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  • Improve Cell Phone Reception In Three Easy Steps

    By Kavita

    I am kind of paranoid about having to deal with lost or weak cell phone signals. Maybe those scary movies are to blame, where the hapless young actress is driving all alone at the middle of the night and suddenly her car breaks down. All she can do is to desperately try calling 911, but there is nothing remotely similar to a signal bar on her Cellphone screen and so on …

    You could always argue that such situations do not arise in ‘real’ life, but what about dealing with a weak or lost cell phone signal, when you desperately want to make that call? Yeah, I know you have dealt with those ‘scary’ moments quite a few times in your life, haven’t you? Well, here are three easy steps to improve your cell phone reception that you could try the next time around:

    Click here to compare free cell phone plans

    Get rid of the obstacles

    Most of us are unaware that there are a few things that can create a hindrance for proper cell phone reception. Getting rid of any such obstacles that are in the vicinity, may be the easiest step to improve reception of your cell phone.

    For starters, the building material used in construction of the premises where you are experiencing poor cell phone reception may be the culprit. Certain buildings are constructed by placing a Faraday cage within the structure.

    Though the actual intention of a Faraday cage is to deflect any static electricity, it can unintentionally deflect cell phone signals as well. If you are experiencing poor phone signal only when you are within the building premises, then chances are that its inbuilt Faraday cage is the hindrance. You will have to step outside the premises to improve cell phone reception in such a case

    Check if your battery is drained of charge

    Usually we do not care to charge our cell phone batteries, until it lets out a dying beep. But sometimes cell phones can make and receive calls on a very low level of battery charge, but this low level might be inadequate for searching and connecting to a signal. If that is the case, you will need to re-charge your battery immediately.

    Try installing a repeater

    If your cell phone is chronically disturbing the peace of your mind with its poor signal reception at your home, then you will need to invest in a repeater. This device is easily installed and has a power outlet and works by first collecting the poor incoming signals, followed by rebroadcasting of the signal and then relaying it to your cell phone. This leads to an overall amplification of the signal and now it is ready for optimum use.

    Sometimes, your cell phone may be the root cause for a poor signal reception. If none of the above three tips work, you should get your gadget checked by a professional. If there is a problem with your device, you need to get an updated model for better signal reception.

    Click here to compare free cell phone plans

  • Contract Versus Prepaid Phones: Which Option Works Better

    By Kavita

    The trend began to favor prepaid phones from 2009 itself, when reports suggested that almost 70% of new cell phone subscribers preferred to go for a prepaid connection. In 2012, reports declared that over 30% of all wireless users in the USA were using a prepaid connection.

    Click here to compare both contract and prepaid phone plans, including unlimited usage plans. Some plans offer free phones as a bonus.

    Why do people still prefer using contract phones?

    Despite the growing popularity of the prepaid version, there are many people who are still holding on dearly to their contract cell phone plans. There are certain benefits that they see in them and those are what keep them hooked.

    First, with a contract cell phone plan you do not have to worry about the phone bill amount. You already know how much to expect and that means a lot to some people. They simply cannot deal with the shocks of an inflated phone bill at the end of the month after they have finished using the services.

    Second, most of the cell phone companies offer discounted prices for cell phones when you agree to sign up for a long term contract (usually for a period of one to two years).

    Third, some folks love the credit facility that they enjoy with contract phones. They can use their phones all through the month and have to bother about paying the bill only after they have used the services.

    Fourth benefit people tend to get from using contract phones is that they might get a discount when they opt for an upgraded phone later on during the contract.

    Why do prepaid plans attract people?

    Prepaid plans are attractive to those who dislike being bound to yearly contracts. With a prepaid plan you are free to use and spend as and how much you want. The best advantage is that you are in total control over your cell phone expenses. You can top up your cell phone with exactly as much money that you are willing to spend on your phone expenses; not a single dollar more or less than that.

    Second, you can use it whenever you want a temporary connection. Many users love the freedom that these prepaid plans provide when on vacation. They can stay connected with friends and family even when out of the country on vacation without a contract cell phone plan.

    You need to pay only for the minutes you have utilized and you can always top your cell phone up if you need to use more.

