19 Tips to a Healthier, New You

Below is a condensed list of tips that can help you lose weight and stay healthy. If you wish to view the complete article, please click on this link:

Yahoo Article: 25 Ways to Cut 500 Calories a Day

1. Fidget as often as you can
2. Say NO to nuts
3. Eat in the dinner table and trade an hour of TV time for brisk walking
4. Avoid too much salad toppings
5. Use a smaller plate
6. Skip the whipped cream
7. Say YES to smaller servings of chips/snacks
8. Fill your plate to avoid second or third helpings
9. Limit your pasta intake to at most 2 cups
10. Dine with fewer guests
11. Satisfy your cravings for sweets by having smaller servings of desserts
12. Say Bye-bye to smoothies
13. Order steamed or poached food to lessen your oil intake
14. Sleep long
15. Quench your thirst with water, not soda
16. Have a satisfying breakfast by eating two boiled/poached eggs
17. Say NO to buttered/caramelized movie pop corn
18. Listen to what your body and tummy are saying to you
19. Choose sugar-free drinks

Amazing Features of Student Car Loans

Below we have discussed four beneficial features normally found in car financing deals offered to college students.

• No credit checks. Most lenders nowadays recognize the fact that very few students have credit history. And this is the reason why they don't normally run credit checks on their would-be borrowers. Instead, they use proven methodologies that will help compensate for the huge risk involved in extending lines of credit to first-time credit applicants. This means that you don't have to worry about not having a credit profile to present to a prospective lender. After all, you can be granted the credit account you need, even if you don't have credit history.
• Guaranteed approval. Credit firms that provide student car loans can guarantee immediate approval of credit applications. After all, they do not need to go through the rigorous process of checking the creditworthiness of their prospective borrowers. Instead, they can immediately process and decide whether or not they would grant the application of a student for a financing deal.
• Deferred payment options. Deferred payment arrangements are special features imposed on car loans which enable consumers to enjoy driving their newly-bought vehicles, for the first six months or so, without worrying about their credit installments.
• Rewards and incentives. Most car financing deals today also come with amazing perks and freebies. For example, you can sign up for a car loan and expect to receive any of the following incentives: gift items, discount cards for repair and maintenance services, free car insurance, and even cash rebates.

Warnings for Student Car Loan Applicants

Here are some things you need to think about before you apply for a student car loan:

• Stay away from car loans that offer suspiciously good features. After all, car dealers and credit firms that offer financing deals with too-good-to-be-true-features are often managed by scam artists.
• To protect your credit identity, you should resolve to disclose your personal information only in secure websites and web pages. Before filling out and submitting an online application form, make sure that the site you are viewing has any of the following security indicators: (a) the code “https” in the URL box; (b) a padlock icon beside the URL box; or (c) the VeriSign logo, typically located at the left-most part of the web page.
• Do business only with credible car manufacturers and credit organizations. Before you sign up for a credit program, make sure that you have conducted your investigation regarding the accreditation of the firm with the federal and state government, the history or background of the company, and most importantly, the way the credit agency deals with its past and current clients.

Two Disadvantages of Taking out Student Car Loans

Let us discuss two drawbacks associated with applying for student car loans.

• Risk of dealing with loan sharks. First-time car buyers run the risk of taking out student car loans from loans sharks who might take advantage of their inexperience and naivete. To succeed in their ultimate goal of ripping off credit consumers, loan sharks normally employ the following tactics:
  (a) charging exorbitant interest rates, fees and charges (b) pressuring and, to some extent, harrassing students to sign up for credit programs, even without fully-understanding the rates and terms imposed on their car loans; and (c) stealing the identities of credit consumers, for their personal gain. To protect yourself from such schemes, we suggest that you deal only with credible and legitimate credit organizations.
• An additional financial obligation. Adding a new financial obligation can make it harder for you to manage your personal expenses, especially if you will sign up for a car loan without examining first your financial capability. To avoid such disadvantage, we encourage college students, like you to carefully examine their income and expenses very carefully so that they can determine whether or not they can afford to take out credit accounts to purchase their own vehicles.

Benefits of Applying for Student Car Loans

Today, let us discuss three advantages usually associated with applying for student car loans.

• No credit checks. Generally speaking, college students do not have credit history that can be used for gauging their creditworthiness. And so, credit organizations today decide not to run credit checks on students who wish to apply for car loans. This means that the absence of a credit profile will not compromise your chances of being granted the credit program you need.
• Chance to build your credit profile. Taking out a car loan can help establish your credibility as a borrower. And if you will resolve to manage your credit account responsibly, you can succeed in building a good credit history which will in turn serve as your stepping stone towards excellent credit opportunities.
• Opportunity to generate significant savings. Taking out a student car loan can help you save a great deal of money, thanks to the discounts and incentive programs offered by car dealers and manufacturers to first-time car buyers, such as yourself.

Things to Avoid When Applying for Car Loans

Here are three things you need to avoid when shopping for a credit program that you can use to purchase your dream car:

Stay away from too-good-to-be-true credit offers. Although it is possible to find affordable credit programs, you need to shy away from credit programs that have too good to be true features. After all, these enticing offers may just be a front for the schemes and machinations of scam artists.

