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Recessionomics 101: How to Make Extra Money

2010-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

Job loss, tier credit and a renewed appreciation for savings is persuading more people to cut expenses.

But you can cut only so far. Two full years of recession have not left many unexamined family expenses. Meanwhile, prices -- from gasoline to utilities to food -- haven't fallen. And incomes, if you still have one, aren't exactly shooting through the roof. It's time to make some money.

Fortunately, there also are many ways to earn extra cash even when full-time jobs and extra shifts aren't an option. They include taking in boarders, starting a small business and getting paid for your opinion. Some of this work provides only a free meal and $10 fee but others, such as tutoring or selling Grandma's diamond broach, could be quite lucrative.

The key, according to Gail Cunningham, a spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, is to "find your skill or what you think would be fun to do." She says, for example, someone with computer skills may want to teach a class, install computers or create Web sites.

"Think about what are people willing to pay for," says Ms. Cunningham. "Who do you know and how can you leverage existing relationships." For example, does your dentist need someone to clean the office or does your accountant need someone to cater the Christmas party?

1. Sell It: One of the fastest and easiest ways to get extra cash is to sell unwanted and unused stuff. And it's never been easier to make hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You could post a few signs in the neighborhood and sell everything at a Saturday garage sale or you could try the online route with services such as eBay or Craigslist.

Linda Lightman first tried eBay more than 10 years ago because she wanted to help her sons get more for their old videogames. It was so easy that the former lawyer started selling her old suits. Then, friends asked her to sell theirs.

Today, shoplindasstuff.com has 50 employees and expects to reach $7 million in sales this year on eBay. "The economy has been the perfect storm for my business," Ms. Lightman says. "More people need cash, and more people are looking for bargains."

Auction houses also are a popular place to sell potentially valuable items. Alexander Eblen, head of the jewelry and fine timepieces department at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago, says people often don't realize the value of an old watch or grandmother's Art Deco jewelry. For example, a Tiffany broach recently sold for about $68,000.

Don't overlook some of the more mundane items, such as books and sports equipment. Many bookstores provide cash or store credits for "gently" used books. Similarly, stores like Play It Again Sports provide cash and store credits for gently used sports equipment. Check with local stores but they often need golf clubs, ice skates, lacrosse equipment and other gear.

2. Rent It: Your home, probably your biggest asset, is a potential source of extra cash. A growing number of people are renting out a room or grabbing a roommate for extra income. It's less difficult for residents in "destination" locations near colleges, resorts or cities to rent a room or even the house for a few weeks, months or long term.

Some homeowners prefer using a real-estate agent, others like finding renters themselves, online or through friends. Either way, it's crucial to vet the potential tenant and spell out expectations. Rents vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands in large cities.

Another option that's a longtime favorite of students and young adults is earning extra cash for house and pet sitting.

3. Say It: Many businesses are willing to reward individuals for taking opinion polls, testing products or being a secret shopper. The compensation varies, and it's crucial to avoid scams. Work only with reputable companies and avoid anything that requires a membership fee. One place to start is OpinionPlace.com, which lets poll participants choose Amazon.com gift cards, PayPal credits or American Airlines AAdvantage miles. There also are stores such as CVS, whose Advisor program provides consumers who complete surveys with ExtraBucks coupons.

People won't make much but they might have fun working in a focus group or evaluating products or services as a mystery shopper. Once again, watch out for scams. Don't pay any fees or respond to unsolicited emails. A good place to start is Volition.com or Mysteryshop.org, the Web site for the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.

4. Do It: One of the best ways to earn extra cash is by creating a business using existing skills and interests. An artist may teach a class, a photographer may do weddings and a sports enthusiast may referee or caddy.

"What are you volunteering for that you could get paid for?" asks Ms. Cunningham. She says it could be as simple as getting paid for office work or watching your child's classmate after school.

One of the most popular and lucrative part-time jobs is to tutor, either for a college-prep class or a specific subject. Typical pay ranges from $30 to more than $100 an hour, depending on where you live.

