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<title>Latest Articles by montee4</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Trading With a Discount Broker</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Investing/trading-with-a-discount-broker.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Investing/trading-with-a-discount-broker.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the boom of the internet we have seen many discount stock brokers come onto the scene. They offer cheap commissions and investment tools for the novice stock trader. The question that needs to be addressed is that is one better off trading through a discount broker or paying a higher commission to have their portfolio managed by an expert.

First let us discuss discount brokers. What is a discount broker? They are stockbrokers that carry out buy and sell orders at a reduced commission compared to a full-service broker, but provide no investment advice. The key there is that they provide no advice regarding your investments. Most discount brokerages such as Etrade, Tradeking and Ameritrade have numerous trading tools that can help you make educated decisions before you place a trade. Sometimes these tools can be a little difficult to use, so make sure you review the features prior to opening an account.

Most discount brokers have a trade commission fewer than ten dollars and no minimum trading balances. This alone makes it affordable for anyone to invest in the market. One must review all the fees prior to signing up as some brokerages charge an inactivity fee if you have not placed a trade in a certain amount of time. Other items you should look at are ACH capabilities. A brokerage that lets you transfer money into your account from a checking or savings account is much easier then having to mail in checks when you want to place a trade.

Each broker is different in terms of the execution of the trade. Some offer faster trades than others, so before opening an account, think about the type of trading you will do. If you are a day trader, then a fast execution is going to be very important to you, however if you are a long term investor, then a slower execution will most likely suit you. These types of things factor into the commission price, so just because a broker has a low commission might mean you are sacrificing service for a lower price.

Many brokerages offer things called a brokerage bonus or brokerage promo for people that sign up and invest a certain amount on money. The brokerage bonus can be anywhere from $25 to $200 depending on the amount of money you move to the account. One example of this is the current $50 Tradeking Promo when you open a new account. Etrade also has many promos involving bonus airline miles that come on time to time. Always check for a promo before you open an account as you can usually find something.

With the large selection of discount brokers in the industry, to find the best you need to determine what types of features you require compared to the commissions that they charge. If you don't need an expert's advice and want to try your own hand at trading then a discount broker is a great option for you. ]]></description>
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<title>Another Tax Stimulus Rebate in 2009</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Taxes/another-tax-stimulus-rebate-in-2009.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Taxes/another-tax-stimulus-rebate-in-2009.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There have been quite a few rumors about a possible 2009 tax rebate that would exceed what we all received from the 2008 rebate. Being an election year, each side wants to make their candidate shine right before November, and giving cash to Americans seems to be a way they are willing to do it.

Touted as "Son of Stimulus" by Democrats, the stimulus plan will push more money to taxpayers this fall. Earlier reports are that the amounts could be in the upwards of $150 billion, which would possibly equate to $700 - $800 per person. This plan is backed my financial advisors who claim that the 2008 rebate did not do enough to stimulate the economy. Most Americans ended up either saving it or buying gas. Another set of people are still waiting for their checks due to glitches the IRS encountered while trying to distribute the first round of checks.

Others question the value of a second tax rebate. The jury is still out as to whether Americans will actually spend this money and not just throw it under a mattress fearing higher and higher prices. President Bush has clearly expressed his concern with passing another tax rebate. Now that the government is planning a multi-trillion dollar bail out of the banking industry, there are questions as to if there is any money left to give out, but there are conversations going on trying to include a tax rebate into the buyout bill.

As part of his campaigning effort, Barack Obama has proposed a tax rebate that would give each person around $1000 to help offset rising good and gas prices with the hopes of increasing consumer spending. His plan to pay for this would be to tax oil company profits. If Barack were to make it into office in January the timing on this would be critical since no one knows what the economy would look like by the time January rolls around and he could get something like this approved.

