How Much Are You Worth?

Want to know how your salary compares to the national average? Below is a list of salaries of more than one hundred careers, courtesy of Salary.com. Keep in mind that salaries can differ based on an individual's geographic location and work experience.

(Note: A "II" after the job title indicates a salary based on two to four years of experience.)

SALARIES (as of December 2006)

Accounting
Accountant II: $47,768

Advertising
Account executive: $69,089
Copywriter II: $49,157
Creative director: $96,949

Engineering
Aerospace II: $62,273
Mechanical II: $65,848
Chemical II: $61,744
Civil II: $61,158
Electrical II: $63,673
Environmental (no levels given): $64,945
Industrial II: $59,670
Nuclear II: $69,048

Architecture
Architect II: $40,438
Interior designer II: $40,247

Arts and Entertainment
Actor/performer: $49,559
Director: $29,864
Producer: $45,921
Set designer: $44,126
Talent director: $59,470

Aviation and Airlines
Pilot: $101,402
Flight attendant: $53,796

Banking
Branch manager II: $90,183
Lending officer II: $60,306
Biotechnology
Biologist II: $48,581
Clinical research associate II: $65,250

Construction
Building inspector: $44,827
Carpenter: $38,900
Electrician: $39,924
Consulting
Business development associate: $69,614

Education
Athletic coach: $48,844
School principal: $86,119
College professor: $78,390
Grade school teacher: $49,007
Financial aid counselor: $34,929
Environment
Botanist: $60,524
Geologist II: $49,281
Forester: $59,747
Financial Services
Financial analyst II: $55,589
Stock Broker: $48,205

Law Enforcement, Security, Fire
Fire fighter: $40,463
Police officer: $47,729
Correction officer: $35,000
Sheriff/police chief: $85,772

Healthcare
Staff nurse - RN: $57,366
Chiropractor: $84,556
Dentist: $135,043
Dietician: $47,397
Optometrist: $103,302
Paramedic: $37,916
Pharmacist: $94,677
Physical therapist: $61,162
Physician: $155,041
Physician assistant: $77,392
Psychologist: $78,885
Social Worker: $41,622
Surgeon: $268,277

Human Resources
Human resources generalist II: $52,940
Insurance
Claims adjuster: $41,461

New Media/IT
Web designer: $65,175
Programmer II: $59,826
Applications systems analyst II: $63,554

Legal Services
Attorney II: $112,066
Paralegal II: $50,748
Judge/magistrate: $145,300

Library Services
Librarian: $49,235

Marketing
Account executive: $65,308
Media (Broadcast)
Director: $29,864
Producer: $45,921
Production assistant: $26,325
Reporter: $28,592

Media (Print)
Photographer: $54,789
Reporter: $28,592

Military
E1 - Recruit: $13,511
E3 - Private first class: $16,443
E5 - Sergeant: $19,538
Non-Profit
Fundraising director: $85,346

Printing and Publishing
Editor: $53,800
Technical writer II: $51,944

Public Relations
Company/agency director: $124,686
Speech Writer (under Printing/Publishing): $65,834

Real Estate
Appraiser: $39,968
Mortgage credit analyst: $42,379
Sales agent: $26,358
Restaurant and Food Services
Chef, executive: $87,808
Catering manager: $47,037
Hotel manager: $41,411
Retail/Wholesale
Buyer II: $50,717
Jeweler: $36,302
Visual merchandising director: $111,490

Sales
Account executive: $65,308
Science and Research
Astronomer: $99,259
Biochemist II: $52,682
Biologist II: $48,581
Chemist II: $52,380
Geologist II: $49,281
Physicist II: $68,365
Zoologist: $64,696

Looking for something different? Check out the salaries of these unusual careers.
Motor racer: $25,628
Cartoonist/animator: $57,043
Floral designer: $43,845
Landscape architect: $37,041
Bartender: $19,430
Pastry chef: $56,754
Professional athlete: $28,744
Food scientist: $61,012
Fashion designer: $45,452
Animal groomer: $30,833
Silversmith: $36,073
Private investigator: $40,028

A Monster.com article

by Carrie Greenberg

Five Ways to Stay Positive in Negativity

It's easy to be positive in a positive environment. It's when things are emotionally draining and negative that you're challenged to behave differently. But you have the opportunity to be the beacon of light for others around you. By your actions and responses, you can demonstrate and teach others how to behave in an appropriate, positive and professional manner.

Positive energy catches on just as quickly as negative energy. Sometimes people are simply stuck in a habit or pattern of behavior and are accustomed to acting a certain way. If the environment is really caustic, then it's what people are used to and may be all they know.

It takes some time and effort as well as a commitment to do something differently to create sustainable change. You must be willing to identify and stop tolerating what's not working, do the right thing even if it's initially unpopular and then teach others to do the same.

Here are five ways you can be a positive force in your workplace:

The First Step Is Awareness
Recognize the negativity around you. Sometimes you can even feel your energy being drained by the words being spoken. If it feels bad or uncomfortable, then it's negative. These feelings are a form of intelligence similar to a tap on the shoulder letting you know something is not right. If you can identify what is happening, you can make good choices about handling it.

It All Starts with You
In what ways are you contributing to the negativity around you? Are you listening to gossip or participating in conversations where the only focus is to denigrate, diminish or criticize? Language matters. Everything you say has an impact; saying something negative not only dishonors the person you're speaking about and the person you're speaking with, but it also makes you feel bad even if you don't realize it. Learn to respect people's humanity and their right to be themselves. Complaining without end does not focus on creating solutions; rather, it perpetuates and magnifies the problem, wasting everyone's precious time and energy.

Speak Up
Tell the other person how you feel by saying, "This doesn't work for me." It's nonjudgmental, since you're making it about you, not them. Also, people often don't realize they are being negative. Point it out in a gentle, caring way: "Do you realize you are complaining?" Just bringing it to their attention can be enough to shift the conversation. Over time, people will learn what they can and cannot discuss with you, and it will stop being an issue. If you say nothing, your silence conveys permission to continue.

Be Constructive, Positive, Meaningful and Beneficial
What is the point or purpose of what you're saying? Is it to hurt or help? And at the end of the conversation, is there an action step to take? Constructive conversations are empowering and leave people a little better off from having participated in them. Become the kind of person who takes your time and words seriously.

Praise and Acknowledge
It's amazing what a few words of praise and acknowledgement can do. You want to be the kind of person people gravitate to because they know they will be uplifted by you, not put down or drained of life-sustaining energy. In short, you want people to feel good after being in your presence.

No matter what is going on around you, you control your inner environment and how you choose to respond to external events and situations. It's your responsibility to become the kind of person you enjoy being and with whom others enjoy being around.

It takes a true leader to walk a path different from the crowd. So when others are negative, stretch your boldness muscles and be positive in spite of what others do or think. It's the only way to create a ripple of change. And if we all do our part, then slowly but surely, we will make a difference in our work environment and the larger community.



By: Julie Fuimano

Can You Afford A House?

The first step in homeownership is to determine how much house you can afford — realistically. In fact, if you can’t afford your dream house, you may have to borrow money from the bank, known as a mortgage. This step can either make or break your homeownership prospects for three reasons:

Your Ability to Pay the Mortgage: Your lender will want to know not only how much money you have, but also how much you will earn in the next 30 years. In addition, the lender has the right to snoop around in your debt history. For example, what’s your credit card situation? Do you have any outstanding debts or loans you’re slow to repay? Property such as a car or boat is also figured into how much the bank will lend you.

Before the mortgage is issued, lenders generally want you to come up with 20 percent of the home value to use as a down payment. Special financing arrangements that may get you into a new home for as little as 3 percent of the asking price.

The lender will also plug your income numbers into a couple of formulas: the front-end ratio (having to do with your mortgage payments) and the back-end ratio (having to do with your debt).

Let's say your gross income is $4,000 a month, and you have $1,000 a month in debt payments. The rule of thumb is that the lender will allow you to pay 29 percent of your gross income toward your mortgage payment every month. This is known as the front-end ratio. In this example, 29 percent of $4,000 is just under $1,200 a month — so the lender will reason that you can put $1,200 toward your mortgage payment.

Your debt ratio, or back-end ratio, on the other hand, is $1,000/$4,000, or 25 percent. That's not bad. The lender doesn't want more than 41 percent going toward your other debt. (These ratios can vary somewhat; the ones given here are good examples.)

Your Past Financial History: Your credit rating is one of the most important factors to qualify for a mortgage. The three major credit-reporting agencies are Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. You can request your credit report individually from each agency.

