Futures Broker

Years ago, in an effort to manage my 401K, I did some investing. It was quite simple. Buying and selling stocks, as prices went up and down, didn't require much more knowledge than keeping an eye on the market. Since I had a serious aversion to risk, most of my investments didn't exactly yo-yo.

A much more, potentially, volatile market is futures. I recently did some serious reading on the topic, including what a futures broker actually does, how to invest in futures, and the financial risks involved. Given my income situation, I don't think that this is something with which I would be comfortable. However, if things change, I now know exactly where to get in-depth information and reliable investment assistance.

It's nice to have options.




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God Bless!

Jules

Third Paternity Test?

I read this story earlier and was absolutely floored. Obviously, men who father children out of wedlock, as we used to say, need to step up and take responsibility. When DNA testing proves fatherhood, that's really all the impetus necessary to document a legal obligation.

However, when not one, but two DNA tests confirm that someone did not father a child, that should also be sufficient documentation. Not for this woman!

The first DNA test in 2005 was negative. With the legal agreement that this [crazy?] woman would leave him alone, Michael Jordan submitted to another test that same year. It was also negative. Enough proof, right? Oh, no!

Now, three years later, Ms. Miceli is asking for a third paternity test. And that's not all! You're gonna love this -- she is also requesting that the judge lift a temporary restraining order, issued after Mr. Jordan filed a harassment suit against her.

It may be time for Ms. Miceli to take a test - to determine whether or not she's actually sane!



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God Bless!

Jules

House Hunting

Just the other day, I saw a cute little house for sale. The location was perfect: within walking distance of several local stores, a heartbeat from Michael's school, and about 1/2 block from the freeway. It had a huge paved area in front, nice yard in back, and chain-link fence surrounding the property.

Before I even called the realtor, I was imagining teak patio furniture, desert landscaping, tearing off the hideous 'lean-to' on the south side, and getting a puppy for Michael and Mark. My imagination saw a huge kitchen with tons of counter space, 2 bedrooms, and - blissfully - 2 bathrooms. Then, I talked to the realtor.

Suffice it to say, the patio furniture and puppy are not in our immediate future and that is one delusional property owner.




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God Bless!

Jules

Possible Identity Theft

I got an interesting letter in the mail this week. It seems that the company I worked for, back in 2003, got hacked recently. Still investigating the extent of the incursion, they wrote to warn me that my personal information may have been stolen.

If that were the extent of the letter, it probably would have been sufficient to alert me and I could have taken steps to monitor my credit records. But my former employer went far beyond a simple notification. They set up a free, one-year credit monitoring account for me - on their dime - that includes $25,000 identity theft insurance and a team of fraud resolution representatives, should there be a problem.

One of the reasons I really liked this company was the way they treated employees. It's nice to know that hasn't changed.






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God Bless!

Jules

Budgeting

I read a headline, recently, that made me shake my head and laugh. Apparently, people are now going to have to try this odd concept - budgeting. Really? Well, some of us have been doing that our entire lives.

Growing up in households that could barely make ends meet, Mark and I understand the concept of stretching a dollar until it hurts. In my case, no matter what my income was - or wasn't - able to cover, I still managed my finances with a fairly strict budget. It's amazing what you can do.

For example, I paid off a 60-month car loan in less than 48 months by budgeting a few dollars extra each month and making the payment a few days early. I didn't miss an extra five or ten dollars, and it made a HUGE difference in the loan. It's almost embarrassing the collectibles and sci-fi movies I was able to buy - after covering rent (on a 2-bedroom-with-den apartment), utilities, food for 2 people, food and vet bills for 4 cats, and car payments - while making less than $30K per year.

Do you want to live a comfortable life? Learn to live within your means by budgeting and choosing wisely.






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God Bless!

Jules

Sticker Shock

Slowly, over time, many of the items we purchase on a regular basis have risen in price. By and large, with the exception of gasoline, not in huge jumps; just pennies here and nickels there. One becomes blind to the changes.

