The Rambling's of an old man

Gambling in America

2006-07-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Gambling in America has reached almost epidemic proportions. More and more cities and towns are turning to legalized riverboat gambling to increase tax revenues and many bars and taverns are reaping more in profits from illegal poker machines than they are from alcohol sales. In Bloomington, Illinois, there is a gentleman who buys bars and other drinking establishments, or invests a substantial amount with the owner for the sole rights of placing poker and other gambling video games in the establishment. Once procuring an establishment, he relinquishes ownership but maintains the machines so to produce untraceable income. Long gone are the days of simple Cherry Master and Draw Poker machines. There are dozens of varieties of games these days. Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Stud Poker, and a variety of theme based machines offer gamblers the chance to pass some time and maybe win a little money. Most machines require a minimum bet of $0.05 per line of play, with many machines requiring a minimum of 8 lines of play to be eligible for any type of bonus, thus costing a gambler a minimum of $0.40 per spin to play. Although this is not much, these machines can perform 7 spins per minute, thus costing a gambler $2.80 per minute of play. Assuming an hour of pure loss, which is unheard of, a gambler could lose $168 every hour of play while playing the minimum! Players desiring bigger payouts must play with higher stakes, usually a maximum of $0.40 per line, thus bringing the potential losses to $1344 per hour. Most machines are programmed to payout a certain percentage of their income to the gamblers. However, even “loose” machines, which pay out a higher than normal percentage, generate huge profits for the owner as those percentages are typically paid out in small increments, thus inspiring the gambler to feed that money back into the machine in hopes of a larger jackpot. Many bars will have as many as a dozen machines installed in their establishment. If those machines are played continuously for 6 hours every night, with an average of a 50% payout, the machine owner could net over $16,000 every night this activity occurred. All of this money is untaxed and unreported. With as much money as States are paying to support gambling addictions, they ought to invest a little into cracking down on these illegal machines which are generating millions of dollars of pure, untaxed profit every year.

Poker Basics

2006-07-11T14:13:00.001-05:00

Poker – Basics There are a few basics of poker that everyone seems to agree upon. Rare but true the basic guides in this article are rarely ever challenged. Never play poker when you’re tired. This is the number one guide to playing poker. When you’re tired your thinking and reaction is impaired by cloudiness of the mind. Being less alert in the game could cause your judgment to be reduced. Don’t ever drink alcohol when playing poker. This is an excellent rule of thumb to live by. As we well know alcohol is a sedative, it impairs your thinking with any amount. Most big poker players do not drink even a little when sitting down at the table. When drinking alcohol you’re less likely to clearly know what is happening around you or within your hand and costly mistakes are more apt to happen. Do not play beyond your bankroll. It’s a mistake to play games that are over your head and out of your means. Stay with games that you are comfortable with losing the money, because as we all know that is a distinct possibility Know what you have and can afford to lose before sitting at a table. Always be aware of the buy-in when sitting down. Bluff more in a short hand game. When the game is short handed and has fewer players it’s easier to fool or bluff your way through the game. This is only recommended for some games. A short handed stud game for example, it is not recommended to bluff because you stand to win significantly less money than in a full stud game. This has been a small insight into the basics of every poker game and what you should be aware of going into it. Hopefully it’s provided you with tools that enable you to win big!

Poker Gambling Resp

2006-07-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

Poker – Gambling Responsibly I think we’re all in agreement that gambling is exciting. It’s a form of entertainment that allows us to let loose and spend some of our hard earned money in a game of chance against fellow gamblers. However, if not controlled, it can turn into a horrible mess. The world is full of all the fun and excitement of gambling. It’s around every corner nearly from lotteries to casinos, to right in your home. When you visit a casino please keep these tips in mind before you go.

The house always has the advantage. You’re in their territory, they make the rules. Thus giving them the advantage over you at all times.
Educate yourself in the game and how it works. Before you step up to the table know what you’re playing and how it’s played. Do not walk into a game blind and hope to get lucky.
Set a budget and stick to it. Do NOT bring you credit cards. Bring whatever you have set and only that amount. Do not leave a loophole for temptation. This is how people end up spending their rent/mortgage payments.
Do not chase losses. Accept the loss as a cost for the entertainment.
Take frequent breaks. Allow yourself breathing time walk around, if you sit there you’re more likely to spend more.
Do not borrow money. If you’re out, you’re out time to go home. Don’t borrow from your friends.
Balance gambling with your other choice of leisure. In other words, take in movie, see a sports game, and don’t always go to the boat.
Know the warning signs of a gambling problem. If you know you have a problem or know someone who does seek help for yourself/them before it gets out of hand.

Not gambling responsibly has been known to destroy marriages, force bankruptcy and loss of jobs and wages. Set your limits, know them, and keep them. There is nothing wrong with gambling if you do so with limitations and responsibility in mind.

Casino Chip Collecti

2006-07-11T14:12:00.001-05:00

Casino Chip Collecting- Molds The main reasons chips are given molds and inscriptions are 1. The mold defines the place in which the chip originated and 2. Molds help prevent counterfeiting. The unique rim design is called a mold. The casinos name and or logo are called an inscription. The distributor of the molds guarantees casinos that no other person would ever have the same design. Molds and inscriptions are used in casino chip collecting as a way of defining all the casinos one has visited. The different chips are interesting in themselves; they each have different designs, colors, and denominations. No two chips from different casinos will ever look the same. Many collectors actually visit the casinos in order to obtain the chips. While others use other avenues if they’re not able to travel or just do not want to. Molds are a unique identifying feature. They aide in dating when the chip was made and identifying the manufacturer of the chip. When collecting by mold, the collector will want to find as many possible different styles of molds that he or she can. As molds are never used twice when using the same distributor, it is possible that the mold can be used twice if another distributor is used. However, no 2 casinos will have the same identifying features. Making collecting by mold easy and fun as you travel around from casino to casino.

Casino Chip Collecti

2006-07-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

Casino Chip Collecting- General Casino chip collecting is fast becoming a favorite hobby in the world. What type of chips you collect is something you alone will have to determine. There are many different types of chips you can collect. To name a few, you can collect by Casino, by city, by denomination, by state, mold type, or high end. Finding the chips can be the most fun. You can visit the casinos to collect them or find a wealth of dealers and collectors that will trade or sell. They have events known as “Chip Shows” that can allow you to purchase the chip(s) you want. EBay even have users that auction them off. You can find chips just about anywhere if you look! Tools to help you in your search are essential. There are various books out there that will help you in your endeavor. Chip, Check and Token Collectors guide by Myers, Wheelden and Knapp is a revised edition of The Gaming Table helping you learn what to look for in your search. The Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide written by James Campiglia and Steve Wells. The Chip Rack, A price guide to the casinos chips and checks of Nevada. Those are just a few of the money guides out there to aide you. Casino chips vary in color, logo, designs, molds and inserts. Differences can be very slight but difference none-the-less. A chip means it’s a gaming counter has no value until determined at the time of play. A check means a counter that has the value marked on the counter itself, in which are bet at face value. These are the same as cash in casinos. Collectors of chips have experience in determining the difference, rarity and value of the chips they hold. Do some research when you begin collecting, if you’re doing the collecting for eventual cash gain. If you’re collecting for the fun of it, enjoy your travels and good luck!

