Articles by Steve Gillman on ArticleSnatch.com

Bad Credit Rating - A Good Thing?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A bad credit rating is usually considered a problem, but is it always so? Are there circumstances where it can be beneficial? Credit is a tool that has to be handled with wisdom to be of value. Being able to borrow money or get credit cards doesn't automatically make a person able to handle that power. In fact, it has gotten many people into serious financial trouble. Wouldn't it have been better for many of them if they had not been able to obtain credit? Bad Credit Rating - Two True Stories A friend, whom I will call Jill, didn't pay a phone bill early in adulthood, and made a few other minor mistakes that hurt her credit rating. While it was true that this made it difficult to get a home mortgage later in life, it is also true that it made it almost impossible for her to get credit cards. This was a a good thing, as even she will admit. She just wasn't ready to handle that kind of responsibility, and so her poor credit rating has prevented her from getting deep into debt. **End Summary** Topics: bad credit rating]]> credit rating]]> credit]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To learn Ways To Make And Save Money , and to get the free "Unusual Ways (To Make And Save Money) Newsletter," as well as free e-courses and ebooks, visit: http://www.UnusualWaysToMakeMoney.com

Try This Creative Problem Solving Technique

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

There are many creative problem solving techniques, and each will lead you to different kinds of solutions. One of the simplest, though, is the "add, subtract and change" technique. What follows is a basic explanation of how to use it to generate more creative solutions. Add Whatever you are working on, whether a scientific experiment, a business concept, or a personal issue with family, this technique can help. It starts with the simple question, "What can I add to this?" Open your mind up in answering this. If designing a new vehicle for people who love the outdoors, it's easy to imagine things to add; a tent platform on the roof, a skylight for star viewing, windows with screens, etc. With other problems you will have to think more widely. For example, if you are trying to find a way to travel to India, you may not immediately think of things to "add" to the problem. Money does come to mind, though, and something as seemingly meaningless as "a group of people" might trigger the idea to go free as a guide, or to get a reduced fare for selling a tour to friends. **End Summary** Topics: creative problem solving]]> creative]]> problem solving]]> technique]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. Want to learn dozens more Creative Problem Solving Techniques ? Visit: http://www.99reports.com/problem-solving.html

Real Genius - IQ or Creativity?

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

What is real genius, and how do we cultivate it in ourselves? A common dictionary definition is, "Extraordinary intellectual power especially as manifested in creative activity." Some definitions refer to a high IQ as well, but that doesn't seem to be an important component. Both intellectual power and creativity can certainly exist without a high level of intelligence, as I will explain. Real genius, then, whether in the sciences, arts, or business, is about finding new, creative and effective ways to do things. How high a man or woman scores on some test of intelligence is not so relevant. How productive he or she is in producing new ideas is the most defining factor. Genius Is In The Software If we look at the brain and mind as a computer, we can see that the physical part, made up of neurons and such, is the hardware. This is the computer before we install the operating system and various programs. If it is potentially more powerful, that's great. But it isn't enough. In order to realize that power, to use it, we need the programs. What would the computer on your desk be worth without any software? **End Summary** Topics: real genius]]> genius]]> IQ]]> brainpower]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more on How To Think Creatively , and to get the Brain Power Newsletter and other free gifts, visit: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com

Six Types Of Homes - And Their Advantages

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The following types of homes are not differentiated by whether they are brick or wood or Victorian or modern. This is about the different purposes a house can serve according to your situation and goals. Which one is right for you? Maybe the advantages and disadvantages of each listed below can help you decide. Condos Condominiums are simple. Ordinarily the lawn mowing and all outside maintenance is included in the association dues. You never worry about the yard or the roof, and there may even be a pool that you don't have to clean. This makes life simple for retirees, single people and young couples without kids. Sometimes they are also great starter homes. When we were living in Tucson, Arizona, for example, two bedroom houses started at $160,000, but a two bedroom condo could be bought for $80,000. Keep in mind though, that in some areas condos will cost more than houses. Also, there will be rules, so be sure you can live with them before you buy. A Family Home A basic family home is usually the goal if you have children. **End Summary** Topics: types of homes]]> homes]]> house]]> real estate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, get a free ebook on how to buy Cheap Homes , and a free real estate investing course, visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Words Are The Roots Of War

