affordable. Most of the time personal loans have interest rates and principal so you don't have to worry about fluctuating interest rates. In addition you will usually have monthly payments and you can usually pay more towards the principal at any time and there is typically not a pre-payment penalty. So, if you take out the loan and you are able to pay it off sooner than you thought, you won't be penalized for it.
Most banks will offer unsecured personal loans for as little as $1,000 to as much as $250,000 though these amounts may vary slightly. The term of the loan will generally be up to five years, though this may depend on the state that you live in, your credit, as well as the amount of money that you are borrowing. Fees associated with the loan will vary depending on your bank as well as where you live.
Unsecured personal loans have the ability to get you out of very sticky situations very quickly. If you have had something come up and you just cannot pay it off consider what an unsecured personal loan can do for you. In just a few days time you may be able to take care of those finances that are leaving you stressed out and tossing and turning at night.
Source; Article Dashboard
Mon, 04 February 2008
Tattoo Art Tips : How to Take Care of a New Tattoo
If you finally decide to get a tattoo you will go to a recommended tattoo artist. He will probably show you some designs to pick from. If you don't like any of them you can ask him to do a custom one. Be careful when choosing the design of your new tattoo because you will live with it all your life. anyway, after getting a tattoo done you should know some aftercare tips that cannot be ignored.
If you go to a good tattoo shop than the tattooist will clean and apply antiseptic ointment to the tattoo while creating it. This is the healthiest way to make a tattoo.
After the job is finished the artist will clean it and use another coat of ointment. Then will apply a piece of cellophane or soft tissue.
After all that is done the tattooist will explain you how to take care of your new tattoo or he will give you a sheet with detailed instructions. in case none of this happens i will explain you in the rest of this article what you should do.
1. First of all, when you get home, don't jump immediately in the shower. My advice is to keep it dry(but also clean). Be sure to wash your hands very well before touching the new tattoo. This way you won't have any complications or infections.
2. Next, go to the first drug store you find and buy a tube of A&D Ointment. Apply it on the tattoo the first four too six days. After it gets dry remove the old application with a piece of soft cloth and then apply another one. Be very careful not to rub too hard the new tattoo. Do not use soap in the first few day, it's not recommended.
3. After few days you can stop using the A&D Ointment. Try to use some kind unscented, unmedicated body lotion, as some scents may irritate the still-tender skin of your tattoo.
4. After you have applied the body lotion for around week you can stop doing that. A problem is that when the tattoo heals it will scab in some portions. When you will try to pick this cabs be very careful not to damage your tattoo design. So the best for you and your tattoo is to let it heal alone.
So after you get a new tattoo and fallow this after car instructions you can be sure that you won't have any problems. I use this methods my self and i can sincerly recommend it.
Source:BestTattoos.com
Sat, 09 February 2008
Some Background to Laser Tattoo Removal
As lasers became more available and affordable it meant that tattoos could be removed with a higher level of safety and effectiveness than before with other non-laser tattoo removal methods. Laser removal of tattoos work by sending different colour light pulses into the skin. The tattoo ink particles absorb the light, heat up and then break up into smaller particles that can be taken away by our bodies immune system. Earlier Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser systems worked but because the duration of contact between the skin and the laser pulse, scarring would result to a degree. More up to date Q-Switched lasers deliver the beam at a much faster speed and can be controlled better which results in little or no scarring.
Source:Femininetattoo.com.uk
Sat, 16 February 2008
Payday Loans Can Powerful Tool For Those In Financial Need
If you are in a tough financial situation, and find yourself needing cash and your next paycheck is several days away a payday loan just might be the solution to all of your financial needs. If your think you have seen those ads for the fast cash payday loans, and you and others you know assume right away that they are scams, maybe you should think again. Sure they do charge more interest than a more traditional loan for the cash that they lend you until your next payday, but you know what, there are plenty of people who need money immediately, and have been saved by a easy, simple fast payday loans that give you cash when you need it.
Yeah, I know that I am well off now, and really want very little in my life but this was not always quite the case, just as it is not the case for millions of Americans today that work hard and live from paycheck to paycheck. There was a time when I was on the edge of absolute abject poverty with not a thing in the world. It had gotten so bad that the banks were threatening to repossess my car, which would have meant that I would not have had a vehicle to travel to and from work, and if I lost my job I would only get deeper in debt and had zero income. I needed money pretty darn bad. So, I decide to look into getting money through a payday loan advance.
By money, I mean almost a thousand dollars. It's strange to have all that cash in transferred to your bank account when your used to your balance never being over a couple of hundred dollars, and knowing that you can not spend any of it on luxury items. It is all set aside for important bills, which I paid and I was no longer worried about losing my car, or anything else for that matter. The payday loan I received saved my job, and my car.
I had suddenly gotten enough to get back on my feet again. The process of getting my payday loan was really quite simple. I filled out the forms on the Internet and gave them all of the information they requested, including my bank account number and bank routing number. Very quickly I was informed my loan was approved and the money would be in my bank account within twenty four hours, and sure enough the money was tin my account the next morning. I did not have to beg a loan officer to ignore my bad credit, or convince someone that the reason I needed to borrow the money was for a good cause. There was absolutely no embarrassment on my part or judgments from the payday loan company. I did not even have to fax the payday loan company any documents, the whole process was just easy.
Several weeks after I got my loan, I paid it off. Since I paid the loan off on time the company let me know that I could get another loan with them without any problems if I needed it. I took the up on that offer several months later; I borrowed less money this time to make sure I had enough cash for my vacation. Payday Loans can be a powerful tool to help those in financial need, if used correctly.
Source:http://powerfulpaydayloans.com/
Fri, 14 March 2008
Bad Credit Loan: Financial Help For Low Scorers
The number of people with bad credit history is increasing day by day. And once you attain this tag, it becomes impossible to wash this stain off. Any request for personal loan by people with bad credit was generally declined. But now bad credit loans are designed especially to meet the requirements of people having bad credit record.
Bad credit loans are crafted specifically to help those who have credit problems like CCJs, IVA, loan non repayment, arrears or defaults etc against their name. Now, with the help of this loan, they can meet their demands like home refurbishing, paying education fees, wedding expenses, paying off debts or buying a vehicle.
