Personal Finance Software That’s Easy to Use

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:03:50 +0000

In school we are often told that it is very important to keep track of one’s personal finances because this is the way to avoid debt and reduce a lot of stress in life. What is generally taught tends to involve writing everything out in long hand on paper and this is such a pain that most people never end up doing it. In fact, with the advent of the online banking style of account managing, a lot of people have tossed out the idea of using paper altogether and are now just focused on getting everything done right over the web. Sure, this can be a great way to do it, but it does not usually include one of the most core concepts that anyone trying to manage their own personal spending really needs to have: a solid budget worksheet. Without this, it is a whole lot harder to get things done and people always seem to end up frustrated because they have not planned things out so they ran themselves down to the very last dime. This is a bad idea and we always seem to end up paying for it. Not only are there issues with bounce fees and late fees, but it is wrecking the credit score, as well.

The smart thing to do is get a quick hold on those finances long before they have a chance to spiral right out of control. This means taking the step to get something like Microsoft Money, but it is a lot better if one can get it for free. This gives a great deal of freedom and it also allows for a lot tighter focus on what is important in terms of the way we balance that check book. This is the fast solution that always pays off.

Rescuing Roses: Identifying and Preventing Black Spot Fungus

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:19:02 +0000

Diplocarpon rosae, known informally as Black Spot, is the sworn enemy of many rose enthusiasts, especially those in the South-east and other particularly humid climates.

Black Spot is a fungus that attacks roses, first by appearing on the leaves as rounded purple and/or black colored spots, with indistinct, fuzzy edges. Once it has established itself on the leaves it attacks the canes, where it may be black or reddish in color. Black Spot usually appears in the middle of summer.

Prevention is the first and best defense against this rose-killing disease. There are a variety of commercial fungicides available, but it is best to use these as a last resort. This is in part due to their toxicity, and in part due to the fact that overuse will actually produce a strain of Black Spot resistant to the chemical. If using a commercial fungicide, alternate between two different types to avoid creating resistant strains. A preferable option, and an inexpensive one, is using a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda to one gallon of water, with a few drops of dish detergent (or two tablespoons horticultural oil) added. The dish detergent (or oil) will help the mixture adhere to the leaves.

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Personal Finance Software That’s Easy to Use

Rescuing Roses: Identifying and Preventing Black Spot Fungus