Many Americans are frustrated that they have to foot the bill for others who got themselves into these financial jams. The only question is can we survive with all the outpouring of money to these bail outs and military funding. Sooner or later we are going to be required to pay up on our debts. Unfortunately this is too little too late. The economy as a whole needs to be saved and fast before more people start losing their retirements and financial securities. I just hope another tax rebate is a tool that can help us get there. ]]></description>
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<title>Should You Do a Balance Transfer For Life?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Credit/debt-consolidation/should-you-do-a-balance-transfer-for-life.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Credit/debt-consolidation/should-you-do-a-balance-transfer-for-life.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There are many types of balance transfers offers for many different credit cards. There are many different rates to choose from as well as different time lengths that the promotional periods are good for. A new type offer credit card companies have come up with is called a balance transfer for life. These types of balance transfers can be very powerful, but you first need to understand all the details before signing up for one.

When considering a balance transfer for life, you first need to look at the annual percentage rate being offered. You want to make sure that the rate is lower then any savings account rate. This way if you have cash in the bank at a lower rate you should just pay off the credit card with that money.

If the rate is decent, your next step is to understand the terms for the offer. For example the Advanta Platinum business card currently has a promo going for a 2.9% APR for the life of the balance. This means that you will receive a 2.9% APR on that as long as you haven't paid it off. This is pretty straight forward since there are no requirements to keep getting that 2.9% APR.

Another balance transfer for life offer is from Discover. They offer a 0% APR on the balance, but to keep the 0% for life promo, you need to make 2 purchases every month with the card. One thing to note is that purchases are paid off after any balance transfers, so you will have 0% on the transfer, but the 2 purchases a month will accrue interest at the regular card rate. So keep that in mind if you decide to accept this offer you could end up paying more in the long run due to the interest rate on your regular purchases.

One thing to note is that if you ever make a late payment or miss a payment, it is possible that the interest rate on that balance will jump to a large percentage. Make sure that you pay the bill on time every month to avoid losing out on a great rate offer.

Depending on how much money you need to balance transfer, a balance transfer for life can be a great tool to help you reduce your debt while paying less interest. You must pay attention to the terms and conditions of the offer since some offers require you to make additional purchases per month that can result in high interest rate balance. ]]></description>
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<title>Understanding the Different Types of Hammocks</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/understanding-the-different-types-of-hammocks.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/understanding-the-different-types-of-hammocks.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Are you looking for a hammock but aren't sure which one to get? Having difficulty trying to differentiate between the different types of hammocks available? This article will give you a synopsis of the different types of hammocks available to you as well as some benefits of each.

The most common type of hammock is the rope hammock. Rope hammock swings contain rope or nylon but no fabric base. When you lay in the hammock the ropes will wrap around you supporting your entire body. Even though the ropes are very strong, they have an easier tendency to grow mildew and mold if they get wet. Rope hammocks also tend to be very unstable as the ropes can bunch up quickly reducing the size of the hammock making it harder to balance.

The most popular type of hammocks is fabric hammocks. Fabric hammock swings are made entirely of fabric.  The fabric in a fabric hammock provides a base for the person to lye on. Due to this the hammock is easier to get on and off of with less chance of falling off. The most common fabric hammocks are quilted hammocks and Brazilian hammocks.

Quilted hammock swings are hammocks that are made with a quilt. Since quilts are thicker they provide a more comfortable padding to lay on.  Also, since quilts usually have some air in between the layers, this allows the quilt itself to stay cool on a hot summer day. Quilted hammocks tend to be more durable than other types of hammocks. Quilted hammocks are also recommended for children since they have a greater stability then other hammocks. 

Brazilian hammock swings are created by weaving certain cotton fibers that tend to be thicker than other types of hammocks. Brazilian hammocks also wrap themselves around your body whereas other hammocks you usually just rest on the top of the fabric. Brazilian hammocks are great for hanging between two trees. They also work well in colder weather since when you lay in a Brazilian your body is mostly covered by the fabric of the hammock. In addition to these types of hammocks there are variations of these that are offered in portable hammock swings, camping hammocks, foldable hammocks as well as many other options. 

