Ballpark Estimate: $700 to $15,000 Although cremation was widely practiced since the beginning of recorded history, the advent of Emperor Constantine’s legalization of Christianity in 313 A.D. saw earth burials completely replacing cremations. It wasn’t until 1873, when a perfected cremation chamber was displayed at the Vienna Exposition that interest in cremation began … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: Free to write your own living will; $250 to $500 to have one drafted by an attorney If you ever become seriously ill or injured and couldn’t communicate your wishes, wouldn’t you want to know that there was someone who could represent your medical preferences? That’s why it is so important to take the time to formalize your thoughts on a variety of serious … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $5,000 to $20,000 Does the thought of learning all you can about fine wines and tasting all of the different varieties sound like your ideal job? If so, then you may want to consider turning your passion into a career by becoming a sommelier. This enjoyable position, which consists of managing the wine in a restaurant, can be a rewarding and enjoyable … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $13,000 to $37,000 (6-month program) It’s reasonably safe to assume that very few people in the world will turn down an offer to taste an eye-catching slice of raspberry cheesecake or a mouthwatering chocolate éclair. It’s also a given that the aroma of pastry inside any bakery is enough to challenge the will-power of even the staunchest dietary … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $170 and $700 a week If you are a working parent, you probably understand all too well how important it is to have high quality and extremely reliable childcare. While some families turn to traditional daycare centers to meet this need, many others today recognize the benefits of hiring a nanny or au pair to come in and care for the children right into … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $1,000 to $40,000 As if the high cost of college tuition isn’t enough these days, consider the fact that some parents are also investing in the services of a college admissions consultant to increase the odds that their children will be accepted into the school of their choice. A good college admissions consultant really serves as a middleman, helping … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $100 to $2,500 or more to get started If you’re a big fan of Harry Potter, you may be captured by the mystical word of wizards that author J.K. Rowling has created, complete with all of the magic, mystery and suspense that your heart could desire. You may even wish you had some of your own special powers. But if your own natural abilities fall short of … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $25 to $60 per month When it comes to dating in today’s modern world, a lot has changed in recent years. Just a decade ago, people relied on fate and the goodwill of friends to help them find a date. But today, advances in technology make it easier than ever before to weed through the pool of available singles right from your laptop to find that perfect … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $675 to $25,000 for a one-year contract If you are single and don’t want to stay that way, you might want to consider calling on the expertise of a professional matchmaker to help you change your fate. The art of matchmaking dates back to ancient times, but the practice is growing in popularity today. Many people who don’t have time to find their own … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $400 to $2,000+ Casino gambling has never been more popular or accessible. New casinos seem to be opening on a weekly basis. The growth of casino construction is not limited to the United States, but is a worldwide phenomenon. As the demand for gaming continues, so too does the demand for dealers to manage the games at the thousands of new tables. There’s … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $3,000 to $7,500 (Winged aircraft); $4,000 to $11,000 (Helicopter) Are you a commercial pilot with hundreds of hours logged-in flying in stunt shows across the country? Perhaps you’re having a blast and the money’s good, yet you feel something in your career is lacking. Or maybe you think you’re capable of something more challenging than just flying … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: Up to $100,000 or more If you are one of the many couples who can’t have a child on their own, you may want to explore another viable option: using a surrogate mother to carry a baby to term for you. Surrogacy is a growing business that has been gaining popularity in the United States and is allowing many more people than ever before to experience the joy … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $200 and $360 for a week’s worth of dinners for a family of four If the thought of cooking dinner after a hard day’s work is enough to lessen your appetite, you may want to call in an expert to lend a hand in your kitchen. While such a specialized service used to be beyond the budget of most average families, a new breed of professional chefs are bringing … [Read more...]