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<title>Latest Articles by msalada</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Can a HELOC Help Pay Off Existing Debt Quicker?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Credit/debt-consolidation/can-a-heloc-help-pay-off-existing-debt-quicker.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Credit/debt-consolidation/can-a-heloc-help-pay-off-existing-debt-quicker.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the current economy many people are asking the question, can a HELOC pay off existing debt quicker? Well, the answer to that question is not an easy one for many reasons. There are many things to consider when you are thinking about a home equity line of credit.

If all things are be looked at on a level playing field, I would have to answer the question as "yes." But rarely is the playing field in our lives level. So there are other things you have to consider when you are looking for ways to pay off debt, especially if it is unsecured debt (credit card debt).

Let's look at paying off debt with a home equity loan. First of all, this is a loan and will require you to be credit worthy. But most important of all the loan will be secured with your home. If you default on this loan, you are putting yourself in a position to have your home foreclosed on. There are other options that will help you get out of debt without putting your home at risk. I will get into those in a minute. 

If you do opt for a home equity line of credit, you will most likely get an interest rate that is considerably less than the interest rate on most credit cards. Also, you will be able to deduct the interest paid on this loan on your taxes. You must also understand that more than 70 percent of all people that pay off unsecured debt with home equity loans have credit card debt again within a year. This leaves you with both a loan payment and credit card payments to make each month. 

A home equity loan is not your only option for paying off credit card debt and personally, they are not something I would recommend to someone that has debt. Two better options are consumer credit counseling and a self-managed debt elimination plan. One of the best guides for getting out of debt is Larry Winget's book, "You are broke because you want to be." This guide tells you step-by-step how to set up a budget and manage your finances so that you can pay off your debt.

Consumer credit counseling is another option for paying off debt. This works best for individuals that struggle with being disciplined with managing money. Credit counselors will works with your creditors and consolidate your debts without another loan. You will make one monthly payment to the counseling agency and they will distribute it to your lenders. Your fees will be eliminated and your interest rates reduced. Your credit card accounts will be closed and you will not be allowed to open new ones until, you have completed your debt management plan. Most plans last no longer than five years. ]]></description>
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<title>Failed Gastric Bypass Surgery-Why Does it Happen?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/failed-gastric-bypass-surgery-why-does-it-happen.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/failed-gastric-bypass-surgery-why-does-it-happen.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Having had gastric bypass surgery, I am little bit shocked at the percentage of failed gastric bypass surgeries. But I guess I should not be. The people in the promotional pictures for this surgery are always going to look good. After all, how can you sell something that doesn't do what it promises? But if you look at the small print, some of them may have a disclaimer stating that the results are not typical.

The truth is for some people this surgery will save their lives and give them back a great quality of life, but for the ones that do not make lifestyle changes; they will probably be in for a rude awakening in the future. The first 6-12 months will be a big change and you will not be able to each much, but this will not last forever. After about a year, life will return to normal. I am even able to eat sugar...lots of sugar. Sometimes it makes me feel uncomfortable, but not so uncomfortable that I won't eat it.

As a result I gained 25 pounds in the last year. Now I am in the position that I am out of options. So, I have finally started doing what I should have done ten years ago...exercising and making wise food choices. Since then, I have lost 11 of the 25 pounds and hope to have the rest off within the next 2-3 months. 

But you probably wonder why people that have been given a tool to lose weight often regain some of the weight. Most of us are emotional eaters and have not learned to deal with this part of our lives. It is becoming more common to see support groups and counseling as part of both the pre-op and post-op gastric bypass program. If it is not, I highly recommend counseling or a 12 step program that helps you deal with why you eat compulsively.