    In general, it is better to go prepaid when your usage is a bit undisciplined and you tend to incur over usage charges each month when on a contract plan. Usually parents of teen kids understand the importance of this suggestion as they routinely have to put up with such overage fines on their kids’ phones.

    What’s better? These days, one can sign up for unlimited plans even on a prepaid option. This way you can bundle phone, text, and Web for a flat monthly rate. Best of both worlds!

    Click here to compare both contract and prepaid phone plans, including unlimited usage plans. Some plans offer free phones as a bonus.

  • How To Compare Wireless Phone Deals: Money Saving Tips

    In order to get the best deals for your phone and phone service, you need to know how to compare wireless phone deals. This process requires a lot more work than you may have expected.

    Wireless Plans

    For most people, a house phone is a thing of the past. With cell phone technology, you are able to use a cell phone for business purposes or for social reasons. In any event, you will need to have wireless service that you are able to depend on. In this instance, you should compare each wireless plan that is available in your area.

    Click here to compare wireless phone deals, including free phone offers

    Types of Plans

    With most wireless plans, there are three primary options. You will usually have the choice of:
    •    Single plans
    •    Family plans
    •    No contract plans

    Single Plans. Single plans are designed for an individual who does not need to add any other lines of service. Single plans are popular because they are much cheaper than many of the other options that are available. The reason why these plans are much cheaper than several of the others is because only one device is being covered for data, minutes, and text features.

    Family Plans. Family plans are ideal for people who plan to have phone service activated for multiple people within the same family or a small group that would share the package. Many people view these plans as being expensive, but family plans are a lot cheaper than purchasing a phone and phone service for each individual. These plans are also convenient for billing purposes. With a family plan, you will be able to compile the expenses for each device in one monthly bill.

    No Contract Plans. No contract plans are also referred to as prepaid plans. This is a convenient option for many people because there are no contracts involved. You will be able to put money on your cell phone account whenever you need it. Once the minutes have run out or expired, you will have to put more minutes on your account. Family plans that are available with no contract plans as well.

    Specifics of Service

    Once you have decided whether you will benefit more from a single, family or prepaid plan, you need to think about what you will be using the cell phone service for. Acknowledge all instances of phone use and use this information to help you find a plan that best fits your needs. Each plan comes with several different features, but the most frequently used features include:

    •    Data
    •    Minutes
    •    Storage
    •    Text messaging

    New Model Phones

    A lot of phone companies have special deals and rates on new model phones. Most phones that are newer models will be priced ridiculously high. A lot of newer model phones are priced at $500 or more, but there is a catch. You will not have to pay the entire amount of $500 or more if you agree to a one- or two-year contract with the wireless provider. If you agree to the terms and conditions that the wireless provider has outlined, you will more than likely be paying $100 or less for the newer model phone. Some plans even offer free phones as part of the deal.

  • Why Using A Credit Card For New Business Is The Smart Way To Go

    If you are starting a new business, you may be considering applying for a business credit card. Many companies do offer a credit card for new businesses. Some entrepreneurs are weary of using them. Though it is true that credit cards can create a plethora of problems, if managed properly they can be a wonderful thing to have; especially when you are starting a new small business.

    Click here to compare 0% APR offers for small business credit cards

    The advantages of a credit card for new business

    There are many advantages to using a business credit card, and when properly managed it can save you a lot of headaches.

    Benefit One: Ease of itemization

    Your expenditures can be tracked more easily especially because most companies will send you an end- of-the-year summary showing you all transactions in a list that is categorized and itemized. This means that your bookkeeping will be virtually done for you! Furthermore, some credit card companies provide their business customers with the option of downloading e-summaries. These could truly streamline your accounting and bookkeeping process without any additional effort or expenditure.

    Benefit Two: No cross mingling

    It is always a bad idea to mix business with pleasure, so keep your personal and your business accounts separate or risk running into problems with management and/or taxes. A busy entrepreneur could attest

    Benefit Three: Rewards

    Spurred by competition, credit card companies sometimes turn their efforts at gaining market share into special rewards wars. Depending on the card you choose, you can get discounts on anything from travel to Internet services.

