Get It Together! 5 Steps to Organizing Your Financial Life

Let's talk about organization. In today's society,the importance of keeping things organized has diminished because it takes time and dedication to make it happen effectively. If you are willing to take the steps, however, you will find that getting your financial house in order isn't quite as bad as it sounds. 
  
Here are five steps to help you on your path to financial organization, and ultimately, freedom from debt. 

• Collect all necessary documentation in a single location. 
• Take a day off each quarter from work, known as a "personal finance day," to gather your account information and place it in organized files. Ideally, there will be files for banking information, credit cards, investments, mortgages, and insurance. 
• If you are not utilizing your bank's online resources, sign up for an account. Many banks provide an array of tools that can also aid in organizing expenses and income. 

  

• Create a written budget, and review it monthly. 
• Once you have gathered all your account information in a safe, central location, create an accurate budget that includes a savings trigger and properly notates your money needs. Adjust spending in key areas such as food and entertainment, and allocate those funds to debt elimination and savings. 
• At the beginning of each month, review your budget. Holidays and special events will give your budget a different look than in other months, and your spending plan should reflect those changes to give you the best idea of where your spending should be for that time.

  

• Set a schedule for paying bills. 
• When creating your monthly budget, write down specific dates to pay various bills. As a rule of thumb, it is best to pay bills in bulk on key days of the month. For example, if Sam & Diane's mortgage is due on the 1st, their phone bill on the 5th, and electric bill on the 7th, it would be ideal to pay all three bills on the 1st. This ensures these bills are satisfied, and eliminates any chance of incurring late fees from the creditor, or overdraft fees from their bank. 

• Write down all one-time expenses for the year
• One stumbling block many face when embarking on budgeting is the occurrence of one-time expenses that pop up throughout the year. These may include license plate renewals, professional dues, or insurance premiums. Divide these costs by 12, so that you can include them in your monthly budgets. By employing this method, you can save towards those costs as they come, rather than losing large amounts of your monthly income in one fell swoop. 

• Shred, shred, shred!!
• If possible, invest in a shredder. In the age of rampant identify theft, it is imperative that you take every available precaution to protect your personal information. Not only will shredding documents keep you safe from possible theft, it also frees your home of tons of unnecessary paper. 

By taking these steps, you are, in a way, deputizing yourself to free yourself from the prison of indebtedness. It all begins with a willingness to say, "Yes, I'll do it." We'll be here to help you along the way. 

With you on the journey, 

Daniel Sims

 
Daniel Sims is the newest member of the Madam Money team. He is the creator & host of Financial Rebirth Live!, a personal finance podcast on BlogTalkRadio.com, and managing partner of RDSF Consulting in Little Rock, Arkansas. We look forward to his insights in the coming months. 

Karaoke: Made in the Philippines?

Who really invented the karaoke machine?

Filipinos do love singing, and they usually go to bars with karaoke machines or KTV bars to entertain themselves. Singing in karaoke machines also benefited some Filipinos bringing them to stardom, like Arnel Pineda of Journey.

Sadly, this way of entertainment of Filipinos irritated some of the sensitive-eared people, who just wanted a very quiet day. Even some of the foreigners were annoyed of this. Well, I can't blame Filipinos if they like to put a karaoke machine in every celebration they hold outside their houses, especially in the streets. They just wanted to show others that they were happy. I don't know if that's the reason.

Anyway, let's go to the main event.

If you ask someone about who invented this machine, some Filipinos would answer it was invented by a Filipino, but some would say its the Japanese. So I would like to put this confusion in clarity because it even led itself to an urban legend. What makes this an urban legend? Well, it's because many people ignored the truth about it.

Introduction

The word karaoke came from Japanese words kara (which means empty) and oke (simplified word for okesutora or orchestra in English). It is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music (a music video) using a microphone and public address system.[a]

In a karaoke machine, the typical songs installed are pop songs such as that of Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and etc. It also includes some of the local songs where the karaoke is used. However the songs on it doesn't have the voice of the original singer, only the sound and lyrics of the song.

Japanese Karaoke

The considered inventor of the first karaoke machine is the Japanese musician Daisuke Inoue. He invented what he called the Juke-8 in 1971.

Japanese drummer Daisuke Inoue was asked frequently by guests in the Utagoe Kissa, where he performed, to provide recordings of his performances so that they could sing along. Realizing the potential for the market, Inoue made a tape recorder-like machine that played songs for a 100-yen coin each. Instead of giving his karaoke machines away, Inoue leased them out so that stores did not have to buy new songs on their own.[a]

Philippine Karaoke

Here in the Philippines, the considered inventor was Roberto del Rosario, the president of the Trebel Music Corporation. He invented his Karaoke Sing Along System in 1975, which is 4 years after Daisuke Inoue invented his version.

Roberto del Rosario described his sing-along system as a handy multi-purpose compact machine which incorporates an amplifier speaker, one or two tape mechanisms, optional tuner or radio and microphone mixer with features to enhance one's voice, such as the echo or reverb to stimulate an opera hall or a studio sound, with the whole system enclosed in one cabinet casing.[b]

But because he patented his invention and put it in commercial purposes, he was considered the first inventor - the first patented producer.

