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	<title>Great Escapade Business</title>
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	<link>http://escapade78.com</link>
	<description>Business &#38; Finance Blog</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:09:01 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Look Great and Spend Less</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/look-great-and-spend-less/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/look-great-and-spend-less/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:09:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spending Less]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Less]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Look]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spend]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/02/look-great-and-spend-less/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A woman is standing in David Jones, with six shades of lipstick in front of her, but her budget is only good for one. Trying hard to make up her mind on which one to choose, she blurted out, &#8220;I want them all!&#8221; When women start accumulating credit card bills because of fancy, expensive makeup, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Spending Less" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4069/4410480973_63c78c7c1d_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p>A woman is standing in David Jones, with six shades of lipstick in front of her, but her budget is only good for one. Trying hard to make up her mind on which one to choose, she blurted out, &#8220;I want them all!&#8221; When women start accumulating credit card bills because of fancy, expensive makeup, then it is time to call their attention! In times of financial crunch, women should think twice before spending their cash advances on overpriced makeup and other beauty products. They could look great and spend less-as long as they practice wise shopping. Women must make this their mantra when it comes to makeup: Look utterly gorgeous while spending as little cash as possible on only quality makeup products that perform! If women could stick to this, they can afford many things-either indulge in their lipstick or eyeshadow collecting habits or pay the bills on time!</p>
<p>But before going on a buying rampage when the next makeup sale comes around, women-whether working moms or career women should know that the name of the game is to creatively use what makeup they have to maximize its use before buying another set. </p>
<p>With this in mind, these creative women would have to raid their bottom drawers and see if there are fab finds or dried up duds hiding and make a quick inventory. Which colours or formulas do they still use? Can these brands be changed or used in a new way? One important thing to remember is makeup also goes with the weather or season. Women should not be afraid to mix and play with their makeup but rather have fun with it and release their creative spirit! A word of caution, though. Before trying a new product or mixing it with other formulas, always read the label first. Look for the list of colors or chemicals before applying it externally, specifically around the eyes and lips because these are sensitive areas. By taking time to read labels, women can protect their skin and avoid irritation.</p>
<p>Speaking of seasonal changes, some more good advice is to try a new look or trend without spending more money. It is simple to accomplish this if only women become more observant, like browse glossy magazines while waiting to get the hair done or looking at the new ad posters or even billboards for clothes and makeup. By learning to be more creative with makeup, women can get twice the use out of many products and adjust these to their liking. However, for those who want to learn more about makeup professionally, they should consider enrolling in a short course on makeup. It can cost more, from fees to makeup sets. But for makeup enthusiasts, taking out a small payday loan online is worth it in order to become a certified makeup artist.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Credit Card Processing Services</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/credit-card-processing-services/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/credit-card-processing-services/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:01:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Processing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Services]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/02/credit-card-processing-services/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In today\&#8217;s society, using a credit card is the preferred way to pay for purchases. Sometimes, however, when the credit card is not present, or for whatever other reason, people choose to pay with a check over the phone. Most people today require quick services and that is why the card not present type of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Credit Cards" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3050/2737226336_e3177d1dc3_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p> In today\&#8217;s society, using a credit card is the preferred way to pay for purchases. Sometimes, however, when the credit card is not present, or for whatever other reason, people choose to pay with a check over the phone.</p>
<p>Most people today require quick services and that is why the card not present type of operations are the fastest growing. When an item is procured through mail order, telephone, or the internet, instead of actually going to a store physically buying something in person, then \&#8221;card not present\&#8221; transactions are carried out. If the service is not available, the customer will simply move on to someplace that will accept this form of payment. That is why it is important that customers are provided with the services by which they can make payments quickly and efficiently.</p>
