Leah's writing Archive

Educating Children on the Importance of Saving

2010-09-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

Educating and inspiring children to save money allows them to utilize their money sensibly in their adult life.

Spending and saving resolutions made in their childhood can have an impact on their financial expectations and in addition influence investment choices they may ever make.

As shortly as children can count up, they should be introduced to money with the goal of laying a concrete foundation for financial responsibility, which assists them to make excellent spending resolutions in future.

Personal finance specialists suppose that people who don’t learn on handling cash at a young age regularly mishandle their finances in their later life.

Consequently, parents are counseled to educate children the essentials of saving and spending in their early years.

Parents take:

“Having two young boys, the oldest five and the youngest one, I think about this topic on a daily basis. My wife and I have started teaching our oldest son some lessons about saving money and the importance of being financially independent. While each of these lessons are minor and may seem insignificant, I believe that overall they will help to shape his values as he grows older. I am a firm believer that our schools don’t do enough to teach our children about money. We may force mathematics and science on them, but we miss out on providing them real-life lessons in personal money management. It is not until they get into college that they start to realize the real world can be very tough.

I believe that parents must provide their children with the knowledge of saving money, living on a budget, and the value of a shilling. It is these simple lessons in life that will prepare them for the future and allow them to become independent” Anthony Wachira a father of two.

“Want and Need List- I actually got this idea from a co-worker of mine. Every year for Christmas, she tells her children to create 2 lists for their wishes. The first list is their WANT list. This list should only include things that they want and don’t need. The second list is their NEED list. This list should include items that the children really do need. For example, our son may need a new coat because his coat from last year is too small. He needs this coat to stay warm when playing outside. I think this is a very powerful teaching tool to use with your children. Once they have the two lists created, they should prioritize their wants. That way you can teach them not to expect to get everything they want in life and to make choices.

I would even go as far as saying that you can help your teen plan their own budget for something that they want. For example if they are looking at getting a new iPod or phone. They need to know the cost, what they have saved, and what money they have coming in, and they need to keep track of the spending habits they have. That KSH100.00 here and there adds up pretty quickly.” Christine Muli a mother of three.

“Our oldest son is at the age where we are going to start to give him an allowance for helping out around the house. We will be setting up a family bank (as I like to call it) where we will pay him his allowance every week. He then will have the opportunity to deposit that money back to my wife and I that will earn him some interest along the way. For example, if we gave him KSH80.00 per week, he could have the option of keeping that money and buying a new item or some candy with it every week. We would also give him the option to give us back that money and each week to earn 25 cents in interest. After 4 weeks, he would have KSH160.00 instead of KSH80.00 which could buy him 2 new items instead of 1! I know that is a nice interest rate, but we want to keep it simple.” James Mwanyota a father of two.

Essentials of saving and spending

-To offer youngsters a free hand in managing their finances, they should be permitted to make withdraws from their savings fund and make their personal spending resolutions – whether good or bad – to allow them learn how to make sovereign resolutions.

-A normal family discussion would assist younger children to frankly talk regarding cash. It is at such discussions that they can collect information on how to build savings and how to spend. Through such meetings, they can be able to realize the essentials of financial choice making and they should be educated that they can’t obtain everything they want.

-At a gentle age, youngsters should be taught the dangers of borrowing and paying interest. A parent or custodian should indict interest on small loans made to them; this assists them recognize how costly it is to utilize somebody else’s money. This worth can be grained in them through goal-setting sessions for what they require, for example toys. These sessions assist them to prioritize how to spend.

-A lot of youngsters suppose automated teller machines (ATMs) are magic machines that eject money at the touch of a button. But, children should be made to realize that to obtain money out of an ATM, deposits should be made – and that this is just achievable by earning through working. Parents should make the notion that employment allows a person to pay bills, rent, food, clothing and entertainment.

-Whilst utilizing a credit card, parents should take the chance to educate children on how the card works. They should be shown how to confirm charges, how to analyze interest, and how to safeguard against credit fraud. They should be informed of the high interest charged for cash advance using the card and further penalizing fines that come with plastic money.

-Children should in addition be encouraged to keep reports of cash saved or invested. This is an essential exercise that will introduce them to the skill of book-keeping.

-Parents should express the notion of earning interest income on savings. This can be completed by replenishing on what they save as it assists children see how quick money accrues through the power of compound interest. This effortless exercise assists them recognize how savings accounts earn interest.

-Opening bank accounts allows children to discover how banks functions.

Experts Advice:

George Murori a financial advisor: He agrees with the statement that the reason so many kids are financially illiterate is due to the fact that many adults do not know how to effective manage money and that sometimes it is better to not pass on bad habits and let children figure things out on their own. He admitted that when he was a teenager he had no idea what it costs to live. It just wasn't something that was talked about in their house. This is true for many adults, most can look back and unless you came from a poor family, the value of a shilling just wasn't an issue. “Can you look back and remember your parents discussing with you the cost of electricity, the grocery bill? Personally I can tell you that while we weren't really taught about the cost of things, we didn't have money… and I learned how to manage money based on the experiences of that poor childhood.

I believe it is a parent’s responsibility to guide their children through there early years. While schools are very important and necessary, I think a child learns life’s true lessons from home. Being book smart and educated is important, but being able to apply those smarts in the real-world is the biggest lesson of all.“

Cyril Wanda a financial advisor: "Finding out the ins and outs of individual financial budgeting and management is something that is ideally taught to minors at an early age so that they can acquire good money management skills right from the beginning. Not putting too much importance to proper money management most often results to financial disaster.

