Monday, June 17, 2013

Things Successful People Do on a Weekend

Success is determined by one's self. It could be satisfaction with your wealth, milestones achieved at a young age, or solid relationships with loved ones. However, more often than not, the world equates success to a high ranking position in your career at a young age.

I have not thought of myself as successful, but as age and experience creeps on, i became gradually proud of my life journey.

My conservative Asian parents reckons i play too much and sometimes nag at me. Their belief is "slog when young and reap the fruits at retirement".

Other than the fact that, you could possibly not live Forbes recently published an article of the 14 Things Successful People Do on a Weekend, and it further affirms my belief that my playfulness is what gives me my edge professionally.

After all, the whole point of the week is the weekend.

It is what you do on the weekend, that fuels you during the week. I never found the first five days after a weekend hard. Well, other than the fact that i have been very blessed with jobs that i love going to.

Partying or drinking excessively is something i do not do on a weekend. Getting wasted is wasting the weekend, even if socializing is listed as one of the 14 things.

I have a weekend routine. I start off my weekend with exercise. Even if it means waking up at 7am to catch the 8.30am yoga class. The best Tweets come to my head when i'm in the cobra or one legged standing pose.
On certain weekends, i do something a little more special like doing an adventure course, going out on a boat or visiting somewhere special. Being active and outdoors is an opportunity to disconnect, to pry myself away from the addictive finger swiping.
There are also days when i just want to stay home because i had been out socializing on the weekdays. On such weekends, i indulge in my passion. Blogging. This is also the reason why i didn't want to go into hardcore monetizing my blog or blog full-time. This is a hobby i keep, for me to do whenever i want and however i want. Some of my best blog posts are written on a Friday! While cinemas are a bad weekend idea because you're losing precious outdoor time, there are Saturdays where i like to veg out in front of a big screen with a movie that doesn't require much thinking. Now that I've relocated temporary to Europe, weekends staying in mean trying out new recipes.

I do plenty of weekend getaways as well. While many of my colleagues complain about the office being far from the city center back in Singapore, i took advantage of it being near the airport. Bangkok, Bali, Ho Chi Minh and even Malaysia are the usual suspects. That attitude didn't change, in fact increased its frequency now that i'm in Europe. I wasted no time in spending my weekends in Budapest, Florence and just last weekend Lake Como.
In fact, making future plans on a weekend is also an effective way of preparing for the work week. Being able to plan ahead makes me focused in achieving goals. It also makes me a more responsible worker. I am now planning for my next weekend getaway in Milan :)

My other ritual on a weekend is attending church. The 2 hours spent allows me to reflect, appreciate and be more introspective about larger issues.

How are your weekends like?

WEEKENDS....

Monday, June 10, 2013

visa credit card for students

Student Visa Cards - The Good and Bad

Student Visa Cards
One thing that many college students intuitively know is certainly that having a charge card is without a doubt one of the essentials of life. Not specifically to splurge on things they do not require, but to build a strong credit ranking so that when it comes time to make a serious buy, they'll always be in great standing. One can find student credit cards that may ease a young man or woman into the credit economy and also let him or her demonstrate just how responsible they can be with a credit card.
The majority of young people have their own personal bank account. It may well be one that their parents established for them when they were a young child, or it might be a little something they've opened up on their very own using the money they have earned at a part-time position. In either case, the bank will probably be the right spot to start when searching for student Visa cards. The bank will probably discuss the readily available possibilities with the individual and see which of the student Visa cards best suits their economic circumstances.
In quite a few scenarios a bank or credit card company may necessitate that the young person have a parent cosign their application. That is considering that student charge cards are normally the very first kind of credit a university student is going to be responsible for. Because they've got absolutely no record of either a favorable or negative credit history, the companies providing the student Visa cards will need another person to bear the debt in the event the student does not meet their obligation. In the event that the student can work out an arrangement with their father and mother, they will normally take on the position as cosigner.

If this isn't required the student may possibly pay a higher rate of interest. Generally the rate that an person with student Visa cards will be expected to pay is on par with a classic bank card. If the student doesn't have established credit history and no cosigner is required, the onus to pay falls directly on their shoulders. These forms of student Visa cards unquestionably do succeed towards building the person's credit rating, but they are a little more costly.
Unfortunately some students unwittingly fall into deep credit card debt as a result of bank cards. Numerous companies mail out student credit card application forms to university students. They anticipate the college students to reply simply because they tempt all of them by using a really low initial interest rate. When a student struggling over a tight spending budget sees this they're likely to apply and receive a few. At the time they do not consider the long term ramifications of getting a lot of student charge cards and carrying that volume of debt. Therefore it is smart for him or her to remember that whatever they put on the card, each and every penny plus even more must be paid back. Graduating with a mountain of already accumulated credit card debt isn't a great way to start your adult life
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Perrone


Saturday, June 8, 2013

Many people have been victimized in credit repair scams, but that is not to say there are no legitimate businesses out there that can help you. If you would like to get your credit back on track, this article is very helpful in letting you know what to look out for when choosing a credit repair company.

