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Each and every one of us will likely stumble upon the need for a car hire at one point or another in our lifetimes. You may be planning a vacation far away from your home town, or traveling to a business location you must drive to.

Whether its pleasure or business that prompts your car rental, you’ll want to secure a great rate. Paying a reasonable rate for a quality rental car may be simpler than you think.

THINK FORWARD

When it comes to travel planning, it almost always pays to think ahead. Knowing in advance when and where you will need a rental vehicle can save you considerable money on the cost.

This is particularly true if you will be flying to a destination and then securing a rental car. Many of us disregard advertisements for car rentals that pop up when we book our air tickets online. But many airline companies and car rental operations work together to create attractive, economical packages.

If you know ahead of time you will need a rental, ask about a discount from your airline. Likewise, if you are renting from a car company in any major city or near any airport, they may offer incentives such as free flying miles or other benefits for reduced rate air travel. It also may pay to ask a concierge or the host of your hotel or resort if automobile rental discounts are available to patrons.

PICK THE RIGHT CAR FOR YOUR NEEDS

A small car is always far cheaper than a minivan or an SUV, both in terms of renting costs as well as gas consumption costs. If you really must rent an SUV or a mini van to provide your family with comfort, make sure that you check the online market as well. This has to be from the area you are going to spend your vacation in, of course. Some companies now offer incentives for rental of low-fuel mileage, less popular vehicles.

OPTIMIZE THE CAR HIRE DURATION

If you have in mind to stay for a long time in your vacation, you are in luck when it comes to your car rental. The longer you plan to rent a vehicle, the lower the price per day may be.

This is because rentals that span over a week are far more financially profitable than ones on a daily basis. Also, ask the car rental company abut special discounts or rates for return specifications. There are car hire companies that provide special discounts over the weekend and reward customers for delivery on certain days.

Whatever you case may be, make sure that you think about your convenience, not just those of the rental company. Keeping a car an additional day may be a hassle you simply don’t want to deal with.

In addition, be wary of rental companies that penalize you for renting for a shorter period of time. It is reasonable for long-term rental customers to receive discounts, but you shouldn’t pay a higher rate for renting one day than two or three.

More information on saving on car rentals from premier companies world-wide

http://www.carshirenow.com

Rent a car you’ll love to drive at a surprisingly low rate

http://www.cheapestcaronline.com

Using a prepaid phone card offers many advantages over more traditional calling means with consumers “jumping on board the bandwagon” and making the switch.

Going online has opened up even more avenues for shoppers to save. STi phonecards have been one of the online trendsetters, not just offering a prepaid phone card service but also excellent advice in purchasing cards online. If you are still “a little wet behind the ears” when it comes to using prepaid cards then the following tips will give you plenty of reason to switch from more expensive traditional methods.

Advantages Of Prepaid Phone Cards

- You can save a lot of money using phone cards. Phone bills can be cut by up to 50%. Companies such as STi Phone Card suggest the saving can be up to 80%.

- Prepaid phone cards are excellent as a means of saving on long distance and overseas calls. Whether for travellers who find them convenient, especially from hotels or simply calling from home, then costs can be cut significantly.

- People migrating to other countries can now stay in touch with family and friends much more cheaply today than 20 years ago.

- Prepaid phone cards eliminate the need to use money, particularly handy when you don’t have any change and need to make a call urgently.

Are there any disadvantages? Sure, but these are few and far between. With some cards there may be hidden costs associated with phoning from public places such as hotels. Generally, you have a time limit on how long you can use your phone card. In most instances, cards will expire after three months. Balance transfer of minutes left is also usually disallowed.

Finding A Reputable Company

The phone card industry was rife with unscrpulous operators several years ago however, tighter security restrictions have helped clean it up significantly. It’s strongly advised to stick with the major players when you go online. Bigger operators such as STi Phone Cards have strong security controls and stricy privacy policies.

Check a sites recommendations. Scan the web page and look for security seals and recommendations such as from the Better Business Bureau. The more you find the better the signs are the company is on the level.

