The Consumer Salon

When you are desperate to raise emergency funds, it usually doesn’t take very long for you to realize who really cares about you, who is truly a friend … be they family or not.

Here are a few emergency budgeting tips:

Budgeting Tip #1: The first thing you want to do is prioritize to get back on track very quickly. If that means letting your credit card bill go for a bit, so be it. As soon as you realize that you have a money emergency, contact your credit card issuers and request reduced interest rates and payments. Not only one, both!

Budgeting Tip #2: For your car payment, call the creditor and request a payment extension. Perhaps you hate payment extensions, because they require a fee and you still have to make the payment at the end of the contract. In this case, a payment extension can allow a little breathing room to help you recover during your money emergency. Expect that you will likely have to pay a fee (usually about – 1/3 the car payment amount) for the extension. Freeing up the money you need today is your first and only goal at this point.

Budgeting Tip #3: Check to see if your mortgage holder will allow an extension for a nominal fee. Do this today!

Budgeting Tip #4: Another quick fix, is to host an on the spot yard sale. You don’t have too much time for planning, so do a quick survey of your personal belongings. Come up with clothes that no longer fit, but that are in good condition, knick-knacks, dishes, and books as well as stuff you bought but no longer use. Throw it all together, quickly. Put some notices up the same day at laundry mats and grocery stores around town, and remember to place a sign at the end of your driveway. You can make a quick $300 this way with very little time and effort.

Budgeting Tip #5: If you have a larger item to sell, call into the local radio stations to see if they have a “call in swap show” on the weekends. This is a very popular way to quickly convert gently used and more expensive items to fast cash.

Budgeting Tip #6: Another quick option is with utility and telephone bills. If you aren’t already on a budget plan, ask that the current bill (plus any previous balance you owe) be set up for a budget plan. Expect to pay a down payment (usually of the bill) and that all future bills (while on the back payment budget plan) must be kept current. The nice thing about it … it’s usually interest free, and can give you some much-needed breathing space for a month. You must be sure though that you maintain the regular utility payments AND the budget payments in the coming month.

Budgeting Tip #7: Check with your family church regarding emergency help. Local churches can be one of the best places to find out what’s available in the community to help those in need, or in times of emergency. Check with your local church, first.

Getting Fast Cash through Borrowing

If you are absolutely, positively, in a bind, a real cash emergency, and you have exhausted all of the above, then consider borrowing. First, ask your family, then your local bank.

As a last resort, you may want to consider what’s known as a “Payday Loan.” These types of borrowing stores can be useful when all else fails.

Jodie Merrington is the webmaster of Fort Cash which a which is a one-stop research center for all the very latest resources and articles cash related. . For more details please visit www.fortcash.com

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to elope, and how to handle all the important people in your life who may feel spurned by your not including them. In addition, there are also some important questions you need to ask yourself before you run off and get hitched without including those most important to you. Here’s a rundown of things to consider when planning to run off like some of the kids are doing nowadays.

What are your family obligations? Will your immediate family be hurt by not being included? And, do you care?

This, before money and personal feelings, comes first. You may want to consider calling your parents before you make the big leap, just to let them in on the secret. Or, perhaps you feel like it would do more harm than good. You might want to include them in the runaway, like so many couples do who simply want to avoid a huge, expensive wedding: a few of you get on a plane to some exotic destination, and wed there.

Then, there’s announcing your marriage afterwards. Some couples do send a formal announcement, and some throw their own “reception” or big party after they’ve wed, which is a great way for family and friends to feel included on your big decision. Others send what’s called an “At Home” card, which simply announces that the two of you are married, you’re home, and your new names (and addresses, etc.). A personal note explaining why you eloped is often included, to assuage possible hurt feelings

Lastly, most couples that elope give the advice that in the end, you should do what you want to do. It’s your marriage, after all, and if you want to be alone, then so be it.

Should We Still Register and Receive Gifts?

This is a bit of a complicated issue, because many times people close to you may feel insulted or hurt that you didn’t want to include them in your ceremony, but you still want them to buy you gifts. Most etiquette mavens recommend that you not register for gifts, but if you want to have a reception for your family and friends, you are more than welcome to accept any gifts they may bring.

Can We Send Announcements?

Eloping, by definition, is a secret, unplanned, getaway wedding without anyone’s consent. So, if you plan to tell everyone you just want to have a private ceremony, you’re actually just having a non-traditional, destination wedding. Announcements are recommended, and gifts are acceptable.

The internet has a plethora of suggestions about where to go if you’re planning a wedding getaway.If you want to pay the price, you can certainly hire a coordinator to arrange your plans for you, like they do in Puerto Vallarta or Australia, or even Scotland. Choose where you want to wed, and then begin comparing prices to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. Be sure you research marriage license and passport requirements as well as waiting periods. Also be sure there will be an officiant who’s able to marry you.