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The roots of war? Perhaps they are many, but if we're talking about the killing of thousands, the bombing of countries and the large scale conflicts of the last five thousand years or so, one of the roots has to be our use of language. Here is an understanding of war you may not have heard before. Violence Versus War Humans, like other animals, are by nature violent in their thoughts and actions. We respond instinctively and forcefully to attacks on our bodies, and even to attacks on our imagined "selves" if we have not grown beyond this form of ego identification. Of course, there were always those among us who were the aggressors, trying to take what wasn't theirs, or to harm others for no reason beyond the temporary pleasure, power or profit gained from doing so. But in the past this resulted only in fighting and killing on a relatively small scale. We were violent, but only on a more personal level. Aggressors and defenders were there, but could barely conceive of large scale killing, and couldn't carry it out. In fact, it's difficult to imagine pre-language humans killing by the hundreds, let alone the thousands or millions. **End Summary** Topics: roots of war]]> war]]> language]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To learn how to have New Thoughts And Creative Ideas , go now and subscribe to the free Radical Thinking Course at: http://www.RadicalNewThoughts.com

How To Be A Slumlord

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

You may not realize it, but the real estate investor who is typically called a slumlord is providing a needed service. Though there are those who are truly taking advantage of people, many who are given this ignoble title are simply providing affordable housing. If a family rents an ugly house, which needs paint and has a dirt driveway, it is a safe bet that they do so because it is the best thing they can afford at the time. If it was not available they would be in worse housing or in a worse financial situation because of higher rent. It is condescending to assume that people are too ignorant to see what their best option is just because they have a low income. From the perspective of a real estate investor who wants a decent return, ugly homes are an opportunity. Generally unwanted by home owners, they sell for less. They also rent for less, but not too much less, and so usually provide more cash flow than "nice" rentals. **End Summary** Topics: slumlord]]> real estate investing]]> real estate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, and get a free Real Estate Investing Course , visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Six Cheap Family Vacations

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Cheap family vacations? Is that even possible anymore with the price of gasoline and everything else going up? Yes, relatively speaking. There are a number of ways to cut the costs. Here are six examples to get you thinking. 1. Vacation With Family Or Friends If you have any family or friends in nice places, this may be the time to visit, especially if they are within driving distance. Apart from the costs to drive there, most of the other expenses will be for things that you would be spending money on in any case. If you and a friend both live in an interesting place, you might even swap houses for a week. If a friend has a cabin on a lake that you can borrow, that works as well. 2. Camping Vacations If your kids like a bit of adventure and outdoor living, a camping trip can still be an affordable vacation. Just keep it closer to home to keep the travel costs down. There are beaches on the great lakes where you can camp for free, for example. The kids can swim and explore the woods every day. **End Summary** Topics: cheap family vacations]]> vacations]]> family]]> cheap]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. Get the free Travel Secrets Ebook , as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com

A Quick Lesson On How To Be Smarter

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Here is the quick lesson on how to be smarter: Do something that has been shown to improve brain function until doing so becomes a habit. Then do another thing that boosts brainpower until that is a habit. Then eat something that is good for the brain. Then eat another brain food. With enough of these brain boosting practices and substances and habits you'll be noticeably smarter. For the sake of this article I will use one example: exercise. Recent studies reported on at the annual Meeting Of The Society Of Psychophysiological Research in Montreal recently show immediate benefits from exercising, as well as long-term effects. It seems that exercise helps your brain work more efficiently right now and actually makes you smarter in the long run. Subjects were tested beforehand in order to measure their thinking abilities. Then they ran on a treadmill for thirty minutes. When their heart rates returned to normal resting levels they took follow-up tests to compare with the first set. Participants were also connected to an electroencephalogram (EEG), in order to track their brain waves during the testing. Exercise had increased the speed of their decision-making by a fraction of a second on average. **End Summary** Topics: how to be smarter]]> smarter]]> brainpower]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more on How To Get Smarter , go get the Brainpower Newsletter and other free gifts at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com