Bad credit loans can be availed in two forms, secured and unsecured. For secured bad credit loan one is required to pledge an asset as collateral. The amount derived is based on the equity value of collateral. One can avail an amount ranging from $ 5000 and $ 75000 with a repayment term of 5- 25 years.
Unsecured bad credit loans are collateral free. So those who don’t want to risk their asset can opt for unsecured loan type. But the interest rate charged is slightly higher in it. Unsecured options advance the amount ranging between $ 1000 and $25000 with a repayment term of 6 months- 10 years.
Various banks and financial institution are ready to lend bad credit loans provided you produce documents of your income and bank statements. This will satisfy the lender of your repaying ability. Many lucrative deals on the loan amount are available online also. Online dealing is comparatively faster and saves a lot of time.
With the help of bad credit loans, the people with credit problems can solve their troubles and can also improve their credit score by paying off the loan in time. To maintain a healthy credit score, borrower must ensure to repay the installments regularly.
By: Tom Dikkin
Sat, 22 March 2008
Online Refinancing Option
Online Refinancing Option
Although the Internet is useful for handling important matters, some people are leery about obtaining a loan through online mortgage brokers. Online refinancing is becoming increasingly popular. Most mortgage websites include comprehensive information about refinancing. The objective is to lessen nervousness and increase your trust in a lender or broker. Home buyers may complete applications online and receive a quote within a few hours. Through online refinancing, homeowners receive two quotes. If refinancing by way of a mortgage broker, the broker will obtain estimated quotes from different lenders. Requesting estimated quotes from various lenders will not lower credit scores. Homeowner can browse lenders and compare rates. Next, homeowners may select a lender from the brokers list and request an official quote. Upon reviewing an applicant's credit rating, lenders send an official quote highlighting the best interest rate and closing fees.
Source: http://home-loan-rate.blogspot.com/
Thu, 27 March 2008
Online Payday Loans
Have you found yourself in some financial troubles because you didn't have the cash you needed to pay bills that were due? Don't worry, you are not alone. Almost everyone comes across financial difficulties from time to time, whether they plan well or not. Even if you think that you are the most organized person under the sun, everyone comes into times of trouble from time to time. With all the bills that you need to keep track of in your daily life, it can be hard to manage to pay all of them and have enough funds to live comfortably.
Because sometimes people come into hard financial times where they simply cannot afford to pay for all the bills that come their way, payday loans were created. Yes, you may think that payday loans are only for financially indebted people or people who are financially irresponsible, but this is not the case at all. More and more, people are resorting to payday loans to get them through the month without falling into bankruptcy.
While you may have heard of payday loans and be sort of familiar with the process, you might be quite new to the idea of online payday loans. In our society, we rely on computers and the internet so much for things that it is no surprise that people have made the process of getting payday loans into a convenient easy to get online purchase.
Get Them Today
With online payday loans, you are taking away the entire hassle that comes with getting payday loans. Without ever leaving your home or office, you can go online and sign up for a payday loan. When you get online payday loans, you are simplifying your life and allowing the very process of loans to become easier than ever. Now you know the power of payday loans.
If you have found yourself in a sticky financial situation in which you need cash but don't know how or where to get it fast, or are unsure of taking out a loan because of the stipulations that loans come with, you do not have to worry. With our help, you can learn all about the quick and easy solution of online payday loans to make the whole problem disappear. The time is now to get on track and get the money you need to save your life.
Source: http://www.payloanstoday.com/
Sun, 20 April 2008
Many People Have Realized the Convenience and Benefits of Online Personal Loans
By Beth Pardue
The Internet has provided a whole new dimension to obtaining a personal loan. Before lending companies were available on the World Wide Web, people were limited with their loan options and from where they could get a loan. Now there are endless financial resources available to people, no matter what their credit situation may be. With so many sources to lenders available online, you can often find loan deals that beat out the interest rates and loan terms you can find at local banks and credit unions.
Online personal loan options have also made it easier for those who have tarnished credit to get a loan. Consumers can search the web to find numerous lenders willing to grant loans to people with bad credit. There are other financial tools available online that can even help get your credit back into shape. You can find debt counseling and credit monitoring services as well as many free tips to help with improving your credit score like the ones available at http://www.free-debt-consultation.com
Even though the Internet has made the personal loan process much more user friendly, the requirements to obtain a loan are still the same. You still must fill out a loan application and go through the approval process. However, the online approval process is usually much faster than the traditional loan approval turnaround time. With many online lenders you will know right away if you are approved or not.
As with any loan, you want to make sure that your credit history meets the requirements of the online loan offer. Even though it is fast and easy to apply for online loans, you want to try to keep your applications to a minimum. Filling out numerous loan applications in a short time span can be detrimental to your credit score.
It’s no wonder why so many people are catching on to the convenience of getting their loans online. With the large variety of personal loans available online, you may never have to take the time to drive to your bank for a loan ever again. More than likely, you can find any type of personal loan online that is available anywhere else. Mortgage loans, auto loans (new and used), refinance loans, debt consolidations and payday loans are just a few of the most common personal loans you can find on the Internet. Visit http://www.easy-approval-personal-loans.com to learn about some of your online personal loan options.
Sun, 18 May 2008
Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal is performed using laser therapy and the process of the patient's immune system which removes pigment fragments naturally. Lasers provide high levels of energy over very short periods of time allowing for the reduction of unwanted tattoos. For a tattoo removal to be successful it may require anywhere from three to ten treatments depending on the size, depth, intensity of the ink, line width, and color of ink. The surgeon you choose will evaluate your situation and provide you with an estimate of treatments, price, and more procedure details.
Source: http://tattoo-removal.cosmeticsurgeryprocedure.com/
Thu, 29 May 2008
18 Personal Loan Tips For Intending Borrowers
If you're thinking of borrowing money to buy a car, boat, debt consolidation, home repairs, medical bills or anything else for that matter, here are some red hot tips to make the process much, much easier.
