It’s almost four months since wifey’s sister graduated from college. But, the girl still keeps on asking her graduation gift. Actually, before the event wifey is too busy choosing graduation gift ideas college. But, something came up before the big day that’s why she decided not to give her anything. She understands the situation. However, now that we are relaxed from all the expenses, she is collecting her gift.

Oh well, I guess we can’t say no this time. Even if she is just joking the idea, a part of her wants to receive something. Let’s see, wifey’s choices before are either camera or iPod. I noticed it’s better to give her iPod because she is using her phone as radio. She loves listening to music a lot especially when working out. So, an iPod fits her gift a lot.

Sissy is way too busy with her new goal in life – to be a nurse. With perseverance and determination, she is about to finish her second course specifically next year. It’s just like yesterday when she started the course. Without realizing it, she is already wearing nursing scrubs and doing practice duty in the hospital.

Without a doubt, she is happy doing nursing activities. It takes her out of being a full-pledge housewife. It transforms her life into something fun and thrilling day by day. Of course, nothing can take her mother role for her two kids. Oh well, for sure in no time both of us will be called nurses. I just hope, before that time comes I will be able to practice my profession. I already miss doing those things.

According to the latest news, the grounding of Tiger Airways by Australian regulators is threatening to push up fares for domestic travellers. Its entire fleet was pulled from service last week because of safety concerns, the first time such sweeping measures have been taken in Australia. While, the company seems confident it will soon be flying again. Even after its grounding, it had been selling tickets for travel next week and beyond – before coming under pressure from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

However, the carrier’s plans to start flying soon were dealt a big blow as Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority said on Thursday that it is seeking an extension of the grounding till 1 August. Should the budget carrier – which drove prices down after it entered the Australian market in 2007 – be beyond salvage, then its domestic rivals, Qantas and Virgin Australia, would be expected to raise fares by up to 15%.

Christopher Zinn, the director of campaigns at Choice, an independent consumer watchdog, believes the airline – which advertised one-way tickets between Sydney and Melbourne for 39 Australian dollars ($41; £26) – will struggle to recover.

Tiger Airways, partly owned by Singapore Airlines, has issued a statement saying it is cooperating with Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Peter Marosszeky, from the School of Aviation at the University of New South Wales, says with such powerful backers, the low-cost carrier should bounce back. Read more… »

While at the mall earlier this day, wifey and I discuss the idea of opening a business. Actually, it has been the plan for almost three years now, but never quite happens because of financial hindrances. Anyway, when this is the topic, I always prefer the food industry. There is something about food that gives me confidence I can make it a success. If given a chance, we will choose either bakery or restaurant.

We already started scouting for bakery and restaurant equipment both in brick-and-mortar stores to the online stores. Fortunately, I found the restaurant solutions that offer restaurant equipment and supplies and a full range of services to help refurbish or build out restaurant, catering company or institution. It carries one of the most diverse and comprehensive product lines in the food service industry, offering everything from tabletop items, kitchen supplies, service and storage products, catering supplies and maintenance tools to custom fabricated stainless products, seating, millwork and equipment. So, I guess there is no need for me to look anywhere because I got everything I need in case I will decide to finally take the course. For now, I will record this finds because I’m sure I will need this information.

Like I always tell wifey before, I wanted to help my elementary school improve. I’m well-aware that the school lacks funds to placed good playground. That’s why in my own ways I want to donate school playground equipment, if it’s possible for me. I’m pretty sure kids will love to play on climbers, play houses and swings; the way I did before. Sadly, I can’t enjoy them much because it’s not available. Good thing my mom always bring me to the park.

Well, wifey did not object about the idea so I guess it’s a yes. Of course, I still have to work on it. For now, that’s I want to do to help my school. In God’s time I will be able to fulfill it.

During the recent study, questions asked over budding entrepreneurs, “What is the most prevalent method of financing a new business? Most replied, “credit cards.” They were surprised to learn that the correct answer was personal savings and kindness of friends and family.

More recently, however, times have changed and credit cards are used more often. Even mature businesses use credit cards to survive during the sick economy because traditional bankers are not willing to lend to struggling enterprises. You may recall the New Jersey business owner described in my column last week trying to restructure $100,000 of credit card debt because he was paying double-digit interest rates. It was part of a larger refinancing package.

Similarly, at Manasota SCORE, we see clients in Southwest Florida who are over-burdened by high-cost credit-card debt because they are unable to reduce the balance they owe. Low teaser rates and ease of borrowing, compared with applying for small-business loans, are other reasons small-business owners incur large credit-card balances. Sometimes they are unaware of better alternatives for their long-term borrowing needs. Whatever the reason, credit-card debt becomes more difficult to repay when the economy slows and cash flow decreases.

To help small-business owners, the U.S. Small Business Administration partially guarantees bank loans to refinance burdensome credit-card debt and replace it with five- to seven-year-term, working-capital loans. Current interest rates are approximately 51/2 percent and are limited by the SBA to 23/4 percent over the prime rate.

In many instances, however, small-business owners have not bothered to get separate credit cards in the name of the business and much more documentation is needed. That is because SBA’s standard operating procedure is very clear. Even if the prospective borrower is a sole proprietorship and certifies that all expenses incurred were for business that is not enough. Read more… »