Computer running to slow for you? Before you run out and buy a new one try this.
Most people download and save so much information on their computer that before long the computer starts slowing down and the user has no idea what the problem is. However, even if you are not a computer whiz there are several things you can easily do to speed up your computer quickly and easily. Here are 7 quick things you can do that should help speed up your computer.
Defrag
One of the first things you should do if you want to speed up your computer is to defrag. This is something you can easily do and a wizard on your computer will help you defrag. You might want to do it overnight, however, because it can take a long time.
Spyware Remover
Download a good spyware remover. Most computers have a lot of spyware running in the background, stealing information and slowing down your computer. Remove it frequently if possible.
Empty Temp Internet Files
Most Internet browsers save your last visited web pages for up to 30 days. If you don't want all of those pages saved then change the days to one or two, or none, whatever meets your needs.
Turn off Active Desktop
When you turn of active desktop that will be one less thing using memory on your computer. Plus, you won't really notice the difference.
Antivirus Programs
Make sure you have a good anti-virus program and use it frequently. If you are deleting virus and preventing them from feeding on your computer then you will have a faster computer as well.
Uninstall Obsolete Programs.
In reality, obsolete programs, just like unwanted files, occupy hard disk space and could contribute to the PC's sluggish performance. But be careful. Do not just hit the Delete key. Instead, go to Control Panel, select
Add/Remove Programs, and then click "Remove" for the programs you no longer want.
Utilize Removable Media.
By transferring your pictures, audio, and video clips to removable media such as CD-RW discs, you can free your hard disk from the unnecessary burden.
Once you perform these simple tasks you will be amazed at how much faster your computer runs and with so little effort.
Monday, June 15, 2009
5 Minutes To Home Insurance Savings
Here is a quick video on home insurance savings. If you haven't checked your homeowners policy in a while, now might be a good time to. You could have savings that you are unaware of. Pull out that policy and take 5 minutes to see if you can save.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
How You Can Save Money Using Twitter
Save hundreds of dollars a month using Twitter.
If your in tune like everybody else, you have heard of Twitter. Twitter is the latest social media tool. Everyone is getting in on it and sending "Tweets"
Because Twitter can be used as a huge free marketing tool, just about every business from Sears to Wal-Mart to you small local sub shop has a Twitter account. These business know with the large following they have they can quickly get the word out about any sales or promotions they want customers to know about.
So how do you save money with Twitter? Well its simple. If you didn't know you can type in a keyword on your Twitter home page search field. In this field, put in keywords to search on like coupons, deals savings, and things like that. You will find many ways to save money. Follow all of your favorite stores and restaurants and get alerted when money saving tweets are sent.
Follow me on Twitter
Watch this short video
If your in tune like everybody else, you have heard of Twitter. Twitter is the latest social media tool. Everyone is getting in on it and sending "Tweets"
Because Twitter can be used as a huge free marketing tool, just about every business from Sears to Wal-Mart to you small local sub shop has a Twitter account. These business know with the large following they have they can quickly get the word out about any sales or promotions they want customers to know about.
So how do you save money with Twitter? Well its simple. If you didn't know you can type in a keyword on your Twitter home page search field. In this field, put in keywords to search on like coupons, deals savings, and things like that. You will find many ways to save money. Follow all of your favorite stores and restaurants and get alerted when money saving tweets are sent.
Follow me on Twitter
Watch this short video
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
How To Spot Foreclosure Rescue Scams
The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying. The reality that scam artists are preying on the vulnerability of desperate homeowners is equally frightening. Many so-called foreclosure rescue companies or foreclosure assistance firms claim they can help you save your
home. Some are brazen enough to offer a money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, once most of these foreclosure fraudsters take your money, they leave you much the worse for wear.
Fraudulent foreclosure “rescue” professionals use half truths and outright lies to sell services that promise relief and then fail to deliver. Their goal is to make a quick profit through fees or mortgage payments they collect from you, but do not pass on to the lender. Sometimes, they assume ownership of your property by deceiving you, the homeowner. Then, when it’s too late to save your home, they take the property or siphon off the equity. You’ve lost your home to foreclosure despite your best intentions.