It is always advisable when children and teens are able to hear about budgeting and money management because this education and money management skills will be with them for the remainder of their lives. When individuals don’t have the chance to learn how to manage credit and their personal finances, they will most likely squander money and burn through it as soon as they earn it, and they may get themselves into debt way over their heads. There are many individuals who enter adulthood without having learned about budgeting and personal financial management. They find themselves exhilarated at the money they gain at their first full-time job, and often such excitement leads to overspending and a lack of preparing for the future, of not being prepared for emergencies and of overusing credit cards and other credit vehicles that can soon lead to critical debt.

If a person sinks deeply into debt when they are still in their twenties, because of immaturity and poor money management abilities, then they can end up spending the next twenty years, or more, trying to dig out of the hole of consumer debt that they put themselves into. This may very well result to bankruptcy which will result in a bad record on a person’s credit standing.

Parents must start teaching the value of money to their children at an early age. Children must be made aware of money value and the consequences of misusing it. Aside from the fact children could considerably dent the budget if they just spend and spend without reason they may have a hard time controlling their finances when they grow up.

Eventually it is going to be a trend that could become unstoppable for generations. If parents want their children to prepare for the future, they should start teaching the children the value of money as early as possible.”

Dating Confessions, Guidelines and Expert Advice for Single Parents

2010-09-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

Single parents looking for serious long term relationships sometimes don't know where to turn to meet other singles open to dating parents with kids. Single parents who are back into the dating game feel all of the pressure that singles feel: finding a quality person who integrates well in the family situation, with the added pressure of trying to pursue meaningful relationships between work and child care responsibilities.

Here are some dating confessions, guidelines and expert advice for single parents to follow, especially when dealing with the touchy subject of introducing prospective partners to children.

Confessions

“After 7 years of being with the abusive man I married, I got a lot smarter. For 4 years i refused to date, my life revolved around raising my 2 amazing children. I loved my job and my children were happy. My brother had a friend with a daughter who kept trying to set up a play-date with our kids. That next week he asked me to the movies. I am now with the most amazing person, wonderful father, and intensely perfect husband and did not even mean to find him. We are both great together, how could it not work.” Elizabeth Atieno a mother of three.

“I became a single father about the time my kid turned 3 years old. I was stressed enough, but I attempted to assimilate my kid into my dating world, from the outset. Let your date know you have kids on your first date. If your date can't accept the fact that you have kids then this is a red flag that you should not go on a date with this person. Your kids are part of who you are, if your date has a problem with this then they have a problem with you. My theory is that at some point - before you invest too much - you must introduce them to your children because how else will you know if they are compatible? Or if they can handle it.” Kevin Wanjala a father of one.

“I was a single mother; I went out socially and was friends with men but didn’t get into a relationship for two and a half years. I put this down to wanting to find the right person to help bring up mychild and luckily I married the man I eventually started dating. I also felt bad about my previous relationship and felt we had taken things too fast, and I didn’t want this to happen again. If you don't feel like dating straight away then that is ok, and it is good to be friends first.” Irene Nyambura a mother of one.

Guidelines

-Create time for dating and don't feel guilty about it. Do not feel that you are abandoning your children by taking care of the needs of your personal life. Spending time to get to know someone is very important and this is the first obstacle most dating single parent’s face. Make sure you have a babysitter available and plan and schedule your dates in advance so you can get to meet different people.

-Look for community based events and places to meet people. In this day and age, there are tons of ways to meet people. Many single dating parents don't go to bars and clubs to meet people, but place their profile on dating clubs or online dating sites. This can be one useful dating platform, but while you are creating time for dating, also spend time at kid-friendly and family oriented events, where you can be sure to find child-comfortable singles. You want to be sure that the person you meet is comfortable at family functions and gets along with children, eventually your own, so go to sports events, city events, fairs, church and picnics, where you can meet different family-oriented people.

-Go slowly. Try and become friends with the person before becoming affectionately involved. Bringing a new person into your life and existing family structure should be a gradual decision, not a rushed one. You don't want to confuse or upset your children (or yourself) by bringing in different people into your house. Bring home the serious ones that you have got to know very carefully.

-Make it clear to prospective partners that your children are your top priority. As a committed mom or dad, your prospective partner needs to appreciate that your parental responsibilities come first to the relationship. Some partners may have no problem with the idea of dating someone with kids, but feel neglected when the single parent partner may not always be available. Your partner needs to be flexible and comfortable with the idea of putting family first.

-Prepare your children before bringing someone to your home. Don't just get to know the person yourself, but introduce your kids to the idea of having a friend over at your place. Introduce your partner as a friend, and if your kids are old enough to express their opinion, listen to their reaction. Only go into detail about your relationship if and when it becomes serious. When your date is over at your place, stay in plain view of your children and interact with them, so your children don't feel jealous of your partner.

-Give your kids (and yourself) time to adjust. This goes along with the previous point. In the beginning, don't leave your child alone with your partner. As things get more serious, gradually integrate family functions and activities with your kids to see how they interact with your partner, and how your partner interacts with your kids as well. It's okay for single moms and dads to date each other, but if your partner's own children want to attend your family functions, delicately tell your children first. Tell your child that your partner also has a boy or girl that would love to play with him or her and that the other child is coming over too.

-Talk to your partner about your parental expectations and the future of your family. If you've met someone who you can envision as part of your family structure, make it clear that you are sharing with him or her parenting joys and responsibilities that have become part of your life. Talk about your future family and even the possibility or impossibility of starting a new one together. Do you want kids with your new partner? Is marriage on the horizon? Is your partner (and his or her children) moving into your house? Are you moving into your partner's? Communication is critical and these are big changes in your own and your children lives, so prepare them for it by making your future family expectations abundantly clear.

