Raising Bilingual Children: The First 5 Steps To Success

When I was growing up, the only way to raise a true ‘world denizen’ was at an exorbitantly priced Swiss boarding school. Luckily, such elitism has been thrown out the window, and now parents raise bilingual and multicultural children themselves. The children grow up just as world-savvy and sophisticated — and actually know their own parents! Still for the do-it-yourselfer, a few tips can smooth the way.

The most common question people ask me is “How do I raise a bilingual child the best way?” “Easy, just talk to them!” is my tongue-in-cheek response. It seems almost impossible to imagine the baby transforming into a communicating creature, let alone one conversant in several languages. Although the miraculous progress from cooing to speech occurs in exactly the same fashion whether it transpires in one or in several languages, the practicalities are different.

Here are the first steps to raising your very own polyglot tot.

1. Family agreement: Even though agreement within the family is perhaps the most essential ingredient, I am sometimes asked, “What do I do if my partner doesn’t want me speaking to our child in a language he doesn’t understand?” An insecure spouse may fear being excluded from ‘the secret language’ between the other parent and the child. Discuss and compromise. It is very important that couples find some solution that is acceptable to both parents as well as beneficial to the child.

2. Enthusiastic, yet realistic: Once the idea of two languages has settled in, many people consider adding more. Usually the number of languages spoken within the household is enough for the child to absorb, but it’s actually possible to successfully introduce as many as four languages simultaneously — provided you can offer enough exposure and need for each one. Still, research suggests that a child needs to be exposed to a language 30% of his waking time to actively speak it, and since waking time is a finite quantity, so, too, is language acquisition.

3. The practical plan: Next, you need to make sure you have a plan. Agree on who speaks what language to whom and then stick to it. There are endless variations on the two most successful language systems. The most common involves one person who always speaks to the child in the ‘foreign’ language. Anyone who is spending a significant amount of time with the child can function as this primary speaker. The second common language system is where the whole family speaks in the foreign language. To add another language beyond those already spoken within the family, or if your family doesn’t speak any foreign languages, you’ll need to provide an outside source like an immersion program, a nanny or an au pair.

4. Get together: Building a support network is probably the most underestimated success factor, so find others who are raising their children to speak your language. You’ll benefit from their knowledge and be able to share both your doubts and your triumphs. It also ensures future play dates that will provide your child with the ultimate language teachers — other kids. Books, music, movies, and toys in your minority language are the most obvious ways to boost your child’s exposure, but there is also an amazing range of other household items such as place mats, tableware, posters, etc.

5 Be patient: Raising multilingual children requires patience, and there are going to be times when doubt sneaks in. As with most aspects of parenting, it’s a long-term commitment and there will be ups and downs. But remember, that’s happening to the parents of the monolingual children too! Don’t worry if your child doesn’t speak his multiple languages as quickly or as adeptly as his peers. Instead focus upon his successes and marvel at the development of his little brain. Always praise, praise, and then praise some more! Know that when your child says, “I want a hug” in your language, you’ll almost cry with pride. At that moment, it won’t matter that it took some extra effort or that you had to wait a bit for the result.

And, hey, remember, you’re not alone. Madonna, Andre Agassi, and Antonio Banderas are among those raising bilingual children. And if they can do it, why shouldn’t you?

Christina Bosemark is the founder of the Multilingual Children’s Association, the definitive guide to raising bilingual children featuring expert advice and real world wisdom with parent discussions, resource directory, tips, articles and more. Ask us you most burning questions or share your own experiences here!

Roller Blinds

What makes the roller blind the most popular window blind around today ? Is it because they are the value for money window treatment or is there anything else in it. There is not doubt they do provide a cheap and efficient way of blocking out the light and the heat that’s comes with the light. Also the glare can spoil the enjoyment of that room, particular a TV or computer room, and damage valuable furniture and favourite plants.

The operation of roller blinds is simple especially compared to venetian blinds or roman blinds. The blinds can be rolled up or down depending on how much light is needed at any time. They are best mounted inside the window recess and can be effectively teamed up with curtains; drapes or valances to add that extra bit to the room’s décor. They are very flexible and can be used in any room of your house as well as in the conservatory. They are ideal for windows where the depth is narrow and are also the perfect way to cover storage areas. They are very easy to adjust.

