Many individuals opt to rent a car for a variety of reasons, ranging from business trips, vacations, or while a vehicle is being repaired. When determining the cost of renting a car from a rental company, there are a number of factors to consider.
Type of Car
The base cost will vary depending on the type of vehicle you wish to rent. Usually rental companies have categories of cars with respective prices.
A sub-compact or economy class car will usually seat 2 comfortably, often times is 2 door, may have limited storage, and will usually get excellent gas mileage. They may not come with many features, and offer just the basics, but are usually the least expensive. These usually average between $30 and $40 per day.
A full size car will have more features, offer more storage, seat 3 or 4 comfortably, and will be more expensive. These can average between $50 and $70 a day.
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A premium or high capacity vehicle – such as a full size van or SUV – is great for large families or for carpooling, but can range in price between $80 and $110 a day.
Luxury vehicles are also available; however the selection usually varies from place to place. They usually have premium features, come fully loaded, and are very comfortable. The average cost for a luxury vehicle can vary dramatically depending on the vehicle, averaging from $150 to $300 a day, or more in certain instances.
Length of Time
The length of the time will determine the overall final cost for the rental. Most rental companies charge the base rate of the car per day, but many have weekly rates as well. If you are renting for an extended period of time, a weekly rate will often save you more money than the daily rate.
Add-ons
There are a variety of add-ons and services you can choose from, which can protect you in certain instances (and provide peace of mind), but add to the total cost of your rental.
Insurance is one of the most popular options for a rental. Usually, rental insurance will protect you from being liable for any damage that might occur to the car. This will generally cover damage due to loss – such as in the case of theft – collision, dents, dings, or any other damage that might occur. Insurance ranges in cost from as little as $25 to as much as $100. The costs can also change based on the car you are renting, with more expensive luxury vehicles potentially costing more to ensure than a lower cost budget car. At times, your own personal insurance may cover a rental car, so you might want to check with your insurance company before opting for this service.
Another service that many rental companies offer is a fuel service option. Basically, the rental company charges you for a full tank of gas, regardless of how many gas is in the car when you return it. This makes returning the vehicle easier, as you don’t have to fill the car back up to the same mark as when you first rented it. However, it’s really only cost effective if you return the car on empty.
Different rental companies may have other services, insurances, or add-ons that may affect the cost. Many times, checking the website of the company will give you a full listing of various services and their associated costs that they may offer.
There are many advantages to hiring a live in nanny, especially for working parents. With a live in nanny, your baby is able to stay in a more familiar environment, and often gets exposed to less germs and illnesses. For the working parent, a nanny can provide welcome relief to getting up early, preparing your baby for leaving the house in the morning, or having to drop off your child at a day care or relative’s house.
The one-on-one attention and care that a live in nanny provides is also an advantage, especially if your child requires special care and attention. If you have multiple children, a nanny can provide some much needed relief and assistance.
Figuring the costs of hiring a live in can depend on a number of factors, such as location, benefits, perks, the number of children you have, and what you expect of the nanny.
Location
Where you live has a lot to do with what you can expect to pay a live in nanny. If the demand is high for high quality nannies, the cost will generally increase. This is usually the case in more urban environments, and in areas where the cost of living is high, more parents tend to work. When parents work, the services of a nanny are usually my desirable. In rural areas, or in areas where the cost of living is lower, finding a live-in nanny can be easier and less expensive.
On average, a low-cost live in nanny can be anywhere from $300 to $400 a week, whereas in high demand areas, the cost can be as high as $600 or $700 a week.
Benefits
Having a live-in nanny is effectively having an employee. That being said, many parents will pay for the nanny’s benefits, such as health, eye, or dental insurance. It’s important to speak to the nanny you are interested in about what benefits they are seeking to obtain, and factor this into the overall costs. You can also come to an agreement to pay for a dental cleaning or an eye exam, as opposed to providing complete coverage.
Perks & Incentives
You can often times offer a lower wage by adding various perks. For example, you might throw in a gym membership, offer to pay for tanning or a spa visit, or offer incentives for exceptional performance.