Avoid loan sharks. Before signing up for a car loan, make sure that you conduct your own investigation regarding the prevalent terms and rates in the credit programs given to consumers, like you. Then compare them with the rate of interest, down-payment requirement, and other terms and conditions in the credit account you wish to obtain. In so doing, you can check if your chosen lender is imposing exorbitant charges on your car loan. After all, this will surely protect you from dealing with loan sharks who may take advantage of your inexperience and naivete.

Say NO to pesky fees and charges. Never think of pesky fees as a means for lenders to compensate for the risk involved in extending you a credit program. Instead, you need to remember that you can buy the vehicle you want, even without settling for a car loan that imposes a lot of fees and pesky charges.

Important Reminders for Car Loan Applicants

Below are three reminders for credit consumers applying for car loans:

• Shop and compare the features of various car loans. After all, this will serve as your key towards finding a credit account that will be most suitable to your needs, preferences and financial capability.
• Read the fine print of your credit program very carefully. This way, you can completely understand what you are getting yourself into before you enter a deal with your chosen lender.
• Manage your car loan responsibly by paying your monthly installments prudently and completely. In so doing, you can prevent your credit balance from ballooning out and, at the same time, you can succeed in building an excellent credit reputation.

How to Create Winning Resumes

Here are tips that can help you come up with a winning resume:

1. Look for a pattern. Look for a suitable template that can help you create a convincing and interesting document. Try to search for reference materials in a local library or use search engines to find articles on how to come up with effective resumes or curriculum vitae. Then tweak the document to make it more personal. And don't forget to highlight your skills, competencies, career accomplishments and previous work experiences as these things will help hiring managers gauge your value as a prospective talent.

2. Include your contact information. Your resume should list down your contact details. This way, a prospective employer can easily get in touch with you in case he/she wants to meet you in person. So see to it that your resume contains the following: (a) Your complete name (b) Complete Mailing Address (house number, street, city, state and zip code) (c) Home and/or Mobile Phone Numbers) and of course, your (d) E-mail Address.

3. Use strong keywords. Make sure that you pay close attention to the keywords used in job postings. And try to incorporate them in your resume. By doing so, you can help a hiring manager immediately realize that your qualifications match the skills and competencies required in the position you wish to land on. And this will definitely help increase your likelihood of being invited to appear for a job interview.

4. Choose an easy-to-read font style and font size. Human resource specialists remind job applicants to use basic fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma, Verdana, Calibri, etc. They also suggest that their prospective candidates use suitable font sizes (preferably font size 10 to 12) in their resumes. After all, suitable font style and size will surely foster quick processing of job applications.

5. Personalize your objective. If you intend to include an objective in your resume, you have to tailor it based on the requirements of the job you are applying for. Use direct and specific statements in your resume since these can help boost your chances of being considered for the job vacancy you wish to fill in.

Two Benefits of Secured Credit Cards

Below we have discussed two benefits you will surely enjoy from using secured credit card programs.

They can help rebuild your credit history. Responsible management of secured credit cards can help consumers in their quest to rebuild their credit profile and restore their financial well-being. However, secured cardholders can only achieve these ultimate goals if they are willing to:

(a) Use just a small percentage of the spending limits set on their card accounts;

(b) Make prudent and complete payments of their credit card charges each month; and

(c) Use their card accounts only when it is extremely necessary.

They can help curb your spending problems. Do you find it difficult to control your spending habits? If you do, then we suggest that you immediately apply for and take out a secured credit card. After all, this type of credit card possesses a unique feature, known as a pre-set credit limit, which will surely make you think twice before you spend on unnecessary items.

Still, secured cardholders, such as yourself, are reminded not to deposit huge sums of money onto their accounts or else they will be tempted to use the available balance they have on their respective cards for splurging on unimportant products and services.

Three Pointers for Job Seekers

Here are pointers that can help boost your chances of finding suitable employment opportunities:

1. Come up with an effective resume. Keep in mind that an effective resume can serve as your key towards excellent employment opportunities. So, make sure that your resume is always updated. You also need to see to it that you use strong verbs as well as numbers to describe your success and career accomplishments in your current and previous jobs. In so doing, you can come up with a convincing document that can help increase your likelihood of landing in a good-paying job.

2. Rely on your social network. Make the most of your social network. Try asking your relatives, college friends, professors and your colleagues for leads to companies that have job vacancies. You may also decide to use your accounts in social networking sites like Facebook or LinkedIn to know which firms are sponsoring job fairs and recruitment activities. By employing these suggestions, you can soon stumble upon an employment opportunity that will be most suitable to your skill set.

3. Learn new skills. If you intend to switch to a more lucrative career, then you may have to study again. You can enroll in a nearby university or you can take online classes. This way, you can learn new skills and competencies that are necessary for you to excel in the new career path that you wish to pursue.

Tips for Becoming a Better Employee

Below are tips that can help you become a more productive and positive member of your organization.

