The job interview is one of the most important parts of applying for a job and the first impression that you make in this interaction is mostly what the employer will be basing their decision on.

That is why it is very important that you present yourself professionally in your job interview so that you can really impress the employer.

However, there are a few major mistakes that many people make in job interviews that can really damage their chances of getting hired.

If you have ever not been called back after a job interview you might want to ask yourself if you have committed any of these blunders and how you can avoid them in the future:

Not Preparing Properly

Keep in mind that the interviewer will likely ask you a question along the lines of “what do you know about this company?”

If you stutter and stumble through your answer because you have not done any research, they will assume that you are not really dedicated to the position.

Before you go to your interview, go to the company website and read their “About Us” section to that you have something to say in response to this question.

Not Dressing Professionally

First impressions really make a difference and if you enter the job interview dressed like a slob the interviewer will immediately make a judgment about you.

They will think that if you cannot make the effort to iron your shirt and wear clean shoes then you will not put the effort into the job either. Make sure that you go the extra mile to look polished before your interview.

Answering Your Cell Phone

This is a huge no-no during an interview, because it tells the employer that your cell phone is more important than what they have to say to you.

Cell phones don’t belong at an interview, so make sure it is switched off completely so that you won’t be tempted to answer.  In fact, just leave it in your car so you aren’t embarrassed by the phone ringing in the interview!

Badmouthing Your Last Boss

Ok, perhaps your last supervisor was an arrogant jerk but there is no need to go into detail about this in the job interview.

It will unfortunately only make you look bad and make them think that you might badmouth them as well.

If you are asked about your previous job remember to be as diplomatic as humanly possible.

Avoid these mistakes and you will increase your chances of success at your next job interview.

Happy job hunting!

What have you got planned to celebrate Armed Forces Day this year?

This year’s Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday, May 19^th.

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day is a holiday which celebrates the service and sacrifice of members of the military.  Armed Forces Day is a common holiday celebrated in many countries throughout the world.

In the USA, Armed Forces Day is always held on the 3rd Saturday of the month of May.

It usually falls at the end of Armed Forces Week which occurs between the second Saturday and the third Sunday in May.

What sort of Events are Held?

The day is an official holiday and it is often celebrated with parades, open houses, air shows, festivals and other family-friendly events.

Often military members will give displays and performances for the public and there will be educational activities for children to learn about the armed forces.

Some locations around the USA will even have motorcycle rides with a “Support the Troops” theme.

Usually the weather is sunny and warm at this time of the year and many families will take a picnic and sit outside while they watch the parades and the festivities.

This day is also an opportunity for the military to showcase its state-of-the-art technology and equipment to the American people.

Most cities, towns and communities will have their own Armed Forces Day celebrations, so be sure to take a look at what is happening in your hometown on this special day.

What are the Historical Origins of Armed Forces Day?

This holiday was created in 1949 in order to honor the Americans who served in the five branches of the United States military; The Army, The Navy, The Air Force, The Marines, and the Coast Guard.

In the past, these five branches each had their own special day until President Truman created a single day when all military members could be celebrated.

It was established as an official holiday by President Kennedy in 1962.

This Armed Forces Day, find out what events are happening this year and get out there to join in the party.

Have a great Armed Forces Day this year and be sure to give thanks to the brave members of the military for their patriotic service.

Owning a home is a very important milestone in life and for most people it is the largest purchase that they will ever make.

Many first time home buyers are so eager to move into their new property that they overlook the fine print and details and make some mistakes.

Buying a home is a complicated process and there are many things to keep in mind when you are making these important decisions.

Here are a few financial mistakes to avoid when buying your home:

Not Making a Large Down Payment

One of the first rules to buying a house is that you should pay as much of a down payment as you can possibly afford.

A popular strategy is to save up for a few years first and pay down as large of an amount down as you can afford.  Many times the easiest approvals and lowest interest rates are offered if you can put at least 20% of the value of the home down.

This is an advantage because when you pay more money up front you will have a smaller mortgage and less interest to pay over the years.

Even a 5% increase in your down payment can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

Buying Too Much House for Your Budget

Just because your mortgage lender has told you that you can afford a house of a certain amount, it doesn’t mean that you need to buy a home which is expensive.

