Commercial Painting Budgets - Budgeting For Commercial Painting Projects

If your maintenance budget for the current operating year has a taken a hit, you may be wondering how to get a commercial painting project accomplished along with everything else. Two possible solutions to project budgeting are purpose driven spending and changing the contracting process.

Purpose Driven Spending
The most common view of a commercial painting project is simple maintenance and facilities up-keep. Justifying painting and coating projects as preventative maintenance is relatively easy because the surface treatment can prevent damages to the underlying structure. If the budget separates preventative maintenance funds from operating costs, you could package and combine the painting project according to its true purpose to get the funding from your management team.

However, painting and coating can be a lot more than simple up-keep. In a retail setting, the appearance of a structure can a have a direct impact on the amount of business the facility is able to attract. If the current maintenance budget cannot support a painting project, perhaps the marketing budget could.

Changing the Contracting Process
As a commercial painting budget solution, changing the contracting process may seem like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. However, the savings from a new way of administering contracts can be significant, especially if your facility does a lot of outsourcing.
Many large organizations adapt a job order contracting system (JOC ) to handle their contracting process. A JOC system is a type of indefinite demand and indefinite quantity contracting system which relies of pre-defined base prices for services. Contractors bid by multiplying the base prices by a selected co-efficient.

JOC systems are often used by schools, government agencies and other organizations to streamline their contracting process. The real savings come from reduced advertising costs, reduced administrative needs, and a quicker RFP to finished project time. According to a white paper published by Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc., the savings associated with a JOC system can be up to 21 percent of standard costs.

The advantage of a JOC system is that once in place to cover a painting project, the system is equally applicable to virtually every other outsourced aspect of facilities budgeting. However, if you are not currently using a JOC system, you should strongly consider hiring an expert consultant to help you implement the program.

Final Words
Facility budgets are not likely to increase anytime soon, so creative solutions are a must to find room in the budget for commercial painting, construction and maintenance projects. In the end, whether your company chooses purpose driven spending or changing the contracting process, the ability to establish a companywide logical decision-making process and get management buy-in is critical to the company's success in managing your commercial painting budget.

Zero Based Budgeting

The concept of zero based budgeting was introduced in 1960. The concept was initially used for some government and business organizations and more recently has increased attention. Zero based budgeting is a budget-planning procedure for the reevaluation of an organization's program and expenditures.

It requires each manager to justify the entire budget request in detail and places the burden of proof on the manager to justify why authorization to spend any money at all should be granted. It starts with the assumption that zero will be spent on each activity-thus the term "zero base". What a manager is already spending is not accepted as starting point. Managers are asked to prepare for each activity or operation under their control a "decision package" that includes an analysis of cost, purpose alternative course of action, measure of performance, sequences of not performing the activity, and benefits. The zero based budgeting approach asserts that in building the budget from zero, two types of alternative should be considered by managers: (1) different ways of performing the same activity and (2) different levels of effort in performing the activity.

Success in implementing zero based budgeting requires linkage of zero based budgeting to the long range planning process, sustained support and commitment from executive management, innovation among the managers who makeup the budget decision packages, sale of the procedure to people must perform the work necessary to keep the concept vigorous. Sound budgeting procedure should always require a careful evaluation of all operating facts each time the budget is prepared. There fore the zero based budgeting procedure is new and unique mainly in approach rather than in basic planning and control philosophy.

Budgeting For the American Single-Mom

Being a single parent myself I know how difficult it can be to budget money, especially when you have hardly any coming in. However, it can be done. These are the things that have been working for me and I am sure there will be something here for you as well.

First of all you have to have at least a general idea of what is going out compared to what is coming in. Take a look at your monthly (or weekly expenses if that's easier for you), what is going out towards rent, utilities, groceries, clothing, cigarettes, coffee, school lunches, etc. It will be a tedious task but really getting specific with this once will save you so much agony in the end. Next look at what you have coming in; now you don't have to count every penny, if you have a family member that sends you money on occasion or a small bonus at work don't count that - it will be a welcomed surprise when you least expect it.

When I first did this I found that I had just over $200 every month that I had to pay out which could not be accounted for in my income. I was magically having to come up with an extra $200 every single month, I must have been doing it but I don't know how. So don't be surprised if this happens to you at first.

Once you have these basic elements in place you can take a real and bracing look at just where your finances stand. The next step is two-fold; first see if there is anything that can be taken away, while at the same time thinking about where you could get some help. You would be surprised how much money you may be sending on your morning coffee alone - you don't have to give it up, you could make it at home. Another priceless piece of information is that there are MANY community based, state and federal programs set-up to help single parents; things like childcare assistance, assistance with transportation and school lunch costs, your kids may even be eligible to eat breakfast for free at school. You could see of your local Department of Employment and Training offers free or discounted bus passes, talk to your schools, any local Community Action Counsels, and don't be ashamed to apply for state subsidized childcare - these programs a generally better than the others as they are required to stand up against strict government and state regulations. There is some leg work involved but it is worth it!

The trick to a lasting and realistic budget is actually simple. See what you have compared to what you need, gather local resource information, and ask for help.

End of the Year Budgeting

I think almost all of us feel the budget stresses of this time of year. I think we should really think before we speak. Sure we all love our family and friends, but some time maybe we need really think before we commit ourselves to certain things, i.e. presents, friend and visits. These stresses can cause some people to take there lives. Think about it, if you visited Aunt Jane last month, do you really need to make another visit, perhaps within a month's time.

