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Ever since the TV programme Changing Rooms came into our lives, we have been looking at ways to improve our houses. This can be from expensive additions like having an extension or a conservatory being built to smaller and cheaper ways of making your house more of a home – anything to make it special to walk in your front door at the end of a long hard day.

Of course, it is the porch and front door you will see first when you get home or when visitors call and how this looks can make a big difference to how you feel about your house. If your door is wooden, refreshing the paintwork can create an instant uplift to the whole look of the place.

Sorting out a cluttered hallway not only makes more space but is a therapeutic way of clearing your mind as well. Do not let stuff build up from kids coats to bikes and welly boots so you can hardly walk down the hall. If possible, find a space to screw in some hooks so at least the coats can get put away neatly. Also a boot rack is ideal for clearing away boots and shoes and this costs next to nothing.

Keeping the garden under control also ensures that it is easier to manage throughout the year. Just a few hours cutting the grass, weeding and generally keeping things tidy is all it takes every week or fortnight.

Freshening up paintwork or peeling wallpaper throughout your house is a cheap and easy way of improving your surroundings. If your door handles or knobs have seen better days, get yourself to a hardware store and buy a new set. This is much cheaper than replacing doors and can make a real difference.

In the bathroom, a mouldy looking seal around the edge of the bath is very off putting when all you want to do is sink into the bubbles and relax for a few minutes. It will hardly take any time or money to re seal round the edge with fresh new bathroom sealer.

Kitchens are the real heart of the home, where the family gathers for meals, to chat and talk through the day. If your kitchen looks dated and is in need of a modern touch, rather than splashing out on a whole new kitchen which can be very costly, consider a cheaper alternative of having new doors put on the cupboard units. An even thriftier option you could go for is giving your original doors a new look if this is viable by re-painting them.

Do you still some shelves or pictures that need hanging even though you moved into your house years ago? Rather than putting it off again, take time this week to get out your nails, hammer and spirit level and just do it. No excuses, now!

Keeping a pot of nuts and bolts in an old jam jar either in a garage or a drawer in the house will mean you always have them to hand should they be needed at a moments notice. Odd jobs around the house often require them and rather than spending ages rooting around behind the sofa, make the effort to gather them together so you can lay your hands on them when needed.

They say that you don`t get anything in this life for free.but the old adage does not necessarily hold true when it comes to forex.

Foreign currency trading, or forex as it is more commonly known, is particularly welcoming for novices and unlike many other financial niches, offers a wide range of free tools to help the less experienced learn.

In order to execute deals in the market, every trader needs a broker and there are a vast number competing for new customers. In direct contrast to dealing in stocks and shares, forex brokers do not charge a fee for executing orders but instead make their profit from the spread they offer. However, with many spreads identically sized, to become more attractive to traders, brokers must provide a wide range of freebies to give them the edge over their competitors.

This can only be good news for traders and it is especially beneficial to those new to the market.

Where brokers do vary is the level of access they offer. Some provide a one-size-fits-all service which is offered free of charge to everyone. Other brokers provide the basic service at no cost but charge a fee for access to more sophisticated software.

One facility which is nearly always offered at no cost and is of great use to both novices and experienced traders alike is the simulation account. This allows a trader to act in real time against the live market to practice his trade but without risking a penny of real money as the orders are never actually executed.

Some novices can be quick to disregard this option, after spending a lot of time learning how to trade, memorising the jargon and technical terms, it can be tempting to dive straight into live market conditions.

However, without any time spent practicing their moves, many traders find their accounts wiped out by one bad decision and run out of money.

Regardless of how long an individual studies the market, there can be no substitute for trading in real time and having to make fast decisions as the currencies swing rapidly. This is where a simulation account can be a godsend and with most brokers providing it free of charge without a full account for 30 days, it is advisable to make the most of it.

Experienced traders often go back and practice on a simulation account, even after they have been successfully dealing for a long time. They might be considering switching the currency in which they trade or trying out a new strategy, neither of which should be carried out in the live market without practicing first.