Your credit report — a nifty little compilation of your personal financial history — will reveal whether you have a track record of paying your bills on time. If not, there are ways to clean up your credit that will make you more attractive to lenders.

Your Available Collateral: In case you can't repay the loan, the bank can do something really nasty: foreclose on the mortgage and repossess the house. That means it owns the house -- not you. You then find yourself out on the street with your dog and your La-Z-Boy. Your house now belongs to the bank, and it is unlikely anyone will ever loan you money again. Avoid this scenario at all costs.

Your Timeline
In determining whether you should buy a new home, think about how long you're planning to stay in it. It generally doesn't make economic sense to buy if you're planning to stay there for less than four years. Why? Because you will pay fees to buy and sell your house. It would have to appreciate in value very quickly between the buying and selling to make it financially worthwhile. In other words, you'd have to get lucky.

Your Comfort Zone
Before you borrow $90,000 or $200,000, figure out whether you can really afford it. Just because the bank will loan you the money doesn't mean that you will live your life in such a way as to be able to pay it back. Are you planning on having a big family? Would you rather replace your Chevy with a new Mercedes? Your house payment is just one piece of your financial puzzle. What might you need to give up to make that house a reality?

Shopping for a Loan
There are thousands of mortgage lenders across the country, and all have different loan products. From lenders who only sell to the most creditworthy borrowers (at the best rates) to those who will lend 50 percent of a property's value (at high rates), there's a mortgage product for just about everyone.

One place to check is your local bank. This can result in a reasonably good deal for the qualified customer. In many other cases, the bank will not have a program that fits your needs, or you may fall outside the guidelines of its lending ability.

Once you have visited your bank, look in the real estate section of your local paper for rates at other banks. It's a good idea to start the legwork on your own, before bringing in a mortgage broker, so that you'll 1) avoid the hard sell from the get-go and 2) have a better idea of what you could find on your own.

The Internet
The Web lets you comparison-shop. Not only that, but you don't have to hunt down a hundred different banks -- certain aggregator sites have done that for you.
You may well find the cheapest rates in town (or in the country) from the Internet. If, however, you end up working with a real estate agent, you may feel more secure with a lender that has a relationship with your agent. The idea is this: The agent brings business to the lender, so the lender has some sense of responsibility toward honoring commitments with that agent's clients.

Helpful Hint: There is no reason why you shouldn't take out a loan with a bank in California if you live in Virginia, or vice versa.

When Should I Shop for a Mortgage?
Ideally, you should find a mortgage before you ever start looking for a house. Not only will you feel more confident knowing that you'll have a certain amount of money, but you'll be a more serious candidate to sellers.

What Information Should I Get from the Mortgage Company?
There are many questions to ask prospective lenders. You may find yourself feeling a little nervous. After all, you may feel like they have you by the suspenders. But don't think of it that way. You are going to pay them a lot of money for a very long time. They serve you, not the other way around. Don't let them take advantage of you or bully you into a deal that isn't to your advantage.

Reinventing Scanning

Atop from being too busy with work and home, organizing in digital fashion has become another gargantuan task. I must admit that the site of paper trails, office documents and business cards on a cluttered desk wrecks havoc to a nice morning. Anyway, I finally found solace in the thought that backing up these paper hills can be done. It saves on table space but the fact that I won't be losing anything for a long time seems more reassuring.

So, a cameraphone or a digital camera comes in handy after all. Not so much in taking self-protraits or whatever, but actually cleaning up the bulky filing cabinet or that file folder that is daily growing. Digitizing seems easy and not-so-much hard work, and with perks of having multiple copies at that.

Whew, so I thank ScanR for the help that extends. What is it anyway? It's my best friend for now.

Thanksgiving Specials

It's that time of the year again where post-Thanksgiving, bargain hunters celebrate. They call it Black Friday. It's when most US shops shell out great deals in time for the holidays. Discounts are everywhere if you know where to look for it.

Catch the Black Friday fever and shop smartly. We, Pinoys, love such bargain escapades, and share these goodies with our loved ones.

Chat Rooms

Chatrooms are parts of our online experience. Apart from email, chatting is easier and quicker but isn't it troublesome to have friends with different messaging accounts?!

Meebo is probably one of the niftiest solutions. There, you can instant message anyone through AIM, Yahoo messenger, Google Talk and MSN. What's more, you don't have to download anything to chat. You just need to register with the site (once).

Well, I won't get anything from Meebo but I think messaging becomes more portable anywhere you are through their site. No downloads, no applications, no fuss. Makes sense.

Five Habits of Millionaires

According to a study of college students at the Ernst & Young International Intern Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, 59 percent of these young leaders expect to be millionaires within their lifetime. What's more, 5 percent of them expect to hit the million-dollar mark while in their 20s.

And the super-rich are a growing group. The top 0.1 percent of the population's average income was $3 million in 2002, up two and a half times the $1.2 million, adjusted for inflation, that group reported in 1980.


Earned Money vs. Easy Money
Easy money usually comes from inheritance or luck, such as winning the lottery. The track record of people who get their money through the lottery or other windfalls is usually very different from those who created their wealth themselves or who planned for an expected inheritance. Lottery winners are often a sorry lot; more than 90 percent use up their winnings within 10 years -- some go through their money in weeks or months.

But there are some consistent patterns among those people who earn or plan to inherit their money, and these five strategies may be worth emulating.

Avoid The Earn-to-Spend Mentality
Michael LeBoeuf, author of The Millionaire in You, points out that to increase wealth, it's essential to emulate millionaires who view money as something to save and invest, rather than income to spend. Many wealthy people live quite simply, he points out, choosing less pretentious homes than they could theoretically afford and opting for financial independence over material showmanship.

Focus
LeBoeuf also counsels resisting the impulse to be scattered in your efforts and interests: "Winners focus; losers spray." And goals that are clearly written down are easier to keep in focus.

Do Whatever Is Necessary to Meet Your Goal
People who earn their millions are able not only to focus but persevere in the pursuit of their goals. One single mom entrepreneur, Melissa Clark-Reynolds, started her first business, a health and safety consultancy, when she had a young son. En route to her goal of being a millionaire by age 35, Clarke-Reynolds and her son ate lots of pizza, did homework late at night and often slept at the office. She is now a chief executive mentor for Empower New Zealand, a global business consulting firm headquartered in London.

Take Calculated Risks
You have to take strategic risks to earn and grow money. And a little rebelliousness seems to help too. One interesting study found a majority of male millionaire entrepreneurs had been in trouble with school authorities or the police during their adolescence.

Be Generous
And why doesn't it surprise us that millionaires are often very generous? Sometimes it's for the tax breaks, obviously, but often it's not. One Jewish Swiss millionaire, for instance, flew to Israel to give $5,000 in cash to a waiter at a Jerusalem café who foiled a Palestinian suicide bombing. Among the most generous of millionaires are those from North America, who are, according to a Merrill Lynch Cap-Gemini report, two to five times more likely to give to causes they value than their European counterparts.

These five millionaire habits are a pretty good prescription for living happily, whether or not the money follows.

But LeBoeuf insists it's not so unusual to be a millionaire. As of 2004, there were 8.2 million households with a net worth of more than $1 million. And are the folks in those households happy? Yes, says professor Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick in the UK. After studying more than 9,000 people over eight years, Oswald concluded that people who come into money are happier. The happiest among them, he says, seem to be "highly educated, well-paid women who have jobs."

And how much money does the professor say it takes to be happy? "About $1 million, give or take a little."


by Barbara Reinhold
Source: Monster.com

Packing for the USA

While the thought of packing your bags for your new life in America may be a daunting one, here is a smart guide to packing to help you decide what you definitely need to bring, what to leave behind and what to buy once you arrive at your destination.

Essential documents you need to bring:

1. Passport(s)
2. Application for immigrant visa and alien registration. One copy for each applicant must be fully completed.
3. Birth certificate (long version with parent’s names) for yourself, spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age
   One original
   One photocopy
4. Adoption certificate (if applicable)
   One original
   One photocopy
5. Deed poll (if you have changed your name)
   One original
   One photocopy
6. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
   One original
   One photocopy
7. Divorce decree (if applicable)
   One original
   One photocopy
8. Military service record (for any service in any country)
   One original
   One photocopy
9. Police certificate(s) (required for each applicant over the age of 16—one for each country where applicant lived for at least one year after 16 years of age)
   One original
   One photocopy

What to pack

Each person is allowed two large suitcases with a total weight of 80 pounds (about 37 kilograms). You will most likely be charged extra for a third bag or any bags over the airlines’ weight limit. With these limits in mind, pack only what you really need and purchase the rest once you arrive in America.

