If you listen to all of the Valentine’s Day ads, it’s easy to get discouraged because you can’t go out and buy the object of your affection an expensive diamond or a room full of roses. But if you keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is a time show your love and have a good time together, it’s easy to see that high-dollar gifts are not necessary. Here are some gift ideas that your partner will love that won’t break the bank.

* Make a CD of your favorite love songs. Be sure to include any songs that have special meaning to you as a couple, such as your first wedding dance. To make it a real surprise, pop it into your partner’s car CD player without him knowing about it so that it plays when he goes to work.

* Write your lover a poem, or paint her a picture. If you’re artistically inclined, nothing says love like a piece of your work dedicated to your one and only. Have the work framed for an extra special touch.

* Make a coupon book. Create some coupons on your computer or by hand for things like breakfast in bed, back rubs and home-cooked meals. These loving gestures will show your affection long after Valentine’s Day is over, and they don’t cost anything.

* Put together a spa gift basket for your partner. Include some bubble bath, lotion, massage oil and other goodies. Then present it to the one you love and spend the evening putting it to good use together.

Get some ideas ==>Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets

* Give flowers, but don’t go overboard. A dozen red roses are considered by many to be standard protocol for Valentine’s Day, but roses are far from frugal. If your partner adores roses, consider giving her one or two long-stemmed roses instead of an entire dozen. And if she likes other flowers just as well, buy her some carnations, lilies, or a bouquet of colorful wildflowers.

This may helps you ==>Valentine’s Day Flowers

* Instead of expensive gourmet chocolates, bake your partner a cake. Draw hearts and write a love note on it with red or pink icing. You could also bake some of his favorite cookies or brownies and write short notes similar to those found on conversation heart candies on them with icing.

==>Valentine’s Day Baking Cakes Books

On Valentine’s Day, most of us want to give our partners a thoughtful and romantic gift. But we don’t have to overextend our budgets in order to do so. These gift ideas are quite inexpensive, but they do a fine job of showing your affection.

If you own a computer and utilize the internet daily, you have undoubtedly heard of the term “phishing.”  This word relates to bogus emails that are meant to tap into your personal information.  More recently (and since the economic crisis), emails are being sent “by banks” requesting that you “update your information” or saying that “there is a problem with your account” or “there has been suspicious activity in your account.”

Does this sound familiar?  If so, there is a new round of emails making their way across the globe.  One claims to be from JP Morgan Chase, who just purchased Washington Mutual.  The other claims to be from Wachovia who was acquired by Wells Fargo.  These emails are FAKE.  Do not, under any circumstances, open these emails.

If you receive an email supposedly from either bank, delete it.  And depending on whether you have an account with either one – check your account by typing in the URL to said bank.

According to AARP’s November 1, 2008 Bulletin, look out for this email:  “…the subject line reads, “Account review — Chase Team identified some unusual activity in your account.” In the other, it reads, “You have 1 new ALERT message.”  Both tell their targets to click on a link that takes them to a phony website, where they are asked to update their bank accounts by revealing personal information, including bank account number, PIN and Social Security number.”


The email supposedly from Wachovia is just as bad.  AARP states that “recipients are told to download software for its “Wachovia Security Plus” protection.  But doing so releases a virus that could infect your computer and track passwords and other personal information.”

If you are involved in any online banking and/or pay bills online, it should be noted that no bank or credit card company would ever ask for personal information – ever.

Another scam you may or may not have been aware of is the AOL Scam.  AOL was purchased by Time Warner several years ago.  Therefore, if your cable service is being supplied by Time Warner, the monthly bill will reflect the AOL monthly charge.  If you receive an email claiming to be from the AOL billing department stating that there is a problem with your account and it needs to be updated – delete it!

In addition, anytime you receive an email from AOL, you will know it is real because it is distinctive.  AOL will NEVER ask for your account number or any other personal information.

If you are an AOL user and receive email from eBay or PayPal stating any of the above, forward the email to spoof@ebay.com or spoof@paypal.com.  You will immediately receive a response indicating that you were the victim of “phishing.”

Remember, delete any email from anyone you do not know.  And if something sounds fishy, it probably is!

It may sound ludicrous to start a home-based business during a recession, but in fact it is the perfect time. Why? Because at a time when most businesses in every sector are laying off thousands of people because they cannot meet their payroll, a home-based business can ultimately fill the void.

What do we mean? If your business is service-oriented – that is, you are a computer technician, healthcare professional, writer, web-site designer, translator, or a senior care service, general house cleaner, there are individuals who need your services during this time, and in turn you are providing assistance to fill a basic need.