Backpacking - Six Ways To Save Money

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As pack weights get lighter and going into the wilderness gets safer, backpacking also is getting more and more expensive. How do you save money without giving up the ultralight equipment and safety gear? Let's look at a few different ways. Backpacking in the most remote places has become much safer now that there are personal locator beacons. One I recently saw advertised lets you call for help to 911 and family or friends at the touch of a button. It will even locate you on Google maps so others can see exactly where you are. Of course, at almost $200 for the device plus an annual fee of $100 per year for the service, it isn't cheap. My alternative? Just bring your cell phone and GPS unit. If you already own the phone you will only have to buy the GPS, and using it is free. When in trouble you can call for help on your phone and give the coordinates of where you are. They can type them into an online service themselves to see where you are on a map. **End Summary** Topics: backpacking]]> save money]]> money]]> backpackers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To get an ebook on Lightweight Backpacking for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Ecuador - What You May Not Know

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Most people are not aware that the Galapagos Islands are a part of Ecuador. In fact, many people don't seem to even know where Ecuador is. It's a small country in South America, and if you have a map handy you can find it just south of Colombia. Here are a few other things you may not have known about it. The Currency Is The U.S. Dollar You won't have to exchange your money if you travel to Ecuador from the United States. The same bills and coins in your pockets will work just fine. In fact, although the country does produce some of its own coins, the U.S. dollar is the only official currency, and all bills are imported from the United States. Be sure to bring as many small bills as you can, however. Many small shops won't have enough change for a twenty-dollar bill (and some not even enough for a ten). Ecuador Isn't Hot Because the equator runs through it, most people think that the country is hot. But it only gets really hot in the Amazon basin. **End Summary** Topics: ecuador]]> travel]]> south america]]> chimborazo]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more Information On Ecuador , including our latest trip reports and travel tips, visit: http://www.EcuadorNow.com

How To Be A Mind Reader

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Do you want to be a mind reader? Well, lets get the disappointing part out of the way: You won't be able to hear the thoughts of others, and there is little evidence that anyone has ever had this kind of ability. Most of what passes as mind reading is a mix of nonsense and psychological tactics for creating the appearance of looking into the mind of another. The good news is that there are ways to get a clue as to what is going on inside a person's mind. Here are several techniques you can try for yourself. I will warn you though, that these can take practice, and are not always easy. Reading Lips Some people move their lips when deep in thought, mouthing the words they are hearing or repeating in their minds. If you train yourself in lip reading, you can pick up on their thoughts in this way. Undoubtedly many lip-reading deaf people already do this. It is even more common for people to move their lips to the words they're reading. Many of us do this without being aware of it. **End Summary** Topics: mind reader]]> mind]]> mind reading]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. You'll find more on Mind Reading in "Secrets You Aren't Supposed To Know." To get your copy, or to sign up your free "secrets" course, visit: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com

Fixer Uppers - Five Steps and Two Principles

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Most new investors in fixer uppers have the basic idea that you buy a house in need of some repairs and cleaning, you fix it up and sell it for a profit. That's a good start, but how do you know if there will be a profit, and what changes to make? Many investors have lost money on their renovation projects, after all. You have to have a clear idea of the profit potential before you make an offer on a house. How do you do this? Try the following five steps. 1. Make a plan for repairs and improvements. 2. Determine what the house will sell for when it is ready. 3. Estimate the total expenses for repairs and all buying, holding and selling costs. 4. Decide what you would like for a profit for the project. 5. Subtract all projected expenses and your desired profit from the estimated selling price. The resulting figure is the most you can pay for the house if you want a safe investment. You'll want to make an offer lower than this to leave room for negotiations. That's the safe formula for fixer uppers. **End Summary** Topics: fixer uppers]]> house]]> real estate]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, and get a free course on Investing In Real Estate , visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Get Your Thinking Out Of The Box

