(Photo via Bensonkua, Flickr.com)

Much like finding the right personal loan, the number of calories needed on a daily basis is determined by different factors such as your weight, height, age, and activity level. It varies with different people. However, there are some general guidelines on how much daily calories one person really needs.

400 Calorie Fix: Don’t Count Calories – Control them!

Meet Cassandra. She’s a busy mother of three who, like many of us, has a problem with her weight. She said she was terrified when she first heard about the 400 Calorie Fix. However, after using the 400 Calorie Fix strategy, Cassandra said she has lost 6 pounds in just two days!

The people behind the book, 400 Calorie Fix, say the method is not considered a diet, but a way to limit calorie intake by understanding what a 400 calorie meal looks like. Author and Prevention Magazine Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello also dropped in on the Rachael Ray Show to explain how the 400 Calorie Fix formation works.

“The 400 Calorie Fix was inspired by a column where we showed people how to eat four 400 calorie meals a day,” she tells Rachael. “We show you how to eyeball foods, to read menus, so you’re not counting calories, you are controlling it. It’s the easiest weight loss solution ever because it’s one simple rule: you learn to see the world through a 400-calorie lens.”

Let’s Get Real

It seems just about every weight loss program requires you eat their food which, as many of you would agree, are not the most preferred foods out there. You basically have to starve yourself off, or buy expensive supplements to go with it. People have had to apply for a personal loan just to meet most weight loss program standards. With the 400 Calorie Fix, however, you can still eat the type of food you enjoy.

“We came up with that amount because registered dietitians say that’s the amount in a meal that you’re going to remain satisfied, you’re not going to get cravings,” said Vaccariello. “You get a variety of tastes and textures and you’re going to get enough disease-fighting nutrients so you stay healthy.”

The 400 Calorie Fix teaches the reader how to effectively read menus, identify high-calorie red flags and look out for sneaky calories in dressed-up healthy foods. The bottom line is that you know exactly what you’re eating.

(Photo via Exalthim, Flickr.com)

The power of the internet is unlimited. It has evolved into something of global demand as more people are leaving the traditional ways of communicating and running to the internet to give ‘fast’ and ‘convenience’ a whole new meaning. Just about everything can be accessed online; payday loans, cars, household goods, clothing, and even tools for credit repair. The internet has become one of the major, most dynamic ways to communicate. It has only improved over the years and continues to open new doors to other monetary options and striking opportunities.

Employment Opportunity: Netflix Jobs

Netflix, the nation’s largest online DVD service, has been the number one source for online movie rentals for the past decade. Now, Netflix is taking their online service to a professional standpoint by offering employment opportunities to everyone across the United States. Netflix jobs can be reviewed on their website. Get on their job opportunities page, type in a preferred position, and easily search through their locations and departments for job openings.

Company History

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings who said he had no idea if people would actually use his service. The Internet has proved itself yet again to be a viable asset to any market. In 1999, Netflix launched its Internet-based subscription service and signed up some 239,000 subscribers in the first year. Today they have amassed a vast collection of 100,000 titles and approximately 10 million subscribers. What an accomplishment!

More Netflix Jobs Info

According to Wikipedia, the company is well-known for its worker-oriented culture, including unlimited vacation time for salaried workers. Netflix is also known for its innovative management practices. In order to attract the best talents and employ the most qualified individuals, the company pays salaries that are generally much higher than customary. Netflix is one of the few companies that allow employees to take any amount of their paychecks in stock options.
“We’re unafraid to pay high… At most companies, average performers get an average raise,” says Hastings. “At Netflix, they get a generous severance package.”

(Photo via Bensonkua, Flickr.com)

Black Friday has been the top trend for the past several weeks. Everyone is itching to find great deals offering for Black Friday 2009. Black Friday, which lands on the day after Thanksgiving Day, unofficially kicks off the holiday shopping season. And boy, things are looking hot, hot, hot.

Dirt Cheap Target Appliances

Who needs payday loans when you can get $3 Target appliances? Apparently, according to rumors, Target’s $3 appliances will include toasters, coffee makers, sandwich makers and slow cookers to name a few. And we’re not talking low-quality products. $3 Target appliances are made by Chefmate. Target will also give away a $10 gift certificate for every Benjamin you spend between 5 a.m. and noon. My question is what the heck is Target thinking? Don’t they know this could possibly start a war?

More Black Friday Deals at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Black Friday ads is particularly causing excitement because of their hot Black Friday special on Blackberry phones. Wal-Mart is offering a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase with a 2-year contract. Fortunately, buyers will not have to deal with just one cell phone carrier. Wal-Mart has teamed up with all four major cell phone carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Even better, you don’t have to wait till Black Friday to take advantage of Wal-Mart’s Black Friday offerings. Items from Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 will hit store shelves on Saturday November 14.

Best Buy: Making the Best of Black Friday 2009

Best Buy, one of America’s favorite retailers for consumer electronics, is also catching headlines with their extensive Black Friday ads this year. From what it looks like, you probably won’t need payday loans to make the best buys. They have cell phones, kitchen stuff, household appliances, television, computers, digital cameras, video games, movies, and more – all with incredible markdown prices!

