Swagbucks Swag Luau Team Challenge

Put on your lei, enjoy some Slack-key guitar, and get ready to eat some Kalua Pork, because Swagbucks is holding a Luau Team Challenge to help you earn free gift cards! For those of you who don't know what Swagbucks is, it's a website where you can earn cash back on everyday tasks you do online like shopping, answering surveys, discovering deals, and watching videos. You can even earn for searching the web! 

If you've never tried Swagbucks before because you didn't know where to begin, their Team Challenges are a great way to learn the ropes! The challenge, begins Monday, August 14th at 8am PT, but you can pre-register starting on Friday, August 11th!

Here's how you can join the challenge and the site:  

1. Click here to join the challenge and be assigned to a team.

2. Starting August 14th at 8am PDT, in addition to earning SB you'll contribute points to your teams total as you complete different activities on Swagbucks.

3. Check back on the page often to see the scores and what you've contribute so far.   

All members who participate and contribute at least 600 points to their team’s total will receive a SB bonus in the form of a SB Swag Up Rebate on their next gift card! 

Not only that, but if you sign up under me this month and earn 300 SB before September 1st, you'll get a 300 SB bonus!

Members of the 1st place team will receive a 100 SB Swag Up Rebate, members of the 2nd place team will receive a 50 SB Swag Up Rebate, and members of the 3rd place team will receive a 30 SB Swag Up Rebate. Your SB Swag Up Rebate will be made available on Friday, August 18th at 2 pm PT and will expire on Thursday, August 31st at 11:59 pm PT.

7 Tips For Consolidating Debt On Poor Credit

Many of us have a mound of debt that we don’t know how to repay, and it can be hard finding a debt consolidation solution when you have bad credit. If you have problems repaying your debts, you may have done damage to your credit score, and it’s for this reason you need a consolidation loan – but this could also be the reason that you are battling to get one. Let’s look at a few resources that can help.

Credit Scores and Debt Consolidation Loans

Did you know that you can use debt consolidation loans from Debt Fix to pay off your debts and replace them with just a single loan? By doing so, you can lower your monthly payments or even seek a cheaper interest rate. However, qualifying for another loan when you have poor credit can be tricky. You may need to accept a few trade-offs to secure your loan, such as loan fees, higher interest rates, or limited options in terms of loan types.

Consolidating Student Loans

If you are trying to consolidate your student loans, you are in luck. Overall, these loans are harder to get rid of compared to other debts, and it makes them a lot less risky for lenders. For borrowers, it means more flexible and often lower credit requirements to qualify for a consolidation loan.

Lenders that offer lower credit score minimums

If you’re looking to consolidate your loans, and you have a poor credit rating, take note that different lenders usually have different credit requirements and there are many who may be willing to consider you.

Secure a Co-signer

Many lenders out there will not offer consolidation loans for people with poor credit, but they may well approve your loan application if you have a co-applicant who has good credit. In order to get a co-signer for your loan, you will need someone who is willing to co-sign for you, and a lender who accepts co-signers. Ask your partner, or a family member who has good credit to co-sign the loan for you and you may have a much better chance of approval for your debt consolidation loan.

Talk to a credit union

Credit unions at considered not-for-profit financial institutions at serve the community. The unions often offer debt consolidation loans for people with poor credit ratings, and you may well secure a low rate.

Non-profit consolidation

There are a few non-profit organisations that help people get out of debt when their credit rating is bad. They usually offer free debt assistance and credit counselling.

A secured loan

If you have a few assets, consider borrowing against them with the help of a secured loan in order to consolidate your debts. With such a loan, your asset, like your car, is collateral the lender uses to guarantee your loan.

Try again later

Finally, spend the time repairing your credit rating and then try again for a debt consolidation loan. If you’re able to raise your score even a few points, you may improve your chances of approval for a loan.

Those are tips on how you can consolidate your debts even when you have bad credit score. Don’t hesitate to consult experts about your financial situation.

Top Ten Tips for Vacationing with a Preteen

The awkward teenage years seem to start much earlier than they used to. Ten years ago, preteen and tween weren’t words we were overly familiar with. We were teenagers at 13. Everything changed at 13. Now, kids as young as 9 and 10 are entering the preteen years, and starting to act like teenagers. They start wanting to do grown up things, refusing to play with toys, being moody and acting out. This has its advantages for us as parents; growing up sooner often means we can give them more responsibility and do things we enjoy with them. However, it can make vacationing tough. Here are ten tips to help you make the most of your family holidays, while you still get them!

Let Them Help

Let them help with every part of planning your break. Look at destinations together; ask where they want to go and why. If you’re not on the same page, try to find a compromise and let them choose some of the activities you will all do while you are away. As kids get older, they want to be listened to and to feel like their opinions matter. Involving them will help to make sure you start the vacation right.

Give Them Responsibilities

Give your preteen some responsibilities. Let them know that you are there if they need help, but that it is their job and that you trust them to do it well. The responsibilities you choose to give them will depend on their age and level of maturity, but some options include:

·         Packing their own bag

·         Packing snacks for everyone on the journey

·         Packing their hand luggage

·         Planning the route to the hotel

·         Planning a day out while you are away

·         Writing an itinerary for the journey or week

Go Shopping

Whatever their gender, preteens are just starting to develop their own style. This might mean the clothes they wear seem to be changing a lot, but it’s important to give them the freedom to experiment. So, take them shopping for some new holiday clothes and let them pick things out for themselves. Swimwear can be tricky, especially for girls. You might want to send her out in a baby’s swimsuit but she’ll want to try something more grown up. Teen swimwear is a great option for you both.