    Benefit Four: Spending Management

    With a credit card designed exclusively for business, you can allow your employees to have a card for work use only. With employee cards you can set the spending limits just for some extra peace of mind. You can also go online and monitor the spending habits of all card holders to ensure things are going along as they should.

    Benefit Five: Raising Your business credit

    Having a credit card just for your small business can help you build up credit for your business. This will help out a lot in the future if you need more credit or loans.

    Steps towards effective management of business credit cards

    Like all financial tools, a credit card for a new business must be managed responsibly. This may take some time to for a new business owner, but all in all it is fairly simple if you stick to a good plan.

    When you do decide on the right credit card for your new business you will likely find that you have a grace period of 21 days before making a payment on the card. This is a great way to help improve upon your cash flow. Using your card as opposed to checks allows for faster clearing. Finally, stay away from unnecessary debts and keep all your bills paid on time — all the time. Sometimes, basic steps are the ones that are ignored most often.

    Click here to compare 0% APR offers for small business credit cards

  • How To Save On Water Bills: Simple But Highly Effective Ways To Cut Your Spending By 50%

    By John

    The amount Americans pay for their household water varies up and down the country. It may range from $40 to $135 monthly. You can buy various gadgets and new appliances to help you achieve maximum economy, but there are several ways you can save water — and thereby money — right now using what you already have, by adopting new habits.

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    Monitor, monitor, monitor

    You should always monitor the water component of your utility bill for excessive usage. If you find that there is waste, it could indicate a leakage in your system which you should have investigated immediately, not only to plug the leak but also to prevent damage to your property.

    Now to change those wasteful habits….

    Did you know that around nearly three-fourths of a household’s water usage occurs in the bathroom?

    • Showering accounts for over a third of water usage
    • Cut a few seconds off your normal shower time
    • If you have an adjustable shower head, turn it to fine spray
    • If you want a long soak, use the tub
    • Shower young children together
    • Turn the water off when you are lathering and shampooing (isn’t that so easy)
    • Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth, shaving and scrubbing your hands
    • Fix dripping faucets at once – you can do it yourself
    • Flushing the toilet accounts for over over 39% of water use
    • Don’t use the toilet to flush away other waste or trash
    • If you have a dual-flush toilet, make sure everyone in the family knows how, why and when to use a full or partial flush
    • You can reduce the capacity of the water tank in older models of toilet by putting one or more plastic bottles filled with pebbles and water at the bottom. Experiment until you find the amount of water necessary to do the job (about three gallons)

     Did you know that around 10% of a household’s water usage occurs in the kitchen?

    • Don’t use running water to rinse dishes — use a bowl until you reach the final rinse
    • Don’t use running water to rinse fruit and vegetables — use a bowl until you reach the final rinse
    • Don’t use running water to defrost frozen food — use the refrigerator
    • The dishwasher is most economical with water on a full load
    • The clothes washing machine is most economical with water on a full load (and a front-loader is generally more economical than a top-loader)

    How about the yard?

    • Use a broom, not water to clean the sidewalk
    • Wash the car using a bucket of water and not a hose — this can save over ninety five gallons or more of water each time you wash the car
    • If you want to absolutely splurge, go to a car wash … five bucks
    • Use hose taps on the nozzles of hoses

    And, finally, the garden

    • Collect rainwater and use it for watering plants
    • Minimize the use of recreational water toys
    • Use the sprinkler on your grass early in the morning or in the evening to minimize evaporation under the sun
    • Use the sprinkler on your lawn only when it is needed. If the soil at a depth of 1-2 inches is still moist, sprinkling is not necessary
    • Don’t over-sprinkle

    Of course there are many other steps you can take to save water, and as stated before you can invest in equipment to help you do it. However following these basic tips is easy and could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

    Click here to compare offers and save hundreds of dollars every month. Why pay more? We have hundreds of offers on various items from credit cards to cell phones.

  • How To Really Save Money On Vacations

    By John

    Before the military embarks on an operation, it makes a plan. And before it can make a plan, it carries out an assessment of all the factors relating to the operation. The aim is to ensure that the objective is successfully met with the optimal use of available resources. In a civilized way this process can be carried out when planning for a vacation. In that wasting something is the opposite of saving it, good vacation planning will actually help you to save money.