I suggest we be careful with our commitments. Maybe we should think about our budget first. But, I sometime get caught up in the moment and have made many commitments in the years pass that I should have definitely thought about first. If we set a budget for this time of year and try to stick to it maybe we will do a little better financially. Commitments are a serious thing. We all try to honor our word even if it means we may suffer a little down the line.

Once you have made a commitment, don't give up on your budget. Don't say well i might as well go crazy now. We still need to maintain some kind of control. We can still be reasonable but practical. I am not saying to be cheap, but to get the best for your money. Shop around if you have too. I remember hearing a lady saying she has to feel like she is getting a bargain. This can make the whole experience more fun; looking for the sales.

Lastly, try to have fun, it not about money, presents or visits. Some time it is just about being alive to see about day. It is fun also fun to visiting friends and family and sometime sharing a good meal and tell old stories. The point is to enjoy yourself, that's the main message I want to leave with you.

Personal Budgeting

Constant changes in our lifestyle and overgrowing dependence on credit cards and bank loans are creating havoc in our personal income management, and the best way to avoid falling into a debt trap is to start personal budgeting. It is a way for an individual to effectively manage his money without having to worry about his future.

A personal budget can be defined as a financial plan that sets limits on the amount of money that an individual would spent on each category in a given month. A good budget takes into account factors such as the total income of an individual or family, any outstanding debt, savings for retirement and funds for emergencies.

One can start personal budgeting by tracking monthly spending, and should try to account for every dollar spent. At the end of each day, one should write down a list of expenditures on a piece of paper or a spreadsheet. However, each personal budget should be made with the primary motive of saving money. Budgeting can help pull down one’s credit card debt. Regardless of the goal, the budget should be primarily aimed at spending money intelligently, so that each dollar is worth its value.

The most important step in financial planning and budgeting is to be realistic and stick to the plans made. Another aspect is to adjust the budget so that one does not give up on the process.

In the end, budgeting helps an individual to save for a better future and meet the goals of financial freedom, debt-free living, and a comfortable retirement.

How Budgeting Can Change Your Life

Introduction

Budgeting is by far one of the most under utilised tools for helping individuals to pursue a more stress free and enjoyable lifestyle. This article explores how budgeting can improve your life helping you regain control of your finances and offers some practical suggestions to get started.

What is a budget?

Before we examine how budgeting can improve your life we first need to briefly understand the concept. Budgeting is simply a means of planning how you will spend your finances by writing it down. The idea often strikes fear into many people for the simple reason that many of us don't have a good overview of what we spend, where we spend it and why. Helping to unravel and understand these simple questions can help place an individual firmly back in control of their finances and is very liberating.

I have prepared some basic information about how budgeting can improve your life based upon my experiences of working with individuals at all levels of society, who have experienced debt problems.

1. Feel in control of your finances.

Impulsive buying is perhaps one of the biggest enemies of sound financial control and can leave people feeling stressed, anxious and depressed when they later realise that they are unable to keep up repayments. The most stressed person can appear visibly relieved after just spending an hour preparing a detailed monthly budget. Whilst the budget itself may not resolve the difficulties they face it can highlight areas where spending habits need to change and enables an individual to think about their financial circumstances and understand that they can regain control.

Practical step: Spend an hour now to produce your own monthly budget, there is an excellent template available for free at via Microsoft, see the resources links at the end of this article

2. Improved Relationships

When individuals are feeling stressed and anxious about their financial circumstances one of the first things to suffer are relationships with a spouse, partner or family and friends. Creating a clear monthly budget plan can improve these significantly because the individual concerned feels more in control of their circumstances and has a clear plan of action to remedy the situation. This often results in them feeling more relaxed as a result and more able to spend time maintaining important relationships.

Practical Step: Consider getting the whole family involved in planning the monthly budget. This can be a great way of everyone feeling involved in the household financial matters and also take ownership for spending decisions. It is also a superb way of teaching children the value of money and help them to develop their own good budgeting habits in the future.

3. Improved Savings and Investments

If an individual is able to identify spending habits that are unhelpful or extravagant as a result of producing a monthly budget then this can often result in that money being put to better use. For example if an individual regularly spends $4 a day buying a coffee from Starbucks on their way to work, this equates to $60 a month. A budget plan may identify this as a poor use of money (or it may not!) and cause a change in the person's spending habits.

Practical Step: Perhaps in future you could wait until you get to work before having a free coffee. This $60 could then be placed into savings and/or investments to secure your financial future. $60 over 12 months is $720 a year.

4. Improved Health

The effect stress and anxiety can have on the body is hugely negative. Constant worries and concerns over a prolonged period combined with poor diet are proven to be significant risk factors to heart attacks, which is the singular largest cause of death in the developed world. Preparing a monthly budget places an individual back in control of their finances, which in turn can lead to lower stress levels and an improved lifestyle.

Yummy Great American Seafood Recipe

I have always loved eating at fast food chains even before. The taste of American foods stuck in me that I want to munch on any of them every now and then. As I was searching for great American recipe to cook at home, I stumbled upon www.GreatAmericanSeafoodCookOff.com which states that, "Enter to Win". Of course, I got interested and wondered if I could also join the contest. It's so easy though by casting your vote for your favorite recipe.

My interest become intense when I read through a list of great American seafood recipes. I told myself that it's so timely since I was really looking for a yummy dish for dinner. And voila! I found the right one to satisfy my taste as well as the whole family. It's what you call as the "Texas Gulf Shrimp," a recipe of Chef Mark Holley. As you all know, I love the taste of shrimp especially the big ones from one province here in Bicol.

