Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Simple Multiplication Trick Solves Math Problems Easily - Give It a try!


I found this simple multiplication trick that helps you solve math problems easily. Take the mental math challenge and give it a try!

"Nice Multiplication Trick” by MathssMagic is a Facebook reel that inspired me to find out "how" this procedure works.            https://www.facebook.com/reel/1024458450196982

1. Let me explain...

Watch the reel calculate these numbers:

·         (51 x 41=2,091)

·         (31 x 61=1,891)

·         (51 x 21=1,071) Try this one yourself…

This trick is very easy because you simply multiply the tens digits and use a simple pattern to get the answer. It works when both numbers end in 1 and its relationship between numbers. 

Let's use (51 x 41).

Multiply the ones digits: (1 x 1=1).

Add the tens digits: (5+4=9). This provides the middle digits

Multiply the tens digits: (5 x 4=20). This gives the starting part of the answer - with carry adjustments.

Answer: 2,091

Does this works only when there is a 1 in the ones column? What if the last number is not 1? Let’s find out…

This is the algebraic formula that makes this shortcut work:

[ (10a+1)(10b+1) =100ab+10(a+b)+1 ]

Here, (a) and (b) are the tens digits. For (51 x 41), they are 5 and 4:

[ 100(5 x 4)+10(5+4)+1 ]

[ =2000+90+1= {2091} ]

The math works when both numbers end in 1. However, you cannot always write the tens product, the sum, and the ones product side by side and get the problem to work. You must account for place value and carries.


2. Let’s see what happens if the last digit is NOT 1?

This trick will work for other numbers ending in other digits, but you need additional multiplication and addition.

For example, calculate 52 x 43 = ? ?


Step 1 — Multiply the tens digits:

 [ 50 x 40=2000 ]


Step 2 — Cross-multiply and add

[ (5 x 3)+(2 x 4)=23 ]


Step 3 — Multiply the ones digits

[ 2 x 3=6 ]


Step 4 — Combine by place value

[ 2000+230+6={2236} ]

Check with simple multiplication: (52 x 43=2236). It works!

The general formula for two-digit numbers is:

[ (10a+b)(10c+d) =100ac+10(ad+bc)+bd ]

The simply multiplication method (trick or shortcut) still works even if the last number is not 1, if you handle carries correctly when combining the parts.


3. Mental Math Challenge

Let’s work this problem together before revealing the answer...

64 × 32 = ? ?


Step 1 — Multiply the tens digits:

 [ 60 x 30=1800 ]

 

Step 2 — Cross-multiply and (Step 3) add:

[ (6 x 2)+(4 x 3)=24 ]

[ 4 x 2=8 ]

Step 4 — Combine by place value:

(60 x 30) = 1800

(23 x 10) = 240

(2 x 4) = 8

[ 1800+240+8={2048} ]

Check with simple multiplication: (64 x 32=2,048). It works!

 

4. Try the trick yourself!

Calculate this problem using the mathematical steps shown above…

57 × 26 = ? ?


Step 1 — Multiply the tens digits:

[  _ _  x _ _ = _ _ _ _ ]


Step 2 — Cross-multiply and (Step 3) — add:

[ ( _ x _ ) + ( _ x _ ) = _ _ ]

[ _ x _ = _ ]


Step 4 — Combine by place value:

( _ _ x _ _ ) = _ _ _ _

( _ _ x _ _ ) = _ _ _

( _ x _ ) = _ 

Check your answer with simple multiplication: (57 x 26 = _______ ).


The video demonstrates a special shortcut for two-digit numbers ending in 1.  When the ones digits differ from 1, you can still use the same underlying principle, but you must include the cross-products and correctly manage the carries.


5. Life Lessons

Just as a mathematician use products, place values, and carries to calculate math problems, sometimes life situations can be made easier by learning new ways of doing things and improving yourself. This often requires some extra work or additional steps to accomplish your goals. Be prepared and adjust for changing life situations.


Easy to count. Hard to build. Keep going.

Some things in life are easy to count.
Show up. Work hard. Get better.
One plus one.


But the things that matter most -
They’re like cross-multiplication!