Mrs. Winslow always loved to cook. "People would always ask me if I could bring the dessert if I was going somewhere for dinner," she says.

A master at multitasking, she works about 20 hours a week for Jennifer's Edibles. Her advice: "Start small and do things that are manageable. Don't get so overwhelmed that you want to quit."

Author: Jilian Mincer

8 Surprising Household Deodorizers

2010-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Deodorize Your Clothes

Problem: Musty Clothes
Your vintage woolens are back in style, but they bear stale odors picked up during their stint in fashion purgatory.

Solution: Spritz garments with a small amount of vodka (spot-test first). Straight vodka kills bacteria, but it doesn't leave a scent. Hang clothes to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Deodorize Your Kitchen Sink

Problem: Stinky Sink
The garbage disposal is great for keeping the dregs of dinner from lingering, but the resulting odors are more stubborn.

Solution: Give the disposal something nicer to chew on. Run hot water, drop orange peels down the hatch, and turn on the switch. Lemon, lime, and grapefruit rinds also do the trick.

Deodorize Your Freezer

Problem: Odor on Ice
Those UFOs (unidentified frozen objects) in the freezer make your piecrust smell like a substance from another planet.

Solution: Wipe the freezer with a cotton pad dampened with pure vanilla extract. Refrigerator shelves will benefit from a wipe-down with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.

Deodorize Your Car

Problem: Car Fumes
Your car has been there for you through every trip to the vet, the recycling center, and fast-food joints, but you don't want to be reminded of that every time you get behind the wheel.

Solution: Drop a potpourri wax tart into a cup holder. The tarts, used in fragrance burners, are sold by candle makers.

Deodorize Food Storage Containers

Problem: Storage Stench
Saving leftovers for lunch is virtuous; chucking containers because you can't get rid of the smell of vegetable curry isn't.

Solution: Soak plastic containers in warm water and baking soda overnight. Bathe glass jars in a mixture of one teaspoon powdered mustard and one quart warm water.

Deodorize Your Carpet

Problem: Scents Underfoot
Carpets can collect unpleasant odors, particularly in high-traffic areas and in spots where pets like to nap.

Solution: Cordon off the zone and sprinkle liberally with baking soda, then vacuum up a few hours later. Can't keep everyone away that long? Do a quarter of the rug at a time.

Deodorize Your Pet's Bedding

Problem: Essence of Rover
Your dog may be able to tell you're cooking hamburger from across the room, but you shouldn't be able to smell his favorite blanket from the same distance.

Solution: Toss it in the dryer (for 30 minutes, set on medium heat) with a home-dry-cleaning bag and cloth from Dryel (dryel.com).

Deodorize Your Basement

Problem: Subterranean Smells
Guests wouldn't know that your beautifully appointed basement used to be a dank concrete bunker―until they take a whiff.

Solution: Cut an onion in half, place it on a plate, and leave it in the basement overnight. Once the initial salad-bar aroma dissipates, you'll have fresh (non-oniony) air. Like magic!

AROMADISIAC - ELIXIR OF SEDUCTION

2009-12-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

New AVON Aromadisiac for Him Eau de Toilette Spray and Aromadisiac for Her Eau de Toilette Spray Two-Bundle Offer

2 Bottles of Aromadisiac for Him

Beat High Gas Prices Now

2009-12-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Learn how to:

Make gas go farther when you drive to work or go shopping

Find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood

Save gas if you're a two-car family

Calculate your fuel costs to see exactly how much money you're spending on gas

Gas up at McDonald’s!

Beat High Gas Prices Now! The Fastest, Easiest Ways to Save $20-$50 Every Month on Gasoline

PLUS: Specific tips to help you save $20, $30, $40 and even $50 a month at the pump.

As featured in...

