Do you frequently have occasions arise that demand a purchase? Do those
purchases put a strain on an already tight budget? Is it hard to find the
quality that you desire at the price you can afford? Do you love unique
items that are hard to find? Is your desire to redecorate in the latest
trend but you can not afford retail prices?

Boutiques may be the answer to many of your shopping needs. Boutiques have
been widely popular over the past two decades, becoming more popular with
each passing year. Many have seen the vision as both consumers and vendors
have realized the value of shopping at either physical or online boutiques.

Below are six reasons to shop boutiques:

1. Pricing: Vendors pay a basic fee for booth space at the boutique and
sometimes a small percentage of customer sales go to the boutique owner.
These fees are minimal compared to the costs of retail stores. Retail
stores usually pay a high rental fee each month. This could be as much as
thousands of dollars. Additional costs of employees, taxes and insurance
force the store owner to pass those costs on to the consumer.

2. Unique Purchases: Many home based business owners use boutiques as a
venue to test market new ideas. Some successful business owners began
selling their products at boutiques first. After gaining recognition and
developing a good reputation, they were able to grow their idea into a
lucrative business.

3. Trend: Trendy items are expensive for two reasons: first, they
frequently need to be replaced as trends come and go and second, hot items
are often in high demand and low supply. Boutiques are able to keep costs
lower, thereby making it possible for the consumer to frequently purchase
what is “hot” at the moment.

4. Homemade items: Many enjoy the personalization and time that is put into
homemade items.
Gift shops carry homemade items because of the sentimentality that is
associated with them. They usually have a loyal customer clientele that
frequently check back to see what new handmade item is available. These
precious gifts are often hard to find in today’s market. It is traditional
to pass such treasures down to future generations. Gift shops, as retail
stores, are generally higher priced than boutiques.

5. Volume of Sales: A boutique that generates higher traffic, allows the
vendor to sell a higher volume of merchandise in a shorter period of time.
If priced correctly, the vendor’s profit margin can be higher, thereby
passing those additional savings on to the consumer. Wal-Mart, for example,
sells higher volume at lower prices.

6. Personalized Gifts: Boutiques are perfect for personalized holiday
crafts or other gift giving
occasions. Birthdays, weddings and baby showers are just a few occasions
that require a purchase. It is fun to give something that is more personal
and shows extra care and thoughtfulness.

With the popularity of the Internet, online boutiques make it possible to
purchase boutique items year round. Many times vendors will personally

remain at their booths to meet with their customers. Because of the personal relationships that are made at the physical boutiques, loyal customers want
to purchase year round from their favorite vendors. Online boutique shopping, therefore, makes it possible for the customer to purchase loved items with all of the benefits mentioned above.

Bio: Terri Grace, nineteen years of experience in boutique sales and marketing.
Successful business owner of a boutique for the past 5 years. Owner and entrepreneur of an online boutique. For more information on boutiques go to:
http://www.terrisbluegooseboutique.com

Ever watch this movie; “Who Killed the Electric Car?” starring Ed Begley Jr. and Phyllis Diller; directed by Chris Paine. It’s an awful site for anyone who loves the environment. We hate to see the smog when we look out over a cities horizon, but we do. Cars are known to cause the most pollution out of any culprit. After learning this why are we still driving in those gas guzzling polluting machines? Well, this movie sheds a little bit of light on that.

The movie’s underlying message is all about the death and return of the electric car. It goes into the history of on particular electric car the Prius; where it began, how it sold at first, how it’s doing now, and how it will do in the future.

Who killed the electric car picture one

The film talks about why we have entered an age where we are almost completely dependent on foreign oil. Instead of buying cars that are energy efficient, people are more likely to buy huge SUV’s that suck down more gas than necessary. Obviously, if you walk around and look at the cars driving, you can see this in action. People are driving huge cars; why? Commercials will say that they are safe and insurance companies lower your premiums. If you are in the business world, you know that large cars sell for higher prices even if there is only a little more production cost. Companies have to stay competitive in the market. GM, in recent years, has had problems and need to make more money; thus, they need to sell the high marked items, not electric vehicles.