If your house just barely fits within your budget, you will stretch yourself to make your payments every month and be under pressure to keep earning a lot of money.

If something happens, such as your hours get cut at work or you lose your job, those large payments get overwhelming very quickly.

It is better to choose a house which is very easily in your reach so that you can make smaller monthly payments with some breathing room just in case.

Failing to Make a Budget

The best way to find out what you really can and can’t afford is to take a close look at your finances by making a budget so that you know exactly what is coming in and out.

Take stock of all of your spending and earnings over the last few months by entering your expenses and income into a spreadsheet, and don’t forget to consider non-monthly expenses such as vacations, birthday and wedding gifts, and auto repair expenses.

This will help you see exactly where your money is going, what you can cut down on and how much you can realistically afford to spend on mortgage payments.

Earthquakes, windstorms, rain damage, flooding, falling trees, vandalism, burglary… there are many things which could possibly happen to cause damage to your home.

This is why homeowner’s insurance is important, so that you can be protected in these unfortunate events.

However, home insurance doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think.

There are a few ways that you can reduce the cost of this insurance and protect your home for less.

Take the Time to Shop Around

You don’t need to sign up for the first home insurance that you come across, as you will likely be able to find a better offer if you take a while to compare prices and packages.

You can also ask your friends and coworkers for recommendations, as well as looking at consumer guides and online quote comparison websites.

Reduce Safety Risks

There are certain measures that you can take to reduce the risk of theft and fire in your home which may lower your insurance premium.

For example, you can install a burglar alarm and modern locks, plant prickly bushes under your windows, put your lights on a self-timer, and join the Neighborhood Watch and much more.

You can also reduce your fire premiums by maintaining your smoke alarms and having your home inspected by a fire safety officer.

If you are in an area prone to earthquakes, you can make your home safer by reinforcing your roof and adding stronger materials to the structure.

Include the Value of the House, Not the Land

When you are deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy, you don’t need to include the land underneath your house.

That land is not at risk for theft, fire, rain and wind damage like your house will be, so the value of it doesn’t need to be included in your insurance policy and you will end up paying a higher premium if it is.

Instead, just pay according to the amount it would cost to rebuild your house on the land.

Ask for Other Discounts

Did you know that there are several types of discounts that you might be able to negotiate on your home insurance?

For example, if you are retired you are more likely to be at home and will spot a fire quicker and will be less likely to get burglarized.

You will also have more time to maintain your home.

Some companies will give up to 10% discount for policy holders who are older than 55 and retired.  Be sure to ask your insurance representative about any discounts that you might qualify for.

Another popular discount is offered if you have multiple lines of insurance with the same provider.  For instance, if you insure your home and your automobiles with the same insurer, then you very likely qualify for a significant discount.

These are just a few ways that you can save money on your home insurance so that your house is protected no matter what happens.

From jagged mountains to sandy beaches to farmland as flat as the horizon, the United States has a huge variety of landscapes within its borders.

There are many places in the USA which will cause your jaw to drop in awe when beholding a particularly stunning landscape.

Here are a few examples of truly gorgeous places in the USA:

Aspen, Colorado

This mountain town is surrounded by lofty peaks topped with a dusting of snow, verdant pine forests, and tranquil lakes, ensuring that you will have a stunning view in any direction.

Many people head to Aspen every summer to enjoy the excellent hiking, fishing rafting, mountain biking and camping.

In the winter, this town becomes a snowy paradise ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

Sedona, Arizona

Whenever you see a stunning vista of red rock canyons in a Western, there is a good chance that the footage was filmed in beautiful Red Rock Country near Sedona, Arizona.

There have been at least one hundred movies and TV shows set within this beautiful landscape where deep canyons, majestic buttes and dramatic rock formations personify the freedom of the Wild West.

These colorful cliffs were once home to American Indians in ancient times and there are legends of their spiritual power.

Once you have watch the sun slowly sinking in the sky above this raw and rugged landscape, you will understand why.

Kalalau Valley, Hawaii

This lush tropical valley is one of the most beautiful areas on Kauai, one of the islands of Hawaii.

It is very remote, only accessible by kayak and it is almost entirely unspoiled by mankind.

High green cliffs tower over water that is unbelievably blue and the cacophonous calls of exotic birds fill the air.