Today, I stopped by the old "dollar store" that I frequented for years - before they moved down the street - and was shocked by the changes. They still carry some of the items that I used to bring home on a regular basis - but at a 20% price increase. Many of the things that I knew I could buy for less, aren't there anymore. Probably because it's impossible for the owner to get them at a price he can afford.

Our president claims that the economy might be in trouble. Hey, George! Come shop with me on my budget!






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God Bless!

Jules

Checking Accounts

The one thing that I truly hate is trying to find a bank that offers great checking accounts. When I lived in Michigan, I had a tremendous bank with amazing FREE services. I honestly didn't think I'd find an equivalent when I moved to Arizona. I guess I had developed East Coast snobbery. (Don't tell my family in Colorado; I won't get to visit for Memorial Day.)

Luckily, there are some tremendous financial institutions that even have branches in Arizona!






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God Bless!

Jules

Hilton Fortune Pledged to Charity

I really hate that I love this story; it shows my pettier side. But you have to admit that it's laughable that the only thing that makes this little girl famous has been summarily taken away from her by grandpa.

Face it, if she were a poor little nobody without a famous name and huge bank account, would we have ever heard anything about her? Would she have done reality TV and filled the headlines with her escapades? Of course, not. She'd be sitting in jail, doing serious time for repeatedly breaking the law.

I'm with Barron - his children's children are an embarrassment to his family.






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God Bless!

Jules

Finance Genius

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. But it can also be emotionally and financially stressful. It's easy to try to be all things to all people and end up with bills in the new year that weigh heavily. That's why we budget with a vengeance as the holidays approach, so that we don't have to incur debt to have the Christmas we want.

Finance Genius has all of the help that you need to take control of your finances, so that you can make next year a lot less stressful. From a home owner insurance quote that will reduce monthly payments to budgeting solutions, it's all here. By reducing the day-to-day expenses, it's easier to save money for everyday needs and special occasions.

If you have financial questions or needs, visit the site where You don?t have to be a Genius to manage your finances like one!




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God Bless!

Jules

Advantage Life Insurance

I'm still on the hunt for ways to save money on insurance. There are so many options that it makes my head spin. Term life, whole life, universal, family, second to die, and smokers - to name just a few.

Right now, insurance quoting services, like Advantage Life Insurance, are at the top of my list for information. They offer details that help me determine the best coverage for our circumstances. Not to mention, the Advantage site is very easy to navigate, so I can find what I want without wading through what I don't.







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God Bless!

Jules

High-Risk Life Insurance

One of the things that Mark and I are facing, given his health, is the ability to find high risk life insurance that we can afford. There are companies which offer life insurance policies to people with previous or long-term health issues. Unfortunately, these policies are rarely what you would call affordable.

In our case, the VA would provide some level of coverage should - heaven forbid - Mark die. But if you've been listening to the myriad of TV commercials about the cost of a funeral, you know that most plans just don't pay much. In addition to that, there are the issues of debt collection and how survivors are supposed to - well - survive, in the weeks and months after the death of a loved one.

It's all really very scary.






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God Bless!

Jules

Business Loan

One of the most difficult things about starting a business, and keeping it afloat, can be cash flow. In order to expand your company, you may need more employees, more inventory, or both. Eventually, your credit cards get maxed or the interest and payments become a financial burden to your business.

A debt-consolidation business loan could be just what your company needs. Before you run to the local bank, check out EZUnsecured.com. They have the products that will help you get out from under unmanageable debt. Combine all of your loan and/or credit card balances into one monthly payment, at a lower interest rate than you currently pay, without putting your assets at risk.

Best of all, the easy process, fast funding, and great service will have you in great financial shape before you know it.




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God Bless!

Jules

Business Greeting Cards

This is the time of the year when families and businesses start thinking about holiday cards. If you usually order special cards, this is the time to get busy picking your 2007 Christmas card. The Gallery Collection has hundreds of styles to help you.

