Archives for 2009

Designing A Company Logo

November 17, 2009 By Sherry Tingley

A company without a logo is like a person without a face. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? If you happen to bump into a person without a face while walking down the street, you’d probably freak out. Maybe you’d even think that he’s from another planet. Well, this also applies to a company or business that doesn’t have a company logo. Prospects, clients and customers will have second thoughts dealing with your company or buying a product from you if a company logo is lacking.

This very small detail called the logo actually does a lot in making your business grow. A lot of business people neglect the importance of having a company logo, and this is a big no-no. Before you even think you can do without having a company logo, read on and you’ll find out the importance of having your own company logo.

Basically, business starts in getting noticed and identified. A company logo will help customers notice and identify your business or company. That’s how important that piece of drawing is. It helps people know your company’s existence. Establishing your identity in the world of business is a very important matter as business starts when people become aware of your business operation. Thus, having a company logo designed by a professional is one step closer to a thriving business.

Imagine giving away t-shirts or hats with your company logo to your valued customers. This is a very effective strategy to promote your business. Not only do you get to reward your loyal customers and clients, you also get to promote your company. Good investment, isn’t it? What about retail stores that purchase shopping bags for their customers. That is the perfect place to put your custom designed company logo.There are lots of items you can get your company logo printed on. If you want to increase your company’s popularity, why not give away a mug, keychain, and greeting cards with, of course, your company logo printed. These things can also be given to your employees and staff for their own use.

Having a company logo is really a great move towards a successful business. And since this should not be taken for granted, it is best to have a professional logo maker take care of your company logo. In this manner, you won’t end up with a piece of junk or a copycat company logo. Plus, professional logo makers will even help you come up with great promotional item ideas bearing the logo, such as:

-Automotive Promotional Products

-Business Card Holders

-Personalized Bags and Totes

-Brochures

-Appointment Products

-Personalized Cards

-Checks

-Letterhead Stationery

Surely, a company logo is your company’s face, your company’s identity. With the help of an expert logo maker, your company logo will be as popular and as recognizable as the Golden Arches, Converse Star or M&M’s.

How Seniors Can Protect Themselves From Financial Scams

November 16, 2009 By Sherry Tingley

Although Mary, a grandmother of four no longer owns a home, she still gets calls from refinancing agencies and so called finance managers even pester her not only with phone calls but through mail as well. With the economic downturn, many illegitimate agencies try to offer bogus financing plans preying on the older generation in hopes of making money the easiest possible way.

Financial literacy is taught to teenagers and many young urban professionals. Older folks however are not updated with what is going on in the financial world –making them an easy target for those who profess to be “lenders”.

For seniors to protect themselves from these finance issues, here are a few tips to take into consideration:

1. Budget and List Your Expenses

Saving enough money is key to a much more comfortable life ahead. Think about things you really do not need to spend on and cut the spending from there. For example, there is no more need for you to maintain that four bedroom house if all the kids now have their own families and their own homes. You can sell the house for a profit and get a smaller apartment –it is easier and cheaper to maintain.

Having enough income will relieve seniors from stressing out because of finances even if a crisis hits. Budgeting and saving enough for retirement is a good thing.

2. Investments

When it comes to investments, seniors should be more careful. As much as possible, do not invest in the stock market if you are not an expert. The stock market goes down faster than it is supposed to go up. Invest in something that does not fluctuate along with the market.

3. Power of Attorney

Before making any decisions, it is highly recommended that older Americans find someone they can trust to manage finances and other legalities. A son or a daughter is a good choice so that seniors can have peace of mind when it comes to their money. As much as possible, do not give anybody else control over finances except your own children because if you do not have enough control over your money, you might find that one day your money is gone.

4. Charities

If you want to help out in your own way with regards to a certain cause, be very careful because even legitimate charities can obtain the right to withdraw from your bank account. Help out in cash, give it to them and do not sign any agreements whatsoever nor should you give out your bank account number.