<p>Merchant credit card processing services can help set accounts to process credit cards. Numerous services are available like, merchant processing, internet processing, and wireless credit card processing &#8211; to mention just a few. When processing internet or mail order transactions or any other types of transactions where the physical presence does not exist, the business needs to set up a special account that is specifically geared towards that. Since the physical presence of a card is not there, it cant be swiped through the magnetic reader. Some of the better known cards use varying criteria for evaluating the risks involved and hence, have separate fee structures for these kinds of transactions.</p>
<p>Merchant fees are quite competitive. Total Merchant Services (or TMS) can help setup the total process within minutes and have the system running within days. They can authorize net merchant account and get quick processing of orders. It can be done through a virtual terminal, point of sale processing software, or just entering data manually in the point of sale terminal. TMS also provides Discover merchant services.</p>
<p>With the virtual terminal software, the business gets the software for any device that has internet, whether it is a PC or mobile phone. In the case of a PC, the software gets installed on the computer with a modem. This setup is ideal for businesses accepting cards for orders placed through the mail, phone, or fax.</p>
<p>It is easy to apply so a business can be set up to accept credit cards. There are two ways to be approved. Simply fill out a form and apply. If auto approval does not work then the TMS approval can be applied for. Just provide a good owner history, financial statements, and existing statements of credit card processing. Even customers with a credit history that is not outstanding have a chance of being approved.</p>
<p>The application process for acquiring credit card processing services is simple. You can submit an application online, by fax, or by meeting with a sales representative at your business location. Your application will be approved almost immediately, your account will be activated, and if you\&#8217;re buying or leasing new terminal equipment, it will arrive in just days.</p>
<p>Merchant credit card processing services provide terminals that are free of cost. If the credit card processing equipment needs to be updated, Total Merchant Services will ship it free, and their running fees are very cost effective. Merchant accounts cater to restaurants, e-commerce websites, retail stores, and many more kinds of business establishments.</p>
<p>When customer service is required, there is a 24/7 service available with one-on-one trouble shooting guidance available. Total Merchant Services has the answers to all credit card processing services as they have the experience needed to handle these services. </p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Personal Finance and Investing</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/personal-finance-and-investing/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/personal-finance-and-investing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/02/personal-finance-and-investing/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  It can sure seem at times that when it comes to personal finance and investing, armchair experts are a dime a dozen. Each one with his or her own formulas and theories on how you should manage your money, and the best way to invest it for the highest rate of return. Now for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Finance Book" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3388/4618292066_4ba5c8b377_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">It can sure seem at times that when it comes to personal finance and investing, armchair experts are a dime a dozen. Each one with his or her own formulas and theories on how you should manage your money, and the best way to invest it for the highest rate of return. Now for a while there it was real estate.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Now the recent recession sent them all packing though, as home prices plunged, and so many paper millionaires who had invested everything in real estate were left penny less. So then where are all those investment advisers now with their fool proof plans on how to get rich with interest only home loans?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">The answer to that is that they&#8217;re all probably all hunkered down in their dens writing new books on how to get rich buying stocks on margin in the upcoming stock market boom. After all as the old stock market saying goes “whatever goes down must come back up”.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Or perhaps they are busy advising everyone to buy gold and silver because in the same way that the real estate market did for a number of decades, prices just seem to keep going up with no end in sight. What they of course will fail to mention, is that it&#8217;s the folks selling gold at $  1,500 that are really making the money.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Speaking of gold, are you aware that there&#8217;s not one person’s name to be found in history books that became wealthy from mining gold in the great California gold rush? Not one. This in spite of the fact that untold millions and even billions of dollars were pulled from the ground in the two decades after gold was discovered in 1848.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">On the other hand, the books that chronicle that era are chock full with the names of men who built huge fortunes through merchandising and land speculation. Men with names like Levi Strauss and Leland Stanford who fanned the flames of gold hysteria to drive prospectors from one town to another where they had set up stores and or bought and subdivided land.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">So then what are the lessons to be learned though it all because with so much gained and lost there has to be something in the way of wisdom you can pick up? Both from those who lost as well as those who gained. Perhaps something that&#8217;s not too complex to digest easily.