Saturday, November 11, 2017

Fix: Windows 7 Update stuck on "Checking for updates" (windows update hangs forever on Windows 7)

Both explains and solves the problem. Encountered it multiple times reinstalling Windows 7...

Fix: Windows 7 Update stuck on "Checking for updates"

This article shows you how to fix the "Checking for Updates" loop on Windows 7.

Why this problem occurs

Inside Windows Update, there is a small piece of software called an agent. The agent contacts Microsoft's servers and downloads any available updates.

In order to function properly, the agent on your computer must be the same version as the one on Microsoft's servers, otherwise your computer will not be able to communicate with the servers. Several months ago, Microsoft updated its servers, causing any Windows 7 machines with the old agent to fail when trying to connect. This incompatibility between computer and server causes Windows Update to get stuck.

Solution and more at:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/fix-windows-7-update-stuck-on-checking-for-updates/ad6cfeef-232a-49b4-a57b-39978eea6630

Thursday, November 2, 2017

PIXMA MX922 error code B200 workaround, thanks to Canon Community Bulletin Board!

Don't replace the print head! This happened eventually on both the MX922's we have

Re: PIXMA MX922 with error code B200 (Series MX920)

‎09-29-2017 02:31 PM

1. Turn OFF Power
2. Open the print head bay (as though you were about to change inks)
3. Turn ON power
4. Wait for print carriage to start moving to the left and let it go past half way
5. Before print carriage reaches left hand side (but after going halfway across) shut the cover.
6. Leave the Printer turned on
7. Good to go.
I tried this and it worked for me

(excerpted from: http://community.usa.canon.com/t5/Printer-Multifunction-Support/PIXMA-MX922-with-error-code-B200-Series-MX920/td-p/213430 )

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Yet another tech support scam from 607-319-8426

Robotic message: "If you are the one who is using Microsoft Windows in your computer then please call 607-319-8426 or press one to speak with security team now. Please ignore if we called you by mistake. Thanks." This is a scam to get permission to access your computer. Do not comply!

Cheers,

Connie O'Dell

odellconnie@gmail.com

720-260-4442

Monday, October 16, 2017

Selling As-Is, no returns, on ebay, NOT as used, important comments! -- from comments on "A Guide to Selling Imperfect Items | eBay"

The most important points when selling an item as-is, i.e., not fully functional, no returns, are:

1) don't sell it as used, sell it for parts or not working. (even if you think it does work but cannot test it)

2) Make sure your headline indicates this, and also that your description is still fully accurate,

More useful comments (the comments on the article are more accurate than the official ebay article itself IMHO):

"Mercedes Lohan

If you listed your item "used" condition, then there is no such thing as "as-is", even if you mention it, eBay will not stand with you if the customer open a case, since "used" should still be working condition. IF the item is not working, or you want to sell it "as-is", then list it as "for parts or not working", make sure you state the problems, what happened to it or what you think happened to it. Also take good pics. Then you can state the item is "as-is". The items listed as "for parts or not working" is not qualified to open a SNAD dispute since you stated it nees repair and it is for parts. But "used" items must be in working condition.

Like · Reply · Aug 9, 2017 9:27pm

Roy Bratton ·

Owner at Bratton Rappa Dentistry PC

Gal Shaked is 100% correct and this article is like a defective item that needs to be returned. If you don't know enough to evaluate the condition of your item, you must list it "for parts or repair". Otherwise you are responsible for accepting the return and paying for shipping (which is only right).

Like · Reply · Jul 15, 2017 5:53pm

Greg Tank ·

St. Cloud State University

I learned the hard way, Always believe ebay will side with the buyer and you will refund the the full price plus shipping. Anything other than that will require you to spend waaaaaay to much time and emotional capital and in the end....READ AND BELIEVE - bottom line - you will be required to return it by ebay and give them a refund. Price your items accordingly.

