Saturday, June 28, 2008

Raquel Welch Wigs – Looking Beautiful!

History has shown us plenty of examples when wigs were worn and present times do not make an exception. We have seen wigs worn by various people in many different cultures. Wigs have a history of being worn by royalty and lately by people in the entertainment business. There is a high interest for wigs nowadays. Some people need them as they suffer from natural hair loss or hair loss caused by cancer treatments or disease. Others may like wigs just to wear for fun and to look chic. Whatever the case may be, one can find everything needed with the help of the internet.

Probably the best thing about the World Wide Web is the diversity of choices. One can find Raquel Welch wigs at an attractive price that offers high-quality wig products. The wigs which bear the signature of Raquel Welch are chic and have three main distinguishable attributes: beauty, elegance and comfort. If you are ever in need of such a hairpiece, then Raquel Welch wigs are definitely something you should look into. Each wig from her collection is created with top quality standard and has an impressive presentation with innovative touches.

In case you are wondering what is so different about Raquel Welch wigs, you should know that this unique collection has a special technology, known as Memory Cap. By wearing a wig from Raquel Welch, you will benefit from increased comfort and enjoy a perfect fit, all due to the stretch cap material. You can take your time and compare Raquel Welch wigs to other brands but it is guaranteed that you will not find a better deal.

The Raquel Welch wig collection includes hairpieces made from real hair (a genuine match for luxury) but also includes synthetic wigs made from modern materials. They are quite hard to distinguish from the real thing, being made from exquisite Vibralite Kanekalon Modacrylic fiber. If you’re looking for something different, a special collection of Raquel Welch wigs is based on a unique style, known as the Sheer Indulgence may interest you. Monofilament wigs are especially recommended for those who have lost their hair due to various medical conditions, including chemotherapy treatments for cancer. The wigs are a great quality and style for the low price.

If you go online and search for Raquel Welch wigs, you will find a wide range of choices, with sale price and other details offered. For USA customers, the shipping is free for orders over a certain amount. After you select the color you prefer for your wig, you can proceed to reading specific information about the wig you are interested in. You can see a photo and find out what the Sheer Indulgence monofilament line offers. Wigs come in different styles, textures and cuts, with razor tapered layers and cool parting possibilities. They are easy to arrange and just as easy to maintain. With plenty of wig care accessories to choose from wig care has never been easier.

A careful search on the Internet will reveal other hairpieces as well, including beautiful Revlon wigs. Made with the latest technology and exploring every inch of modern tendencies, these wigs are suitable for special occasions and not just everyday wear. They are even recommended to women who have suffered from hair loss but also to those who have always had problems with their scalp. Revlon wigs are often purchased with an entire range of wig care products, for cleaning and maintaining the beauty of the wig.

The thing that impresses customers most about Revlon wigs is the realistic appearance. This is due to the well chosen arrangement of the hair. Flared tips are widely encountered, providing a chic look with each wig worn. The fit cap technology allows for the wig to match different head sizes, from average to petite. If you are looking for a short-hair wig, then you certainly have a wide range to choose from with Revlon wigs. Layered and curly hairpieces await you, with ultra-fine mesh monofilament fabric for your comfort.

The reason why many women have become so interested in wigs is because they want to look like a certain celebrity. With the help of Raquel Welch or Revlon wigs, they do not have to cut their own hair and wait for it to grow back. A simple wig can be a smart accessory to a beautiful, low-cut evening dress. And as the most popular hairdo is the bob-style, it’s easily available online at incredible prices. Now you can look beautiful and sexy, all with the ease of a wig!

Revlon Wigs – Fashionable and Comfortable!

It was the 18th century when women started to wear wigs for the first time. The style quickly caught on and you could see all women wearing elegant hairpieces. In present times, wigs have regained their popularity and have made a comeback in a range of diverse styles. The Internet offers an incredible selection of wigs, including many famous names of the industry. Today, wigs are synonymous with glamour and many women are passionate about wearing them.

Revlon wigs are highly popular among wig buyers and are made from delicate materials for comfort showing true quality to the product. Respecting the need for comfort, the specialists who design Revlon wigs have implemented innovative technology, offering air circulation and natural fit for all of their hairpieces. The wigs pertaining to this collection are made from synthetic fiber, having two main advantages: texture and thickness. For anyone interested in Revlon wigs, there are plenty of color shades to choose from, all offering a natural, realistic appearance.

When you say Revlon wigs, you think about comfort. Nevertheless, these beautiful hairpieces are meant to provide comfort and beauty at the same time. You can choose a medium-length wig, with flipped tips and look incredible. The bob-style wig is lately preferred by many women—especially by those who prefer their hair to be straight and short. Either way you go, you will discover that Revlon wigs have something special, being modern and attractive.

