Too Much Month At The End Of Your Money?

It just seems part of normal life now that many of us find ourselves in a financial bind from time to time. The following are just some quick ideas that I have found to be helpful in managing a less than comfortable income. I am not an expert on finances, except for my own, but hopefully you will find some ideas that will help.

Be prepared to make some changes (some are very easy to do) and look for opportunities unique to your own personal situation where you can improve and help stabilize your financial situation. It’s always a good time to start because costs are always going up.

It is good to have a credit card or two that can be used to help smooth over some of the rougher financial bumps we encounter. (More than two general expense cards can be too much to handle, especially if you cannot pay the entire balances due each month and carry balances that incur high interest charges.)

Taking control of your income and planning ahead for the whole year's expenses, broken down month by month, together with a tight rein on your cash (or an extra job if necessary) are ways to help stabilize your finances.

Prepare a list of all your necessary expenditures and the dates due. Don't forget to add yourself as a required expenditure (i.e., your savings account). Schedule payment dates right after you receive your income. I have found that some companies will permit you to change your payment dates somewhat if you call and ask. It is a big help in that finances are more easily managed in harmony with pay periods.

List what you normally spend (per each pay period) as daily or weekly (food, gasoline, meals out, discretionary spending, etc.) and take a good look to see what can be budgeted more carefully to stay within your income, and what changes can be made to what you normally do to lessen the cash outlays.

Simple things like purchasing your own munchies or soda by the carton (when you food shop) and taking them to work can save a couple dollars a day or more if you drink just two sodas and buy goodies from a machine or local convenience store. Pay for your gasoline by cash when possible. You should know the amount of the extra monetary hold on your account (when you pay by credit card) before you use the pump (the gasoline charge is separate, and the gas station wants to be sure they get their money, so there is often an extra hold on your funds). This would be especially important when traveling with the need to refuel multiple times. (Banking online is a great way to check on this, especially if the attendant cannot provide a correct answer.)

Search out a financial institution with the lowest fees for checking accounts (or no fees, if you can find it). Sign up for direct deposit if your employer offers it, that is a great timesaver. Create two checking accounts and a savings account (or other liquid money account if you can qualify) all at the same institution and manage these online.

Designate and use only one checking account from which to pay bills through your financial institution. (Paying online is a good way to save on expensive postage and gasoline costs; it can help save your sanity as well and is much faster than handwriting a check and addressing an envelope once you get the basics set up.)

Fund this checking account for bills each pay period for scheduled expenses. You might still want a checking account and a debit/credit card for those places where you need to set up an account at company websites that do not take credit cards, but let you pay by check (electronic debit). Note that most of these transactions are often very, very quick and can appear in your account the same day or next.

You will also need checks for this account to pay certain things, such as various taxes, as that is the only way acceptable for some taxing bodies, especially if you stop by in person to pay a bill, i.e., local wage taxes. Some financial institutions will also tell you not to pay any taxing body online or will not let you do this.

For company websites that you access directly that do let you pay by credit card, you will need the debit/credit card for the account numbers and your special three-digit number on the back where you signed your name on your card. If you have waited too long to send payment online via your financial institution, you will need it.

If you have bills that you pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, pro-rate those per month and add them into this account. That way, your monthly expenses are closer to the same each month without great fluctuations that would otherwise send you scrambling. Keep a ledger so you know what your balance in the account is expected to cover and never borrow from this account for discretionary spending.

The checking account that holds your normal daily expenditures (and you should plan those according to your income and needs) will need to have checks available for use when necessary, and a debit/credit card. The advantage of a debit/credit card is that it can be used at an ATM machine as well as used as a credit card when you are purchasing items and won’t need to input your personal identification numbers in front of many strangers.

Keep a small amount of cash on hand each pay period to use for small purchases (and gasoline too if you find your local stations have large holds against your account). The savings account acts as a safety net if unexpected expenses occur (and you can get by without using your general purpose credit cards) as well as a good way to get started saving for your future. Get a separate savings account when you want to save for big-ticket items so you have cash available to pay for them.

If you find you want or need extra work, I have quite a few articles where you can begin your search. If you don’t see something that interests you here, check the other monthly archives on the left side, there are more articles there to help you start. Check back here as well, there will be more articles regarding working from home for more occupations in the future. Legitimate opportunities are out there, but so are scams, so always investigate any opportunity thoroughly.

Work At Home – Write Articles For Online Earnings

Many online publications will pay for well-written, grammatically and factually correct, interesting, original articles with proper use of keywords. You can create articles based on your own ideas or use topics suggested. Websites accepting articles from many authors for pay do so because they earn revenue from other companies, like Google’s Adsense or other affiliate marketing.

Revenue is generated when someone reads your article and decides to click on an advertisement(s) on the same page (oftentimes the advertising will be right inside your article, and your wording will scroll around it). There are various ways that websites can do this. Some are pay per click and some will receive a share of revenue generated or when others sign up for a service.

Needless to say, if there are matters that you do not want to promote on the web, do not write about it or use alternative words that the search engine can still pick up in lieu of the most common words normally used.

Payment to the author is not usually very much, and not all articles submitted will be accepted. I have seen reports from forums on the net ranging from a dollar or two up to $12 or a little more. Some websites pay only by revenue sharing, so the more you write, the more potential or actual income you should receive. You need to know the terms of the particular site to determine how to earn and how much you might receive.

If you have the talent, ability and interest to produce articles that are accepted for payment, then you can earn some extra cash. It would be a good way to put some extra funds away for something special, but for most people, it will not be the way to earn a living.

Websites will require you to accept their terms if you want your articles to be considered for payment. Some will let you choose between exclusive rights and non-exclusive rights. When you give up exclusive rights in return for payment, that site owns your article.

Your article can then be re‑sold to other sites or used on other sites, and you will not receive anything more. You no longer have any rights to use or republish that article yourself or earn any money from it. Read the terms carefully and make certain you can agree to them before you sign up and begin to submit your articles.

If you are a beginning writer and need online exposure, this could be an opportunity for your particular style to be noticed. In any event, when applying for other writing jobs, you can link to what you have written to provide examples of your work.

Here are a few sources below that you can investigate to determine whether or not you want to try writing for them. There are many, many more on the net. When you search, save the website links you find of interest and then search the internet again for more information on them (try Better Business Bureau also).

http://www.associatedcontent.com - wants a minimum of 400 word articles and will consider articles sent for payment or just for publication if they are rejected for payment.

http://www.constant-content.com - lets you put your own articles up for sale as web content.

If you have your own website and it meets their criteria http://payperpost.com – has ways to be paid by writing articles promoting various companies.

http://www.problogger.net - is an informative site that also helps bloggers find blogging jobs. Currently, 451 Press is listed as looking for writers (they have a lot of websites).

Online Transcriptionist, Work at Home

These companies were located on the internet and are unresearched. Please read my previous articles for work at home information to carefully research the legitimacy of any opportunity you find on the internet.

http://www.sten-tel.com/ - Careers currently mention seeking self-motivated, disciplined, conscientious and experienced Medical Transcriptionists.

http://www.chromolumeinc.com/ - Indicate they are always looking for Transcribers to work on an independent contractor basis and when a position is open, they will contact you.

http://www.cyberdictate.com/company/employment - Indicate they use experienced legal transcriptionists.

http://www.moderndayscribe.com/ - Also known as Domenicelli Business Services.

http://www.fdch.com/careers.htm - Also known as Morningside Partners LLC – website indicates they are looking to hire News transcribers but among their other requirements, want people with “bachelor's degree in English or journalism and at least three years of work experience”; and also looking for Financial at-home transcriber.

Happy job hunting.

Work From Home - Tutor Students From Home Online

If you quit work to stay home with your children, you can put your skills to work through online tutoring companies. This would be a good work choice during the school year and you would probably not be busy during the summer. Many work from home moms (and dads, too) work more than one telecommute job so that if one income source becomes sparse, the other(s) are likely to provide work and income. You can find more ideas by searching some of my past articles, both on this page and in the monthly archives to the left.

Make it a point to check the policy of your school district to see what value (if any) would be placed on your work as a tutor if and when you return to teaching full time. Keep in touch with your former district (or those close by) and you might also find requests for tutoring locally that would enable you to work your own hours.