Other Karaoke

Aside of the two persons above, there was actually another company who was also considered the first inventor - the Clarion company. They were actually the first producer, but there is no existence of the patent.

Sources:
a. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaoke
b. http://inventors.about.com/od/filipinoscientists/p/Karaoke.htm

5 Signs You're Ready for Financial Coaching

Have you (or someone you know) ever thought about hiring a Financial Coach to help you create and accomplish your financial goals? Check this out ... 

The sense of frustration has become epidemic with today's economy, challenges are becoming more prevalent with personal financial matters. Building financial stability and wealth can be a confusing and complex huge pill to swallow. So, where is a person supposed to find the time to become a financial expert and learn what is necessary to build the financial stability desired?
  

Are You Ready for ...

  

Hiring a financial coach provides a competitive advantage by leveraging the person's time with specialized financial expertise that cuts through the clutter, confusion and contradictory information by teaching them what is relevant - efficiently and with minimal hassle.
  
Here are 5 Signs that You may be Ready Financial Coaching.

1. You're tired of procrastinating and ready to start building wealth and living your dreams.
2. You want to develop your own personalized action plan for building financial security based on principles that are custom designed to fit your specific situation - not a cookie-cutter or generic plan.
3. You want an accountability partner to help you maintain focus on your financial goals.
4. You're just "not interested" with traditional financial planning where all they want to do is sell you investment products. Instead, you want straightforward advice without all the sales pitches.
5. You realize that "true wealth" is not just about more money ... you want to balance your life while working toward financial freedom so that you don't make the mistake of sacrificing your family, health, or a fulfilling life in pursuit of money.

So, if you're ready to start working with a financial coach, feel free to contact me at Prosperity Now Financial Management Services.

  

Financially True,

  

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Sexy!

Spells to Drive Away Ghosts and Prevent Hauntings.

This summer has been insane and my blog posts have become less and less frequent.  I apologize for that.  Work and life have kept me busy, but I always try to save some time for reading and working on my next book.  I am currently working on my next book about a witch.  This book has required more research than usual because I didn't know much about witchcraft.  One of the wonderful books I got was call The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes.  This is a wonderful book for me because I can find all kind of magical mischief for my protagonist.  It is also wonderful because it offers a vast collection of  spells and folk remedies to prevent and end hauntings from around the world.    I thought I would put a couple of these wonderful spells here for all those who are struggling with a haunting and looking for a supernatural remedy.  If you want more remedies, you'll have to buy the book because it has enough ghost away spells to clean out a cemetery.  These few are just the tip of the iceberg.

*  Get Away Ghost Bistort Spell
1.  Burn bistort, waft the fragrance through the home and reserve the ashes.
2.  Pour boiling water over the powdered herb.
3.  Sprinkle the bistort infusion throughout the home
4.  Sprinkle the ashes over thresholds
5.  Repeat regularly- at least once a week

* Mesopotamian Ghost Spell
1.  Braid a strand of unbleached wool and a strand of red wool together.  Use red wool that will not bleed into the other strand.  The finished strand should be long enough to tie around your forehead.
2.  Make seven knots in the braid, while focusing upon your desires. 
3.  Bind the braid around your forehead, while chanting an incantation like this:
      "Until red turns white and white turns red,
        that ghost that haunts me can't come back again."
4.  Sleep in the braid overnight
5.  Afterwards, carry it as a talisman, in a charm bag.

* Ghost and Poltergeist Protection Spell
1.  Maintain fresh bay laurel branches and leaves within the home
2.  Replace them as their green color fades

*Haunted House Prevention Spell
1.  Sprinkle a strong infusion of bayberry inside and around the perimeter of a house to exorcise existing ghosts and repel new ones.  For added power, asperge with a bay laurel branch.

* Rest in Peace Spell
1.  Place a small doll in a tiny coffin.
2.  Have a great send off for the doll.
3.  Bury the coffin in a remote area or in a cemetery.

Let's Regress

I'm going through a patch of technology trouble at the moment which has left me yearning for the good old days when life was less complicated and the language more colourful...

Pray welcome, good gentlefolk.

Forsooth this cursed machine is so temperamental it might turn a man's brain to curds. Such is my frustration I have hence forsaken all modern instrumentation. Likewise have my utterances regressed to the language of yore.

Pray address your remarks in the appropriate manner of learned gentry. Thou canst hail loudly in the general direction of the shire of Nottingham, direct your missive by carrier pigeon or transport such documents via stagecoach.

Gadzooks! The first option is surely effective if standing atop a bell tower within sight of the highway known in these parts as M1. Only select the second if said bird is sound of wing. The latter is most likely to succeed but may perchance take up to three days.

I am told I must expend up to four hundred Guineas to replace this infernal contraption. What thinkst thou? Stap me vitals! I wouldst sooner allow my wife to find gainful employment in the local whorehouse than waste my hard-earned wealth.

