When you think of the necessary evils that go hand in hand with hitting the highways, what do you think of? Traffic's probably first on the list. The cost of gasoline. The hassle of trying to keep your car cleaned out and in good condition despite your morning commute and the aggravation of people who can't figure out that hosting talk shows before the morning fog is cleared from your brain is a bad idea. And auto insurance. Don't forget about trying to find ways to save money on auto insurance.
If there's one thing you never, ever want to leave home without, regardless of who you are or where you happen to be going, it's a good auto insurance policy. Your auto insurance does a lot more than pick up the tab if you're in an accident. It protects your assets and your financial future, since the costs associated with a major uninsured accident could have a significant, lasting impact. It makes sure you can keep your vehicle registered, especially in states that don't give their drivers the option to hit the highways uninsured. It can provide you with emergency roadside assistance and help with your rental costs when push comes to shove.
In other words, it's pretty darn important.
Just because it's important doesn't mean it should send your budget crashing to the ground, however. There are ways to save money on auto insurance. Most of them aren't that difficult, and they don't cost much to find. All you have to do is know where to look.
EASY WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON AUTO INSURANCE
1) Shop around. With over fifty huge national insurance providers and who knows how many local agents operating in cities from coast to coast, competition in the auto insurance industry is your friend. Since most companies don't offer a whole lot of variety when it comes to the insurance coverage they offer they have to distinguish themselves with their prices. That can work in your favor if you're willing to take the time to compare prices, name drop and put a bidding war in motion.
2) Shop for discounts. You'd be amazed what will help you save money on auto insurance these days. For example, did you know that because teachers and engineers statistically have fewer accidents each year they pay less in auto insurance premiums? And drivers over the age of 55 are often eligible for special discounts only available to retirees. The kind of car you drive, the amount of time you spend on the road every day, your credit score and your car's safety features are only a few of the things that combine to save you money on your auto insurance.
3) Follow the rules of the road. You'd be amazed what a difference a single ticket or a single accident can make on your insurance premiums, so don't let it happen. Keeping your driving record clean is the most important thing you can do to save money on auto insurance.
4) Take a driver improvement course. It doesn't matter whether you're a bad driver, a great driver or the next Mario Andretti. When your auto insurance provider issues you a policy the only thing they know about you is what the DMV tells them. Taking a driver improvement course adds points onto your license and gives you an aura of respectability in the insurance world-a respectability that translates into big savings on your auto insurance.
Finding ways to save money on auto insurance isn't hard, so what are you waiting for? Contact your insurance provider today and start putting your money back where it belongs-working for you.
5/03/2009
Discover More on Tattoos Made Famous
While we may think tattoos have been made popular today by a celebrity and in the past only worn by sailors or bikers, you would be amazed to find out that tattoos have been a part of life for centuries and centuries and was performed world-wide by the time of Christ. The first known celebrity, if you will, would have been King Harold II of England who is the first known royalty to bear a tattoo. It was a tattoo on his chest that identified him as the king to William the Conqueror as he lay dying on the battlefield in 1066. It read, "Edith and England" which was a reference to his mistress and later wife and is reported to be one of a few tattoos upon the king's body. Tattoos as a fashion seemed to fade with King Harold II's death but re-emerged as fashionable as the exploration of the globe progressed in the 1600's.
At this point in time is when sailors came back with tattoos after their voyages and it was a matter of time before the royal and socially elite started putting ink to their skin. The mother of Winston Churchill, Lady Randolph Spencer Churchill, was mentioned as having a small snake tattoo around her wrist which she covered by bracelets went she desired for it not to show. She was one of many who sported tattoos at the time, men or women. Franklin D. Roosevelt had a tattoo of his family crest and Thomas Edison had five dots on his forearm arranged like the five dots on a die.