Avoid unsecured loans if possible
Avoid using unsecured personal loans if you can put up some security for your borrowings. This will get you a lower interest rate. A home equity loan, or redraw of extra repayments, allowing you to borrow against the equity built up in your own home or an investment property, is the best option of all, and could get you finance at up to 5 percent less than a personal loan.
Be honest in loan applications
Be honest about why you want the loan. Your bank may be able to offer you a loan option that better suits your circumstances. There are an increasing variety of different types of personal credit these days; car loans, commercial loans, leases, home equity loans, are just some of the examples.
Can't get a standard loan? There are alternatives
If the banks, building societies and credit unions won't lend to you because you're self employed, newly arrived in the country or have a poor credit history, consider the booming non-conforming and "low doc" loan market. A number of non-bank lenders offer loans which especially cater for this type of borrower. The interest rates on non-conforming loans are generally higher but come down after a few years of on-time repayments.
Check your statements for errors
There are claims that more than 50 percent of loan statements contain calculation errors. Simple mistakes, like the entry of the incorrect balance or the application of the wrong interest rate at the wrong time can be costly and mostly favour the lender. We all make mistakes, even bank computers make them and that's why borrowers should keep a close eye on loan statements. Various software for your home PC is available that can run a check on your statements.
Consider smaller lenders too
When shopping around for a car loan, consider community banks, credit unions and other smaller financial institutions which might be more approachable, and offer lower interest too.
Do you have to take out a personal loan at all?
Think twice before borrowing money without security. You may have a better option already available; home equity extension to your home loan, a new loan that uses your property as security, a credit card, or even a rich relative!
Do you qualify for a 'relationship discount'?
Relationship discounts are available from banks and credit unions for those borrowers who consolidate a range of banking business with the one institution. Home and personal loan interest rate discounts, term deposit bonuses, savings account fee waivers and credit card annual fee waivers are commonly offered.
Don't just take the dealer finance
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Don’t accept loan or lease finance offered by a car dealer before comparing the offer with finance options offered by your bank or other credit providers. Dealer finance might be less hassle but you could well end up with an expensive loan and more restrictive terms and conditions. The same goes when buying furniture or any consumer goods where finance terms are offered.
Don't make multiple applications
Don’t fill out applications at several financial institutions and have all of them checking into your credit history. This can make you look desperate and lower your credit score.
Don't rely solely on comparison rates
All lenders must now include "comparison rates" in advertisements for their home loans and personal loans to help consumers get a feel for their total cost - fees and the interest. Don't rely solely on comparison rates when choosing a loan and beware of their shortcomings. They only take into account fees and interest rates, not the features and how suitable the loan is for your circumstances.
Have the right information when applying
What you will be required to supply in any application for lease finance will depend on whether the lease is for personal or business use.
Personal lease applications will require:
· proof of current employment
· income details or tax returns
Business lease financing requires more detailed information and may include your:
· balance sheet
· tax returns
· cash flow projections
· business plan
Confirm with the lender what you will need before the interview.
Have you considered a credit card?
Consider also a credit card as your source of credit. Interest rates are generally higher but credit cards are easier to secure and offer greater flexibility of repayments.
Honesty counts
Be honest about why you want the loan. Your bank may be able to offer you a loan option that better suits your circumstances. There are an increasing variety of different types of personal credit these days; car loans, commercial loans, leases, home equity loans, are just some of the examples.
Keep accurate records
Keep accurate records of your deposits and ATM transactions. It is also wise to keep copies of your loan application and approval documents in a safe place.
This is the best way to avoid hefty fees which may be charged by a bank when its customers want to see copies of their cheques or loan files.
Know what interest rate applies
When offered car finance, either lease or loan, always be sure you know what interest rate applies. Lenders often ‘sell’ you their finance packages by quoting the monthly repayments only. This may disguise a high interest rate.
Look beyond the banks
Get a feel for what's on offer across the wide range of financial providers around these days. Credit unions, building societies, mortgage originators, community banks and boutique online or telephone banks may offer better interest rates or lower fees than the big banks because they are anxious to win new business or they are non-profit organisations.
Try lenders with whom you are a regular customer
Take advantage of the human factor. Being a familiar face may earn you some slack if your credit background is smudged.
Understand what's on offer
Is the interest rate fixed or variable? What up-front, annual or ongoing fees are charged?
Source: http://www.money-tips.com.au/
Wed, 11 June 2008
9 Ways to Stretch Your Income
Here are some great tips for stretching every dollar.
1. Save a penny, keep a penny.
Dump your pocket change into a jar each night.
Invest it in a high-interest bearing account at the end of each month.
Woman's Day magazine recently suggested this money-saver, adding that if a couple puts just one dollar each into the jar every day, the sum will top $700 at the end of the year.
Invested at 10 percent interest over 10 years, that pocket change will grow into $12,000.
2. Use your computer.
You can save big money by shopping online, if you know where to look.
Do a Google search for coupon codes before you start shopping from online merchants.
You can also purchase a local coupon book for offline purchases (The Entertainment Book, for example.) I use mine all the time for groceries, oil changes, and dining out.
3. Write letters.
Whether you love the product or hate it, write the manufacturer a letter.
A company that receives a complaint is bound to make amends.
On the same token, many companies will acknowledge--and encourage--your satisfaction with coupons and discounts.
4. Shop smart.
Look at the grocery store ads before heading off to the store.
Maybe you can reserve a few items for purchase at a nearby store that is offering unusual bargains.
5. Ban impulse buying.
Make it a family policy: if you see something you like, write it on a wish list and wait at least three days before buying.
6. Watch out for "nickel and dime" expenses.
Those little snacks and coffee stops can easily add up to more than $500 per year.
7. Shop around.
Research purchases on the internet.
Before making a big online purchase, visit http://www.dealtime.com and http://www.mysimon.com.
8. Refinance your home.
Signing a few papers can save you big money on your mortgage payments. In fact, if you refinance and consolidate your debts into your home mortgage you'll find that your monthly outgoings can decrease dramatically.
It's really not as big a hassle as you might think.
