There is a simple method of paying off credit cards that doesn't require too much extra money each month. This method is called payment snowballing. While your biggest gain will be from paying off credit cards, you can also use this method to pay off installment loans, your mortgage, medical and other bills.

By snowballing your payment you start paying off credit cards and adding money you were paying on paid off credit card to next one. This is one of quickest ways to eliminate your credit card debt.

I have developed a simple form to help with this process. At this point you may want to look at a sample payoff schedule at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/sampleccpayoff.html. You enter name of credit card, amount you owe and your actual payment on form. You can see a printable copy of "Snowballing Your Credit Card Payment Schedule" at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/ccpayoff.html . You may enter your figures on this form before you print it. It is best to list credit cards in order you wish to pay them off.

Patio Stones Somteimes called flags or slabs, patio stones are flat square or rectangular blocks of pressed concrete. Standard sizes generally include 2' x 2', 2' x 2½' and 2' x 3' (60 x 60 cm; 60 x 75 cm; 60 x 90 cm), with a 2" (5 cm) thickness. They are a very well-known and popular choice for both homeowners and home builders and are favored both for their ease of installation and low price.

Once only grey or greyer, patio stones are now available in a range of colors. Choose a color that blends with your garden or house, or make a patterned floor with two different colors. Patio stones are especially attractive when combined with an edging of a contrasting material. On my web site, I have some suggested patterns combining them with bricks, but you can use a rot-resistant wood such as cedar, landscape rocks, or even aluminum.

You can also purchase patio stones with different surface textures, including those with exposed aggregates. Although these often retain characteristically consistent thickness that makes for their ease of installation, they are usually somewhat pricier than plain stones.

Stone and Slate Stone and slate, also called flagstone, are natural materials whose availability is often driven by local resources. They are also usually cut in standard widths and lengths, but thickness of pieces will vary with stone and cutting. The variable thickness makes material more challenging to install. Natural stone and slate pieces are more expensive than manufactured patio stones.