This year, in the spirit of the season, The Gallery Collection is sponsoring a Christmas cards scholarship contest for high school and college students. Simply use your creativity - original photos, artwork, or computer graphics are all welcome - and design a corporate Christmas card. The prize? A $10,000 scholarship!

Personally, I think that the Christmas Photo Cards are just beautiful. There is a huge selection of options, from elegant to whimsical, that serve as the perfect frame for a special holiday picture. Why not have a look and create a new card that evokes your idea of the spirit of the holidays?




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God Bless!

Jules

Fundraising Ideas

The kids are back in school and the holidays are right around the corner. It's prime fundraising time. In fact, most charitable organizations probably receive the majority of their donations in the last 3 months of the year.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to come up with new, successful ideas. Whether you're working on school fundraisers, church fundraisers, or helping your favorite charity, the more exciting and original your ideas are, the more interest you can expect from donors. Me personally? I wouldn't have a clue where to start.

I count on sites like USAFundraising.com to help me find something to jump-start my creative processes. Not only do they offer general tips, letters, and tools, there are specific ideas for using food, gifts, magazines, or scratchcards to help meet your organization's goals. I particularly liked the section on online fundraising. It even includes a how-to article about creating a website for your group.

All in all, there are a lot of really great ideas to kick-start any campaign. And, if you've got a program that worked for your charity or organization, you can share it here. It's no wonder USAFundraising.com is one of the leading online fundraising resources.





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God Bless!

Jules

New Mail Scam

Today I received a letter from a PO Box in Canada, with a $3,600+ check inside. I was assured that I had won money through an ATM Mega Promotion. This Computer Reward Program is supposed to be for all bank card holders in North America, to encourage people to use their cards more often. Can you say "SCAM"?!

It's the same type of scam that's been going around for years. The scammers send out a check for a very tempting amount, and ask that you cash it at your bank. Then you are supposed to send - via Western Union - about 95% of the check to the agent for your area to cover fees. Once you do that, they assure you that you will receive your winnings. In this case, I'm supposed to receive $120,000.00, less the sponsor's commission, or $113,400.00.

Now, let me explain a bit of the legalities - as I understand them. If you receive one of these checks and actually cash it, once the account holder becomes aware of the loss of funds - they will come after your account for the money! Guaranteed!

We have been told - our entire lives - that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you get one of these checks, please google the account number on the bottom of the check for more information. In the case of the check I have, the account number belongs to a different company and has been used fraudulently for years.






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God Bless!

Jules

Mortgages

I think I have mortgages on the brain. Lately, I've been doing a lot of research, because the market around here is changing monthly. While there have been some defaults on sub-prime mortgages, there are a large number of contractors, with homes on their hands, who are eager to sell. I've even seen companies who are still willing to help people with poor credit remortgages.

When I started to compare mortgages, even though our credit isn't the best, I found that we have some interesting options. Here in Arizona, there are lenders who are still working in the sub-prime arena. Not to mention, there are FHA mortgages, where the government insures the mortgage, that are still very attractive to most lending institutions.

Of course, with the financial problems that have been plaguing the housing industry, you can't just walk in and say, "Hi, I wanna buy a house," and necessarily strike gold the first time. It's important to research what the lender / mortgage company is offering, naturally. But it's also critical to research the company itself.

I can't be the only one in the world who's heard about finance companies cheating people by dramatically increasing their mortgage payment with hidden fees and points.




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God Bless!

Jules

Wanna Buy a Car ... Cheap?

We've all heard stories about wives who sell their husband's cars for $1.00, as revenge for bad behavior. Until now, I honestly thought most of those were urban legends, designed to keep errant husbands in check. But today I found out differently. It really does pay to "beware of a woman scorned," especially if you live in the UK.

There's a top UK site where people list cars for sale. At a flat rate of £4.95 until the car sells, it's a terrific deal. The site gets thousands of hits per day, so you know the ads get a lot of traffic. They also offer new cars and car loans, but it was the used car advertisements that really caught my eye.

