http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/internet/blogging/how-to-write-a-blog.html http://www.articletrader.com/internet/blogging/how-to-write-a-blog.html Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:13:58 -0500
Why are so many people blogging?
Blogging has gained immense popularity in the last couple of years, and thousands of new blogs are created each month. But why? Well, as technology evolves, so do we. The beauty of the Internet is not only the wealth of information it provides, but also the connectivity the access to the thoughts, feelings, opinions, pictures and videos of other people across the globe. Maybe it's because we're naturally voyeuristic, or maybe it's the innate human need to have a sense of community (we are social creatures, after all), but whatever the reason, blogging is wildly popular, and probably not going anywhere. In fact, as the news media declines in these tough economic times, bloggers are gaining more and more power in terms of taking on the role of opinion makers.

Why should you blog?
Blogging has a great number of benefits in fact, there are probably as many reasons to blog as there are types of blogs. Many people use blogs as an extension of their careers their blogs are forums by which their employees and/or clients can contact them and keep up with what's happening day to day. For others, a blog is an outlet for creativity. Writers, cooks, musicians, and designers are just a few of the types of people who can use a blog to share their passion with the world by posting poems, recipes, songs, general observations, event dates, photos and new projects. Some people use blogs simply to increase their web site ranking in the search engines, as regular updates help keep web sites relevant. And some people just want someone to talk to, so they talk to everyone via a personal-journal-type blog.

Where can you get a blog?
There a lots of free blogging sites to help you set up a blog and get started. Blogspot is a very simple one to use, and you can get set up and going in just a few minutes. But don't be fooled, just because everyone and their dog seems to have a blog these days doesn't mean blogging is easy. Successful blogs are relevant, topical, and regularly updated.

How do you get started?
If you want to start a blog, the most important thing to do is to choose a theme: what is your blog going to be about? Writing, painting, cooking, fashion, politics, sports? Try to narrow your focus to make creating content easier, a blog that's not narrowly-enough defined can cause problems when it's time to come up with something specific to write about. The most effective blogs tend to be those that are very specific in their subject matter, so don't just pick a topic, pick a niche within a topic. For example, if you're a trend-watcher, pick a specific area to focus on: new trends as seen where you live, for example. Or instead of starting a blog about sports, focus on one sport, or one state's various sport teams, or even just one team. The more narrowly you focus your topic, the easier it is to overcome writers block down the road, and to ultimately make your blog successful (that is, getting people, besides your mom, your co-workers and your spouse, to read it).


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Inside Dallas is a realty firm helping customers in Fort Worth and Dallas. Their site provides information on Dallas Texas Real Estate. It also has a search of the Dallas MLS along with a Dallas real estate blog with updated market statistics.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/success/central-texas-profiles-brenham-texas.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/success/central-texas-profiles-brenham-texas.html Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:19:35 -0500
If you are considering bankruptcy, then your debts have not had the attention they needed. It could be due to many factors - e.g., medical emergency, divorce. Regardless, you need to look at this as an opportunity to get your financial life in order.
You will need to address several specifics in order to get a grasp on your debt and forego bankruptcy. Complete the checklist and subsequent activity below to get started:

* Do a budget. If you don't already have one set up, you need to do one now. Make note of all your expenses and income from the 1st to the 31st of the month. Put it all in one place, whether you put it in Excel, Microsoft Money, Quicken or some other software. Make sure you keep expenses separate from income. Note the amount you have left over.

* Obtain a copy of your credit report. All three major credit reporting agencies are required to provide a free copy of your credit report to you every year.

* Note any discrepancies. Notify the credit reporting agencies of any incorrect information, including any inquiries to your credit report that you did not approve.

* Identify all accounts that are late. Organize them from the accounts that show the most months not paid to the least months not paid.

* Settle your debts with your creditors. This will be your strategy. Your final frontier will be to settle your debts to affordable payments every month. What is left over from your budget? You will divide this out to pay on each of your outstanding accounts with your creditors.

