Do you:
- Have a long-lost dream to play an instrument, speak another language, or learn a particular skill?
- Have a question no one knows the answer to?
- Need financial advice?
Are you:
- A single mother who wishes she didn’t have to pay repairmen to solve her household problems?
- A collector who wants to know how much your items are worth?
- Looking for ways to save or make money from the comfort of your home?
The Internet is the one-stop solution center to most of these scenarios. Not only is the ability to independently answer your own questions, solve your own problems, and find exactly what you need tremendously freeing; it’s a huge time and money saver. Here are some tips for successful Internet searching and where to find the answers to a few of these questions.
Internet Searching
Be as specific as possible. Because the Internet contains so much information, the more specific you are in your search, the more time you will save wading through pages of results. The top results are the most popular; the further down the page you go, the less strongly the link is associated with your search topic. Read the highlighted lines and look for results that contain wording identical or very close to your search term.
Search & earn. If you are a frequent Internet searcher, you might want to try using Swagbucks.com, a search engine which randomly awards points the more you use it. Points can be turned in to the “Swag Store” for gift cards, services, and merchandise.
Ideas for Searches
Take up a new hobby. Even if you’re past your prime, it’s not too late to pursue some of the dreams of your childhood, without expensive lessons. For learning instruments, there are numerous websites which offer online training, tips, and video lessons for all levels, totally for free. Check out GuitarTricks.com, ZebraKeys.com, PianoNanny.com, and, of course, YouTube.com.
Learn a new language. Sites such as LiveMocha.com allow you to take lessons in any of several major languages, listen to videos, and then get graded by native speakers through written and audio quizzes. What’s more, you have the chance to help others learn your language, as well. Basic accounts are free; personal tutoring and more advanced options are available for a fee, but cost far less than traditional language classes.
Gain a practical skill. Do you need to learn how to perform simple sewing to mend your own clothes? Try TeachYourselftoSew.com. For nearly any common skill, such as changing a tire, unclogging a drain, painting a room, or fixing machinery, there are videos online that will show you what to do in easy-to-follow steps. YouTube.com are great resources for many of these how-to questions. You can save hundreds of dollars by learning the skills to solve your own problems instead of hiring professionals. Of course, certain skill sets are specialized and dangerous if attempted by an amateur, so proceed with caution.
E-garage sale. Need a little extra money? Setting up an account on e-bay.com or posting items on Craigslist.com may be easier and more profitable than a traditional garage sale, which limits you to local clientele. Don’t know if an item is antique? Find out by emailing pictures on ValueMyStuff.com for a flat fee of $10.
Whatever your problem or questions may be, the Internet is a valuable source that can save you stress, time, and money. Don’t be hesitant to use it and explore its possibilities.
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