Plan Activities

Having activities to look forward to will make the idea of going away as a family much more appealing for your preteen. Look online together and plan some interesting days out. You can probably even book some activities online before you go.

Set Them Tasks

Give them fun challenges for while you are away. Things like posting a photo journal online, writing a diary of your days out, collecting objects, scavenger hunts, and wildlife spotting are fun ways to stop your preteen from getting bored.

Take a Friend

If you can cope with two children, offer to take one of your preteen’s friends with you. Children are often exceptionally well behaved around their friends’ parents, which could rub off on your own. At the very least they’ll have someone to talk to and have fun with, and you won’t need to worry about keeping them interested.

Allow Screen Time

It can be tempting to ban devices on your vacation. However, this could just make your children (and partner!) grumpy and annoyed. Let them have a set amount of time every day when they’re allowed to play on their devices or chat with their friends. This way they’ll be happier to put them away for family time.

Give Them Some Space

The preteen years can be a battle. They’re not really old enough to go off on their own completely, but they want to. If possible, let them have their own bedroom, and give them a little bit of space when you are at the resort, but only if it’s something you are comfortable with.

Choose Your Battles

Parenting is often about choosing your battles. Let them get away with some things if it isn’t worth the argument and they might be more inclined to bend for something you want to do later.

Let Them Be Kids

When they are on holiday and meeting new people, you might find they start acting more like children than they do at home. They might want to play in the park with their new friends or mess about in the pool. Don’t make a big deal out of this or they’ll be embarrassed and stop. Just make the most of it.

As your kids enter their teen years, you may find that your family vacations come to an end. Soon, your children will be wanting to go away with their friends, leaving you behind to worry. So, while the preteen years can be difficult and awkward, make the most of them and be sure to have a great vacation.

Kerrie's Forget Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad

Kerrie's Forget Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad

Alright, people, we don't have to argue about what Chick-fil-A and what it is not. We don't have to talk about money to hate groups or pro-family groups or kiss-ins or anything like that. That's all in the past. You don't have to get into that debate AT ALL, friends. Because now you have my chicken salad, which will do just as nicely as Chick-fil-A's. Happy eating!

You will need
3 boneless,skinless chicken breasts
10 eggs, hard boiled
1 cup mayonnaise (maybe more)
Chopped celery if you're into that kind of thing
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup dried, chopped berry assortment you can buy in a bag at the store
Pepper to taste
Garlic sea salt from a grinder

1. Cook chicken how you like. If you have time, go for the CrockPot because the chicken will be tasty tender. Chop it up tiny and toss it into a large bowl.
2. Peel eggs, chop them and toss them into the bowl.
3. Mix in the rest of the ingredients (chop up almonds and berries first).
4. If you like other stuff, toss it in. If you don't, leave it out.
5. Feel free to experiment!
6. Castigate me in the comments section for how poorly written my recipe is :-)

Originally posted 9/7/12

Check this out!

How to Decrease Your Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease in the number one cause of death across the world, and kills more than 610,000 people in America alone every year. Fortunately, there are ways you can improve your health to decrease the risk of heart disease. Read the following five helpful tips to creating a healthier heart.

Quit Smoking

Many people often refuse to quit smoking cigarettes as they are addicted or enjoy the act too much. However, smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack in comparison to non-smokers. Not only that, but a heart attack is much more likely to result in death. Don’t take any chances with your heart’s health and put the cigarette out for good.

Lower Your Blood Pressure

Did you know that more than 50 million people in the US are living with high blood pressure? As a result, it is the most common cause of heart disease in America. There are many ways you can lower your blood pressure.

For instance, enjoying a healthy diet and regularly exercising can prevent hypertension. Visit carenow to find out how you can naturally lower your blood pressure.

Improve Your Cholesterol

High cholesterol can play havoc with your heart’s health, as you are more likely to develop heart disease if you have a total cholesterol level over 200, or if your triglycerides are over 150. It is vital you take steps to lower your cholesterol levels by enjoying a diet that is low in cholesterol, refined sugars and saturated fat. You should also aim to consume foods that are high in fiber.

A Healthy Diet Plan

A healthy diet plan can create a healthier, happier heart, so you can enjoy many years to come with your friends and family. Aim to eat more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and plant-based ingredients every day.

Also, consume fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can improve heart health, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. Consume lean meats in moderation, such as chicken or turkey.

Lose Weight

Carrying extra weight is no good for your heart’s health, mood or energy levels. Reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease by shedding excess weight, and discuss with your doctor to identify the healthiest weight for your height. In addition to decreasing the risk of heart disease, it can also prevent other health conditions, such as diabetes or gout.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Everyone will experience stress or anger from time to time. Yet, if it is a persistent problem, then you must take action to manage your emotions or risk the development of heart disease. Take a deep breath to calm down and lower your blood pressure. If the problem persists, we recommend talking to a doctor or considering an anger management course.

People of all ages and backgrounds can develop heart disease at any stage in their lives. Ensure you live a long and healthy life and start following the above tips from today.