Even though I have gained weight, I feel like I have gained more by losing these 11 pounds than I did when I lost my original 82 pounds. Those 82 pounds came off without doing anything. I feel like I have earned the 11 pound weight loss and that the 82 pounds was given to me. I did not value the 82 pounds like I do the 11. I am terrified of weighing 275 pounds again and I never want to have to live in that body again. ]]></description>
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<title>3 Tips on How to Lose Weight Fast</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/3-tips-on-how-to-lose-weight-fast.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/3-tips-on-how-to-lose-weight-fast.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Is losing weight fast a goal that you have? How to lose weight quickly is the dream of many people. While there are numerous weight loss plans on the market today, some will help you take the weight off more quickly than others. Losing weight quickly will take work, but if you are up for it you can achieve your goal of losing weight quickly.

1. Choose a low-carb food plan. There are a number of good low-carb weight loss plans available today and these are going to help you take the weight off quickly. Some of the most well known low-carb weight loss plans are the Medifast program, the Atkins diet and the South Beach Diet. Medifast has its own website and eDiets is a great place to get the details about the Atkins diet and the South Beach diet. Both of the sites also offer forums and online support, which are wonderful tools for getting help and keeping you motivated.

2. Step it up. If you are going to shed those unwanted pounds quickly, you are going to have to be aggressive about exercise. You are going to want to choose an aerobic exercise that will allow you to burn calories and fat. Walking is probably the best, but running, bike riding, swimming and aerobics will all work. The more time you have to dedicate exercise, the faster you will see results. Keep in mind if you have not exercised in a long time, you will most likely not be able to start out doing an hour of any activity. You will have to extend your exercise minutes over a period of time. Losing weight quickly is the goal, but the most important thing is to lose it safely.

3. Keep your eye on the target. It is important that you stay motivated. In order to lose weight fast, you do not have room for error. Once you reach your goal weight then you will be in the position to have a favorite food occasionally. Reward yourself for progress (with something other than food) and read books or website that will give you the knowledge you will need to maintain that weight loss. 

While losing weight quickly sounds ideal, it may not be realistic for everyone. As long as the scale is going the right direction you will eventually get to your goal. It is important to stick with the plan and to get back on the horse, if you fall off. Don't let a temporary set back determine your future. ]]></description>
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<title>Water Aerobics Routines for All-Around Fitness</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Aerobics/water-aerobics-routines-for-all-around-fitness.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Aerobics/water-aerobics-routines-for-all-around-fitness.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Water aerobics routines are something that can offer a complete physical workout. A complete workout consists of aerobic, resistance and stretching exercises and all these can be incorporated into a water aerobics routine. The best part about water aerobics is that water exercises will work for groups of people that cannot do other types of exercises, such as; individuals that are morbidly obese and persons that have problems with arthritis. 

The water aerobics class I attend from time to time is at a new health club and the nice thing about it is you do not have to be a member of this club to take the class. This class has a huge range of people that attend this workout session. It has almost as many men as women and most of the people are 40 or over. The younger crowd tends to opt more for high-impact aerobics and kickboxing.

We usually warm-up by walking against the current in the lazy river and then changing directions abruptly, causing us to feel like we are walking against a brick wall. If you have ever tried walking against the current when it has momentum, you will find that you do not get very far very quickly. Usually the whole class ends up laughing hysterically, but it is a great warm-up.

Next the instructor introduces that aerobic portion of the workout. This is where you increase your heart rate to target workout rate. This usually includes water walking and other exercises that will elevate your heart rate, such as; jumping jacks and kicking exercises.

Then comes resistance exercises and this is where you work specific muscle groups to build muscle strength. My instructor likes to use swimmers noodles tied in a knot to create resistance as they are dragged through the water. We also use water belts that cause resistance and added weight for strength training.

The class ends with a cool down period that involves stretching the muscles and it feels great. These classes usually have music that makes you feel motivated to move. If you have a good instructor, this can be one of the most enjoyable hours of the week. This class offers a complete workout for anyone. 