Poker Hand Rankings

2006-07-11T14:11:00.001-05:00

Poker – Hand Rankings So you want to play poker? One of the very first things you need to know is the hand rankings and how they work. There are 10 common hand rankings you should know. The cards themselves will vary, but the ranks will not. Ranked Highest to lowest in winnings:

Royal Flush. The king of poker hands, hard to obtain, but valuable none-the-less. A Royal Flush consists of 5 cards 10 through Ace, all of the same suit. Example would be having 10, J, Q, K, A all of Clubs. Any suit will give you the same results.
Straight Flush. Any 5 cards all of the same suit in numerical order. A Straight Flush consists of 5 cards in numerical order, in the same suit ranging from 2 to K. Example would be having 9, 10, J, Q, K all of Spades. The highest Straight Flush Possible. Any suit will give you the same results. The only thing beating this hand would be a Royal Flush.
Four of a Kind. 4 cards showing the same denomination. Example would be A of spades, A of Diamonds, A of hearts, and A of Clubs. This is the highest 4 of a kind, possible. Any hand of the same 4 denomination ranging from 2-A. Any Straight Flush and Royal Flush beats this.
Full house. Any 3 cards of the same denominations combined with any pair of a different denomination. Ties are broken by the 3 of a kind first then the pair. Example would be having 3 aces and 2 kings, the highest Full House hand possible. Any 4 of a king, Straight Flush or Royal Flush beats this.
Flush. Any 5 cards of the same suit NOT in numerical order. Example would be A, 9, 7, 5, 2 of Hearts. Hand can consist of any card 2-A. Full house, 4 of a kind, Straight Flush or Royal Flush beats this.
Straight. Any 5 cards in numerical order NOT in the same suit. In this rank the Ace can be high or low. The highest hand would be A, K, Q, J, 10 of any suit. Flush, Full House, 4 of a kind, Straight Flush or Royal Flush beats this.
Three of a Kind. Any 3 cards of the same denomination. Highest would be A, A, A of different suits. Straight, Flush, Full House, 4 of a kind, Straight Flush or Royal Flush beats this.
Two Pair. Consists of any 2 cards of the same denominations combined of another 2 cards of the same denomination, but different than the first set. Example would be A, A, K, K the highest possible. 3 of a kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, 4 of a kind, Straight Flush or Royal Flush beat this.
Pair. Any 2 cards of the same denomination. Example would be A, A the highest possible. 2 Pair, 3 of a kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, 4 of a kind, Straight Flush or Royal Flush beats this.
High card. This hand only comes into play if none of the other above hands is achieved. The highest card would win, Ace being the highest card possible.

Hopefully this will help you get an idea of the hand rankings in the game of poker. I will try to put some more info here tommorrow.

Poker How to host a

2006-07-11T14:11:00.000-05:00

Poker – How to host a home game So you’ve decided you want to host a home game and battle the night out with your buddies, well how do you start? There are specific items for specific games here we will discuss the generalize needs as a basis of any game. Just pay close attention this article will help you provide a fun and successful poker game that everyone will enjoy. First thing first you, of course, cannot have a poker game without the proper supplies. You will need poker chips and it is wise to purchase and use an unopened deck. A table is a necessity (you don’t want to play on the floor do you?) any type of table will suffice so long as it’s clean and the cards will easily slide over it. It’s important before game start to decide who will be the dealer, will you pass the deal around the table or pick one dealer for the entire evening. Whatever you decide be sure it’s known by all players. You should also prior to game start, decide how much the game is worth and how the payouts are formatted. For example payout to the top 3 players left in the game to a 50% 30% 20% scale. You are the host determine the buy in and payout and stick to it. Have some drinks and snacks readily available you don’t want to have a bunch of hungry poker players and nothing to feed them, things could get ugly. Music may or may not be acceptable depending upon your choices and the choices of your guests. Most of all have fun; enjoy your night and your game. If you’ve been successful at this home game, consider doing a weekly game night in your home or get your buddies together and take turns at having it at each others homes.

Home theater design

2006-04-19T19:14:00.000-05:00

Home theater design may require professional help Having to be able to bring home entertainment may be a luxury. This is because only very few households can afford home theater system. Of late, only the rich and the famous can afford such luxury. This notion is now a thing of the past. Home theater systems may now be available to greater number of households because of the knowledge of basic home theater design. The basic home theater design may only require three basic components and these three components may already be affordable for the working class. However, before you may need to think of the basic home theater design for your home theater system, you may need to know the size of the room for the home theater set up. The size of the room to where the home theater will be set up will depend on how basic the home theater design needs to be. Home theater experts recommends that if the room is quite small, all you need for your home theater design is a television set, three speakers and a DVD player. The home theater design may be dependent of the shpre of the room; however, the position of the speakers remains to be the left, the right and the center of the room. Basic home theater design may require a television set bigger than 27 inches. Too small screen for your home theater design may not be sufficient for a movie theater-like experience. This is because even for the home theater design, you may need to consider the sight and sound of a movie theater. It is the main consideration why people go to a movie theater, the big screen and the surround sound. With respect to the surround sound of a movie theater, the basic three speakers is only applicable for smaller rooms, if the room is bigger, the home theater design needs to be more than three, you may go up to six speakers and a complimenting subwoofer may be necessary for the surround effect. Going back to a small room, if you will only put three speakers, you may want to consider buying a high quality brand speaker; this will give you enough surround sound for a smaller room. If you have a small budget, ensure that the store where you will buy your speakers will allow you to test the product in your room and if it will not give you a good surround sound, they should allow you to return or replace the unit. This is because some speakers sound good in the store but when you finally set them up in a small room, the effect is not very good. Find a neat deal where they can allow you to return or replace the speakers. However, if your budget is sufficient, you may consider hiring the services of a home theater designer. Your home theater designer will be able to design the home theater better and with complete accessories. He may require checking the power rating, and the need for amplifiers. He may also recommend using home theater projectors and he may recommend how the speakers need to be. You will get a good home theater design if you will be able to hire home theater designers. The need for home theater seating and television cabinet may also be necessary for the complete package of your home theater. You may enjoy the entertainment without having to deal with traffic jams and enjoy in your own home theater system.