Roller blinds with special reflective aluminium backing are the most popular for conservatory blinds in the UK. The sunlight in effect bounces off the back of these blinds providing effective heat protection and glare control. This means you have an effective protection for valuable furniture and plants, particularly in the conservatory.

What criteria should be taken into account when selecting roller blinds ? Well the most crucial factor in selecting a roller blind is choosing the right material. Most roller blinds are crafted from relatively translucent fabrics, so that the light entering the room is not completely blocked and some light manages to filter through giving a pleasing subdued light. If this is not enough and complete black out is needed for say small children or developing photographs then blackout blinds are also available, and these as you would expect block out the light completely. These are also effective in keeping the room cool in the summers and warm in the winters. Also the room the blinds is needed for is important. Kitchens and bathrooms require much more robust frabics which are colourfast. In general the blind should be closely woven and lightweight. Roller blinds come in a huge selection of colours and in many different styles.

Another great thing about roller blinds is that they are quite easy to maintain. The blinds are constructed of fabric that is hard wearing and will only require a simple wipe with a damp cloth.

Installation of roller blinds is relatively simple - certainly easier then other types of blind. Almost anyone can fit these with ease and in no time at all.

As mentioned previously Roller blinds are versatile with plenty of decorative possibilities and while they may lack the attractiveness of pinoleum or pleated blinds, they are an immensely practical solution. They are a great value for money and are usually priced at the lower end of the budget range. Thus, they are an affordable and practical solution for low-budget window treatments.

About the Author

Garry John has written articles about blinds and double glazing.

Plan Your Success In Seven Ways

Many businesses lose money yearly because they don’t think creatively about the future. They run their businesses doing what they think they should: dealing with customers, dealing with problems, ordering for their business, and paying their expenses. They act like their business is a job. They are surviving and that’s it. They are not looking at the big picture. They need to use their business as a stepping stone to success. Picturing themselves as a successful business person, and setting up a plan to succeed.

Many of the businesses today are started by people who have been downsized or laid off. They are used to showing up for a job and getting paid, and this is how they are operating their business.

The first thing you must do is to find out what you are really good at. Many people want to know, “How can I make more money?” Unfortunately too many business people never ask themselves, “What am I good at?” They need to do so, and then ask it again every time they want to do something new. This is one of the biggest reasons businesses fail. The owners did not focus on what they were good at and did best. This does not mean you can’t try something different. What it does mean that it is best to go with the skills and experience you already have.

The second thing you need to do is take an objective look at yourself. Take a piece of paper and write down what you can and can’t do. Picture yourself hiring you. Would you hire yourself? Would you be impressed? What do you know best? What are your hobbies? Can you turn that hobby into a business? Remember you work best at something you enjoy.

I was an exceptional secretary, so I started a word processing business. I loved typing and taking dictation by telephone, writing up letters, proposals and setting up identity packages. However, I hated having to drive around town to pick up and deliver projects, and cold calling for business. So after losing money, I shut down the business. A couple of years later I started another business where I was the assistant to businesses, but worked from my home. I got to do all the secretarial aspects, but out of a home office. All I had to do was send flyers and mailers to independent contractors. I also worked with answering services for referrals and gave them business, plus a cut of my fee.

What this means is you need to discover what your likes and dislikes are. People like to work at things they do well. They enjoy themselves more. A test for you is to think back over the last couple of days. Then make a list of the things you enjoyed doing. Think about when you were the happiest and what you were doing.

The third thing you need to think about and be able to recognize is: What your competitive edge is. After you do the above test and find out what your strengths are, you will find that some of these strengths give you an advantage over your competition. Do your particular strengths and abilities help you provide exceptional customer service? Can you do something or produce something that others can’t?

If you already have an edge over others, put it to use. Make your customers aware of your unique qualities. The way to accomplish this is to be sure any advertising or promotional campaign you employ highlights your unique selling points.

The fourth thing you need to do is to plan ahead. While your business concept or product might be unique now, as we know people love to copy what is successful. So you need to plan for the long run. You need to be aware of what your competition is doing and keep your customers coming back.