These are the types of exercise classes that are being offered at many health clubs. They offer complete workouts, making it easy for the busy person on the go to get everything they need out of one class. ]]></description>
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<title>What You Should Know About Fast Loans for Student with Bad Credit</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Business/Financing/Loans/what-you-should-know-about-fast-loans-for-student-with-bad-credit.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Business/Financing/Loans/what-you-should-know-about-fast-loans-for-student-with-bad-credit.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Today's students are faced with managing credit where student's years ago were not. This has made it necessary for individuals to seek fast loans for student with bad credit. In recent years, credit was made readily available to almost everyone that applied. As a result some student were not able maintain a good credit rating, but it is still possible to get the money necessary for a college education.

Fortunately, in the case of student loans, lending restrictions are not as rigid as they are for other types of loans. Direct student loans or loans subsidized by the government are a good place to start. There is nothing fast about these student loans. You must apply about 6-8 weeks before you need the money. In this case, earlier works better. You will be required to submit a FAFSA form. This form is lengthy and will take some time, but it can be filled out online and submitted electronically. Almost all students qualify for government loans, if you are attending a college or university as long as you have not defaulted on a student loan in the past.

Another option for bad credit student loans is private student loans. There are a number of well known lenders that will lend money for student loans. Sallie Mae, Wells Fargo and Citibank are just few of these financial institutions. These companies may require you to have a cosigner to qualify for their loans. You may be able to drop the cosigner after a designated period of on-time payments. Private student loans normally have a deferment period after graduation, but they will have a higher interest rate than a government student loan. These students loans can be gotten in a short amount of time...sometimes no longer than a week.

You do have one other resort, for emergency money and that is a payday loan. These should only be used in extreme emergencies, because they have more negative features than positive aspects. The only good thing about them is how quickly they can be gotten.

On the other hand, they must be paid back within a short period of time,usually a month or less. The fee is usually about $15 per $100 borrowed. You must also have a job and a checking account. For most students this is not going to be an option and it is not a good one for any student, but it is out there if you need it. ]]></description>
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<title>What is a Cleansing Diet?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/what-is-a-cleansing-diet.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/what-is-a-cleansing-diet.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I have recently begun to take a huge interest in my health, especially weight loss and exercise. You cannot research healthy living and weight management, without coming across the cleansing diet. That has been my latest research on becoming healthy. I have been wondering what exactly a cleansing diet is and how it can benefit me.

From the sounds of it, my first though was that it would be a laxative or a diet that would have the same results, but that is not what I found when I looked further into this program. These diets and programs are very popular right now, so needless to say, there is a lot of information and marketing online pertaining to products that cleanse and flush. What I came across sounds quite natural and very healthy. It appears to be a program that anyone could benefit from and it can be used as a permanent food plan or as a short term cleansing program that can be used periodically as you feel you need it.

Simply put, you will have to stop consuming foods that are considered toxins for a period of time and then you will have to flush the existing toxins from your system. During this time your diet will consists mostly of whole grains, vegetables (preferably organic), fruits (once again, preferably organic), pasta, rice, beans, and herbs. Organic fruits and vegetables will not have the pesticides that non organic foods may have. Be sure and rinse all fruits and vegetable well before preparing. Soy products are a great source of protein, since the cleansing diet has no animal products.

The length of time it is necessary follow this plan varies depending what resource you are getting your information from. Even a few days will benefit you, but many plans suggest 7-21 days. It can be done and due to the popularity of the cleansing diet, it is easy to find many tasty recipes that will fit into this plan.

The second part of this diet is the flush part of the program. Water makes the best flush and you should try to drink about a gallon a day during this time. Natural herbal teas and juices are also a good option along with lemonade with no sugar added. It is important to avoid sodas, coffee, and teas that contain caffeine. Exercise also helps eliminate toxins through sweat. 

The cleansing diet is something I would like to try. I guess the only thing that is stopping me is fear of failure. Even though, I have been having success losing weight, I like my lean animal protein and my dairy products. Over time I have made changes for my health and I feel the cleansing diet will also be something that I will do for its health benefits. ]]></description>
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<title>Credit Card Debt Help: What You Should Know</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Credit/debt-consolidation/credit-card-debt-help-what-you-should-know.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Credit/debt-consolidation/credit-card-debt-help-what-you-should-know.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Are you stressed out over unpaid credit card bills? Do you find that 90 percent of your credit card payment is going toward the interest on your account? You do have options for credit card debt help. You are not alone, and there are programs that can help you find debt freedom.

