Keys to Golfing Better 2018 & 2019

Keys to Golfing Better

The golf professionals do have something that they agree on.  If you do not keep your balance during the entire swing, it is not possible to have a good stroke.  It sounds simple to keep your balance, doesn’t it?  Unfortunately, it is impossible to have good balance when you are so tense that you are “white knuckling” the club, your entire body is stiff, and you are trying to hit the ball too hard. 

When you are just starting to play golf, you are frequently warned to not hit the ball too hard.  Energy that is focused will make the ball go much further than a hard swing that does not make contact with the ball at the club’s center.  When you are well balanced, you are more free to hit the ball correctly. 

Keep your head still, with your eyes focused on the ball.  The more still your head is, the better you will be able to see the ball.  This helps to create the foundation for you to keep your balance.  Any movement or distraction that hinders your balance will make it impossible to focus on the ball.  It is imperative that you keep your head perfectly still and do not move it during your swing. 

If you want to keep your balance, you need to relax your body and muscles.  If you don’t relax, then your head is going to move.

If you will watch yourself in front of your mirror, you will soon realize that you need to relax your muscles for your head to stay still while you swing.  No two golfers have the same build, so you will have to figure out some things for yourself.  It is a necessity to begin by keeping your head in the same position from the beginning to end of your swing.  If you keep your head still, you will be able to focus on the ball, and you will turn your hands at the right time. 

You will be able to cure many of your problems just by keeping your head completely still.  It will be impossible to incorrectly grip your club without losing your balance and moving your head. 

If you don’t follow through correctly, you will not be able to keep your balance.   

If you concentrate on your balance and keeping your head still, then you will not swing too hard or pull your club away.  It will be impossible to put too much strength into your swing.  You will be relaxed and will have a smooth swing and a successful finish.

Keeping your balance is necessary for you to enjoy a great game of golf.  It will take time for you to see definite improvement, so be patient.  Concentrate on keeping your balance and your head in one place and in no time you will be enjoying an excellent golf game that your friends will be envious of! 

Breastfeeding Your Baby in 2018 & 2019

Breastfeeding Your Baby


Breastfeeding problems, such as milk production difficulties, are not as common when using the PDF feeding method, but they do occur.  Even if you are well rested, eating healthy, have a pretty routine life, and your baby is growing and getting enough food, you still may experience a milk production issue.  Many things can cause production problems.  Here are just a few. 

Some things that can affect your milk supply are: 
> What mom eats
> How much mom rests and sleeps
> Her state of mind
> The age of the mom
> How many children you have
> Your desire to breastfeed
> Your nursing capabilities
> Your nursing techniques
> Baby’s latch on abilities

If you choose to breastfeed, it is very important that you take your baby for their check-ups as needed.  If you don’t, how will you know if he is getting enough milk and growing at the correct rate?  There is no way for you to tell that your child is getting enough nutrition for sure without your child being weighed. 

During the first week of your baby’s life, your breasts will produce colostrum for them to drink.  Colostrum is rich in antibodies and aids the baby’s immune system.  It also helps him pass his first bowel movement, which is called meconium.  Meconium is black and tarry looking and is in the first few diapers after birth.  Then he begins to transition to a brown substance and after your milk comes in, it becomes a yellow, mustardy stool that is loose and watery.  Bottle-fed baby’s pass firmer, tannish stools than breastfed baby’s. 

After 24-48 hours after birth, your baby will start having wet diapers that will increase to two or three a day. 

While your baby drinks colostrum and then milk, you should listen for a pattern of “suck, suck, suck, swallow.”  This pattern will be rhythmic and there should be no “clicking” noises.  The “clicking” sound can indicate that your baby is not properly latched on and may not be getting enough milk from you.  If you start to hear this, you need to unlatch him and then reattach him.  If you continue to hear this sound after reattaching him several times, then you may want to consult a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. 

After the first week of life, you should see 6-8 wet diapers each day and at least 3 bowel movements a day.  His urine should be clear and he should become more alert with each passing day.  Your baby should also be gaining weight and growing, as this is the surest way to tell that they are getting enough nutrition.  If you have two days in a row that deviates from the above indicators, then you should call your pediatrician immediately. 

focused on one part of the ball, Watch The Ball!

Watch The Ball! 

This phrase is often repeated in nearly every sport – keep your eye on the ball.  It applies to golf too!  If you do not watch the ball, then the chance that you will hit it is very slim! 

Keep your eyes focused on one part of the ball.  Don’t watch your club as you swing. 

Keep your focus on the ball and let everything else fade into the background. 