Although, the movie does shoe the bad side of the car companies and how they destroy the image of the electric car, there are others who see that the movie is not truthful. Like any documentary of this sort ( Like “Supersizeme”) some of the facts are very one sided. For example, one fact not mentioned is;10 years ago, electric cars were less effective because the batteries they ran on held less power. In addition, the price of the cars were about, $299 to over $574 per month which is pretty steep compared to other cars leaving it only to a small minority of car purchasers. Also, there are no numbers shown in the movie that coheres with there accusations. Finally, they never mention the fact that electric cars are powered by power plants which cause harm to the environment in the end anyway (the only difference is this is easier to control rather than 100k cars)

If you are interested in electric power and electric cars, I assume you will go off and watch this film. It is one side of the story that should be supplemented by other research. There are two sides to this conspiracy so you do need to see both sides. Read all the information including specifications of all the vehicles on the market today as well as in the past. Some of the information might get confusing like the drag coefficients and all of that but you can still learn a lot.

George Christodoulou

Gas is costing you a small fortune annually! Learn how to run your
car on water. href="http://run-my-car-on-water.com">http://run-my-car-on-water.com to learn more and stop being a slave to big oil.

—————————————————————————————-
If you want more information about the movie, “Who Killed The Electric Car“, please visit http://electricvehiclesite.com for more information.

Changing cell phone carriers has long been one of the easier ways for consumers to save money on cellular phone service and get a new phone at the lowest price. However, new pricing models and an increase in internet shopping competition have opened up new ways to save money- without switching.

Consumers often complain that cellular providers do not appreciate current customers. All major wireless carriers offer free or reduced price phones for “new customers only.” These deals require new customers to sign a contract, usually for two or more years. Existing customers often feel left out.

In the past, customers stayed with their providers out of convenience and loyalty. A major factor was the ability to keep the same phone number. However, Wireless Number Portability was introduced in 2003. This allowed consumers to switch carriers and keep the same phone number.

When wireless number portability came into play, more cellular customers started switching carriers to find the best deal. Since there are so many providers with wide coverage and customers can keep the same phone number, there is little incentive to stay.

However, many carriers, including Verizon Wireless and AT&T Cingular, have become more aggressive in offering incentives to keep current customers. For example, Verizon now offers the “New Every 2″ policy for existing customers. Current customers can choose from many free phones after fulfilling a two year agreement. This allows them to save $100 or more over the previous “upgrade” prices.

href="http://www.ultracellsaver.com/cingular.htm" target="_blank">Cingular Wireless, now a part of “the new AT&T”, also offers aggressive pricing structures. Many of the phones offered for free to new customers are now available to current customers who extend their contracts for two years.

Online wireless affiliates and authorized retailers have long offered lower prices than the carriers offer directly. This allows customers to save even more money. Cingular is one of the few major carriers that allow online wireless stores and their affiliates to offer phone upgrades. As of this writing only Sprint and Cingular offer phone upgrades on the popular cell phone websites. Existing customers can order a href="http://www.ultracellsaver.com/cingular-upgrade.htm" target="_blank">Cingular Upgrade at many websites and usually get a free phone offer.

Before you ditch your current cell phone carrier for the hot free phone from their competitor, do some research. Ask your current provider what specials they can offer, but do not stop there. Before switching or paying a higher price, you should do an internet search. Chances are you will find a reputable wireless agent with the price you want.

The author, Greg Couzens, is the webmaster of Ultra Cell Saver, a site that helps consumers href="http://www.ultracellsaver.com/">save money on cellular

Ready to learn How To Build Muscles Fast? It’s easier than you think! With the right tools, you can learn How To Build Muscles Fast and easily. This article will show you How To Build Muscles Fast beginning with 3 easy steps. No longer will you be wondering How To Build Muscles Fast, you’ll know!

How To Build Muscles Fast - Step 1 - Be Committed

Are you tired of seeing your small self in the mirror? Or maybe you’ve been training for awhile, but now you’re ready to get really big. Whatever the case is for you, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself this simple question, “Am I committed to learning How To Build Muscles Fast and the work it will take to complete this process?”

Yes, this is a process. There is no immediate fix or pill that you can take that will make you bigger and stronger overnight. This will take time. Are you committed? Have you really thought this through and considered all of the time and energy that will be spent in fulfilling this goal? If so, you’re on your way and nothing can stop you from getting the bigger, better build that you desire.

