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How to Use Divorce Laws to Protect Your Child’s Rights

April 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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The divorce of parents can be hard on most children. They may think that the divorce is their fault or that the parent leaving no longer loves them. Both parents should express and emphasize to the child that it is not his fault.

However, there are times when a divorce is necessary to get away from an abusive or neglecting parent. In cases like this, filing for divorce can be positive for children. You can also make use of divorce laws and other legal processes to keep your child safe.

Divorcing for the Child’s Sake

There are times when a parent is abusive to a child within a family. No child or spouse should take abuse from such an individual. Therefore, it is necessary to file for divorce, especially before the abuse becomes too extreme. Most divorce cases that involve abuse will also have some sort of police action in order to keep the abusive parent away from the child.

Neglect is another reason why people divorce. Some parents, wife or husband, may not feel the need to interact with their children. Or, they simply have no time for them, and the spouse takes notice of this. This can also be a ground for separation between married couples. A neglectful parent can be just as bad as an abusive one. If this is the case for you, it is time to separate.

Other Protection for Children

Even if the child is not suffering from any neglect or abuse, there are some other rules to consider to protect your child during a divorce. For example, the courts will take the child’s best interest during a custody battle or divorce. Children will also not be used as pawns during the divorce agreements, nor will either parent try to damage the relationship of the child with the other parent.

Divorce laws also cover child support agreements and visitation rights. Child support is important to cover expenses that the child may incur from school, camps, and other interests. Visitation rights are put in place so that ex-spouses may be able to visit their children when the courts deem it necessary. If the ex-spouse is abusive, those rights are usually revoked. With neglectful parents, they may give up that right all together so as not to have any interact with the child at all.

Look at your situation carefully when defining the rights and needs for your child during divorce. Hire a seasoned family lawyer who can effectively represent you and your children, and be at ease that their best interests are well-protected.

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What Not to Do When Purchasing Your First Car

August 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You can screw up your first car purchase. Perhaps you think that you have all the bases covered. After all, you have the money, your credit is good enough to get you approved for a loan and you need a car. So what can go wrong?

The short answer is: a lot. Truth be told buying a car for the first time is much more art than science. There is no shortage of options and there is no shortage of mistakes. Let’s go over them and help you through this exciting, but dangerous, process.

Don’t Look Eager

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Yes, there are things you should say to your car salesperson, but “I must have this car” and “I’ll give you every dime I have for it” are not some of those things. You need to be smarter than that or you’ll end up with the best possible car you can’t afford.

What you Should Do: 

Be interested but don’t let on too much. Never tell him how much money you are holding and never give him the maximum dollar amount that you are willing to pay. Buying a car is a negotiation. You have to have some wiggle room.

Don’t Let the Look Fool You

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You’re probably eying a beautiful sports car right now. Sure, it’s a 10 year old model with a door handle that doesn’t work, goes from 0 to 60 in two and a half weeks and can’t start when the temperature is below 50, but why would you ever let that stop you from buying a car?

What You Should Do: 

Think about what is inside the car first and foremost. There is nothing more important than how it runs. So be sure to check out the consumer reports on a new car, and have your best mechanic look at the car if you’re buying used. The frame and the body might seem tempting, but it’s what’s under the hood that really counts.

Don’t Max Out

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Sure we’re all tempted by a new car, and it can get to the point where we are ready to dump every penny onto the table. But emptying your bank account won’t feel good for you in the long run. Especially not when a repair comes up that has to come out of your pocket and you end up having to sell your blood plasma for cash. Avoid spreading yourself too thin with the cost of a car.

 What You Should Do: 

Leave ample money in your bank account to pay for the cost of the insurance deductible, a few minor repairs, and for the cost of the insurance. At the bargaining table you should leave money in your monthly budget for all your bills comfortably, even if that means going the sensible route of plaingreenloans.com.

Buying your first car isn’t as easy or as simple as it sounds. There are a lot of moving parts and variables. The best thing you can do is make sure you are letting your head control your decisions and not just your heart.

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How Jewelry Styles Have Changed Over the Years

July 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One universal characteristic of human beings is that they love to adorn their bodies. Naturally, the popularity of different styles of jewelry will ebb and flow throughout history. While most quality jewelry looks lovely all the time, designs of different eras followed particular rules and reflected specific tastes. Consider several different eras and what made the jewelry of those eras so distinctive.