Like · Reply · May 3, 2017 8:19am

Gal Shaked ·

Harvard University

This is guide is nonsense, and will mislead people. THERE IS NO SUCH THING ON EBAY AS "AS-IS".
Depends on the item category (it's different for things like dolls), but basically the choice is between "used" and "for parts or non-working". Any item categorized at the top of the listing as "used" has to fully work, and only cosmetic imperfections are allowed. It doesn't matter if further down the listing says "as-is" or "untested" -- any buyer who buys the item and later discovers itdoesn't work, even partially, will win any "significantly not as described" (SNAD) dispute.
If the seller doesn't know for sure that the item works (e.g., no battery/power supply available to test it) the only option s/he has is to list it as "for parts"; you can still say in the description that "it is believed to work", but expect to be paid a lot less for it than for a "used" item.
Sucks that eBay doesn't have an intermediate category, but that's how it is.
Also, no such thing as "no returns", except for buyer remorse. The eBay/PayPal guarantees trump any statement like that; if the item is SNAD (e.g., doesn't look like the picture, even if the listing was "for parts / not working" , the buyer will win any dispute on this.

Like · Reply · 1 · Dec 27, 2016 2:57am

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Sold-As-Is-A-Guide-to-Selling-Imperfect-Items-/10000000002127337/g.html

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

How do I prevent automatic window resizing in Windows 10 (windows become suddenly bigger/smaller when you just want to move them)?

How do I prevent automatic window resizing?

In Windows 7, I knew how to turn off the annoying (to me) feature that windows were automatically maximized when moved to the edge of the screen. This option no longer seems to be present in the 'ease of access' settings. Any idea if it can still be disabled?

I also agree this is a pretty weird "feature", and I always end up turning it off. Turn it *off* here, in "Settings" ("Gear" symbol above windows menu in lower-left hand corner):

A) Click/tap on Multitasking on the left side. Under Snap on the right side, move the Arrange windows automatically by dragging them to the sides or corners of the screen slider to the right to turn it on. (see screenshot below)

B) If you like, you can also turn on or off When I snap more than one window, automatically adjust the size of the windows (Snap Fill) and When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it (Snap Assist).

From: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4343-turn-off-aero-snap-windows-10-a.html

Sunday, June 25, 2017

MotionX-GPS Track: Track 054

Hello,

Connie O'Dell uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone and is sharing with you the following track:

Jun 25, 2017 12:12 pm

Name:		Track 054
Date:		Jun 25, 2017 12:12 pm
Map: (valid until Dec 22, 2017)		View on Map
Distance:		4.98 miles
Elapsed Time:		1:55:05
Avg Speed:		2.6 mph
Max Speed:		8.3 mph
Avg Pace:		23' 06" per mile
Min Altitude:		5,701 ft
Max Altitude:		7,629 ft
Start Time:		2017-06-25T18:12:34Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	39º 58' 55" N
	Longitude:	105º 18' 28" W
End Location:
	Latitude:	39º 58' 16" N
	Longitude:	105º 15' 55" W

MotionX-GPS Commonly Asked Questions

What is MotionX-GPS?
MotionX-GPS is the essential GPS application for outdoor enthusiasts. It puts an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art handheld GPS on your iPhone.

Can I use MotionX-GPS?
Sure! MotionX-GPS can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.

How can I display tracks in Google Earth?
Follow the directions on the Google Earth web site to download and install the Google Earth program. Save the attached "Track 054.kmz" file to your computer. Launch Google Earth, select File, Open, and open the saved "Track 054.kmz" file.

This email was forwarded to me. Where are the attachments?
Some e-mail programs do not include the original attachments by default when forwarding an e-mail. In this case, the sender must reattach the original files for them to be included.

Please contact MotionX customer support with any comments or questions.