Some Revlon wigs have layers with razor tapered edges. Other are just slightly layered, offering a sexy yet contemporary look. Some wigs are long-length wigs with layered sides. As you can see, layers are in style right now and Revlon certainly knows how to adapt to the latest fashion trends. If you prefer a more flirty and seductive look, you can choose a hair piece pony tail for a truly unique appearance. Special Revlon wigs include long golden locks, turning short hair into an amazing hairstyle full of volume.

Looking fabulous is something you can definitely achieve by wearing a high-quality wig. With Raquel Welch wigs, beauty becomes a new concept. You can enjoy different styles included in this collection that all have a monofilament tops and are made from quality synthetic fiber. A natural look, flexible parting options and luminous colors are offered with Raquel Welch wigs. They are splendid in every way, being the perfect choice for daily wear or any special occasion.

The Internet presents all the information you need to know on Raquel Welch wigs. You will discover the type of fiber and material used (synthetic or human hair), cap size (petite or average) and other details, such as the length, weight and color of the wig. You may wish to include accessories such as a mesh cap liner, wig cleanser and conditioner. You might also fine the finishing spray, styling brush and the wig stand useful for styling and storage of the wig.

With Raquel Welch wigs you are introduced into the world of cutting-edge fashion. The wigs are meant to be incredibly comfortable, while maintaining a perfect fit and natural appearance. You can choose a below-the-shoulder hairpiece, with curls and subtle layers. With these wigs, you will benefit from the perfect ventilation provided and won’t have any problem adjusting to wigs thanks to the memory cap stretch. If you are looking for a more exciting hairdo, you can always choose a wig blending short and long layers that utilize thickness and complex texture for a stunning look.

There are so many wigs online that it can be quite hard to determine which one is the best for you. Should you go with shoulder-length Raquel Welch wigs or go for longer curls? The important thing is that you choose a hairpiece that most compliments your facial features. Choose one that frames your face and offers the look you have always dreamed of. You can look sexy, provocative and beautiful all with Raquel Welch wigs.

Cutting Business Costs With Group Discounts, Coupons, Promotional Codes, And More During A Recession

Economists and political scientists are predicting a recession for 2008. Whether the recession has already begun, or is just around the corner is a topic hotly debated. However, one thing is for certain: healthcare and gasoline prices are steadily on the rise. Businesses are feeling the pinch, since gasoline is needed for travel, shipping, and commerce – and healthcare is necessary to ensure a workforce ready for duty. How can a business cut these costs without sacrificing the well-being of its workforce or the quality of its business?

Use promotional codes and discount coupons for travel and shipping

As fuel costs soar and oil futures remain steady at well over $100 a barrel, the costs of commerce and travel will remain high. Many rental car companies and shipping businesses are raising their prices accordingly to offset the costs of fuel. And, in many cities and towns around the country, the cost of renting a car inevitably includes an excise tax, or a levy used to raise funds for unrelated services like highway maintenance or public transportation.

Here are some tips for cutting the costs of shipping and travel:


* Get a business discount membership with a car rental company or an airline. These programs are often specifically designed for “frequent travelers” or “frequent fliers,” and most offer discount coupons or promotional codes redeemable for discounted car rentals or business-class flights.


* Shop for fuel savings. Some retail stores and grocery chains offer promotional coupons or discount codes for gasoline purchases. If your employees travel frequently during the average workday (journalists and sales staff, for example, might make many automobile trips each day), discount coupons and codes can take the edge off of company-funded mileage reimbursements.


* Sign up for business shipping accounts, or join a business shipping discount program. Many well-known shipping companies, such as UPS, Yellow, and FedEx offer discount coupons and promotional codes that give businesses serious savings on local, national, and international shipping, and LTL hauling.


Shop for healthcare savings and discounts

The cost of healthcare premiums is steadily on the rise. According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), these price hikes mean that only 48 percent of American businesses with fewer than ten employees are able to offer healthcare plans (over 90 percent of businesses with 50 or more employees, by contrast, can offer employer-sponsored health coverage).

It is risky to have uninsured employees. Common chronic illnesses like high cholesterol, Type II diabetes, and depression can cause absenteeism and under-performance on the job. Reality is cruel, however: businesses with fewer employees just don't have a large enough risk pool over which to spread healthcare costs. Health plan costs can have a big impact on the costs of doing business at small firms.