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">The answer to that is that there are plenty of lessons to be learned but the most important one is that there is no such thing as a “no or low risk” investment with a high rate of return. The problem here though, is that all too often new investors tend to focus too intently on the potential gains, when they should be giving the risk level equal attention time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">What you need to know is that the art of investing and successful personal finance is the art of managing risk. Risk will always be there and the day that you lose track of it due to tunnel vision focus on potential gains is the day that you set yourself up to take a fall.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Credit Loans</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/credit-loans/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/credit-loans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:03:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loans]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The three main types of credit loans you can expect to be offered are overdraft facilities, credit cards and revolving personal loans. Overdraft Facility Loans First you need a bank account and preferably good credit. Then the bank will put money in your checking account every month for you to use depending on your monthly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Credits" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4133/5072958845_f9ebc19654_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p>The three main types of credit loans you can expect to be offered are overdraft facilities, credit cards and revolving personal loans.</p>
<p>Overdraft Facility Loans</p>
<p>First you need a bank account and preferably good credit. Then the bank will put money in your checking account every month for you to use depending on your monthly or yearly income.</p>
<p>How Does An Overdraft Loan Work?</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s just say the bank agrees to put R2,000 in your bank account and you only had to spend the amount of R1,000. At the end of the month you would pay interest on that R1,000, pay back the principle and then you would have access to R2,000 again next month.</p>
<p>Depending on your credit report you will find that different banks will offer you different interest rates, so you will want to look around and see your different options. Also don&#8217;t be surprised if your credit is less than perfect that your interest rate could be sky high no matter where you go.</p>
<p>You will have a monthly fee to pay every month, usually not much, and you will have to pay a fee to get your account started that will be a little more than your monthly fee.</p>
<p>Line of Credit with Credit Cards</p>
<p>Having a credit card can be very useful for anybody that likes to pay on the fly. </p>
<p>You can use this plastic card with a credit line just about anywhere.</p>
<p>How Does the Credit Card Work?</p>
<p>If you qualify for a credit card you will be credited a certain amount of money that you can use for just about anything. A credit card company or a bank will usually charge you a small fee for all of your purchases and will only charge you interest on the money that you use. At the end of each month you will receive a bill for those purchases.</p>
<p>Credit cards are available for all kinds of people and all kinds of reasons. </p>
<p>Some people use credit cards for everything they buy; some use their credit cards for just certain things and some people only use their credit cards when there in a bind or have an emergency. Depending on your credit score and credit report you will be issued a certain amount of money that you can spend. Make sure you know that amount; you do not want to go over it or they will charge you a big fee.</p>
<p>Revolving Personal Loan</p>
<p>A revolving loan is a great type of loan for someone who does now know how much money he really wants to take out. You will pay a monthly payment on that loan and once you have paid back 15% of that loan you will be able to take that 15% back and start paying on that 15% all over again.</p>
<p>How Does a Revolving Personal Loan work?</p>
<p>A revolving loan works by giving you the option of having a consistent line of credit. For example, if you borrowed a sum of money and over a year you paid back 25% of that loan and you realized you still wanted more money, you could request some or all of that 25% back. As the loan goes on you can do this as many times as you like as long as you have paid at least 15% of that loan back.</p>
<p>As with almost all loans, your interest rate will be based on your credit score but you will want to pay attention to what might happen to your interest rate if you keep borrowing more money. Possibly your interest rate could rise every time you take out more money.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget that your interest and loan payment will be determined by your credit score so look closely at what the interest rate is and be careful with much you borrow.</p>
<p>Making a Decision</p>
<p>Having a credit loan can be a very good way to cover unexpected expenses or to just make your life a little easier. But the one thing that should be noted about having a credit loan is you should never use more then what you know you will be able to pay back on time. It is very easy to get yourself in a lot of financial trouble.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Piggy Bank</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/piggy-bank/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/piggy-bank/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BANK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Piggy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/02/piggy-bank/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Etymology Roman vase-shaped money box (2nd-3rd century AD). Ancient money boxes appear in the archaeological record in a wide variety of shapes. In Middle English, &#8220;pygg&#8221; referred to a type of clay used for making various household objects such as jars. People often saved money in kitchen pots and jars made of pygg, called &#8220;pygg [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Banking" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2203/2299549865_b11f796c16_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p> Etymology</p>