For instance, you can get an Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player for less than 100 bucks. What about a Magellan SE4 GPS? With this GPS device you can easily locate interesting destinations in all the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The Magellan SE4 GPS is going for only $119.99 at Best Buy. That’s a $60 saving on just one item! Check out Best Buy’s Black Friday ads for more offerings.

Don’t Forget To Plan and Budget!

With all these offerings available during this time of the year, more people are feeling the urge to spend. Of course, Black Friday is the best time to spend and save money along the way. Your urge to spend, however, can still leave you in need of financial help if you’re not careful. So don’t forget to plan and budget for all your holiday needs.

(Photo imuttoo, Flickr.com)

Best Buy Black Friday ads can now be found online and it’s definitely causing hype. How would you like an Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player for less than a $100? What about a Dynex 19″ 720p LCD HDTV for less than a $150? Save your drools, however, because things are about to heat up ever more.

Best Buy is tackling Black Friday with their hottest Black Friday deals from Kitchen & Housewares to automotive and home theater appliances. With Best Buy’s great Black Friday offerings, you probably won’t need payday loans after all to make ends meet during the busy holiday season.

Best Buy Black Friday Ads 2009

According to BlackFriday.info, you can find great Best Buy Black Friday deals throughout the whole store. For instance, if you happen to need a new phone, check out these Black Friday cell phone deals at Best Buy.

AT&T Sony Ericsson W518a – Free w/2 Year Contract *

BoostMobile Motorola Clutch i465 – $59.99 eBay

DLO Jam Jacket For iPhone – $9.99

Jabra BT-2080 Bluetooth Headset – $19.99

LG Chocolate Touch From Verizon w/Two Year Activation – $0.00 *

MiFi 2200 By Novatel Wireless w/Two Year Activation – $0.00

What about a new television set? I know the hubby would love a bigger screen at home, right in time for the 2010 Super Bowl bash.

Dynex 19″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L19-10A) – $149.99

Dynex 32″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L321-10A) – $299.99 *

Dynex 40″ 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L40-10A) – $499.99

Insignia 42″ 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (Model # NS-L42Q120-10A) – $699.99 *

LG 32″ 1080p LCD HDTV (Model # 32LH30-UA) – $439.99

Who needs payday loans at this rate? You can get the extended list for Best Buy Black Friday Ads 2009 here.

Go beyond Black Friday Ads and save money!

If you want to save money take advantage of all the special offerings for Black Friday 2009. But if you want to save more money, do your own research. You can find other great deals than just Best Buy Black Friday Ads. Major retailers like Wal-Mart, Sears and Target are doing their best to attract more customers during this time of the year when people are searching for the best places to spend their money for the holiday festivities.

Keep in mind, however, that just because it’s a Black Friday offering doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there. Make a list of things to buy, search for Black Friday deals from various retailers, and compare prices. You’d be surprised with how much more money you can save just by doing a little research.

(Photo: Wikimedia.org)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Start your holiday savings now! It’s the perfect time to start your holiday shopping budget (if you have not yet already) and take advantage of hot deals offerings for Black Friday 2009. Tons of Black Friday Ads have leaked on the internet like Wal-Mart Black Friday ads 2009. Although many major retailers have not yet officially released details of their 2009 Black Friday ads it’s obviously getting a lot of people excited. I mean, what’s better than saving money during the holidays?

Before you can settle on any item, however, you must first search and compare different offerings in order to uncover the best Black Friday deals. Like I said earlier, Black Friday Ads 2009 can easily be found on the internet. So avoid the last minute need of a payday loan and start researching!

Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 – Blackberries Galore!

Get a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase! (Photo via Honou, Flickr.com)

Wal-Mart is not only great for the holidays; it’s the place to go to save money all year long. Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 have also leaked online and you won’t have to wait till the day after Thanksgiving to get a Black Friday deal. Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 will fall in effect this Saturday November 14.

Among the best holiday discounts put forth by the world’s largest retail store, Wal-Mart’s Blackberry deals are getting the most attention this year. Wal-Mart is offering a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase with a 2-year contract. Much like Personal Money Store, a place that works through a wide network of lenders to eliminate the traditional hassles of getting a payday loan, consumers will not be limited to one cell phone carrier. You can choose a BlackBerry phone from all four major carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

Comparing Wal-Mart Blackberry Deals

Okay, so you get a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase. Sounds good. But as a smart shopper, I can’t help but wonder how much money I will actually be saving with Wal-Mart’s Blackberry deal.

Well, according to several news sources, it’s a pretty sweet deal. Here are a few examples from I4U News:

AT&T BlackBerry Bold 9000 Price: $78.88
The BlackBerry Bold 9000 sells on AT&T for $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate. Amazon charges $39.99 for the AT&T BlackBerry Bold, which is $38.89 less than Walmart charges for it. Overall with the $100 gift card you only save $61.11 on the Bold. On LetsTalk the AT&T Bold is even free with contract reducing the potential savings to $21.12.