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

What is thinking out of the box? It is getting outside the usual ways of looking at things (that's the box) to arrive at new and useful ideas. How do you do it? Here is one of the many ways. How To Get Your Thinking Out Of The Box One of the simplest techniques for "out of the box" thinking is to identify each of the elements of the "box" and consider any alternatives that come to mind, even crazy ones. Most of these will not be useful, but work with them and some may be made into ideas that aren't so crazy after all. Once in a while they may even lead to great innovations. Let's look at a specific example to see how this works. Suppose you want to stop smoking, and you are looking for a creative new way to do this? First, you need to identify the ideas, assumptions and solutions that are common. These are the basis of the "box." They could include: - It is a matter of willpower. - This is a personal goal. - You'll pay for some program to help you quit. - You have to stop smoking. **End Summary** Topics: thinking out of the box]]> thinking]]> creative]]> brainpower]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more on Out Of The Box Thinking , and to get the Brain Power Newsletter and other free gifts, visit: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/out-of-the-box.html

How To Buy A House

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

There has been a lot written about the mechanics of how to buy a house. You get prequalified for a loan, then perhaps preapproved, and then you look for a home, make an offer, have inspections done and so on. Many people can help you through the process. But what if you can't get preapproved? What if you have little income, bad credit or other serious problems that prevent you from buying a home? Mortgage loan requirements are being toughened up again now. Once again you might even need a down payment to get a loan. A bad credit rating no longer just means paying a higher interest rate - it can actually exclude you from obtaining a mortgage loan. But there still is hope. Let's look at how to buy a house when it doesn't seem quite possible. How To Buy A House With Bad Credit To begin with, if it is a slight credit problem, you may still be able to get a traditional loan. There are several ways to do this. The first is to correct any errors on your credit report, and challenge any entries you disagree with. You have a legal right to do this. **End Summary** Topics: how to buy a house]]> buy a house]]> house]]> real estate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, get a free ebook on how to buy Cheap Homes , and a free real estate investing course, visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Travel Cheap - The Second Way

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

One basic way to travel cheap is to learn all the special tricks and techniques. There are days of the week when flights cost less, for example, and places where you can find the specials for cruises and hotel packages. I highly recommend learning a few of the insider secrets to getting the best deal. But there is another way to travel for less. It starts with a whole different approach to travel planning. Most people begin with a decision about where they want to go, when they want to go there, and what they want to do. Then they start looking for the best package deal, or the cheapest flights. Sometimes this can work well, but it is also very limiting and can get very expensive. If you decide to go to a popular resort town at the height of the season it will likely cost a lot no matter how well you hunt down the deals. The other way to travel cheap is to change how you approach traveling. What follows is meant for those who love the adventure of going new places and those who are open minded enough to look beyond their usual dream destinations. **End Summary** Topics: travel cheap]]> travel]]> secrets]]> opportunistic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. Get the free Travel Secrets Ebook , as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com

Lost Treasures In Houses

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

What kind of lost treasures can you find in an old house? You have probably heard about the rare book found in the attic that was worth thousands, or the antiques that people find. That's fun too, but this is about the things which somebody actually hid on purpose. It's common to hide valuables or money in attics, in basements, under the stairs, and in many places around the house. It is sadly also common to die without telling anyone that you have hidden things, or where they are hidden. This is how it becomes lost treasure. Where To Find Lost Treasures I was helping to clean out an old house once, and I found a jar full of pennies in the attic. It was the usual story; the old man who had previously owned the house died shorty after selling it. He had no family, and had forgotten about many of the things he had hidden in the house. I might still have some of the old coins from that jar in my collection. Some of the other things I found up in the attic brought me sixty dollars or so at a rummage sale. **End Summary** Topics: lost treasures]]> lost]]> treasures]]> cash]]> valuables]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more on Treasure Hunting , and to win real prizes in a treasure hunt you can enter for free, visit http://www.ColoradoTreasureHunting.com

Renting Versus Buying A Home - Four Questions

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When considering renting versus buying a home, forget the biased advice of those who think it is always better to buy. Instead, consider the important questions you need to ask. Here are four of them. 1. How long will you be there? Generally, if you will be moving in the next few years, you'll be better off renting. Of course this wasn't true during the last real estate bubble, when home values in some areas were going up 20% or more annually. But then some of those who timed it wrong and bought in the summer of 2006 saw a 20% decline in value in the following years. How would you like to be facing a move when you owe more on your home than it is worth? Unless you want to gamble, consider buying only when you'll be in the home for a while. 2. What will the cost of owning the home be? Add up all the various costs. Include the mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, utilities (guess if you have to), any immediate updates or improvements you'll be making, and a reasonable amount for maintenance. Figure the total average monthly cost of owning the home. **End Summary** Topics: renting versus buying a home]]> renting]]> buying]]> home]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, get a free ebook on how to buy Inexpensive Homes , and a free real estate investing course, visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Get A Raise - Five Steps