Ask your friends and family for the name of a good mortgage broker
9. Examine credit card use.
If you're paying credit card debt, you're paying not just 17 percent more for your purchases than you need to, you're also missing out on the money that the sum could earn for you if you had invested it.
Try calling your credit card company and ask if there’s a way to lower your rate.
One two-minute phone call recently reduced our rate by 4 percentage points. That was one call I wish I'd made a long time ago.
The most important thing is to recognize that you control your finances. Empower yourself with smart spending.
Source:Susie Cortright
Mon, 16 June 2008
Here are 16 of the simple, everyday changes that have worked for us.
1. Use a coupon, absolutely whenever possible. I was really surprised by how many money-saving opportunities are out there when I knew where to look.
For local purchases, get an “Entertainment Book” each year and you will save on those inevitable everyday expenses ranging from dining out to accommodation and admission to movies, theme parks, etc.
For online purchases, stick to the reputable retailers. You certainly will not save any money if you are the victim of fraud or if you are simply unable to return an item. And before you start shopping, always look for a coupon code that will allow you to save on your purchase. In the past, many online retailers sent out promotional codes as a series of letters or numbers that could be entered at checkout. Now, many retailers use a button or text link that automatically activates your coupon when you click through, so it is often a good idea to find the coupon first, before you start to shop.
2. Shop around. The internet is an amazing tool for researching products and retailers, as well as for comparison shopping. We make nearly all of our large purchases online. It is also important to know where to shop. For holiday gifts, plan ahead and check out the big online discount stores. Many offer significantly reduced prices on trusted brands. And you can get great delivery rates too, even on large gifts. I once had an enormous game table shipped to me for $2.50.
3. Keep a running list of gift ideas for your loved ones. I have found that when I am confident that a gift is perfect for the recipient, I am much less likely to overspend. But that kind of inspiration rarely hits me during the pre-Christmas rush, so I need to keep a list going the whole year through.
4. Budget. Of course, it is important to know what you are really spending. For years, the budget I had in mind was really more of a “wishful thinking” budget. But this quickly led to debt. It pays to get realistic. Whether you use a computer program or a simple ledger book, make sure you know where your money is really going.
5. Save for the future. Take 10 percent of your income and put it in savings, right off the bat. Now you know what you need to cut back on (or how much more you need to earn) to shore up the deficit.
6. Plan ahead. You will want to make sure you have money in the bank for emergencies. Experts say you should have three to six months of living expenses set aside, for those just-in-case times. It sounds like a lot, but start socking away money each month, and it will add up fast.
7. Get organised. When your home is organised, you will be less likely to spend money on items that are already hiding in the nether reaches of your closet and drawers. The same goes for your refrigerator and kitchen cupboards. Purge and organize before you shop.
8. Simplify. There is a certain romance to the “simplify your life” movement. And having too much stuff really does weigh us down. Take a look at everything in your home. If it does not add joy, beauty, meaning, or usefulness to your life, give it away. And when you are tempted to buy something new, it must pass the same test.
On a quarterly basis, go through your house and ask yourself these same things again. Go through your closet, attic, garage, and basement and purge those items that do not add genuine joy, beauty, meaning or usefulness to your everyday life.
9. Reduce, reuse and recycle. A simple lifestyle, for me, is about reducing my urge to over-consume. It is about being kind to the environment. It is about spending less money on material things, so that I have more time and money to spend on memories with my family. Make changes that will help the environment and your purse at the same time. Install water saving kits on your toilet. Write on the back sides of paper. Use reusable containers in your lunches. All these little things really do add up, and it is important to show our children how we can all be part of the solution.
10. Shop without your kids. I know that if I get a shopping cart at Coles and I do not have a list, I will spend $150. If the kids are with me, I will spend even more. This is another reason it makes sense to do your shopping online. You are less likely to purchase the incidentals.
11. Make sure that your credit card is paying you back via an incentive program. I found a credit card that allows me to earn points on my daily purchases toward our annual vacation trip, including airline miles and hotel accommodations. Since most of my expenses each month are incurred at the grocery store, I found a card that rewards specifically for these types of purchases. Of course, you will need to make sure that you are paying off your balance each and every month. Paying a high interest rate on your credit card will quickly negate any savings you accrue on your incentive plan.
12. Lower your interest rates. If you are carrying a balance on a credit card, give the credit card company a call to see if they will give you a lower rate. Sometimes, it is just that easy.
13. Shop around for insurance. The money you pay for car, home, life and health insurance can vary greatly. Do some research to find out if you are getting the best rate.
14. Be wary of the influence of TV commercials and print ads, especially on your children. We hear fewer cries of “I want that!” when we keep our kids programming to those channels rely less on advertising dollars, such as the ABC and some pay TV channels.
15. Play “Time Warp.” This is a technique I first learned from “My Monastery is a Minivan,” by Denise Roy, and I use it quite a lot. It goes like this: When you are tempted to make a purchase, mentally fast-forward through the life of the item. For example, in her book, Roy thinks she needs new candleholders. She imagines spending time at the mall to find them, soon having to clean them, and then, years down the road, packing them in the giveaway box. She shirks the purchase and soon rediscovers the heirloom candleholders that are packed away right in her own home.
I like to play this "fast forward" technique in reverse, too, asking: What new clothes did I buy last season? (Sometimes, I can not remember). Where are those "I have to have it" items now?
16. Keep your mind on abundance. When you are thinking about money, it is really important to get out of the poverty mindset. Too often, when we are focused on saving money, we are living from a perspective that focuses on lack and scarcity, which tends to bring about more of the same. It has been really helpful for me to make a conscious effort to see the world as infinitely abundant and to rest in the notion that my needs will be taken care of. This is generally a simple matter of thinking more about what I *do* have than what I do not have.
All my days of penny-pinching have certainly proven to me that it truly does not take money to make us happy. Many of my fondest memories have occurred in the smallest homes. My child’s favourite playthings tend to be the inexpensive items that were never designed to be toys at all.
And it is the simple, everyday pleasures that are the sweetest, when enjoyed together.