—-

T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8520 Price: $28.88
The Curve 8520 sells on T-Mobile for $129.99. On Amazon you only pay 1c and the activation fee of $35 is currently waived. With the $100 gift card deal you save here $71.12. If Walmart charges an activation fee you have only saved $36.12.

Who needs a payday loan at this rate?

Wal-Mart Wireless on High Demand

People go to Wal-Mart for one thing: To save money. At Wal-Mart, you can find everything from the cradle to the grave… literally. Wal-Mart is now offering cheap caskets online in case you didn’t know. It’s clear, however, that Wal-Mart wireless is what’s causing the hype this year. They’re sweet phones with sweet prices. Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009, however, highlights a lot more than just Blackberries. So start researching for the hottest Black Friday 2009 deals for all your holiday needs.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/azadam/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Back in the 1950’s, women from across the nation went berserk over the conical bras, which were made popular by stars like Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. Now the pointy conical bras are making their way back on the market, screaming with high demand, and you might need a payday loan to fund this feminine look. It could cost up to $150 for a single conical bra.

Personally, I don’t like how pointy the conical bras are. It looks a bit, well, deformed. It almost looks like you went under the knife and the plastic surgeon  earned his surgeon degree at the Coneheads University located on the planet Remulak. I don’t quite understand why this trend is making a comeback. Sometimes it’s good when history repeats itself, but I think I’ll take a rain check on this one.

Forget About Those Padded Bras – Get a Conical Bra!

According to UK’s Daily Mail, apparently more women are ditching the padded bras for a more playful look. One of UK’s favorite retailers, John Lewis, revealed a whopping 33 percent increase in conical bra sales.

“I think we’re selling more conical bras as customers take influence from designers such as Louise Goldin, Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana, who have rediscovered the bra as outerwear in their spring/summer 2010 collections.” said John Lewis’ head buyer of lingerie and swimwear, Helen Spencer. “Sales have shown that women are no longer hiding their breasts under minimiser bras but embracing their assets and using them to their advantage.” And just when I thought she was crazy, Spencer added, “But when I do a quick straw poll, almost everyone agrees that while it’s an eye-catching look, it’s just not sexy.” Amen sister.

Conical Bra – Not the Bra for me

Thank goodness I’m not the only one who has conflicts with conical bras. There is only one reason why women would buy something like a conical bra: To attract the opposite sex. That’s what lingerie is for, right? So if it doesn’t look good or feel good and your hubby doesn’t find it sexy, why waste a payday loan on conical bras? I’d rock a coconut bra over any fancy laced conical bra any day.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/ / CC BY 2.0

Child cruelty is something I do not take too kindly to. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, placing a child in any type of danger is absolutely intolerable.

Being a responsible parent requires time and mass amounts of love and effort. Of course, things can get tough and struggles are inevitable when it comes to parenthood. Being a parent can be hard – physically, emotionally, and financially. Some have had to rely on installment loans every so often just to meet the needs of the little ones who depend on them for nurturing, protection, and love. It’s not always a joy-ride when reality demands that you adapt to change and make grand sacrifices. However, no matter how difficult parenting can be, it gives no grounds, no right to pose harm on a helpless child.

Seven month-old Baby Found Under Bed

The 7-month-old baby that was reported missing over the weekend has been found and in good condition. Seven-month-old Shannon Lee Dedrick was found hidden under a bed in a 2-by-3 foot cedar chest.

According to CNN, authorities believe the baby’s mother, Crystina Lynn Mercer, gave her daughter to the child’s paternal aunt, Susan Baker, sometime around Oct. 31, 2009. The next day, they reported the child missing and some 75 volunteers scoured a kilometer radius around the home for evidence. The baby, who was missing for a total of five days, was hidden for 12 hours with no food or water, except for a little blanket that was found in the box with her. Police found baby Shannon Dedrick Wednesday night alive and well.

Justice for Shannon Lee Dedrick

Both Mercer and Baker have been taken into custody and are being charged with a third-degree felony on interference of child custody. They were also charged with several misdemeanor charges for making a false report of a missing child, a false report of a crime, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. The child’s father, James Russell Dedrick Jr., was also taken in for questioning, but was later released without any charges.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scobleizer/ / CC BY 2.0

In January 2009, for the first time in its history, Microsoft Corp. announced it would cut some 5,000 jobs over the year as the company witnessed a drastic decline in revenue. The company suffered an 11 percent drop in profit, leaving many Microsoft workers unemployed and in need of short term loans. However, according to several news reports, it appears this trend will only continue for Microsoft.

Microsoft Layoffs – Another 1,000 Down

According to Seattle’s Tech Flash News, Microsoft will lay off almost 1,000 employees as part of its budget cutting. Apparently, the plan to cut 5,000 jobs is not yet over. This wave of job cuts, however, is said to be part of the final phase of the company’s initial plan to cut 5,000 jobs over a period of 18 months. This time around, however, employees at Microsoft will not be as fortunate.

Earlier this year, during Microsoft’s massive layoffs in January and May, laid off employees were able to find other positions within the company. Unfortunately, with limited job openings and slow growth, people will have to go somewhere else to find employment.

