It's Time to Throw Away That Make-up

Do you know when it's time to throw away that make-up?

Even if the container's still half-full, it's important to know when it's time to buy a new mascara, foundation, face power or lipstick. Why? Because once the container has been unsealed, cosmetics can become breeding grounds for bacteria.

The makeup item with the shortest lifespan is the mascara. Each time you use the brush applicator and put it back inside the tube, it collects some bacteria along the way. Experts advise switching mascaras at least every two to three months. Using a contaminated mascara can cause conjunctivitis, sties and other eye infections.

What about other makeup items?

Eye shadows and eye liners must be replace after 3 months.Water-based foundation and liquid concealers can last for 6 to 12 months. Blush and face powder can last for 12 months  up to 2 years, if they are used and stored properly. Lipstick and lip gloss have a lifespan of 12 months.

Brushes and applicators must be cleaned regularly and stored properly. If you use your fingers to dab on eye make-up, be sure to wash your hands first. To avoid bacteria build up, it is recommended to wash face powder sponge after each use. Here's an article that discusses more about expiration dates and make-ups.

photos via: weheartit

How to Save Money on Your Next Purchase

Whether you plan to buy from a regular store or online, here are some tips that will help you save money on your next purchase:

photo via: weheartit

Shop around.  Different stores usually sell items at varying prices so it’s best to check your options first.  Use the internet to compare prices more conveniently or call up the store to inquire about their items.

Use coupons.  Don’t forget to use coupons.  Check out websites that offer online coupon codes that you can use at different merchants and establishments. Savings.com helps consumers find the best deals in the market.  For instance, if you need to buy a home appliance or gadget, you may look for a Savings.com Home Depot coupon. If you need to buy a particular brand of printer cartridge like HP, you must search for a Hewlett Packard coupon code.

Apply for a discount card.  If there’s a particular shop that you frequent, consider applying for a discount card.  While there is a fee to register for a privilege card, you can save a great deal from your purchases in the long run.

Haggle.  If you’re going to buy from an open market, do not be afraid to ask for a lower price.  Remember, no seller will volunteer to give you the lowest possible price unless you ask nicely.

Buy in bulk.  For items that are non-perishable or with a long shelf-life that you use frequently, you can save more if you will buy in bulk.

Buy second hand.  For certain items such as books or furniture, why not consider buying second hand instead of brand new?

Check out yard sales, thrift shops and flea markets. If you want good finds, you should definitely check out thrift shops and flea markets.  These places are often a haven for vintage pieces that are sold at a bargain.

Check out clearance sales.   Most shops hold a year-end clearance sale to get rid of their old stocks.  This is the best time when you can buy items at half-the-price or even cheaper.  However, remember to buy only the items that you need.

Top 10 Tips to Stretch Your Budget

On a limited budget? You’re not alone. Here are top ten practical tips on how you can stretch that budget to the fullest:

1. Cook your meals. You can save a great deal of money by cooking your meals and preparing packed lunches and snacks you and your family can bring to work or school. Not only will it save you money, you can also assure that the meals are healthy and clean. You can also prepare dishes that can last for a week so you can cook them in advance in large portions and save the other half for the next few days. When it’s time to serve it, take it out a few hours before meal time to allow it to defrost and then reheat it.

Just make sure that you store them in a sealed container in a freezer. Put a label on the container with the date on it so you can be sure to serve it before it gets stale. It is also a good idea to post a meal plan on your refrigerator door so you can be reminded of which meals to serve each day.

2. Buy what’s in season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are cheaper so you would want to take advantage of it. Look for different recipes that uses what’s abundant in your local market so you don’t have to spend more on produce that are not in season.

3. Pick from your own garden. It’s a great idea to grow herbs and vegetables that you often use in your cooking and are easy to plant even in pots. Examples are tomatoes, lemon grass, basil, parsley, mint, oregano, etc. Planting these is not just cost effective, it is also an enjoyable and relaxing hobby.

4. Put it in a jar. You don’t have to spend big bucks on bread spreads as you can make your own sweet preserves like jams and marmalades. Check your local market on what fruits are in season so you can buy in bulk for a low price. Making preserves is easy as you only need to cook the fruits in sugar in a very low heat until reduced. Afterwards, put them in sterilized jars and seal the lids tightly. Store them in a dry and cool place. These preserves can last for months and are delicious bread spreads and desert toppings.

