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Saturday, February 9, 2008

Golf Swing Tips – Learn Simple Ways To Swing A Golf Club And Lower Your Score

The golf swing can be one of the most challenging things to learn and master. It requires commitment and effort on your part to put in the practice necessary to learn how to swing a golf club effectively. There are a few basic things you need to keep in mind in order to learn the golf swing and it is recommended that you take it slow and learn one thing at a time.

Once you feel comfortable with a particular aspect of the golf swing then move on to the next step. The golf swing can be broken down into the grip, stance, backswing, downswing and follow through. Let us look at each of these elements of the swing more closely.

- The Grip

There are basically three kinds of ways to grip the golf club. It is important to spend the time necessary to master your grip as this is a critical aspect of the golf swing. If your grip is incorrect it will affect your performance negatively even if everything else is fine.

The first kind of grip is the interlocking grip, this is where the index finger of the left hand and the small finger of your right hand interlock or hook each other. If you have short hands or your hands are very thick then this kind of grip may be the best for you.

The next kind is the overlapping grip. With this grip the little finger of the right hand will sit on top of the index finger of the left hand. You need strong wrists and arms to use this grip. Test each grip method and decide on the one that feels most comfortable to you.

The baseball grip is commonly used by most beginners. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand do not overlap or interlock but they do make contact. This is basically as the name suggests the way you would grip a baseball bat.

- The Stance

The important point to remember with the stance is to keep your weight balanced and your feet position getting wider up to shoulder width as the club you are using gets longer. So for the driver you will want the most stability thus a wider stance with your legs shoulder width apart is ideal. Also the ball position should start at the center of your stance for a wedge and move up to the heel of your left foot for the driver.

- The Backswing

One of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is that they rush their backswing. Make sure that you take a slow relaxed backswing. You are better off being too slow than too fast when it comes to the backswing. Also work on keeping your left arm as straight as possible throughout the backswing.

- The Downswing

An important key to the downswing is to keep your head in the same position or as close as possible to its original location throughout the downswing. Make sure that you do not try to use your right arm to try to generate power. Instead you should get the feeling that you are pulling the club with your left arm. The power will come from the leverage that is created between the angle between the club and you left arm. The longer you can hold this angle the more power you will create.

- The Follow Through

At impact make sure that your head is behind the ball and keep your head down and let it come up with your right shoulder. Keep in mind also that at no point in the golf swing should you feel like you need to add power or strain yourself. Stay relaxed and you will soon develop an effortless swing that is not only accurate but also generates a lot of power and distance.

Take some time to learn the fundamentals of the golf swing before you go out on the course. Spend a week or two practicing your grip, stance and basic swing movements. Once you are ready to trust your mechanics then you can head out on the course and focus on your targets. When you are on the course do your best to stay away from thinking about swing mechanics and just concentrate on your targets. Train your swing and then trust it, this is the best way to get lower golf scores.

About the Author:Marla Paulsone is a webmaster and manages several websites. Learn how to lower your handicap with great golf swing tips, putting tips, golf fitness ideas and much more at http://www.golfswingtips4u.com/
Article Tags: golf, grip, swing

Some Great Golf Gifts For The Golfing Enthusiast

Golf is an amazingly social game, and if you play golf regularly then you are bound to have some golf friends that you spend time with. If this is the case, then you might want to find them the perfect golf gifts to commemorate a special occasion. But where can you find these gifts, and what sort of things are on offer? Well, there are golf gifts for virtually every need and budget, and if you shop around then you are sure to find the perfect gifts for your friends and family. If you are shopping for a golf enthusiast who has everything, then here are best tips for finding the perfect golf gifts to impress them, no matter what the occasion.

Custom golf balls and tees

One of the best golf gifts you can give to people are custom golf balls and tees. You can create unique engraved and marked balls and tees for your friends and golf partners. Whether you want to engrave their name on a special bronze tee or get your friend a set of their favorite balls marked with their business name on it, the possibilities are endless. And the best part about it is they will never have seen the item in the shop – they are totally personal and unique. You can even get balls with custom logos and pictures put directly on the ball! Custom golf balls and tees are a great way of adding a personal touch to your golf gifts selection.