1. Be an excellent communicator. It is very important that you excel both in oral and written communication, especially if you work in a corporate setting. To do this, you have to make sure that you send clear but direct electronic mails and messages. And see to it that you share your ideas, especially during meetings. Always remember that a majority of managers, nowadays, feel infuriated when their subordinates agree with them all the time. So use your meetings as perfect venues for voicing out unique opinions and relevant suggestions.

2. Dress to impress. Recent studies conducted in the corporate world have shown that employees who groom themselves well are most likely to get bigger responsibilities and quicker promotions. So, make a resolution to dress in the most professional way you can.

3. Work smart, not hard. Employees are encouraged to plan and prioritize their tasks each day. After all, managers and executives are  no longer concerned with the quantity of output of each employee. Instead they are more inclined to look at the quality of the projects that their subordinates are turning in. So, spend more time accomplishing critical activities and apportion your remaining hours for simple and easy-to-complete tasks.

4. Request for performance reviews. You can ask your manager to conduct a performance review every time you complete a project. This way, your boss can help you understand the aspects of your job that you need to improve on. And that's not all. By requesting for a performance review, you can show your superiors that you are serious about your job and that you want to continuously improve.

5. Take short breaks. Remember that for you to remain productive for a very long time, you need to take breaks to give your body and mind the opportunity to relax. If you don't, then mental stress and fatigue will surely cause you to incur a lot of absences which can in turn compromise, not only your productivity, but also your job.

6. Continue learning. See to it that you continue to educate yourself by reading books and online articles that discuss subjects relevant to your field of specialization. You can also take short courses online or from a nearby university so that you can update your skills and competencies.

Three Helpful Tips for Prepaid Card Applicants

Here are three tips that can help increase your likelihood of being granted the prepaid credit card you wish to use:

• Know how prepaid credit cards work. Before applying for a prepaid card, you need to understand first how this program really works. It is very important that you research for information regarding the basic features, benefits and disadvantages of using a prepaid credit card. This way, you can have the assurance that this type of plastic card will be compatible with your needs and spending habits.

• Shop around and compare. Consumers, like you, are encouraged to shop around and compare the features of various prepaid cards. Pay close attention to the fees and charges (i.e, card replacement or renewal charge, withdrawal and annual fees, etc), the privacy policy, and most importantly, to the requirements of the prepaid card program you wish to use. By doing so, you can increase your likelihood of finding an account that will certainly work to your advantage.

• Look for credible credit card companies. For you to avoid being ripped off by the schemes and illegal activities of fraudsters, you need to be very wise in choosing the firm from which you will take out a prepaid credit card. Take your time searching for reputable and legitimate prepaid credit card firms that possess accreditation with the federal or state government and which have spotless track record in terms of consumer relations. This way, you can safeguard yourself, as well as your finances, from the machinations of scam artists.

Tips for Prepaid Credit Card Applicants

Here are tips that you can employ in order for you to manage your prepaid credit card in the most responsible way you can:

1. Take your card to the customer service desk before shopping. To avoid the hassle of having your card declined at the cash register, you have to pay a visit to the customer service desk before you start shopping. This way, you can check if the commercial establishment accepts your plastic card for cashless transactions. Moreover, a visit to the desk of the customer service representative will give you the opportunity to check if you still have funds that you can use on your prepaid credit card.
2. Use your card only in secure business establishments and web pages. See to it that you use your prepaid credit card only in shops and stores with good security systems. The same principle applies to online shopping. Make sure that you disclose your credit card information only in secure internet portals. In so doing, you can protect yourself, as well as your personal finances, from individuals who may wish to use your credit identity for their personal gain.
3. Employ a strong PIN code. Make sure that your card has a strong PIN code. Use a combination of digits that are not related to your personal information, such as your birth date, home or mobile phone number, social security number, etc.
4. Come up with a schedule for reloading funds to your prepaid credit card. To avoid incurring fees such as declined transaction penalties and overdraft charges, you need to have a definite schedule for replenishing funds in your prepaid credit card program.
5. Avoid depositing huge sums of cash onto your prepaid card. If you wish to use your prepaid credit card for controlling your spending problems, then you should resolve not to deposit huge sums of money onto your account. This way, you won't be tempted to use the balance you have on your prepaid card in making unimportant transactions as well as in splurging on unnecessary items and services.

Practical Suggestions on How to Answer Job Interview Questions

Below we have discussed tips on how you should answer different kinds of questions that are usually raised during job interviews.

Job Interview Tips for Answering Questions About You

This is the part where you should start selling yourself so that you can convince your interviewers to immediately hire you. You can do this by highlighting your strengths and capabilities as an employee. You may also discuss the traits you possess and the relevant work experiences you have had which will help you excel in the position you are applying for.

You should also be prepared to answer questions regarding your weaknesses and past disappointments. However, make sure that you discuss ways on how you were able to overcome them and how you are trying to stay positive despite the flaws in your personality.

Job Interview Tips for Answering Questions About Your Work History

 

For this type of interview questions, you only need to provide details about the name of your most recent employer, the position you previously held and the tasks you have to accomplish in relation to your job title. So, be prepared to discuss your success and career accomplishments in your previous company as well as your working relations with your superiors and co-workers.