5. Go with the basics. When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to spend huge bucks just to stay fashionable. You can go a long way if you have the basic items of clothing. Invest on a good pair of flat shoes and stillettos or boots. Black would go well with everything so you want to make sure that you have these two black pairs in your closet. You can use the flat shoes for casual events and the pair with heels for business or formal functions. You’ll also want to invest on a pair of comfortable sneakers for exercising and running errands.

For your clothing, these are the basic pieces that you want to start with: a classic cut of slacks, a pair of jeans, a knee-length skirt, blazer and a little black dress. Go for plain and neutral colors so you can match them with anything and you can wear them frequently without being obvious. To add colors and spice up your look, mix them with the right accessories such as bags, belts, neck tie or scarves in prints and colors.

6. Unsubscribe from unnecessary expenses. Check your subscriptions. Do you really need to receive those magazines regularly or do you just stack them in a corner without being read. If you need information, you can easily find them in the internet and print them as you need them. Also, are you subscribed to a more costly cable plan when the only time you get to watch television is when you get home in the evenings? Maybe you can live without these things, you’ve just been subscribed to them for a long time that you never even bothered to cancel.

7. Buy in bulk. This is obvious as wholesalers really give away goods at a lesser price. Just be wise when you purchase items in bulk. Make sure they do not get staled if stacked in a long time. You’ll also want to keep stack only of the items that are important and that you use frequently. Otherwise, you may only be spending more on unnecessary things. Items such as detergents, soap bars, dish washers, dish sponges, toothbrush, toothpaste, and the like are great wholesale buys.

8. Use coupons. Don’t underestimate the value of coupons. You can find them in magazines or from online coupon sites where you can choose from a list of merchants and print them out. Savings.com is a site that offers free coupons that can be used from various merchants like Bed Bath and Beyond coupons and Shoes.com coupon.

*Tip: Double your savings by using coupons on items that are on sale.

Warning: Don’t sacrifice quality for savings. Make sure that it’s something worth buying. Don’t forget to check on the expiration date of the item.

9. Learn DIY skills. Stretch your budget to the fullest by learning basic skills so you don’t have to hire a handyman all the time. For instance, learning basic PC troubleshooting, sewing, how to fix leaks, or painting can cost you thousands of dollars in a year.

10. Turn it off. Don’t take for granted what you can save from your electricity bills. Be sure to turn off lights or electrical devices when they’re not in use. Teach your kids to be aware of this practice so they’ll know the value of saving as well. The few cents you save from your electricity each day can total into a hundred of dollars or even more in a year.

How to Create a High Headband Pony Hairstyle

Photo via: Totalbeauty.com

Love this hairstyle!  It's perfect for a long day of work when you just don't have a minute to spare.  Perfect for bad hair days too.  Here's how to do this in 5 minutes:

First,blow dry hair and apply hair styling cream.  Divide your hair into a half tail and clip the upper section out of the way.  At the crown, tease the remaining hair to create the bouffant.  Use hairspray to hold.  Unclip the front section and gently comb it back to cover the teased area.  Gather hair and tie into a low ponytail.  Then slip on a headband.

If you need more hair style tips and beauty information, check out Totalbeauty.com.  Do you have curly hair?  Check out the 13 best products you can use for your hair.  Do you like short hair styles?  Check out the 10 Best Celebrity Bobs. 

And here are my two hairstyle video picks from the site:

Salvage a Bad Hair Day with a Scarf

How to Do the Tousled Hair Look

Style Love: Fab Ways to Wear Your Horizontal Stripe Shirt

Some girls may try to stay away from wearing horizontal stripes for fear that it would make them look fat.  I came across these tips from Stylecaster fashion style expert Janice Chou, and I'm sharing some of them here:

1.  Who would've thought that an oversized stripe sweater can still look stylish?  Match it with a fashionable short jacket or a bolero and you're ready to walk the streets in style:)

2. A horizontal stripe shirt can be perfect for the spring and the summer. Paired with cute shorts like this one, i think it looks great!

3.  Layer it with a blazer or a sweater and let the stripes peek out from underneath and it can actually brighten up a simple outfit!

To see all the five styles you can do with your striped shirt plus more lifestyle tips, check out Stylecaster.

Thanks to Culturally Clad for the tip.

3 Best Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Do regular car maintenance.  Keep your engine properly tuned can improve your gas mileage from 4% to as much as 40%.  Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by about 3% and improves the tire’s lifespan.  Use only your manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.  Replace clogged air filters and water pump right away.  