If you think you may be facing foreclosure, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know how to recognize a foreclosure rescue scam. And even if the foreclosure process has already begun, the FTC and its law enforcement partners want you to know that legitimate options are available to help you save your home.
How the Scams Work
Foreclosure rescue firms use a variety of tactics to find homeowners in distress: Some sift through public foreclosure notices in newspapers and on the Internet or through public files at local government offices, and then send personalized letters to homeowners. Others take a broader approach through ads on the Internet, on television, or in the newspaper, posters on telephone poles, median strips and at bus stops, or flyer's or business cards at your front door. The scam artists use simple and straight-forward messages, like:
“Stop Foreclosure Now!”
“We guarantee to stop your foreclosure.”
“Keep Your Home. We know your home is scheduled to be sold. No Problem!”
“We have special relationships within many banks that can speed up case approvals.”
“We Can Save Your Home. Guaranteed. Free Consultation”
“We stop foreclosures everyday. Our team of professionals can stop yours this week!”
Once they have your attention, they use a variety of tactics to get your money:
Phony Counseling or Phantom Help
The scam artist tells you that he can negotiate a deal with your lender to save your house if you pay a fee first. You may be told not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit counselor, and to let the scam artist handle all the details. Once you pay the fee, the scam artist takes off with your money.
Sometimes, the scam artist insists that you make all mortgage payments directly to him while he negotiates with the lender. In this instance, the scammer may collect a few months of payments before disappearing.
Bait-and-Switch
You think you’re signing documents for a new loan to make your existing mortgage current. This is a trick: you’ve signed documents that surrender the title of your house to the scam artist in exchange for a “rescue” loan.
Rent-to-Buy Scheme
You’re told to surrender the title as part of a deal that allows you to remain in your home as a renter, and to buy it back during the next few years. You may be told that surrendering the title will permit a borrower with a better credit rating to secure new financing - and prevent the loss of the home. But the terms of these deals usually are so burdensome that buying back your home becomes impossible. You lose the home, and the scam artist walks off with all or most of your home’s equity. Worse yet, when the new borrower defaults on the loan, you’re evicted.
In a variation, the scam artist raises the rent over time to the point that the former homeowner can’t afford it. After missing several rent payments, the renter - the former homeowner - is evicted, leaving the “rescuer” free to sell the house.
In a similar equity-skimming situation, the scam artist offers to find a buyer for your home, but only if you sign over the deed and move out. The scam artist promises to pay you a portion of the profit when the home sells. Once you transfer the deed, the scam artist simply rents out the home and pockets the proceeds while your lender proceeds with the foreclosure. In the end, you lose your home - and you’re still responsible for the unpaid mortgage. That’s because transferring the deed does nothing to transfer your mortgage obligation.
Fraudulent foreclosure “rescue” professionals use half truths and outright lies to sell services that promise relief and then fail to deliver.
Bankruptcy Foreclosure
The scam artist may promise to negotiate with your lender or to get refinancing on your behalf if you pay a fee up front. Instead of contacting your lender or refinancing your loan, though, the scam artist pockets the fee and files a bankruptcy case in your name - sometimes without your knowledge.
A bankruptcy filing often stops a home foreclosure, but only temporarily. What’s more, the bankruptcy process is complicated, expensive, and unforgiving. For example, if you fail to attend the first meeting with the creditors, the bankruptcy judge will dismiss the case and the foreclosure proceedings will continue.
If this happens, you could lose the money you paid to the scam artist as well as your home. Worse yet, a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, and can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance, or sometimes get a job.
Where to Find Legitimate Help
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or you have gotten a foreclosure notice, contact your lender immediately. You may be able to negotiate a new repayment schedule. Remember that lenders generally don’t want to foreclose; it costs them money.
