Credit counseling a path to financial freedom

Living from paycheck to paycheck... getting a loan to pay off another loan... filing of bankruptcy --- these are situations faced by thousands if not millions of Americans who have somehow buried themselves in debt. No wonder, many people are increasingly being diagnosed with depression. The sordid financial trouble people face leads them to more negative thoughts of hopelessness, insecurity, and desperation.

Four years ago, the U. S. Federal Reserve reported that consumer debt had already hit $1.98 trillion. The figure was the aggregate amount of debt from credit card and car loans alone. The total debt for mortgages was not included in the said figure. The American Bankruptcy Institute also came up with a report which indicated that 1.6 million Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2003. Credit card debt figures for 2005 was reported to have reached $753 billion in debt for the United States alone. Based on recent estimates, the average American household has $18,700 in debt.

But why do many people fall into debt?

One major reason for indebtedness is uncontrolled spending. The lack of control over spending habits starts a cycle of spending more money than what one makes; and the compulsion to apply for a loan to acquire more things. In some cases, the loans are made just to repay other previous loans. In terms of credit card abuse, a person falls into debt not only because the list of payables grows long. A person falls deeper into debt because of the interest. It is not surprising to hear of people who have been in credit card debt for such a long time. After excessive use of the credit card and no increase in their capacity to pay, they are left to face the reality that they are only able to pay-off the interest without decreasing the principal amount of debt. Aside from the interest, not paying a debt on time also spells trouble for the undisciplined card holder since late payments entail a “late payment penalty.” Late payment charges can can range anywhere from ten dollars to forty dollars. Using the credit card over one's credit limit will also entail an over-the-limit fee which usually starts at $39 per transaction.

The next logical question is, “Why do people overspend?” Many people seem to have lost control over their finances because of status anxiety, an emotional and psychological problem that makes a person feel insecure about his or her sense of personal worth and significance. It can also be a compulsion to become or appear to be popular, wealthy, and “above everybody else.” Many call this, in layman's terms, trying to “keep up with the Joneses.”

If a neighbor passes by sporting a brand new car, a socially insecure person would might feel the need to rush to the bank to get a car loan since he can no longer “afford” to be seen driving a 2001 Nissan sedan even if he really cannot afford to pay for a 2007 Mercedez Benz SLK Class that comes at $43, 500 plus loan interest. Seeing an officemate brandishing the 4-gigabyte i-Phone worth $499 instantly creates a need to buy the 8-gigabyte model worth $599.

This desire to be seen as good or even better than one's neighbors in terms or social standing, material possessions, and influence is a cause of anxiety for many people. Financial woes have also increased the level of stress and anxiety among individuals who have uncontrolled spending habits and social insecurity. The emotional and psychological problems brought about by financial difficulties are also causes of physical illness that include migraine headaches, depressive behavior, heart ailments, to name a few.

So, how can people stop themselves from committing financial self-destruction? One easy step is to inquire from the credit card company if they offer free consumer debt counseling. This form of counseling focuses on helping consumers learn the wise uses of credit and various strategies for debt payment and reduction. The usual advice starts with the theme of “not spending more than what you earn.” This advice is usually followed by convincing the person in debt to list and determine what accounts should be settled first. Almost as a given, many credit counselors also try to convince people to start on a savings plan. Professional debt counseling services also include the more technical process of computing taxes, interest rates, and payment timelines that should be followed by an over-spender who really want to regain financial freedom.

Frivolous spending may actually be more than just a case of financial illiteracy or lack of discipline in money matters. In some cases, people with enormous debt must also consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the root causes of overspending.

Living from paycheck to paycheck...paying one loan after another is surely not the way to live. There is a way to financial freedom, and everyone must start by making a financial choice of using money for what one merely wants or for what one really needs.

The importance of special education

Special children should be given a great deal of help. Special education is offered to children to help them live normally and deal with their society. When you are helping an autistic child, there are instances that you may feel a little frustrated or disappointed.

Special education conducted to these children should have continuous, multi faceted and special approach of intensive guidance and care. These autistic children with 60 to 70 IQ rating have better chances of learning compared to children aged 5 to 6 who have spontaneous speech.

Here are some special education guidelines and tips that can help you take good care and provide special attention to autistic children.

1. You have to make your child feel that he is a part of the family. However, it is better if he feels that he is not the center of attention in the family just because he is special or disabled. Like normal children, special children need proper attention to help them when dealing with their environment.

2. You may use behavior modification skills to change those common undesirable behaviors that your child portrays. You may use practically known rewards that he usually likes. In this way, you will be teaching him how he can increase his motivation.