Workload & Expectations
The workload and your expectations usually have a lot to do with the costs. For example, if you have a single child that may not require a lot of attention, the costs might be lower. If you have multiple children, the costs could be higher. If you expect the nanny to perform other services, such as house cleaning, errands, or driving the children to school or classes, the costs could be higher.
A live-in nanny will almost always be less expensive than a live-out nanny, but on average the total costs tend to be anywhere from $350 a week to $800 a week. It’s also very important to find a nanny with an excellent reputation, as most nannies won’t be monitored during the day. If you are looking to cut costs, some families opt to share a nanny between two households, which can reduce expenditures – or you may even be able to split or share expenses with the other parents.
A mail-order bride is traditionally someone who lists themselves in a catalogue of sorts, and is selected by the buyer for marriage. This is primarily fuelled by brides who live in underdeveloped, or 3rd world countries that wish to marry into a more developed or prosperous country. Social conditions also play a part, as in some cultures marriage is respected and highly desired – but there may not be enough potential marriage partners.
Much information about mail order brides comes from speculation, rumor, or heresy. These are the Top 10 little known facts about mail order brides.
10. Long History
Mail order brides have a very long, international history, dating back to the early 1800s, and gained most of its popularity on the American frontier. During the early days of America, the frontier was a dangerous, but lucrative place. As men found their fortune, they soon realized the frontier was devoid of women to take as a wife, as very few women lived on the frontier.
Therefore, men began writing to women living in the Eastern part of the country, and started courting via mail. Photographs and correspondence were exchanged, until the woman agreed to marry a man whom she had never met. This gained popularity, giving rise to the mail-order bride industry as we know it.
9. Dangerous
The mail-order bride industry can be a dangerous place, both for bride and for buyer. There have been cases where a bride has been abused, or even murdered by her husband. In other cases, it can be just as dangerous for the husband – in some cases the bride is the one who abuses or has even murdered her husband.
8. Successful
Contrary to popular belief, many mail order marriages enjoy great success. This is attributed to a high amount of correspondence, and ensuring both will be good, solid match. At times, the correspondence can take years, and as a result, mail order marriages enjoy a very low divorce rate.
7. Voluntary
Mail order services – especially those found online – are not “selling” brides. On the contrary, the brides themselves voluntarily post their pictures, likes, dislikes, and which country they are interested in. In many instances, the women are educated, career oriented, and often times live in countries where there are simply not enough men in the population as potential husbands.
6. Not Gender Exclusive
While mail-order services are usually associated with women, this is not the case anymore. Many mail-order services offer both brides and husbands, and many women look to these sites to order a ready-made husband to marry and settle down with.
5. Easy
Thanks to the rise of the internet, mail-order services are easier to use than ever before. Traditionally, correspondence could take days, or weeks. Thanks to email and instant messaging, brides-to-be can talk and chat instantly with suitors, exchange pictures, or even chat live on camera. This makes the process more streamlined and much easier to use.
4. Countries
Mail-order bride services are traditionally associated with Russian or Asian women – however, in today’s world brides from all over the globe voluntarily post themselves looking for husbands. Women in Eastern Europe, the UK, and the USA have all been picking up in popularity.
3. Popular
Largely due to the rise of the internet, and the easy use of the mail order system, mail order brides have been gaining popularity. In many areas, suitable marriage partners are not available. Even in the US, especially in rural or sparsely populated states, finding a suitable bride can be difficult. Because of this, more and more are turning to mail order services to find a mate to settle down with.
2. Educated
Contrary to popular belief, many of the women who sign up for mail order bride services have excellent education – even being college graduates. Many have long thought that mail order brides come from poor or meager means and lack an education – but this is proving quite the opposite.
1. Legal
Some have thought that mail order bride services are illegal, being akin to the slave trade or to prostitution. However, there are international standards and laws that have been passed to facilitate the safe treatment of women, as well as domestic laws. The United States has laws protecting women from violence and abuse, and mail order services are named in these laws. The service is not just legal, but the law is designed to protect both the bride and the buyer.
In planning for a wedding, there are a number of things to consider. For many, selecting and hiring a DJ can be one of the most difficult tasks, because of the wide array of options and prices. Without directly being referring to a DJ through a friend or family member, selecting a DJ based on reviews or reputation can still be difficult. The costs of such a service can also vary widely. So how much should you expect to pay for a DJ?