This valley is very popular with hikers, campers and other outdoor lovers.

On your next holiday, why not travel one of these American destinations and marvel at the natural beauty of this land?

Have you ever felt like some people just look stylish and put together all of the time, whereas you never quite know what to wear to look good?

How do chic and fashionable people make themselves look so good every day when you feel so frumpy and awkward?

Whether you are male or female, if you are slightly fashion clueless don’t despair!

Style doesn’t come naturally to everyone but it is still possible to learn how to put outfits together so that you look on trend and polished.

Stylish people don’t wake up looking that good; they have put time and effort into thinking about their personal look and creating a certain effect.

The trick is to find your personal style and identify which colors, patterns and cuts look the best on your particular body.

When you know what these things are you can mix them up to create stylish outfits that are guaranteed to look good!

Identify Your Body Type and Color Scheme

The first step is to know what clothes will look good on your body.

For example, if you are a short man with a broad stature, a suit with very wide lapels and big shoulders will make you look even more broad and boxy.

You will want to look for a slim shape with vertical lines that will make you look slimmer and taller.

If you are a woman who is “pear shaped” which means that you are slightly heavier on your hips and stomach, you will want to avoid tight and clingy skirts and instead go for more flattering shapes such as an empire waistline.

You can also identify which colors look the best on you.

Hold up different colored clothing and fabric next to your face in the mirror. Which ones bring out the color in your hair and eyes, and which ones clash against your skin and make you look washed out?

For example, if you have very pale skin wearing the wrong shade of red can bring out the redness in your skin and make you look unhealthy.

Collect Inspiration

This is the fun part! It’s time to start collecting inspiration for your style!

Go through fashion magazines, advertisements, and photos online to find images that you find attractive. Collect them in a folder or clip them into a notebook and use them as a guide to building stylish outfits.

Most of all have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously. Refining your personal style should be fun and should make you feel confident and more self assured!

If you were to die tomorrow, would your spouse and your children have enough money to take care of themselves?

Life insurance is designed to help provide financial security to your loved ones after you pass away. The policy will cover your funeral costs, as well as setting aside money for your family to support them after you are gone.

Life insurance is especially important if you are the main breadwinner for the family.

Take Your Time and Shop Around

Buying life insurance is a big decision that you will commit to for many years, so be sure that you compare many different options before deciding on one.

Go around to several different companies and compare what they have to offer and their prices. You can also use life insurance policy comparison tools on the internet.

Be as Healthy as Possible

Most insurers will require a physical examination, so it is in your best interest to be as healthy as possible to get the lowest life insurance premiums. If you smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or other health problems you will end up paying a much higher rate.

Although you won’t be able to fix all health problems, you can at least change your lifestyle to affect the ones you can control.

Stop smoking, get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, reduce your stress levels, eat more fruits and vegetables and get lots of sleep.

Not only will it make you feel better and life longer, you will save money too!

Look at the Different Payment Terms

Many life insurance policies will allow you to save money if you pay your entire year’s premiums in advance.

Although this might be harder to budget than monthly payments, if you can manage it you can save yourself a nice chunk of cash and still receive the same policy.

These are just a few ways that you can save money on your life insurance and protect your spouse and family for less.

Mother’s Day is coming up on the second Sunday in May and this is the day when we thank our mothers for all of the hard work they have done for us.

On this special day Mother’s are lavished with presents, cards and attention from their families and loved ones and usually treated to flowers, chocolates, spa treatments, gifts and more.

Have you ever wondered where this tradition of honoring our mothers came from? You might be surprised to know that Mother’s Day has older origins than you might think.

Early Ancient Goddess Celebrations

The very early origins of Mother’s Day date all the way back to ancient Egypt where an annual festival was held to honor the Goddess Isis who is known as the Mother of the Pharaohs.

She gave birth to Horus who grew up to defeat Seth and become the first ruler of unified Egypt.

The festival of Isis was also celebrated by the Romans who used it to mark the beginning of winter. The Roman festivals were filled with music, singing and female dancers.

The Roman roots of Mother’s Day also tem back to the Goddess Cybele, also known as the Great Mother.

European Religious Worship

These mother-goddess festivals were later incarnated as a holiday marked to honor motherhood in Early Christian Europe.