How To Build Muscles Fast - Step 2 - Be Prepared

Now that you have a firm commitment in your mind and are ready to see How To Build Muscles Fast, the next step is to have a plan of action. How are you going to go about fulfilling your plan and achieving your goal? “I’m going to start lifting weights” or “I’m going to train harder” are NOT what you need to accomplish your goal of getting that bigger, better build.

You need specifics. HOW are you going to start lifting? HOW are you going to train harder? You need to have a very specific plan in place. You need a plan that details not only your training regimen, but also your nutritional goals (you are what you eat) and your philosophy and mind set as you embark on this journey. With this in mind, the more details you have in place, the more likely you are to succeed.

How To Build Muscles Fast - Step 3 - Take Action

Once you have made the commitment to learn How To Build Muscles Fast and you have a very detailed plan in place, the final step is to make it all happen. As the famous Nike commercials have espoused, “Just Do It!” Get lifting, get training, get busy with your nutritional plan - Just Do It!

For many people, this is where the dream falls apart. Because of inaction, millions of dreams go unfulfilled each and every day. You do control some of your destiny. Take the bull by the horns and begin to live your life to the fullest! With your commitment in hand and your plan in place, with some action on your part, you CAN fulfill your dreams. You CAN accomplish your goals. You CAN get that bigger, better build!

I want to help you get that bigger, better build that you have dreamed of. If you are committed to learn how to How To Build Muscles Fast, I have the Perfect Plan that will help you reach your goal. Click Here to see my #1 Recommended Muscle Building Tool AND to receive your FREE 8 part mini-course “Simple Steps To MASSIVE Muscle Gains”. Just Do It! http://www.squidoo.com/How-To-Build-Up-Muscles-Fast/

There are only five senses, but countless ways of seeing things. “Personality Differences” often cause conflict in the division process of an estate settlement. Without understanding these differences, the process of keeping the peace and avoiding conflict will be much more difficult.

From the book Positive Personality Profiles by Dr. Robert Rohm, there are four basic personality styles. Each style sees the world differently. Each style has both great strengths and several weaknesses. No two people are exactly alike. Therefore, every personality is really a blend of all four styles. Using the model of human behavior, there are two questions to ask about yourself or anyone you want to better understand:

1. Which are you more like: A. Outgoing or B. Reserved

2. Which are you more interested in: A. People or B. Tasks

Outgoing/Task-Oriented: “D” personality style (Dominant Style). Basic traits are Dominant, Demanding, Direct, Determined, Decisive, Doer, Dictatorial, Dogmatic, Diligent, Dynamic and Defiant. They are goal-oriented, performance conscious, hard to please, self-confident, firm and industrious. They don’t like indecision, slow people, talkers who don’t produce, laziness, detailed activities, taking orders. Tips for communicating with “D” personality types are: Think in terms of “What” questions. Get to the main point. Focus on action-based results. Be brief and specific. Be confident. Overcome obstacles. Provide challenge rather than give orders.

Outgoing/People-Oriented: “I” personality style (Inspiring Style). Basic traits are Inspirational, Influencing, Inducing, Impressive, Interesting, Impressionable, Interested in people, Imaginative, Impulsive, and Illogical. They are fun to watch, great starters/poor finishers, likable, prone to exaggerate, and easily excitable. They don’t like being ignored, being isolated, being ridiculed, repetitive tasks, detail work or long-term projects. Tips for communicating with “I” personality types are: Think in terms of “Who” questions. Let them express their ideas. Keep a friendly environment. Turn talk to action. Focus on their accomplishments. Provide compliments. Gently steer them back to business.

Reserved/People-Oriented: “S” personality style (Supportive Style). Basic traits are Steady, Stable, Secure, Supportive, Servant’s Heart, Sweet, Submissive, Shy, Status-quo, Sentimental, Save everything, and Sameness. They are viewed as the sweetest people in the world. But, they are easily manipulated. They are loyal friends and team players. Although they are poor starters, they are great finishers. They don’t like insensitivity, to be yelled at, misunderstandings, sarcasm, surprises, or being pushed. Tips for communicating with the “S” personality type are: Think in terms of “How” questions. Be agreeable and non-threatening. Give them time to adjust to changes. Show appreciation. Provide follow-up support. Talk more slowly during stress - do not rush the conversation. Demonstrate sincerity.