Trophies and tournament tickets

Other great gifts you can give to golf friends are tickets to the top tournaments, or personal trophies signifying their achievements. If your friend has recently improved their handicap, then give them a personal trophy to mark the occasion. However, nothing beats giving your buddies tickets to the hottest golf tournaments around. From major USPGA tournaments to tickets for the majors, getting friends and colleagues some tickets to see their favorite start in action is sure to impress.

There are literally thousands of potential golf gifts around, from new golf fashion and golf clubs to personalised head covers and even golfing teddy bears. Look around your local store for a selection of golf gifts, or better yet look online. There are many great online stores that have a great selection of golf gifts at extremely low prices. With online shopping, you can get the best and most unique gifts delivered to your house without ever having to spend time going around local stores.

About the Author:Feel free to browse our Online Golf guides at : http://www.yourgolflive.com/vacations and unlock your free report ‘The perfect Golfing Vacation’.
Article Tags: balls, gifts, golf

Some Great Golf Courses To Play

When you look around at some of the golf courses in Golf Digest or online, you will see that the courses are well groomed and offer different levels of golf. Arnold Palmer is a well known professional golfer who has many golf courses around the country. One of his famous golf courses is the Bay Hill Club and Lodge down in Orlando, Florida. This course is remarkable. This eighteen hole golf course was designed by Dick Wilson with hills and no surprise holes. It is a straightforward golf course that many find very inspirational to the world of golf.

Trent Jones is another designer of a spectacular golf course in Huntsville, Alabama. The Hampton Cove is very different then his Highlands Golf course, but the imagination is still seen. The River course is a delight to play and it has no bunkers to be seen. The golf course is a golfer’s delight and many professionals come to this course for leisure golf if there is such a thing with them. The Hampton Cove has three different courses to play. There course are well groomed and many golfer’s plan their vacations at this golf course.

Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin has been the home to the PGA games. This course was designed on the lakefront and the terrain is somewhat hilly and sandy, but the course is a challenge to play. On a windy day, the winds coming off the lake can be tedious for golfers, but that makes the challenge even greater. Herbert Kohler owns the golf course that was designed especially to attract the PGA tournaments. When the golf course opened, it was necessary to play the course for area golfers and visitors to the area. Everyone wanted to experience the challenge that the course brings. This is a walk only golf course.

Trent Jones designed yet another golf course in the Virgin Islands that has a tropical appeal. St. Croix is where you will find the Carambola Golf and Country Club. This is a signature golf course and has yet more imagination than some of his other creations. Golfer’s find this course demanding in the way of fun and excitement. The golf course does offer a spectacular view as well as a beautifully groomed course. Robert Trent Jones is a master of design when it comes to unbelievable golf courses.

These are just a few favorites when it comes to golf. Every state and county has a golf course that is great to play. For the most part, all the courses are well groomed and offer eighteen holes of golf. You can enjoy a day of golf and then relax in the clubhouse with a few drinks and some stories about why you missed that shot. There is nothing better than spending a day golfing when you take a trip. Many people find this a reason to visit certain areas. The golfing is great and the drinks are wonderful. However, you can be the judge of that when you visit some of the best courses around.

About the Author:Do you need new challenges? Please have a look a our golf tips site. Also if you want golf driver tips please have a look at our site with golf driver tips.
Article Tags: courses, golf, play

The Facts About Links Golf Courses

The difference between a parkland course and a links course is considerably greater than is commonly known. They are both 'somewhere to play golf' but that's about where any similarity ends. Most people (well, golfers anyway) know that a golf links is a golf course on the coast - a seaside course. However, the definition is even narrower than that. The word 'link' or 'links' comes from the Old English word 'hlinc' meaning a ridge or a stretch of flat, undulating land along a seashore. Nothing to do with a succession of holes linked together like a chain.

Before looking at the characteristics of a links let us just define a parkland course. Well, it's almost a case of 'everything is parkland except a links'. But there is an exception in that there are a number of courses (usually northern) which are 'moorland'. And mountainous courses are rare for obvious reasons. Gravity mainly.