Other foreclosure prevention options, including reinstatement and forbearance, are explained in Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do, a publication from the FTC. Find it at www.ftc.gov.
You also may contact a credit counselor through the Home ownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), a nonprofit organization that operates the national 24/7 toll-free hotline (1.888.995.HOPE) with free, bilingual, personalized assistance to help at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosure. HPF is a member of the HOPE NOW Alliance of mortgage services, mortgage market participants and counselors. More information about HOPE NOW is at www.995hope.org.
Red Flags
If you’re looking for foreclosure prevention help, avoid any business that:
* guarantees to stop the foreclosure process - no matter what your circumstances
* instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit or housing counselor
* collects a fee before providing you with any services
* accepts payment only by cashier’s check or wire transfer
* encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time
* tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to it, rather than your lender
* tells you to transfer your property deed or title to it
* offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale
* offers to fill out paperwork for you
* pressures you to sign paperwork you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand.
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or you have gotten a foreclosure notice, contact your lender immediately.
Report Fraud
If you think you’ve been a victim of foreclosure fraud, contact:
* Federal Trade Commission
* Your state Attorney General
* Your local Better Business Bureau
For More Information
To learn more about mortgages and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.
home. Some are brazen enough to offer a money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, once most of these foreclosure fraudsters take your money, they leave you much the worse for wear.
Fraudulent foreclosure “rescue” professionals use half truths and outright lies to sell services that promise relief and then fail to deliver. Their goal is to make a quick profit through fees or mortgage payments they collect from you, but do not pass on to the lender. Sometimes, they assume ownership of your property by deceiving you, the homeowner. Then, when it’s too late to save your home, they take the property or siphon off the equity. You’ve lost your home to foreclosure despite your best intentions.
If you think you may be facing foreclosure, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know how to recognize a foreclosure rescue scam. And even if the foreclosure process has already begun, the FTC and its law enforcement partners want you to know that legitimate options are available to help you save your home.
How the Scams Work
Foreclosure rescue firms use a variety of tactics to find homeowners in distress: Some sift through public foreclosure notices in newspapers and on the Internet or through public files at local government offices, and then send personalized letters to homeowners. Others take a broader approach through ads on the Internet, on television, or in the newspaper, posters on telephone poles, median strips and at bus stops, or flyer's or business cards at your front door. The scam artists use simple and straight-forward messages, like:
“Stop Foreclosure Now!”
“We guarantee to stop your foreclosure.”
“Keep Your Home. We know your home is scheduled to be sold. No Problem!”
“We have special relationships within many banks that can speed up case approvals.”
“We Can Save Your Home. Guaranteed. Free Consultation”
“We stop foreclosures everyday. Our team of professionals can stop yours this week!”
Once they have your attention, they use a variety of tactics to get your money:
Phony Counseling or Phantom Help
The scam artist tells you that he can negotiate a deal with your lender to save your house if you pay a fee first. You may be told not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit counselor, and to let the scam artist handle all the details. Once you pay the fee, the scam artist takes off with your money.
Sometimes, the scam artist insists that you make all mortgage payments directly to him while he negotiates with the lender. In this instance, the scammer may collect a few months of payments before disappearing.
Bait-and-Switch
You think you’re signing documents for a new loan to make your existing mortgage current. This is a trick: you’ve signed documents that surrender the title of your house to the scam artist in exchange for a “rescue” loan.
Rent-to-Buy Scheme
You’re told to surrender the title as part of a deal that allows you to remain in your home as a renter, and to buy it back during the next few years. You may be told that surrendering the title will permit a borrower with a better credit rating to secure new financing - and prevent the loss of the home. But the terms of these deals usually are so burdensome that buying back your home becomes impossible. You lose the home, and the scam artist walks off with all or most of your home’s equity. Worse yet, when the new borrower defaults on the loan, you’re evicted.
In a variation, the scam artist raises the rent over time to the point that the former homeowner can’t afford it. After missing several rent payments, the renter - the former homeowner - is evicted, leaving the “rescuer” free to sell the house.