* Calculate what it will take to offer a settlement of 30% for each of your past due accounts.

* Call each creditor and make the offer. It is important to include in the offer that the creditor will delete all negative notations to your account and indicate that it is being paid on time for the duration it takes to pay off the debt ... as long as you are making your payments on time.

* Don't be discouraged if your creditors balk at your first offer. In a week or two you'll receive a letter from the creditors you called with either an acceptance or counter offer. Don't budge from the 30%, unless it becomes apparent over several weeks' time that they will not accept it. The more time that lapses since your last payment on the account, the more your creditor will work with you.

* Keep copies of all communication with your creditor. If a phone conversation, make note of the date/time of call, representative's name, content of discussion and anything they agreed to do.

* Don't pay anything until you receive it in writing ... and signed! Your exchanges with your creditors have paid off and you've come to an agreement. You receive the agreement in the mail. Is it signed by the creditor AND does it indicate that this is the final settlement amount of your debt AND does it state that the creditor will delete all negative notations to your credit once you start paying on the settled debt amount? If not, send it back for corrections. Don't sign anything until it contains all agreed upon discussion and the creditor has signed on the dotted line.

* You've signed the agreements, now what? Do not pay your payments out of your own bank. Do not let your creditor know where you bank or where you work. Get a money order from another institution other than your own bank to pay your monthly payments. You can buy USPS money orders for $1.05. That way if you ever become delinquent on your payments, no creditor can garnish your checking account or your paycheck.

* Pay your payments on time all the time. If you stick to this rule, you'll be successful in staying out of bankruptcy. Eventually, you will even become debt free in the process as long as you don't apply for any more credit.

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Jill works with Inside Realty a firm working in the Houston real estate market. Their site is focused on provided information on the Houston real estate for interested buyers and sellers. It also provide statisics on surrounding markets like the Humble real estate and Pasadena real estate markets.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/technology/this-is-your-brain-on-technology.html http://www.articletrader.com/technology/this-is-your-brain-on-technology.html Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:56:08 -0500
According to research done last year by UCLA scientist Dr. Gary Small, daily doses of technology may be altering the way the brain functions, particularly in social skills. He suggests that all that screen time may weaken the brain circuits involved in face-to-face interactions. He is concerned that fundamental social skills like reading facial expressions during a conversation are being compromised.

Small is particularly concerned about what he calls the digital native, those in their twenties and younger who have been "digitally hard-wired since toddlerhood." As he explained in an Associated Press article, the digital native runs the risk of being socially awkward and isolated by their inability to interpret non-verbal messages from people. He is afraid this may be particularly true in the classroom that still relies on traditional verbal instruction along with interaction with the teacher and other students.

Small argues his case in his book "iBrain: Surviving the Technological Altercation of the Modern Mind." He admits that his research about whether or not all this technology is changing brain circuitry is new and ongoing.

Other studies, in fact, have taken the opposite tact by seeing positive outcomes for technology users. A MacArthur Foundation study found that teens feel very connected to each other through online social networking. The study allayed some parents' fears that teenagers are vulnerable to online predators the more time they spend socially on the Internet. "The study found that most teenagers steer clear of dangerous sites and use the Web only for research or to communicate with established friends," according to an article in the Austin-American Statesman.

Parents who are too protective and prohibit computer use for their teens may be keeping their kids out of the broader social loop. The study found that teenagers move between the online social world and the face-to-face interactions with relative ease, one building on the other.

Dr. Maryanne Wolf of Tufts University thinks technology may even affect how people learn to read. Technology requires users to gather information quickly, rather than the more methodical and sophisticated methods of comprehending regular reading material. She is studying if this rapid information gathering could be changing the normal brain pathways formed when reading. She is particularly curious about the affect on young children as technology becomes a more integral component of modern classrooms.

As with any new information technology, like 50 years ago with the inclusion of television to the average American home, there will be curiosity and controversy. It is certainly hard to imagine how our brains waited for the morning paper or the evening news to hear what was going on in the world around us. It seems like each generation has a quicker learning curve when it comes to the latest technology. That could just be human nature, or it could be the circuitry of the brain changing and adapting to the technologically saturated world in which we live.