5. Beware of Phone Scammers

Do not give any personal information to anyone who calls you pretending to be from a legitimate company. These scammers usually call through the relay service – a service that is supposedly for the service of deaf people which allows them to make a regular phone call. The relay service is a legitimate company but somehow, through the advancement of technology, Nigerian scammers have hacked into their system and they pretend that they are deaf people trying to call relatives. The interpreters do not have the power to end the call since it is against federal laws to meddle in the call. The best thing you can do is report this call as soon as possible and never to entertain them anymore especially if you do not know someone who actually uses the service.

6. Retirement

For those who are still planning to retire. Delay your retirement. Figure out first how much money you have in your pension plan and if your retirement income is sufficient, then go right ahead and enjoy your retirement benefits.

Tips to Saving Money on Your Vacation at Disneyland

November 14, 2009 By Sherry Tingley

Considered as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland is a child’s utopia. For adults, planning a trip to Disneyland or even to other amusement parks can be a nightmare. Following these tips will hopefully bring the fun back into visiting these places.

Avoid the front gates – Although naturally, these would be the places parents turn to for purchasing tickets, it is possibly the least cost effective. The regular amount is multiplied depending on the number of people you are with. With the Disneyland Resort, there are multiple theme parks, at least two located in California alone. For each of the Disneyland resorts, a separate admission fee is required unless a Park Hopper Pass is purchased.

Park Hopper Pass – This pass allows the user to visit both Disneyland parks in California. These passes are valid between one to five days. Similar to the idea of annual passes, the prices becoming cheaper as the longer days are purchased. Try purchasing these on ebay to save money.

Buy online – Disney offers discounts for tickets purchased online in advance. These can be directly printed or sent through mail.

Annual Pass – Amusement parks usually offer these passes to encourage visitors to come more often. For residents living near Disneyland, this is the most cost effective if utilized more than five times during the entire year.

Package Deals – Intended to entice more tourists, some hotels within the vicinity of amusement parks or other tourist attractions offer a discount on admission tickets if staying with hotel. Disneyland has three seasons: Value Season, Regular and the Peak Season. It is most advised to book during the Value or off peak seasons as these will give the visitors the most discounts. Special Adults Price For some years during the months of January up until early spring, adults can avail of the same admission prices in Disney as kids do.

Discount Passes for Residents in California – Disney offers special discounts specifically for residents in South California, teachers who are members from various state unions, university students, some employees, retired individuals as well some car organizations in the state.

Birthday Passes Started in 2009 – Disneyland has offered a special discount for birthday celebrants. To avail of this discount, inform the park in advance and claim at the front gate with a valid ID for verification. Unfortunately, this pass is only given to the celebrant and valid only for that day. Military Passes For soldiers in the military, whether in active duty, National Guard, Reserve, DOD or retired, Disneyland also offers special discounts depending on the time of the year. This requires presenting their military ID at the gate.

Travel Agency Discount – ARES, a travel agency of good reputation offers discounted tickets on its website which can be purchased and used for admission into Disneyland. Do research and inquire about other local travel agencies on whether they offer discounts on other amusement parks or tourist spots.

Foreigner discount – Residents from the United Kingdom can avail of discounts from Theme Park Direct. UK residents intending to purchase must take caution and compare conversion rates before buying.

Being aware of these options will hopefully make planning the trip to Disneyland a less stressful and burdensome task.

How to Qualify for a Home Loan

November 14, 2009 By Sherry Tingley

Owning a home has been considered a logical investment, as it gives a sense of security. It is asset than can be passed on to the next generation. With the recent turn in the economy, buying a home is becoming more enticing as property prices are going down. Although this is true, purchasing a home can still be expensive. Obtaining a home loan can help in being able to purchase property.

To apply for a home loan, banks normally check the applicant’s background, whether they have a good, steady job or some other stable source of income. Credit line is also checked, whether the applicant has been responsibly paying his/her debts well. An applicant must also have collateral as financial back up, as an assurance that the applicant will be paying back the loan in full.