Most forex brokers offer a number of other free software packages in return for signing up for an account. Access to analysis software can be particularly useful and many brokers offer excellent charting packages free of charge to their customers.

As well as live market information and analysis, it is also possible to find free educational information, especially from some of the larger or more well-established brokers. This may be in the form of webinars, or just online material which can be studied at your leisure.

Forex currency trading is a complex subject but with the right support and practice it can be very profitable, but picking the right broker who offers comprehensive education and support software is crucial when entering the market.

Balance transfers are often touted as a great way to assist with personal debt and save money. However, as with any financial offer, it`s essential to be fully aware of the facts.

A balance transfer literally involves transferring money from one account to another, or from one financial provider to another. This may be from a current account or savings account, but in the most common context, balance transfers tend to refer to credit balances – for example on credit cards.

A credit card balance transfer will involve a customer opening up a new credit card agreement, to clear their old one by transferring the balance over. The interest and debt will be owed to the new card provider, who will market the offer by providing an initial grace period of low or no interest.

These introductory periods have become ever more competitive in the past year or so as financial institutions battle for business. Currently there are even credit cards offering 18 month zero percent interest on credit balances. Others offer between 3 months and a year. Some card providers offer `life of balance` interest rates which are more competitive than for new spending. For example, a low life of balance card might attract a 7% interest rate, more in line with a personal loan, than the 19% more common for new spending.

There are usually no card application costs, although there may be a transfer fee of two or three percent of the sum outstanding, which should be factored into account.

For savvy customers with the ability to manage their debts, a well chosen credit card balance transfer can be an excellent decision. It will leave that person with enough time to clear the debt without incurring new interest charges. Some people even change to yet another zero percent balance transfer card when the grace period on the first one expires – however, it`s a strategy to be employed with great caution.

Consider how you incurred the debt in the first place. If it was to purchase something that will have a usable life span over a year or more, then you can consider these cards as a cheap or no-interest way of financing that purchase. However if you are buying non-essentials, holidays, food or essentials – then it may seem less wise to be paying them off a year later, when the original item has long since been used. Credit cards should never be viewed as an infinite spending resource – this is how many people become trapped into ever more vicious debt cycles. Additionally the low interest fees on balance transfer cards will only apply to the transferred sum. Usually new spending attracts punitive interest rates – so the minute you start spending on the card, you`ll be racking up new debt – which doesn`t get cleared until the full transferred amount has been paid off. The interest rates can rapidly rise.

If you`ve considered the facts and are interested in a credit card balance transfer card, then head to a site initially such as Moneysupermarket.com to see the latest offers, compare them and apply directly. It may also be worth consulting with a financial advisor if you feel your debt problems are becoming extensive, as credit cards will unlikely provide a long-term solution. Use them as a tool by all means, but never as a crutch for poor financial management, or existing problems which have started to spiral out of control. In such instances, professional help is well worth seeking and schemes to manage personal debt can be discussed.

Budgeting was a lesser known art until the recent recession. Unlike former generations, the credit-rich, time poor generation had grown up spending freely, believing that constant growth was a certainty, with further good times ahead. The banking crash, credit crunch and following prolonged worldwide recession has been a wake-up call to many!

So now budgeting is back with us and we are learning the skill of creating and managing personal budgets in ever greater numbers. Luckily, it`s not that difficult – however, it does require discipline and care.

Firstly, gather up all your receipts, bank statements and details of monthly outgoings and track them in a simple spreadsheet. Work out exactly how much you are spending each month in different areas. Split these into essentials and `non-essentials`. For example, utility bills, loan and credit card repayments, insurance, rent or mortgage, car expenses and food are all classed as necessary, non-negotiable items. Spending on clothes, takeways, gadgets, alcohol, holidays and other `general` spending, may be considered less essential.

Be honest while you do this. Work out an average based on what you get through each month. Then track it against your incomings. Are you earning more than you spend?

If you are, then congratulations. It might still be worth following the steps below to better manage your money. If you aren`t, then you need to take action.

