Managing Your Money

Welcome Moms! Please register as a user and feel free to submit your posts and comments often! We are link friendly and super excited about what you have to say!

With an effervescent consumer culture marked by excessive credit card use, it is necessary to weed out the truths in managing your money. Your financial assets may not be in hot water at this time, but many Americans are finding themselves strapped for cash, downright broke or in serious debt.

There are many steps to take in navigating most everyone’s goal of perfect credit. Low interest rate credit cards, for example, are a wonderful way to erase embarrassing credit histories marked by those student loans you forgot to pay 10 years ago. However, micro-managing your finances may not be your best skill, so check out some helpful hints.

What You Should Keep in Mind:

• Learn how to budget your money! Use an Excel spreadsheet if need be.

• Keep track of all credit purchases and which card you paid with—many credit problems stem from prior planning and disorganization.

• If you choose a low interest rate credit card, try to find one that doesn’t charge an annual fee. They’re out there!

• Sign up for a credit card that offers online banking—it will save you much hassle when you can’t remember how much you threw down in Atlantic City last week.

• See if a card you’re interested in charges minimum and maximum balance transfer fees and choose accordingly.

• Take late fees into consideration—even if you’re the most organized person on the face of the Earth. Everyone slips once in awhile.

• See if your low-interest rate credit card’s fees can be raised so you won’t run into surprises.

If you are used to making default payments, it’s a habit to consider dropping as quickly as possible. 6StarReviews.com reports that many companies have considered the needs of those who aren’t in best standing with Equifax. One of the top credit cards they researched in their low interest rate credit card reviews is Advanta Life of Balance Platinum Card.

Not only does a card of this caliber offer those on the borderline of debt six percent cash rebates, customers receive amazingly low interest rates and no annual fee. There are many other credit cards available for those seeking low APR’s, which could greatly increase your shots at financial stability.

However, keeping on top of your expenses can be challenging and we sympathize with those who aren’t mathematicians. But, last-minute borrowing from your personal portfolio isn’t something to resort to every time you forget to pay a bill.

Article by: Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for 6StarReviews. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Review

One of the great children’s classics by C.S. Lewis, is brought to the screen in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Set in wartime England, its plot has the four Pevensie children sent out of London for their safety. They end up in the country house of the eccentric Prof. Digory Kirke, and like all children removed from their usual source of fun and amusement, they’re bored, bored, bored.

Then one day, Lucy begins poking into things, and one of them is the very odd wardrobe of the professor’s. What she sees inside, is not the professor’s clothes, but a world encased in snow. The others of course, don’t believe her, since they haven’t found anything half so interesting. But eventually they give in to their own curiosity, and all enter the wardrobe to find themselves transported to the world of Narnia, where an evil White Witch has created an eternal winter, that will never see a Christmas.

Meeting up with the kind and caring lion Aslan who rules the strange land, the children begin their trek towards defeating the witch. But along the way, one will fall behind and join the very forces of evil they are trying to defeat. Amongst the mysteries of talking animals, mythical creatures and magic spells, the children must free Narnia from the perilous cold, and one of their own, from dangers that could destroy them.

This movie was extremely engaging from beginning to end, even at a long 2 hour and 20 minute running time. Perhaps, it’s because it was one of my favorite novels growing up, but the young actors were quite engaging and Tilda Swinton was superb as the White Witch.

Just one note of caution to parents: The movie was rated “Parental Guidance Suggested” and parents should be aware. The movie definitely has numerous violent scenes and it’s certainly not for little ones.

Director: Andrew Adamson
Producers: Perry Moore, Philip Steuer, Andrew Adamson
Starring: Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, James Cosmo, Jim Broadbent, Elizabeth Hawthorne

Article by: Alice Flegel is a movie fanatic that reveals exactly which movies are living up to the hype & which are better left for DVD. Check her DVD & movie reviews before you lay down cold-hard cash at the movie theatre. Already seen The Chronicles of Narnia? Write your own Chronicles of Narnia Review

Create Your Own Crafting Space

If you are at the place where your crafting is becoming more than a passive hobby, it may be time to consider having your own space in which to craft. This space can come in many forms but the important thing is that you need a space of your own.

Many crafters start out working at their dining room table or kitchen. However, most of them eventually find they long to have separate space. Crafting at the dining room or kitchen table can work for small projects that are completed fairly quickly. As you get into projects that require more time to complete, you will find that the clutter left in those rooms can quickly become overwhelming. Plus your family members may not appreciate the clutter of your crafts in a room that is utilized by everyone. It may be time to seek out a solution and create your own crafting space.

A lot of crafters may be limited to they type of space available to them. Perhaps they don’t have a spare bedroom they could use. In cases like this you have to get creative.

Let us explore some of the creative spaces you might consider.

1. Attic
An attic can be an ideal space if it’s easily accessible, like a walk up attic. Be sure your attic is cool enough in the summer. Also, make sure there enough head room for you to stand up. Attics can be delightful spaces in which to craft especially if they are large enough and have windows for natural lighting.

2. Large Walk In Closet
Some homes have very large walk in closets that can be easily turned into an ideal crafting space. Be sure there is access to electrical outlets and that you have enough space to place a work desk and storage.

3. Large Outdoor Shed
If you don’t have any ideal options for a crafting space inside your home, consider an outdoor shed, preferably one that is insulated and made from wood. Sheds can be purchased in various sizes ranging from 8 x 8 feet all the way up to 10 x 15 feet on average. If you do not already have a shed in your backyard, purchasing one may be an alternative. If you or your husband is handy in carpentry, you could also build your own. It’s important that your shed is wired for electric and meets all the safety standards. Check with your local county for more information. A outdoor shed can be as simple or elaborate as you want and can be delightful crafting spaces.

4. Basements
If you have a finished basement that is comfortable and has access to a lot of natural light, this may be an ideal option. Basements that are dark, cold and uninviting are usually not good options. You don’t want to feel like you are descending into a dungeon each time you go down to craft. Remember that your craft space should be a pleasant place to work.

5. In Plain Sight
Perhaps you live in a apartment, loft or small home where additional space poses quite a challenge. In cases like this you may need to consider creating your crafting space in plain sight, sort of. Consider using room dividers to create a separate space in a existing room. The dividers will not only separate your crafting space from living space but they will also serve to hide any craft related clutter.

Regardless of the location you choose for your crafting space, it’s important to remember to make it a inspiring place in which to create. Once you have determined the location, consider the following.

1. Natural light or the ability to create enough artificial light is a must.
2. Be sure there is adequate space to allow for storage of your supplies.
3. Consider wall colors that will create a light and pleasant crafting space.
4. Decorate your space to surround yourself with things that inspire you.
5. Think about if you want access to a radio, TV or phone in your space.

Even if you may not have the ideal crafting space, you can create a wonderful work place with a little imagination.

Article by: Kelle Arvay is the owner of Pattern Mart with offers customers access to thousands of craft patterns that they can purchase and download instantly. Additionally, she is the owner of eCraft Classes which is dedicated to online craft classes. She has been a crafter and pattern designer for many years.

Next Page »