Save on Your Credit Score this Holiday Season

With the economy slowing and holidays just around the corner, many consumers may be looking to credit cards to help them get through the heavy shopping season. While that may be a good short-term solution, you want to make sure you don't overlook the long-term impact on your credit rating. After all, the actions you take today could hang over your head for years to come--and may make it tough for you to get the home loan or car loan you want in the future.

To help you make sure you manage your credit cards--and your credit score--during the upcoming holiday spending season, follow these steps:

Double-check your card limits. Many credit card companies today have started lowering credit limits. That means you have less credit available, but it also may mean that your credit score is about to take a hit. That's because approximately 30% of your credit score is based on the amount you owe in relation to your available credit. So, if a credit card company cuts back your limit, you may find that you're suddenly almost maxed out. That's not a good sign for your long-term credit score rating.

Ask, pay down, or move around. If some of your credit limits have changed or are nearly maxed out, you can take a few steps to help alleviate the problem. First, consider simply asking for a higher limit to your card...not necessarily to use up with spending, but to allow more unused credit line to be available and therefore boost your credit score. You can also pay more money to the cards that are near the credit limit, if you can. Or, if you have cards with little to no remaining credit line, transfer some of the larger balances onto the cards with lower balances. That'll give you a more... well... balanced financial picture.

Leave home without it. One of the best tips for the holiday season is to: make a budget, identify specific items, and then leave home without your credit card. Instead, bring just enough cash to purchase the items on your list. That will help you resist the urge to impulse buy, and keep your credit card balances lower.

Pick a card... not just any card. If you can't bring cash, make a credit card plan. Identify specific items that you'll pay for on specific cards. By making a plan and spreading your purchases to different cards, you won't overspend and you won't risk running up one or two cards that are near the credit limit, which will hurt your credit rating.

Resist card offers at the counter. Retailers are famous for offering "savings" when you open a credit card. But those savings often don't outweigh the long- and short-term negatives. For one thing, opening a new account--or multiple accounts in a short period of time--can negatively impact your credit score. In addition, consumers often spend more than planned when a new card is suddenly available. So this holiday season, resist the temptation.

Stay active. If you have older cards that you don't use, make sure you keep them active. For one thing, some of those older cards help establish a longer history of positive credit. For another, the available credit on those older cards can help keep your credit score higher because it improves your overall debt-to-credit ratio. To keep those cards active, make sure you charge one or two items on them throughout the year... like, say, when you go shopping for the holidays. Then, pay them off when the bill comes in.

Always pay on time. Your payment record is a very large part of your credit score, so it's crucial that you have an idea how your holiday shopping will impact your credit card bills and that you make a plan to pay those bills on time. If you have trouble for any reason, contact your card companies right away to work out a plan that helps you pay down your debt... and save your credit rating from a huge hit.

6:26 PM - Dec. 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Fighting Medicare claim denials

When an insurance company denies a claim in whole or in part, it is possible to appeal their decision. The same is true with Medicare claims...and in fact more than half of Medicare appeals are successful. If you, a family member, or a friend have had a Medicare claim denied, the following information can help you successfully appeal the decision:

Time Frame: If your Medicare claim is denied for less than the full amount, you can ask for a "redetermination" but you must do so within 120 days. Download the Medicare Redetermination Request form at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms/downloads/cms20027.pdf, or call 800-633-4227 to receive a copy.

Common Denials: The denial you received will include an explanation, which you will need to contest in your appeal. Ask your doctor to write a letter addressing the reasons in the denial and include this letter with your appeals form. Common denials include:

1. The treatment, prescription, or medical service is unlikely to cause your health condition to improve: Fight this by having your doctor write a letter explaining why the care is necessary. Medicare is required to look at your total condition, not just your chance for a full or partial recovery.
2. You are likely to require care for a very long time: Medicare coverage is not limited to treatments that work quickly, so ask your doctor to write a letter explaining that the treatment is making some positive difference or is expected to.
3. The prescription dosage level is greater than what is normally prescribed, or the drug prescribed is not normally prescribed for your health problem: Have your doctor write a letter explaining why the unusual drug or dosage is medically necessary. For instance, you may be allergic to the medicine normally prescribed.
4. You do not qualify for Medicare-covered home care because you are not homebound: Under Medicare rules, homebound does not mean that you are completely unable to leave your home or that you are confined to a bed. It does mean that you require assistance and that it takes considerable effort for you to leave your home. Ask your doctor to write a letter describing in detail how difficult it is for you to leave your home.

Be Persistent: If your first appeal is denied, you can file as many as four more appeals. And the more appeals you file, the greater your odds of success. While your first appeal is made to the same group that denied your initial claim, subsequent appeals are made to independent arbiters.

For more information, visit www.medicareadvocacy.org.

5:34 PM - Nov. 26, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Medical Identity Theft

With identity theft on the rise these days, most of us are already taking steps to protect ourselves. But did you know that there’s now a growing form of identity theft known as “medical identity theft” that can not only devastate victims’ finances, but also compromise their health, too. According to Joy Pritts, JD, author of Your Medical Record Rights, here’s what you need to know.

What is Medical Identity Theft?

Medical identity theft occurs when criminals access victims’ medical records. Since medical records contain a person’s social security number and credit card information (if bills have been paid via credit card), criminals can open accounts and make fraudulent charges. However, criminals also gain access to victims’ health insurance policy information and medical histories, and they can create forged health insurance cards to sell to people who are uninsured and need expensive medical treatment. A person who buys a fake health insurance ID card would then seek treatment using the victim’s name and policy number, and then disappear, leaving the victim with the bills to pay.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

Victims of medical identity theft not only have to repair their credit and convince credit agencies and service providers that bills are fraudulent, they also have to correct inaccurate medical information that becomes part of their health records. Victims could be denied life insurance or individual health insurance if their record shows treatments that they did not have. In addition, victims could receive treatments or medicines that could be harmful to them on the basis of inaccurate content in their medical records.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Medical Identity Theft

1. Read all bills and “Explanation of Benefits” statements from your insurance company to verify they are for treatment you received.
2. If a bill or statement refers to treatment you did not receive, contact the employee in charge of investigating fraud at your insurance company and at the medical facility involved and explain the situation. Follow up with a letter sent via registered mail with return receipt once again explaining the situation, asking for any bills to be voided, and asking that your medical record be amended to state that you did not have this health problem or receive this treatment.
3. Report the identity theft to the police department and state’s attorney general’s office.
4. Contact the health care providers you use, explain the situation, ask if the erroneous information has been added to the providers’ records, and if so, ask them to correct the records.
5. Report the fraud to the major credit bureaus and set up fraud alerts. Also, request free copies of your credit reports to make sure no new fraudulent accounts have been opened.
6. Review your medical records every few years to make sure there are no errors.

To learn more about your medical record rights, visit http://ihcrp.georgetown.edu/privacy/records.html.

5:43 PM - Nov. 22, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment

Thanksgiving is almost here

Thanksgiving is almost upon us! This popular autumn holiday traces its roots back to early colonists landing in the new world. It took nearly 300 years, however, for Thanksgiving to officially become a national holiday in the United States.