    What is your budget?

    This is a fundamental question these days. Until you know how much you can afford to spend on your vacation, you can’t make a sensible plan. Having set a budget, you must stick to it.

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    Strange question, but why are you thinking of going on vacation?

    Unless you are going it alone, everybody’s view must be taken into account. Let’s say that Dad wants to go hiking and he likes some local culture; Mom hates walking and swimming but likes shopping and eating out; teenager Susie just wants sun, sea and sand, while little Jimmy likes theme parks. Somehow all these aspirations have to be accommodated, which will probably mean some compromise.

    Once you have decided on the aims of your vacation, where should you go? Can the goals be met without going abroad? Or is going abroad one of the ideas?

    Click here to review travel deals. From airfares to hotels and car rentals, you can compare and review multiple offers.

    Slicing the pie

    When you know broadly what you want to do, and where, you should apportion the budget according to your priorities. For instance, a budget airline may not be convenient but would free up money for shopping, and a top-notch hotel might be desirable but could leave you with little to spend on anything else. A real balancing act.

    Don’t fork out more than you need to – look for best deals

    From here on it’s all research. Here’s what to look for:

    Transportation

    • Coach versus air. If opting for a vacation Stateside, or even a ‘nearcation’, consider travelling by coach or bus. Coach travel is fast, convenient and cheap as compared to flying. If not, map out a train path and see if it leads to your destination. The savings may not sound like a lot of you add up the savings for each family member, you could really be on a roll.
    • Compare travel fares. If you are flying, Internet sites will throw up good deals, but cheaper tickets can sometimes be had by comparing travel packages online. Night flights are often cheaper, especially in Europe. You shouldn’t necessarily limit your research to flights from your nearest airport, though. Sometimes, a few extra miles to the airport could translate into substantial savings. Beware budget airlines’ policies on baggage.
    • Package deals may not be to everyone’s liking, but they are generally cheaper than buying each component of your vacation individually. The fixed price means that you don’t run the risk of having to negotiate rates on the ground, which can be a challenge in some countries for a foreigner.

    Accommodation

    • As with air tickets, internet sites for hotel bookings will often produce good deals but a direct inquiry to the hotel might result in a better one. Hotel rates never seem to stand still and as a rule of thumb, the earlier you book the better. Keep trying!
    • When choosing a hotel, it’s worth looking at local taxi rates at the same time. A medium quality hotel in the prime area of the city may be far more expensive than a better one on the outskirts of town that requires only a modest outlay on taxis to get you back and forth to the action.
    • Many hotels associated with local attractions, especially theme parks, offer really good deals incorporating admission to the attraction. A typical deal may represent as much as fifty percent off the hotel rate as well as off the theme park entrance fee.
    • When at your destination, check the local newspapers. They often contain special offers and coupons for local attractions.

    And off you go….

    If you have done your planning properly, you should now be able enjoy your vacation knowing that it is the vacation you all want and that it is all budgeted for. And if you agree that not wasting money is the same thing as saving it, then you are indeed saving it.

  • Ways To Improve Your Credit Score With Credit Card Debit

    By David

    Having a good credit score generally makes things a lot easier, but a decent amount of folks do not realize that until it is too late.  Many make numerous mistakes during their first few years of financial independence — having a bit too much fun with credit card debit cards — and they are often shocked when they find out just how much harder life is for those who have been deemed untrustworthy by the credit bureaus.

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    Fortunately, even for those with extremely low credit scores, there are a few things that can be done to boost your standing with the credit bureaus:

    Take care of delinquent accounts

    A good way to let the credit bureaus know that you plan to start taking your financial obligations seriously is by dealing with all the negative accounts on your report.  Reach out to the lenders you have used in the past, and try to work out a repayment plan.  In some cases, when the past due accounts have already been charged off, you might even be able to settle the account by paying a lot less than the initial balance owed.