Source:Jamie Jefferson
Mon, 23 June 2008
Cosmetic Tattoo
Cosmetic tattooing, permanent makeup or semi-permanent makeup are sometimes the terms used for a revolutionary non-surgical procedure of applying natural pigments into the middle layer of the skin.
This state of the art technique is medically proven and specifically designed to be completely safe. Permanent makeup is used for a variety of permanent cosmetic enhancements such as eyebrows, eyeliner and lip colour. Other procedures include scar camouflage, hairline enhancement treatments and tattoo removal.
Source:http://www.australiancosmetictattoo.com/
Sat, 28 June 2008
Do You Work For Your Money Or Does Your Money Work For You ?
The Poor Cash Flow Pattern
In order to understand the three basic cash flow patterns, you must first understand the difference between an asset and a liability. When you stop working for money, an asset is something that will put money in your pocket every month. A liability is something that will take money out of your pocket every month. This idea touches on the difference between earned income and passive income.
The first basic cash flow pattern is the poor cash flow pattern. Before most people even learn about money they want things, and so they learn first to work FOR money. As their income is earned it is just as quickly spent on their list of wanted items. The poor cash flow pattern has earned income flowing in and entirely back out to expenses.
It does not matter if you have a sizeable income, because money does not make you rich or poor. Money is just a tool. It is how you are managing the tool (money) that determines whether you become rich or poor. Even with a substantial income you are still poor as long as your focus is only to earn your income and pay your expenses.
You may make $500,000 a year, you may have enough income to cover all of your expenses, but if you were to stop working for money you would quickly realize that you are poor, and the idea that you were not was just a temporary illusion.
The Middle-Class Cash Flow Pattern
Eventually people get tired of this routine and begin to gain better understanding and control over their expenses. Enough time spent focused on working for money may produce extra income in the way of a raise or a promotion.
Most people still have not spent any time to financially educate themselves, so they don't know what to do with the extra money. They don't have any ideas of their own about financing their retirement, either. The extra money is usually used to buy a newer car, a bigger house, and anything left over usually accumulates as savings. Eventually most are sold on putting the extra money into a portfolio for their retirement, usually consisting of mutual funds.
These purchases make life more comfortable, and so feel like assets...but they create an expense every month for a very long period of time. The misunderstanding is made worse by bankers who ask you to list your cars and home as assets against loans. By definition, these purchases are liabilities.
The Wealthy Cash Flow Pattern
A change of focus to passive income leads people down the path to a wealthy cash flow pattern. When you look at the pattern of the wealthy you may notice- they do not get their income from a job. Their cash flows in from assets.
Imagine spending your time figuring out a process that will automatically produce some income for you every month. Now imagine duplicating and improving upon that process until it automatically produces your ENTIRE income every month. Finally, you will stop working for money. That process is a business, and that income is a passive income.
From that point forward you will be financially independent. You will not work for money, you will have money working for you. It might take you 2, 3, or even 5 years to establish a system to that point, but once you do you can retire. Once you retire, you have all of your time to spend however you like.
This is the reason understanding the three basic cash flow patterns is so important. These patterns demonstrate the reason why you can become financially independent in just a few years working at a seven dollar an hour job. Your biggest obstacle in the beginning is controlling your expenses and changing your focus from earned income to passive income. Once you have become committed to these fundamental ideas, only persistence stands between you and great wealth.
Written by: Frank Hills
Mon, 07 July 2008
Tattoo removal
Unwanted tattoos can cause psychological problems, especially if they are easily visible. In the past, tattoo removal almost always led to unacceptable scarring of the skin. The development of modern lasers means that tattoos can be safely and effectively removed in most cases.
Types of tattoos
There are three main types of tattoos:
Decorative tattoos are made by repeatedly puncturing the skin with a needle saturated with coloured ink.
Traumatic tattoos can occur if the skin is grazed along the surface of a road and tiny pieces of grit and carbon powder enter the skin.
Gunpowder explosions can cause tattooing if the gunpowder penetrates the skin.
Why tattoos are permanent
Tattoos appear under a microscope as tiny granules of colour (pigment). These granules are located in a skin cell known as a macrophage. Macrophages normally remove foreign objects (for example, bacteria) from the body. The pigment, grit or carbon powder that has caused the tattoo ‘freezes’ the macrophage cell so that it can’t do its job. As a result, the pigment remains in the skin and the tattoo becomes permanent.
Old versus new methods of tattoo removal
In the past, a variety of methods have been used to remove tattoos, including skin grafting, dermabrasion (removing the top layers of skin), acid de-tattooing, infra-red and argon and carbon dioxide lasers. These treatments caused scarring in a large number of cases. The development of Q-Switched lasers means tattoos can now be safely removed in most cases. The Q-switched Alexandrite laser is best for removal of green pigment while the Q-switched Yag laser is better for removing blue/black pigments. This laser is also best for people with darker skin.
How the new treatments work
Q-switched lasers work by penetrating the skin and breaking up the tattoo pigments into smaller pieces. The macrophage cells are then able to clear these smaller pigments from the skin. The laser feels like a snapping rubber band. It will not damage the normal skin surrounding the tattoo.
Tattoos take weeks or months to fade
The tattoo will take weeks or months to fade after treatment. Several treatments will be required before the tattoo fades. In general:
Self-applied tattoos require three to four treatments.
Tattoos applied by a professional tattooist and involving several colours will require more than 10 treatments.
A low risk of scarring
As with all medical or surgical treatments, tattoo removal involves some risks:
In less than five per cent of cases, some very minor scarring may be seen.
Some patients also develop some lightening of the skin.
Where to get help
Your doctor for advice and referral
The Australasian College of Dermatologists www.dermcoll.asn.au
Things to remember
Most tattoos can be safely and effectively removed using a modern laser.
It will take weeks or months after treatment before the tattoo fades.
Possible complications of tattoo removal include minor scarring and lightening of the skin.
Written by:http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Sat, 12 July 2008
CHOOSING A PIERCER
Consider first visiting the studio without intending to get pierced so that you are not under pressure or
too nervous to be aware of the quality of the services.