The fifth thing is that just because there are things you don’t like about your business, doesn’t mean you give up. Yes, there are going to be certain things you like better than others. Every business person feels this way. However, if you don’t like anything about what you are doing, then you might want to start a new business. Be sure before you do so, you give yourself the above test.

The sixth thing is sometimes you just need to make some changes in your business. See if there are certain things you can cut out of your business, a product or service, which you might not enjoy and it is not a profit center for you. Then drop it, and concentrate on those things that are generating a profit.

Maybe you need to make changes to make your job easier, such as buying new software, or a new computer system. Maybe hiring someone on a part time basis could take some of the workload off your shoulders, and allow you to concentrate on other business matters.

And last but not least is to be sure you take what you’ve learned about yourself, and set up a plan for your business for the future. Don’t forget to write down what you’re good at and ways that you can apply your skills to making money. You can take this information about your skills and put it in your promotional materials. Be sure you always have a notebook (or a voice recorder) with you to joint down notes to yourself, new business ideas to try. You want to be sure when you do write these things down that you also put a date next to them to implement that idea or strategy. This will give you goals to work for. Be sure to put these goals in a prominent place in your office. I put my goals on index cards and then put the index cards on my desk, on my calendar, and on my bulletin board. By having your goals visible to you, it will help you to stay on track. And, that is what it is all about - keeping your business growing and prospering.

Copyright 2003 DeFiore Enterprises

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our “how to” Home Business Solutions Digest, it’s like having your own personal coach: mailto:subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

Crazy About Crockery

As with most cooks, when I first turned to my crockpot it is because I want something savoury and easy because I don’t have the time to cook. When you check out Crazy About Crockery for the first time you will see that your crockpot can easily become your most used kitchen tool.

Not just one cookbook Crazy About Crockery is actually a 3-in-1 combo containing the Easy and Inexpensive, Soups and Stews and Entertaining cookbooks all in one very convenient package. The hard cover with plastic ring binding makes it perfect for setting down hands free while you cook from your favourite recipe(s).

The first book in the collection includes “101 Easy and Inexpensive Recipes for Less than $0.75 a serving”. Inexpensive is great but what about the taste you ask? There is no skimping on taste with these recipes, just reading them sets my mouth watering. From One-Pot Meals to Casseroles and then on to Meats (which includes wild and game recipes as well) ending finally with Supplemental Recipes (sauces and side dishes) you will find something even the most finicky eater will enjoy and well within your budget too!

Book 2 is “101 Soups & Stews for Less than $0.75 a serving”. This cookbook starts off with the Soups section, moves on to Stews and then (if you didn’t think that those were enough) even adds a section for Chowders and one for Stocks! Throughout each section are excellent tips and suggestions to make your cooking time easier, safer and shorter too. If you are having a rather large group over, try the Elephant Stew (page 59), which serves about 1,200 people.

Last but not least is the Entertaining cookbook. This too offers “101Recipes for entertaining at Less than $0.75 a serving” and we all know how hard it is to keep entertaining cost down. Entrees, Appetizers, Desserts and Beverages are all covered complete with time saving, do-ahead and other tips to make your get-together better.

Each cookbook also contains a complete index of each recipe for easy access. Try this easy recipe:

Apple Stew

• 2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into pieces
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 6-8 new red potatoes, scrubbed clean and cubed
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped

Heat oil in skillet.

In plastic bag, combine flour, salt, pepper and thyme. Add meat a few pieces at a time and shake to evenly coat. Transfer meat to hot oil and lightly brown meat on all sides. Remove meat and put in crockpot.

Add onion and celery and cook until onion turns transparent. Add to crockpot.

Combine all remaining ingredients in crockpot. Cover with lid and cook on low for 7 hours. Adjust seasonings according to taste and serve.

Prep. Time: about 15 minutes - Cost: about 63 cents per serving.

