Articles by Scott Russell on ArticleSnatch.com

3 Ways to Lower Your Credit Card Debt Painlessly

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed by your credit card debt, you're in good company. Credit card debt is an increasing problem for many people these days, with balances getting larger and larger and minimum payments increasing to budget-busting levels. But you really can lower your debt load by following a few very simple strategies: 1. Never, Ever Pay a Late Fee Late fees have been increasing by leaps and bounds lately, and grace periods having been getting shorter and shorter. Make sure you always pay at least your minimum payment on time. If you are absolutely unable to pay even that, then call your credit card bank and alert them. You might be able to buy yourself some time. If you are late with even a single payment by as little as a day, there is a very good chance the bank will raise your interest rate, often by 50% or even more. Over time, this can can add up to charges far more significant than the 30 or 40 dollar late fee. 2. Have Your Interest Rate Lowered If your credit card interest rate is too high, call your bank and ask them to lower it. **End Summary** Topics: debt]]> personal finance]]> credit cards]]> bankruptcy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on how to get credit card debt help , including do it yourself debt negotiation methods and do it yourself debt settlement methods, visit debtconquest.com

How to Redecorate Your Home For very Little Money

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When you're redecorating a room or any section of your house, it helps to have a definite model in mind, be it a spread of a room from a magazine or pictures of one of the model homes put up by your builder. If you have these photos or magazines in hand, it's time to head to the home store. Looking at your magazines or photos, take time to consider the details that make those rooms and homes special. Consider the wall colors, window treatments, and floor coverings. What is on the walls? Above the sofa, is there one large sized photograph or painting or rather a grouping of smaller ones? What color is the matting and how much space from the photo to the frame? Details, details, details. Draw a sketch of the picture arrangement and the sizes in your notebook. Having the magazines or photos gives you a huge advantage at the store: you already know exactly what you want, how it goes together and what it will look like. But you also don't have to break the bank to create your room. You probably already have the furniture pieces and accessories. **End Summary** Topics: redecorating]]> home improvement]]> interior design]]> leather dining chairs]]> dining rooms]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great prices on such furniture as parson chairs , and trendy modern dining chairs , be sure to visit Leather Dining Chairs Direct.

Ideas on How To Make Your House Look Like A Model Home

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Is your new home looking a bit plain and far less impressive or inviting than the model homes decorated by your builder? Are you starting to wonder if your new home will ever look as good as you had imagined or if it is doomed to remain dull and lifeless? Here's how you can get your home looking every bit as good as those model homes or the houses in magazines. Start with with one specific room in the model home or in a magazine that you absolutely love. Let's call this your dream room. If possible, head on over to the model home to feel and study the space or the room you will get the best results. Ask the agent in charge if you are allowed to take a few photos of the models too. This will help when you get home and when you shop. Take a tape measure and a spiral notebook with you to make notes and draw sketches. I like the ones with plastic tabs and pockets inside. Ask yourself what exactly you like about the room. Are all the walls the same color and the ceiling too? **End Summary** Topics: kitchen stools]]> leather bar stools]]> home decorating]]> interior design]]> home]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For the very lowest prices on kitchen stools and leather bar stools including free shipping, go to Kitchen Bar Stools Direct.

How You Can Save Big Money On A Repositioning Cruise

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

One of the top ways to book an inexpensive cruise is to take a trip on one of the repositioning routes. A repositioning cruise generally sails in either the fall or the spring, during which time the cruise companies are moving their boats from Alaska to the Caribbean or vice versa. These just happen to be, in my opinion, the best times to cruise Alaska anyway, so you get the advantage of great weather, few bugs, and absolutely fantastic pricing to boot. Instead of moving these cruise boats empty between the two regions, destinations, the cruise companies carry passengers on these repositioning voyages at what often amounts to a huge savings over regular in-season Alaskan cruise pricing. Repositioning cruises can be either short or long, ranging from three day routes between California and Vancouver or Seattle to far longer Trans Pacific trips. The longer types of cruises that include ocean crossings often stop at few ports, but this gives ship passengers an excellent chance to enjoy all the modern entertainment on board the ship when it is not very crowded. **End Summary** Topics: cruises]]> travel]]> vacations]]> leisure]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For much more in depth Tracy Arm , Alaska vacation travel and Alaskan cruises in general, visit alaska-cruise-advisor.com.