I must away now to partake of my lunch of stewed rodent. Then I must toil about my duties - berate my wife for her spendthrift ways, beat the servants for their indolent conduct and abuse my neighbours for lack of breeding and deficiency of wit.

May your quills stay sharp and your ink be as black as my heart.

Until the morrow.

Exit Strategies: How to Leave Financially Abusive Relationships

Have you (or someone you know) ever been caught up in a financially abusive relationship and desperately needed an exit strategy? I have.

   

There are many consumers that are in financially abusive relationships with financial institutions that seem to be “not that into” them. They are dealing with ridiculously high loan interest rates, very low deposit rates, too many and extremely high fees, as well as poor customer service.

   

Being in a financially abusive relationship not only angered ME, but it made me feel weak and hopeless because I didn’t know how or if I could escape.  Then one day … I did!  So, here are a few effective Exit Strategies for getting out of a Financially Abusive Relationship.

   

Talk About It

There may be an opportunity of improving the situation by talking with the right person at the financial institution. So, before deciding to break up with the financial institution …

 

Be sure to

1. Share concerns with a Customer Service Representative,
2. Speak with a Branch or Department Manager about concerns for resolution, or
3. Write a letter to the Senior or Executive manager about concerns.

If efforts to resolve the matter are not addressed appropriately or ignored, move to the next strategy.

   

Start Financial Dating

Begin the process of financially dating other financial institutions to find one (or two) that can meet, at least, most of the required financial needs (deposit accounts, loans, internet banking, etc.). In my book Financial Fornication, I share the 5 phases of Financial Dating to avoid financially abusive relationships. These phases should not be skipped.  It is necessary and worth taking the time to get to know financial institutions to ensure they are right for a particular financial situation.

    

So, be sure to

1. Explore financial options (banks vs. credit unions).
2. Investigate the financial institution(s) selected via the internet or word of mouth (research).
3. Experience the Introduction by going to the branch(es) or calling customer service to ask questions.
4. Start slow Courting by using one or two of their financial services (open a savings or checking account), when ready!
5. After all 4 phases have been executed, Commit to the new primary financial institution (PFI) by using more of their products and services. 

   

Once a new financial “main squeeze” is found, it will make it easier to leave an existing financially abusive relationship.

  

Exit Slowly & Deliberately

Whether a new financial “main squeeze” is on standby or not, another Exit Strategy is to slowly stop using the financial institution’s products and services.

  

Be sure to

1. Review bank statements carefully to identify all direct deposit or automatic payments coming out of the accounts.
2. Stop or change automatic payments from the account(s) and update payment information with the new financial account information, if available.
3. Ensure that all accounts are in good standing or current. This will ensure a clean break. The last thing wanted is a reason for the abusive financial institution to remain in contact.
4. If possible or necessary, refinance loans to the new financial “main squeeze.” If this is not possible, keep this in mind … having loans with a financial institution is like having a child(ren) with an estranged spouse or mate.  Leaving the relationship does not diminish the responsibility of the child(ren). Therefore, leaving the financial institutions does not diminish the legal responsibility of the credit obligation.  If refinancing is not an option, continue to make loan payments to the financial institution on time until it is paid in full to avoid collection and credit report drama.
5. Lastly, stop or reduce direct deposit into the account.

 

Once these steps are executed, a clean breakis relatively available.

  

Even though the financial relationship may seem extremely challenging right now, just know that all financial institutions are not alike. There are lots of really good financial institutions out there that value and appreciate their customers.  Once you find them, some of them even provide an easier method of transiting automatic payments and direct deposits to them through what is called Switch Kits.

  

So don’t give up. There is hope. And most importantly, you deserve better!

    

Financially True,

 

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Sexy!

Food That Make Being a Regularly Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is a monthly cycle of a woman who must be experienced. This indicates that women are still fertile and healthy. But there are times when the periods become so worrisome. This is because of the lifestyle and the food that makes irregular menstruation. Many women are worried because they think there are serious problems with the female organ. Well, if it is not too serious, you can handle it by eating these foods.

Salmon

Salmon is a famous luxury foods with nutrients that are also rich. Consumption of salmon on a regular basis can help increase collagen in the body. In addition, salmon can give you good stability hormones. This is because the content of calcium, vitamin D and many other nutrients that are beneficial, so you can not easily stressed and menstruation you can arrive on time.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the types of vegetables that are beneficial to health. Content in it, including vitamin A, B, C, K with added antioxidants, iron and fiber-rich. The content of folate and B vitamins in broccoli can prevent depression which became one of the triggers irregular menstrual women and the unhealthiness of our current monthly period.

The Sesame

Although sesame is small, but has great rewards. That said, eating sesame can help condition your body stay healthy as vitamin E, fiber and unsaturated fatty acids. You could eat dumplings or consumption of foods with a sprinkling of sesame. But not advisable to eat too much because the sesame causing more body heat.

Soy Milk

Consumption of soy milk can make menstruation more smoothly. You can consume soy itself to beautify the skin, regulate and maintain a healthy waist circumference. Soy milk is good for menstrual pain but you are lazy to eat. Besides could be the additional power, the nutrients in a glass of soy milk is able to maintain a healthy body and reproductive system.