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Jill works with Inside San Antonio. Their site is devoted to the San Antonio Texas real estate market. Their site also has information on San Antonio schools along with a blog covering San Antonio real estate market statistics

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/cutting-back-is-the-new-chic.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/cutting-back-is-the-new-chic.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:53:24 -0500
It seems cutting back and do-it-yourself have become the new chic. According to recent newspaper data, sales of sewing kits and hair dye are up, while dry cleaner and beauty salon business is slumping a bit. A case in point is the Target advertising campaign that shows a yoga ball as "the new gym," an espresso maker as "the new coffee spot" and chairs on the deck as "the new night out." Wal-Mart has seen a pronounced increase in the purchase of seed packets and herb plants. Sales of oil, filters and funnels are also up.

A recent Washington Post article said, "The frugality of ... Americans who still have their good jobs feed back on the economy, holding down growth and encouraging other worried workers to trim their spending -- causing the whole vicious cycle to run another lap."

And it's not just individuals, as even companies that are doing well are reluctant to spend cash reserves or hire new employees. A recent Austin-American Statesman article pointed to local start-up Pyxis Technology Inc. as a good example of this reluctance. "The company, which sells software tools used by advanced chip designers, raised $3 million in venture capital this month but has no immediate plans to expand its 20-person staff. After cutting its work force by a quarter last year, CEO Phil Bishop says, Pixys is focused on conserving cash."

As a Washington Post article pointed out, this recession has had a powerful effect on Americans' minds, causing many people to adjust their behavior even though their financial circumstances are relatively unchanged. A Post-ABC News poll in February showed two-thirds of those responding had cut back on their spending, including nearly a third who had cut back sharply.

While the we-are-in-this-together mentality is reassuring to some, it is not going to help end a recession that is going on its eighteenth month. Economists credit this new trend toward austerity as a matter of consumer psychology. If neighbors are losing their jobs and house values are falling, the perception is everyone is worse off even though there may be no change to an individual's bottom line.

Certainly the media plays a role in this as the news these days is just, well, confusing. An Associated Press poll this week found that 48 percent of Americans think the country is headed in the right direction, up from 40 percent in February. These poll results came out the same day as articles saying there is no end to the recession in sight. With such conflicting headlines it is no wonder that people want to stick their money in a mattress. Perhaps we would all be better served if we tried to be a little more reasonable while continuing to keep spending within our actual means.

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Inside Dallas is real estate company operating in the DFW area. Their website provides a search for Dallas homes along with general information on Dallas real estate. They also provide a Dallas real estate blog to help readers keep up to date on the market.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/the-internet-turns-20.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/the-internet-turns-20.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:48:56 -0500
According to a recent Boston Globe article this is the timeline of the creation of the Web:

March 1989 - Tim Berners-Lee's research paper is presented at Conseil European pour la Recherche Nucleaire (CERN) and lays out the basic principles of the World Wide Web.

December 1990 - Berners-Lee creates the first browser to be used by scientist at his Swiss research group. It is very technical and requires typed commands to navigate from page to page.

February 1991 - America Online turns its attention from computer games to launch its first AOL DOS version.

January 1993 - The browser Mosaic is created by University of Illinois students, Marc Andreessen and Eric Bina. Their browser was the first to display photos and graphics, and most importantly could be controlled by using a mouse.

Janauary 1994 - Yahoo! is created by Stanford graduate Yang and David Filo. Yahoo! stands for "Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle".

May 1994 - Computer entrepreneur Jim Clark created Netscape Communications Corp., the first commercial browser company. "There were a lot of people who thought I was absolutely nuts," Clark said. "The Internet is free. How was I going to make any money out of this business?" Netscape's ability to encrypt financial transactions gave rise to such online retailers as eBay and Amazon.

July 1995 - Amazon.com is launched.