Movies movies movies

2006-04-11T01:40:00.000-05:00

Movies, movies, movies in your own home movie theater We all love to go to the movie theater to relax after a long day of work. Even if you need to tide traffics jams to go to the movie theater, you are willing to endure this to be able to watch a movie. The sight and sound of a movie theater is what makes us go back there every so often. We easily get lost in the movie scene because of the bigger than life pictures and surround sound that takes you there beside the characters in the movie. This may prove to be costly in the end but we continue to do this because we love to go to movie theaters and see movies. If you can bring home a movie theater, it will be good and I am sure you will love the idea. However, before you say no, think again. Going to the movie theaters every single day is definitely costly in the long run. Additionally, if you know the basic components of a home movie theater, you may not think twice and will definitely leave right now to acquire your own home movie theater. A complete setup of a movie theater in a big room is definitely only accessible to the rich and the famous. However, if you have meager budget, you can have the home movie theater for yourself knowing the basic components and setting up the home movie theater in a smaller room. You may convert you den to a home theater room. You only need the three basic components and you may already enjoy watching movies with no limit. A larger, big screened TV is the first major component of your home movie theater. The second major component is the DVD player. If your DVD Player has progressive scan that is wonderful, however, even without progressive scan, your DVD player may work as the second component for your home movie theater. The final piece of the puzzle is the home theater speakers. You need three high-quality home theater speakers for your home movie theater. You need to place one on the right side, one on the left side and one on the rear center of the room. These are the three basic components of your home movie theater. You may now start enjoying unlimited movie and enjoy watching movies with your whole family. I am sure you will agree with me that this is the best part of owning your own home movie theater. The set up for your home movie theater with the three basic components is the best perfect setup for small rooms. However, if you have a bigger room for your home movie theater, I am sure you have a bigger budget for your home theater. Then you may want to consider the recommendation of home theater experts, you may add more speakers up to six home theater speakers and may need to compliment it with subwoofer to maintain the surround sound effect for your home movie theater. If you want a bigger picture, you may want to consider buying a home theater projector. You may also acquire home theater seating and television cabinet if you want to compliment the home theater design to make up a complete package for your home entertainment. All these additions to the basic components may be necessary if you have a bigger room. If the room is smaller, then you may only need the three basic components for your home movie theater. Having to be able to bring home the sight and sound you run after in movie theaters may be very efficient and less costly. Aside form the fact that you enjoy life with your family beside you watching movies after movies in your very own home movie theater. More tomorrow.

Movies movies movies

2006-04-11T01:39:00.000-05:00

Acid Reflux is the o

2006-03-29T15:05:00.000-06:00

Acid Reflux is the other generally used name of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also more often referred as GERD. The disease causes damage to the esophagus as the acidic contents from the stomach, containing acids and pepsin, pushes back to the esophagus since the sphincter becomes weak and can no-more prevent the contents from stomach from gushing back in esophagus. The acidic contents burn the esophagus and causes irritation in the esophagus. This is a chronic disease, which has life long repercussions. The treatment in this case can only help temporarily, i.e., as well as one continues with the medication.To diagnose Acid Reflux, one can go through gastroscopy, since the symptoms of this disease re so mild that diagnosing them is very difficult and people rather than going to the doctor stick to own medication. The very commonly used resort to escape the pains and the problems from GERD is going for an antacid. These are actually helpful in case of short-term and infrequent attacks of the disease. But these can’t provide much relief for a long time. People can change their diets to actually eliminate or reduce the effects of Acid Reflux. A proper routine can be made to reduce the problem which generally causes due to the irregular habits of eating or eating more junk food and also from excessive drinking. Patients also in this case maintain diaries for keeping a track of what they eating and drinking to keep a check on the recurrence of the attacks of Acid Reflux. And when these controlled diets also don’t help in controlling the disease then the doctors resorts to drugs to keep the disease in a controlled position.The most popular and largely used drug for this disease is PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors), this is the drug which is generally prescribed by the doctors for relief from the pains causing due to the attacks of Acid Reflux. The drug helps in stopping the production of the acidic contents in the stomach which pushes into esophagus and cause acid reflux. Not many side effects do these drugs have, but are really relieving at times of attacks.The other drug primarily prescribed by the doctors all over the world is 2 Blocker, which also restores relief to the esophagus. Both these drugs have been proved to be successful drug therapy for long term acid reflux sufferers. But patients with more severe damages, who don’t respond to these drugs, are prescribed more radical drugs, with strong effects, known as Promotility agents. These drugs have sometimes adverse side effects, so these are very seldom prescribed by the doctors.My personal advise would be carfull what you take .and dont be afraid to ask the doc about any questions you have have a good day.

Xbox 360

2006-03-25T18:11:00.000-06:00

Xbox 360 Microsoft now introduces the next generation games console “Xbox 360”; fusing games, entertainment, community, information and innovation all together. It will be launching it this November in Europe, Japan, and North America. Xbox 360 is a video game system that places you at the center of the entertainment experience. San Francisco and Japan joined hand to craft a stylish system that conveys the very essence of Xbox 360; while wrapping powerful technology in a sophisticated exterior. The Xbox 360 has changed the looks and sounds of games. With Xbox 360, marathon worlds are alive with detail. Animated characters displaying depth of emotions bringing more exciting responses and introducing you with a new and unique experience. All Xbox 360 is label at 720p and 1080i resolution in 16:9 widescreen for smooth, movie-like graphics and multi-channel enclose sound. The Xbox 360 takes you to an incredible world of entertainment. The Xbox 360 has the most dazzling games and the most powerful as well as intelligent technology. It gives you access to the most compelling games you want to play, people of your choice to play with, watching and enjoying digital music, photos, videos and all the experiences you ever longed for. It fully engages you in an extensive, dramatic, and lifelike gaming experience where no boundaries to the possibilities and imagination are. The Xbox 360 proves that the next generation is here as its games can be experienced in HD, Also you can stream HD television and movies straight from your Windows Media Center Edition PC to your Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 lets you personalize your own unique system and experience. You can change the appearance of your console by interchangeable Xbox 360 Faces; it's easy and fun to do. Switch on your system to download character skins, premium levels, and more in the Xbox Live Marketplace to customize the look and feel of the Xbox Gamer Guide and Xbox System Guide with unique skins. From sleek and sophisticated to fun and funky, pick the faces and skins that explain your personality or mood. The Xbox Gamer Guide, available at a touch of the Xbox Guide Button is your instant gateway that connects you to games, friends, music, movies, and downloadable stuff. The glowing Ring of Light and Xbox Guide Button visually connect you to your games, digital media, and the world of Xbox Live, the first global, unified online console games service. In addition, the Xbox Guide Button lets you turn the system on and off without ever leaving it. Plug your Xbox 360 into the broadband connection and get instant access to Xbox Live Silver. Build your profile, your gamer card and your gamer tag; talk with others using voice chat, and access Xbox Live Marketplace without any extra cost. You can also experience the exciting world of multiplayer online gaming where you can play who you want with Intelligent Matchmaking by upgrade to Xbox Live Gold. It provides access to an vast selection of games, video chat and video messaging.