3. It is advisable that you compliment him with good praises. You may provide him ten complimentary statements for every effort of change and corrections.

4. You should always look attentively to his warning signs. Make an effort to observe and study his movements. You may teach him how he can recognize and follow some basic instructions and directions.

5. You should allow your child to observe you as you show him that he is special and should be treated differently. Usually, most autistic children are confused with the changes that are happening in his environment.

6. You should find the best educational institution that can provide him the needed skills and best childcare program. Know your child’s special needs so that you can assess the educational program that you choose. There are early intervention programs that offer special education to autistic and disabled children who are not yet ready to get into schools.

7. You should always be consistent in providing him the needed knowledge and assistance. You may create a special routine that he can easily notice. Special education programs can provide you guidelines and tips things regarding child behavior and mental development.

8. Make sure that you have an organized and well-executed movements and routines. If you are trying other things and you are unsure of the things you are teaching him, he may be confused and will tend to lose focus.

9. Special education programs suggest that you use the same set of words or statements every time your child is praised or corrected. Many autistic children do not easily learn well from experiences. They just follow an organized routine that they see and hear from the people attending to them.

Finding a support group in your community is one good way in motivating your child and the whole family. You may join a parent groups that have the same case of having autistic children. Most importantly, love is the most important factor that will help your child learn and cope with his environment.

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Podcasting technology what is it

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Podcasting: Everyone is talking about it. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Simply defined, podcasting is the dissemination of syndicated files, either audio or video in content, over the Web for use on handheld audio/video equipment and computers. The term itself is a combination of two words, "iPod" and "broadcasting." The word refers to both the file that's downloaded and the technology to transfer it. Keep in mind that an iPod is not necessary for accessing podcasts. A podcast is also known as an audio subscription service. Listeners can subscribe to and download as many podcasts as they want. As a new method of downloading and transferring information, podcasting is revolutionizing the way we communicate. Podcasts differ from streaming video and audio. Podcasts are usually a continuous series of programs, with many episodes featured in serial format. Podcast subscribers can listen to the content on MP3 players or computers whenever they want. Unlike streaming video, no Internet connection is necessary to review the content of a podcast. But, due to their nature as stored files, podcasts can never be experienced live, in real time - again, unlike streaming video.

Podcasters, or people who create podcasts, have Web sites where their content is available for downloading. Can any old Joe start his own podcast? For better or worse, the answer is yes. All a would-be podcaster has to do is put his files on a web server that’s accessible to the public. The file should have an internet address (URI). Podcast files can be any kind of files, from a PDF to a text file. The files can contain audio or video content. The would-be podcaster begins to create a series of files, creating a feed or list of URIs, so the entries in the series can be easily found and downloaded. Each entry is usually accompanied by a date, a title and some kind of content overview. The podcaster links the file to an identifiable place on the web server. This place is usually permanent, and it’s called the feed URI.

The popularity of these informational feeds has grown astronomically since 2004, when podcasting first became popular among bloggers and software developers. Podcasts cover all sorts of subjects, from technology to politics, to art and literature. Apple made podcasting part of its iTunes package in 2005, and last year, Sony Entertainment released a statement saying that its Play station Portable would be compatible with podcasts.

Now, podcasting has become a part of conventional media. The technology is being used by news stations and newspapers around the world, including The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, the BBC, ABC in Australia, and Sirius satellite radio. The popularity of podcasting is expected to continue to grow, as print media becomes a less vital part of day-to-day communication. Check out New Technology TV for more information.

Go beyond goals and achieve your dream

As important as goal setting is, goals alone do not ensure that you will achieve the success you desire. A written goal is not some kind of magic talisman whereby whatever you set your heart on manifests in your life out of thin air. That being the case, what is it that makes the difference between a person who achieves their goals and a person who doesn’t? The answer can be summarised in a single word: lifestyle. The only difference between those who achieve their goals and those who don’t is the way they live each day. Destiny does not determine your lifestyle. Your lifestyle determines your destiny!

The vast majority of people who aspire to success in life aspire to a particular kind of result. They see successful people on TV, at the movies or in their neighbourhoods and they think, I want that. They look at the wealth, the fame, the physique, the career success, the fulfilling relationships and all the other results of success, but they don’t look at the kind of lifestyle which led to that success. If they did, they would realise that these successful results can all be had, but not apart from the successful lifestyle which precedes them.

Get this point clear in your mind right now:

You can have any kind of success you desire if you are willing to adopt the kind of lifestyle which precedes that success.