Makes 8+ Servings

About the Author

Chris WebAdmin is Owner and WebAdmin of The 1001Recipes2Send.com
Recipes Database. Become a member to recieve the weekly
newsletter alert: http://www.1001Recipes2Send.com
Download FREE eBooks at: http://www.1001Recipes2Send.com/Free

Using Your Competitors Keywords for Search Engine Optimization

There are quite a few new software and search engine
optimization solutions and products out there these days. The
main focus of them seems to concentrate on getting the best
keywords for your site. Some even offer to scan your competitors
web site in order to find out which keywords they are using,
suggesting that all you have to do is copy them and you too will
show up within the top ten listings.

Unfortunately, most companies who offer these types of services
are merely preying on the lack of consumer knowledge in regards
to true search engine optimization (SEO). They are banking on
the fact that there is an uninitiated market out there which
will unknowingly purchase these products. Usually the web site
selling the product is a plethora of testimonials and hyped
marketing jargon designed to do one thing, convince you the
product is the greatest thing on Earth. I feel sorry for the
consumers who do purchase these types of so-called search engine
marketing programs, only to discover after their money is spent,
that there is a lot more to online marketing than meets the eye.

It also leaves a bad taste in their collective mouths and truly
inhibits the integrity of the SEO industry. Once burnt, the
average consumer is a lot more wary about SEO the next time
around. Many simply fail to believe in SEO at all after a bad
experience, which does neither the consumer nor the professional
SEO firm any good whatsoever.

One of the latest marketing forays by this type of
pseudo-optimization software is the claim that all you need to
do is analyze what your competition has on their web site for
their keywords and phrases, and simply copy that formula for
success. Yeah right! They guarantee you a top ten placement by
simply following this procedure. See what the competition uses
and do the same. It worked for them, so it will work for you,
right? Please don’t fall into this trap. If it were that easy
don’t you think everyone would be doing it? As a web site owner,
use a little common sense and look beyond the hype.

A competitive analysis of a web site of similar nature to your
own is in itself an excellent idea, but let’s get realistic
about it. Sites which rank near the top of their categories are
likely to have great keywords and phrases placed throughout the
web site, but that’s only one part of the equation. The top
sites also have a lot more going for them, such as excellent
content, great meta tags and a good number of incoming links all
relative to the subject matter on the site, to mention only a
few requirements. By simply copying their keywords into your own
site, you haven’t helped yourself at all. In fact you may have
seriously damaged your chances for success. Here’s why: Let’s
say you are in the hot tub business. Your competitor sells
fiberglass hot tubs, you do not. Obviously if you simply copied
the keyword phrase “fiberglass hot tubs” into your own keywords
not only may you be a fool, but if the search engine spiders
come by and see that particular phrase within your keywords, but
find no reference nor content on your site to support that
phrase, you may be penalized. Which in layman’s terms means your
site could have a ‘black mark’ against it. Search engines tend
to greatly frown upon web sites which have keywords and phrases
that are unsupported within the sites textual content. It’s one
of the measures they take to weed out unscrupulous marketers,
who will chock a site full of car insurance terms to get a high
ranking, but once clicked upon, ends up at an adult XXX site.

Although misrepresenting your site may not have been your
intent, by merely copying your competitors keywords and using
them as your own, you run the risk of being found guilty by
association. Try explaining that to the search engines once the
damage has been done.

The analysis of your competitors keywords and phrases is a good
exercise to ensure you have similar terminology within the
content of your site. Use them as an example of how it should be
done. Do not, I repeat do not simply copy them to your own site!
Your site should have its own tone and individuality. Treat your
own keywords with respect. You must have appropriate textual
content on your own pages to support the keywords. Anything less
is an exercise in futility.

At its best, a competitive keyword analysis will give you a good
basic idea which words you should be using within the content of
your site. Incorporate some of them into your own sentences and
descriptions but try and keep a realistic approach to the
process.

One of most valuable aspects of a keyword analysis is the
ability to spot words and terms you may be missing from your
content. But before simply cutting and pasting, take a little
time to find out which terms have the most ‘weight’ or most
value, when it comes to usage by the searching public. Think
about the keywords and terms originating from the searchers’
point of view. If you were trying to find your site without
knowing it was on the Internet, what would you search for? What
would Aunt Martha search for? What words and terms is your
targeted customer likely to use when searching for your goods or
services? Here’s a real tip: Don’t guess!