<p>Roman vase-shaped money box (2nd-3rd century AD). Ancient money boxes appear in the archaeological record in a wide variety of shapes.</p>
<p>In Middle English, &#8220;pygg&#8221; referred to a type of clay used for making various household objects such as jars. People often saved money in kitchen pots and jars made of pygg, called &#8220;pygg jars&#8221;. By the 18th century, the spelling of &#8220;pygg&#8221; had changed and the term &#8220;pygg jar&#8221; had evolved to &#8220;pig bank.&#8221;</p>
<p>Once the meaning had transferred from the substance to the shape, piggy banks began to be made from other substances, including glass, plaster, and plastic.</p>
<p>The oldest find of a money box dates from 2nd century BC Greek colony Priene, Asia Minor, and features the shape of a little Greek temple with a slit in the pediment. Money boxes of various forms were also excavated in Pompeii and Herculaneum, and appear quite frequently on late ancient provincial sites, particularly in Roman Britain and along the Rhine.</p>
<p>Majapahit terracotta piggy bank, 14-15 century A.D. Trowulan, East Java. (Collection of National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta)</p>
<p>In a curious case of parallel evolution, the Indonesian term celengan (a celeng is a wild boar, with the &#8220;an&#8221; affix used to denote a likeness) was also used in the context of domestic banks. The etymology of the word is obscure, but evident in a Majapahit piggy bank from the 15 century A.D.[citation needed]</p>
<p>Uses</p>
<p>The general use of piggy banks is to store loose change in a quaint, decorative manner. Modern piggy banks are not limited to the likeness of pigs, and may come in a range of animal shapes, sizes and colours. Some collect piggy banks as a hobby.[citation needed]</p>
<p>Famous piggy banks</p>
<p>Rachel, the official mascot of Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, is a bronze cast piggy bank that weighs nearly 600 pounds, located at the corner of Pike Place under the &#8220;Public Market Center&#8221; sign.</p>
<p>Rachel was designed by local artist Georgia Gerber and modeled after a pig (also named Rachel) that lived on Whidbey Island and was the 1977 Island County prize-winner. Rachel receives roughly $  9,000USD annually in just about every type of world currency, which is collected by the Market Foundation to fund the Market&#8217;s social services.[citation needed]</p>
<p>The 1995 Disney/Pixar movie Toy Story features a character named Hamm, a wise cracking piggy bank.</p>
<p>References</p>
<p>^ &#8220;DigiBank Piggy and Panda Banks Learn to Count&#8221;. Gizmodo. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/digibank-piggy-and-panda-banks-learn-to-count-239597.php. Retrieved 2008-11-09. </p>
<p>^ a b Hurschmann, Rolf (Hamburg): &#8220;Money boxes&#8221;, Hubert Cancik and Helmuth Schneider (ed.): New Pauly, Brill, 2009</p>
<p>^ &#8220;What&#8217;s the origin of the piggy bank?&#8221;. The Straight Dope. http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mpiggy.html. Retrieved 2008-10-17. </p>
<p>External links</p>
<p>Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Piggy bank</p>
<p>What&#8217;s the origin of the piggy bank? (from The Straight Dope)</p>
<p>The Piggy Bank page Photographs and Facts about Piggy Banks</p>
<p>Piggy Bank Project Hundreds of Piggy Characters and customised ceramic Piggy Banks</p>
<p>Categories: Containers | Banks | Coins | Traditional toysHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from July 2009 | Articles with unsourced statements from January 2010 | Articles with unsourced statements from June 2009 </p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Cash Loan</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/cash-loan/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/02/cash-loan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:03:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Are you presently covered up to your neck in expenses? Are you currently getting a challenging time obtaining out of all this difficulty? Several folks pass by way of these kinds of difficulties on a daily foundation and also have many expenses. But, these items are certainly solvable using a funds mortgage. These lenders dont [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Loans" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6052/6249254759_3a914de8c6_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p> Are you presently covered up to your neck in expenses? Are you currently getting a challenging time obtaining out of all this difficulty? Several folks pass by way of these kinds of difficulties on a daily foundation and also have many expenses. But, these items are certainly solvable using a funds mortgage. These lenders dont mind if you have negative credit and they realize your situation. You can now recognize the objective of those lending options and why people get them.</p>
<p>What exactly is a payday money mortgage</p>
<p>This loan can be a bank loan which is provided to approved debtors. They will commonly be issued inside 24 hrs right after submitting the software. Numerous occasions individuals prefer these loans more than financial institution lending products simply because they&#8217;re a lot more convenient. Due to the fact quite a few instances financial institution financial loans can consider lots of time and may possibly be for far more long time period functions while this quick cash loan is for only 2 weeks to a months time.</p>
<p>How would be the interest charges on payday hard cash loans?</p>
<p>The interest amounts arent as bad as you may have heard. They are generally close to 10% to 20%. With curiosity that is all you are going to need to pay normally. But remember that if you&#8217;re ever late for having to pay again a mortgage then you may be charged a brand new payment. To steer clear of losing any extra money on charges or something along those lines, be sure that you simply go through the contract totally.</p>
<p>Could be the application procedure time consuming?</p>