In a similar equity-skimming situation, the scam artist offers to find a buyer for your home, but only if you sign over the deed and move out. The scam artist promises to pay you a portion of the profit when the home sells. Once you transfer the deed, the scam artist simply rents out the home and pockets the proceeds while your lender proceeds with the foreclosure. In the end, you lose your home - and you’re still responsible for the unpaid mortgage. That’s because transferring the deed does nothing to transfer your mortgage obligation.
Fraudulent foreclosure “rescue” professionals use half truths and outright lies to sell services that promise relief and then fail to deliver.
Bankruptcy Foreclosure
The scam artist may promise to negotiate with your lender or to get refinancing on your behalf if you pay a fee up front. Instead of contacting your lender or refinancing your loan, though, the scam artist pockets the fee and files a bankruptcy case in your name - sometimes without your knowledge.
A bankruptcy filing often stops a home foreclosure, but only temporarily. What’s more, the bankruptcy process is complicated, expensive, and unforgiving. For example, if you fail to attend the first meeting with the creditors, the bankruptcy judge will dismiss the case and the foreclosure proceedings will continue.
If this happens, you could lose the money you paid to the scam artist as well as your home. Worse yet, a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, and can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance, or sometimes get a job.
Where to Find Legitimate Help
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or you have gotten a foreclosure notice, contact your lender immediately. You may be able to negotiate a new repayment schedule. Remember that lenders generally don’t want to foreclose; it costs them money.
Other foreclosure prevention options, including reinstatement and forbearance, are explained in Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do, a publication from the FTC. Find it at www.ftc.gov.
You also may contact a credit counselor through the Home ownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), a nonprofit organization that operates the national 24/7 toll-free hotline (1.888.995.HOPE) with free, bilingual, personalized assistance to help at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosure. HPF is a member of the HOPE NOW Alliance of mortgage services, mortgage market participants and counselors. More information about HOPE NOW is at www.995hope.org.
Red Flags
If you’re looking for foreclosure prevention help, avoid any business that:
* guarantees to stop the foreclosure process - no matter what your circumstances
* instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit or housing counselor
* collects a fee before providing you with any services
* accepts payment only by cashier’s check or wire transfer
* encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time
* tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to it, rather than your lender
* tells you to transfer your property deed or title to it
* offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale
* offers to fill out paperwork for you
* pressures you to sign paperwork you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand.
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or you have gotten a foreclosure notice, contact your lender immediately.
Report Fraud
If you think you’ve been a victim of foreclosure fraud, contact:
* Federal Trade Commission
* Your state Attorney General
* Your local Better Business Bureau
For More Information
To learn more about mortgages and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
When It Comes To The Size Of Your Income
Remember when it comes to the size of your income, it's not how big it is but how you use it.
So use the income you have wisely and you will find yourself having more of it.
So use the income you have wisely and you will find yourself having more of it.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Save Money On Vet Bills
Veterinary care for 2008 is estimated at $10.9 billion, up almost a billion from 2007. With the economy tanking, jobs disappearing and the stock market down, many of us are postponing or foregoing veterinary care because we can't afford expensive treatments. It's time - past time! - to eliminate unnecessary products and services too many pet parents think are essential but may actually be damaging pet health. Here are some cost-saving ideas that will also make dogs healthier:
1. STOP VACCINATING UNNECESSARILY! No more vaccinating against diseases your dog is unlikely to catch and against diseases to which your dog is already immune. Not only is unnecessary vaccination a huge waste of time and money, the resulting adverse health consequences can ruin pet health and cost you a fortune in vet bills down the line. A simple blood test called a titer test is an excellent way to prevent over-vaccination.
2. FEED QUALITY FOOD. Although spending more for high quality food may seem a strange way to save money, it is your absolute best shot at long-term canine health and lower vet bills. Start feeding wisely and you may see allergies, intestinal problems, joint ouchiness and other ailments disappear. At the very least, stop feeding grocery store brands and switch from kibble to canned. Better yet, feed frozen raw or fresh cooked or raw foods.