Try to look down on the ball, rather than watching it at the end of the golf club.  Raising your shoulders is not going to help you see the ball more clearly.  If you will look down on the ball, you will get results that are more successful and you will not have a tendency to look up before the end of your swing. 

Unfortunately, it is completely natural to look away when you begin to pull the club back.  Ignore the natural feeling and keep your eyes on the ball. 

When you are looking down at the ball, you should notice that the only way you can keep the club head in the correct line of flight is to keep your hands moving parallel to the flight line.  Keep your hands in line with the club head when making contact with the ball. 

It is very important to learn to watch the ball no matter what kind of shot you need to make.  It does not matter if the ball is in the long grass, the sand trap, on a slope, or anywhere else, the main thing is to see the ball completely so that you can hit it solidly and successfully. 

There are not many golfers who stand still and keep their attention on the ball.  Many times, people will look at where they want the ball to go and then look at the ball.  Most golfers would be surprised to learn that they do not stand still and watch the ball.  The instant that you take your eye off the ball, you begin having problems. 

Most golf mistakes are a result of a loss of concentration.  It you keep your focus on the ball, you will be able to hit the ball well.   

To help your golf game, remind yourself to keep your eye on the ball for the entire swing.  You will find your golf game improving so much that your friends may be asking you for advice! 

Tips To Apply For A Credit Card in 2018

Filling out a credit card application is just like filling out a job application-everyone needs some tips to use so that they get approved.

If your credit is bad, then it may be a little more difficult to get a credit card than if you have good credit.  Do not give up, because there are hundreds of companies out there that offer credit cards for people with bad credit and if you shop around, you will find the credit card that is just right for you. 

If you are researching credit cards, the first place that you can get information is the Internet.  The Internet has a lot of information about many different credit cards, including their rates, fees, and incentives, so that you can find the best credit card for you. 

There are some credit card companies that say that they will give you a credit card with no credit check.  However, keep in mind that having a credit card almost always means that you are going to go into debt.  Be cautious when choosing the credit card for you.  Read the fine print of their terms and agreements to make sure that there are not going to be any surprises. 

Analyze your financial situation to make sure that you can handle a credit card and its payments.  Even the most cautious of us go on a little shopping excursion every now and then and you do not want to be thrown into a financial tailspin when your bill comes in. 

Cautiousness is very important in using your credit card.  If you are not sure that you can handle a credit card, then rethink applying.  You need to be sure that when the bill comes in that you can make the payments.  If you are not completely sure, then don’t get a credit card until you are ready. 

More Tips For Parenting 2018 VS 2019

More Tips For Parenting


* Diapers:  Most babies that are fed using the PDF method usually need a diaper change at each feeding time.  This means that your baby will need about 6-8 diapers a day or more.  Many new parents time the diaper changes with the after dinner bowel movement, but if you miss it, you will just have a few more diapers to change during the day.

* Diaper rash:  Sensitive skin is a common problem for some babies and they may get a diaper rash due to a food allergy, yeast infection, sitting too long in a wet or messy diaper, or teething.  If you notice your baby beginning to get a diaper rash, talk to your pediatrician about which diaper rash medicine will work for your baby.

* Growth spurts:  Growth spurts can start as early as 10 days after your baby’s birth.  Growth spurts usually are preceded by a sleepy, lethargic day and a big jump in appetite.  Growth spurts may happen again at 3, 6, and 12 weeks and again at 4 and 6 months.  If you begin to notice that your child is not as satisfied with the amount that you have been feeding her previously, then she may be beginning a growth spurt period.  If you are breastfeeding, you may want to add a feeding or two to satiate your baby’s appetite and to help increase milk production.

* Immunizations:  With all of the conflicting reports on immunizations, you may be unsure about whether or not you want your child to receive immunizations.  I think that there are simply too many fatal diseases that can be prevented by immunizing your baby to take the chance.  If you are unsure, then you need to talk with your pediatrician, but understand that the reason that the infant mortality rate is so low in this country is because immunizations are routinely done.

* Pacifiers & thumb sucking:  If you breastfeed, do not allow your child to use you as their pacifier.  If your baby seems to have a need to suck beyond eating, then you need to give them a pacifier.  There is no “nipple confusion” between a breast nipple and a pacifier as they are very different in feel and taste.  Babies will know the difference between the two.  Some children do not want a pacifier but will suck on their thumb.  If you don’t have a problem with it, then let them.


* Spitting up:  It is very common for babies to spit up, but some babies do it more than others.  If your baby is growing normally, then there is no need to worry about it.  Projectile throwing up is not the same as spitting up.  Projectile throwing up is a violent reaction to reject the contents of the stomach and not just “burping” up a little milk.  If your baby does this frequently, consult your pediatrician.

