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10 Apps That Can Organize Your Life

Guest Author — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:02:27 +0000

There is almost nothing an iPhone cannot do. It can make phone calls, help people stay organized and even break glass. To break a window, the iPhone does not need an app; it just needs to be thrown hard. To help people stay organized, the iPhone has many apps. Here are 10 of the best ones.

1. Bento

Bento boxes hold Japanese lunches in an organized and compartmentalized way. Similarly, the Bento app organizes contacts, events, projects and other items into neat virtual compartments. When downloaded, it has a pre-loaded set of database templates, but these can be customized to meet anyone’s needs. They also can integrate with other apps, so people can access contacts, view websites and pull up maps through other apps from a single app. This sells for $4.99.

2. FedEx Mobile

With FedEx Mobile, people can manage their shipping needs from their iPhones. It can access FedEx.com address books and track shipments. Users can even create shipping labels with this app.

3. IThoughts

IThoughts can be used to take notes and set goals, but its strength lies in brainstorming. It is a mind-mapping tool that helps people brainstorm ideas in an organized fashion. As creativity is arranged into a structured format, efficiency is increased and ideas can be more clearly stated. Anything recorded can be exported as a PDF or PNG file. At $7.99, this is a valuable and unique app.

4. Mint Personal Finance

Mint is a free personal finance service that many people use. Automatically tracking expenses, creating budgets and accessing bank accounts, Mint helps people become financially organized. The free app allows people to access almost all the services found on Mint.com from their iPhones.

5. ReQall

ReQall is a specialized note-taking app. It is designed to transcribe audio notes into text documents. Busy professionals and students will both appreciate this app.

6. Simplenote

Simplenote is a basic, free note-taking app. In the midst of many fancy apps, this app performs the basic function of note taking. People might want to try it, because it does not have the distractions that other apps do. Its notes can by synced with a computer.

7. TripDeck

Travelers no longer need to print hardcopies of their documents when on the road. Plane tickets, hotel reservations and rental car confirmations can all be electronically presented. TripDeck is a free app that will keep all of these documents in a single app.

8. Timewerks Mobile Billing

Timewerks Mobile Billing helps freelancers and professionals accurately track their time and expenses, so clients can be accurately billed. Bills and estimates can be sent as PDFs to clients from an iPhone. The full version costs $2.99, while a lite, trial version is free

9. 2Do

2Do is a customizable to-do list keeping app. Lists in this app can be customized, so people can tailor them exactly how they want them. It is also compatible with Toodledo.com.

10. 1Password

1Password is a free password-protection app. In the midst of many password-keeping apps, this free one will keep passwords, usernames and PINs securely stored. They can be accessed by a single password, which is much easier to remember than multiple accounts’ access information.

The iPhone is more than a generic organizational tool. With these apps, it can become a complete, virtual personal assistant. In addition to general budgeting, note-taking and to-do list apps, there are ones for traveling, password protection, billing and shipping.

About the Author: Ethan S. writes for Oasys Software, a software development company that specializes in Outlook Filer and bridge design software.

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4 Productive Steps to Manage Your Personal Finances

Guest Author — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:23:29 +0000

Managing personal finances begins with tracking every penny that is earned and spent. Only money that is tracked can be managed. Many people want to handle their finances more effectively, but are intimidated. Most people have multiple credit cards, at least one checking and one savings account, several different loans, and at least one source of income. The number of accounts to monitor and pile of paperwork to track is overwhelming, even without considering receipts from purchases. Here are four simple steps that everyone can do to effectively manage their personal finances.

1. Choose a System

There are many different systems people use to track finances: the envelope system, spreadsheets, paid computer programs and free online web sites. Each different system has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Often, the lack of a specific feature is used as an excuse to not implement a financial management system. No program has every feature, but this should not keep people from using a method. Any system is better than no system. Without one, there is little hope of organization. With one, any one’s finances can be organized.

2. Simplify

Any financial management system is easier to use if the data to track is simplified. Daily, floods of receipts, credit card offers and junk mail barrage systems. Simplifying saves time and makes keeping track of personal assets easier. There are several ways people can simplify their financial lives.

Use Automated Transactions

Tracking bills and purchases is one of the biggest burdens people need to monitor. Bills pile up on desks, and every purchase has a receipt. One of the easiest ways to simplify paperwork is by going digital. Most bills can be placed on automated payments that are directly debited from an account. Instead of depositing paychecks manually, people can be paid via direct deposit. Electronic programs can monitor card purchases over the internet, so those receipts can be crafted into paper airplanes.

Stop Credit Card Offers

In addition to being annoying, pre-approved credit card offers pose serious identity theft risks. These can be stopped by opting out of the pre-approval program.