The Random Hangup Pr

2006-03-23T01:39:00.000-06:00

The Random Hang-up Problem You may have experienced having your computer intermittently hangs-up, or may re-boot itself for no apparent reason. This can be annoying, and can mean you have lost valuable work that you we in the process of creating. If this has happened once, then your chances of explaining the cause are remote in the extreme. If you find it happening regularly, then it is clearly in your interest to find and fix the problem. There are a few things you can check for yourself that may save you a trip to the repair shop. With most modern computers, the system comes with built in circuitry to monitor the state of the computer. One of the checks built into your system is to test the operating temperature. The computer may shut down if this moves outside the desirable operating range. For your system to run at the correct operating temperature it is important that air circulates freely in and around the case. If you have the computer case installed inside an enclosure, then this may be the first thing to consider changing. Similarly, I have seen computers covered with books, manuals and paper documents. These again can hinder air circulation, and these items should be removed. Take a look at the slotted vents in the sides of the case. These slots can become blocked by an accumulation of dust. Because the computer is usually always drawing some power, it has a constant electrostatic charge. A computer is second only to a vacuum cleaner in its ability to suck in dust and fluff. Taking the cover of the case will also show the dust build-up inside the computer. Be careful removing dust accumulations from internal components. This is probably best done with a soft artist’s brush or an aerosol can of compressed air. Next, take a look at the internal cooling fans. Modern computer usually have a cooling fan perched on top of the processor. This fan should be clear of dust, and running freely, without obvious scraping noises, when the computer is operating. It is OK to start the computer with the case cover removed, just be careful not to poke things into the various components. There will also be a cooling fan inside or attached to the power supply. This again should be free of dust and running freely. Some computers may also have an additional case fan. This will be screwed on over one of the slotted case vents, and typically be running from a cable connected to the mother board. Not all machines have a separate case fan, but if it is there, it is there for a reason. Apply the same checks to this fan. If you have identified faults with your cooling fans, this may require a trip to your local repair shop. The repair technician may also suggest that the CPU heat sink be removed and re-placed with fresh heat transfer compound, which is a straightforward job for an experienced repairer.

The Random Hangup Pr

2006-03-23T01:37:00.000-06:00

retirement

2006-03-23T01:32:00.000-06:00

I dont know what is going on with this blog untill about a week ago i could download my files from word and everything worked now it wont do anything,BUMMER!

SUCCESS

2006-03-19T14:47:00.000-06:00

SUCCESS It is a sad aspect of live but not everyone can be successful. In the world we live in there are winners and losers. Most people want to be in the group of winners but unfortunately many remain where they stand. As you well know, being successful means to stand above the others around you or to know more that the one sitting next to you does. You should understand how to have more success than your colleague and to work for success. Success doesn’t come free or cheap, you have to pay for it. The price is not monetary but it is expressed in manners of time and effort, these being precious details that you can’t receive back once you gave them away. Success is hard. Generally speaking to be successful you have to work hard, be educated and have a little bit of luck. Often you have to try many times until you truly reach success. Not being successful is simple: you make all the wrong choices, you work without ethics, the lack of responsibility and of education is almost everything. Although it is not obvious the lack of success is also a choice, but a choice that can be gained on the first try. Here is some practical advice on how to be successful:

Build up a purpose in life, create a plan and go on living by it.
Alter your behavior and learn good manners.
Always read, always learn and always communicate.
Think and act fast when faced with an opportunity. If you see what you really want don’t let any chances pass you by. This one might just be the last you will get.
Give up bad habits and keep the good ones: eat well and regularly, get enough sleep, go to a gym or just go jogging.
Give up watching so much television, or playing games.
Try to work more in the shortest possible period of time.
Keep your sense of humor but don’t become rude.
Cherish everything you have and get.
Find out more, be responsible, learn about control and always stay informed.

6 Personal Retireme

2006-03-06T01:29:00.000-06:00

6.  Personal Retirement Advice
When it comes to retirement, it is difficult to predict what will happen.  The economy is always changing, which means it is hard to know how much money is enough and how you should prepare.  Here are a few ideas to get your feet planted…
If your employer is offering a retirement plan, it is almost always a good idea to participate in this.  Many plans allow employees to contribute pre-tax dollars and some employers even match contributions up to a certain percentage.
As you choose an investment mix for your retirement plan, consider your tolerance for risk and the length of time you have until retirement.  If you do not have a lot of time until retirement, you may want to steer clear of more aggressive investments, which tend to be more volatile.

Remember that traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible.  For the 2001 tax year, the modified adjusted gross income deductibility threshold for active participants in an employer-sponsored retirement plan ranges from $33,000 - $43,000 for single filers and $53,000-$63,000 for a married couple filing jointly. If you are not participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, 100% of contributions are deductible.  If you are not able to deduct a Traditional IRA contribution, consider a Roth IRA. With the Roth, income grows tax-free.

If at all possible, try to avoid withdrawals from your retirement account. For example, if you are changing jobs, roll your 401k (or other pension plan) directly into a Conduit IRA. This type of IRA will maintain your plan's tax-deferred status and allow it to be rolled over to a future employer's plan.