As always, perform your own due diligence in properly discerning the value of any link provided here. The ones listed below were located on the internet and are posted to help you start your search. (More links can be found simply by searching the internet.)

http://www.tutor.com employs telecommuters (and if you have your own website, you can set up an affiliate agreement with them and earn on referrals).

Here's another link found on the intranet http://www.onlinelearning.net

Do You Know What You Are Purchasing In An Online Auction?

Online auctions are an adrenaline rush when you win the bid or even manage to stay in the lead as the deadline closes. Millions of us have bought items on auction sites over the last decade. Online auction sites are popular, and for good reason. There are so many items for sale; if you cannot locate what you want nearby, there is a good chance you can find it online at an auction site and just have it delivered to your door. There really are some nice bargains out there. For the majority, most sales seem to end quite happily for both the buyer and the seller.

I have always felt there are some things that should not be purchased online in an auction site without full information or an inspection where necessary, regardless of who the seller is or claims to be (a real company or just someone selling off their excess items).

I recently saw a picture of property for sale in New Mexico on one of the auction sites. The picture was not the best in that it did not show as much of the surrounding area as I would have liked, but I did get the distinct impression from what I could see, that the property was located close to the bottom of a partially collapsed side of a volcano. (Googling information provided confirmed my thoughts as highly likely.)

If the area should ever become active again, the buyer is going to get burned, at the very least, for monies spent.

Caveat Emptor!

This Old House: The Yellow Light Solution

Summertime and the livin' is easy -- or is it? Many of us enjoy the pleasures of whole house air conditioning, dry, cool and comfortable inside, when it is warm and humid outside. Sometimes the weather just wants to make us stay inside, especially after sundown when it's time to turn on the outside lighting, which is a real necessity for us. There are not many street lights here.

Our home is in an area with a lot of woods nearby. Deer are known to roam the streets (or on occasion walk up your driveway so they can check out the yummy plants and trees you have in your front yard), whacky rabbits love to hide in my bushes and rush out in front of you as if on a dare to catch them. Acquisition of a wheeled, locking garbage can finally persuaded the pesky raccoons to search for easier targets elsewhere. We still find snakes, and the occasional skunks and brown bears that have been seen a few years ago not too far away. All the forest critters, large and small are thriving. A neighbor has finally quit feeding the birds in their backyard so the squirrels have moved a few blocks over. There are some newcomers, too, foxes and cayotes have moved into the nearby woods.

These animals love to roam around late at night, so we need some lights on outside to discourage close encounters.

During the winter months we use regular white lightbulbs in our outside lighting fixtures and that works fine. But what we forgot to put on the list for the heat and humidity of summer was new yellow lightbulbs on the lights that are close to walkways or above an entryway. The bigger animals don't try to sneak into your house, but the bugs think they are welcome --you open the door, they fly right inside and this year has been a particularly annoying one trying to catch the ones that do get in, but we'll head out to the store soon and get the yellow ones which seem to be of some help as most bugs prefer the brighter white light.

Got Talent and Creativity? Try Freelancing Your Work To Greeting Card Companies Or Start Your Own Business

Freelancing for card companies is highly competitive. Submitted work must convey a unique, innovative manner of personal expression with regard to particular occasions. They want fresh ideas that people will readily purchase.

It might be difficult for a newbie to obtain work, but not impossible. There are always “occasions” for which sending a card is appropriate – birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations, get well and so many more. Cards are on sale everywhere. Good taste and great humor sells. Insulting humor, however funny, probably will not sell well, if at all, although it might be read just for the laughs.

Whether you use a directory like Writer’s Market, or trade magazines or research writer’s groups and job market listings on the internet, make certain to read and fully understand all the specific guidelines and other information each company provides. You might have to request guidelines by mail if not posted online or otherwise readily available.

Keep properly categorized files and records of everything you create, submit or sell, and all papers, correspondence, copyright issues, contracts, etc. so you always know where you are in the process or what has transpired. Rejection of submission is always an opportunity to revise, send the batch to another company for review or just realize you need to update your efforts, research the current market trends and go on from there.

On the brighter side, this might be a good time to create your own line of greetings, copyright your work, and sell it yourself to retail markets, via the internet or promote as fundraisers. Churches, schools, and groups everywhere are always using fundraisers.

There is opportunity for those who can create special niche products, and are capable with designs (photographs or artwork) and have a way with words to fit the occasion. If you are truly capable, there are a great many ways you can promote it yourself. If you are just the artist or person who has a way with words, find a family member or friend with that talent you do not have and go work on plans and ideas.

Starting your own business and holding the copyrights could open up other market ideas for you, T-shirts and clothing, buttons, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, writing paper, decals, or designing for others. The opportunities are only limited by your abilities (and legalities). It is not necessary to start this as a full-time major business. If you want to test your abilities in the marketplace, part-time is always an option while you keep your day job to see how it works out for you.

Use resources such as Café Press (you send them the design and wording) and they take care of sales if you can refer customers. There is also Etsy, Ebay, many others and just tons of free advertising sites available to you on the net. Join groups both online and offline, and put on some demonstration of your work. Get and promote a website (or start with a blogspot.com) to bring in customers. Put your web address on your car (do something readable and removable) and do not be afraid to pass out your business cards.

Write and film a humorous infomercial clip and post it on your website, use sound. Team up with other merchandisers such as those who offer gift baskets to include your work where appropriate. If you cannot find a company that wants to participate, offer your own work in a gift basket with other theme items, preferably ones you have done.

Offer personalized greeting cards created from pictures sent to you with many choices of greetings outside and inside, or use the ones sent if requested. Those would also make great holiday cards and birthday greetings from a group. Find out what holidays and occasions or situations that are not well represented (and especially the kind that people cannot just create themselves at a photo kiosk); perhaps you can find your niche there as well.

Once you are publishing, selling, and have created a demand for your work, you might reconsider submitting some of your creations to greeting card companies, especially if you have created a demand for your products and your talent is recognized in the marketplace.

The links below were located via a search of the net to help you begin gathering information and determining whether or not this could be of interest to you. These looked like good places to start, but it is up to you to make the determination if they are worthwhile or not.

In the meantime, start creating your ideas and putting them on paper so you have something to work on and develop.

http://www.recycledpapergreetings.com
http://www.psgreetings.com
http://www.designergreetings.com
www.etsy.com – and an interesting article from Business Week -http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jun2007/sb20070611_488723.htm
http://www.cafepress.com

Mystery Shopping Might Be Fun And Fit Right In With Your Lifestyle

If you love to shop and eat your meals out, you might be able to do these same activities as a mystery shopper, and be paid to do them. There are all kinds of shops to fulfill, from coffee and donuts, fast food, better dining, overnight stays at a hotel, purchase and return items and many more. This is done as an independent contractor.

Before you begin your searches (and any applications) get another e‑mail address strictly dedicated to this alone. It will help you get and stay organized. Check and adjust the e-mail filter if necessary.

Locating companies that claim they do this type of research for their clients is not difficult. Many, if not most all of them, are on the internet. Finding legitimate, dependably paying companies that utilize shoppers in your particular area can be a little more time consuming. The companies that use mystery shoppers vary widely in their niche markets, areas served, and shopper requirements. Some will even want you to be able to take and send them photos. Most shops are done totally as undercover work and confidentiality is required.

Fully research every company before you apply. Check with the Better Business Bureau even if they claim membership, and any other organizations to which they claim to belong. If you do not recognize the organization, research it as well to be sure it, too, is legitimate. If membership in MSPA (link below) is claimed, you can search on site for membership.

Do searches of the business name on the net to see what others have said, especially on boards and forums. Take into careful consideration any warnings or complaints you find there, but make the final decision yourself. Do a “who is” search. Make certain you understand and can fulfill all their terms and conditions and shopper requirements – or they will refuse to pay you if you do not. Et Cetera. Be certain of the legitimacy of any company before you apply.

