I am sure that free samples and specials have been around since the first caveman tried to peddle his stone axes in exchange for bear hides or beer. Maybe Oog let his neighbor have one axe for free, and the tool proved so sturdy that soon his neighbor, and all of his neighbor's cousins, came back for more. After that, our talented caveman did not have to give away any more axes, but he benefited from taking a loss on his first few transactions.

Marketers and manufacturers know that consumers love to find a bargain. Its hard to make that first sale to a new customer, but once the shopper has been satisfied with one transaction, it will be much easier to count on that shopper's future loyalty. However, you may think of combing through magazines or newspapers to cut out coupons, or maybe getting little sample packs of shampoo or perfume in the aisle of your favorite store. That can be one way of collecting free samples, rebates, or discounts, but it is hit and miss, and may not be worth your time.

But now the internet makes it simple and convenient to find great offers for products you really want, and whenever you really want them! Many popular websites have been dedicated to posting free offers, coupons, and rebates online, and in periodic newsletters. Webmasters will affiliate themselves with marketing companies, and in return, they will have access to promotions as soon as they are made public. The offers will be posted on websites by category, and can usually be found with a quick search. Every webmaster wants to be the first to offer valuable, brand name products, and so they compete to keep their own websites updated with popular offers.

You may still think that searching for free samples, rebates, and coupons is a waste of time. But consider a sample of current offers that have been posted on our website and newsletter. I think that these offers have a broad appeal to men and women of many different ages.

One brand name beauty supplier offers large, two month product samples for free. You can select wrinkle cream, lip enhancer, and cellulite cream. All you have to pay is the low cost of shipping.

A major software company offers an instant, free download of office programs to promote their brand name. The office software suite includes a spreadsheet, word processor, and more, and it is totally compatible with the number one office software maker. You do not even have to enter any personal information. Simply download, install, and get productive!

One electronics store has discounted prices on some rebated computer accessories so that they end without cost. An online health store gives away bottles of HGH supplements so potential customers can have an opportunity to try them. An online jewelry store actually gives away a choice of sterling silver items.

Enjoy free sample, coupon, and rebate sites. You'll probably feel like a kid in a candy store! You may be able to grab a few luxuries, make yourself more productive, and even, stretch your budget! You could even find some great new products that you want to buy again, or a new favorite online store. Then you, and the advertiser, will be happy!

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I only have a limited amount of money (Dh3,000). Where can I invest it, and receive the highest return?

Many times we hear this million dollar question "When on earth do I start my savings plan?"

It means you want to start saving, and you'd like nothing more than to invest in funds, equities, shares and bonds that you hear so much about but all you have is a couple of dirhams.

Don't forget, take action: you have to start somewhere. The important issue is to employ some discipline from outset so the saving becomes a natural habit.

You will be surprised how quickly your funds will start to grow particularly with some careful financial planning.

Saving today with all the choices available can be much more satisfying and financially rewarding than it ever has been.

There is some debate among financial planners as to the best way to pay down debt. Some say paying the highest interest rate debt first is the best way; others say paying the smallest balance first is the best way.

Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, so we'll take a look at both, and help you decide which method is best for you.

Method #1 - Highest Interest Rate

In this method, you focus on paying off your highest interest rate debts first. The basic steps in this method include:

1. List all debts in order from the highest interest rate to the lowest interest rate.
2. Commit to paying the minimum payment on every debt.
3. Determine how much extra can be applied to the highest interest rate debt.
4. Pay the minimum amount plus the extra amount towards the debt with the highest interest rate until it is paid off.
5. When that debt is paid off, apply the amount you were paying to the debt that is paid off to the next highest interest rate debt until paid off.
6. Repeat until all debts are paid in full.


This method is the best method mathematically, as you will pay less interest in the long run.

Method #2 - Lowest Balance

In this method, your focus is on the debt with the lowest balance. Note: this method was made popular by Dave Ramsey and is often called the Debt Snowball method.

The basic steps in this method include:

1. List all debts in order from the smallest balance to the largest balance.
2. Commit to paying the minimum payment on every debt.
3. Determine how much extra can be applied to the smallest balance debt.
4. Pay the minimum amount plus the extra amount towards the debt with the smallest balance until it is paid off.
5. When that debt is paid off, apply the amount you were paying to the debt that is paid off to the next smallest balance debt until paid off.
6. Repeat until all debts are paid in full.

This method may not be the best method mathematically, as you will pay more interest in the long run. However, this method allows you to pay smaller debts off faster, which may give you the motivation you need to stick to your debt payment plan.