IRA contributions for a tax year that are made any time before April 15 of the following year may still be deductible on the previous year's return. Talk to a tax advisor for more information.
There are plenty of things to think over when it comes to retirement, but make sure to keep these ideas fresh in your head.  Retirement will creep up on you faster than you think, so it’s best to be ready for whatever it may throw at you.
7.  Retirement Homes
So you’ve decided it is time to retire or maybe you have been retired for several years.  Thoughts of moving into a retirement home have started to cross your mind.  So what is the best option?  Where should you look?  What are some things to be aware of?
As with many other things in life, getting into retirement homes boils down to a question of money.  Financing a retirement home is now a little easier if you are a homeowner; an increasing number of mortgage companies offer ways to convert equity you’ve built up in your home into money for a retirement community home.  Before you shop for a retirement home, talk to a mortgage specialist and find out if you can apply your equity to paying for a senior retirement home, and how much you would have to work with.
Many people buy insurance to help financing a retirement home well in the future.  Some insurance companies offer private insurance policies specifically for long-term nursing home care.  If you choose to go this route, make sure to shop carefully.  These policies can vary greatly in coverage and cost, and it is important to understand precisely what kind of policy you are purchasing, and whether it will support the kind of retirement homes you will need.
Many people make the mistake of believing that Medicare covers the cost of most long-term care services such as retirement homes.  However, Medicare only covers short-term, acute care during a hospital stay.  You will need to work out other forms of financing if you haven’t saved enough by the time you need to find a retirement home.
Financing retirement homes with an insurance policy can help meet the expenses you'll encounter, but you must be careful. If you are considering an insurance policy, make sure that it pays benefits immediately upon entry into a nursing care facility or senior retirement home. Many insurance policies, which are purchased prior to the need for nursing care, require a waiting period after entry into a nursing care facility before payments are made. It is highly unlikely that nursing care insurance can be purchased after a person has entered a nursing care facility.
8.  Retirement Communities
Oftentimes as retirement approaches, many people choose to move into a retirement community as opposed to a private home.  There are many things to consider when taking this route in your retirement.
The first step in shopping for a retirement community is taking a good look at what you want…much like a personal inventory.  Characteristics such as age, health, marriage, financial status, religious preference, personal interests and hobbies will help define the type and location of retirement communities best suited to an individual’s or couple’s personalities and capabilities.  Don’t worry…there are plenty of options when it comes to retirement communities…there is one just for you!
The fees and ongoing costs of a retirement community can vary widely.  Some retirement care communities provide unlimited medical and nursing home care as part of the total package.  Others include a certain amount or level of care, but charge more if you exceed the limits. Still others are "fee-for-service," with the charges depending on the care needed.
Many communities will require applicants to pass physical and mental checks.  Applicants with cancer, strokes or dementia may have their applications rejected.  Even facilities that accept people with unhealthy conditions do so on a space-available basis.  Therefore, the best idea is to apply while you are still healthy.  People who wait until their first health crisis to apply might not get in.
So-called "independent living” retirement communities are designed for seniors who are relatively independent, both physically and socially. The primary perk in this kind of retirement community is maintenance-free living; no house and lawn upkeep, linen service, trash pickup, transportation, and lunch served in a common dining center. These kinds of retirement community homes give seniors the freedom to truly enjoy the "Golden Years". Activities are another big part of independent living communities and often include crafts, exercise classes, live entertainment, movies, parties, outings and overnight bus trips, each adding a new dimension to the senior’s experience. Residents generally choose apartments from one of three floor plans.
When looking at a retirement community, find out if it is accredited. The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission is the only accrediting agency for continuing care retirement communities. Ask how medical care is provided. Is assisted living or nursing home care on site or on-call? Scrutinize the agreement and make sure you thoroughly understand it. Also, some retirement communities will let potential applicants spend a night in the retirement community home and take a meal. If you do this, take every opportunity to talk to as many other residents as possible to get a truly unvarnished view.
9.  The Best Place to Retire
Placement is one of the most important things when retiring.  Distance from family, neighborhood, finances, etc. all come into play when considering your retirement location.
When house hunting for the best place to retire, don't worry about finding your dream home right away. You can always trade up later. If you have benefited from the real estate boom in your first home, you can easily put your equity to work in a second place to retire. Or you can trade down to a smaller home.
Looking for the best place to retire means the best place for you. When contemplating retirement locations, consider factors like taxes, median home price, the local night life, sports teams, golf courses, culture, educational opportunities, crime rates and the overall environment. Also, keep in mind the distance from friends and family.  If you have new grandchildren, you may not want to move clear across the country.  Remember, unlike some professional athletes, you're only going to retire once. So make the best choices the first time.
Your search for the best place to retire might include a factor your parents never considered: work. A recent study found that 70 percent of those 45 and older plan to continue working in their "retirement" years, another survey found that the number may be as high as 80 percent. Surprisingly, the pure enjoyment of work or a desire to try something new are significant considerations for choosing retirement locations.
One interesting trend among people looking for the best place to retire is to choose retirement places with appealing cultural and recreational lifestyles, then looking for ways to earn a living there. Some who make this jump end up telecommuting, starting a small business, or working part-time.
The best place to retire for you might be a college town. Many of those wondering where to retire were in college from the middle 1960s into the early '70s and so a college or university areas can be good retirement places. In addition, universities generate jobs and lend a youthful vibe. And they often come with arts centers, medical facilities, and good restaurants.
10.  Retiring in Florida
When mentioning retirement, one of the first things that comes to mind is the state of Florida.  According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, since 1980, the Sunshine State's population has grown an average of 873 new residents every day. Many of those newcomers are coming to enjoy a Florida retirement, seeking a warmer climate in a Florida retirement community. But besides climate factors, there are many advantages for those who retire to Florida thanks to some generous state incentives and an active, vibrant senior community.
However, before electing for Florida retirement, do your homework. Researching the best places to retire in Florida and finding a good Florida retirement community is essential before you pull up stakes and move. Your first step should be to contact the Florida Chamber of Commerce.  They can provide a wealth of free information and pass you along to local chambers of commerce in those areas you are considering as a place to retire. Also, don't forget your public library, which might also carry Florida newspapers. This is a great way to get the feel of the place first before actually going there.
Many people choose Florida retirement because of the gentle semi-tropical climate that graces the best places to retire in Florida. Florida's climate ranges from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. Winter temperatures range from an average of 51 degrees F in the north to 70 degrees F along the southern Atlantic coast. Average summer temperatures are remarkably uniform throughout the state, ranging in the mid-to-low 80s. Precipitation averages about 50 inches annually, with most of the rain occurring during the summer months.
If you are considering Florida retirement in a Florida retirement community, you should decide what you want in a Florida retirement home. If you want to find the most senior-friendly counties, the counties with the largest percentages of people age 65 and older are Charlotte (35%), Highlands (33%), Citrus (32%), and Sarasota (31%).
Florida retirement is a big enough industry that the state has perks for people who retire in Florida. Florida residents are entitled to property tax exemptions of up to $25,000 on the assessed value of owner-or dependent-occupied homesteads. To become a resident of Florida, a person must establish a home or a permanent dwelling place and demonstrate the intent to make Florida the place of permanent legal residence. There is no fixed waiting period. Simply file a sworn statement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where your new residence is located.

1 Now What

2006-02-18T22:57:00.000-06:00

1.  Now What???

Most people only plan for their ‘working life,’ the years including education for a career, setting professional goals, having a family, but retirement demands just as much planning, if not more, than a career.  Every stage in a person or couple’s lives should be addressed and you should try to gain the optimal satisfaction from each stage.

In most cases, preparation for retirement should not start later than age 59 for a woman and between 62 and 64 for a man.  In today’s advanced society, people are beginning to live longer, and following retirement at these ideal ages, they may have 20 to 25 vibrant years left…so don’t put all that time to waste.

There are countless options for what you want to do with your retirement.  It can act as a continuation of your ‘old’ life; you can work on or finish projects there was never time for before.  I can also be perceived as a whole new life—much more enjoyable than the old skin you shed.  If you want to do this, you have to set some goals for yourselves:

Do you want to…?
-Obtain a degree you never completed or started before?
-Join a club…from chess to hiking?
-Travel to new countries or even states?
-Learn ballroom dancing with your partner?
-Learn to play an instrument…the guitar or piano?
-Volunteer at a charity organization?
-Become more involved in your church?
-Take an art or ceramics class?
-Start a new business?

Make sure to do something that you’re passionate about.  You are finally free to be yourself.  You might have followed in your parents’ footsteps when you were younger.  Now you are ripe, and know exactly what interests you and don’t need to follow other people’s dreams.

Associate with other people your age who have similar interests as you and your spouse.  Start a small group that meets weekly for lunch or Bible study.  You’ve got plenty of time, so have a few set appointments that you want to attend…an aerobics class twice a week and a sewing class.  This will give you something to look forward to and will probably give you some ‘homework’ to occupy your time during the week.  The best part is…you don’t have to worry about getting a grade on that work!

2.  Making that Savings Last

It has been said over and over again that there are 2 keys to making retirement assets last:  asset allocation and managing your withdrawals.  However, as you enter retirement you will realize that there countless choices to make.  So what are the best ways to increase your chances of retirement success?

Firstly, and obviously, keep a lid on those withdrawals.  Research shows that the ‘magic number’ is 4 percent.  If you keep your annual withdrawals below four percent, your money has a good chance of outlasting you.  Remember, though, that the balance is a moving target—4 percent of a $500,000 balance is $10,000 less than four percent of a $750,000 balance.

Another possibility is to work longer.  If you don’t think that four percent is enough to live comfortably, think about working a bit longer.  This doesn’t mean work until you are 85, but a few extra years may help.  A few extra years in the workforce gives your portfolio more time to grow and reduces the number of years you will need to use that money.

Try to have a cushion. Two to three years' worth of living expenses in a money-market fund or short-term bond fund means you won't have to sell investments when they're down.  Also, allocate wisely. The solution isn't ever to have 100 percent of your assets in equities, nor is it to have 100 percent in treasuries and cash. The solution, of course, lies somewhere in between.

