| How to Use the Blur Effects on Instagram Posted: 02 May 2017 05:00 PM PDT This wikiHow teaches you how to use Instagram's Tilt Shift filter to stylishly blur your photos. Edit10 Second Summary 1. Open Instagram.
2. Tap the New Post button.
3. Select an image and tap Next.
4. Tap Edit.
5. Tap Tilt Shift.
6. Select a blur effect.
7. Tap Done.
8. Share your photo.
- Open Instagram. It's an orange and pink app with a white camera icon, typically located on your home screen (iPhone/iPad) or in the app drawer (Android).
- If prompted, enter your Instagram username and password, then tap Log In.
- Tap the New Post button. It's the square with a plus sign (+) at the bottom-center part of Instagram.
- Select an image and tap . It's at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap . It's at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll right and tap . It's the next-to-last editing option.
- Select a blur effect. Choose one of the two options and then edit as desired.
- Radial: This selection adds blurring at the corners of the screen, leaving a round area at the center that remains clear.
- Slide your finger across the photo to focus on the subject area.
- Pinch your fingers in or out to adjust the size of the blurring effect.
- Linear: This selection leaves a linear area of the photo clear while blurring everything else.
- Slide your finger across the photo to choose the subject area.
- Pinch your fingers in or out to adjust the size of the blurring effect.
- Tap and rotate your two fingers to rotate the linear area.
- Tap . It's at the bottom of the screen.
- Share your photo. Type a caption into the text box, if desired, then tap Share. Your blurred photo will now appear in your Instagram feed.
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| How to Reduce Debt Using a Balance Transfer Posted: 02 May 2017 09:00 AM PDT Using a balance transfer might be a good way to reduce your debt. Some credit card companies offer a low or 0% introductory APR for a limited amount of time, which will allow you to contribute more to paying down your debt. Find a credit card to transfer your balance to and then identify which debts you want to transfer. Remember to use all money available to pay down your debt as soon as possible. After the promotional period ends, you will again be charged interest on your remaining debt. EditFinding Cards with a Low APR - Check your current cards. You might have a credit card that already offers balance transfers. Often, the bank will send you something in the mail letting you know you can make a balance transfer.
- Alternately, you should look at your online account and check. There may be a link for "balance transfer" or "consolidate debt." If you don't see anything, call and ask a customer service representative.
- Pay attention to whether a current card is already carrying a balance. For example, you might have a $3,000 balance on card A, which you want to transfer to card B. However, card B already has a $2,000 balance. If you make the transfer, then the minimum payment amount will go to the amount with the lower APR.[1] Meanwhile, the original $2,000 balance continues to accrue interest at 14.99%.
- In the above situation, you might want to make a balance transfer to a new card.
- Search for credit cards online. There are many websites where you can compare credit cards. Remember that you can't transfer a balance between cards with the same bank.[2] Accordingly, look for cards offered by a different bank. Use the following comparison websites:[3]
- Bankrate.com
- CardHub.com
- CreditCards.com
- CreditKarma.com
- NerdWallet.com
- Compare terms. You want to get a card that has the most favorable terms so that you can pay off your debt as fast as possible. Consider the following terms when comparing credit cards:
- Transfer rate. Many cards offer a 0% APR for a certain amount of time (such as 12-18 months). The longer this promotional period, the better. You can save thousands of dollars in interest depending on your balance.[4]
- Transfer fee. Most cards will charge a certain amount, such as 3-5% of the total balance amount.[5] If you transfer $10,000, then a $300-500 fee will be added on top.
- Transfer window. Some cards will give you only so much time to request the balance transfer.
- Post-promotion APR. Find out what happens if you can't pay the entire balance off during the promotional period. Generally, banks will charge you interest only on the remaining balance. However, you don't want a card that retroactively applies interest against the entire initial transfer.
- Check your credit score. It's easiest to get a credit card for a balance transfer if you have a credit score of 680 or higher.[6] If your score is lower, you might have fewer options or you might not be able to get a card at all.
- You can find your credit score by using a credit card service. Look online. Some companies will provide your score for free.
- You can also check with a credit counselor or HUD-approved housing counselor, who can typically get your credit score for free.[7]
- Finally, you can also buy your score from one of the credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. You might also buy your FICO score from myfico.com.
- Apply for the card. You can apply for your card over the phone, online, or using a paper application. In any event, you'll be asked for some personal information, such as the following:[8]
- legal name
- birth date
- home address
- contact information (such as phone number and email address)
- current and previous employers
- annual income
- information on other credit cards
- Social Security Number
EditTransferring Your Debts - List your debts. You might not be able to transfer all of your debts to a new card. For example, the new card might have a debt limit of $5,000. If you have $25,000 in total debt, you'll need to identify which debts to transfer. List the debts and include the following information:[9]
- total balance
- interest rate
- any penalties or fees that are assessed
- Choose which debts to transfer. Generally, you should transfer your highest-interest debts to the new card. If you have multiple credit card debts, try to move as much of the balance with the highest interest rate.