The following suggestions might be beneficial to small business owners who wish to offer their employees healthcare coverage:


o Consider allowing each employee to choose his or her own individual plan, and provide partial reimbursement. Each employee can choose the healthcare plan that best suits his or her medical needs, age, and lifestyle. For example, a healthy male employee who is under 30 might choose a high-deductible plan with bare-bones options. Meanwhile, a middle-aged woman with diabetes might choose a low-deductible plan with a generous prescription drug allowance.


o Opt to start a self-funded plan for your office. Instead of paying out premiums, start a healthcare pool, into which each employee pays. Use this money to pay the costs of employee medical bills. During years when your office crew is healthy, you – and your employees – will save cash. This sort of plan can be supplemented with low cost “emergency” insurance for each worker.


o Join a group or guild. A small business has a small risk pool, which makes the costs of group coverage high. Risks are offset by size, which is one reason that larger businesses have less financial difficulty in insuring employees. This problem can be overcome in some instances by enrolling employees in a union, group, or guild that can offer insurance. Examples of such groups include The Writers Guild, The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust, and various local chambers of commerce.


The rising costs of fuel and healthcare can hobble businesses. However, proactive planning combined with bargain hunting can help even the smallest business weather a recession.

Gift Ideas for Dad

Father's Day isn't just a holiday to get your Dad his favorite NFL jersey or heaven forbid another tie, it's a time of thanks and spending quality time together. More than anything, Dad's like to do things rather than receive things, but if you want to show your Dad just how much he's loved and appreciated bundle a gift of love with an act of fun.

A good example would be to get your Dad a new pair of athletics shoes and then make arrangements to engage in that sport. If he's a tennis fan, get him a couple tennis balls, a new pair of tennis shoes and reserve a court at your local park or fitness center.

If he's into Golf, you could do the same thing. Get a few golf balls and some tees, and head out to the course or even just a few hours at the driving range. NFL football jerseys are another great way to say, "Hey Dad - let's go toss the skin around the back yard." Whether its football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, horseshoes or golf - there's an activity for everyone that can incorporate a small token of appreciation for the dedication and unconditional love father's have for their children.

If he's not a sports fan, figure out what he does like. If he's into gadgets like GPS, invest in a tank of gas and go for a drive together. Or if he's the intellectual type, do something educational to pair with the book you give him.

The point is, a gift is a great idea, but the gift of time is even more important. It doesn't matter if you like the sport, are any good at it or even if you hate driving, this is about your Dad. Spending time with him, thanking him for all the guidance, advice, jokes, and yes even discipline is an important part of sealing the father - child relationship.

By pairing a token gift with a thoughtful activity, your Dad will feel truly special and enjoy the time he gets to spend with his little ones. Regardless of age, Dad's will always be the guys we look up to and admire. From words of wisdom to acts of affirmation and encouragement, Father's Day is the day to let him know just how much he means to you.

From NFL football jerseys, books, shirts to golf shoes, the best gifts are those that can be enjoyed, especially if it means the enjoyment can be shared by father and child.
As a personal shopper, Sam Brown searches for the best gift ideas and popular shopping must haves. This article is designed to sports fans celebrate in style with the best selections of NBA Jerseys, authentic jerseys & sports apparel for men and women.

Home | Product Reviews & Shopping Birthday Gifts- Tips To Get A Perfect Birthday Gift By: Totally Gifts Birthday gifts make birthday occasions ext

Birthday gifts make birthday occasions extraordinary. Gifts conveys your message what role the person has in your life and how much you care for his/her happiness. Therefore you should always take some extra care while purchasing a birthday gift.

While selecting a birthday gift always consider the taste and age of the birthday person into account. It should be such that smiles come on the face of the person as soon as he/she opens the present. There are numerous stores and gift shops on the high streets which might be suitable for buying a birthday gift. But, internet is more convenient in comparison to this conventional way of shopping. You can shop among the innumerable items from home/office or even with your family members that is fun and comfortable experience. Online also gives the advantage to buy birthday gifts according to budget. After having selected the birthday gift you can make payments using your card. Isn’t it convenient? For your benefit here are some tips on selecting the perfect and ideal gift.

As birthday is a special occasion so try to present something personal that the person love and admire. By taking the help of internet you will come across miscellaneous items. Birthday gifts for him include, coin watches, fragrance for him, football share gift box, 10 inch Replica Gold disc, personalised mugs, save British wildlife gift box, a box of chocolates and likewise are in trend. Birthdays for her: diamond gift, teddy in a tin, name a rose gift pack, magazine subscription gift box, fragrance Viva box are few to be mentioned as best. Driving, singing, pampering and flying experiences also make some perfect birthday gifts.

As the occasion is special so wrap the birthday gift with some sparkling stylish paper. To make it more attractive and appealing personalise it with warm wishes.