I meet many people who, on discovering that I am a writer as well as a life coach, tell me that they too have always wanted to write. I have a great idea for a book, they say. And I’d love to have my name in print... and receive those royalty cheques. It must be absolutely wonderful!

If you put my life in those terms, then I have to agree. It would be absolutely wonderful to spend my life getting ideas, having my name put in print and collecting royalty cheques.

Unfortunately for the dreamers, there is a lifestyle which precedes all of those results. For example, at five o’clock this morning when everyone else was cosily tucked up in bed, I was in the shower. At five fifteen I was eating a bowl of breakfast cereal. And at five thirty I was sitting at my desk, putting words on paper. And because I have clients to coach today (and most days) I’ll be here for a while yet.

I don’t want this to sound as though I dislike my work. The fact is that I love writing and coaching. I actually enjoy getting out of bed early in the morning and spending almost all of my day helping people to achieve their dreams. The point I am trying to make is that if you want success as a writer, you have to live the lifestyle of a writer. That means writing, day in and day out.

The same applies to any other form of success. If you want to achieve the goal of being fit and healthy, you need to adopt the kind of lifestyle which places importance on regular exercise and eating habits. If you want to achieve the goal of having strong family relationships, you need to adopt the kind of lifestyle which places importance on regular family gatherings and good communication skills.

Once again, let me put it this way:

Destiny does not determine your lifestyle.

Your lifestyle determines your destiny.

Now compare this strategy with the ones contained in the vast majority of self-help titles and you will find their fatal flaw: Most self-help systems claim that the lifestyle is the goal, the end result of having achieved success. Wrong! The adoption of a properly planned lifestyle is the route to achieving success in the first place. If you still need convincing then consider this: How do you think most currently mega-successful people lived before they achieved the success they now enjoy?

Did Bruce Willis spend five hours every evening watching soap operas or the latest action movies on video? Was Anthony Robbins a regular at his local bar, content to happily watch the evenings pass by with just a few drinking pals and beers close by to keep him awake? Did Meg Ryan spend all day watching daytime television and eating cheese puffs? Was Nicole Kidman content to work in a dead-end job for little money? Did Stephen King spend every spare afternoon at the race track or bumming around with a group of loser friends?

Of course, the answer to all of these questions is no. But aren’t these exactly the kind of things that unsuccessful people do all the time? And aren’t these the kind of things that unsuccessful people actually defend when challenged about their lifestyles? Yes!

And that’s the only real difference between the people who achieve their goals and those that don’t - the things that they do day after day, week after week and month after month.

I realise that all of this sounds incredibly simple, but the fact is that personal success is simple. It may not be easy, but it certainly isn’t complicated.

Real estate agent in texas

Texas is a very big state, nearly 900 miles from east to west, with dramatic diverse landscapes and over 500 cities to explore. This remarkable state is organized into seven regions, each with its own Texan personality. Texas real estate comprises of Texas homesites, farm and ranch properties, riverfront properties on the Colorado River, fine custom homes and commercial properties in different counties inside Texas.

People who are involved in active buying and selling of real estate properties to earn commission are realtors or real estate agents. There are many real estate agents working inside Texas to help people in buying, selling or relocating a home.

A good agent will first listen to your needs, desires, and will help you find a dream home. Customer satisfaction will be their first priority. They will also help the customer to sell their home for top dollar and in a timely manner. Again, if someone is moving to Texas, the agent will assist him/her in collecting the information; they need and make their transition as smooth as possible.

Role of a real estate agent in Texas;

1. Help you find the right community

2. Negotiate on your behalf

3. Schedule inspections, closings, and document review

4. Ensure all deadlines are met

5. Provide consultation services during transaction

Unless specifically contracted, all real estate agents in Texas are seller’s representatives, since the seller pays the commission and the selling agent is acting on behalf of the listing broker. Many present themselves as buyer’s agent, but there is no legal relationship unless a specific contract is signed between buyer and the real estate agent. There are many licensed real estate agents in Texas. If you want to purchase a home and wish to use an agent, then you can hire an agent to represent your interests. That makes him a buyer’s agent.

In Texas, second home sales have been increasing over the last few years with more people becoming second homeowners. Over 40 percent of homes sold were second homes. Healthy rise in home prices have contributed to this development in the second home market. With the help of real estate agent, who have a proper knowledge of these kinds of properties, you can relax a bit. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the professional real estate agent you select, always plays an important role. Therefore, a real estate agent is one of the most useful resources for a real estate investor.