Getting Out and Staying Out of Credit Card Debt in 2018

Credit card debt is a major cause of over one million bankruptcies each year.  The reason is that many people get a credit card without researching and reading the fine print.  By the time annual fees are added on, along with spending indiscriminately, payments are missed, which causes their balance to skyrocket. 

Although we all like to place the blame on the credit cards and the credit card companies, you need to keep in mind that the real cause of your financial mess is you.

One shopping spree does not usually cause high debt.  It is usually a pattern that consists of gradually increasing purchases that add up to a large debt.  The great thing is that it can be very easy to get out of debt.  The key is to start spending less than you make.  This is a long-term solution that can help you to whittle your debt down.

Although it may sound simple, it can be very difficult if you have a problem with willpower.  It is important to stick with spending less than you make or you will find yourself in exactly the same place as you were before.  Overcoming your debt will take willpower and a great deal of time.

It may be difficult to stick with your debt repayment program, but keep yourself strong and you will find yourself out of debt before you know it.

It is important to learn how to get out of debt and then stay out of debt.  If you can summon enough willpower and strength towards your finances and spending, then you will find yourself the winner in the game of debt.  It may be easy to get into debt, but getting out of debt is much more difficult, but worth it. 

One simple phrase can sum up the solution to your financial problems.  If you don’t have the money to spend, then don’t spend it!

Swing Smoothly

Swing Smoothly

When I get a golf club in my hand, I get that feeling of wanting to knock the cover off the ball.  It feels good to put all of my strength into hitting the ball.  Just hitting the ball as hard as I can does not mean that I play good golf though. 

If you just need to relieve a little stress, then swinging with all your strength may accomplish your goals.  However, if you want to play golf well, then you are going to have to hold back on the power a little. 

One of the most frequent mistakes is to swing the golf club too hard.  A hard swing shows that you have power, but accuracy is the name of the game in golf. 

You need to relax when you are swinging.  This will help you swing easily and will help to reduce your power.  If you put your feet closer together, then you can further reduce the strength of your swing.  Tensing up will also cause you to use too much effort. 

Your center of gravity is also very important.  Keep your center of gravity the same and your head will stay still.  If you keep both of your feet in the same position throughout your swing, then your center of gravity will be stable.   

If you jerk your body then your head will move and you will not be able to focus on the ball.  This can also change your center of gravity.  It is imperative that you keep your feet planted so that all your weight will be concentrated in your feet when you make contact with the ball. 

Expending very little effort should be your goal.  If you hit the ball correctly, then it will feel smooth and easy.   

Don’t tense up when you are about to make contact with the ball.  If you tense up, your balance will be thrown off.  You want the club head to travel in a straight line to make contact with the ball. 

To help correct slicing, see how centered you can hit the ball with your club and how low you can send the ball.  If you send the ball too high, it gets into the wind and can go left or right on rough ground. 

You want to only use the amount of power that you are able to control.  The goal of the game is not power, but accuracy.  You want to be able to control every facet of your swing so that you hit the ball cleanly and it goes where you want it to go. 

The distance will come from your clean and correct swing, not how much power that you put into it. 

You want to try to gradually increase your speed during your swing until you connect with the ball solidly.  If you do not have a smooth swing, then you are pulling your hands somewhere during the swing.  Keep your head as still as you would if you had a glass of water balanced on top of it.  This will help to improve your swing and help you to swing more smoothly and fluidly. 

Swing at a decent enough speed to keep yourself from becoming tense and stiff.  Don’t swing too slowly or so hard that you feel the effort of the swing.  Stay relaxed. 

Try to keep the idea of power out of your head.  Keeping your power under control so that you can be more accurate is what counts! 

Changing the Awkward Shots Into Opportunities 2018 VS 2019

Changing the Awkward Shots Into Opportunities

For some of us golfers, this is something that happens to us more often that we would like.  You know what I am talking about.  Shots that throw you off balance or aren’t as simple as instruction videos or professionals make them look.  Here are some great ways to overcome the awkward shots. 

When you have an awkward shot to make, think about how you can swing, keep your balance, and keep from moving your head.  Then imagine the line your club travels along.   

Prior to setting up your shot, consider where the club head needs to travel for the greatest distance in a straight line.  Keep in mind that the ball makes contact with the club head for several inches.  After you make a few practice swings, you will be able to see what relationship your feet will have with the line and then you can determine your stance. 