There are tools you can use to assist you in this decision
making process. Take your competitive analysis keywords and run
them through a site such as Overture’s Keyword Selection tool
<http://inventory.overture.com/d/search inventory/suggestion/>

Originally designed for advertisers to select the best terms for
pay for click advertising, it will show you how many times the
term you used was searched for within the past few months. You
may discover that “hot tubs” although generic enough to score
highly, could be greatly enhanced when used as a term by adding
a single word such as “accessory” or “portable”. The power of a
single word (different from your competitors) also helps to set
your site apart and dare we say, in some cases, may help your
site to rise above them.

Remember - Choose the most popular ’searched for words and
terms’ and ensure they are contained within the content on your
site before using them as keywords within tags or title
descriptions.

Structured Settlement - Definitions, Do’s and Don’ts

What is a Structured Settlement? A Structured Settlement is a Settlement in which you receive “Structured” payments on a regular basis. In other words, it is a payment plan, in which, instead of getting a large lump sum, you receive smaller payments in increments. These increments go on weekly, monthly or yearly cycles. These settlements are often known as a win-win situation because the payer needs to come up with a lot less money up-front and the payee has a steady stream of income coming in at all times. This process can also be described as Annuity.

When are structured settlements used? Structured Settlements are often, but not limited to, these common situations:

1. Lottery Winnings - Often times, in the Lottery, you can opt to receive numerous smaller payments in exchange for a single larger payment.

2. Malpractice Cases - In situations where a family member is lost or left crippled due to medical malpractice, the party may be entitled to a structured settlement over the span of the victim’s life or as a grievance payment. These payments don’t fix things, however, they are meant to make living a little bit easier for the victims and families.

3. Insurance Cases - In many insurance cases, this form of settlement is used. This is because it is easier to make smaller payments over a longer period of time as well as the damage left behind may be better dealt with over time.

Understanding these concepts are important in the process of properly handling your income. It is important also to understand how money works over periods of time. Over long periods of time the value of the dollar is likely to decrease. This means if one was to receive, for example, $1000 a month for 20 years, that $1000 dollars could only be worth $500 at the end of the term. This is one reason some people decide to sell their structured settlement for a large lump sum.

One people decide to sell their structured settlement there are numerous reasons behind it. The first reason may be that, due to their immediate needs, they need a larger amount of money right away. A good example of this would be when buying a new car or home. Another reason people decide to sell is because they would like to invest it into something that gains equity over time and actually grows in value rather than decreases. Some people want to fight the cost of inflation and take the monthly payments and re-invest. This is the wiser choice of the two most of the time.

When selling your structured settlement or selling Annuity, it is almost always advised that you do your homework first. Don’t sell to the highest bidder right off the bat. Before hand you should read up on what your options are. Seek the help of a broker, a financial advisor and a legal professional first. By doing this, you can protect yourself from scam artist to defend yourself from transactions lacking in integrity. It is always smarter to take the safest route possible. Selling Annuity can be dangerous so it is always wise to make slow and steady steps.

Cash Structured Settlement

Sell Structured Settlement

Sell Annuity

Gage Killian
writer, web-publisher

How to Survive and Thrive Your Business Online

Success in a company is not about having the best technology or being the smartest or even about having the best customer service (although none of these could hurt). More than ever, success is now measured in speed. Today it is about thriving in an ever-evolving world where everything changes so rapidly - and that applies to any business. Today is a world surrounded by buyers who want it now, want perfection and impeccable service.

In order to succeed online, your business needs to be organized and able to handle the increased business your web site is going to generate. Here are some guidelines for running a business of speed and complete service.

1. Run your business of speed.
It’s a new phenomenon called Internet time; it’s a 24/7 kind of world today. This means if you’re business is not moving ahead 24 hours a day 7 days a week, your business is falling deeply behind. Internet time means not only doing business quickly but doing it anytime the customer wants and for as long as the customer wants it done. This I what the customers demand, and what every company doing business online needs to offer. The end result is a business that is always working, always aware of potential business, one that is always one call, email or fax away from their clients.