September 1995 - eBay is launched.

September 1998 - Google is launched.

January 2001 - Wikipedia is launched.

August 2003 - MySpace is launched.

February 2004 - Facebook is launched.

February 2005 - YouTube is launched.

2009 - 1.5 billion people around the world use the Internet.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about Berners-Lee's creation is his insistence that it be free. He refused to patent it. "It took 18 months for my colleague Robert Cailliau and me to persuade the CERN directors not to charge royalties for use of the Web," Berners-Lee said last year. "Had we failed, the Web would not be here today."

In the last twenty years, PC and Apple fans and companies have argued over superiority and a never-before-imagined global economy and community has been created. It is difficult to imagine the world before email, blogs and instant messaging. Could anyone have imagined Twittering in 1989?


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Inside San Antonio helps buyers and sellers in central Texas. Their site has information on the San Antonio real estate as well as schools in San Antonio. They also provide statistics and news on their San Antonio real estate blog.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/thrifty-home-improvement-tips-dont-let-the-recession-derail-your-project.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/thrifty-home-improvement-tips-dont-let-the-recession-derail-your-project.html Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:46:12 -0500
Reupholster your dining room chairs or sofa cushions- To really cut costs, browse through the clearance aisle at your local fabric store.
Mix up the color scheme of the pillows and placemats. Updating for the seasons can really give a room a facelift. Popular colors for the spring include greens, blues, apricots and yellows.

Reframe or regroup your pictures- Before forking out the cash on new frames, check out your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store for some chic, vintage frames- and don't be afraid to repaint or refinish them.
Scope out your house for blank walls- these are your empty canvases so have at it! Be creative and unique.

Treat your bathroom to some new throw towels or rugs- a small upgrade with a big effect. And while you're at it, don't forget the shower curtain.

Got a weekend? Grab a can of paint. Painting a room can bring about the most dramatic and satisfying changes to make to a room.
Take a look around a specific room and ask yourself if each item is useful, beautiful and valuable. If it doesn't meet any of the three criteria, toss it! You'll de-clutter your life and make room for new things at the same time.

As your shopping around, cleaning and updating, be sure to keep the mood of the room consistent. Accessorize with items that fit the overall personality of the room and move or pitch those items that don't quite fit.

Swap your current lampshades for new ones. If you're feeling crafty, accessorize the lamp shade with some ribbon or embellishments to match the theme and colors in your room.

Give your bathroom the feel of a spa. Use liquor decanters to layer colored bath salts and display on the counter. Also, use silver trays or serving plates around the bathtub as resting places for soaps and bath accessories.

Move your furniture around for a new and different look- it gives you're a fresh approach. To really work some energy into your home, think about following the Feng Shui approach.

Upgrade your fake flowers to real ones- they will brighten your mood every time you see them and can be a small and affordable treat for yourself each week. And while you're cleaning out your old vases, use decorative pebbles and/or stones at the base of your pots for some color. Allergic to flowers? Use the same idea of pebbles in the bottom of your vase but incorporate candles instead.


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Inside Houston real estate helps buyers considering purchasing in the Houston Real estate market. Their site has updated market stats on their Houston Real Estate Blog along with information on surrounding areas like Katy Texas.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/life-after-foreclosure.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/life-after-foreclosure.html Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:06:53 -0500
You think life is over, you'll never get to buy another home and you'll be paying twice as much for rent as you ever did on your mortgage payments. There is, however, life after foreclosure.

You'll need to put together a heavy-duty strategic plan to attack the financial dilemma you've gotten yourself into. Your credit is going to need an extreme makeover. It may take you a couple of years or so to get your credit back on track. After you do, though, you could be eligible to purchase a new home at a reasonable interest rate. You'll need to complete the following steps in order to fight your way back to the American dream.

* First things first - Figure out why you went into foreclosure in the first place. Was it due to a job loss, unforeseeable situation - e.g., divorce or court proceedings, or life-threatening event? You can still remedy that in a relatively short amount of time, but, first, you have to get your income on track. Make sure you have a job that gives you an adequate income.