It is important to keep from swaying when you are about the hit the ball.  Just before you swing, see if there is any problem keeping your balance.  If there is, you need to keep shifting until you find a comfortable position where there is no tension in your swing.  Freedom in your muscles and mind is what you are looking for so that you will be able to swing smoothly.  If you are fidgety when you address the ball, you are not going to be able to focus on the ball.  Be sure you keep your feet still. 

Ensure that you can see the ball from the beginning to end of your swing.  Even if it is a difficult shot, do not lose focus on the ball.  This will help you hit the ball cleanly and solidly. 

If you keep your eye on the ball, then your swing will be free from faults and the ball will be hit correctly.  If you can keep your head still for the entire swing until the club head meets the ball, your swing will definitely improve.  Then if you have an awkward shot, you will be able to hit it with confidence and assurance. 

Bad or difficult weather can make any shot more difficult.  When the wind is blowing, it is important to keep your feet closer together.  It is natural to think that you just need to hit the ball harder, but the wind makes it even more important to hit the ball correctly. 

The more awkward the shot, the more you need your muscles to be relaxed enough to make the shot.  Here is a tip.  The shorter the shot that you need to make, the closer your feet should be brought together.  Hit the ball true, instead of with all of your strength to keep it from bouncing away and reducing the distance that it travels. 

Awkward and difficult shots are something that every golfer needs to learn to deal with.  Once you learn how to handle them, then you will be much more confident and be enjoying a lower golf score! 

Choosing a Credit Card In the UK 2018 or 2019

Credit card companies are all over the world and so are credit cards.  Some of the credit card companies only offer cards to a specific country or region that they are in.  If you live in the UK, then you might need some information about credit cards that are available for you. 

Credit cards that you get in the UK are not any different from any other credit cards.  The credit card companies offer special incentives to get customers like 0% APR for a specific time period, no annual fees, and you may even be able to apply for the credit cards online.  Many credit card companies based in the UK do not give their cards to consumers in other countries due to security reasons.  However, if you live in the UK, then there are many companies that are sure to let you fill out an application to receive their specific credit card. 

There are many companies that encourage you to apply online.  They overwhelm you with ads, promising a 60 second approval. 

Credit card use in the UK can cause financial problems just as it does all over the world.  People in the UK owe tens of billions of pounds in credit card debt at an interest rate of over 16% and this figure keeps getting higher and higher.  Debts over 2500 pounds are common to ten percent of the people in UK and combined with high interest rates, this figure is near impossible to get to come down. 

There are some benefits to having a credit card that a great many UK consumers find appealing.  Some of the credit card companies offer cash back with purchases, air miles, travel insurance, and insurance for your purchases.  A credit card looks good to many UK consumers, especially when you add in the discount vouchers. 

When you decide to apply for a credit card, you should research all of your choices to find the one that is best for you.  Once you receive it, you need to be careful in using it or you could find yourself in a financial mess.  If you use your credit card wisely, then you will find that it will make your life easier, no matter what country you live in. 

Credit Card Company That You Can Trust Chase in 2018 or 2019

If you are looking for a credit card company to give your business to, but are unsure of which one to choose, then you may want to consider Chase.  They are known for being one of the best credit cards around.  They make applying for one of their cards very simple and there are no hidden charges. 

When you sign up, they will give you all of the information about any charges that they may charge you.  They do not have annual fees and offer a 0% interest introductory rate.  Also, Chase offers fraud protection, which is a very important thing to have these days. 

It is so easy to apply for a Chase credit card.  Applying on their website is simple, too.  Their website is also a great place to learn more about their credit cards including the interest rates and pictures of each kind of card. 

You can also pay your credit card bill online.  This is a fast and secure way for you to pay your credit card bill.  If you do not have a Chase credit card, but have heard great things about the company, you can sign-up on their website.  If you fill out the form correctly, then you could be a Chase member in just a few days. 

Chase offers individual accounts and small business accounts.  This is great for those of you who are looking for a credit card to start your small business. 

Chase credit cards are accepted all over the world, so you do not have to worry about being able to use it on a trip abroad.  Chase also gives their customers air miles for every dollar, so you may be able to take a vacation much cheaper than you think. 

Recently, Chase has went through some bad press – mainly aimed at their customer service practices, but they have made strides to make their customer service better and to lower their interest rates.  If you are looking for a credit card with a proven track record, then you will want to consider Chase. 

Find a Place to Study 2018 VS 2019

Find a Place to Study

       Figuring out a time and place to do your homework and study is of the utmost importance.  Once you have figured out when to do your homework, the next question is where to do it. 

