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Doing Your Homework When Shopping For A Car Loan

Word Count:
451

Summary:
Some simple research can put you in a better position when you’re looking for a new car loan, or refinancing an existing one. Arming yourself with the proper information ahead of time can save you both time and money in the long run.

Know your FICO score and other items on your credit report. The FICO score is calculated using various ratings, such as how much debt you currently hold, whether you pay your bills on time, etc. This number is used by every lender as part of t…

Keywords:
credit card debt, credit card bill, debt consolidation, credit card loans, credit card help

Article Body:
Some simple research can put you in a better position when you’re looking for a new car loan, or refinancing an existing one. Arming yourself with the proper information ahead of time can save you both time and money in the long run.

Know your FICO score and other items on your credit report. The FICO score is calculated using various ratings, such as how much debt you currently hold, whether you pay your bills on time, etc. This number is used by every lender as part of their approval procedure, and will have a great deal of impact on whether you qualify for a loan and if so, what kind of deal you will qualify for.

You can get current copies of your credit report from the 3 major reporting services:

Equifax: PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 http://www.equifax.com

Experian: PO Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013 http://www.experian.com

Transunion: PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022 http://www.transunion.com

Next, don’t assume the lowest interest rate is always the best deal. Many dealers offer 0% interest, especially right before the new model are due to be released. In some cases it may be better to opt for a cash rebate rather than a 0% loan.

For example, if you opt for a 4% loan (36 months) with a $2000 cash rebate your payment can be lower in some cases than they would with a 0% loan but no rebate.

It’s a good idea to get pre-qualified for financing, before going shopping for a new vehicle. You’ll know ahead of time how much you can afford and you’ll have a better idea of a budget for your new vehicle.

This also puts you in a better negotiating position with the dealer. Their deals are partly based on whether you use their financing or not. If you have alternate financing available, you may be able to negotiate a better deal if you use their financing.

Make sure you run the numbers both ways to see which is the best offer before you agree to dealer financing. In some cases, it can even be worthwhile to finance through the dealer and then refinance shortly after purchasing with your own lender. There are normally feeds involved for doing this, and some agreements may not allow refinancing so be sure to read the offer thoroughly if you are considering this.

Finally, be sure you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of leasing versus purchasing. There are some cases where the tax advantages of leasing can wind up being a better deal than purchasing.

Do your homework before rushing into a purchase and you’ll be able to save time and money, as well as having the satisfaction of knowing you got the best deal possible.

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Holiday Shopping Money Tips

Word Count:
616

Summary:
If you are like most people, you severely UNDER-estimate what the holiday gift list is going to cost. Here are some time-tested tips to help you not overspend on gift giving.

The biggest mistake you can make is to start out on your holiday shopping trips with NO GIFT PLAN and NO SPENDING PLAN. That usually causes spending to double and you end up a Grouchy Grinch after the holiday when you have to pay the bills or you are short on money.

1 ? Decide what your total spend…

Keywords:
holiday shopping,budget,money,gifts,gift giving,gift certificates

Article Body:
If you are like most people, you severely UNDER-estimate what the holiday gift list is going to cost. Here are some time-tested tips to help you not overspend on gift giving.

The biggest mistake you can make is to start out on your holiday shopping trips with NO GIFT PLAN and NO SPENDING PLAN. That usually causes spending to double and you end up a Grouchy Grinch after the holiday when you have to pay the bills or you are short on money.

1 ? Decide what your total spending budget is for gifts. Hopefully you have stashed some money away for this ahead of time and don’t have to use credit cards you can’t pay off immediately. Add some to the budget to cover gift wrap, sales tax and shipping to out of town recipients.

2 ? Make a list of everyone you have to buy gifts for. In large families, draw names so you don’t have to buy everyone a gift, that way your budget goes further and you can get nicer gifts for fewer people. Don’t forget the kids’ teachers, your beautician and the mailman if you usually get them something.