Readers Digest
First for Women
ABC Radio
Clear Channel Radio
News Herald Newspapers
Treehugger.com
EarthShare.com

"Go out and buy 100 copies of this book. Keep one for yourself, and give the rest to everyone you know. Then read it cover to cover. You'll save all kinds of money, feel good about what you're doing ... This is the best gas-saving book I've ever seen"
-Andy Johnson, Host, "Down to Business" WYMM Radio, Jacksonville’s Talk Superstation, former member, Florida House of Representatives

“Diane has tracked down everything you need to know to make your gas dollars last longer and help you drive farther on a gallon of gas. Diane offers the simplest, easiest read on how to save gas."
-Sue Goldstein, host, The Underground Shopper, Air America Radio
Aka "The Diva of Discounts"

Useless job-hunting methods

2009-08-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

If you employ any of these techniques in your career search, you're wasting time.

Time is money -- whether you've got a job or not. While it may be tempting to chase down every possibility when you're searching for work, don't. Many can lead you down a blind alley -- where you may lose the contents of your wallet.

Avoid these five job-hunting "don'ts" that will yield the poorest of results.

1. Spray and pray.

Don't blindly send your resume unsolicited, electronically or otherwise, to any company without first making verbal contact. Says Ryan, founder of AskLizRyan.com, "Tossing out un-customized cover letters and undifferentiated resumes in huge volumes and crossing your fingers is a job-search non-starter. That doesn't work, and it hasn't worked in 10 years, or more." Establish a connection before sending a customized cover letter and, adds Ryan, "You can even customize your resume if a job opening calls for it."

2. Stand in line for a job fair.

Admits Ryan, "Sad to say, but most job fairs are a waste of time. Avoid the huge cattle call-type job fairs where zillions of employers have booths, yet no one is taking resumes." There are some job fairs that have value. Ryan, a former human resources executive, points to company-specific open hours and college placement job fairs. Tap your network to learn if anyone can recommend worthwhile fairs. "Ask around before you head off to a job fair or risk having your time wasted and your ego dashed."

3. Earn certifications nobody wants.

It's common to feel less-than-confident in your skills if you're having a hard time finding work, but don't rush out to spend money on any additional training unless you're certain it will yield improved results. Ryan reveals, "Before you sign up for a certification training program, check the job boards to make sure that employers are asking for it. There's no sense investing time and money in a certification no one wants."

If you're getting the hard-sell from an educational institution, Ryan says, "Ask the people at the school that's doing the certifying, 'Which local employers have hired your graduates in the past year?' If they can't tell you, run away."

4. Pay a headhunter.

Don't dole out money to any kind of recruiter or sign a contract agreeing to do so. "Real headhunters, also known as search consultants or third-party recruiters, won't take your money. They get paid by employers to fill open jobs." She warns, "If a recruiter calls or emails you to say s/he's got jobs open, and then invites you to his or her office for a counseling session and presents you with a range of career-coaching services, bolt for the exit. Real search professionals won't take a dime from their candidates."

5. Sign up with a resume fax-blast service.

This old-school -- and desperate -- tactic is a total turn-off to potential employers and smacks of spam. Ryan says, "Services that send out hundreds or thousands of your resumes might have been worthwhile 20 years ago. Today, they're worse than pointless, because it irks employers to get unsolicited resumes. Forget the fax-blast services and do your own careful research to reach decision-makers with messages they actually want to hear."

5 Artists You Need To Be Listening To...

2009-07-31T13:57:00.001-07:00

5 Artists You Need To Be Listening To...

If you already aren’t listening to them.

1. Blue Merle
These two guys from Nashville are perfect music for the summer. They only have one album from 2005 but it is fabulous and timeless. I love “Bittersweet Memory” and “Boxcar Racer”. Great chill music.

2. Brett Dennen
If you listen to Joshua Radin or Amos Lee (others you should be listening to) you probably are fortunate enough to already know Brett Dennen. This fellow ginger has a way with his words. Listen to “Ain’t Gonna Lose You” and you will fall in love with him too.

3. John Butler Trio
If you are looking for some funky music then this is it. It is hard to sit still when listening to John Butler Trio. Download “Used to Get High" and “Better Than”.

4. Matt Hires
His album isn’t out for another week but his EP, Live From Hotel Café, is so wonderful that I have such a good feeling that that his album will be wonderful. It better be! Listen to “Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song”. I am a sucker for a guy with a guitar.