No matter your age, you have an IRA rollover in your future. If you're an older baby boomer, and you've been saving smartly in a company plan for a decade or more, you'll be rolling over what could be a six- or seven-figure sum from your 401(k). For younger folks, you have a rollover decision to make every time you change jobs. What do you do?

Don't spend it. It may sound obvious to say don't cash a lump sum out of your current plan and spend it — yet that's exactly what many people do. Big mistake. You'll owe income taxes plus a 10 percent penalty if you're under age 59 1/2, and you'll lose the chance for future tax-deferred growth.

3.  The Essentials

There are countless strategies that to improve the quality of your retirement.  However, there are some essentials to keep in mind as you approach and endeavor on your retirement.  This is a time full of opportunities…here are some ideas to maximize your satisfaction.

Pump up your retirement savings by increasing your contributions to your 401(k).  New contribution limits let you stash more dollars in your qualified plan than ever before.  You find in the long run, you will not regret this.

Save automatically by setting up automatic deposits to a mutual fund or IRA.  When you get a raise, consider directing all or part of it to your retirements savings.  This will prevent the money ever from passing through your hands or your wallet, which will limit spending on extraneous things.
Take the time to think through your investment strategy.  What will be the right investment mix for you once you are retired?  What is your current investment mix?  It never hurt to take the opportunity to rethink your financial strategies.

Review your life insurance coverage and consider long-term care protection.  You may think it seems a long way off now, but preparing now could save you thousands later and give you the ability to choose your own care.  This will ensure not only saved money, but saved stress on yourself and family members in the future.

Take this opportunity to be a little selfish.  If you have the funds, go on a vacation or take a course you’ve always wanted.  Sure, you can still help out with your grandchildren’s college fund, but make sure there is a little left over for your own enjoyment.

Determine the impact of early retirement on your retirement benefits from your employer’s plan.  Learn the difference between taking out a lump sum payment and income for life.  This is a situation where you might want professional advice.

Finally, don’t let a new car or an extravagant vacation lure you off course.  Make your retirement a priority before you get there, and you’ll find that you will have more money to spend on all the things you want later in life.  Waiting will pay off!

4. How Much Do You Need?

The key to making your money last during retirement is knowing about how long it needs to last—a ‘guesstimate.’  For instance, a 65-year-old man today has a life expectancy of about 16 years, and a woman of the same age, an expectancy of about 19 years.  However, keep in mind that these are average figures.  Lots of people live longer than these mean numbers, which is why many financial planners will suggest that you add 50% to the average life expectancy as a safety cushion.  Some planners even go to the extent of figuring that clients will live to age 100, which is becoming more and more feasible.  To get an even better estimate, head to the doctor, and explain your situation.  Factors such as smoking, nutrition, and genetics can all factor into your life expectancy.

By the time you hit retirement, you should have a pretty good handle on how much money it will take to live the way you like.  The rule of thumb that retirees can live on 70 to 80 percent of pre-retirement income does not work for everyone.

Retirement spending, especially in the early years when you are active and healthy, often pushes your budget above those pre-retirement levels.  Travel expenses may go up.  Medical-insurance costs may soar if you retire when you are to young for Medicare and you have no employer-provided retiree health benefits.
Other expenses may go down. Job-related costs will disappear, including the portion of your salary you're now shoveling into retirement accounts. Your mortgage payments may end, too. Will you drop or cut back on life insurance?
Once you have a target of how much you'll need each year, consider the resources you have. Although social security is likely to be remodeled in the future, current and soon-to-be retirees are still in luck. To find out how much to expect, ask the Social Security Administration for an estimate of your benefits by going to the agency's website You'll also need to figure how much you'll get from company pensions you racked up in various jobs over your career. This will help you budget accordingly for to live a comfortable retired life.
5.  Money-Saving Tips for a Smoother Retirement
Everyone is looking for ways to save a few bucks…here are a few ways to save when it comes to retirement.
Review your life insurance needs.  The main reason to buy life insurance is to provide income for anyone who is dependent on you such as children or a spouse.  If your kids are grown or you are divorced, you may want to reconsider making payments.  You can also think about how much coverage you need.
Drive your car longer.  Hold onto your car even after you have paid it off.  There seems to be a desire to buy a new car for three or four years after you pay the loan off.  Don’t give in!  Drive the car for at least three or four years after the loan is paid off, but continue to make the monthly payments (which you have in your budget), to yourself.  For instance, if your loan payment is $350 monthly, place that money into a savings account.  That money will add up, especially if you keep it invested.
The average interest rate for a credit card today is 15 percent.  If you are running a credit card balance and paying a high interest rate, cutting your rate, or getting the balance down will really save you some money.  That money you can use to pay off your mortgage or invest for retirement.
Try to raise your Home and Car Insurance deductibles. You can reduce your annual premiums by 20 percent or so if you boost the deductibles. If you happen to have a low deductible and make a lot of claims, chances are pretty good your insurer will either boost your premium cost at your next renewal, to "get back" the money they paid out to you, or, even worse, they can choose to cancel your coverage. The bottom line is that you only want to make insurance claims for big-ticket problems. So boost those $250 and $500 deductibles to at least $1,000. If you have an old car, you should also look into whether you still need collision coverage. There's no need to pay for it if your car's market value - what your insurer would pay you should your car gets totaled - doesn't amount to much minus the deductible.
6.  Personal Retirement Advice
When it comes to retirement, it is difficult to predict what will happen.  The economy is always changing, which means it is hard to know how much money is enough and how you should prepare.  Here are a few ideas to get your feet planted…
If your employer is offering a retirement plan, it is almost always a good idea to participate in this.  Many plans allow employees to contribute pre-tax dollars and some employers even match contributions up to a certain percentage.
As you choose an investment mix for your retirement plan, consider your tolerance for risk and the length of time you have until retirement.  If you do not have a lot of time until retirement, you may want to steer clear of more aggressive investments, which tend to be more volatile.

Remember that traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible.  For the 2001 tax year, the modified adjusted gross income deductibility threshold for active participants in an employer-sponsored retirement plan ranges from $33,000 - $43,000 for single filers and $53,000-$63,000 for a married couple filing jointly. If you are not participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, 100% of contributions are deductible.  If you are not able to deduct a Traditional IRA contribution, consider a Roth IRA. With the Roth, income grows tax-free.

If at all possible, try to avoid withdrawals from your retirement account. For example, if you are changing jobs, roll your 401k (or other pension plan) directly into a Conduit IRA. This type of IRA will maintain your plan's tax-deferred status and allow it to be rolled over to a future employer's plan.