According to Purina's 14-year study of 48 Labrador Retrievers, "lean-fed" dogs (receiving 25% less food than their littermates) eventually developed the same health problems as littermates as they aged, but needed treatment for ailments more than 2 years later. What was the secret to better health? It was not about feeding a particular brand, but rather about feeding to a healthy, lean condition. That is, don't leave food out all day and don't overfeed. Remember: fat dogs aren't cute; they're unhealthy and they're expensive.
3. BRUSH TEETH MORE OFTEN. Few things are more expensive, or risky, than dental procedures. Avoid them by feeding low-carb foods and by brushing your dog's teeth at least three times a week. Use a good paste meant for dogs (not Humans!) and use gauze around your finger or a super-soft toothbrush. By the way, kibble does not clean teeth. In fact, corn-laden kibble is actually bad for dental (and general) health.
4. STOP GIVING UNNECESSARY OR DANGEROUS DRUGS. Check out your dog's meds on-line (especially steroids and arthritis medications). If it's not mosquito or flea season where you live, why are you giving heartworm and flea meds? Do research to learn more about heartworm and flea life cycles and natural methods of pest control. Just make sure you get your facts from reliable, unbiased sources. Websites that look "scientific" are often fronts for manufacturers of pet meds.
5. GET FLUFFY A BLOOD TEST if she hasn't had one in the last year (or six months for senior dogs). Remember, dogs age faster than we do and a thorough blood test (with a chem panel) is the easiest (and sometimes the only) way to detect disease while it's still curable and cheaper to treat. Also test yearly for heartworms, whether or not you use meds.
6. STOP GIVING DANGEROUS TREATS that can perforate or lodge in tracheas or intestines. These include cooked bones, rawhide chews and poorly designed toys. Surgery for obstructions and perforations is very expensive and may come too late to save your dog's life. Beware, too, pig's feet and other too-hard chews that can be your dog's ticket to dental surgery to repair broken teeth.
7. PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM TOXINS AND POISONS. Wash paws after a walk on chemical-laden surfaces like city streets and salted roads. Learn your dog park's fertilization schedule and avoid the park when it's toxic. Also, never use toxic chemicals in your home or yard. Whatever gets on your dog's feet will end up in his mouth. Know, too, that trash can raids can result in an ailment called "Garbage Can Syndrome." And you'd be shocked at how much money is spent on inadvertent poisoning from snail, ant and rat bait.
In short, always think before you spend. Research drugs before you buy them. Don't automatically give shots or reorder meds or "prescription" foods. Consider alternatives. Ask questions. Become an educated consumer and trust your own instincts. You're your dog's only advocate. So advocate for better care and save money in the process.
Author's Bio
Jan Rasmusen authored Scared Poopless Find free dog care videos, audios, and articles at Jan's website Dogs4Dogs.com
1. STOP VACCINATING UNNECESSARILY! No more vaccinating against diseases your dog is unlikely to catch and against diseases to which your dog is already immune. Not only is unnecessary vaccination a huge waste of time and money, the resulting adverse health consequences can ruin pet health and cost you a fortune in vet bills down the line. A simple blood test called a titer test is an excellent way to prevent over-vaccination.
2. FEED QUALITY FOOD. Although spending more for high quality food may seem a strange way to save money, it is your absolute best shot at long-term canine health and lower vet bills. Start feeding wisely and you may see allergies, intestinal problems, joint ouchiness and other ailments disappear. At the very least, stop feeding grocery store brands and switch from kibble to canned. Better yet, feed frozen raw or fresh cooked or raw foods.
According to Purina's 14-year study of 48 Labrador Retrievers, "lean-fed" dogs (receiving 25% less food than their littermates) eventually developed the same health problems as littermates as they aged, but needed treatment for ailments more than 2 years later. What was the secret to better health? It was not about feeding a particular brand, but rather about feeding to a healthy, lean condition. That is, don't leave food out all day and don't overfeed. Remember: fat dogs aren't cute; they're unhealthy and they're expensive.