       A good study area should have a desk or table big enough to spread out books, notes, worksheets, etc. without them all being on top of each other.  You do not want to make a mess, but you also do want to have ample room to work.

       Make sure you have plenty of light.  Ideally, you will near a window with an overhead light and perhaps even a small reading lamp. 

       Most important in choosing a study location is finding a place that is relatively free from distractions.  That means no TV on in the room, no brothers or sisters running by, no phone conversations to listen in on, and no instant messenger or emails to keep you busy. 
     
       Whether or not you listen to music while you study depends on your personal preference.  You may choose to ignore any phone calls, or turn off your cell phone, and forget about the urge to go and get a snack every ten or fifteen minutes.

       Depending on your home, you may be able to find this area at the kitchen or dining room table, or in your bedroom.  You may be able to set aside a study space in your basement or an office in you home.  Some people find their homes too filled with distractions, and prefer to take their studies to the local library.

       Wherever you choose, it is best if you can study in that same place all the time.  If you can study in this same location consistently, your mind will get used to this being a focused and important place.  When you enter this area, you will know it is time to get down to business. Your pens and pencils, paper, erasers, stapler, calculator, and anything else you use often can be kept nearby.  Also, you can keep them in a bin or bag which can be pulled out whenever you need them.  This will avoid having to stop studying to collect supplies.
     
       Having this dedicated study spot will help you get down to business and focus more easily on getting your work complete.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Keep Supplies in a Homework Kit

       It’s four o’clock…you know what that means…time to do homework.  You scour the house looking for a pencil.  Then you need a pencil sharpener.  Ten minutes later you find one.  Finally you sit down to start your homework.  Where’s the calculator?  Dad’s desk?  Brother’s bedroom?  Once found, you discover that it is low on batteries…there have to be some in the house…but where?  If you find your typical study session unfolding like this, then here are a few suggestions to make you finish your homework with ease…

       You can waste a lot of time looking for homework supplies and making sure they are ready to be used.  OR, you can use a homework box or supply kit of some kind to keep it all together.  Then, when it comes time to do homework, everything is in place for you.  No running around, no scouring the house. 

       Any kind of box will do.  You can use a storage tote, an old shoebox, or even a drawer.  The key is to keep everything you need in there, ready to go.  Make sure the tote or box is placed conveniently in your study area.  It should not move from the spot. 
     
       Make sure siblings and family members know that these supplies are for homework, and not for other activities.  Those supplies should stay there, and only be used for homework.  You may want to label it so there is no confusion as to its purpose. 
     
       Pencils and crayons should be sharp, calculators fully equipped with fresh batteries, markers with lids tightly attached.  Here’s a tip, since your parents are always offering to help with your homework but it is up to you to do the work, suggest that they take responsibility for keeping the supply kit full and in working order. 
       When it comes to studying, there are few people that want any more struggle or stress than is necessary.  Keeping all materials and supplies handy and ready to go will make your studying not only go smoother, but possibly quicker.  And who wouldn’t want to shorten the time they need for studying?
     
     
     
     

Concentration is Key

       Learning to concentrate while studying and doing work is a skill that will be used for the rest of your life.  The art of concentration is to eliminate any possible distractions and completely focus on the task at hand.  Many students will read through material and discover that they have no idea what they have just read.  Or, they will attend lectures and have difficulty paying attention to what is being said.  Here are a few suggestions to help you stay focused and boost your grades…

       When scheduling study times, try to stick to a consistent and efficient routine.  Try to avoid studying one day late at night, and the next in the afternoon.  Write in your planner or calendar when you will study so as not to have conflicts. 

       Always study in a quiet environment.  If you haven’t already, find a designated study spot free of distractions.  If you live in a noisy house or dormitory, this may mean heading to a study room or even the library.

       When you need a study break, do something different from you have been doing, and in a different area.  Get up and walk around in another room.  Listen to music for a few minutes.  Grab a snack.  Try to take a break every hour for about 10 minutes. 

       Every student struggles with day dreaming while studying…thinking about plans for the night or tomorrow’s basketball game.  To avoid daydreaming, ask yourself questions about the material as you study it, which will keep your mind focused.

       If you have trouble focusing during classroom lectures, look over the notes of the previous lecture and read the course material pertaining to the lecture beforehand so you can anticipate the main ideas that the instructor will cover.  Additionally, show outward interest during lectures.  Have an attentive expression and posture.  This will self-motivate internal interest.  Also, resist distractions by sitting in front of the room away from disruptive occurrences and classmates and by focusing on the instructor through listening and note taking. 

       Just a few minor adjustments in your studying habits will go a long way in improving grades and concentration.