==>>Tips for Starting your Home-Based Service Business

Okay, while web-site designers may not fall within the realm of basic needs, they do serve a useful purpose for businesses that may have had to reduce their company size and have no one knowledgeable enough in this area to continue the maintenance of the site.

The point is, even if you start a part-time business as a writer – particularly writing article content for websites which sell products – you can make a sufficient amount of money to supplement your income.

Not yet convinced? Let’s take a look at another example. Setting up a small home-based errand service business wherein you can provide help to seniors and others is another opportunity than can yield substantial profits. You can also set up a part-time business offering care to seniors.

Perhaps you live in an urban area where seniors make up a majority of the residents. During these difficult economic times, they may not be able to afford to take taxis to and from the doctor’s office or may be unable to venture out for groceries or pick up their prescription medications. Your business could be invaluable to them.

Even during a recession, people continue to go about their daily lives working, buying food, paying bills, writing letters, communicating on the internet. If your business is designed to meet the most basic needs of your clientele, you can make more than enough money to put away and have available to you when needed.

Think about starting a home business in an area where you can not only help others, but your family as well.

What is a service business?

Service businesses are those that provide help to others. This can be anything from mowing the lawn to managing business accounts. The basis of a successful service business is one that supplies a need. In your area, it may take some research to discover the top service needs and then figure out which one you can provide.

Benefits of a home-based service business

There are several benefits to running a home-based service business. First of all, you can run the business from your home. Since you already pay a mortgage, utilities and car payments, the only thing you need spend money on now is the equipment for your business. And, running a service that began as a hobby means you already own most of the needed equipment.

Secondly, a home-based service business requires low overhead and startup costs. We alluded to the startup costs above and the low overhead means no employees but you. The key to keeping the overhead low is taking on only as many projects as you can safely and efficiently handle by yourself.

Home-based service business options

As we mentioned, you can usually run these service businesses out of your home. Establishing a website for selling your services lowers the overhead even more and maximizes your profit. With the Internet as your potential customer base, the opportunities are endless for marketing and finding clients. Here are some home-based service options.

Virtual assisting has taken off in a big way in the last ten years. Using a computer, fax machine, telephone, and Internet access, you can perform various administrative duties for large and small companies. You are paid for the work that you do so there is no extra charge for the company. Virtual assisting skills run from transcription to accounting to managing email and company websites.

Transcription by itself can be a profitable venture. Medical offices and businesspeople are always in need of someone to transcribe their audio or video files. It is far easier and less time consuming to record an interview or dictate a medical procedure. Your job will be to turn that file into a document for patient charts and online use by various businesses.

Ghostwriting is the process of writing articles, novels, eBooks and more for an individual or a company. Using your writing talent, you can make a lot of money creating literary works (print and electronic) for others who need them.

Getting started tips

There are considerations before beginning any type of business even a home-based one.

1. Check out the local laws for registering and zoning a home business. Most home businesses require no zoning issues unless you will be meeting clients in your home and posting signs in the yard.

2. Small business tax laws. Now that you are a business, you are subject to different tax exemptions, deductions and payments. Sites like www.irs.gov can give you the information you need.

3. Set up a separate work space at home. This could be as simple as using a spare bedroom or den with a door to keep your work separate. If you rely on the telephone a separate phone line can be added. When a workshop is needed, consider using a garage or purchasing a large outbuilding.

4. Use on and offline marketing methods to find clients. This includes: viral marketing, newspaper and Yellow Pages ads, flyers and direct mailings, email marketing, article marketing, setting up a website and etc.

5. Create a schedule to divide time between work and family. Balancing both is hard. Scheduling time and sticking to it means more gets done and no one is slighted.

A home-based service business is an alternative for people who want to know entrepreneurship without spending a lot in upfront costs. If you have a talent and can meet a need, consider a home-based business. Read more about it…

That’s why I just love the eGuides over at JustAddSweat.com. Of course I had to check them out before believing they could offer me a way to make money with my own business. I started by checking out the ‘How to Start a Crafts Blog for Fun and Profit’.

After reading the guide I had a very clear understanding of how to get a blog up, and what things I can do to start creating a profit with that blog.

The creators of the guides, JoAnne Westcott and Nicole Dean, are successful business owners who were sick of the hype and poor-quality business advice out there so they decided to create these guides.

What’s included:
· Ideas for types of craft blogs to start.
· Definition of a blog.
· How to set up and use your blog.
· How you can make money blogging.
· How to choose your market.
· What to blog about.
· How to get traffic to your blog and make money.

One thing that’s great about this guide is the step by step instructions, audio and videos that guide you through setting up your first blog. As you’re reading through you can have your first blog set up in a very short period of time by following what’s been laid out for you. There are audio and video portions to go with these blog setup instructions too, so you learn by your preferred method.