Easy Ways to Find Great Alaska Vacation Bargains

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Not all that many years ago, it was very possible to find many low cost fares to Alaska without much effort. Nowadays, however, such bargains are getting harder and harder to find, with demand for Alaska cruises on the rise. So how can you save money on your cruise? Is is really even still possible to see Alaska and stay on a budget? The answer is definitely yes there really are great deals out there -- if you know when and where you should look. Many folks believe that the very best strategy to get cheap cruise fares to Alaska is to book at the very last minute. But while this method used to work reasonably well (and still works very well for Caribbean cruises, due to the larger number of ships in that region), it is no longer a very effective strategy for Alaskan cruises. Alaskan ships often sell out far in advance for the months of July and August. Despite their higher cost, balcony rooms tend to be the first to sell out, especially on Holland America cruises. **End Summary** Topics: Alaskan cruise]]> Alaska tour]]> Alaska vacations]]> Alaska cruise deals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For much a complete guide to Alaska vacations and Alaska tour adventures be sure to visit the Alaskan Cruise Advisor website.

The 5 Best Honeymoon Resorts

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If you are planning your honeymoon or romantic getaway, I have compiled the following list of the very best honeymoon resorts anywhere to help you decide on the ideal spot for your vacation. So let's get right to my choices for the top 5 honeymoon resorts in the world: 5. Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico This resort is on my list due to its excellent service -- maybe the best anywhere. The location is incredible, the grounds are impeccably kept, the food is world-class, the beach is wonderful, and the views... well you simply have to see them to appreciate them. But it is the service that really makes this hotel so great. The wonderful staff will cater to your every need and ensure that you experience the most amazing, memorable, and romantic honeymoon possible. 4. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico This resort is simply elegant. Situated in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Cabo, Las Ventanas has world-class accommodations, facilities, dining, and service. It's the kind of place where you are likely to rub elbows with celebrities, and the level of service is bound to make you feel like a movie star yourself. **End Summary** Topics: honeymoon resorts]]> romantic getaways]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on these honeymoon locations and other honeymoon destinations , including Caribbean honeymoon resorts ,visit http://www.romantic-honeymoon-destinations.com

3 Great Methods to Reduce Credit Card Debt

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Credit card debt is a problem for millions of Americans that just continues to get worse and worse. Here are the top three methods I know to start to reduce that debt and begin digging yourself out of that hole: 1. Make use of interest-free trials When looking for a new credit card, find one with an interest-free trail offer. Some offer a year or even more with no interest on balance transfers and new purchases. If your new card offers the latter, use it to make those new purchases - but make sure you put away money to pay off the balance before the trail period is up, and use any money you save on interest to pay off your pre-existing credit card debt. 2. Work to have your current credit card interest rate reduced Once you have stopped adding to your debt, the next step is to get lower interest rates. Did you know that most credit card companies will put increase your interest rate by as much as 100% if you so much as make one late payment? Even if payment is just one day late, the banks will often drastically raise your interest rate. **End Summary** Topics: credit card debt]]> credit card debt reduction]]> debt help]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on how to find credit card debt help , bankruptcy alternatives , and stop debt in its tracks, go to http://www.debtconquest.com

The 5 Bigggest Misconceptions About Alaska

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

People have quite a few misconceptions about visiting Alaska and taking an Alaskan cruise. Below are the top five myths I've encountered regarding Alaska vacations: 1. The weather in May and September is too cold The Inside Passage section of Alaska actually has a relatively mild and moderate marine climate, more like that of Seattle than of northern Alaska. The temperature along the Inside Passage only varies about ten degrees from the coolest part of the cruise season in May and late September to the warmest time of the summer, when it can get up to the high 60's. 2. You'll see polar bears on a cruise While there are many incredible sights that you will see on an Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska cruise, you won't see any Polar bears. These massive bears live almost exclusively on arctic ice flows in the far northern region of Alaska. The cruise route focuses on southern and central Alaska. However, you might well see grizzly bears on your cruise, for they are very common in lower Alaska and are an incredible sight. 3. It rains all the time It definitely does rain quite a bit in southern coastal Alaska. **End Summary** Topics: Alaska]]> Alaskan cruises]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To learn all about Alaska Cruises , including Alaska cruise tours and Alaska excursions , visit http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com.