Essentials Items:

1. Money
   ~$5,000 U.S. in cash or traveller’s cheques if you are traveling alone.
   ~$1,000 U.S. for each additional person traveling with you.
   ~Carry your traveller’s cheques with you in a money bag or secure area.
   Note: If bank drafts or money orders are deposited in a U.S. bank, the funds may not be available for up to 28 days.
2. Documentation
   All documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.) should be with you at all times while travelling. Keep them on you or in your hand-held luggage.
3. Credit Cards
   If you have one or more, bring them with you. Credit cards are useful and sometimes necessary for getting items you need.
   If you don’t have a credit card, you will want to get one. To get one in the United States, you will need to establish credit in the U.S. (which will take about 6 to 12 months).
4. Clothing
   Pack lightly.
   Find out what the weather is like in the area you are going to live and pack for that weather.
   Plan to purchase most of your clothes in the United States. Clothing is often less expensive in America than in many other countries.
5. Linen
   You will need sheets for your bed(s). (Bring extra sheets if you are travelling with your family.)
   You will also need to bring one or two bath towels. You can buy extra sheets and towels at stores near your apartment once you arrive in America.
6. Uniforms
   Because hospitals have different uniform requirements, you may want to wait until you arrive before you make any uniform purchases. There are numerous uniform outlets in every major U.S. city or online.
7. Personal Items
   Current résumé
   Skills checklist
   Copies of certifications
   Copies of diplomas
   Copy of your degree
   General reference books
   Pictures of friends and family
   Small items that will make you feel at home

Non-Essential Items:

Pack non-essential items sparingly. Remember, you can purchase most of what you need in America.
Purchase new small appliances once you arrive in the United States. It is likely your appliances will not conform to the U.S. standard voltage. Here is an example of what some household appliances cost:

Hairdryer $10 - $25
Curling Iron $10 - $15
Stereo/CD/Radio/ $50 - $300
19 inch Television $160 - $200
DVD player $100 - $300
VCR $80 - $200

Source: O'Grady Peyton International

Automotive Cleaning Tips

• A broom is the quickest way to clean snow from a car. You can cut the handle down on the broom and store it in the trunk.
• In the glove box, keep a few Handy Wipes to remove gas odor from your hands from filling the tank.
• Remove auto grease from hands with baking soda and water.
• A hubcap can be used as a shovel if your auto gets stuck in the snow, mud, or sand.
• Place a bag of kitty litter in your trunk, in case you get stuck in the snow. Sprinkle some under the tires to get traction.
• Make a drip pan to collect oil drips by placing corrugated cardboard in a cookie sheet. Or fill a cookie sheet with kitty litter. Change as needed.
• Paint a bright color strip or use luminous tape on center of back wall to aim the car down the center of garage.
• If you have poor lighting in garage, place reflector tape on objects that might be hit.
• Use carpet strips, foam rubber, or pieces of rubber tire around support studs or framing that car doors open against.
• Never warm your car in an attached garage and never with the garage door closed.
• When tuning up your car, set the gap on spark plugs using the widest gap that the manufacturer recommends. Your car will run better, idle better, and will give you better gas mileage.
• Apply vaseline to battery posts for better contact.
• Clean hard to reach areas (dashboard, cup holders) with a dampened sponge tipped paint brush.
• If battery terminals are heavily corroded, the quickest and easiest way to clean them is to pour carbonated soft drink over them. It will eat the corrosion away. Baking soda mixed with water will also do the trick.
• Laundry pre-wash liquid removes tar from your car's finish.
• Peanut butter has been known to remove tar from car finishes also.
• Avoid putting air in your tires if the temperature is below 10 degrees F. The valve could stick and let all of the air out of the tire.
• If wipers are beginning to wear down, you can extend their life by rubbing them briskly with sandpaper.
• Clean windshield wipers with a good scrubbing of baking soda and water.
• A radio antenna will slide up and down easier if a coat of wax is applied occasionally. Wax paper works great for this job. Rub the wax paper up and down the antenna, the wax from the paper will coat the antenna.
• Drop a business card (or file card with your name on it) down the window slot in case you ever need to prove ownership.
• Line your car trunk with a plastic rug protector to protect the carpeting. It will make clean up easier if dirty or greasy objects are placed in the trunk.
• Prevent rust by keeping the underside of your car clean also. Place a lawn sprinkler under your car and turn on full blast. Move occasionally so it will reach all areas. This is a good way to remove all salt and road grime.
• Leave one window open a crack to prevent frost from building up on the inside of the window.
• If you chip the paint on your car, clean promptly and apply clear nail polish to area to prevent rust.
• Remove road salt from carpet with equal amounts of vinegar and water.
• Make your own washer solvent that won't freeze by combining 1 quart of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons liquid detergent. This formula won't freeze down to 35 degrees below 0.
• Remove tar from rubber car mats by dabbing a generous dose of linseed oil on tar. Let it soak for about fifteen minutes and blot with a dampened cloth.
• If car windows tend to steam up on the inside, carry a blackboard eraser in your vehicle. Wiping the condensation away with the eraser.
• Use newspaper to wipe windows dry after cleaning to avoid streaks.
• Keep an auto maintenance book. Write down dates that repairs, or maintenance was done. Write down where the work was done or by whom.
• On a piece of tape write the mileage down when the next oil change is due. Attach this to your upper windshield or another convenient place to remind you when it's time to change the oil.
• Never wash your car in the sun to prevent streaking.
• A dust mop head, worn as a mitten is great for washing your car.
• Coca-cola® and aluminum foil will clean rust off your car bumper.
• Remove old bumper stickers with lighter fluid. Soak stickers for a few minutes then gently remove with a razor blade.
• Clean headlights, chrome and enamel with baking soda.
• Steel wool pads with soap cleans white sidewalls the best.
• Clean splattered bugs off with baking soda and a nylon net.
• When white walls are clean use a little vinyl top wax to keep them clean longer.

Keeping It Alive

Imagine having to work abroad and leave your family 20 years ago, now that's more unimaginable than today. Modern times have allowed people to communicate through many, many means. Recently, long-distance call rates just dropped to a very affordable low--a good news to all OFWs who call their family every now and then. But even though long distance rates have dropped, you still need to be a little practical.

Long-distance calls
Keep it happy and simple. As much as possible, try not to argue on the phone as this may lead to a waste of more minutes. Ask how the family is doing and how their day went. For serious matters, reserve the call for a later time wherein rates are even lower. Keep the call discreet between you and your spouse or the children's guardian.

Internet
If you have a teenager waiting for you at home, you can get him or her to go online. It's definitely cheaper than long-distance calls and you can chat for hours if you want. All you need to do is get connected. If you don't have computers, you can always find an Internet shop nearby. Furthermore, some Internet shops even have webcams wherein you can see each other while online.

Cellphone/
The magic of 3G technology is a blessing for all those who are far away from home. Moreover, 3G is now available at 2G rates. Among the many features of 3G is video conferencing, MMS, email, chat, and many more.

Visits and Packages
Not everyone can afford going on occasional home visits, but it's always worth it if you get the chance to go home and spend some time with your family. Also, you can send them gifts and packages through snail mail so they would know that you're thinking about them. For men who are away from their wives, girlfriends, and mothers, you can now go online and look for local flower shops who accept Internet orders and even have excellent delivery services.



Source: The Philippine Star, 10/29/06

Discount Shopping Tips

Jacqui Stafford, Style Director for Shape Magazine, shares insider info to keep in mind while shopping at your favorite warehouse store.

1. Make a List: avoid impulse purchases and save money by sticking to your list.
2. Timing is Key: beat the lines and the parking rush by arriving early in the day. Other benefits of arriving early include no competition when looking at clothes, items are still organized and shopping is less chaotic.
3. Food Stations: don’t forget the food stations! Food stations are a great way to sample food before you purchase.
4. Buddy-up and Leave the Kids at Home: split the cost of bulk items when you go with a friend and you’ll have more focus when bargain shopping if you don’t have to worry about the kids.
5. Coupons Count: Costco perks include a biannual “Costco Wallet” advertising hundreds of dollars in savings.

A few more bonus tips on ways to save money through the year:

1. Cut the Manicurist: you’ll save $50 a month for a total of $600 a year. If you can’t live without getting your nails done, just do it yourself at home.
2. Coffee at Home: skip the lattes. By doing this you save $840 a year.
3. ATM Fees: the average ATM fee is $2 and by avoiding this you could save $1544 a year. Over a period of 10 years at 6% interest, this equals an astounding $20,351.15!!