Despite the popular belief that Thanksgiving originated with the colony at Plymouth Plantation in 1621, researchers have actually pinpointed the first Thanksgiving 56 years earlier. According to scholars, the first known Thanksgiving took place during September 1565, in Saint Augustine, Florida when Spanish settlers held a Mass of Thanksgiving after arriving safely in the new world. English settlers in the Virginia Colony held a similar day of thanks in 1619. Two years later, the colonists at Plymouth Plantation celebrated the famed Thanksgiving of 1621.

The celebration continued when the colonies became the United States of America. In 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. The tradition of thanks was carried on sporadically by President John Adams in 1798 and 1799, as well as President James Madison in 1814 and 1815. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. Years later, President Franklin Roosevelt stated that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month–as opposed to the occasional fifth Thursday.

Eel and Seal...Mmmmm! My favorite!

What exactly did the colonists eat at the early Thanksgiving celebrations? According to food historian Kathleen Curtin, the answer may surprise you. In addition to wild turkey, other popular sources of meat that were likely served include eel, clams, lobster, wild goose, eagles, venison, and seal...yes, seal. Peas, beans, and carrots were probably on the table, but sweet potatoes and corn on the cob weren't. And although pumpkins were likely consumed, pumpkin pie wasn't on the menu because no recipe existed for it at that time.

Talking Turkey...271 Million Turkeys!

Today, turkeys are a popular choice for Thanksgiving and holiday feasts. This popularity has turned turkey farming into a big business. In fact, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates that 271 million turkeys will be raised in the U.S. this year alone.

Weighing In on What We Eat

Ever wonder how many cranberries, pumpkins, and other Thanksgiving Day foods we go through each year? The U.S. Census Bureau has the skinny! According to their research, the U.S. will produce some serious poundage this year alone when it comes to these holiday favorites, including:

• 689 million pounds of cranberries
• 1.8 billion pounds of sweet potatoes
• 1.1 billion pounds of pumpkins
• 2.1 billion bushels of wheat
• 769,760 tons of snap green beans

No wonder we feel so full after those holiday meals!

Can Turkey Really Make You Tired?

Here's how the story goes. Turkey contains tryptophan...which helps the body produce niacin...which then helps produce serotonin. And serotonin is the key to this theory because it calms the brain and induces sleep.

The problem with that theory is that tryptophan actually works best on an empty stomach–which most of us don't have after our Thanksgiving feast! So, it's more likely that the heaviness and the high carbohydrate content of the entire Thanksgiving meal are responsible for that sense of lethargy you feel, as your body works to digest it all. Add a glass of wine or other alcohol to your meal, and you'll increase that feeling of sleepiness even more.

Then again, we all work hard throughout the year, so maybe that tired sensation is just your body requesting a well-deserved nap.

3:34 PM - Nov. 21, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

The Salt of life

 This article is by Kirk Leins who has been cooking his entire life. No stranger to professional kitchens, he currently devotes most of his time to cooking instruction, food writing, and producing television.

Salt – it is a simple word, yet a complicated subject, well kind of. Scientifically speaking, it is a very basic compound. Historically, however, we are talking about one of the world's oldest and richest resources, with applications ranging from food to textiles. So, do yourself a "flavor" and follow along as I apply a little reasoning to the world's greatest seasoning.

What is salt?
It doesn't seem prudent to begin our examination of salt without first addressing what it actually is. In terms of chemistry, salt is the combination of two elements, sodium and chloride. It is not only one of the most basic molecules on earth it is also one of the more abundant. Salt can be found in seawater, as well as in the form of evaporite minerals (rock salt), typically the result of enclosed waterbeds having evaporated.

The compound known as salt is absolutely crucial to life as we know it. Our bodies actually require it in order to regulate fluid levels. Salt also happens to be pretty important to the world's economy, as it has literally thousands of commercial applications. Paper, dyes and detergents all contain salt. Think about how many products and services utilize at least one of the three. It is also used to soften water, deliver trace minerals to livestock, keep our roads free of snow and ice, and preserve food.

Salt even has a deep meaning within many religions. In Catholicism, its use as a purifier dates back to the Old Testament. It is believed that the word "salvation" actually stems from this practice. In Judaism, salt was used historically as a temple offering on the Sabbath. To this day, salt water is part of a traditional Passover dinner, symbolizing the tears of Jewish slaves. In eastern religions such as Buddhism and Shintoism, salt is thought to drive away evil spirits.

If you haven't already figured it out, salt is such a large subject that a complete examination would require a doctoral thesis. My goal, rather, is to impress upon you one idea - salt is hugely important to the body, mind and soul.

3 types of salt
Before we go any further, I think it's important to talk about some of the more popular types of salt for cooking, as well as their more common uses.

Iodized Salt (table salt)
This is the stuff that's found in most saltshakers. It is made by filling salt deposits with water and allowing it to evaporate. The crystals left behind are then refined and iodized. If you're asking why the iodine, it was an attempt on behalf of the Morton Salt Company in 1924 to reduce the number of goiters in Americans. Strangely enough, it worked!

Personally, the only time I ever utilize table salt is if I'm at a restaurant and my food comes to me under-seasoned. I hardly use it at home as I don't cook with it, and rarely do I bake with it. It's considered to be very salty in flavor and due to its superfine texture it is difficult to determine how much you're actually using without measuring it first.

Kosher Salt
Aside from iodine not being added, Kosher salt differs from table salt because it is raked when harvested. This process yields larger and more square-shaped grains. While the salt itself is Kosher, its name actually reflects its use in the process of Koshering meat. That being said, Kosher salt happens to be an awesome everyday salt. Aside from being inexpensive, it is less salty than its iodized cousin and the larger grains allow for easy handling. It can be used for cooking and as a tableside condiment.

Sea Salt
Available in both fine and coarse grains, as well as flakes, sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater. Since there are many seas, it shouldn't be hard to imagine that there are many types of sea salt, ranging from cheap to costly. The inexpensive stuff can be used just like Kosher salt. The more expensive sea salts should either be used for smaller applications, or as a finishing touch to a special meal. Sea salt has become a diverse business, as many are now being infused with wonderful flavors, such as truffles and various herbs.

4:04 PM - Nov. 16, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Treat your teeth this holiday season

 The holidays are approaching quickly. And that means you'll soon find yourself in a season of sugar and sweets that extends from Halloween night to New Year's Day. While many people are conscious of the toll that holiday food can take on their weight–and their waistlines–many people forget that the holiday season can be just as hard on their teeth.

The reason for the extra wear on your teeth is actually pretty simple. Your teeth and gums are covered with a sticky film called plaque. Most of us have heard of plaque, but we may not know how it leads to tooth decay and cavities. Essentially, when the plaque on your teeth comes in contact with sugar or starch, it begins to produce acid... and that acid eats away at your tooth enamel. With that in mind, it's easy to see how the constant snacking and sugary treats of the holiday season can wreak havoc on your teeth.

To help make sure your teeth stay healthy this holiday season, follow these tips from the American Dental Association (ADA).

Avoid sticky situations. Sticky treats–such as gummy candies, hard candies, and even the sweets in fruit cakes–don't wash off your teeth as easily as other sweets, like chocolate. As a result, the stickier treats sit on your teeth longer, slowly eating away at your teeth minute by minute.

Eat dessert with your meal. While you're chewing your meal, your mouth produces additional saliva. That saliva not only helps break down the food for your stomach, but it also helps neutralize the acid produced by plaque and it helps rinse those sweets off your teeth.