The best way to judge a piercer is to look at his/her work. If possible, talk to customers about their
experiences. Ask to see a portfolio, specifically photographs of the piercing you are interested in and
preferably photos of successfully healed piercings.
While attendance of a piercer training seminar or class should be considered an advantage, it does
not guarantee a piercer's level of skill or experience. Ideally, a training seminar serves as a wellrounded
introduction to safe and responsible piercing.
The facility should be clean, orderly, and well lit. All Instruments utilized during the procedure should
be sterile. Disposable items such as gloves, needle, cork, towels, cotton swabs, and gauze pads
should all be new and sterilized if possible.
The piercer should answer any questions before and after the piercing is performed. You should feel
comfortable and at ease, not rushed. The piercer should review the piercing procedure and give both
oral and written aftercare instructions. S/he should discuss the risks and possible complications
associated with the piercing, which may include infection, migration or rejection, scarring, allergy or
sensitivity to the jewellery, allergy or sensitivity to the aftercare products, and suggest a course of
action in case a problem does occur.
A responsible piercing studio will require that you complete a waiver form which describes the limits of
piercer liability as well as what you should expect before, during and after the piercing procedure. The
waiver serves to protect both the piercer and customer. It is your responsibility to inform the piercer
of any medical conditions which may be exacerbated by the piercing procedure or of conditions which
may interfere with the healing process.
The piercer should practice aseptic technique, which includes appropriate sterilization of instruments
and jewellery, disinfection of surfaces, and avoiding cross-contamination. Every instrument that comes
into contact with your body or with the jewellery should come from sealed sterilization packets with
sterilization indicators. The needle and jewellery should remain in sterilisation packets until they are
used.
Jewellery, as it is received from the manufacturer, should be assumed to be non-sterile. Ideally, the
jewellery should be sterilized in individual autoclave packages that are opened in front of the
customer so that there is no question that the jewellery has been sterilized. Jewellery which has been
bulk sterilized must be stored and handled responsibly. Jewellery that has been stored in a display
case or handled with bare hands should be re-sterilized. Jewellery that has previously been worn
should be sterilized.
The piercer should wear new, disposable gloves throughout the procedure and should change gloves
when appropriate to avoid cross contamination. Cross contamination occurs when a clean or sterile
item comes into contact with a contaminated item. Cross contamination also occurs when a clean or
sterile item is handled with contaminated gloves or gloves that have been worn to handle
contaminated items. To prevent cross contamination of sterile instruments during the piercing
procedure, the piercer should change gloves if s/he touches anything that is non-sterile or unsuitably
contaminated (ie. handled with bare hands or used instruments that have not been sterilized). After
the piercer completes the piercing procedure, s/he should change gloves before handling items that
will not be disposed of or autoclaved.
Because everyone is built differently, not everyone is anatomically suited for every piercing. Certain
daily activities and sports can prolong healing or prohibit certain piercings. An experienced piercer will
be able to ascertain if the piercing is likely to be successful.
3
A piercing should not be attempted if there is not enough tissue to support the piercing. Piercings
made in flat areas often migrate or reject (grow-out). The optimum area to be pierced is one in which
the piercing will be perpendicular to the tissue, like an earlobe piercing.
Wearing jewellery of an appropriate metal, design, and dimensions (gauge and diameter) is important
for a successful piercing. The body more easily rejects jewellery that is too thin in gauge. Wearing
jewellery that is too thin increases the risk of the piercing being torn if the jewellery gets caught or
pulled. Wearing jewellery that is too thick and heavy may cause the piercing to migrate or reject. The
jewellery must not be so thick that the strength of the tissue is compromised.
The diameter or length of the jewellery must be chosen carefully. The jewellery should be chosen
after the piercing is measured. Some piercings tend to swell during the healing period. Wearing
jewellery that is too small in diameter or length will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to
migrate and scar.
Source: www.hepcvic.org.au/pdf/healthy
Sun, 20 July 2008
The Best Cosmetic Products For Women
Like a young girl who has found a new fun toy, this article about cosmetic products will present a whole new world of joy and wonder for you. Modern technology gives today's women a huge advantage over women of our grandmother's time. While cell phone technology gives us instant access to family members, modern fabrics allow for wash and wear convenience. As for our personal appearance, with the cosmetics products now available, there's simply no excuse for not looking your best. There are cosmetic products for every beauty need - wrinkles are diminished and nails made beautiful in just a matter of minutes. Let's take a look and see how some of today's cosmetic products would have been a dream come true for your grandmother. If you're old enough to remember putting your hair in old-fashioned rollers which poked your head all night and more often than not, fell out before the morning's brushing, you can appreciate the bevy of hair curling cosmetic products at your disposal today. There are curlers which come in special boxes to steam before placing in the hair. This means your do is perfection in less than twenty minutes. You no longer have to deal with nasty-smelling sprays which make the hair as stiff as a board. Gels and mousses keep every hair in place and have a nice fragrance as well. In Grandma's day, all the cosmetic products in the world wouldn't hide scraggly looking nails. The ordinary woman, with everyday cleaning causing snags and breaks, had to be satisfied with short nails. Press-on nails have hit the cosmetic products scene. You can have gorgeous, sexy nails with multi-color effects, intricate designs and glittery highlights at a moment's notice. Perhaps one of the greatest cosmetic products to come to the rescue of today's woman is the face cream, with a solution for every type of skin and age group. Today it's possible to keep those telltale wrinkles away. There are cosmetic products developed just for teenage skin, eliminating blemishes while nourishing young skin. There are creams suitable for daytime application as well as rejuvenating creams that work all through the night. Still more are especially for use on delicate under-eye areas.
Before we go an further, lets take a moment to review what we have learned so far about this amazing subject. Cosmetics products designed for cleaning the skin are no longer limited to cold creams. Young or older, you'll find cleansing creams and lotions to nourish and invigorate your skin. Make-up is light years ahead of Grandma's repertoire. Her foundation was a heavy liquid which never quite looked natural. Now, the number of available shades are many and today's foundation is light and natural, handily covering minor imperfections. Any cosmetic products counter, from pricey department stores to the discount drugstore, presents dozens of choices in lip color and eye shadow. Yes, we should thank our lucky stars for the modern technology that produced the current selection of cosmetic products. Besides the obvious beauty advantages, these products are relatively inexpensive when you consider the life span of a bottle of foundation or box of eyeshadow. A visit to the cosmetics counter can be fun indeed! As my smart dad once said, knowing stuff is everything, so continue gathering information about cosmetic products until you feel you are adequately educated on the subject. You can gain more information about this fun and exciting topic if you Google it.