If you are looking for help with your debt, there are 3 types of repayment options that are available. Here is a brief overview of what to expect from each of these options:

Debt Consolidation Loan-Typically a debt consolidation loan is secured with your home. So, if you do not own a home or are not credit worthy, this alternative will not work for you. You can consolidate high interest unsecured debt at a much lower interest rate and the interest is tax deductible. But there is a downside and that is that if you default on this loan the lender can foreclose on your home. You must also be aware that more than half of all people that consolidate their debts with a home equity loan have credit card debt again within a year. This reason alone makes this debt relief option less than desirable.

Credit Counseling-This is a form of debt consolidation that does not involve a loan. If you feel you need debt help, but have not gotten more than 2-3 months behind, this option will work well for you. You unsecured debts are consolidated through the credit counseling service. Your interest rates are reduced and fees are eliminated. It is important that you follow the agreed upon arrangements, because some lenders will drop you from the program if you do not make a payment every month. Debt counseling can have you debt free in 5 years with little negative impact to your credit. One of the biggest advantages to consumer credit counseling is the one monthly payment that you make to the agency. They will take care of disbursing that payment to your creditors.

Debt Settlement-This debt help alternative is a repayment of reduced balances of your unsecured debt. This option is a good alternative to bankruptcy. You must be aware that debt negotiation will impact your credit negatively, but most people that use this option have overwhelming debt or debt that has not been paid on in more than 3 months. At this point, your credit has already been affected negatively. The debt settlement company will negotiate reduced balances on all your credit cards and you will make monthly payments to an account. When there is enough money to pay the negotiated balance, it will be paid off. This will be done until all your balances are paid off.

Which one of these options you choose will depend on your current financial situation and your discipline. Getting credit card debt help is a big step, but it will be your first step toward debt freedom and financial stability. ]]></description>
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<title>What is the Best Exercise to Lose Weight?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/what-is-the-best-exercise-to-lose-weight.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/what-is-the-best-exercise-to-lose-weight.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You have recently started a program to make you healthy, and that involved wise food decisions. And now you are wondering what the best exercise to lose weight is? To me, the answer to the question is very simple. The best exercise to lose weight is whatever you are going to stick with. If you choose something that you absolutely hate, because everyone else is doing it, you are going to consider it a chore and will not stick with it.

We are fortunate to live in a time where the options for exercise are wide open. Personally, I prefer to walk. It is as simple as going out the front door or down the steps to the treadmill. But I sometimes use a local health club; they offer a water aerobics class and a low impact aerobics class that combine aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching all in one class. These classes are available 3 times a week and if I attend these classes, that is pretty much all I need.

I also have a small step stool that is designed to step up and down on and this works great for aerobic exercise. It is easy to put the stool in front of the TV and watch your favorite shows while you are getting your aerobic exercise. I find it easier to do aerobic exercise and you will lose weight doing these exercises, but you also need to balance your exercise program with resistance or strength exercises.

Strength exercises can be done with weights or resistance bands. Resistance bands can be purchased for $20-$50. They come with instructions and can very easily be used from the comfort of your home. Resistance bands offer a complete work out and are also great for senior citizens.

Personally, I like to vary my exercise. I greatly enjoy my walks in the park, but the weather does not always cooperate. So, I have an alternative. Sometimes I enjoy being with others, so I go to a class at the health club. I have several options for exercise, depending on how I feel or what time my schedule allows. Motivation is the hardest part of exercise. It may help you to reward yourself as you reach milestones in your weight loss or exercise programs. This is a process and it will take time. Start slow and try to increase your time as the weeks pass. ]]></description>
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<title>Organizing Tips for Simple Living</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/organizing-tips-for-simple-living.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/organizing-tips-for-simple-living.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ When you think of organizing, most people think of the shows on television--the homes filled with cluttered rooms and excess possessions. But there are organizing tips available for many things in our lives. Some people need help with getting their finances organized and others could use help with time management and still others have a hard time fitting exercise and personal time into their lives. To me, organization is about having balance in your life.