Don't snack between meals. Sugar causes your mouth to produce acid. But so does starch. That means, in addition to candy and cookies, you can add things like bread, crackers, and even cereal to the list of snacks that can harm your teeth. Now add to that the fact that your mouth continues to produce acid up to 20 minutes after you eat. That means, if you snack between meals, your mouth may be producing acid nearly all day long. So, if you can, cut down on the between-meal snacks. If you're hungry and absolutely need something to eat, choose a healthy alternative like vegetables, fruit, cheese, and even yogurt to help minimize the acid production.

Chew gum. Chewing gum is a lot like chewing food... your mouth can't help but produce a lot of additional saliva. And as you know from the tips above, saliva helps combat acid and helps rinse your teeth. So, after a meal or a snack, toss a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth and help fight tooth decay with each chomp.

Drink plenty of water. Like saliva, water helps rinse your teeth clean. Better still, water that's fortified with fluoride helps give your teeth an extra little boost of healthy goodness. So make sure you drink plenty of water during the holiday season. And, if you purchase bottled water, check the label to see if the contents include a dose of fluoride.

Brush-a-brush. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. For an animated look at how to best brush and floss your teeth, watch the ADA's animated tips for brushing and flossing.

Finally, remember to visit your dentist regularly and make sure to mention any issues or concerns you have. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy while you enjoy the holiday season.

3:59 PM - Nov. 14, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Things to do in Colorado

Discover Colorado and soak in the breath-taking colors as well as some local attractions. Get out there and explore this glorious state we call home.

Pikes Peak Country 
The Pikes Peak area has plenty to offer so here are some suggestions.
• Your first stop is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit. Get to know Colorado’s wild heritage including mountain lions, moose, otters and more. This zoo is the only private mountain zoo in the U.S.; take the Sky Ride for an aerial view.
• Your next stop is to see Seven Falls, a waterfall cascading 181 feet in seven distinct steps. Evening viewing is even more beautiful with a full moon.
• If you are a history buff, visit the Ghost Town Museum. Learn about the gold fever that swept through the West and see authentic preserved artifacts; you can even pan for gold!
• Check out the Garden of the Gods, with over 300 sandstone rock formations you can either drive through or walk/hike. This park is a great picnic spot.
For more information on these attractions visit: www.pikes-peak.com/.

Denver
• Spend some time in the capital of Colorado. The Capital building has a lot of history and heritage that some of us might not be aware of. Colorado rose onyx (also known as Beulah red marble), a type of stone so rare that all known reserves were used in the capitol’s construction. Did you also know that in order to keep the gold luster in the capital’s dome they had to reapply gold from Italy in 1991? Take a day to soak in Colorado’s heritage. Tours are offered every 45 minutes. 
• Visit the ‘Unsinkable’ Molly Brown House. Molly Brown was one of the few survivors of the Titanic. This house, now museum, was the family home and in 1902 served as the Governor’s Mansion. Learn more about Molly Brown and all of her accomplishments. Tours available Tuesday through Sunday. 
• Learn something new everyday and stop by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Enjoy a variety of exhibits, programs and activities for the entire family. The museum also offers an IMAX™ movie theatre and the world’s most advanced digital planetarium.
For more information on your weekend trip in Denver visit: www.colorado.com, www.denver.org, www.dmns.org

Fort Collins
• Fort Collins is the second largest producer of beer in Colorado, and if you don’t believe it, see for yourself on the Foam on the Range Tour. Visit and taste brews from five different breweries in town including traditional ales and stouts to the unconventional, yet delicious pomegranate wheat.
• Visit the Swetsville Zoo and experience a unique exhibit of animals, however they aren’t alive. This zoo is a sculpture park and the animals are made from recycled farm machinery, auto parts and assorted metal.
• Spend a day shopping in Fort Collins. Shop for western clothing, antiques, sporting goods and stop for some homemade ice cream and toffee! Visit Historic Old Town and take pleasure in this unique shopping experience.
For more information on attractions and lodging visit: www.ftcollins.org

Glenwood Springs
• Glenwood Springs is famously known for its hot springs and rightfully so. At the Hot Springs you can soak in the therapy pool, swim laps or cool off in the deep end. This lodge offers fun for the entire family with a diving pool, waterslides and kiddy pool. If you stay for a weekend you get unlimited hot spring access.
• Since you will be spending the weekend in Glenwood Springs you should also visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Experience horseback riding on Iron Mountain or challenge yourself on the climbing wall.
• With all of these adventures you will be in need of some relaxation in which the Vapor Caves will come in handy. Once a sacred healing destination for the Ute tribe, these underground caves are the only natural hot springs-fed vapor caves in the world. They are decorated with marble benches where visitors can relax and the upstairs spa features body and beauty treatments.
Visit www.glenwoodchamber.com for information on lodging and activities.
 

5:56 PM - Nov. 8, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Get healthy and stay healthy

This time of year means the return of something less than fun... the dreaded cold and flu season. And the cost of the season is nothing to sneeze at! Did you know that Americans spend approximately $4 Billion on over the counter cold and flu remedies? That's not even factoring in how much time and productivity is lost on sick-time in the workplace, or co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions.

To Help Stay Healthy, Start Following These Quick Tips Now:

Determine how susceptible you are. Start by asking yourself a few simple questions: Were you ill several times last year? Do you frequently feel fatigued? Do you sleep less than seven hours per night? If you answer yes to several of those questions, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor for a pre-flu season check-up.

Build up your immune system. Take the time now to catch up on sleep and get a flu shot. In addition, make sure you're getting enough Vitamin C and Zinc. Taking these supplements has been shown to markedly reduce cold symptoms.

Wash your hands frequently. Hand-to-mouth contact is the most common way that people get sick, so keep those hands clean and encourage your family to do the same. You can also carry a hand sanitizer with you to keep your hands germ free when you can't wash.

Wash your nose? Here's a little known--yet effective--tip for combating the cold and flu season. By using a simple saline nasal wash or nasal irrigation, you can actually help rid yourself of colds and allergies. Although it doesn't look pretty in action, it's effective in washing away germs and particulates, as well as healing and protecting your nasal passages. The fact is, when dry winter air makes the tissues inside your sinuses dry and cracked, germs have a perfect place to live and breed, which makes you sick more easily. But a saline nasal wash, available at most drugstores, can lubricate, protect and clean those nasal tissues to help keep healthy. And it may help reduce snoring!

By taking a little time to protect yourself from illness, you can help make sure that you are able to enjoy the things that are important to you... like spending time with family and friends, working hard at your career, and remaining healthy and active during the fall and winter seasons!
 

5:41 PM - Nov. 4, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Fantasic Freebies

These days, many people are looking for new ways to cut costs and save money. Here are five great ideas from the editors of Kiplinger:

Free TV & Movies: Full episodes of more than 300 shows from NBC Universal and Fox stations are available on www.hulu.com. The site also offers over 165 free full-length movies in a variety of genres. In addition, other networks like ABC and CBS are also starting to post full episodes of various shows on their Web sites.

Free College Savings: Sign up at www.Upromise.com and you can turn everyday purchases into college savings. You'll earn cash rewards for eligible purchases of groceries, gas, dining out, travel, and online shopping. The money is then automatically transferred to your child's 529 account. In addition, your family and friends can help, too, by linking their rewards to your Upromise account.

Free Directory Assistance: The next time you need to call 411, dial 1-800-FREE-411 instead for free directory assistance for both residential and business listings. While you may have to listen to a short advertisement after the voice prompts, you will still save a few dollars.