3 ? Next to each person’s name write down the amount you want to spend. Add these up and make adjustments so you don’t OVER-spend on your plan.

4 ? For each person, write down a list of gift ideas that can be purchased within the gift limit. Make a list of stores where you can shop to get a great selection of that item at great prices. The more ideas you have for each person, the more likely you are to find a great gift that is within the price limit.

5 ? Consolidate your shopping trips to the places on the list and shop well in advance so you get the best selection. Even if you don’t usually read the newspaper, at least get the Sunday editions starting the week before Thanksgiving. That way you can see the sales at your targeted shopping destinations, get some great discount coupons and get some gift ideas for those hard-to-shop-for family members and friends.

6 ? For long distance gift giving, consider gift certificates so the person can pick out what they actually want. Restaurant gift certificates are great for women who will be tired of cooking during the Holiday and will really appreciate a relaxing meal that someone else had to shop for, cook and clean up after.

7 ? As you find the gift items and decide to buy, scratch the person off the list as a DONE so you won’t be tempted to buy more.

8 ? Shop for the recipient. A well thought out gift that the person will truly use is better than a designer label anything that they wouldn’t think of wearing or using, no matter how much of a bargain it was.

Gift Ideas with Flair

Make the box or container a part of the gift. Forget the gift wrap and shop for unique containers that can become part of the gift and used later. If you buy someone a scarf and one other item, wrap the item artfully in the scarf and tie on a nice ribbon bow.

A gift of homemade cookies in a nice container to keep them in can be a much appreciated gift for about $11; especially for a single guy who never cooks.

Buying someone a book or book store gift certificate? Find a unique container and include something to enjoy with the book like a selection of tea and organic chocolates; A nice gift for about $35.

A pound of organic coffee, a bar of organic chocolate and a great music CD can be boxed up for under $30.

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How to Keep Your Jewelry Clean And Sparkling Throughout The Year

Word Count:
806

Summary:
Everybody, especially women, loves jewelry. It’s an accessory that one cannot simply do without. However, people are hard-pressed to keep it clean and sparkling. You can of course take the help of a professional jewelry cleaner, but these can be pretty expensive.

Keywords:
jewelry cleaning

Article Body:
Everybody, especially women, loves jewelry. It’s an accessory that one cannot simply do without. However, people are hard-pressed to keep it clean and sparkling. You can of course take the help of a professional jewelry cleaner, but these can be pretty expensive.

There are numerous ways and means thorough which you can keep your jewelry in ship shape throughout the year. Whatâ??s more you can employ these methods from the comforts of your home. They are easy to do, and easy to learn. Here are a few tips on keeping your jewelry clean and sparkling throughout the year:

Cleaning Your Precious Diamonds
The process is quite simple. Take a glass bowl, and pour some Vodka into it. Take your diamond jewelry and swish it inside the bowl. Take it out and then rinse it with clean, clear water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Moreover, if your diamond jewelry is really very dirty, then it is advisable that you dip a soft toothbrush in the vodka and scrub the jewelry delicately. This process will clean and add the requisite sparkle to the diamond jewelry in no time at all.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry
This is again a process that is simplicity itself. All that is required is a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and a teaspoon of household ammonia. Your gold jewelry must be then immersed in this mixture and allowed to rest in it for a period of around ten minutes. After this, you must use a soft cloth to wipe them dry. You will be amazed by the efficacy of this simple process.

The Silver Jewelry Tip
Your silver jewelry might just be the hardest item to clean. Many people try and clean it with a silver paste, but in the hands of the amateur, it usually ends up as a messy failure. An easier way would be to use a glass casserole whose bottom must be lined with an aluminum foil.
You must then add two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of salt and some boiling water inside the glass casserole. The silver jewelry then needs to be added to this mixture and allowed to sit in it, till the water cools down. After that, remove the silver pieces and buff them with a soft cloth.
If you use this process, it’s a surety that all the crevices and creases of the silver will be cleaned of all the dirt and the jewelry will sparkle anew. The best part about this method is that there is absolutely no need to keep rubbing the finish. This helps in prolonging the life of the jewelry and it will last longer.