Expert Advice

Mr. Njuguna, a life and relationship coach advice: “I think that it is easy to forget that most of these moms are not single moms, technically. I think we should re-evaluate what the words 'single parent' mean. It is more and more common for parents to share custody, and even in a case of separation and full custody, the non custodial parent is usually around somewhere. The words 'single parent', suggests a parent whose counterpart is missing entirely, gets overused. A mother, whose children's father is still in the child's life, cannot be thought of as a single mother, but a single co-parent. The biggest challenge of dating a single mom then, is usually in developing a working relationship with the other parent.

A second point to consider is the length of time the person has been out of their past relationship. Each relationship end is traumatic no matter what the circumstances. A person must grieve this loss and re-adapt to the single life before he or she is truly ready for a new relationship. People who jump heedlessly and quickly into a new relationship before properly healing from the last one can spell trouble for you down the road.

Thirdly, supposing that your new partner has moved past all of these issues, what then is the next step? Be prepared to include the child/children in the relationship in small casual steps. Understand that the children usually have no choice in the decision to bring a new partner into the household. There may be issues of jealousy, anger and fear to deal with. This is both normal and understandable behavior and can be successfully dealt with.”

Mrs. Akunga, a life and relationship coach advice: “How to date a single parent is really important because I think, if you've dated people who haven't had kids before. Then you're used to being the center of their attention and you want to be the center of their attention. But if they have a kid that needs to be the center of attention and their kid needs to come first. And you need to be okay with that. So you need to be flexible, you need to understand that when you're first dating this person. They're probably not going to introduce you to their kid right away. They need to trust you first and they need to know that you're going to be around for a while. And that it's going to be safe to introduce them, you know, their kid to you. And you need to respect that. It's really not about you at all; it's about them being a good parent. And that should be incredibly attractive to you, that they're a good parent. So be flexible, if he/she has to break a couple of dates because something came up with the kid, understand that. Try not to be selfish and take it personally and give him/her the space. And be grateful, that he/she's a good dad/mum."

How to Plan To Protect Your Financial Future

2010-07-03T02:08:00.000-07:00

Planning for your financial future is important to set up financial guidelines for the rest of your life. For example, planning is lifelong; people in their 20s-30s need to consider planning their careers so they can obtain a job or career which suits their interests and education, and gives them a chance to save for a house or put away money to save for a an emergency fund. The people in their 40s-50s might consider to building up their retirement funds by saving weekly into their retirement plans, and start putting money away for the college education for their children.

The people in their 60s-70s are people planning for their retirements, and also considering ideas to hold on to their careers and retire on a part-time basis, others might want to start their own business in retirement. Financial planning success begins with your financial planning at an early age, and your must continue for the rest of your life.

Here are some financial planning steps you need to succeed in your financial life.

Start Saving on Your First Job to Your Last One

Making saving for your retirement, a new house, or for an emergency fund early in your career or job, and make a favorable habit lifelong. Start your retirement plan at work, and put 10% of your weekly pay into your account, if you earn KSH37, 500 a week, this means you will save KSH3,750 a week(KSH37,500 X 10%=KSH3,750) and when your do this for one year you earn KSH195,000 a year (KSH3,750 X 52wks=KSH195,000). You employer might match your contribution 100% so you would save KSH7,500 weekly, and earn KSH390,000 (KSH7,500x52=KSH390,000). A universal financial rule is saving at every job or career to build your assets and retirement security.

Invest in Your Career or New Career

Nothing is more important to your financially successful life than having a stable career that pays you well, to funds your financial life, and can help you buy a house, and set up your own financial investment portfolio. You will have 5-7 careers in your life, expect many changes in your career, and be willing to be a lifelong student, take seminars, workshops, and courses at work, but also take outside college or business, trade courses to keep yourself current, help change your career focus, or get trained for a new career. Set up a saving account, call it "My Education for Life Fund" keep funding it, and use it all your life. Watch debt it can hurt you.

Watch Credit Card Use, Avoid Excessive Debt

Financially successful people know how to handle their credit, and try to pay monthly credit card charges off each month, so the next month starts with a zero balance. By running higher and higher balances on multiple credit cards will make it harder and harder to keep up the required payments. Large balances on credit cards will take years to pay off, and this will hurt your financial life. Pay the balances off, by stop using the cards, and try to pay down the cards, so you can pay them off monthly. Excessive debt can be very hard to deal with, and can hurt your credit report and credit score, both are needed to get good interest rates on credit cards, loans, car loans, mortgages and store cards. If you get into debt, hire yourself a personal finance expert to help you get out of debt, and stay out of debt in the future. Start an emergency fund.

An Emergency Fund Can Help You

Put KSH50, 000 to KSH150, 000 into a saving account, and call it "My Emergency Fund" when you need money to get your car fixed so you can get an inspection sticker, to do electrical, plumbing, roofing, repairs at your home, and if you don't finish the work, it will get worse, and can cost even more. It could be used for medical or dental work that is needed, for you or a member of your family but, not covered by your insurance plan. Use the money in your emergency fund, so you will avoid using your credit cards, or opening up another small loan, and start saving for college when your child is still a toddler.

Putting Away Money for College Begins Early

College training is going up each year, to get a bachelor's degree, and an advance degree will cost KSH800, 000 or more. Start savings early, and when the child is old enough, direct him/her to a good part-time job during the school year, and a full time job, in the summer time. Apply for all the scholarships and other aid where possible.

Summary: Your successful financial life will take a great deal of planning, but the most important thing you can do to succeed, is starting early in your saving, and watch excessive debt, and take only the credit cards you need, finance your retirement fund from your first job to your last job before retirement, ask for help from a personal finance expert when you need it, set up an emergency fund and use it, have regular family meetings to discuss financial issues, such as a budget, and how to cut it to save money, and find ways to save money, by spending less. You have all you need to succeed. Go for it!

Tips for Learning How to Swim

2010-06-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Learning to swim can open a whole new world of water sports and social opportunity. It is skill that all people should know, regardless of age, not only for safety, but so they can enjoy parties that take place at the beach, lake or backyard pool. Many countries and cultures put very little emphasis on swimming ability.