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

You think it's time that you get a raise from your employer, but how do you go about it? Do it wrong and you may make things even worse. How do you do it right? Try the following five-step process. 1. Make sure you deserve the raise. It may seem too obvious to say that you should do a good job before asking for a raise, but it is also often overlooked. Many employees seem to feel that simply showing up for a year merits an increase in pay. It doesn't. Actually, even working hard doesn't mean much, if you are not working on things that matter. The question is whether you are bringing real value to the employer. In other words, make sure you are not just busy, but doing what needs to be done. 2. Let your employer know you are valuable. Doing a great job won't help if the person who makes the decision on your pay doesn't know it. Be visible. Leave a memo telling your boss what you accomplished that week, or have associates point out what you are doing. **End Summary** Topics: get a raise]]> raise]]> job]]> employer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more Life Secrets and Insider Information , go get your free "secrets" course at: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com

Choosing A Sleeping Bag - Six Questions

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

What kind of sleeping bag should you get? That depends on how you will use it. Of course, it also depends on what your budget is. So decide what you can spend, and then consider the following six questions before you go shopping. 1. What is the coldest weather you will be camping in? If your backpacking is limited to the summer months, you can probably get away with any sleeping bag rated down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Otherwise, consider your future plans and get a bag that will work at the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. If it is too warm for summer use, you can always open it up like a blanket and lay it loosely over yourself so it won't hold in so much heat. Another alternative is to buy one bag for winter trips and one for summer. 2. What kinds of conditions will you be camping in? The conditions you can expect will determine what fill is best for you. If you will always be backpacking in the northwest, and so possibly getting wet most of the time, you don't want down. It loses most of its insulating ability when wet. **End Summary** Topics: sleeping bag]]> camping]]> backpacking]]> ultralight backpacking]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

What Is Brain Fog?

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

You may have heard the expression, or even had the experience, but what is brain fog? It is that state of mind when you can't quite focus or think clearly. As for how to cure it, that depends on the cause. There are two basic kinds of causes. Physical Causes Of Brain Fog A lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate. Sleep requirements vary, but the bare minimum for almost everyone is somewhere around five hours, and many of us suffer if we sleep less than seven or eight hours. Some research indicates that after a minimum quantity, the quality of sleep is more important to the normal functioning of your brain. Too much sugar can cause brain fog. To prove this to yourself, eat a piece of sugary cake on an empty stomach and try to do math problems thirty minutes later. What you'll experience is commonly known as the "sugar blues," and can leave you tired and irritable. Avoid eating too much sugar if you want mental clarity. Certain prescription drugs can cause brain fog. Illness, alcohol and even brain damage are possible culprits too. **End Summary** Topics: what is brain fog]]> brain fog]]> brain]]> clear thinking]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more on Clear Thinking , and to get the Brain Power Newsletter and other free gifts, visit: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com

Where To Find Buried Treasure

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

You may not know this, but there is a lot of buried treasure out there. We're not talking about pirate treasure, although there is undoubtedly still some of that to be found. This is about the cash and valuables that are buried all over this country. For example, billions of dollars of cash is unaccounted for in bank accounts - far more than what is in our pockets. Some of it is in underground. Why is there so much buried treasure? Because people like to hide things. There is probably more goodies stashed out there than ever before, for the simple reason that there are more people around. It's a matter of the numbers. But why would so much remain hidden and waiting for a treasure hunter to find it? That has a simple explanation too: those who buried it are gone. People forget that they buried things, and move. Some are not able to get at their stash because they're in prison for a crime - perhaps for life. The most common scenario, though is the saddest: The man or woman who put that treasure in the ground is also in the ground now. **End Summary** Topics: buried treasure]]> treasure]]> buried]]> treasure hunting]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more on Treasure Hunting Techniques , and to win real prizes in a treasure hunt you can enter for free, visit http://www.ColoradoTreasureHunting.com