Your Precious Pearls
There is no intricate process that will help you keep your pearls sparkling throughout the year. They will only be kept clean and shiny, if you wear them often. There is a scientific reason for this. The oil from your skin will help their luster and keep them soft.
However, there are times when there is simply very little opportunity for you to wear your pearls. In this case, you can keep them in good condition by sprinkling some olive oil on a soft cloth and then wiping them gently.

Moisture: The Dust Trap
Always remove your jewelry before you take a bath or head for a sauna. This must be especially taken care of, in the case of gemstone jewelry. Such jewelry is quite sensitive to moisture and any exposure to it might lead to the jewelry pieces losing their sparkle and newness.
Any amount of water on the jewelry pieces acts as a trap for dust particles and other residual matter.

A Simple Solution
If you don’t want to put in too much of an effort with regards to your cleaning process then you can clean your gold and silver jewelry using a solution of soap and water. The cleaning powder must not be strong, as the presence of hard chemicals will have a detrimental effect on your jewelry.
Proceed with caution with respect to cleaning your jewelry with a soap solution. Be well aware of the chemical content of your soap solution. If you are not to sure about this, then the best thing would be to apply the solution on an area of the jewelry that is less conspicuous.

Jewelry Storage
Due importance must also be given to where you store your jewelry. This would ensure the cleanliness of the jewelry. You must keep your jewelry in an enclosed storage space that is also dry and cool. Any sustained exposure to heat will cause an irrevocable damage to your jewelry.

Use the above mentioned tips to regularly clean your jewelry, so it looks as good as new. The results of these tips might just surprise you with their brilliance.

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How To Throw the Perfect Jewelry Sales Pitch; A Review of the Basics

Word Count:
748

Summary:
This article is a general review of the fundamental selling techniques for anyone in the sales industry. It reminds us that, no matter the product, you must be a believer in what you sell to the world.

Keywords:
Sales, salesmanship, jewelry, selling power, product knowledge

Article Body:
For anyone in the sales industry, the ultimate accomplishment is making a great sale. When it comes to a luxury item like jewelry, the sale can be an even harder goal to achieve. With the right approach, doubters and misers buy products and services everyday. So why not that 3-carat diamond ring? Here is a review of a few fundamental techniques used by the best jewelry sales people:

1. Know Your Product

Know everything about your merchandise: strengths, weaknesses, and any unique features. Also understand factors that influence its demand in the industry and popularity in fashion. All of these will strengthen your presentation and make the customer more willing to buy. There should be nothing that anyone can tell you about your own product that you don’t already know. You will definitely be asked questions and be given myriad objections, so be prepared to elaborate on all aspects of your merchandise in response.

2. Know Your Customer

Make every effort to know all you can about your potential clients. Gain an understanding of their purchasing habits and what motivates their choices. Why have they come to you? What are they looking for and for what occasion? Tailor your approach to suit their needs. When you know the buying habits of your prospect, you can use it to develop a relationship that will lead to repeat business. Learn their names and use them in conversation. Don’t forget to be friendly!

3. Build Value, Create Desire

Jewelry purchases are oftentimes emotional decisions. By building the value of a piece, you will be one step closer to making that sale. Apply the information the customer shared by joining the beneficial features with his/her buying motivation. Draw on their sentimentality to identify the right item for them. Tell them the rewards of owning such a piece. This will add that needed sense of value and will help quell potential objections.

Creating desire involves building your customer’s interest and excitement. Compliment the customer’s taste in order to validate their choice. Allow them to try it on, or suggest modeling it for them. Show your own interest in the piece as you respectfully hand it to them. Subtly play to their reactions. Create scenarios involving the jewelry that will appeal to your customer’s excitement, intrigue, or even vanity. Remember, you’re not just selling jewelry; you are selling a relationship as well.