2. Having effective meetings means having short meetings.
Meetings are the annoyance of many employees workplace. They involve too little discussion, take up too much time, little gets accomplished, people ramble on too much, and respect and open discussion are often not granted. Meetings though are imperative, but the way in which they are run can definitely be changed for the better. Because the Internet world moves so fast, companies doing business online cannot afford to have unproductive meetings.

First set some genuine detail-oriented goals for the meeting. Let people have the option of attending, especially if the issues discussed have nothing to do with them. Post the meeting summary in a place commonly seen by employees, such as the break room. Start and end your meetings on time, and stay within thirty minutes to one hour. Have two or three shorter meetings through the day, with short goals to be accomplished by the next meeting. Also, don’t bore people with anything not on the agenda. Lastly, make the meetings enjoyable; use skits, slideshows, charts, even puppets to get your point across. These moments will likely stick in employee’s heads over the long, drawn-out boring ones.

3. Email several times a day.
In the Internet world, CEOs and employees alike uses technology to supercharge productivity. With all of the pagers, cell phones, laptops, personal organizers and more, email is definitely the most valuable tool. Set up email power sessions with employees; it allows for communication with many employees at the same time and resolves any issues fast. With an email message, you are ensured your message gets delivered to all the right people exactly how you wanted to say it, without the hassle of applying phone tag with employees or risk miscommunication and misunderstanding. Throughout the work day, make blocks of time strictly to email (sending and receiving) at least three to four times a day too.

4. Brand matters on the Internet.
If your business is going to succeed in the Internet world, you will not only need to capture the market share, but also work on improving customer relationships. Whenever your potential or current customers need your products or services, where will they go online? Which Web site will they choose first? Will it be yours? Some tips to increase your business brand online include discovering a way to position yourself as being unique from your competitors. Create the right image, and be sure you continue to reinforce that brand image in everything your company does online and offline. Increase the number of online visitors to your Web site through a variety of Internet marketing strategies. Even if your business only sells locally, do not be afraid to think and market yourself internationally on the Internet. Advertise, advertise, advertise. Remember the importance of earning your customers trust too.

5. The power of feedback.
Ask your customers for feedback, through emails, surveyed phone calls, feedback forms on your Web site, case studies and letters. Ask for feedback often, whenever you are testing out a new product, reviewing sales on an existing product or service, or simply because you want to know how your customers feel about your company. Don’t neglect receiving feedback from your employees too; they know your business too because they work with you.

6. Most importantly, have fun!
Create a working environment where your employees feel free to mix a little fun into their daily routines and express themselves comfortably. After all, a happy employee is a productive one. Let your employees know they are appreciated and needed too, and they will be proud to come to work with you.

The Internet world is about building a better business environment through increased communication, greater convenience, personal enjoyment and greater access to information. How does your business measure up online?

Wendy Suto is president of Search Circus, a Website marketing firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. She keeps pace with the latest optimization, link building and article submission tactics. Before becoming an SEO consultant, Wendy was a computer instructor for a wide range of businesses, including Gateway Computers. As a certified SEO consultant, she teaches SEO training classes in Cleveland, Ohio.
wendy@searchcircus.com

Bankruptcy Forms: Having The Right Ones

Filling out bankruptcy forms can be one of the most difficult parts about filing for bankruptcy, although these forms are a necessary evil to complete the legal process. Unfortunately these legalities can add major emotional stress to an already difficult situation. Especially if you have decided to go about filing on your own, without the help of a lawyer or financial service company, you may find yourself overwhelmed with trying to understand which bankruptcy forms are right for which chapter.

If you are an individual who is filing for bankruptcy, most likely you will be filling out bankruptcy forms specifically dealing with either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Even as a business you may be filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, although you may be filing for Chapter 11 as well. In any case, there are separate forms that need to be filled out with each particular chapter stating the intention to file bankruptcy under that chapter.

The individual or business may also have other special bankruptcy forms that go along with a particular chapter. For instance, Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 are reorganization chapters and will require a form that discusses how and when creditors will gather to meet and discuss the finances of the individual or business for repayment plans. If the individual is filing for a complete liquidation, Chapter 7, forms for possible exemption of assets will need to be filled out if the debtor plans to keep any of their personal belongings.