Skimming with Skill

       Think about how you find a name in a telephone book.  You don’t read any more than necessary to find the name.  Maybe you use your finger to guide your eyes.  This type of reading is known as scanning.  Skimming uses the same type of skill mechanically but a different skill mentally.  In scanning, you know what you are looking for; in skimming, you don’t.

       Since you don’t know exactly what you are looking for while skimming, prepare yourself by reading the title, source, author, and any pictures;  then question yourself,--who, what, when, where is this likely to focus on?  With a questioning mind direct your eyes down the column of print, or in a zigzag, if the lines are quite long.  Look for exact names of people, places, things, ideas, numbers and words like therefore, whenever, until, because, and instead, to clue you to how and why.

       When you first start to learn to skim you may see only the words in bold type, italics, digits, or capitalized words.  Soon you will note new or unusual vocabulary.  As you become an efficient skimmer your span of perception will develop and your ability to make closure will increase.

       Skimming is a step you should always take before you read any article of factual or practical narrative.  You will soon be able to detect most important facts, strange vocabulary, and words that are clues to important relationships.

It's a good practice to skim everything in mass media after reading the title and first paragraph. You may get all the information you want. This keeps your skimming skills from deteriorating, or will give you the practice you need to develop necessary skills.

Skim everything you intend to read before you make a final decision to read, discard, or study the material.

Skim all highlighting and develop a read-skim pattern to use for rapid review. And don't overlook this! Reviewing frequently and rapidly is the best way to memorize (or simply remember information) from notes and long text assignments.  Skimming is a very useful tool for studying, so learn it and use it!








From Start to Finish

       Confused about what to write down in your notebook during class?  Get stressed when preparing for tests and looking over your notes?  Here are some suggestions to take you from the beginning of the studying process in the classroom, to the end, or the test itself.

Read assignments before heading to class.  This will build your background for the information that will be presented in class.  It helps you be familiar with the vocabulary and concepts.  This is especially helpful if you are unfamiliar with the subject matter.  As you read, underline and highlight important information.  If you don’t have time to read the entire assignment, at least look over introduction paragraphs, bolded words, and summaries.  This will give you a good overview of the information.

Although it seems obvious, you need to go to class and take notes.  Most professors or teachers lecture during class periods, emphasizing points of importance.  Head to class ready to be attentive and write during the entire class.  Don’t stop taking notes until the lecturer is finishing.  Pay particular attention to the end of the lecture, as professors will cram information into this part to finish up for the day.  Use abbreviations; get details and main ideas to get complete notes.

While the notes are still ‘fresh’ in your mind, look over them and make any additions or corrections as soon as possible after class.  Be sure to make note of any parts you didn’t understand or missed.  Ask either the professor or a friend via email or before the next class period to get the missing information. 

Try to pass your first test in each class to boost self-confidence.  Make up a list of study questions and definitions and practice reciting this information aloud, either to yourself or someone else.  Don’t wait until the last minute study.  Rather, study for short periods over several days.  Of course, you will want to review the night before a test.

Finally, test day arrives.  Use these strategies during your exam to make all your hard work worthwhile.  Read directions carefully before you begin.  Take a few minutes to look over the test, then answer all the questions you know first.  This will help you get sure points and builds confidence. Don’t leave any blanks; it is better to guess if you don’t know.  Watch your time, and manage it accordingly.  Don’t rush, but don’t go too slow.  Take a few minutes at the end of class to look over your test to be sure you have answered all questions and that your answers make sense. 

Create and Maintain a Budget in 2018 and 2019

Create and Maintain a Budget
  The first step to avoiding the troubles of financial debt is to create and maintain a budget.  It’s not as intimidating as it sounds, don’t worry.

       First off,  create a list of all your monthly income and also a list of your monthly expenses.  When determining income, list all sources including alimony, child support, side jobs, etc.  In calculating expenses, be sure to include housing, food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, etc.  To gain an accurate reflection of actual expenses, sit down each night and write down expenses, just make sure to save receipts.  Determine if your income covers all of your expenses.  If the answer is no, then some expenses need to be reduced. 

       Adjust expenses.  If it is a small discrepancy, it may mean reducing some minor expenses like entertainment or cell phone plan.  If the deficit is larger, you may need to downsize your vehicle or living arrangements.  If your income covers all of your expenses, you still may want to trim some of the excess fat off your spending habits.  This can free up extra money for things such as vacations or college funds for your children. 
     
