Viewpoints Industry and Internet Speeds for the Country

Broadview Networks created a map of the United States which allegedly shows how fast the Internet is in each state. Viewpoints Industry shares that map and asks how fast is your Internet at home and work?

States in dark green are those with the highest speeds, such as Virginia. States in red are the slowest, such as Alaska. Delaware and Massachusetts tie for 2^nd place for being fast. Rhode Island and the District of Columbia round out the top five states that have speedy net service. California came in 20^th which is surprising since it is the home of Silicon Valley. Viewpoints Industry points out that it is not just the Internet speed that makes surfing the web easy. Fast downloads, movie viewing and game playing are far more enjoyable if the modem speed is fast, there is enough ram to enjoy those activities. Where you live also factors in to how fast the Internet will be. If you live in the city, it will be faster than living in the country. Look at the map to see how fast your state ranks on Internet speed. Then go online and find a service which can test your modem speed and streaming speed. Zippy web browsing is something everyone wants and not very often gets.


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Viewpoints Industry: If You're in Debt, You're Not Alone

Viewpoints Industry notes that this country -- along with most of the world -- has just been through the worst recession to hit us since the Dirty Thirties, that is, the Great Depression.  Therefore, it should surprise no one that a large percentage of us are suffering from consumer debt.  But what has taken many by surprise is the vast number of Americans who have been affected:  over one third of us have amassed debts so severe that they are now in collection.  The numbers vary by state, but Nevada has come out the worst with 46% of its citizens in collection.  Simple debts typically don't get rolled over into "collection" until 180 days have passed without a payment.  This is how severe the problem is, system-wide.

Viewpoints Industry has learned that more than one third of Americans are in the red.

The Viewpoints Industry TV show reports some 77 million Americans with debt in collections, who owe an average of $5,200.  This takes into account debt from credit card bills, child support, medical bills, utility bills, parking tickets or membership fees.  While mortgage debt accounts for a large portion of all of this record debt, the rest can not all be blamed on mere capricious spending.  Unemployment has hit communities hard and, no matter how responsible a person intends to be about paying off his or her debts, if there is no job, there is no income with which to do this.  The only upside seems to be a bit more patience on the part of lenders in their collection process because this problem has afflicted so many of their customers.  We're all looking for the silver lining around this dark cloud.

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How to Buy a New Computer for Less from Viewpoints Industry

Computers do not last as long now as they did before. To find and buy a new one, Viewpoints Industry proffers some suggestions about how to buy a new one for less.

A brand-new computer is much like a brand-new car. Everyone wants the latest, greatest model with all the bells and whistles. But no one wants to spend a lot of money to get it. Thrifty people know how to shop savvy for what they want for less money.

Consider what purpose the equipment is needed. If it is just for browsing the Internet, checking and replying to email, paying bills and other lightweight tasks, consider a computer with less bells and whistles.

Consider a refurbished laptop or desktop. Much like a previously-owned vehicle, it has been examined, cleaned up and problems are corrected. It runs just as well as a new one but costs far less. Conduct an Internet search on refurbished computer from the manufacturer desired.

Consider upgrading. Many desktops can be upgraded for far less than ditching the old and getting a new one. Add more memory to it or increase the hard drive space with an external drive. Ask friends and family who are computer smart for help.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests waiting for sales on the types of equipment wanted. These are when the best deals can be found and when consumers can save money of some spiffy new digital toys. Happy computer and laptop hunting, readers.

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Viewpoints Industry – Best Things to Buy in August

August is the month when back to school deals are sweet. It is also the month when summer clothing and bathing suits and the like go on sale. Viewpoints Industry reveals the best things to buy in August and what to avoid.

Check state websites for the tax-free weekend on back to school supplies. Florida’s was last weekend. The tax-free weekend can save families a bundle on school stationary supplies, clothing, uniforms, laptops and more. The state website should have a list of what is tax-free during this time.

Summer essentials and outdoor items are on sale now. This means bathing suits, shorts, lightweight shirts, sandals, beach and pool toys, beach towels and more. Sign up for email alerts from favorite catalog companies and save even more. Stock up for the remainder of the summer and early fall when the weather is still warm.