IRA contributions for a tax year that are made any time before April 15 of the following year may still be deductible on the previous year's return. Talk to a tax advisor for more information.
There are plenty of things to think over when it comes to retirement, but make sure to keep these ideas fresh in your head.  Retirement will creep up on you faster than you think, so it’s best to be ready for whatever it may throw at you.
7.  Retirement Homes
So you’ve decided it is time to retire or maybe you have been retired for several years.  Thoughts of moving into a retirement home have started to cross your mind.  So what is the best option?  Where should you look?  What are some things to be aware of?
As with many other things in life, getting into retirement homes boils down to a question of money.  Financing a retirement home is now a little easier if you are a homeowner; an increasing number of mortgage companies offer ways to convert equity you’ve built up in your home into money for a retirement community home.  Before you shop for a retirement home, talk to a mortgage specialist and find out if you can apply your equity to paying for a senior retirement home, and how much you would have to work with.
Many people buy insurance to help financing a retirement home well in the future.  Some insurance companies offer private insurance policies specifically for long-term nursing home care.  If you choose to go this route, make sure to shop carefully.  These policies can vary greatly in coverage and cost, and it is important to understand precisely what kind of policy you are purchasing, and whether it will support the kind of retirement homes you will need.
Many people make the mistake of believing that Medicare covers the cost of most long-term care services such as retirement homes.  However, Medicare only covers short-term, acute care during a hospital stay.  You will need to work out other forms of financing if you haven’t saved enough by the time you need to find a retirement home.
Financing retirement homes with an insurance policy can help meet the expenses you'll encounter, but you must be careful. If you are considering an insurance policy, make sure that it pays benefits immediately upon entry into a nursing care facility or senior retirement home. Many insurance policies, which are purchased prior to the need for nursing care, require a waiting period after entry into a nursing care facility before payments are made. It is highly unlikely that nursing care insurance can be purchased after a person has entered a nursing care facility.
8.  Retirement Communities
Oftentimes as retirement approaches, many people choose to move into a retirement community as opposed to a private home.  There are many things to consider when taking this route in your retirement.
The first step in shopping for a retirement community is taking a good look at what you want…much like a personal inventory.  Characteristics such as age, health, marriage, financial status, religious preference, personal interests and hobbies will help define the type and location of retirement communities best suited to an individual’s or couple’s personalities and capabilities.  Don’t worry…there are plenty of options when it comes to retirement communities…there is one just for you!
The fees and ongoing costs of a retirement community can vary widely.  Some retirement care communities provide unlimited medical and nursing home care as part of the total package.  Others include a certain amount or level of care, but charge more if you exceed the limits. Still others are "fee-for-service," with the charges depending on the care needed.
Many communities will require applicants to pass physical and mental checks.  Applicants with cancer, strokes or dementia may have their applications rejected.  Even facilities that accept people with unhealthy conditions do so on a space-available basis.  Therefore, the best idea is to apply while you are still healthy.  People who wait until their first health crisis to apply might not get in.
So-called "independent living” retirement communities are designed for seniors who are relatively independent, both physically and socially. The primary perk in this kind of retirement community is maintenance-free living; no house and lawn upkeep, linen service, trash pickup, transportation, and lunch served in a common dining center. These kinds of retirement community homes give seniors the freedom to truly enjoy the "Golden Years". Activities are another big part of independent living communities and often include crafts, exercise classes, live entertainment, movies, parties, outings and overnight bus trips, each adding a new dimension to the senior’s experience. Residents generally choose apartments from one of three floor plans.
When looking at a retirement community, find out if it is accredited. The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission is the only accrediting agency for continuing care retirement communities. Ask how medical care is provided. Is assisted living or nursing home care on site or on-call? Scrutinize the agreement and make sure you thoroughly understand it. Also, some retirement communities will let potential applicants spend a night in the retirement community home and take a meal. If you do this, take every opportunity to talk to as many other residents as possible to get a truly unvarnished view.
9.  The Best Place to Retire
Placement is one of the most important things when retiring.  Distance from family, neighborhood, finances, etc. all come into play when considering your retirement location.
When house hunting for the best place to retire, don't worry about finding your dream home right away. You can always trade up later. If you have benefited from the real estate boom in your first home, you can easily put your equity to work in a second place to retire. Or you can trade down to a smaller home.
Looking for the best place to retire means the best place for you. When contemplating retirement locations, consider factors like taxes, median home price, the local night life, sports teams, golf courses, culture, educational opportunities, crime rates and the overall environment. Also, keep in mind the distance from friends and family.  If you have new grandchildren, you may not want to move clear across the country.  Remember, unlike some professional athletes, you're only going to retire once. So make the best choices the first time.
Your search for the best place to retire might include a factor your parents never considered: work. A recent study found that 70 percent of those 45 and older plan to continue working in their "retirement" years, another survey found that the number may be as high as 80 percent. Surprisingly, the pure enjoyment of work or a desire to try something new are significant considerations for choosing retirement locations.
One interesting trend among people looking for the best place to retire is to choose retirement places with appealing cultural and recreational lifestyles, then looking for ways to earn a living there. Some who make this jump end up telecommuting, starting a small business, or working part-time.
The best place to retire for you might be a college town. Many of those wondering where to retire were in college from the middle 1960s into the early '70s and so a college or university areas can be good retirement places. In addition, universities generate jobs and lend a youthful vibe. And they often come with arts centers, medical facilities, and good restaurants.
10.  Retiring in Florida
When mentioning retirement, one of the first things that comes to mind is the state of Florida.  According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, since 1980, the Sunshine State's population has grown an average of 873 new residents every day. Many of those newcomers are coming to enjoy a Florida retirement, seeking a warmer climate in a Florida retirement community. But besides climate factors, there are many advantages for those who retire to Florida thanks to some generous state incentives and an active, vibrant senior community.
However, before electing for Florida retirement, do your homework. Researching the best places to retire in Florida and finding a good Florida retirement community is essential before you pull up stakes and move. Your first step should be to contact the Florida Chamber of Commerce.  They can provide a wealth of free information and pass you along to local chambers of commerce in those areas you are considering as a place to retire. Also, don't forget your public library, which might also carry Florida newspapers. This is a great way to get the feel of the place first before actually going there.
Many people choose Florida retirement because of the gentle semi-tropical climate that graces the best places to retire in Florida. Florida's climate ranges from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. Winter temperatures range from an average of 51 degrees F in the north to 70 degrees F along the southern Atlantic coast. Average summer temperatures are remarkably uniform throughout the state, ranging in the mid-to-low 80s. Precipitation averages about 50 inches annually, with most of the rain occurring during the summer months.
If you are considering Florida retirement in a Florida retirement community, you should decide what you want in a Florida retirement home. If you want to find the most senior-friendly counties, the counties with the largest percentages of people age 65 and older are Charlotte (35%), Highlands (33%), Citrus (32%), and Sarasota (31%).
Florida retirement is a big enough industry that the state has perks for people who retire in Florida. Florida residents are entitled to property tax exemptions of up to $25,000 on the assessed value of owner-or dependent-occupied homesteads. To become a resident of Florida, a person must establish a home or a permanent dwelling place and demonstrate the intent to make Florida the place of permanent legal residence. There is no fixed waiting period. Simply file a sworn statement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where your new residence is located.
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6 Personal Retireme