Reserved/Task-Oriented: “C” personality style (Cautious Style). Basic traits are Competent, Cognitive, Cautious, Careful, Calculating, Critical thinking, Compliance wanting, Conscientious, Correct, Consistent Conformist, and Cold. They are perfectionists, difficult to satisfy, logical, meticulous, self-sacrificing, and inquisitive. They don’t like mistakes, sudden changes, shoddy work, lack of preparation, unnecessary interruptions, or being criticized. Tips for communicating with the “C” personality style are: Think in terms of “Why” questions. Be specific on points of agreement. Avoid emotionalism. Check your facts. Show a “pro and con” balance sheet. Show how they fit in. Provide proof. Patiently welcome questions.

Although every person is a unique creation, knowing the personality style of the people involved in an estate settlement will generally give clues as to how each person thinks and therefore how conflicts may be reduced. Each style sees the world in a different way. For example:

“D’s” move quickly and make decisions quickly. They are impatient, and they will probably want to “boss” the process. They have a potential to “run-over” others, and unless they are aware and careful, they may hurt the feelings of others. However, “D’s” are the style least likely to hold a grudge after all is finished - no matter what happens.

“I’s” are impatient, easily distracted, and easily bored. They like to talk about the work to be done but frequently do not show up for the chores involved in the estate settlement process. They may agree to something and then not follow through. Other heirs may be upset, because they do not feel that the “I” has done his or her part.

“S’s” are easygoing and hate conflict. “S’s” will generally agree to do more than their share, and other heirs may try to take advantage of them. Their spouse may be anxious to make sure that they get their fair share. In addition, “S’s” will probably be the most sentimental heirs.

“C’s” are organized and perfectionistic. They will generally be critical of how others handle things. They want things done the “right” way. Many times their idea of the “right” way conflicts with the “right” way ideas of others. “C’s” may want the process to go slower than other heirs.

A knowledge of personality styles can help you to understand other heirs more fully and to see potential problems before they arise. Some people tend to assume other family members view the world the same as they do, and thereby hurt feelings of others without knowing they have done so. Others are sensitive about issues that some don’t even realize exist. As a result, they keep quiet in order to “Keep the peace.” A simple explanation of their feelings would redirect the process and prevent resentment from surfacing later. Even a basic understanding of personality styles and an understanding of the factors that pertain to each would make a tremendous difference in how people deal with these issues. Perhaps Robert Rohm explains this best himself: “If I understand you and you understand me, doesn’t it stand to reason that we will be in a position to have a better relationship?”

Angie Epting Morris grew up in Athens, GA. She remembers hearing stories from her father, an attorney, about how families interacted when dividing furniture and personal property of the deceased. Faced with settling the estate of her parents, she became her own story, with a happy ending. While settling the estate, Angie and her siblings became better friends. After ten years of helping others do the same and receiving stories of praise and gratitude for the enlightening advice, she concluded that their system would help many others facing similar circumstances. Angie is considered an expert on how to keep peace and avoid conflict during the division process of an estate settlement. Foreword to her book was written by Judge Griffin Bell, former U.S. Attorney General. Angie speaks and conducts workshops. She also works with professionals (Attorneys, Estate & Financial Planners, CPAs, and Insurance Companies, etc.) For more info visit: http://www.peacefulsettlements.com
This article may be reprinted provided no part thereof is edited in any way and this resource box is included.

Skills in therapeutic massage can be learned in a snap from massage therapy schools in Mississippi. Mississippi massage therapy schools are readily found in vocational schools, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and specialized massage therapy institutes.

Massage therapy schools help students learn about the theory and practices of massage therapy, anatomy and physiology, hygiene and pathology, and possibly some classes in nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. Massage schools allow for extensive clinical practice in a laboratory setting to help develop professional skills and techniques in massage.

Various types of massage are presented in Mississippi massage schools. Curriculums may include traditional Western forms of massage therapy that emphasize therapeutic healing, such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports, reflexology, myofacial, craniosacral, and hydrotherapy, among others.