Yep, I always go for the seafoods than meat. So if I were to choose, I'd more likely have seafood dish than fatty meaty ones. Aside from it's healthy for the family, the taste is no doubt to be excellent. I won't miss cooking this recipe. The ingredients is so easy to find. I was even attracted of the way it was presented so I guess just by looking at it, I know how much my family would crave for it. I might also add something to make it more yummylicious.

So gals and guys out there, let's take time for cook off. I know you always have the heart for foods. Why not grab the chance of visiting the site just like what I did? It's something that your family would remember everytime, bragging you to cook for more even everyday.

Oops! Before you do the cook off, take time to vote for your favorite recipe as it will give you a chance of winning the New Orleans prize package. Goodluck to all of us!

Happy seafood munching!

How To Make $50 Last 10 Days

How many times has someone advised you to budget your money? Managing a budget doesn't sound fun; however, neither does starving!

So how can you make your funds last longer? It's easier to manage your money and live within a budget than have to run all over campus trying to remember from whom you borrowed cash.

Instead of thinking about how much $50 can buy you and what to spend it on, think about making that money do the work for you. Try taking this challenge with a friend and see who can most effectively and efficiently manage $50 in 10 days.

Girls love guys who know how to manage their money wisely. Instead of buying video games and complaining they are too broke to go out, they are able afford a dinner and movie with friends on a weekend.

Guys love girls who don't blow their budget on a weekend shopping spree. As a budgeting college student in my third year at Colorado State University, I have experienced the benefits of learning to manage money. I have also tried the $50 money management challenge on my own.

Meals: Food is expensive, especially if you are eating fast food or dining out all the time. It's the 1 o'clock in the morning pizza delivery and that quick snack at the student center that can eat a hole in your wallet. Set aside $20-$25 for your 10 days and go to the grocery store.

Save big bucks by shopping with a list of items that you need. Using the local grocery store savings card, which is free to sign up for, gives you lots of deals. Start buying generic brands when you go to the store; this will help you save some money.

Clipping coupons might seem like a tedious task, but if it saves you $5 at the store, it will allow you to chip in for that 1 a.m. pizza on a Friday night. It's the 8 a.m. class that causes you to run to Starbucks for that $2.50 cup of chai tea. You can get 10 cups of chai tea every morning for the same amount if you made it at home. Understand that you can't cut out all your wants. But try going to Starbucks just once a week instead.

With $25 here is what I did. I bought things that would last for a couple of weeks and were easy to make, like pasta for dinner and sandwich stuff for lunch, but the Snickers bar at the checkout line was a buy I had to make. Nutrition is important, but if Raman Noodles sounds good for dinner one night, then stock up on that six-for-a-$1 deal.

Gasoline: A car is a big part of a college student's life. Set aside $10 for gas for your car in those 10 days. I know what you're thinking: $10 won't fill up your car, but it's not supposed to.

Shop around for gas prices; don't go to the first gas station you see. Research different gas prices, and then go to the least expensive. Earlier this year in Northern Colorado, prices were up to 12 cents higher per gallon at some stations than at others. It doesn't seem like much, but it can make a difference over time.

Use the car only for necessities like getting to and from work. Walk to school, take the local bus and catch a ride home with someone when going home for those needed weekends. A car should be seen as a last resort. If it's too far to walk, or the snow is past your knees, then drive.

Entertainment: Universities and college towns are famous for offering great entertainment at low prices. All you need is $15 to make the weekend worth your while. Use your student ID card for a free ticket to a Friday night football or basketball game.

For your Saturday night, rent a video for $4 instead of going to the movies for $8. However, if you just have to go to that new Adam Sandler movie, bring your student ID and get a discount.

Share a drink for $3 with your date; it's more romantic anyway. Free concerts and school productions make for a fun evening without having to spend any money. These types of events are advertised in your college campus newspaper, or even the local newspaper that you can use for free at the library. Get a group together and see what events are being held on campus.

Keep in mind that money management equals resource management. Budgeting can prevent you from having to munch on stale potato chips when your food money runs out early. Don't spend the last two months of the semester scanning the sidewalks for loose change.

You Had Me at Hello

It’s been weeks of waiting for the most-awaited movie of the year. Yes, whether it’s a suspense thriller movie or a love story, you can always count me in. I love every single line muttered by the characters especially this line, “You had me at hello…” Have you heard this line? Well, the line can really tickle one of us especially those who can relate to the story.

And I’ve got good news to movie freaks like me. You got to watch the Ultimate Flirting Championship where you’ll get to know more about the famous Victory Hair.

Don’t miss your chance of watching all these by logging in at www.VO5VictoryHair.com. You could also play the Extreme Style by VO5 Ultimate Flirting Championship.

When you do, would you mind to tell us how the play went on? You might also want to share your experience at the Championship.

10 Random Things About Me

Here's the rule for this tag:

Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment ("You're it") and ask them to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you.

Now, here's my list:

1. I am a work-at-home mom now, doing three roles everyday: freelancer, nanny, housekeeper

2. I always love to be busy, especially if it gives me more "moolah", lolz!

3. I have a sweet tooth...name it, and I'll surely bite them all! yummy!

4. My heart is for the unfortunate ones so I feel like helping whenever I have much for myself.

5. I am a detail-oriented person, so expect me to have my documents and stuffs organized, even important conversation saved in a file. (ebidenxa!)

6. I am friendly, but B-E-W-A-R-E! When I get hurt, I won't let it pass until I get even (An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth) Sorry...

7. I am a dreamer...I want to be a CPA, Interior Designer, Web Designer, Lawyer and NBI agent, but my ultimate dream is to become R-I-C-H!!!