3. BRUSH TEETH MORE OFTEN. Few things are more expensive, or risky, than dental procedures. Avoid them by feeding low-carb foods and by brushing your dog's teeth at least three times a week. Use a good paste meant for dogs (not Humans!) and use gauze around your finger or a super-soft toothbrush. By the way, kibble does not clean teeth. In fact, corn-laden kibble is actually bad for dental (and general) health.
4. STOP GIVING UNNECESSARY OR DANGEROUS DRUGS. Check out your dog's meds on-line (especially steroids and arthritis medications). If it's not mosquito or flea season where you live, why are you giving heartworm and flea meds? Do research to learn more about heartworm and flea life cycles and natural methods of pest control. Just make sure you get your facts from reliable, unbiased sources. Websites that look "scientific" are often fronts for manufacturers of pet meds.
5. GET FLUFFY A BLOOD TEST if she hasn't had one in the last year (or six months for senior dogs). Remember, dogs age faster than we do and a thorough blood test (with a chem panel) is the easiest (and sometimes the only) way to detect disease while it's still curable and cheaper to treat. Also test yearly for heartworms, whether or not you use meds.
6. STOP GIVING DANGEROUS TREATS that can perforate or lodge in tracheas or intestines. These include cooked bones, rawhide chews and poorly designed toys. Surgery for obstructions and perforations is very expensive and may come too late to save your dog's life. Beware, too, pig's feet and other too-hard chews that can be your dog's ticket to dental surgery to repair broken teeth.
7. PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM TOXINS AND POISONS. Wash paws after a walk on chemical-laden surfaces like city streets and salted roads. Learn your dog park's fertilization schedule and avoid the park when it's toxic. Also, never use toxic chemicals in your home or yard. Whatever gets on your dog's feet will end up in his mouth. Know, too, that trash can raids can result in an ailment called "Garbage Can Syndrome." And you'd be shocked at how much money is spent on inadvertent poisoning from snail, ant and rat bait.
In short, always think before you spend. Research drugs before you buy them. Don't automatically give shots or reorder meds or "prescription" foods. Consider alternatives. Ask questions. Become an educated consumer and trust your own instincts. You're your dog's only advocate. So advocate for better care and save money in the process.
Author's Bio
Jan Rasmusen authored Scared Poopless Find free dog care videos, audios, and articles at Jan's website Dogs4Dogs.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Are You Still Keeping Your New Years Resolutions
We are half way through 2009, are you still making good on those New Years Resolutions? If you are Great, keep it up, this article is not for you. For those of you who have followed through on your New Year's resolutions and done amazing things, you may want to check back in tomorrow.
For those of you that have not, lets call this halftime. Take a day or so to stop, step back and take a look at where you are, as opposed to where you planned to be at this point of the year.
If you're like many people, then exactly six months ago you were all excited about the new year and all the things you were about to do to make a change in your life. Different habits, different attitude, different relationships and, different outcomes.
Creating positive change in life has nothing to do with a date on a calendar and everything to do with you. Your attitude, determination, honesty, motivation, and discipline.
Here are a few tips to help you get back on track
Recommit To Your Goal
Verbally saying that you are going to accomplish something and doing it are two different things. A commitment backed up with action is the sure way to start accomplishing your goals. Start with small short term goals then move on to larger goals
Make Your Goals Specific, Measurable, and Clear
Goals that are written down, specific, clear, and measurable have a higher success rate than those that are not. You have to know exactly what you're going after, see the end result in your imagination, and have a time frame for completion.
When you state a goal saying, "I want to earn more money this year", how much more money do you want to earn? One dollar more is more money. Get very specific and clear on the goal that you're going after. For example, "I choose to save $5,000 dollars in the bank by December 31, 2009." That goal is clear, specific, and measurable. The purpose on getting clear and specific is so you can direct your mind to find the means to achieve the goal.