Falling Revenues

Last month, Microsoft posted its quarterly revenue at $12.92 billion, down $730 million from the amount reported in its third quarter ending March 31, 2009. With the help of the Windows 7 launch and a steady demand for Xbox, the company says its revenue would have been $14.39 billion and earnings would have been 52 cents, up 8 percent, according to Tech Flash. However, through advance sales and negotiations, the key strategy behind the Windows 7 launch deferred about $1.5 billion in revenue from the quarter. According to accounting rules, customers must first be given an opportunity to actually get the final product they bargained for before the company can recognize the revenue.

The Unemployed – What can you do?

Since the beginning of the recession, the unemployment rate has been climbing significantly. More and more people have fallen in need of short term loans and debt relief. But what else can be done to alleviate the amount of stress and financial worries during such a trying time of need? Save, sacrifice, and safeguard; that’s what.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gamerscore/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Raquel Houghton is making headlines today and it’s not because she was Dane Cook’s girlfriend for several long years. It’s because she’s kicking things up a notch and working hard to be the next American Idol.

Interestingly, Houghton is not a stranger to Hollywood. Apparently, the 28-year-old beauty reportedly earned some quick cash and recognition for her television commercial appearances for “Trollz”, “The Power Girls”, and a couple others. Houghton lives in Los Angeles and works as a bartender and a waitress.

Raquel Houghton, Dane Cook

Raquel Houghton and comedian Dane Cook were first spotted together at the 2006 premiere of the movie ‘Employee of the Month,’ starring Dane Cook with Jessica Simpson and Dax Shepard. Dane was quoted as saying, “We’ve been invited to other functions, but this is our first event of this caliber. This is my baby. ..[She is] independent and funny – two things I like in a woman.”

Dane Cook is not only a brilliant comedian, but he makes quite a decent actor as well. Some of my favorite Dane Cook movies include: ‘My Best Friend’s Girl,’ ‘Good Luck Chuck,’ and ‘Dan in Real Life.’

Raquel Houghton – The Next Big Thing?

I’m not sure how well the girl can sing. From what I’ve been able to dig up, she is the lead singer of a band called “The Valli Girls.” I haven’t had the chance to listen to any of her cuts, but the group’s MySpace profile says:

Raquel Houghton is our fearless lead singer who always brings the funk when we’re jamming. Plus she has the best reflexes of anyone in the Valley.

Houghton sang “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield during her audition for American Idol. I’ve been looking all over YouTube for a video of her singing, but so far I haven’t stumbled upon any luck. Nonetheless, I wish Raquel Houghton the best of luck and success in the world.

Actor Nicholas Cage (Photo via Wikimedia.org)

You never would have thought someone like Nicolas Cage, an Academy Award winner and Golden Globe nominee, would ever fall in need of intallment loans for bad credit. People like him have all the money in the world to feed an entire realm of starving children. They don’t necessarily have to budget or make financial sacrifice for the type of necessities the average people would have to budget for like food, rent, and a chance to dine at the Le Bernardin restaurant in New York City. The truth is, however, without proper money management in place, anyone can fall into debt, celebrities or not.

Nicolas Cage – Broke!

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage is going broke. Cage, who made millions of dollars in his acting career, supposedly owes the IRS nearly $6.26 million on property taxes for failing to pay income taxes in 2007. That’s quite a staggering figure for the man who made the Forbes’ list of the top 10 overpaid movie stars just one year ago. To make matters worse, the IRS issued a second claim for unpaid taxes between 2002 and 2004. The amount he owes on this particular IRS lien is a whopping $360,545.84. Both of his houses in New Orleans are now up for sale. He recently sold his 500-year-old Bavarian castle in Germany for only $2.3 million. Cage reported paid $3.6 million for the castle.

The Root of All Evil

It’s no fun to watch people struggle though financial problems and in desperate need of credit repair unless, of course, you’re anything like Bernie Madoff. The news of Nicolas Cage going broke proves that no matter who you are, what you do or how many millions you have saved in the bank, you can easily become vulnerable to the pain and struggle that hails from the root of all evil: Money.

Leo and Lucille Frank during his trial, 1915 (Photo from Wikimedia.org)

Tonight showcases a very contradicting documentary about the case of Leo Frank, and you won’t need quick cash to see it. The documentary will be aired tonight on PBS.

Leo Frank was a Cornell-educated Jewish industrialist who was lynched in Georgia for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, who worked at Frank’s factory. Frank was convicted of the crime and was initially sentenced to death.

Frank fought hard for his innocence. The conviction was appealed 13 times, losing each time, and made it all the way to Supreme Court. Georgia Gov. John Slaton, however, eventually reduced his sentence to life imprisonment. The decision only fueled the scorching anger and hate in the heart and mind of the people. According to the Los Angeles Times, a mob organized by a Superior Court judge, the son of a U.S. senator and a former governor took matters into their own hands. They abducted Leo Frank from a state prison and hanged him from an oak tree.