<p>To say it frankly, the software will take you 2 or 3 minutes. It will not consider hardly any time at all. These lenders just need to have to understand your most fundamental info. They will not request something that could possibly be concerned you.</p>
<p>How very much cash am I ready to acquire?</p>
<p>Most individuals normally get from 500$   to 2000$   depending on the lending institution you will be heading for. You can ask the mortgage institution how a lot they permit because it will differ from every single institution. Which is largely everything you can need to have to know about your dollars loan. </p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Budget Shmudget</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/budget-shmudget/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/budget-shmudget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:01:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shmudget]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/01/budget-shmudget/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have an urge to travel the world and see what more is out there – great! But, are you put off by not having enough money to do so? If you&#8217;re thinking about travelling the first thing you&#8217;ll want to work out is your budget and the first question you&#8217;ll ask yourself is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Budgeting" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1388/4729749671_9b1faa6ca5_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p>If you have an urge to travel the world and see what more is out there – great! But, are you put off by not having enough money to do so? If you&#8217;re thinking about travelling the first thing you&#8217;ll want to work out is your budget and the first question you&#8217;ll ask yourself is how can I afford to do it?</p>
<p>Some people work flat out to save enough money to make it happen while others set themselves to a strict budget. Then, there are people who think that travelling is just for the wealthy and give up on their dream quickly. But there is a way to travel and for budgeting not to be necessary, this is to teach English abroad. When you&#8217;re teaching English abroad you can live where you want for however long you want – perfect!</p>
<p>With TEFL jobs abroad, you won&#8217;t need to count your pennies before buying a nice meal for yourself or a souvenir. </p>
<p>You won&#8217;t need to constantly stick to a tight budget, and think about what you have money to do and what you don&#8217;t have money for. You&#8217;ll have a steady income coming in every month, unlike most other travellers! You can even save money in some countries!</p>
<p>The ‘secret&#8217; for many travellers in their ability to afford long-term travel is that they travel slowly in order to save their money.  There&#8217;s nothing wrong with that, but the truth is that money dictates everything about their trip – what they do, when they do it and for how long.</p>
<p>Also, long-term travellers have a great time travelling and exploring new places, but what about a need to be productive?  You might want to fill your time with helping others and working with and making friends with locals and other foreigners while you add to your resume.  That&#8217;s where TEFL comes in.  TEFL is a great way to make travelling a deeper, life-changing experience!  You can immerse yourself into a whole new culture, meet new people, make friends, learn a language – in other words, experience a new country in a truly authentic way.</p>
<p>A TEFL certificate opens doors for you to really do something meaningful and help others.  You can interact with the locals and become a local yourself!  And you can help others with your knowledge and make a difference.  It&#8217;s a truly rewarding experience.</p>
<p>Here is what some people who have taken their TEFL certification have to say about it:</p>
<p>&#8220;I want to travel in a way that I experience the culture of a place. </p>
<p>I believe teaching would be a way to make money to live somewhere long enough, and also make connections into a community to facilitate becoming a part of it.&#8221;</p>
<p>- Chris DeHaan</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve always loved travelling, but there&#8217;s no way I can afford it on my own.  I can, however, work my way there and enjoy a new culture while I&#8217;m at it.  I loved staying with host families while I was travelling in the past, so I&#8217;m looking forward to the new experiences!&#8221;</p>
<p>- Amanda Ferry</p>
<p>&#8220;I want an excuse to travel and to learn while I do it (I plan on learning the local language).  It will also fill my wanderlust that pulls me around the world, and hopefully make me more qualified for jobs when I return.&#8221;</p>
<p>- Elizabeth Schmidt</p>
<p>While TEFLing, you&#8217;ll have an income, as well as become involved with the new country.  And it takes you from tourist to a contributor to a country.  From someone who just visits a place and lounges about for a few weeks or months (no clue what someone would do in that time without being productive), to someone who is exploring a new place and making a difference.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Invest More by Spending Less</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/invest-more-by-spending-less/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/invest-more-by-spending-less/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:02:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spending Less]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Invest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Less]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[More]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spending]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/01/invest-more-by-spending-less/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Millions of Americans are reeling, if not still shaking from the tremors of the recession that hit not only the nation but the international economic web as well. If you are going to ask an economist for some proactive solutions, you may get save and invest as answers. But ironic as it may seem, can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Spending Less" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/68/198104917_ace393d566_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p>Millions of Americans are reeling, if not still shaking from the tremors of the recession that hit not only the nation but the international economic web as well. If you are going to ask an economist for some proactive solutions, you may get save and invest as answers. But ironic as it may seem, can you really save or invest if you are just at the point of getting back on your feet from the quagmire of financial troubles such as foreclosures left and right? How can you save if you are barely paying your responsibilities? How can you invest if you do not have the money to do so in the first place? Getting by on a day to day basis is already hard, what more if you incur more expenses?</p>