People who are trying to repair their credit by looking for credit repair services should be wary of credit repair scams. There are a number of companies who claim to offer free advice from credit experts while they are overcharging you greatly for information you can get freely on your own.

Pay off your credit card in full every month if you can. Make it a point to not run up too much credit card debt by paying it in full. Your creditors will see you are responsible if you make a payment in full every month, which can improve your credit.

It is important to remember that repairing your credit history is very similar to losing weight. Like weight loss, it takes a lot of time and effort and there are no quick fixes. Just like you have to resist the temptation of high-calorie foods to lose weight, you must resist using credit cards when trying to repair your credit.

Always pay your bills on time. The way you pay your bills accounts for almost one-third of your credit score. If you make a payment late it stays on your credit report and will affect your score for a whole 7 years. If you haven't been paying your bills on time, start now.

If you're looking to repair your credit, get rid of all your credit cards except one. Transferring the balance to a single card will mean you'll only need to keep track of a single bill and interest rate. Focus on paying the minimum on this card every month and then add a little extra to help bring the principle down.

You should know you are eligible to receive your credit report for free each year from all three of the major credit reporting bureaus. You should be sure to take advantage of this and check all three of them. This way you will know what is negative on your credit report.

If you are trying to improve a damaged credit score while under a considerable debt burden, consider contacting your creditors and having them lower your credit limits. There are two effects to lowering your credit limit. First, it prevents you from continuing to run up debt. Second, it improves your image as a responsible and trustworthy user of credit.

As this article discussed, credit repair is a legitimate business that has its share of good and bad companies. Knowing who to trust and what to look out for can help guide you in the proper direction of credit repair. Apply the knowledge and advice from this article and you will be able to spot credit repair specialists who are legitimately trying to help.

Credit cards are almost a necessity of modern life, but the easy credit that they offer can get many people in trouble. Knowing how to use credit cards responsibly is a key part of your financial education. The tips in this article will help make sure that you do not abuse your credit cards.

Every time you decide to apply for a new credit card, your credit report is checked and an "inquiry" is made. This stays on your credit report for up to two years and too many inquiries, brings your credit score down. Therefore, before you start wildly applying for different cards, research the market first and choose a few select options.

Be wary of introductory deals on credit cards. Many credit cards providers will offer new customers credit cards, that have low interest rates, and high credit limits in order to get them to sign up. Unfortunately, these same providers usually increase the interest rate on their credit cards after a customer has owned a card for a few months, and built up some debt.

Do not go over your spending limit. Even if your card has one, there can be scenarios due to electronic reporting delays and the like where you can actually go over your limit. Given the fees and charges for going over your spending limit, some credit card companies make it easy for you to do so. Do not assume they are putting a hard ceiling in to protect you.

If you are getting rid of an old credit card, cut up the credit card through the account number. This is especially important, if you are cutting up an expired card and your replacement card has the same account number. As an added security step, consider throwing away the pieces in different trash bags, so that thieves can't piece the card back together as easily.

If you feel that the interest rate that you are paying on your card is too high, you can call your credit card company and ask them to lower it. Many people do not know this and the credit card companies are not going to openly tell people that they may receive lower rates by request.

There are so many cards available that you should avoid signing up with any company that charges you a monthly fee just for having the card. This will end up being very costly and might end up making you owe much more money to the company, than you can comfortably afford.

Choose one bill to put on your credit card and use your credit card for that bill every month, then pay off the card at the end of the month. That way, you make sure you're using the card regularly and responsibly and your credit score will continually go up.

Having access to credit makes it much easier to manage your finances, but as you have seen, you need to do so with care. It is all too easy to over-extend yourself with your credit cards. Keep the tips you have learned from this article in mind, so that you can be a responsible credit card user.

Auto insurance is one of the most important tools any driver can have. Auto insurance protects drivers in the case of auto collisions by providing them with coverage for medical bills and car costs. However, before purchasing auto insurance, there are some things you should know. Read the following article for advice on auto insurance.

Call your auto insurance company and ask for a comprehensive list of all of the discounts they offer. Go down the list and determine if you are getting as many of them as you can. For example, you might be able to save a significant amount by taking a free defensive driving course or by reporting a co-habiting partner.

Do not settle for the first auto insurance company that you find. You may be missing out on special discounts or rewards. For instance, some insurance companies offer discounted premiums for accident-free drivers, or for people of certain professions. Some even give discounts to college students who maintain good grades.

Scrap rebates for instant promotions to grab more customers. Rebates are a hassle for both you and your customer, so avoid the process in between and offer your customer the discount up front. You will earn your customer's loyalty quicker and ensure that they purchase from you in the future.

Don't pick an insurance just because it is cheaper. Each insurance company provides different types of plans with varying levels of coverage. One company may offer a plan for $100 less, but it may just have liability coverage. Most states require protection against damage to another person's car, but not for your own.

Make sure you update your auto insurance policy if you get married, divorced or otherwise change your family situation. In many cases, your auto insurance price may change. Saving money is important in today's economy so you do not want to pay more than you have to, or keep your ex-spouse on your policy.

