Earth Friendly Purchases Under $50

Being friendly to the environment and living a “green” life is not as expensive as it is sometimes made out to be. Anyone can make small changes everyday towards making a big difference in the world’s ecosystem. Here are a few tips to help you live a greener lifestyle without busting your wallet.

1. Earth-Friendly Cleansers & Detergents. Standard detergents and cleaners are not environmentally friendly and many have chemicals that are harmful even in small amounts. From bathroom and toilet cleaners to laundry detergent and dish soap, there are green products to replace all of your toxic cleaners.

2. Re-useable Shopping Bags. Each year billions of plastic bags end up littering the streets and choking our waterways. Not only that, but it takes vast amounts of oil to create plastic bags. Purchasing a few reusable shopping bags will help you eliminate hundreds, if not thousands, of shopping bags from littering the planet.

3. Energy Efficient Light Bulbs. Sure, energy-efficient light bulbs may cost more initially, but the benefits they will bring to your household are worth the extra couple of bucks. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, produce less heat, last up to ten times longer, and can save up to $30 per bulb over its lifetime.

4. Rechargeable Batteries. Rechargeable batteries can offer an economic benefit when used instead of one-time-use disposable batteries. Though they may cost more up-front than disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries come in almost all standard configurations and they can be discharged and recharged hundreds of times before they wear out.

5. Organic/Local Foods. Local foods are those that are produced within 200 miles of your home and therefore use less fossil fuels to get it to your grocery case. Your local farmers’ market is chock full of local foods that are often less expensive than at the supermarket. Organic foods are grown free of chemical or oil-based pesticides and industrial fertilizers. You don’t have to convert your entire diet, but adding a few of these items with each trip will make a big difference.

6. Fair-trade or Rainforest Friendly Coffees & Teas. Certified fair trade coffee and tea help ensure living wages and safe working conditions for farmers. TransFair and Rainforest Alliance both include rigorous environmental standards in their certification criteria. There are also fair-trade and rainforest friendly chocolates!

7. Earth Friendly Hair Products, Soaps & Lotions. Chemicals and synthetic ingredients in many shampoos, conditioners, body washes, soap, lotions, and facial care products are more detrimental to your skin, and the ecosystem, than you think. Personal care products that are plant-based as opposed to chemical-based are better for your skin and the environment.

8. Natural Fiber Clothing. Hemp, an important renewable resource, is one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers and holds its shape well, stretching less than any other natural fiber. Other fibers that are being used in natural clothing are organic cotton, wool, silk, even bamboo!

9. Recycled Paper and Other Stationary. Whether it’s a spiral bound notebook for school or beautiful stationary for a romantic letter, there are a wide variety of recycled paper products available today. Buying recycled products like this not only prevents trees from being chopped down, but it keeps more waste out of landfills.

10. Recycled Glass Products. There are many beautiful products offered these days, particularly for the kitchen, that are made from recycled glass. There are vases, glasses, stemware, bowls, and plates, all of which have been constructed out of glass bottles that otherwise would have been headed to the garbage dump.

You don’t have to invest in solar panels or a wind power generator to green up your lifestyle. These are just a few examples of easy ways to watch out for the environment without spending a lot of cash.

This article can also be read here on iQualifyNow.com.

5 Questions to Ask Before Taking Out a Payday Loan

A payday loan is a small, short-term loan, usually between $100 and $500, extended to a borrower until his or her next payday. It can be called a cash advance loan, a check advance loan, or even a deferred-deposit check loan, but regardless of what they’re called, they generally are all the same. Payday loans may be helpful when you are having temporary cash flow problems or are facing a financial emergency. Before considering such a loan, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions first:

1. Are there any other options?

In many cases, you can find an alternative to getting a payday loan. Before making a decision, brainstorm for other possible solutions, such as using a credit card or selling an item or two from your home. You may just find a better way to accomplish your goal.

2. Are you prepared for the fees and interest that you will be charged?

The word “interest” is generally not used in payday lending agreements, rather a fee is charged for the service. Fees are typically between $15 and $25 per every $100 borrowed. That adds up to an annual percentage rate equivalent of approximately 391% to 650% interest! For that much, make sure that your purchase is going to be worth it.

