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How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a House?

Isn’t that a loaded question? Ha! The answer could be free to tons of money. You could pick someone else’s junk off of the side of a street or you could go into some major debt trying to buy everything for your house through the catalogs.

The other variable is size. If you have a smaller space, like an apartment, it will cost less than that McMansion.

One rule of thumb I have heard is count on about 25% of your home’s value.

So if you bought your home for about $250,000 your furnishing budget would be $62, 500. Now, that seems a bit on the high side for me. A house that is $250,000 is going to be about 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. I would say you could furnish it for about half of that, if you don’t go crazy. If you want to get a little more custom, I could see spending the $62, 500.

Here are some of my guides for the rooms of the house.

Living Room

Mid Range $6,500

Higher Range $12,500

Dining Room

Mid Range $6,100

Higher Range $13, 300

Family Room

Mid Range $8,200

Higher Range $16,000

Bedroom

Mid Range $6,000

Higher Range $12,400

Master Bedroom

Mid Range $7,200

Higher Range $15,000

Home Office

Mid Range $3,700

Higher Range $7,800

I know there will be some people who balk at some of these numbers and some who will think they are too low. It all depends where you are in the country, what your taste is and how you go about furnishing you home. Just remember, you get what you pay for most often than not.…

Keep Online Shopping Safe and Secure!

Buying goods and services online may have made your life a lot simpler, however what you have to also understand is that there are a number of things you have to understand when you do so. When you shop online, there are a number of security threats attached, and if you are not careful, you could end up losing some money and even be victim of identity theft. This is not just the case with online stores and brick and mortar stores could make you face the same threats. So be careful whether inside or outside learn how to keep the hackers and thieves who are after your money at a distance.

1. For beginners who are not familiar with the process of buying products online, or for those who are not completely bought in by the idea of buying a product without actually touching it, you should visit a regular store in your neighborhood, feel the product and then buy the product online. Once you know what it feels like, make sure you get the same products online and be sure to read their descriptions carefully before you go ahead and place the order. Make sure to take a print of the receipt that the online store provides.

2. Another very important step in shopping online is ensuring that the purchases you make are off a secure web address. It is simple to check whether the website is secure or not and by doing so you could avoid a lot of grief.

To check if the websites is using an encrypted software look out for the SSL ( Secure Socket layer) padlock symbol. You will find this symbol on the address bar or on the bottom right hand corner of the web page. Also make sure that the site address starts with ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. Make this a habit and you can be sure that you will not be cheated when you are shopping online.

3. Checking for contact details on the website, should be a practice as well because you want to make sure that you can trust the website you are using. Check if they have paper catalogues, by that you will be able to judge if they have been in the business for long. Check if they let you return items and also check if they have a regular brick and mortar store.

4. You could also shop online with the help of gift cards. This will help you cope with the fear of identity theft and other security issues.

5. Another way of ensuring that the website you are using can be trusted is to use Google or other search engines to look for reviews about the website. If you find any bad reviews or come across some comments by an unhappy customer, you know it is prudent not to shop on that particular website. Word of mouth is the best publicity, so if you have friends who are happy with where they are shopping online, you could use these websites to broaden your shopping horizon.

6. You could also choose to get your hands on a pre-paid Visa card for online shopping. Thousands of people use pre-paid visa cards and restaurants and at gas stations without a single worry, so you could simply load up your card to a certain amount to stay more secure every time you shop online.…

Christmas Shopping on a Budget

I know, it is only September, but if you have a limited budget you have to start thinking about Christmas now. Christmas is the one time of year that we all try to cram a large amount of spending money with small paychecks. This is impossibility; in the end something has to give.

You have several options available to you, which can help eliminate this problem.

· Start a savings account in January that is intended for use at Christmas

· During the year shop at stores that have a layaway plan.

· Start buying Christmas gifts way before December 25th.

Years ago, the banks would open a Christmas savings account for you. I don’t know if they still hold this custom or not. I was not one of those smart people who would open a Christmas saving account. If this is something you don’t have any difficulty doing, then I would look into one. If nothing else, open a regular saving account and leave a small balance in there so you will have it to use the next year. If you can figure out about how much money you spend at Christmas, then you might be able to gauge how much money should go into the account every month.

If you are better a paying on layaways, then find stores that still have a layaway plan, so that you can put some of the gifts in layaway and pay on them a little at a time. I am sure there are others, but the only one I know about is K-Mart, unless it is jewelry and then you can go to Wal-Mart for their jewelry layaway. I am sure other stores have them, but I just haven’t looked for them.

The method that works best for me is to start early. I do a lot of my Christmas shopping online, but I will buy some of it early. I also make some of my Christmas gifts, so then I really start early because the closer it gets to Christmas time the shorter the amount of time I have on making the gifts. Starting your Christmas shopping early is the key to all of the methods with the exception of the savings account.

By starting your Christmas shopping early, you don’t have to come up with all the money you would like to spend at one time. Many of us like and enjoy going just a little overboard at Christmas time. It is such a joy to see the smiles on their faces when you have given that loved one the perfect gift.