It’s a big plus if a company has a live customer support base. It’s even better if you can get to them right away and 24 hours a day. Avoid dealing with email only companies and if you do, send them an email and and look for a response within 24 hours.

Hidden Costs

Watch out for hidden costs. This is the biggest issue with prepaid phone cards and one where many people have difficulty with. Always ask and always get it in writing. I know reading terms and conditions is mundane and boring but they are there for a reason and usually, any extra costs with a card were clearly listed in the terms and conditions.

Prepaid phone cards will save you money in the long run but perform a little due diligence initially and you’ll have a happy experience using them.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Find out why you should stick with established companies like STi Phone Card when shopping for prepaid phone cards. Plus read the latest news and reviews at:http://www.phonecardsinter.com

People who go on vacations are always trying to find the best car hire discount. Car rentals are essential for anyone planning to drive once they arrive at a destination they’ve flown to. It’s also necessary for many business travelers to rent cars for attending meetings, tradeshows and conferences.

If you’ve ever rented a car, you know that all rental companies are not the same. Some provide excellent rates and impeccable service, while others charge too much for too little. Securing a great rate is one way to be sure that at least you will not overpay. Many premier, well-established car hire options offer discounts you may not be aware of.

To save on your next vehicle rental, consider the following guidelines. They can help you take advantage of the very best rates on a vehicle you’ll want to drive.

PRE-ORDER

If you will be traveling to a distant location, you will naturally want to fly there rather than drive your own vehicle. Flying is certainly faster, safer and more economical, given the cost of gasoline. One way to save on car rentals is to reserve a car rental when you purchase your plane tickets. With a bit of planning, you may save on not only the rental, but the cost of flying, too.

Keep in mind that most major car rental companies work with airlines to collaborate on customer incentives for sales. A car hire company may reward you with free flying miles, or an airline may sponsor a discount rental rate. If you know you must drive when you are buying plane tickets, ask if car hire discounts or incentives are available.

PICK THE RIGHT CAR FOR YOU

A small car will obviously be far cheaper than a minivan or an SUV, in terms of rental and fuel consumption costs. But at times driving a larger vehicle is a necessity for your family’s comfort or when traveling with a group.

When you really must rent an SUV, truck or larger, luxury-type vehicle, shop online to get the best rates. Many companies provide incentives for renting more expensive models that might be less popular.

GET THE BEST RENTAL PERIOD

Inquire about discounts for car hires based on the number of days you are renting. In some cases, renting a vehicle for a week may cost just as much as a week long rental!

If a company gives too much priority to rental period and you need to rent for only a few days, look elsewhere. It is reasonable for rental companies to give long-term discounts, but you shouldn’t be penalized simply because you don’t need a car for an entire week.

CHOOSE A CONVENIENT OPTION

If you will be traveling across several destinations, consider your rental options carefully. It may be to your advantage to rent a car straight from the airport. You can simply pick your vehicle up upon arrival, and drop it off before your departing flight - even if you leave from a different airport.

Many rental companies offer one-way rental options, even outside the airports. If you are arriving and departing from a major city, check rates for nearby rental companies. Some rental companies offer free pick-up or drop-off services, which can be a great incentive for travelers.

More ideas, tips and resources for saving money on car rentals

http://www.carshirediscount.com

Pay less for the car you want to drive regardless of location

http://www.carshirenow.com

Whether the mother in your life is a homebody or a career woman, humorous or solemn, flowers are a perfect gift to present on Mother’s Day. This is a good day to remember your mother and to thank her for all that she has done for you, no matter how old you are, and now that you’re no longer five, those crayon-drawings are going to look a lot less good! Flowers are an excellent way for you to show her your appreciation and gratitude.