5. The Rocket Summer
I was recently introduced to The Rocket Summer. This kid can play ALL of his instruments himself. Impressive. It is a little more rock than I normally listen to. Still not that much rock considering I listen to a ton of acoustic music. Listen to “So Much Love”.

P.S. It is almost impossible for me not to mention a few more to listen to. So download some Citizen Cope, Minus the Bear, Sean Fournier, Ratatat, Will Hoge, and Kyle Riabko to make your collection of music even better! Enjoy.

Sale and Clearance Deals

2009-07-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

For Family

For Her

For Him

25 Ways To Save Money

2009-07-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

1. Do not buy things from vending machines.

I do not use the vending machines in the building. I make sure I always have bottled water
in my bag so that I have something to drink at all times. I have trained my mind to ignore the stuff from the vending machines and since I always have a snack with me I am not tempted to use the machines.

2. Buy in bulk.

Well we all know about buying in bulk in order to save money. Now I do not just buy things in bulk JUST because they are in a bulk package. I buy the things I would normally buy anyway in bulk so that I can get a better rate.

3. Use Compact Fluorescent bulbs .

I think we have already beat this one to death. The CFL bulbs save energy. I have replaced all the bulbs in my house with them, even the one in the refrigerator. I have also cut down on the number of bulbs used. The fixture in my bathroom has slots for four bulbs but I am only using one. It still lights up the room enough so that I can get all my stuff done with just the one light.

4. Use natural light.

In order to cut down on the electricity bills even more I use as much natural light as possible. Since I live alone I just leave the bathroom door open constantly and let the light from everywhere else stream in. (My doors are constantly dead-bolted people in addition to being locked and I live on the second floor so I doubt anyone will ‘accidentally’ walk in through the sliding glass doors in the living room.)

5. Open the windows.

I put up curtains to ensure privacy and I open windows. I have the bedroom window open during the day so that fresh air can circulate freely so the place does not get all stuffy. During the summer this allows a breeze to go through which cuts down on the need for the air conditioner most days. When it starts to heat up more then I use a fan with adjustable settings that will turn itself on and off according to the temperature.

6. Order free samples online.

Now you guys and gals know how I just LOVE to get FREE stuff. I can get stuff online or from other folks it really does not matter. The thing I just love about ordering things online is that you can get samples shipped to you for free and who does not like free stuff.
I have used the trial sample of tylenol to keep in my purse at work in case I need a pain killer. I kept one of the trial deodorants in my glove compartment for that odd day when I rushed out of the house only to discover that I had not put on any deodorant before getting dressed. My favorite website http://www.spoofee.com/

7. Use candles .

I wrote previously that you could save money by spending more time in the dark. I have candles in my bathroom now that I use to serve multiple purposes. I have the prayer candles that I burn every so often as part of my spiritual journey and I add scented oil to the ones that are not already scented to give a lovely smell to the bathroom. These candles are placed in front of the mirror so that the light is reflected through the room and I do not have to turn on the light in the bathroom….so I save on the electricity. It has seriously lowered my electric bill so I will keep doing this.

8. Turn off unused appliances.

Do I REALLY need to get into this one? If you are not going to be using the appliance then there is really no need for it to be on. I only use my microwave to heat water for breakfast and then again to heat either my lunch or my dinner. This means the microwave is being used twice for the day. I unplug it as soon as I am done because it does not need to stay on. I have two watches, two cell phones (one is old and is not being used) and a battery powered clock (rechargeable batteries y’all) that I can get the time from. I do not need the microwave to function as a clock during the day and it is not like a refrigerator that MUST stay on constantly.

I have my computer on a Energy Saving Power Strip that is separate from the strip the cable modem is on. At night when I go to bed I turn the strip with the computer off because the computer will not be in use from about 9pm (yes I am like a chicken, I go to sleep early) to about 3pm the next day when I get home from school. That is 18 hours of non use where I can save on electricity costs. I also have the VCR unplugged because I rarely ever use it. Now I guess I should unplug the television too…but I have not because I do not want to have to reprogram the channels. (Bah!).