- For example, your new card might have a $5,000 limit. You have two debts: $3,000 and $6,000. The card with the $3,000 balance has an APR of 29.99% and the other card has an APR of 13.99%. You can use a balance transfer to cover all of the $3,000 balance and then some of the $6,000.
- Remember that balance transfer fees count toward the maximum you can transfer.
- Transfer when you open the card. With some cards, you can enter in the account number and the amount you want to transfer when you open the card. This can make transferring the balance very easy.[10]
- Make a transfer online. Alternately, you might need to go online and sign into your online banking account. Look for a link for "balance transfer" or "promotions."
- Enter the account number of the credit card with the balance. Then enter the amount you want to transfer. You may also need to provide the payment address for the credit card you are paying off.[11]
- Transfer using an access check. Access checks look like personal checks. However, they are tied to your credit card. You can write out a check to the credit card company for the amount you want to transfer.[12]
- Be careful and read the fine print. Not all access checks are the same. Some banks will let you use them for balance transfers, but others might consider any use of the access check to be a cash advance. Cash advances have huge interest rates, so make sure the access check will count as a balance transfer.
- Call up and ask questions, if necessary.
- Deposit money directly into the bank. Some cards allow you to deposit money directly into your bank account from the credit card. Read the card's terms to see if you can deposit money at the promotional interest rate. Some banks might classify the deposit as a "cash advance."[13]
- A direct deposit frees up money to pay off all kinds of debts, not necessarily only other credit card debt. For example, you might owe your mother $1,000. You can deposit this amount of money into your checking account and then cut a personal check to pay back your mother.
- Stay current on your payments. It generally can take a few days for the transfer to go through. If you haven't seen it go through within 10 days, then call the credit card company. In the meantime, don't miss payments.
- For example, your balance transfer might not go through by the time your next payment is due on a card. If not, remember to make payment so you aren't delinquent.
EditPaying Off Your Debts Faster - Make timely payments. If you're 60 days late on your payment, then the bank might end the promotional period early.[14] For this reason, you need to remember to pay your bills on time.
- Commit to paying off the balance before the promotional period ends. Your introductory interest rate won't last forever. Accordingly, try to pay off the balance before you reach the end of the promotional rate period. If you aren't being charged interest, it should be easy to calculate how much you need to pay each month.
- For example, say your card has a 12-month promotional period at 0%. You transfer $3,000 to the card. Over 12 months, you'll need to pay about $250 a month (plus the balance transfer fee).
- If you can't pay the entire balance in time, you should typically be charged only interest on the remaining balance. However, read your card's terms.
- Stop spending. You will only go deeper into debt if you continue to spend.[15] After seeing their monthly payments decrease, some people use the extra money for luxuries. Instead, you need to direct this extra money toward paying down your debt more quickly.
- To control spending, cut up your credit cards or freeze them in ice. Doing so will prevent you from using the cards.
- In particular, you shouldn't use the card with the balance. Instead, store the card away.[16]
- Don't close your old accounts after you move the balances off them. Doing so will hurt your credit score.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Find Happiness As an Introvert Posted: 02 May 2017 01:00 AM PDT Introverts are typically misunderstood and are mistaken as anti-social people who don't enjoy spending time with others. As a result, they can feel scrutiny that can affect their happiness. But introverts are just as valuable and exceptional as extroverts. You can achieve happiness by accepting and appreciating your personality, explaining your preferences, and putting yourself out there. EditAccepting Yourself and Your Personality - Realize the only acceptance you need is from yourself. You weren't put on this planet to gain approval. You are unique and valuable just the way you are. If you want to become more social, do it because you want to, and not because anyone else thinks you should.
- For example, when you want advice, look to the best person who can tell you what you should do, and that person is you. You know yourself better than anyone else and understand what you are comfortable with. When you learn to start trusting your own advice, you'll likely find that you won't feel the need to ask others anymore.[1]
- Avoid trying to be someone you're not. When you begrudgingly try to behave in a manner that is out of your comfort zone, you're likely going to regret what happens. You may end up engaging in something that is against your values. Instead of enjoying yourself and growing from the experience, you may be disappointed in yourself.
- If your friends try to pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with, simply tell them "no." For instance, you could say "I appreciate that you want me to have fun, but this isn't something I enjoy. I'm going to pass on this and I need you to accept and understand that."
- If they won't stop pressing the issue, remove yourself from the situation.[2]
- If you're experimenting with new activities, or if you're unsure if something is in line with your values, take the time to reflect on how you feel afterwards. Check in with yourself — you might find you enjoyed something unexpectedly, or you may decide that particular activity is not for you.
- If you're trying to figure out who you are, try journaling, which can help you get to know yourself and your values, which will help you make decisions in the future.
- Focus on what you love about yourself. Introverts may not be good at spending long amounts of time at busy parties, but they are excellent at many other things. Instead of focusing on what you don't think you're good at, or what makes you feel uncomfortable, take time to embrace what you excel at.