Final Tip: Next time you need a phone number, don’t dial 411! Instead, pick up the phone and call 1.800.FREE.411. Get any number in the nation for free by calling this directory.

Five Places Not to Hide Your Valuables

Most people keep their jewelry and other valuables in the master bedroom. Reformed cat burglar Walter Shaw says you're just making it easier for robbers to find all of your valuables in one place. Learn where not to stash the good stuff.


FIVE FORBIDDEN PLACES

1. The master bathroom. Walter says that nine times out of ten, he hit the jackpot with a jewelry box on the vanity or in a drawer.

2. The closet. You're not fooling anyone by hiding your jewelry out of sight. An experienced robber will know just where to look.

3. Your dresser drawers. Drawers are another typical hiding place for cash or jewelry.

4. The underwear drawer. Someone looking for valuables won't be embarrassed about pawing through your delicates.

5. A nightstand. Even if they're on both sides of the bed, Walter says, a criminal will check them thoroughly.

Dual Citizenship 101

It's true that just because work and family are in this part of the world, being filipino need not be sacrificed. Applying for dual citizenship, for you or for your kids, may be a move to get the best of both worlds (literally speaking)!

Although a good lawyer must be in order, know how it is officially written and what it is in layman's terms. From there, you may choose to have it or don't.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

A Guide to U.S. Visas for Filipino Professionals

We don't often see publications that guide us with the work and immigration procedures in the US. Unless you browse the internet for visa news, a newly published must-read, A Guide to U.S. Visas for Filipino Professionals, comes in handy if you want to know more about visas and job opportunities.

This is authored by Mandy M. Dornagon, Esq.




Copies of the book are available at Conanan Bookstore in C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila.

Nine Easy Ways To Lower Your Credit Card Debt

Whether you're stuck in the minimum payment rut while your credit card balance rises like over-yeasted bread, or you just want to get your credit cards (and their finance charges and fees) under control, try these tips:

Don't let guilt stop you from taking positive steps
Credit card debt is the bugaboo of many American families. The average family with credit cards carries a whopping $8,000 in debt. Beating yourself up about your debt could keep you from taking steps to remedy it. It's easy to fall into the I'm-way-over-my-head-so-what's-a-little-more thinking. But moving in the right direction now can help you reach other important financial goals, such as saving to buy a house, car, or adding a new member to your family.

Leave all but one card at home
You wouldn't keep your cash in five separate bank accounts. Treat your debt the same way. Don't maintain several balances running at once. Keep one card — the one with the best rates and terms — in your wallet and stow away the rest. Better yet, cut them up. Using only one card allows you to keep better track of your spending, and if you're the type who likes to bump up against your cards' spending limits, you'll contain the damage to one card.

Use your debit card
If you tend to pull out your credit card when you're short on cash, train yourself to use your debit card (otherwise known as your bank card) instead. You avoid running up balances, there's no bill to pay at the end of the month, and since the money comes right out of your checking account, it makes you think twice before you buy something.

Know the score
Credit card interest rates can range from as low as 0 percent for introductory offers to as high as 28 percent, so if you're carrying debt you need to know exactly what interest rate you're paying. You can find this information in the fine print on your monthly statement. If the information provided is too confusing to sort out, call your card company and ask a representative to explain it to you. If you're not sure why your interest rate is so important, here's an example: Let's say you have a balance of $1,000 and your interest rate is 22 percent. It would take you 146 months (12 years!) to pay off that balance if you made only the minimum payment of 3 percent. During that time you'd pay $1,234.17 in interest, more than doubling your original debt. The same balance at 12 percent interest would take you 96 months (8 years) to pay off, and you'd pay $407.54 in interest. That's still not a great deal, but it represents a savings of more than 50 percent.

To calculate how long it will take you to pay off your credit card debt, try this calculator at Bankrate.com.

Don't miss those payment deadlines
Typical credit card late fees are in the $25 to $30 range. If you have three cards and you miss payments twice a year (even by one day), you're out $180 for the year. If you remember to pay your bill on the due date or a day or two before, call the credit card company. Some will let you pay over the phone with a check. You give them the number of the check you were about to mail in and its amount, and then send in the check. They often charge $10 to $15 for this service, but that's a 50 percent savings over a late fee, and you avoid the black mark of a late payment on your record.

Lower the interest rate on your current card
Eric Tyson, author of Personal Finance for Dummies (John Wiley, 2000) offers this tip: Call your credit card company and tell them you want to cancel your card because a competitor has offered you a lower interest rate and you want to transfer your balance to the new card. Often, he says, the company will suddenly offer to lower your rate if the alternative is losing you as a customer. This strategy will only work if you're on relatively good terms with your credit card company.

Get a lower interest card
Interest rates are low, so unless you're already paying the lowest rate available, think about transferring your balance to a lower-rate card. Be careful about so-called "introductory rates." They usually last only for four to six months, at which point the rate can jump to 15 percent or higher. Make a payment late or go over your credit limit and the rate can soar even higher. Unless you're sure you can pay off the balance within the specified low-interest period, you're usually better off with a higher-interest card with a set rate. One last caveat: Pay attention to the credit limit on your new card. Going over your limit can hurt your credit score, which is the score that banks use to decide whether to lend you money.

To find a card with a low Annual Percentage Rate (APR), check out:

• Cardweb.com, which publishes a monthly survey of credit card rates. Or call them at (800) 344-7714.

• Bankrate.com also keeps a continually updated list of the best credit card deals, divided into categories such as no-fee cards, low-interest cards, and mileage cards.

Watch those annual fees
Cards with annual fees often have lower interest rates, but do the math to make sure they're worth it. For example, if you carry a balance of $1,000 a month on a card with a 6.9 percent interest rate and a $50 annual fee that's the equivalent of a no-fee card with a 12 percent interest rate. To find no-fee credit cards, visit Bankrate.com.

Consolidate debt
If you're really in over your head, there are plenty of debt consolidation companies eager to help you. Generally, they offer you one big loan — usually at a lower rate of interest and with a longer payment schedule than your credit cards — to pay off your individual debts. They also act as your agent with your creditors, which means fewer unpleasant phone calls at dinnertime. And depending on the service, they may be able to help you get your credit rating back on track over time.

But this is definitely a case of buyer beware. Make sure you read the fine print, and ask yourself the all-important question: What's in it for them? Typically these companies charge such high fees that even if the interest rate on the loan is lower, you may end up paying out more money than if you were to tackle your debts individually.

Another caution: Some consolidation services present themselves as counselors, and their advice isn't always reliable. In some cases, people have ended up signing away their homes as security for a loan; in other cases they've raided retirement accounts to make the payment to the consolidation agency.

The U.S. government's consumer protection division has a number of helpful reports available on credit and debt issues. Most financial experts advise that you're better off continuing to pay your debts individually yourself. If you want to consolidate your debt, consider taking out a loan such as a home equity line or second mortgage.



Parentcenter.com

Multilingual Workplaces: The Etiquette of Talk

Has this happened to you? The conversation drifting over the cubicle wall is in Chinese, and you wonder: Are my colleagues talking about me?

Or you and a coworker are in the cafeteria talking about Mexico's World Cup chances. Suddenly, you notice angry glances from the next table. It's not your soccer analysis; it's that you're not speaking English that galls them.

As America's workplaces become more diverse, so do the languages spoken there. And sometimes tensions and controversies result.

A ‘Language-Hostile Environment'

Susan Warner knows the feelings well. The 65-year-old president and general counsel of Human Resource Trouble Shooters, a Philadelphia consulting firm, recalls the early days of her career as the only female HR manager. The eight other men "spoke their male language -- football or baseball or curse words -- and shut me out. It was very conscious. They didn't want me to understand them. If I complained, they adjourned to the men's room."

Warner compares this experience to using a language other than English in the workplace. "If you can speak English, you should," she says. "It's very disconcerting to have different languages spoken. It's rude, and it increases the chances of people not understanding each other. I call that a ‘language-hostile environment.'"

Warner realizes her position may sound harsh. But, "this is really about inclusion," she says. "If you don't speak English, you're shutting people out."

Feeling Shut Out

There are exceptions -- for example, on a manufacturing line where everyone speaks a common language other than English or during a break when no English-only speakers are present. Warner agrees that a worker who does not know English, or speaks it poorly, might feel more comfortable in another language. She suggests employers should provide English-language instruction.

But even when talking about the World Cup at lunch, with other people around she believes the use of foreign languages is inappropriate. "My presumption would be that [speakers of another language] don't want me to know what they're saying," Warner explains. "It's the same as if two people whispered while I sat nearby. That's a deliberate intention to shut me out."