All the best,

The MotionX Team

US and Foreign Patents Granted and Pending. Fullpower® is a registered trademark of Fullpower Technologies, Inc. MotionX™ is a trademark of Fullpower Technologies, Inc. © Copyright 2003 - 2012 Fullpower Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

ver: ; ref-id:

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Colorado Legislators, 2017, twitter, facebook, website, telephone, contact info

Colorado	Governor	John	Hickenlooper	@hickforco	https://www.facebook.com/JohnHickenlooper/	https://www.colorado.gov/governor/share-your-comments	(303)866-2471
	Senator	Michael	Bennet	@SenBennetCO	https://www.facebook.com/senbennetco/	https://www.bennet.senate.gov/?p=contact	202-224-5852
	Senator	Cory	Gardner	@SenCoryGardner	https://www.facebook.com/Cory.Gardner.For.Senate/	https://www.gardner.senate.gov/contact-cory/email-cory	202-224-5941

Source:

http://rareaction.org/daysofaction/state-by-state-senator-governor-information/

Cheers,

Connie O'Dell

odellconnie@gmail.com

720-260-4442

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Identity Theft and Social Media: 7 Tips to Protect Your Finances

Money Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for a Richer Life - 469 MG Identity Theft and Social Media: 7 Tips to Protect Your Finances: http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/media.blubrry.com/finance/traffic.libsyn.com/money/mg_469.mp3

In honor of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, Laura gives you 7 tips to stay connected with family and friends on social media as safely as possible so ordinary details you share won't be used by cyber thieves to hurt your personal finances. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2drUJRq Get the Money Girl book at http://www.MoneyGirlBook.com.

http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/media.blubrry.com/finance/traffic.libsyn.com/money/mg_469.mp3

Sunday, June 4, 2017

MotionX-GPS Track: Track 053

Hello,

Connie O'Dell uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone and is sharing with you the following track:

Jun 4, 2017 3:26 pm

Name:		Track 053
Date:		Jun 4, 2017 3:26 pm
Map: (valid until Dec 1, 2017)		View on Map
Distance:		3.09 miles
Elapsed Time:		25:15.5
Avg Speed:		7.3 mph
Max Speed:		14.5 mph
Avg Pace:		8' 10" per mile
Min Altitude:		5,158 ft
Max Altitude:		5,264 ft
Start Time:		2017-06-04T21:26:21Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	39º 43' 30" N
	Longitude:	105º 00' 56" W
End Location:
	Latitude:	39º 45' 31" N
	Longitude:	105º 00' 32" W

MotionX-GPS Commonly Asked Questions

What is MotionX-GPS?
MotionX-GPS is the essential GPS application for outdoor enthusiasts. It puts an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art handheld GPS on your iPhone.

Can I use MotionX-GPS?
Sure! MotionX-GPS can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.

How can I display tracks in Google Earth?
Follow the directions on the Google Earth web site to download and install the Google Earth program. Save the attached "Track 053.kmz" file to your computer. Launch Google Earth, select File, Open, and open the saved "Track 053.kmz" file.

This email was forwarded to me. Where are the attachments?
Some e-mail programs do not include the original attachments by default when forwarding an e-mail. In this case, the sender must reattach the original files for them to be included.

Please contact MotionX customer support with any comments or questions.

All the best,

The MotionX Team

ver: ; ref-id:

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Snake Oil? Scientific evidence for health supplements | Information Is Beautiful

http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/snake-oil-supplements/

Monday, May 29, 2017

MotionX-GPS Track: Bolder Boulder!

Hello,

Connie O'Dell uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone and is sharing with you the following track:

May 29, 2017 8:58 am

Name:		Bolder Boulder!
Date:		May 29, 2017 8:58 am
Map: (valid until Nov 25, 2017)		View on Map
Distance:		6.56 miles
Elapsed Time:		1:36:16
Avg Speed:		4.1 mph
Max Speed:		8.7 mph
Avg Pace:		14' 41" per mile
Min Altitude:		5,272 ft
Max Altitude:		5,376 ft
Start Time:		2017-05-29T14:58:18Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	40º 01' 16" N
	Longitude:	105º 15' 14" W
End Location:
	Latitude:	40º 00' 38" N
	Longitude:	105º 16' 03" W

MotionX-GPS Commonly Asked Questions

What is MotionX-GPS?
MotionX-GPS is the essential GPS application for outdoor enthusiasts. It puts an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art handheld GPS on your iPhone.

Can I use MotionX-GPS?
Sure! MotionX-GPS can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.

How can I display tracks in Google Earth?
Follow the directions on the Google Earth web site to download and install the Google Earth program. Save the attached "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file to your computer. Launch Google Earth, select File, Open, and open the saved "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file.