More recently in time is a resurgence in the art of tattooing from famous movie stars to sport's icons and of course the musician. Could there be anyone that draws more attention to tattoo art than perhaps the actress Angelina Jolie? Ms. Jolie has had several tattoo sessions and a few tattoo removal sessions as well. Of all her current tattoos, there are three that stand out and are most remembered by people. It is her Thai tattoos of the Buddhist Pali incantation and Bengal tiger both done by Sompong Kanhphaiin tattoo artist in Thailand as well as the geographic coordinates on her arm in reference to the birthplaces of her children. Angelina is not alone in the actor field sporting a tattoo, but musicians have probably been more noted for their body art.
Lenny Kravitz has at least two ink jobs with a cross and a dragon, Jon Bon Jovi carries a superman insignia, long horn skull and a dragon tat, while Beyonce has a praying angel on her upper thigh. Brittany Spears has brought to light the importance of choosing tattoos carefully. The sport's world also has members with body art. Who can forget Dennis Rodman's numerous tattoos all over including a picture of his daughter, a cross and a Harley Davidson tattoo. David Beckham is reported to have nine tattoos that make reference to family and his sport and a winged guardian angel to look over all of them which is placed across the shoulder blades and down his spine. Anna Kournikova has a large star pattern inked in on her lower back.
Tattoo art now embraces all of humanity, from all races and income levels. The reasons for a tattoo may be clear or unknown, but tattoo is an artful language developed over centuries and continues strong today.
At this point in time is when sailors came back with tattoos after their voyages and it was a matter of time before the royal and socially elite started putting ink to their skin. The mother of Winston Churchill, Lady Randolph Spencer Churchill, was mentioned as having a small snake tattoo around her wrist which she covered by bracelets went she desired for it not to show. She was one of many who sported tattoos at the time, men or women. Franklin D. Roosevelt had a tattoo of his family crest and Thomas Edison had five dots on his forearm arranged like the five dots on a die.
More recently in time is a resurgence in the art of tattooing from famous movie stars to sport's icons and of course the musician. Could there be anyone that draws more attention to tattoo art than perhaps the actress Angelina Jolie? Ms. Jolie has had several tattoo sessions and a few tattoo removal sessions as well. Of all her current tattoos, there are three that stand out and are most remembered by people. It is her Thai tattoos of the Buddhist Pali incantation and Bengal tiger both done by Sompong Kanhphaiin tattoo artist in Thailand as well as the geographic coordinates on her arm in reference to the birthplaces of her children. Angelina is not alone in the actor field sporting a tattoo, but musicians have probably been more noted for their body art.
Lenny Kravitz has at least two ink jobs with a cross and a dragon, Jon Bon Jovi carries a superman insignia, long horn skull and a dragon tat, while Beyonce has a praying angel on her upper thigh. Brittany Spears has brought to light the importance of choosing tattoos carefully. The sport's world also has members with body art. Who can forget Dennis Rodman's numerous tattoos all over including a picture of his daughter, a cross and a Harley Davidson tattoo. David Beckham is reported to have nine tattoos that make reference to family and his sport and a winged guardian angel to look over all of them which is placed across the shoulder blades and down his spine. Anna Kournikova has a large star pattern inked in on her lower back.
Tattoo art now embraces all of humanity, from all races and income levels. The reasons for a tattoo may be clear or unknown, but tattoo is an artful language developed over centuries and continues strong today.
4/10/2009
Cruising For Culture
Just imagine: the pyramids of Egypt, amazing Petra in Jordan, the canals of Venice. There's no need to simply imagine. A cruise vacation can bring these and other cultural destinations to life and provide up-close-and-personal shore excursions that will enlighten your mind. Best of all, you unpack once and travel in style with features and amenities that will pamper and relax you.
Cultural experiences onshore
One of the most exciting aspects of a cruise vacation is planning your cruise activities onshore. Most cruises visit a variety of fascinating ports on any one journey each offering new sights, exotic cultures and world-renowned landmarks to explore.The best way to experience a destination's ambiance is through a cruise line's shore excursion program. From awe inspiring Alaska to the marvels of the Mediterranean, the list of shore excursions offering cultural opportunities and adventurous activities will boggle the mind.