Where you begin when learning to swim will depend on your level of confidence and ability. Having taught swimming to all levels; infant through adult and all levels from terrified to having no fear, I will begin at the first step: (always practice in an environment where there is a lifeguard or someone with you for safety purposes)

Getting comfortable with water:

- Get comfortable with water on your face and in your ears and eyes. While standing in water at a level that you are comfortable with; waist or chest level, splash your face with water and using a small cup or container, pour water over your head.
- Practice blowing bubbles in the water, first with just your face in the water and then when you are more confident, put your whole head under water and blow bubbles the whole time until you bring your head out of the water.

Learning how to move in the water:

- Holding onto the side of the pool or having someone assist you, practice laying face up in the water. You might float and you might not, depending on your level of relaxation and body fat. Make sure you are in a straight line; head back until ears are submerged. Your body will follow your head so keep putting it back until your legs rise. RELAX and let yourself float as if on a cloud.

- Now try doing the same exercise on your stomach. Hold onto the side of the pool with both hands and face the wall or have someone assist you. Put your face in the water and let your legs float to the surface. Make sure you are blowing your bubbles the whole time. Get comfortable with floating and learning how your body feels being independent in the water.

- Depending on your level of confidence at this point, have someone either hold both hands or stand to the side and hold you at your waist. Now putting your hands out in front of you and your face in the water, let your legs float to the surface and start kicking them. Make sure to blow your bubbles.

- When you are ready, let go of the pool or the person, and in water you can stand in, put your face down, arms out, blow your bubbles and start kicking. Have someone close by for safety, but try to do this alone without assistance.

Learning how to breathe:

- Holding onto the side of the pool or having someone hold your arms, put your face in the water and kick your legs. When you need air, turn your head to the side and inhale a breath. When exhaling, turn your head so your face is underwater and blow your bubbles. Practice this until you are comfortable and confident.

- Now holding onto a kickboard with your arms or someone assisting you, practice kicking and moving through the water while turning your head and breathing.

Learning the arm stroke:

- Standing in chest high water, put both arms out in front of you and face in the water, blow bubbles. If you breathe on the right side, begin with your right arm or vice a versa for the left. If starting with the right, pull the arm down through the water to your waist, turn your head the right, inhale, keep the arm moving in a circle and turn your face back in the water and exhale when the arm is at the starting position. Keep your head down and blow bubbles as you make a circle with your other arm. Continue this practice until your start to feel confident and get a rhythm.

- Now with someone nearby for safety, put all your skill together; begin with your face down float, blow bubbles, kick and start your breathing while stroking. You will feel yourself want to rotate in the water. THIS IS OK! If you try to remain flat in the water you will be fighting against yourself. Rolling from side to side as you stroke and breathe is the proper way and will assist you in breathing. Just relax and let your body move naturally in the water. The rolling also helps with drag and makes you more streamline while moving.

Swimming is just floating with forward movement and relaxing is key to being successful at it. I have seen many a swimmer struggling and flailing away and then exhausted because they didn't understand this concept. There are many misconceptions about the proper way to swim. My suggestion is to go to a lap pool and observe good swimmers and how they move in the water. If the opportunity presents itself, get in the water and using goggles or snorkel mask, observe them underwater too. A picture paints a thousand words and if you can observe swimmers in motion, you will learn that much faster.

Now that you have mastered the basics, PRACTICE! Get out there and have fun! For safety purposes always swim with a buddy or in a safe environment. Now you can be one of the millions that enjoy the water and all the fun it offers. No longer do you have to turn down invitations to the parties that include water because you are too embarrassed or afraid to swim.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Presentation Skills: Final Presentations, the Finish Line

2010-04-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

After days or weeks of preparation, after a strong presentation, don't drop the ball as you near the finish line. How you follow up after your sales presentation will help you get across the line.

1) Within one day, call to thank the client (your contact). If you don't reach your client, after a few tries leave a voice mail. Be fully prepared: thank, compliment the client's team, concisely (in 20 seconds) summarizing your benefits and commitment to support the client in meeting his/her objectives. If you do get to speak with the client, ask for feedback and use it during the call to reposition as necessary and also in your follow-up thank you e-mail or letter.

2) Within a day, also send a follow-up e-mail or letter (depending on client culture, time frames, enclosures) to every client at the presentation.
-One core letter for most client participants in the presentation is fine, but check your notes from the presentation (hopefully you have jotted down the name of the person who asked a particular question or made a particular point) and tailor each letter to each client's interest. The only time not to follow up with each client at the presentation is when the client clearly directs contact with only a particular person. Even then, if you ask if you may send a thank you note to each member after the presentation, most clients won't object.

-Be sure to fully tailor your letter to the key decision maker.
3) Think of additional ways to remain in contact. For example, the presentation is October 17, but the decision won't be made until the first week of November and the client says, "Call me then." Don't leave such a void between the presentation and your contact with the client. Find ways to maintain contact between mid August and early September. Be creative. You can mention in the follow-up thank you phone call that you'd like to check in a week or so to see if he/she needs additional information, you can send a relevant article, make a touch-base call leaving a message, ask a member of your executive team to call the client thanking him/her for the opportunity and reinforce how excited the team is about the prospect of supporting the client, and pledge his/her commitment.

Ways to Make Work More Enjoyable

2010-04-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes work may seem unexciting. You commute to the office each day, and you spend hours on your computer or in meetings.

People are intense, and in this economy, the mood is far from festive. While times are tough, does work have to be miserable?

You can make a decision to make work more pleasant. And below are some actions you can take to make this happen.