In all cases, the debtor will be required to file bankruptcy forms regarding a statement of petition, a list of creditors, personal income, personal property, and Declaration of penalty under perjury. These forms will simple let the courts know of the individual or business’ plan to file, the assets the debtor has available, the current available income, and the debtor’s knowledge that lying about finances will have legal consequences.

With the new age of technology, all bankruptcy forms are available through the United States court system at http://www.uscourts.gov/bkforms/bankruptcy_forms.html. Of course the availability of the forms does not necessarily mean that all individuals or businesses will clearly understand which forms apply to them. If you are confused about which forms to fill out, don’t be afraid to ask the court system for help.

Unfortunately the court system may be overwhelmed with other cases they feel are more important making it difficult to find answers to bankruptcy form questions. In this case, you can always consult with a legal aide, a bankruptcy attorney or even a financial service organization that can help you understand the paperwork better.

Even if you don’t plan on hiring an attorney to handle the case for you, it may be worth the time and energy to consult them regarding the paperwork that goes along with the process. You may also want to consider a bankruptcy service organizations online, which can help answer questions and guide debtors through the process.

Keep in mind that each state court system has secretaries available who can type up the forms for you, although there will be an additional charge for this service. Most law firm or legal aide organizations have similar services that may be beneficial in helping debtors get through the process of filing bankruptcy forms.

Credit: Ian W Anderson of Bankruptcy 411, the bankruptcy information site. For more bankruptcy information and articles like this one visit: Bankruptcy Forms

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel - Tip #5: Restrictions

It is a common assumption for most Americans that they can jump in a rental car and drive to wherever the spirit is willing to go. This makes sense as there are few restrictions in North America regarding international travel. The major car companies will usually let you travel into Canada from the US and vice versa. So it must be okay to travel to your heart’s content in Europe as long as it’s connected by road, right? Wrong. Dead wrong. And by dead wrong I mean rotting-in-a-Czech-jail-because-you-tried-to-bring-a-Mercedes-over-the-border type of wrong. These things happen. Believe me I know (from a client’s experience not my own thank God).

Some restrictions are allowed to be lifted with the proper information or documentation. Some restrictions are punishable offenses if you get caught engaging in them. And some restrictions will get you thrown in a Czech jail. The best way to deal with all these restrictions is of course to know about them in advance, which is what we will cover in this article.

First I’ll cover the most common of the misconceptions, which is ferry crossings. Most people believe that since there’s a place on the ferries for vehicles that rentals are included amongst those allowed. While it is true that the ferry operators will not care if your car is a rental, the company you rented it through surely will. So this is a two-fold issue. Let me first state that I do not in any way condone the transportation of rental cars by ferry, because it is an imposed restriction, and also because your rental insurance becomes null and void the minute you set your tires on the deck of that ship. If the ship happens to sink while your car is on it, then guess what? You now own a $30,000 metal reef. Hope you brought your scuba gear.

Many people still take their rentals on a ferry simply because they either do not know (if it’s not on the terms and conditions) or they think they can get away with it. Sometimes it’s even allowed on certain island-hopping countries, such as New Zealand, where you are expected to go from the north island to the south. There are times when nothing comes from it, and there are times when the rental company catches you, like when they have a location at the terminal and they notice one of their cars is being loaded onto a boat (the color of the license plate on a rental is typically different) or in the instance that you bump another car while on the ferry. If this happens you can bet that your bill at the end of the rental will be much higher than you initially thought.

So the ferry crossing issue is more a matter of judgement than anything else. Either you take your chances and save yourself from having to drive farther or rent two vehicles by putting your car on a ferry, or you reconsider your current itinerary. Sometimes, especially when you are traveling to smaller islands, it is best to drop the vehicle off at a port office or somewhere close, and use public transportation when you get there. The cost for placing a vehicle on a ferry by itself, coupled with the rental cost, is going to be significant as it is. Placing yourself at risk for doing so makes it double the problem.