Free Credit Report: By law, you can receive one free credit report once a year from each of the three main credit bureaus. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to request your report.

Free Recipes: Need some inspiration in the kitchen? Check out www.allrecipes.com and www.Epicurious.com where you can access over 100,000 recipes for all kinds of meals...no matter your level of expertise. You can search by meal, occasion, or ingredient, and there are plenty of user reviews and cooking demonstration videos to help.

For twenty-five more great freebies, visit www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2007/08/free.html.

1:29 PM - Oct. 23, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Grocery Shopping Tips

With food prices still soaring, supermarkets are offering many deals and specials to lure in food shoppers. But sometimes, these good deals can actually cause people to spend more than they would have otherwise. Phil Lempert, author of Being the Shopper: Understanding the Buyer's Choice, offers these smart-shopping tips:

Limit Four Per Person: Scarcity can have a powerful impact on shoppers. A buying restriction can tempt people to buy more than they need, which could cause items to either spoil or sit in your pantry for a long time. Tip: In the long run, when you factor in the amount of products that spoil or are eventually thrown away, you will usually be better off financially if you only buy the amount you reasonably need and can use.

End of Aisle or Freestanding Displays: Often the "specials" displayed on the end caps of each aisle or on an island display aren't really the best deals that the store currently offers. These displays may also lead to impulse buys that you weren't intending to make. For instance, a display with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows could make you think, "I'll make s'mores for dessert." Tip: While the location of these items is convenient, especially during busy shopping hours, you should only buy these items if they really are good deals.

Buy One, Get One Free: While these deals can make you feel like you are getting something for half price, if the cost is more than that of a similar item...or if you don't need a large quantity...than this may be one special worth passing on. Tip: Ask the manager if you can buy one item for half the price instead of buy one get one free. While stores don't always advertise this alternative, they often allow it.

Pre-Sliced Produce: While pre-sliced produce can feel like an easy choice, it can cost twice as much as whole produce, and can spoil faster than whole produce. Tip: Pay extra for prepared meals and produce only if the time and effort they save you is significant and really worth it.

For more great grocery shopping tips, visit www.supermarketguru.com.

11:53 AM - Oct. 17, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Selling that car

Getting rid of a vehicle isn't always as easy as it seems. Problems can include everything from being locked in to an ironclad car lease to the inability to sell it for a fair price. Throw in any of the reasons for wanting to dump the car in the first place and what you have is a recipe for a potentially long and frustrating process. Follow along as we explore a few of the options, including some you may not have realized.

Getting out of a car lease
Car leases can pose many advantages for consumers. Typically speaking, lease payments are much lower than payments on a car note, thus allowing a consumer to lease a vehicle that he or she couldn't afford to actually buy. Many people also like the idea of avoiding major repairs by handing back their car after a predetermined amount of years.

While the list of positives doesn't stop there, car leases also carry a few negatives. One such negative is known as a "No Cooling Off" period. Once you sign the paperwork and drive the car off the lot, you have officially entered into a binding contract. There are some consumer laws that allow for a remorse period on major purchases, but automobiles are generally not included. Unless your dealership has broken the law or has leased you a lemon, chances are you are stuck with the terms of your car lease.

So, let's say that shortly after signing on the dotted line for that high-end luxury car, your financial situation changes for the worse and you can no longer afford it. Or, the opposite happens and you find yourself longing for an upgrade. One option is something known as an "early termination" of the lease. The problem with early termination, however, is that it can be costly, very costly. Aside from paying off the amount owed on the lease, there can also be penalty fees and other miscellaneous charges padded into the contract.

Another option is to sell your leased car privately. The problems with this option are that it requires a lot of hard work on your part and it only benefits consumers with cars that have an equal or greater value than their current "buy out" price.

There is one more option for getting out of your car lease and it happens to be the best one for most people. It is something known as a "lease transfer" and the process is just as it sounds. A leaseholder finds someone who is not only credit-worthy, but also willing to assume his or her car lease. Once the terms are negotiated and ratified the remainder of the lease is transferred into the new leaseholder's name.

If a lease transfer sounds like a complicated process, it's because it can be. The good news, however, is that thanks to websites like www.leasetrader.com and www.swapalease.com the lease transfer process has been fully explained and streamlined. These companies basically act as middlemen between the buyer and the seller, providing a forum for listings, as well as hands-on help with expediting the process.

It is important to know that the aforementioned websites as well as most car leasing companies will charge a fee for a car lease transfer. However, assumption of these fees can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller. They are also much less costly than the fees associated with terminating your lease early.

Whatever you do, avoid relinquishing the car to the dealer and abandoning the lease altogether. Doing so will most likely show up as a repossession on your credit report.

Selling a car that you have purchased
If you've purchased a car you either own it outright, or you are making payments to a lender. No matter the situation, you may have reasons for selling your car similar to those for wanting to get out of a lease. If this is your desire you have several options.

The first is to sell your car privately. This option is many times the one that yields the greatest financial return. You should note, however, that it also requires the utmost diligence on the part of the seller. Proper pricing and marketing of the car is completely up to you. The same also applies to the transferring of the title. If this is the route you decide to take, be sure to check the laws and procedures for selling a car in the state where you live.

Your next option in this situation is to trade the car in to a dealer as part of payment for a new vehicle, provided that your goal is to obtain another vehicle. While this will most likely be the easiest method for "selling" your car, there's a good chance it will not be very lucrative.

Trade-in values for any car are usually on the low side of its worth. At the same time, car dealers also like to mix the trade-in price into the negotiations for your new car. This procedure can make it difficult to figure out the actual amount of money you're getting for the vehicle. We recommend that you always negotiate the price of your trade-in separately from the negotiation for your purchase.

Another option for selling your car comes in the form a company known as CarMax. Operating in the manner of a car dealership, CarMax buys and sells used cars to the public. The main difference is that with both transactions there is no haggling over the price.

When you bring your car into a CarMax looking to sell it, the process starts with a complete vehicle inspection as well as a test drive performed by the company's buyers. At that point you are made an offer that is valid for seven days at any CarMax store, allowing you the opportunity to think it over while exploring other options. An added perk here is that CarMax guarantees to make an offer on your car even if you have no plans to purchase a car from them.

If you decide to sell your car to the company, bring your car along with the CarMax offer, any other paperwork concerning the vehicle, and all sets of keys into any CarMax dealer. They take care of the rest. If a payoff is involved, CarMax contacts the finance company and then issues a bank draft for the difference. If there is negative equity in the car you're selling, CarMax will accept a cashier's check or certified check from you and then pay off the lender.

Selling your car to CarMax may not bring you as big of a return as selling it privately, but when you consider the speed and ease of the transaction it quickly becomes a very good deal. By logging on to www.carmax.com you can find out more about the company and what they offer, as well as if they have a storefront near you.

Donating your car to charity
This has become a very popular practice within the last decade. Instead of selling your car for money you donate the vehicle to a charity in exchange for a deduction on your taxes. For older vehicles in need of repair, it can many times be a better option with much less hassle. It also has the potential to benefit those in need. The problem, however, is that all charities are not created equally. The following are some of the pitfalls as well as tips for staying clear of them.