It seems that a man bought himself a lovely Jaguar S-type. Gorgeous car! For whatever reason (the ad doesn't say) he registered the vehicle in his wife's name. (Big mistake!) He then proceeded to use this his lovely little car to pick up his mistress and cheat on his wife. (Terminal Mistake!) Being justifiably upset, the wife responded.

After correcting the paint scheme (see image at right), the wife - within her rights as titled owner - listed the Jaguar in the Used Cars section of the website - at 50% of it's actual value! But that's not quite the best part - at least it wasn't to me. What I enjoyed most was the wording of her advertisement, which begins: "Car Belongs To Cheating Rat Of A Husband. But The Idiot Had The Car Registered In My Name So It's Mine To Sell."

Apparently, the paint damage is relatively inexpensive to correct. Somehow I doubt that the damage she's going to inflict on her husband is going to be inexpensive - at all!




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God Bless!

Jules

Diabetes Testing Strips

One of the things that we've gone through, since Mark's liver transplant, is medication-induced diabetes. Virtually all transplant patients on immuno-suppressants will develop some changes in their blood sugar, but the medication is critical to their survival. So, along with everything else, you learn to deal with Type II diabetes.

Luckily, Mark has access to the VA for medications and supplies. Not everyone does and those with Type I diabetes may well have a lifetime of monitoring and injections. And is not a short list of supplies that diabetics require daily. Depending on the severity of their condition, these are the minimum needed:

• Glucose Test Strips
• Glucose Monitor Kits
• Lancets & Devices
• Testing Accessories
• Insulin
• Needles / Syringes

What if you're not a veteran or your job doesn't offer benefits, and you have to pay for all of these things yourself? That's where American Diabetes Wholesale can help. They offer all of the supplies needed to monitor and treat blood sugar problems, at absolutely incredible prices.

Take, for example, Freestyle Lite Test Strips, which are designed to allow alternate site testing and a smaller sample size. Without insurance to cover the cost, you could easily pay over $60.00 for a box of 50 strips. American Diabetes Wholesale offers the same, name-brand product for 44% less.

The health-risks from uncontrolled diabetes are myriad and serious. If you can't afford testing supplies, you can't monitor your blood sugar. Without insulin and injection supplies, you can't manage your diabetes.

Why take a chance with your life, when American Diabetes Wholesale has everything you need? You have to treat your diabetes; you don't have to go broke doing it.




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God Bless!

Jules

$10,000 Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

This is an interesting and fun scholarship contest, open to high school, college, and university students enrolled in the last half of 2007. All the entrants have to do is submit an original design, between October 1, 2007 and January 15, 2008, that's appropriate for personalized birthday, all-occasion, holiday, or business christmas cards. The design can be a photo, artwork, or a graphic, as long as it's an original work. As with many contests, only one entry per person is allowed.

Sponsored by Prudent Publishing, Inc., for their Gallery Collection of business cards, the judging criteria are very simple:

• Overall aesthetic appeal
• Quality of execution
• Creativity and Originality
• Successful incorporation of design elements
• Appropriateness for use as a greeting card
• Attractiveness to The Gallery Collection's corporate and consumer customers
• Suitability as a design in Prudent's Gallery Collection greeting card line

If you're not sure what design would be appropriate, start by looking at the Gallery Collection's current portfolio of Christmas Cards or All Occasion Cards. You'll notice, first, that all of the cards are horizontal; secondly, they are all a 5 1/2" x 7 7/8" standard size. Keeping those basics in mind, the rest is up to the designer. Some designs take up most of the card face; others are smaller and centered or framed to maximize the effect.

I have to admit, one of the things that immediately appealed to me about this line of cards was the variety. Whether you are looking for something formal, muted, and sedate or casual, amusing, and colorful, you can find an appropriate card for any occasion. How much fun would it be to see your design added to this amazing collection?

Why not enter today and find out?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

The Wealth Expo

Wealth, whatever that means to you, is about learning smart ways to make your money work harder. Despite the ups and downs in real estate and the stock market, opportunities for investment do exist. You just have to know where to look and how to get started.