Not many of us have the $1,000s we would like to spend at Christmas coming to us in November and December every year. This is the reason so many people end up maxing out their credit cards to pay for the gifts at Christmas time. I know many of you have stated that it takes almost an entire year to pay off last Christmas and then you start the cycle all over again.

So this year why don’t you turn over a new leaf. You can still buy almost all the gifts you want to give this year; there are usually at least one or two gifts that get missed every year. This year commit to shopping smarter instead of harder.

By that I mean, don’t wait until the Christmas rush or the Friday after Thanksgiving to start your Christmas shopping. Buy a few things in September and do the same in October, etc. I think you get the idea. Doing your Christmas shopping like this doesn’t mean you won’t find things on sale. Yes, you will! What you will cut down on some of the stress of the holiday season. You won’t have to rush around to get your last minute shopping done the day before you go to families for Christmas, or the day before Christmas Eve.

You may be like my husband. If I find a gift for someone and I want his opinion on it, it is difficult for him to think about Christmas in October. I just explained to him I had to start early. I have to think about it and get it in advance. I know shopping online has made things so easy for me. I don’t have to worry about mailing the items. I just have them shipped straight to their house. That way I have eliminated the wrapping, and the standing in line at the post office to mail them.

Using one of these methods to get your Christmas shopping done, you won’t be trying to cram so much into such a short amount of time. Also, with any luck you won’t have to use your credit cards so much, which will give …

eBay 101

You can now shop online thanks to eBay. eBay is the renowned worldwide for being the largest online store. You can buy items of different kinds in eBay and transact business the safe and fastest way possible.

There are a lot of sellers that offer a myriad of items that you need. You will not be forced to stick with one seller as there are other sellers that cater to your needs.

Be sure that you check the seller’s profile before you do any transactions. Read the item’s description carefully so that you will have an idea about the item you will be purchasing. Check out the seller’s reputation when it comes to online businesses on their feedback.

Make sure that the charges are fair when it comes to shipping fees. Some sellers often offer cheap prices for their items but bombard you with high charges for shipment and handling.

You can start with eBay by registering on their website. Create an account and you can begin shopping online. You can place bids on items you wish to buy just like what you usually do in an auction house. To find the item you want, just type the words on the search box and begin bidding.

If you are looking for a specific item, toggle the Advance Search option and type the item you want to find. You can also see biddings that are already closed to give you an idea of how transactions are made within the website.

There’s not much disadvantage to eBay and becoming a registered user. But, there are still ways that put you into a bad light. Make sure that right before you begin with all of your transactions, you have the right information and that you already know how to navigate through the entire website.

eBay is fast becoming one of the world’s best if not the best auction website. With trustworthy sellers and safe and secured transactions, you are sure to have good business all year round.…

The Convenience of As Seen on TV Products and Shopping

With the world-changing at mind-boggling speed every day, product and service providers are devising new methods of reaching their target populations effectively. It is true to say that a large percentage of the world’s population has access to a television. This is the medium used by shopping networks to advertise their products to viewers every time they tune in to watch their favorite programs. Advertising can take many forms but visual technology has always taken precedence over all other types of adverts. Customers tend to appreciate more products that they see (rather than hear about) and not just once but often in the form of televised adverts. There is also a perception that the ability of a company to advertise on television shows superiority over other brands.

As seen on TV customer support

The present day shopper loves convenience and this is what this type of shopping offers. Right from the comfort of your house you can buy everything you need just by making a toll-free call. With as seen on TV’s services, you get to see all the products available and you have a chance to make enquiries before the final purchase. The elaborate customer service and support system online comes in very handy for such occasions. There is also a detailed section about the Frequently Asked Questions that provides you with all the information you need on return policies, terms and conditions as well as security. Also included in customer support is privacy policy, guarantees available and the relevant contact details for customers to reach those in charge.

Product categories available

Variety is great selling point for any business that intends to make money selling products or even services. Customers do not like to go to different places for items they need so a one-stop-shop is ideal for most customers and this is exactly what this service offers. Some of the categories available include household items, kitchen ware, health products, beauty products, clothing, tolls, electronics and many more. All these are divided into much more specific subtitles to make it easier for shoppers to pick exactly what they want.

Interactive shopping at as seen on TV

Shoppers like to know what they are buying and the also like to give back feedback after they have used a product. This is called interactive shopping. As seen on TV has a feedback section on their website which allows product users to provide reports about the items they have bought or even about the services they received. Email sign up options allow customers to get updates and news regarding new products and changes in the system. To encourage the shopper, the site even has a suggestions page that allows users to give ideas on what else they would like to see featured on the site or in the product list. With services as efficient as those offered by As Seen On TV, shopping can now be more enjoyable and more hassle free than ever before.…

Second-Hand Shopping Tips – Get Your Killer Wardrobe For Less!

