think green

A spring bike-rework [video]

Use your credit card the best way

You don’t need to cut up your credit cards; you can use them to your advantage and let them work for you.

Many people have become slaves of their credit card debt, their freedom stifled by monthly payments with enormous interest charges on things that they couldn’t really afford in the first place. They can’t get rid of their credit card debt and so it hangs over their head and increases more each week as it puts a permanent stain on their credit rating.

Without money management skills, credit cards can be an easy trap to fall into which can put you in a very bad financial situation.

However, if you are able to master the proper use of your credit card you can be in a situation where you have the power over your credit instead of your debt having the power over you.

Here are a few tips for making your credit cards work for you:

Pay off Your Balance Every Month

It’s very simple. Use your credit cards to buy something only if you can afford it, and as soon as the bill comes in the post or email, pay off every penny right away. Never ever buy anything with your credit card unless you have the cash to pay for it in your savings account. This will help you in a few ways.

First of all, if you can’t pay something off with the money you have right now you will not buy it. Secondly, you will avoid ever being charged interest payments, which are exorbitantly high on credit cards. Thirdly, you will be working to establish a good credit rating which will help you in the future when applying for a mortgage or other loans.

Use a Credit Card with Rewards

One of the advantages to using a credit card rather than cash or debit is that some cards will offer you points, frequent flyer miles, and other rewards. If you use your credit card wisely and never pay interest charges, you will come out ahead with many of these reward schemes. You could end up with free shopping, clothing, appliances, or trips abroad just for paying with your card.

Look into the different options available to see what rewards your credit card could be bringing you.

Purchase Protection

Another great way that your credit card can work for you is that it can offer you coverage similar to an extended warranty on many of the things that you buy. For example, most of the major cards such as VISA will give you coverage for a minimum of one year for several types of purchases. I once bought a plane ticket to Paris from a budget airline, only to have the airline go bankrupt a few weeks before my flight.

Although the airline did not refund my money, I got the full amount back anyway from the credit card company. If I had paid in debit or cash, I would have lost the money.

If you use your credit card in a smart and careful way, these are a few of the ways that it can work for you to make your life better.

Fixed gear cycle: is it affordable?

It is all going backwards in the world of cycling, but for a good reason: fixed gear bikes have become THE means of transport to get, when cycling in town...especially when there are no hills. Mind you, Bristol is maybe a good example that fixies are good whatever the landscape.

Böikzmöind is a film documentary about the community around fixed gear bikes.

"...a fixed gear bike is...a very rudimentary machine, but moves with the person..."

 

 

People who like riding bikes without any artificial effects. It is all about being connected with the rear wheel.

A few months ago it was more seen as a hipster movement: look at me I have a bike with no gears.

But things have changed and Bristol is showing to the world that a community around this passion is possible.

Now, concerning the budget for such cycle can go from one extreme to the other.

Some will rather take a cheap frame, repaint it and buy spare parts to assemble the lot themselves.

Brick Lane Bikes or Bristol Dropouts supply almost everything bike related.

For the others, who have a capital investment available, the price to pay for the dream fixie can reach incredible amounts.

It is true that it looks good to have aerospokes, nice saddles, ultra light frames...but not everyone can spend unlimited cash.

Also, it depends what is the purpose of the fixie! If you decide to set up your own courier business using pedal-power or green energy, it can then be seen as a real investment.

The main things is to be happy to cycle, to like your bike and enjoy meeting up with other people.

So, to anwer the question: is it affordable? - absolutely and certainly the cheapest way to get an eco-friendly means of transport, because light, mainly recycled parts from previous bicycles and then a coat of paint is easily done, no need to be called Picasso.

 

The maintenance is almost nonexistent. The chain, the tyres of course but what else? No derailleur make the entire machine so practical and so clean too.

Tour de France explained [infographic]

Legal advice when you need support

Where can you find legal services when you need them? Here are a few places that you can look.

Whether you are writing a will, filling an accident compensation claim, or involved in a property dispute, there might be a time in your life when you will need legal services. The advice of an experienced and trustworthy solicitor can help you through a dispute or a claim and give you the advice that you need.

But where can you find these legal services when you need them?

There are many ways that you can find legal advice and services in the UK, whether you just need to speak to an advisor for a quick query or you need to hire a solicitor for something more involved.

Here are a few places to look:

Online

If all you need is a simple answer to a law-related query, you might be able to find the information that you need online. There are many free legal forums where you can post your question online and receive an answer. You can also search the web for free legal information guides which, unless your query is very specific, should provide you with the answers that you need. You can also look up books, guides, and other self-help resources for learning about legal matters.

Law Centre

You can also visit a law centre, where you might be able to find free legal advice. These centres can usually help you with family law, debt advice, housing law, welfare benefits, employment and tax credit issues.

After you have spoken with the advisor at the Law Centre, they will check to find out if you are eligible for legal aid and put you in touch with the appropriate legal advisor for your situation. You can call the law centre, or have them call you back at no charge.

Legal Solicitors

Another way to find legal services is to contact a solicitor. There are many different personal injury solicitors who specialize in different fields of law, such as employment law, injury claims and others. Most of them will offer you a free consultation to discuss your case before you decide whether or not you will proceed. If you cannot afford legal services, some will offer their time free of charge (Pro Bono) or on a “no-win no-fee” basis. Others might offer you discount services depending on your situation.

Sometimes situations in life arise when you need the help of a legal expert to aid you in your decisions.

When you are in need of legal services and need to find them, these are just a few of the ways that you can get the answers that you require.

Bespoked Bristol 2012

...Bespoked Bristol is a UK based public event promoting the international talents of independent makers and designers of the bicycle world...

It happened at the end of March 2012 (23rd to 25th), in Bristol next to Temple Meads train station.

A great day out, to share and discover the passion of green power and exploring new horizons related to bicycle building.

Big names were there: Rapha, Cinelli, Brooks Saddles...but also new brands such as Slate Cycles or Ted James Design.

There were even 2 spaces for coffees and cakes by Look Mum No Hands from London, for this special occasion.

Most of us like cycling and such event should happen more frequently, because it is not just about going from A to B but also enjoying the freedom and the beauty of the landscapes.

The fame makers are real artists. The finish is second to none.

And to be honest even if these products are slightly more expensive than bikes produced on an industrial scale, you won't need an investment management planning...it is affordable but it is pure quality.

To know what happened and what is to come check Bespoked Bristol Facebook and/or Twitter social media outlets.

Cycling is good for many things: the planet because no CO2 emissions and for your health...exercising is good after all, so why not doing this while cruising through town or the countryside?!

Of course, safety is also essential: helmet, high visibility jacket/jersey and front/rear lights if riding at night.

All these accessories could be seen during this special event. It was only the second of this kind but...after this year's show it is almost certain that next year will be as good if not better.

The dates to bookmark for 2013: 12th to 14th April...and if you are a bicycle builder you can already email 2013@bespoked.cc for more details....better too early than too late after all.