Family Vacations: Why You Should Consider a Cruise

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Are you wondering what the easiest way is to bring your kids on a vacation to an exotic or even exciting destination? Odds are, you're a bit wary about the logistics - dragging the kids from plane to plane or on ferry rides between islands can be a real drag. The solution is simple - take your kids on a cruise! Not only are kids welcome on most cruises, but the majority of modern ships are built with kids in mind, offering a wide variety of kid-friendly activities, facilities, and clubs. Start by looking into the major cruise companies. You can either call your travel agent or do some research online. Look into not just cruise lines but also individual cruise ships as each have specific offerings and features. The ideal is to find a ship that is the prefect match for your kids' interests and likes. Some ships definitely offer far more diverse children's activities and facilities, so it definitely pays to do your homework before booking. **End Summary** Topics: family vacations]]> family cruises]]> cruising]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For much more information on cruising, visit Alaska Cruise Information , a guide to Alaska cruises and Alaska tour adventures.

How to Buy Swivel Barstools

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Swivel Barstools are growing in popularity these days. There are a number of wonderful new styles of barstools available, from more traditional leather bar stools to more modern kitchen bar stools that come in a variety of sleek and trendy designs. Now if you haven't shopped for barstools in a while, you might be surprised by just how cool and stylish they have become. Forget the image of a boring wooden stool with an equally boring cushion. Today's barstools really can make a bold design statement and can help enhance the design of your kitchen, dining room, den, or really any other living area. In addition to providing versatile seating for many different occasions, from casual to more formal, barstools can be both economical and long lasting. New types of kitchen bar stools have become an essential element in the modern food preparation area and provide easy additional seating. Other models of stools are actually manufactured for outdoor usage and can really spice up your patio decor. **End Summary** Topics: swivel barstools]]> kitchen bar stools]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For the best prices on breakfast bar stools including free shipping, go to Kitchen Stools Direct

How to Buy Home Entertainment Center Furniture

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A home entertainment center furniture is the often the focal point of a family room. They can serve not only as a display and storage space for televisions, DVD players, and home theater equipment, but they can also provide space for housing other types of electronic equipment. Entertainment centers are available in all types of designs and colors ranging from from the oak to cherry. They also come in a variety of styles, from antique to modern. Along with the design and colors, the craftsmanship of the piece is very important as it will house some of your most valuable equipment. Excellent quality craftsmanship also ensures longer lifespan for the furniture. When you are shopping for your entertainment center furniture, make sure to check the quality of the wood used. Doing bit of research on the Internet beforehand always helps ensure you choose the best quality piece of furniture for your home. When you select your entertainment center furniture, you should take into account the overall decor or your family room or other living space. **End Summary** Topics: entertainment center furniture]]> home entertainment center]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great prices on furniture, including leather bar stools , visit Kitchen Stools Direct.

A Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Are you considering purchasing a memory foam mattress? If so, then you may be about all the hype and confusing claims made by the different advertisements for memory foam. If you know how to choose the right mattress for you, a memory foam mattress can significantly improve your sleep and continue to do so for many years to come. The name "memory foam" originated in the first years of the space program, and thus the material is also known as "NASA foam". Memory foam has many unique qualities. First off, the foam molds itself to the shape of your body, yet, when you get up, the mattress will slowly regain it's original shape. Another great feature of memory foam is that it almost completely eliminates pressure points, making for a much better and more restful night's sleep. In addition, the foam is sensitive to temperature and softens on contact with your body, due to the heat transfer. Another unique feature of a memory foam mattress is temperature sensitivity. Within a short time of your body lying on the mattress, your body temperature will start to cause the memory foam to soften. **End Summary** Topics: memory foam mattresses]]> memory foam mattress]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To save big money on your furniture including parson chairs , be sure to visit Leather Dining Chairs Direct.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

