Because technology is forever evolving, the need to keep up to date with the specs of the latest releases can become very addictive. I of all people know this and my wife will also vouch for this.
The more technology is used, the quicker it seems the latest technology comes out. Take mobile phones as a prime example. Back in the early days, the average person would upgrade periodically. Phones went from monochrome to full colour, from keys to touch-screen. In the old days, a new phone meant drastic changes and improvements. Now you can update your new phone in a matter of months, in fact if you want to keep ahead of the game you need to.
There are downsides to this, it can get very expensive and it can also cause friction within a relationship.
So whilst the world of technology is alluring it is important that the financial cost of it all does not put too much of a strain on your other financial commitments. Bills, rent, mortgages, tax, rates and all sorts of other things must be paid for and it is vital that your tech addiction does not have a negative financial impact on any relationships you have, as I briefly mentioned.
1 – Surveys.
Public opinions are the driving force behind every product and the companies who make these products want to know what you think so they can make their products more appealing. These companies are so keen on getting opinions that they pay agencies to carry out surveys on their behalf for money. The pay might be relatively modest by most people’s standards but if you have a few spare hours here and there it is a great way earn a little extra spending money.
2 – Selling your old gadgets.
When you consider updating a given gizmo such as your mobile phone or whatever, look into the second hand value of the object you are replacing. It is possible to sell them privately but there are risks involved. If the said item you sold packed up two weeks later you might receive a rather grumpy phone call. The other downside is placing adverts here there and everywhere, giving your details to strangers and the risk of not finding a buyer at all. When I recently upgraded a television I decided to sell my laptop to offset the cost by going to a well-known reputable website. It was quick, hassle free and I didn’t even have to fork out for the post and packaging!
3. Blogs.
Blogs can be more than just a vehicle for showing the world how cute your cat looks playing with a ball of wool; they can make you money too. Google Adsense and affiliate programs mean you can generate some extra cash on the side too. If you have a talent for writing in an engaging and interesting manner this is certainly worth looking into.
I’m Felix Richards and I love technology and blogging about it. Whether you are looking for tips on selling your laptop, what the best smartphone is or something altogether more quirky – I’m your man.
If you’re one of those cinephiles whose film collection has gotten completely out of control, this guide acts as a starting point to get your thinking about how best to sort it out.
You can usually tell you’ve got a problem when it’s been a while since you’ve found the right disc in the right box or when you suddenly realise your films are in little mini-stacks all around the house, even in the kitchen and toilet.
Read on to start getting a basic idea of how to reorganise your films.
Step one: cut the dead wood
You’ve most definitely picked up a whole bunch of films that aren’t really worth your time at all. Round them all up and organise them into a pile and start figuring out how to get rid of them.
You have three options – firstly, see what you can make money out of. Go onto a website like www.musicmagpie.com and start flogging your DVDs there. As for the films you’re unable to sell, find out if any of your friends want them.
As for the last few films – which may be so terrible that no one will want them – take them to the charity shop.
Step two: make some archiving decisions
Next, you have to decide how you’re going to organise the remaining films. Are you going for the comprehensive alphabetical order? Or are you going to go for something a little more fun, like organising them according to genre?
If you’re a real film buff and you have every single film made by all your favourite directors, you could organise them by filmmaker.
Once you’ve decided on your archiving strategy, there are some further touches you might want to consider.
Step three: divide formats
If you’ve been collecting for a while, you’ve probably got a whole bunch of DVDs and then a growing bunch of Blu-ray discs. You’ve probably tried integrating the latter with the former, you’ll notice that the boxes for the Blu-rays aren’t quite the same size and look awkward when piled together.
What you want to do is make a separate shelf for your Blu-rays, and stack them separately. If you’ve got loads of them, you can do them alphabetically or by genre.
Step four: invest in some storage solutions
Perhaps you have absolutely no room left on your shelves for the massive film collection you have cultivated. Start looking around online for handy little storage boxes with outwards-opening doors where you can start stacking your films, close by to your entertainment system.
As a freelance writer your income is not consistent and reliable. It fluctuates greatly and there can be months where you earn far more, or far less than others. Most freelance writers are not natural accountants so it’s not always easy to work out a solid financial plan based on an unknown income. Although it won’t help you become a financial expert over night, here are some tips that will make it easier for freelance writers to enjoy financial security and stability.
1. Set up a budget
Although your incoming income may fluctuate the chances are your expenses will stay at a fixed amount. Draw up a budget of exactly how much you need to earn to cover the essentials, or how much you expect to pay out each month. Keep your expenses as low as possible and rather over estimate than underestimate your expenditure.
2. Plan for tax
From the beginning of each new tax year get your paperwork in order and set aside money to pay your taxes. If you work one step at a time and over estimate the amount you owe the government when the time comes to make a payment you will be well prepared. A separate savings account for tax is also advisable, so that when you file your return the funds are readily available.
3. Save extra
Look back at last year and identify what you did when you had extra money. Did you save it or spend it and then regret it? If you have a lucrative month or even if you win money playing big jackpot games on your phone at www.iphonecasino.ca you need to ensure you save a portion of funds to cover the leaner months.
4. Track and record invoices
Keep a record of every invoice you send out, every payment received and every amount outstanding. Freelance writers do not have to have strong accounting skills but a reliable tracking system is needed to ensure all amounts are paid and those that aren’t are followed up promptly. An effective system helps minimise the amount of time spent on invoicing and follow ups and also helps give freelance writers a clear indication of their financial situation.
As a freelance writer it is important to have a good grip on your budget and finances and these tips can easily be applied for effective results.