       Additionally, consider if you need to add new categories.  Some areas that are often overlooked are debt reduction, emergency savings funds, and retirement savings.  An emergency fund ensures there is an adequate amount available to cover unforeseen events (car emergency, etc), should it arise.  This will eliminate the need for using credit which can quickly damage your budget. 
     
       There are several advantages to sticking to your budget.  Firstly, most people have set financial goals that they would like to reach in the future.  Sometimes it may be a trip, a brand new car, or a college education.  A budget can help people save money to make these goals a reality.  Additionally, many people are crushed under heavy consumer debt.  Without a disciplined pattern of spending, it is virtually impossible to make much headway in reducing debt.  A personal budget will provide the necessary framework to begin eliminating these inflated account balances. 
     
       If executed properly, a budget will allow a person to simultaneously meet their expenses, place money into savings, and pay back outstanding debts.  Therefore, it is anyone’s best interest to create and implement a budget. 
     










Cut Back on Spending

  At first it may seem difficult to limit spending and stick to a budget, however there are a few practical changes that you can make everyday that will cut your spending more than you expect. 

       Firstly, alter credit car behavior.  Start to pay cash whenever possible.  This will help you avoid making a purchase unless you actually have the money available.  If you decide to make a credit card purchase, be prepared to pay the balance off monthly.  This will save a lot of money through avoiding interest charges.  If you already have a credit card balance, then transfer to a card with a low interest rate.  Also, find a card that does not charge an annual fee. 
     
       Another tip is to pack your lunch everyday.  All of those lunch hours spent at restaurants will add up.  Bringing your own lunch can save you several dollars every day, which will add up over time. 
     
       Use your cell phone during off peak hours.  Some people will spend a couple hundred dollars a month on phone charges.  Avoid this by making most calls during off peak times.  Check with your service and plan to find out when you have cheaper or unlimited calls. 
     
       Stop throwing away the Sunday newspaper before skimming through the advertisements.  Clip some of those coupons and check out the sales.  This may seem tedious, but the savings are often worth it.  Many stores will double or triple the amount of the coupon.  This technique can save you up to 20 or 30 dollars each time you head to the food store. 
     
       Additionally, refinance.  Mortgage rates have been extremely low over the past year.  This has been a great opportunity to reduce the monthly house payment significantly.  If you are planning to have your house paid off prior to retirement, then you may want to factor this in before refinancing. 
     
       Finally, bundle your insurance.  Many insurance companies will offer their customers lower rates if they purchase multiple policies.  For instance, some people use the same agent for multiple cars, and others combine their cars and house.  Always keep in mind that a dollar here and there really begins to add up.  Avoid the temptation of thinking that changing your spending habits wouldn’t save that much money. 
     
     

     
Start Saving!
       So you are loaded down with bills to pay each month and are wondering how you can begin a savings account for emergencies and other high-expense endeavors.  In other words, where can you find that extra cash to put away for later? 
       Firstly, when configuring your budge, plan for your savings first.  You will grow richer each month if you begin to pay yourself first.  Before paying any bills, decide on a set amount that you will pay yourself first—maybe five or ten percent—or whatever you decide—of your paycheck.  Then, deposit the amount into a savings account before paying any bills. 
       When you do this at the beginning of the month, your entire paycheck will not suddenly slip through your fingers.  If you wait until the end of the month, there may be nothing left to save.  Paying yourself first will give you a systematic way to make your money grow.  Regardless of your profession or your income, this system will work if you stick to it. 
       Another technique you may try for saving money is to empty your extra change into a coffee can or a jar each day.  At the end of the month, roll the coins and put them into your savings account.  You may be able to save 30 or 40 dollars each month just with your spare change. 
       Remember that good money management is more than just a mathematical formula.  It’s too closely tied with the ups and downs of living to be just that.  Your money management plan is always subject to change if your life situation changes.  The object of a good budget is to make your money go the farthest in helping you reach your goals, it is not there to force to you to abide by rules. 
       Don’t get discouraged if the budget plan doesn’t work perfectly right away.  It may involve some revising and editing until it fits your needs.  Then, make sure to review it often, and be sure it is making the best use of every penny!  Because we know how helpful those spare pennies can be!