Students may also learn several forms of Eastern massage, such as Shiatsu, Tui Na, Reiki, acupressure, and even techniques in acupuncture and chiropractic. Some students may choose to advance their skills to specialize in massage therapies that deal with chronic pain, infant massage, lymph stimulation, or trauma. Massage schools may introduce students to holistic health issues and treatments, and they may even offer business courses to prepare students for operating a massage therapy business.

Upon graduation, aspiring massage therapists will be ready to assume entry-level positions in doctor and chiropractic offices, hospitals, clinics, athletic clubs, health clubs, spas, and more.

Massage is a fast growing field of health care, and Mississippi massage schools can provide the quality education needed to obtain a massage therapy license, which is required in the state of Mississippi. In summation, massage therapy schools in Mississippi offer comprehensive programs that give students the necessary skills to succeed in the profession.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Schools in Mississippi, and even Online Massage Therapy Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Massage Therapy Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, Chiropractic Schools and other Alternative Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly

Like any game, in order for The Settlement Game to be fair, all participants (heirs) must know and agree upon the rules, and then all must play by them. In the ‘game’ referenced within the system of organization taught in this book, there are four basic Ground Rules. These are so important! They will make a great difference in the final outcome of the Estate Settlement. Here is a list of these Ground Rules:

1. Determine the ‘players’ - (Heirs Only - no spouses or other family members).
2. Commit to a Common Goal: (To keep peace within your family).
3. Do NOT remove anything from the home (or premises). Let everything go through the process of the ’settlement game’.
4. Establish a ‘System of Organization’.

This article will center especially on the 4th of the above Ground Rules. Establishing a ‘System of Organization’ will truly make the difference between an orderly transfer of property and utter chaos. Regardless of who is appointed ‘Executor’ - decide on the ‘heir’ who has the best organizational skills or business background to be in charge of this part. Appoint this person to be the official record-keeper for the entire process. (This may be - but does NOT have to be the Executor). Example: One sibling might be the Executor, but another may have better organizational skills. Therefore, they can create a method for ‘joint’ duties related to many of the items that needed to be handled.

Next, acquire the necessary supplies for recording the information. This includes such items as a notebook, blank paper for recording notes and miscellaneous information and facts, pens and pencils (with good erasers), a small cash box, a petty cash receipt book and basic office supplies.

It is extremely important that accurate records be kept throughout the process. The first essential record-keeping item to include is a quality appraisal. Hire a professional appraiser to come in to make a list of every item that has any value and assign a dollar amount for each item. A good appraiser is worth a great deal in this process, so find one who is reputable and ethical. Ask for quality recommendations from legal counsel or from financial planners or others whom you trust. Get references - and BE SURE TO CHECK THEM! Everything depends on this appraisal, so take the time and spend the money required for this. (NOTE: You may be surprised at the results. Sometimes you will discover items with greater value than you might have expected).

There are other similar steps in the record-keeping process. One thing to remember is to approach the entire process as a major ‘cleaning-out’ extravaganza. Tackle one room at a time and go through everything - every drawer, cabinet, closet, box, etc. The process of cleaning up creates a lot of true ‘trash’. However, REMEMBER THIS: Don’t throw anything away until all agree that it is truly “trash”. Just about everything has value to someone.

Naturally, there are many other miscellaneous steps in the ‘System of Organization’ related to the division process of an estate settlement. Above all, keep this in mind: This is a golden moment in time…treasure it…make it count…it is forever! Make sure you follow a system of organization that teaches you “How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly.”

_______________________________________________________________

Angie Epting Morris, author of THE SETTLEMENT GAME: How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly, is considered an expert on how to keep peace and avoid conflict when dividing furniture and personal property of an estate. Foreword to her book was written by Judge Griffin Bell, former U.S. Attorney General. For more information about Angie, her advice or to get her Free Report and other Estate Settlement Tips, go to http://www.peacefulsettlements.com

This article may be reprinted provided no part thereof is edited in any way and this resource box is included.

Although it sounds smart and reasonable to make a “Who Gets What List” regarding furniture and personal items as part of an estate plan, such action could cause problems rather than solve them. One of the most common stories I’ve heard is how a parent would attempt to prevent heirs from fighting over an estate by predetermining “who gets what” or by going ahead and giving things away in advance without all heirs present at the time.