- For instance, introverts are usually excellent listeners and are pros at sympathizing with others. They are also typically self-sufficient, highly focused, and have the ability to create meaningful and deep relationships.[3]
- Take breaks when you need to, and don't apologize for it. Being around lots of people can make an introvert feel depleted. You may need to use alone time to recharge. When you're feeling tapped out, take some time for yourself so that you can be the best person you can.
- If you have to cancel an outing with your friends because you just aren't up to it, be honest. Tell them, "I'm sorry I can't join you today, but I'm feeling drained and need to spend time recharging. I would love to hang out with you another day."
- If they don't understand, there's nothing you can do. Doing something you don't feel comfortable with will only cause problems for you, and it's just not worth it.[4]
- It may be helpful to look at your schedule and and set aside designated "alone time" each day or week. Try to plan these so that they follow activities you expect to be draining, such as after a party.
EditCommunicating Your Differences - Tell people that introverts are not anti-social. Introverts usually get a bad rap when it comes to interacting with others. People often assume that just because introverts get their energy from spending time alone, that they don't enjoy interacting with others. However, that is simply not the case.
- Being an introvert doesn't mean you are shy, either — these are two different things. An introvert is not necessarily quiet or suffering from social anxiety. Introverts can be bubbly and animated. What makes them introverted is that they need plenty of quiet, alone time to feel good.
- When someone calls you anti-social, respond with "I enjoy spending time with people. But I get overwhelmed with large groups or when I'm around others for long periods of time. After I get some time to myself, I'm ready to hang out again."[5]
- Prepare what you're going to say ahead of time. A key characteristic of introverts is that they need time to think. You may do better when you are able to take time and plan out what you are going to do or say. If you know you're going to meet resistance about a topic with someone, think of your response ahead of time so that you are prepared. Then, you can speak clearly when getting your point across.
- For example, if you know you're going to be confronted about an ultimatum you've been given, you could say, "I have put a lot of thought into my decision, and am still working on it. You're going to have to give me time. I promise I haven't forgotten about it and will let you know as soon as I decide."[6]
- Or, if someone unexpectedly springs something on you, you may want to ask for some time to think. You might say, "You've given me a lot to think about, and I'd like to process it for a while and get back to you."
- Explain that you do like to talk and interact with others. Introverts are sometimes quiet, and some may misinterpret that their silence is because they have nothing to say. On the contrary, introverts are funny, witty, smart, and often have a lot to talk about. The only difference is, they usually only speak when they have something important to discuss. Introverts may not engage in meaningless small talk.
- Engaging in active listening can help with this. If you are smiling, nodding, and acting warmly, you can avoid appearing standoffish.
- If someone attempts to make a wisecrack about your silence, you can strike back with this funny, yet to the point remark: "Oh, I like to talk. But I only talk when I can improve the silence, unlike some people."[7]
EditPutting Yourself Out There - Talk to a stranger. Strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn't normally talk to. If you're typically shy, taking this big step can not only give you confidence, but could help you gain a new friend. A perfect situation for this opportunity is when you're standing in line, sitting in the waiting room, or taking a ride on a train or bus.
- Before you speak, realize that they are just another person, just like you. They are no better than you are and would probably like to speak with you. Stick to neutral topics like the weather, or whatever is going on around you.
- For instance, while you're waiting for your cup of Joe, you could say, "Wow, this line is really long. People must really need their coffee today."[8]
- If you find yourself in a longer conversation with a stranger and you're not sure what to say, just start asking the person general questions about themselves. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, as long as it's not too personal. Ask about their career, hobbies, if they're from the area, and so on. You might say something like, "Do you work near here?"
- Join a small group or club. If you want to make friends or learn how to become more comfortable socializing, consider joining a group or club of only a few people. Choose something that interests you, like books or sports, and look for a group that is based on this subject.
- Talking about something you know and like can give you the confidence you need to put yourself out there and find others who enjoy the same things you do.
- To avoid putting yourself in a situation you don't like, tailor your group experience to fit your needs. For instance, bring a friend, get there right as the meeting starts if you want to avoid small talk, and hang out together afterwards.[9]
- Showcase your skills. Introverts are usually some pretty talented people. If you want to work on putting yourself out there, put some of your skills on display. The positive reaction you're likely to receive can offer you encouragement that may make you feel more comfortable with showing others just how valuable you are.
- For instance, you could join a local art show, poetry reading, or singing event, like karaoke. Allowing others to see your skills is a good way to network and find others who enjoy the same interests you do.[10]
- Suggest a solution for a problem. Standing out at work can be difficult for an introvert. You likely don't want to make a name for yourself as the most outgoing employee, but you can stand out by fixing problems.
- Use your knack for thinking and come up with a solution to a problem that your boss or other employees have talked about. Doing so can give you the recognition you deserve, in a way that you feel comfortable with.
- If speaking up during a meeting isn't your style, talk to your boss one-on-one afterwards, or send an email about your proposal. You could say, "I've been thinking about that problem you brought up during our last meeting, and I think I have a solution to it."[11]
- Consider reading books that directly discuss being a businessperson and an introvert. These books will help you build your network, business, and clientele.
EditSources and Citations
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