Cubicle workers "overhear each other all the time," says Warner. "What we say in cubicles is not confidential. In fact, many times overhearing a conversation gives people more information, so they do a better job at work." In this case, non-English conversations are not just exclusionary, but counterproductive for everyone, she says.

Policies for Multilingual Workplaces

Hugh Tranum, publisher of the newsletters Managing Diversity and HR Factfinder, concurs with Warner. "I do labor management law," he says. "In the middle of one meeting, a director and assistant broke into their native language. That kept me out of the loop." It took a meeting with their supervisor to make them understand that despite their benign intentions, it created exclusionary perceptions.

Today, Tranum says, companies are developing policies to address multilingual etiquette. "They see it as an issue they need to think about, without bringing the hammer down. Hopefully they can cover conditions like whether a conversation is private or work-related."

English Comprehension Can Be Required

While federal law does not cover workplace languages, Warner says it is legal to require an ability to speak or read English if an employee must communicate at work or read job-related material.

"Even an entry-level janitorial job requires skills and duties that must be communicated," Warner says. "Think about a hospital with many sanitation issues. I can't imagine any job where it's not necessary to at least understand English."

So should managers learn another language to communicate with employees? "It's healthy to know more than one language," says Warner. "We don't encourage that enough in the United States. It certainly would behoove a supervisor for safety reasons. And a social worker or physician's assistant working in a primarily Hispanic area probably should be required to speak, read and understand Spanish, and understand Spanish culture; that's a specific requirement for that job. But there's no law requiring it."

Tranum notes that, particularly in technology and marketing, workers are now hired because of fluency in languages like Chinese and Korean as well as Spanish. "There will be an amalgam of languages spoken in the workplace," he says. "It's a fact: People who don't speak those languages may not know everything that's going on."


Monster.com
by Dan Woog

Maritess and the Super Friends

You may call Maritess the SuperMaid of the Hall of Justice. Click here to view her OFW story.

Flight Rules and Packing List Update

Q&A: Elevated Threat Brings New Rules for Fliers
by Christopher Elliott

If you're planning to fly in the foreseeable future, brace yourself for big changes at the airport. The Department of Homeland Security has raised alert levels for all commercial flights and tightened airport security measures after British officials disrupted a plot to blow up multiple trans-Atlantic flights bound for the United States.

Here's a look at what passengers now face. Keep in mind that policies may not be uniformly enforced at every airport.

How early should I get to the airport?

Kathryn Sudeikis, president of the American Society of Travel Agents, suggests three hours for international flights and two hours for domestic flights. Generally speaking, security screeners are being extra-vigilant, and if you end up in a slow line, you could miss your flight. There are some reports of security lines that go out the door (which is not unusual this time of year). But maybe you'll be lucky: There are still reports of travelers making it through the security checkpoint in minutes.

What can I bring on a plane?

The Transportation Security Administration's list of prohibited items, which includes knives, baseball bats and ammunition, remains in effect. All hand luggage will be physically inspected at the departure gate, according to the TSA. Additionally, on all U.S. flights, all liquids and gels must be checked in with your luggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, contact lens solutions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency. The only exceptions are baby formula, liquid prescription medicines (the name on the bottle must match the name on your ticket), and essential over-the-counter liquid medications, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint. Pills, however, present no problems.

Can I still buy a cup of coffee after going through the security checkpoint?

Yes, but finish it before boarding. Even a beverage purchased past a security checkpoint must be consumed before you get on the plane, according to the TSA. You won't be allowed to board with it.

What if I'm on a flight from the United Kingdom to the United States?

The screening process for passengers will be "more extensive," according to officials. All hand luggage will be physically inspected at the departure gate, according to the TSA.

How do I rethink my packing strategy?

For the time being, the TSA will allow carry-on bags on domestic flights as long as you follow the liquids and gel rules, but you should have a backup plan in case things change universally or at a particular airport. According to the TSA, electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones are allowed on board. Some solid or powdered cosmetics are also permitted, though the TSA recommends checking them.

What if I'm traveling with beverages for kids? Or if I'm prone to dehydration?

The TSA allows you to carry on baby formula, breast milk or juice if a baby or small child is traveling with you. If you're an adult, you're out of luck. So drink up before leaving the airport. Once airborne, ask a flight attendant for water immediately. Airlines should be stocking their flights with extra beverages, particularly on longer trans-Atlantic flights. "I bet that if this prohibition against liquids becomes permanent, airlines will have to begin loading up more water and supplying it to passengers more quickly and more often," says Sally Watkins, vice chairwoman of the Association of Retail Travel Agents.

Will there likely be any long-term changes in security?

Yes. Travel experts believe this could not only change the way passengers are screened, but could even change the TSA itself. "The Transportation Security Administration and some members of Congress will likely use this opportunity to argue for the removal of the cap on the number of airport screeners," says Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a group that represents corporate travelers and their companies. Airport screening will become more intensive, too, says Scot Phelps, a professor of disaster management at Metropolitan College in New York. "I anticipate a move towards (Israeli airline) El-Al levels of security -- 100 percent bag scanning, more aggressive interviewing of passengers, and more physical searching of carry-on baggage," he says.

If my flight is canceled, what does my airline owe me?

Technically, nothing. No free hotel, no meal vouchers, no phone card. A flight cancellation of this kind would be considered a "force majeure" event, which is beyond the control of the carrier. For example, American Airlines canceled three of its 16 scheduled Thursday flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. Under its conditions of carriage -- the legal agreement between the carrier and its passengers -- its only obligation is to issue a full refund. They don't even have to put you on the next flight. But airlines have loosened some of their rules in the wake of the foiled terrorist plot. For customers traveling within or between the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands whose tickets were issued no later than Aug. 9, American allows a change in your travel date up to Sept. 1. Or you can request a refund in the form of a travel voucher for nonrefundable tickets. United Airlines has also changed some of its policies.

Should I consider buying travel insurance?

If there are future cancellations, chances are good that the airlines will waive penalties for ticket changes again. But if you're planning a vacation, then you also stand to lose more than an airline ticket, and the right insurance policy can be helpful. Some policies include coverage for delays and reimburse passengers for additional travel and lodging expenses until travel becomes possible. Many insurance plans include 24-hour emergency travel assistance that can be accessed worldwide for help in rebooking canceled flights, rerouting trips or making or changing hotel reservations, says Dan McGinnity, a spokesman for Travel Guard International, an insurance company.

Children and Racism

Question: How should I react when my child hears someone make a racist remark?

Answer: As painful as it is to observe such incidents, parents can use them as "teachable moments." You can make it clear to your child that you find such language unacceptable by saying, as soon as the incident occurs, "That was a hurtful thing that person said. We don't say things like that in our family."

Depending on his daily exposure to such events or to different types of people, a kindergartener may or may not grasp the significance of the incident. Read your child's cues. If he reacts with a wide-eyed, shocked look, you can ask, "How did it make you feel to hear that?" Or simply reflect how you think he feels by saying, for example, "You look sad." This gives him words to identify his own feelings and opens the way for him to take the discussion further with you. He may have more questions than comments of his own. If he shows no reaction, remember that by expressing your own viewpoint, and not simply letting the incident pass, you're teaching him an important lesson that you can reinforce as he grows older and starts to better understand such situations.

If your child doesn't seem ready to discuss the situation right away, you may want to bring up the subject again later on. Some kindergartners are more open to discussion after they've had several hours, or even days, to think about an important incident. If your child has a difficult time discussing emotional matters, he might benefit from reading stories or watching videos with you that address multiculturalism.

If the person who made the remark is a stranger, I would not recommend confronting him about it. But do talk to your child about the incident. You can state simply, "We believe all people should be respected, and we don't make comments like that." If you can continue the conversation with your child right at that moment, do so; if not, you've at least laid the groundwork for revisiting the topic later.

If, on the other hand, your child overhears a friend or relative making racist comments, you have several possible ways to handle the situation. Saying something to the speaker right away is the clearest way to teach your child what you think of such statements. (Of course, you are the best judge of your friends and relatives, and of whether starting such a discussion could lead to a more intense conversation than you want your young child to hear.) It's important for your child to see you stand up for what's right. A brief and non-confrontational response can send the right cue. For example, if the speaker has denigrated a person you know who is of a different race or ethnicity, you might respond simply, "Jessica is a good friend of ours, and we really enjoy her company." If she's made a racist comment about a group of people, you can say, "We're raising our children to value and respect all people. I would appreciate it if you would be careful about making unkind remarks in front of him."