8. I got pregnant at the age of 20 to a cute and smart 'lil boy. I love you my prince!

9. I am uber meticulous when it comes to the tiniest detail at home. I want everything to be organized, arranged in a way that satisfies my eyes, even curtains should flow into place, etc.

10. I may be merciful, but not to arrogant peeps! As long as I am RIGHT, I won't allow you to step on me, ever!

Key to Success: Cisco Certification

I have made a plan of going back to college before I tender my resignation from the previous company I have worked with. My purpose is to finish a degree as I also want to prove that I may have incurred so many failures back then, but I am still here standing with my own two feet.

Since I already had taken two courses before, first was Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Midwifery and next was Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in English, I want to make sure that this time I would be taking a course that is really of my interest and where my passion really lies.

But the problem is I have so many likes, leaving me confused as to what I would really have to take up. Until now that the classes had already started a month ago, I am still here confused and am not yet decided on what to take up. I found myself enjoying the things I am doing right now, which is earning dollars out of being online the whole day and night. What really caught my interest? Well, it’s the amount that pays off my no-sweat work everyday and it all revolves in IT industry.

Although I’m already earning a decent income out of what I am doing, I can’t help to envy those who are working like me in the same site. Why? It’s because they are skilled and certified professionals of IT. Not just that, their rate is far higher than mine. So I have been considering to also get a Cisco certification so I will also be able to compete with them with no hesitations.

Exhausted

It's been a busy day for me again. I am so tired and sleepy...I wish I could cuddle my pillows anytime tonight. But since I've got tons of work to do I have to widen my eyes a little bit more. Arrrgghhhh!!! Anyhow, I am getting used to this so not a problem, really.

Alright, need to continue this stuff before my boss caught me up wandering here hahaha! Goodnight peeps!

Transform your Eyewear

Have you ever done something creative with the way you look? It’s not a tough one though because even the simplest detail that you wear, you can make it turn out into something cool and fashionable. So what do you often wear that makes you look so dull and ordinary? Your eyewear, for instance, can make your face look blank and bored. But that can be transformed into cool and relaxing look when you get the Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni. I tell you, Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses are a must-have these trendy days. So don’t lose hope; now is your chance so go and read the Zenni Optical was on FOX news!.

Direct Mailing List

Both customers and marketers do have their ultimate goal and that is satisfaction. In the case of the marketer, its goal aside from satisfaction is definitely “success” to whatever the objective of the business is. But it goes hand in hand with satisfaction, the satisfaction to see to it that every customer is satisfied with the service that you render. Hence, a marketer will never exist if without a customer. So how are you going to bridge a gap between you and your prospect customers then?

In that case, a direct mailing list is the tool used in this kind of business. This turns out to be a telemarketing list which multiplies in the long run, and so as a marketer with people to handle your interaction with your prospect customers, telemarketing lists is certainly what you need.

Sell House Privately

Home sellers use techniques to sell houses as quick as they can, it’s what they call a housing market tanking. To attract home buyers they have to devise new strategies. One of which you might find funny, but could definitely be an effective way is baking a gingerbread or buying one prior to the buyer’s house visit. Now you may ask what it has to do with the selling of the house. As we all know, freshly baked cookies along with a ginger bread can add aroma to the value of the house once a prospective buyer get a smell of it. You see, smell bidding is the key there.

Anyway, going back to the selling of house, some of you want to sell house privately. As to the question if whether or not you will go to do a trade in or sell the house yourself, it’s all up to you to decide. You just have to be aware that a little effort can still go a long way in increasing the perceived value of your house for sale. When selling house privately, you have to know all the tactics for a quick and wise sell.

At www.sellhousenow.com.au, it will help you get ideas on how you can easily get a buyer of your house. You may want to start cleaning the entire interior and exterior of the house, vacuum the floor if necessary, shampoo the carpets and all. Before you make it available for house visiting, make sure that you’ve done the needed house repairs so as not to get a negative impression from a buyer. You see, it has a similarity to a show room, showing off the best things of your house that whoever get to see it, both the interior and exterior of the house will gasp with awe and at the end would ask for the necessary contract signing to close a deal. It’s pretty easy, and you can do it privately if you wish.

Fuentes for Free

I consider myself as a person with good visual passion, anything that can be seen by my naked eyes appreciate beauty and can also tell what’s not good to see. In other words, I am fond of artistic visual crafts, be it on paper or digital thing, I always go for it. Before when I was just a young girl, I’d do different strokes in a sheet of bond paper, following the different fonts shown in the book. I did that all over again and even applied the skills in making my school projects. All in all, I am always happy and satisfied with the outcome.

And now that digital artistry is prevalent these days, I am grabbing the chance to be always up-to-date. Yes, I also love doing some arts through the use of computer and I am thankful enough that all these digital ideas become possible. That won’t happen if not for the great and talented Webmasters who shared their knowledge and skills to come up with anything that other people will love and fond of.

Using proxys, these talented individuals were able to create different and definitely one of a kind Fuentes. There are almost 31k fonts available for free downloads. At first, when you open their service, you might think that it’s only offered for Spanish people, which isn’t true since it can also be availed by anyone and that’s for free.

Best USA Entertainment

There was a time when I was chatting with hubby’s aunt at the porch. She shared me more stories of her escapades, of her staying single and all. I learned that she is enjoying her life, shopping almost every week, traveling to different countries, and she even shared her USA Online Gambling experience and definitely she’s so excited to tell me more about it. I got so many questions, like how USA Online Casino differ from others. Right then, I told myself that someday I will also try to play in the USA Online Casinos. I searched for it online and it even made me more excited to finally play there.