Make your workspace as comfortable as you can

Whether you are in an office or a cubicle, do what you can to make your work digs more comfortable. Place a plant in the area, and take care of it.

Bring a couple of framed photographs. Hang one of your children's drawings.

If your workplace is a bit cosier, you will feel more at home in it. And that's important, as you spend so much time here.

Find some humour in yourself and situations

A wise person takes things seriously, but he does not take himself too seriously.

Learn to laugh at some of your mistakes.

Instead of constantly worrying what others think, focus on what they have to say. When stress runs high, learn to tell a joke or two.

If you can find some humour in frustrating situations, you will feel far less anxious. In fact, your work challenges will seem more manageable when there is some laughter added to the mix.

Take a break or two

In the old days, people would gather at the water cooler for social interaction. They would also go out for lunch meetings.

With the advent of computers and Blackberries, though, people are increasingly tied to work. They forget to take breaks. They work nonstop for hours on end.

This kind of constant work is not good for you. So take a stand. Commit to meeting your deadlines. But allow yourself a break or two. Get some fresh air. Give yourself time away from your work - even if only 20 minutes - so you can recharge a bit.

Develop work relationships at the office

The quality of your life will improve if you have solid relationships in place. And that includes your work relationships.

Take time to get to know a few of your colleagues. Develop strong working relationships. Find out how you can be of service to others. And be willing to give of yourself.

This kind of attitude will help you build fulfilling work relationships. And it will make your time spent in the office more enjoyable as well.

How to Have a Good Time When Travelling Alone

2010-04-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Who said that you need to travel with company in order to have a good time? Traveling alone can be an equally rewarding experience, provided you know how to make the most of it.

How to have a good time when traveling alone

Observe Other People

Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to observe other people. You will be surprised by how much you can learn about the human soul and behavior by carefully observing other travelers, or even those who work at the airport or the hotel. Watch their body language, the way they interact with other people. Maybe you will recognize someone you know in them. For writers, this is a great opportunity for inspiration.

Interact with Other People

While traveling alone, take advantage of the opportunity to interact with other people. Chat with other travelers, volunteer to help in case a problem arises, ask questions, make comments. This is a good chance to make new friends, or who knows, even find the love of your life!

Create Your Own Schedule

When traveling alone, you are able to create your own schedule. You can wake up any time you want, do whatever you want, for as long as you want, and go to bed any time you want. You do not have to take into consideration what other people think, because you are all alone. Take full advantage of that freedom to do whatever your heart desires and feel free to change it whenever you feel like it.

Do Some Soul Searching

Take advantage of the fact you are alone at a new place to do some soul searching and get in touch with the deepest parts of your mind and soul. Perhaps you will discover that you want to take a different career path, end a relationship, start a new one, or engage in new activities that fulfill you. If you were traveling with company, you wouldn't be able to do that.

Spend Some Quality Time with Yourself

While traveling alone, you can spend some quality time with yourself. That might be hard to accomplish at first, if you are used to traveling with company, or if you usually hang out with friends when you want to have fun. It is important to realize though that only if you manage to spend some quality time with yourself, will you manage to really spend quality time with others as well. If you depend on others to have a good time, then you will be miserable when you have to be by yourself.

Take a Break from Reality

When traveling alone, take a break from reality. This is the time to forget everything you do on a daily basis, and do completely different things, at your own pace. Set your mind and soul free and see where they lead you, without thinking about rules or habits. Even if you decide to spend a whole day looking at the sea, it is worthwhile, if it is going to refresh your mind and soul.

Having a good time when traveling alone will be the beginning of a new era, full of possibilities.

The History of Easter Holiday Season!

2010-04-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

Easter Passover Season represents rebirth and renewal, of things in nature and of the spiritual life

—It is a time to reassess the paths we've walked, and the relations we've held,

—To build upon our successes and forge ahead of our failures

— It is the season to start anew. To embark on a spiritual and mental path that leads to understanding, peace and love.

Happy Passover!

The History of the Easter Holiday

Or, the Early Celebration of spring

The Easter holiday is signified by more than just candy, though. We know the celebration today as being a time to commemorate the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays of the modern Christian church. However, it wasn't always that way. The holiday was originally started by the pagans. It's interesting to learn that the name "Easter “actually came from the name "Eostre." Eostre was the pagan Greek goddess of spring.

You see, the ancient Greeks worried when they noticed the days got shorter in length during a certain time of the year. They were relieved, though, when the days began to get longer again later. In fact, they were so afraid that "the light" (the goddess) wouldn't return again, that they began to worship the Eostre goddess. The early Greeks held festivals every spring to celebrate her return. And when do you think they held their celebrations? On the same day as the vernal equinox, this is on March twenty-first every year...the first day of spring. In the northern hemisphere, the vernal equinox starts the time of the year when day and night are about the same in length.

The leaders of the Christian church refused to celebrate a pagan holiday. So, they changed the pagan holiday into the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since it was no longer a celebration for a pagan goddess, they also changed the date on which it was held. In the year of 325 AD, the Church Council of Nicaea decided that the Easter holiday would be celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Therefore, unlike Christmas, this is always on the twenty-fifth day of December, the date of Easter changes from year to year. Easter can be as early as March twenty-second or as late as April twenty-fifth, according to the schedule which was set up by the Church Council.

Easter is more than just one Sunday in the spring. It actually is celebrated in combination with several other related holy days. Forty days before Easter Day is a holiday called, "Ash Wednesday." This day marks the beginning of Lent. Lent ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. Then there is "Holy Week." This week runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The "Good Friday" holiday is the last Friday preceding Easter. Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter marks his resurrection. In the ancient church, Good Friday was kept by fasting and praying. It is considered to be the holiest of the days in the Holy Week.