The Victorian Era

There were a lot of prominent themes that emerged in the jewelry designs during this period. One was sentimentality, which was expressed in large numbers of tiny stones symbolizing different emotions and the beauty of nature. The Victorian period went on for a long time, and brought with it three generations worth of jewelry styles. Clovers, horseshoes and stars were just a few of the natural symbols that made Victorian jewelry really stand out. It’s not hard to find those same symbols in contemporary jewelry.

Edwardian

The extreme affluence of the upper class during this period made for some serious innovations in jewelry design. This was the first time platinum was worn on a wide scale, and the lacy look of filigree was first introduced. Even today, platinum jewelry is highly valued. The colors of the Victorian era faded into lovely monochromes.

Art Deco

The Art Deco period was all about contrasts. This was a period of machine-like sharp lines and designs inspired by the latest technology. However, the treasures of King Tut also played a role in influencing the jewelry of this era; King Tut’s recently discovered tomb inspired high style and designs that hearken back to Ancient Egypt. The designs of this period are sharp, bold and highly stylized.

Retro

A lot of Retro jewelry is characterized by curvature. During World War II, a lot of patriotic themes and floral designs were popular. Due to the war’s demand for metal, yellow gold came back into favor and replaced the white gold that had dominated jewelry for decades. Also, this was the first time rose gold came into widespread use.

Modern

The modern era has been anything but homogeneous. Warmer colors and simpler designs have characterized the periods of recession that have occurred since the war. Modern tastes have gone all over the map with regard to metals and stones, but the trends today are drifting toward larger, simpler designs. You can find a wide range of jewelry on eBay with almost every subject matter, style and look represented.

Jewelry is an important part of most civilizations and time periods. Certain aspects of a time period generally manifest themselves in the jewelry produced during that era. It is often easy to tell one era’s jewelry from another, even if you aren’t an expert.

Filed Under: Advice, Fashion

6 Driving Tips for Teens

July 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s scary being a new teen driver. It’s even scarier for the parents who have to loosen the reigns and let their child out onto the road all by themselves. It’s hard enough being an adult driver and having to make sound judgments every time you’re behind the wheel, but for teens it’s twice as hard. If you’re a parent looking to let your new driver out on the road, here are 6 good tips for keeping them safe and bringing them home in one piece.

1. No Cell Phones

This rule is easy enough, but it may be hard to convince your driving teenagers to follow it. Driving decisions need to be made in less than a second, and your teens can’t do that if they’re using their phone to find the best burger joint. You must make it a rule that they turn off their cell phones and keep it in the back seat at all times. It’s going to be hard for them, but it’s for their own good.

2. No Friends

In high school, the teens with cars will be popular, but they can’t be a taxi service. Driving with other kids in the car will take away from their focus. Every passenger is like another cell phone. The last thing teen drivers need is more distraction.

3. No Late Nights

Some say that nothing good can happen after midnight. This saying is probably true when referring to teen drivers. Night driving is harder, and the amount of reckless and sleepy drivers goes up. Get teens off of the road before they get themselves or someone else injured. Give them a good curfew to stick to.

4. No Beltless Driving

It’s a simple rule and the kind that can lower car insurance for teens, but putting on the seat-belt is as safe and as smart as remembering to breathe at all times. Wearing a seat-belt increases the likelihood that you won’t have a fatal accident. Kids might not think it’s cool, but neither are needless accidents.

5. No Quiet Navigation

The GPS is parents’ way of keeping their teens on the right track. If you’re giving your teens one, just make sure they turn up the volume. The less your teens have to look at the screen, the safer they’ll be.

6. No Bad Examples

Your teens will drive the way they see you drive. If you’re on your cell phone, they will be too. You have to drive the way you want them to drive. It’s the golden rule, and it applies here as well.
Your teens at the wheel doesn’t have to feel like a bad dream. If you convince them to take this privilege seriously, then they’ll have good results on the road.

 

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4 Ways to Make Sure You’re Making the Right Educational Decision

July 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Making the right decision about your education is one of the important decisions you will ever make. Such a decision requires careful contemplation of many factors, and should not be made in haste.

But how do you know if you are making the right decision when it comes to your education? What types of factors do you need to consider?

Here are four ways to make sure you are making the right educational decision.

Sheep May Be Cute, But Being One Isn’t

When it comes to choosing which school to attend to further your education, you need to choose the school that is right for your needs. Choosing to attend a school just because all of your friends are going to go there isn’t necessarily making the right educational decision for yourself.
Don’t be a sheep and follow the pack, especially if it isn’t the right school for you.

Online, or In Person?

You will need to consider carefully how you will want to attend college. Do you want the full campus experience, complete with dorm rooms and fraternities? Or do you need a more practical mode of delivery, like online classes, so you can still work as much as you need to?
Everyone’s college experience will be different. If you decide that taking classes online suits your situation, avoiding degree scams will be high on your list of priorities. Selecting an accredited course and college will help you to avoid this situation.

Organize a Campus Visit

If you have decided campus living is for you, pay a visit! Many colleges offer open days and weekends for prospective students to visit. You stay for the day, or the weekend. It’s a great way to get a feel of the place as it gives you a taste of what life will be like for you.

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

It’s a bit of a cliché question, but it’s a very valid one. Before you start researching courses and colleges, you need to decide on what educational path you wish to take.

Imagine that you aren’t too sure of what you want to do, so you choose a course just for the sake of it. You then decide after a semester that the course isn’t for you and you want to change, but you still don’t know what you want to do! Or, even worse, you know what you want to do and you can’t transfer into the course.  If you really can’t decide, choose a course or a college that will allow you the flexibility to change when needed.

How will you go about making the right educational decision for your future?

Filed Under: Advice, School Life

Father/Child things to do for Father’s Day

June 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Stuck with the Brut cologne and a new tie, right? That’s Father’s Day for you. Or, maybe the whole day is dominated by the remote control as Daddy simply sits there on the couch and literally does nothing. Sort of like a day off from life, right? Right.

This is the reality, though — days like that aren’t really that much fun. It’s simply a representation of how Hallmark stores can plug more of their products to the public. Think about it. When Mother’s Day comes around, it’s an all-out spectacle of wonder and royalty filled with fun family time dedicated to Mommy including going out to a really fabulous restaurant. What does Dad get to do? Simply sit around and do nothing.

Make Father’s Day spectacular this time; and this is how you do it:

Forget Elaborate and Extravagant

For awhile, it might seem that a simple day on the couch would suffice. But think about what your husband/father might want to do for fun: something to kick back and relax and enjoy. The trick, though, is to make it simple. Dads don’t like complex plans; they just want something easy, without the “media attention,” so to speak.

One idea is to simply make Daddy laugh — through the  whole day! Pacman adult and child costumes can really make a day memorable for Daddy, especially if he has a crazy sense of humor. Or, if you don’t like Pacman, choose other kinds of twin costumes to wear.

Not a Whole Lot of Dollars Necessary

Speaking of the costumes and such, you do know that it won’t take a whole lot of money to make that possible. Whatever activities you have planned or gifts you want to give, keep it thrifty. The fact is it will make Daddy laugh even more that you spent so little money for something so cute to do, or wear, or use.

One idea is to simply buy one of those giant Super Soakers and a few water pistols for the kids. Watch the fun happen.

Time for Dad to Enjoy Something Fun

Usually it’s about the kids, or about Mommy — Disney films, kiddie concerts, fun plays and musicals. Things like that. Don’t misunderstand — Daddy probably does like all of that stuff, but you can imagine he must like wrestling events, boxing events, monster trucks, or even circuses. Maybe one plan you can have for just Daddy is to go out with the “boys” and enjoy a couple of hours of Golf! ….Dressed as Pacman, of course.

You get the picture?

Men do like the effort made — but it certainly doesn’t take a lot of it to make an impact. Something as simple as a day out doing something the man of the house can enjoy is all it takes. Doing something with the little tyke can also make it special. Have him put the remote control down, and tell him to don that Pacman costume and watch the happiness unfold.

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Further Education: The Other Options

June 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Drawing 

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Investing in further education is a smart decision. A degree can open doors and provide valuable life skills. But what if your needs and wishes aren’t met by a degree? What if a traditional college setting isn’t right for you? Don’t worry; your path to education doesn’t have to end now.

 

A Special Focus

 

Maybe you want to be a chef, a dancer, or costume designer. In your search for qualifications, you may find few university programs catering to your needs. There are specialty schools that focus solely on training in less traditional areas, and they offer diplomas, certificates, and degrees too. Consider these:

  • Cooking schools like the CIA or a program offered by a university.
  • Arts or music schools; Juilliard is just one of many options.
  • Technical and trade schools for preparation in specialized employment like drafting, web design, and automotive repair.