Leo Frank Lynching Story Lives On

Up till this day, the story of Leo Frank lives on. People are still fascinated by this story for many reasons. The case itself remains a puzzling mystery. There was no solid evidence that Leo Frank was the person responsible for the death of the 13-year-old girl that was found in the basement of the National Pencil Company 96 years ago. From what it looks like, the ruling judgment and the lynching of Leo Frank were based on vague understanding and direct assumption. Nevertheless, it’s quite obvious that prejudice and discrimination played a huge part in this case.

PBS Documentary: The People v. Leo Frank

“The People vs. Leo Frank” will air tonight at 10 p.m. ET on PBS. The documentary will include commentary, recollections, and archival images. Almost a century after the lynching of Leo Frank, his story still burns and continues to command attention from the general populace.

Related Video:

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25103209@N06/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

I am so looking forward to Black Friday 2009. I’ve been waiting all year for this day to come and boy, with all the hot deals I’ve discovered, I’m afraid I might need an installment loan if I don’t reach my Black Friday budget goal.

One major retailer, however, is already buzzing with hot deals. Just to give you a head ups, Sears Black Friday ads for 2009 have already leaked online. Starting Oct. 31, and every Saturday after that up until Christmas, Sears will kick off Black Friday deals with layaway options making the traditional act of giving a lot easier and affordable. From electronics to housewares to jewelry and apparel, you can find an incredible selection of goods with hot deals for all of your holiday needs.

Sears Black Friday Now Event

Here is a small sample of Sears “Black Friday Now” deals for Saturday, Oct. 31:

• 50 percent off (save $200) Craftsman® 302-piece mechanic’s tool sets
• $79.99 (reg. $259.99) 3/8 ct. diamond stud earrings
• $174.19 (reg. $259.99) 7 1/2 ft. Wakefield Christmas tree with 700 Never Out(TM) clear or multi lights
• 50 percent off all DieHard workboots (reg. $75.00) and $19.99 (reg. $39.99) on all Covington low-shaft boots
• $399.99 closeout (reg. $699.99) ProForma XP elliptical 16-in stride length

If you think that’s not good enough, check out the extended list of hot deals for Sears Black Friday Now event here.

What is “Black Friday Now”

According Reuters, “Black Friday Now” was created after a hard wave of customer demand for day-after Thanksgiving doorbuster values came crashing in earlier in the season. Consumers who would much rather avoid the 4 a.m. morning rush right after Thanksgiving Day can take advantage of the Black Friday Now deals on each of the five consecutive Saturdays through Thanksgiving. Wow… on second note, I doubt I’ll need an installment loan with this type of offering at hand.

(Photo via Wikimedia.org)

People go to Wal-Mart for one thing; to save money. I don’t care what others have to say about the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart is one of the best places to go to reduce the probable need of a payday loan. I find just about everything I need there: kids toys, home appliance, electronics, food, beauty products, etc. They have also expanded to other ventures. For instance, you can now get great deals on Wal-Mart caskets. Yep… I said caskets.

Wal-Mart Caskets Available Online

Wal-Mart is taking it all the way, from the cradle to the grave. Wal-Mart is offering caskets online with prices that range from $999.00 to $3,199.00. These unbelievable prices will no doubt carve a hole in the pockets of funeral homes, which has been the major source for caskets.

With Wal-Mart, you can get a casket for $1,000 instead of paying the traditional amount of $2-$3,000 at funeral homes. Caskets are shipped within 24 hours and delivered by FedEx overnight. According to the website, there are no refunds unless the product has been damaged during shipping. Wal-Mart is also allowing people to pay for the caskets over a period of 12 months with no interest. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

Cheaper Caskets – Wal-Mart or Costco?

This Wal-Mart casket motion follows a similar shift made by discount competitor Costco, which also sells caskets online. I compared the prices of Wal-Mart caskets with the price of caskets at Costco and so far, from what I’m looking at, you can find cheaper caskets at Costco. You can get a casket at Costco for only $924.99, rather than paying $999 for a casket at Wal-Mart. This way you save$74.01 on a casket. That’s another sweet saving!

Death of a Loved One is Hard Enough

The death of a loved one is hard on anyone. It also carries a huge burden of large expenses that may require an instant payday loan. That’s why I’m glad places like Wal-Mart and Costco are offering great deals on interment appliances such as caskets and floral arrangements. Death of a loved one is hard enough. Things are a lot easier when you have a little extra cash on hand.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/compujeramey/ / CC BY 2.0

No matter how far you go or how much quick cash you have access to, the importance of the responsible use of money remains the same. The more money you make doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the next Bill Gates. As a matter of fact, the more money you have, the greater your responsibilities become. Let’s consider the story of Antoine Walker for a moment.

Antoine Walker in Need of Credit Repair

Former Celtic star Antoine Walker had it all; fancy cars, dazzling jewels, beautiful houses and, of course, the pricey life of gambling. He lived amongst the all-stars and Hall-of-Famers of the world. With all the money in the world at hand, you would never have thought someone like him would be in desperate need of a credit repair. The truth is, however, Antoine Walker is broke.

According to the Boston Globe, Walker was taken into custody in July for writing almost a dozen bad checks for casino markers in Las Vegas. The total amount added up to a whopping $1 million. Walker was able to pay off only a small percentage of that debt before charges were filed, leaving the total amount owed, including court costs, at $905,050.