But, never mention anything negative against your most recent employer. Even if you have had problems with your boss or with the demands of your position, your job interview is not the right venue to vent about your misunderstandings with your superiors, as well as the stress and pressure you felt in your old job. 

Job Interview Tips for Answering Questions About the Future

This type of job interview questions involve your long-term goals and career plans. So, think about the following questions and try to come up with honest yet positive answers:

• What are your career goals for the next five to ten years?
• How do you intend to achieve your financial and career goals?
• What is the most important thing to you and how does this influence your personal objectives?
• What will you do if you don't get this job? Where do you intend to search for new employment opportunities?

Three Tips for Part-time Job Applicants

Here are tips that can help you find suitable part-time employment opportunities:

1. Fill out the application form properly. Keep in mind that companies that offer part-time positions often receive huge piles of job applications. So, for your application to land at the top of the pile, you have to make sure that you fill out your application form properly. See to it that you provide specific and complete answers to the questions listed on the form. And try to sensationalize your credentials by including accurate details of your succees and career accomplishments. This way, you can increase your likelihood of reaching the interview stage, especially if the hiring manager finds that you are fit for the vacant position.

2. Be versatile. To stay ahead of your competitors, see to it that you inform the hiring manager when you are available to work, and be as flexible as possible. Always remember that most employers today hire individuals who can work nights and weekends. So, plan your schedule ahead of time and make yourself available to work based on the preferred schedule of your target employer.

3. Leave a good impression. Always remember that to make a lasting impression on a prospective employer, you have to be well-prepared and properly dressed for your interview, even though it will only be for a part-time position. To do this, you need to research about the most common questions raised during part-time job interviews and try to come up with your own answers. When it comes to your attire, see to it that you choose clothes that will make you look professional. Both men and women are encouraged to wear suits with matching shirts or blouses, pants or skirts, and of course, leather shoes. You should also pay close attention to your personal grooming. Make sure that your hair, face, hands and nails are clean and neat. You also need to mind your manners. To do this, you should:

• greet the interviewer and address him or her properly,
• wait until you are instructed to take a seat,
• listen attentively to each question,
• answer the interview questions honestly and confidently, and
• end the interview with a firm handshake.

Tips for Entry-level Job Seekers

Below are tips that can help you find suitable employment opportunities which can help jumpstart your career:

1. Ask for help. Fresh graduates are encouraged to take advantage of available resources that can help them find entry-level positions in their target companies. For example, they can visit the career service office or the alumni office of their respective universities to find the latest job postings. They can also use online resources that provide job listings as well as pointers on how they can pursue  lucrative careers in their chosen fields.

2. Send out your resume. College grads may also decide to send out their resumes and application letters to their target companies, even though these organizations may not have vacancies. After all, it has been a common practice among human resource specialists to keep job applications in their files. This way, they can have a manpower pool to tap on just in case a critical position becomes vacant.

3. Apply as an intern or as an on-the-job-trainee. If you feel that you are not yet ready to take on the responsibilities of a real job, then consider applying as an intern or as an on-the-job-trainee. In so doing, you can gain a deeper understanding of the working environment in your chosen field. At the same time, you can learn the basic skills and competencies that will help you excel in the career you intend to pursue. 

4. Be very flexible. Always remember that a college degree can open doors to extensive career opportunities. So, never limit yourself to the usual career paths taken by professionals in your field of specialization. Who knows, by not going with the bandwagon and by pursuing a field that you are really interested in, you might be able to reach your career and financial goals in the soonest possible time.

5. Use your social network. College friends, acquaintances and even your professors can serve as your link to the corporate world. So, make it a point to stay in touch with as many of your college friends and instructors as you can. After all, these individuals can give you leads to good-paying jobs as well as to relevant employment opportunities.

How to Use LinkedIn to Find Employment Opportunities

Let us tackle several ways on how you can use LinkedIn to your advantage:

1. Let the world know what you know. If you own and manage a personal or a professional blog, then it is suggested that you tie it up with your LinkedIn profile. This way, every time you post new information about industry trends, breakthroughs in your field of expertise or even short how-to articles, your profile will gradually accumulate valuable details which can help establish your credibility in the domain of the World Wide Web.

2. Advertise your skills and competencies. You have to make your profile visible to prospective employers. So, see to it that you post your service offerings as well as your product or service portfolio. Your portfolio should include articles, graphic designs and other projects that you have previously worked on. You also need to post your contact information (your mobile or business phone, your complete mailing address, and of course, your email address) so that hiring managers can easily get in touch with you.

3. Follow your target employers. Get the latest information about your target companies by following them, using your LinkedIn profile or your Twitter account. This way, you can immediately know if there are job vacancies that need be filled in as well as the details of events (i.e, recruitment activities, etc) that your prospective employer will be sponsoring.

4. Make frequent updates to your profile. Make sure that your profile reflects your most recent success and career achievements, such as completing your graduate or post-graduate degree or delivering a critical job assignment, on-time.