Top No-Fail Dating Gift Ideas

1st Month Anniversary

You're dating! One month, how about that! Your weeks of ignoring your friends and modifying your social behavior have paid off. Now that the one month anniversary has come up, it's time to show some appreciation. For many, such a situation warrants the construction of a refrigerator - bound rudimentary macaroni & glue craft. Though possibly appropriate in accordance with the importance of the one month anniversary, it is none the less often viewed to be insulting. Excluding the afore mentioned option, you want to keep the gift light and humorous as to avoid becoming too personal too early; at the same time you want to show that you like this person and you want to keep on keeping on. A small gift accompanied by a humorous card is your best option. Some gifts to consider are candy, a funny stuffed animal, or baked goods. And no, don't even attempt the old buy and repackage routine when it comes to baked goods, you're only setting the precedent of being a two-bit charlatan. If you can't cook, call your mom.

3 Month Anniversary

Now that you're celebrating the 3 month anniversary, you've probably figured out that this isn't a fluke and the relationship could really be going somewhere. During this period of the relationship, it's important that you show the person you're dating that you listen, and that you care about their interests. There's no better opportunity to demonstrate your attentiveness than with a dating anniversary gift. You still want to keep the gift fun and not too serious, so a perfect combination for showcasing your listening skills in a fun way is to give your boyfriend/girlfriend concert tickets to see their favorite musician. Buy two tickets so you can enjoy the concert together. Even if you don't like the music, go. This will show that it's not the music that you care about; it's being together that matters (don't roll your eyes, it's corny, but it's true). The only exception arises if their favorite musician is Ashley Simpson, in which case you suggest that he (God forbid) or she go with a friend. While they're at the concert, it's your duty to call friends and family in order to organize an intervention. Anyway, you can also give them a CD or DVD if there are no concerts in your area. A book from their favorite author could also be very well received. Just a final tip before we move on; don't go bragging about the fact that your listening skills produced a good gift. It's not about you, it's about them. If you want to congratulate yourself, go put a gold sticker on your nose and clap in front of a bathroom mirror somewhere, but do so on your own time.

6 Month Anniversary

The 6th Month Anniversary is a gear shifting point in any relationship. You've got your feet wet, and you're beginning to wade out into the ocean of love (contact my non-existent agent for trashy beach novel ghost writing), you might not be there yet, but wading is definitely occurring. The relationship is getting a bit more serious, and the anniversary gift should reflect as much. Don't worry, this isn't diamond & gold territory yet, but it's definitely time to pony up a little bit. Some good suggestions would be a new bottle of their preferred perfume or cologne, a modest watch – bracelet - necklace or earrings, or a night out on the town that would include dinner at a fancy restaurant. A home made dinner accompanying a thoughtful gift would also be an excellent idea. The main point to walk away with here is that you need to demonstrate your understanding of their likes and interests, while at the same time making it known that you consider this relationship to be more than just a fling-around-the-rosie.

1 Year Anniversary

"I don't know if you know this or not, but I'm kind of a big deal." Will Ferrell was in Anchorman, and the 1 year dating anniversary is in...well...real life. The 1 year anniversary of a relationship is huge; it's kind of like the day after the moon landing as perceived by the general public. You're excited, you know you can make it work, and you're bedazzled with the limitless possibilities the future may hold. The excitement you feel should be matched by the gift used to represent it. A romantic getaway for the weekend is a dynamite idea. If I had a nickel for every time someone refused a weekend getaway I'd be half way to buying a tootsie roll. You can also present them with some memorabilia from the first date or a scrap book of your first year together. An experience gift is also a great idea; by experience gift I mean getting passes or a personalized tour pertaining to something your boyfriend or girlfriend (of 1 year!) is passionate about. Bottom line, the one year anniversary is huge. Don't forget about it, and don't blow it by writing it off as insignificant.

2-3 Year Anniversary

After being together for two or three years, the relationship has become quite serious. The gifts given on the two and three year dating anniversary should reflect the time and devotion vested into the relationship, and should celebrate how much you mean to each other. One way to express this is by booking an extended vacation to a city the two of you have always wanted to visit. The most effective gifts for these anniversaries are the ones that will bring the two of you even closer by showing that you've developed a deep bond and chemistry. To strike a nerve in this department, try presenting your partner with a gift accompanied by a hand written love letter or poem. If you're looking to reclaim that certain spark you can try spicing things up a little bit with intimate apparel or clothing. For maximum results, incorporate all three ideas as part of the same gift. Go on vacation to your favorite destination and while there, give your partner a love letter or poem with some intimate apparel. You can even get creative with it; fold the letter into a paper airplane and launch it to your partner across the room with the sling shot device you've created out of the recently purchased "intimate apparel." If you can pull something like that off you should be instantly elevated to "irreplaceable" status.

4-5 Year Anniversary

Mork & Mindy had an excuse for waiting so long to get married, Mork was an alien. What's your excuse? After spending four or five years together, it's about time to decide if this is the right person for you. You need to either show that you are in it for the long run, or pack it up and move on. Looking for a gift suggestion? Try an engagement ring.