Antoine Walker also owes an enormous amount of quick cash to several financial institutes. Boston Globe reports that Walker owes J.P. Morgan Chase Bank $1.5 million, American Express $53,000, and $1.5 million to Wachovia. He also owes his former agent almost half a million dollars in unpaid fees.

According to the report, Antoine Walker, 33, is facing three felony counts for drawing and passing checks without sufficient funds with intent to defraud. He could face up to 4 years in prison for each of the charges.

Another Lesson Learned

The story of Antoine Walker provides a very good lesson and reminder for all of us. Money is both a blessing and a curse. It all depends on how well you manage your finances. If you need quick cash, you’re in the right place for it. Just remember to add it to your budget and manage your money wisely.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mangpages/ / CC BY 2.0

Most parents are willing to go through extremes to protect and closely monitor their children. It’s perfectly understandable. As a parent myself, I want to ensure my child’s safety, no matter how deep or how far I have to go to do it, even if it means getting a payday loan. But how far will some parents go in terms of ‘closely monitoring’ their children? Will some invest in the new Little Buddy Child Tracker for a more intense scrutiny?

What is a Little Buddy Child Tracker?

The Little Buddy Child Tracker from the Best Buy house brand, Insignia,  is a GPS tracking device that allows parents to know where their children are and notifies them if their children takes off from where they’re suppose to be. In other words, it’s the perfect way to pose as an undercover detective and stalk your children. It’s almost like getting a payday loan with your payday loan lender closely monitoring your every spending. It sounds a bit creepy if you ask me.

Little Buddy Child Tracker – Is it a good investment?

Don’t get me wrong, the Little Buddy GPS seems like a pretty cool tracking device. I like the fact that you can easily find out where your child is using a smartphone or computer. However, there’s a huge problem I see with this.

First off, I just want to make sure you understand that children are not stupid. They’re a lot smarter than some people give them credit. They can figure out some of the craziest things you could ever imagine. So here’s the deal: how do you think your child will react upon discovering this tracking device hidden somewhere in their backpack? Will you lie to them or profess the truth that you’ve been secretly tracking their every move for the past several months?

Engadget, an award-winning multilingual technology weblog, brings out a very good point:

With a name like “Little Buddy Child Tracker,” you know this thing has to be awful, right? Insignia, Best Buy’s house brand, has just listed an incredibly invasive and humiliating new GPS tracker on its site, and rather than promoting it as just that, the marketing brains have decided it best to aim this at paranoid mums and dads who’ve done such a poor job raising their offspring that they can’t even trust ‘em to trek out on their own… Just make sure they don’t ever know that you were responsible for planting this thing on their person, else you can forget about junior footing those nursing home bills when the time comes.

I believe children should be raised in good faith and trust. Mutual trust in a family becomes evident when its members, particularly parents, make every effort to pave a clean path of respect and good communication within the household. When you constantly practice and teach your children good morals and the value of responsibility, you’re not only preparing them for their future; you’re building trust. Trust them like you want them to trust you. Be open and share your thoughts and feelings with your child. In return, they will do the same. In my opinion, using the Little Buddy Child Tracker will only prove the opposite in the long run. But hey, that’s just my opinion.

Let’s Talk Budget

Just to give you a heads up, you can get a Little Buddy Child Tracker device for $100. Keep in mind, however, that there likely may be a monthly subscription fee. So if you want to avoid the probable need of a payday loan, you might want to direct some of that ‘tracking’ attention towards your budget and, if necessary, make changes to your finances and analyze your priorities.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tryburn/ / CC BY 2.0

I’ve never seen a bear on ice skates before, but the thought of an ice-skating bear looks pretty hilarious. Imagine all the trouble you would have to go through to get the bear in skates, let alone teaching it how to use them. This story, however, is not as amusing as the thought I had in mind. And it’s definitely not your typical payday loan story.

Bear Attacks and Kills a Circus Director

In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, a circus bear on skates killed one person and injured another, according to CNN. Dmitri Potapov, a visiting circus director, was killed during rehearsals for an ice-skating show on Thursday. Potapov was dragged across the ice by the neck, nearly severing one of his legs. Another circus employee was injured as he tried to stop the attack. The man suffered bruising to the brain and lacerations to his scalp.

According to the report, it is not clear at this time why the bear attacked Potapov. The 5-year-old bear was later taken down by police officials and examined by experts. The Russian state circus has a long reputation of training bears to do tricks on skates, motorcycles, and even to play sports like hockey. Fatal deaths from bears are unusual. However, this brings back to mind the real danger behind wild animals.

Kelly Ann Walz and her Pet Bear

Let’s consider Kelly Ann Walz for a moment. Kelly had a pet black bear which she kept in a steel and concrete cage near her home in Pennsylvania. A pet bear! That’s enough to leave you in need of a payday loan every so often. One day, however, while cleaning out the animal’s cage, Kelly Ann Walz was attacked by the 350-pound bear. Both the owner and her 350-pound black bear are now dead.