Backpacking At Ten Below Zero

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

We were both thirteen years old and backpacking in Michigan without adults (times were different back then). Camping miles from the nearest road, in a single-wall pup tent, we tried not to move too much, because doing so resulted in a shower of icy crystals raining down on us - the frozen condensation from our own breath. When we got up that morning, the thermometer read ten or eleven degrees below zero. We got out of the tent and everything was glittering with those same crystals, which only seem to form on the coldest days. Jim suggested that we should take off our coats, sweaters and shirts and shake them out. They get flattened by sleeping in them, and this would fluff them up, making them warmer. That was his theory. Soon we were standing there in the snow at ten below with our bare skin turning red. Fortunately, we were able to dress again before losing the feeling in our fingers. Fluffing up the clothing did help it to trap more air and insulate better, so we warmed up quickly. Probably this would have been a better idea after we had the fire going, but it worked. **End Summary** Topics: backpacking]]> winter backpacking]]> staying warm]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Secrets Of Treasure Hunters

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It is true that treasure hunters know a few things the rest of us don't usually know. They are familiar with common hiding places where people put their valuables and money, for example. They know the usual locations for buried treasure. More generally, they know that we humans like to hide things far more often than most suspect, and that many of us die without ever revealing to a soul what we have hidden or where. Still, there is more to being a treasure hunter than having a bit of special knowledge. So if you want to start your own hunt for hidden and buried treasure, don't think that reading a few books on the subject will be enough. You also have to develop the right mind set. Patience is a requirement, for example, or you'll never dig up those fifty almost-worthless pennies just to finally find one old and valuable one. You also have to think a certain way. You'll need the ability to mentally put yourself in the past and also in the head of the person who hides something, in order to guess where it is buried or otherwise hidden. **End Summary** Topics: treasure hunters]]> treasure]]> hidden treasure]]> buried treasure]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. For more Secrets Of Treasure Hunters , and to win real prizes in a treasure hunt you can enter for free, visit http://www.ColoradoTreasureHunting.com

Property Taxes - Get Them Reduced!

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A few years back, I bought a rental and decided that my property taxes were too high. I paid $16,000 for the place (remember those prices?), but the county assessor had the property pegged at a market value of $18,400. Each spring the county had a day when one could appeal the assessment in person, so I made my case to one of the designated "judges." I brought the closing statement showing what I paid for the property and mentioned that I wasn't related to the seller, and that he had been trying to sell the property for six months. The $16,000 I paid was clearly a fair market price. They immediately lowered the assessment and subsequent taxes, and the whole process took only a few minutes of my time. Occasionally it can be that easy. It was a different story when my wife and I bought a house in Montana. We purchased it in 2002 from a bank for $17,500 (I have a history of buying cheap real estate), after it had been on the market a few months. **End Summary** Topics: property taxes]]> property]]> taxes]]> real estate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, get a free ebook on how to buy Cheap Homes, learn how to do your own Real Estate Appraisal , and get a free real estate investing course, visit: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/real-estate-appraisal.html

Five Cheap Beach Vacation Ideas

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The typical trip to a beach resort is expensive, to say the least. How, then, can you find a cheap beach vacation? Start by identifying what you really want. Do you really need to stay at a big resort? If that's important to you, and you still want to save some money on your trip, you need to be flexible on dates a bit. Try the "shoulder season" (just before the season gets going or right after it starts to wind down). Often there are deals that save you as much as 50% at these times. Also, you can just keep checking different dates for both plane tickets and hotels. Sometimes the difference of a day or two can save you hundreds of dollars. What if you don't need a big resort experience? What if you just want to visit any warm and relaxing sandy shore? What if you aren't sure what you want, but you know it has to be a cheap beach vacation? Here are some of the less expensive alternatives. Caretaking Vacations In Hawaii, California or Costa Rica there may be somebody just waiting for you to come and stay in their house while they're absent. **End Summary** Topics: cheap beach vacation]]> vacation]]> beach]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Copyright Steve Gillman. Read about the ultimate Beach Vacation , get the free "Travel Secrets" ebook, as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com