The Immediacy of the Child's WorldWritten by Susan Dunn, MA, Personal and Professional Development Coach
I’ve written before about this quiz circling Internet and answers my six year old friend gave. One of questions is “What would be your idea of a fun day?” What would you put for that? Something in future? Certain requirements? A special place? Couldn’t happen without this person? The Little One’s response was “Today.” Just for your enjoyment, here are some more of her responses … life seen through eyes of child. Consider how you would answer these questions, and why. And how much better it might be to get back in touch with life as seen through a child’s eyes. QUESTION WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? RESPONSE “None” QUESTION LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? RESPONSE “Mother, Father, Nina (sister), Fluffy (cat) and Max (dog).” QUESTION FAVORITE SOUND? RESPONSE “Doorbell ringing” QUESTION WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? RESPONSE “Bug bite.” QUESTION IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB WHAT WOULD IT BE? RESPONSE I would work at XX Department Store (where her mother works)
| | Tips for managing your credit cardsWritten by Colin McDougall
The Beginning of Credit Card Era In 1951, Diners Club issued first credit card to 200 customers who could use it at 27 restaurants in New York City. From that modest beginning, credit cards have become an indispensable part of modern life. Consumers rely on credit cards to help them achieve their lifestyle goals by letting them take advantage of special bargains, spread payments out over several months, and provide cash in emergencies. Credit cards have become so widespread that they are often accepted as a piece of primary identification. Getting most from your credit cards involves four main steps: Use your credit cards wisely. Protect yourself against fraud. Review your credit history regularly. Get right card for your needs.Use your credit cards wisely Follow these simple tips to get most from your card. Tips: Pay your credit card bills on time. This is single most important thing you can do to preserve and enhance your credit rating. Always pay at least your minimum payment and allow time for your payment to reach company if you are using mail. If possible, pay off your balance in full each month. If this is not possible, then make as large a payment as you can comfortably afford. Paying off or paying down your balance is a sound financial move—one that will save you money on interest charges. If you can’t pay off your balance in full, then slow down on your credit card use for next while. Take time to step back and have a careful look at how much you earn and how much you spend each month. A little budgeting can save you big money down road.Check your statement carefully each month. Review your statement carefully. Do all charges look correct? Have any required credits been applied? Are there any unusual or unexpected charges? Your credit card company will correct legitimate errors, but only if you bring them to their attention in a timely manner before you pay your bill. Transfer your balance to a card with a lower interest rate. If you have two or more credit cards with outstanding balances, consider moving outstanding balances to card with lowest interest rate. You will save money each month and simplify your record keeping by receiving only one bill.Negotiate for a lower rate with your credit card company. If you have a good credit history, you are a valuable asset to your credit card company. Call them and seek ways to lower your interest rate. This is often possible, but never advertised. If interest rate you are currently paying is very high, imply you may cancel card and go with a competitor unless they adjust your rate downward. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and you may be surprised at results.Protect yourself against fraud While credit card fraud is a problem, here are a few simple steps you can take to greatly reduce risk of becoming a victim. Tips: Sign new cards immediately. When you receive your new or replacement card in mail, sign it, in ink, right away. If it is a replacement card, destroy old card by cutting it into many small pieces.Shred old credit card receipts. You can purchase an inexpensive paper shredder at an office supply store. All old receipts with your credit card number and any unneeded documents with your social insurance number or other sensitive personal information should be shredded before disposal. This prevents common practice of criminals going through trash to find receipts and stealing your identity Never fax your credit card number. Your credit card number can lie for hours in fax basket at other end. Anyone passing by can record your number and begin to use your card number fraudulently. It is even possible for criminals to intercept your credit card number while fax is in transmission.
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