3. Is the amount of money you are borrowing reasonable?

Because of the high cost, it’s important that you are sure you will be able to pay back the loan quickly. If not, the “roll over” charges for extending the loan will add up fast and could easily even double the amount of your loan. Some people who needed immediate cash have ended up taking payday loans from other lenders to pay off previous lenders. You can make sure that this doesn’t happen to you by keeping your loan as small as possible.

4. Is the establishment you’re taking your loan from a reputable company?

Your security is important. As with any loan, make sure you do some research before signing on the dotted line. Start with their certification: all payday loan companies must have a license from the state they are based in and some states don’t even allow payday loans. Secondly, make sure that the company has been around for at least 2 years or more. In that time, they will have built up a reputation as a reliable service. Thirdly, check with the better business bureau to see if there are any complaints against the lender. Don’t even consider one that has had a history of problems.

5. Do you have peace of mind about getting the loan?

Taking out a payday loan can easily turn a temporary financial difficulty into a chronic problem. If you have the slightest doubts about the answers to any of these questions, stop: don't do it. A payday loan may not be the right choice for your situation and could make things worse.

This article can also be found at iQualifyNow.com.

Wasteful Packaging: It Isn't Just Wal-Mart

Though I am no longer a smoker, I still receive offers, gifts, and coupons from both Camel and Marlboro cigarettes, as I have a significant other and several friends who smoke. Today, I received coupons in the mail from both of these companies.

From Marlboro, I received an envelope with the rules to a sweepstakes, as well as a promotion code to enter it. It also came with six coupons for cigarettes.

From Camel, I received what I believed to be a gift, as it was a 5” x 5” x 1” box wrapped in plastic. Inside the box was another box and inside that, another. The boxes were promoting a new type of cigarette in brand-spankin’-new packaging. In the last box was a fake, “new Camel” cigarette pack and inside that, a single coupon the size of a business card to buy this new smoke.

This type of wastefulness is ridiculous and I have e-mailed Camel regarding it. I doubt that they will care much, even though I bet they spent much more money on printing, packaging, and postage for their single coupon than Marlboro. I would have been more understanding if there had been a gift inside, but essentially, it was 4 layers of paper and cardboard for a tiny coupon.

If you have a similar experience, it is important that you speak up and tell the company how you feel. How ever will they know that this topic is important to consumers if we don't tell them?

This article can also be found at the Blogger News Network.

[EDIT: This is the response I received from Camel after voicing concerns regarding their waste:

I noted in your e-mail that the answer "no" was selected for smoker status and wanted to let you know that our offers and websites are restricted to legal-age consumers of tobacco products.

If this information was selected in error, please let me know. I will be glad
to assist you.

I see that I will have to change my smoker status in order for them to properly ignore me. :) ]

20 Inexpensive Weekend Activities

The festivities of the holiday season have passed, but many consumers are just now feeling the crunch as they receive their credit card bills and statements. Post-holiday buyer's remorse can be a real drag, as entertainment and recreational activities tend to be one of the first expenses to be cut. It's not necessary, however, as there are many ways to have fun in every city and town when finances are tight. The following is a list of 20 free or inexpensive activities for those who may need to reign in their spending.

1. Rent movies or subscribe to an on-line DVD rental service instead of seeing movies at the theater. You can choose to eat whatever snacks you like, you can wear your slippers, and you know what the mystery stain is on the floor.

2. Cook a special dinner at home. Cooking a meal at home instead of buying one at a restaurant tends to be healthier and cheaper. Try out a new recipe or whip up an old favorite.

3. Go for a long walk. The exercise is good for you and if you explore your local community on foot, you are much more likely to meet your neighbors. You just might find a new friend!

4. Discover your local parks system. The amenities these green spaces have can include pavilions, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, swimming beaches, and more.

5. Go out for afternoon coffee instead of evening drinks. You're far less likely to over-indulge in caffeinated drinks than alcoholic ones.

6. If you really want to have a drink with your friends, have a cocktail party at home instead of going out to the club. Even at the cheapest bar, a single round of drinks can often cost as much as a bottle of liquor or a good bottle of wine.

7. Volunteering is the ultimate inexpensive weekend activity. Time invested in making a difference in your community is always well spent.