Parkland courses are very often set in an area not infrequently wooded to some degree and often with heather, gorse, sand bunkers and sometimes water in the form of ponds or lakes. However, the main and striking difference between links and parkland is that the latter is much more obviously manufactured. This is not said by way of criticism since inland courses by definition have to be manufactured. The quality of the course though is more to do with the skill of the designer and how much this "manufactured-ness" shows. The optimum use of the space available and the incorporation of existing natural features - woods, trees, water, ups and downs - are where the architect can bring his creative powers to bear.

A great advantage of playing on a links course is that it can usually be kept open all year round. The sandy soil encourages fast drainage and offers a firm playing surface even through wet weather. Links players have another aspect of weather to contend with and that is the wind. It can vary throughout the day in speed and direction and assessing how many clubs' difference to allow for a shot into the wind is gained only through experience. Skill in playing 'below the wind' shots is very useful. Other techniques you will need to learn are how to play out of the type of grass found on seashores. The nature of the grass is such that it can wrap itself around your club and cause all sorts of problems - hence the need to accustom yourself to a rather different style of golf and adapt to conditions that you won't find on the parkland courses.

Parkland courses in general are fashioned out of the existing 'geography' of the area and maximum use is made of the natural features of the landscape. If there is a convenient lake or stream it can be incorporated, as can any thickets or woodland. The important thing to look for in the design of a parkland course is variety from one hole to the next and, if possible, to give each hole its own character. Whereas the parkland course draws its character from the available features and makes it necessary for a player to have a strategy, the links has a constantly changing character that challenges the player at every outing.

It is the links courses that have traditionally been chosen for the great tournaments as the ultimate test. Places like Troon, Carnoustie, St.Andrews, Sandwich and Lytham are all courses which will test the very best in the world - with a very strong accent on consistency. Every day is different and every round demands your full concentration.

This is not to dismiss the parkland courses. They present the sternest tests for the championship players - Sunningdale, Wentworth, Woodhall Spa, Walton Heath, The Belfry to name a few. These will always provide tough tournament venues and at the same time they offer the most beautiful settings - particularly Gleneagles. For those who prefer a gentle venue but still want a real challenge, there are dozens of top class parkland courses to explore.
Good golfing!

About the Author:Peter has been playing golf for over 5 decades, when he is not writing about playing golf he is writing about it. You can access online golf lessons and pick up valuable tips by visiting his website.
Article Tags: courses, golf, links

Friday, February 8, 2008

Easy Finance For A Vehicle At Work

Bonnie Castle

Commercial vehicle finance allows borrowers to get money so that they can buy a vehicle for their commercial needs. The finance can be secured or unsecured. Online research helps in getting low rate deals.
You work may be such that you need a vehicle for frequent transport of goods or manpower. Every time you rent these services, you spend some undue money. It is better to buy a vehicle of your own and save a lot of money. If you do not have ample lump sum amount, you can borrow money through the commercial vehicle finance that is available easily.
Through these loans, the borrowers can easily arrange money for the purpose of buying a vehicle for his business. The money is available according to the model and the brand that the borrower wants to buy. He can get a used vehicle or a new one according to his needs. The term of repayment for these loans is 5-7 years.
According to their suitability, the borrowers can take up these loans as the secured or the unsecured form. For the secured form of these loans, the borrowers will have to pledge the vehicle itself as the asset with the lenders. This will help the borrowers in getting low rate deals. The unsecured form can be taken up if the borrower does not want to pledge the vehicle for the money.
The borrowers may require a van or a small truck to use for commercial purposes. They are suggested to undertake a research as to how the vehicle is priced with various dealers. When the borrowers find a good deal, they can apply for these loans through the online mode.
When the application for these loans is made online, the borrowers get to access to numerous lenders who are ready to offer money at reduced rates due to stiff competition online. So the borrowers can sort the offers and find the most suitable deals which are affordable to them.
Through the commercial vehicle finance, the borrowers can easily get the money that they want to buy a vehicle. This way they can save a lot of money whenever they require transportation services.
About Author Bonnie Castle works as a consultant in van finance. He is proficient in the finance world. Van Finance.net endeavors to find the best possible deals for its customers. To find Commercial vehicle finance, Van Finance, Vehicle finance visit http://www.vanfinance.net/