4. Trial Close

Attempting a trial close tests your customer’s readiness to buy. Ask questions that imply the customer already owns the piece: “Shall I wrap it up?” “I’ll have your ring ready momentarily. Size 7, right?” Possible objections will arise here. Depending on their reasons for not committing, ask them questions to figure out what will make them more comfortable. Reinforce the positive aspects of the jewelry to remind your customer how much they like the piece. The more they talk, the easier it is to find the main objection. Then attempt another trial close. Stay happy!

5. The Close

This is when you ask for the sale if necessary. The customer might offer the sale with, “Do you accept credit cards?” If you’re not so lucky, ask a few more questions that receive positive feedback then ask something like, “How would you like to pay for that?” Attempt an add-on close after making the initial sale. You will come across as helpful (so long as you’re not too aggressive) by suggesting matching items. If the add-on sale isn’t made right away, you have already planted the seed for future purchases.

Making the sale does not mean you are finished. Remind them when they need to get their jewelry serviced and cleaned. Teach them proper storage and handling. Follow up with your customer and keep the relationship going. Give them your card and collect their information so you can call on birthdays and other special occasions to remind them of important dates when jewelry would make a great gift. Send “Thank You” cards or written notes for memorable dates that you should keep on file. Keeping these tips in mind will increase your chances of making more sales and will boost your career.

About the Author: Vicky Therese Davis, A.J.P. is the Founder and President of Indulgence Jewelry Corp. (www.indulgencejewelry.com), based in Miami Beach, Florida. Her company has specialized in the wholesale of sophisticated and unique fine diamond jewelry since 2003. Her pieces can be found in jewelry stores and boutiques nationwide.

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Choosing A Fashion Sunglasses

Word Count:
416

Summary:
The market and styles of sunglasses are driven by popular fashion and show biz world. In fact as soon as a pair is worn by a celebrity it is a sure way of that the style will be a best seller for the season. But as with all fashion items copies abound everywhere. Some of the copies are so close to the real thing that only a keen or trained eye can tell the difference.

Eye specialists, however are keener on the quality of protection offer and not as much as to the aesthetic…

Keywords:
coupons

Article Body:
The market and styles of sunglasses are driven by popular fashion and show biz world. In fact as soon as a pair is worn by a celebrity it is a sure way of that the style will be a best seller for the season. But as with all fashion items copies abound everywhere. Some of the copies are so close to the real thing that only a keen or trained eye can tell the difference.

Eye specialists, however are keener on the quality of protection offer and not as much as to the aesthetics of the piece although it does account. Most eye specialists will agree that cheap copies bought from the sidewalk or the gas station offer very little or no protection at all which is more often than not. Most of these copies are just cosmetic pieces. They insist that sunglasses should be provided by an eye specialist and should be suitable for the activity of the wearer. Sunglasses offer different kinds of protection depending on the environment so you can have sunglasses for the snow slopes, for the beach for driving and even for outdoor sports. Most people however will need a basic pair for driving and general use. There are a few important features to look for in a pair to be worn daily.

The main work of a pair of sunglasses is to protect the eyes from sun damage, is that not the reason we call them sunglasses anyway. UV rays are blamed for certain eye problems like cataracts and even blindness. The main thing to look for in a sunglass pair is the kind of protection it offers against UV rays. A good pair should block as much as possible of the UV rays; the level is represented as a percentage on the sunglasses. Some brands claim to block 100% of these rays.

Another danger to the eyes is glare from reflected light from snow or water or open ground. Sunglasses with polarized lenses offer protection against reflected glare and makes outdoor activities and driving more comfortable. For people who need glasses to correct vision prescription sunglasses are an available option for them otherwise they can buy regular sunglasses and use them with contact lenses but not everyone can use contact lenses due to certain eye conditions like irregular pupils or glaucoma.

The style of a pair may be important but its protection abilities are more important. Decide what activity you perform more often and get a pair suited to it.

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