 

Options Online

 

The options for pursuing further education online have grown exponentially in the last few years. Education via distance or online is a great option if you have job or family commitments that prevent you from venturing on campus. Well known universities like Harvard are increasingly making courses available online. Do your research before signing up: make sure your program is accredited.

 

Start Small to Save Money

 

Enrolling in an inexpensive community college nearby is a great way to save lots of money. In many cases, you can transfer your earned credits to a good university after a year or two. Check the guidelines for credit transfer beforehand, so there’s no disappointment down the line.

 

 

Don’t put your future on the backburner; there is an education with your name on it!

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Learning to Be Debt-Free

April 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Almost everyone has debt these days. Perhaps you’re one of the few lucky ones who is at the debt-free stage. But no matter which category you find yourself in, there are ways to keep yourself free from debt and ways to avoid acquiring more. 

Increase Your Income

Finding a second job can help. Home-based businesses are a great option. A part-time weekend job could be a great option for some people, depending on family situations. Selling items you don’t need or no longer use can bring in more money than you think. Sometimes, doing these things just isn’t enough and you’re short on money for the things you need. Why not look into payday loans? The approval process is fast and simple, and you can pay off the loan balance when you get your next paycheck.

Watch What You Spend

Controlling what you spend each week can keep you debt-free. Track your expenses so you know where money is going. Get rid of what you don’t need. Budgeting saves money! 

Avoid New Debt

Don’t use credit cards unless you absolutely have to. Save them for emergency situations, if you can. Avoid taking out any loans unless you have a justified reason, such as purchasing a house or a car. 

Use Frugal Practices Every Day

Keep a budget for all expenses, and always be on the lookout for any place you can save money. Spend as little as possible, and you’ll save more than you think. Manage your finances in a way that allows you to have what you need without overspending.

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Developing Good Study Habits

March 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Students who do well in school have one thing in common… good study habits. These students become successful in their endeavors because of their dedication to their studies. There are several things one can do to learn to have good study habits.

If you try to study too much information at once you will begin to become fatigued and soon you will not be able to retain any of the information you are trying to remember. Organize your work and space it out over a period of time. Taking short breaks to renew your energy will help you stay focused.

Set aside a specific time each day for studying or any school-related work. By setting up a schedule for study time it will keep you focused on your school work and will soon become a routine part of your day. Begin your studies on time and on schedule. Sticking to your schedule no matter how difficult the assignment prevents you from procrastinating, which can lead to incomplete or slopping assignments.

If you work on assignments that you find the most difficult and time consuming first, you will have more mental energy than if you leave the difficult ones until later. This gets the “unpleasant” task out of the way and after a short mental break you can dive right into the “easy” stuff and breeze right through.

Before beginning an assignment, review your notes.  Ask your friends not to call you during your scheduled study time. Call another student and ask questions when having difficulty with an assignment. A quick review of your schoolwork over the weekend will keep your assignments fresh in your mind for Monday morning classes.

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Transitioning From Student Life to Working Life

February 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
lenders are lenient and understanding that you’ve got to get some experience under your belt, and knowledge in your chosen field of expertise, before you can begin to earn substantial money. Unfortunately, soon after the time that you graduate, lender’s perceptions of you begin to change quite rapidly. Given about six months until your first bills begin to arrive, that stressful life at university might suddenly look a lot more relaxed than what follows.

The world following graduation is one in which accountability is a huge aspect. Payments on debts must now be made, or bad things will start to happen which will affect your life for the worse. It begins with late fees on payments received after the due date – that’s about as simple as it gets. From there, things can escalate into defaulted loans, which will have far reaching impacts. With the job market about as poor as it’s been in decades, it’s more important than ever before to prevent any outstanding loans from becoming credit score killing nuisances.

One way to cut the total amount of your debts owed is to find a debt consolidation service that combines all of your loans into one easy to maintain account. With some searching, you may be able to lower your total interest rate such that either your payments will be smaller, or your payoff date will arrive faster. Either route taken is smart money management, and will help you out as you pursue your career goals. Potential employers will see that you’ve been proactive in arranging your responsibilities. And by keeping on top of your loans, you’ll keep your credit score looking sharp as well.

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