This email was forwarded to me. Where are the attachments?
Some e-mail programs do not include the original attachments by default when forwarding an e-mail. In this case, the sender must reattach the original files for them to be included.

Please contact MotionX customer support with any comments or questions.

All the best,

The MotionX Team

ver: ; ref-id:

MotionX-GPS Track: Bolder Boulder!

Hello,

Connie O'Dell uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone and is sharing with you the following track:

Name:		Bolder Boulder!
Date:		May 29, 2017 8:58 am
Map: (valid until Nov 25, 2017)		View on Map
Distance:		6.56 miles
Elapsed Time:		1:36:16
Avg Speed:		4.1 mph
Max Speed:		8.7 mph
Avg Pace:		14' 41" per mile
Min Altitude:		5,272 ft
Max Altitude:		5,376 ft
Start Time:		2017-05-29T14:58:18Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	40º 01' 16" N
	Longitude:	105º 15' 14" W
End Location:
	Latitude:	40º 00' 38" N
	Longitude:	105º 16' 03" W

MotionX-GPS Commonly Asked Questions

What is MotionX-GPS?
MotionX-GPS is the essential GPS application for outdoor enthusiasts. It puts an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art handheld GPS on your iPhone.

Can I use MotionX-GPS?
Sure! MotionX-GPS can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.

How can I display tracks in Google Earth?
Follow the directions on the Google Earth web site to download and install the Google Earth program. Save the attached "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file to your computer. Launch Google Earth, select File, Open, and open the saved "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file.

This email was forwarded to me. Where are the attachments?
Some e-mail programs do not include the original attachments by default when forwarding an e-mail. In this case, the sender must reattach the original files for them to be included.

Please contact MotionX customer support with any comments or questions.

All the best,

The MotionX Team

ver: ; ref-id:

MotionX-GPS Track: Bolder Boulder!

Hello,

Connie O'Dell uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone and is sharing with you the following track:

Name:		Bolder Boulder!
Date:		May 29, 2017 8:58 am
Map: (valid until Nov 25, 2017)		View on Map
Distance:		6.56 miles
Elapsed Time:		1:36:16
Avg Speed:		4.1 mph
Max Speed:		8.7 mph
Avg Pace:		14' 41" per mile
Min Altitude:		5,272 ft
Max Altitude:		5,376 ft
Start Time:		2017-05-29T14:58:18Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	40º 01' 16" N
	Longitude:	105º 15' 14" W
End Location:
	Latitude:	40º 00' 38" N
	Longitude:	105º 16' 03" W

MotionX-GPS Commonly Asked Questions

What is MotionX-GPS?
MotionX-GPS is the essential GPS application for outdoor enthusiasts. It puts an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art handheld GPS on your iPhone.

Can I use MotionX-GPS?
Sure! MotionX-GPS can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.

How can I display tracks in Google Earth?
Follow the directions on the Google Earth web site to download and install the Google Earth program. Save the attached "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file to your computer. Launch Google Earth, select File, Open, and open the saved "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file.

This email was forwarded to me. Where are the attachments?
Some e-mail programs do not include the original attachments by default when forwarding an e-mail. In this case, the sender must reattach the original files for them to be included.

Please contact MotionX customer support with any comments or questions.

All the best,

The MotionX Team

ver: ; ref-id:

MotionX-GPS Track: Bolder Boulder!

Hello,

Connie O'Dell uses MotionX-GPS on the iPhone and is sharing with you the following track:

Name:		Bolder Boulder!
Date:		May 29, 2017 8:58 am
Map: (valid until Nov 25, 2017)		View on Map
Distance:		6.56 miles
Elapsed Time:		1:36:16
Avg Speed:		4.1 mph
Max Speed:		8.7 mph
Avg Pace:		14' 41" per mile
Min Altitude:		5,272 ft
Max Altitude:		5,376 ft
Start Time:		2017-05-29T14:58:18Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	40º 01' 16" N
	Longitude:	105º 15' 14" W
End Location:
	Latitude:	40º 00' 38" N
	Longitude:	105º 16' 03" W

MotionX-GPS Commonly Asked Questions

What is MotionX-GPS?
MotionX-GPS is the essential GPS application for outdoor enthusiasts. It puts an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art handheld GPS on your iPhone.