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Comparing the Used Lexus SUV RX300

By: trycmcw

The Lexus RX300 is the most sought after luxury SUV and with good reason. This model is so popular today because it is now very affordable and continues to stand the test of time in performance, reliability, and design. But with 5 years of models to choose from, you'll want to make sure that you choose the year model that you'll enjoy the most.
One of the greatest benefits of buying used is that consumers have the opportunity to see how various year models performed after being road tested in every day life. The longer a model is in production, the more time that carmakers have to respond to consumer feedback and perfect the model. In this article, we'll look at the variations and recalls for each of the RX300 model years to help you choose the right used Lexus SUV.
Lexus RX300 - 1999
The RX300 is the original Lexus SUV and the one that the public instantly fell in love with. Lexus doesn't consider the RX300 an "SUV," but a crossover vehicle; something between a luxury auto and an SUV. In fact, the low range gearing of the RX300 makes this used Lexus SUV more of an "all weather, on road" wagon as opposed to an off-roading style SUV. For a used SUV with true off-roading power, Lexus offers the LX470.
Recalls for this 1999 model
· Exterior lights (2006): Certain CK Motorsports exterior lights sold as replacement lamps for are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108
· Headlights (1999): The headlights and taillights may not automatically illuminate in low ambient light when the headlight switch is placed in the "auto" position.
· Brake Tube (1999): If one of the dual brake lines fails when the driver applies the brake, the vehicle will feel unstable
Lexus RX300 - 2000The 2000 year model Lexus SUV RX300 is very similar to the 1999 version in both design and performance. In fact the only difference you'll find in the year 2000, is a trailer hitch. You may find some 2000 used model Lexus SUVs with a satellite based navigation system as this was an optional add-on for this year.
Recalls for this 2000 model
· Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Lexus RX300 - 2001You'll find lots of new features on the 2001 used Lexus SUV. 2001 is the year that Lexus focused on additional safety with features like a vehicle skid control, a brake assist feature, a 3-point center rear seatbelt, and child safety seat anchors. Other improved features on the 2001 year used Lexus SUV are an alloy spare wheel (earlier used Lexus SUV models will have a steel spare wheel), an enlarged fuel tank, and a redesigned grill. You'll find some different options when comparison shopping the 2002 used Lexus SUV as well, such as all black leather trim, a wood steering wheel and gearshift knob, and heated seats with dual warmth levels. Earlier year models of the RX300 Lexus SUV also have heated seats, but offer only one heat setting.
Recalls for this 2001 model
· Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Lexus RX300 - 2002With so many changes in 2001, Lexus made only a few minor adjustments in 2002. In the year 2002 used Lexus SUV you'll find all of the improved 2001 features along with an improved navigation system. The navigation system in the 2002 used Lexus SUV includes the ability to calculate multiple routes, has simplified graphics, and allows you to preview routes. Also added to this year's used Lexus SUV is a faster computer and a dashboard screen for playing movies.
Recalls for this 2002 model
· Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Lexus RX300 - 2003
The 2003 used Lexus SUV is identical to the 2002 used SUV, aside from being manufactured one year later. By 2002, Lexus had worked out the kinks in the RX300 design, added features in response to customer feedback, and successfully grew the RX300 into a top selling vehicle. You won't find an RX300 used Lexus SUV beyond the year 2003. In 2004, Lexus concentrated on the RX330, the successor of the RX300.
Recalls for this 2003 model
· Exterior lights (2006): see 2006 exterior light recall for 1999 models.
Those in the market for a used Lexus SUV will find the RX300 to be a strong model and a great value. The classic styling gives any year of this SUV a look that remains stylish and attractive today. Recalls are very few for the Lexus SUV, with 4 of the 5 models being recalled only for replacement lights. Today, Lexus is still on the cutting edge of SUV design with its introduction of the RX400h, first hybrid SUV, in 2005. Best of all, any used model Lexus SUV has proven to stand the test of time in performance and reliability.
About The Author-- Author is a writer for A&G Select Imports who is authorized used Lexus dealership. For more information you can visit http://www.AGSelectImports.com.
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What Can You Fit In A BMW Mini?