* Budget - You'll need to put together a budget, and you'll need a method to capture all the details - e.g., Quicken, Excel. Identify all your income and all of your expenses for an entire month. Consider how you can minimize your expenses. What you have leftover at the end of the month will be what you'll use to pay off other debt and save for your mortgage loan.

* 80/20 Rule - Set aside 80% of what is leftover into a savings account to use for the down payment of a mortgage. As your savings account for your mortgage grows, put it into a higher yield CD. Put the other 20% into an account you will use to negotiate with your creditors. Don't stop saving.

* If you are several months late paying your other creditors, then you'll want to negotiate a settlement with them all, except for any secured debt - e.g., car loan.

* Annual Credit Report - Get a copy of your credit report. All three major credit reporting agencies are required by law to provide you with a free one annually. Note every creditor you owe and are late in paying. Make sure the information is accurate and start calling each creditor - the most recent debts first. Offer a settlement of 30% of the entire amount owed. Require that the creditor remove all negative notations on your credit report and note that the account was closed by you. Get all this in writing before you pay anything.

* Payment - Once you get it in writing, send a check noted on the memo line with, "Paid in full." Note the signature area on the back of the check with, "By this signature, creditor acknowledges this account is paid in full." If you do not, the creditor can legally continue attempts to collect the remainder of the debt.

* New Credit - While you are settling all your debts, open a credit card or two. There are innumerous ones available online. Some are very easy to get approved for. You may, however, have to opt for a secured credit card. Make sure you research all cards you are interested in before you apply for and accept any. You'll need to understand all fees associated with the credit card - e.g., application fees, maintenance fees, late fees, over-the-limit fees. Once you receive your cards, write to each of your new creditors and request that all account activity be reported to the three major credit reporting agencies.

* Purchases - Make a purchase on each credit card and make sure you keep a balance for, at least, a year. After a year, request another free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. You may even want to pay for a credit score from one or more of them.

* Credit Reporting - When you get your credit reports, ensure that your recent account activities are being reported. If not, contact your credit card companies and request that they report it. You can also send your account information to the credit reporting agencies and request that they insert this information.

* After about two years, you will be ready to apply for a mortgage. Keep in mind, there are some companies who will not even consider you with a foreclosure on record. There are other options, though. The VA considers mortgages for those who can prove they have experienced unforeseeable hardship - e.g., divorce, medical emergency; however, you must show evidence that you are not at risk of falling back into a similar situation. In other words, you must prove that you are past the crisis and are now in an area of financial stability. Of course, there will be other companies you'll want to consider. Just make sure you verify their reputation before you apply for a mortgage at any institution. Check their website to see if you find the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) seal on it. That is a fairly good indicator that they are reputable. There are plenty of scammers out there, and you don't want to fall prey to their tactics.

After you've followed all the steps necessary to repair your credit and save enough for a down payment, you should cautiously pursue one with a reputable lender. Be ready to explain any discrepancies on your credit report. In a down economy there are still opportunities to obtain a mortgage loan ... even for someone who has been through a foreclosure!

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Inside Realty operates in Houston Texas. Their website has information on Houston neighborhoods along with a real estate blog and general info on real estate in Houston.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/do-it-yourself-home-repair-find-everything-you-need-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/do-it-yourself-home-repair-find-everything-you-need-online.html Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:03:32 -0500
DoItYourself
As the name implies, DoItYourself is 100 percent focused on how to handle all kinds of projects without the help of a professional. From fixing the plumbing to building a deck, to remodeling your kitchen, this website has everything you need to complete any number of tasks without paying big bucks to a company, contractor, mechanic, or whoever it may be. The site even has information on financial planning, going green, and preparing Thanksgiving dinner making it one of the most comprehensive do-it-yourself sites on the Internet. In short, if you have a project you want to save money on, check out DoItYourself for everything you need to know to do it right.