Consolidate Debt

Economic status has always been my concern since then. Perhaps, it all started when our family suffered from poverty when I was just a kid. Although my brother and I were sent to a private school since grade school, it won’t deny the fact that both of my parents did incur debts just to let us finish our schooling from grade school to high school.

I must therefore say that we were able to go to a good school because of debt. But I’m still proud of my parents, most especially to my mom who did all her best despite their economic status just to provide us with the best education that I can honestly say, worth it.

And now that I am a mother to a two-year-old kid who will be schooling next year, I really have to start saving for his future. Incurring debt is definitely the least thing that I would turn to for his education. I always wanted to be debt-free as it gives me a peace of mind. I know it’s difficult to deal with number of debts. But you need not lose hope if this is also bothering you as there are credit consolidation and debt consolidation that are now available to help you settle with all your debts. Asking help from a debt consolidator is one way to finally help you be free from debt.

I bet no one wishes to forever suffer from debt. So if you are one who can’t find any means of freeing from it, here’s a good deal for you. You better check on it as soon as you realized that there’s really something to back you up. If you are afraid of its availability, you have nothing to worry about because this is offered nationwide. Credit counseling agencies are just around to help you understand everything about incurring debts, and how to become free from it. You will also learn that consolidating debt will help reduce the interest rates, and hopefully, improve your quality life living with your family.

Students Ongoing Top 10 Expenses

Additional tuition, student fees:

• Rent
• Telephone
• Electricity, gas, water
• Cable TV
• Personal property insurance
• Groceries, cleaning supplies, toiletries
• Clothing
• Longer term investments
• Semblance of a life

Err on the side of things costing more than you think. Review your budget on a monthly basis. It's not cast in stone; it's intended to help manage income and spending. Catch and correct bad spending habits, and pat yourself on the back for the good ones. It may sound cheesy, but these are good lessons to learn for life.

First Month's Top 10 Expenses

• Tuition, student fees
• Moving expenses
• First month's rent/deposit
• Telephone connection charge
• Electricity, gas, water connection charge
• Cable TV connection charge
• Personal property insurance
• Groceries, cleaning supplies
• Furniture
• Unexpected Expenses

Keep receipts from all your moving expenses, as you may be able to deduct them from employment income taxes or award money that you receive.

Budgeting Tips for Students

Yikes! Who knew life could be so expensive? Tuition, books, school supplies accommodation, food, even a fragment of a LIFE. It's crazy how much it can cost! But, if you budget carefully, you can pull it off. Remember, it's been done before - it can be done again.

Living la vida local

Besides living at home, on-campus residence is generally the least costly form of accommodation, and often includes some sort of meal plan.

A view to a room

Some students prefer to live off-campus renting an apartment, room, or a house. Sharing with one or more roommates is a great way to minimize your living expenses. Most colleges and universities have bulletin boards in the Student Union or other key locations advertising various kinds of accommodation. You should also check the student and local newspapers that are sure to run classified ads for rental accommodation.

The laws of the land

Some landlords may require you to fill out an application. Once they agree to rent to you they may request first and last month's rent. You might find it beneficial to check with your provincial housing offices, tenants association or on-campus housing service to learn both landlord and tenant rights. Make sure you find out if utilities are included with your rent - and get it in writing. If they are not, then remember to budget for them.

The laws of the home

Make sure all roommates co-sign the lease and contribute to any deposits. It's also a good idea to have a written agreement that spells out each person's financial obligations and the sharing of chores.

Nesting bills

If utilities are not included with your rent, a one-time installation fee may be charged - same with a new phone line.

If you can bring furniture from home into an unfurnished accommodation, that would be great. For good furniture deals, try garage sales, Goodwill or Salvation Army, or other second hand furniture shops.

Insurance is something to consider if you own property of value including furniture, appliances, a computer, electronics, etc. Before buying insurance, check with your family to see if their home insurance policy can be extended to cover your possessions.

A tale of two budgets

The first month of student life may be the costliest. There are moving expenses, installation charges, and all kinds of other surprises. Figure on laying out a lot of money in one shot. During the academic year, there will be ongoing costs including rent, utility and service bills, food, clothing, and life. Review your income sources (savings, awards, loans, employment income) and the expenses you anticipate to help you create a reasonable budget. It's homework of a sort, but it's one of those good habits to develop that will let you to focus on your studies.

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Stream Energy Business

News updates has been changing once in a while. But I was caught up by the news on a certain electrical energy provider issue versus the government which has been aired on T.V. for a week already and still hadn’t stopped. As for the latest update on this issue, a famous celebrity actress is unintentionally involved when she grabbed an infomercial offer, explaining about the electricity provider’s side. And the mass people are reacting against it.

And so, some of the authorities have warned the people behind the infomercial to stop it or it will only result to something worst and that they will make some drastic moves regarding the informercial.

It is really something to take seriously these days. If only these people involved that there is actually a great way to solve this problem. And that is when they come to know that a certain electric company business opportunity from which they can find the solution to their needs just to be able to solve the problem that is bothering us all nowadays. This is not like any other mlm opportunity because this is actually what they call as the stream energy business.

So what’s more interesting about this energy business alternative for us is its various benefits that we could enjoy should we get a chance to use it than the previous energy provider we usually get. Here, you are able to earn at the same time consume energy according to your daily needs at home or even in offices. And unlike any other energy provider, this one has a low-cost energy supply to offer us all while helping us get an opportunity to earn from it. If you need further details regarding this, you may visit the site and hopefully, we can all get to enjoy it soon.