By: Catherine Harvey

There has been some debate about the practicality of using the Mini as a family car, particularly if a baby is involved.
A rear facing child seat in the back of a Mini, even the new BMW Mini, is very awkward to fit and virtually impossible to get your child into once the seat is secured. It also restricts adjustment of the front seats which is not good if you have to put the child seat behind the driver's seat. I am told there are one or two models that will fit ok but you do have to shop around.
This also brings up the question regarding the feasibility of getting a pram or pushchair in the boot of a Mini. Buggy type pushchairs, particularly the umbrella-fold type will fit. Most pushchairs suitable for children over 6 months will fit if folded completely flat.
In my own experience, one of those all singing, all dancing new baby travel systems takes a degree in origami to fold it down and then an articulated lorry to transport it anywhere! These are nice to push but a nightmare for getting in any car, let alone one of those gorgeous BMW Mini's.
Of course, the Mini Clubman has a quite a bit more space than the older version. Officially. I would like to cast doubt on that statement. My sister had an old style Mini, typically orange in colour and we went everywhere in it. Both heavily pregnant we had no problem fitting in.
I could never understand how she managed to hit the vicar when pulling out of a parking space but that was more due to her shrunken pregnancy brain than the Mini itself!
Anyway, after the babies were born my sister acquired a dog. It was a cross between an Irish wolfhound and something that looked like it was out of Hound of the Baskervilles. It was also very drooly and completely barking mad. We needed to get to the launderette one day and the old Mini was the only form of transport we had between us.
We packed two babies, a dog, two buggies and two families washing into this Mini and made our way to the launderette. Of course, this was in the days before they came down so hard on wearing seat belts as, if I remember rightly, our noses were pressed up to the windscreen.
This led me to thinking, just how many people could you get into a used Mini?
Officially, it's four. However, experiments by people I believe may have been slightly inebriated at the time have resulted in a total of 22 occupants in the Mini.
Does this not depend on whether it is a newer style BMW Mini, a Mini Clubman or an old style Mini?And would it make a difference if it were a used Mini?
If you take into account the wear and tear on the inner surfaces of a very old Mini, surely this would gain you a few extra centimetres. But what if it was a cherished Mini? These have been brought back to almost original condition and can even be re-upholstered. Depending on the upholstery material, would you be losing centimetres?
Of course, this is all debatable as the size of the people you try to fit in would make a drastic difference. Imagine trying to fit 22 men in a Mini if they were all 16 stone. Something would have to give - probably the suspension, windows, doors and more.Now try and fit 22 women in a Mini, all size 10 and a measly 7 stone each. Doesn't that fit better? Add to that the fact that you could be gaining centimetres with worn upholstery and it makes it look positively easy!
I would like to see how many people of average size and build could be fitted into all styles of Mini. This would surely prove whether or not the extra space BMW claim to have put into the new style Mini would be worth having.
About The Author-- Car expert Catherine Harvey looks at how many people can fit into a Mini car. To find out more please visit http://www.coopermini.co.uk/
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Hybrid Cars Are The Vehicles Of Choice These Days

By: johnmccollim

Hybrid Cars are becoming more and more popular. Hybrids are both stylish and have a reputation for being safe and fuel efficient. With more and more consumers focusing on the ongoing problem of air pollution, it is not surprising they are drawn to hybrid Cars. Toyota and Lexus sold over 60,000 Hybrid Cars combined since Jan 1 2006. Hybrid Vehicles are easy on the environment as well as your pocketbook. The fact that they are designed to be kind to the environment is getting the attention of many consumers, businesses, and governments.
Hybrids operate using both a small gasoline engine and an electric engine. The two work independently and together to create one of the most efficient methods of transportation. The smaller gasoline engine uses much less gasoline to operate the hybrid than a conventional gasoline powered vehicles uses. Therefore, owners of hybrids can enjoy lower fees at the gas pump. In addition, since the hybrids use less gas, they emit fewer pollutants. And help America become less dependent on forein oil. In fact, experts agree that a typical hybrid will emit up to 90% fewer pollutants than a typical automobile. These statistics are amazing and are the cause of many new developments and incentives being offered to consumers. For instance with the purchase of a Hybrid Car you get tax incentive savings. Along with savings at the gas pump. Here is a list of some typical hybrid cars MPG.
Car Make/Model - city/hwy
Honda Insight - 60/66
Toyota Prius - 60/51
Honda Civic Hybrid - 49/51
Volkswagen Golf TDI - 37/44
Volkswagen New Beetle TDI - 37/44
Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 36/41
Toyota Corolla - 32/41 Scion xA - 32/37
Hyundai Accent - 32/35Kia Rio - 32/35
Honda Civic - 30/40
Pontiac Vibe - 30/36
Toyota Matrix - 30/36
Even some businesses are offering incentives to employees who are planning to buy, or already own hybrids. Some businesses, such as Google, are offering $5000 for each employee toward the purchase of a new hybrid. Hyperion, the software company based in Santa Clara, California is also offering this cash incentive. Most corporations set aside millions in the yearly budget in order to compensate for these incentives. When asked, the corporations state they are giving their employees this opportunity in order to give back to the community. They feel that their locations have given to them through sales and in return they should give back to their community by providing cleaner air. Companies like Google even go so far to offer extensive group transportation schedules as well to further the positive effects on your communitys air quality.
The fact that hybrids are environmentally friendly is also getting the attention of local governments across the United States. Local governments are offering free parking to hybrid drivers. Many cities like Los Angeles are allowing hybrid owners to park for free at city lots and parking meters. This incentive is showing consumers that the local government is supporting smart and environmentally wise shopping. With everyone in a community focused on being environmentally responsible, there is a common goal that leads to a better overall community.
In addition to the employers and government incentives, a few insurance companies are also offering incentives to hybrid drivers, in order to reward them for their smart choice. Although it would seem that the insurance companies were offering these discounts because statistics have shown hybrid drivers are less likely to file claims, it is not the case. At this time there is not enough evidence, according to experts, to be able to determine the risks hybrid drivers may or may not pose for an insurance company. The companies offering incentives are simply doing so to promote smart environmental decisions by consumers.
Consumers hear on the news and weather channel daily about the risks of global warming and air pollution. When you live in a large city, there are even days when smog alerts are as serious as a tornado. It is not fiction that air pollution damages humans and the Earth. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make wise choices when it comes to pollutants. Anything consumers can possibly do to cut down on their own personal pollution levels is a great thing. With our schedules being busier than ever, it is not likely everyone can forgo their vehicle for the greater good of the planet. However, hybrids are now offering a nice middle ground that allows everyone to profit. Consumers, corporations, and local governments are realizing the benefits. With long waiting lists in place for the newest hybrid arrivals, it is likely the hybrid will be the vehicle of the future!
About The Author-- The author operates an article directory
http://www.articles-and.bestfinancenews.com/index And an informative

More Deceptive Tactics by Sellers of Fuel Saving Devices!

For those of you looking for a quick fix to your fuel economy problem in light of the continuously rising gas prices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some advice: be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. More than 100 gas-saving products have been tested and none of them do what their deceptive advertising claims.

There are a number of deceptive advertising claims that are used by manufacturers and suppliers of these so called gas saving devices. Here are a few to look out for. One product that was advertised heavily was "Fuel Saver Pro," a device that claims to be "EPA-approved."
he ads read "High gasoline prices at the pump shouldn't scare you. They won't anymore with this new EPA-approved device." They claimed that for $89.95, plus $6.95 shipping and handling, you would realize a 27 percent increase in mileage.
The fact is the Fuel Saver Pro hasn't been tested by the EPA and isn't EPA-approved. An EPA official has stated: "We've tested more than 100 fuel-saving devices over the last 25 years, most of them magnetic devices that wrapped around fuel lines - as if fuel is magnetic - and we haven't certified any of them because we haven't found one that works. Two devices were marginally beneficial, but were so expensive there wouldn't be any pay back."
He went on to say: The manufacturer manipulated the results, to arrive at a base mileage. It compared results from a short stop-and-go cycle, when more fuel is used, with a 25-minute highway cycle, when less fuel is used.
Many sellers of gas saving devices use a similar deceptive strategy. They claim: "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government."
No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. The most that can be claimed in advertising is that the EPA has reached certain conclusions about possible gas savings by testing the product or by evaluating the manufacturer's own test data.
If the seller claims that its product has been evaluated by the EPA, ask for a copy of the EPA report, or check the EPA website epa.gov for information. In most instances, false claims of EPA testing or approval have been made.
These are just two of the many deceptive advertising methods used by unscrupulous gas saving device sellers trying to separate a fool and his money. Don't play into their hands. The bottom line is, gas saving devices don't work!
About The Author-- Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page manual of industry insider information on saving gas and money at the pump (beatthegaspump.com). Visit us to learn how you can get better gas mileage. Find out how to increase gas mileage.
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Friday, February 1, 2008