Tips to Avoid the Fat Bulge during the Holidays

2010-03-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't it almost impossible to stay contentious about weight and nutrition during these holidays? What holidays you ask? New Year’s, Easter, Labor Day, Christmas, and so forth, let's not even mention birthdays and anniversaries. Attending holiday parties doesn't help our waist line!

If there is any good news, here it is. A study has found most people gain about a pound over a holiday so you're not alone. The two major factors in weight gain according to the study were level of hunger and level of activity. The answer seems obvious - eat less and exercise more. We'll concentrate on these two areas.

1. If you are doing any cooking during a holiday, do not eat while you cook. This little taste can add up to some serious calories in a millisecond.

2. Drink water instead of alcohol. There is nothing but empty calories in alcohol and it will lower your will power. If you feel you have to drink, drink one and "nurse it" all night.

3. Eat only those things you really want to and use a small plate. It's amazing how a small plate will help you cut down of the amount of food you serve yourself.

4. Make a list of what you have eaten and analyze it at the end of the day. Did you really want to eat three of those chocolate chip cookies from Aunt Martha? How about that large scoop of ice cream, maybe a smaller scoop would have been better? Plan the next holiday's course of action based on the findings of this holiday's food intake.

5. Stress can cause hunger. Holidays can cause stress especially if you are in charge of anything having to do with the festivities. Take some time for you. Go get a facial or massage. Go for a nice slow walk in the park.

6. Keep the size of portions in your mind at all times. The smaller plates will help. You can load up on the salad and be stingy on the sweets. Don't be afraid to cut off a bite of a high calorie treat. If you are in charge, cut those high calorie foods into small portions. A small bite may be all you need to satisfy you.
7. Here's a neat trick. Wear one of your good looking outfits that is slightly tight. You'll think twice about that second helping since you can't let your belt out a notch.

8. Any party has lots of calorie rich tempting foods so how can I keep the pounds off? The answer may sound silly, but keep away from the food. What, how can I do that you ask? Go to the other side of the room where the food is. There will be less chance of you snacking if the food is on the other side of the room.

9. Don't arrive at the party hungry. Eat something light and healthy especially breakfast. If you go heavy with the protein at breakfast, your body will feel satisfied and content. Don't starve yourself thinking you can "pig out" at the party.

10. Keep to your schedule as much as possible. If you normally take walks, don't stop just because there's a holiday happening. If you go to the gym, go to the gym.

Enjoy all those good times with your friends and family. Glance through these tips before a holiday and you'll be fine.

Kipepeo Village and Beach Camp

2010-03-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. A quick dip in the ocean followed by an ice cold drink, and you will quickly forget the city and all the problems and worries which you left there. You are now relaxed....POA

In the evening when the wind drops to a gentle breeze, and the sun starts to set behind the Kipepeo Village the view from the balcony is simply stunning.

After a day of punishing glare from the scorching African sun, the evening sun seems to diffuse the light, bathing the surrounding bush in a cool relaxing tone. Visible over the top of the dense African bush, the beach has taken on a cool bluish tone, the sea beyond a luster which completes the tranquil dream like trance which captivates you.

For more go to: http://www.kipepeovillage.com/index.html and
http://www.kipepeocamp.com/index.html

Blood Diamond: Definitely Worth Seeing

2010-02-04T04:32:00.000-08:00

Let's go completely way back to 1999...a lengthy trip. Possibly a little longer trip would be to 1999 in the heart of Sierra Leone, a land far separated from our comfy and free way of life. This was the elevation of the diamond rush and the impact of a U.S. embargo on diamonds taken from distressed areas. A period when smugglers could be made wealthy by even one good finds as well as when peace-loving civilians were dragged into slavery to locate those diamonds.

The story starts in a little fishing village where a father and son are talking about school and the boy's future academic prospect. The silence is shattered by a group of militants storming into town and shooting down all that moves. The man, Solomon (Djimon Hounsou) manages to find his family out of harm's way, however is then captured himself plus hauled off to dig for diamonds.

Solomon does his labor with no information on his family's whereabouts or welfare and recognizing that whichever disobedience is adequate to get him killed. The risk of instant death is not sufficient when he notices a rose-pink diamond the size of his thumb. He places the diamond amid his toes and sneaks off to hide it in the forest. Before he has an opportunity to do anything with it, although, the slavers are conquered and Solomon is jailed until the victors can ascertain that he is not an opponent.

Whilst in prison, a smuggler called Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) hears one of Solomon's former captors attempting to get Solomon to confess to having had the extraordinary diamond. Always the opportunist, Archer organizeS Solomon's release and then attempts to con him into showing him the location of the diamond in return for locating his family.

An attractive however nosy American reporter (Jennifer Connelly) jumps into the conflict and the trio gets on a deadly mission through even gunfire and unfriendly natives to locate the stone, and locate Solomon's family to get them to the United States.

This movie was relatively interesting. I had seen many previews for it before ultimately breaking down as well as watching it on one of the movie channels and, in general, am extremely glad I did.

Foremost, the setting was quite realistic - despite some filming goofs - and the skilled cast truly brought the story to life. But, I can't say I was very stunned by the script. Blood Diamond is indeed a film that relies on its remarkable special effects and gifted actors to make it work; the dialog was rather straightforward and regularly added little to the scene.

As can most likely be presumed by the above story description, this film does have a huge amount of violence also as foul language plus is definitely inappropriate for children because of that. I do not recognize how closely this film follows any kind of true events more than the historical setting, however true or not the events are indeed believable and make for a convincing story. The pacing of this film does have its complications, although...lots of action in the start, center, and conclusion however an excessive amount of running around dodging bullets in between. If you don't mind the drags on the plot this is a very enjoyable movie.

The acting was pretty superior, at least the half a dozen major characters put forth an outstanding performance and everybody else had little adequate screen time not to have too big of a crash on the movie. The filming was prepared in Cape Town, South Africa, offering remarkable views that are complimented by exceptional special effects and plenty of explosions.