For three exciting days, October 19-21, visit New York and experience the Wealth Expo. It doesn't matter whether you're interested in real estate or stocks or purchasing a franchise or just don't know. There are sessions and keynote speakers to help you make these important financial decisions.

First, check the schedule for the dates and times:

• Friday, 10/19: 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m. EDT w/ a cocktail hour to follow
• Saturday, 10/20: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. EDT w/ a cocktail hour to follow
• Sunday, 10/21: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT (no cocktail hour)

Now that you know when, it's time to read through the wealth workshops schedule to determine what appeals to your inner investor. Remember, not everyone has the same goals in life and certainly won't have the same interests when it comes to investing.

For me, there were a couple of sessions that suited my investment risk personality. BP, ?Fueling the World?s Possibilities? at 1:30pm on October 20th, immediately caught my eye. Having recently read about some of the non-fossil fuel innovations that BP is funding and developing, I would like more information about how to become involved in reducing society's carbon footprint. Not only is BP exploring solar energy, they are working to develop technologies that will reduce production costs.

The other session that really appealed to me was DVDNow Kiosks, Inc., ?Building Massive Profits from Self-Service DVD Rental Kiosks?. Scheduled for 4:30 on October 20th, this is something that I feel I can do, without experiencing risk at the hands of the latest market whims. I know, from our buying patterns, that people are always interested in owning the latest DVD release or in finding a favorite movie, newly released on DVD.

These three days, sponsored by MyWallSt.net: Your Financial Social Network, are packed with information and opportunities. Where else would you have the chance to speak with top executives, attend innovative franchise seminars, and discover new real estate opportunities? Don't miss out. Register now!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bad Credit Offers

Not sure how to go about repairing your credit? Neither was I, until I found Bad Credit Offers. Instead of running around the Internet, taking the first offer that I can find, I can compare offers and make certain that I'm choosing one that will actually help me.

One of the toughest things to get is a bad credit personal loan, because you aren't offering any collateral to support the loan. Depending on your circumstances, you'll find up to 5 offers available here; some don't even require a credit check.

Looking for a credit card? Check out these top 10 offers that include secured and unsecured cards. With interest rates as low as 9.9%, you're sure to find an offer that works for you.

Most of the cards report to all 3 credit bureaus, so just make your payments on time and improve your credit history. Each offer includes details and application instructions, as well as a link to the institution's website. All of the information you need to make an informed decision and select the option that is right for you.

Before you jump at something that looks too good to be true, try Bad Credit Offers for real solutions to your credit problems.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Rebuild.org

With what we've gone through this last month - Mark in the hospital, me with a fractured patella - one thing has become abundantly clear. We need another vehicle, with an automatic transmission. Had there been an alternative to waiting for my knee to heal sufficiently to drive, I could have been spending much more time at the hospital. Not to mention, it was impossible for all four of us to do anything together because the truck only holds 3 people.

This is why I've been researching auto loans recently. With my credit history, it's hard to find financing, or it was until I found Rebuild.org. They specialize in matching borrowers with lenders who are willing to work with them.

I've had auto loans before. In fact, I used to make it a habit to buy a new car every 7 or 8 years, about the time the old one would start to fall apart. Even though my credit was really good in those days, it was still a stressful process, especially the one time I dealt with the finance arm of a major automobile manufacturer. They treat all of their customers like deadbeats. It was horrible and I ended up finding alternative financing within just a few months.

But Rebuild.org is different than any financing process I've experienced. All I had to do was start entering information into the online form. As I answered questions, the automated form took me to the next step, even including additional options that might benefit my situation. In about 5 minutes, I had a confirmation form that provided the information I needed to work on getting that car we need.

If you're looking for a mortgage loan or want to refinance to take advantage of the equity in your home, Rebuild.org has information to assist you. There are also options for debt consolidation, payday loans, and personal loans, even with bad credit.

The information you need is all here. If you're looking for financial help, take a look at these products. You won't be disappointed.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules