Use A Car Title As Collateral For A Personal Loan

Using your car title for a loan

Using a car title as collateral for a personal loan is always risky, but it's an alternative to selling the vehicle when emergency cash needs arise. There are two major types of car title loans. The first is open to anyone, regardless of credit or income status, but it's not much more than a typical payday loan. The other type of car title loan is using the vehicle ownership as collateral for a secured personal loan from a bank, credit union or finance company.

Instructions

1. Visit your local bank or credit union with your car title. Ask if it will do a secured loan or line of credit using your car title as collateral. When you use your car title to get a loan, you can still drive the car. However, you are no longer able to have the title because there is a lienholder (the lender). If you do not pay as agreed, the lender will repossess your vehicle because you promised it an interest in the property in exchange for the loan or line of credit.

2. Apply for the secured car title loan if the lender considers such loans. You will be asked to give personal information such as your full name, current and past addresses, home and work phone numbers, birth date, Social Security number, employer, income and reference information.

3. Sign the loan paperwork if you are approved, hand the lender the title and you should receive your check. Once the loan is paid off, you will then get your title back.

4. Visit the website for the bad credit finance company American General and apply for a secured loan if your bank or credit union rejects your loan request. If you are approved by American General, a representative from the company will call you and make arrangements for securing the title, signing loan paperwork and receiving the check.

5. Visit an auto title loan website if you are rejected for a bank loan. Apply for a loan and if you are accepted, use a quick delivery service for paperwork (such as Federal Express) for the title and receive either a check or electronic deposit of loan funds. Alternatively, you could visit a local payday lender or auto title lender and do the same process in person to get the money faster.

Tags: title loan, your title, bank credit, bank credit union, credit union

Do It Yourself Roof Repairs

Roofing

Roofing is no easy task to tackle when repair come calling. Years ago, when a roof needed repairs, the homeowner would call out a roofer, he would come and give a costly estimate, and then, in his own sweet time, repair the roof. Nowadays, the homeowners have formed a revolution in which they have eliminated the roofer from the process and completed the job themselves. Roof repair can be completed by the average homeowner with little or no learning curve. The job is straightforward and can be completed in as little as 2 hours. Does this Spark an idea?

Tools

There are a few tools necessary when repairing a roof. You will need a ladder for reaching the roof, a hammer, a pry bar, tape measure and a razor knife.

Clean Up

Remove the damaged wood and roofing materials completely before attempting to repair. Many times you will need to go all the way down to the rafters by removing the shingles, tar paper and plywood. Remove the plywood in whole pieces. In other words, if the damage is only 2 feet by 2 feet, then go ahead and remove a whole 4-by-8 section.

Replace

Nail the new sheet of plywood into the rafters using 8 penny nails. Replace the felt paper by lapping the new over the old by about 4 inches and securing with felt nails. Reshingle the damaged area by following the old rows of shingles and tying them back together. Do not leave any nails exposed.

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Adjust Selfclosing Cupboard Hinges

European hinges are hidden hinges and provide a clean look to your cupboard doors. Some European hinges are self-closing. The self-closing hinges shut the cupboard door without slamming the door. If the cupboard door is out of alignment on the opening or the door is not shutting properly, adjustments to the hinge are necessary. Adjusting a self-closing cupboard hinge might require several attempts until you have the door corrected. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the cupboard door 6 inches and slowly release the door. If the door slams shut, the hinge speed requires decreasing. If the door does not close flush against the cabinet dace, you must increase the hinge speed.

2. Look for a small Phillips-head screw on the hinge clip facing you when you open the cupboard door. Turn the screw 1/8-turn clockwise to increase the hinge speed or 1/8-turn counterclockwise to decrease the hinge speed. Hold the door 6 inches from closing and release it to test again. Continue adjustments as necessary.

3. Close the door and examine how it fits across the cabinet opening. The door should fit square over the opening. Open the door once more to make adjustments as necessary.

4. Loosen the screws securing the hinge to the cabinet 1/4-turn with the Phillips-head screwdriver, if the door closes too high or low across the opening. Use the back edge of the door as a guide when adjusting the door up and down. Tighten the screws once you make the adjustment.

5. Find the two screws on the face of the clip joining the cabinet hinge to the door hinge. Loosen the screw nearest the door, if the door sags slightly in the opening. Lift the end of the door up and retighten the screw. Loosen the rear screw to move the door in or out if it is not square side to side when closed. Retighten the screw after the adjustment is made.

Tags: cupboard door, hinge speed, adjustments necessary, door door, door inches, European hinges

Programs To Help Pay For Nursing Home Care Of The Elderly

Elderly people may need help paying for nursing home care.

According to the 2009 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs, the average cost for semi-private nursing home care was $198 per day in 2009. Unless elderly people have substantial savings, they will likely have difficulty paying for the nursing home care they need. Health insurance policies may cover some nursing home costs but if elderly people need care for a significant period of time or if they don't have a health insurance policy, they may need to take advantage of some programs to help pay for nursing home care. Does this Spark an idea?

Medicare

Medicare pays for nursing care of the elderly only under certain circumstances. The patient must have been hospitalized for at least three days immediately before admission to a nursing home. He must require skilled nursing care or rehabilitation services that cannot be provided on an outpatient basis. Medicare usually only pays for nursing home care for a limited period of time.

Medicaid

Medicaid pays for nursing home care of the elderly when they require skilled nursing care and cannot remain in their own homes, if they qualify financially. To qualify for Medicaid, elderly people must have limited incomes and resources. Income guidelines vary from state to state. Medicaid only covers nursing home care at certain nursing homes. They must have government certification to provide care to people with Medicaid. Medicaid will cover nursing home care for a long period of time as long as it remains medically necessary.

Special Funds

Some nursing homes have special funds to help indigent elderly people who cannot afford the nursing home care that they need. Social workers or administrators at nursing homes can provide information on such programs. You can also ask a social worker at a local hospital, clinic or community service organization about nearby nursing homes that have such funds.

Tags: nursing home, nursing home care, elderly people, home care, nursing homes, home care

Ontario Electricity Grants

Rebate programs in Ontario help homeowners reduce monthly electricity bills.

Ontario, Canada has a number of programs to assist homeowners in saving money on energy appliances and usage bills. Most programs are offered in the form of a rebate opportunity where qualified technicians assist homeowners in determining what replacement appliances and other measures are necessary to reduce energy consumption. Does this Spark an idea?

Cool Savings Rebate Program

The Cool Savings Rebate program provides rebate incentives to individual homeowners that purchase energy-efficient heating and cooling appliances. A participating representative conducts an energy efficiency audit with the homeowner and makes recommendations for which the homeowner is compensated for upon compliance. Authorized rebate items include thermostats, furnaces and air conditioning units. Homeowners receive a $25 rebate for replacing an existing thermostat with a programmable thermostat. A $125 rebate is available for replacing an existing furnace with an electronically commutated motor (ECM) mid- or high-efficiency furnace. For homeowners that replace a central air conditioning unit with an Energy Star qualified central air conditioning system, a $250 rebate is available. Finally, individuals that replace a central air conditioning unit with a qualified stand-alone, tier-2 central air conditioning system may claim a $400 rebate. Rebate cheques are mailed within four to eight weeks of receiving proof of upgrades.

Home Energy Savings Audit

Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure offers a Home Energy Audit rebate of up to $150 for homeowners that participate in an energy efficiency evaluation. A certified representative assesses the homeowners house for the efficiency of insulation, heating systems, cooling units, and air leaks. All individuals in Ontario that own a single-family home are entitled to request an energy audit and apply for the rebate of $150.

Ontario Home Energy Savings Program

The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program provides a number of rebate opportunities to individuals that have undergone a home qualified home energy audit inspection. All of the energy upgrades that are recommended are intended to lower the home's electricity consumption, thereby reducing energy bills. Homeowners receive a rebate of up to $750 for the replacement of a heating system with an Energy Star qualified, electronically commuted motor (ECM) high efficiency furnace. Individuals may also apply for a rebate of up to $250 for replacing a central air conditioning unit with one that has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of at least 14.5. The rebate program also offers a rebate of up to $375 for replacing a hot water heater with one that has an energy factor (EF) of 0.94 or higher. Homeowners receive rebates for increasing home insulation in the ceiling, walls and basement. Rebates for this upgrade vary from $500 for ceiling insulation to $1,875 for exterior wall insulation. Finally, $40 rebates are available for exchanging windows and doors with Energy Star qualified replacements.

Tags: central conditioning, Home Energy, central conditioning unit, conditioning unit, conditioning unit with

Get A Collision Repair Estimate

Obtaining a collision repair estimate is the first step in getting your car repaired. How and where you get the estimate depends on many factors, but it basically has to do with what your insurance policy accepts or dictates. There are, however, some basic steps that are common to every policy.

Instructions

1. Talk to your insurance company first. It may have experts specially designated to give a collision repair estimate to clients, or it may have a list of approved repair shops you can contact. Even if you think you can get a better or cheaper repair estimate on your own, you need to first find out what your company requirements are.

2. Get a list of approved repair shops if your company has one, and contact several of them to get several collision repair estimates. You can then decide which one is better or more appropriate, or simply choose the shop that you find most convenient.

3. Get the repair shop to specify what, if anything, will not be covered under the collision repair agreement. Most insurance companies will not pay for certain repairs, such as removing fuel, wheeling alignment, belt adjustment or replacing nameplates. When getting a collision repair estimate, ask the repair shop to exclude those items from the receipt.

4. Ask for a collision repair estimate that includes extras or incidentals that may come up during the inspection of the vehicle. Shoot for a higher number, and then have the bill adjusted if necessary. This is usually easier than having to ask for more money later.

5. Have the repair estimate approved by your insurance company before you give the go-ahead for the repair shop to get started. This may require additional forms and inspections, but it is essential if you want to be reimbursed or paid for the work.

6. Get a quick collision repair estimate online by filling out some basic information, such as the year/make/model of your car, color and finish (metallic or flat) and type of damage suffered. While online estimates may not be an exact number (since nobody is actually looking at the car), they will still give you a general idea of what to expect in terms of expenses.

Tags: repair estimate, collision repair, collision repair, collision repair estimate, repair shop, your insurance

Tell If You Have A Blown Head Gasket

Water in your oil is a sure sign of a blown head gasket.

Your car is not running like it did before and you know there is something wrong somewhere. Perhaps it’s a blown head gasket? Although an inconvenience, your vehicle may have to be off the road for a few days. Your heads will definitely have to be resurfaced or even replaced if they are very warped aluminum heads before your transport is roadworthy once again. Look for some dead giveaways as clues that your head gasket is blown and needs repair.

Instructions

1. Check the oil dip stick. The clue to look for when you check your motor oil dip stick is a white or gray substance on your dip stick with the oil. If you detect this, it indicates that you have water in your oil and that is a sure sign of a blown head gasket.

2. Drive the automobile to see if you experience any loss of power, especially up hills. This indicates that your vehicle is losing compression and has a blown head gasket.

3. Check the auto for overheating. The automobile will overheat when it has a blown head gasket and will keep overheating no matter what remedy you try.

4. Listen for a chugging sound in your engine as you drive. Chugging sounds and stalling out are definite signs of a blown head gasket.

5. Look in the rear view mirror as you drive. Is the car emitting white steam? Does it smell different from normal? These are all signs of a blown head gasket.

6. Look at the radiator for leaks and signs of coolant where it shouldn’t be, such as the spark plugs. If your radiator is low on fluid often, this may be a sign of a blown head gasket. Look for oil in your coolant.

Tags: head gasket, blown head, blown head gasket, blown head, blown head gasket, gasket Look

Store A Mink Coat

Mink coat

A mink coat is considered a winter necessity by some. Expensive and luxuriant, it needs to be kept in top condition. Worn only during the cold weather, a mink coat spends much of the time in storage. A mink coat that is not properly stored will lose its luster, and the fur may become stiff or matted. Proper storage requires paying attention to the specific needs of fur. Here are some helpful tips. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Store your mink coat in a roomy location. A coat shoved up against other clothing will not be able to breath. Fur needs air to look fresh. Do not cover your mink coat with a plastic garment bag. Place the mink coat in a cloth garment bag, one that is not too snug. Alternatively, you can cover the coat with paper. Hang the coat on a broad hanger. A wire hanger will cause the coat to pull and distort. Also, select a closet that is not too hot or dry. Make sure that it is protected from household chemicals like pesticides, cleaning fluids and hairspray. The chemicals will get into the fur and damage the mink coat. Do not use mothballs. These, too, contain noxious chemicals that will harm your mink coat.

2. Protect your mink coat from moths by using dried orange, tobacco or geranium leaves. If you keep your coat in storage for a long time, you will need to change these about once every four months. Cedar chests and cedar-lined closets are very bad for your fur. The cedar sucks moisture out of the air. The mink and other furs must be kept in a reasonably humid environment to maintain a fresh look. Also, make sure the closet is not air tight. Take your fur out every so often to air it out.

3. Maintain your mink coat in top condition. Lightly brush away any dirt before you put it into storage. Do not scrub or rub the fur. This will harm the coat. Stains must be taken care of immediately or your coat could be permanently ruined. If you notice a stain, do not put the mink in storage and leave it till next season. Take the coat to a professional cleaner--one with experience in furs. Do not attempt to remove the stain yourself. If you ruin the coat it may be impossible to repair. And, even if you rarely wear your mink coat, take it out and have it cleaned at least once a year. Keeping your mink in proper condition is essential to maintaining a soft and beautiful-looking coat.

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Stop Water Seepage In Your Basement

One of the most common problems in homes that have basements is water seeping inside and pooling on the floor. Several things cause a basement to get wet. Wet basements usually occur after heavy rains or during the winter months. In many cases, especially in older homes, there is not a foolproof answer to repair the problem. Several solutions are available to reduce the amount of moisture that comes into your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Review the walls where the water enters the basement. Determine if the water is along a single wall entirely underground, along multiple walls or on one side of the house.

2. Check for cracks in the foundation walls. Apply a construction grade epoxy during the months walls remain dry, to seal up the cracks. Apply the epoxy with a caulking gun. Squeeze the epoxy deep into the cracks to create a tight bond.

3. Repair or replace damaged gutters to prevent water from pooling next to your house. Gutters are often the main source of the problem because they lead to drainage issues. Place cement splash pads under downspouts to carry water away at least five feet away from your foundation.

4. Create a slope away from the outside foundation of your home. Add dirt next to the outside basement wall so that is slopes down two inches for every foot. Create a gentle slope away from your home's foundation to prevent water from pooling.

5. Apply a layer of waterproofing on the inside of your basement walls. Spray the waterproofing in an even application. Hold the spray at least 10 inches away from the basement walls and spray from side-to-side until the wall is covered. Spray one wall at a time. Allow it to dry completely for two to three days before spraying another wall. Spray waterproofing in the dry months to ensure a secure bond.

6. Hire a professional to inject an external waterproofing around the surface of your foundation if all else fails. The waterproofing seals up areas underground that allows water seepage.

Tags: away from, your home, away from your, basement walls, from pooling, from your

Seal Mobile Home Windows In The Winter

Unless you have double-paned storm windows in your mobile home, you will need to seal them for the winter. Cold drafts from windows and doors can decrease the heating efficiency of a mobile or manufactured home by 50 percent. Depending on the severity of the winter months in your region, you can choose to perform one or more of these steps to help keep the cold out and the warmth in. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Caulk the exterior trim of the windows in the mobile home. Most mobile or manufactured homes have a slight gap between the window frame and the siding. Filling in the gap with silicone caulk will help seal the exterior frame of the window from extreme cold and drafty winds. Use the caulking gun and a ladder to efficiently seal the circumference of the exterior window frame.

2. Apply exterior window insulation kits on the outsides of the windows. Clean the frames with hot soapy water and dry them with a towel. Run a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol along the flat edge of the window frame. Allow the alcohol a couple minutes to dry.

3. Apply the two-way tape provided in the exterior window insulation kit along the edge of the window frame. Peel back the edges of the tape cover a couple of inches on each corner of the window.

4. Remove the top tape cover and stretch the window kit film tightly, leaving a couple extra inches per side, and press it against the top strip of tape. Run your fingers over the film and tape to seal it. Continue around each side, one at a time, pulling the window tight while pressing it against the tape to seal the window. Trim the excess edges of the insulation film with a utility knife.

5. Install interior window insulation kits to the inside of the windows. Clean window sills with hot soapy water and then alcohol-dipped cotton balls. Apply the tape after the sills have dried in the same manner as directed for exterior windows and attach the insulation film, starting with the top, then each side, and then the bottom. Cut the excess film carefully with the utility knife.

6. Use the blow dryer to shrink the film of the interior window insulation kit . Place the hair dryer on high heat and work your way from one upper corner of the window to the opposite bottom corner, holding the hair dryer a few inches away from the film (refer to the instructions in the kit). When the film is tight and transparent, it is done and you can move onto the next window.

Tags: window frame, window insulation, exterior window, corner window, each side, edge window

Become A Licensed Plumber In Minnesota

Plumbers in Minnesota must be licensed based on their work experience and skill level.

The state Department of Labor and Industry is the licensing organization for plumbers at the journeyman and master level within the state of Minnesota. State regulation helps ensure contractors are properly experienced as they seek work on commercial, public and residential properties and also protects consumers by giving them a means to confirm the experience or expected skill level for a professional being considered for a job. To become a certified plumber, individuals should seek vocational education, on-the-job-training and licensing through each level of skill mastered.

Instructions

1. Get vocational training. Plumbers in Minnesota must be licensed or registered with the state, even when at the apprentice level of their careers. To prepare for an apprenticeship and your initial apprentice registration, seek education in plumbing technology. Check with your local vocational or technical colleges like Minnesota State Community and Technical College and consider enrolling in a plumbing technology diploma program. Initial training will give you an overview on safety measures, pipe procedures and sewage systems and can assist you with finding a good apprenticeship after you complete introductory training.

2. Seek an apprenticeship through a Minnesota sponsor. After completing your vocational training, you should have enough practical experience to find an apprenticeship with a Minnesota construction or plumbing company. In order to establish eligibility for future licensing, you must have at least four years of practical plumbing experience. To identify sponsors that offer apprenticeship for plumbing professionals, access the list of apprentice sponsors available on the Department of Labor and Industry website and inquire directly with sponsors in your area.

3. Register as an apprentice with the Department of Labor and Industry. Once you have found a suitable apprenticeship, register with the Construction Codes and Licensing Division prior to beginning any on-site plumbing work. Follow instructions for registration in the Plumber Apprentice Guide available online. This registration must be renewed annually until you meet the required work experience for licensing as a journeyman plumber.

4. Accrue the work experience required for journeyman licensing. For license consideration as a journeyman plumber, you must establish 7,000 hours of plumbing experience as an apprentice. Your experience should include a combination of work hours in water distribution, waste, drain and vent system installation as well as fixture installation.

5. Apply to take the journeyman plumbing licensing exam. Complete the Plumber License Examination Application available on the Department of Labor and Industry website. The journeyman exam is offered twice a year, in March and September, at locations throughout the state. A passing score on the exam will prompt the issuance of your Minnesota journeyman plumbing license.

Tags: Department Labor, Department Labor Industry, Labor Industry, work experience, available Department, available Department Labor

Run Windows Home Edition In Repair Mode

Running your computer in Windows repair mode, also known as "Safe Mode," is an option if you can't get the system to boot properly or you have installed a program that is preventing your system from functioning normally. While your system is in repair mode, certain functions may not be available like access to some devices and programs.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," "Turn Off Computer," "Restart" to restart your computer if it is on. If your system is off, turn it on by pressing the power button on the front of the computer.

2. Press the "F8" key within minutes of your system starting up. Note, if you press and hold the "F8" key as the computer is booting you may get a "Stuck Key Warning." If this happens, instead of pressing---just tap the "F8" key continuously until your system displays the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" or "Startup" menu.

3. Scroll with your arrow keys once see the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" or "Startup" menu then select "Safe Mode with Networking" so you can place your system in repair mode with the option to access the Internet. Otherwise you won't be able to access email, websites or other programs that need Internet access.

4. Press "Enter." Your system will now boot and display a "Safe Mode" message along the top of screen or similar wording.

5. Click "Start," "Turn Off Computer," "Restart" to restart your computer and return to normal Windows operating mode.

Tags: Safe Mode, your computer, your system, your system, Advanced Options, Advanced Options Menu

About Standard Bank Personal Loans

While it would be nice to always have enough money to pay for anything that is needed, it is often necessary to borrow money. Banks provide loans for a wide variety of uses. These loans are most common when they can be attached to specific collateral that is easily recaptured and sold should the loan be defaulted on. However, occasionally it is necessary to borrow for another purpose. In this instance, a personal loan may be the way to go.

Function

Standard bank personal loans allow for someone to borrow funds for a purpose other than the purchase of certain items which the banks have specific loans for, such as real estate and vehicles.

Features

Typically, personal loans are one of the few loans available to borrowers without collateral. However, borrowers may often be able to get a larger loan or lower rate with sufficient collateral for the loan. Regardless, personal loans are made primarily based upon the borrower's credit history and credit score, and generally come with a higher interest rate.

Considerations

Since personal loans are often charged a higher interest rate than other types of loans, it may be in the borrower's interest to consider other loan types first. For example, a home equity loan can be used for multiple purposes.

Warning

Because personal loans have higher interest rates and either no collateral or unconventional collateral, they can quickly become a burden on the borrower either by lower credit scores, or difficult to make payments. Caution should be used prior to obtaining a personal loan. If the amount is lower than $10,000, in many cases a credit card may provide a better lending vehicle with a lower interest rate.

Benefits

Personal loans allow for customers to borrow from a bank without having to fit their need into the standard loan product mold. They therefore provide the freedom necessary for the borrower to accomplish their goals with the borrowed funds.

Tags: higher interest, interest rate, personal loans, higher interest rate, loans allow, necessary borrow

The Average Motel Maid Salaries

The traveler accommodation business is the largest employer of maids.

Hotel and motel maids, usually called housekeeping attendants or housekeeping aides, clean the rooms and other areas of the facility, restock supplies and make note of any necessary repair work. Small motels employ a limited number of these workers, while in large hotels, housekeeping may include a large staff of maids, floor supervisors and executive housekeepers. The occupation is characterized by very low pay, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Features

Service jobs constitute 65 percent of employment in hotels, and most of these jobs are in housekeeping and food service, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Motel maids spend much of their workday cleaning guest rooms. They change sheets, pillowcases and towels, make beds, vacuum and dust, empty wastebaskets and clean the bathrooms. They restock all supplies, such as soap and plastic drinking cups. Motel maids also clean the lobby, halls and any bathrooms located off the lobby or hallways.

Salary by Experience

Most hotels and motels prefer their maids to have a high school diploma or equivalent, but some hire maids without these credentials, explains the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The pay rate does not change much with experience. Maids with up to nine years of experience earn in a median range of about $7.40 to $9.90 per hour as of January 2011, according to the PayScale salary survey website. The median range is the middle 50 percent of the earnings scale, meaning 25 percent earn less and 25 percent earn more. Maids with 10 to 19 years of experience earn in a median range of $7.80 to $11 per hour. Only 17 percent of motel maids stick with this career for 10 or more years.

Comparisons

Of all maids and housekeeping cleaners, most work in traveler accommodations, such as hotels and motels. In 2009, maids working in these facilities were making about $9.70 per hour, or $20,200 per year, compared with the average for all maids and housekeeping cleaners at $10 per hour, or $20,800 per year. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that hotel maids receive tips as part of their income, motel maids responding to the PayScale survey said their tips only range from 20 cents to $1 per hour.

Specifics

Some PayScale survey respondents reported hourly pay rates from specific employers. Maids at Super 8 Motels report hourly pay of about $7 to $8, at Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn $7.50 to $8.50, at Hilton Hotels Corporation $8 to $9.90 and at Marriott International $9 to $11.40.

Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, median range, years experience earn

Where Does Marshalls Get Its Clothing

Where Does Marshalls Get Its Clothing?

For millions of savvy shoppers, Marshalls is the premier source for affordable fashions. The chain sells clothing, accessories and shoes from top designers, but at extremely discounted prices. But where do these designer products come from?

Benefits

All major department stores rely upon their buyers to select seasonal inventory. One of the buyer's main responsibilities is to predict the season's hottest trends and then stock the appropriate apparel. However, buyers often overestimate the amount of inventory that is needed. So, by the end of the season, the store has a large amount of clothing that is no longer in season. In order to make room for new inventory and prevent further loss of profit, department stores often sell their overstock to stores like Marshalls. So consumers like you are able to purchase brand-name items at discounted prices.

History

Marshalls was founded in 1956 by an entrepreneur named Alfred Marshall. The first store, in Boston, was an immediate success and, in just 10 years, Marshalls became the leading discount retail chain in the United States. Eventually, the company was purchased by the Melville Corporation (1975) and sold in 1995 to the company that owns TJ Maxx (TJX), which still owns Marshalls today.

Function

Marshalls' concept was originally created by Alfred Marshall himself. After witnessing unpredicted growth in the suburban areas of Massachusetts, Marshall searched for a way to profit from the thriving economy. He explored several options, finally settling upon the concept that Marshalls is still known for today: high-quality goods at highly discounted prices.

Geography

With more than 750 locations, Marshalls can be found in 43 of the 50 U.S. states, with the missing states being Wyoming, South and North Dakota, Utah, Alaska, Montana and Hawaii. In addition, the store can also be found in Puerto Rico and parts of Canada. Although the company has an online presence, due to fluctuating inventory, visitors are unable to purchase goods through the site.

Misconceptions

Many people incorrectly believe that the clothes found at Marshalls are defective in some way. Although imperfect items occasionally slip through the cracks, the majority of the clothing you will find at Marshalls is the exact same items you would find in premium department stores. In most cases, the only difference between Marshalls and designer retailers is simply the price.

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Stop Elderly Parents From Driving

Some seniors may be afraid of losing their independence with driving retirement.

If your elderly parents are still driving and you are concerned, arrange a short car trip with them to observe their driving. If they drive at inappropriate speeds, drift across lanes, have trouble focusing or seeing, fail to notice pedestrians or have other similar problems, plan to talk with them about giving up driving. Understand that driving retirement can be a sensitive issue, with many drivers afraid of losing their independence. Listen to their fears and communicate with them openly, rather than giving them a one-way lecture about safety.

Instructions

1. Approach your elderly parents about retiring from driving before it becomes a serious problem. Do not wait to have this conversation after your parents have been in an accident.

Prepare for the conversation by developing a checklist of reasons why you are concerned. These reasons may include medical conditions, poor vision and whether or not your parents have trouble remembering familiar routes. You can even place the blame elsewhere, by telling your parents you are worried about other reckless drivers crashing into them.

2. Develop responses to likely objections. For example, your parents may argue that the public transportation in their city is minimal and that they still need to go grocery shopping. Your response should provide a solution, such as by offering to take them shopping every week or purchasing groceries online for home delivery.

3. Initiate an appropriate discussion. The AARP recognizes two types of driver retirement discussions. The first is called a "Level One" discussion, in which you lay a foundation by casually discussing driving safety. This sets a tone for later discussions, when your parents really need to give up driving. The second discussion, "Level Two," occurs when an elderly person is placing himself and others at risk by continuing to drive and he needs to stop immediately. Depending on your parents' personalities, however, they may not wish to give up the car keys after just one or two discussions.

4. Take your parents to the eye doctor. If their vision interferes with driving, they may heed a professional's advice about this issue. You may wish to set up an appointment for yourself with their eye doctor beforehand, in order to get his opinion on their driving safety.

5. Call your parents' doctor, especially if they take medications. Inform her that you are concerned about your parents' safety while driving and that you wish to bring them in for an appointment. Your doctor may be able to help you convince your parents to stop driving by pointing out that the medications they take may make them drowsy. Or, she may point out a specific medical condition renders it unsafe for them to drive.

6. Call your local Department of Motor Vehicles if your parents still insist on driving. MSNBC.com recommends asking the DMV to request that your parents take a driving test because a fellow motorist reported them as driving erratically.

7. Ask your parents if you can borrow their car while your car is being repaired, another strategy recommended by MSNBC.com. This may be an option if your parents need to stop driving immediately before they injure themselves or others. This may help you buy some time to convince your parents to retire from driving.

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Church Research Grants

Church research grants are normally connected with missionary or spiritual work.

Churches and other religious groups sometimes offer grants to their parishioners and to the general public for the right cause. Most often the grant is connect with theological research or missionary work. Applying for a church research grant is similar to applying for other grants, as there are specific criteria that must be met.

Types of Grants

Church research grants are different from other grants in that the research usually is geared to support the church's philosophy or a specific aim, and that almost always includes growing the ministry. The Internet is a great place to find grants, and almost every denomination is represented.

Hartford Seminary

The Hartford Seminary offers a wide variety of resources for church research grants, including such topics as megachurches, women and religion, religion and family, Internet and religion, Pentecostalism, orthodoxy in the United States and homosexuality.

Hartford Seminary

77 Sherman Street

Hartford, CT 06105

860-509-9542

hartsem.edu

ChurchNetUSA

ChurchNetUSA offers visitors help in writing grants as well as helping grant writers locate funding. According to the website, funding is available for Christian seed money, Christian leadership, Christian churches, outreach ministry, Christian education and church expansion.

ChurchNetUSA

2151 Consulate Drive, Unit 13

Orlando, FL 32837

407-857-9002

churchnetusa.com

Christian Reformed Church

The Calvin Center research grants total over $150,000, and there are six available yearly for faith-related topics. The Calvin Center is is a Christian liberal arts college that is partnered with the Christian Reformed Church; the two share many funds, grants and scholarship programs.

Christian Reformed Church in North America

2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49560

616-241-1691

crcna.org

Society for Church Archaeology

The Society for Church Archaeology Research Grant has £1,000 available to those interested in church archaeology. Although the Society for Church Archaeology is based out in the United Kingdom, both membership and access to this grant are open to international applicants.

CBA, St Mary's House

66 Bootham

York YO30 7BZ

England

+44 0 1904 671417

britarch.ac.uk/grants/churchsociety

Religious Studies Center

The Religious Studies Center is a department of Brigham Young University and offers grants for a variety of faith-based projects. The amount given is not specified, but is based on the nature of the project and associated expenses.

Brigham Young University

370 JSB

Provo, UT 84602

801-422-3290

byu.edu

Tags: research grants, Christian Reformed, Christian Reformed Church, Hartford Seminary, Reformed Church, Society Church, Society Church Archaeology

Fight The Insurance Company After A House Fire

Three-quarters of residential fire costs come from houses without fire sprinklers.

Residential fires in the United States cost about $8.5 billion dollars in 2008. From 1999 to 2008, the cost of residential fires has risen a little under a half billion dollars per year. According to Jim Haines, an insurance industry claims consultant, very few U.S. homes have fire insurance that would fully pay for a total loss.

Instructions

Steps to Take Before a Fire

1. Unless you take preventive steps before a fire, your "replacement cost" insurance will probably not repay your full loss, particularly if a) your house cost more to build than most houses in your neighborhood, b) your house has special features or c) your insurance doesn't have "inflation guard," which is a periodic and automatic insurance company readjustment of the cost of construction and of the annual cost of your policy.

2. All homeowners, and particularly if your house has special features, should fully video-document (and periodically re-document) those features and all your belongings, room by room. Keep detailed cost records.

3. You should consult with your agent annually about replacement costs and the need for additional insurance. Legally, your agent bears responsibility for informing you of increased insurance needs; your post-fire claims become that much stronger if you have a record of consulting with your agent.

4. Your may have "replacement cost" insurance on the house, but only "cash value" on the contents. If so, pay for an endorsement that will pay replacement costs on contents also.

5. If your house costs more than most houses in your neighborhood, every few years you should have your house appraised by a licensed appraiser. An appraiser will often give you a better than normal price for this service if you're doing it to document value for insurance purposes because he can schedule it with a little additional flexibility and because, if you do have a fire, he'll receive substantial expert witness fees.

6. Don't forget to put all records relating to insurance, including your documentation, someplace other than your house. Otherwise your documentation may be destroyed in the fire.

After the Fire

7. Immediately notify your insurance company of the loss by phone, return receipt e-mail and certified mail. Stay in contact throughout the process.

8. If you have to move out during repairs or replacement, ask your carrier for an advance payment to cover your living costs.

9. Submit your follow-up "proof of loss claim" as soon as possible. If many nearby homes suffered fire-loss (as in the Oakland Hills fire in the 1980s), the carrier will adjust the claims in the order it receives them.

10. If you begin to have problems with your carrier, send a detailed business-like letter explaining the problem(s) to your state insurance commissioner. Do this earlier than later. When your carrier gets a copy of the complaint, it will motivate them to solve the problem.

11. Company adjusters will adjust to the low side. Hire your own independent estimator who has experience not only as a builder but with insurance claims.

12. If you can't come to an agreement over costs with your carrier, consider hiring a public licensed adjuster, and consult an attorney specializing in residential fire claims.

Tags: your house, with your, your carrier, your agent, billion dollars, cost insurance

Texas Mobile Home Install Requirements

Mobile home installers in Texas must follow certain rules.

Companies in Texas that install mobile homes must be aware of the installation guidelines set by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. They are expected to install according to every area of these guidelines and face penalties for any deviation from the rules. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of mobile home buyers. Does this Spark an idea?

Site Preparation

The installer is responsible for the proper site preparation of the home. The purchaser of the home is given a Notice of Site Preparation that must be signed by the purchaser for every home built in Texas. And this must be done prior to the beginning of building.

Site preparation includes clearance of overgrowth and natural materials from the land, drainage, leveling of the earth, and stabilization of the foundation and other areas.

The installers of the mobile home must ensure there is at least 18 inches of clearance between the bottom of the floor joists of the home and the ground. Also, there must be sufficient distance between the I-beams supporting the home and the ground to insure proper installation of the crossover duct.

The installer must remove all sods, tree stumps and debris from the site before installing the footings.

Moisture and Vapor Controls

The installer must equip the home with any necessary moisture and ground vapor control mechanisms that are required. The crawl space of the mobile home must have proper cross-ventilation to prevent moisture build-up. Also, skirting--materials that protect the underside of the home from debris blockage, animal intrusion and other threats--must be properly installed.

If the consumer seeks anyone other than the installers to provide moisture and vapor controls, then the consumer bares full responsibility for this necessary service and cannot hold the installer liable.

Footers and Piers

Footings for the home must be properly installed. The footings are the areas where the home will be attached to a support. The size of footings depends on the load-carrying capacity of the piers and the soil, both of which must be determined before installation. The footing must also be built with allowances for the frost line in certain counties. Footings must be placed on soil compressed to at least 90 percent of its maximum density and must be spaced so as to provide the greatest assurance of the stability of the home.

Anchoring Systems

Installers must make sure the building is properly anchored. The mobile home must be built to withstand winds in the Wind Zone in which it is built. Type 1, Finish B, Grade 1 style steel strapping must be used. Tie materials must be capable of resisting a workload of 3,150 pounds with no more than 2 percent stretching and an overload capacity of 5 percent (4,725 pounds). Anchors must be installed in the direction of the load.

Tags: home must, mobile home must, home ground, installer must, mobile home

Repair An Asphalt Driveway In The Rain

Cracks and other damage detract from your home's curb appeal.

Repairing an asphalt driveway in the rain is not impossible, depending on the amount of rain coming down. Cracks, holes and depressed areas detract from the aesthetics and curb appeal of your home. Making the repairs during rain is necessary if you have scheduled a day off work to make the repairs. Some people must fix the driveway on a certain day due to time constraints or before visiting guests arrive for a holiday or another special occasion. Dampness does not affect the ability of the materials to bond, although standing water will. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Repairing Hole or Cracks

1. Set up a temporary garden or party tent over the driveway if the rain is pouring down or is not forecast to diminish for several hours. Tents with side flaps work well, particularly if the wind sends rain gusts over the driveway.

2. Clean off any debris from the area where you want to make the repairs; an area free of dust, dirt or grass clippings allows the repair to bond better. A stiff bristle broom, garden hose or leaf blower works well for this task.

3. Read the instructions on the asphalt emulsion compound, often called liquid asphalt. Some compounds require diluting with water and using a spray bottle while others may be brushed on the area. Add the correct ratio of water into a spray bottle -- if necessary -- and then spray or brush it on the area under repair. A paintbrush is a handy tool for this task.

4. Warm the bag of cold-process asphalt mix by placing the unopened bag in a bucket of hot water. During sunny weather, placing it in a spot where it receives the sun's warming rays works well.

5. Use a putty knife or an asphalt crack filler to fill the large crack or hole with the asphalt mixture. Allow mixture to mound slightly in the area and then tamp it down. Use a metal tamper or a piece of lumber to tamp it even with the surrounding asphalt.

Making Depressed Areas Even

6. Soak up any standing rain water in the depressed areas with paper towels or an old towel. The depression can be slightly damp from the rain as long as no water is puddled in the area.

7. Apply the asphalt emulsion compound to the depression according to the directions on the label.

8. Spread the cold-process asphalt with a trowel so the depressed area is even with the surrounding asphalt.

9. Tamp down the cold-process asphalt with the metal tamper or a piece of lumber. Add more asphalt if necessary.

10. Wait 24 hours for the cold-patching material to dry adequately before using the repaired section of the driveway.

Tags: cold-process asphalt, asphalt emulsion, asphalt emulsion compound, asphalt with, cold-process asphalt with, curb appeal

Start Your Own Auto Repair Shop

As more and more new cars are manufactured each year, so will the services of skilled mechanics. However, owning a successful auto repair shop depends on many factors. Government regulations require business owners to recycle or dispose of oil properly. Accountability in servicing vehicles before huge breakdowns occur is also expected. A strong business plan will set the foundation and proper business structure registration is essential. Accurate record-keeping is vital too. Busy auto repair shops are transparent in defining business policies to all customers. This practice often leads to an early sale at the beginning of each business day.

Instructions

1. Create a business plan. Visit the EPA's Wastes Resource Conversation and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) web pages and read the information specifically for repair technicians. Incorporate your policies on how you will dispose of, or recycle used oil into your business plan. Include how you will utilize the OBD system to identify and prevent small auto repair problems from turning into larger ones. Determine where your shop will be located. High-traffic areas are ideal, since where many cars travel provides potential prospects for your business. Seek the direction of a business consultant to help you design a solid plan with marketing tips best for your geographical area.

2. Decide on your business structure and then register your business with the Secretary of State. A sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation will differ in the types of forms that must be filled out. Your local Secretary of State office will identify the appropriate forms required for your business structure.

3. Visit the IRS' website. Determine how you will keep your books. For example, decide if you will hire a bookkeeper to keep track of your records and pay your business taxes on time. Study the process in advance anyway so that you are able to spot record-keeping inconsistencies.

4. Register to receive the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) newsletter. The non-profit NASTF is a valuable resource. The newsletter contains news and trends relating to the automotive repair shop industry.

5. Post your fees and other repair policies in a high-customer traffic area inside your business to encourage consumer trust. Seek the advice of a lawyer when in doubt of what kinds of policies to create. He will be able to tell you what common complaints arise in the auto repair shop industry in your geographical area. She will give you advice on legally structure quote forms. For example, the quote policy should on the front of the form. Other policies may be listed on the back with a notation on the front indicating this fact.

Tags: your business, auto repair, business plan, business structure, repair shop, auto repair shop

Start Up A Horse Transport Business

Transporting horses can be a lucrative business.

Starting a horse transport business can be a fulfilling way to turn your love of driving and horses into an income-generating occupation. Basic knowledge of horses and their care is key to your success. If you don't have much experience with horses, you should find a horse professional to teach you basic horse care before embarking on this journey. Your knowledge will help horse owners entrust their animals to you. Some significant investments are required to start this business, including trucks and horse trailers.

Instructions

1. Conduct research to determine what kinds of horse transport businesses exist in your area. If several already operate, try to find a niche market for your business.

2. Review local laws and regulations for horse transport businesses in your state, city and county. Contact an attorney or state, county or city official if you have any questions.

3. Determine how far you are willing to travel to transport horses, whether in-state only or out-of-state. Determine how much equipment you will need; how many trailers, trucks and employees.

4. Choose a name for your business. Acquire licenses as required by your city, county and state. Contact the United States Department of Transportation to determine if you will need a DOT number.

5. Purchase liability insurance. Make sure your insurance will protect you and your business from any claims that may arise. Consult an insurance professional to determine if any other types of insurance are beneficial or necessary for your business.

6. Create a business plan to guide the growth of your business. Begin with a statement of purpose, or mission statement. Include descriptions of your business, including financial information and management. Be sure to include short- and long-term goals for the business. Determine how the goals will be measured and accomplished. Cover what will happen if there are too many clients to serve and if there are not enough clients to maintain cash flow.

7. Develop a marketing plan. Expect to spend 20 percent of your time running your business and 80 percent of your time marketing your business. Include development of an online presence and local networking. Focus on cost-free methods of marketing to begin with, such as press releases, web forums, social networking sites and word of mouth. Plan for future financing for marketing and advertising as well.

8. Develop written policies regarding how horses will be handled, what will happen if a horse is injured, how clients will be notified about transportation status and how client complaints will be handled. Create clear written policies for any issues that may arise and make all clients aware of the written policies.

9. Obtain financing for start-up costs, including trucks, horse trailers, travel expenses, employee salaries, fuel, food, lodging, license fees and insurance premiums. Show your business plan and marketing plan to anyone you seek financing from.

10. Purchase trucks, horse trailers, buckets, halters, lead ropes, tool kits, first aid kits for humans and horses and emergency equipment.

11. Create a web site for your business. Recruit the help of an experienced friend. If necessary, hire a professional. Make sure your web site is educational and professional. Include information regarding care of horses while traveling. Use your expertise in this area to draw traffic to your site. Any person who clicks through to your site from an Internet search is a potential client.

12. Use social networking web sites to market your business. Make sure your pages on social networking sites link back to your site.

13. Consider creating an email newsletter or blog for your current and potential customers.

Tags: your business, your site, horse trailers, horse transport, Make sure

Get Financial Help For An Elderly Parent

Financial assistance is available for elderly parents.

Some elderly people are fortunate enough to have good retirement plans or significant savings but others live on very limited incomes and have trouble just making ends meet. If you have an elderly parent who needs financial help, you need to know where to look for assistance. Prepare to fill out lots of applications and make a number of phone calls. Chances are you'll find the help your parent needs.

Instructions

1. Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to find out if your elderly parent qualifies for Social Security retirement benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Supplemental Security Income provides monthly benefits for elderly people limited income and resources and who do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. If your parent needs help completing an application for retirement benefits or SSI, you may assist him or he can ask for help at the Social Security office.

2. Contact the welfare agency in the county in which you live to find out if your elderly parent qualifies for any financial help offered through that agency. The name of the agency varies by state; in South Carolina it is called the Department of Health and Human Services and in Missouri it is the Department of Social Services. If your parent needs help completing an application for financial assistance, you may assist her or she can ask for help at the welfare office.

3. Ask at the welfare agency if your parent might qualify for other types of help instead of or in addition to financial help. For instance, he may qualify for food stamps or Medicaid. In most states, you can apply for all those things on one application. You can assist your parent with his application or trained staff at the welfare agency will provide any assistance needed.

Tags: Social Security, your parent, parent needs, elderly parent, financial help, retirement benefits

Start My Own Auto Mechanic Shop

Over the years, auto mechanics have had to adapt to the changing technologies within the auto industry. With the majority of new cars being run by electronic systems and computers, auto mechanics these days must be familiar with electronic equipment and read computer diagnoses. Additionally, auto mechanics must have extensive training and be certified. After tools, equipment and business expenses, expect to need at least $100,000 to open your own auto mechanic shop.

Instructions

1. Get ASE certified or hire mechanics who are certified and qualified to work on the types of cars you intend to service. Visit the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to find information on training in your area.

2. Find a location for your auto shop with enough bays to accommodate anticipated demand and parking space for finished cars. Look to move into an old car shop to reduce construction costs. Ensure your location is properly zoned. Look for areas near busy business parks. Offer same day oil changes and maintenance to corporate employees. Have them drop their cars off at the start of the day and pick them up at day's end. Offer a convenient shuttle system to tote them to and from work. Employees will enjoy the convenience of having the car maintenance done while they are at work.

3. Contact your state department for information on licenses that you will need to obtain. Contact your EPA office or health department to set up an inspection. Review the Health and Safety checklist for information on ensure that your shop is compliant with federal and state safety regulations (see "Resources"). You may need to implement a policy on spill prevention, control and countermeasure plans. Purchase liability insurance for your garage.

4. Stock your garage. Purchase a lift for each bay, safety gear, oil storage containers, tire changer, brake lathe, wheel balancer, spray cabinets, muffler tubing bender, oil drains, tools, diagnostic scan tools, leak testers, inspection sticks, fire extinguishers, storage racks, transmission jacks, signage for your shop and frame machines. Have suppliers on hand to purchase parts as you need them.

5. Set your business apart by specializing in hybrid cars, if they are a popular vehicle in your town. Many existing mechanics don't know work on hybrids. You could be the only one in your area that does. While repairing the cars and securing parts will be much more costly, over time, as hybrids gain popularity, costs will drop.

Tags: auto mechanics, Contact your, your area, your auto, your garage, your shop

Remodel Older Mobile Homes

A mobile home on two acres.

Often people look at mobile homes, especially older mobile homes, and shake their heads at how out-dated and frail they seem. While these homes may be older and they may need some work they can often be easily fixed up and are reasonably priced for those with incomes that cannot afford more. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Inspect the mobile home and make a list of the problems you find. In older mobile homes you may have to replace floors or walls as well as appliances or windows. It is best to know what is going to be a problem now and what may become a problem in the future.

2. Mobile home walls are often what make the home look the least like a site-built home. If the mobile home walls have wallboard with stripping on them then changing this look can be a great help. Remove the stripping and fill in with plaster. Once the plaster has been smoothed and dried you can then paint over the entire wall. You may have to paint on several layers to completely cover the wallboard.

3. Covering paneled walls is done much the same way as wallboard. You can plaster the lines in the paneling to make a smooth surface or leave them for a neat texture, then paint the wall. If the paneling is very dark you may have to paint a couple of layers. With the paneling or the wallboard, adding baseboards and crown molding to the walls gives the appearance you are in a site built home.

4. Lay new flooring in your mobile home. Getting rid of the outdated linoleum can brighten up a kitchen while making it feel newer and replacing the carpet with new carpet or laminate can be a big update.

5. Replace the kitchen and bathroom cabinets if possible but if you cannot afford it then paint the cabinets with a fresh coat. After the cabinets have been painted replace the cabinet knobs with a more updated version. Even if you cannot afford to replace the knobs you can often paint them as well.

6. Replacing kitchen and bathroom faucets is also an inexpensive way to quickly modernize a room. If the sinks and tub are chipped or faded then you may want to replace them with newer sets.

Tags: mobile home, cannot afford, mobile homes, then paint, have paint, home walls

Recycling Plants In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's recycling plants keep materials such as metals, glass and organic waste from going into landfills.

Recycling is an easy way for individuals and businesses to help the environment, reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Commonly recycled household and office items include paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and steel. Materials such as electronics, batteries, light bulbs, tires, motor oil and household chemicals can be hazardous and require special recycling processes. You can even recycle compostable yard and kitchen waste, construction materials such as bricks and drywall, bicycles, mattresses and eyeglasses. There are several plants in the Pennsylvania that offer recycling services. Does this Spark an idea?