Even eloping can be a complicated wedding plan that will require a bit of organization and money. It all depends on what your image of a “dream day” is. Take that idea, and run away with it.

Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that’s packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, and much more.

It is virtually impossible to miss a doorknocker. Therefore, your doorknocker will be one of the most important pieces of home décor you can purchase for your home. There are many different kinds of doorknockers to choose from, some are elegant and simple, and others are unique, abstract, vintage or even custom designed.

If you want a unique doorknocker, there are ways to get them that are not difficult at all. Look online for great prices on unique and beautiful doorknockers that seem like they were designed just for you! If you are looking for a special doorknocker unlike any other, look around for vintage doorknockers, or you can have a doorknocker custom made to look exactly how you want it. There is a doorknocker out there especially for youone that will pronounce your style, class and personal taste.

Your personal style will have a lot to do with any doorknockers you choose. You will want your doorknocker to stand outbut not in an unattractive way, of course. And believe it or not, doorknockers can be one simple, inexpensive touch to your front door that, despite the smallness of it, can really transform the overall look of the entrance to your home.

The very best doorknockers are built to last. Because that are usually made of fine metals, doorknockers are, more often than not, even more long lasting than you would think.

If you happen to find a vintage doorknocker that best suits your needs, make sure that it is taken care of to prevent rusting and other wear. Then there are also a plethora of doorknockers out there that are abstract or modern-style and made of wood, stone and even plastic.

There are several kinds of elaborate doorknockers available on the market that will give your door area a stunning and inviting appeal. Like certain pieces of home décor, doorknockers certainly fit into the category of merchandise that is small, inexpensive, and can still make a huge difference to the overall look of your home.

Especially if you are re-decorating or making improvements on your home, do not hesitate to purchase a great doorknocker for your front door, side door, backdooror any door! They really do attract the eye, particularly when doorknockers are as beautiful as some I have seen recently on the market.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on home decorating please visit Unique Doorknockers, Home Entrance Décor.

Are you concerned that your son, daughter, or family member is doing drugs? Is the prospect of having to bring them to a clinic too horrible for you to even contemplate? You should take time to consider another option. Why not try home drug-testing as an alternative?

1. Why Home Drug Testing?

Looking at it from an objective point of view, home drug-testing provides a lot of advantages for people who value their privacy among other things. It is also cheaper to buy a do-it-yourself drug testing kit than to go to a drug testing facility and have the examination there. It is less hassle and less worry on your part. It provides anonimity that keeps the sense of privacy surrounding your family intact.

2. Choose Wisely

There are a lot of do-it-yourself drug test kits available in the market today. Some examples of these tests include: urine tests, blood tests, saliva drug tests, etc. By knowing beforehand what kind of test you are pondering to take, you will save on your precious time. The most effective type of drug testing kit is actually the hair testing kit. This can tell you not only if your child has drugs in their system at the time of the test, but over the entirety of the past four months as well!

3. What Can Drug Tests Detect?

- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamines
- Opiates

These multi-drug tests are very handy as they will screen your loved ones for a wide range of drugs, not just Marijuana. You no longer need to buy a single tester for every type of drug that you fear your children might using. These pose savings for you and again, less hassle.

4. Talk Openly With Your Children

It is critical that you talk openly with your children during the testing process. Let them know that you are doing this because you care so much about them. If you are especially quiet, you can perform a drug test on your child or loved one while they are sleeping – simply clip approximately 40 hairs from them approximately one and one-half inches from the base of their root, and this will suffice for the very effective hair drug test kit. Often, children will be rebellious and feel a lack of trust if you bring up the subject of having a drug test conducted. Let them know that regardless of the result, the main objective isn’t to make things harder on them, but to simply put your mind at ease.

5. Use The Internet

There are are countless websites and companies that offer home drug-testing kits. Look and compare. Find out if there are reviews for the testing kit you are considering to buy. This will be beneficial on your part since you will be able to learn more about the product you are planning to buy as well as comparisons with other products out in the market. Your choices will increase and you will be able to buy the best the market has to offer.