A relationship isn’t just love plus time.
It’s trust times patience.
Forgiveness times growth.


A dream isn’t just talent plus luck.
It’s discipline times consistency.
Courage times failure.


That’s why it feels messy.
That’s why it takes extra steps.
That’s why you carry things you didn’t plan for.


But complicated doesn’t mean wrong.
Complicated means it’s real.
Keep multiplying.


Don’t quit because the math got hard.
Keep showing up.
The answer is still coming…

Bam!


Not Affiliated with Any Publisher or Vendor... Some references Provided by ChatGPT...


Monday, September 28, 2026

VISA & Mastercard $167.5 Million Non-Bank ATM Fee Settlement - File a Claim By February 10, 2027


Did You Pay ATM Fees?

Think back: Have you used a non-bank ATM between 10/24/2007 and 8/14/2026 and paid an ATM fee that your bank didn't completely refund?

If YES → You may want to file a claim.

What Was the Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit alleged that VISA and Mastercard's network rules prevented independent ATM operators from offering different/lower access fees depending on which payment network processed a transaction. 

Plaintiffs argued this resulted in consumers paying higher ATM surcharges than they otherwise might have.

VISA and Mastercard deny wrongdoing, but agreed to the $167.5 million settlement to resolve the litigation.

Who May Qualify?

You may be eligible if all of these apply:

  • You used an independent/non-bank ATM in the United States or its territories.
  • You withdrew cash using a VISA ATM/debit card or PIN-debit card connected to a deposit account.
  • You were charged an ATM surcharge/access fee.
  • The transaction occurred between October 24, 2007 and August 14, 2026.
  • Your bank did not fully reimburse you for that ATM surcharge.

Independent ATMs: ATMs found at convenience stores, gas stations, hotels, bars and other locations that aren't owned by a bank.

What Does NOT Qualify?

The settlement generally does not cover:

  • Credit-card cash advances
  • Prepaid-card transactions
  • ATM transactions where your bank fully reimbursed the surcharge
  • ATMs owned by a bank or financial institution

How Much Could You Get?

There is no fixed payment amount yet.

The advertised $167.5 million includes attorneys' fees, expenses, administration and other approved costs from the fund before distributions.

Is Proof Required?

No documentation is required to submit the claim initially, however, claimants may be asked for additional information if necessary.

How to File - Use the official settlement website:
Non-Bank ATM Surcharge Settlement - https://www.nonbankatmsurchargesettlement.com/

Official Online Claim Form:
https://www.nonbankatmsurchargesettlement.com/file 

Paper claims are also available through the settlement administrator.

Claim Deadline: February 10, 2027

No purchase or payment is required to file a claim.

Important: The final payment depends on the number of valid claims and the amount remaining in the settlement fund.

 A final approval hearing is currently scheduled for February 17, 2027 - 

Case: Burke v. VISA Inc., et al. - U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.


Not Affiliated with Any Bank, Settlement Sites or Publisher in this Blog! FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only... 
Graphics by ChatGPT...




Saturday, September 12, 2026

KIA WINDOW REGULATOR SETTLEMENT: Check Your VIN - Claim Up to $400!

 


Did you own or lease a 2016 - 2017 Kia Optima or 2017 Kia Sportage? If you paid for a failed window regulator that qualifies for repair, you could be eligible for up to $400 per repair - or, if you still own/lease the vehicle, a $40 Kia Dealer Service Card.

CLAIM DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23, 2026

Don't guess whether your Kia qualifies. Check the VIN!


STEP 1: CHECK YOUR VIN 

Use the official settlement site for VIN Lookup. Check to see whether your vehicle is included. You'll need your vehicle's 17-character VIN.

Find the VIN on your:

  • Driver-side dashboard
  • Vehicle registration
  • Insurance paperwork

STEP 2: FIND YOUR CLASS MEMBER ID

If you received a settlement notice, look for your Class Member ID on the notice.

Lost your notice? Contact the Settlement Administrator or call (833) 930-0988 to ask about your claim information.


STEP 3: GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

If you're requesting repair reimbursement, have:

·         VIN

·         Class Member ID

·         Repair invoice/order

·         Repair date

·         Mileage when the repair occurred

·         Amount you paid

·         Proof of payment

If you're requesting the $40 Dealer Service Card, you'll need documentation showing that you currently own or lease the eligible Kia.