For everyone that is planning on visiting L.A. (and for those lucky enough to live here), I have put together this list of the top 10 things to do in Los Angeles. Of course, there are far too many great attractions and activities in Southern California to fit onto any one list. But consider this a good starting point in planning your trip to the region. I've included everything from the most popular tourist spots to some lesser known gems you might otherwise miss. So here, in my opinion, are the top 10 things to do in L.A and vicinity.: 10. Stop by the world famous Rodeo Drive. Still the swankiest shopping in town and still a good place to look for celebrities and people watch. 9. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits and the Paige Museum. While you are at it, stop by neighboring LACMA too. 8. Visit the Grove outdoor shopping center. It's beautiful, usually sunny, with a great water fountain and even better celebrity spotting potential. 7. Check out the Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard. **End Summary** Topics: los angeles attractions]]> los angeles sightseeing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For much more information on Los Angeles sightseeing , visit the Los Angeles attractions website.

San Diego Zoos - Which One is the Best?

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The San Diego Zoo is world famous, with top-notch facilities and thousands of animals. It has the reputation for being one of if not the best zoos in the world. This reputation is well earned, as the zoo is a spectacular experience that anyone visiting the city should not miss. There are all varieties of rare and exotic animals at the zoo, from panda bears to polar bears, elephants, giraffes, and much more. The shows are also top-notch, from the trained bird show to a great aquatic show involving California sea lions. When visiting the San Diego Zoo, plan to spend the better part of the day, especially if you have kids. There is so much to see and do, and the weather in San Diego is as close to perfect year-round as anywhere on the planet. The park surrounding the zoo, Balboa Park, is quite spectacular too and is home to more than a half dozen great museums, so if you have time, check them out as well - they are located just south of the entrance to the zoo. **End Summary** Topics: San Diego zoos]]> San Diego attractions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For much more information on tourism San Diego style, check out San Diego Attractions

Top 5 San Francisco Tourist Spots

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

So you're heading out to San Francisco and you want to know what to see? Here's a list of the top 5 San Francisco tourist spots, from those you might have heard of to those you might not have. I've included only places located within the city, so place further afield like Marin and Alcatraz didn't make the list. So here are the places within city limits that you really need to see when visiting San Francisco. Coit Tower - Located on a hill with 360 degree views, Coit tower is a landmark that provides the best views in town. The walk up the hill can take a bit of work, but once you are there, you buy tickets for an elevator ride to the top. Make sure you bring a camera and binoculars if you have them, because the views in all directions are truly breathtaking. Golden Gate Park - Located at the western end of the city, from the Haight all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park is a truly beautiful and enormous area, with lakes, forested areas, museums, gardens, hiking trails, and even bison roaming! **End Summary** Topics: san francisco tourist]]> san francisco day trips]]> san francisco attractions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For much more information on San Francisco day trips visit San Francisco Attractions

Cruise Ratings: How Do the Cruise Lines Compare?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If you're planning a vacation on board one the major cruise lines, objective cruise ratings can incredibly helpful in choosing the right cruise line to fit your needs. Naturally everybody who's been on cruises has their own opinion as to which cruise line is the best or which fall a bit short of the mark. So what are some objective ratings that will allow you to find the best cruise for you and your family are group? Different cruise lines have better reputations in different regions. For example, whereas Carnival Cruise Lines is one of the largest in the Caribbean, yet they have the smallest presence of the three cruise lines operating in Alaska. Therefore, if you are cruising the Caribbean, Carnival makes an excellent choice, particularly if you are looking for a bargain fare. On the other hand, Carnival's sister lines, Princess and Holland America, have the largest numbers of ships sailing in Alaska and have been rated the top two cruise lines serving the area. **End Summary** Topics: cruise ratings]]> princess]]> holland america]]> NCL]]> alaska cruise]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Check out the Alaskan Cruise Advisor for much more information on your Alaska vacation options.