DIYNetwork
Need another do-it-yourself project resource? Check out DIYNetwork. While not as comprehensive as DoItYourself DIYNetwork is more focused on projects dealing with home maintenance, repair, decoration, etc. DIYNetwork offers instructional videos to help you fully understand the scope and execution of each project. Projects always seem to go more smoothly when you feel confident that you know what you're doing that's the idea behind DIYNetwork so next time you've got a big task to take on, and you want to do it yourself, but you're not entirely sure how, DIYNetwork is a great place to start.

BobVila
Who better to teach you how to complete your next home improvement project than Mr. This Old House himself, Bob Vila? Check out his website for how-to guides, instructional videos, and even a blog to help you channel your inner Bob Vila and take on any home repair or improvement project with ease.

DIYIdeas
If you're looking for something a little less intense than a complete home makeover, check out DIYIdeas for great tips to help you spruce up your home without making a huge investment or complete overhaul. Their helpful site tabs like "How To," "Quick Projects," and "Living Room Makeover" make searching and browsing simple, and can help you find great ideas for easy ways to change up a room or spruce up your decor. You can even post your own projects, pictures, and how to's in the Community section, and interact with other DIY-ers.

DIYonline
For more great home repair and improvement projects, as well as links to appropriate retailers, visit DIYonline. The site links to discount retailers with products like rugs, lamps, and other home necessities, making it easy for you to not only plan your project, but find everything you need to get it done.

These are just a handful of the hundreds of do-it-yourself websites, forums, blogs and articles that can be found on the Internet. Next time you've got a project you need done around the house, search the web before calling in a professional you may just find everything you need to get it done, without spending a fortune.


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Jill works with Inside Dallas. Their site provides information on Dallas Texas real estate along with a free search for Dallas homes and Dallas real estate blog with straightforward information on the health of the Dallas market.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-to-reduce-your-debt-in-ten-easy-steps.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/credit/how-to-reduce-your-debt-in-ten-easy-steps.html Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:52:22 -0500
1. Budget - Before you can even start working on any other area of your finances, a budget is critical. Although, it is a very big deal, it doesn't take that much effort to put one together. The difficult part will be exercising self-control. Check to see if your computer software came with money management software. If not, you can simply use Excel or some other simple software to capture your data. You'll want to note all income and all expenses from the first of the month to the end of the month. Note everything, even that latte you get occasionally on the way to work.

2. Pay Off Debt - What's left over at the end of the month from your budget is going to be used to pay off your debt. Organize your credit cards from lowest balance to highest. You're going to take what's left over to pay on the lowest balance first. When this is paid off, work on the next debt. Do this until all your debts are paid off. Then, don't accrue anymore debt!

3. Reduce Expenses - Your first strategy will be to eliminate any expense that you can do without. Scrutinize your expenses carefully. Talk it over with your family. Include them in the discussions and see where everyone can cut out, at least, 20% of your monthly spending.

4. Groceries - You've probably heard this over and over again, but here it is again. Use coupons, especially in stores that will double your coupons. Call around to see which stores will do it. Price matching is another great way to save tons. Gather your weekly store ads. Note items in the sale ads that are on your grocery list. Visit the cheapest store in your area that does price matching and buy your groceries there.

5. Video Purchases/Rentals - If you currently purchase movies, stop it. Or, at least, limit your DVD purchases to one a month. Also, ditch your DirecTV and Dish Network pay-per-view for more economical rentals. Blockbuster and Netflix are great online alternatives. The membership is nominal and you get the same great movies for less delivered to your door. Do you have a Redbox near you? Redbox is an even cheaper way to save on DVD rentals. They cost only $1.00 per day plus tax to rent. That's it. Find out if you have a Redbox near you at Redbox.com.

6. Entertainment - Reduce your entertainment with some clever alternatives. Instead of a big night out to dinner and the movies, plan for an evening in. Do a theme night, like Mexican mariachi night, Chinese cuisine night, or pizza pizzazz night. Name it, so everyone can associate it with a family memory. You can play games afterward or watch a movie you rented from Redbox. Pop the popcorn and watch family memories and your savings grow.