Prepare a file on each company: When you do decide to apply, always print out the application you fill out (page by page if necessary) and do not forget to print out the particular terms and conditions you are required to accept as you go along. Bookmark the site. On an additional sheet of paper, write down the URL of the site, and especially the one where you access shopper information, your login and any password(s). Print out any information they send you where you are permitted to do so and where necessary for your records. Basically, anything and everything you would need if your computer ever decides to self-destruct.

Keep records on all your shops, dates, times, places, exact mileage driven and other pertinent identifying information of the shop (things such as job number and if assigned to you by a particular person, etc.). Also, keep receipts (or copies) of your expenses incurred and any income received in each file. You will need this information for taxes or in case you need to provide the company with information if they have made a mistake in your records (particularly payment owed to you).

Never pay a fee for a list of mystery shopping companies. The information is free on the internet and many forums. Never pay a fee to shop for any company – you are the one that should receive payment if you perform the requested services.

According to boards/forums I have seen, you do not need to be certified to mystery shop, although some companies may have a higher preference for those with silver or gold certification. Working with a legitimate company, where both the company and you fully perform all obligations and requirements is probably more the key to success.

Be professional when you make your report. Proper capitalization of words, spelling and punctuation are important. Make certain you answer all the requested information fully and coherently. Fulfill all requirements, or you might not be paid for the shop and/or have your expenses reimbursed.

Mystery shopping is, after all, work, even if you find it enjoyable. There are strict requirements to fulfill so that you get paid and are reimbursed for your expenses. Make certain that you are in agreement with the requirements. You will need to remember all that you have been requested to do so that you can prepare all the paperwork (mostly filling out forms on the company website, although some companies will still require you to print out and fax it to them) to submit at the completion of a shop. When you leave for a shop, this means that you will need a good memory and have to be very organized. Paperwork must be completed and submitted within a short timeframe after the shop, so this would not be suitable for anyone who procrastinates.

Mystery shopping is not a way to earn a living, but incidental income (and on which you as an independent contractor) will have to pay taxes. Most shops do not pay a lot, but if it fits in with your lifestyle and where you live, it can certainly be a way to get paid to do some things you were going to do anyway without being a mystery shopper. Actively participating with multiple companies who have shops in your area would be a way to earn more income.

From what I have seen on boards/forums, people do sign up and provide services for multiple companies and try to organize their shops into the same trip or nearby where they are going on some other errand.

BEWARE OF SCAMS: Not all companies on the net are legitimate or what they claim to be. One of the current scams involves a “mystery shopping company” that sends you a check to deposit into your new or existing account and then you send the money elsewhere, sometimes offshore, sometimes not. You are paid immediately by keeping a portion of the money as your fee. Do not participate, even if your bank checks the company on which it is drawn and says they are legitimate. You are the one who will be held responsible for these funds and reimbursing them.

Read more about that scam here at http://www.mysteryshop.org/news/article_pr.php?art_ID=73. This scam is making its rounds in many different ways.

Here are a few of the mystery shopping companies found on boards on the internet. Any links posted here are totally up to you to research their legitimacy and I do not post any here as recommended as I do not personally know anything about them. They are for your convenience only in getting your search started.


http://www.customer-1st.com/shopper/default.asp
http://www.shopnchek.com/
https://www.experienceexchange.com/
http://65.119.21.227/shopper_application/welcome_letter.asp (Pacific Research Group)
http://dataquestonline.com/, apply at http://dataquestonline.com/mystApp.html
http://www.nwlpc.com/
http://www.jmridgway.com/shopperoverview.htm
http://www.gapbuster.com/xec/default.aspx?culture=1033 (Gapbuster Worldwide)
http://www.mysteryshops.com/ (Corporate Research International)
http://www.beyondhello.com/secure/index.htm

Blogging Will Resume Soon

Blogging has been interrupted due to injuries resulting from an accident and will resume soon.

For all of you who visit searching for possible work at home ideas so that you can spend more quality time with your family, there will be a lot of information coming soon, some of which will be in a more direct format than in the past.

In the meantime, please read some of the past articles to see the suggestions made on ways to check on any company offering work at home employment. There are many legitmate offers out there and many you should not consider.

Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday.

April

Work At Home Outbound Calling and Paid Training

It is always refreshing to find a company where home workers are employees. It seems this concept is beginning to catch on, however slowly. It is a very welcome trend to see companies also employ applicants to work from home, that were not first their own in-house employees, instead of only as independent contractors.

If you think you will save “all kinds of cash” by working from home, the realization that there are still big tradeoffs hits home when adding up the employee’s list of responsibilities for at-home work versus outside employment, and whether or not there are real company paid benefits in addition to the pay structure.

Fortunately, many legitimate companies will give you some upfront information pertaining to the list of equipment and other requirements needed to provide work for them (whether as an employee or independent contractor). It is your job to do the financial costs and personal benefits calculations to measure the real value and make informed decisions. Never quit your regular job before you totally understand everything involved.

The ability to hire the most capable home workers from countrywide or multi-state pools of applicants provides companies many unique advantages. These advantages are not only very financially beneficial, but also gives them the ability to discern and choose only those workers who will reliably and competently perform assigned tasks according to high standards.

It is becoming standard procedure now for many companies to not only require various testing procedures, but also background and credit checks as part of the hiring process to determine suitability for the job. It does not matter whether the applicant is a potential hire for in-house, independent contractor status, or will be working at home. The need to sign a contract is also becoming a norm.

Companies that handle outbound calling work to their client’s customers will not be a perfect situation for everyone. Training programs help both the company and the prospective home worker make correct choices.

Customer Loyalty Concepts is one such company that claims it hires Caller Employees to perform outbound calling services for their clients (you work at home), and are currently hiring in 26 states. Training time will be paid (if you become one of their Caller Employees and work for them). According to information on their website, they are offering paid hourly rates starting at $8 and go to $10 and $12 per hour.

Information provided to prospective employees is under the Employment link on the top of the page. Another link there is about Training. Take time to read carefully these links and the rest of the information provided on the website to begin familiarizing yourself with this company. (Note: Appearing in the content of Frequently Asked Questions under the Training link, the word “bonus” appears with further information, so additional earnings look possible.)

If you have previous experience with call center work, perhaps some of the information on the training link will be familiar to you. If you find you have an interest, this company (based on their website) looks promising to the right candidates. Always search and obtain more information regarding this or any other company you find promising as standard procedure before application is made. Here is their website: Customer Loyalty Concepts

Is Outsourcing To Offshore Really Changing?

I bring this up because as an incorrigible net surfer I have noticed what seem to be some trends toward jobs returning back to Americans who can do it better.

Many American jobs have consistently been sent away from our country so that corporations could utilize cheap labor and reap much larger profits. It left many here on our own soil unemployed and scrambling to find totally different jobs, often necessitating expensive re-education and the need to move to obtain employment. It has led to a lot of changes for many.

However, it has not been a comfortable ride for those of us who call for product assistance and find it a very frustrating experience to deal with a call center where their personnel cannot speak clearly enough or actually understand our language and needs.

It is very worrisome to know that unknown companies thousands of miles away could have access to personal information such as account numbers or social security numbers, personal tax information and so on. I am very displeased with this system. I have often wondered if this has any connection with the current problems of identity theft and other problems here.

It cannot be said that it is totally wrong to outsource some things (and exactly what they are will certainly be much clearer in the future as we all learn from this). Many nations are poor and in great need of work to lift themselves out of grinding poverty and human misery. It just needs to be done the right way on all sides so that it actually benefits everyone it impacts in a positive manner.

It seems that some shakeout has begun. I am noticing that the net has a great many companies that contract with American workers to work at home as call center operators. However, many have onerous requirements, such as you must incorporate yourself as a business and you are an independent contractor. (Remember, independent contractors can be personally sued, have to pay all the social security and taxes on their earnings and provide and maintain all their own equipment as well.)

Not all companies are alike in what they require and offer in return. While all companies attempt to pick the best and most educated, some even charge you for training. It is not unusual to start below the bottom rung of the ladder regarding pay (one website stated you would be guaranteed only a paid minimum of 4 calls per work hour contracted at a minimum of $1.40 per call – that is mighty slim pickins.) However, various companies often have programs you can follow for bonus pay and ways to increase calls assigned to you that will enhance your earnings per hour and they might not be the wrong choice.