Brand Loyalty

A Must-Read Web Hosting Reviews

Are you actually looking for the best award winning hosting companies? Why look far when you can actually find the best hosting websites available online? Yes, you read it right. There are actually tons of Web Hosting Reviews that you can read and all of which are pertaining to the best hosting websites.

Have you heard about Hostgator? I heard it for several times already and one thing that I can say about is that it is indeed outstanding. As a matter of fact, Hostgator has been chosen to be the hosting company for the month of October this year 2008. Why not when it has actually the best features to offer. A 600 GB disk space and 6000 GB Bandwidth as well as its ability to host unlimited domains are definitely what many people are looking for in a web hosting service.

Want to read more? You may want to read the Hostgator Review and be astounded of more detailed information you will be reading from there. Now you are satisfied. If not yet, you may also read more Startlogic Review for another set of best hosting offers you might wish to enjoy just like many others have been enjoying for years already.

Play and Win

Wondering what keeps me busy for the past few days? You won’t believe it but I have been into playing casinos. No, I don’t go out just to play that game. I am just sitting here on my couch, hanging on the online casino site. Yes, you heard it right, online casinos are can be found on the internet with lots of exciting casino games available for all of us. Come and join me in trying our luck to win more bucks and have a whole lot fun experience.

Lessen Your Expenses; Save More

These Tips On Budgeting will help you control the most important part of your family financial program...outgo. Almost all financial problems are due to outgo, not income. If you feel you have an income problem, go to Job Search Employment Tips. Chances are, even if it seems you don't make enough, the problem is outgo. This is very good news! Why? I'm glad you asked! It's good news because you can control outgo. That's what this page is all about. We'll show you some tips and tricks that make it easier to control your spending, pay down debt, and save for those big things in your future. Here is a list of the top-selling Family Budget Software.

What Is A Budget? A budget is a spending plan that includes everything you will spend money on. A good budget is a spending plan that includes everything you will spend money on and stays within your income. A wise budget includes everything you will spend money on, savings for a 'rainy day', savings for large purchases, giving, savings for kids, and investment for retirement and still stays within your income. I suspect the wise budget is a bit over the top for you if you're new to budgeting. Caution! No matter how detailed your spending plan is, if it does not include everything you spend money on, or, if it does not address where you will get the money to cover all your expenses, it is not a budget. These Personal Finance Books may help you plan your money and execute your plan.

Why Budget? I suspect you already know why or you wouldn't be reading this. If we don't budget, we lose control of our expenses and can't even figure out where the money went. Worse, yet...we can't figure out where we'll get the money to cover that big bill we forgot was coming. If you have trouble committing to or staying within a budget, take a look at Compulsive Shopping Addiction.

Tips On Budgeting:

Budgeting Tip 1: Get the whole picture. Start by collecting all checking account and credit card statements for the last year. Collect all cash receipts for the last month (or next month if you don't do this). Don't forget cash spent on co-payments, mocha's, haircuts, etc. Now collect all receipts for financial contributions to charity, including Girl Scout cookies, etc. Collect all pay stubs, deposit receipts, etc.
Budgeting Tip 2: Record the whole picture. Use all the stuff you collected to record a 'picture' of what you spent last year (use a pencil and have a big eraser on hand. You can print and use our Family Budget Worksheet to make this job easier. Don't be surprised if this takes a lot of time with a calculator and scratch paper.

Budgeting Tip 3: Check off the lines on your documents as you account for them in a budget item. That way you don't put the same thing in more than one item and you don't forget anything.

Budgeting Tip 4: Formulas:
Convert regular weekly pay to monthly: Weekly Pay x 4.333 = Monthly Pay
Convert bi-weekly pay to monthly: Bi-Weekly Pay x 2.167 = Monthly Pay
Convert annual totals to monthly amounts by dividing the total by 12.

Budgeting Tip 5: The Family Bills For Monthly Expenses part of the Worksheet is just for regular monthly bills, savings and investment. If insurance, for instance, is billed monthly, it would go here.

Budgeting Tip 6: If the insurance, however, is billed less often than monthly, the total annual amount would be divided by 12, and that number would be listed in the Impound Budget For Non-Monthly Expenses. Don't forget to list the month it's due to be paid. This 'Impound' section is a powerful and unique tool to save monthly for all your annual expenses and avoid those nasty surprises.

Budgeting Tip 7: Include everything you regularly pay cash for in the Cash Budget-Monthly section.

Budgeting Tip 8: After you total everything, you may be surprised to discover your expenses are larger than your income. This is normal, I'm sad to say. The amount your expenses exceed your income is the amount you add to your credit cards and other consumer credit balances every month. Note: When I did this the first time I discovered I was spending $ 250 more than my income each month. If your income is larger than your expenses, the difference is the amount you can add to savings, etc.

Budgeting Tip 9: Review your budget worksheet to see if you can spot any errors, to try and find areas where you feel your spending is excessive, and to consider if any expenses (maintenance, insurance, taxes, etc.) will increase over the next year...make necessary adjustments and re-total.

Budgeting Tip 10: Make sure you keep a savings balance for a "rainy day" that matches 6 months of your net income. After you've accumulated that, you can begin investing and buying some of those things you just want.

Budgeting Tip 11: Giving or donating is as important as paying a bill. Give this a try! You should have an amount designated on your family budget for giving. Even if you don't take part in a regular charity or church giving program, make giving part of your budget. There is a great deal of evidence, from 2,900 years ago right up to the present, that what you give comes back to you multiplied. Do it for a year and see what happens.

Call for Password

Netrepreneurship has become famous these days. And even I make it as my business at the moment. Who wouldn’t be when it can really make me more money just by sitting here in front of my computer? But to make it easier for us, say I have restricted contents on my blogs or websites, I would only give access to those who will get to purchase password by call.