    Maintain current accounts properly

    When trying to build up your credit score, it is important that you keep all your current lines of credit in good standing. That includes credit card debit cards, as the former reports your activities to the credit bureaus, while the latter — which doesn’t usually report to the credit agencies — will do just that in the event that your account becomes overdrawn, and the negative balance is not promptly paid.  Therefore, avoid overdrafts on your debit cards, and try to pay the balance on your credit cards in full every month. With every payment made on time, your credit rating will start to move upwards.

    Use only a small portion of your credit line

    Having access to a large line of credit does not mean you should max it out.  Credit bureaus do not look positively on those who consistently use a large portion of their available credit, and it can be a sign of financial irresponsibility.  Therefore, try to avoid using more than 30 percent of your available credit at all times.

    Stop applying for every credit card debit offer you see!

    Some folks don’t seem to realize it, but applying for numerous credit lines during any particular period is detrimental to your credit score.  It is often looked at as a sign you might be desperate for funds, which leads them to question the reliability of your income.  If you are trying to build your credit score to buy a house, for example, try not to apply for any credit lines a few years before you plan to make the purchase (while maintaining good standing with your current lenders), as it will do wonders for your credit score.

    Having poor credit can be really frustrating, but fortunately, there is hope for those who find themselves in that situation. By following the above tips, you should be able to improve your credit score.

    Click here to compare 0% APR credit cards with up to 5% cash back. Free comparison of various credit card offers.

  • Did You Know Debit Cards Don’t Add To Your Credit Score?

    By David

    Having poor credit is no laughing matter, as it usually turns basic activities like signing up for cable and other similar actions into difficult tasks. To make things worse, once a person’s credit score plummets, securing lines of credit becomes a lot more difficult. Also, debit cards don’t add to your credit score, leaving many left puzzled on how to rebuild their credit history. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can be used to salvage your credit rating and get you back in the favorable graces of lending institutions.

    Click here to use our free credit card comparison tool to find the best credit card offers for you

    Secured credit cards

    If you are constantly getting rejected every time you apply for a credit line, you might want to consider going for a secured credit card. Secured credit cards work a bit like debit cards, meaning you have to deposit funds into the account before you start swiping.  However, while debit cards don’t add to your credit score, secured cards do, so every on-time payment you make will be reflected on your credit score. If your credit score is too low to get you approved for a credit card, a secured card is your next best option.

    Managing balances properly

    Just because you have a credit line — secured or unsecured — doesn’t mean you should pile up all your bills on it, a mistake many make especially when using secured credit lines.  While secured cards require you to deposit funds before spending, they still work like unsecured credit cards. They report your activities to the credit bureaus just like their unsecured counterparts, so little things like using more than 30 percent of your available credit or failing to pay off the balance on your account in full every month can have negative repercussions on your credit file.

    Do not forget your debit cards

    While debit cards don’t add to your credit score, there no reason to stop using them. Unlike credit cards, the banks do not report your debit card spending to anyone, so there are no strict set of rules you need to follow in order to remain in good standing. Besides, every transaction you make on your debit card instead of your credit card reduces the chances of your falling into debt — which obviously has a negative effect on your credit score. So in a way, debit cards can actually help you improve your credit score indirectly.

    Staying on top of your finances

    Arguably the most important tip you can get, as it is virtually impossible to build and keep a good credit rating if you are irresponsible with your finances.  Learn to follow a budget, pay your bills on time, and make sure you go through the fine prints of contracts you enter. The whole credit rating system is designed to rewards responsible members of society who manage their finances properly, and once you become one, your score will certainly improve.

    With the above tips, you should not have any problems getting your credit score where you want it to be.

    Click here to use our free credit card comparison tool to find the best credit card offers for you

  • What To Look For When You Compare Credit Cards For Bad Credit

    By David

    Finding the right credit card can be a difficult process for anyone, but it is even more so for those with poor credit ratings.  Many lenders avoid these people like the plague, severely limiting the number of option available to them.  Fortunately, some lenders are a bit more willing to give people second chances, so they have created credit card options for those with bad credit.