There were no teleservices-type companies found on the net (and there is certainly more than the ones of which I have surfed their websites) that pay for your computer, virus/firewall software or telephone equipment. This is expected of independent contractors.

I did find two companies that note they hire employees to work at home to do call center work. Neither of them provides the equipment necessary. That is your obligation (as well as a totally quiet place to work).

Alpine Access defines a typical rate as about $9.00 per hour and offers voluntary benefits leveraging the buying power of a large number of employees, and a matching 401K plan for “qualified employees”, but does not define what that means. The FAQs section is not comprehensive, but can give you some general information and training is paid. Alpine seems to be expanding its business into more states, so that might mean you could find employment with this company. Click on their Careers link at the top of the website.

InfoCision was another interesting teleservices site that not only hires employees to be work at home communicators, they offer actual and attractive benefits. Once you get to their website, click on the Careers link and read their information. You have to provide your own equipment, do not need prior experience and note that they provide extensive on-site training and coaching via the internet.

If you have an interest, take time to familiarize yourself with these companies by reading the links on their websites. InfoCision also notes it does religious fundraising work as well as it has other inbound and/or outbound call divisions.

The companies noted above certainly seem to be taking steps in the right direction. Not everyone is able to be an independent contractor or work without needing benefits. Research the companies with other sources before you apply so you can proceed with more information.

Gonna Knock On Your Door, Keep Ringing The Bell And Ask You Very Personal Questions Too.......

Are you annoyed? What would be your reaction to someone you do not know who comes to your door and asks you very personal questions if they offer you a chance at a drawing for some prize or promise you $0.50, $3.00, $10.00 or more, or just a chance that your opinion can make a difference?

If you are told you could earn a lot of money by revealing your personal information, would that make a difference? Does it matter if it is someone at your door or a website you found on the net? Is there a difference here?

Again, what would be your reaction when you find out you need to “complete offers” to get this cash? (And then you learn you do not actually get the money unless you complete enough offers to reach a certain monetary limit?)

More than likely no one will actually come to your front door, but you have probably seen a massive amount of enticing “information” on the net that financial rewards from taking surveys are so great that you can quit your regular job. Some websites are set up for just this purpose and for around $40 and up, you can gain access to various companies who want survey takers. (Note that this information can mostly easily be found on the net without a lot of trouble, there are a lot of search results if you look.)

Opinion survey companies have been around for many years. Information was requested by telephone or regular mail. (There are still legitimate, well-known companies who do this and you might earn something, but it will not be a lot or often.)

The popularity of the internet and ease with which people can volunteer and sign up to take surveys has opened an entire field of new marketing strategies. These new ways market products to customers who might never purchase certain items or services without it.

Some companies on the intranet offer enticing cash rewards to take surveys that require participants to “complete offers” from a listing provided. Some offers are often for higher priced items on which you are required to pay shipping to begin a trial period (you pay the price of the product if you keep it). If you decide you do not want to keep the product or service (and many offers involve a continuing relationship), you can also have to pay to ship it back.

You will then start receiving a lot of email (a tremendous amount on a constant basis), and you will need to read it all so that you have a name and password (or account number and other information) set up for each specific company whose offer you complete, and especially if you do not wish to continue the relationship.

There can be a lot of specific instructions including special code numbers that will need to be placed on packages when returning them, and you probably will not have that without going through their very specific processes. (Imagine you sign up and complete 20 offers or more you realize you do not really want?)

A calendar of dates (with all specific information) will need to be created so you know exactly what you need to do on time. (This is especially important if you decide you do not want to keep the item (or service) and then have to pay the full price for it when the trial period ends or your credit card will be charged.)

The whole process just does not seem to be worth the effort as a way to earn from home. It looks like substantially more money (and a lot of effort) will be required of the customer (survey taker) over the long term than can be earned by completing the offers for cash or maybe a prize reward.

If you would not answer personal questions from a stranger at your door, is the intranet any different?

Transcription Company That Welcomes Independents And Homeworkers

TruTranscripts, a division of RIM, Inc., 9 East 37th Street – 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016 notes on their website that they are a national transcription company that specializes in time code, media, financial and pharmaceutical/medical transcription work.

To find career information, it was necessary to search the site map, which was located at the bottom right of the web page. Transcription Careers was a link choice with very little information other than noting they also welcome independent and home transcribers. Particularly, there isn’t any information whether or not you need to live close to their office; quite possibly, you do not. A PDF application form is provided together with the fax number to send it to them.

A left-hand sidebar scrolls with a list of companies that are their clients so that you can see some well-known names among them.

If I was looking to apply, (and this criteria would be the same at any transcription service), I would want to make certain that none of the transcription work involved matters that I would personally find objectionable.

If you decide to fill out the application to fax to them, make certain that you also include a professional looking cover letter. That can help set you apart from your competition. Note also that one of the questions on the application is “earnings per hour expected”. Give that some very careful thought and thorough research before answering; you don’t want to price your services too low or inordinately high if you know you are a good match for the work.

http://www.trutranscripts.com/transcription-jobs.htm

Can We Get One Less Hoop To Jump Through?

I do not claim to possess any tech abilities when it comes to computers or have any major understanding of the intricacies of how they work. That does not preclude my understanding that there are processes that are not being done that could be, and what I want handled differently.

When a rebate on merchandise is offered to customers, why are customers put through so much hassle to request it, and then still have to wait for a check to arrive, assuming that all requirements have been properly accomplished.

When applying for a rebate it not only requires filling out forms, finding and attaching information, making a photocopy for yourself, paying for postage, and making sure it is mailed on time, you still have to stop at the bank to cash the check when it comes – assuming there weren’t any glitches that negates the rebate. The whole process really seems to be a hassle that surely isn’t necessary.

At most stores I have been to when purchasing various merchandise, a scanner reads a bar code so that the purchase and the price is identified as well as the method of payment and other specific information. Pay by credit or debit card and the store immediately knows if your card will suffice for the purchase. If you check your accounts on line, the purchase normally appears either the same day or very soon thereafter.

Is there any reason why with all the identifying information collected that a rebate cannot automatically be generated? If a rebate is offered on a product purchased, whichever company offers it, should see to it that it is paid without the current hassle required to request it. There’s a lot of potential for a customer to lose a sales slip or just forget about it until it’s too late to try to collect.

Personally, I would like to see rebates generated and given directly at point of sale. With today’s computer technology, it certainly cannot be impossible. Our lives are complicated enough and one less hoop to jump through welcome.

I leave it up to you to think about this, make a request of the store manager or get appropriate information to call and make the request of the manufacturer/offer provider for a simpler method.

When In San Antonio, Texas, Eat Dinner Under An Umbrella

Have you ever noticed that when you decide to go somewhere, a neighbor, friend or coworker makes an independent decision to also go the same place? Here's the picture taken by a friend.



San Antonio Riverwalk was a lovely place (and there's shade there!) to browse around and get some dinner. Many large birds thought it was a great place as well -- so when you decide to eat, find a table with an umbrella or there might be an "oh nooooooooo" that suddenly drops onto your plate....just ask my husband! Picture below was taken by my son.

Thank God It Isn't Real

Just imagine, you have had a tough day at work, you are more than ready to go home and get into the elevator that goes down 6 floors...and then you see another button. Are you on the Hellavator? Okay, now how do you feel?





Big thank you to Conor for taking this cell phone pic and sending it to me.

Keep Your Stress Level Down - Webcams Help Keep You Out Of Traffic Jams If You Need To Travel In And Around Pittsburgh

Today is a perfect day to go out to dinner or visit friends and relatives. If your travel plan includes driving major routes in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and you would prefer not to spend your time stuck in a traffic jam, the website “Pittsburgh.about.com” is a great place to visit after you have your Mapquest directions. Parkway West, Parkway North, Parkway East, Fort Pitt Tunnels and Fort Pitt Bridge and more are all shown on traffic webcams. http://tinyurl.com/cmsse

Staffing Agency Found That Does Want Applicants Who Can Also Telecommute From Home

A search of the job base of Volt for telecommute brought up 7 jobs for people with administrative, accounting and advanced computer knowledge. Not all the positions listed are full-time telecommute, but if you live in the right area, you might want to consider a position. Strangely enough on searching the listings and looking at the requirements for Web Developer, it was listed as no telecommuting although it came up in the search.