What to Wear in Las Vegas

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

For starters, Vegas is, in general, a very casual city no matter the season or the time of day. It's most casual in the summer months, during which daytime temperatures reach well up into the hundreds (it's dry but very, very hot). So shorts and tee shirts rule the day during the summer months, even inside the casinos and in most of the restaurants. Of course, in some of the higher end hotels and restaurants, it pays to bring a summer suit, especially for night time dining. These hotels include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and the Venetian. But for the majority of restaurants, you're fine staying casual all day and night. During the winter months, it can get downright chilly in Vegas. It's not that uncommon to get some snow (usually not more than a dusting though), and the cold winds can really cut right to the bone. So if you are traveling to Vegas between November and early March, be sure and bring a warm jacket and long pants, especially for the nights. **End Summary** Topics: las vegas attractions]]> las vegas hotels]]> las vegas casinos]]> what to wear in las vegas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find out much more about Las Vegas hotels and Vegas casinos at the Las Vegas Attractions site.

Cruise in Alaska and See the Inside Passage

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

A cruise in Alaska is an absolutely amazing experience. You might have spoken to friends or relatives who have taken Alaska cruises, and the odds are they raved about the experience. So just what is it that makes a cruise in Alaska such a special experience? Well, in the first place, the scenery is really, truly spectacular. The glaciers are amazing, vast rivers of ice that continually break off into huge chunks, which plunge into the waters below. Then there are the breathtaking mountain ranges, which range up to 20,000 feet, some within just miles of the coastline, making for a truly spectacular sight. Of course, what brings many people to Alaska is the simply amazing and abundant wildlife, from grizzly bears and black bears to Kodiaks and Polar bears, Alaska has an amazing variety of wildlife. Now, the odds are you won't be seeing a polar bear on your Alaskan cruise (unless you add on a trip to the Arctic circle), but there's a great chance you'll see bald eagles and grizzlies -- especially if you take one of literally dozens of available shore excursions. The sea life is incredibly abundant too. **End Summary** Topics: cruise in Alaska]]> Alaskan cruises]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find much more information about Alaskan cruises and exploring the amazing Inside Passage at the Alaska Cruises website.

Credit Card Debt Management Plan

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Here is a wonderfully pain-free and easy to implement debt management plan that anybody can utilize to eliminate credit card debt and start to put some money away. If your bills have been increasing and your monthly obligations are getting out of hand, you're not alone. Debt is mushrooming at a surprising velocity, and a growing portion of people find their balances growing larger and larger. However, the good news is you actually are able to cut back on your debt and even resume stocking away some savings by following some exceedingly simple strategies. Credit card debt can rapidly escalate. The key to accomplishing debt relief is to end this spiral and begin to pay off your debt. The following are three methods to do exactly that. 1. Ask to Have Your Credit Card Interest Rate Lowered If your credit card interest rate is far too high, communicate with your credit card bank and request for them to lower it. Odds are, you could find a lesser rate at another bank, and your creditor knows this. So call their bluff. **End Summary** Topics: debt management plan]]> get out of debt]]> credit card debt elimination]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and editor of Debtconquest, where you can find a great Debt management plan , a guide to Credit card debt elimination and information on do-it-yourself debt negotiation .

Cruising to Alaska: 3 Great Reasons to See the Inside Passage

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Cruising to Alaska and the amazing Inside Passage is becoming more popular every year, and Alaska cruise bookings have really been surging over the past few years. No matter who you talk to that has taken an Alaskan cruise, everyone seems to have absolutely loved their trip to this region. In fact, any of the people I've spoken with have told me that their Alaska cruise was the best vacation they ever took. What is everybody so excited about? What is it about Alaska that makes the place so unique and special? Just why should you plan a trip to this region? Below are the top three reasons you should go. 1. For starters, the scenery is beyond belief. If you're like most people, when you think of Alaska, you imagine a place that is covered in ice and snow. In actuality, there's way more to Alaska than you'd ever dream. You'll definitely see huge, astounding glaciers, but you'll also see temperate rain forests and apparently endless waterfalls. Expect to see everything from quiet island chains covered in dense forests to mountains that rise to unbelievable heights - you will definitely want to take tons of pictures. **End Summary** Topics: cruising to Alaska]]> Alaska cruises]]> Alaska vacations]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, frequent traveler, and editor of the Guide to Alaska Cruises , a guide to Alaska vacations and Alaska tours .