    Here are a few things you should consider when you compare credit cards bad credit:

    Secured or unsecured

    Depending on how bad your credit history is, you might not be able to get an unsecured credit card. What is an unsecured credit card? That is when the lenders issue you a line of credit without collecting any collateral. Obviously, if you have a track record of late payments or even non-payments, credit card firms will be less likely to issue you a line of credit without guaranteeing they will be able to get their money back, so you will probably be limited to secured cards. Secured cards work a lot like bank debit cards, but they do report your spending and payment patterns to the credit bureaus, just like their unsecured counterparts.

    Click here to compare credit cards bad credit

    Annual Fees

    Since there is a lot more risk involved with issuing a credit card to someone with poor credit history, most lenders charge some sort of annual fee.  In most cases, the fees are reasonable, but there are a few credit cards out there with very high annual fees. Make sure you compare the annual fees on multiple credit card lenders before deciding which one is right for you.

    Interest rates

    For the most part, cards issued to those with a negative track record when it come to repaying debts usually have higher interest rates, again, to make up for the increased risks associated with issuing lines of credit to those with low scores.  Obviously, you want to look for the credit card with the lowest interest rate possible when you compare credit cards bad credit.  Of course, if plan on rebuilding your credit history, the interest won’t matter much to you since you will be paying off your entire balance in full every month. Still, it is always idea to go for the credit card with the lowest interest rates.

    Miscellaneous charges

    While you compare credit cards bad credit, you should certainly go through the detailed terms and conditions of the lending institutions, as you do not want any surprises after you sign up for the card. Find out what type of fees you will be looking at if for some reason you are unable to pay your bill on time. Will your interest rate jump up to something else if you miss a payment or go over your spending limit? That is something else you might want to think about before deciding which credit card provider is right for you.

    By following the above tips, you shouldn’t have any problems singling out the credit card that is right for you, even if you have bad credit.

  • How To Get A Business Credit Card For New Business

    By Matt

    Starting a new business can be one of the most exciting and stressful tasks you will undertake in your life. You could be giving up the comfort and security of a regular paycheck on an endeavor that poses risk, challenge and years of hard work. On the flip side, you get the opportunity to be your own boss, to put your ideas into action and claim all the credit when you succeed.

    Click here to compare business credit cards. Use our free comparison tool to navigate your options and find a 0% APR business credit card.

    Often, new business owners can underestimate the amount of red tape, expense and headaches involved in setting up a new company. You might start to appreciate what your old boss was going through when he was in one of his moods. At times, it seems like every hurdle cleared leads to the next unexpected obstacle. Credit is a common stumbling block for small businesses. Cash flow is sluggish but expenses remain constant. Access to a credit card could help ease the transition to profitability, but you have no track record and low revenue; most banks wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole. Does your business really need a credit card? How can you get a credit card for a new business?

    How credit can benefit your business

    In a new business that is just starting to get its feet on the ground it can be hard to keep up with all the expenses. Modern equipment, rent, advertising to get the word out, not to mention employee salaries; the bills seem endless. You probably aren’t paying yourself a salary and the money you saved up is almost gone. A business credit card can help ease some of the financial burdens and build your business:

    • Individual bills can be paid with the credit card. In a form of debt consolidation, use your credit card to pay bills as they come due. You want to keep your suppliers happy.  Organize your finances so that you pay your monthly card balance when it is convenient for your business.
    • Keep track of costs and keep an eye on spending with a credit card.
    • It gets the ball rolling on your company’s credit history. Building a positive credit score for your business can be a huge factor down the road when you are looking to finance an expansion, or invest in new equipment.

    Will my new business be approved for credit?

    That depends on how new your business is and your monthly revenues. Most credit card issuers require a business to have a good track record for several years and annual revenues in the millions to be considered a candidate for a corporate card. But that doesn’t mean your hands are completely tied.

    Your new venture will qualify for a small business credit card if you, as the owner, are willing to co-sign for personal liability. This means that if the business can’t pay the bills, the credit issuer can come after you personally. It also means your credit score will be verified and used to determine how much credit the business will get and how expensive it will be. Once your business is more established it can apply for its own credit card, and you can remove your personal liability.

    Remember when starting a new business to expect the unexpected. Always over-estimate expenditures and you will find yourself swimming more often than sinking.

    Click here to compare business credit cards