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With the economy struggling more and more people are turning their hobbies into home based businesses. Why not you? This can take some time, but in the long run well worth the time and effort spent. 

In today’s world we all have many different hobbies from stamp collecting to scrap booking and everything in-between. Most people do not realize that these hobbies can make us some money on the side or a great side business if we want. Let us look at some ways to take your hobby to the next level.

One of the easiest ways to make money with a hobby is to sell your expertise in what your collecting. Most people who have hobbies know just about everything about it. Why not package that information and resell. Write a small one page report or really go for it and put together an e-book. Both can make you a few extra dollars.

Another simple method that has proven fruitful is starting a forum about your hobbies. This is an excellent way to meet new friends and talk about what you love. sell ad space and you have a ready made business.

People love information and the more you can give them the more they will come back for. One of the best business and the easiest is putting together informative seminars that you can actually do by video that people will buy. This can lead people through your hobby from start to finish.

As you can see I just hit the tip of the iceberg has far as profiting with your hobbies. There are plenty more ways as well. These should get you started in pocketing a little extra money right now.

Get the most for your dollar is something that we are all on the lookout for and that even includes buying a certified pre-owned car. We have got some tips to help you get the most bang for your buck.

More and more people are going with a pre-owned certified car than ever before. With the price of gas climbing saving money is something we all try to do. One way is when we need another vehicle. A used car is an option, but the certified pre-owned vehicle seems to make us feel more relaxed.

Most pre-owned used cars are checked at the dealerships for defects or worn parts and replaced. Now one thing to remember is not all certified used cars are the same. How they are checked out can vary from dealerships to dealerships so keep this in mind when looking. Ask to see what was inspected at each dealership you visit. they should have a list available for you.

The price of your pre-owned certified used car will be higher than one that is not certified. So this is something that you will want to take into consideration when you purchase. There usually will be limits on the warranty that the dealership gives you. usually it is around 50,000 miles. Most dealers will let you purchase an additional warranties to protect your purchase.

The basics are as follow when buying a pre-owned certified use car. Check around and find out as much as you can about the vehicle you want to purchase. Know what the warranty covers and what it does not. Weigh the costs of used against new before making a purchase. Many of these used cars may still have a balance of factory warranty of them. This should also be considered. Take your time and have your mechanic check the vehicle out as well. Just because it has been certified does not mean they did not miss something.

Our vehicles are something we really take pride in. I have found some of the best cars that will hold their value and some of the ones that you will want to just let go of. Let us take a look at the ones that hold the best value for the consumer.

Best Value:

1. Volkswagen R32

MSRP: $32,990
Style: Performance
5-year residual value: 43 percent or $14,186
Engine: six-cylinder, 3.2-liter, 250 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 4 years/50,000 miles, powertrain — 5 years, 60,000 miles
Special features: SIRIUS satellite radio, power glass sunroof, multi-function trip computer
Reasons it will hold value: It’s a reasonably priced, low-volume car. It’s a descendant/variant of the Volkswagen GTI, also known for its quality.
2. Jeep Wrangler

MSRP: $19,680
Style: SUV
5-year residual value: 42.9 percent or $8,443
Engine: Six-cylinder, 3.8-liter, 202 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 3 years/36,000 miles, powertrain — lifetime limited warranty, certain restrictions apply
Special features: AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player & MP3 capability, Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
Reasons it will hold value: It’s cornered the niche market for people who like to do a lot of off-roading and has few competitors.

3. Mini-Cooper

MSRP: $18,700
Style: Hatchback
5-year residual value: 42.7 percent or $7,985
Engine: Four-cylinder, 1.6-liter, 118 horsepower
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Special features: Four years of complimentary roadside assistance, toggle switch controls, fully electronic throttle
Reasons it will hold value: It’s sporty, fuel-efficient, reasonably priced and covers a wide spectrum of customers. It also has a good reputation.

4. Scion XB

MSRP: Manual $16,370, automatic $17,320
Style: Compact station wagon
5-year residual value: 39.5 percent or $6,466(manual)/ $6,841 (automatic)
Engine: Four-cylinder, 2.4-liter, 158 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 3 years/36,000 miles, powertrain — 5 years, 60,000 miles
Special features: Tachometer and trip meter, 60/40-split folding rear seat, AM/FM CD and iPod capability
Reasons it will hold value: It’s relatively fuel-efficient, reasonably priced and it has more space than compacts with similar prices.

5. Honda CR-V

MSRP: $20,700
Style: SUV
5-year residual value: 39.4 percent or $8,156
Engine: Four-cylinder, 2.4-liter, 166 horsepower
 Basic — 3 years/36,000 miles, powertrain — 5 years/60,000 miles
 XM satellite radio, Honda satellite-linked navigation system, digital audio card reader
It’s fuel-efficient for an SUV, seats five and has plenty of storage room.