Work out how big the deficit is. Then look at where you can cut your spending. Even on essential items, there are ways to save money by looking at better financial deals for things like insurance or borrowing. Transfer existing debts to a zero percent credit card, get a better insurance quote from a price comparison site, switch energy suppliers using a cashback site and find a cheaper mobile phone deal.

On non-essential spending, be ruthless. Stop buying things you don`t need. Cancel unwanted direct debits. Buy cheaper brands to save money – only buy things when they need replacing. Look for vouchers and special deals – sign up for savings schemes and cancel the gym in favour of outdoor exercise. Socialise without spending by visiting people or preparing meals at home.

Look too at how you can maximise your income. So for example, you could sell some unwanted items on ebay, you could take on overtime or even work a second job. Consider creative ways to earn a little on the side – even obscure ideas such as dog walking, house sitting, freelance writing, bar work – all should be considered if your financial situation is currently dire and needs rectifying. View it as a short term pain for a longer term gain. Also speak to a professional if your budget situation is too complex to resolve – burying your head in the sand will never help. There are routes to help people with serious debts and the sooner these are tackled, the better. You`ll find that very quickly that with your money saving money will start to appear again and help your situation – the first step is the hardest!

> If you are looking to buy a second hand vehicle there are more options today than ever. The growth of the internet has resulted in a much wider choice of car outlets but how do you decide which of them is going to get you the best deal?

Anyone looking to purchase a second hand car still has the option of going to a car showroom. While online vehicle sales may have seen this type of outlet reduce in number, it remains a strong option for any buyer.

As with all of your choices, there are advantages and disadvantages to buying a car from a dealership. You will have plenty of time to look at the vehicle and take it for a test drive and you won`t necessarily be pressurised into making an immediate decision as buying a car in this way will generally give you time to think and to consider other cars.

The general disadvantages are that you may not be getting the best price for a car if you buy one in this manner. Buying a car from a dealership is usually more expensive than if you were buying from a private individual.

Another traditional method of buying a car is to look at the classified ads in your local newspaper. These have dwindled considerably in recent years as many people prefer to sell their car online but you can still find a vehicle in this way.

On the plus side, you can generally find a cheaper car and of course you can take it for a test drive and look under the bonnet. However, you may not have as much time to make your decision as these types of ads attract more attention, including the occasional dealer who thinks they may have spotted a bargain.

The biggest change in the way people sell their cars has come with the arrival of online auction sites. The vast majority of private individuals along with many dealers now choose to sell their cars here and while there are lots of advantages to the seller, why should you consider buying a car in this way?

With online auction sites there is a much wider choice and with a few clicks of the mouse, you can now see cars for sale from anywhere in the country. Most sellers will give you a full specification that goes into more detail than any private classified ad and they generally will show lots of accompanying photographs.

A clear disadvantage is that unless the car is very local to you, you are essentially buying `blind` and you take a lot of the information on trust. Sadly a lot of buyers have been caught out in this way and find that the vehicle isn`t as good as the description suggested.

If you`re planning to buy a car from an online auction, you must check the terms and conditions regarding commitment to buy. If the seller has misrepresented the car then you should still be able to back out of the deal if you need to.

Outside of the virtual world, car auction houses are doing some brisk business in the current climate and this offers the buyer some good options to pick up a bargain.

Buying a car from one of these sites is generally much cheaper than from a dealer or a private individual and there are some serious savings to be had.

Before you go to one of these auctions, check all the terms once again. You may have time to test your new car but this will be strictly limited so make sure you are happy with your purchase before driving away.

Whichever method you choose for buying used cars for sale, you always have the option of taking an external warranty and while you always need to make sure the car is right for you, the good news for buyers is that there are more options today than ever before.

Having a great time at the races needn`t cost a fortune and if you`re on a budget, you can still enjoy an event just as much as any other race goer. You don`t have to wager hundreds of pounds or more at the meeting either to take full enjoyment from it and even the smallest of gambles can enhance the pleasure of a day at the races.

At a typical race meeting you will be able to watch a number of different events and maybe there will be as much as seven races over the course of the day. Even if you were only looking to bet as little as one pound on each of them, you can still add to the overall excitement.