DJ Services
First, it’s important to consider the services you want included with your DJ. Some will offer a wide array of options, services, and upgrades – while others may only offer the basics. Determining exactly what you want will help narrow down a cost.
Some of the services offered by DJs can include special lighting, upgraded equipment, a fog or snow machine, and more. A DJ should offer basic services, such as helping you plan what music you want to play, song selection, and some basic equipment – such as a microphone.
It’s also important to check and find out if they plan on using all of their own equipment, or if they tend to rely on the equipment at the location or venue. A DJ that must provide all his own equipment in a special location (such as an outdoor reception) may incur extra costs.
Average Costs
The cost of a DJ can range from a fixed price for the venue, to simply charging per hour. Some companies or professional DJs will review the venue and event, your expectations, and give you a fixed price based on what you need. A fixed price can range from as low as $500 to as high as $2000. Others may simply charge on an hourly basis, which can range from $150 to $300 per hour.
Not all DJs act as MCs as well, so it’s important to ask if this is included in the cost, if it’s extra, or if this is a service they provide at all. At times, this can be an upgrade which can range in cost from $50 to $100 more an hour – especially if they bring in another person to act as MC.
For upgraded equipment, such as a multi-disc CD play, an iPod direct plugin, or an audio mixer can range from $50 to $300, depending on a variety of factors.
Extra sound equipment such as upgraded lighting or larger speakers can run from $200 to $500 more a day. This is important if you have a larger venue, to ensure the sound is heard by everyone attending, and can compensate for the increased noise level from more people.
For those on a budget, getting a DJ to just show up and play the music, or provide basic equipment usually will only run around $400 to $600. A full DJ package, with an MC, upgraded equipment, lighting, etc. can run from $1800 to $2500.
If possible, getting a referral can help with costs as well, as some DJs will offer a discount for referrals.
Those of other nationalities can become an American citizen by going through a series of processes and exams. The entire process is called the naturalization process.
For starters, in order to apply to become a citizen, you must have lived as a permanent resident for 5 years. If you are married to an American citizen already, then you can qualify in just 3 years.
There are a number of advantages to enjoying citizen status. A citizen is allowed to vote for the political party of their choice. You can also run for any political office except for President or Vice President. You will also be able to accept employment with state and federal jobs, as well as other employers that may require citizenship. You may also petition for your relatives who may be outside the country to join you, such as your parents or siblings.
Furthermore, once you have become a United States citizen, you never have to reapply or renew – your status is permanent.
The cost of the entire process can vary, depending on your background, nationality, and various factors involves. The actual application for becoming a citizen – called the naturalization application – usually costs between $575 and $700. This may or may not include the filing & biometrics (fingerprinting) fee. If it does not, this can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 more.
At times, a medical exam may be required. A full physical usually isn’t expensive, but depending on your health condition, it can cost between $25 and $200. The cost variance also depends on the doctor and the location.
If an attorney is involved in the process, the costs can become much more expensive. Attorneys’ fees will vary dramatically depending on the amount of time and work involved in your specific case. This can cost anywhere from $500 extra to $15,000 more. Usually attorneys are only brought in to deal with exceptional or difficult cases, or to settle legal matters such as crimes, or other government or background issues.
At times, some people opt to consult an attorney up front, which greatly increases the chance of the application being approved. In simpler cases, an attorney’s fees aren’t normally exceptionally steep. While you may pay more money up front, the chances of the application being approved are much greater.
There are a number of exceptions to these fees which are important to research. For example, if you have served (or serve) in the armed forces, there are a number of waivers and exemptions you may qualify for. If you are a member of the armed foced, and have served for over a year and have honorable conduct, you can file for an exemption for both the application and biometric fee, which can save over $600 and dramatically reduce the overall costs.
Visiting the INS website for updated information is also an excellent way to determine the total costs and fees associated with becoming a citizen of the United States. Overall, however, on average the total process costs between $700 and $1100.