<p>Money talk is never an easy discussion, but spending is. But whoever said dreams are impossible desires must have wished for the sun. With the government&#8217;s helping hand reaching out to those who dare to dream big, investing is no longer an unreachable plan. </p>
<p>By being a member of www.cheapcarauctionsonline.com , you will be able to realize your trajectory towards stable living. Having your own car is no longer a problem as auctions of repossessed cars are always happening in your state. Do the bidding and the site will do the rest for you. Save thousands of dollars by opting for the government seized automobiles than the ritzy brand new ones. If you are lucky enough, you may just land on an almost new vehicle.</p>
<p>Eyeing for a new house? At www.cheapcarauctionsonline.com , properties hauled via foreclosures are also available and the best part is you can have them for up to 90% off the book value. If real estate is too much for you in the meantime, then go for hundreds of personal property items instead that are also up for grabs. </p>
<p>Starting at 100$  , you can own some of the most sought-after collectibles, antiques, sports memorabilla and jewelries.</p>
<p>Planning to start a business? This is your lucky day then. The auctioning site also has various office equipment if you want to earn extra money by offering side services like photocopying, scanning and mass printing.</p>
<p>Invest more by spending less. You might just be the next Bill Gates of your generation by visiting the auction link provided.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Capital Budgeting</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/capital-budgeting/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/capital-budgeting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Capital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/01/capital-budgeting/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A firm may be interested to invest its current funds most efficiently in the long term assets in anticipation of an expected flow of benefits over a series of years. This decision by the management is called as &#8220;Capital Budgeting&#8221; The long term assets are those which affect the firm&#8217;s operations beyond one year period. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Budgeting" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2721/4459893154_1be792c09b_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p>A firm may be interested to invest its current funds most efficiently in the long term assets in anticipation of an expected flow of benefits over a series of years. This decision by the management is called as &#8220;Capital Budgeting&#8221;</p>
<p>The long term assets are those which affect the firm&#8217;s operations beyond one year period. The firm&#8217;s investment decision would generally include expansion, acquisition, modernization and replacement of long term assets.</p>
<p><strong>Capital budgeting</strong> also refers to investment or capital expenditure decisions.</p>
<p>Capital budgeting or capital expenditure includes all those expenditure which are expected to produce various benefits to the firm over one year period and it encompasses both tangible and intangible assets.</p>
<p>A large number of companies are covering only expenditure on tangible fixed assets</p>
<p>Most companies follow the accounting convention to prepare asset-wise classification of capital expenditure, which is hardly of much use in the decision making exercises. </p>
<p>Some companies classify capital expenditure in a manner, which could provide useful information for decision making. The usual classifications are as follows:<br />
Replacement<br />
Modernization<br />
Expansion<br />
New project<br />
Research and development<br />
Diversification<br />
Cost reduction</p>
<p>Capital budgeting involves a current outlay of funds in the expectation of deriving a stream of benefits extending over a period of time. Capital budgeting or capital expenditure represents the growing edge of a business. </p>
<p>Capital budgeting is considered to be very important for the under mentioned reasons:<br />
They have consequences extending to a longer period<br />
Capital expenditure decisions have considerable impact on what the firm can do in future<br />
Capital expenditure decisions often involve substantial outlays<br />
It may be difficult to reverse capital expenditure decisions because the markets for used capital equipment is often imperfect</p>
<p>Capital budgeting is a complex process, which may be divided into the following phases:</p>
<p>Identification of potential investment opportunities<br />
Assembling of proposed investments<br />
Decision making<br />
Preparation of capital budget and appropriations<br />
Implementation<br />
Performance review</p>
<p><strong>Identification of potential investment opportunities</strong>:</p>
<p>Capital budgeting involves identification of investment ideas which help in:</p>
<p>Monitoring the external environment regularly to scout investment opportunities<br />
Formulating a well defined corporate strategy based on a thorough analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats<br />
Sharing corporate strategy and perspectives with the persons who are involved in the process of capital budgeting<br />
Motivating the employees to come out with various suggestions</p>