There is nothing quite like the buzz that you get during a horse race and it`s probably fair to say that you don`t get the same adrenaline rush when you haven`t placed a bet. However, your stake doesn`t have to be excessive in any way in order for you to receive the same enjoyment.

If you are looking for betting tips, be careful who you obtain them from when you are on the course. If somebody asks for money as a `donation` in return for alleged inside information then these people are best avoided as in the majority of cases, they know nothing more than any horse racing tipster.

The best sources for horse racing tips can generally be found in the sporting columns of the daily newspapers and of course in the publications that are specifically targeted at sports fans. Television pundits are also good sources of information and over a period of time, you will get to know who your favourite horse racing experts are.

When you are at the course, don`t be afraid to speak to members of your party and to other race goers to find out some useful tips. Keep an eye on the betting too, particularly on the blackboards of the many independent bookmakers that set up their business course side.

A sudden drop in the betting on any particular horse can give you a clear indication that it is a much fancied runner and that is a very useful free racing tip that is well worth following.

As far as the overall day is concerned, racing as a whole doesn`t have to be expensive and the on site bars and eateries are generally very competitively priced.

However, you can save in these areas too by bringing your own refreshments such as a packed lunch and a bottle of wine and although you may not be allowed to consume these by the course itself, car and coach parks are as much a part of the social scene at a racecourse as anywhere else and you are free to eat and drink whatever you like here.

As far as betting is concerned, if you are on a budget be sure to set out a float for your stakes and don`t be tempted to exceed it. If your first selections come in then feel free to bet higher next time but if you have backed a string of losers, make sure to stick within your original betting budget.

Even the smallest of bets can add to the thrill of a day out at a race course and with plenty of free racing tips to take advantage of, hopefully you can turn your trip into a profitable one.

Comparing Cruises

When you are looking at cruise packages what information do you need to help you decide on which one to take. The first thing to consider is your budget. There are many cheap cruises available but you will need to make you factor in any costs for excursions on land, facilities on board or dining options.

The next thing to consider is do you want to take a cruise that has a departure destination in the UK or do you want a cruise that leaves from an overseas port which will mean a flight to and from the departure destination. This will of course impact on the ports of call your cruise makes. There are many cruises available from the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Fjords of Norway, Alaska to the round the world cruises that take you to the far flung corners of the globe. You need to consider whether you want to see various cities and ports along a coastline or whether you want to visit every island in a group.

Once you have decided the destination of your cruise then you need to think about who will be going on your cruise with you. There are many different cruises available aimed at different age groups of travellers. There are cruises available for families which include on board children`s entertainment, children`s clubs, special children`s swimming pools, special dining facilities with children`s menus available, extra beds available in your cabin and some cruise ships actually have family cabins where you can all relax. There are also cruises available that are designed for the slightly older traveller with organised activities such as crown bowls on board. The people you are taking may also influence your choice of excursions on land with some cruises offering gentle strolls through picturesque ports and others offering mountain biking through undulating scenery.

The type of cruise ship you choose will also impact on the style of holiday you have. There are cruise ships that are packed full of entertainment, with swimming pools, wave pools for surfing, rock climbing walls and fitness facilities. At the other end of the spectrum there are cruise ships that offer fine dining, five star accommodation, personalised service, casinos, small on board shopping boutiques and offer an all round luxurious setting.

If you are choosing to go on a cruise because of a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or special wedding anniversary, then there are cruises that specifically cater for these occasions. Many cruises can now offer couples the chance to get married during their honeymoon cruise on a romantic beach setting. If you are celebrating a wedding anniversary, retirement, birthday or other special occasion cruise ships can offer champagne, flowers and fruit baskets in your room on the day of the special occasion so you can surprise a loved one.

Whatever cruise you decide to go on once you have selected your preferred itinerary and which cruise ship you wish to travel on then you can enter these into one of the many online cruise specialist websites and a full range of available dates and prices will be easily found. The best feature about comparing cruises online is that the number of cheap cruises available will certainly surprise you.