1. Make sure the charity accepts vehicle donations directly
Many charities utilize companies that act as middlemen in the process. In these situations, the companies keep a percentage of the donation as payment for their role. Sometimes their cut is quite high, so do your homework before deciding on a charity.

2. Drive your car to the charity as opposed to having them pick it up
Hiring a service or a tow truck to claim the donation will cut into the amount of money your charity ultimately receives.

3. Make sure your charity has 501(c)(3) status
If your intended charity doesn't have this type of status, your donation will most likely not be tax deductible.

4. Understand how your deduction is valued
According to new tax laws meant to keep people from inflating the monetary amount of their contribution, your deduction is based on the price the car is sold for by the charity.

5. Sign over your car to the charity
If a charity asks you to not assign ownership you should go elsewhere. The problem is that if you do not transfer the title, the car is legally still yours. Think about the liability issue this presents.

6. Get a receipt after the car is sold
It's a worthy point that requires no explanation.

7. Consult your accountant first
You should initially consult your accountant for the purpose of determining if this is a good option for you. If you proceed with the donation he or she can also be of help regarding what to do if the charity decides to keep your car for its own use, or sells it at a discounted price. And don't forget: for any car that is sold for over $500 there is an extra form that needs to accompany your yearly taxes.

1:12 PM - Oct. 13, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Affordable travel is still possible

Be sure to consider the timing and destination when planning your trip. On-season and off-season travel can require very different budget challenges. So consider these practical suggestions as you decide when and where to go on your next vacation. You’ll get the most out of your trip and your dollar according to Budget Car Rental Services.

Think about traveling during the off-season

• Beautiful weather is not the most important part of visiting many cities. In some cities, the greatest attractions include breath-taking artwork, stunning cathedrals and mouth-watering food-and all of those things are enjoyed in the comfort of the indoors.

• If you love taking summer vacations, keep in mind that our northern hemisphere “summer months” are the southern hemisphere “off season” months. Getting there can be a little expensive, but once you arrive you’ll find some very economical prices.

• Don’t assume it’s too hot or too cold until you research the weather. Many cities have weather that’s much more temperate than you think. Tourist traffic goes down and so do many prices.

Getting the most out of peak-season travel

• Fully consider the benefits of traveling during peak season. Some cities take full advantage of the weather. They offer free or very affordable street festivals and outdoor activities that add value to your vacation.

• Think about the timing of your visit. Later in the season you can often find some great deals. You still might be, technically, traveling during peak season but shopkeepers and innkeepers still want to keep sales high and rooms full.

• Consider staying somewhere near your destination that’s less affected by seasonal rate increases. Whether you’re staying the countryside and visiting the city or staying in the valley and visiting the slopes, it’s kind of like two vacations in one.

Consider these on-season and off-season destinations for special seasonal value:

Spring

Amsterdam
Los Angeles
London
Grand Canyon

Summer

Buenos Aires
Rio de Janeiro
Miami
Santa Fe

Fall

Detroit
Seoul
Paris
Berlin

Winter

Venice
Florence
San Francisco
Munich

1:01 PM - Oct. 9, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Gas Saving Myths

There are real tips for saving gas, such as obeying the speed limit and not leaving your car to idle. But with gas prices at record highs, the best advice is to avoid the gas-savings myths that really don't pay off. Here are just a few:

Fill up Your Gas Tank in the Morning - The theory is that fluids are denser at lower temperatures, so a gallon of cold gas actually has more gas molecules than a gallon of warmer gas. This may be true, but the temperature of gas that comes out of the nozzle hardly varies at all throughout the day, even if it's 100 degrees outside.

Certain Products Boost Fuel Efficiency - There are many products in the market today that claim to boost your fuel efficiency. If this sounds too good to be true, that's because it is. The EPA tested 100 different products with the same promises and only a handful of them worked. However, "Even for the few that work," says the Federal Trade Commission, " the gas savings was so small it didn't justify the price."

Use Premium Fuel only - A lot of drivers think that because their owner's manual recommends premium fuel, it is necessary and more fuel efficient. This is not the case, and most drivers can get away with using regular fuel. If your car is running properly and your owner manual does not require premium, you will not decrease your MPG with regular gas.

Don't Sweat the A/C - Air condition makes your engine work harder, thus using up more fuel, right? Yes, says the EPA. But, because of the technology today, using the A/C will only drop the MPG by about a mile a gallon.

And just for grins, here are the best and worst.  We'd still go for the Lamborghini - bad gas mileage or not!

According to the Department of Energy, the following are currently the most-fuel efficient cars:

1. Toyota Prius City: 48 HWY: 45;
2. Honda Civic Hybrid City: 40 HWY: 45;
3. Smart Convertible City: 33 HWY: 41;
4. Toyota Yaris City: 29 HWY: 36;
5. Mini Cooper (Manual) City: 28 HWY: 37;
6. Toyota Corolla City: 28 HWY: 37;
7. Honda Fit City: 28 HWY: 34;
8. Nissan Versa City: 26 HWY: 31.

And just for fun, here are the least efficient:

1. Lamborghini Mucielago City: 8 HWY: 13;
2. Bentley Azure City: 9 HWY: 15;
3. Bentley Arnage RL City: 9 HWY: 15;
4. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti City: 9 HWY: 16;
5. Aston Martin DB9 City: 10 HWY: 16;
6. Bentley Continental GTC City: 10 HWY: 17;
7. Mercedes Benz E63 AMG City: 12 HWY: 18;
8. Audi S4 Avant City: 13 HWY: 20.

6:25 PM - Oct. 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Plan ahead for that computer failure

 Think for a minute about all the information you store on your computer. If you're like most people, you probably have years worth of office work, research, addresses and phone numbers, school work, and thousands of irreplaceable family photos. Not to mention important financial information and the expensive software that runs the entire system!

But what happens when your computer goes on strike - when it just stops working? Do you have a plan to recover the data you need to run your life? Better yet, do you have an up-to-date backup waiting in the wings for just such an emergency? If it's been a while since you backed up your information, the steps below can help you quickly and conveniently protect your information before it's too late.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

First and foremost, make sure you can easily reinstall your operating system and any software that you've purchased if your computer ever does crash. How do you do that? Simple.

You know those disks that come with your computer - the ones with all the software on them, the ones you throw in a drawer and forget about? Well don't. Even though software often comes preloaded and ready to use, those disks and serial numbers are priceless. Keep them in a safe, memorable place and you'll be able to easily reload your software after a crash.

For the rest of your data, put the following tips to work and you could save yourself a major headache!

Thumbs Up

Those little USB flash (or thumb) drives that you see everyone carrying around now are an ideal, inexpensive way to backup small files for short periods of time. Whether you're moving information from one computer to another or you want to make sure a critical company report doesn't get lost before the big presentation, these handy devices are well worth the $25 you'll spend for 4 GB of peace of mind.

Burn, Baby, Burn

Most computers come standard with CD/DVD burners. Contrary to television commercials, you can burn more than just song compilations. Make the most of this device by using it to back up your important data regularly. Most DVDs can hold 4.7 GB worth of data. To back up larger files and even more data, you can double the capacity with double-layer DVDs (known as DVD DL) that can hold up to 8.5 GB!

Step Outside

While CDs and DVDs work fine for hand-selected files, they simply don't provide enough memory for most people to backup their entire hard drive. To safeguard every last byte of data, you'll want to add an external hard drive that can be connected to your computer, but that ultimately operates independently.