Shore excursions
Cultural cruise activities vary depending on where you're cruising. Some of the smaller port stops are relatively easy to explore independently; however, to experience numerous sites in and around your port of call it's best to sign up for one of the ship's shore excursions.
Quite often excursions offered by the cruise line take considerable planning and would be difficult to arrange yourself once in port. Designed to make the most of your time in port and cover a range of tastes, shore excursions arranged by the cruise line include anything from cultural walking tours, museums, culinary schools and shopping tours to adventures such as sailing, zip-lining, helicopter rides, biking, kayaking and wildlife treks. Best of all traveling on these shore excursions you will meet like-minded people from your cruise.
Another added benefit of taking part in a cruise line arranged shore excursion is that the ship will not depart until all shore excursions have returned. Talk about peace of mind!
Booking shore excursions
It's a good idea to start planning your shore excursion choices early. You will most likely receive a program of your ship's shore excursion options with your cruise documents once you have booked and paid for the trip.
Shore excursions are generally an additional cost to your cruise and can be billed to your shipboard account. Ideally the excursions should be booked as soon as you arrive on the ship, as the most popular trips have a tendency to sell out very quickly. Better yet most cruise lines allow guests to book in advance of the sailing on the line's Web site or through their travel agent.
Once on board, a great way to understand the vast tour offerings is to attend the very informative shore excursion talks that are hosted by the ship's staff. Additionally, some voyages may offer enrichment lectures on various topics relating to the ports you will be visiting. These are a great way to find your feet on shore, so to speak.
Cruising to far off lands is not only very exciting, but also a very culturally enlightening experience. Immerse yourself during a shore excursion and get set to learn, absorb and explore the world around you.
Cultural experiences onshore
One of the most exciting aspects of a cruise vacation is planning your cruise activities onshore. Most cruises visit a variety of fascinating ports on any one journey each offering new sights, exotic cultures and world-renowned landmarks to explore.The best way to experience a destination's ambiance is through a cruise line's shore excursion program. From awe inspiring Alaska to the marvels of the Mediterranean, the list of shore excursions offering cultural opportunities and adventurous activities will boggle the mind.
Shore excursions
Cultural cruise activities vary depending on where you're cruising. Some of the smaller port stops are relatively easy to explore independently; however, to experience numerous sites in and around your port of call it's best to sign up for one of the ship's shore excursions.
Quite often excursions offered by the cruise line take considerable planning and would be difficult to arrange yourself once in port. Designed to make the most of your time in port and cover a range of tastes, shore excursions arranged by the cruise line include anything from cultural walking tours, museums, culinary schools and shopping tours to adventures such as sailing, zip-lining, helicopter rides, biking, kayaking and wildlife treks. Best of all traveling on these shore excursions you will meet like-minded people from your cruise.
Another added benefit of taking part in a cruise line arranged shore excursion is that the ship will not depart until all shore excursions have returned. Talk about peace of mind!
Booking shore excursions
It's a good idea to start planning your shore excursion choices early. You will most likely receive a program of your ship's shore excursion options with your cruise documents once you have booked and paid for the trip.
Shore excursions are generally an additional cost to your cruise and can be billed to your shipboard account. Ideally the excursions should be booked as soon as you arrive on the ship, as the most popular trips have a tendency to sell out very quickly. Better yet most cruise lines allow guests to book in advance of the sailing on the line's Web site or through their travel agent.
Once on board, a great way to understand the vast tour offerings is to attend the very informative shore excursion talks that are hosted by the ship's staff. Additionally, some voyages may offer enrichment lectures on various topics relating to the ports you will be visiting. These are a great way to find your feet on shore, so to speak.
Cruising to far off lands is not only very exciting, but also a very culturally enlightening experience. Immerse yourself during a shore excursion and get set to learn, absorb and explore the world around you.
4/07/2009
What is a FICO Score?
Have you ever tried to get a loan, buy a car, get a job or rent an apartment? If the answer to that is yes you're probably already familiar with your FICO score. It's the three digit number that credit reporting agencies use to rate your credit and, by default, tell lenders, employers and landlords how reliable a risk you really are.