3 Steps To Increasing Your Income

Most accountants, financial planners and wealth-building experts agree that there are really only three ways to increase your income. You can either:

1. Increase your revenue (make more money)

or

2. Decrease your expenses (spend less money)

or

3. Do both 1 and 2

However, what is not so obvious are the words that should always follow these “income-increasing” statements. Accountants, financial planners and wealth-building experts are often so close to these principles that they assume we all know them to be true. They also tend to believe that everyone has the necessary discipline and patience to automatically make them happen. Here are the reality-based revised versions of the statements that, although might not be as easy to relate to, really make more sense and, if you follow them to the letter, will help keep you on track. If you want to increase your income you must either:

1. Increase your revenue (and at the same time keep your expenses the same or less than before)

or

2. Decrease your expenses (and at the same time maintain or increase your revenue)

or

3. Do both 1 and 2

One version of Parkinson’s Law is that “expenses rise to meet income.” Put another way: “The more you make, the more you spend.” If you truly want to increase your income, it is important to maintain the same, or even a scaled-down, style of living for a period of time.

For example, if you make $45,000.00 per year and receive an annual raise of 10%, you gain an additional $4500.00 per year ($375.00 per month) for a new total of $49,500.00. It is awfully tempting to spend this extra $4500.00, rather than invest or save it. In addition, it is easy to talk yourself into “upgrading” your lifestyle by trading up for a more expensive car, taking an unplanned vacation, or some other “deserved” reward. After all, you just “increased” your income by $375.00 per month. Right? Wrong – if you spend it!
If you spend the extra money, you have not really increased your income at all. In fact, if you spend it and then take added taxes and other liabilities into account, you may actually have less income than you had before the raise! Weird, huh?

The point here is that it’s not just about making more money. It’s about what you do with the extra money that determines whether or not you have truly increased your income. The reverse is also true. Let’s say that instead of the 10% raise, you get no raise at all. But, you decide to “raise” your income by cutting expenses. If you find a way to cut your expenses by 10%, you actually are gaining over $375.00 per month. If you are able to cut your expenses by $4500.00 per year, in reality, you just increased your annual income by 10%. Weird again, but true.

Your desire, ability and willingness to both cut expenses and increase revenue will determine how fast and how much your income will jump. It’s a powerful combination, and this is the “secret” that most wealthy people use all the time.

Dr. Dan Strakal has been an expert on the changing workplace, job transition, and career development for nearly 20 years. He acts as a trusted client advisor and consultant within the corporate sector, government agencies, civic organizations, small businesses, and educational institutions. He also provides business, executive and career consulting, coaching and workshops for individual clients and is the coauthor of and contributor to two books, Better Job Search in 3 Easy Steps and Better Job Skills in 3 Easy Steps. Dan is often called upon by the national and international media as an expert and has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Self Magazine, SmartMoney.com, Computerworld, Diversity Inc. Magazine, Chief Information Officer (Australia’s Magazine for Information Executives), the Radio America Program: News You Can Use, KBS Radio Canada and many other media outlets. He is on the Board of Directors of the Career Planning and Adult Development Network and is a Platinum Member of the Career Masters Institute. More info at http://www.capable-consulting.com