Eggs

Choose boiled eggs rather than fried eggs. Protein it contains has good benefits such as soybeans in helping regulate your menstrual cycle. Eggs are also able to maintain your hormonal system and keeps you powered and focused when she was menstruating.

Some of the above foods can also be replaced with other alternatives such as spinach, nuts, fruit and other marine fish. Consumption of food that is not too cold and heat as well as fresh ones, can keep your body system is not compromised, especially during menstruation.

Also avoid too much activity but lack of rest, because the food, activity and rest should be balanced so that the body is always stable.

5 Things Asked on a Loan Application Used by Collectors

Have you (or someone you know) ever wonder why certain information is requested on a loan application that may not have anything to do with making the loan decision? I have.

  

When applying for credit, the loan application is not only a tool to acquire necessary information for the lender to make a judgmental credit decision. It is also a source of valuable data that is used to help collectors collect money that is owed to the lender if the borrower does not make their payments on time or at all.

 

Here are 5 Things Asked on a Loan Application Used by Collectors.

 

CURRENT & PREVIOUS ADDRESSES

The current address is not only used to request the applicant’s credit report, but it is also used to mail payment reminder or collections letters and, when necessary, for Skip Tracing.  Skip Tracing is a process of acquiring as much information about a person to find out where they are. Once the person is located, the collector can proceed with collection efforts or take further legal action.  Some skip tracing tools used are credit reports, white pages, a system called “Accurint,” social media, and especially Google.

  

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

The name and address of the applicant’s employer is sometimes used to have the borrower served if the lender chooses to sue the borrower by filing for a default judgment. However, this information is mainly used to file for wage garnishment.

 

PHONE NUMBERS

Home, work and cell phone numbers are used by collectors, of course, to call borrowers to discuss missed or past due loan payments and to acquire, what is called a “Promise To Pay.”  A Promise To Pay, is the borrower’s promise to make the agreed upon payment(s) to bring the loan account back to a current status.  Most collection calls may be friendly reminders. However, the more past due the loan becomes, the more “concerned” the collectors may be when calling.

  

EMAIL ADDRESSES

Most collectors are aware that many people may not answer unknown callers or callers that they do not want to speak to. They are also aware that many people may not read or ignore collection notices in the mail. This is why email addresses are very valuable.  In today’s electronic age, most people may respond faster to their emails than letters and voicemail messages.  This also gives the borrowers time to respond in a less intimidating manner.

  

REFERENCES

The names, addresses and phone numbers of the applicant’s family members and friends are usually requested in a loan application as references. This information is also used for Skip Tracing, when necessary.  Collectors may contact those references to obtain more information about the borrower and their whereabouts to continue collection efforts or further legal action.

  

  

Most first party collectors, which are usually employees of the lender, may be very open to assist borrowers that are dealing with financial hardships with payment plans. They are usually friendly and willing to assist as best as possible. So, please don’t ignore them.

 

Just make sure that you are aware of consumer rights regarding normal collection action, especially when dealing with third party collectors. No collector should verbally abuse or threaten you. That is against the law. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act governs third party collectors, collection activity, as well as Consumer Rights.

 

Financially True,

   

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Sexy

  

What other application information is used by collectors?

Potential Solo Practitioner?

The past few days I've been thinking more and more about opening my own firm. I've been hesitant to do it until now for several reasons, including (a) my lack of resources (opening a firm takes money, yo), (b) my lack of experience, (c) my lack of connections, and (d) the yellow belly I kept hidden under my shirt. However, I just had the pleasure of counting up how many jobs I've been rejected for in the past year, and I came up with around 250.

I also read a recent article one of my friends posted on Facebook in which it discussed how going jobless for one year has more than an impact of making you hate your life broke for an entire year--it actually decreases your life's overall expected earning potential.

Let's just speed up the process a little.

I don't speak often about my earlier years, but here's some knowledge for ya: my mom owned her own business for the first thirteen years of my life. She rented movies and made pizza, and I saw the daily struggles associated with owning one's own business. A lot of times she was in the red, our store got broken into once and the idiot bled EVERYWHERE (he broke a window, then rather than opening it, CLIMBED THROUGH IT AND SCRATCHED HIMSELF TO HELL). I saw it when the supply truck didn't come when he was supposed to. And I saw her have to deal with difficult customers. I also saw the perks--she was able to have the school bus drop us off each day, she could close early if there was inclement weather or if my brother or I were puking our guts out, and she was head bitch in charge.

M, head bitch in charge (and my hero)

As for me, I've been waiting and hoping and praying to God I could get a job. But that's normally not the kind of person I am. I like to make my own opportunities, and I don't do well taking a backseat waiting for things to happen. And, quite frankly, I've reached the point where I'm tired of waiting.