It’s possible that as there are more requests for telecommuters, a better job filter will be developed.

Here’s one of the listings: Work at Home By Phone - Desktop Support - Levels I, II, III [Noted on the net on 5/19/07, job posted on 4/26/07). Qualified persons in the following states are wanted: Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Florida, Texas and Utah. Oddly enough, it is noted that people living in New York, New Jersey, Ontario (Canada), Massachusetts, and California may not work on this. This particular listing is a temporary job.

Volt calls itself a staffing company which employs professionals in a wide range of job classifications. Visit and search telecommute at http://jobs.volt.com/

Where Are You Going To Live When You Retire? [Think: Taxation.]

My mother blissfully moved about 1300 miles away to sunny Florida – and she loves it. Gorgeous beaches, blue sky and sunshine, a ranch-style home and her property taxes are lower than what she would have been paying in Pennsylvania. What’s not to like, besides tornadoes, hurricanes, sinkholes and an abundance of large bugs with an occasional alligator that has walked along some nearby streets? In any event, she’s still very happy where she lives.

My thoughts are that I don’t want to move to Florida unless I can build a hurricane safe home and develop a more adventuresome attitude toward food – some of the bugs in Florida I have seen were large enough to be the entrée for dinner for two.

There’s just so much to consider with such a bold decision. Besides the usual considerations of quality available health care, desirable amenities nearby for enjoyment of retirement years, and weather conditions, the real cost of living on a retirement budget is a very big consideration.

Before you retire and decide where to move, it is also wise to learn everything about the taxing structures in effect or being proposed -- and how it will personally affect you. In many places of our nation, the taxing climates are changing.

Here in Pennsylvania a ballot question last Tuesday (depending on the school district that you live in) (i) to collect a personal income tax , ( this includes unearned income), or (ii) to significantly raise the school district percentage on earned income – either of these, if voted on favorably were supposed to lower only the school district property taxes.

Regardless in which school district you currently reside, if either of the above tax increases occur, it will have an adverse effect on many people, especially seniors who will be taxed on their personal income, many of whom do not own their own homes. I personally do not believe that most renters will benefit from a property tax reduction with an immediate comparative reduction in rent, and possibly will not see any real benefit at all in proportion to the extra taxes being paid.

This school property tax measure was basically voted down in most of Pennsylvania. The news at the Post Gazette online indicated that it was Chuck Ardo, spokesman for the Governor who said that the defeat of this referendum “wasn’t anything other than confusion” by voters. (See link to story below).

Honestly, I wasn’t confused at all, and I truly don’t know anyone who was. I can easily recognize a blatant attempt to raise my taxes that likely won’t actually result in benefit to me. I was personally insulted to read the purported statement on my apparent confusion that does not exist.

Pennsylvanians are also facing a possible 1% increase in sales tax, and for those living in Allegheny County, the sales tax will be 8%. Well, that’s understandable enough, isn’t it? No confusion there, Pennsylvanians will be paying more taxes and we will have less money. This too, has been loosely tied to property tax relief. Not so long ago, bringing gambling into Pennsylvania was supposed to have been what would help us with property tax relief.

There’s really no reason to take money out of the left hand so a small portion of it can be run through channels and then rerouted back into the right hand. There’s also no guarantee that property taxes won’t continue to rise.

When the day comes that I retire, there’s going to be a lot to consider about where to live.

http://postgazette.com/pg/07137/786716-178.stm

How Many People Share The Same First And Last Name As You?

This is fun – or maybe not, depending on your outlook!! The results can be surprising.

There are 232,451 (that were found and who knows how many it didn’t find) people in the United States with the same first name as myself, April. Well, at least I know who I am, but as for the other 232,450 I haven't got a clue. I would have liked to check my first and middle name to see what difference that would have made, but that wasn’t offered.

Using as an example the first and last name, James Smith, the results are over 5 million people with the same first name and over 50,000 people with the name “James Smith” in the United States. This is one where I thought there would have been a lot more.

Input just your first name to see how many people in the U.S. share your first name, or if you are really curious, your whole name to see how many people there with the same first and last name as you.

http://howmanyofme.com/search/

Yard Sales, Garage Sales, House Sales, Auctions – Protect Yourself And Your Family

It is almost summer and for many of us, it is time for our favorite sport: Bargain hunting. The thrill of getting to the sale early before all the good stuff has been tossed around, mangled, or already gone is one of summer’s delightful pastimes.

Take the danger out of the sport by frequenting nice, clean looking places in good neighborhoods with items that you want in good, safe, usable condition. Know in advance what you hope to find and leave places where items are overpriced.

Whatever your criteria for visiting a sale or buying something, keep one more thing in mind: Was this item recalled because of a defect? Everything from appliances, stools, tables, lamps, children’s items, et cetera have had recalls, and you really should know before you purchase an item with a problem. Here’s a website that will help. http://www.cpsc.gov/index.html Happy summer sale hunting!

Want A Free Program to Lose Weight And Buy Regular Food At Your Favorite Store?

Surfing the Kraft Foods site was a food lover’s delight. There’s a main menu on top with choice of Recipe Search, Community, Dinner, Food & Family, Cooking School, Healthy Living and of course, Kraft’s Products.

The left sidebar links were looking good as well, with information we all need, especially those looking for diabetic food choices or to manage your weight goals and it is free to join.

This looks worth your time. (Get a few friends to join as well with you and have your own personal, private club to watch your weight without fees and dues and meetings.) Sound interesting? Just access the Kraft Foods website at http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf and surf the links. Find new things to cook and enjoy at home, or use the search box when you can’t imagine what to make for dinner tonight!

You Want To Work At Home, How Fast Can You Type?

Most typing jobs where you telecommute require a great deal of typing at sustained speeds and often require you to test. Your ability to quickly and accurately complete the work required is of utmost importance. A fast search of the net brought up the sites below that offer quickie typing tests (there is no endorsement of any typing test site below for any reason other than they offer a typing test). Read my previous article http://livethoughtfully.blogspot.com/2007/05/taking-online-typing-test-for-work-at.html for more information. If you want to search for more sites that offer typing tests, just Google the words, typing test. Make sure your keyboard is on a solid surface. (Note that long fingernails often slow down speed and accuracy, so a manicure might be in order before taking one.) It is likely that you will find that your speed varies with the different sites. If you really want to make it more precise, get someone to help you with a stopwatch and compare the results.

http://www.learn2type.com/TypingTest
http://www.typingtest.com/contents/java/typetest/default.htm
http://www.computerlab.kids.new.net/typing_test.htm
http://www.careerstep.com/site/page=typingtest

Coupons for Dimetapp And Other Special Offers From Wyeth

Wyeth has a lot of special offers for those who sign up on the website below that can add up to nice savings if you use their products. Surf the site to see what might benefit you. [Noted on the web on 5/16/07.)

http://www.dimetapp.com

Important Matters To Consider About Your Home Ownership

Whether you are just getting ready to buy a home or have lived in your own for a long time, there’s always issues that can cause problems or unplanned financial burdens.

If you live in Pennsylvania, you can visit the website of the Department of Environmental Protection, Mine Subsidence Insurance page. Sinkholes are also a problem in Pennsylvania. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy first, but it likely doesn’t cover these issues. From a quick look at the DEP Subsidence page, it isn’t clear that insurance is available for sinkholes. However, there is enough information on this page, including a help desk phone number to answer questions about subsidence risk and insurance, etc. If you call, ask if they can give you any further information on sinkholes as well or how that risk might be insurable.

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/bmr/msipage/msi_info.htm
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/hazards/sinkholes.aspx

Taking An Online Typing Test For Work At Home Job?

Oftentimes companies that are hiring for transcriptionist work will want to test you for typing speeds. If you have read any of the requirements on the various websites, seeing the request for those who can type 75 or 80 wpm or more is not unusual. I've personally seen advertisements for over 100 wpm and know someone who got a job whose accurate wpm was way below.

Many homeworkers begin to hesitate when wanting to apply for work, but know their typing speed isn't anywhere close. If you have great skills and can meet all the other requirements, don't let the high wpm "requirement" cause undue concern. The high wpm can be on the list for a variety of reasons.