Watch your driving.  Check the speed limit.  Be more attentive on the road.  Anticipate traffic stops to avoid sudden breaks.  If you are going to be on a stop for a while, turn off the engine.  Use overdrive gears and cruise control when applicable.  Free your trunk from unnecessary load.  

Buy an energy-saver car.  If you are going to buy a new vehicle, consider a hybrid electric car or an alternative fuel vehicle.  Check out www.fueleconomy.gov for a list of fuel efficient vehicle models.

Photo credit: Toyota Corolla

If you live in Chicago area, check out this Chicago Auto Repair guide.

Easy to Follow Kitchen Table Decorating Ideas

The Simple Look.
A kitchen table that is made out of a solid, high-quality wood need not much decorating.  The natural grain and gloss of the wood will speak for itself.  You can simply add a touch of décor by placing a fruit bowl or a vase of flowers in the middle and you can get an elegant look.

Pfaltzgraff Linens

Formal or Romantic.
For special occasions, you may want to spice up your table setting by creating a formal or romantic look. In this case, you may choose a special table to cover the table and give it an entirely new appeal.  Scented candles, a single red rose or a bunch of red roses in the middle, with petals scattered on the center will surely make for a romantic ambiance.

Plate it up.
Dishes come in a wide variety of colors, designs, and shapes.  You can also try mixing and matching dinnerware instead of using an entire set with one color scheme and design.

 

Dinner plates

Go with the season. 

You may also change the look of your dining table according to the seasons.  For instance, you may fill a jar with fallen leaves of red and yellow and a twig to match the Fall Season.  In the summers, you may fill a jar or a large glass with lemon or gerbera daisies or mums of your favorite color.

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovation Tips

Divide your space.  Use a shower enclosure to create a division, maximize a small bathroom space and keep the floor dry at all times.

Choose good lighting.  Shower lights and wall sconces are great.  Installing the right lighting fixtures is cheap way to recreate your bathroom.

Paint it up.  Repaint the walls and ceilings of your bathroom to give it a fresh, clean look.  Light and neutral colors are perfect especially for smaller spaces. 

Accessorize.  Replace old and rusty shower knob, faucet, and hinges to give your bathroom a new look.

Mirror, mirror on the wall.  An elegant mirror can make an instant difference in a bathroom.   You can buy a minimalist mirror straight from a home furnishing shop.  Or buy a frameless mirror from a hardware store and find an old frame from flea markets that you can use to create your own DIY bathroom mirror.

Squeeky clean.  Bring out your toilet cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and brush.   Get ready to eliminate molds, mildew, germs and dirt from the walls, floors, and ceiling.

Decorate your bathing space.  Place one or two framed paintings on the wall.  Add a non-slippery foot rug with a great design.  Place a vase of flower or scented candles on top of the vanity cabinet.

Practical Tips for a First Time Cruiser

Cheap cruises.  If you want to grab great bargains, go on a cruise during off-peak seasons.  You can sign up online to receive announcements from cruise lines whenever they have promotional off-peak cruise sailings.

Be informed.  It’s easy to get enticed by the breathtaking photos and exciting descriptions that you can find from brochures and websites. Before signing up, make sure that you really understand what the cruise line offers as well as the inclusions of the itinerary.  Do your own research by visiting forums online and checking out different cruise lines.

Seek help from a travel agent.  If it is your first time to go on cruise, it is advisable to get assistance.  A travel agent can help you choose the right cruise, give you valuable advice to make sure that you will enjoy your trip, and may even offer you a discount, a promotional rate or perks exclusive only to clients.

Study the ship’s deck plan.  This is important when choosing your cabin location.  Make sure that you are aware of the locations where you can find the important rooms, elevators, and emergency exits on the ship.

Avoid unnecessary hassles. Cruise lines usually offer packages that include round trip air tickets.  In this case, delays and cancelled trips won’t be much of a hassle as it is your cruise lines responsibility to get you to the next flight so you can catch up with the ship at the next port.

Check your travel insurance.  It is wise to get travel insurance but before signing up, make sure that you have examined the inclusions of the coverage.  Remember that you have the option to get insured with your cruise line, travel agency or a private insurance company.

Don't forget your passport.  If you are going to travel outside US, you will need a passport.

Anticipate the costs.  When planning your vacation cruise budget, don’t forget to include extra costs such as gratuities, off-shore tours, laundry/dry cleaning, bar drinks, souvenirs, taxes, and other fees.