So I guess what I'm saying is that my cowardice has finally been trumped by my impatience and sense of being fed up with the state of my professional life. As such, I've started researching what I'm going to need to start my own law firm. After looking a lot of stuff up, I feel reasonably confident that I can start a law firm with about a $2000-$3000 shoestring budget (and that will cover a downpayment for malpractice insurance as well). I want to aim at opening at the beginning of next year, and I've picked a small town next to a big city in which to operate, both to limit competition and to lower costs of operation. This means I'll have to move there in October-November, then focus on learning the community and networking my ass off.

But honestly? I'm kinda excited. JURIS IS BACK IN ACTION, BABY.

Prepared for the best. And by best, I mean worst. 

Any tips or suggestions? Or comments? 

January 24, 1998 Aswang News in Caloocan City

Lung ailment, not aswang killed baby, says doc ASWANG, in the city? Not really. The Caloocan City police assured terrorized residents of Dagat-Dagatan yesterday that the area is not infested with aswang, the human flesh-eating creature of Philippine folklore. The statement came following reports that an old female aswang devoured a newborn baby boy residing in the area early Wednesday morning. Police investigators clarified that the immediate cause of the death of three-week-old Dave Nagawa is broncho-pneumonia, the inflammation of the lungs. Dave was found by her mother Leonor already stiff at around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday inside their house at Block 39, Lot 7, Sabalo Street, Kaunlaran Village, Dagat-Dagatan. Leonor, 21, said she could not explain why her baby's mouth and nose were oozing with blood. Lumps were also found in Dave's head, neck and left shoulder. "We were shocked; he [Dave] was a healthy baby. He did not even get sick from the day he was born," Leonor said. Her husband Edwin added that Leonor had even played with Dave the night before he died. "But when we woke up early [Wednesday] morning, he [Dave] was already stiff," he said. The baby's death remained a mystery because the couple has yet to receive the death certificates, inflaming the superstitious beliefs of the neighbors, most of whom hailed from the allegedly aswang-infested provinces in southern Philippines. But some' neighbors claimed having proof. A girl alleged seeing a fierce-looking old woman at the roof of the Nagawa's house during the early morning that Dave died. Reports quoted a certain Roselle Echano, nine, as describing the old woman as having very long hair, wrinkled skin and reddish, glowering eyes. These descriptions aptly fit the portrayal of the supernatural being in Philippine folklore. Moreover, when some neighbors scaled thereof, they reportedly discovered blood-stains that led to a small opening in the couple's room. "The aswang could have sucked the baby's blood," the neighbors said. Leonor herself recalled that their neighbors used to say during her pregnancy that an old woman was frequently seen on their roof every night. "But I did not buy it, I thought it was all hearsay," she said. Still, intense terror gripped the residents that barangay tanods kept watch the night after the incident occurred. So intense it failed to escape media attention. Too intense that city police chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao ordered his investigators to "verify" and present feedback on the incident. Investigators Senior Police Officer I Romeo Onte and Police Officer I Joel Aquino dug into the mystery only to find out that nothing mysterious surrounded the baby's death. The policemen discovered . that Dave di'ed.of naturals causes, particularly of broncho-pneumonia, as verified by' Caloocan City Medical Officer 4 Dr. Isidore Ayson. Ayson furthered that the lung disease caused the baby's bleeding. Aquino said the Nagawal couple also "verbally denounced" the reports, claiming that their son was not a victim of a "witch." Moreover, a certain Rodelia Echano, 14, the victim's neighbor and probably Roselle's sister, said that she saw not an old woman but a big cat on the roof of the couple at around 2 a.m. Wednesday. End of the story? Not quite. Some Dagat-Dagatan residents just refuse to bury the issue, claiming that there is indeed an aswang in the area. Not a few residents have been buying extra garlic, the alleged aswang repellent. Sharon Lansangan, 15, the victim's aunt, is sure that her nephew was killed by the aswang which lingered about on their roof. "Before Dave died, I heard noise on the roof. It could not be a cat or anything as it squeaked 'ik, ik, ik' [the "patented" sound of the aswang]," she said.

Source:
http://www.margarita-station.com/newsclippings/nc98_1a.html

Ingredients Potatoes are Not Good for the Human Body

Potatoes, one carbohydrate source that is delicious and rich benefits. In addition to being useful for food, potatoes can also make your skin more radiant and acne free. Unfortunately, there is a fact that less well than tubers this one. Be careful if you want to process or consume potatoes. Still looks normal, they can be turned into poison.

How Can?

Potatoes are generally pale brown with the yellow part. Typically, potatoes could turn into a greenish color when they are exposed to excessive sunlight. Incorrect storage, such as storage temperature is too cold or warm, can turn potatoes into greenish.

If your potatoes have changed color like this, do not use. Reporting from Snopes, the color green is actually a chlorophyll content. Well, it is good for health chlorophyll?

Oops, it turns out the problem is not there, Ladies. Chlorophyll and green color that appears it is not a poison. The green color is only an indication that the potatoes are exposed to light or unfavorable storage. However, when potatoes are exposed to light too much, then it will produce a substance called solanine.

Solanine and danger

Solanine is a natural toxin found in green potatoes. Consumption of high amounts of solanine can cause a variety of diseases such as diarrhea, food poisoning, headaches to nausea and vomiting.