Stem Junk Mail

Junk mail cannot be fully stopped, but the pile of papers can be greatly reduced by using the Direct Marketing Association’s preference system. Through this, people can choose not to receive many advertisements.

3. Consolidate

The concept of consolidation is similar to that of simplification. It is easier to track one account than five. Consolidating makes managing accounts easier, which saves time and reduces mistakes. There are several steps to consolidating accounts.

Close Unused Accounts*

Any account, whether it is a checking account, savings account or credit card, that is no longer used should be closed. These accounts only provide more documents, which cause clutter.

*People should note that closing accounts can temporarily ding their credit score. Over time, closing an account has no impact on a person’s credit score. However, people who are taking out a loan or mortgage in the near future should wait until after the papers are signed to close any accounts.

Merge Accounts

When it is possible, accounts should be merged. Following one account is easier than monitoring two. If it is practical, having all accounts with a single financial institution further simplifies complicated systems.

Consolidate Paperwork

Even in this digital age, some paperwork is still required. By keeping documents in a single location, important papers are less likely to be lost.

4. Regularly Process

Once a financial system has been chosen, and everything is simplified and consolidated, any one can become financially organized. The key to maintaining order is regularly processing paychecks, bills and purchases. If transactions are ignored, they quickly pile up. Staying on top of them keeps the amount manageable.

Becoming financially organized is the first step to reaching financial goals. Finances can be intimidating, but through these four easy steps, people can become organized. Choose a system, simplify, consolidate, and then use it.

About the Author: E. Steadman writes for TotallyMoney, an outstanding resource for those looking to smooth out their personal finances, or even find loans for bad credit.

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Top 10 Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Tips on How to Overcome It

Guest Author — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:43:15 +0000

While you sleep, the brain is performing all the necessary maintenance tasks your body and mind need to function efficiently when you wake. If you go without sleep the human body starts behaving like a car that is in serious need of repair. Lack of sleep, also known as sleep deprivation, can make a person feel foggy and grumpy and also affects their ability to work, learn, communicate, or create things at a level that reflects their true potential.

For you to be at your optimum level at work a good night’s sleep is imperative and any kind of disruption can lead to a decline in the quantity and quality of your output. It is therefore of vital importance to look at the affect sleep deprivation has upon your mind and body and find the necessary solutions.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

1. Lack of coordination is one of the major issues of sleep deprivation: The actions initiated by the brain become confused, as the required response become slow and uncoordinated. Lack of sleep greatly impairs the natural functions of the brain, leading to a reduction in alertness and also cognitive performance.

2. Emotional effects of sleep deprivation can result in abnormal and uncharacteristic behaviour: Lack of sleep can lead to display of extreme emotions by an individual and a tired and exhausted person may laugh and cry at the same time, without having any idea about the kind of extreme emotions they are displaying. This again is due to the impairment of the brain’s cognitive ability, which affects the sufferer’s ability to judge and display emotional reaction to situations within work and at home.

3. Weight can also change during times of sleep deprivation and can both increase and decrease dramatically: A lack of sleep can lead to feelings of extreme hunger, or in some instances individuals can also face a reduction in body weight due to lack of sleep. The changes in hormone levels due to sleep related issues have a direct impact on physiological processes of the body, and may make a person inclined to eat more or turn them off from food completely.

4. The impact on the brain also affects working memory and focus, due to the impairment of the brain’s cognitive abilities: An individual may forget things and cannot perform tasks that may require constant attention. The sum of the problem can then affect the sufferer’s ability to work, which could lead to demotion or even dismissal from their post.

5. The body’s immune system can also suffer greatly due to sleep deprivation: Sleep deprivation can affect blood pressure and lead to hypertension, thereby leading to potential heart related ailments. The weakened immune system then becomes susceptible to all manner of other diseases and time off from work is then needed to give you time to return to a state of health.

How to get a good night’s sleep

The problems above are caused by a lack of sleep, but the reasons behind this sleep deprivation can be numerous and varied. The list below features some of the main causes of sleep deprivation and some helpful tips and lifestyle changes to help you achieve the sleep you need.

1. Snoring: Snoring can vary between quiet, infrequent episodes and loud, constant affairs and can affect both the snorer and their partner. Sleeping on your side, cutting down on your alcohol and coffee consumption before bed and finding natural alternatives to sleep medication can all help control a snoring problem.

However, if your snoring persists you can try a range of over the counter products, such as nasal stripes and mouth-guards. For those who suffer from extreme levels of snoring there are mild medical operations available, which you can discuss with your doctor.

2.Inability to ‘shut off’ before bed: We’ve all been there, lying awake before bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to quiet down our mind and shut off for the day. This kind of mental stimulation is a common cause of sleep problems, but can be very easy to rectify. Simple actions, such as turning off your computer and television a few hours before you sleep can help your mind ‘shut off’ and ready itself for sleep.