<p><strong>Assembling of investment proposals</strong>:</p>
<p>Prospective investment proposals identified by the unit are assembled and  routed through different departments in order to have a different perspective about the investment opportunities available, thus helping in creation of a climate for bringing about coordination of interrelated activities/departments.</p>
<p><strong>Decision making</strong>:</p>
<p>The decision making authority ensures the genuineness of the investment proposals before taking any decisions and the capital budgeting exercise ensures that the investments are made judiciously over a period of time</p>
<p>The decision making process consists of three levels:</p>
<p>Operating capital budgeting<br />
Strategic capital budgeting<br />
Administrative capital budgeting</p>
<p><strong>Implementation</strong>:</p>
<p>Implementation  of the capital budgeting or investment decisions are done as per the following:</p>
<p>Adequate formulation of projects<br />
Use of the principle of responsibility accounting<br />
Use of network techniques<br />
Evaluation</p>
<p><strong>Performance review:</strong></p>
<p>The post completion audit called as &#8220;performance review&#8221; is a feedback device and  is useful as follows:</p>
<p>It throws light on how realistic are the assumptions underlying the project and capital budgeting<br />
It provides a documented log of experience that is highly valuable for decision making<br />
It helps in uncovering judgmental biases<br />
It induces a desired caution among the project sponsors</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Retail Internet Business Ideas</title>
		<link>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/retail-internet-business-ideas/</link>
		<comments>http://escapade78.com/2012/01/retail-internet-business-ideas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:04:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://escapade78.com/2012/01/retail-internet-business-ideas/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Internet business, retail or otherwise, is much like any other brick and mortar business. It requires a saleable product and service, relevant communication to attract customers, and the backend logistics to deliver the goods. Some people still consider the World Wide Web as an easy maze that will lead them to a `pot of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left;margin:5px;font-size:80%;"><img alt="Business Ideas" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4024/4601052863_fa328e034d_m.jpg" width="160"/><br/></div>
<p>The Internet business, retail or otherwise, is much like any other brick and mortar business. It requires a saleable product and service, relevant communication to attract customers, and the backend logistics to deliver the goods. Some people still consider the World Wide Web as an easy maze that will lead them to a `pot of gold&#8217;. Let&#8217;s discuss some key considerations for building a successful retail Internet business.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Research</strong></p>
<p>It is important to know if you have any customers, where they are and how best to convince them to buy from you. Without asking and answering these basic few questions in the beginning, you are taking what is best described as a `shot in the dark&#8217; approach. You may get a hit, but what are the chances? Just because you are selling online, you are not immune to the problems of any other regular retail business enterprise.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A good business idea should be followed through with a detailed business plan that touches upon both long and short term objectives, competitive landscape, market Trends, product USP, risks, opportunities and projected financials. </p>
<p>This will also come in handy if you decide to approach a third party or bank for a loan.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Operations</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The business of selling is not just about strategy and ideation. It also involves a lot of paperwork and administration, not to mention knowledge of relevant laws. Some resources to get you started include:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. <strong>The Federal Trade Commission:</strong> The FTC website offers assistance with Internet marketing laws. One notable law regards taking complete ownership for all messaging that you put on your retail Internet website.</p>
<p>2. </p>
<p><strong>Small Business Administration:</strong> Check out the SBA (Small Business Administration) website for the location of a local office that can get you started with much needed resources that include beginner courses and mentor support.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Internal Revenue Service:</strong> Making profit means having to pay taxes. The IRS conducts seminars to help you understand your tax obligations and how to reduce them within the legal framework. A great place to start is the `IRS virtual tax workshop.&#8217;</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Marketing</strong></p>
<p>This is one area where Internet business varies from regular stores. The first thing to understand is that the market place is very vast and the consumer is often more than fickle. Some of the key areas to explore include Search Engine Marketing, Affiliate Programs, Newsletters/Mail and loyalty programs</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lastly, understand your domain advantages and those that are not. An online business means that you can run your shop from your couch, your bed or your bathtub, but it does not mean that you should take a laid-back approach in responding to customers, delay their shipments or take a holiday mid-season. It is best to treat an online retail business as any other store, except for the fact that you don&#8217;t have to commute to work and can multitask while you service complaints. You still need a solid business model, a unique competitive advantage and the capacity to put in a lot of hard work.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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