Potatoes are like this usually have a more bitter taste and bitter. Cut the green part can help eliminate the content of solanine in potatoes. It is important to prevent the risk of illness, especially for those who have allergies or sensitivities to foods high.

5 Things I Wish I was taught "How To Be" when I was a Teenager (to be Financially Better Off)!

Do you, or someone you know, have things you wish someone taught you "how to be" when you were a teenager, to be financially better off?  I do!
  

“If I knew then what I know now.” This has got to be the theme song for most adults, especially when it comes to finances.  There are hundreds of things that I wish I was told, taught or nagged about when I was a teenager.  But, here are my top 5 Things I wish I was taught “how to be” when I was a teenager, to be financially better off.
 

I wish I was taught how to be …

  

A Boss!

No, not Bossy, but A Boss of my own business. Instead of being encouraged to go to school so I can get a good job, I wish I was told and taught to go to school to learn how to make jobs. Or to go get a job to learn what it takes to run a business. Seriously, we are told what to do and what not to do when we are children, only to go to school to get a job for other adults to tell us what to do and what not to do when we become adults.  Seems like a set up to me now.  
  

So teens … go to school and get a job, NOT to just be an employee, but to learn how to become an entrepreneur. Besides, there are not that many jobs out there right now anyway. Create your own business and Be A Boss!

  

A Giver

The first principle of Prosperity is Giving! In order to reap a harvest, a seed must be sown.  Always remember, there is no room to receive in a closed fist.  Whether your giving is spiritually, morally or emotionally based, give gladly and on good ground. Giving is not always about money. Sometimes your old clothes, knowledge, or time may be just as, if not more, valuable.
  

So teens … learn the power and pleasure of giving early to a church, non-profit or worthy organization or individual. You’ll be surprised of the blessings you will receive because of your openness to give.

  

A Saver

Who knew that if I had saved only $100 per month when I got my first job at the age of 14 in a savings account with an interest rate of 0.50% until now (25 years), I would have saved over $32,000? And if I had saved $200 per month, it would be almost $65,000.  The point is, if I really understood the power of saving at a younger age when I could afford it, I would be able to afford almost anything I wanted when I got older.
  

So teens … Start Saving Sooner!!! The younger you are when you start saving, the more you will have when you really need it when you get older. Trust me on this one.

  

Financially Proactive

Enjoy today but Live for Tomorrow!  Tomorrow is your future. Live like you are going to be alive for a long time and you want to be financially comfortable for the rest of your life. True story … If I had planned for the things that I wanted “tomorrow” (in the future); I would nothave borrowed money to get what I wanted “today” that I would have to be paid back “tomorrow” (in the future). Well, it’s tomorrow for me now and I’m still paying for what I borrowed “yesterday” (in the past).  My point is that using credit to get what you want right now will limit what you can afford tomorrow, when you really need it. It’s no fun not being able to afford to buy a home because you owe too much in credit card debt.  Credit is designed to be a leverage to help you acquire real “assets” (read Robert Kiyosaki’s book, Rich Dad Poor Dad) or to be an anchor and drown you deep in debt.
  

So teens … use credit wisely and do not use it until you are mature enough to handle its consequences (read my book, Financial Fornication).

 

Wealthy!

Not rich, but Wealthy! Rich is predicated on how much money you have, but Wealth is determined by how much you are able to do with the money you have. I’ve met hundreds of broke “rich” people, but I’ve never met a broke “wealthy” person.  Also, don’t believe the bling you see on TV! Nine times out of 10, the bling is borrowed! #IJS
 

So teens … follow my Financial Freedom Formula early and be wealthy for the rest of your life!

 

      

Those are my top 5 things I wish I was taught, but believe me there are more. Come to think of it, I was probably told to be a few of them, but I just didn't listen. Typical teenager.  ;-)

   

Best wishes on your journey to Financial Freedom!

   

Financially True,

   

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Sexy!

5 Ways to Avoid Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt)

Have you or someone you know been infected with Financial STDs? I have…
   

In my book Financial Fornication, I talk about Financial STDs (Substantially Tremendous Debt).  This financial dis-ease is not only financially and emotional painful, but families and cosigners can get infected as well because it can be contagious.

   
Here are 5 ways to avoid Financial STDS.
   
Use Financial Contraception.
Financial Contraception is better known as a budget or spending plan. Create a budget or spending plan that works with your lifestyle. Using a budget is the best protection against acquiring Financial STDs.
    
Avoid being financially promiscuous with multiple credit cards.
Pick a credit card that has the lowest rate and provides bonus points if you must or choose to use a credit card for purchases. Using multiple credit cards may result in excessive spending, which result in Financial STDs.
    
Limit or Avoid Financial One Night Stands.
A financial one night stand is a financial transaction, usually less than $50-$100, that should be paid in cash or paid in full if purchased with credit. If you choose to use credit for these types of transactions, avoid turning those financial one night stands into a long term financial relationship by revolving the balance and not paying it off in full. Vernacularly speaking, “Hit it & Quit it!”
   