Do some research on how much you can ask from lenders. This will give a general idea in figures of how much you can borrow, how much of your income is needed for the down payment as well as for the succeeding payments. Evaluate how much you can afford to spend for the house loan, in consideration with other existing monthly payments. It is recommended that less than a third of the applicant’s monthly income be spent on the payments for the loan and property.

Start saving money for the purchasing of the house before attempting to apply for a home loan. Possible ways of saving for the home loan and property purchase include taking a second job or reducing unnecessary expenses. This initial investment is a good demonstration to the lender of the applicant’s good intent in purchasing a house. There are also other options to be considered in obtaining financial support when purchasing a house such as the Veteran’s Administration loan for veterans. Consult with your real estate agent regarding other financial support options.

As a result of the recent development in the economy, banks are becoming more stringent in assessing applications. However, there are ways of improving chances when applying for a home loan. In order to prepare for qualifying for a home loan, it is recommended that the applicant obtain a copy of their credit report from a qualified agency. There are services which can send a report annually or directly contact the agencies for an immediate copy. Take note of outstanding or unpaid credit, as this is an important aspect that banks check for. Pay back all debts. If this is not completely possible, then make it as low as possible. This is important as it sends a note to the lender of the applicant’s reliability in paying back the loan.

Banks normally ask for collateral as an assurance that the applicant will pay back his/her loan. Other properties in real estate or investments in the stock market are possible sources of collateral.

There are no definite rules that can assure the applicant will obtain the home loan. Loans are approved on a case to case basis. However, following these tips increases the chances of getting the home loan. Do not despair if you are denied a home loan but see it as a sign that there may be areas in your application that need improving.

All About Debit Cards

November 12, 2009 By Sherry Tingley

Everything seems to be advanced by new developments in technology, even banking and payments. Now, you can shop cashless, thanks to debit cards. In the US, almost everyone has a debit card. Debit cards are of great use and help. If people can learn how to manage or control their use of debit cards, then they are a great resource.

One of the very obvious advantages of using debit cards is that eliminates the need to write checks. For people on the go (those who value greatly every seconds), debit cards are their next best friends. In times when we are in a hurry, we can just swipe our debit cards and payments are done. Another advantage of debit cards is that payments are made easy and hassle-free.

Debit cards, or also known as electronic checks, can be used to pay for products purchased online. Debit cards make online shopping very convenient. So the next time you shop online, worry no more for your payments, debit cards are always beside you. Now, you can also receive instant alerts and confirmation for your payments made through your debit cards. You will receive a text message once payments are made. This new feature of debit cards is very a helpful one.

Having a debit card of your own is simple. Debit cards are issued to bank clients with checking or savings accounts. Most of the time, banks can issue the debit cards as soon as you open a checking or savings account or they can just send you your debit card through mail. All transactions and payments made using your debit card will be credited to your checking account. Once you obtain your debit card, the next thing to do is activate it using an ATM, or by visiting the bank website.

Most, if not all, banks in the US issue debit cards. The very first bank to do this is the First National Bank in Seattle. Debit cards have been of existence since 1978 when the First National Bank of Seattle issued debit cards to their clients, mostly business executives, with large savings account. Since then, US banks such as HSBC, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Citizens Bank and many more have been issuing debit cards.

It is also because of technology that there have been a growing number of fraudulent activities or uses of debit cards. The best thing to do is never share your PIN with anyone. It is better to be safe than sorry in the end. There might also be people who contact you by email or phone and ask for your debit card PIN and other details. Do not ever give your debit card PIN to these people. There have been a growing number of phishing scams, so beware. Another tip to avoid fraudulent use of debit cards is don’t write down your debit card PIN on your debit card. There are people who do this (those who can’t remember their PINs). Do not be one of them.

With the fast advancement of technology, who knows how debit cards will be used in a year or so. Surely, debit cards are very useful and advantageous. Once you fully understand how these magic debit cards work and what their uses are, you will surely want to own one. For your convenience, you can keep your debit card in a debit card wallet.