Do's and Dont's of Regifting

In response to the recent economic slump, people are finding more creative ways (Buying online, debt consolidation, credit counselling) to save money, stretch their budget, and avoid bad credit.  What about regifting?

Have you thought of “regifting” a gift that was given to you?  Maybe it’s something that does not really suit your style or something that you already received twice, will you "regift" if you were tight on the budget?

I haven’t tried regifting but I wouldn’t mind being given a “regift” as long as the person giving it to me gave it lots of thoughts to make sure that I will like it, and has given the extra effort to wrap it nicely and with love.

Don’t mention it.  The other person does not need to know it.

Don’t regift a used item.  It doesn’t matter if you have only used it or worn it once.  If you want to give someone something that you already used, then don’t disguise it as a gift.

Don’t make it obvious.  Some things must never be re-gifted - items that are undeniably unwanted, cheap, old (has been in your closet for a  year) or obsolete. 

Remember who gave it.  Make sure that you are not giving it to the person who gave it to you.  Also, make sure that you will not give it to someone who KNOWS the person who gave it to you.

Wrap it nice.  Please don’t use the old box or wrapping paper even if it still looks new.  

Re-gift something of value.  A bottle of champagne for instance will always be a welcome gift even though it has been sitting on someone else’s bar for years.

Make sure that the next person will like it.  If you want to regift, see to it that the person you will give it to will sincerely like it, if not love it.

6 Savvy Ways to Save Money From Your Next Online Purchase

Shopping online is said to be the "cheaper" way to shop. Here are 6 tips so you can save even more from your next online purchase:

Use vouchers and coupons. There are websites give away vouchers and coupons that you can use at different shops online. Enjoy great savings simply entering the discount code on your check out. For instance, Offers.com has a Search Tool that allows you to search for the exact merchant that offers the best deals. Aside from discounts, you can even find sellers that offer free trials and other special promos.

Use the correct code. To avail of the discount, you will be required to type in the exact code indicated in the coupon or voucher before you check out. A code can be a combination of numbers and letters so be sure that you will be entering the right characters. Also, discounts do expire so don't forget to check the Expiration Date to make sure that it's valid.

Shop early. Don't wait until the holidays before you start buying the items you need. Items that don't expire can be bought earlier as prices tend to go up during peak seasons. Plan your purchases ahead of time so you'll know exactly what to buy.

Compare prices. Use comparison shopping websites so you'll know the price tag that different sellers online offer for the same product. These sites often give out reviews about a merchant's reputation so you can be sure that you'll be purchasing from a reliable seller.

Shop in bulk. Again, planning your purchases gives you the chance to enjoy more savings. Merchants usually offer a much lower shipping cost if you buy more than 1 item from their shop. Also, you may be able to get a bigger discount if you buy in bulk from the same seller.

Avoid fraud. Getting a huge discount would be useless if you will purchase from an untrusted seller. Before buying, see to it that the merchant uses a secured website (URL must begin with https://) and secured shopping cart. Check the seller's reputation. Make sure that it is a licensed and legitimate online store.

Practical Tips When Shopping for Dog Accessories

Dog leash and collar. collars are made up of different materials – from nylon, cloth, leather, chain, to reflective. They also come in various designs to match the activity it will be used for – training or dog walking.

When choosing a collar, make sure that it fits properly. Allowing some space between the neck and the collar at least two fingers wide. Also, make sure that they’re not too heavy for your dog to carry. In choosing a leash, consider the size of your pooch and the durability of the leash.

Dog grooming accessories. Dog brushes and combs are designed for different purposes. For example, a straight, metal pin brush is recommended for dogs with thin coats while a Slicker Brush is for dogs with thicker coats.



Toys. Dogs love to play. When choosing a toy for your pooch, make sure that it will not be a choking hazard. Also, don’t choose a toy that resembles an item that you wouldn’t want your dog to chew on.



Bedding. The ideal bed should be at least 9-12 inches larger than your dog. When choosing a dog bed, consider the size and durability. If your dog has allergies, be sure to get a hypoallergenic bed. For injured dogs, an orthopedic bed is recommended.



For more tips on buying accessories for dogs, check out the Dog Care section of shopwiki.com. Shopwiki is a comparison website that you can use to find stores that offer the most affordable prices.

