Are you looking for someone to advise you on retirement planning issues? There are general financial planners and those that specifically focus their pratice as retirement planners. The right person can help you achieve your financial goals.
To choose the right retirement planner, be clear on what your life goals and objectives are when searching for a suitable planner. Do you want a comfortable retirement, a second home in old age, or the flexibilty to travel?
Next, determine if you need a retirement planner that is local and may own their own business, or do you want to use a full service financial planner from a national firm. National firms have retirement planners that have the backing of lots of in house research and analysts who can generate opinions to use in your financial planning. However, they generally are more expensive than smaller, local retirement planners.
You should always ask friends and colleagues for recommendations and references before you settle on a retirement planner. Try to interview at least three planners, and find someone who understands your goals and listens to your input. After all, it is your money they are dealing with, you should have a say!
In addition, check the retirement planner’s credientials. Certified financial planners must pass exams on a number of topics. Others may have designations in certain fields, and still others will have studied specific retirement issues.
Always make sure you know how your retirement planner will be compensated. Some chare a flat fee, while others get commission for selling products. If you choose a commission based planner, you must be sure to understand what they are selling to be sure you are getting the best advice.
Once you choose a retirement planner, establish how and how often your planner will be in contact with you. Will it involve phone calls, e-mail updates or quarterly reports? Be sure that you stay on top of your retirement planning!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Famous people stand up and speak out against eating disorders.
Battling an eating disorder is a very long and painful process. And although many celebrities have worked hard to bring the subject of eating disorders out into the open, we still hear of celebrities battling their own eating disorders.
This reinforces the fact, which everybody including celebrities, is subject to the pitfalls of society’s unrealistic image of what beauty is. All too often, the pressure to meet society’s ideal of body image, due to their public life, has made eating disorders more prevalent for those who are in the public eye.
The topic of eating disorders came out into the open, as the singer/songwriter Karen Carpenter, openly battled for her recovery of Anorexia Nervosa. Sadly, she lost her battle but did open the doors and bring awareness about eating disorders into the light.
Since then, more and more celebrities who have had eating disorders, are being brave and standing up to talk about their experiences, in the hopes of preventing other people from following in their footsteps. Sharing their experiences and the recovery process, has not only helped them work through their recovery, but in turn, potentially has been of help to someone else. It also assists, with changing societies image of what an ideal woman should look like.
Although the media tends to sensationalize celebrities who have eating disorders, solely for increased sales of papers and magazines, unfortunately the coverage stops once a celebrity is actively recovering. Celebrities are in a position however, to share their stories and many of them have in an open and honest manner, hoping that their story may save at least one person from developing an eating disorder.
Society tends to blame those who are in the public light, perhaps it’s because it’s easier to have someone to point a finger at. But having an eating disorder is a private and personal issue, which affects young, as well as the old, it affects the rich and the poor. If someone suffers from an eating disorder, the eating disorder cares nothing for status or of fame.
Many celebrities have battled and overcome eating addictions, a good many of them have made it and there are some who did not. And while those who have, are very outspoken about eating disorder awareness, unfortunately for the person in the midst of an eating disorder, much of the advice falls on deaf ears, at least prior to seeking treatment and recovery.
There are many lists that tell you which celebrity had an eating disorder and what type, which are available on the Internet. The majority of those who have succeeded in recovery have written about their experiences in books. Their experiences can help a person who wants to recover and one person at a time, one life at a time; their experiences can assist with changing societies warped image of what beauty is.
This reinforces the fact, which everybody including celebrities, is subject to the pitfalls of society’s unrealistic image of what beauty is. All too often, the pressure to meet society’s ideal of body image, due to their public life, has made eating disorders more prevalent for those who are in the public eye.
The topic of eating disorders came out into the open, as the singer/songwriter Karen Carpenter, openly battled for her recovery of Anorexia Nervosa. Sadly, she lost her battle but did open the doors and bring awareness about eating disorders into the light.
Since then, more and more celebrities who have had eating disorders, are being brave and standing up to talk about their experiences, in the hopes of preventing other people from following in their footsteps. Sharing their experiences and the recovery process, has not only helped them work through their recovery, but in turn, potentially has been of help to someone else. It also assists, with changing societies image of what an ideal woman should look like.