9. Make my lunch.

Yup I am the only one in the office who has stuff in the refrigerator. Every day I come in and put my little sandwich and my container of yogurt in the back office. I make cheese sandwiches or tuna sandwiches and bring them to work every day. Sometimes on Fridays I would bring one of those little frozen dinners if I had decided to splurge sometime. If I cook during the week then I take my little dish of leftovers and (gasp coworkers) heat it up in the microwave thoughtfully provided by the office. I also bring grapes or bananas to work to have as a snack during the day. I save money by always having something to eat during the day so that I am not tempted to go to the vending machines.

10. Pick up pennies.

I am always scanning the ground when I walk across campus as I go to and from class. When I go to do laundry I make sure to look at the floor around the lint bins too because people always leave money there. I am always finding pennies on the ground so I pick them up. You would be amazed at the number of pennies people leave on the ground in laundries, near the bus stop and in offices. I guess they think a penny is not worth stooping for…but I love the penny!

I have set up a little automatic transfer from my checking account to my online savings account. I have a little emergency fund called my Never go back to Broke fund that I am working on currently. Right now I do not have much in there since I just started it and I can only put in about $5 a month but it is better than having no savings at all in my opinion.

12. Pay bills online.

I use my Chase account to pay my bills online because it is free for me and offers me a great way to track my spending. I modify this online system by continuing to receive paper statements (bad for the environment I know….soon I will stop getting them) so that I can monitor the due dates. The money is taken out of my account and sent to the appropriate place and I do not have to lick any stamps or carry cash around. I also have a record of when the money was sent and when the check was actually cashed so I can gauge the time it takes for each bill to get paid.

13. Reduce interest rates.

I have called my credit card companies and asked for the interest rates on my cards to be lowered. I know that the ideal situation would be to not carry a balance from month to month but at this point I am not able to pay off the cards in full. Since I have already resigned to carrying a balance and working at bringing down the balances it is in my best interest to get the interest rates lowered on the amounts that I am already paying. In some cases I took advantage of a lower rate on a balance transfer so that I would have to pay less in interest and fees.

14. Take the bus or walk.

15. Cook for multiple days.

I don’t like to cook and I certainly do not want to cook every day. I cook on the weekends and a couple of times during the week but when I do make something I make a HUGE amount. The extra food goes into the refrigerator and I have meals for two or three days. I make an extra large container of potato salad (my FAVE!!!!! yum yum) and that lasts for about three days. I do not like to eat food that has stayed more than three days so by then I have to cook again.

16. Use coupons.

I believe in using coupons but only for the things that you REALLY use all the time. I get a lot of coupons but I usually throw them out because they are brands of things that I do not use or else they are items I would not event think of using in any case. There are however items that I get coupons for that I use all the time.

17. Buy generic.

There are some instances where I will only use the brand name item e.g. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter (because it makes my skin feel GREAT) but I have learned to use the generic brands of most items. Great Value evaporated milk tastes just as good as Carnation milk and contains the same vitamins so I go with the cheaper version. I save few cents on every can of milk and still get the same nutrition.

18. Keep extra money in high yield savings instead of checking.

I keep all my money except for the rent money in my high yield savings accounts online to gain some interest and make my banking easier to track. I pay my bills online and this has freed up so much time for me that I cannot imagine how I used to do it before.

19. Use the library.

I love to read and get free books from the library. I may have to wait a little bit longer when a new book comes out but it is better to wait a couple of weeks than to just pay money for the book when I may not like it. If I really do love a book then I will buy it AFTER I read it for free from the library. Reading also keeps me occupied and cuts down the time I would spend watching television or surfing the internet, which saves on electricity.

20. Wash dishes by hand.

I wash my dishes by hand all the time and only use the dishwasher to store the dishes so they can air dry. I do not see the point of running the dishwasher especially since I do not like my dishes to accumulate. I don’t know how much I save but I am sure it is a good amount because I am not using all the water it takes to run the machine and I am also not using any electricity to get my dishes clean.