Flavia Drink Machine Review

Whether you love tea, coffee or hot chocolate, there is now a drink machine that can give you either choice at the touch of a button. FLAVIA, created by a division of Mars Incorporated will revolutionize the way we experience drinks.

The drink machine has come a long way over the years with new technologies bringing us fantastic new features and designs. In the past, it has always been difficult to find a drinks machine that can cater for the office environment as some people like coffee, some like tea, while others prefer hot chocolate, until now!

Finally, Flavia has seemingly answered this problem by developing a set of drink machines that can cater for many differing tastes. With gourmet coffees, real leaf teas, well-being drinks and indulgent creations all available, their will be no more people disappointed that the office machine does not have a drink they like.

We loved the flexibility that each machine provides by combining different flavours using filterpacks to brew lattes, mochaccinos, healthful infusions, iced drinks or your own unique drink creations.

The Fusion and Fusion Deluxe drink machines are the best choice for the home. The Flavia SB100 is perfect for the small office with 25 people or less and the Creation 400 targets the bigger office of 25 people or more as this machine provides the fastest brew time. We timed each drink from the Creation 400 at 30 seconds whilst the other machines clocked in between 35 seconds and 45 seconds brew time which is amazingly fast. You would think that because it is so fast, the taste will be compromised but not here. This was the icing on the cake for us - the Flavia
drink machine has the amazing feature that allows each drink to be unaffected by previous brews so you always get a fresh cuppa! Better still, there is no mess! All the Flavia drink machines brew a variety of drinks without the waste of a whole-pot coffee maker or clean up of an espresso or cappuccino drink machine. It is so convenient you can spend more time enjoying your drinks.

We recommend researching on the Internet and comparing drink machines specifications so you get a machine that suits your needs, whether for the home or office.

Another great feature is that the drink machines can accommodate different cups and mugs so you can still use your favourite cup. The Fusion machine contains a special water filter that ensures purified hot water and the easily removable water tank holds a large capacity of water so requires minimal refilling.

To conclude, we feel that the Flavia drink machines will revolutionize the way we experience hot drinks at home and office. We predict that Flavia drink machines will convert some of the vending business by demonstrating to customers using traditional vending machines that they can use a Flavia drink machine.

At home, conventional filter coffee machines are messy and take a long time to prepare so our prediction is that the Flavia drink machine with its ease of use, convenience, quality build, the variety of drinks available and cool designs will become a household favourite.

New Sony PSP Slim and Playstation 3 with Their Exotic Features

The New PSP Slim is the new Play station Portable manufactured by Sony having most of the internal hardware which its older model had. The design is slimmer, just as the name states, and this is because of a new LED screen. The image delivered is ultra-crisp, but the space taken up is much less.

This exciting New PSP Slim has a longer battery life thanks to the LED. It lasts four times longer than its older version. The portable has 8 GBs of internal flash memory. Although it still uses the UMD drive, it is a faster version, and loadtimes and gameplays are definitely speeded up. Portable gamers now have a Play station 3D-pad in the New PSP Slim.

Also from Sony is the PlayStation 3 or PS3 as a part of their PlayStation series. It came into the market about a year ago and it is the first console with new-gen primary storage media. It also has Blu-ray Disc, and so it can support DVDs, CDs and HDDs.

Whether you want to go in for gaming, Blu-ray movies, online services or music PS3 caters to all your requirements. It is the most ideal computer entertainment system because the gaming experience from the PS3 is way ahead of the other gaming stations in the market.

For gaming in the PS3, just access the PS3 library which actually has new additions every day. The movies through Blu-ray are a pleasure to watch, and the whole system of sight and sound opens up a new technology for the future. The music that can be played on the PS3 is also high-definition quality.

Store your photographs in the New PSP Slim and PS3. Just display any history of you and your family in photographs. These play stations with internet on which you can browse gives you free access to online gaming. So access to friends and messaging them can be done as easily from here as any mobile phone. So the New PSP Slim and PS3 is the forerunners for play stations in the market.

Where to Find Gifts for all Occasions

No matter who you are, there is a good chance that you purchase gifts on a regular basis throughout the year. With that being said, you need to know where to find gifts for all occasions so that you not only find the best quality but so that you can also get the best possible deal on price.

Where can you find the best gifts? In today’s day and age, you should start your search for any gift online. You can find everything from a fleece blanket for your wife to a wall clock for your mom by searching online. This is not to say that the internet is the only way to shop, but it is definitely an option to consider being that it is the largest marketplace in the world.

The only bad thing when shopping for gifts or keeps online is that you will run into thousands of options. In other words, you are going to have to make a decision sooner or later on what you are going to purchase. But when it comes down to it, most consumers will agree that it is better to have too big of a selection than none at all. After all, nobody likes to give a bad gift.