Generally, it is pretty simple to see why this film had many Oscar nominations and a number of wins. The special effects, the plot, and most of the acting were entirely top-notch and definitely worth seeing.

Educating Children the Importance of Saving

2010-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Education and inspiring children to save money allows them to utilize their money sensibly in their adult life.

Spending and saving resolutions made in their childhood can have an impact on their financial expectations and in addition influence investment choices they may ever make.

As shortly as children can count up, they should be introduced to money with the goal of laying a concrete foundation for financial responsibility, which assists them to make excellent spending resolutions in future.

Personal finance specialists suppose that people who don’t learn on handling cash at a young age regularly mishandle their finances in their later life.

Consequently, parents are counseled to educate children the essentials of saving and spending in their early years.

-To offer youngsters a free hand in managing their finances, they should be permitted to make withdraws from their savings fund and make their personal spending resolutions – whether good or bad – to allow them learn how to make sovereign resolutions.

-A normal family converse would assist younger children to frankly talk regarding cash. It is at such discussions that they can collect information on how to build savings and how to spend. Through such meetings, they can be able to realize the essentials of financial choice making and they should be educated that they can’t obtain everything they want.

-At a gentle age, youngsters should be taught the dangers of borrowing and paying interest. A parent or custodian should indict interest on small loans made to them; this assists them recognize how costly it is to utilize somebody else’s money. This worth can be grained in them through goal-setting sessions for what they require, for example toys. These sessions assist them to prioritize how to spend.

-A lot of youngsters suppose automated teller machines (ATMs) are magic machines that eject money at the touch of a button. But, children should be made to realize that to obtain money out of an ATM, deposits should be made – and that this is just achievable by earning through working. Parents should make the notion that employment allows a person to pay bills, rent, food, clothing and entertainment.

-Whilst utilizing a credit card, parents should take the chance to educate children on how the card works. They should be shown how to confirm charges, how to analyze interest, and how to safeguard against credit fraud. They should be informed of the high interest charged for cash advance using the card and further penalizing fines that come with plastic money.

-Children should in addition be encouraged to keep reports of cash saved or invested. This is an essential exercise that will introduce them to the skill of book-keeping.

-Parents should express the notion of earning interest income on savings. This can be completed by replenishing on what they save as it assists children see how quick money accrues through the power of compound interest. This effortless exercise assists them recognize how savings accounts earn interest.

-Opening bank accounts allows children to discover how banks functions.

How Saving Money can Assist You during a Recession

2010-01-04T20:20:00.001-08:00

It is no longer news that we are facing an incredibly solemn recession. Actually, it would not be an overstatement to state that the recession has become as common as a friend.

Regrettably, the recession is not precisely a good friend. For this cause, we require the entire assistance we can find to flee the clutches of recession.

Still at the greatest of times, saving cash is a great initiative. There are entire lot of gains to saving money. Throughout a recession, like the one we are facing at the moment, saving money becomes even additionally useful to us.

A number of ways in which saving money can assist you during a recession incorporate the ones discussed below.

As Principal Investments

A recession is impossibility. Whilst most people feel the awful results of a recession, in a number of instances, a recession essentially opens up new prospects. Therefore, if you have saved a little money previously, you can utilize your savings to set up a business and truly gain from the recession.

For Reasonable Investments

Ask whichever management consultant and they will tell you this unquestionable truth. A recession is constantly followed by a boom. Therefore, even as you feel the hurts of this current recession. You can start to prepare for your life post-recession. For this cause, you require to discover a way to save money at present. If you thrive in putting a little cash away, you can in fact purchase some precious real estate now at incredibly low prices. You can in addition purchase a business that has been put on the market at an exceptionally reduced price. These are precious and reasonable investment moves. In prospect, you will get utmost gain for your investment.

Maintains You Debt Free

Thomas Fuller expressed debt as;"The most horrible poverty". If you don't have some money saved, likelihood is, you will feel the effects of the recession much above those that have been cautious sufficient to save money. It in addition follows that if you have lost your occupation or if your business has gone down, you may require borrowing cash to revive your life, like it were. Additionally, if you save cash, you by now have a substitute position and this will maintain you out of debt.

To Purchase Stock

The stock market has entirely shrunken. Investor confidence is low down and returns on stock investment are even lesser. For these cause, most people are no longer purchasing stocks. However, this is the greatest time to purchase stocks. Thus, find a means to save cash and pick up some precious stocks for a reasonably low price when the economy picks up once more, you will certainly be the better for it.

Feel Good Aspect

If anyone tells you that saving cash is simple, don't trust it. It is hard and it takes a great deal of endeavour and sacrifice to save cash. However if you press yourself and make savings a routine, you will like the sense of achievement that comes with saving cash and this is great for you.

Unforeseen Opportunities

Saving cash is full of great predictions. You put cash away on a regular basis and you watch your cash increase. This offers you a sense of security for a start. In a recession, because most people don't have some savings, the little people that have savings are those that will gain from whichever available business opportunities.

Therefore, as you can evidently see, saving cash is good. It gets even better saving cash during a recession is the greatest thing you can do for yourself. SAVE!

How to get out of debt

2009-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Getting out of debt and living out of debt is not simple. Probabilities are you're reading this article since you've already amassed a reasonable amount of debt and are thinking it will be impossible to ever escape from under it all. Discover steps on how to prevent acquiring new debt and transform your life.

-Stop adding your debt. If you have some credit cards that are maxed out, slash them in half. If you have further than a single remaining credit card slice them up. When you conclude, you should have no further than a single credit card. You will utilize your one credit card ONLY to purchase "must haves" until you can find your expenditure entirely under management.