Changing your vehicle’s oil is a key part of regular maintenance. Motor oil serves to keep your engine running cool, as well as lubricating key components of your engine. Over time, as you drive your vehicle, the oil begins to breakdown and become contaminated, or dirty. Particles, dirt, dust, and other contaminates will get into your oil, which causes it to lose its effectiveness. By keeping your oil changed regularly, you can increase the life expectancy of your car.
As a general rule of thumb, you want to try and change the oil in your vehicle every 3 months or 3,000 miles you drive it, whichever comes first. Even a car that isn’t driven very often needs it’s oil changed, since water and moisture can get to the engine and cause the oil to underperform or become dirty and ineffective.
How much will changing the oil cost? There are a number of ways you can have your oil changed, and each incur different costs.
Dealership
Taking your vehicle back to the dealership you bought it from is one option. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. If you have a warranty through the dealer, taking it back for regular oil changes creates a paper trail which can be useful if you ever have a warranty claim. If your dealer sells a specific type of vehicle – Jeeps, for example – taking it back to the dealer can be advantageous, as they will be familiar with the vehicle. They also may notice other issues in the early stages, if they work on a lot of the same type, which may save you money if a problem can be caught early.
Dealerships, however, tend to be one of the more expensive options to changing your oil. Usually, you can expect to pay between $40 and $60. If you are using synthetic oil, this cost can potentially be as high as $80 or more, depending on the make and the dealer.
Local Mechanic
Usually there are a number of local mechanics in every town in America. These shops range in specialty, from being a place that specializes in tires and oil, to being a full service mechanic. These shops can range in price and service, but usually oil changes are inexpensive. Taking your vehicle back to the same place regularly is also advantageous, as they become familiar with your vehicle, and you get an idea of what to expect each time. You can usually expect to pay between $25 and $40, though the prices can vary if the mechanic is a national chain or just a locally owned shop.
Doing it Yourself
Changing your own oil is the least expensive of the options. However, it’s important to ensure you have the correct tools needed to correctly change the oil. There may be some initial costs to doing it yourself – such as buying the right tools – but in the long run can save you a bit of money.
Having a proper drain pan is critical, to catch the old dirty oil. You will need a tool (usually a socket and a wrench) to remove the drain plug. The oil filter also needs to be replaced, which at times can be removed by unscrewing it by hand. However, it can become stuck, and then tools are needed. If your vehicle is low to the ground, you may need ramps or a way to lift the car to access the filter and drain plug. If you have these tools already, purchasing the oil filter and oil will cost you around $15 to $20, depending on the oil you buy.
The Segway Scooter has been gaining increased popularity in the past few years. They are ideal for inter-city travel, especially in dense urban areas, such as Chicago or New York City. In some areas, Police use them to patrol, and even tours of historical sites and moments are offered on Segways.
Unlike traditional scooters, the Segway Scooter has a self-balancing device that keeps a person upright. The wheels are located on either side, as opposed to one in front and one behind in a self-propelled scooter. They are powered by an electric engine, and fuelled by batteries. The range of the scooter differs based on the size of battery you purchase, but can have a range of anywhere from 16 to 30 miles.
The cost of a Segway differs based on the model, year, and options you are interested in. Segway manufactures a variety of models, each with its own set of benefits and features. A wide array of upgrades and options for the scooter enable it for all different types of usage, and are a wide range of costs.
There are two main Segway models, each designed for different uses, and with a different set of features. The models come in a variety of upgrade packages, which use the same basic model but with a number of options and features – also while increasing in price. There are other models made for special uses, such as the Segway Patrol model, designed for police departments.
Segway i2
The Segway i2 is the basic, more popular model. It doesn’t come with a lot of frills or features, and is designed to be a basic mode of transportation in flat, urban environments – such as roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.
This model runs around $6,000 for a used model, such as purchased from Amazon. For a new model, they can run upwards of $7,500.
The i2 Commuter model is the same basic model as the i2, but comes with a few accessories and features for someone who would use the Segway more regularly, or daily. It comes with more storage, the ability to lock the Segway to a fixed object for security, and has a number of safety features for night time travel – such as reflectors and a brake light. The Segway i2 Commuter costs an additional $500 to $1500.