The cheapest car finance can be found with a specialist

Although you can search for car finance yourself, if you want the cheapest car finance then you are better going to a specialist website and allowing them to shop around on your behalf and find you the best deals with the cheapest rate of interest from some of the top UK lenders.

The specialist will be able to search the car finance marketplace so that you can be sure of getting the best deal and if needed then all specialist sites will offer free advice and information by way of articles and hints and tips so you are able to understand what it is you will be comparing. While the specialist will be able to bring together the best quotes it will be down to you to decide which loan is correct for your needs and whether it is the best deal. All quotes that are found should come with the key facts of the loan so that you can make an informed decision and it is essential that you read the small print before taking on the loan as this is where you will find the full cost of the loan and any additional fees such as early repayment.

In order for the specialist to be able to find you the cheapest car finance you first have to decide how much you need to borrow for the loan, if you can put up a substantial deposit against the car then you will have to borrow less and so you will save on the amount of interest you pay. The longer you take out the loan for will also boost up the cost of the loan with the interest although the monthly repayments will be less, if you can afford to pay a little more each month then you will save on the amount of interest you pay for the entire loan. With this in mind you have to decide which is best for your needs but above all make sure that you can afford the loan each month as the car is not yours but the lenders until you have paid the final repayment on the loan.

The interest rate that you will be expected to pay on the loan will depend on how good your credit rating is, if you have an excellent credit rating then you will get some of the best and lowest interest rates, however if your credit rating is low then you cannot expect to get the best interest rates. If your credit rating is particularly low then you might have to consider taking out a bad credit loan but whichever type of loan you choose to go for a specialist website will be able to search on your behalf for the cheapest car finance possible. Always remember when budgeting for your car loan to take into account that you will also have to pay for the running costs of your new car such as taxing and testing, insuring the car, paying for repairs and wear and tear, and fuel.

Phentermine and healthy weight loss

Today’s World is the age of competition and to be ahead of others one needs to be smart and dashing. In this regard, weight is the most distracting factor that hinders the youths in present day scenerio. To over come the over weight factor, there are various medicines and pills available in the market. But all these medicines do not fulfill the requirement of loosing weight and at same time you invite various types of side effects. Here is a magic pill that will help you in shedding your extra weight in shortest possible of time with out any side effects. This magic pill is none other than Phentermine. This medicine has been showing best results and is commonly recommended by the health authorities for all of the age groups.

Phentermine started to spread its roots from 1950 onwards and do due its positive results it was approved by the FDA in the year 1959. Phentermine is a medicine that makes you slim you in a short period when compared to other medicines available in the industry. Various people and dieters have been using this medicine for the last 55 years. The main cause of increase in weight is the metabolism and this particular magic pill reduces the metabolism and helps the individual to fight against obesity battle. Phentermine has provided a new dimension in the field of medicine. The process of medication is simple and pleasant.

Phentermine contains amine, which resembles to amphetamine and various properties of phentermine are similar to that of amphetamines chemical. There are two methods that help to reduce weight with the help of Phentermine. First method is by stimulating the central nervous process that helps in reducing the food intake or the appetite of the individual. In this process, the neurotransmitters available in hypothalamus are affected and make the nervous system active.

The second method utilized in Phentermine is, increasing the heart beat rate of an individual and in turn the metabolic rate is increased to the required level that helps in destroying the extra calories. Along with this Phentermine, if regular and simple exercises are performed, it provides a faster result.

It is advised that you should follow the calorie controlled diet schedule along with the regular exercises.

Both these programs work in conjunction with each other so that one can achieve the result in quickest possible time. In case of the first medication, if the results are not up to satisfactory level then you have to provide enough rest to the body and then only you should start the second medication process.

There are various combinations followed nowadays and one among them is the union of Phentermine and Fenfluramine and that is popularly known as Phen Fen. Even though this combination was effective but resulted in various side effects of hearts. Due to the heart problems the FDA was forced to withdraw the approval but Phentermine was not blamed for the side effects.

Second combination was with the Dexfenfluramine and that was known as Dexphen-Phen but in this case also, the Dexfenfluramine was not up to the satisfactory levels of the FDA approval.

Next combination was with Prozac and was called as Phen Pro. The Prozac may be replaced either with Luvox, Trazadone, Celexa, and Effexor or with Zoloft.

Nowadays, this combination is very popular as there are no side effects of this combination and in other words, it is a super slimming cocktail available in the World so far. In case of United States of America, this super combination is normally recommended by the health practioners to their patients but yet there is no approval from the FDA authorities. The major advantages of Phen-Pro combination are that it has longer effects to hinder the appetite strongly and the phentermine is well suited for over-weight patients.