Metals

Pittsburgh's Castriota Metals and Recycling hauls and recycles metals such as iron, aluminum, steel, brass, tin, zinc and copper. The company will accept car parts, scrap metals, building materials, chips and machine turnings. Ineligible materials include flammable or radioactive metals, metals containing freon or mercury, paint cans, fire extinguishers or other sealed containers. According to the company's website, recycling metals through "the scrap industry cuts down landfill usage and depletion of natural resources."

Organic Waste

Pittsburgh's AgRecycle provides collection and drop-off locations for compostable organic waste, including food scraps, yard debris, manure, untreated wood and corrugated cardboard. The company recycles these collected materials into compost to be used for soil amendment. According to the company's website, if just 10 percent of the 765,000 tons of daily waste generated in the United States was composted, the reduction in carbon emissions would be equivalent to taking 6.8 million cars off the roads.

Batteries

INMETCO, located in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, recycles batteries. The company specializes in "thermal recovery" for large and small nickel cadmium batteries, but also accepts nickel-iron, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion and mercury-free zinc carbon batteries. Large cell batteries are used for backup power, and small-cell batteries are commonly found in power tools, appliances and medical equipment. According to the company's website, recycled battery elements are used to make new batteries, to manufacture stainless steel and in wastewater treatment plants.

Electronics

Pittsburgh's eLoop llc provides recycling and refurbishing services for electronics such as computers, CRT monitors, cell phones, televisions and other devices that have outlived their technological lifespan. The company's website notes that electronics often "contain hazardous chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can seep into the ground and cause contamination if disposed of in a landfill." When possible, devices are refurbished for sale.

Lamps

Atlantic Lamp Recycling, located in Wayne, Pennsylvania, recycles materials such as lamps, ballasts, PCB electrical equipment, batteries, asbestos, transformers, computers, electronics and hazardous electrical waste. Materials such as lamps and light bulbs can contain hazardous elements such as mercury, PCBs, oils and lead. If these materials are left in landfill, dangerous toxins can leach into ground and water supplies.

Tires

Recycled tires have a variety of uses, all of which are better than sitting in the dump.

Liberty Tire Recycling, located in Braddock, Pennsylvania, uses size-reduction techniques to recycle scrap tires. These rubber crumbs can then be reused as molded rubber products, adhesives, substitutes for stone aggregates, fuel for kilns or power plants, or landscaping projects such as mulch, according to the company's website. Liberty Tire Recycling collects tires from pick-up locations across the country, as well as removing more than 40 million scrap tires from landfills.

Tags: company website, According company, According company website, aluminum steel, contain hazardous, into ground, landfills Recycling

Financial Help For Lowincome Disabled People

Financial Help for Low-Income Disabled People

Help is available for low-income disabled people. If you're willing to spend some time online researching grants and filing applications, you will probably find funds for at least some of your needs. Since many grants are made available to organizations rather than individuals, start your search by contacting local social-service agencies to find out what they can provide.

Applying for Government Benefits

If you're permanently disabled and you haven't yet applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration, that's a good starting place. Two programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offer benefits for people with disabilities that are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security website (ssa.gov) contains information about both programs and you can apply online. You can also call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or use the TTY number for the hearing-impaired, which is 1-800-325-0778. Both numbers are answered between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Your state might also provide cash assistance payments through the Department of Welfare or Social Services Department. You can apply for food stamp benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the same application. Find your state online by entering state.yourstateabbreviation.gov or check the blue pages in your phone book.

Programs that help pay your expenses can effectively increase your disposable income. Weatherization and heating assistance grants are available through the Department of Energy and are usually administered by state welfare or social services agencies, as well. Inquire about these programs when you file for other benefits, or visit eere.energy.gov/weatherization.

Grants for the Disabled

Grants are funds that are provided to organizations or individuals for specific purposes and do not have to be repaid. The U.S. Department of Education provides a Supported Employment Grant for individuals with severe disabilities. The grant is intended to provide services for a limited time period with the goal of finding and maintaining supported employment. State liaisons have been assigned for this grant (see Resources section).

The IRS provides tax information and assistance to disabled taxpayers. You don't have to file an application, but you must follow the guidelines provided by the IRS (see Resources section).

Disabled students who are enrolled in a program leading to an associate or a bachelor's degree can apply for a grant from the Department of Education's TRIO Student Support Services. Although grant applications for fiscal year 2010 are closed, you can apply for future years. You must complete an application online at e-grants.ed.gov/egHome.asp.

A veteran who has lost one foot or hand or has severely impaired vision, when these conditions occurred during active service or were made worse by that service, might qualify for a grant of $11,000 to buy a car or other vehicle. If the veteran suffers from ankylosis of at least one knee or hip, he might qualify for a grant for other adaptive equipment in lieu of the vehicle grant. This includes National Guard and Reserve who have been activated and discharged, and former National Oceanic and Atmospheric employees. More information is available at vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/Autoeg_0708.doc.

Veterans can also receive help through the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which provides medical care, equipment, compensation, loans, insurance and other benefits (see Resources section).

For a more complete listing of government grants listed by category, visit the Government Benefits portal.

Tags: Resources section, Social Security, through Department, Department Education, Disabled People

Ideas For Underpinning A Mobile Home

This home could look a lot nicer with the right skirting.

You own an attractive mobile home, and want to add to it by having attractive underpinning (also known as skirting). The right underpinning can enhance your landscape and the resale value of your mobile home. More important than just aesthetics alone are the legal issues: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that all mobile homes have skirting. You may not be able to obtain mobile home insurance or a loan without it. There are three basic types of underpinning: vinyl panel, brick look panels, and stone look panels. Does this Spark an idea?

Vinyl Underpinning

This is the most inexpensive underpinning for a mobile home, and the quickest and easiest to install. Vinyl underpinning is available in both vented (with small slots) or solid styles, and is designed for ease of installation, using common hand tools. Typical panels are 16 inches wide by about 12 feet long, and are readily available at most mobile home supply companies or large home improvement stores. To determine how many panels you need, divide your perimeter by 16 inches, and then divide 12 feet by the height from the ground to the mobile home's sole plate.

Brick Look Underpinning

These skirting panels look like hand-laid brick, and have all the slight color variations that real brick would have. They are available in a variety of themes (such as new brick or old weathered brick) and are designed for ease of installation. These panels are about 44 inches tall by about 18 inches wide, and again readily available at supply companies. A full range of ancillary accessories are available, such as mortar caulking to fill in the joint lines. To calculate how many you need, measure your perimeter, convert feet to inches, then divide by the width of the panel.

Stone Look Underpinning

These panels have the look of hand-laid stone, and are also available in a variety of themes (such as round stone or cut stone). They have the natural color variations of real stone, and can be very attractive with the right color scheme of your home. The panels measure about 44 inches tall by 18 inches high. These panels are designed for ease of installation, with interlocking tabs for connectors. If the area to cover is more than 18 inches tall, simply connect two or more panels together, then trim to fit. Many mobile home suppliers can assist you in determining how many panels you need for your mobile home.

Accessories for Panels

All the panels also have accessories, which will facilitate installation. Some of these include corner panels, top anchoring strips, and ground channels. Each type of accessory comes with recommendations as to the best installation method, and the vendors of these panels can assist you with your accessory needs as well.

Tags: mobile home, about inches, designed ease, designed ease installation, ease installation, inches tall, These panels

Open An Auto Repair Shop

Open an Auto Repair Shop

If you're a skilled mechanic, it can be exciting and lucrative to own your own auto repair shop instead of working for someone else. Auto repair shops can do well, since there is a large profit margin and there will always be a demand for repairs. There are some tasks that you need to complete when you decide to open an auto repair shop.

Instructions

1. Consider an automotive repair franchise. Compare the fees and costs against the cost of starting up and advertising an independent shop.

2. Join local business associations and national groups like the Automotive Service Association, which can offer marketing tips, training, and discounts on programs you need to run your business.