When shopping for gifts do yourself a favor and start by checking out the different categories that are available. In most cases, online stores have lists of categories to make it simpler for the consumer to locate what they are looking for. Some of the most popular categories include candles, home décor, gift baskets, sports, and tools among many others.

As you can see, if you are in the market for a gift for any occasion you can use the internet to get a good start.

Cutting Business Costs With Group Discounts, Coupons, Promotional Codes, And More During A Recession

Economists and political scientists are predicting a recession for 2008. Whether the recession has already begun, or is just around the corner is a topic hotly debated. However, one thing is for certain: healthcare and gasoline prices are steadily on the rise. Businesses are feeling the pinch, since gasoline is needed for travel, shipping, and commerce – and healthcare is necessary to ensure a workforce ready for duty. How can a business cut these costs without sacrificing the well-being of its workforce or the quality of its business?

Use promotional codes and discount coupons for travel and shipping

As fuel costs soar and oil futures remain steady at well over $100 a barrel, the costs of commerce and travel will remain high. Many rental car companies and shipping businesses are raising their prices accordingly to offset the costs of fuel. And, in many cities and towns around the country, the cost of renting a car inevitably includes an excise tax, or a levy used to raise funds for unrelated services like highway maintenance or public transportation.

Here are some tips for cutting the costs of shipping and travel:


* Get a business discount membership with a car rental company or an airline. These programs are often specifically designed for “frequent travelers” or “frequent fliers,” and most offer discount coupons or promotional codes redeemable for discounted car rentals or business-class flights.


* Shop for fuel savings. Some retail stores and grocery chains offer promotional coupons or discount codes for gasoline purchases. If your employees travel frequently during the average workday (journalists and sales staff, for example, might make many automobile trips each day), discount coupons and codes can take the edge off of company-funded mileage reimbursements.


* Sign up for business shipping accounts, or join a business shipping discount program. Many well-known shipping companies, such as UPS, Yellow, and FedEx offer discount coupons and promotional codes that give businesses serious savings on local, national, and international shipping, and LTL hauling.


Shop for healthcare savings and discounts

The cost of healthcare premiums is steadily on the rise. According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), these price hikes mean that only 48 percent of American businesses with fewer than ten employees are able to offer healthcare plans (over 90 percent of businesses with 50 or more employees, by contrast, can offer employer-sponsored health coverage).

It is risky to have uninsured employees. Common chronic illnesses like high cholesterol, Type II diabetes, and depression can cause absenteeism and under-performance on the job. Reality is cruel, however: businesses with fewer employees just don't have a large enough risk pool over which to spread healthcare costs. Health plan costs can have a big impact on the costs of doing business at small firms.

The following suggestions might be beneficial to small business owners who wish to offer their employees healthcare coverage:


o Consider allowing each employee to choose his or her own individual plan, and provide partial reimbursement. Each employee can choose the healthcare plan that best suits his or her medical needs, age, and lifestyle. For example, a healthy male employee who is under 30 might choose a high-deductible plan with bare-bones options. Meanwhile, a middle-aged woman with diabetes might choose a low-deductible plan with a generous prescription drug allowance.


o Opt to start a self-funded plan for your office. Instead of paying out premiums, start a healthcare pool, into which each employee pays. Use this money to pay the costs of employee medical bills. During years when your office crew is healthy, you – and your employees – will save cash. This sort of plan can be supplemented with low cost “emergency” insurance for each worker.


o Join a group or guild. A small business has a small risk pool, which makes the costs of group coverage high. Risks are offset by size, which is one reason that larger businesses have less financial difficulty in insuring employees. This problem can be overcome in some instances by enrolling employees in a union, group, or guild that can offer insurance. Examples of such groups include The Writers Guild, The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust, and various local chambers of commerce.


The rising costs of fuel and healthcare can hobble businesses. However, proactive planning combined with bargain hunting can help even the smallest business weather a recession.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Is Article Marketing For You?

Article marketing takes time. You have to write the articles. Then find and broadcast your articles to relevant sites!

Is it worth the investment in time, energy and money?

Ask these questions to find out...

My Top 10 Questions to Discovering If Article Marketing Is For You

1. Do you want to grow your business?

Articles will contribute to your bottom line. One of my articles made over $10,000 in a two-month period.

2. Do you want more prospects and leads?

Your prospects are looking online for information that can help them. When you write an information-based article, you will attract prospects who can become customers for life.

3. Are you looking to stand out from your competitors?

When editors print your articles, you are getting their implied endorsement.. Top, targeted, high trafficked websites like About.com don't print just anything. So when they chose your material, you are judged at a higher level.

4. Do you want to build your brand?

Then article marketing is for you.