Can I use MotionX-GPS?
Sure! MotionX-GPS can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.

How can I display tracks in Google Earth?
Follow the directions on the Google Earth web site to download and install the Google Earth program. Save the attached "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file to your computer. Launch Google Earth, select File, Open, and open the saved "Bolder Boulder.kmz" file.

This email was forwarded to me. Where are the attachments?
Some e-mail programs do not include the original attachments by default when forwarding an e-mail. In this case, the sender must reattach the original files for them to be included.

Please contact MotionX customer support with any comments or questions.

All the best,

The MotionX Team

ver: ; ref-id:

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

How to watch Google I/O 2017 live, thanks to recode.net

https://www.recode.net/2017/5/17/15647018/watch-google-io-keynote-sundar-pichai-livestreaming-2017

How to watch Google I/O 2017 live

The keynote and 150 talks are streaming this week.

BY TESS TOWNSEND MAY 17, 2017, 1:09PM EDT

Can't trek down — or up, or east, or west — to the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View this year for Google's annual developer conference? No worries, you can watch it live from the comfort of the internet.

Google will stream the main Google I/O keynote featuring CEO Sundar Pichai starting at 10am PT / 1pm ET. You can watch below and follow along on our live coverage.

You can find the various talks that are being streamed by visiting the schedule page for Google I/O and looking for events with a video camera icon next to them. (We counted more than 150.) Livestreamed talks can be found at their scheduled times on the Google Developers YouTube channel.

Last year, you could also watch the keynote in 360-degree video. Not the case this year, but you should still expect virtual reality to be on the menu at I/O.

Here are a few streaming highlights:

Wednesday, May 17, 10 am PT / 1 pm ET / 6 pm London / 1 am (but on May 18) Hong Kong: Main keynote, featuring Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Wednesday, May 17, 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET / 9 pm London / 4 am (again, May 18) Hong Kong: Developer keynote (less consumer-focused)
Thursday, May 18, 9:30 am PT/ 12:30 pm ET/ 5:30 pm London / 11:30 pm Hong Kong: VR/AR presentation

We're expecting I/O this year to flesh out Google's AI-first vision with announcements that the company is automating and enhancing its products with more artificial intelligence features and tools.

Cheers,

Connie O'Dell

odellconnie@gmail.com

720-260-4442

Monday, May 15, 2017

Simple step by step guide to installing windows patches, including WannyCry preventer, thanks to Heimdal! (was:How to Apply the Windows Update that Patches the EternalBlue SMB Exploit)

Simple step by step guide to installing windows patches, including WannyCry preventer

"The first step in protecting any computer against WannaCry, Uiwix and other ransomware campaigns is to apply the critical patch that Microsoft released in March 2017 (Microsoft Security Bulletin MS17-010)."

How to Apply the Windows Update that Patches the EternalBlue SMB Exploit - Heimdal Security Blog

Monday, April 24, 2017

Python programming learning resource

Just sharing an awesome learning resource I found at http://bit.ly/Python-101

It is good for all levels!

These are my favourites:

* Complete Python Bootcamp: Go from zero to hero in Python

* Data Science and Machine Learning with Python - Hands On!

* Machine Learning A-Z: Hands-On Python & R In Data Science

The info is originally from a friend. Thanks, Jenny!

Cheers,

Connie O'Dell

odellconnie@gmail.com

720-260-4442

Friday, March 24, 2017

Great ESL podcasts for students to listen to + Simple English Wikipedia

Great ESL podcasts for students to listen to while commuting or on the go. I have only included the website links, but they are all also available via iTunes:

The English We Speak: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9zn/episodes/downloads
English Class 101: https://www.englishclass101.com/

Elementary Podcasts by the British Council: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/elementary-podcasts

Splendid Speaking (For Advanced Learners): http://splendidspeaking.podomatic.com/

Business English: https://www.businessenglishpod.com/

Culips ESL Podcast: https://esl.culips.com/ - Conversational English for everyday use.
ESL Pod: https://www.eslpod.com/index.html
Luke's English Podcast: http://teacherluke.co.uk/

Also, Wikipedia has a Simple English Version:

Simple English Wikipedia: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page - A special Wikipedia site using simple English words and grammar for English learners.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Looking for New Work? Five Key Things You Can Do Beyond Sending Out Resumes and Applications, thanks to the Simple Dollar!