As you can see there are many types of hammocks out there. When selecting your hammock, make sure to evaluate all the needs that you have so that the hammock you purchase will benefit you greatly over time. ]]></description>
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<title>Choosing The Right Kitchen Spice Rack</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/choosing-the-right-kitchen-spice-rack.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/choosing-the-right-kitchen-spice-rack.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Kitchen Spice racks come in many varieties and sizes. Not every spice rack for sale will benefit you as a cook. Before spending money on one, make sure you have considered all the options.

The most important question to ask yourself is where are you going to put your kitchen spice rack? If it is going to sit on your counter, then look for counter top spice rack models, or commonly referred to as a free standing spice rack. Many people with a lack of counter top space can choose between a wall mountable kitchen spice rack or a hanging spice rack. A wall mountable spice rack can be hung on a wall, in the pantry, or even on the back of a cabinet door to preserve space. If you cook regularly you will want your spice rack within easy reach so having it in an easy accessible area is a must. Hanging spice racks usually attach underneath the wall cabinets and hang down below, still leaving you area underneath it to store other items.

Another thing to think about when selecting a spice rack is what type of material you want your spice rack to be made from. Spice racks are made from many different materials such as wood, plastic, different types of metal, and even composite materials. Spice rack frames are very durable, so select your fame style based on looks rather than construction. Spice rack frames require very little maintenance to keep the clean and long lasting.

Lastly, you should think about how many spices you think you will want in your spice rack. Many spice racks come packaged with the spices. If you cook frequently and know exactly what spices you will need, it is best to get a spice rack without the spices. You can go to any grocery store and buy fresh spices to add to your spice rack. Going this route keeps you from having spices in your rack that you will never use. It also allows you to customize your rack specifically for your cooking style. If you decide to buy a spice rack with the spices included, arrange your spice rack to put the least used spices in the rear of the rack to make the heaviest used spices easy accessible.

Finding the right kitchen spice rack can take some time due to the different types available.  Make sure to put in the time required to get a spice rack that is functional and pleasing to the eye for your kitchen. ]]></description>
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<title>Buying a Kitchen Spice Rack With or Without Spices</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/buying-a-kitchen-spice-rack-with-or-without-spices.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/buying-a-kitchen-spice-rack-with-or-without-spices.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One thing to think about before buying a kitchen spice rack is whether or not to get a rack that includes spices. Most spice rack that you can purchase at major retailers include the ingredients with them. One issue with this is that you are forced to use whatever spices they give you.

An alternative is to buy a rack that doesn't include the spices. This way you can purchase the ones you really need at any grocery store or specialty shop. This can be a cheaper alternative as store bought spices can run cheaper since they usually come in plastic bags. If you decide to go the route of buying your own, make sure you do a little research. First you need to know how many spice jars you have since this will determine the number of spices that you will need to make the rack look whole. Next think about the spices that you cook with the most. List them out and try to come up with just as many as jars that you have.

Next you will need to come up with the layout of the spices. Ideally you should put your most used spices in the front of the rack with the less used near the rear and the bottom of the rack. To transfer the spices from their bags to the jars in your rack, purchase a cheap small funnel that you can use to get the spices into the jars with little or no waste. Clip a corner of the plastic bag off and dump them into the funnel.

Finally you will need to get labels for your spice containers. If you buy a rack with the spices included, most likely it will include pre printed labels to match the spices in the box. Some racks will come with blank labels that you can write on. A designer idea would be to purchase printer labels. This way you can use a designer looking font to make the labels look professional. Be sure that whichever labels you buy they are small enough to not detract from the look of the overall spice rack.