Internet Savings Accounts With High Interest Rate

By Vera Sang

Every day more and more of the traditional brick and mortar establishments of finance and banking are offering internet banking services to customers, so it is hardly surprising that a modern day influx of new banking institutions are exclusively hitting the World Wide Web with financially attractive and high interest savings accounts and other products.
Offering attractive products, unparalleled convenience and enhanced security, these accounts are going mainstream. The growth, popularity and relative advances in security of the internet has led financial transactions online to skyrocket, leading to consumer's saving and investing to grow by leaps and bounds. One of the greatest benefits you will find is that as more of these virtual banks continue to enter the arena the competition is increased to attract new customers so they offer higher interest rates for online customers, that far surpass rates offered at your neighborhood bank.
A more aggressive annual percentage yield for investors with internet saving accounts is offered by institutions that operate solely online such as ING Director or Emigrant Bank. This is mainly due to the fact that their overheads are considerably less than those of traditional banking businesses as they have no building maintenance, fewer employees, and in many cases no branches to manage, so the savings made are passed on to the customer by way of higher rates of interest. This presents a great opportunity for people who are opening one of these accounts, as the higher rate of interest is sure to reap huge gains over a long period of investment.
The growth of banking online has led many traditional store front banks to offer similar products and services. Institutions such as CitiBank, HSBC Bank, Bank of America, ING Direct and others also offer a different type of instant savings account which operates by linking an online based account for savings to your checking account, creating very easy access from one to the other. Control of access to both can be made by the you either online or over the telephone. Some of course are now offering accounts online that may also allow for limited branch access.
Increasingly full service features that make banking simpler are being made available to consumers that decide to bank online. Many online institutions of finance for example will provide a debit card and/or checks for your use. Some accounts will allow you to pay bills and purchase certificates of deposit along with special deals on mortgages or loans based on the equity in your home. However you look at it internet savings accounts with high interest are a safe and worthwhile investment.
About the author:Get More information on 529 college savings plans click here High Interest Savings Accounts Online Also go to http://SavingsAccounts.Totalinfoguide.com where you can get more info on your savings account options including high interest savings accounts. Internet savings accounts, child savings accounts and more...

Best Insurance Company Ratings - The Basics of Health, Auto and Life

Knowing the best insurance company ratings is integral to buying the best possible policies to cover your health, auto and life. It?s not always the cheapest rate that will garner the best policy. Of course we?d all like to spend less money on the necessities of life and more on the fun things but attention needs to be given to the qualifications of the companies and the adequacy of the coverage being supplied.

What Do Rating Companies Look For?

There are three major companies or services that are in the business of rating insurance companies. Independent rating agencies, these financial analysts make sure that the insuring company is financially sound and will be able to reliably meet its obligations when claims are filed. The rating process measures each company?s overall strengths, evaluating ability to pay dividends, meet liabilities and, acting in the role of prophet, projects the company?s future business prospects.

1. A.M. Best Company

Is the best known and most widely recognized of these rating companies. Publishing over fifty information products to do with insurance companies and the insurance industry they are experts in their field. An insurance company deserving of a A++ from A.M. Best Company has shown superior performance and ?has a very strong ability to meet its obligations to policyholders over a long period of time. Their grading system covers the gamut of possibilities rounding out with an F which signifies that the company in question has been placed under an order of liquidation by the courts.

2. Standard and Poor?s

Is a well recognized name with a reputation inspiring confidence in its judgments. S & P ranks the claim-paying abilities of over 300 insurance organizations worldwide in addition to its other more widely recognized data monitoring. They grant a superior company, one able to reliably meet its financial obligations the rating of AAA. Their lowest form of rating is an R and warns the consumer that the company in question is under regulatory action.

3. Moody?s or Moody?s Ratings

Began ranking the economic viability of financial various institutions in 1909. They do not deem a company to be superior but their highest vote of confidence in the form of an Aaa is given to that insurer who they find displays exceptional financial security. C is the lowest rating given and denotes a company that displays poor changes of financial security.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of http://www.best-free-insurance-quotes-online.com a website helping you quickly and easily find the best free insurance quotes tailored to your needs with our free hints, tips, resources and reviews.

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