Looking for New Work? Five Key Things You Can Do Beyond Sending Out Resumes and Applications

Posted: 22 Mar 2017 07:00 AM PDT

It's an almost automatic response. You need a job, or you're unhappy at your current job. What do you do? You start applying elsewhere. You look up online job listings. You fill out applications. You send out resumes and cover letters.

While that's definitely a key step in the process, you're often just tossing your resume or application into a pile with a lot of other resumes and applications. The question isn't whether you apply, but how exactly you're going to rise to the top of that pile.

The truth is that most of the time, it is the factors beyond the resume or application that causes yours to rise to the top of the stack. The factors that set people apart and line them up for interviews comes from the extra steps that people take.

If you want to get a new job beyond an entry-level position, you have to bring something more to the table. Here are five additional things you should be doing to bring that "something extra" into the mix.

Go to meetups and trade shows.

If there are any meetings or shows related to your career in your area, go to them. Go to all of them. If you don't even know where to start looking, a great place to start is to use Meetup and go to anything that is related to what you want to be doing next in your career.

The goal of these meetings is threefold. First, you can actually learn some things about your career path that can prove useful, both at your current job and where you might be going next. Second, regular participation in a group related to your career can make for a good entry on your resume.

The third reason is perhaps the most valuable one, though: it provides you with an opportunity to meet people in your area in your professional field. Meetups and trade shows are loaded with people in overlapping careers from a wide variety of employers. It's those people – and those potential relationships – that will help you find an open door to the next step in your career.

Join a trade association related to your career.

If your career path offers a trade association of any kind, become a member of that association. Usually, this will give you access to a publication, meetings for that association, and perhaps most useful, a job board.

Those benefits provide most of the advantages of going to meetups and trade shows in your area, as discussed above, and trade association membership is definitely worth a resume mention.

Trade association job boards might not directly lead you to a job, but they often provide a place to find jobs that aren't posted on all of the normal job outlets. Often, they're looking for people who have a trade association membership as a prerequisite, one that you meet, so the membership is directly giving you a path to additional job options.

Do volunteer work.

There are few better ways to meet a wide cross section of big-hearted people in your community than through volunteer work. You'll meet and get to know people from a wide variety of career paths and backgrounds and they're all predisposed to think positively of each other because you're all spending time doing charitable things.

Such civic-minded groups are often full of people who want to build a better community for everyone – and they're also full of people who do want to connect with each other as part of building that community. A community is made of people, after all, and those groups are often the backbone of it. You'll find yourself building great resume material, building connections with pillars of your community, learning new skills, and making a ton of good personal and professional connections, all while doing something great for your community. Civic groups and volunteer groups are wonderful tools for anyone wanting to build a lasting career or business in a local community.

You can get started by joining a volunteer or civic group in your area. Look at groups like Habitat for Humanity for starters, and also take a look at the civic groups mentioned on your community's website, such as the Lion's Club.

Get active in social media in a professional way.

Many career paths offer thriving online communities where people are constantly exchanging ideas and discussion topics in an effort to improve themselves, build strong professional relationships, and carve out a name for themselves. It's incredibly worthwhile for you to get involved in those groups.

On social media, your ideas rule. It's a fast-flowing exchange of information and ideas, and when you can contribute in a useful way by answering questions and contributing value to discussions, you tend to raise your profile and build followers and connections. Jump on there, look for professional conversations you can add to, and dive in. Take note of people you see frequently sharing good ideas and build up a connection with those people.

Twitter and LinkedIn are great places to start. Twitter is best for conversation and sharing ideas with a broader audience, while LinkedIn is useful for finding connecting with people you may somehow already be associated with.

Follow up with the people you meet.