One of the best ways to ease your mind into a deep sleep, while providing entertainment is to read before you go to sleep. The continual movement of your eyes, coupled with a nice warm bed is guaranteed to gradually ease you into a good night’s sleep.

3. Food before bed: If possible it is always advisable to finish eating before 8.30pm, as this means that indigestion and the processing of food can occur a few hours before you sleep and therefore cause no disruption to your natural sleeping pattern.

If you have an irregular working schedule try and take a packed lunch and ask for a break that occurs around the hours of 6pm-7pm.

4.Sleep Apnoea: Sleep apnoea is a condition, which causes a halt to breathing while you sleep, often resulting in a loud snore when breathing returns and instances of sudden waking, which disrupts your sleep. This break from breathing normally occurs for a few seconds, but sleep apnoea can often be fatal if the time of breathless increases.

If you find that you wake up suddenly several times a night, then you may be a sleep apnoea sufferer and it is imperative that you visit your doctor for assessment. If you are found to have sleep apnoea, treatments and breathing devices can then be provided to ensure that you have a safe and complete night’s sleep.

5. General inability to sleep: If you are unable to pinpoint the reason behind your sleep problems and you are only infrequently troubled, there are a number of general sleeping aids and techniques, which can help you on your way to a night of slumber.

Taking a hot bath two hours before your regular bedtime raises your body’s temperature, which is then decreased, which naturally happens while you sleep. This change in temperature therefore tricks your mind and body into readying itself for bed and eases you gently into sleep.
Foods and drinks such as bananas and hot milk have been noted for their sleep inducing properties and are good for the health of the body in general.
Keeping to a regular sleep pattern is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy amount of sleep, as your body will naturally follow its usual daily routine and ease itself into sleep.

While the demands of modern life are stressful and take a toll on the mind and body, a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation can cause even more harm to the human brain and body in the long run. You need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily to function properly and keep your mind and body in the best of health.

Finding the cause of the problem is the first step and there are many treatments available to help you achieve and maintain a health sleeping habits. However, if you are trouble with your sleep and are affected by snoring or sleep apnoea it is always advisable to visit your doctor.

About the Author: Becky is an online writer, with a keen interest in health and lifestyle. For more top tips visit her Twitter page @FreshHealth11

How to Stay Awake and Alert to Be Productive and Get Things Done Effectively – 5 Simple Tips to Do

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How to Be Savvy Shopping Online to Keep Your Money In Your Wallet

Guest Author — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:03:14 +0000

More families than ever before are tightening their belts in order to increase their bottom line and maintain the quality of life they enjoy. Online shopping is a convenient way to purchase goods, but if you’re not careful, you may be overspending without even knowing it. If you want to maintain your caviar lifestyle on a pork and beans budget, there are a few tips to follow while shopping online to keep your money where it belongs – in your wallet.

If you are making purchases online without first visiting bargain hunting websites like Fatwallet.com or Ebates.com, you are missing out on some serious cash. These websites offer cash back on purchases made online. By being routed through their site and making a purchase, you can earn anywhere from 3 percent to 30 percent cash back on items you were going to buy anyway. Different retailers offer a wide range of percentages. Once your account reaches a certain dollar amount, you are able to cash out in the form of a check, gift card or PayPal payment.

In addition to cash back, one can find other money saving incentives. Some bargain hunting websites offer daily deals with certain retailers that provide an especially high percentage cash back for a limited time. These vary from day to day. Members who sign up with these sites have the option of getting daily emails to keep them updated with the daily deals and current promotions. Likewise, search for sites who offer coupon codes for online purchases. Couple that with the cash back offered and the deal becomes even sweeter.

Using your cash back to attain your financial goals is an excellent use for this unexpected, additional income. Instead of cashing out at soon as the threshold amount has been met, consider designating a dollar amount and only request a cash out then. Have a plan for what you will use the extra money for. Here are a few ideas:

Transfer the money into a savings account.
Pay off debts.
Set the money aside for incidentals like dry cleaning, a pricey cup of coffee, etc.
Establish a rainy day fund.

Now that you know how to be strategic about your online shopping, the question becomes, what will you do with your cash back?

About the Author: Presented by Melissa who works as the editorial coordinator for Fatwallet(dot)com, the ultimate online coupon and deal site. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about finance and current events.

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Non-Conventional Places to Work – What Makes Them Different

Guest Author — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:59:35 +0000

For many people, going to work is not an inspirational daily event. They go to work, sit in their cubicle or office and push papers around their desk, waiting for time to pass until their next break, lunch or the end of the day. However, if you are lucky, you can work for an innovative and enjoyable company like Google, Zappos or FatWallet and not only enjoy your day, but be inspired by you work environment and your coworkers.