Tips on Buying Golf Equipment and Accessories

If you are a golf player or a golf enthusiast, here are some tip on buying equipment and accessories:

Clubs. Clubs are the most important equipment in Golf so you want to make sure that you will be using the right tools for your game. Golf clubs come in varying shapes, sizes and functionality. Drivers, Woods, Irons, Wedges, and Putters are used for different situations and strategies. If you are a beginner, here are some tips on which golf club you need.





Golf Balls. The branded ones are considered to be the best quality golf balls but they’re also the most expensive. If you are a beginner, second golf balls will save you money.









Shoes. Golfer shoes are made in a distinct way to provide comfort and support for golfers. When choosing shoes, it is very important to find the right fit so you can walk your course and deliver your swings with ease. Here is a guide on buying golf shoes.







Gloves. Gloves are essential for a steady grip so you can deliver your swing perfectly. Here is a golf website to help you compare prices of gloves and other golf equipment from different shops online.








Bags. A golf bag is necessary to keep all your equipment organized and easy to carry. Golf bags are made of different sizes, styles and materials. Check out the different types of golf bags you can buy from different manufacturers.

How to Save Costs from Your Cable TV Subscription

Is it possible to save money from Cable TV costs without giving up your subscription completely? Here are some tips:

1. Compare prices of different providers. Even when one offer seems great, check out what other packages are available with other providers.

2. Get a package deal. Many cable operators offer internet and telephone services as well. Check the price for their combo deal and see if you can enjoy more discount.

3. Check out Satellite TV companies. Don't forget to see what satellite TV companies have to offer since they usually offer cheaper deals.

• Try this price comparison tool from Direct TV Service. Direct TV offers a variety of plans starting from the Direct TV System Family entertainment plan.

4. Subscribe to a smaller cable plan. Do you really need more than 100 channels on your TV? Choose the plan that not only fits your budget but your lifestyle too. Make sure that the channels included in the package are the ones you really watch.

5. Cut back pay-per-view and video on demand services. Pay-per-view costs can really add up on your monthly bill so this is where you want to make some adjustments.

6. Find cheaper viewing alternatives. You can actually watch movies and sitcom episodes from the internet at a much cheaper cost.

7. Ask your cable operator for a discount. It is always worth the try to call your cable company and ask if they can give you a cheaper flat rate. Do your research and point out what other providers have to offer. If you have been a good paying customer, the compay may just give in to your request.

Your Guide to Buying An Anti-Virus Software

Each time we browse the internet, our computers are threatened by viruses, worms, malware, spyware, and other malicious programs that can destroy or hack files in our computer systems. If you have a computer, one of the important things you must invest on is an anti-virus software.

Today, we can find so many anti-virus software from different manufacturers that choosing one can be confusing. Here are tips on how to buy the right one.

Make sure the software is compatible with the operating system you use. Yes, not all anti virus applications will be effective running with your OS. Check the specifications and requirements before making a purchase.

Choose an anti-virus program with automatic background protection. The application must be designed to run in the background , continuously scanning and protecting your PC for possible viruses.

Choose a software that provides a file recovery feature. This can be invaluable in case your system is attacked by a new and destructive virus.

Choose one that recommends automatic updates. Since viruses evolve and hackers continuously create more sophisticated viruses, it is crucial to keep your antivirus program up to date at all times.

Check the manufacturer’s credentials. Buy only an anti-virus system that is tested, certified and recommended by trusted organizations such as the International Computer Security Association or ICSA, Virus Bulletin 100% Awards, PC Authority, etc.

Buy the whole package. Buying the complete suite will give you better internet security. The package must include a firewall protection, anti-malware, anti-spyware, e-mail protection, spam filter, phishing filter and rescue systems.

Make sure that you can enjoy free and reliable technical support. From installing the software, configuring, and maintaining the system, you must be able to get assistance from your manufacturer at any time without the hassle.

Tips On Buying A New or Used Car

BMW M5

Compare mileage ratings. Choose a car that is both cost-efficient and energy efficient. See to it that the cars engine is in good shape and consider the vehicle's gas usage vs mileage ratio.

Consider the size. If you want to buy a personal car, it may be okay to go with a two-door car but if you plan to buy something for the family, there should be enough seating and comfort not only for the passengers but for the driver as well.

2009 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck

Think about your budget. When it comes to choosing the design or the look of the car, be realistic. Sure you may be able to purchase a fancier model with your car loan, but is it really worth it? Or can you settle for a slightly older model of a car for a lower price that delivers exactly or almost the same level of performance?