No, it's not fair, but there you have it. Your worth as a person has been reduced to a number. (You knew the day would come when we would all just become numbers in the system, but you probably had no idea that that day was coming so soon!) Your FICO score is going to play a big role in your future, so it's important that you take care of it.
What is FICO?
FICO, an acronym for Fair Isaac Co., is a balance of all of the factors that make up your credit score. Before you can start understanding how they figure out your FICO you have to first understand what goes into it. When credit reporting agencies like Experian, TransUnion and/or Equifax calculate your credit score they look at:
1) Your bill paying history. A single late payment (late being 30 days or more) on your credit card is going to have a bad affect on your FICO score. So are unpaid medical bills, unpaid invoices and any other outstanding bill that's been reported to a collections agency. That why the single most important thing you can do to keep your FICO healthy and ensure that you never have trouble getting the credit you need is to keep your bills current, and make payment plans for those you know you're not going to be able to pay by their payment due date.
2) Your credit history. How much credit do you have? People with little to no credit are going to have as hard a time, if not harder, obtaining credit as a person with bad credit. It's reached the point where, if you prefer to pay for things with cash and you choose not to have a credit card, you're almost punished in terms of a notably lowered FICO.
3) Your debt. Believe it or not, credit reporting agencies do put a limit on how much debt they want you to have. They want you to be in just enough debt to have to make monthly payments, but not enough that you're going to be struggling if you decide to take on several thousands of dollars more. Yes, it's bizarre. It's much better for everyone if you just go with it.
Believe it or not, your job, where you live and who you are as a person has absolutely nothing to do with your FICO score. Your FICO score is all about how you manage your finances, how you've managed them in the past and, by default, how a lender can expect you to manage them in the future.
The actual process that credit reporting agencies use to calculate your credit score involves the use of an algorithm that probably couldn't be understood by Einstein, so don't worry too much about it! Just try to keep your credit as clean as possible and you'll be able to enjoy an unbelievable number of benefits.
No, it's not fair, but there you have it. Your worth as a person has been reduced to a number. (You knew the day would come when we would all just become numbers in the system, but you probably had no idea that that day was coming so soon!) Your FICO score is going to play a big role in your future, so it's important that you take care of it.
What is FICO?
FICO, an acronym for Fair Isaac Co., is a balance of all of the factors that make up your credit score. Before you can start understanding how they figure out your FICO you have to first understand what goes into it. When credit reporting agencies like Experian, TransUnion and/or Equifax calculate your credit score they look at:
1) Your bill paying history. A single late payment (late being 30 days or more) on your credit card is going to have a bad affect on your FICO score. So are unpaid medical bills, unpaid invoices and any other outstanding bill that's been reported to a collections agency. That why the single most important thing you can do to keep your FICO healthy and ensure that you never have trouble getting the credit you need is to keep your bills current, and make payment plans for those you know you're not going to be able to pay by their payment due date.
2) Your credit history. How much credit do you have? People with little to no credit are going to have as hard a time, if not harder, obtaining credit as a person with bad credit. It's reached the point where, if you prefer to pay for things with cash and you choose not to have a credit card, you're almost punished in terms of a notably lowered FICO.
3) Your debt. Believe it or not, credit reporting agencies do put a limit on how much debt they want you to have. They want you to be in just enough debt to have to make monthly payments, but not enough that you're going to be struggling if you decide to take on several thousands of dollars more. Yes, it's bizarre. It's much better for everyone if you just go with it.
Believe it or not, your job, where you live and who you are as a person has absolutely nothing to do with your FICO score. Your FICO score is all about how you manage your finances, how you've managed them in the past and, by default, how a lender can expect you to manage them in the future.
The actual process that credit reporting agencies use to calculate your credit score involves the use of an algorithm that probably couldn't be understood by Einstein, so don't worry too much about it! Just try to keep your credit as clean as possible and you'll be able to enjoy an unbelievable number of benefits.
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