In the first place, companies hiring for transcription work really don't want to expend their time or applicant's time if the applicant's abilities are not a reasonable match with the actual work to be performed. It's just a good business practice not to waste anyone's time. On the other hand, that Company's customers just might be viewing these requirements and quite frankly, they look very good to any customer who views this information.

If you find you are hesitating because of this one requirement, there are some things you can do to make sure you reach your very best speed and accuracy level. Is the keyboard you are currently using the best one for you, or does it's design slow you down? Maybe you need a different keyboard that you can work on to speed up. Keyboards are very different and some are much more responsive and easier to use than others.

If your fingers are a bit stiff, perhaps you might want to use an arthritus rub several hours before testing? Can you take some type of ibuprofin a half hour or so before testing? What is your best time of day to take the test? Not all of us are morning people!!! Set up every advantage in your corner first before you do take an online typing test.

Get your desk/computer/keyboard, chair, mouse and pad arrangement to its most comfortable set up. The use of a friend or family member with a stopwatch for practice typing tests would help as well to build your confidence -- even if you can't reach the stated wpm.

If you otherwise have the equipment you need and your background and other skills are good, try going through the process. The typing speed is really only one of many criteria these companies will be considering when they hire independent contractors. Go for it. Just make certain that you have properly checked on the company for whom you would like to contract your services.

I’ll Make My Own Flavored Yogurt From Now On, Thank You

We all know that yogurt is a healthful food and it seems to taste best with various fruit and flavoring mixed in. Purchasing plain yogurt lends itself to your own creation of flavors (or use of left over fruits, etc.) to make combinations pleasing and enjoyable according to your personal taste. Plain brown sugar mixed into plain yogurt makes a tasty and enjoyable treat as well. Another advantage when creating your own mixtures is packaging it in the portion size you want.

In any event, I’m going to be very careful what I buy. The attached link to the news story might surprise you. http://www.wpxi.com/consumer/9895143/detail.html

Your Home Environment Often Determines Your Home Business Or Working Hours

Our home and our neighborhood are noisy. We love our dog, she’s cute and has a great personality. Lady was totally quiet for the first few weeks after we brought her to our home. It took her awhile before she realized she could bark. Slowly at first, a few growls and some snarling at a 5 lb. bag of potatoes, asserting herself to the cat who was the same size, and then finally a little barking at new noises.

It all escalated from there. She came to live with us in February when she was about 3 months old. Time moved along into spring and summer and we kept our windows open at every opportunity to let the fresh air inside. Lady discovered that our neighborhood was just full of dogs who loved to bark and lots of happy, noisy children too. It’s still that way. It’s joyful noise, but it can get to be a bit much at times.

There’s always someone walking their dog (or three) outside on the road and others dogs barking happily, playing with children in neighbors’ yards or a game of football or baseball out in the street and basketball in the driveways. Lady found that there were so many to “talk” to – from inside our house. She loves to stand up and bark replies (or orders) out through the windows. It’s definitely not ladylike noise.

If you want to work at home, your particular home noise levels might determine what you can do or when. If noise is too distracting, or your home business requires telephone service work, consider working late night through early morning. In the alternative, if a sound-proof room with a closed door is available, the choice of work time options is better. No one should permitted to come in during work time if your home business is answering incoming calls.

Many companies contract with independent contractors as call center operators. In many cases you can choose your own hours, and a quiet environment is required. LiveOps is one such company.

If you want to work as a contracted call center operator for Liveops, you will need more than just a reliably quiet space. As an independent contractor, you must have certain computer equipment which meets certain standards, a separate telephone line dedicated to business only, certification and training, as well as pay a $30 fee for a background and credit check among other requirements.

LiveOps has a high level of expectation for independent contractors and a rigorous screening process. The expected earnings range for new operators runs about $6.50 to $8.00 per hour. They note that their high and low seems to run an average of $6.00 to $15.00 per hour. Skilled agents can average $9.00 to $11.00 per hour, and exceptional agents can earn about $20 per hour. More calls are routed to the better agents.

Pay is earned by talk time, and more can be earned by selling additional items to the customer. Total pay depends on how many incoming calls you get and the particular type of job for the time you have committed to work.

These are customer service positions. Heavier call volumes for LiveOps are weekends for food service calls and informercial calls. It seems there are a lot of varied service positions available and you are able to choose the timeframes that you want to schedule to work in half-hour increments; which sounds great for those who need flexible hours.

LiveOps hires agents where there is need in the area. Obviously, if you are in a larger city, and you meet all of their specifications, you would probably have a greater chance of being accepted.

One thing that causes some concern is the low beginning earnings. The LiveOps website provides a great deal of information regarding expectation for independent contractors and it is worthwhile to read it to discern whether or not this work is appropriate for you.

You will still have to do your own research and ask questions before you commit to work for them. My own quick check of the website did not see any mention of having to deal with any adult items orders, although at least one of the other totally different company websites (not LiveOps) that also hired independent call center operators did have such expectations noted.

Always be well informed before you commit to any company what you are required to do and provide so you can make a well-reasoned choice and be happy and successful with it.

It is very good to see that there are companies contracting with American workers instead of outsourcing elsewhere. If this trend continues, it will enable Americans who need to work from home have more time with their families, and save on commuting and other costs incurred when employed outside their homes.

If you can make a serious commitment to professional work and you are satisfied with what you were able to search and find about LiveOps, there is an application on line to begin the process of a possible contract with them. www.Liveops.com

Purchasing A Vehicle? Do Your Homework FIRST Before You Commit To Buy.

Whether it’s new or used, purchasing a vehicle should never be a spur of the moment decision. Take the time to get full information first on total cost, warranty information, state (local?) sales tax, reliability, recalls, insurance costs, financing costs and terms, gas mileage, etc. Below are a few thoughts and websites to get you started with some of the information needed. Your newspaper(s) might be a good source of information on local dealers' current pricings and offerings. Many dealerships have their own websites.

Edmunds has a lot of information on their site, (recalls and technical service bulletins, etc.), it will show both the MSRP and Invoice prices (as well as with options you choose) and lots more. www.Edmunds.com

Kelley Blue Book also has a lot of information on new and used cars – you’ll find MSRP, Invoice, reviews and ratings, incentives and rebates, etc. http://www.kbb.com

Here’s yet another website with helpful information. When you click on this website be sure to also go to the Theft and Fraud Awareness link. That will give you access to the Flood Vehicle Database link. https://www.nicb.org

Now, you might find more discounts with ownership, as well. Or not. Once you have determined what you might buy, call your insurance company and ask about your selection(s): How will your choice(s) of vehicle(s) affect your premium and especially why, if the premium will be more. What features on your particular vehicle choice(s) will reduce the premium? (If you have your homeowner’s insurance with the same company, do you qualify for any further discount?)

Once you make your choices and have all your other information (and before you make any commitments with a dealer) check your local financial institutions (credit unions or groups you belong to) and determine what way is in your best financial interest to finance the vehicle. Most dealers can finance your car, but are often higher priced than you can obtain by your own efforts and the terms of financing might or might not be as flexible. Know the total costs of the loan privately obtained or dealership financed and compare them.

Once you purchase a vehicle, state (and/or local taxes) on the vehicle are due. The dealership should have state (and perhaps local, if any—ask first) authorization to collect taxes, but it’s always better to make out your own check directly addressed to the taxing body(ies) and then give that to the dealership.

Want A Different Kind Of Vacation? How About A “Finders Keepers” Trip?

This probably won’t remind you of gardening at home, but you’ll want to bring along extra clothing that is appropriate for the exciting part of the trip. The State of Arkansas (in Murfeesboro) is the location of the Crater of Diamonds State Park where you can go prospecting and digging for diamonds. Begin your search for diamonds over a 37-acre field that is plowed. It is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe that 95 million years ago, brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones visitors might find. Here’s the link with a lot more information on what you might find and other links for facilities and tourism
http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com to interest you.

Are You A Court Reporter Who Wants To Work From Home?