For more great drug testing kit related articles and resources check out www.finddrugtesting.com

There’s nothing a mother looks forward to, like an extended
shopping expedition with a toddler in the stroller. It has to be
one of the most frustrating experiences for both parent and
child. One tip, is not to start out unless the child has had a
nap. The more tired they are, the more likely they are to fuss,
and fight falling asleep in the stroller. But of course, time
and obligations don’t always allow for that option. How you
amuse the child while out, depends on their age. But one good
tip is similar to how you cope with them during visits to the
grandparents, or when you have company. That is, keep special
toys or distractions of some type, which are only used for
shopping trips. Find something that really fascinates your
child, whether it is puzzles, action figures, or a specially
made stroller “entertainment center”, which resemble the crib
centers with multiple activities. Because their attention span
is so short at this age, it’s like offering them something new
and exciting each time. And as they gradually come to remember
how much fun it was, they’ll look forward to seeing the toys on
your next trip.

I do get my share of emails asking me what it is like owning an online dating site. A lot of guys have this perception that I’m a owner of a harem of ladies that I’m trying to get rid of. They tell me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such beautiful ladies. I hate to shatter their dreams, but I own no one and as beautiful as these ladies are, the work put in to running an online dating site is 90% grunt work. I spend very little time looking at the ladies bios or pictures. Once I have them on the site, the next time I may look at their picture or bio is if I get a request to do so.

So why do I do it? Those times that two people do find each other makes that 90% grunt work worth it. Also, I have this sense of obligation. That is how I met Liza. To me, meeting her was a miracle and I want everyone to find what we found.

Money? Don’t get me started but that is the last reason I run an online dating site. Many think I’m raking in thousands of dollars. Not so. I charge $25 for a year membership. Last year my business reported a loss and I’m sure I will do the same this year. The biggest misconception that people have is it cost nothing to run a dating site. Far from it. I won’t bore you with the details, but if you are getting in this business to be rich look elsewhere. I think I may make enough to keep my printer in supply of ink (dam, why is ink so expensive?).There are other expenses involved like the cost of the server, promotion, phone bills, replacing computer parts, and so on. But by far the biggest investment you make is time. Some days I can spend hours just answering emails let alone the time spent maintaining a website.

So again, you ask, why do you do it? I guess now is a good time for a sample. Here is an email I received the other day.

“Dear Steve and Liza

God bless you so much. I first be on your site a year ago. Today I email you from the USA. Like you Liza, I find someone who love me very much. His name is Joseph and we call him Josh. His mom is so nice. I don’t get to meet his dad he already leave us for a better place. I now be here for 2 week and we get married soon. Of course you are invited to come to the wedding. Liza I want to thank you for the help when I email you so many time before. I know at time I lose my faith but you always tell me to trust what I feel inside and stay who I am. I’m glad I have your email to keep my heart strong and my trust in love on right path. That I want to thank you so much for. Josh don’t write much, but he say he join your service when he see my picture and write me right away. In time we get to know each other and find love. He be the four guy to write me, but other don’t feel right. With Josh, it feel we have something in our heart the same. One time he write Steve and Steve so kind to answer his email right away. I know he too say thank you. Now our road begin in USA. I hope it ok I email you again if I have question about living in USA or about green card. We always be your friend in California. If you come here please visit us. God Bless you both.

Judith”

That is why. Sorry, I didn’t put her real name, but those are her words. It never fails. Just when I think I had enough I’ll get a letter like the one above. I also get lots of emails from the ladies pleading for me to help them find someone. I guess this is what keeps me going and the reason I run an online dating site.

Let me make one more remark about money because if I don’t, I’m sure someone will challenge me on it. I know that there are web sites who do make money running a dating service. It can be big business. But there is a distinction. The bigger corporate sites that have large advertising budgets and investors, do make money. I’m not fortunate enough to have such resources at my disposal. But there are thousands of us little mom and pop sites who are just getting by. If there is a distinction, it is the fact most mom and pop sites have experienced the process of meeting someone through a dating service and getting married. Basically, my site is just that: my experience of meeting Liza on the internet, my experience of going to the Philippines to meet her, my experience of petitioning her for marriage to come to USA, our experience of adjusting to life together in the USA, and so on. As much as eHarmony advertise their personality profile, I wonder if any of them lived the life of meeting someone on the internet.

So give the mom and pop dating service a chance. You may get something more valuable then a personality profile, but someone who has experienced what you are hoping to find. Someone who knows what it takes, who has been there, who understands your concerns, and is willing to share and help you find your love beyond a picture, a few words and a personality profile. Instead, what you will get is sincerity, an expression of gratitude for the love they found, and a friendly hand on a road they once traveled. That, my friends, isn’t about money or a personality profile, but about how one heart found another heart on the world wide web. That is who and why I run a mom and pop online dating service.

About The Author

Steve Eyes is the webmaster and owner of FilipinaEyes Association. His experience comes from finding love on the internet and helping others do the same.

http://www.filipinaeyes.com

http://www.filipinalady.biz

http://www.filipina-lady.net

http://www.filipina-lady.org

onlineebook@hotmail.com