Create a Mini-Vision Board
Sometimes having something visual to look at can provide us with the motivation to take action. Try making your own mini-vision board. Cut out pictures from magazines that represent accomplishing your goal. Using a sheet of 8x11 card stock paper (leave about a 2 inch space at the top), glue your pictures in a collage fashion. At the top of your vision board, write your goal and the deadline you will complete it. You can place your board in a 9x12 picture frame and place it on your night stand or bathroom counter or simply post it on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator or other location where you will see it frequently.
Take Action
Lack of consistent action is usually the missing piece to success.If you have big goals, expect to take massive and bold action to achieve those goals. Everyday you should be taking some form of action towards your goals. If you're only able to do one action item toward your goal today, then you're already ahead of 97 percent of the people in this world.
Setting and achieving your goal shouldn't be that hard once you know how. All you have to do is review your goals regularly, break things down into manageable steps, make it measurable and take action
For those of you that have not, lets call this halftime. Take a day or so to stop, step back and take a look at where you are, as opposed to where you planned to be at this point of the year.
If you're like many people, then exactly six months ago you were all excited about the new year and all the things you were about to do to make a change in your life. Different habits, different attitude, different relationships and, different outcomes.
Creating positive change in life has nothing to do with a date on a calendar and everything to do with you. Your attitude, determination, honesty, motivation, and discipline.
Here are a few tips to help you get back on track
Recommit To Your Goal
Verbally saying that you are going to accomplish something and doing it are two different things. A commitment backed up with action is the sure way to start accomplishing your goals. Start with small short term goals then move on to larger goals
Make Your Goals Specific, Measurable, and Clear
Goals that are written down, specific, clear, and measurable have a higher success rate than those that are not. You have to know exactly what you're going after, see the end result in your imagination, and have a time frame for completion.
When you state a goal saying, "I want to earn more money this year", how much more money do you want to earn? One dollar more is more money. Get very specific and clear on the goal that you're going after. For example, "I choose to save $5,000 dollars in the bank by December 31, 2009." That goal is clear, specific, and measurable. The purpose on getting clear and specific is so you can direct your mind to find the means to achieve the goal.
Create a Mini-Vision Board
Sometimes having something visual to look at can provide us with the motivation to take action. Try making your own mini-vision board. Cut out pictures from magazines that represent accomplishing your goal. Using a sheet of 8x11 card stock paper (leave about a 2 inch space at the top), glue your pictures in a collage fashion. At the top of your vision board, write your goal and the deadline you will complete it. You can place your board in a 9x12 picture frame and place it on your night stand or bathroom counter or simply post it on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator or other location where you will see it frequently.
Take Action
Lack of consistent action is usually the missing piece to success.If you have big goals, expect to take massive and bold action to achieve those goals. Everyday you should be taking some form of action towards your goals. If you're only able to do one action item toward your goal today, then you're already ahead of 97 percent of the people in this world.
Setting and achieving your goal shouldn't be that hard once you know how. All you have to do is review your goals regularly, break things down into manageable steps, make it measurable and take action
Monday, June 1, 2009
Your Car Will Run Longer With These Maintenance Tips
I recently had a do and don't post on ways to save on your car to see that post Click here I wanted to follow up with some maintenance tips. These tips used in conjunction with the tips from my previous post should have your car running for as long as you wish to drive it.
With the technology that exists today, cars can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many cars on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles.
By carefully and diligently following a maintenance schedule, you can extend your vehicle's life too. Let's take a look at several important maintenance steps you must take in order to avoid costly repairs and to help you hold onto your vehicle longer.
Regular oil changes - The 30 minute oil change specialists recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, while some manufacturers state you only need to change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six months. Opt for more frequent changes than lengthy manufacturer recommended intervals, but change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000 miles if your car is subject to hard driving.
Change your air filter - Your engine will run better and cleaner if you change your air filter at least once per year; more so if you do a lot of "stop and go" driving or put on many more miles per year than average.