Worst Values

5. Kia Rio

MSRP: $11,540
Style: Subcompact
5-year residual value: 19.2 percent or $2,216
Engine: Four-cylinder, 1.6-liter, 110 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 5 years/60,000 miles, powertrain — 10 years/100,000 miles
Special features: Optional AM/FM/CD audio system
Reasons it won’t hold value: Similar to the Hyundai Accent’s reasons — it’s a subcompact fleet car with past quality issues.

4. Suzuki Reno

MSRP: $13,299
Style: Subcompact
5-year residual value: 19 percent or $2,527
Engine: Four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, 127 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 3 years/36,000 miles, powertrain — 7 years/100,000 miles
Special features: AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo with eight speakers, heated rearview mirrors
Reasons it won’t hold value: Although it’s priced significantly lower than its direct competitors, such as the Honda Fit, the Reno is known to underperform, get poor fuel efficiency for its class, ride badly and fall short in refinement.

3. Kia Spectra

MSRP: $13,545
Style: Compact
5-year residual value: 18.8 percent or $2,546
Engine: Four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, 138 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 5 years/60,000 miles, powertrain — 10 years/100,000 miles
Special features: AM/FM/CD audio system with audio input jack for MP3 devices
Reasons it won’t hold value: For many of the same reasons other Kias won’t — it’s a rental fleet car and it has perceived quality issues.

2. Chevrolet Uplander

MSRP: $22,320
Style: Van
5-year residual value: 18.5 percent or $4,129
Engine: V-6, 3.9-liter, 240 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 3 years/36,000 miles, powertrain — 5 years/60,000 miles
Special features: OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound Plan, AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
Reasons it won’t hold value: Its gimmick of taking a minivan and trying to make it look like an SUV didn’t work. This model will not be produced after this year.

1. Lincoln Town Car
MSRP: $45,295
Style: Sedan
5-year residual value: 18 percent or $8,153
Engine: V-8, 4.6-liter, 239 horsepower
Warranty: Basic — 4 years/50,000 miles, powertrain — 6 years/70,000 miles
Special features: Heated front seats, universal garage door opener.
Reasons it won’t hold value: It’s a fleet car and it’s not fuel efficient (it’s only sold as a V-8).

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Remember every vehicle is not created equal and as a wise consumer you must also know what the best deals are. For more of the list check out the link at http://finance.yahoo.com/loans/article/105639/Best-10-Worst-10-Cars-for-Holding-Value

Biofuels seem to be the buzzword as gas prices keep soaring. We have found some things that we could be using as consumers in the near future. Take a look as I think you will find it very interesting indeed. Some of them may just surprise you.

The Jatropha is a small tree or shrub that grows in poor soil and actually helps improve the soil it is growing in. This tree can be made into an affordable bio-diesel. The United States can imported this from these developing countries and both parties would win.

Ethanol has been around for a long time and is made from corn. Many problems still exist with this, but they are still trying. The biggest drawback is many scientists thing this may add to global warning, but we just do not know enough about it.

Algae-based biodiesel is another option that is being considered. This has loads of potential, but the cost may outweigh the benefits it could bring.

These are just three that people are working on right now. It could be years before any of these are viable, but you just do not know anymore.

 I think probably one of the things that many times as parents we do not do well and that is get a long with our ex-partners. No matter how we look at it we always want to be right and that just is no possible. Here are some tips to help you out.

One of the first things to remember is no matter what you say or do you will usually be wrong in your ex eyes. Don’t let it bug you just remember that is probably why your not together in the first place. Take it with a grain of salt and just move on. If you let it bug you they will be able to see that and bug you even more.

Kids and a ex can be a very uncomfortable position to be in. Their are some ground rules to follow here to make it easier. Don’t ever talk down on your ex in front of the kids. They have ears and all it does is hurt them. They are in the middle of all this and don’t want to choose sides. Work out a compromise with your ex on having the kids. Most of the time they will work things out with you. If not then seek professional help as taking the law into your own hands isn’t the way to go.

Your ex may try different things to get under your skin like date a friend or talk about you behind your back. Let it roll right off as they are looking for a response back. Giving them no fuel for a fire means the fire will burn out.

Getting a puppy is a big undertaking and shouldn’t be take very lightly at all. The hardest part about picking out a puppy is which one fits your situation the best. Their are several factors to look at.

First is how much room are you going to have for your new found friend. You don’t want to try and raise a large dog in a small apartment as it does the dog no good or it’s something your neighbors won’t like much either.

Secondly how much time are you willing to give your new puppy. Some dogs require more care than others. This should also be a consideration when you purchase it. Puppies tend to get bored very quickly and will chew things up. Are you willing to spend the time it takes to train them.