This may sound strange to you, so better read on as it can surely help you make your business a success. How? Your restricted contents can be accessed once a user purchased the password by calling at passwordbycall.com. For webmasters, in every call, you get to earn $10.00 already. What more when a multiple of callers purchase a password in a day. Now you seemed so interested and excited. So what are you waiting for? Use those restricted contents for your business by letting them call for the password and voila! It would cause you more and more money.

It’s so easy when you start visiting the site. It won’t hurt if you consider this to be a part of your online business, right? In fact, it will give you a great deal of hassle-free transactions with your customers.

Men's Lifestyle

Men and women have their own differences. As for the mens lifestyle, men enjoy the company of their fellow men, with alcoholic drinks and cigarettes in front of them and of course, with beautiful ladies around them. But do you know that part of their lifestyle is watching funny videos? Yes, you read it right. Men are fond of watching videos like that. They love to laugh aloud and that serve to be an appetite booster to their jam. Most of the time, watching funny videos isn’t just for men alone. Even women are also fond of watching them at their leisure time. And it feels great to enjoy watching them as videos like these fill everybody’s day with laughter. As the adage goes, “Laughter is the best medicine,” actually works in a person the moment you start laughing just by watching a funny video.

If you are a man and part of your lifestyle is watching funny videos, then you may wish to visit bush league for a lot more funny videos to make your day a wonderful funny day. Check it out soon for endless laughter you’ll surely enjoy.

Hubby Had to Leave for 3 Days

Hubby woke me up early this morning to prepare for his trip. He'll be attending a meeting with his boss, coordinator and his co-auditors all over Luzon. He was told days ago about the meeting and all the while we thought that the meeting will only take a day. But just this morning when his boss texted him to bring clothes for a 2-day meeting. Sigh! I'll miss him as much as Bendyk will miss him. He'll meet my bro. at Philtranco, Cubao tonight. Hope they can have some clean fun hahaha!

How we wish we could come with him, stroll around the malls in Metro Manila, especially the newest tourist spot, Manila Ocean Park. But because of our tight budget, we just have to wait for his next trip to Manila. Hayyzzz! I miss Manila, the huge malls, the heavy traffic, gigantic buildings especially the sweat-free elevators, the busy street vendors, and the like.

Soon, I'll be coming home, Manila, Manila...hahaha! napakanta na, lolz! Anyway, I hope and pray that hubby may have a safe trip to and fro Manila. While Bendyk and I are left here but tonight and the following night, hubby's cousin will be staying here with us.

We'll miss you hubby! See yah soon...mwah!

Not Feeling Well, sniff! sniff!

I can finally get in touch with my techie-buddy again. I can't live without this hahaha! Exaj! Anyway, this will just be a quick post 'cause I'm not feeling well today. You see, yesterday until midnight I was busy packing and unpacking our stuffs. As what I have mentioned in my previous post, we had our "lipat-bahay" scene again, arrrgghhh! Yea, t'was tiring. And during times like that, I needed my techie-buddy to back me up, soothe my fingers and vision to help me get back into my normal state. Whew! Relocation, relocation, relocation would mean another set of expenditures. And I just hate it especially when I already paid for my internet broadband connection and yet I still have to pay for the relocation fee.

Oh man! What's going on here?! Alright let's just forget all the troubles of life these days. The important thing is, I am settling everything one step at a time. So there, I went to Smart Wireless Centre although it was raining, paid for the relocation fee, and woooaaahh! I just hate it when I get too excited, and upon learning that I had to wait for 3 days to 1 week for them to set everything up...What are you talking about miss?! I dragged myself in that wireless center amidst the rain and you were telling me that I had to wait that long?! Pa*sy*t!

Well, God still loves me. Kuya, the tech support of Smart Wireless Centre who came over here early in the morning got back to help me out of this trouble. I hate waiting for days just to restore my broadband connection. So at last! I finally have with me my techie-buddy's internet! Yipee! Need to cuddle my pillow now. I badly needed a nap 'cause my head is aching and in just a while I think I'll be suffering from colds and flu. Sniff! Sniff! Blame it to the rain! Sigh!

Searching for a House for Rent

The whole day was spent searching for a house for rent. Yea I know, I know, public transportation is on strike today and will end til midnight. But the eagerness to find a new haven for us makes me hard-headed again. Well, we've been searching for a studio-type to rent for almost 2 days already. A studio-type home because it'll only be Bendyk, hubby and me who will be staying there. We're not that big to occupy the entire space at home so it'll be more practical to choose a not-so-big home.

But we didn't find any at Barriada so even if it's raining, hubby and I walked straight to Our Lady's Village, wishing to finally find a studio-type home. You see, we have to leave this house even though it's so big and fully furnished for us. There are just some people who are so "makakapal" to stay here even if they are not welcome anymore. These two people do wear thick faces to stick and stay here despite the fact that I am sending them away of this house since they aren't actually renting here and the fact that the woman is supposed to be with her kids whom she left at her mom's custody which I just knew days ago. And worst, mom is the one feeding them since the man has no more job. D'oh! Well, mom can't send them away 'cause she's always the hospitable woman I know. Arrrggghhh! It's a different story! So better get out of this house before I blow fire again! I am trying to hold my temper, but staying here for a few more days would certainly provoke me to give them a new set of hit! Darn! Uber sa kapal!