Celebrated on the second Sunday in May in America, Mother’s Day is actually celebrated in one way or another worldwide. One of the oldest references to a mothers day dates back to ancient Rome, that had a festival called Matronalia, where mothers were given gifts in the name of Juno, the goddess of marriage. In the United States, Mother’s Day started after the Civil War, bringing recognition to the women who, while perhaps never seeing a battlefield, suffered and toiled and lost while the war raged on. The original American Mother’s Day was a cry for peace and disarmament, but the holiday has since been associated with the temperance movement and with reform movements. From private celebrations that slowly gained in popularity, it was finally signed into governmental recognition by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson on May 14, 1914.

There is already a known formula for Mother’s Day bouquets; roses and carnations are traditional, usually in pink, white, or red, but why restrict yourself? What if your mother doesn’t care for those flowers or those colors? This can be a terrific opportunity for you to find out a little more about your mother. What were the first flowers she was ever given? What flowers does she like best and what are her favorite colors? There are many ways to find out what an appropriate bouquet might be and they can all have the benefit of learning something new about the woman who raised you.

The Victorian language of flowers, where each bloom has a specific meaning, tells us that cinquefoil and wood sorrel mean maternal tenderness. If you couple these dowdy plants with white periwinkles, for good memories or tulips, for love, you can send quite a powerful message.

Try to find a bouquet that will match your mother. Is she a quiet woman who prefers to stay in and read? Sterling roses come in a delicate palate of silvers and lavenders, cool and graceful, with an impression of elegance. Is your mother the life of the party and likes to live life at the highest volume possible? Consider a bouquet of birds of paradise, hibiscus, or tiger lilies, or all three together if a mix of oranges and purples reminds you of your mom.

Flowers a colorful, thoughtful gift that will let your mother know you were thinking of her. This year, go the extra mile and get her a bouquet that will knock her eyes out.

http://www.superflowersuk.com/ supplies a range of Mothers Day Flowers.

I had botched surgery after botched surgery. I was in jobs that back in my Mom’s day would be high paying, but in my day, at $12 an hour, was barely enough to pay basic living needs and I barely made rent. Of course, the list went on, as it does with most of us.

Because I felt the need to buy presents for birthdays and Christmas even though I didn’t have the money and couldn’t afford such luxuries, I quickly learned how to be thrifty, save money and get the most bang for my buck.

Back in the day, I was often asked how I accomplished buying the things I did when I was barely able to afford to eat. I was always happy to share my tips and strategies. I have been there, done that and figured a way out of my financial crises on more than one occasion.

I understand that many people go through the same things with their money. We all suffer from unforeseen circumstances. As a young woman, I had to file bankruptcy after a failed required surgery. The procedure went bad, my insurance ran out, and by that time, no insurance would cover it. I had to pay for all the subsequent surgeries by myself.

I remained in debt, paying large monthly credit card bills from a relentless stream of “fix it” surgeries and when there was still no end in sight I gave up with $179 thousand more to pay (the rest I had already paid for). I just couldn’t do it anymore and I cried all the way to the bankruptcy table.

With the desperation of today’s economy, many people are struggling just to meet basic needs. Unfortunately, for the first time in American history, we are living off accumulated debt. Most people aren’t worth even close to what they owe.

As an added pressure to our economic insecurity, we are importing our goods from other countries and even though most won’t admit it and it’s not showing the worst signs yet, I believe we are losing the economic battle to stay afloat in this country.

With wages not commiserative with the cost of living and jobs being taken away right and left after they are shipped overseas, the crunch is on to just survive. The ‘American Dream’ is fading fast with families working two or three jobs a day to get ahead and barely survive.

The widening gap between upper and middle classes makes those in poverty-stricken areas even more desperate to survive. We are all in trouble.

While back in the day it may have been possible to have the ‘American Dream’ if you worked hard, it doesn’t seem possible anymore. So how can we support our families and get back to the ‘American Dream?’ By saving money and learning to be frugal consumers.

You can get out of the darkness and you can begin to see the light at the end of the financial doomsday tunnel. It’s all about taking the time to use what little you don’t have and make it work. It’s time to make your money work for you instead of only working for your money!

