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How Safe Are Online or Mobile Money Transfer Services?

Money Transfers that lets you send money in just the few clicks of the mouse or the few taps of your hand seemed unimaginable decades ago. But nowadays, online and mobile apps are sprouting everywhere. Its convenience to send money to your friend for instance, even if you live far away from each, keeps you tempted to use it.

However, when you allow doing the transactions online with your personal details, you are also vulnerable to identify theft, fraud, hackers, or worse. This is why it is important to ensure that you enable all the security features that the company offers. Here are some of them…

1. SQUARE CASH

Square, Inc. is a company that permits individuals and merchants in the United States, Canada, and Japan to accept offline debit and credit cards on their iOS or Android smartphone or other tablet devices.

Square has SSL to protect your identity and activity. Also, the company makes sure that your personal data and password are encrypted. However, they do not have two-factor authentication and notifications that tell you when your password has been changed or when you have added a new account.

2. PAYPAL

PayPal is one of the largest online money transfer services available worldwide. It is available on your laptop, smartphones, or tablet devices. Its international digital wallet allows business to make payments and transfer money fast without the traditional paper methods.

Unlike Square Cash, PayPal protects your account further by allowing two-factor authentication and notifications as soon as account changes have been made. They warn the users to watch their transactions and assist them through the help pages. They also offer SSL to protect your identity and activity. Lastly, your personal data and password are encrypted.

3. GOOGLE WALLET

Google Wallet, developed by Google, is an online money service that allows the users to store their debit cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, and gift cards as well as redeeming sales promotions through the mobile application.

Google has a strong protection wall like PayPal. They offer a huge volume of information on how to be safe when using their services. Putting money in your Google Wallet account or paying online is a breeze however; getting your balance back is quite difficult. This may seem less convenient but it is good from a safety perspective.

Image Credits: www.google.com.sg/wallet/

In conclusion, older and tested money services such as PayPal and Google Wallet have set up a tougher protection wall. And, if you choose to use these services, be sure to enable all its security features and be vigilant about your cash flow at all times.

9 Budget-Friendly Ways To Look Younger And Beautiful

1. MAINTAIN A GOOD POSTURE

People who stand up straight would convey a figure that looks more attractive and smarter. Also, research show that it facilitates breathing, increases happiness, and improves concentration. Give it a try. It is a free boost anyway.

2. GET A LONG SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

If you are ever going to get a haircut, ask your stylist for long side-swept bangs to cover any obvious wrinkles in your forehead.

3. CUT YOUR NAILS INTO SQUARE-OVALS

Square tips with rounded edges tend to look more youthful and clean. Cut your nails straight across then smooth the corners round with a nail file.

4. HAVE A FREE EYE-LIFT

Curl your lashes and finish it with mascara. Curly and thick looking lashes give you an instant eye-lift that makes you seem alert and younger. For best results, wash your curler with hot water or blow-dry it for at least three seconds before using it.

5. SWITCH TO CREAM

Face powder can produce fine lines and lifeless look. So, switch to BB or CC cream instead. It will give a natural radiance to your glowing skin.

6. GO FOR BERRY LIPS

Go for a color that softens your lips by being not too nude, sheer, and bright. A berry hue is just right. Also, it is universally flattering for all skin complexions. Try Clinique’s Berry Blush Butter Shine Lipstick for S$16 or Broadest Berry Chubby Stick Lip Balm for S$17.

7. TRY MIXING IT UP

Pair two solid color or two patterned clothing together to give a bold and youthful statement. For example you may pair a floral skirt print with a striped blouse.

8. WEAR CLOTHING ARTICLES THAT FIT

My mother is one of the women who buy one size larger so that the clothing is more comfortable but it is less flattering. Whether something is too tight or too loose, the result remains constant: looking larger that you really are. So, shop and wear clothes that fit you well.

9. RENEW YOUR EYEWEAR

Image Credits: Ansel Edwards via Flickr

If you do not want to wear contact lenses, a new color of frame shape will take years off your face. A frame shape that you may try is the modern take on the cat-eye. The upward tilt has a lifting effect. For the colors of the frame, warm hues exude youthfulness.

How To Land Your Dream Job Without Spending A Dollar

Landing your dream job or any job can be a challenging task. But, it is definitely worth the effort. Throughout the process, you will have to tap into your creative mind and stay motivated. Here are 6 tips that can help you…

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Job portals or online classified ads such as Jobstreet and Monster have articles that can teach you how to make a professional Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) wherein your qualifications are presented efficiently. For example, it is recommended to have no more than a page for every 10 years of experience.

