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Prior to buying your first car, you should consider the following tips:

A car definitely provides convenience, but prepare yourself for added expenses. It’s no secret that gas prices and other related costs will hit your personal balance sheets as it will certainly increase your monthly expenses. Make sure that you are prepared for this, otherwise think twice. Having a car isn’t just a one time cost. It incurs regular expenses as well.

Understand your current financial status and use it as a factor in choosing the right plan for you. Avail of a plan that suits your ability to pay. For example, some car dealers allow interested buyers to have a car just with very low down payment but with high monthly amortization. Others would offer stretched payments. On the other hand, there are dealers that allow you to pay low monthly payment as long as 50% or so is paid initially. The point here is that you have to check on the plan or promo that best suits you.

Make sure that you know the road laws and policies. There could be differences depending on where you live or where you plan to go. Know these rules and follow them as always.

Lastly, always have important numbers with you. Keep telephone numbers of local police, hospitals, roadside assistance club and others. This will be of great help if you run into trouble.

There are some companies that offer loyalty incentives to their employees. Typically, this is given to those that rendered five, ten, fifteen and twenty years of service. The higher the numbers of years are, the better the incentive is.

Usually, five years of service equates to some cash, items like Chopard watches, gift certificates and others. Those that rendered ten to fifteen years of service are given cash, credit loan program, stocks and the like. Twenty years and above given higher amount of the same type. What’s common for all of these is a certificate and plaque of loyalty.

These are just sample incentives offered by companies. It might vary depending on the location / country.

A holiday in the middle of a week is definitely a relief. It’s day-off from office stress that allows anyone to have much needed rest and regain some energy. It won’t be enough for Branson vacations or any out-of-town trip, but it’s surely a way to relax and loosen up.

Today’s actually a holiday in the city where I live but not on nearby cities. It gave me the chance to process some errands that I can’t do at any regular weekday unless I take an official leave. So I just saved myself another leave this year.

The thought towards higher education is seen differently by people. Having master’s degree is typically recommended by parents or seniors who’ve had excellent careers as executives or professionals. They would state that achieving the highest education possible would certainly put someone highest position that a company can offer. In contrast, there are also some folks who simply say that there are better things to do than just finishing another degree. Some would mention that some of the richest people in the world did not even finish college.

I have a friend who’s planning to take his masters abroad after working for almost four years. His idea is to seek scholarship overseas and finish his studies within a year or two. I also have batch mates who are still in the university right now, either taking masterals or pursuing career in medicine or law. Moreover, I also know some folks who are taking lsat prep courses and are finishing an online degree. All of them see the value in higher education.

While I strongly admire people who can manage their work, studies and family at the same time, I don’t see myself doing such. At least not for now…

My eyes are set on two gadgets – a Lumix Camera and an iPhone.

Right now, I don’t own any camera except for the one embedded in my E66. I’ve read some camera reviews on Lumix offered by Panasonic and I’ve also seen some photos captured using it. Honestly speaking, I really like the shots that I’ve seen.  On the other hand, I’m also planning to purchase an iPhone. In this, I get to have a camera, a phone and much more.

At this point, my budget only permits me to purchase one item within the year. I wonder what I’ll end up with.

While browsing for some insurance reviews and other finance articles, I came a cross a news about Warren Buffet’s successor. He’s set to take over some responsibilities at Berkshire Hathaway’s as per the news.

It’s actually the first time I ever read about succession plans for Buffet. Most of the books and articles I’ve read concerning him are more about wise investing and proper financial management. At this point, I guess it’s about time for him to retire (if he hasn’t done it). He’s 79 years old and his best years may be behind him, but everyone would always know him as the greatest investor of all.

Several years ago, I’m very satisfied with a 20GB hard disk. With that amount of storage nowadays, I don’t think anyone will be very pleased. Even if a person would use document management system or any type of file compression, more storage capacity is needed because people keep different types of files ranging from mp3s, movie files, personal documents and more. Personally, I do have a 250 gigabyte external hard drive as my backup storage.

Just recently, my friend offered me a 1 TB harddisk. At first I thought he was kidding but realized that he wasn’t when I saw the unit itself. Nonetheless, I decided not to purchase one since I don’t need it yet – perhaps in a few years.

In a given week, I usually go to the gym just once primarily because of work. I usually don’t have enough time during the weekdays and having two consecutive sessions on weekends is too much. Given this, I really don’t maximize the monthly statement that I pay Fitness First, so I plan to finish the contract and just do a per session payment scheme instead. I’m even considering buying fitness equipment for home use.

I really do want to go to the gym on a regular basis because I really felt its effect on my body. Hopefully soon, my schedule will be more flexible so I can do so at least twice or thrice a week.

Yahoo just published 18 tricks to help improve memory. Out of those eighteen, I personally chose some that I strongly recommend. I actually practice this four steps at some point when I want to memorize or try to remember anything – from names of people, titles of books or films, some new information and more.

1. Pay attention. When you’re introduced to someone, really listen to the person’s name. Then, to get a better grasp, picture the spelling. Ask, “Is that Kathy with a K or a C?” Make a remark about the name to help lock it in (“Oh, Carpenter — that was my childhood best friend’s last name”), and use the name a few times during the conversation and when you say goodbye.

3. Create memorable associations. Picture Joe Everett standing atop Mount Everest. If you want to remember that Erin Curtis is the CEO of an architectural firm, imagine her curtsying in front of a large building, suggests Gini Graham Scott, PhD, author of 30 Days to a More Powerful Memory.

4. Cheat a little. Supplement these tips with some more concrete actions. When you get a business card, after the meeting, jot down a few notes on the back of the card (“red glasses, lives in Springfield, went to my alma mater”) to help you out when you need a reminder.

15. Practice your ABCs. Say you just can’t remember the name of that movie. Recite the alphabet (aloud or in your head). When you get to the letter R, it should trigger the name that’s escaping you: Ratatouille. This trick works when taking tests too

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/workingwomen/18-memory-tricks-you-need-to-know-1750663/

These steps may not be as effective as some best weight loss supplements, but practicing it will eventually help. It may take some time for you this to be part of your ritual, but if done frequently these will eventually be a habit.

Last weekend, we attended another lovely wedding. It’s definitely one of the memories that we’ll cherish as it’s one of my favorites. Overall, the wedding was well-organized from the ceremony to the reception – especially the games.

The event actually paved the way to a mini-reunion with my former officemates since we rarely have the chance to get together. This one was special because it’s out of town, so we had more time to be together. The four day trip was enough for us to catch up and tell stories.

Again, congratulations to Mich and James!

Up next: Another Baguio Wedding for Karon & Wayne.

PS. We’re lucky enough to bring home a unique wedding party gift from the couples. Thanks for the tokens!