How I wish we could have our home which we can call our own. Sigh! When will riches knock on us? I just wish hubby can already have his promised house and lot from her aunt. Well, it'll take two more years I guess and it'll be in a faraway land, right within the vicinity of their farm-resort in Silang, Cavite. Waaah! Super layo naman nun sa kabihasnan. ==> : (

But we need a home now. And I mean it ASAP. Luckily, as we walked through Our Lady's Village today, we found that "House 4 Rent" posted on the tree. And good thing, the landlord as well as his family is hospitable to let us rent the house. It wasn't actually a big one as compared to this house we currently stay in. I guess it's only half of the size of this house. But it's already good for us. It has 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining space, and comfort room. We also have our own small gate and the windows have screens and grills. And the monthly rent, which is 2,500php is not that expensive so it'll be easy on our pocket. Practicality has to be with us these days especially that the prices of products and even services are gradually increasing to our dismay.

So tomorrow will be another "lipat-bahay" scene. Hayyyzz!

Extra Cash

Customer Service or Customer No Service

Happy 24th Birthday Hubby!!!

Today, May 8, 2008 is my hubby's birthday! Yipee! He's now 24 years old. Tumatanda ka na hubby nyahaha! So what's for today? Well, I was actually planing days before his birthday that we'll be having a simple pool party. It was actually a surprise gift from me. But since I've already talked to his cousins about the plan, they forgot to zip their mouth when hubby came home, arrrggghhh! I knew it from the start that he won't like it. He hate spending too much for himself, even if it's for his birthday. Sigh!

Anyway, I just gave him a new Puma sneakers as my gift. I hate his fave Chuck Taylor sneakers. Well, he likes my gift so no need to argue, lolz!

Mah gift for his 24th birthday...

So today, we'll just go out for a date (kiligar hahaha!) We decided to watch a movie at the theater, a 'lil shopping and dine out. I'll also buy him a cake so he can make a wish and blow his candle...Yey! And oh, a cake would be a good "pulutan" for tonight. Yes! We're going to celebrate here (yes, right here)...2 pairs of beer bottles will do, a lampshade on and with background music. Oh how romantic! I know he'll love it...

So till here for now peeps...I'll be having my date with hubby (kiligar nyahahaha!)
ciao!

A Lesson for a Lifetime

Le'mme share this very inspiring story with you peeps...

When I arrived at 6 a.m. in the large hospital kitchen, Rose was already checking name tags on the trays against the patient roster. Stainless steel shelves held rows of breakfast trays which we would soon be serving.

"Hi, I'm Janet." I tried to sound cheerful, although I already knew Rose's reputation for being impossible to work with. "I'm scheduled to work with you this week."

Rose, a middle-aged woman with graying hair, stopped what she was doing and peered over her reading glasses. I could tell from her expression she wasn't pleased to see a student worker.

"What do you want me to do? Start the coffee?"

Rose sullenly nodded and went back to checking name tags.

I filled the 40-cup pot with cold water and began making the coffee when Rose gruffly snapped, "That's not the way to make coffee." She stepped in and took over.

"I was just doing it the way our supervisor showed us to do it," I said in astonishment.

"The patients like the coffee better the way I do it," she replied curtly.

Nothing I did pleased her. All morning her eagle eyes missed nothing and her sharp words stung. She literally trailed me around the kitchen.

Later, after breakfast had been served and the dishes had been washed, I set up my share of trays for the next meal. Then I busied myself cleaning the sink. Certainly Rose couldn't criticize the way I did that.

When I turned around, there stood Rose, rearranging all of the trays I had just set up!

Totally exhausted, I trudged the six blocks home from the University of Minnesota Hospital late that June afternoon. As a third year university student working my way through school, I had never before encountered anyone like Rose.

Fighting back tears, I wrestled with my dilemma alone in my room. "Lord, what do you want me to do? I can't take much more of Rose."

I turned the possibilities over in my mind. Should I see if my supervisor would switch me to work with someone else? Scheduling was fairly flexible. On the other hand, I didn't want to be a quitter. I knew my older co-workers were watching to see if my actions matched my words.

The answer to my prayer caught me completely by surprise -- I needed to love Rose.

Love her? No way! Tolerate, yes, but loving her was impossible.

"Lord, I can't love Rose. You'll have to do it through me."

Working with Rose the next morning, I ignored the barbs thrown in my direction and did things Rose's way as much as possible to avoid friction. As I worked, I silently began to surround Rose with a warm blanket of prayers. "Lord, help me love Rose. Lord, bless Rose."

Over the next few days an amazing thing began to happen. As I prayed for this irritating woman, my focus shifted from what she was doing to me, and I started seeing Rose as the hurting person she was. The icy tension began to melt away.

Throughout the rest of the summer, we had numerous opportunities to work together. Each time she seemed genuinely happy to see me. As I worked with this lonely woman, I listened to her--something no one else had done.

I learned that she was burdened by elderly parents who needed her care, her own health problems, and an alcoholic husband she was thinking of leaving.

The days slipped by quickly as I finished the last several weeks of my summer job. Leaves were starting to turn yellow and red, and there was a cool, crispness in the air. I soon would be returning as a full-time university student.

One day, while I was working alone in one of the hospital kitchens, Rose entered the room. Instead of her blue uniform, she was wearing street clothes.

I looked at her in surprise. "Aren't you working today?"

"I got me another job and won't be working here no more," she said as she walked over and gave me a quick hug. "I just came to say good-bye." Then she turned abruptly and walked out the door.

Although I never saw Rose again, I still remember her vividly. That summer I learned a lesson I've never forgotten. The world is full of people like Rose--irritating, demanding, unlovable - yet hurting inside. I've found that love is the best way to turn an enemy into a friend.

"Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked."
Luke 6:35 NLT