Part-time and Full-Time Captioners are needed to bring a world of information to the deaf and hearing impaired. Noted on 5/10/07, their website says they are hiring. If it looks like your abilities and their requirements are a match, begin your search to check them out. Compensation information is not provided on the website, although a lot of other information is presented. http://captioncolorado.com

Are You Curious?

Have you been wondering about how something works or what is involved? Now there’s a website that has some answers that can jumpstart you into further research. The articles presented aren’t overly technical, but still….interesting. It’s located here: http://www.howstuffworks.com and worth taking a look.

Pre-Meditated Acts Of Charity

Usually toward the end of each year through spring I receive a veritable deluge of requests for donations in my home snail mail. So many that it is totally impossible to respond or donate to the majority of them financially. The ones that I am very familiar with their work that I approve of will get something at some point. There are many charities that send requests that are unfamiliar to me.

While you won’t find every charity you would like to check on, the link below is a good site that will be of some help with a great many. You really have to read what is presented and visit the charity’s website for more information.

A star “*” rating system is used, a charity can rank from 1 to 4. One of my favorite charities is rated as a 2 star, but because I personally know many things about this charity, the work it is accomplishing and the way it is being accomplished, they really should be a 4 star, although Charity Navigator’s records don’t reflect that.

The http://www.charitynavigator.org is still a good tool to use in your search to check on charities who request donations and you want to make informed choices, or you can also search http://www.bbb.org although that probably has fewer listings.

The Land O’ Lakes Website Has Helpful Recipes For You – And They Are Free

Join their Simple Rewards Club and enter the Fiesta Sweepstakes – presently, there’s a chance to win a quesadilla grill. The Simple Rewards Club membership is also free. You can search for recipes, use the recipe box or surf through their recipe and meal ideas. Also provided is a long list of ingredient substitutions if you are cooking and find that you have run out of something essential.

What is commonly presented is not low calorie or low fat or low salt. However, you can use their search box for low calorie, low fat or low salt recipes. You can also look through some of the previous articles on my blog for suggestions, some of which are using Wyler’s no salt bouillon (which is very good) instead of canned and never use powdered onion or celery, etc. mixed with salt. My own personal cooking style also requires using only fresh garlic and never powdered or any type of mix.

This is a very nice and very helpful site, especially when you get home from work and can’t even imagine “what’s for dinner?” or how to start. It will also help because you can plan your shopping ahead by choosing recipes in advance for the week or special occasion. http://www.landolakes.com

Want To Check On A Movie To See If It Is Decent For You Or Your Kids?

Access the Decent Films website. It is the online home of the film writing of Steven D. Greydanus, who is a film critic for various publications. If your children are begging to you to buy or rent a movie for them, you might want to see a review first. http://www.decentfilms.com/

Planning On Traveling Out of the United States?

Here’s a source you might want to search to see what activity has been reported on in other countries. It is called the Overseas Security Advisory Council. The website says it is a Federal Advisory Committee with a U.S. government charter to promote security cooperation between American business and private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State. Find out news and other information before you travel.

http://www.osac.gov/

Looking For Things To Do In Pennsylvania?

Explore your choices by visiting the link below. It is an official tourism Web site for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and can give you lots of ideas for food, fun and travel and even discounts. The link is http://www.visitpa.com/

Going On A Trip? Search For Severe Weather Conditions First

Take a look at the National Weather Service (National Hurricane Center) for lots of helpful information and especially if you need information regarding the Atlantic, Carribean Sea, Gulf of Mexico or Eastern Pacific areas.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Link of Possible Interest: Another Work At Home Transcription Site

The website says they are currently seeking general/corporate transcriptionists to work from home. The website has lots of “general” information. It is very light on the specifics that you would want to know, but that might be just to keep inside company information separate from their customers. That in and of itself is not unusual to keep proprietary information private. There is an email address to contact them.

To start checking, the best way I found for this particular company for a search on Google was to use the actual website name, including “.com” (you don’t need the “www.” in front of it) to bring up links with information to read. There were too just many unrelated links using the words “professional support service” alone.

Here’s the link to the Company website. This was noted on the internet on 5/5/07 – at http://professionalsupportservice.com/. There is a link on the site for employment you can click on to read their information and decide if you want to pursue checking on the opportunity presented any further.

I also did a “who is” search, which you can find at this link, or you could go find a different search for yourself. The phone number and address listed is different from the one at the BBB below.
http://www.whois.net/whois_new.cgi?d=professionalsupportservice&tld=com

Here’s the information on the Better Business Bureau website.
http://www.lexington.bbb.org/commonreport.html?compid=90006034. Ms. Elizabeth Maracin is listed as President and the address given is 89 Kentucky Highway 34, Lancaster, KY 40444, Garrard County, Telephone listed is (859) 548-3002.

Dinner and a Movie: Night At The Museum and Pasta For Dinner All At Home

My friend, Sue (a mom with elementary school age kids). recommended this movie and we were able to find it in stock for rental and viewing today. Sue said her kids just loved it and that it was funny and held their interest.

Some well-known names, Stiller, VanDyke, Rooney, Williams and others team up for the movie, and it was entertaining enough for a PG rating. Stiller plays a bumbling divorced dad who needs a job and accepts a position as a night guard at a museum. Only, it’s not what he thinks it will be. During the night, all the exhibits come alive, people, animals, even a T-Rex and mayhem ensues along with various plot twists. All ends well. Cute for the kids, mildly entertaining for adults.

Pasta was on the menu for tonight’s dinner. Something simple and very filling. Here’s the ingredients, enough for about six to eight or dinner/lunches for several days (or cut back on the quantity of ingredients!).

16 oz box Penne Regate cooked to your specifications
16 frozen chicken breast tenders (2 per person) pan fried (don’t brown too much)
16 oz. frozen spinach cooked to melt in your mouth point (about 45 minutes) and drained.
1 regular size can petite diced tomatoes in juice, low salt, drained (or get three large fresh tomatoes, core and dice
8 large ribs celery sliced lengthwise, cut in 1 inch sections and one or two slices sweet onion (or more) stir-fried together until crisp tender (not browned)
8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced and stir-fried a few minutes until very hot, but not wilted
16 slices bacon well done and crisp – use paper towels to blot grease from them
1 jar Ragu light alfredo sauce (Keep a second jar handy for those who want heavy sauce)
Parmesan cheese/fresh ground pepper to sprinkle on top of dinner when assembled

Assembly. Place pasta in large bowls, add a serving of each vegetable, cut up chicken, 3 (or more) tablespoons alfredo sauce, crumbled bacon and sprinkle with the parmesan and/or pepper. Serve hot. Note that you don’t need a lot of the sauce, it spreads well when it is hot and you toss all together when ready to eat. It’s also best not to mix ingredients prior to serving and keep all the ingredients in separate containers for leftovers. One of the remarks made about dinner tonight was that the way it was made ‑‑ every item in there retained it’s unique flavor. I have leftovers!!!

Part-Time, Temporary Telecommuting Work Helping With Quality Evaluation of Websites For Google

WorkforceLogic is recruiting part-time telecommuters to help with Quality Evaluation for websites for Google Inc., the search engine company based in Mountain View, California. The first category is called Ads Quality Rater. There are other quality rater categories for specific bilingual abilities. Click the link and read the details. http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/topic.py?dep_id=1094&loc_id=1628
This was noted on the internet on 5/5/07.

Disabled And Want To Work At Home Telecommuting?

If you are not already working with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, contact the appropriate agency in your state and ask how you can (i.e., if you are eligible) register for Vocational Rehabilitation services. NTI Central claims around 30 or more states have a business relationship with them and there is help and training for disabled workers who want to work, and need to work at home telecommuting. If your state participates, your VR counselor should be able to counsel you and let you know if this is a real and viable option.

Check out this link http://www.nticentral.org/ to read all their links about what NTI Central does and how it works. It doesn't seem to be a place where you directly sign up for work, but read what is presented at this site and then contact your appropriate state agency.

This link shows you which states are claimed to already have a business relationship with NTI: http://www.nticentral.org/vr/v0040.shtm. Regardless of whether or not your state has a business relationship with NTI Central, your VR counselor might know of other companies that hire disabled telecommuters.