The i2 Cargo is essentially a cargo upgrade for the i2 Commuter, offering better and more storage capacity. The cases are hard, waterproofed, locking, and can hold up to 30lbs of storage. The i2 Cargo is designed for a user who would haul equipment, groceries, or other items regularly. This upgrade will cost an additional $1500 to $2000 over the base price of the i2.
Segway x2
The Segway x2 model is designed to be a bit more rugged, and will support off-road travel. It normally comes equipped with all-terrain tires, allowing for travel over environments the basic model won’t – such as gravel, dirt, and sand. The x2 model costs between $6,500 and $7,500 = with a new model costing as much as $8,500 or so.
The Segway x2 Turf is very similar to the x2 base model, but has upgraded tires for more offroad travel and harsher terrain. These are exceptionally popular on golf courses, as they can navigate sensitive ground (such as putting greens) without leaving any marks. The x2 Turk model costs $500 to $1000 more than the x2 base model.
The Segway x2 Adventure model is designed for longer outdoor use. It features cargo plates, an area for water storage, and features that benefit someone who would use the Segway on trails or camping. This model costs an additional $1000 to $1500 over the x2 base model.
There are a number of options to paying upfront for a Segway – there are financing plans, monthly payments, leases, and more. Or a used model can be obtained for less cost from sites such as Amazon or eBay.
Phlebotomy has been increasing in demand in the past years, largely in part to an ever-aging population. Phlebotomists are specialists that are trained to in puncturing veins and drawing blood, which is usually used for tests, transfusions, or other blood work.
A phlebotomist will also usually verify records, prepare the collected samples for laboratories, take other vital signs, and even conduct interviews with the patient.
Thanks to an ever increasing demand for health care, the salary and demand of phlebotomists is currently on the rise. There are a number of factors, however, that can influence the salary of a phlebotomist.
Certification
While certification is only required in two states at the moment, often times a phlebotomist with a certification will have a higher starting salary. Studies show that those entering the workforce with a certification often earn 15% to 20% more money initially. Furthermore, having a certification will allow a phlebotomist to move to an area where it’s required.
Employer
The type of employer can make a large difference in the salary a phlebotomist makes. The demand for these services is broad, so one can gain employment in a number of different health care providers.
The top paying healthcare provider tends to be a private practice, or a diagnostic laboratory – which pays between $32,000 and $38,000 on average. The lowest paying health care provider is usually a public hospital or a community health care provider or clinic. These can pay on average between as low as $27,000 and $30,000.
Experience
Experience dramatically influences the salary of a phlebotomist. While the starting salaries can be between $27,000 and $38,000 depending on various factors, as experience is accrued the salary increases. Phlebotomists with a large amount of experience can expect salaries upwards of $60,000 per year.
Specialization
Specialization refers to a phlebotomist who takes classes or receives training that allows them to specialize is a specific type of phlebotomy, such as a collections specialist. Generally speaking, specializing also requires a few years of experience in the field. This can increase the salary one makes as well, depending on the type of specialization and the demand.
Location
The location of the employer can have a major impact on the salary of a phlebotomist. Generally, rural areas tend to pay less than urban areas. The difference between a position in a rural area versus a larger city can be as much as 20%, or greater.
Different states tend to have different pay scales as well. For example, the average starting base salary for a phlebotomist in North Carolina averages around $29,000 – whereas in California, the average is around $35,000. However, costs of living are different in various states as well, so it’s important to factor this into the salary as well. For example, the cost of living in North Carolina is a lot lower than New York. While New York might pay more as a starting salary, the difference may not cover the increased living expenses one could encounter in New York.
Many times when someone contemplates a divorce, the cost is one of the very first issues that come to mind. Beyond the emotional aspects, it’s important to know and consider the costs and fees associated with a divorce and the divorce lawyer.
Generally, both spouses are responsible for their own share of the associated legal fees, including the costs of the attorney and any court fees associated with filing the divorce. In certain circumstances, you can ask that your spouse be responsible for all the fees associated with the divorce.