8. Have a yard sale. Clothing, furniture, household items, whatever. It won't make you rich, but it can be a lot of fun!

9. If a yard sale is too much work, bring your extra stuff to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Not only is it a good deed, your charitable donation could mean a tax deduction for the fair market value of the item.

10. Read a book. Plenty of reading material is available for free at your local library.

11. Rediscover the lost art of picnicking. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, crackers, and beverages into a cooler and head out to the beach or a park. Is it too cold to be outside? Spread a blanket out on the kitchen floor and reminisce about warmer days.

12. Have a game night. Play board games, checkers, chess, card games, whatever types of games that you like.

13. Go to a local zoo or museum. Visiting these types of places is both educational and fun.

14. Recapture your youth through miniature golf or bowling. These highly underrated activities are incredibly inexpensive.

15. Check local community calendars for free or cheap concerts, trade shows, or other enjoyable activities.

16. Support your local high school, college, or amateur sports teams by attending a game. There is usually something for every fan, including softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, hockey, wrestling, and more.

17. Pick up an inexpensive sport for fun. Many local parks offer volleyball and basketball courts, soccer fields, disc-golf courses, and other facilities. All you need to supply are the teammates and the ball, throwing discs, or horseshoes.

18. Play video games. Work on reaching that next level on your own or play party games with a group of friends. Conduct a contest to find out who is the best at each video game.

19. Learn more about the history of the area you live in by visiting local historical sites or landmarks. Gain an appreciation of the past events that formed your current community.

20. Study new skills or pick up a new hobby. Learn how to change a flat, jump a battery, or change your oil. Teach yourself to crochet, knit, or needlepoint. Take up painting, writing, or photography.

This was the first article that I wrote for iQualifyNow.com. The original article can be found here.

Valentines Tips: How to Surprise Your Sweetheart on $50 or Less

This Valentine's Day, many consumers will still be spending less on gifts. Perhaps your own spending has been tight recently? Whether you're searching for a heartfelt item for a man or a woman, there is a wide variety of gifts which cost $50 or less to suite many personalities. You don't need to break your wallet to show your loved one how much you care.

A Gift For Her:

1. One Dozen Long-Stemmed Red Roses. Yes, a gift of red roses at Valentine's Day seems cliche. But when was the last time you bought her flowers?

2. Sterling Silver Heart Locket. This timeless gift is sure to please your sweetheart. Choose from a 14", 16", or 18" chain and don't forget to put two small pictures of your smiling face inside.

3. A gourmet or specialty box of chocolates. If your Valentine is a chocolate aficionado, present her with a luxurious box of chocolates. Don't forget that chocolate is an aphrodisiac!

4. A bottle of her favorite perfume. You know, the one that drives you wild? If you don't know what her signature fragrance is, choose a classic scent like Chanel No. 5, Eternity by Calvin Klein, or Shalimar.

5. Sexy Lingerie. Women like to feel and look sexy, especially for their man. Though she'll be wearing it, the gift of lingerie is sure to please the both of you.

6. A Freshwater Cultured Pearl Bracelet. Sure to please any woman, a pearl bracelet is one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry a woman can own. A variety of styles and clasps are available for $40 - $50 online.

7. Gemstone Earrings. If your lady's ears are pierced and your budget can't afford diamond earrings, select a pair of pearl or semi-precious stone earrings.

8. A PajamaGram from PajamaGram.com. There are a variety of packages to choose from that are $50 or less. Your pajama gift is delivered with a lavender sachet, a "Do Not Disturb" sign, and a personalized gift card inside a keepsake organza hatbox.

9. Specialty Gift Basket. There are quite a few gift basket options available for $50 or less. Is your honey a coffee connoisseur or a lover of fine wines? Take a look online and see if you can't find a whole basket of goodies for your sweetheart.

10. A gift certificate for a massage. What better way to pamper her than with a professional massage? You can buy gift certificates in person, over the phone or on the Internet at many spas.

This was the first article that I wrote for iQualifyNow.com. The original article can be found here.

There was also supposed to be a second half to it. Don't think that I forgot about the menfolk, they like gifts, too! The second half wasn't published, or hasn't been published yet, but here it is:

A Gift For Him:

1. A bottle of his favorite cologne. Ladies, you know you love the way that he smells. Or maybe you want him to try a new flavor? Check out Davidoff’s Cool Water, Aqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, or Boss #6 by Hugo Boss.