Wild Animals – Born to be Wild

Sure, you can seize them and train them to perform tricks, but how long will it take before their natural instincts kick in? In truth, circus animals are deprived of their basic needs. They want to socialize and roam with their kind, in the wild where they belong. It will only be a matter of time before they break the chains and run.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/denharsh/ / CC BY 2.0

First it was Letterman, now ESPN MLB analyst Steve Phillips is in the spotlight for the same mischievous deed. Steve Phillips has been suspended for a week by ESPN after reports of an affair he had with a 22-year-old production assistant named Brooke Hundley. Things are looking pretty rough for the former Met General Manager. He could possibly lose his family and career over this sex scandal, something not even a personal loan can save.

Once a Cheater, Always a Cheater

Have you ever heard the saying, “Once a cheater, always a cheater”? Well, that definitely seems to be the case with Steve Phillips. This is not the first time Steve Phillips has been accused of sleeping with other women. As a matter of fact, in 1998, Phillips confessed to having multiple love affairs including an affair with a female team employee, Rosa Rodriguez, who filed a sexual harassment suit against Phillips. The case was later settled out of court.

New ‘Fatal Attraction’ Edition Starring Steve Phillips

According to the New York Post, Steve Phillips confessed to having three sexual encounters with the young ESPN assistant before dumping her in July. According to an exclusive police report, things got pretty nasty after the break-up. Brooke Hundley began harassing Phillips’ wife, Marni, with pestering phone calls and leaving inappropriate voice and text messages. She even began stalking Phillips’ 16-year-old son on Facebook while posing as a high school classmate, only to grill him with personal questions about the family later.

Marni Phillips also told police that she spotted a woman walking down the driveway to a parked car as she drove home with her 7-year-old son. Instinctively, she knew it was the woman her husband was involved with and immediately called the police. The woman got into her car, threw it on reverse, and smashed the rear end of her vehicle into a pole before driving off.

Stuck in the door of her house was a letter addressed to Marni. In the letter, Hundley wrote in details about the intimate relationship she had with Steve. For further proof, Hundley even provided a graphic description of Steve’s birthmark located on his crotch and inner thigh. Talk about obsessed! You can read the full original letter here.

Fatal Attraction Ending – No Bullets, Just Another Lawsuit

Through it all, for whatever his reasons are, Steve Phillips has decided not to pursue criminal charges against Brooke Hundley. Nonetheless, Phillips is suspended for at least one week and his beautiful wife has filed for divorce. This sounds like the perfect time for a personal loan.

(Image from Wikimedia.org)

Morehouse College is an historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. According to Wikipedia, it is one of four remaining traditional men’s colleges in the United States. Like any other college, it’s a place for learning and future leadership preparation. Ambitious individuals from across the nation have secured personal loans just for a chance to attend Morehouse College. So what’s all the big fuss about Morehouse College today?

The New Dress Code Policy

Morehouse College President Robert Franklin has issued a new dress code regulation and not everyone is finding it to their liking. The new policy bans caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. Unless medical document is provided, sunglasses or “shades” will not be worn in classrooms or at any type of formal program. No pajamas or bare-footed chaps are allowed anywhere on campus grounds. And yes, not even those shiny glittering “grillz” are allowed anymore on campus regardless of whether they are permanent or detachable. Oh and did I forget to mention no “sagging”? Fellows, I suggest you seek some advice from the infamous Steve Urkel. I’m sure his sense of style will save you from the wrath of the “sagging” punishment.

Not a Typical Dress Code

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

So the whole dress code deal sounds rather fair to me. I mean, we live in a corporate world that requires we walk, talk, and sometimes even act a certain way. I doubt anyone who walks in with saggy clothes and a mouth full of street talk will be able to land a decent job in the corporate world, or even get passed the front doors for that matter. It’s absolutely important that you dress to impress. It’s quite understandable if you asked me. However, there is one rule that is causing a lot of controversy, perhaps enough to leave the school in need of personal loans.

According to the Maroon Tiger, the Morehouse College Student Newspaper, the policy outlines 11 expectations, one of which states that there will be no wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb including dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, and anything else that associates with women’s attire.

Necessary or Overly Extreme?

A lot of students are finding this new dress code policy a pure shame and an embarrassment to the school and their fellow school mates.

“I’d hope that if a kid shows up to his interview with a 1580, great leadership and a real interest in the college, that he wouldn’t be turned away because he likes to wear lipstick on Saturdays,” says one blogger. “I must be missing something,” said Frank Leon Roberts, a well-known contributing writer to various newspapers and magazines. “Is there some kind of growing, critical mass of high-heel wearing, gold-tooth rockin’ boys threatening to take over the campus?”

It’s obvious this new Morehouse College dress code policy is stirring up quite a controversy. Of course, I’m sure there is at least one student who would rather secure personal loans for make-up and accessories than laptops and textbooks. But is the school taking it too far by asking their men to put away their lipsticks and high-heels? Was it necessary or overly extreme? What do you think?

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/damselfly58/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

How far will some women go to get the luxurious materials in life? Would they go through great sacrifice just to get dazzling diamonds and fancy cars? In this tale of love and money, a woman shares her story after living the past eight years of her life with one of the most notorious drug lords in Columbia, Wilber Varela.