One thing I feel it’s missing is a bit more instruction on how to write great blog posts. I think some people who are new to internet businesses may not understand what people who come visit blogs are looking to read so I think this would be helpful.

In the appendix section there is a list that explains everything you need for setting up your business and blog, which is great for people just starting out.

There is real value in this product and for one great price you get a 35-page eGuide, a SweatStory Success interview, audio blog tips, bonus Time Management Guide and a 2009 Blogging Calendar.

I’m sure you know that craft information is high demand, and people just love to get as much information they can about crafts. By starting this type of blog you’ll be starting a topic that is near and dear to many people.

Find out all about it by visiting JustAddSweat.com now:

Rob Benwell, the creator of Blogging to the Bank has made a lot of money through creating multiple blogs, not from specializing in one area.

1. What Is Blogging To The Bank 3.0 All About?

Automation is the key when it comes to making money. Not only will your site be working for you 24/7 you will also be able to check on it for a few hours a day and then go about your day. This method is going to show you how to build your business with a step by step blueprint for making serious money on the web.

For some, blogging is still a little new but people have been doing this for a long time. There is some competition out there but if you know what you are doing and how to do it, you will be able to jump ahead of the rest and do very well with your blog.

2. Does The Blogging To The Bank 3.0 Really Work?

The information that you are going to receive from Blogging to the Bank comes from someone that has been doing this for quite some time. You will see from the website the kind of money that is already being made from blogging and know that you can do the same thing and get the same sort of results.

Of course, not everyone is going to have the same end result. Some will make more than others. You will have to put forth some sort of effort to get started and make the program work for you. Once you have everything in place, you will be able to sit back and watch your bank account grow as if you planted a tree.

3. Is The Blogging To The Bank 3.0 System Right for You?

Now is the time to get started with your new venture. The longer you sit there and think about it, someone else has already signed up and is making money. Take advantage of this great offer before it disappears and you have to wait for the next go around.

The way he operates is as follows-

1. Research the web using keyword tools, Google and Clickbank to find where the hungry crowd and money is and give them what they want.

The fact that you have no interest in the niche is irrelevant..if you want to make money with a blog.

2. Use Wordpress to set up your blogs and make sure to choose a domain name that is optimized to get traffic

3. Install the plug ins that he recommends which will optimize your blog for humans and search engines

4. Write content or outsource it for the particular niche

5. Promote your blog through SEO and Web 2.0 methods and drive traffic to your blog

6. Sell Clickbank products and use Adsense from Google to monetize

7. Rinse and repeat..do it again and again and ramp up the successful niches and abandon the losers.

Blogging to the Bank 3.0 ebook is quite short..and to the point.

This book comes with 60 day money back guarantee so if you have any problems or are not satisfied then you will get your money back.

Start NOW! – Click below to get it

Blogging, which actually had its start in 1995 but has gained more popularity in recent years, is a way for people to spread the word about their opinions and first-hand reviews on things. Blogs are everywhere, thanks to the free services like Google’s blogger.com that allow anyone to build a blog in a matter of minutes from any computer. A blog is essentially an online journal where you can share a lot of opinions and reviews of things daily and this Just Add Sweat guide will show you exactly how to get yours set up.

If you love sharing your opinions and reviews about different things, then you have the skills needed to build a review blog and start earning money for your reviews. How? Companies know that consumer reviews are a powerful marketing tool to get the word out about their products and services.

Many are willing to pay big bucks to people who are willing to review their offerings. There are paid surveys that companies send out to carefully targeted consumers. They can offer anywhere from $1 to $10 or more per review and are mostly sent out via email to people who sign up to do them. Combine this with posting the questions and answers on your blog for more earnings.

There are also research studies and product reviews that may include trying an actual product for a period of time and then writing an honest review. Those can pay between $15-75 for each review and you get to keep the product afterwards.

You can also earn from reviews by selling advertising on your blog and earning commissions from companies who sell the products you review.
The potential to earn a good income from writing about products and services on your blog are endless. Just do a quick search online and you will find hundreds of ideas what to write about and where. Chances are something you just tried recently is available for you to write about on your blog.

Recommended Additional Resource:

To learn the step-by-step details of how to set up your up your review blog, pick up your copy of the Just Add Sweat Guide to Start a Review Blog. You’ll not only learn the nuts and bolts of how to get started, but how to make money and enjoy your new business.

Check any search engine and you may find millions of sites on how to make money as a blogger. Having perused many of these sites, the bloggers boast that their earnings are in the thousands per month. How do they do it?