Example. I have fed seven adults on less than $10. How? I used an entertainment book I had purchased through an elementary school and hit up all of the free or buy one-get one free items. We had leftovers and it was a lot of main courses as well as several side dishes!

With that same entertainment book, that originally cost $10, I have received free oil changes, dry cleaning, roses, eye exams, chiropractic, food, car wash and a lot more. One year I counted my savings and by using the book diligently, I had saved over $2,839.89!
I have filled an entire truck with top-name brand gifts and goods, thousands and thousands of dollars worth for under $400.

How? By buying everything when it was 75% - 95% off and then applying for the card each store offered and using it. That added another 15 - 25% off at the various stores. In many cases, all I had to pay was sales tax! I had incredible gifts for two years for every event including Christmas! The trick to that one is to pay off the credit card as soon as the bill comes so there are no interest penalties then cancel it.

Because the bill was less than $400 total and I had been saving $27.00 two times a month all year, I had the money, plus the interest I earned off the money in my savings account and an additional $300 leftover once the bills were paid!

There is hope.

Here are a few more ideas to help you get on your way and begin living life and saving money.

1. How can you eat, drink and shop for free at restaurants and stores in your neighborhood? Sign up as a mystery shopper. I still keep my hand in the field, even though I tour all over the world. Its fun and I get paid! Tip: Never pay any company money to do their work. They are supposed to pay you!
2. Never put off tomorrow what you can pay today. While you don’t want to pay bills too early, did you know that companies rely on people forgetting just past the date a bill is due and then you pay a high penalty? They can make thousands of dollars a year just from that little mistake on one person. That’s money you can put in the bank!
3. Ping your vegetables and smell them to make sure you are getting what you paid for and do look in the vegetable and fruit portion of the market as they do have coupons available from time to time, that will discount your price!

Very Unusual College Scholarships for Those Who Haven’t Had Huge Academic or Sports Success

College is very expensive, even if you are attending a junior college for the first two years. There are so many weird and whacky scholarships available and not just to those who are academically or athletically inclined. Do a Google search to find more information on them. (I have hundreds of scholarships, their websites, requirements and deadlines listed in Shop for a Day with Jaci Rae - How to Get Almost Anything for Free or Next to It and due to space I cannot list everything I would like to here.)

Here are a few examples of fun and whacky college scholarships available to anyone:

1. David Letterman Scholarship
2. Stuck at the Prom Scholarship
3. Jennifer L. Duke Memorial Scholarship Fund
3. The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program for Overcoming Adversity
4. Great Clips Scholarship
5. The Brick Awards

In conclusion, saving money doesn’t mean you’re cheap, it means you are smart. The rich didn’t get rich by spending every last dime to impress their friends. Trust me! Please join me in May and June at the Learning Annex (you can attend live or online) for a three hour intensive course on how you can save money.

Remember, Life is Expensive, But Living Doesn’t Have to Be! You have this one moment in time, live it to the fullest!

Jaci Rae is a No. 1 best-selling author. For more information: http://www.jacirae.com or http://www.shopforaday.com. Shop For a Day With Jaci Rae - How to Get Almost Anything for Fre-e is Jaci’s latest book.

Shopping online can be fun very exciting. With online shopping, you are able to visit shops and boutiques that you would ordinarily find only in major cities. You can visit shops that across the world to find that unique gift you are seeking.

Online retailers have seen an increase in sales in the past few years. Consumers are beginning to realize that the selection and convenience of online shopping beats the traffic and crowds of the traditional malls and stores.

When you shop online, you are able to visit store worldwide to find the treasures and trinkets that from different cultures that you would not be able to find locally.

Not only can you find merchandise online, many of the health and nutrition stores have found that their sales have increased through online sales.

It is not only major chains that have online stores; the independent consumer who has merchandise to sell can do it online using auction sites.