Removing clutter is one of the best places to start. Seeing clear space will give you the incentive to go on. In many cases, people have clutter because they have too many possessions or they have a lack of storage. Usually, it is a combination of both. Purging possessions is difficult for many people. Individuals form attachments to things and these attachments can hold you back.

Here are five simple steps to getting organized:
*Sort-You will see this step on every TV show. A person may have things all over their floor and their furniture, but some of it you are going to need. The best way to do this is to put like things in containers. Clothes all go together, papers go together...well you get the idea.

*Purge-This is the root of a lot of clutter and disorganization...we have too many things. We are a country of excess and have come to believe that he who dies with the most possessions wins and this is not true. Excess possessions will hold you back and cause you to feel overwhelmed. Learning to part with things may take counseling in extreme cases.

*Assign a space-You will have to decide where to place the things you are going to keep. Figure out what already works well, and then it is time to design an area for the things that are left.

*Containerize-This is the part I think is the best. It is time to see your hard work take shape. Your things begin going into their assigned spaces. You can be really creative with containers. The Container Store has some unique storage ideas for every storage need. The internet also offers some great resources for storage systems.

*Maintenance-The best way to keep your new space looking organized is to maintain it regularly. Some areas may need 10-15 minutes daily. While other areas may require 15-30 minutes, 1 time a week. This is an important part of keep your space clutter free and organized. I find it easier to dedicate regular time to maintenance, rather than having to go through the whole organizing process again.

Removing clutter and organizing your space can seem very overwhelming in the beginning. Take it one room at a time and one corner at a time, if necessary. Once it is done you will be amazed at the impact it will have on your life. ]]></description>
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<title>So You Want to Lose Weight for Free and Fast</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/so-you-want-to-lose-weight-for-free-and-fast.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Weight_Loss/so-you-want-to-lose-weight-for-free-and-fast.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We Americans are bad about wanting everything now and weight loss is no different. We want to lose weight for free, fast. Well the question is how bad do you want it and how hard are you willing to work for it? If you want to lose weight fast, there is no room for error.

With that being said, you have to be realistic about your weight loss goals. Personally, your chances of being successful are going to be much greater if you do not put undue stress on yourself to meet unrealistic goals. As far as, the "free" part goes, all the information you need to lose weight can be found on the internet or the library. 

Really, it is as simple as taking in less calories than you body requires to maintain its current weight. The books or internet will give the necessary calorie count on the foods and the calorie burning numbers for exercises. Oh, and if you want to get the weight off quickly, you are going to have to exercise a lot. Have you ever seen the show "The Biggest Loser?" This shows' contestants lose weight very quickly, but they eat a very restricted diet and exercise vigorously several hours per day. If you want results quickly, you are going to have to make drastic changes in your lifestyle. Are still sure you want to lose weight quickly?

Most people want to lose weight quickly because they are trying to look good for a certain event. There is nothing wrong with this, but in most cases this goal is unrealistic. The people that have the best success with losing weight and keeping it off are the ones that are doing it to be healthier. They do not put the pressure on themselves to lose a certain amount of weight in a designated period of time. 

Losing weight is a process. Not only do you need to start eating sensibly and exercising, it is a good idea to evaluate what may have lead to the overeating in the first place. If you need to lose 10 or 20 pounds, it could be due to your metabolism slowing down and in that case, revising the way you eat and adding moderate exercise to your weekly routine will take care of that amount of weight over the next several months. But for many of us, the problem is bigger than that and it is important to get to the root of why we are overeating. ]]></description>
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