Avoid Spending Pitfalls!
       With all the advantages that are evident from personal budgeting, it is no wonder that more and more people are relying on them to reduce debts and increase their savings.  However, all ‘budgeters’ need to be careful to avoid some common pitfalls that appear often. 
       Credit cards may seem like small pieces of plastic, however they can cause a great deal of trouble for the owners.  It is common for people to make unwise purchases, which they would have avoided otherwise, because they had the credit card in their wallet.  The best solution for many people is simply to get rid of credit cards and begin paying only by cash, check, or debit cards.  You may want to keep one card handy for emergencies, but it is probably best to keep it out of reach, and far away from your wallet.
       Another problem with budgeting is impatience.  There are financial goals set, but people do not have the patience to complete a savings program.  For instance, an individual begins setting aside money for a new car; however, after a few months they discover the car of their dreams.  Rather than waiting, they make the purchase.  This could pose some serious financial strains.  Discipline is a must to prevent impatience from breaking your budget. 
       Once a person makes a budget, they often fail to adjust it when necessary.  A budget is created using a set of expenses and income figures that are liable to change.  As these figures do change, it is important that the budget changes to reflect the adjustments.  There could be some major deficits if this is not done appropriately and promptly.
       Of course nobody forgets about Christmas or Hanukkah, however many people do not consider budgeting for holidays when creating a budget.  Therefore, adequate funds have not been set aside for presents, food, parties, etc.  These items should be factored in and saved for throughout the year.
       Finally, many people factor in transportation and accommodations for vacations in their budget, however they underestimate money needed for food, entertainment, and spending money.  Keep in mind that all the resorts and tourists areas are double or triple what you would normally pay. 
       With a little planning, you’ll be on your way to saving more money than you ever thought possible!
     
     
     

Easy Money-Saving Changes
       One of the most obvious and easy ways to save some extra cash is to change some of the way you use products and items in your everyday life.  The key is to make minor changes. 
       For instance, always buy the cheapest hand soap you can find.  The quality doesn’t necessarily go up with the price and you can use it in place of ‘bath soap.’ 
       Always use the whole product.  Turn bottles upside down and drain to get the last bit from them.  Tear open sugar and flour sacks to get everything; squeeze or cut open tubes to use it all before running out to buy more.  You’ll be surprised at how much there really is left! 
Also, never use more than you need.  Just because it says on the box that you need a full cup, doesn’t mean that you really do it need it.  Half a measure of laundry detergent and a half teaspoon of dish soap are examples of what are usually enough, rather than what the manufacturer says. 
       To save some cash, you can use some of the things in your house in some unique ways.  Instead of spending lots of money on the fancy floor cleaners, try using ammonia.  It does a great job, and you can use plain water in between times.  If your furniture needs some polishing, mix equal parts of white vinegar and vegetable oil and rub on the furniture.  Buff with a cloth until it shines. 
       For a freezer bag, use empty chip bags and close with masking taps.  Also try a bowl with a lid, such as a margarine tub. 
       If your skin is feeling a little dry, there are several substitutes for expensive lotion.  Petroleum jelly rubbed into your hands at night after a warm water soak, mayonnaise (rinse w/ cold water after), or any other oil based food.  Just be sure to put it on immediately after your hands have been in water.
        To save some money on laundry, dissolve a bar of handsoap in water to replace laundry detergent.  Add three gallons of hot water, mix thoroughly and add a cup of washing soda. 
       Sure, these are small changes, but added up, they can put some extra change into your pocket throughout the year!
     

Learning About Cash Back Credit Cards: Good or Bad Idea 2018 or 2019?

Getting a credit card that offers cash back always sounds like a good idea.  What could be better than getting cash back on all the purchases that you make with your credit card?  It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? 

Well, there are cards that give you free cash, but it is usually only around 1% cash back.  However, free money is free money, right?  Well, sometimes. 

If you like to buy a lot of things in one month, this kind of credit card probably sounds great to you.  However, you need to keep in mind that they are not going to give you cash back on every purchase that you make.  Even if they claim to give you cash back on every purchase, they will only give you up to a certain amount per transaction.  The company also has a strict limit on the amount that they will give back to their customers.  If you read the little, bitty print on the form that you signed, you will see a paragraph with their limits in the terms and agreements. 

This is another way to try to draw in new customers for these companies.  It is a good credit card to have and sounds great in theory, but they will have to check your credit rating before they will give you their card. 

Research different credit card companies to see what they are offering.  You may be surprised to find a cash back credit card that offers you just what you need and want with a high cash back percentage, few limits on the amount they will give you back, and instant cash deposits when you make each purchase with their card. 

Although these credit cards seem like a great thing to have, some companies will need your credit rating to be great too.  However, there are credit card companies that offer these cards to people with a low credit rating to help them rebuild their credit.  Research all of your options. 

What should your decision be?  If you have a good credit rating, then this card is a great option for you.  Research different card companies – there are cards out there that offer you up to 3% cash back and impose very few limits.  If, however, you have a bad credit rating, you may want to find a credit card that will help you rebuild your credit.