When you write articles and have them printed on dozens of sites, people will start to recognize your name. The more you do this, the more branding power you get. Eventually, you will be seen as an expert. Don't be surprised to hear prospects call you and say "I see you everywhere!"

5. Do you want maximum online publicity so you get your name out to your targeted audiences?

If you've ever wondered why your competitor's article was printed when you are a bigger expert than she is, the answer is simple. She wrote the article and you did not! So, she's getting in front of your audience, and getting your customers!

6. Do you want to improve your search engine rankings?

Article marketing will help you by offering links from credible sites back to your site. The bigger and better the site, the more clout the link has. And the more high quality links you have, the higher you climb in search engine rankings. So shoot for the moon!

7. Do you want to build your list of newsletter subscribers and blog readers?

Then write articles. People will see how smart you are and will want to read your material on a regular basis. This way, you can promote to them over and over again.

By writing articles and getting them published on sites like About.com Home Business, Marketing Profs and many more, we built our list of loyal subscribers. When we were ready to launch our A to Z Article System at broadcastyourarticles.com , we were able to sell to our list and score thousands of dollars in eBook sales in just one week!

8. Do you have a white paper or special report that can help you promote your company and sell more services and products?

Then writing articles will help you get the word out. Write an article that highlights two or three top findings from your report. People will click through to your website to learn how they can read the rest of the report. After all, articles are only 750 words long. Your report can be as long and detailed as you want. Your report can also include sales information so readers can take the path to become customers

9. Do you have info products like home study courses, teleseminars or e-books?

You can take the most important points and write an article that promotes your products. That's a great way to get people to visit your site to look for more information and create a relationship with you. Be careful that you do not write a press release and pass it off as an article. Web sites do not print press releases. So don't waste your time.

10. Do you want to differentiate yourself from your competition?

Do your prospects have pre-conceptions that every company in your niche is the same? Do they think if they've seen one product, they've seen them all?
Or, do you constantly have to explain your pricing?

Then write articles that differentiate your company, your products and your services from the competition. For an example, check out my special report: "How to Choose an Article Submission Service" at IWantMoreProspects.com/10questions.

Notice in my special report, how every question we tell our prospects to ask is something we include in our article submission service that no one else does. Now, we differentiated ourselves from every other article submission company. Now, you can tell that not all article marketing services are the same.

Now, one final question: Is article marketing perfect for you?

Choosing Between Cash Back Or Rewards Credit Cards

The basic premise behind a credit card is simple: you use the plastic to pay for goods either in person or online, and then you either clear the debt within a month or you begin to be charged interest on it. As anyone who's spent any time at all comparing credit cards will be able to attest, things are nothing like so simple.

Not only do different cards charge different rates of interest, and indeed a single card can charge many different rates of interest depending on how it's used, but there are a whole host of different features that card issuers use to vie for your attention and custom.

The classic kind of credit card inducement was the balance transfer offer, where you could shift a debt from one card to another and avoid paying interest for an introductory period. Once it became clear that many people were avoiding interest almost indefinitely by constantly moving from card to card, and so costing card issuers billions, the balance transfer fee was introduced, making the whole exercise rather less attractive.

As the balance transfer craze waned, two features closely related to each other became the new battleground for credit card marketers: rewards and cash back.

Both of these operate on the same basic idea, that being each time you spend on the card you receive a benefit in return. With cash back, a small percentage of each purchase you make is credited back to your account, usually annually.

With rewards, the benefit is more subtle in that you build up points in relation to how much you spend, which you can then use to cut the cost of certain products or services, depending on the specific type of reward program your card offers.

Both rewards and cash back can be extremely attractive, especially for heavy card users, but which one should you choose?

Cash back cards give you the freedom to spend the rebate you receive on anything you want, but they have the disadvantage that the actual cash back rates are pretty low, usually at around 1%. Some cards, however, are upping the ante by offering much higher introductory rates, but only time will tell whether or not long term rates will rise much further.

In contrast, most rewards programs allow you to redeem your points against a strictly limited range of goods or services, but can often therefore afford to give more actual benefit. For example, travel enthusiasts might find a card which rewards them with hotel discounts and free flights much more useful than an across the board 1% discount on their purchases.

Similarly, wine buffs may find a card which gives them access to a discount wine club a more attractive way to benefit from their card use, and drivers may especially appreciate a rebate on their fuel costs.

In most cases, a rewards program that fits in well with your lifestyle is likely to give a more satisfactory overall result than a general cash back program, but this depends on being able to find a card that suits you well.

Whichever kind of card you choose, these days it's no longer necessary to pay through the nose just for the convenience of using your card - you should be able to find a card which gives you something very worthwhile back.