Rotate your tires - Evenly wearing tires will help ensure that your car stops properly and stays on the road. Have your brakes and shocks inspected too to avoid potential handling and control issues. Always maintain good tire pressure
Transmission fluid - Your transmission isn't guaranteed to run forever. Change your fluid at manufacturer recommended intervals, generally once every 30 or 60 thousand miles. Neglect it and face costly repairs and potentially fatal [to the car] consequences.
Drain the radiator - Periodically draining the radiator and replacing the antifreeze will help flush out rust and dirt particles that can clog up your cooling system. When the coolant's rust inhibitors get used up then corrosion will show up within the radiator as well as in the engine block
Change the spark plugs - Some manufacturers have installed long life spark plugs meaning that changing spark plugs once every 60 or even 90 thousand miles or more is a possibility. Keep in mind that the longer your spark plugs sit in place, the more difficult it may be to remove them later. Optimally, replacing your spark plugs once every 30 thousand miles is ideal.
Examine your exhaust system - Your muffler, catalytic converter, and remaining exhaust system parts can wear out. A poorly functioning exhaust system saps your engine of needed power.
Wash and wax - Yes, your car may mechanically run well, but if the body falls apart, then what do you have left? Regular washings and a once a year wax job should do the trick.
Other stuff - Replace your battery, fuel filter, PCV valve, belts, and hoses as needed and every other part that wears out. Sensors come and sensors go; usually you will only have to replace your knock or oxygen sensors if and when a problem arises.
Refer to your manufacturer's repair book for guidelines as to when to perform maintenance. The key to extending your vehicle's life is in doing the maintenance when needed to head off costly repair bills. Otherwise you will be neglecting your car to the point where it "dies" prematurely.
With the technology that exists today, cars can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many cars on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles.
By carefully and diligently following a maintenance schedule, you can extend your vehicle's life too. Let's take a look at several important maintenance steps you must take in order to avoid costly repairs and to help you hold onto your vehicle longer.
Regular oil changes - The 30 minute oil change specialists recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, while some manufacturers state you only need to change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six months. Opt for more frequent changes than lengthy manufacturer recommended intervals, but change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000 miles if your car is subject to hard driving.
Change your air filter - Your engine will run better and cleaner if you change your air filter at least once per year; more so if you do a lot of "stop and go" driving or put on many more miles per year than average.
Rotate your tires - Evenly wearing tires will help ensure that your car stops properly and stays on the road. Have your brakes and shocks inspected too to avoid potential handling and control issues. Always maintain good tire pressure
Transmission fluid - Your transmission isn't guaranteed to run forever. Change your fluid at manufacturer recommended intervals, generally once every 30 or 60 thousand miles. Neglect it and face costly repairs and potentially fatal [to the car] consequences.
Drain the radiator - Periodically draining the radiator and replacing the antifreeze will help flush out rust and dirt particles that can clog up your cooling system. When the coolant's rust inhibitors get used up then corrosion will show up within the radiator as well as in the engine block
Change the spark plugs - Some manufacturers have installed long life spark plugs meaning that changing spark plugs once every 60 or even 90 thousand miles or more is a possibility. Keep in mind that the longer your spark plugs sit in place, the more difficult it may be to remove them later. Optimally, replacing your spark plugs once every 30 thousand miles is ideal.
Examine your exhaust system - Your muffler, catalytic converter, and remaining exhaust system parts can wear out. A poorly functioning exhaust system saps your engine of needed power.
Wash and wax - Yes, your car may mechanically run well, but if the body falls apart, then what do you have left? Regular washings and a once a year wax job should do the trick.
Other stuff - Replace your battery, fuel filter, PCV valve, belts, and hoses as needed and every other part that wears out. Sensors come and sensors go; usually you will only have to replace your knock or oxygen sensors if and when a problem arises.
Refer to your manufacturer's repair book for guidelines as to when to perform maintenance. The key to extending your vehicle's life is in doing the maintenance when needed to head off costly repair bills. Otherwise you will be neglecting your car to the point where it "dies" prematurely.
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