Later on you might want to hold a private discussion with the speaker. You could explain that you feel uncomfortable having your child overhear such remarks and politely ask the speaker to try to respect your viewpoint while in your child's presence. You can also bring up the topic in private with your child, telling him that you had a talk about it with the speaker and finding out whether he has any questions or is uncomfortable after having heard a beloved friend or relative say something hurtful.

It's difficult to change the way other adults view the world, of course; your primary responsibility is to help your child process the experience and learn the right lessons from it. The way you treat people of other races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, or economic classes has by far the strongest and most meaningful effect on your children. By being respectful toward others in your everyday interactions, you're teaching your child volumes about how to treat others and how to respond to stereotyping and racism.

Choosing Mobile Phones

I can't help it. Mobile phones are part of life--to call family, SMS friends, and do everything else. Selecting a good phone is a bit distracting nowadays. You must know what comes with the price tag. Or else, you're paying for extra features that you don't use. Also, choose a phone that conforms to your country's service providers.

Phones have come a long way nowadays, and hybrids are up in the market. PDAs, cameras, mp3 players, radio (to name a few) are bundled up to make one snazzy gadget.

GsmArena is the best portal to read reviews from mobile phone users. It is better to compare and do the research.

Who's Cooking Now?

Pinoy husband comes home hungry; pinay wife frazzled by "cooking" stress. Pinoy family tired of fastfood American takeouts and fried/microwaveable dishes.

Solution? Try having year-round filipino cuisine right at your kitchen. Recipes from these sites will guide you to your menu calendar:

Pinoycook
Unofficial Cook
Ferna

Whether main dishes, kakanins or desserts, testdrive those in the lists and make it part of your kitchen routine.

Do you have any other great food sites? Add your comments.

Listening to Home

Music is a comforting feeling. And, it is always like a warm blanket to listen to music that we love. Wonder what people are listening back home? What OPMs are hitting the charts? A site called eradioportal lets you in a list of our favorite stations found all over the Philippines. Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao stations available.

On a wider coverage, listen to eclectic music from all over the globe. Find your niche in radio-locator.

Guide for First-Time Home Buyers

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

By Salvatore Caputo
Bankrate.com

Buying a home for the first time can be scary, but as with anything else in life, the right preparation brings about good results. Remember, the right home for you is one you want and can afford.

Step 1: Ask yourself if you're ready.

You need to decide whether you're financially ready to buy a home, says Connie Barbosa, vice president and branch manager of Slade's Ferry Bank in Somerset, Mass. She suggests first-time buyers ask themselves some simple questions:

Do you have a steady job and income?
Do you plan on remaining in the same area for a few years?
Do you have enough money set aside for your down payment and closing costs?
Do you have an emergency fund?
Do you live within your means, avoiding credit card debt?
Another consideration is whether you're mentally prepared for the responsibility, says Charles Glass, a real estate agent who sells in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland market.

"A first-time home buyer is probably used to renting," Glass says. "They've got to get used to budgeting a little differently in terms of having a reserve when things go wrong. And whether it's a new home or an old one, things will go wrong. Experienced homeowners know this. First-time buyers don't."

Step 2: Find out what you can afford.

When you're sure you have the right mind set to be a homeowner, it's time to determine how much house you can afford. Probably the best way to do that is to get pre-qualified for a loan. In fact, some real estate agents won't work with someone who is not pre-qualified.

There are three options for pre-qualifying: go to a lender with whom you have already established rapport, find a real estate agent you trust and follow the agent's recommendations for a lender, or research lenders online.

Glass says the first option is the best because "if you've built a relationship with a lender, they will go to extra lengths to make sure they qualify you for the loan."

Your total monthly mortgage payment -- principal, interest, taxes and insurance (or PITI) -- should not exceed 32 percent of your monthly gross income, Barbosa says. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests that figure should be 29 percent. So this is not an exact science. You can calculate a ballpark figure from this information, but then talk to your lender to get a better feel for how much flexibility you might have with different lending arrangements.

According to Bank of America's Consumer Real Estate Group, you should find a lender that offers "first-time buyer options and financing ideas that take into consideration your personal situation. For example, many first-time buyer mortgage programs require only a low down payment or even no money down. If a down payment is required, you may be allowed to use 'gift' money from family members and other sources. Some first-time home buyer programs feature no closing costs. There may also be down-payment assistance programs available in your community."

Remember, the bigger the down payment, the less you're borrowing, and the less expensive your mortgage will be in the long run.

HUD offers programs to help first-time buyers, too.

Step 3: Find out what's available

Now it's time to decide where you want to live and research what types of housing are available -- one-story single family, condos, town homes, etc. You can get an idea by looking at ads and driving around the community before you ever call a real estate agent, Glass says. In fact, he prefers clients who have done some research.

In searching for an agent, find one who makes you feel comfortable and, more importantly, one who listens to you, Glass says.

HUD points out that it's traditional for the real estate agent to represent the seller's interests, although most state licensing laws require them to treat the buyer fairly. Laws regarding the relationships between real estate agents and clients vary from state to state and buyers should be aware who your agent is working for.

Step 4: Choose a neighborhood.

Once you know the housing stock, you can look at specific neighborhoods. Cruise by at night time to see whether you get a "vibe" that it's a safe neighborhood. If you have children, you'll want to check out the quality of the schools. You may want to check out what types of large-scale facilities (airports, highways, chemical plants, etc.) are nearby, and whether you're convenient to shopping, work and schools. You can do much of this independently, but you can also ask your agent to help you find sources of information about such things.

Step 5: Define your house and find it.

Now, you can narrow down the features you want in a house. Do you want an energy-efficient model? Do you want two stories, a basement, a bathroom downstairs or a large back yard? You may not find a unit with every feature that you want, but this will help you to define what's most important for you, Glass says.

When you've found a house that has your most important features, is in the right neighborhood and is affordable, you're ready to buy.

Step 6: Do a home inspection.

HUD recommends that an offer should be contingent on a home inspection. As the buyer, you cover the cost of the inspection. If you're unsatisfied with the results, you may ask the seller to pay for certain repairs or to lower the price, or you may decide to walk away from the deal.

Reggie Marston, a home inspector who can be seen regularly on HGTV's "House Detective" program, says home buyers should have an inspection done regardless of the age of the home and should interview several inspectors before hiring one.

"A home inspection should uncover defects that could become very costly to repair after (buyers) assume ownership," he says. "It will also uncover safety issues, water infiltration issues, roof problems, structural issues, etc.

"A first-time home buyer should start interviewing home inspectors before or at the same time they're interviewing real estate agents and mortgage lenders. Normally, real estate contracts only allow three to 10 days for a home inspection after acceptance of the contract and that doesn't allow the purchaser adequate time to find a qualified home inspector."

Step 7: Shop around for homeowners insurance.

Your lender will require you to carry homeowners insurance. Such insurance comes in many flavors, so it's a good idea to search for a policy that meets your needs for protection while being easy on your pocketbook. Access insurance information that is appropriate for your state. Many states provide data on typical rates charged by insurers, as well as information on the frequency of consumer complaints against a company.

Step 8: Negotiate.

Once you've found the house you want, you should make an offer that's lower than the seller's asking price. The seller expects this and will likely make a counter-offer. You have to decide before you start negotiating what your make or break point is, and stick to it. Just be reasonable. Don't expect the seller to give you a 50 percent discount on a good property.

Step 9: Closing.

In a number of states, it is customary for each party to have an attorney review the closing papers and to be present at closing. Whether that's the custom in your state or not, it's a good idea to hire your own attorney to review the documents to be sure that your best interests are represented in the paperwork. You'll foot the bill for your own attorney.

Step 10: Move in.

You've done all the homework and bought a great home. Enjoy it.

Best Places to Live 2006

While we're at exploring our home options, check out CNN Money's list of best cities to live for year 2006. You never know, your second home might be one of the top 10 cities. Enjoy!

First Time Travel to the US

Your first trip to the US is not synonymous to being unprepared. You must know where to go and what to expect during the whole trip. May it be for leisure or for work reasons, being prepared and knowing what's in store may keep your stress levels to a minimum. A projection of calm and confidence may be your key to a no-hassle experience.

If you're the type who lives on an itinerary, then your US trip can get smoother with these tips from Immihelp.

Terrific Family Vacations

All work no play is not an easy life. Especially with family and friends, traveling around North America and beyond is a wonderful and exciting adventure.

WHAT'S BETTER than having a local to show you around when you're traveling? You get to discover hidden gems other tourists miss and get great tips on everything from where to find the best fried clams and chicken wings to how to find restaurants with babysitting services.