To begin with, actually doing this can be a daunting task if you try to predetermine every item. In fact, many who have tried later find that after making an attempt to do this, they determined it could never be done in reality. Also, often the most insignificant items can cause disputes, not larger or more valuable items. The following story may best illustrate this point. (This is a true story but names have been changed.):

Let’s say Mrs. Thomas has four daughters: Sally, Jane, Beth and Ann. Twenty years after the girls have all left home and married, Mama decides to take care of estate matters and begins to designate certain items to go to her individual daughters, with the well-meaning purpose of preventing arguments among them later. She designates an antique bed in the guest room for Sally and a special dresser of equal value for Jane (and so forth).

After Mrs. Thomas has passed away, the girls come together to settle the estate and divide up the furniture and household goods, etc. At some point in the process, Jane discovers that her mother has given “her” bed to Sally. Jane loved that bed and it was in her room all through the years when she was growing up. She is sure this must be a mistake. Sally is delighted because she loves the bed too and thinks it will be perfect for her daughter’s room. Since Sally’s daughter is the only “granddaughter”, she is certain that is why Mama gave it to her . . .

Well, you know the rest of the story. It happens over and over, innocently, but feelings get hurt and resentments last a long time - often forever.

The problem was that Mama didn’t really remember that the bed had been in Jane’s room in earlier years. The girls had been away from home for more than twenty years, and she had turned that room into the guest room. She had come to think of that bed as just “the bed in the guest room.” In this manner, Mama may actually have caused conflict instead of prevented it.

Here is a plan that might be helpful if you are approaching a move or planning to “downsize”. Consider having all of your children come for a meal together without spouses and children. (NOTE: Most attorneys agree that 75% of the problems that arise during estate settlements are brought on by spouses and children of the heirs, not the immediate heirs themselves). During the meal, discuss the pending move and then announce that you wish to let some things go rather than move them all to the new but smaller dwelling. Ahead of time, mark the pieces that you are making available with a sticker. Then after the meal, have your children go through the house and put their initial on the sticker if they are interested in having an item. If more than one initial it, decide on a method for determining who gets it, (roll the dice, draw a card, flip a coin, etc.).

Since many go through this process of “downsizing” or moving to a new area later in life, this might be a good way to deal with the initial phase of this division process. Also, while going through it, parents could see trouble spots among their children (heirs) that might be dealt with in order to help avoid problems later.

________________________________________________________________
Angie Epting Morris, author of THE SETTLEMENT GAME: How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly, is considered an expert on how to keep peace and avoid conflict when dividing furniture and personal property of an estate. Foreword to her book was written by Judge Griffin Bell, former U.S. Attorney General. For more information about Angie, her advice or to get her Free Report and other Estate Settlement Tips, go to http://www.peacefulsettlements.com

This article may be reprinted provided no part thereof is edited in any way and this resource box is included.

Even if your kids are grown up with families of their own, you can probably remember scenes of intense sibling rivalry when they were younger. In some families, that competition continues into adulthood; for others, it recedes as children age and mature. But it can all come flooding back while trying to divide up your estate after your death as your kids argue over who gets what.

If you die without a will, a court will decide, based on state law, who will inherit your property. In most cases, the result might be contrary to your wishes. Think of all the assets you’ve accumulated: house, car, jewelry, investments, family heirlooms and more. “It is simply not enough to say ‘let them just divide it evenly or work it out themselves,’” says Gerald A. Youngs, president of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). This is sure to create problems and expenses due to probate laws, state laws and court appointed strangers making family decisions.

“While many people worry about the federal estate tax, the truth is most of us won’t have a tax problem under the current tax laws,” says Youngs. “But the ‘family tax’ is a very real concern,” he adds. The family tax is the price paid by children, grand-children and favorite charities when you do not express your wishes legally. The family tax is paid not only with money, but also with hard feelings.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can make it easy on you and your family by taking a few simple steps to make sure your estate is in order. Whatever the size of your estate, the first step is to have your intentions put in writing, either in a basic will or a will plus the trust documents that will be needed to carry out your wishes. An estate planning professional can help you make the best decision for your situation.

Once you have a plan in place, discuss it with your family. If anyone has any questions about the details, or any quibbles, you can address them and put to rest any future squabbles. While your family shouldn’t dictate your actions, they should be informed about them.