Become Financial Abstinent.
When your finances feel like they’re getting out of control, sometimes it’s best to just STOP using credit to get a handle on your finances. Being financially abstinent stops the leaks in finances so a budget can be created to build up immunity against Financial STDs.

 

Get out of Financially AbusiveRelationships.

If you are getting your butt kicked with ridiculously high loan rates, low deposit rates, lots of fees and poor customer service, they’re probably really not that into you, which means that it’s time to plan your exit strategy from that financially abusive relationship.  You don’t have to stay. Date financial institutions to find the best one for you.

 

For more tips, check out my book “Financial Fornication.”

 

Financially True,

 

Tarra Jackson, Making Money Sexy

The Secret of University of Santo Tomas

University of Santo Tomas was one of the oldest universities in the Philippines. Even our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal studied here.

The university is a private, Roman Catholic, teaching and research university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on 28 April 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the Philippines and in Asia and is one of the world's largest Catholic universities in terms of enrollment found on one campus.

"beneath it was something, hidden for almost nine millenniums, waiting for something..." There's a popular myth in the Philippines that the University of Santo Tomas was hiding something beneath it. It was said that there is a secret underground passageway beneath it and it also hides plenty of secret doorways. They said, that it was St. Thomas Aquinas who planned and wrote the testament order to be given to the Dominican priests to build that kind of passages. It was said, that from the Arc of the centuries towards the Main building, you will see unexplainable languages, words, and symbols being etched at the side of the hallway. And that's true! I've seen those prints because I'm a student of this university. Although three of these secret doorways has been revealed, there is no passageway that we could find directing us into the main underground passageway. We are wondering if this is only a myth or reality. And we are thinking, if we could crack the codes etched through the hallway, maybe it can lead us through the secret underground passageway where secrets are meant to be secrets forever. The big question is... Why does St. Thomas needs to order those Dominican priests to build this kind of passageway? What's inside this passageway, and what does it contains? How come that this passageway has been able to be kept for almost nine millenniums without the knowledge of our fellow university men? What does the codes mean? Does the positioning of the University or the above photo of the university can give us hints? Does the Quadricentennial square of this university and its 'arc of the century' have a relationship to this so called "myth"? I'm just wondering because I'm a student of this university...

Being the oldest university in Asia, it is possible that such school may hide some door ways beneath its buildings.

I didn't know about this urban legend, so I have nothing to comment about it. I still find some information that can explain this.

Source:
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=160579
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Santo_Tomas

For Father's Day

                                     Midnight Caller

I came to see you tonight, dad. I wanted to come after dark, in the small hours, when the rest of the world is asleep. I wanted it to be just you and me.

I climbed over the gates by the bus stop and found my way through the maze of footpaths and lawns by moonlight. Three rows up from the big white stone angel. Six plots along from the footpath and here you are.

Mum chose the wording on your headstone.

To be remembered in our hearts is not to die.

I suppose that's profound enough to satisfy both believers and atheists. What were you, dad? I never got round to asking did I?

I think you must be pleased with our choice. Just plain black marble with gold lettering. No fancy shapes. Just rectangular with a bevelled edge.

It's strange. You only notice all the other graves when you're trying not to stumble into them in the dark. I didn't realise there were so many to choose from. Arched, pointed arch, Gothic, with cross, without cross, plain cross, Celtic cross, praying angel, weeping angel. Who thinks them all up?

I noticed there were no flowers. Usually there are several bunches and wreaths lying around. People bring them on birthdays and anniversaries don't they? But there are none here now. Maybe the cemetery staff have cleared them up. Or maybe no-one cares.

And the inscriptions. I didn't stop to read any but there must be a lucrative business writing those.

So where was I? Oh yes. How does that poem go? I can't remember who wrote it.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

Well, I am standing at your grave, dad, and I am weeping. And I just wanted to say.
                                         I love You.

Recognize the Origins of Asthma in Humans

Commonly known as another name of shortness of breath, asthma was derived from the word 'asthma' which meant it was hard to breathe. You certainly are familiar with the name of the disease. Asthma usually occurs in children, but adults are also not uncommon for this disease.

With symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath or wheezing sound to the more commonly known as 'asthma' is certainly quite excruciating. Do you know if it's the cause of asthma? Asthma is caused by narrowing of the airways. Typically, this occurs because of excess activity that produces a specific stimulus and consequently blood vessels become inflamed and narrowed. Naturally, because of this, the air is supposed to carry oxygen to the lungs and chest cavity becomes obstructed.

According to a source of data and Lung Association in America, one in three people with asthma are those aged under 18 years. Normally, the main cause of this disease is an allergy, ranging from dust to pollen.

Even a study carried out in America and Europe are summarized in the book "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 'revealed when one parent has asthma, chances are the child will also be at risk for asthma 3 times.

People with asthma have airways that is super sensitive than those who do not. Therefore, special care is needed for those of you who have asthma. Indeed, there is no medicine that can relieve asthma as a whole, but there are also some medications that are recommended to be consumed if you have asthma. Usually, people with asthma will be identical with the inhaler.