1. Work Environment

One of the things that sets non-conventional work places apart from traditional companies is that the work environment is not the standard bank of cubicles and – if you are lucky – private offices. Instead, many non-conventional businesses have found a unique way to blend work and fun into their corporate environment. Work space can include open areas for spontaneous games of basketball or other fun activities. At Google, for example, there is a large play area for employees to enjoy. Part of the reasoning behind this area is that Google believes that imagination and creative thinking can happen when the body is otherwise engaged in activities people enjoy. Plus, physical activity is a great way to work off stress and relax, making employees happier to be at work.

Work environment benefits are not limited to play areas. Other common work environment benefits include provision of free snacks and even free gourmet lunches at companies like Google. Google also has a work-place doctor, massage therapists, yoga classes and running trails that run along the shoreline adjacent to their campus.

In many cases, employees are also encouraged to become part of the company culture in which work is considered an activity of passion and joy. Employees are looked at as part of the global culture and a living, breathing entity that is interconnected with the entire world.

2. Employee Appreciation

Another aspect of non-conventional companies and places to work is that there is a great deal of emphasis on employee appreciation. Companies like Zappos and FatWallet encourage their employees to express and explore creative solutions to issues that might arise or tasks they may be challenged with. Team brainstorming and innovative ideas are rewarded, even if they do not pan out to be the ultimate solution.

Employees are provided with tangible evidence of appreciation. For example, Google has regular employee play days at Great America, a local amusement theme park close to their campus. Other employee appreciation rewards can take the form of financial bonuses, stock options, free dinners to local restaurants and other activities, just to name a few.

Probably the most common element of working at non-conventional work places is that there is a true sense of being valued and appreciated as an employee and a contributor to the overall health and success of the company. Employers cannot accomplish their goals without the contributions of their employees. Non-conventional companies see employees who are happy and passionate about their work as a key element to their success. So, you might want to ask yourself, how does your workplace compare to a company like Google or Zappos?

About the Author: Melissa who works as the editorial coordinator for Fatwallet(dot)com, the ultimate online coupon and deal site. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about finance and current events.

5 Ways to Increase Productivity in the Workplace

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How to Create Professional PowerPoint Presentation Slides Even If You’re a Beginner 10-Page Free Booklet

J.J. — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:40:42 +0000

Many people can create their own PowerPoint presentations but some of them are still doubt whether they can really create a professional-looking slides.

There is no need to get into the advanced level of creating effective PowerPoint slides.

Here are the main points that I’ve highlighted in this “How to Create Professional PowerPoint Presentation Slides Even If You’re a Beginner” 10-Page mini-booklet including the ideal ways of:

Presenting your title on your slide
Choosing bullets
Creating Non-Bulleted Slides
Putting the right picture
Placing your text
Resizing your picture

You would probably need less than 10 minutes to finish reading this booklet.

Get your free copy of “How to Create Professional PowerPoint Presentation Slides Even If You’re a Beginner 10-Page Booklet” here.

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How to Use Gmail to View Your PDF Files

J.J. — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:58:25 +0000

I don’t have to use Adobe to open my PDF files online. I can view PDF documents in Gmail (in which liase with Google Documents that enables PDF viewer in my browser).

When you receive a PDF document, you’ll see a new “View” link next to PDF attachments you get in Gmail. See how it really looks in Google Documents:

(via The Official Gmail Blog)

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How to Get Your Directions with Google Maps for Mobile

J.J. — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:43:56 +0000

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAUunR91VzI&eurl=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/get-your-transit-schedules-and.html&feature=player_embedded

I’ve just installed Google Maps in my Sony Ericsson mobile phone because I don’t have use GPS when I want to look for directions – it saves me a lot of money as I couldn’t manage to buy one GPS device for this year.

Start installing Google Maps in your mobile phone here.

(via The Official Google Blog)

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How to Create Your MP3 Playlist with Gmail

J.J. — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Most of the times we are very complacent with our current situation. Therefore, we tend to follow the path of others without any consideration. If you’ve this similar experience, it’s time to hang around with creative people – not with a bunch of losers or water cooler gang. Your creative-booster will be stimulated if get along with creative, thoughtful and motivated people.

About creating your playlist with your Gmail part – that’s true. Sounds awkward but that’s how I handle mp3 files that were sent by my friends.

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The Origin of a Motivation Guru

J.J. — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:25:48 +0000

Sometimes I just couldn’t tolerate with too much opinions – especially those which are baseless opinions. Therefore you should follow your conscience before you make any crucial decisions. In order words, your common sense is important in making fast decisions. Maybe you should try bittergourd and cabbage juice.

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