21. Re-use plastic shopping bags as trash bags.

Every time I go off to supermarket I get tons of those little plastic shopping bags. While I have a tall trash can in the kitchen I have the normal medium sized ones in the other rooms. I use the Walmart shopping bags as my trash bags instead of buying bags. This saves me money and makes use of the bags that I get from shopping.

22. Use a water filter .

I drink tap water to save money instead of buying bottled water. I did invest in a filter because the ordinary tap water tastes a bit funny to me. The cost of the filter is absorbed over the time period it is used and I have great tasting water all the time.

23. No Cable.

I do not pay for cable (although sometimes I do miss the shows I do not regularly get to watch) because right now that is an unnecessary expense. I watch the television shows online, for free usually at hulu.com I also spend time on this blog and I use the internet at school a lot so that I do not miss the cable too much.

24. Use Paypal for purchases.

I use my paypal card to purchase things so that I am operating on a cash-like basis. The card will only work if I have the money in my account so I am using it like a debit card and not racking up any more charges on my credit cards. However I do get 1% cash back if I hit credit when I use the card. Getting a 1% cash back might not seem like much but when you operate on a cash basis you do not get anything back so I am winning here. Another way I look at it is that I get a 1% discount every time I make a purchase. Way to go PayPal!

25. Make lists…and stick to them.

I have found that one of the best ways for me to save money is to make lists and stick to them. When I go shopping I only buy what is on the list and nothing else. That way I can stick to my budget and not end up overspending on anything. I also make lists of my chores for the day and rearrange items so that I have minimal walking or driving to do. I combine trips when possible so that I can also save on gas and time.

Turn Superstition into Marketing Gold

2009-07-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

From Entrepreneur.com

By Jennifer Wang

Good Business in Lucky Numbers Lauren Block and Thomas Kramer are the Lippert professor of marketing and associate professor of marketing and international business, respectively, at Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business. They say businesses can take steps to mitigate losses on Friday the 13th, as well as capitalize on positive superstitions.

Home store Crate & Barrel, Kramer recalls, ran a "Lucky You" campaign last year on Friday the 13th. "They played off the superstition and got people to come out anyway." Because consumers are not always aware of the extent to which they rely on superstitions, this is perhaps one model that businesses can follow.

Superstitious Customers Pay More for Less

Superstition and business don't openly mix in Western cultures, but in Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan, the two are intertwined. According to research done by Block and Kramer, superstitions can influence the buying habits of Taiwanese people, especially where it concerns lucky or unlucky colors and numbers. "We found, very interestingly and somewhat counter-intuitively, that people are willing to over-pay to avoid an unlucky number," Block says, referring to a study in which Taiwanese consumers often paid more for a package of three tennis balls than four, because the number four is considered ill-omened. In Mandarin Chinese, the pronunciation of "four" is similar to that of "dead."

Kramer concludes that it's important for business owners to be aware of any superstitions held by their target market. "Then they can both capitalize on [this knowledge] as well as avoid mistakes."

Read the entire article at Entrepreneur.com

What great tips do you have?

2009-06-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a tip that someone else can benefit from.

Substitute honey for sugar in recipes
Carry your business card with you wherever you go
Using vinegar as a stain remover

Almost everyone I know and meet is interested in improving something about ourselves. That could be our productivity, office organization or our impact on the environment. How To books are one of the top ten best selling types of books in the world. You can spend hundreds of dollars on books or you go to Tipstrs.com The best (free) tips on all subjects. Tipstrs is a massive resource list that is almost guaranteed to have something of use for everyone. This is a great way to brand your name and herd traffic (consumers) to your website.

Step 1
Tipstrs

Step 2
Click on Log In & register for a new account. Don’t forget to click on Remember Me

Step 3
Click on Add A Tip

Step 4
Write a tip

Step 5
Don’t forget to add a link

Step 6
Add Categories

Step 7
Verify Humanity

Step 8
Click on Add Tip

EXAMPLE

How to tell, what to do if computer is infected (AP)

2009-03-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

- Computer-virus infections don't cause your machine to crash anymore.

Now a days, the criminals behind the infections usually want your computer operating in top form so you don't know something's wrong. That way, they can log your keystrokes and steal any passwords or credit-card numbers you enter at Web sites, or they can link your infected computer with others to send out spam.