If you don't commute and just use your car to run errands and take care of minor business, you may be able to get a "pleasure driving" rate, which is much less than the rate you would pay if you were commuting to work every day. The reason for this is that you are less likely to have an accident if you don't drive very much!

When you are shopping for car insurance be sure to calculate all of the costs before taking the policy. You may be paying higher premiums for less coverage if you do not take the time to find out exactly what it is that you are paying for. Keep the deductibles in mind as you are calculating the cost.

When considering auto insurance for a young driver, keep in mind the type of car in relation to the type of insurance you are buying. If the car itself is not worth that much money, pay special attention to the extras on the claim, as well as the deductible amount. Most providers will work with you, based on your choices.

In conclusion, auto insurance is an important tool for all drivers. It protects drivers in auto accidents by covering costs. There are many things to remember when purchasing auto insurance, and if you remember the advice in the article above, then you should be able to select auto insurance that will protect you.

It's becoming harder and harder to manage your money today, with that being said it becomes even harder to repair your credit once it declines. If you're facing this problem then you're in the right place. This article is here to help you form strategies of success towards repairing your credit.

One neat trick for dealing with credit bureaus when you are repairing your credit is to hand-write all of your correspondence with the bureau. The credit bureaus are eager to categorize your letters and route them to automated responses. This process is a lot easier if you send them printed material. Hand-written letters are far more likely to receive individual attention.

If a person is having trouble managing their spending on credit cards and it is damaging their credit or making it difficult to repair credit then that person should consider canceling the cards as soon as they pay off the balance. Canceling a credit card is a sure fire way to limit spending on it.

When looking for a credit repair company to help you with your financial problems, avoid any who promise you an entirely new, clean credit report! These are illegal and can not only ruin your credit for the rest of your life, but also put you in jail as you will be the person blamed for it.

Part of a successful credit repair effort is diligent record-keeping. All correspondence involving a credit dispute - both incoming and outgoing - should be saved for reference. Repairing a serious credit problem can be a very complex process. The debtor needs to be ready to refresh his or her memory on issues that may not have been discussed in several months.

Check your credit report from all three major credit reporting agencies once a year. This is a great opportunity to check your report for problems or bad information. If you notice a problem on your report then you have the opportunity to fix it. This also gives you an idea of how a prospective lender would view you when pulling your credit report.

In order to repair your credit you're going to have to make a lot of cut backs. What you want to do is limit yourself from going out so much as eating out costs a lot more than eating in. Try your best to stock up on food when you see deals at stores, this can help you save some extra money you can use towards getting out of debt and fixing your credit.

A great tip for improving your credit rating is to use your credit card for your everyday purchases, such as food and gasoline. However, you must ensure that you do not spend too much so that you are able to pay off this balance every month. By doing this, you will show the credit card companies that you are a reliable borrower, which will in turn increase your credit rating.

Now that you have some ideas of ways you can go about repairing your credit, you're going to be wanting to implement those strategies as much as you can whenever possible. The best way to see progress soon is to start those strategies today. The sooner you try to repair your credit, the sooner it's going to happen.

Credit cards can help you to manage your finances, as long as you use them appropriately. However, it can be devastating to your financial management if you misuse them. For this reason, you may have shied away from getting a credit card in the first place. However, you don't need to do this, you just need to learn how to use credit cards properly. Read on for some tips to help you with your credit card use.

Check your credit report regularly. By law, you are allowed to check your credit score once a year from the three major credit agencies. This may be often enough, if you use credit sparingly and always pay on time. You may want to spend the extra money, and check more often if you carry a lot of credit card debt.

Be sure to check the activity on your credit card regularly, to make sure that there are no suspicious charges being made on it. If someone has stolen your information and is using your card without your permission, you want to catch this as soon as possible. If you see suspicious activity, contact your credit card company right away.

Try your best to stay within 30 percent of the credit limit that is set on your card. Part of your credit score is made up of assessing the amount of debt that you have. By staying far under your limit, you will help your rating and make sure it does not start to dip.

You should ask the people at your bank if you can have an extra checkbook register, so that you can keep track of all of the purchases that you make with your credit card. Many people lose track and they assume their monthly statements are right and there is a huge chance that there may have been errors.

Don't pay any fees upfront when you are getting a credit card. The legitimate card issuers will not ask for any money up front, unless you're getting a secured credit card. When you are applying for a secured card, be sure to find out how the deposit is going to be used.

An important aspect of smart credit card usage is to pay the entire outstanding balance, each and every month, whenever possible. By keeping your usage percentage low, you will help keep your overall credit score high, as well as, keep a substantial amount of available credit open for use in case of emergencies.

Never apply for more credit cards than you actually need. It's true that you need a few credit cards to help build your credit, but there is a point at which the amount of credit cards you have is actually detrimental to your credit score. Be mindful to find that happy medium.

Using your credit cards wisely is not something that you should be scared about. Using a credit card wisely can help raise your credit score, so there's no need to stay away from them entirely. Make an effort to use the advice shared here with you. You can do your credit history a favor by using your cards wisely.