Consider a hybrid car. Hybrid cars may be more expensive but these are certainly cost-saving cars and much friendlier to the environment.

Toyota Prius

Hire a pro mechanic. When personally inspecting a prospective car purchase, best take a professional mechanic with you, unless you are the Pro. This is importantly especially if you're buying a used car.

Test drive. Always go for a test drive. Better, if you have a mechanic with you.

Check out car reviews. One good way to know more information about different vehicle brands and models is to read online automobile reviews. Find out which ones are best sellers and poor sellers in the market or which ones are raving positive and negative feedback. The infiniti site has some good reviews on all vehicle brands and styles.

Practical Guide for Nurses

Nurses are some of the busiest and most hard-working people I know. Today, I came across Scrubs- an online magazine that offers practical advice for nurses. The topics discussed are beauty, health, mind, love, style, money, entertainment and of course, work.

I particularly enjoyed reading these articles: "Waking Up Looking Younger", "Dry Hands Makeover", and "The 60 Seconds Stress Buster". Here are some of the tips I learned from the site:

Cleanse, tone and moisturize. Never ever sleep with your make up on. Unclog your pores and wash off dirt using a mild facial cleanser. Use a gentle toner to clean excess dirt. Don’t forget to use a moisturizer afterwards.

Get enough rest. The best way to fight wrinkles and stress is to get enough sleep and rest.

Eat right and exercise. Yeah, we hear it a lot but it’s true and there’s no other way around it.

Eat a lot fresh veggies & fruits. Eat balance meals each day and practice regular exercise.

Use what’s in the kitchen. Why buy an expensive exfoliating scrub when you can use olive oil and sugar? Combine the two in a bowl and use it as a hand or body scrub.

Tweeze your brows. Well-groomed eyebrows can make you look younger. Tweeze your brows at night to give your skin more time to rest ‘til morning.

Moisturize your lips. When brushing, brush your lips gently and apply a lip moisturizer afterwards.

If you're a nurse or know someone who is, let them know about Scrubs for other useful information that they can use with their chosen profession.

The Top 10 Scams Online You Should Watch Out For

1. The Nigerian e-mail scam. Have you received an e-mail claiming to be from a Nigerian government official asking for help on transferring millions of dollars into your bank account? Don’t even bother replying, It’s a popular scam that has victimized thousands of people across the globe.

2. “Phishing”. Watch out if your inbox contains e-mails that seem to come from the IRS or other popular companies. These e-mails can be used to collect your SSN, credit card numbers and other personal details. The e-mail may disguise itself as genuine and lead you to a false website that “looks” like the original.


3. Get rich quick scams. “Get rich quick” offers abound online. Scammers entice people with the promise of earning thousands or even millions of dollars in no time simply by signing up. The catch? You’ll have to pay a membership fee or a processing fee to start getting paid. The thing is, you may wait a long time for nothing.


4. Work at home scams. Although there are indeed legitimate home based businesses or jobs on the web, there are also fraudulent ones. Watch out for job opportunities that require you to submit payment or invest a huge sum of money.


5. You’ve won the lottery. Don’t fall for e-mails that say you have won a big cash prize and all you have to do is give your bank account so they can transfer the money over to you. Yeah, right! Maybe they will transfer your money over to them is the better way to put it.

6. Take a dream get away. This offer will encourage you to go on a vacation in a spectacular place for just a low price. The catch? You have to make a reservation before the offer expires. Remember, scammers are always on the rush to get your money.

7. Earn money from your computer. Some scams would promise you to earn cash just by installing a program into your computer and you instantly start earning as you surf the web. Sounds good and harmless? This is actually just a tactic to spy on your activities online and steal your personal information.

8. Auction scams. Beware of sellers and buyers at online auctions who may try to entice you to place an order or accept an order. If you’re a buyer, you may end up sending money for an item that will never be shipped to you. If you’re seller, you may ship an order to a customer who really has no intention of paying you.

9. You’ve won a prize. You may be told that you won a prize like an iPod, an Xbox, a headset and other great stuff. The catch? Just provide them your credit card number and all you have to pay are the shipping costs.


10. Join an online contest. The contest may seem authentic and may offer fabulous prizes but be careful of joining online competitions that are not from reputable sources. You may be asked to give your credit card info, name, address and other personal details that are needed “in case” you won.