The next restriction is more recognizable and easily understood. Although the former Eastern Block countries have recently started to join the EU, they are still rife with war-torn areas and high levels of crime. I have been chastised on many occasions by many clients who are from certain Eastern European countries that swear that these nations have a rich culture and beautiful landscape, and I do not disagree with them. However, political stigma is a hard thing to shake, especially when incidents verify the claims. Since most travelers visit the populated cities, and since these cities are the breeding grounds for criminal activity (a good example of this is Prague) then the rental companies have no choice but to impose these restrictions. The good thing is that sometimes you can pay a fee to enter these countries, but you will most likely receive a “low-risk” model, such as an Opel or Skoda. Make sure to mention to the rental company if you are planning on entering Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia or any country east of these.

The Eastern Block isn’t the only country that has restrictions. Italy, for one, will not allow BMW, Mercedes, Audi or high-end VW models in from outside the country (or they will, but the rental company won’t) and some countries require you to have an international driving license to pick up the car or travel on the highways. The countries where you need an IDL to pick up are Austria, Greece, Russia, and most of the Eastern Block. If you get pulled over and you don’t have an IDL you will be fined in Spain, Italy, and the countries mentioned above (if entering from outside). Please note that although you may not have to provide an IDL in some cases, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. They only cost 15 to 20 dollars and you can get them made from your original license at AAA (or CAA in Canada). The IDL is just your license reprinted into several different languages.

Age restrictions are more obvious on the low end (25 years and you’re okay, in some cases younger but check with your rental company as it differs per country) and less apparent on the high end (Ireland has a 75 year maximum but some of the rental companies impose it at 70 years or less) so if you are between 25 and 69 you are probably fine. If you are outside of this range, definitely ask your rental company. Some outfits charge a young or senior driver fee. Some age restrictions are tighter when you request high-end car classes. Some vans capable of holding more than 9 passengers require that you have a special license.

Of course, every city has its own restrictions (such as the congestion zone in London or pedestrian areas of Rome) so its best to brush up on your city knowledge before you go. Also, restrictions between cities exist for some cars, so if you are planning on doing a one-way rental, make sure the vehicle you have is allowed. Again, always tell the rental company what countries you are planning to visit. In conclusion, the more we know about what we can’t do allows us to do more of what we can do.

Murdoch Morris has spent 3+ years getting calls from clients who are out a rental car because they violated a restriction they were unaware of. If you have any questions regarding your specific area of travel, please feel free to contact him.

http://www.autoeurope.com

Key Treadmills - The Best Option for A Durable Treadmill?

Keys treadmills are a good quality range of treadmills offering brilliant motor warranties and some nice features. They are priced between $1,000 to $2,300 so offer a decent machine at a cost effective price.

The best feature of keys treadmills is the motor warranty which is set to 10 years. One of the most important parts of a treadmill is the motor and if it breaks down the repair cost can usually be quite hefty. With a 10 year warranty you will have no such worries. This also provides testament to the durability of these machines.

If you are overweight or expect to be using the treadmill a lot then a keys treadmill might be worth looking at further.

What amazes me is although the machines have a 10 year motor warranty they are only priced in the mid-price range. A lot of commercial treadmills that have 10 years motor warranties are priced $5,000 and up. Some even approach $10,000

Keys Fitness, manufacture all their treadmills in the USA but import parts from overseas to help them stay competitive. As a result their machines may not be as high a quality compared to other machines made solely in the US where an eye can be kept over the production process.

Advantages

The price tag of these machines range from as little as $1,000 and as high as $2,300. For this price, you’ll get a 10 year motor warranty and a lifetime warranty on frames. If durability is your number one concern then Keys treadmills offer a serious advantage over other brands.

Disadvantages

As they are not made entirely in the USA their structural quality may not be as good as other better known brands. Also $2,000 might be a bit steep for some people so you might be better off looking at cheaper treadmills that still have a decent motor warranty (about 3 years).

Recommendation

Although this brand is known for being of average structural quality, newer models have been showing some improvements. For most people a 10 year warranty is not essential 3 years will suffice. I recommend for people considering a Key treadmill to look at other brands with a lower motor warranty but better overall quality.

Dean Iggo is a keen fitness enthusiast and home gym user. He is also the webmaster of home-gym-buyers-guide.com a website providing unbiased home exercise equipment tips and reviews.