5. Expand your social network. LinkedIn can also help you expand your social network. After all, the site encourages members to join professional as well as alumni groups which attract hiring managers. However, you cannot attract prospective employers if you will remain an idle member of your professional group. So, go the extra mile and post questions to your fellow professionals or respond to group queries. Soon, your active participation in your group will pay off in the form of job leads to your target companies.

Pointers for Older Job Seekers

If you are looking for tips that can help you land in your dream job, despite you age, then you have certainly stumbled upon an excellent article. Below we have enumerated tips that can help increase the likelihood of older applicants, such as yourself, find suitable employment opportunities:

 

Age-proof your resume and cover letters. You can do this by highlighting only the most recent jobs and work experiences that are relevant to the position that you are applying for. It may also help to avoid listing your graduation date so that it will be more difficult for human resource specialists, and the software they use, to gauge your age.

When it comes to cover letters, never list your accumulated years of work experience. Instead, focus on how you can stress your skills and competencies that will help convince a hiring manager to meet you in person.

Rely on social networking. Older applicants should also learn how they can use social networking sites, like Facebook and LinkedIn to their advantage. After all, social networking media can serve as excellent platforms for finding job vacancies in companies that look for in-house and remote staff.

Make sure that your skills are current and relevant. To stay ahead of the competition, older applicants also need to keep their skills and competencies current and relevant. This may involve enrolling in short-term courses offered by a nearby university or by online educational institutions. In so doing, you can obtain new skills that will enable you to update your qualifications. 

Be persistent and diligent. The stiff competition in the job market will certainly make it very difficult for you to find suitable employment opportunities. But this doesn't mean that you should give up. Though it might take a while for you to find a good-paying job, always remember that there are companies that recognize the value of a worker with maturity and extensive work experience. So you have to be persistent and diligent, at all times.

How to Remove Collection Records from Your Credit Profile

Below are tips that can help credit consumers in their quest to remove collection records from their credit history:

Deal with debt collection firms and their agents, directly. Running away from your credit obligations will never solve your problems. So, instead of hiding or running away from debt collectors, you might as well deal with them directly. To do this, you can pay your financial obligations in full or you can contact the collection firm and negotiate for a more affordable debt settlement program. By employing any of these two strategies, for sure it will be much easier for you to request the debt collection agencies to remove the negative record from your credit file.

Talk to your lenders. Another way for you to attain thorough bad credit repair is to negotiate with your creditors. Always remember that lenders, in general, can offer more flexible payment terms and lower rates of interest than most debt collection agencies, these days. So, if you are serious with your desire to get rid of your debts, fast, you need to call up your creditors immediately. Negotiate for a payment arrangement that will be most suitable to your personal finances so that it will be easier for you to keep up with your monthly credit charges.

Contest the validity of your collection records. The federal government mandates debt collection firms to validate the credit accounts they buy from lenders, as prescribed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA. If they fail to do so, credit consumers, like you, have the right to dispute the validity of the collection records in their credit files and request for these negative items to be deleted from their credit reports.

Watch out for common violations. The last method that you can employ to reestablish your credit profile and to attain bad credit repair is to keenly observe how debt collectors interact with you. Record phone calls and keep a journal of your personal interactions with the agents of a debt collection firm, so that you can easily determine if they are adhering to the rules and policies specified in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

How to Repair Your Credit History After Bankruptcy

Here are three tips that can help you repair your credit history, after you have completed your bankrupcty proceedings:

Examine your credit report thoroughly. It is very important that you order copies of your credit report 60 days after your bankruptcy proceedings have been completed. This will give you the opportunity to check if indeed your credit accounts have been completely discharged. In case you discover that some of your debts have been retained in your credit file, then you have to file a letter of credit dispute with the firm that supplied you with the erroneous credit report. This way, the employees of the crdit bureau can investigate your claim and make the necessary adjustments to your credit profile.

Make prudent and complete payment each month. To fully rebuild your credit history, you need to settle your remaining financial obligations, completely. The easiest way to do this is to simply pay your monthly installments on time and in full each month.

Apply for and manage a secured credit card responsibly. Remember that secured card programs are effective tools that can help consumers, like you, in managing their personal finances responsibly. The reason for this is that secured credit cards have pre-set spending limits that will surely prevent consumers from indulging in lavish shopping sprees. It is also noteworthy that responsible use of secured credit cards are normally reported to the three credit bureaus. So, if you wish to receive better credit ratings, we encourage you to apply for a secured credit card immediately.

Four Tips for Raising Your Credit Score

To raise your credit score and increase your likelihood of being granted the credit accounts you need, we encourage you to employ the tips we have listed below:

Avoid payment delinquency. Always keep in mind that payment delinquency - that is missing out or paying your credit obligations late - can cause your credit score to drop. So, as much as possible, you have to make sure that you settle your credit balance on time and in full each month. This way, you can push your credit score up and you can avoid paying pesky fees that are usually imposed on consumers who become delinquent when it comes to paying their dues.

Say NO to uncontrolled spending. Uncontrolled spending can cause you to incur huge debts that can prove very hard to repay. So always keep your spending in check. Try to develop a personal budget and stick to it. This way, you can avoid splurging on unnecessary items, you can prevent yourself from falling into debt traps, and most importantly, you can avoid compromising your credit standing.