By: Gnubas
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Sat, 26 July 2008
Who wants to be a millionaire?
Australia now has more of them than Brazil or Spain. John Collett looks at the reasons why.Thanks to the resources boom, the ranks of Australia's millionaires swelled more quickly last year than in most other developed countries...
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The number of Australians with financial assets of at least $US1 million ($1.03 million), excluding the family home but including superannuation, rose 7.1 per cent to 172,000, according to a survey by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini.
Of the 71 countries surveyed, Australia ranked 10th by number of millionaires.
Australia has more millionaires than Brazil and Spain, despite those countries having much bigger populations. As expected, the US is still the richest country and is home to 3 million of the world's 10 million millionaires.
Yet the large emerging economies of China, India, Russia and Brazil are growing their ranks of millionaires much more quickly than countries with fully developed economies. China, which had 415,000 millionaires last year, is on the verge of overtaking Britain and its 495,000 millionaires.
However, the credit crunch and turmoil in world financial markets slowed the millionaire club's growth rate last year and is expected to affect this year as well.
Wealth in Australia has been generated in several ways, says Thomas Alexy, Merrill Lynch's head of global wealth in Australia. Certainly, the booming demand for commodities has helped, he says.
"But the wealth comes in a lot of shapes and forms."
Apart from the handful of lottery winners, the prerequisite for building wealth is either being successfully self-employed, having a job with a high income or receiving an inheritance.
Yet plenty squander their income without having much to show for it.
Those with discipline who get good advice and take full advantage of Australia's quite generous tax system for borrowing to invest tend to do the best, Alexy says.
He says successful long-term investors are those who preserve their capital with good asset allocation and "never try to hit the big home run".
Andrew Inwood, the founder of brandmanagement, which conducts market research for the financial services industry, estimates that one in four of Australia's millionaires was born overseas.
"Migrants with money used to be mostly from Europe but are now from Asia and even the Middle East and Africa," Inwood says.
He says another striking feature of Australia's millionaires is that about three-quarters own their own small or medium-sized businesses and more than 70 per cent are tertiary educated.
PATIENCE
Doug Turek, the founder of high-end financial planning firm Professional Wealth, says wealth is driven by age, income and a few habits or traits - the main one being patience.
"Barring a few dotcom or iron ore millionaires, it is very hard to accumulate assets quickly; you need time for these things to build. It doesn't necessarily matter if your investment focus is strictly shares or direct property, or a mix of those things or even building a business. The key is having a disciplined focus over a long period of time."
Turek has developed an online survey (www.wealthbenchmarkets.com.au) where people enter their financial details anonymously and in return are told how their wealth compares with others of the same age and income.
More than 90 per cent of the participants in the survey are male. "Males seem to be picking up higher income roles than females," Turek says.
"There is plenty of other research to show that women, because of their time out of the workforce and inequalities in roles and promotion, are not as wealthy as men."
However, Turek says the marked predominance of wealthy males in his online survey may be partly because men are more comfortable than females in sharing their financial information, even though it is given anonymously.
"It is a male-dominated wealthy world," he says.
One of the key determinants of wealth is the family situation. "Being together and not divorced is a very strong success indicator because of the tremendous financial costs of separation over a lifetime," Turek says. "If you have been divorced, your net worth will only grow to three-quarters of those who are not."
PENNY PINCHERS
Inwood, whose company recently conducted a focus group with wealthy people, says some millionaires enjoy an extravagant lifestyle but most are modest in their spending. They tend not to spend that much on clothes and holidays, and are generally "tight" with money but will spend on quality things.
Turek says working overseas is also good for building wealth. "We have found that those that have spent time working overseas have a higher net worth than those who have not.
"You can think of professionals who have worked for a law firm in London or for an investment bank. Then there are those who have grown up in another culture and economy, and have come to Australia as a wealthy migrant."
It is not only those on particularly high incomes that have become wealthy.
Inwood uses a lower threshold for the definition of a high-net-worth individual than many other researchers. His definition is those with assets of more than $450,000 outside of their homes and superannuation. Recent research by brandmanagement shows that about half of them earn less than $100,000 a year.
They are those in their 50s and 60s, the baby boomer generation who have enjoyed rising house prices during the 1990s and 2000s and have good savings and investment habits. Home ownership has given them a springboard to borrow and invest.
Now that house prices are much higher than when the baby boomers first got onto the property ladder, it remains to be seen whether younger generations will fare as well.
SOURCE: John Collett - The Age
Mon, 28 July 2008
7 Cash Flow Steps to a Healthy Budget
The word budget can strike fear into even the strongest of people. If there is one thing very few people are ready for when they leave the safety of home for the first time it is dealing with money. There are not too many people who even know how to balance their chequebook after they open their first chequeing account. So creating a budget can be a scary proposition for anyone who isn't good at keeping track of their money.
But if we look at a budget in a different light then maybe it will be easier to live with what it is. And all it is is a cash flow plan. All a budget does is track where the money is flowing from and where it is flowing to. Cash flow; it's what makes the world go around.
Here are 7 steps you can use to plan your cash flow and before you know it you'll have built a budget. Start with a piece of paper and a pencil; you can save those fancy budgeting software packages for later.
1. Write down your monthly income. If you are a salaried worker this should be easy. If your income is not that steady then add up the past three months worth of income and average it by dividing by three. This will give you a good starting point.
2. Start writing down all your monthly expenses. Mortgage, rent, car payment, credit card payments, utilities, groceries, eating out, entertainment, and anything else you spend money on. For those expenses that fluctuate, such as groceries and gas, use the three month average method to get an accurate amount.