Here are some signs your computer is infected, tapped to serve as part of "botnet" armies run by criminals:

• You experience new, prolonged slowdowns. This can be a sign that a malicious program is running in the background.

• You continually get pop-up ads that you can't make go away. This is a sure sign you have "adware," and possibly more, on your machine.

• You're being directed to sites you didn't intend to visit, or your search results are coming back funky. This is another sign that hackers have gotten to your machine.

So what do you do?

• Having anti-virus software here is hugely helpful. For one, it can identify known malicious programs and disable them. If the virus that has infected your machine isn't detected, many anti-virus vendors offer a service in which they can remotely take over your computer and delete the malware for a fee.

• Some anti-virus vendors also offer free, online virus-scanning services.

• You may have to reinstall your operating system if your computer is still experiencing problems. It's a good idea even if you believe you've cleaned up the mess because malware can still be hidden on your machine. You will need to back up your files before you do this.

How do I know what information has been taken?

• It's very hard to tell what's been taken. Not every infection steals your data. Some just serve unwanted ads. Others poison your search result or steer you to Web sites you don't want to see. Others log your every keystroke. The anti-virus vendors have extensive databases about what the known infections do and don't do. Comparing the results from your virus scans to those entries will give you a good idea about what criminals may have snatched up.

By Yahoo Tech News

5 Money-Savers

2009-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

In today’s economy, we all need to stretch our dollars. Spiking gas prices and grocery bills means a little less splurging and a bit more budgeting. We know that scrimping and saving is never fun, but we’ve got five ways you can save without totally giving up the luxuries you love.

1. Save on groceries. The key here is to plan, plan, plan. Put together a grocery list of items that you’ll need for the next two weeks. Then cross check to see if any of those items are on sale at your local stores. Look for money-saving coupons online or in your Sunday newspapers. Sometimes you can even cut costs by buying certain items in bulk.

2. Smart cooking. Now’s the time to really think about the foods you want to prepare and be creative with them. For some recipes, you can modify them to substitute with cheaper ingredients that would still give you the same results. Also, there are recipe ideas out there that are easy on the wallet but still deliver the delicious results – from simple delicious recipes that just use a few ingredients to recipes that use most ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Check out our budget-friendly recipe ideas here!

3. Learn to find deals. Are you a “shop-a-holic”? Learn to skip the mall and find better deals online for clothes, shoes, and accessories. If there’s a store at the mall you just can’t give up, sign up for their online newsletter for access to coupons and to get the heads up on their next in-store sale.

4. Find a less expensive way to socialize. Meeting up with friends often means shelling out lots of cash at a fancy restaurant. Even budget-friendly restaurants can wreak havoc on your budget if you go too often. So try a new way to socialize—set up a dinner club schedule with your pals. Each person can host the group for dinner and everyone brings a potluck dish. This lets your group spend time together and showcase their culinary skills, while saving you all on pricy restaurant bills, parking, and tips.

5. Bring the fun and experience home. Don’t feel like you’re missing out on that overpriced cup of coffee every morning. You can save money by setting up an at-home coffee bar. Buying a new coffee or espresso machine will ultimately save you a lot. Get a few extras, like chocolate shavings or a bottle of flavored syrup, and you can enjoy a hot cup of Joe at home for much less. And instead of heading to the theater, rent a flick at home. Lots of mail-in services make it much cheaper to watch a recent release. As an added bonus, you’ll save on those outrageous concession stand costs—pop your own popcorn or make your own snacks at half the price.

Great Ways to SAVE MONEY and SAVE EARTH This Holiday Season!

2008-12-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

Would you believe you can change the world ?

In the time it takes to fix a cup of coffee or tie your shoe laces, you can change a light bulb and have a profound impact on the environment. Put simply, change a light bulb, change everything. If every American replaced just one light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), together we'd save $8 billion in electricity costs and enough energy to light more than 1.5 million homes for an entire year. We'd also be preventing the greenhouse gas equivalent of nearly 2 million
cars worth of emissions! ....