2. MAKE YOUR C.V. EYE-CATCHING

Your C.V. will stand out from a pile of other candidates if you add a sparkle of creativity. Use Adobe Photoshop for retouching your photos or Prezi.com for making an interactive presentation. As much as possible, make the content specific and concise.

3. MAXIMIZE YOUR ONLINE JOB SEARCH

If job portals have no listings that match your qualifications, then submit your C.V. to the employers’ websites directly. Most websites have “Careers or Jobs” tab on the home page. By doing so, you are actively pursuing new openings.

4. SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND

Aside from researching for job openings online, go outside and talk to your friends, family, church-mates or fellow spinning classmates…they might just have a position for you. But, you shall never ask a person you just met for a job; ask them for career advice and contacts. The more people you share your goals to, the greater your chance of scoring a lead.

5. RESEARCH

Research the companies that interest you. Find out about their job operation, products, and services. If you are acquainted with some of the employees in the firm then, ask them about the skills that are valued most when hiring and the job opportunities that are available at the moment.

6. WORK YOUR WAY IN

You will never know if you’re suited for the company unless you try it yourself. Even though there are no current full-time positions available, consider internships, freelance, and volunteering opportunities.

Image Credits: Kevin Dooley

This will benefit you because big companies tend to hire within and the experience will fill the gaps in your C.V.

8 Earth Friendly Ways To Save Money On Utility Bills

1. UNPLUG

You do not need a PhD to know that unplugging your cables and electronics when not in use can help you save energy and reduce your bills. Even if you turn the switches off, appliances will continue to use energy if they are plugged in.

Image Credits: Chris Potter via Flickr

2. KEEP IT COOL

Cold running water uses lower amount of energy than heated ones. So, use cold water when washing your clothes and dishes or when doing other tasks.

3. CHOOSE WISELY

If you are buying a new appliance, make sure that it is an energy efficient model. Smaller appliances not only help you save more on space but on bills also. Opt for a relatively small microwave than an oven and smaller lamps than the overhead lights.

4. REFRAIN FROM REPEATEDLY OPENING THE FRIDGE’S DOOR

Ensure that you know what you must get before opening the refrigerator’s door/s. Repeatedly opening and closing the door/s will only cause cold air to escape and for the appliance to work more than it should.

5. PUT DOWN THE BLINDS

During summer and hot days, put down the blinds to prevent extra heat from coming in and prevent your air conditioner from running more on energy. Do the opposite during the cold weather to keep your home naturally warm.

6. PAINT THE ROOF WHITE

In Color Psychology, white symbolizes new beginnings while in Business, it symbolizes efficiency. By merely painting your roof white, findings suggest that it can cause a 40% drop on the energy consumption. It also cools down the whole house.

7. COVER THE POTS

Cover your pots when boiling because if you leave it open, the boiling period will only be longer and therefore requiring more energy.

8. DOUBLE CHECK YOUR BILLS

Image Credits: Phillip Stewart via Flickr

Double-check your billing amount to ensure that you are paying accurately. Do this by checking the reported bill usage and comparing it to your meter.

Use These Brain Techniques To Save More And Spend Less

1. EMPLOY THE “URGENCY TEST” WHILE SHOPPING

When you are thinking twice on purchasing an item, ask yourself if you are willing to try it on the dressing room at that very moment. If you are not really excited to wear it then, do not bother to buy it.

2. AVOID “GIVING UP”, USE “SAVORING” INSTEAD

You will only feel deprived if your perspective is to give up something in order to save more. So, change your perspective and start “savoring” the moments that you indulge on lavish things. The goal is to change your frequency of indulgence and not to hinder you from enjoying life’s goodness.

3. WHEN YOU ARE NOT EARNING, YOU ARE SPENDING

Keep in mind that when you are not earning, you are just losing the money you earned. If there are opportunities to work more and your body feels okay then, take on the challenge. Sometimes, the feeling of losing money is more painful than missing it.

4. MAKE TIME A CURRENCY

To get a clearer perspective, break down the monetary value of things by the hour. For example, if you make S$10 an hour and a bowl of bean curd is S$2 then that is 12 minutes of your work and life. This technique will help a lot to cut down your impulse purchases.

5. BE MOTIVATED WITH A SLOGAN

If you are struggling to be frugal, make a tangible slogan or a poster that you can hang on to. For example, you can use this slogan to help you think critically when purchasing: “Use it up, Wear it out, Make it happen, or Do without it”.

6. UTILIZE THE “GAS OR BREAK METHOD”

Compare your financial progress to driving. In every decision you can either get closer to where you want to be (gas) or slow down (brakes).

Image Credits: loveheels via Flickr

So, the next time you have to make a monetary decision then ask yourself this: “Am I stepping on the gas or the brake? Is it worth it?”

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