External hard drives are much larger - often as large if not larger than the amount of memory on your computer's built-in hard drive. Plus, because they're external, your data will still be safe and easy to access even if your computer crashes. Simply connect the external drive to a new computer and you're up and running without a hitch. You can purchase a basic external hard drive with 300 to 500 GB of storage for as little as $100. Better still, products like Seagate's FreeAgent storage devices offer you a variety of options as well as the ability to access your information even when you're not at home, so you can open a document or view your family photos from out-of-town.

Movin' Out

For the best level of protection, move data out of the house altogether. Storing your data off-site protects it from fire, theft, and flooding. And it's not as expensive as you might think. In fact, you can get a ton of free space from services like Yahoo!® and AOL. At that price, the only thing you have to lose is your data if you don't back it up!

ONCE THE DAMAGE IS DONE

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a computer crash, you may actually be able to recover some of your files. The cost, however, can run anywhere from the hundreds to the thousands. The best place to start is with inexpensive data recovery software, such as SpinRite for Windows PCs or Alsoft's DiskWarrior for Macs - both of which retail for around $100 or less. These programs may be able to help you locate and recover your missing files without the need to take your computer to an expensive technician. But, remember, the best way to recover data is to make sure you don't lose it in the first place by backing it up regularly.

All of the suggestions above are relatively inexpensive and are extremely easy to implement. So take a few minutes out of your day to make sure that your important information and priceless family photos are safe and secure.

1:14 PM - Sep. 25, 2008 - comments {2} - post comment

Putting that commute time to good use

You already know that your daily drive can make you aggravated, exasperated, and even potty-mouthed. But did you know it could make you smarter, too?

A USC study found that drivers who cover an average of 12,000 miles a year will, over the course of three years, spend enough time in their cars to complete two full years of college. That could make commuting the single most important educational tool we have. Think of it as the U of YC: the University of Your Car.

You can find new and used audio books online for cheap, and your local library branch has shelves of audio books of all kinds that you can borrow for free. Here are a few course offerings to consider:

Required courses. Been wanting to refresh your memory on the causes of World War I? Or maybe you want to listen to Harold Bloom read The Best Poems of the English Language. Whatever class you've been thinking of taking, there's an audio book covering the topic, from actual college lectures to best-seller non-fiction.

Get a degree in business. All the best business titles come out instantly in audio books. Learn to make friends and influence people, give yourself a total money makeover, or start thinking like a billionaire - all before you get to the office in the morning.

Stay informed. Check out www.audible.com. You'll find your favorite radio shows like CarTalk and Fresh Air available for purchase, so you can listen whenever you want. You can also find audio versions of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal available for daily download.

A prende un nuevo idioma. What better place to work on that accent of yours than alone in the car? Go get one of those CDs that can teach you a new language. And the people in the next car watching you talk to yourself, they can think what they want.

Enroll in comedy school. Since you're the dean of admissions and you make the reading (or, rather "listening") list for this degree, you can study what you want. Why not check out the CDs of some top comedians? Dane Cook, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor - maybe they'll inspire you to work on your own routine.

Your commute isn't getting any shorter, but at least now you can get smarter while you're getting where you need to go. And the next time traffic is stopped dead on the freeway, look on the bright side: you can take notes.

10:52 AM - Sep. 13, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Travel like a pro

Here are some great travel tips from the folks at Avis to help you plan the best trip possible.

When you’re visiting a new place, finding the most memorable ways to spend your free time can be a challenge. So, we’ve put together some tips that can enhance your trip and make you feel like a local.

1. Use a GPS system to easily navigate your trip and to find the city’s hidden gems.

2. Check out the city’s official website. There may be guided tours available or a special event that coincides with your visit.

3. Read a local blogger’s page to find insider info on free cultural events, reviews and all sorts of local knowledge.

4. Make a stop at the local coffee shop. “Regulars” can answer your questions and might be willing to share some ideas. And while you’re in there, grab a paper and see if there are any shows or art exhibits scheduled when you’re in town.

5. Take a look at a photo or video sharing website and search the name of the city you’re traveling to. It’s a nice way to visually locate places you’re planning on going to and know where the best picture spots are.

6. Stop by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. They’ll be able to give you operating hours for museums and other attractions, as well as maps, brochures and other useful information to help you plan your day.Whether you’ve got about a minute, an hour or a full day to spend in a new city, there’s always something exciting to do.

Here are some local ideas for a few major cities across the country:

Boston: Boston Public Garden

Bask in Boston’s historic charm with a stroll through the oldest botanical garden in the U.S. Relax beside the pond or check out the famous swan boats, which offer cruises in warmer months.St. Louis: The Meeting of the Waters Fountain at Aloe ParkVoted one of the city’s “favorite works of public art,” the fountain symbolizes the marriage of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Seventeen water spirits, mermaids and fish surround a man and a woman, representing the rivers and smaller waters flowing in.

San Francisco: Tru

In one of San Francisco’s premier spa destinations, treatments include a deep-cleansing oxygen facial, an unforgettable one hour and forty-five minute massage and a skin-rejuvenating “Pair Package” for couples in an intimate Tropical Rainforest Room.

New York: Sotheby’s

This American institution offers ten floors of art, antiques, jewelry and even automobiles to peruse. There’s a diamond collection on the 6th floor and a 10th floor gallery where you can examine items more closely and discuss them with curators.

Miami: Key Biscayne

Pristine beaches and tropical surroundings make it a relaxing scene. There’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to swim, bike and kayak, the 1825 lighthouse, rustic outdoor cafes and dolphin watching at the Miami Seaquarium.San Diego: La JollaJust 15 minutes from San Diego, La Jolla (”jewel” in Spanish) boasts some of California’s finest coastal scenery, and offers beaches, dining, art galleries, golf and more. Take in the view with a stroll along Coast Boulevard or a drive to Mount Soledad.

10:42 AM - Sep. 11, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

De-stressing your life

This article is by Judi Hopson and Emma Hopson who are authors of a stress management book for paramedics, firefighters and police, “Burnout To Balance: EMS Stress.” Ted Hagen is a family psychologist.

Would you like to find control buttons to reverse your stress overload? If so, you might want to try a new technique of seeing how many good options you can invent.

You might invent a new way to approach housework, a relationship problem, or a project at work.

For example, let’s say you hate grocery shopping. You go every Friday night, and it’s a pain to start every weekend this way.

What if you decided, instead, to shop every third Saturday morning?

Also, what if you treated yourself to breakfast at a good restaurant before going to the grocery store?

Or, you might decide to exercise a new option by setting limits with your grown children. You might say, “I love keeping the grandkids, but I don’t want to baby-sit every single Saturday.”

These messages are part of Judi Light Hopson’s podcasts, pinpointing the 12 areas of inventing stress management options.

Consider a business owner we’ll call Alicia. Alicia knew something had to change when she yelled at her daughter-in-law a couple of weeks ago.

Alicia returned to her office one afternoon after lunch. Her 3-year-old granddaughter was sitting behind her desk.

“My daughter-in-law, who’d gone shopping, had left the child with my assistant,” Alicia says, rolling her eyes. “Since I was going to participate in a major conference call, I had to literally park my granddaughter in the restroom with my assistant, so I could focus on the callers,” Alicia reports.

If people, pressures, the clock, or random mishaps are running over your boundaries, start to think of ways to turn the tide.