Although the media tends to sensationalize celebrities who have eating disorders, solely for increased sales of papers and magazines, unfortunately the coverage stops once a celebrity is actively recovering. Celebrities are in a position however, to share their stories and many of them have in an open and honest manner, hoping that their story may save at least one person from developing an eating disorder.
Society tends to blame those who are in the public light, perhaps it’s because it’s easier to have someone to point a finger at. But having an eating disorder is a private and personal issue, which affects young, as well as the old, it affects the rich and the poor. If someone suffers from an eating disorder, the eating disorder cares nothing for status or of fame.
Many celebrities have battled and overcome eating addictions, a good many of them have made it and there are some who did not. And while those who have, are very outspoken about eating disorder awareness, unfortunately for the person in the midst of an eating disorder, much of the advice falls on deaf ears, at least prior to seeking treatment and recovery.
There are many lists that tell you which celebrity had an eating disorder and what type, which are available on the Internet. The majority of those who have succeeded in recovery have written about their experiences in books. Their experiences can help a person who wants to recover and one person at a time, one life at a time; their experiences can assist with changing societies warped image of what beauty is.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tips for Hiring an Event Catering Service
If you are planning a large social event such as a wedding or company picnic, hiring an event catering service can save you a tremendous amount of time and stress. Most event catering services have years of experience with planning and executing both corporate and personal events. They can provide you with ideas and options you may not even realize exist.
If you have never worked with an event catering service, the following tips can help you understand the process so you can know what to expect.
The cost of hiring an event catering service can range in price between $10 and $100 per person. This is the average cost and will vary depending on the amount of guests, venue, and types of food and beverages served.
Typically, event catering services will provide you with a variety of menus. However, most will work with you to create a custom menu or themed event. There are as many different types of event catering services, as there are types of foods. If you need Kosher or vegetarian food, chances are good you will find an event catering service that specializes in that area.
While it's true that event catering services do all the work, you will still be required to participate in organizing the event. You'll need to determine the number of guests and choose a menu that is appropriate for your event. Chances are you will meet with the event catering service manager a minimum of four times prior to the event.
It's important to know that most event catering services require a lead time of 3 to 6 months. This is particularly true if your event will be hosted during the summer months or around holidays such as Christmas or New Years.
Before you hire any event catering service, shop around and obtain a minimum of three quotes. The most expensive event catering service is not necessarily the best. Don't rule out small event catering companies. Oftentimes, they can provide you with better pricing and higher quality food. Additionally, the smaller event catering services are more flexible and will work harder to provide you with everything you require.
The majority of event catering services can help you with other aspects of your event. Most are well-connected with other professionals who offer complimentary services such as disc jockeys, karaoke directors, floral designers, cake decorators, etc. If you are in need of additional services, be certain to ask the event catering service for referrals.
It's important to check the credentials of any event catering service. At minimum they must hold a certification in food handling and safety procedures. Typically, the Board of Health certifies event catering services and provides them with a certificate which must be displayed at the caterer's place of business.
You'll also want to make sure the event catering service has sufficient insurance and is covered in the event of food poisoning. If anything were to go wrong, you want to make certain your guests are protected.
Prior to hiring an event catering service, it's a good idea to visit their business in person. Take a tour of their facility and request food samples. Oftentimes, event catering services will prepare a food sampling tray for up to ten people.
Last, but not least, you'll need to be prepared to provide a deposit when you book your event with the event catering service. Typically, a 50 percent deposit is due within ten days from the date you confirm your reservation. Final payment is usually due two weeks prior to the event.
Should you be forced to cancel your event, you will need to do so a minimum of 30 days prior to the event or you could forfeit your entire deposit. Always make certain to inquire about the cancellation policy and make certain you understand the details before you sign on the dotted line.
If you have never worked with an event catering service, the following tips can help you understand the process so you can know what to expect.
The cost of hiring an event catering service can range in price between $10 and $100 per person. This is the average cost and will vary depending on the amount of guests, venue, and types of food and beverages served.
Typically, event catering services will provide you with a variety of menus. However, most will work with you to create a custom menu or themed event. There are as many different types of event catering services, as there are types of foods. If you need Kosher or vegetarian food, chances are good you will find an event catering service that specializes in that area.