Kitchen spice racks can make your cooking experience a better one. The rack will keep you from hunting through your cabinets looking for that one ingredient you can't find. When buying one, be sure to make a decision on whether you want to have the spices included or if you want to build your own. ]]></description>
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<title>Choose The Best Stand For Your Hammock</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Outdoors/choose-the-best-stand-for-your-hammock.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Outdoors/choose-the-best-stand-for-your-hammock.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A hammock stand is what makes a hammock. Without a stand you can only hang a hammock between to strong objects such as tress. Hammock stands not only provide different levels of strength and stability but they can also be pleasing to the eye. There are many different types of hammock stands available. Many discount hammock swings tend to come with stands that are of lower quality. Some stands are more durable than others, so be sure to get the stand that fits your needs.

Let's begin with the most basic stand, the wood hammock swings stand. Wood stands can tend to be a bit heavy, so they work best when the hammock will not be moved around that much. Like anything else made from wood, unless it is made of treated wood, it needs to be sealed or stained on a regular basis. If you don't seal or stain your stand, then it is possible that the wood can warp or rot which can weaken your hammock and possibly cause injury if it were to collapse while someone was lying in it. Staining a wood hammock stand not only preserves the wood, but it can add that touch of elegance in your back yard.

If wood stands are too much work for you, then you might try looking at a metal stand. Metal stands do not require the amount of care as wood stands do, but if the stand is not made from stainless steel metal, it is possible that the stand could rust. Cheap hammock swings are more often to be packaged with non stainless steel stands, so be sure to store them somewhere dry when not in use. Only quality hammock swings usually come with stainless steel stands, so make sure to ask before you buy. Many outdoor hammock swings that are portable often come with collapsible stands usually made of metal.  These stands can fold up and be put into a bag so that you can take your hammock stand with you. Portable hammocks are great for taking it to the beach or on vacation with you.

Some lower quality hammock stands can come with plastic stands. These hammocks can usually support a real low weight, so don't get one if you want it to support a larger person. Plastic is very easy to care for, but doesn't provide the strength that is needed.

To keep your hammock around for years, you need to choose a hammock stand that will fit the environment that you will be utilizing your hammock in. You also need to provide the care necessary to the stand if it requires it. ]]></description>
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<title>How To Care For Your Hammock</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/how-to-care-for-your-hammock.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/how-to-care-for-your-hammock.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You have taken the first step to relaxation buy buying a hammock.  To preserve the hammock so that you can use it for years to come you must take a few minutes a week to perform some hammock swings care for your hammock. Cleaning it properly can extend the life of your hammock greatly.

Hammock washing involves washing your hammock swing on a regular basis. There are many ways to wash hammock fabric but it really depends on they type of hammock that you own.  Many hammocks contain wood or plastic rods called spreader bars that help keep the hammock from collapsing around you when you lay in it. If the hammock has spreader bars that cannot be removed, then washing your hammock involves hand washing it with a mild soap solution and a damp rag as there is no hammock swings cleaner available.

If your hammock doesn't have spreader bars, or if they can be removed, then you can wash the hammock in a washing machine. Make sure that you use cold temperature water as well as a non bleaching detergent. One thing to keep in mind is that washing machines are harder on a hammock then hand washing, so it can lessen the life of your hammock if repeatedly washed in the washing machine. I definitely recommend hand washing your hammock.

Hand washing a hammock is fairly easy, but it does take some time and effort. The best way to do this is to spread out the hammock on a hard flat surface so that you can cover the entire surface area of the hammock at once. You can use either a damp cloth or some sort of scrubbing brush along with a mild soap solution. Simply scrub the surface are of the hammock. Then flip over the hammock fabric and repeat the process. After you have washed both sides, hang up the hammock to dry. Try to avoid the clothes dryer if possible as the hammock fabric could shrink under the heat.

Once the hammock fabric is dry you can then use the hammock or store the hammock. If you are putting the hammock in storage, make sure it is completely dry prior to storage as mildew or mold can start growing on the fabric. If at all possible, keep your hammock in a cool dry place to avoid mold from growing onto the hammock.