Think of Babycenter's survey results as your own personal guides to 50 great vacation spots — large and small — in the United States and beyond. They'll introduce you to places you may have never thought to visit — such as Pearland, TX, or Fort Madison, IA — and help you see popular spots like New York, Miami, and Chicago with a new eye.


Click on the links below to discover fun facts and new adventures in the U.S. and beyond!

• The Northeast: Harbor cities and national heritage

• The South: BBQ, beaches, and Dollywood

• The Midwest/Rockies: Mountains, rivers, and Santa Claus

• The Southwest: From sin city to sunny siestas

• The West: Hollywood and coffee houses

• International: Ancient adventures and paradise found

2006-2007 US Holidays and Popular Dates

Federal Legal Holidays 2006

• January 1, 2006: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 16, 2006: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 20, 2006: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 29, 2006: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2006: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 4, 2006: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 9, 2006: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 11, 2006: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 23, 2006: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2006: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Federal Legal Holidays 2007

• January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 11, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Extra federal legal holiday coming again in 2009 ...

January 20, 2009: Inauguration Day [after U.S. presidential election, held every 4 years]


Quick note regarding holidays listed above: the term (observed) means the day the holiday is celebrated. Usually the banks are closed, most government offices are closed, no mail delivery, stock market is closed, etc.; observed might not be the traditional or "real" date.

Be Aware if a federal legal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday ...
Most Federal, State, City, Postal and Bank employees take an extra day off work if a holiday falls on a saturday or sunday. When the holiday falls on sunday, they don't work on the following monday. When the holiday falls on saturday, they don't work on the preceding friday. This also means that usually on those days the banks are closed, most government offices are closed, no mail delivery, etc.


Additional Celebrated Dates, Holidays, Important Days

• February 2 [every year]: Groundhog Day
• February 12 [every year]: Lincoln's Birthday
• February 14 [every year]: St. Valentines Day
• February 22 [every year]: Washington's Birthday (traditional)
• March 17 [every year]: St. Patrick's Day
• April 1 [every year]: April Fool's Day
• April 14, 2006 [April 6, 2007]: Good Friday
• April 16, 2006 [April 8, 2007]: Easter Sunday
• April 22 [every year]: Earth Day
• April 26, 2006: Administrative Professionals Day (National Secretary's Day)
• May 5 [every year]: Cinco de Mayo
• May 14, 2006 [May 13, 2007]: Mother's Day [2nd sunday in May]
• May 20, 2006 [May 19, 2007]: Armed Forces Day [3rd saturday in May]
• June 14 [every year]: Flag Day
• June 18, 2006 [June 17, 2007]: Father's Day [3rd sunday in June]
• July 23, 2006 [July 22, 2007]: Parents' Day [4th Sunday in July]
• September 10, 2006 [Sept. 9, 2007]: Grandparents' Day [first sunday after Labor Day]
• September 16 [every year]: Stepfamily Day [reference page]
• September 17 [every year]: Citizenship Day
• Native American Day: 4th friday in September, celebrated (observed) many different days
• October 16 [every year]: Boss's Day (National Bosses Day)
• October 21, 2006 [Oct. 20, 2007]: Sweetest Day [3rd saturday in Oct]
• October 31 [every year]: Halloween
• November 7, 2006 [Nov. 6, 2007]: Election Day [first tuesday after first monday in Nov]
• November (TBA), 2006: Annual Great American Smokeout. stop smoking for one day, details
• December 16-23, 2006 [Dec. 5-12, 2007]: Chanukah/Hanukkah [info]
• December 26 - Jan 1 [every year]: Kwanzaa
• December 31 [every year]: New Year's Eve

• Daylight Savings Time STARTS: April 2, 2006 (set clocks ahead one hour)
• Daylight Savings Time ENDS: October 29, 2006 (set clocks back one hour)

Changing Employers: Can It Be Done?

In the event you need to change employers when you are in the US, Gurfinkel, a reputable lawyer, mentions the procedure.


WHEN CAN A PERSON CHANGE EMPLOYERS WITHOUT HAVING TO START OVER?
by Michael J. Gurfinkel, Esq.

Q: Many people have been sponsored for green cards by employers through a process called Labor Certification. Their cases may have been filed years ago, and during the time they were being processed, the aliens may have changed jobs or the employers may have gone out of business. Does a person have to start over again from the beginning, or can a new employer take over the first employer's existing labor certification case?

A: In October 2000, former President Clinton signed into law the American Competitiveness in the 21 st Century Act (AC-21), which allowed, among other things, the alien to change employers if the alien's adjustment of status application (Form I-485) had been filed and remain pending for 180 days (six months) or more, so long as the new job, "is in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job for which the petition was filed."

This "portability" provision means that a person would be able to change employers without starting over as long as the Department of Labor had already "certified" the job (approved the labor certification application), the employer's petition (Form I-140) and the adjustment of status application (Form I-485) had already been filed, and the I-485 remained pending for more than 180 days.

Recently, the USCIS clarified the circumstances under which an alien is able to change employers under AC-21 without having to start all over again. In order to be able to change employers (or have a new employer "take over" the existing case), not only must the adjustment of status application be pending for 180 days or more, but the original employer's I-140 petition must have previously been approved . An alien would not be able to avail of the portability provisions of AC-21, and would not be able to change employers (or have the new employer "take over" the case) if:

• The original employer's labor certification is pending with DOL ;

• The original employer's petition was never filed or is still pending with USCIS; or

• The original employer's petition was denied or revoked .

Instead, the new employer would have to file a new case (now under PERM), and the alien would get a new priority date based on the filing date of the new employer's case.

This policy clarification from the USCIS is based on a case from the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), which denied an alien's request to change employers under AC-21 because the original employer's petition was denied.

In that case, the alien in that case had argued that all that was required under AC-21 was that the adjustment of status application (I-485) remain unadjudicated (or pending) for more than 180 days. There was no requirement that the petition be "approved." The AAO disagreed, ruling that in order for the alien to be able to change employers after 180 days, the original employer's underlying Form I-140 petition must have been approved . The AAO was concerned that aliens would file bogus petitions for fake or fictitious employers or jobs, thinking that once the case was pending for 180 days, the situation could be rectified or corrected through a convenient switch of employers later on.

I know how frustrating it can be for people seeking to obtain a green card and achieve their American Dream. If you think you may be eligible to change employers under AC-21, I would recommend that you seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can evaluate your case to see if a new employer will be able to take over the existing case or whether you will need to start over. But it is important that you know your rights and what is right, which is why I recommend that people retain a reputable attorney rather than trying to do it on their own.

Packing Checklist

The following checklist will help you make sure you haven't missed anything important.

* Money, credit cards, checkbook, traveler's checks, financial records (copy of bank statements and list of account numbers), PIN codes for your bank cards
* Emergency Money (keep US$100 hidden somewhere on your person in the event of an emergency)
* Clothing, including shoes, coats, cold weather clothing, and rain gear
* Official academic transcripts and English translations
* Medical and dental records, including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions, eyeglasses, insurance records
* Marriage certificate and birth certificates for all family members
* Passport and plane tickets, Forms and Visa
* National and international driver's licenses
* A list of the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of key contacts, both in the US and at home, including the contact information for friends and family who live in the US
* Books, including a dictionary and phrase book
* Business cards


You should bring enough money with you to cover your first month's expenses until you are able to transfer funds from abroad. This will be at least US $1,500, but probably more (look at your budget to be sure).

Make two photocopies of any important document. Leave one copy at home, and bring one copy with you, but keep it separate from the originals. It might be worthwhile to bring several spare sets of passport photographs in case you need to get a new passport or visa.

The following items may seem inconsequential, but you will find them very useful: pen and pad of paper, safety pins, paper clips, sewing kit, extra buttons, nylon cord, first aid kit, alarm clock or watch, calculator, flashlight, spare batteries, plastic bags, and duct tape. Also a small lock for your luggage.

Label your luggage inside and out with your name and your university's name and address. If your luggage is lost in transit, this will help the airline return it to you. Needless to say, critical documents, medines, and other supplies should be carried in your carry-on luggage. Your carry-on bag should also include one change of clothing.

It can be very expensive to transport a lot of belongings. It is better to buy what you need in the US. If you decide to send your belongings separately, your main options are by boat and by air. Shipping items by boat takes longer, but is also about half the cost of sending them by air. Allow 8 weeks for items to arrive by boat, or one or two weeks for items shipped by air.


Adapted from: Edupass

List of Wireless and Fixed Phone Operators in the USA

"What are the names of all the cell phone and fixed line phone operators in the USA? Including rural and urban operators, as well as head quarter location address, including contact phone numbers. Also, what markets are they working in (cities?), and what technology do their networks use? For example, Cingular uses GSM, GPRS and EDGE technology in New York City."