The Beauty and the Beast

Yovanna Guzman, a former beauty queen and model, says she was only 19 when she met Wilber Varela, who she says claimed to be a wealthy cattle rancher at the time. It was not until she saw a Wanted poster with a mug shot of Varela that she found out the truth about her lover. He wooed her with expensive gifts, luxurious apartments, and multiple vacation trips around the world. Guzman was given nothing but the finest things drug money or any amount of personal loans can buy.

Wilber Varela, a former police agent who went and sought a life in the drug trafficking world, became one of the most brutal cocaine traffickers. He was head of the North Valle Cartel, one of the most powerful drug cartels in the industry.

“He had two faces. I saw him so tender with the ones he loved, then you see the cartel killings. He always said he was the best of friends and the worst of enemies,” Guzman said in a recent interview with CNN.

Police authorities accused Varela of distributing large supplies of cocaine to the United States using speedboats and employed jet planes to send business to Europe. According to a RICO indictment issued in the District Court of the District of Columbia, Varela and his thugs exported approximately 500 metric tons of cocaine worth in excess of $10 billion from Colombia to the US between 1990 and 2004, according to Wikipedia.

The Real Wilber Varela

Yovanna Guzman had all the finest things drug money can buy. (Photo: Wikimedia.org)

Young and beautiful, Yovanna Guzman was “dazzled” by all the fancy gifts Varela showered her with. Who needs personal loans when you are the prized jewel of a wealthy mobster? Materially, she had everything she needed, thanks to her infamous drug king lover. But after the party was over and reality settled in, the perfect dream come true turned into a living nightmare.

“Of course, the luxuries don’t make you fall in love, but they do dazzle you. When you get dazzled, you get carried away, but then you ask yourself where is the love and my principles?”

It was not long before Wilber Varela decided to lock his beautiful possession away from the world. According to the CNN news report, Yovanna Guzman was no longer allowed to model and associate with any male friends, despite the fact he catered to a number of female companions throughout their relationship. She belonged to him and no one else. Guzman said that Varela’s jealousy became so bitter and strong to the point he even ordered one of his lieutenants to shoot her in the leg.

“When I got shot, I was supposedly never going to walk properly again. The bullet could easily have hit me somewhere else and killed me. But I pulled myself together and I said I’m not going to be crippled,” she said.

A Fallen Villain – Rise of a New Story

Wilber Varela aka Jabón (”Soap”) died last year, slain by the hands of an inside man who hungered for the same power and riches.

“[When I heard the news], I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. Varela had his good side, but my freedom doesn’t have a price,” she said. “I felt the golden cage had been flung open, and I could fly again.”

Yovanna Guzman is currently writing a book detailing the events that took place in the dangerous love affair that is now capitalizing headlines. She hopes to share her experience with other young women in search of easy money. Whether or not her new life will require personal loans is another story.

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Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annia316/ / CC BY 2.0

As the holidays draw near, ideas for new gifts and toys begin to constantly circulate in the minds of many consumers. In my opinion, children are usually the easiest people to please when it comes to holiday gifts and surprises. But what would make a great gift this Christmas? Will another Cars collection make the twist? Or what about those new toys we see on TV?

Come to think of it, there’s been a hot buzz surrounding a new toy called the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters. Some say it’s the hottest toy for Christmas this year. Hmmm… a hamster for Christmas was not what I had in mind. Besides that, I really don’t want to settle for something that might leave me in need of a cash advance.

Who Wants Hamsters for Christmas?

Apparently a lot of kids do. Many people are calling it the hottest Christmas toy this year. The Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters are interactive toy pets with artificial intelligence. You can also get cool accessories for your Zhu Zhu Pets such as a hamster fun house, a skateboard with a ramp, a hamster wheel and tunnel, and even a hamster car with a garage. These little critters are programmed to carry out the deeds of what any real hamster would do. Essentially, the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters are like real hamsters minus the mess and ‘pleasant’ odor.

Zhu Zhu Pets Benefit both Children and Parents

Most children are born animal lovers. They enjoy the idea of having a dog, a turtle, or even a dirty old rat in a cage. Just like us, they want a companion they can hold and cuddle. They simply want to show affection. They want something cute and cuddly to take care of, which definitely instills some form of responsibility.

With the Zhu Zhu Pets, you don’t have to worry about a mess to clean up or remember to pick up more pet food. You don’t have to worry about a child’s broken heart knowing that in just a few short years, your child’s beloved hamster will turn right back to ashes. You simply recharge the battery when needed and endless fun is back on board.

Where to Find Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters

The Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters can be found at your local Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Fred Meyers, select Hallmark Gift Stores, and more. You can even check out the deals on Amazon. Note that prices may vary. It could cost anywhere from $10-$30 per pet hamster.

Just so you know you are on a site that strives to promote nothing more than the responsible usage of money. If you are planning on getting the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters set for your child, I suggest you start saving now. Thirty dollars for a single pet hamster is a lot of money and it can definitely add up to a lot more. You still have a considerable amount of time left before the major holidays to save and avoid the last minute need of a cash advance.

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