While it's true that event catering services do all the work, you will still be required to participate in organizing the event. You'll need to determine the number of guests and choose a menu that is appropriate for your event. Chances are you will meet with the event catering service manager a minimum of four times prior to the event.
It's important to know that most event catering services require a lead time of 3 to 6 months. This is particularly true if your event will be hosted during the summer months or around holidays such as Christmas or New Years.
Before you hire any event catering service, shop around and obtain a minimum of three quotes. The most expensive event catering service is not necessarily the best. Don't rule out small event catering companies. Oftentimes, they can provide you with better pricing and higher quality food. Additionally, the smaller event catering services are more flexible and will work harder to provide you with everything you require.
The majority of event catering services can help you with other aspects of your event. Most are well-connected with other professionals who offer complimentary services such as disc jockeys, karaoke directors, floral designers, cake decorators, etc. If you are in need of additional services, be certain to ask the event catering service for referrals.
It's important to check the credentials of any event catering service. At minimum they must hold a certification in food handling and safety procedures. Typically, the Board of Health certifies event catering services and provides them with a certificate which must be displayed at the caterer's place of business.
You'll also want to make sure the event catering service has sufficient insurance and is covered in the event of food poisoning. If anything were to go wrong, you want to make certain your guests are protected.
Prior to hiring an event catering service, it's a good idea to visit their business in person. Take a tour of their facility and request food samples. Oftentimes, event catering services will prepare a food sampling tray for up to ten people.
Last, but not least, you'll need to be prepared to provide a deposit when you book your event with the event catering service. Typically, a 50 percent deposit is due within ten days from the date you confirm your reservation. Final payment is usually due two weeks prior to the event.
Should you be forced to cancel your event, you will need to do so a minimum of 30 days prior to the event or you could forfeit your entire deposit. Always make certain to inquire about the cancellation policy and make certain you understand the details before you sign on the dotted line.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Eaton Hong Kong Hotel
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is located in Kowloon on Nathan Road in an area known as the “Golden Mile”. The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Hong Kong and has every amenity you could ask for. There are many activities in the hotel for adults and children and guarantee to make your stay very pleasurable and relaxing. The location is second to none and is in the middle of the most famous shopping district in Hong Kong. The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is also very close to ferry services, the harbor, and a number of amazing museums.
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is one of the few hotels that truly caters to children. Every restaurant has a special kids menu. Every room has cartoon movie channels. You can even request a Playstation or an Xbox to help keep the kids entertained while in their rooms. There is a baby sitting service and the pools have qualified attendants to keep children safe.
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel has live entertainment every day, has free guided tours of the temples and Jade market, and even has a rooftop swimming pool. Luxury isn't a strong enough word when it comes to the Eaton Hong Kong Hotel. This hotel is the perfect place for a family vacation to be based as you can easily take public transportation to Disneyland and all the museums nearby.
Businesspeople can enjoy broadband Internet access in every room and can even request the use of a laptop if needed. There is a computer store on-site if you happened to forget something and you can even get 24 hour IT support from trained professionals.
The rooms are very large and spacious and range from a standard or twin bed room to a club room or even a luxury suite. Prices vary and can get expensive for very large rooms but if you are honeymooning or just getting away, you can't put a price on that kind of relaxation.
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is for someone seeking first class luxury accommodations and is sure to create a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is one of the few hotels that truly caters to children. Every restaurant has a special kids menu. Every room has cartoon movie channels. You can even request a Playstation or an Xbox to help keep the kids entertained while in their rooms. There is a baby sitting service and the pools have qualified attendants to keep children safe.
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel has live entertainment every day, has free guided tours of the temples and Jade market, and even has a rooftop swimming pool. Luxury isn't a strong enough word when it comes to the Eaton Hong Kong Hotel. This hotel is the perfect place for a family vacation to be based as you can easily take public transportation to Disneyland and all the museums nearby.
Businesspeople can enjoy broadband Internet access in every room and can even request the use of a laptop if needed. There is a computer store on-site if you happened to forget something and you can even get 24 hour IT support from trained professionals.
The rooms are very large and spacious and range from a standard or twin bed room to a club room or even a luxury suite. Prices vary and can get expensive for very large rooms but if you are honeymooning or just getting away, you can't put a price on that kind of relaxation.
The Eaton Hong Kong Hotel is for someone seeking first class luxury accommodations and is sure to create a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.
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