So, which method is best for you? It depends…

Method #1 is best for you if:

* You have debts with similar balances
* You have discipline to stick to your debt repayment plan * You are a numbers person, and you realize the benefit of paying off the highest interest rate debt first

Method #2 may be best for you if:

* Your debts do not have similar balances - i.e., you have a $500 credit card balance, a $12,000 credit card balance, and several in between
* You need motivation - paying off the smallest credit card balance may be the motivation you need to stick to your debt repayment plan
* You don't mind paying more interest over the long run in exchange for getting rid of smaller balances first

Tip: Why not use a combination of the two methods? Using a combination of both methods allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment by paying off that first debt (the smallest balance credit card), and gives you the motivation to start working on the next debt (the debt with the highest interest rate).

Remember, the method that works best for you is the one you will actually use. The most important thing is to make a plan and stick to it so you can live debt free.

Airline Miles Reward Credit Cards

Everyone likes the idea of free airline miles. It is an attractive idea to get free travel just from using one credit card instead of another.

Credit cards are now as good as actual cash. Many people prefer charging their purchases on cards instead of bringing along cash when they go to stores for security reasons.

Almost all people who are eligible, having good jobs and able to pay, are owning credit cards. Furthermore, credit card issuers are underpinning the robust trend and are constantly launching initiatives to further lure consumers into getting cards and purchasing using the plastic items.

Amid all the strategies to boost credit card transactions, many credit card firms are starting to hit the bull's eye so they can significantly increase the volume of credit card account holders and transactions.

Of course, the move is aimed at earning more. Whenever customers use their credit cards for any transactions, whether for merchandise purchases or bill payments, it is logical that the credit card issuers generate profits because interest rates and charges apply to credit cards.

Now, credit card companies are ramping up their offers to reward credit card users by offering subsidies to their travel fares. Yes, because many people basically like traveling through airlines, credit card firms are targeting that interest to be able to convince more clients into opening credit card accounts or use the cards for transactions.

Credit cards' reward systems

To be able to lure more clients and boost revenues, credit card issuers are all offering programs that would reward customers for frequently using credit cards.

The reward systems for credit card transactions are so popular that almost all minor and major credit card firms are offering them. After several years of offering the programs, it has been proven that the strategy really works.

According to studies, many credit card holders are now more motivated to pay bills and pay purchases using credit cards just to earn reward points that would lead to lucrative incentives when accumulated.

From discounts to freebies, credit card rewards are offering more. Airline miles reward programs are now among the most popular promotions being introduced to the market.

Airline miles rewards

Airline miles rewards programs work just the same as the regular reward system offered by almost all credit card firms.

The program works by convincing consumers to increase their spending and transactions using the credit cards. In return, for each transaction, certain points are earned.

When the points accumulate, they could be equivalent to as much as one-way air travel for free! The strategy has been effective as consumers consider the current high air fare amid expensive fuel costs.

It is also interesting to note that some customers even purchase goods they don't really need and even convince friends and relatives to use their credit cards just so they could earn points.

But as an analytical consumer, would you care to know if the airline miles rewards programs are really worth it?

Airline-sponsored vs. bank sponsored credit cards

There are two major types of credit card products out in the market today. This grouping is in terms of airline miles reward programs. They are the airline-sponsored and the bank-sponsored credit cards.

Airline-sponsored credit cards are those that are issued by a particular airline. When you use the card, the points you earn will be used for your future air fare in that carrier.

Bank-sponsored credit cards are seen as more flexible by more consumers. That is because the reward points accumulated using the card can be used in many other airlines rather than only in one, as the case in airline-sponsored credit cards.

Many credit card holders in that sense see bank-sponsored credit cards' air miles rewards programs as more beneficial and attractive.

Special charges on credit cards under airline reward systems

An in-depth industry study over these rewards programs has found that these credit cards usually charge more compared to the regular credit cards, which are not enrolled through the incentive system.

Take note that credit cards with airline rewards require annual fees that are usually waived on regular credit card products. In some instances, interest rates on airline-reward cards are higher in comparison to the regular cards' rates.

These findings underscore the tactic at how credit card issuers are desperately doing all they could do just to boost transaction volumes and credit card holders' numbers.

In the end, an analysis of the situation will surely lead you to conclude that the reward programs are actually funded by yourself.

Though, at the first glimpse, the offers are good deals, it is recommended that you analyze the situation, the terms and the conditions of the reward systems before finally enrolling into those special lines of credit cards.