The first four steps in this process are going to introduce you to a lot of people who are in your field or in related fields. Those people are often going to be the difference maker when it comes to getting a good job.

When you meet someone who seems interesting at a meetup or a trade show or a volunteer activity or on social media, follow up with that person. Exchange contact information with them, then jot down a reminder of why you should follow up with that person.

Then follow up. Send that person a message related to the reason you intended to follow up with, then keep that exchange going. Don't be afraid to ask this person, after a few exchanges, whether or not they know of any job openings that you might fit well.

Final Thoughts

You can have all of the skills in the world, but in the end it's relationships that often make the difference in terms of getting your resume noticed. The key to getting a great job, then, isn't just sending out your resume (though that's important) and it isn't just having a great resume (though that's vital, too), but it's having lots of relationships that can help you get your foot in the door.

Every career step I've taken has been aided by a professional relationship of some kind. My academic advisor in college got me my first job that had anything to do with my career path. My supervisor at that job essentially took me with him when he switched jobs. My mentor at that job ended up hiring me himself, and then when that contract was about to run out, I was hired by another group that I had built a relationship with while working for my earlier mentor.

Yes, at each step, I had the skills I needed for the next step in my journey, but without strong professional relationships, I would have never been able to progress in my career path. It is those relationships that make all the difference when you're taking a step forward in your career. Those relationships will push your resume to the top of the stack. Those relationships will open doors for you.

It's up to you to step through it.

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The post Looking for New Work? Five Key Things You Can Do Beyond Sending Out Resumes and Applications appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

Three Big Mistakes Students Make When Accepting Financial Aid

Posted: 22 Mar 2017 03:00 AM PDT

I graduated college with $145,000 in student loans. The worst part about it? I was willfully ignorant about the amount I borrowed. It would all be paid off by Future Me, right? Besides, not once during my economics courses was there a discussion about the adverse effects of high student debt. How bad could it be?

In a word: devastating.

A recent study from the nonprofit group American Student Assistance recently took a look at the effects of student loan debt on young adults. The results are troubling. Among those with student loan debt:

56% worry about repaying their loan either all the time (26%) or often (30%);
40% report that worrying about their student loans has impacted their health;
61% have considered getting a second job to help pay off their student loans; and
54% of young workers report that right now, paying off student loans comes first, and they will put off saving for retirement until later.

So, how do high school students make smart choices about college that won't leave them struggling under a large debt burden? Maybe a better way to think about it is in terms of what not to do. I spoke with Kevin Fudge, director of consumer advocacy and ombudsman at ASA's Center for Consumer Advocacy, about three big mistakes that college-bound students make when it comes to accepting financial aid.

Mistake #1: Accepting Too Much Financial Aid

Accepting too much help might seem like an oxymoron at first. Why wouldn't you accept every penny of aid that a school offers?

Because, Fudge says, "Even with a so called 'full ride' scholarship, you can still be eligible for up to $5,700 in aid per year. If you take the max every year, you're going to end up almost $23,000 in debt," despite going to school for free.

It comes down to the huge difference between scholarships and loans. Colleges can be somewhat cagey with this concept, because all the money they offer is lumped under the generic catch-all category of "aid."

As Fudge bluntly puts it, "Aid is a bit of a misnomer. Keep in mind that you're on the hook for every single penny you take out that is not a scholarship or grant."

This may be a new concept for some college hopefuls; I know I had never considered it. I thought if you got a full ride, you were guaranteed to graduate debt-free. It's critical for students to understand the nuances of their aid packages.

Imagine this scenario: You're considering two comparable schools that cost $30,000 per year.

School A offers you a yearly aid package of $25,000.
School B offers you a yearly aid package of $15,000.

At first glance, School A seems like the better choice. But, you might dig deeper and discover that School A offers only $5,000 in scholarships and grants, while $20,000 of the aid package is comprised of loans. School B, on the other hand, is offering $12,000 in scholarships and grants, plus $3,000 in loans.

So, while you're not receiving as much "aid" from School B, you are actually being offered substantially more in total scholarship money, which don't have to be paid back. Assuming the schools offer a comparable education, it would make more sense to select the smaller aid package.