Avoid big ticket home appliances like washing machines and dryers, holiday items, smart phones and tablets, and travel plans for the holiday season. Labor Day and Black Friday are creeping up quickly and this is usually the better time to get a good deal on large home needs. Viewpoints Industry suggests taking advantage of summer sales both in the store and online. Stash the money saved into a savings or retirement account and feel better knowing that you saved twice.

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Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips for First Time Homebuyers

Buying a home for the first time is one of the biggest financial decisions anyone can make. There are many aspects to it that can boggle the most reasonable mind. Viewpoints Industry shares some tips for first time home buyers to help ease minds.

Young people, typically around age 30, are eager to find and buy their first home. Eagerly, they go online and find homes which seem affordable and are just what the buyer wants. But let’s take a look at what one needs to do first before hitting the Internet for that first dream home.

More than three-quarters of prospective home buyers are pre-qualified for a home loan. Yet many of those are not clear on the terms of the loan. Before getting pre-qualified, spend time hammering out a monthly home budget to see what is affordable without  having to scrape by. Find ways to cut back on spending such as eating more meals at home, taking lunch to work and skipping expensive coffee purchases.

How much of a down payment can be put on the home?  Typically, if less is put down, the private mortgage insurance is higher, interest rates are higher and closing costs are higher. Save as much as possible toward the down payment to reduce these fees.

Can one afford the monthly mortgage payment? How much will that be? Mortgage payments are not the same as rent. If the payment is late, fees incur. If one is more than 30 days late, the credit rating of that person takes a huge hit.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests regularly checking credit reports and scores during the lending process. Go online and find the best free resources for this, and to find the best calculators for determining mortgages and loans.


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A Viewpoints Industry Fist Pump for Healthier Ways to Greet Someone

The standard way we know to greet someone is to shake their hand. But there are several reasons why this normal business and personal greeting is no longer the healthiest way to say “nice to meet you”. Viewpoints Industry examines other ways to in which to show respect and be friendly.

Unknown to many people, a simple fist pump with another person spreads far less germs (one-twentieth) than a handshake. A high-five spreads half as many germs as a handshake. Hand shakes are a very common greeting in all facets of business and in nearly every part of the world. But it is also a very efficient way to spread germs. Health experts recommend washing your hands or using a sanitizer on hands after shaking someone else’s in a hospital, urgent care center, health clinic or with a food worker. A more sanitary way to greet someone might be to offer a small bow, or a smile. In the U.S., younger professionals might view the fist pump as a cool way to say “job well done” or “nice to meet you”.  Viewpoints Industry also knows that handshakes will always be the norm, and with a little good hygiene, can be less of a germy way to introduce oneself. 

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Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips of What NOT to Say at a Job Interview

Viewpoints Industry knows:  we've all been there.  The job interview that seems to be percolating along just fine.  You feel a connection with the interviewer and you think you're saying all the right things.  But somehow it goes afowl and either ends badly, or you never hear from them again.  Was it something you said?  It very well may have been.  Most of us are familiar with the landmines to avoid in the primary job interview, such as salary, benefits, vacation or the interviewer's hideous comb-over.  But there may be other subjects waiting to strike if you happen to say something that is either unwise or too early.  An excellent example of this is:  "What does your company do?"  Theoretically, you were supposed to know the answer to that before you applied so that it doesn't appear too obvious that you were just after "a job, any job".  Walk into the interview having done thorough research into the company.  And here's a potential trap:  that goes for a telephone interiew as well, so if you're blindsided by a call from a recruiter who wants to conduct a phone interview on the spot and her first question is:  "What do you know about our company?", it will definitely be a sweat-inducing moment if you haven't done your homework early.

Viewpoints Industry has heard that there can be hidden traps in a job interview.

The Viewpoints Industry TV show can suggest other things you should not say during the first interview for a job.  One candidacy killer is:  "What is your drug testing policy?"  That makes it sound like you wouldn't pass that test if it were given now.  While it's fine to ask about opportunities for advancement, never suggest you want the interviewer's job.  Asking about overtime can be a double-edged sword.  It can sound like you probably won't get your work done in regular time and you might cost them a lot in overtime payments, or it might just sound like you're not willing to stay beyond the end-of-day bell.  And finally, the best way to show you're not really interested, not listening and not absorbing anything the interviewer says, is to ask questions that have already been answered.  Good luck, and watch what you say.

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