Order and examine your credit report regularly. Not only will this activity help you check the accuracy of your credit file. It will also help you detect if an unauthorized party has gained access and is using your credit accounts, without your consent. After all, having errors and fraudulent transactions in your credit report can cause your credit score to drop. So, make sure that your credit profile is free from these negative items so that you can have an assurance that your efforts to raise your credit score will not be in vain.

Stay away from bankruptcy. Though bankruptcy may seem to be the easiest way out of your credit problems, you have to remember that it can tarnish your credit reputation for seven long years. And it can certainly reduce your chances of being granted the credit accounts you will eventually apply for. So, stay away from this credit option. Instead, try out other debt management programs that can help you get rid of your financial obligations, without inflicting severe damage to your credit history.

Recent Changes in Card Programs

Let us discuss some of the recent changes that card issuers have introduced in the programs they offer to credit consumers.

• Low interest balance transfers are back! To encourage consumers to ditch their cards and switch to the new ones they are offering, card issuers decided to bring back 0% balance transfers. With this reinstated feature, credit cardholders can transfer their existing balance from their old account to a new one that imposes a lower rate of interest. However, there is a catch: cardholders will be required to shell out much cash on balance transfer charges. For example, a consumer will be asked to pay as much as 7 to 10% of the amount he/she intends to transfer from one card account to another. It is also worth mentioning that this reinstated feature is only offered to consumers with excellent credit scores. In fact, only those who have credit scores of 720 and above get to enjoy 0% on their balance transfer transactions.

• More stringent screening for credit card applicants. There was once a time when credit checks only involve the manner by which a consumer handles his personal finances and credit accounts. But, today, card issuers are planning to consider the other aspects of the lives of their prospective cardholders. For example, some card companies are planning to require their borrowers to submit paperworks that will help demonstrate how they manage their utility and phone bills, and even their rent. If such plans get implemented, for sure it will be more difficult to get approved for unsecured credit cards and for multi-purpose loans.

• More fees. A lot of card issuers these days are planning to introduce new fees on the card programs they offer to consumers. There are reports about the plans of credit organizations to charge dormancy fees on consumers who failed to use their plastic cards within a period of three to six months. There are even plans to raise the fees charged for irresponsible credit card management. If such plans get enacted, for sure, consumers will find it very disadvantageous to use credit cards.

Know What Employers Look for in their Prospective Talents

Below are some of the things that hiring managers and human resource specialists look for in their prospective employees:

(a) Excellent Communication skills – This trait involves active listening, raising or asking relevant queries, making effective and clear presentations as well as writing direct and easy-to-understand electronic mails, notes, and reports.

(b) Critical Thinking – This quality is associated to the decision-making ability of an individual, based on the information that he has acquired from credible sources. After all, most employees these days are expected to come up with snap but sound decisions to address and respond to requests, solve problems, analyze data, interpret reports and most importantly beat deadlines.

(c) Creativity – This trait, on the other hand, involves the ability of an individual to come up with fresh ideas that will help the company sustain its profitability or to stay ahead of the competition. This is a highly-regarded quality especially in the fields of advertising or marketing, sales, product development, software engineering, business administration, and others.

(d) Collaboration – Employees today are expected to be team-players. They should support and collaborate with their co-workers to ensure that corporate goals will be attained within specified lengths of time.

How to Write Winning Resumes

Here's how you can write effective resumes that will help increase your likelihood of being hired by your target employer:


Consider its length. Many websites today encourage job candidates to keep their resumes short. They contend that since human resource specialists generally have short attention spans, job applicants should not bore them with too much information regarding their credentials.

Still, you have to remember that writing a very short resume can ruin your chances of landing in a good- paying job. After all, using short descriptions for your qualifications and accomplishments can undermine your value as a prospective talent. So, be mindful of the length of your resume. Keep it concise but make sure that you provide sufficient information regarding your work experiences, especially if they are relevant to the position that you are applying for.

Make it sizzle. You can also spice your resume up, so long as you do not exaggerate important details about your qualifications. By creating sensation (within acceptable limits), you can keep the interest of your readers and for sure, they will decide to keep on reading to get to know you better. But how can you do this?

You can do this by quantifying and qualifying your achievements. For example, you can say that you helped your company realize as much as 30% savings, thanks to the project you spearheaded. You may also mention that your previous firm reached its target sales for the whole year because of a special marketing tactic that you have suggested. By establishing your value as an employee, for sure companies will be very happy to have you as a part of its labor force.

Use strong verbs. Human resource experts also encourage applicants, such as yourself, to use strong action words in describing their previous success and career achievements. To do this, you need to research about verbs that will highlight your contributions to your previous company. For example, you may use any of the following:

• abated
• acquired
• administered
• bench-marked
• championed
• conceptualized
• decided
• delivered
• discovered
• economized
• engineered
• fine-tuned
• handled
• spearheaded
• resolved, etc.