Here are some of the methods used:

* Google AdSense
* Text link ads
* Affiliate programs
* Merchandising on their blog site
* Podcasts
* Donations
* Consultations
* Writing for blog sites
* Becoming a professional blogger full time
* Creating your own blog site

Another way to make money online is to join network blogs. If you love to write, there are a variety of blog sites that are looking for writers to post on a daily basis. All you need to do is find a blog that offers a niche you are familiar with and can write about in a unique style.

Some of the more popular blog sites include: Health, iPhone, Science, Food, Technology, Content Writers, Sports, Caregivers, Baby Boomers, just to name a few. There is a blog site for everyone. The main ingredient is to find a voice that brings in traffic. The more traffic generated, the more money you will make as a blogger.

Selling e-books and guides are another source for bloggers to utilize by writing specific topics designed to generate traffic on their blog site.

More importantly, the best way to earn money as a blogger is to join as many blog sites as possible. Read the posts, become acquainted with the subject matter, then begin posting to those sites that offer compensation.

As with any endeavor of this kind, networking is the key. Perhaps you have friends or acquaintances that have blog sites and need content. There is a wealth of information on how to begin the process of becoming a blogger as well as learning how to create your own online blog.

Once you become familiar with the methods stated above, you can earn income while you sleep. The only caveat is that you have to commit as much time as possible in researching this area and develop a voice that is friendly, engaging, and will attract a myriad of readers to your site or whatever blog site you submit posts to.

Attending college is an expensive proposition. Some families set up college funds while their children are young, but many do not. Fortunately, help is available from many sources, one of which is the federal government.

Federal student aid helps lots of students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to pursue higher education each year. Anyone can apply, and assistance is based on family income and assets. You don’t have to be at the top of your class to get help like you do with most scholarships.

In order to receive education assistance from the government, one must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA for short. This form asks questions about the student’s income, assets and debts, or those of the parents if the student is a dependent. Applicants must also answer questions about family size and number of family members in college.

The FAFSA may be filled out online, or students can obtain paper forms from their schools. There are lots of questions, but the answers to most can be found on income tax forms from the prior year. Many schools hold free workshops to assist students and parents who need help filling out the FAFSA, so there should be no cost whatsoever in applying for student aid.


What Happens After You File

Once your FAFSA is filed, the government calculates your expected family contribution (EFC). This is the amount that they determine you and/or your family are able to pay toward your education. You will receive a Student Aid Report that contains this information a few weeks after filing.

When filing a FAFSA, you should specify which colleges you are considering so that they will also receive a copy of your report. Upon receipt of your report, the college’s student aid office will put together a financial aid package for you. The package may include grants, work-study opportunities and loans from the federal government. Individual schools may also offer financial aid from private programs based on your Student Aid Report.

Some types of federal aid have special requirements. Some require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Others are only available to first or second year college students or those pursuing certain majors. Many have no special requirements, but you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security Number in most cases to receive any type of federal aid. More info, check out
===>> StudentLoansMentor

Federal aid can put college within reach for most students. But it’s important to file your FAFSA as early as possible, because schools distribute federal funds on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, keep in mind that you must file a new FAFSA each year to continue receiving aid.

Having help from friends and family can reduce the burden of saving for college. In the past, it was difficult for others to make contributions specifically for college expenses. They usually had to send cash or a check and hope that it would go toward college. But with the Freshman Fund, making such a contribution has become much simpler.

The Freshman Fund is a company that facilitates contributions into 529 college savings plans. Parents can create an account for a child and notify friends and family members. When they want to make a contribution, they can easily do so online. Funds are then put into a designated 529 account. If the parents have not yet opened such an account, funds are held in an interest-free account until they do so.

Those who wish to send a gift of college savings can do so even if the recipient doesn’t have a Freshman Fund account. Gift certificates may be sent to anyone with an email address. The recipient can redeem the certificate into any 529 plan. This is a wonderful way to encourage those you care about to start saving for college, and it ensures that the money will not be spent on something else.

College Money for Birthdays and Holidays


More and more parents are opting to discourage traditional gift giving for holidays and birthdays. It seems that most of the gifts end up collecting dust, wasting space and eventually cluttering up landfills. Encouraging friends and family to give money for college is much more practical, especially considering that their gifts will draw interest until your child pursues higher education.

==>> Check out StudentLoansMentor now…
Freshman Fund users can send email notifications to others to let them know how they can make a contribution. They could also add links to the account to birthday party invitations. These are great ways to encourage contributions as an alternative to the usual kinds of gifts.

A 529 plan can help you save the money your kids will need for a college education. And now, it’s easier than it has ever been for people outside the immediate family to pitch in. When combined with family contributions, Freshman Fund contributions can really add up. By the time your child is old enough to go to college, he could feasibly have enough money to pay for tuition, fees and other allowable expenses with little or no outside help.