The advantages to online shopping seem endless. The biggest advantage is that you can shop online anytime of the day or night. We all know what shopping at Christmas time is like. You fight the traffic to get the store, find a parking place at the very end of the lot, and when you finally get into the store for that special purchase, you find that it is sold out. It can be stressful and frustrating.

When you shop online, you avoid all that stress. All you have to do is a Google search of the item you want and you are given thousands of links to stores that sell that item and it is delivered to your home. It is just that easy.

Many people are skeptical of shopping online because they have to give their credit card number online. In past years, that has been a problem for some. Today, there are security measures and protocols that have been implemented to assure the consumer that their personal information remains safe and secure.

There are however, measures that you can take to protect yourself. First, check out the reputation of the store where you are considering making your purchase. They should have a customer comment page where recent customers can place comments regarding their shopping experience. After you have read through the comments, then you can feel more comfortable making your purchase.

There are some items you are not sure you wish to purchase. By reading the product review, you can find out if item you are considering is worth the money you will pay.

One of the biggest advantages to shopping online is that you can visit several stores that sell the same item and compare prices. This can be done very quickly and several different stores can be visited at the same time. This takes comparison-shopping to a whole new level. Online shop owners also depend on having the lowest prices anywhere. Therefore, they can offer you discounts and bonuses for shopping on their site.

There are really no disadvantages to shopping online. The consumer needs to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, however, the overall shopping experience of making online purchases is pleasant and relaxing.

http://www.formkraft.co.uk/ suppliers of comprehensive range of carbonless and thermal paper rolls, EPOS Rolls, Till Rolls, Price Guns and barcode labels for news and convenience stores and general retailing.

Great Britain has one more thing in common with the United States, online shopping. People in the UK have taken to shopping on the Internet with great zeal. As many as nine million Brits have begun shopping online in the last year. The popularity of online shopping is actually becoming a problem for some people in the UK namely, employers.

Unfortunately, the bulk of online shopping in the UK is estimated to be done at the place of employment during work hours. And this adds up to a net loss of productivity. Every half hour an employee spends browsing the Internet for bargains results in a half hour loss in the workplace. A half hour may not seem like much but multiply that by the million or so people who shop online at work and you begin to see the enormity of the problem. A conservative estimate is that the cost of this lost productivity is in the neighborhood of billions of pounds, perhaps as many as 7 billion, or nearly 14 million dollars. He estimate is based on the average hourly wage in the UK, which is 25.50 pounds. Thus, a half hour of online shopping costs to an employer 6.25 pounds for work he isn’t getting. With the popularity of shopping online growing, employers in the UK loss nearly a billion pounds a week.

Since it is unlikely that online shopping will decline in popularity or that employees will curb their habits voluntarily, there seems to be a need arising for more stringent workplace controls. Just like in the popular novel 1984 by George Orwell, the workplace is becoming increasingly monitored and employees are being watched. Many corporations have called in Information technology consultants to curb this growing problem. He result is that many employee’s computers have been outfitted with software programs that either block access to the internet or monitor the sites visited.

An employee may shop to his or her hearts content all week only to have an uncomfortable meeting with a supervisor the following week to discuss work habits. Still, the problem will not entirely resolved by this. Many small firms cannot afford the price tag of a professional I consultant. In addition, some of the programs, like monitoring website visits can only really be useful after the employee has established a trail of pattern of visiting banned websites. Another consideration is that simply installing Internet blocking software can interfere with an employee’s legitimate interaction with work related web sites. And, as with all things involving Human Nature, as soon as a remedy is put into place, people will begin to work at getting around it. Perhaps an alternative solution is to offer more employee incentives to govern themselves.

Productivity incentives such as bonuses, gift certificates, even a preferred or free parking place may be enough for employees to knuckle down and use their working hours productively. Also, it is a simple matter to offers employees free, unlimited Internet surfing access during their lunch hours. One thing is certain, the lost in productivity due to online shopping is an expensive trend that should be nipped in the bud to curtail business losses.

Jim Brown writes about http://www.simplybestcoupons.co.uk/