2. Silk Boxer Shorts. Guys aren’t the only ones who like to ogle the goods. The gift of a pair of silk boxers is a gift for both of you.

3. Anthony Logistics for Men Travel Logistics. For the man who is on the go, this package includes a facial cleanser, astringent, shave cream, shampoo, lip balm, and hand & body lotion, all in a Mesh Dopp Kit.

4. Perfect Pushup Rotation Pushup Handles. He has seen the commercials. He is just too embarrassed to admit that he wants an infomercial product to make the call. Lucky for you, you can find this product on-line and in some stores.

5. Sparkle Swizzlestick. This cell phone Flash drive can be used to backup contacts, photos, and music or upload ringtones and photos. It is the perfect gift for a guy who relies heavily on his cell phone.

6. A high quality watch. Most men don’t usually like jewelry for Valentine’s Day, but they do appreciate a good watch. There are a variety of high quality timepieces available for just under $50. Does he have a favorite sports team? Some are available with his favorite NFL, NHL, or NCAA team logo.

7. Creative Zen Stone 1 GB. He loves music, but perhaps he hasn’t made the leap into the 21st century. This cheap 1GB MP3 player is about $40 and will introduce your man to the next generation of portable music.

8. The Hickory Traveler. The Hickory Traveler is a soft-sided cooler filled with plenty of Hickory Farms treats: summer sausage, cheese, crackers, and all the fixings.

9. Leather passport wallet. If your guy travels internationally, he will love this gift. A leather passport case with an embossed cover will keep his important documents together in style.

10. Sexy Lingerie. Okay, so this was also in the list of items to buy a woman, but think about it seriously for a moment. You get to buy yourself some new lingerie and he gets to see you in it. What is sure to follow is a gift both of you can enjoy.

It is Official: I Am Now A Freelance Writer

It may not have happened exactly how I had planned it, especially since it was entirely unplanned, but none-the-less, here I am. After the I realized that the job I had started in August of 2007 (in the hopes of climbing the marketing and advertising copywriter ladder) was leading me nowhere, I finished what little writing I had left to do and quit. Its barely been a month, and as a freelance writer I have 3 clients already, including my previous employer. I am also a part-time web content writer for Barker & Hedges Real Estate.

The most exciting client I have right now, however, is iQualifyNow.com. They've asked me to write a weekly article for them! I began last week and I've finished two articles for them. They will be my next two posts.

Anyways, I'm excited to finally be working for myself and doing exactly what I love, all day long: Writing.

Franchise: Open a Sonic in the Twin Cities Area

Are you interested in opening a franchise in the Twin Cities metro area? Have you been pouring over your options, wondering which one you should choose? You’ve worked hard to get your start-up money and because of that, you want to make sure that you pick the right one.

Choose to open a Sonic Drive-In.

From the Chili Cheese Tator Tots and Caramel Apple Bites to the Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster Sandwich and the Country Steak & Eggs Toaster Sandwich, I would eat your food. I would eat your Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with honey mustard sauce, Sonic Bacon Cheeseburgers, and Strawberry Cream Pie Shakes. I have friends that would come with me, and they would eat your Extra-Long Chili Cheese Coneys, Corn Dogs on Sticks, SuperSonic Breakfast Burritos, Onion Rings, Mozzarella Sticks, and your various frozen sundaes and treats.

You wouldn’t even need to pay for advertising, as commercials already play on television in the Twin Cities. I have been watching them for years on various channels, yet the closest Sonic Drive-In to the Twin Cities area is in Fort Dodge, Iowa: 180 miles away. These commercials are taunting and mean. Someone should take responsibility and make Sonic Drive-In’s advertisements truthful.

If I had the money to start it up myself, I would step up to the plate, but as it is, I’m a recovering ex-college student, working to pay off my debts for the next ten years. I can’t make a monetary contribution more than to say that were someone to bring these yummy, warm, cheesy, chili-covered goodies to the cold state of Minnesota, I would empty my wallet and fill my stomach at your restaurant. Please, when making your decision to open a franchise, choose a winner: Choose Sonic!