Because each divorce is different, the overall fees associated with obtaining a divorce lawyer can vary greatly. A few of the issues that will impact the overall costs are:
Mutual or Hostel Divorce
If both you and your spouse have mutually agreed to the divorce, the process is usually simpler and goes smoother. This usually means lower fees, as there will be less paper work, and less legal battles. The more issues that can be reconciled or agreed upon before filing the divorce, the better – and the less expensive the process will be. The more issues that must be handled by lawyers or in the court of law, the more legal fees, court costs, and lawyers costs there will be.
Attorney Experience and Reputation
An experienced, recommended divorce lawyer is usually the best bet – as they have experience and will fight to get you everything you need out of the divorce. However, the more experienced the lawyer, the higher the fees. Occasionally, you can find an excellent lawyer that won’t’ charge high prices, but these are hard to come by.
Custody Battles
If you and your spouse have children, and there are custody battles, the fees are usually higher. A good divorce lawyer will generally have connections to help you win the custody battle – such as social workers, or child psychologists. It is important to ensure that the divorce lawyer you select has experience handling custody battles, if this is needed. However, obtaining a lawyer that excels in divorce proceedings and custody battles will incur additional costs.
Property & Assets
The more property and assets there are to sort out, the higher the fees incurred by your lawyer there will be. If the property division, assets – and even any debts – can be decided upon beforehand, the costs will be lower.
If both parties are in agreement, and there are no major issues, such as the ones mentioned above, the overall average cost for a divorce lawyer can be rather low. The average fees associated can be as low as $600 to $800.
If both parties are in agreement and there are major issues, the costs are higher, but usually not significantly so. The average cost in this scenario can be as low as $1100 to $1500.
When there are major issues, when the divorce is not mutual, or if parties cannot agree, the costs can vary dramatically. There are, however, “flat fee” divorce lawyers. Usually in these cases, the lawyer will review the case and give you an estimate of the total fees incurred. This can be useful, so you know upfront what the costs will be. These can be as little as $500 for simple cases, or as much as $5000 – or more – for complex cases.
Computer programmers are trained in various – or a specific – type of computer language. There are various types of computer programmers that work with various systems, languages, and technologies. Some are tasked with creating or modifying applications or programs for computers, phones, or other devices such as iPads. Other programmers work with database systems, maintaining and troubleshooting problems. Still others may work solely with internet technologies, designing or building web-based programs, or creating webpages.
Computer programmers usually hold at least a 4 year degree in a computer science field, and may also have other certifications. One of the primary responsibilities of a programmer is staying up to date with any changes to the language or system they use, and in many cases, implementing and debugging these changes and updates.
The salary of a computer programmer depends on a number of different factors, such as the type of programming they do, certifications, who the employer is, and education.
Specialty
Specialization and skill level can greatly affect a programmer’s salary. There are a large number of specialties a programmer can become proficient in, with various degrees of demand and salary. For example, a mainframe/server programmer’s starting salary averages between $52,000 and $70,000. A programmer who specializes in web programming – building websites, or writing HTML code – averages between $45,000 and $60,000.
Certifications
Certifications are not always required by employers, and are generally not needed for freelance work. However, they can help a programmer obtain a better salary or position, especially with larger companies. A programmer can be certified in programming languages – such as HTML or Javascript – or even in specific programs, such as Oracle.
Certifications usually increase the starting salary anywhere from 5% to 20%, depending on the type of certification and its respective demand. They can also help a programmer obtain a promotion inside a company, or find a better position elsewhere.
Employer
The type of employer greatly affects the salary of a programmer. Freelance work usually pays between $200 and $400/hour, but the work can be inconsistent and sporadic. Smaller firms usually pay less, depending on the work needed. On average, a smaller company will pay between $50,000 and $70,000 a year. Larger firms usually pay a little more initially – between $55,000 and $80,000 a year – but often have plenty of room for advancement as experience accrues.
Location
Location will affect your salary as well as demand – both of which are critical for a computer programmer. Urban areas almost always have a significantly higher demand for programmers than their rural counterparts. Washington, especially around the populated area of Seattle, for example, averages between $85,000 and $95,000 a year. Other areas such as New York, Chicago, and Rochester can have even higher wages, ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year.
As a programmer accrues experience in his or her field, increases skill level, and obtains certifications, the wages can increase significantly. One can expect with a high skill level to average a salary upwards of $150,000 per year, and more in specialized fields.
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