List down trainings and seminars you have attended. Aside from describing your career accomplishments, it is also important that you include in your resume the seminars you have attended and the trainings you have completed. Always remember that these additional details will help human resource specialists determine other skills and competencies that  you possess which will help you succeed in the job you are applying for.

Two Tips for Instant Approval Credit Card Applicants

Below are easy to follow tips that consumers with bad credit standing can use to increase their likelihood of being granted instant approval credit cards:

Repair your credit history. To increase your likelihood of being granted an instant approval card, you need to fix your credit profile, first. To do this, you can sign up for credit counseling programs, which can help you discover effective yet affordable credit management approaches that will enable you to get rid of your debts, fast. Through the assistance of a certified financial adviser, for sure you will be able to cause dramatic improvement to your credit standing so that soon, your application for a credit card with instant approval will be approved.

Take out and responsibly manage a secured credit card. If you desperately need a credit card account, then you might as well apply for a secured card program. A secured credit card can serve as a helpful tool that you can use in managing your personal finances responsibly. After all, it will discourage you spending beyond your means, thanks to its automatic-credit-limit-feature. 

It is also good to note that the way you manage your secured credit card is being tracked and reported to the three credit bureaus. And so, if you will use it responsibly, you can push your credit score up, until such time that you can receive plenty of offers for instant approval credit cards.

Helpful Tips for Business Credit Card Applicants

Here are a few pointers that you can use in applying for a business credit card:


Shop and compare. Shop around and compare the terms, conditions and rates of different business credit card programs. After all, this will help you find an account that will be most suitable to the needs and financial capability of your commercial enterprise.


Register your business. Most credit card companies these days require their applicants to submit proofs of business registration. So, before filing an application for a business credit card, you have to see to it that your enterprise is properly registered with the state or federal government. In so doing, you will have an EIN or Employer Identification Number that can serve as proof that your business is indeed registered and which can help increase your likelihood of being granted the credit card you wish to use to support the day-to-day operations of your shop or store.


Bring along with you the financial reports of your business. You may also need to prepare and supply to a prospective card issuer the financial reports of your enterprise. After all, some credit card companies today use these documents to guage the stability of a business as well as its ability to repay its credit obligations.


Prepare a business bank account. Most card companies also require business credit card applicants to submit proof of a business checking or savings account. The reason for this is that an established bank account is an indicator of business stability and longevity. So, make sure that your enterprise has a bank account with a credible financial organization before filing an application for a business credit card.

Important Considerations for Credit Card Applicants

After finding a credible card issuer, what you need to do next is consider the following questions before you sign up for a particular credit card program:

Is the credit card well-suited to my spending habits? Take into consideration your spending habits before you take out a credit card program. This is very important as your spending habits will dictate which card features will be most suitable to your needs and preferences. And most importantly, your spending habits will determine which credit card terms will work best to your advantage.

Which credit card feature is most important to me? Take into account the feature of the credit card program that will easily convince you to take it out. Is it the affordable rate of interest? Is it the reward or incentive program? Is it the high spending limit? Or is it the privacy policy of the card issuer? Think about the feature very carefully as it can help you reach a sound decision whether or not it will be beneficial for you to apply for the card program right away.

How long will it take for my application to get approved? You also need to consider the length of time it will take the company to approve or decline your request for a credit card program. If you need the card immediately, then go for a company that can quickly approve your application. But if you have time to spare, then you may file your application with just any card issuer.

How to Dispute Credit Report Inaccuracies

Below are simple steps that you can use to dispute errors or outdated entries in your credit report:

(a) Come up with a letter of dispute. Write a business letter that identifies all the inaccurate details that you have stumbled upon in your credit report. Then, specify the activities that you wish the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - will perform in relation to your claim. It is also important that you enclose in your credit dispute letter, documents and relevant paperworks that can help the credit reporting agencies validate your claim. 

(b) Mail your credit dispute letter to the credit bureau that supplied you with the erroneous credit file. Send your letter to the mailing address of the credit reporting firm that provided you the inaccurate credit file. Then wait for its response to your credit dispute. 

(c) Send follow up credit dispute letters. If the credit bureau failed to respond to your initial letter of dispute within 30 days, then you need to send follow-up letters reminding the credit bureau of its obligation to investigate your claim. You also need to specify in your letter your rights as a borrower as prescribed in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This way, you can present yourself as a credit consumer who is well-aware of his rights.

Pointers for Cardholders with Poor Credit Rating

Are you looking for pointers that you can use to fix your credit history? If your are, then we encourage you to pay close attention to the following tips:

Use your credit card only when it is extremely necessary. If you are trying to pay down huge credit card debts, then you should resolve to use your other card accounts only when it is absolutely necessary. In so doing, you can avoid incurring additional credit obligations that can make it harder for you to completely pay off your outstanding debts.

Avoid maxing out your credit card accounts. An important step that can help you attain credit repair is living within your means. To do this, you should avoid maxing out your credit limit. Always remember that spending beyond your credit limit will surely cause your credit score to drop. So to prevent this from happening, resolve to use just a third of your spending limit to keep your level of debt at a minimum.