3. Here's the scary part for most people. Subtract the expenses from the income and see what's left. You will either have a positive cash flow or negative cash flow. Unfortunately in this day of increasing debt most people have a negative cash flow.
4. Once you have your monthly cash flow laid out in front of you you can start assigning your money to your expenses. As you make those payments throughout the month write them down to see how your spending lines up with what you have budgeted for that particular item.
5. If you have a negative cash flow then you can start looking at everything you have written down and find areas where your spending may not be in the best interest of you financial goals. As you do this you can free up money for more important financial considerations.
6. The first time you do a cash flow plan it probably won't work out quite right. It normally takes about three months to get everything working right while you figure out where your money has been going every month. Be patient with your budget and before long it will start working and you will regain control of your money.
7. Once you are comfortable with your written budget and you have better control of where your money goes and what it does then consider investing in some budget software such as Quicken. It can make your cash flow plan much easier and with the added features like retirement and tax planning it can give you a solid financial future.
By using these 7 cash flow steps you can begin your budget quickly and easily. Only by taking back control of your money can you improve your financial future for you and your family.
Written by:Andrew Bicknell
Tue, 05 August 2008
Cosmetic Surgery Loans for Tattoo Removal
There are two reasons that many people who are thinking about laser tattoo removal decide not to go ahead with the procedure. The first reason is that they are afraid of the pain associated with tattoo removal. The second is that they are afraid that they can’t afford the cost of tattoo removal. While both of these are valid concerns, they shouldn’t limit you from getting tattoo removal if you really do want to get rid of those tattoos.
Cosmetic surgery loans are one option that many people are starting to consider for managing the cost of paying for tattoo removal. Tattoo removal is considered by many places to be a form of cosmetic surgery. This makes sense since it is a treatment which is done to cosmetically improve the appearance of the individual. Cosmetic surgery loans offer payment plans that let you create a manageable budget for affording your laser tattoo removal.
As for the pain … if you were able to tolerate the physical discomfort of getting the tattoo, you can probably bear the pain associated with tattoo removal. More importantly, you should weigh the pain of removal with the pain of keeping the tattoo. People get tattoos removed because they cause emotional pain and because they cause problems with moving forward in careers. The pain of removing the tattoo is only temporary but this other pain can last forever.
Source:http://www.tattoohealth.org
Mon, 11 August 2008
Tattoo Art Tips : How to Take Care of a New Tattoo
If you finally decide to get a tattoo you will go to a recommended tattoo artist. He will probably show you some designs to pick from. If you don't like any of them you can ask him to do a custom one. Be careful when choosing the design of your new tattoo because you will live with it all your life. anyway, after getting a tattoo done you should know some aftercare tips that cannot be ignored.
If you go to a good tattoo shop than the tattooist will clean and apply antiseptic ointment to the tattoo while creating it. This is the healthiest way to make a tattoo.
After the job is finished the artist will clean it and use another coat of ointment. Then will apply a piece of cellophane or soft tissue.
After all that is done the tattooist will explain you how to take care of your new tattoo or he will give you a sheet with detailed instructions. in case none of this happens i will explain you in the rest of this article what you should do.
1. First of all, when you get home, don't jump immediately in the shower. My advice is to keep it dry(but also clean). Be sure to wash your hands very well before touching the new tattoo. This way you won't have any complications or infections.
2. Next, go to the first drug store you find and buy a tube of A&D Ointment. Apply it on the tattoo the first four too six days. After it gets dry remove the old application with a piece of soft cloth and then apply another one. Be very careful not to rub too hard the new tattoo. Do not use soap in the first few day, it's not recommended.
3. After few days you can stop using the A&D Ointment. Try to use some kind unscented, unmedicated body lotion, as some scents may irritate the still-tender skin of your tattoo.
4. After you have applied the body lotion for around week you can stop doing that. A problem is that when the tattoo heals it will scab in some portions. When you will try to pick this cabs be very careful not to damage your tattoo design. So the best for you and your tattoo is to let it heal alone.
So after you get a new tattoo and fallow this after car instructions you can be sure that you won't have any problems. I use this methods my self and i can sincerly recommend it.
Source:http://www.besttattooes.com
Mon, 18 August 2008
Which Credit Card is Right for You
If you're in the market for a new credit card, there is a bewildering array of cards to choose from. There are even more incentive offers, so how can you decide on the card that is best for you? Here are some of the factors to consider.
What Kind Of Payer Are You?
The most crucial question is whether you are a person who clears the credit card every month or whether you always leave a balance on the credit card.
If you pay up at the end of every month, then you can go for a credit card that offers an incentive. If not, then you need to look at the annual percentage rate (APR) on the card. If you know what your typical credit card balance is, look at the illustrations given by card issuers to give a guide to how much you might have to repay over time.
Taking An Interest
Even with interest rates, you need to be careful. Although your new credit card may come with a 0% balance transfer rate, this is not the only rate to think about. Look at the rate on purchases or other transactions to see what you might be paying. And remember that any payments you make are likely to pay off the transferred balance first, while any new spending accrues interest.
Compare Credit Cards
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Hand in hand with the interest rate goes the interest-free period. This is the delay between spending money on the credit card and being charged interest. This can vary considerably depending on the card you choose. The interest free period can be as much as 56 days. And it's how you use it that counts. If you put major spending on the credit card after the statement date, you have a month till the next statement, and then a few weeks to make the payment. This can be a good way of managing cash flow.
Look At The Fees
There are three types of fees that count with credit cards. The first is the cash withdrawal fee. Many credit card issuers charge you for withdrawing cash at an ATM. These fees can be around 2% of the transaction. The percentage is even higher when withdrawing cash abroad. If you must use the credit card, then you're better off making one large withdrawal so you don't pay the minimum fee each time.
Getting Some Cash Back
Some credit cards offer annual cashback deals which are great for people who clear their balance every month, but not so good for others. If you don't clear your balance, the interest charged will wipe out any cashback gains. There are also reward points schemes that allow cardholders to earn money from their spending – and spend it again with a variety of high street and online retailers.
Paying attention to these items will help you to choose a credit card that will match your financial situation.
Source:Amanda Cherry
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