7. Online Memberships - there are many online memberships you can enroll in that can save you money on items you already buy. MyPoints.com is a great way to earn points and buy at a discount items you already purchase.

8. Utilities - This includes electricity, gas and phone. Turn off your lights when you leave a room. Turn down your temperature at night and when you're not home at night. Turn off anything when you're not using or watching - e.g., TV, computer. Replace your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. You may even want to revisit your home phone service. Are there services you can do without? You may even want to do away with your home phone service altogether, if you have cable. You could use your cell phone as your sole source for calls. There are cell companies with unlimited calling plans for as low as $25 a month. Cricket is a good example.

9. Gasoline - Consolidate your trips. Taking little Sarah to her soccer game? Include a trip to the store on the way home. You may also want to drop off your water payment, too, if it's on the way.

10. Employment - If you find that you have very little at the end of the month after cutting out all the expenses possible, you may want to consider looking for a new job. Yes, the economy is in turmoil. Some, however, have found that it is a cloud with a silver lining. Although, the jobless rate is staggering, there are many opportunities for those who have the qualifications. Post your resume on online job boards. Do a search on the web and it'll turn up more than you'd want to know about. Make sure to refresh your resume daily on these sites. Hiring managers look for newly posted resumes and you'll keep yours in the running if it appears fresh daily.

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Inside Realty helps buyers in the San Antonio real estate market. Their site provides vistors information on San Antonio schools and a real estate blog filled with information on the San Antonio market.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/least-risky-markets-to-invest-in-real-estate_1.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/least-risky-markets-to-invest-in-real-estate_1.html Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:43:10 -0500
Charlotte, NC - Real estate prices in Charlotte are down $50,000 from where they were a year ago, but up $26,000 from January of this year. The average list price started at $270,680 last year, but is now down to $224.465. The yield from the list price is down only 2.33% from a year ago. The median home price in this city is around $185,600. That's up 6.4% from last year.

Oklahoma City, OK - Real estate prices are remaining fairly steady in Oklahoma City. What's interesting about this market is that it never really experienced the spike in home values and the subsequent nose dive like many of the other major U.S. cities. Foreclosures are up, but, contrary to other U.S. cities, home values have only declined somewhat. The average sale price is $139.632, down by 6.35% from the same time last year. The median home price is $134,400, up 12.1% from last year.

Portland, OR - Real estate prices in Portland have fallen around 19% since they hit an all-time high in July 2008. The median sale price of a home in this city in July 2008 was $174,000. Today, the same home will sell for $141,000. The number of homes on the market is down from its peak in 2008 where 4,495 homes were available for sale. Today, the number is 3,523. That's a 22% decline in homes for sale. Only 8% of homes on the market are sold today compared to 14% of homes sold in 2008.

San Antonio, TX - Real estate prices are gaining in this city. The median price for San Antonio homes were at their highest in 2007 at $141,500. The current median sale price for homes is $136,000, only $5,000 less two years later. Home listing prices have increased by $1,000 from March 11 to April 1 of this year.

Seattle, WA - Real estate prices are rising in Seattle. They are at the same place they were in September of 2008 and in April of 2006. Sales surged by 35% in March of this year, up 26% from March of last year. The median price of a home in Seattle is $387,450, up almost 13% from a year ago. This market is definitely on the upswing.

Raleigh, NC - Real estate prices have fallen in Raleigh to $210,000, down from $217,000 a year ago. The median home price is $201,800, which is up 6.3% from last year. Number of homes on the market is only up 200 from last year's figures - from 7909 to 8103. One interesting item to note about this city is the 5% growth it has experienced every year for the past five years. The number of jobs increased in Raleigh by 3500, which probably contributed to the city's growth.

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insidesanantoniorealestate.com provides information about the San Antonio real estate market. Their site has information on San Antonio area schools along with a San Antonio real estate blog.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>