Archive for October, 2009

How To Choose A Travel Hammock

Hammocks are perfect for relaxing by the pool or sun tanning at the cottage, so why not get one that can easily be moved from home to your favorite getaway spot. A travel hammock can be taken almost anywhere and are less expensive than traditional hammocks. In this article, we'll look at some of the sinfully comfortable hammocks available.

When shopping for a hammock to take on your travels, you should consider weight, size and strength. If you're going on a camping/hunting or hiking trip, then the lighter the better. You also want to make sure that your hammock camping gear is easy to assemble. You should also know how big the hammock is when folded. This is important for storage and transport. You should also be sure that the hammock will stand up to wear and tear. Cheap materials will fray and weak frames can be a safety hazard. Many people opt for polyester hammocks with aluminum frames because they stand up better to the elements than cotton and metal. Lie or sit in the hammock for several minutes before you buy it so that you're sure it is stable.

There are many different types of travel hammocks available. Some are simply lightweight cotton or polyester rope or fabric that needs to be supported between two trees or on hammocks stands. Others have their own collapsible frames or folding stands that allow them to be used almost anywhere. Knowing where you want to use the hammock most frequently will determine what kind of hammock you buy.

If you're a camping enthusiast, then a travel hammock is a great alternative to a tent. Besides being significantly less expensive, they are quicker to set up and disassemble, they're far more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and it helps to keep bugs out of your sleeping bag. Be sure that you get one with a solid hammock stand that will stay well balanced both on soil and rock. This is essential for your safety. Many portable hammocks come with great hammock accessories like removable rain canopies and mosquito netting. You'll feel comfortable and right at home while getting back to nature.

If you are shopping on a budget, you can pick up a great travel hammock for about $50. Beware of cheaper brands. The string rope hammocks may be inexpensive and easy to take around, but they are very unstable. One wrong move and you'll find yourself flipping onto the ground. Look for one that has sturdy supports and durable material. It's better to spend a little more money and get a hammock that will keep you safe and last a long time.

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401k IRA Differences

The 401k IRA choice is an important one nowadays with so much uncertainty surrounding the ability of social security to support retirees much longer. Most people will have one plan or the other; either a 401k pension plan through their employer, or an Investment Retirement Account that they have setup for themselves privately. Both plans are very useful in terms of maximizing your ability to save money for the years when you are older and unemployed.

The main differences have to do with the responsibility of setting up the accounts. With a 401k investment the funds are setup by the employer; with an IRA it is the account owner's responsibility to make sure that investments are done and that they are done properly. A 401k has the advantage of possibly receiving matching 401k contributions from the employer, either a portion or in some cases 100 percent of what you contribute. With an IRA, it is completely up to the owner to fund the account.

The other significant difference has to do with limits. Limits can be somewhat confusing depending on the different types of plans out there, and on the age of the contributor. Generally speaking, a 401k retirement plan will allow those less than 50 years of age to contribute $16500 a year, and those 50 and over to contribute a maximum of $22000. IRA limits are significantly lower; $5000 a year for those under 50, and $6000 per year for those 50 and over.

401k IRA benefits seem to weigh heavily on the side of 401k accounts, but there are advantages to having an IRA. The main benefit is the ability to have greater control over where your money is invested. A 401k can be difficult to change around, and there are greater restrictions on how the money can be invested. An IRA on the other hand can give you an almost unlimited range of investment options.

401k IRA discussions tend to come down to work situations and investment preferences. Those who have a stable working situation with an employer who makes reasonable contributions to their accounts are probably better off with their 401k plans, especially considering the differences in contribution limits. That being said, there are certainly enough reasons to have an IRA instead or in addition to a 401k investing plan.

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