2006-02-16T22:57:00.000-06:00

Ideas on a a Place to Study

2006-02-11T01:52:00.000-06:00

Ideas on a Place to Study 1. Figuring out a time and place to do your homework and study is of the utmost importance. Once you have figured out when to do your homework, the next question is where to do it. A good study area should have a desk or table big enough to spread out books, notes, worksheets, etc. without them all being on top of each other. You do not want to make a mess, but you also do want to have ample room to work. Make sure you have plenty of light. Ideally, you will near a window with an overhead light and perhaps even a small reading lamp. Most importantly in choosing a study location is finding a place that is relatively free from distractions. That means no TV on in the room, no brothers or sisters running by, no phone conversations to listen in on, and no instant messenger or emails to keep you busy. Whether or not you listen to music while you study depends on your personal preference. You may choose to ignore any phone calls, or turn off your cell phone, and forget about the urge to go and get a snack every ten or fifteen minutes. Depending on your home, you may be able to find this area at the kitchen or dining room table, or in your bedroom. You may be able to set aside a study space in your basement or an office in you home. Some people find their homes too filled with distractions, and prefer to take their studies to the local library. Wherever you choose, it is best if you can study in that same place all the time. If you can study in this same location consistently, your mind will get used to this being a focused and important place. When you enter this area, you will know it is time to get down to business. Your pens and pencils, paper, erasers, stapler, calculator, and anything else you use often can be kept nearby. Also, you can keep them in a bin or bag which can be pulled out whenever you need them. This will avoid having to stop studying to collect supplies. Keep Supplies in a Homework Kit 2. It’s four o’clock…you know what that means…time to do homework. You scour the house looking for a pencil. Then you need a pencil sharpener. Ten minutes later you find one. Finally you sit down to start your homework. Where’s the calculator? Dad’s desk? Brother’s bedroom? Once found, you discover that it is low on batteries…there have to be some in the house…but where? If you find your typical study session unfolding like this, then here are a few suggestions to make you finish your homework with ease… You can waste a lot of time looking for homework supplies and making sure they are ready to be used. OR, you can use a homework box or supply kit of some kind to keep it all together. Then, when it comes time to do homework, everything is in place for you. No running around, no scouring the house. Any kind of box will do. You can use a storage tote, an old shoebox, or even a drawer. The key is to keep everything you need in there, ready to go. Make sure the tote or box is placed conveniently in your study area. It should not move from the spot. Make sure siblings and family members know that these supplies are for homework, and not for other activities. Those supplies should stay there, and only be used for homework. You may want to label it so there is no confusion as to its purpose. Pencils and crayons should be sharp, calculators fully equipped with fresh batteries, markers with lids tightly attached. Here’s a tip, since your parents are always offering to help with your homework but it is up to you to do the work, suggest that they take responsibility for keeping the supply kit full and in working order. When it comes to studying, there are few people that want any more struggle or stress than is necessary. Keeping all materials and supplies handy and ready to go will make your studying not only go smoother, but possibly quicker. And who wouldn’t want to shorten the time they need for studying? Concentration is Key 3. Learning to concentrate while studying and doing work is a skill that will be used for the rest of your life. The art of concentration is to eliminate any possible distractions and completely focus on the task at hand. Many students will read through material and discover that they have no idea what they have just read. Or, they will attend lectures and have difficulty paying attention to what is being said. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay focused and boost your grades… When scheduling study times, try to stick to a consistent and efficient routine. Try to avoid studying one day late at night, and the next in the afternoon. Write in your planner or calendar when you will study so as not to have conflicts. Always study in a quiet environment. If you haven’t already, find a designated study spot free of distractions. If you live in a noisy house or dormitory, this may mean heading to a study room or even the library. When you need a study break, do something different from you have been doing, and in a different area. Get up and walk around in another room. Listen to music for a few minutes. Grab a snack. Try to take a break every hour for about 10 minutes. Every student struggles with day dreaming while studying…thinking about plans for the night or tomorrow’s basketball game. To avoid daydreaming, ask yourself questions about the material as you study it, which will keep your mind focused. If you have trouble focusing during classroom lectures, look over the notes of the previous lecture and read the course material pertaining to the lecture beforehand so you can anticipate the main ideas that the instructor will cover. Additionally, show outward interest during lectures. Have an attentive expression and posture. This will self-motivate internal interest. Also, resist distractions by sitting in front of the room away from disruptive occurrences and classmates and by focusing on the instructor through listening and note taking. Just a few minor adjustments in your studying habits will go a long way in improving grades and concentration. Skimming with Skill 4. Think about how you find a name in a telephone book. You don’t read any more than necessary to find the name. Maybe you use your finger to guide your eyes. This type of reading is known as scanning. Skimming uses the same type of skill mechanically but a different skill mentally. In scanning, you know what you are looking for; in skimming, you don’t. Since you don’t know exactly what you are looking for while skimming, prepare yourself by reading the title, source, author, and any pictures; then question yourself,--who, what, when, where is this likely to focus on? With a questioning mind direct your eyes down the column of print, or in a zigzag, if the lines are quite long. Look for exact names of people, places, things, ideas, numbers and words like therefore, whenever, until, because, and instead, to clue you to how and why. When you first start to learn to skim you may see only the words in bold type, italics, digits, or capitalized words. Soon you will note new or unusual vocabulary. As you become an efficient skimmer your span of perception will develop and your ability to make closure will increase. Skimming is a step you should always take before you read any article of factual or practical narrative. You will soon be able to detect most important facts, strange vocabulary, and words that are clues to important relationships. It's a good practice to skim everything in mass media after reading the title and first paragraph. You may get all the information you want. This keeps your skimming skills from deteriorating, or will give you the practice you need to develop necessary skills. Skim everything you intend to read before you make a final decision to read, discard, or study the material.Skim all highlighting and develop a read-skim pattern to use for rapid review. And don't overlook this! Reviewing frequently and rapidly is the best way to memorize (or simply remember information) from notes and long text assignments. Skimming is a very useful tool for studying, so learn it and use it! From Start to Finish 5. Confused about what to write down in your notebook during class? Get stressed when preparing for tests and looking over your notes? Here are some suggestions to take you from the beginning of the studying process in the classroom, to the end, or the test itself. Read assignments before heading to class. This will build your background for the information that will be presented in class. It helps you be familiar with the vocabulary and concepts. This is especially helpful if you are unfamiliar with the subject matter. As you read, underline and highlight important information. If you don’t have time to read the entire assignment, at least look over introduction paragraphs, bolded words, and summaries. This will give you a good overview of the information. Although it seems obvious, you need to go to class and take notes. Most professors or teachers lecture during class periods, emphasizing points of importance. Head to class ready to be attentive and write during the entire class. Don’t stop taking notes until the lecturer is finishing. Pay particular attention to the end of the lecture, as professors will cram information into this part to finish up for the day. Use abbreviations; get details and main ideas to get complete notes. While the notes are still ‘fresh’ in your mind, look over them and make any additions or corrections as soon as possible after class. Be sure to make note of any parts you didn’t understand or missed. Ask either the professor or a friend via email or before the next class period to get the missing information. Try to pass your first test in each class to boost self-confidence. Make up a list of study questions and definitions and practice reciting this information aloud, either to yourself or someone else. Don’t wait until the last minute study. Rather, study for short periods over several days. Of course, you will want to review the night before a test. Finally, test day arrives. Use these strategies during your exam to make all your hard work worthwhile. Read directions carefully before you begin. Take a few minutes to look over the test, then answer all the questions you know first. This will help you get sure points and builds confidence. Don’t leave any blanks; it is better to guess if you don’t know. Watch your time, and manage it accordingly. Don’t rush, but don’t go too slow. Take a few minutes at the end of class to look over your test to be sure you have answered all questions and that your answers make sense.