Keeping your hammock clean can preserve the life of it. Hammocks are for relaxing, so keep it clean to prolong that experience. ]]></description>
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<title>Creating A Designer Kitchen Spice Rack</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/creating-a-designer-kitchen-spice-rack.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/creating-a-designer-kitchen-spice-rack.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Want a kitchen spice rack but don't like any of the store bought models. Try a designer kitchen spice rack. A designer spice rack is simply a spice rack that you build on your own. A designer spice rack has 4 major components: the spice rack frame, the spice rack container, the spice labels and the spices themselves.

The material for the spice rack frame should be chosen based on your current kitchen design. Most frames are made from a soft wood like balsa or bamboo; however you can now buy spice rack frames in popular variations like stainless steel and aluminum. The frame itself will be very durable and last a long time. Before selecting a spice rack make sure you have the container size in mind that you will use, so that the containers will fit in the rack. Also think about where the spice rack will be located. Does it need to sit on the counter or hang on the wall.

These days spice rack containers are usually glass or plastic and manufactured making them clear or see through. Plastic can be more porous than glass depending on the quality. This allows air to seep into the spices and cause them to go stale very quickly. The recommendation is to choose thick glass containers to use. Lids come in many varieties as well. It is best to choose a screw cap lit or a rubber stopper. Both types will allow for an air tight seal in the container.

Once you have the frame and container, now it is key to determine the spices you will have in your rack. If you choose to buy the spices in the containers then you can avoid this step. Being able to select your own spices allows you to customize your spice rack in the manner that you cook. It also keeps you from having spices that you will never use. Once you have the spices you need, next comes the labels. You can buy preprinted spice labels that have the most popular spice names on them. However, we recommend that you buy small labels from an office supply store and create your own. Here you can add a touch of creativity to your spice rack.

Building a designer spice rack is very easy to do. You just need to spend a little time thinking about what you want and how you want it to look. Enhance your kitchen design by creating a professional looking spice rack of your own. ]]></description>
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<title>Kitchen Spice Racks Are A Cook's Best Friend</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/kitchen-spice-racks-are-a-cook-s-best-friend.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/Accessories/kitchen-spice-racks-are-a-cook-s-best-friend.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ How do you know if a kitchen spice rack is right for you and your kitchen? There are a few questions that you need to ask yourself to determine if you need one or not. 

The easiest question to ask yourself is, when cooking doesn't finding the right spice container take too long? Let's face it when cooking, hunting through cabinets and drawers looking for that ingredient you need is not optimal. Kitchen spice racks will help organize your spices and keep them in one location in your kitchen. You will no longer have to search through your cluttered cabinets and drawers while looking for what you need. The spice rack will also free up valuable storage space in those cabinets and drawers since your spices will be neatly organized somewhere else in your kitchen. There are many different kinds of kitchen spice racks out there such as mounted wall spice racks, hanging spice racks, countertop spice and others. There is a spice rack available for every type of kitchen out there. This also means that there is a very large selection to choose from. Spend time determining which spice rack is the best for you based on available storage space in your kitchen.

Another reason you may need a spice rack is so all your spices are properly labeled. Most store bought kitchen spices come in similar jars with spice labels that look very similar to one another. Create or buy labels that easily identify the spice you so can access it quickly. Many specialty store bought kitchen spices racks come with the included spices and spice labels. Creating your own labels on the other hand is really quite easy. It allows you to add some style to your spice rack which can compliment your overall kitchen design.

If you don't already own a kitchen spice rack, most likely all your spices are stored in different containers. Your spice containers are probably made up of glass spice jars, plastic bottles or even plastic bags and Tupperware containers. Let a kitchen spice rack store your spices in a uniform container system so that everything looks neat and tidy. You will no longer run the risk of adding an incorrect spice to your dish and ruining it. Clearly marked spice labels make it a cinch to add spices while cooking.

Spice racks aren't for everyone, but if you cook regularly and use spices often, then a kitchen spice rack is a necessity for your kitchen. You will realize the benefits of owning one immediately. ]]></description>
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