Educating to Prevent Student Credit Card Debt

Many professionals in the financial industry warn against the dangers of student credit card use. They fear that young people will let their credit card use run out of control. Instead of fearing that young people will fail, try educating them about credit card use. After all, the benefits of getting a credit card while young far outweigh the risks.

The Risks Involved

Many young people have the perception that using a credit card is the same as paying with their bank debit card. They do not consider the extra fees or the risk of building debt. These people think that they can just go ahead and use their credit card for any purchases that they cannot afford at the time. This type of thinking can lead to a huge credit card balance. With young people, this can be particularly dangerous, as they do not have the income to pay off the balance. Credit cards allow young people to dig a financial hole that they do not have the resources to climb out of.

As their credit card debt builds, young people often don't recognize the problem until it is too late. Eventually their debt gets to the point that the minimum monthly payment only pays off the interest charges. Instead of seeking help with their debt, many young people ignore the problem and, worse yet, they even try to get a second credit card to build more debt. As these young people are trying to prove their independence to their parents, they are often too embarrassed to ask for help. It can lead to a feeling of helplessness.

Education is the Key

The root of the problem is that young people are never taught how to responsibly use credit cards. The school system chooses not to teach such life skills as money management or credit card use. This leaves the responsibility solely in the hands of the parents. Unfortunately many parents are starting to lose touch with their children just when credit education is most necessary. There are also some parents who do not know about responsible credit card use themselves.

Young people need to know how to use a credit card responsibly and how to avoid credit card debt. They need to know to only use their credit card for as much as they can reasonably pay off each month. They need to know all about credit card interest charges too. Without credit education, it is far too easy to make mistakes with your credit card.

The Benefits of Getting a Credit Card Younger

Sure there is the convenience factor of having a credit card when you are just out of high school. More importantly, a credit card helps build credit over time. The earlier you start building credit, the easier it will be to make large purchases in the future. Anytime you need a loan from the bank, the bank will look at your credit history. The longer you've built credit, the easier it is to get a loan. Plus you will pay lower interest rates. Without built up credit, you might even get declined for that loan.

Credit cards also give young people the independence that they need. Who wants to phone their parents each time they want to order something online? What about when you sign up for a video rental account or when you register for phone service? A credit card is a must. A credit card can even act as a financial safety net in tough times.

Conclusion

So unless young people get educated about credit card use, there is a good chance that they will have to learn by making mistakes. Help protect their future by giving them the tools to succeed today.

Why Can't I Get a New Credit Card?

The past decade or two has seen a real boom in credit card use, with competition between issuers leading to ever lower rates of interest, constantly improving features, and a consistent relaxing of acceptance criteria. Such has been the activity in the marketplace that it's become quite normal for people to carry several cards, often building up quite a collection as attractive new offerings tempt them into making yet another application. Card issuers were also desperate for custom, such are the potential profits available to them from every customer, and so having your application approved was usually quite a straightforward matter.

This situation has seemingly come to a screeching halt, with many people finding that it's far more difficult these days to get a new card. Why is this?

The basic answer is that we're facing a global credit crisis, where banks themselves are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain the credit they need in order to finance lending to their customers. The causes of this crisis are complex and beyond the scope of this article, but in essence the years of easy lending have come back to haunt the banks. Lending criteria had become so relaxed that finance was extended to people who would never have been considered previously, because their credit profile made them a risky prospect to lend to. The banks thought that they had covered the risks of lending to these customers via a complex system of financial machinations, and so lent money with what many analysts now say was reckless enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, many of these loans are now being defaulted on, leaving some banks facing huge losses, and the whole system of lending money is freezing up as financiers worry about who owes what and how much will be lost. This is feeding through into consumer lending in the form of higher interest rates and drastically raised acceptance criteria, making it much harder to have your credit card or loan application approved.

This doesn't mean that you really can't get a new card with better features though - you just might need to try a new approach. Firstly, you may well have to lower your sights a little, and apply for one of the second tier cards rather than an all singing and dancing one from the best buy tables. These elite cards are only available to the select few, and many people who were once considered prime customers are now slightly less than prime as lenders adjust their criteria.

Also, it makes sense to give your credit file a spring clean, making sure that it doesn't contain any inaccurate information, and that you don't have any overlooked debts unpaid that you didn't know about. Sorting out any small problems of this nature will improve your chances of being approved.

If you already have a number of cards, try canceling ones that you don't use any more, as having too much credit available to you already will be a hindrance to obtaining further finance. If you still have balances on these cards, then you may consider a debt consolidation loan to be a worthwhile idea, allowing you to get rid of those old expensive card debts and package them up into a cheaper and more organised loan.

There's no telling how long the current financial problems will last, and indeed we don't know if we'll ever see a return to the days of easy credit, but by following the above steps you'll at least maximise your chances of having your application approved, whatever the future might bring.