These sorts of distinctions are why it's so critical to understand the nuances of your financial aid package.

Furthermore, when extra aid is offered to low-income families, it creates a particularly tricky conundrum. On the one hand, a college degree can open up a lifetime of higher pay. At the same time, low-income students may feel like they need to stretch themselves even further to earn one, and risk ending up deep in debt with no degree to show for it. "The student has zero ability to pay, but has the option of taking out $20,000-plus in loans," Fudge says. "It's a flaw in the system."

So, how do you mitigate the risks of taking out too many loans? It comes down to treating your college choice the same way you would any other large purchase: You have to try to take the emotion out of it.

"Have a budget in mind, the same way you would if you were shopping for a house," Fudge says. "You don't want to get emotionally attached to marble countertops and overpay for them when house shopping. Similarly, you don't want to overpay for a school because it has pretty brick buildings. Stay true to your principles and don't get swayed."

The psychological hurdles are huge, but not insurmountable. As with budgeting for anything else, it's important to set realistic goals and stick to them.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Total Cost of Your Loans

"Students always need to consider the overall investment in their higher education, not just the first-year costs," says Fudge.

A common mistake is to calculate what sort of financial aid package you'll be receiving your freshman year, and then to extrapolate those numbers going forward. This can lead to misunderstandings in figuring out what your payments will be on a yearly basis.

For one thing, prices can go up while you're in school. Let's say you plan on paying for $10,000 a year yourself, and taking out loans to cover the rest. If first-year tuition is $20,000, and you take out $10,000 in loans, don't assume you'll be taking out a total of $40,000 in loans over four years. By your third or fourth year, tuition could be up to $25,000 a year or more, leaving you on the hook for thousands more dollars a year.

What's more, it's important to consider the cost of interest on your student loans. As expensive as the sticker price of college already is, you'll be paying even more than that if you end up taking years or decades to pay it all off.

Finally, remember that scholarships will often list their total award amount, rather than their yearly amount. That means a $10,000 scholarship might not pay you $10,000 per year, but actually $2,500 per year spread out over four years. "Unless you thoroughly understand your financial aid offering, yearly costs can be easy to miscalculate. Also, remember that scholarships can be both one-time and renewable," Fudge says.

Calculating total costs is made more difficult by the fact that there is no uniformity when it comes to college aid letters. Often a "President's Scholarship" will mean different things from different schools, for example, and carry a different award amount.

It can't be stated too many times: Read and digest the entire student aid package from each and every school you are considering.

Mistake #3: Putting Too Much Faith in a School's Financial Aid Office

The people working in a university financial aid office are supposed to be your go-to resource for figuring out how to pay for college – and often, they can be helpful to that end. Unfortunately, their advice can sometimes be influenced by their more primary goal: increasing enrollment, even if it means saddling students with a lot of debt.

Rather than blindly take the financial aid office at its word, Fudge advises a more holistic approach to figuring out how much aid you can take on.

"The most important part is having a budget and sticking with it," he says. "Beyond that, talk to current college students and recent graduates about their experience. Parents who talk to other parents, or students who talk to recent alumni, are the best equipped to make these tough decisions."

Furthermore, there are tons of free resources available to help students make student loan decisions; a good first step is to start with your state board of higher education. Regardless, Fudge recommends seeking help from a neutral third party. "Sometimes, both your high school and your prospective college won't be working with your best interests in mind," Fudge says.

As with any other financial decision, the only person who will always have your best interests in mind is you.

Summing Up

Thoroughly read your financial aid documents, consult with independent experts, and talk to people who have been down the same road. If you take the time to do those three things, you'll be well prepared to avoid financial aid pitfalls.

Remember: Once you get into debt, it's ugly. Student loan debt is a giant gorilla that jumps on your back the moment you graduate. It can weigh you down, demand constant attention, and grow bigger the more you ignore it.

Once you know what's coming, you can fortify yourself by becoming strong enough to bear the burden while simultaneously ensuring you have less weight to carry. You want your hard earned money going toward your retirement, not toward feeding a hungry, angry ape.

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The post Three Big Mistakes Students Make When Accepting Financial Aid appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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