Shop, Save Money and Save Earth at:

http://www.ezcrossroad.com

The Green Shopping Principles

2008-10-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

1) Buy less.
2) Read the label.
3) Support sustainable standards.
4) Look for third-party verification.
5) Choose fewer ingredients.
6) Pick less packaging.
7) Buy local.

Buy less. This should be a “no brainer.” Consumerism – buying what we don’t need, over and over again – drives unnecessary manufacturing that fuels climate change, pollutes the air and water, and destroys the places in Nature we love. Remember “reduce, reuse, recycle”? It still makes sense. Plus, when you’re not buying, you’re not getting fooled by dubious marketing claims. If you don’t trust the source, don’t buy it.

Read the label. We read food labels to avoid trans fats, sugar, salt and carbohydrates. We can read product labels to avoid greenwashing words like “natural” and “planet friendly” that aren’t backed up by standards or third-party verification (see below). When it comes to cleansers and other household goods, avoid products labeled “caution,” “warning,”, “danger,” and “poison,” all of which indicate the item is hazardous to you and the environment.

Support sustainable standards. An increasing number of companies are proving they’re green by manufacturing according to sustainable standards that govern the product’s “life cycle,” beginning with the raw materials and ending with its disposal or re-use. The SMART standard, for example, covers flooring, lighting, building materials, and other consumer products.

Look for third-party verification. In the absence of universal sustainable standards, if a company says its product is good for the earth, your first question should be, “Who else says so?” Reliable eco claims are backed up by an independent institution or nonprofit organization that has investigated the manufacturer’s claim so you don’t have to. Look for labels from groups like Forest Stewardship Council, Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Organic.

Choose fewer ingredients. A long list of ingredients often indicates the presence of questionable chemicals that may be harmful to you or the environment. This is especially true for personal care products, food, and cleansers. Simplify what you buy.

Pick less packaging. Regardless of the marketing claims a product makes, you can make an immediate impact by buying goods that come wrapped as simply as possible. For starters, buy in bulk, choose concentrates, and pick products in containers you can easily recycle (hint: glass and cans are more easily recycled than plastic). Carting home your packages in your own bags helps reduce packaging, too.

Buy local. Avoid the higher energy costs involved in transporting goods long distances. Supporting local farmers and businesses also increases the likelihood that U.S. environmental and health laws and regulations will be followed.

Bottom Line: Ignore boasts that a product is eco-chic, earth-safe, or planet-neutral. Stick to the principles above to ensure that your Big Green Purse has the kind of big green impact that will make a difference both in the marketplace and on the environment.

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

2008-08-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

1. Emergency: The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

2. Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!'

3. Hidden Battery Power: Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

4. How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your hand set so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useles s. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones. And Finally....

5. Free Directory Service for Cells: Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When youneed to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends

It may save your life or a loved one's life.....

2008-07-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life.
Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation.

This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know.

After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about.

It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you...
Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car

Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
DON'T DO THIS!
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in
on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF,
Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car.
Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it .
As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body
in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor , and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women
are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back
into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.
Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.
RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:

STOP
It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.
He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT
open the door.'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over.
The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10. Water scam!
If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is aburst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!

DRIVERS 18 AND OVER

2008-06-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving.

The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.

Q: Does the new "hands-free" law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.

Q: Does the new hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.

Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow drivers 18 and over to text page while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Text paging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.

DRIVERS UNDER 18

Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?
A: NO. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free.

EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities. (VC §23124).

Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.

Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.

Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.

Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.

Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No

Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: NO. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.

Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my hands-free device while driving?
A: No. For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a hands-free wireless phone if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless telephone while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.

###

New Cell Phone Law

2008-06-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs

Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.

Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008

Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle(VC §23124).

Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a hands- free device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.

Q: What are the fines if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. According to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, with the addition of penalty assessments, a first offense is $76 and a second offense is $190.

Q: Will I receive a point on my drivers license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: NO. The violation is a reportable offense: however, DMV will not assign a violation point.

Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.

Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.

Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.

Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes

Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: YES. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.

Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a "push-to-talk" feature.

Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property