Sometimes A Little Help Is Just What We Need -- But If You Eat, You Qualify For This

A friend told me about this service last year when I was griping about how much it cost to grocery shop. My protest that my income was surely above what would be allowed was to no avail. There isn’t an income limit. If you eat, you qualify. I decided to locate them on the net.

This does not seem to be a food bank, you have to pay, but it’s not a lot. The basic package is $25 and once you purchase the basic package -- here is May’s menu all for $25 --

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
4) 5 oz. New York Strip Steaks(1) - 4 lb. I.Q.F. Chicken Thighs(1) - 40 oz. Beef & Bean Burritos - (1) 28 oz. Banquet Beef & Noodle Dinner - (1) 2 lb. Breaded Frying Chicken -(1) 1 lb. Ground Beef - (1) 12 oz. Pepperoni Pizza Sticks - (1) 2 lb. Popcorn Chicken - (1) 1 lb. Bean Soup Mix -
(1) 8 oz. Biscuit Mix - (1) 7.5 oz. Mac & Cheese - (1) 12 ct. Corn Tortillas - (1) 26 oz. Pasta Sauce(1) 16 oz. Pasta - (1) 24 oz. Hash Brown Potatoes - (1) 16 oz. Mixed Vegetables - (1) Dessert Item
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

you are then eligible to order various specials which sound wonderful, for about $18, such as a 2 lb package of breaded shrimp and 4 8 oz T-bones., or a 10 lb package of chicken tenders for $17.00, or a 5 lb grill box with a scrumptious sounding variety of steak, pork, burgers and sausage for $18.00.

April 30th or May 14th was the last day you could order for May distribution, depending on what state you live in. When you come on the pick up date, bring your own box or laundry basket to carry it home.

The food is promised to be very good. Apparently my friend has ordered from there as she was very enthusiastic when I asked about quality.

To locate a distribution center near you (many churches and other service organizations are involved in this) simply go to http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ then look at the top of the page for the host sites button. Choose your state, and search the list of locations.

Some of your location listings will have websites with direct information on it. Some sites you might have to call them for more information. These programs are run by volunteers and it certainly looks worthwhile.

Let me know if you try this and what you think. I live in a state where the deadline is May 14th (you pay and order first, then come back to pick up on another date.) If I can get there one of these months I hope to try it myself.

Are You Tired Of The Rat Maze And Lousy Music?

Just need to make a “quick” phone call to a company and your time on hold is too long or choosing from a confusing array of “press this number or press that number if” is aggravating? Need to find a number but don’t want to pay high charges through your own provider? Find lots of helpful information to get what you need. Try this link: http://www.gethuman.com/.

If You Save Pennies and Coins – Is That Just Another Way To Lose Your Money?

Get too many pennies, nickels or dimes in your pocket or purse and you carry a heavy load. It’s annoying. Pennsylvania has a tax rate that requires pennies when you pay with cash. It’s exciting to look at the pile of coins you have collected, maybe there’s even enough for a large delicious pizza or nice sandwich night out for two or three.

Our grocery stores are becoming one-stop shopping and convenience centers for whatever you need. That’s good and not so good. One of the “amenities” I have spotted lately is a free-standing mechanical bandit-type coin sorter where I could bring my stash of coins [mostly pennies and nickels]. It counts what you have and gives back paper money in return. It certainly looked like a great idea UNTIL you realize you lose somewhere around 9 or 10 percent of it for the service.

My frugal side [the one that saves pennies and nickels] said, “I’ll wrap those myself”. It isn’t necessary to buy the wrappers, some banking institutions will still give you wrappers. You could also ask for a few when you go into stores where the clerks know you – they might also have them to wrap coins when they balance out their registers.

You don’t have to count each coin by hand yourself. You can make it easy if you buy a coin sorter. The coin sorters are rather cheap and will save you money. You can find them as educational toys for kids; you can also find them on eBay. Searching on eBay on 4/30 under coin sorter, or coin counter or coin counter tubes, some nice possibilities came in at under $10 including the shipping. There were some very economical varieties for the sorter and shipping that were around $5.00 Just change the sort function at the top of the listings to: price, lowest first and you’ll probably find what you need very easily.

It’s also possible to ask your banking institution if they will run your coins through their sorter for free – some do this as a little perk to their regular customers, but you have to ask as one of them I found that did this limited it to a certain time and day.

Those you wrap yourself can be exchanged at you bank for paper dollars or just deposit them into your checking or savings. Stores that know you might also take some of the wrapped coins simply because they know you and because they too need the change.

If you take back paper dollars for your coins, put it in a special envelope marked for your pizza or sandwich night out. The plus or minus 10% you didn’t pay will help to leave a reasonable tip for some hardworking waitress.

Work At Home -- As An Online Juror

Well, this one looks intersting - "time commitment for each case will vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the details of the case, but you always have the option to choose which cases you want to review...." and "After you complete a case you will be paid for your time. Payment amounts vary depending on the complexity and length of the case you review, but payments start at $20 per case and can go up to $60 per case." The webpage goes on to note that the amount of work available is dependent on the number of attorneys in your area that are utilizing their services.

This could be worth checking out. The link is below.

UPDATED: SEE UPDATED ARTICLE AT Live Thoughtfully: Work From Home Giving Your Mock Trial Verdict Opinions As Online Juror

http://www.onlineverdict.com/jurorshowitworks.php

Steamer Sandwiches! Except That It’s You That Gets “Steamed”

WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS if your personal tastes tend toward mild foods.

This is for hot sausage sandwich lovers only. Your favorite icy cold beer goes well with this sandwich. It’s very hot peppery – but you personally control just how hot peppery it gets so you can enjoy what you are eating.

Start out with enough crisp heavy bread rolls for a sandwich serving for each person – Italian is good. French bread baguette will work if you can’t find other rolls you like, but a heavy crispy bread seems to work best.

About 1/3 pound medium, hot or extra hot, loose sausage per sandwich. Shape the sausage to fit the shape of the bun but bigger than the bun as it will shrink. Fry until well-done.

Cut enough sweet onion (thin slices) and ½ inch strips of green bell pepper to make a hearty serving for each sandwich. Fry these in olive oil and butter until well done and soft.

Lightly toast buns in the toaster oven and get ready to assemble the sandwiches.

For an especially hot, hot sausage sandwich, drizzle the sausage, onion and green pepper with a tasty red hot sauce—but carefully and only after you’ve determined you would still like more hot pepper taste. A slice of hot pepper cheese (or not) is another option to add to the sandwich.

My dear Aunt Violet (a great Italian woman who just loved to cook – even made her own spaghetti noodles from scratch) passed away many years ago, but I am certain she would have chosen the extra hot sausage with the addition of red hot sauce right along with me.

Serve a nice cold potato salad on the side and of course, pass out that super icy cold beer and enjoy.

More Coupons And Special Offers to Lighten Up Your Day

Things we all need: http://www.scottbrand.com/us/ (click on Special Offers tab, too, for more)

New moms, this one's for you: http://us.pampers.com/en_US/promotions.do;jsessionid=OBD3NAD0SEQO3QFIAJ0X0NQ

Into health and fitness, weight management? Kraft has a meal planner that is personalized to you. http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/HealthyLiving/MealPlanner/MealPlanner.htm

Can’t figure out what’s for dinner? Dozens of casseroles and many other recipes. Try this one: http://www.campbellkitchen.com/

Do You Suffer From Nostalgia And Like To Write? You Might Get Paid For It!

The link below takes you to a web page looking for content writers who can create interesting articles on the 50’s and 60’s and explains how you can get paid for it. Looks interesting! Check out the articles on the main website http://www.loti.com/ so you can see what might be acceptable.

http://www.loti.com/writers_wanted.htm

If You Are Still Sleepy When You Leave Home, Could It Happen To You?

It was obvious that the man walking down the street last week was either in a big hurry when he left home in the morning or really wasn’t awake enough to leave home. He was well dressed for a business day at an office except that he was wearing two different colored shoes, a sharp enough contrast to be easily noticeable. He just looked like a well dressed doofus. Hopefully, if he’s married, his wife will insist on checking his attire or insist on a full length mirror so he can see what he looks like before he leaves. The silliness put a smile on my face on my way in to work.