Shopping at second-hand stores and consignment boutiques is an art. The finds can be incredible, but it takes patience and a keen eye to find the real gems. If you’re a bargain hunter and want to learn the ropes of the best shoppers, read on!

Second-hand shops vary greatly, from mass department stores which show little to no discretion as to what they carry (Goodwill, Value Village, etc.) to boutique stores which carry designer clothes only, cost a little more (but designer clothing at far less than retail) and have done all the culling work for you. Did you know, though, that you can find designer and goods and other high quality items at the larger, cheaper second-hand stores? If you are on a tight budget, you can build an entire career or upper-end wardrobe by buying second-hand, and you’ll always look fabulous. Some tips include:

Look for brand names: This should go without saying, but it doesn’t. Look for quality items with upper-end labels still intact. Check all items carefully for damage – rips, stains or defects in clothing, and chips or other damage in household items – before you put anything in your cart for consideration. Try all clothing on, and look all items over carefully again before purchasing.

Know what suits you: Whether it’s home decor or clothing, you must show restraint when searching second-hand stores, in order to avoid buying junk you’ll regret later. Sometimes the deals can seem so wonderful it’s difficult to resist, but make sure you ask yourself if you really need or want that item, and ideally ask would you want it if it was full price. Know what types of clothing flatters you, and be sure to scan your home or wardrobe before you leave home so that you’ll only buy things which complement what you already have.

Be patient: Looking through racks of clothing and goods, even in the smaller boutiques, is exhausting and requires stamina. Go when you have a full stomach, lots of energy and lots of time to browse and try things on. Especially in the larger stores, it can take some serious digging to find the few wonderful treasures buried within rows of castaways. Take your time and know what you’re on the hunt for.

Try visiting second-hand stores in other cities when you visit. You’ll fill out your wardrobe with a variety of things you may not find in your home city, and each piece will feel like an extra-great find!

Happy hunting!…

How To Shop For The Best Perfumes – For Women

I found that there are five basic steps you need to consider when perfume shopping, so here they are for your perfume delight and delectation…

1) “This is going to take some time… “

Yes, perfume shopping is something that needs to be savoured, enjoyed and definitely not rushed. Set aside a good portion of time in the day for you to check out your local perfume department stores and smaller fragrance stores. Try to keep an open mind when you see a perfume that perhaps your friend has dismissed and don’t judge a perfume by its packaging. You’re going to have to rely on your nose for this shopping expedition, not your eyes.

2) Before you start perfume shopping, decide on your budget

Shopping for a fragrance can cost you as little as $50 or as much as $5000 (yes, there are perfumes with those kind of price tags!), so it is important to decide your budget before you even step foot in a perfume shop. Firstly, decide if your fragrance is going to be for everyday use, or just for special occasions? Are you looking for a celebrity name perfume, or simply a well-known brand? Which season is your perfume for? Sometimes it is nice to have a fresher and lighter perfume for the hotter summer months and perhaps a more subtle fragrance for autumn and winter.

3. Understand the different concentrations of perfume available

Perfumes come in three distinct categories which tell you about the concentration of the perfume oils in the bottle. The most concentrated, and therefore most expensive, perfume is known as ‘Parfum’ and you won’t need to use a lot of it, so it should last longer. Parfum has a concentration of between 15% and 22% of the fragrance oils. Next is ‘Eau de Parfum’ with a concentration of between 8% and 15% – quite a popular choice for many women. Lastly, and least expensive of the three concentrations, we have ‘Eau de Toilette’ or ‘Eau de Cologne’. With a concentration of between 3% and 8%, a spray of this perfume will give you and people around you just a hint of the scent to tantalize the nasal senses. Eau de Toilette is of course the least expensive option, but you many need to use more of it than the other more concentrated preparations.

4. Time to get your nose working

So you’re in the perfume store. It’s time to start smelling some fragrances by spraying some sampler bottles of each perfume onto those funny bits of white cardboard. They’re called ‘swatches’ – rather like colour swatches, but for smelling. Try to dry the perfume on the swatch before smelling (don’t touch), as the fragrance will change subtly as the minutes go by. After several minutes you will smell the ‘base notes’ rather than the initial ‘top notes’. Ah, now we’re getting technical. The fragrance’s base notes are the scents that will become more apparent as you wear perfume through the day. If you’re really up for being prepared, take a small container of coffee beans with you. Take a whiff of the beans to ‘reset’ your nose before smelling the next perfume – it’s a trick that works. Keep going and you should be able to narrow down your search to perhaps just three or four fragrances.

5. Time for some real skin

Hopefully you have now managed to select a handful of perfume candidates? Now is the time to spray a little on your wrist. Let it dry naturally without rubbing and have a whiff. Oh, by the way, top tip: Don’t wear any fragrance when you go perfume shopping for obvious reasons. It’s also wise to avoid eating spicy or hot food beforehand as your nose won’t be as sensitive as it usually is.

Hope you found some or all of these ‘perfume pointers’ enlightening. The best perfume for you is out there, and it will just take a little preparation and patience to find it! Happy perfume shopping!…