-Record your expenditure. The plan of writing down what you spend is a concept most individuals find frustrating at best and worthless at worst. But, this is in fact your answer to getting out of debt. You're in debt since you used up money you didn't have. Every day for one month (at least), note down each penny you expend, regardless of how small.

-Classify your expenditure. Classify your monthly expenses into reasonable groups of "Must have," "Should have," and "Like to have."

-Don't quit. Probability is you didn't get into debt in a day, and you won't get out of debt in a day. Immediate repairs don't last, however discovering how to control your cash can bring great peace into your life, and you can use your intellectual energies on additional enjoyable things.

Guidelines

-Don't reflect on debt consolidation or consumer credit counseling bureaus your primary stop. These should be a final alternative! Though they may be enticing, if you're going to obtain your act together, doing it on your own will assist you discover the expertise you require to repair your personal crisis and evade getting in this condition once more.

-Create a table that shows how much you owe divided up by who you in debt it to (be certain to incorporate the interest rate on this table- least to major). Begin making monthly payments to every creditor and while you pay off one thing completely, take what you were paying every month to them and apply it to the subsequently major entry until you have paid off every debts apart from your major one.

-If creditors are harassing you, and you have grown afraid of responding your phone or reading your mail, stop and get a deep breath and call them. Better still, note them. If the company ever chooses to get you to court, you will have evidence that you are attempting to pay off your debts.

- Ask every credit card company for assistance. They aren't likely to pardon you your loan; however they may be keen to lessen your interest rate. If your interest rate is presently 12% or more, inquire if they would be agreeable to slash their rate in half.

-Reflect on a debt consolidation loan. You can pull your entire debt jointly into one account, if possible one attributing a fixed, reduced interest rate.

How to keep your good credit score

2009-10-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

From a lender's perspective, the decision to advance a loan is largely influenced by a borrower's credit score or rating.

Borrowers with a bad credit history will always remain in the bad books. Even those with good credit rating can easily become victims of erroneous information that may get in the hands of lenders without their knowledge.

If you want to keep a good credit rating you should:

Get an Annual Credit Review for Your Financial Rating

Hire an expert to do your credit rating, which you should examine thoroughly or your credit history may be distorted. Areas that you should look at carefully are late payments, tax arrears, and loan or credit card defaults. You should check if you have stretched your borrowing capacity - which should not be two thirds of your monthly net income.

Present the report(s) to your bank when you need credit as it might reduce the loan approval time.

It is important to note that some employers may also use your credit report to verify employment history or trustworthiness.

Close Up Loose Ends in Your Financial Rating

Pay any overdue debts that may be on your credit report. If you have problems paying, you may seek debt counseling services or a financial adviser who can help negotiate a reasonable repayment strategy. The settlement method should be included in your budget.

If you already have five or six major credit cards (even if they have zero balances), you will have a tough time getting additional credit. Why? Because the lenders think that you already have more than enough.

The secret to this hurdle is to cancel any credit cards that you don't use.

Lenders will compare your credit card balances to the amount of credit you have available. The more cards you have close to the limits, the more of a risk you are to them.

Establish a Budget

It is a good policy to setup a family budget so that you know how much to allocate each month for housing, utilities, food and other expenses and also monthly repayments of your debt.

Seek Help If Needed to Polish Your Financial Rating

You may want to contact a credit counseling service if you can't resolve your credit problems on your own or if you need help. These professionals can negotiate on your behalf for repayment plans that are acceptable to your creditors.

Use Debit or Pre-paid Cards

Debit and pre-paid cards work like credit cards but the use of the card is limited to the amount of cash you load to the card or money in your account.

Open Deposit and Savings Account to Improve Your Financial Rating

These accounts show your financial stability. You should open one or two accounts and maintain a significant balance.

Avoid bankruptcy

Bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for years from the date that it is filed. You should first seek credit counseling services before discussing any bankruptcy filings to restructure payments.

Those who have been declared bankrupt can work with advisers to revise the situation and qualify for some form of credit.

Determining where to invest

2009-10-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Some people are at sea when it comes to investing. They may have money to invest but don't know where to put it or for how long or at what interest rate.

They may wonder whether to trust their stockbroker or bank manager, who has elaborate investment plans that promise impressive returns.

To get out of this 'investing jungle', you know your short-term and long-term debts, income, age and health. You should also cater for unseen expenses such as medical bills. Before you set out investing, go to a quiet corner and have an honest little chat with yourself to determine what kind of investor you are.

You should ask yourself:

-Are you willing to take risks? Are you a super-conservative person who can take risks?

If you're not extremely conservative, you have some money you'd like to speculate with, and you won't miss the money if you lose.

Decide if you might want to dabble in the stock and bond market or stash your cash in unit trusts.

-You can't predict how much you will lose in speculative investments such as stocks although the gamble may pay off with earnings higher than what you'll earn from a bank.

The stock market could average a negative 10 per cent return the next. It just means that the longer your money is invested and the more diversified your investments are, the more you reduce your risk.

-How long can you be without the money?

This is a critical decision, lots of people skip over. If you need your cash in six months or a year down the road for an emergence or something else you hadn't planned for, what are you going to do? What if the investment rate and other financial factors change and you want to move your money to a higher-earning investment?

-If you withdraw your money early, you'll probably be charged a stiff penalty.

-What type of investment will earn you good returns?

The disadvantage of bank investments is that they usually pay less than you could earn with stocks, bonds or unit trusts. How much you'll earn at the bank depends on current interest rates and where they'll be years from now.

Interest rates, especially bank rates, go up and down like a roller coaster.

As you walk through the investment jungle, you should learn to ask questions.

You should learn to pin down your banker, stockbroker or financial planner before you sign on the dotted line, not afterward. Take your time to study the investment then ask for an explanation of every charge.