Could you do things differently? Could you state a limit with someone? Could you ask a favor of a friend to reduce your stress?

We advised Alicia that her daughter-in-law might be overwhelmed herself. We encouraged the two of them to talk, and Alicia reports that her stress is now under control.

“I’ve offered to baby-sit every other Saturday for six hours,” says Alicia. “My poor daughter-in-law has four kids and never gets a break.

“By giving her the option of leaving the four kids with me, two Saturdays a month, she can make plans to get her hair done or run errands.”

In your circle, make an enjoyable game out of inventing new options to curb stress. See how many problems and sticky issues you can find solutions to.

Ron, a policeman whom we’ve known for years, says he loves the create-an-option game. “Any thinking adult or older child can create new ways of making stress go down,” says Ron.

“My kids came up with our new housecleaning attack plan. We turn on rock music and all work together like mad for an hour two or three times a week.”

A doctor we’ll call Charles said his father-in-law had a heart attack the day before his daughter’s wedding. “We exercised the best option we could think of,” says Charles.

“We sent the limo carrying the bride and groom from the reception to the hospital for a visit with my father-in-law-and then on to the airport.”

Charles said his father-in-law was thrilled. “The bride and groom hitting the hospital in full wedding attire made the local newspapers.”

2:04 PM - Aug. 30, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Saying "tell me more"

This article is by David Benzel who is an author and speaker in leadership and creating peak performance. As the founder of Winning Ways, he has worked with organizations including Allstate Insurance, Sprint/Nextel and The Villages. David is the author of the upcoming, “Chump to Champ: How Individuals Go From Good to Great” (Advantage Media).

Dad was waiting in the parking lot at the usual time. As the basketball players left the gym, he noticed his 10-year-old’s head hanging low. When his son jumped in the car, and slammed the door, the father asked, “How was practice?” The boy replied, “I hate my coach.” This kind of response did not sit well with Dad. Three thoughts rushed to his head, all fighting to be delivered in a correcting tone. First, “I’ve taught you not to speak so disrespectfully about any coach or adult.” Second, “Are you kidding? This guy is a great coach - one of the best!” Third, “Do you have any idea how hard I worked to make sure you were placed on this guy’s team?” For some reason, Dad chose not to speak any of those condemning thoughts, and instead three words came out of his mouth, perhaps three of the best words he’d ever accidentally said: “Tell me more.”

His son went on to explain the events that took place during practice. Dad knew he wasn’t getting the whole story yet, so he added, “What else happened?” Eventually - and it took a little while - they got to the part where the son admitted to getting side-tracked during practice, got caught goofing off during one of the drills and was reprimanded for it. In the final analysis, his young son was so embarrassed by the coach’s reprimand in front of the other players that it led him to declare, “I hate my coach.”

The point is this: Dad’s first, second and third thoughts - if delivered immediately -would have missed the mark by a mile. They were totally irrelevant in view of the facts, which would never have been revealed if he’d blurted out his all-knowing speech. He had been guilty more than once of jumping the gun with a quick response, but he learned so much more on this occasion with just three little words: “Tell me more.” The complete story gave him much more insight into his son, how he thinks and how he reacts.

As a business leader, you have the same responsibility a dad has to his son - listen, get the facts, determine the problem, and help resolve the situation.

Listening is an art and a skill. It requires discipline and focused attention. When you give the gift of silence, you allow others the chance to think and process their thoughts. The time required to do this varies tremendously, depending on whom you’re talking to.

When it comes to sharing thoughts and feelings about an event, there are two very different types of personalities. In both cases, the “tell-me-more” approach works well, but the timing needs to be different.

The Fast-Twitch Responder

Some people tend to think their thoughts out loud for everyone to hear - often in a very blunt fashion - then they do the editing in public, too; “Here’s what I really mean,” or, “Let me rephrase that.” They might revise their initial version of the facts several times. Typically, they quickly offer the information you’re seeking so it may seem as though very little patience is required on your part. They don’t make you wait very long, yet immediately jumping in with your assumptions drawn and conclusions blazing will most often prove to be a mistake. This conversation is a work-in-progress for this quick responder, and it’s far more prudent for you to deliver a well-timed, “Tell me more” or “…and then what?” The additional information you receive next will be worth the wait, as feelings and thoughts become clearer in the mind of this fast-twitch responder.

The Slow-Twitch Responder

Other people tend to process everything internally, preferring not to share the end result until it is edited and refined to a finished product. These people never share a verbal “rough draft.” The new stimuli they receive in conversations enters a processing chamber where it is kept, considered and condensed into manageable material. This takes time and requires patience by those who eagerly await an explanation or a report about what’s going on. Impatience at this point will cause the listener to jump straight into “tell” mode, as in, “Let me tell you what I think.” The lecture the listener delivers is usually not appreciated nor helpful. On the other hand, patience combined with thoughtful silence will usually produce a concise account of true feelings and ideas from a slow-twitch responder.

To gain credibility, learn to give space and time to others before making your verbal contribution. Give the gift of silence and let people consider their actions and their words. Use phrases like: “Tell me more.” “What else?” “What then?” “How so?” “What did that mean to you?” “How are you feeling now?” These phrases will prompt more information, which will give you a detailed understanding of people and situations. Not only will this build trust, but it will also keep you from making incorrect assumptions about people and events.

Find an opportunity to use the phrase, “Tell me more.” Resist the temptation to respond with your own thoughts until you allow them to tell you what’s on their minds. The only assumption worth having is one when you expect there’s more to the story, not one when you think you have all the answers. Nine times out of 10, your best guess about the truth will never be as rich as the story you need to hear.

1:57 PM - Aug. 26, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Is paper running your life?

This article by Christi Youd who is a speaker, trainer and organizer who helps others increase productivity with her company,Organize Enterprise, LLC.

Look at just about anyone’s workspace these days and you’re bound to see the same thing: piles and piles of paper…on the desk, on top of the filing cabinet and even on the floor. Paper has seemingly overrun many offices, causing stress, confusion and a lapse in productivity.

How can something as simple as paper, cause so much turmoil? The answer lies in how we deal with it. The fact is when it comes to paper clutter, many people make the “putting away” process too complicated. So rather than do something with their paper, they set it aside and pile it. Or, if it’s an active piece of paper, meaning something that represents work they need to do, they don’t have a home for that active paperwork. Those are the papers that get spread all over the desk and moved from one side to the next.

Fortunately, no matter how high your piles are or how many you have, you can control the clutter and reclaim your desktop (and even your floor). Use the following six tips to de-clutter once and for all.

1. Create a “home” for your active paperwork

Many people rely on an “inbox” for active paperwork, and that’s one of the biggest mistakes when it comes to de-cluttering. An inbox inherently lends itself to inaction. Think about your own inbox for a moment. Do you often have paper sitting in your inbox for a long time? Do papers “slip between the cracks” because they got buried in your inbox? Is your inbox regularly overflowing with papers that spread all over the desk? Most people answer “yes” to at least one of those questions.

A better solution is to have a work processing system in your desk file drawer. This tickler file system consists of a thirty-one hanging files, one for each day of the month. Behind those are twelve additional hanging files, one for each month. As each piece of active paper comes into your office, you make a decision as to what date you are committed to taking action on that paper and file it in the appropriate date’s file. If it’s something you need to schedule further in the year, put it in the appropriate month’s file. Each evening you simply pull out the dated file for the following date and prioritize all the tasks the papers represent. This one strategy keeps your desktop free of active paperwork clutter and enables you to process work in a timely manner.