*REMINDER: If you encounter any of the above online scams, don’t hesitate to contact the Federal Trade Commission.

If you get an email from the IRS and if you doubt its authenticity, it is best to call the IRS and verify if they did send the correspondence. Call the IRS at 1-(800) 829-1040 to confirm if they are trying to contact you.

To report a fraudulent or suspicious email claiming to be from the IRS, call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1 (800) 366-4484. Furthermore, report any cases of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Top 10 Tips: How to Better Deal with Your Creditors

Here are top ten tips on how to deal more effectively with your creditors:

1) Don’t hide from your creditors. When you delay or miss payments, naturally your creditors will try to contact you. Never try to hide or ignore your creditors. Ignoring your debts will not solve anything and it can only make matters worse.

2) Contact your creditors. At the first sign of financial trouble, take the initiative to contact your creditors. Do you think you won’t be able to make your payment on time? Inform your creditors right away and don’t be afraid to ask for an adjustment. Usually, creditors would agree not to report your late payment if you notify them in advance and make it up within 30 days.

3) Be Polite. When communicating with your creditors, always exercise courtesy and professionalism. How you talk with your creditors can affect the result of your negotiation. Remember, you’re trying to appeal to your creditor’s consideration. It would not help if you raise your voice or use foul languages.

4) Be Open. It’s important for your creditors to know that there is a valid reason why you failed to keep up with your payments. Are you experiencing financial crisis? Have you been laid off from work? Is there an illness in the family? Are you going through a divorce? You don’t need to explain all the details of your personal life but you need to be honest about your situation. Don’t try to cover up things with lies or make up alibi for your debts.

5) Negotiate. Many borrowers do not even consider a negotiation with their creditors. The truth is, most creditors would be willing to work out a solution if you only ask. Show your creditors that you are willing to pay your debts and that you are taking responsibility over the problem.

6) Write it in a letter. Talking to your creditors by the phone is only the first step. Be sure to get everything in writing. Send your letter of request via registered post mail and keep a record of any form of correspondence between you and your creditor for future references.

7) Stay true to your promises. Do not make a promise that you know you can’t keep. Trust is crucial. Be honest about how much you can afford to pay back and  seriously consider the time frame you need before setting a repayment date.

8) Don’t fight with your creditors. Some debtors threaten their creditors with bankruptcy but this  may only aggravate the situation. Your goal should be to settle an agreement with your creditor, not a dispute.

9) Don’t keep your creditors waiting. Once a negotiation has been made, do your best to stay true to your agreement. Still, if things don’t go as expected, do not keep your creditor waiting for your action. Contact them in advance and inform them about your situation. Your best bet is to renegotiate.

10) Know your rights as a borrower. The Federal Trade Commission has made provisions for all consumers against creditor harassment and unfair debt collection practices. If you feel that a creditor is violating your rights, do the necessary action. Report them to the FTC.

*More tips: If you’re thinking about seeking debt consolidation or credit card debt consolidation, be cautious on choosing a debt consolidation agency. To be sure, find a government accredited credit counseling agency and ask for a recommendation.

Do you have your own tips to add about this topic? Please share it with everyone by leaving a comment. Thanks=)

Top 10 Tips on Buying a Cordless Phone

1. Check the range. The best cordless phone has a 2.4 GHz range but a 900 MHz will also do if you’re on a budget. If you can afford to buy only a 46-49 MHz phone, make sure it has a noise reduction feature.

2. Check the battery. Cordless phones have different battery durations but it’s best to go for one with a longer standby time.

3. Go with a dual-battery phone. A phone with dual-battery is great so you can charge the other while the phone is in use.

4. Low battery warning. Look for a phone with a low-battery beep so you’ll know when you have to end your call.

5. Look for features that you really need. Useful features are the speed-dialing, redial, voice dialing and any-key answer options.

6. Don’t forget the paging option. This particular option is helpful when the handset gets misplaced.

7. Consider your needs. Make sure that the cordless phone is compatible for important call options like call transfer, conferencing, call waiting, etc. especially if you’re going to use the phone for business.

8. Shop around. Browse through online sites for different prices from different merchants before you make a choice.

9. Ask for recommendations. When it comes to the brand, consider what other people have to say. Ask friends or family who own cordless phones or read reviews online.

10. Make sure it comes with a guarantee. You’ll never know if the unit you’ll receive will be defective. You must always have the option to return it if you're not happy.