3. Write a business plan that details your budget, advertising, goals and plans for achieving your goals. Specify what type of repair service you will offer, how many mechanics and bays are available to service customers and how your service will differ from the competition.

4. Create a website that includes information about monthly or weekly specials, automotive tips and customer services features, like the ability for customers to check on the status of repairs, access their vehicle's repair history, schedule an appointment or receive email reminders. Include keywords related to your specialization and area of service so that it is indexed by search engines.

5. Find a location. Great locations for an auto repair shop are existing shops right next to an interstate or major highway or in the center of town. Find a building that already has the equipment and space you need. Make sure the location is zoned for an auto repair shop.

6. Advertise in the phone directory and local papers. Offer referral fees to other automobile related services, like auto detailers, gas stations, car sales lots and especially towing companies.

7. Set up your shop so that it makes a good impression. Invest in up-to-date diagnostic and repair equipment. Make sure the shop and your employees look clean and orderly. Create a comfortable waiting area and reception space for customers.

Tags: repair shop, auto repair shop, auto repair, Auto Repair, Make sure, service will

Start A Tire Repair Service Business

Good tires are a necessity for every car owner, and the U.S. had more than 254 million registered cars in 2008, according to the Bureau of Transportation. This makes a tire business a potentially lucrative endeavor. To be successful, you need a knowledge of vehicle and wheel types, new and used tires, tire rotation and flat tire repair.

Instructions

1. Enroll in the "Commercial Tire Service" course through the Tire Industry Association to become a certified tire repair technician. Train to remove, install and repair tires. Learn road service safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. For tire repair services, hire a mechanic that is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.

2. Contact your state's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office for an inspection of your tire repair business. You may be required to draft a site plan showing runoff prevention, methods to contain oil and chemical spills and proper tire storage. Obtain a waste tire permit.

3. Contact tire-recycling businesses in your area to recycle unsalvageable aluminum, steel and tires.

4. Buy or lease a tow truck and offer to pick-up or remove cars that have flat tires. Put your business name and phone number on the side of the truck for potential new customers to see.

5. Advertise your tire repair service online. Include information about recycling companies you work with and how they reuse the tires or break them down for rubber.

Tags: tire repair, your tire repair, your tire

Remove An Old Mobile Home

Removing a mobile home requires permits and the work of licensed professionals.

Removing an older mobile home that cannot be pulled requires the work of licensed professionals. While there are steps you can perform yourself, you still need assistance in disconnecting the home from utility and sewer hookups and in loading the trailer onto a flatbed to transport it.

Contact your treasurer's office before you attempt to move any mobile home. Some states require a permit before a mobile home can be moved and another permit before a title can be transferred. In these states it is illegal for a mover to proceed without a permit, and the mover must maintain possession of the permit while the trailer is being transported. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Visit your local treasurer's office and obtain your required permits. You may also need a Move Sheet from the assessor's office.

2. Remove the skirting from around the base of the mobile home. Wear heavy-duty work gloves and safety goggles as you lift the initial skirting piece halfway up. At this point, you can disengage the two pieces at the base. Repeat this process until all the skirting pieces have been removed. Have a sharp pair of tin snips available for stubborn pieces.

3. Release the ground ties by loosening them from the anchors.

4. Hire a licensed electrician to disconnect the mobile home from its energy source and a licensed plumber to disconnect the water and sewer lines.

5. Hire a licensed crane-lift operator and crane lift to pull the trailer off its foundation and load it onto a flatbed for transport.

6. Secure the trailer atop the flatbed with chains. Do not do this yourself. Rely on the experience of a professional.

Tags: mobile home, flatbed transport, Hire licensed, home from, licensed professionals, onto flatbed

Claim The Stimulus Refund On Taxes

There has been two attempts by the government to use tax breaks to stimulate the economy. The so-called "stimulus packages" passed Congress in the beginning of 2008 and 2009. Both resulted in tax rebates to individuals, but they were handled differently in each year. Those who received stimulus money in 2008 may have to go about thier 2009 tax returns in a different way.

Instructions

1. Check your pay-stubs to see what has been withheld. If you are looking to get a 2009 tax refund from the stimulus package passed early in 2009, you're probably already getting it on a weekly basis. Instead of sending checks out in one lump sum, the IRS adjusted the withholding tables to take out a bit less per paycheck. At the end of the year, individual's withheld amount will be $400 lower and $800 lower for married couples.

2. Check your social security statements. Since the U.S. had deflation in 2009, there was no cost-of-living adjustment. If you qualify for Social Security benefits, you should have already gotten a payment of $250, as it was put into benefit checks in May and June. If you or a loved one is getting Social Security, check your payments for that period and one of them should be $250 bigger than normal. If not, call Social Security and ask why you got overlooked.

3. File for a refund if you are a business owner or self-employed. Self-employed people and small business owners do not get money withheld from their paychecks. They will need to file taxes (the earlier the better) to claim their stimulus money.

4. File a late return or amended return if you didn't file in 2007-2008. You might have 2008 stimulus money coming if you didn't file a 2007 tax form; $600 per person was sent out in the spring and summer of 2008, but the checks were sent to people who had filed 2007 tax forms. If your income was too small to warrant filing tax returns in 2007 and 2008, you probably got overlooked. You may want to file a late return now or an amended return if you filed already for 2008, if you have yet to claim a rebate check.

5. Find out if you qualify for other types of stimulus money. There are other tax credits that flowed out of the 2009 stimulus package, most notable the new home-buyer tax credit. It was set to expire at the end of November, but was extended through June 2010. That gives 10% of the price of a house as a tax credit on your 2009 taxes, up to $8000. Another tax credit that is available is a energy-efficiency credit which gives a 30% tax credit for home improvements that cut energy consumption.

Tags: stimulus money, 2008 have, amended return, Check your, didn file, late return

Start A Small Computer Repair Business

Start a Small Computer Repair Business

For the average computer user, who doesn't know the first thing about repairing his PC, there is nothing more frustrating than a system malfunction or unknown computer error. Even savvy computer users don't necessarily know repair their systems. In addition, computer repair companies often charge hundreds of dollars for repairs, which can take weeks. If you're a whiz at fixing computers, starting your own computer repair and troubleshooting business could prove highly lucrative.

Instructions

1. Register your business, even if operating as a sole proprietor. Your state may require it. Also, it tells customers that you are a serious business, and it will make residential clients much more willing to let you enter their homes. Buy at least $100,000 in liability coverage, too. It'll protect you if you damage a client's home while on the job.

2. Understand the difference between operating a computer repair business and charging friends and family members for your skills. Failure is no longer an option. If a hard drive fails and the client hasn't recently backed up her system, you could be facing serious repercussions. Don't assume that because you are an expert on removing viruses or offering Windows tutorials you can tackle all repairs. Invest in solid training and experience by opening up your own computer and conducting repairs. And visit helpful sites such as Pctechbytes.com or Nnucomputerwhiz.com for tutorials on spyware removal, operating system recovery, the installation of Windows device drivers and installing and upgrading hardware.

3. Identify your clientele. Many of your residential clients will be retirees or people with few computer skills who are simply looking for ways to connect to the Internet, check their email or learn some applications. Small business clients may be looking for software solutions. Stick to what you know until you're sure you have the knowledge to see a repair through. Never over-promise. Offering program training, simple computer setup or software development is still a highly viable way to earn a living.

4. Create business cards, a basic website and a satisfaction guarantee. These too will reassure clients of your professionalism and trustworthiness.

5. Advertise your PC repair business. Make sure you're well groomed and then don business casual or a uniform and go door-to-door introducing yourself. Leave a business card. Ask friends and family members you have helped in the past to write up testimonials about your work or be available as a reference for potential clients who can call and verify your work. Consider placing an ad in the local paper to reach clients who still read newspapers.

6. Contact libraries or adult education facilities about offering computer training classes for adults or seniors for a month or two. This is a great way to supplement your income until your repair business takes off and it can help spread the word about your skills and professionalism. Design an appealing curriculum that includes creating professional resumes or fostering time-management skills.

Tags: about your, computer repair, Computer Repair, family members, friends family, friends family members