Make on-time and complete payments. This tip applies to all cardholders - whether they possess good or bad credit standing. After all, paying your credit charges prudently can help you achieve your goal of either maintaining an excellent credit profile or pushing your credit score up. Keep in mind that responsible credit habits will be reflected in your credit history. And so, if you wish to regain your creditworthiness, you have to manage your bills and credit charges responsibly.

Helpful Tips for Prepaid Debit Cardholders

If you wish to know how you can responsibly manage your prepaid debit cards, then we suggest that you read the remainder of this article.


Always monitor your spending habits. We advise you to keep track of the transactions charged to your prepaid debit card. Always check if you still have available balance on your card, so that you can avoid paying additional charges in the form of declined transaction penalties and overdraft fees.


You should also avoid depositing huge sums of money onto your card. This way, you won't be tempted to splurge on unnecessary items, especially if you are on a tight budget.


Come up with a strong PIN code. See to it that you use a strong PIN Code for your prepaid debit card. Avoid using number combinations that are related to your personal information such as your age, birthday, last digits of your phone number, etc.


Don't link your card to your bank account. Never link your prepaid debit card to your savings or checking account. This way, fraudsters will not be able to gain access to the funds in your bank account, in case your plastic card gets lost or stolen.

Three Common Business Plan Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Today, let us consider three common mistakes committed by entrepreneurs in writing business plans, and some practical suggestions on how to avoid them.

1. Exaggerated sales or revenue projections. See to it that the financial projections in your business proposal are realistic. Avoid using exaggerated forecasts of profit or sales just so you can convince creditors and investors to give you the funds you need. Instead, consult a business expert or a certified public accountant and review the projections you have included in your business plan. This way, you can make the necessary adjustments to the financial aspect of your business before you appear for your meeting with a prospective lender or investor.
2. Use of generalized statements. Your business plan should use assumptions and statements that are specific to the business you wish to build. Avoid recycling ideas from sample business proposals that you have stumbled upon online. Instead, make sure that the discussion of the different aspects of your business venture is appropriate to the product or service you wish to offer, to your target market segment, to the prevailing economic conditions in the market, and to the type of organization you wish to manage.
3. Complex terminologies. You should always remember that the target readers of your business plan are investors and creditors. So, you need to make sure that the document you will write will be easily understood by these individuals. To achieve this, you should avoid using complex terminologies, technical jargon and high-flowing ideas in your business plan. Keep it as simple as possible, and if you need to use highly-technical phrases, then see to it that you come up with footnotes which will describe or explain the idea or term further.

Helpful Tips for Entrepreneurs

If you are looking for helpful information that you can use to build your own business, then we encourage you to read the succeeding paragraphs of this short but very insightful article.

1. Be a keen observer. To find a unique business idea, you need to be a keen observer. One excellent source of inspiration for your business venture is a need, either a commodity or a service, that is not yet addressed nor provided in your locality. You may also consider your skills and competencies as these things can help you find a suitable idea that you can use for the enterprise you wish to build.
2. Develop a business proposal. It is also important that you document your plans in the form of a business proposal. Your business proposal should contain details on how you intend to start and eventually manage your business. It should also contain specific information regarding the resources you need, the products or services you wish to provide to your community, the advertising strategies that you plan to implement, and even the demographics of your target market.
3. Look for a mentor. We enoucrage you to look for a mentor who can guide you in your quest to put up your own business. A mentor can be a local businessman, a finance expert, or an attorney who can help you understand the financial, legal, marketing, technical and socio-economic aspects of running a business. Through the help of a mentor you can have the assurance that your plans will indeed push through and that the shop or store that you wish to establish will certainly be profitable.
4. Find an excelent source of business capital. Of course, you cannot build an enterprise without sufficient capital. So, if you think that your personal savings will not be enough to fund your small business venture, then you can always borrow cash from banks and credit organizations or look for angel investors. Still, before you do this, you need to make sure that you have sound financial projections in your business plan. See to it that the cash flow and sales forecast that you have included in your business plan are credible enough to convince an investor or a creditor to provide you the financial resources you need to start-up your commercial establishment.

How to Keep Your Spending in Check

Let us tackle three tips that you can use to control your spending habits.

Look for distractions. It will be good to find an activity that will distract you from wanting to splurge on unnecessary merchandise. You can look for a cheap alternative to shopping that can give you the same level of thrill or emotional boost that you feel whenever you purchase a new item, but one that will not require you to spend a lot.

Come up with a personal budget. Another thing that can help curb overspending is a tight budget. List down the items you need to spend on such as your rent, transportation expenses, food, utility bills, credit payments, etc and determine the amount of money that should be allocated for each expense. Whatever will be left from your income should be allotted to your savings or emergency fund. In so doing, you can effectively manage your personal finances and you won't have spare funds that you might be tempted to use on unnecessary expenses.

Talk to a professional. It is also suggested that consumers who have spending problems should consult professionals who can help them keep their spending in check. There are a lot of consumer-centric organizations today that offer assistance to people who have incurred huge debts because of their uncontrolled spending habits. They offer practical suggestions to individuals so that they can manage their finances more responsibly and at the same time they can gradually pay down their existing financial obligations.