Although known as a chronic disease like diabetes and high blood pressure, asthma can be prevented by regulating the pattern of a balanced lifestyle and healthy. Ranging from diet, exercise, self-monitoring habits until the weather changes you have noticed. You also have to get used to living clean in order to avoid the vulnerability of developing allergies. If you get asthma because of heredity, of course you have to 'clever' to prevent relapse.

SO MUCH FAIL

In a nice change pace regarding my normal blog post topic of unemployment, today I feel the need to rant about my hatred of and bad luck with technology.

Yes...today I spilled an entire mug of chai all over my undeserving laptop. I immediately knew what to do. Why? BECAUSE I DID ALMOST THE EXACT SAME FUCKING THING TWO WEEKS AGO.

So now my laptop is in pieces, drying out on my windshield in the sun.

::groan::

Is it Friday yet?

Health Benefits of Raisins For Human Body

Raisins are dried grapes and used to mix cake, cooking, or as a snack. Raisins can be made ​​from a variety of different grape varieties colors and sizes. Some are made from green grapes, black grapes, blue grapes, grape purple, even yellow wine.

Dried by first seeded, making raisins apparently takes quite a long time. Generally, the quality will be dried raisins traditionally with solar energy. The result is a yellowish color or black and shiny with a dry skin but the flesh is half wet in it.

Speaking of nutrition, when processed into raisins, the dried grapes which are still rich in essential nutrients. In it, contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9, choline, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and Zind fluoride.

So, with all these contents are raisins for health benefits? Quoted from Boldsky, following a variety of health benefits of raisins:

Taking care of teeth

Raisins contain oleanolic acid that can protect teeth from loss and damage. In addition, these substances also prevent bacteria from growing in the mouth, where bacteria commonly cause mouth odor and gingivitis.

Helps relieve constipation

Constipation problem usually experienced as less fiber body. While raisin itself is a fiber-rich snack, thus effectively helping to overcome constipation and facilitate digestion.

Anemia

Because of iron and vitamin B complex is complete, then the raisins can help increase the amount of blood in the body. So the body does not get anemic.

Preventing cancer

Are polyphenolic, antioxidant substances contained in raisins, and worked as catechins that fight cancer-causing free radicals. Especially raisins may help prevent colon cancer is often threatened by digestion.

Eyecare

Phytonutrients and antioxidants contained in raisins good for eye care. Prevent damage to the eye caused by free radicals.

Strong bones

Raisins are also a food that is rich in iron and calcium. Served healthy and rewarding keep your bones stay strong. Women who experience menopause generally lack calcium and risk of developing osteoporosis, they are advised to consume the dried fruit.

To overcome erectile dysfunction

Men should also know eating raisins. Is the content of arginine, a type of amino acid that is contained in raisins and help increase libido. Arginine will help overcome erectile dysfunction.

Detox belly

Generally when flatulence and stomach indicate foul smell is in dirty condition. Well, it's time consuming raisins are rich in fiber and able to be digested properly by the body. The fiber also and cleanses the digestive organs by removing toxins and substances that the body is not required.

Easy Diet for Each Blood Type

Most of you may not know exactly what it is the blood type diet, but some of them have felt the benefits of the blood type diet.

Structurally, it turns blood type can help choose certain foods. The goal is to fit required. This diet was first introduced by Dr.. Peter d'Adamo a practitioner of naturopathy. Since he introduced the blood type diet, have a lot of artists who apply them in everyday life. Like Kate Winslet for example, he admitted quite satisfied with the results of the blood type diet.

Also curious how the blood type diet? Quoting Dr. Peter d'Adamo of Boldsky, here are some quick tips blood type diet.

Diet for blood type O:
Those who have blood type O are eating everything. They recommended mainly consume non-vegetarian menu. They may eat all kinds of meat ranging menu of red meat and poultry, as well as chicken. Protein is the major source of nutrients owner blood group O.
For the vegetable menu also no restrictions vegetables should not be eaten. But the greens need to be prioritized.
We recommend the blood type O is also not overly sweet eating fat burning because the metabolism is quite slow.

Diet for blood type A:
No diet program that will work for blood type A if he was in a state of stress. For that Person A is required to cope with stress before the diet.
Because metabolism is low enough, A advised not to consume red meat. Red meat will only increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Dishes should be consumed are fish, fisheries, and other sources of protein extracted from the nuts.

Diet for blood group B:
B blood type is the universal blood type and is not too fussy about food. They may eat anything because it does not include many rare blood type restrictions. Even so, it is recommended that blood type B is not eating poultry. Good source of protein to replace the other menu such as dairy products.
Diet for blood type AB:
Well, the blood type is AB blood type most affected by the sap of blood group A and blood group B. The reason, they are advised not to eat red meat, dairy products, and limiting consumption of carbohydrates.
Blood type AB is allowed to eat poultry and a variety of vegetables, only to be completely refine carbohydrates into the body.
By running the program according to the blood type diet and choosing nutrient intake into the body, then the body will be healthier and the weight will be balanced and controlled.