2. Prepare your file drawers

Before you start filing the rest of your papers, you need an efficient filing system in place. To begin, make sure you have access to four file drawers within your cockpit. That means you should be able to reach each of the four file drawers while sitting behind your desk. One file drawer will be the tickler file system you just created. The remaining three are what’s necessary to properly fit all the documents the average person needs to keep for work.

For a filing system that is easy to maintain you need to keep it extremely simple. Therefore, create five broad categories that encompass all the kinds of papers you need to keep for your job. Why five? Research shows that the human mind can keep straight up to five distinctions without having to stop and think about it. Any more than five distinctions is too much effort, and that’s when people set the paper aside rather than file it away. An example of five broad categories may be Administrative, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Production, and Research & Development. Choose the categories that make the most sense with your roles and responsibilities.

Do not sub-divide your categories or make mini-categories within each, as that just complicates the filing system. You want to be able to find any document by merely remembering the mantra “One of Five-Alphabetized,” meaning the paper you need is in one of five categories and in alphabetical order. Keeping your filing system this simple also allows others in your office to find documents they need when you are away from the office.

3. Create individual files

Now that you have your file drawer space ready and your five categories, it’s time to create the individual files. You may prefer to delay the actual file naming process until you have gone through the paper sorting process. If so, for now simply get your drawers ready to receive all those papers.

Within each of your five broad categories you will have individual file folders. So, for example, if Sales & Marketing is one of your broad categories, your files within that category may consist of “advertising,” “media kits,” “publicity,” etc.

When choosing the headings for your files, always choose a noun and choose a broad heading. Realize that it’s better to have fewer files with broader headings, each with fifty pages, rather than many specific files, each with five pages. However, if a file becomes too large and cumbersome, you can subdivide it. Just remember that the greater number of files you have the more difficult it becomes to locate and retrieve papers when you need them. If there are a number of possibilities of where a paper could have been filed you’ll learn to not trust your filing system. As a result, you’ll start to pile instead of file.

Give each individual file folder its own hanging file. Label the hanging file and the file folder the exact same label, word for word. Then, when you pull a file out, you merely pull out the file folder. You leave the hanging file in the drawer to save its place. When you are finished with the file, read the label on the file folder and find the same label in the drawer on a hanging file. Again, keep everything alphabetized for ease.

4. Insist on proper file placement

When labeling their files, many people make the mistake of labeling one file on the left side, one label in the center, and one on the right side throughout the file drawer. Sure, this looks nice the first day you set it up, but as soon as you add a new file, you mess up your system. Soon you’re not sure where to expect the next label, so you have to slow down and study your file labels every time you need to file a paper away. This makes filing complicated. As a result, you’ll have the tendency to set the paper aside rather than file it.

A better approach is to use straight row filing, where each tab is directly behind the tab in front of it. Keep the tabs in alphabetical order. That way you know where each tab is and in what order they come. You’ll be amazed at how much easier filing instantly becomes.

5. Speed sort through the de-cluttering process

With your tickler file prepared, your filing system created, and your individual file folders ready, it’s time to tackle the mounds of paper in your office. As you handle each piece of paper, ask yourself the following questions:

- Can I discard this yet? (Under what circumstances will you for sure use this piece of paper again? If you ever did need it again, is there another source you could get it from?)
- Can I delegate this?
- Can I handle this in 60 seconds or less? (If it’s something you can do right now in 60 seconds or less and get it out of your life, then do so.)
- What date am I committed to take action on this? (Put it in that day’s tickler file.)
- What heading do I want this filed under in my files?

This is a filter system where you get rid of as much as you can. By the time you’re done with these questions you should only be left with the documents you truly need to keep. Please note that you may want to check with your accountant, attorney, or manager about what types of documents you legally have to save.

6. Insist on maintaining a proper fit inside your file drawers

You know you have a proper fit if you can open a drawer, open the file, insert the paper, and close the drawer using only one hand. If you need two hands to file the paper then you have exceeded a proper fit. When there is an improper fit the filing process becomes a bother and you tend to procrastinate filing your papers. Therefore, when your filing cabinets get too stuffed, go through the speed sorting questions again. Eliminate what you can. Move the rest to long-term storage.

Less Paper = Less Stress

When you know how to file effectively and you can keep a clutter-free desk, you’ll experience less stress and greater concentration, which ultimately leads to increased productivity. So no matter how bad the paper clutter is in your office, get started on these six tips today. A little de-cluttering effort today will yield greater productivity and profits for you for years to come.

1:53 PM - Aug. 24, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

A healthier you

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Americans said they feel unhealthy (physically or mentally) about 6 days per month. www.cdc.gov/hrqol/findings.htm
In other words, for almost 11 weeks out of the year we aren’t feeling 100%. There are simple ways to improve our overall health and start feeling our best, every day. 

America’s #1 Health Problem – Stress
Whether you are troubled with work, family, friends, yourself, finances, economic hardships or world peace, you need to focus on alleviating some of your stress on a daily basis. Stress can contribute to hypertension, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, ulcers, neck or lower back pain and can cause life threatening diseases.

Solution: Take regular exercise breaks, a 30-minute walk at lunch, or after work, can refresh and relax you. Take time to calm yourself, regain perspective on what's important or even figure out a solution to the problem. Try to identify what triggers your stress and avoid it or find a specific way to cope with it if it occurs frequently.
For more tips on managing your stress visit: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/stress/167.printerview.html
www.mayoclinic.com/print/coping-with-stress/SR00030/METHOD=print

DRINK WATER!
Mild dehydration is one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue. An estimated 75% of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration. The body is made up of two thirds water and dehydration symptoms can become noticeable after 2% of water volume has been lost. Symptoms include headache, off and on blurred vision, decreased blood pressure, dizziness and even fainting. The average adult requirement is 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water per day, however, you may need to consume more due to exercise, climate and illness.

Solution:Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Keep a bottle of water in your backpack, purse and with you at work. Every time you walk by a water fountain, take a drink. And if drinking glasses and glasses of water seems to get boring there are other foods such as juice, fruit, milk and soup that can help keep you stay hydrated and alert throughout the day.
For more information on the importance of drinking water visit: www.wikihow.com/Drink-More-Water-Every-Day www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

Exercise
The dreaded word exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to be feared or a burden on your every day life. In fact you burn extra calories every day while doing chores without realizing it; so keep it up! By cooking dinner for 30 minutes, you burn 78 calories, even better, doing garden or yard work for 1 hour burns 320 calories, unfortunately riding on the tractor doesn’t count. Don’t think you burn a lot of calories in a day? Keep track of your exercise with a pedometer, 10,000 steps a day equals 5 miles or approximately 500 calories.

Solution: Start a new exercise regimen and set weekly and monthly goals. For example: choose push-ups and walking the first month and then every month after add another exercise. Keep a look out for local 5k walks and runs; you can benefit your health and contribute to local charities. Got kids with a lot of energy? Going for a walk around the block as a family after dinner or on the weekend will help you and encourage everyone in your family to be health conscious too. Note: Before starting any new exercise program, always check with your doctor to ensure you are physically ready.
For more information on getting your exercise routine started visit: www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200013
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/physical/basics/059.html
 

7:08 PM - Aug. 20, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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