This is also a good time to discuss dividing up personal property. People often arrange for the executor of their will to divide personal property their spouse doesn’t want (such as furniture and jewelry) among their children. Simply leaving it at that can cause problems. It is better to put together a list with a description of the property and who you’d like to have it - if you have specific requests or wishes. You can put this list together with input from your children to alleviate any hard feelings later. (See footnote at end of this article).

Putting together an estate plan is not as daunting as it might seem at first, and it pays big dividends in the long run. Not having an estate plan in place can cost you not only in dollars and cents, but also in family discord.

If you need help finding specialists in this kind of planning, look for individuals who have earned the designation AEP (Accredited Estate Planner) or EPLS (Estate Planning Law Specialist); ask about the Estate Planning Council members in your area; or call the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils at 866-226-2224 (toll free) or visit their website at www.naepc.org for a referral to a professional near you.

(This article originally appeared in the NAEPC newsletter - National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Reprinted by permission from aracontent.com)

NOTE: The system for division of property taught in THE SETTLEMENT GAME: How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly may provide a better solution to this problem. It teaches how to divide property fairly, yet keep peace and avoid conflict among siblings or other family members when going through this process.

Contributed by Angie Epting Morris, Author
THE SETTLEMENT GAME:
How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly
________________________________________________________________

Angie Epting Morris, author of THE SETTLEMENT GAME: How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly, is considered an expert on how to keep peace and avoid conflict when dividing furniture and personal property of an estate. Foreword to her book was written by Judge Griffin Bell, former U.S. Attorney General. For more information about Angie and to get her Free Report and other Estate Settlement Tips, go to: http://www.peacefulsettlements.com

This article may be reprinted provided no part thereof is edited in any way and this resource box is included.

The sun is a very powerful source of energy which powers natural cycles on earth like wind, water flow and plant growth.. Solar power is the technology of obtaining energy from the sun. There are three approaches to gain maximum benefit of solar energy in our buildings.

Passive Solar

Passive solar technologies convert sunlight into usable heat without the assistance of other energy sources. Passive solar architecture is a design approach which seeks to:

- maximise solar gains in the building (through orientation such as a south-facing site, layout, glazing etc)
- avoid the loss of heat from the building through high quality insulation
- ensure a high degree of comfort by using controlled ventilation and daylighting

Passive solar systems have little to no operating costs, often have low maintenance costs, and emit no greenhouse gases in operation. Passive solar principles can help reduce heating requirements of a home by up to 80%.

The Passive House Standard can be found at www.passive.de

Active Solar Heating

Active Solar technologies are employed to convert solar energy into usable heat, cause air movement for ventilation or cooking or store heat for future use. Unlike Passive Solar, Active Solar uses electrical or mechanical equipment such as pumps and fans to increase the usable heat. The most common use of active solar in Europe is Solar water heating. It is estimated that a correctly sized solar water heating system can provide for up to 60% of your water heating needs. Indeed, studies have shown that one square metre on your roof receives the equivalent of more than 100 litres of oil in free solar energy per year. Solar panels, generally located on a south-facing roof, transform solar radiation into heat which is stored in a large hot water cylinder for whenever you need it.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System
Photovoltaics, or PV for short, is a solar power technology that uses solar cells or solar photovoltaic arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity. Solar cells produce direct current electricity from the sun’s rays, which can be used to recharge a battery or to power equipment. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are generally grouped together to form “PV modules”, or solar panels, that may in turn be arranged in arrays.

Solar arrays are increasingly incorporated into new domestic and industrial buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power. In a typical installation, an array is incorporated into the building (roof or walls). In this way, Solar PV can be used to provide free solar electricity to houses. Recent developments in regulation mean that it will shortly be possible to connect solar PV systems to the grid, opening up a new era for solar PV in Ireland. Arrays can also be retro-fitted into existing buildings, normally by sitting them atop the existing roof. One new feature of note came in August 2006 when Currys, the major high-street retailer decided to stock PV modules at a cost of a thousand pounds sterling per module.

Paul O’ Connor runs the popular Irish Websites http://www.selfbuildinireland.com and http://www.homeandgardenireland.com

The websites offer information and resources to the Home Builder, Home Owner and Garden Enthusiasts.