The holiday was also used to honor the church where one was baptized, which was your “Mother Church”. The churches would be decorated with flowers, jewelery and other special offerings.

The Beginnings of Mother’s Day

Later in the 1600s, “Mothering Day” was designated in England. It was a day when the poor servants and trade workers were allowed to travel back home to their towns to visit their families.

The matriarch of the family was the guest of honor at a family feast and all of her children came back to visit her.

Mother’s Day in America

The “Mothering Day” tradition was somewhat forgotten when the Puritans came to colonize North America.

Perhaps they could not celebrate many holidays under the harsh conditions that they had to survive in, or perhaps their religious conservatism kept them from lavish celebrations.

Mother’s Day didn’t come to America until 1870 when Julia Ward Howe wrote a poem encouraging mothers to protest the deaths of their sons in the Civil War.

Several decades later, the US Government adopted Mother’s Day as a national holiday and it is still celebrated to this day.

Now you know the origins and history of Mother’s Day and why we designate this day to celebrate our mothers and all the love that they give us.

Many people who live in smaller towns or in the countryside love to spend their holidays in a major city. During a “city break” they can enjoy the cultural events, nightlife, fine dining, shopping and impressive architecture that only a decent sized city can provide.

However, the USA’s biggest and most famous city destinations, such as New York and LA are notorious for their astronomical prices. Although these huge mega-cities are very exciting to spend time in, they can also make a small travel budget disappear very quickly.

The good news is that there are many other alternative city break destinations which will offer plenty of culture, shopping, food and nightlife for a much cheaper price.

In these cities you will find better hotel rates, lower prices of gas, and more affordable food so that you can enjoy the excitement of the city for less.

Washington DC.

Have you ever been to the nation’s capital? Washington, DC is a very affordable travel destination because most of the main attractions that you will be visiting are free!

That’s right; almost all of the museums and monuments including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian and even the White House will not cost you a dime.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This city is set within one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the USA, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the clear blue skies creating a dramatic backdrop.

You can pick up some gorgeous American Indian arts and crafts from the open air market place at a great price and you can even relax in a traditional Japanese hot bath spa for only around $20.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is known for having some of the lowest hotel rates in the South, which makes it a very affordable vacation option.

Nashville is a dream destination for music lovers, who will be attracted to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry as well as many other excellent museums and historic sites.

Next time you take a city break in the USA, think outside the box and check out these alternative cities for cheaper prices and plenty of fun things to see and do. Have a great trip!

You’ve tried to make a budget and stick to it, recording your expenses and income on a spreadsheet and keeping track of your spending. However, you still seem to always end up with more month than money.

Where does it all go and what are you missing?

Budgets are not easy to keep and there are many things that you could be doing which are unintentionally ruining your best laid plans. Here are a few of the top things which can get in the way of your goal to save money:

Shopping When Hungry

If you are in the habit of heading to the supermarket with a grumbling tummy, stop right now.

Numerous studies have shown that we will buy more food when we are hungry and we are also more susceptible to putting junk food and other expensive treats in our shopping carts.

Instead, head to the store with a clear list of what you need and have a healthy snack first.

Being ATM Happy

If you are in the habit of taking money out of an ATM several times per week, this can be a factor which is damaging your budget.

One reason is because if you are taking out $20 here and there, it is easy to lose track of how much you are spending.

Also, if you are making withdrawals from ATMs which do not belong to your bank you will be dinged with a fee every time and these can really add up.

Instead, try to withdraw enough cash for the week and budget it so that it lasts. This will also help you spend less because you will actually see the money disappearing from your wallet.

Paying Unnecessary Fees

One of the things which could be sabotaging your budget are fees which, with a little bit of attention and diligence, you could have avoided in the first place.

These include late payment fees, transfer fees, overdraft fees, cash advance fees, and even overdue library fees.

You have enough things that you must pay for, so why waste extra money on fees that you can avoid?

Be organized to keep up with all of your due dates and bank statements so that you aren’t being nickel and dimed when you don’t need to be.

If you have realized that one of these habits is sabotaging your budget, don’t worry.

Now that you are aware of it you will be able to adjust your behaviors and get closer to your goal.