Third remember having a puppy in many aspects is like having a child. They are dependent on you for many things. Sure dogs are loyal and can’t wait to see you, but just like anything they need proper care. After you make all these decisions than and only than can you find the perfect puppy for your situation.

Remember that getting a puppy is a big undertaking and you must think about it carefully before making any purchase. You do not want to get one than six months later decide it’s not for you. That just is not fair to the puppy. If you follow the tips above you should be fine though.

 Most people do not realize that different foods can really help your health. The old saying you are what you eat probably rings true today just like it did when grandma use to tell you. The list below should help you get a fast start to good ehalth.

Many things can hurt our bodies that we digest, but today I have five things that will help our bodies fight of different things. Cranberries for many years have been known to help fight off disease. Drinking cranberry juice can reduce urinary tract infections in women. Grab a glass twice daily to get the most from cranberry juice.

Oatmeal is something that has been around for years and still a staple in many households today. One of the main benefits of Oatmeal is it lowers cholesterol and new studies indicate it can also lower your risk for high blood pressure and weight gain. Get that bowl of oatmeal ready.

Soybeans are something that you would not think of as a health cure. Recent studies though has shown that it can combat hot flashes in women by as much as 52 percent.

Legumes is another health remedy that more people are realizing. Legumes can actually cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 40 percent. Legumes also suppress spikes in blood sugar as well.

Fish oil the omega 3 type has shown to protect brain cells and helps lessen your chances of Alzheimers in a recent UCLA Study. as you can see foods can directly help us out in many ways. It seems the hectic pace we live anymore eating healthy.

 Getting traffic to your blog is always something that you have to work on. I have complied some tips that have worked for me hopefully you will find something of use to your blog.

Everyday people start blogs without really understanding that unless they get traffic to it death will come upon it quickly. There are several ways that you can bring traffic to your blog and make it popular.

One of the more popular ways these days is through social network sites. Most of these sites will let you put up links and some even have places you can post your blog url. Join as many as you can and make sure that your blog url is on your homepage or at least your profile.

Many people overlook this one and it is another real easy one and that is post comments on other blogs. Many blogs will let you include a url with your post and this is a quick way to get traffic.

4Forums are another way to get fast traffic to your blog. Most forums will let you put up a signature file under your name which should lead back to your blog. Forums are great traffic generation. The key is go to forums that your blog is about.

My favorite way to get added traffic is social bookmarking sites such as facebook, digg, twitter and many others. These get visited a lot and a link on these sites can bring you a lot of added traffic.

One last tip is post often. People who do visit your blog will come back more often if you have new content all the time.

Stress is something that we all seem to deal with nowadays. With bad economic times and divorce rates soaring it seems stress creeps into our lives more than we want. We have a few stress busters to help you get through it and make it more manageable.

People deal with stress on many different levels from the kids yelling and screaming to the boss at work not happy with your performance level. Many people deal with stress in a variety of different ways. We have complied some tips to help you cope with it.

Pretending that stress is not around just let’s it fester more inside you. We all deal with stress so realizing it is there is really half the battle. What we do when it enters our lives though is the key to be successful

Do not let stress bug you. I know for many this tip is hard to understand. Sure it is not easy, but the more you think about it the harder it will be. Take the example of a pain you have in your body. Many times when you just go on about your life and enjoy yourself that pain all of a sudden disappears. Stress works the in the same way. If we let it get to us it becomes more of an issue. If we act as though it does not exist it really fades away.

This is probably the tip that everyone will need to work on and that is stop it from entering in the first place. Do not do things that you know are stressful to you. The more you eliminate stress from everyday life by decisions you make the better control you have over it. In reality you have total control over your life and stress is also one of those factors. Live life as it is short and leave stress behind and you will feel better and live much longer.

 With soaring gas prices we are always looking for ways to stretch our fuel mileage on our cars. We have complied some tips that will help you do that. Some are pretty common, but many times people forget about them.

Keeping idling your vehicle to a bare minimum. We all love a warm car, but the truth is it waste gas and cost you money. A good idle time is between 30-45 seconds no more than that.

Slow down. I know like that seems like an easy one, but many people forget all about it. By following the speed limit you can save more gas than your realize.

Keep your vehicle in top condition. People do not realize that under inflated tires, out of tune engines rob you of gas. Properly tuned engines run better and properly inflated tires last longer as well.

When traveling at highway speeds keep your windows up. The drag of a window rolled down just a little brings drag upon your vehicle and it costs you gas. Also always remember to have the cruise control on.

Get rid of added weight in the trunk that you do not need. Many times we forget about the excess weight we carry around. This just robs you of good fuel mileage.

Remember to combine trips as this will save you gas. Most people run errand after errand, but by combining everything it will save you gas. I hope these tips will help you save a few dollars on your gas bill.