Google Answers gives the long list.

Best Way to Send Money to the Philippines

There are many ways to send money to our loved ones back home. Here's an article from Google Answers. It provides many options and is very informative.

Prepaid Phone Cards

They come in thousands of different flavors and denominations, available for both domestic and international use. Some focus on a specific country, like the Philippines, while others are more "general purpose." These cards are typically sold by companies that do not own lines and are not carriers - instead, the companies have purchased calling time from a carrier at "wholesale" prices. This means two things: you often get very cheap rates, and you often get very poor service. Connections vary according to what carrier the card vendor did business with.

There are two types of phone cards on the market today: Physical cards and Virtual cards.

Physical cards . A physical card is made of paper, has a slick surface with some pretty artwork on it, and can usually be purchased from a store or gas station or even a vending machine. On the back of the card, toward the bottom, is thin rectangle of film that you can scratch off with your fingernail or a coin. Underneath that film is a unique PIN that allows you to place a phone call. We'll discuss PINs in a moment.

Virtual cards. These types of cards are quickly replacing Physical cards in the marketplace. Remember, when you buy a phone card, the only thing of real value is the PIN. The paper and pretty designs are worthless, and once you've used up your allowed time, you'll throw the physical card in the trash. Well, a PIN is just a number, and the Internet is really good at delivering numbers - they're emailed to you! This means that you can order your "card" on the Internet, then have the PIN emailed to you directly. There's no paper card to scratch or throw away and you don't have to make a trip to the store. Once your PIN arrives in your Inbox, you just write it down (or print it out) and then use the dialing instructions that you'll be sent to place your calls.

Other terms you should understand:

PINs: To use a prepaid calling card, you will normally dial a 1-800 number to get to an automated voice prompt. The voice will tell you to enter your PIN (sometimes referred to as an "authentication code"). PIN is an acronym for "Personal Identification Number." Once you enter your PIN, the automated voice will usually tell you how many minutes or credits you have left on the card, and the voice will usually come back and warn you when you have 1-3 minutes remaining in your current call. The specifics depend on the carrier and the card.

Connection Fees: Some cards charge connection fees, which is a dollar amount subtracted from your card for each call after the first. To offset the connection fee, such cards usually offer more minutes upfront. So if you like long calls of 45 minutes or more, the connection fee is not a burden, and the extra minutes you get with most connection-fee cards will offset the one or two connection fees you may pay. However, if you were to place multiple calls (three or more) with a connection-fee card, and that connection fee were, say, $2.50, you would eat up half of your calling time with connection fees alone. For that reason, if you like short calls, you should stick to a no-connection fee card.

Rounding: Cards are usually "rounded up" to a certain preset level of minutes. For example, if you purchased a card with 3 minute rounding, a 3 minute call would deduct 3 minutes from your card, but a 4 minute or 5 minute call would deduct 6 minutes from your card. This is because the card "counts" by 3's - 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, etc. Some cards use up to 5 minute increments, while a few use as low as 1 minute increments. Obviously, you want to have the lowest number possible.


The Pros:

The absolute cheapest method of calling the Philippines.

Also the cheapest way to call the States from the Philippines.

Travel-ready: take them with you and call from anywhere.

Keeps you on your budget by forcing you to limit your time on the phone.

You can send a card to a loved one in the Philippines for emergency use in contacting you in the States.


The Cons:

Quality varies according to carrier - can be good or bad. Occasional busy signals during peak hours.

If the vendor does not provide virtual or emailed PINs, you have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail to place a call. Note that all my PINs are delivered by email very quickly.

Connection fees can eat up most of a card's available calling time if you make more than two calls per card. For that reason, I recommend you only buy "no connection fee" cards, or cards in $5 denominations, unless you make very long phone calls.

Advertised # of minutes for many cards is almost always inaccurate; for example you may only get 58 minutes out of a card the advertises 70. Why? Because sellers of phone cards, like sellers of everything, advertise "best case" scenarios. The rate most phone card vendors provide is the rate you'd get IF there were no domestic or international taxes, tariffs, or fees. By way of comparison, a furniture or appliance store might advertise a washing machine at $10 a month. This sounds great, but then you have to consider the possibility that you'll be paying 8% interest, that you'll be making dozens of payments over several years, that you'll have to pay taxes and delivery charges, and that you might have to file a rebate claim. Caveat emptor, friend. My general rule of thumb is this: Whatever a phone card's per minute rate is advertised at, multiply that figure by 1.25. For example, if you're told that a phone card provides 10 cents a minute to the Philippines, 10x1.25 = 12.5 cents per minute. This isn't a guarantee, it's just a technique you can use to get a better idea of what a card might REALLY give you as opposed to what the ADVERTISED rate implies.

Vendor service for cards is often very bad, sometimes non-existent; the support number on the back of the card is of dubious value. However, if you have any problems with any SpeedyPin card offered through this site, you can contact me personally, bobukhan@yahoo.com, and I'll work on your behalf to get the problem solved. I'm happy to report that this is almost never required of me. I chose SpeedyPin because of the company's reputation and reliability, which means that problems are very, very rare.

Minutes are often rounded in large increments, like 5 minutes. Be careful. I personally wouldn't recommend a card that rounds higher than 3 minutes.

Saturday night calling is not always successful because of an unusually high volume of calls into the Philippines at that time. Saturday night in the U.S. is Sunday morning in Asia, and thousands of Filipino workers in Hong Kong get Sunday off from work. They use it to call home, jamming the communication lines. Some patience is required; or better yet, call another time.

If the person in the Philippines is using a cell phone, it is very possible that your per minute rate will be much higher than the standard per minute rate.

Language Problems

Speaking a foreign language in a classroom is one thing, but living in a society where you have to use this language on a daily basis is completely different. Here are some language problems you may encounter while in the United States:

*You might not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in the United States. In a group of people from all corners of the United States, Americans can usually easily pick out who is from Boston, New York, the Midwest, or the South, just by the way they speak. Give yourself time to get used to the local accent, and in time you will probably find yourself speaking in the same way.

*Americans might not understand you right away. You will also have your own accent and you might use a different vocabulary. Try to speak slowly at first to make sure you are understood. Do not be shy to ask others to speak slowly if you have trouble understanding them.

*Americans use a lot of slang and jargon in their speech. Their language is very colorful and full of imagery and it might take some time to completely understand it.

*Humor, wit, and sarcasm are an integral part of American English. Some international students have trouble adapting to this informal style of conversation or understanding whether the person they are speaking with is being serious or not. This, however, should be interpreted as a mark of friendliness rather than a show of disrespect.

*You might not know all of the abbreviations and technical terms used in your study program or workplace. Terms such as "poli sci" for political science, "dorms" for dormitories, or "TA" for teaching assistant, are just a few examples of campus slang you will encounter. The abbreviation is often the first syllable of the word or, if two or more words are together, their initials. If you do not understand a word or an abbreviation, simply ask the meaning.

Give yourself time to adapt to the language and do not hesitate to ask people to repeat what they have said, speak slowly, or explain what they mean. It would be wise to carry a small dictionary with you in case of emergency. Most importantly, do not be afraid to make mistakes. This will all be part of your learning experience.


Adapted from Education USA

If an Emergency Occurs at Home

Although it is not probable, it is possible that while you are in the United States, a medical, financial, or family problem could arise at home, and you will need to decide how to respond to it.

Fortunately, e-mail and the telephone usually make communications with home relatively easy. Consult with your family or friends to find out the seriousness of the problem before you decide too hastily what you should do. Here are a few things to consider in such situations:

Work Issues: If you decide to leave, make sure your career will not suffer.

Financial Issues: First of all, a trip back home might be expensive and could seriously impact your budget, especially if it is during peak seasons. If you need to depart for an extended period, make sure to communicate with your boss to discuss your situation.

Reentry Into the United States: Whenever you leave the country, you should make sure you have the appropriate visa and documents to reenter the United States. If your visa expires while you are gone, if you had a single-entry visa, or if you are away for an extended period, you might need to reapply at your local U.S. embassy for a valid visa.

Family Issues: Sometimes families are reluctant to inform workers living abroad of emergencies at home in order not to burden them. But not knowing fully what is going on at home can be frustrating for an OFW. You and your family should discuss this issue before you leave to define what you will expect from each other during your stay in the United States.

You Are Not Alone: If an emergency situation does arise, you can expect to receive support from your workplace, colleagues, and friends. They are there to listen to you, and they can be helpful as you decide what to do.


Adapted from Education USA