HOW MUCH COULD YOU GET?

For qualifying out-of-pocket repairs, reimbursement depends on the vehicle's mileage when the window-regulator failure occurred:

Mileage

  Potential Reimbursement

Under 35,000

  100% — up to $400

35,001–55,000

  80% — up to $320

55,001–75,000

  60% — up to $240

75,001–125,000

  45% — up to $180

125,001+

  40% — up to $160

Up to four qualifying window-regulator replacements may be eligible per VIN, subject to the settlement's rules.

OR...

Current owners/lessees may choose a $40 Kia Dealer Service Card instead of repair reimbursement.


STEP 4: FILE YOUR CLAIM ONLINE OR MAIL

Enter your information, provide your VIN and Class Member ID, select your benefit, upload your supporting documents, review everything carefully, and submit.

Save a copy of your completed claim and supporting documents!

You can also mail a completed claim form.


STEP 5: DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE - NOVEMBER 23, 2O26

Mailed claims must be postmarked by November 23, 2026.

The settlement has received preliminary approval, but final approval is still pending. The current Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2027.

That doesn't mean you should wait.

If you believe you qualify, check your VIN and submit your claim before the deadline.

Reference - https://openclassactions.com/settlements/kia-window-regulator-class-action-settlement.php


OFFICIAL KIA WINDOW REGULATOR SETTLEMENT WEBSITE INCLUDES THESE LINKS…

CHECK YOUR VIN — Official VIN Lookup

FILE A CLAIM — Official Claim Form

THE OFFICIAL FAQ

KIA WINDOW REGULATOR SETTLEMENT WEBSITE



Not Affiliated with Kia or Any Settlement Sites or Publishers in this Blog! FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only...

Sunday, July 5, 2026

IT'S OFFICIAL! USA Star Folarin Balogun Has Been Cleared To Play on Monday July 6, 2026 World Cup Match vs. Belgium

The United States vs. Belgium FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match is scheduled for:

  • Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
  • kickoff: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central (Arkansas) / 5:00 PM Pacific
  • Location: Lumen Field (officially referred to by FIFA as Seattle Stadium) in Seattle.
The match will be televised on FOX and streamed through FOX's streaming platforms.

With Folarin Balogun now eligible to play, this has become one of the most anticipated Round of 16 matches of the tournament. 

A victory would send the United States to the quarterfinals against the winner of Portugal vs. Spain. 
 


READING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT ON YOUR CAR - Top Five Reasons Claims May Be Denied.


LET'S DO SOMETHING REALLY UNUSUAL - LET'S TAKE TIME AND READ THE CONTRACT...


If car owners would read what is NOT COVERED (EXCLUSIONS) 
first, many would IMMEDIATELY reject most car warranty advertisements.

According to Deloitte Survey 90% of consumers "accept legal terms and conditions without reading them." Read a Specimen Contract of CarShield - Platinum Plan

PREFACE

Several years ago, I reviewed a CarShield sample contract after seeing thousands of customer complaints posted online. At that time, CarShield had an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau. Since then, CarShield has improved its BBB rating to A+, largely by responding more consistently to customer complaints and improving their complaint-resolution process.

An A+ BBB rating does not mean every repair claim is approved or that every customer is happy. It simply means the company has improved how it handles complaints according to BBB standards.

After reading the contract, I've reached the same conclusion I reported back in 2022:

The most important document is not the television commercial - it's the contract.

Almost every denied claim refers to language found in the service agreement. Many disappointed customers simply did not understand... 1) what was covered, 2) what was excluded, and 3) what responsibilities they agreed to before purchasing the plan.

This blog is a quick review of the "Top Five Reasons Claims May Be Denied." It will also help you understand the contract well enough to make an informed decision before spending your money.

This blog is not intended to tell you whether to buy an extended warranty plan or avoid it.

Top Five Reasons Extended Warranty Claims May Be Denied...
1. Incorrectly Filing a Claim Described by the Manufacturer as Normal Maintenance Services - CarShield will not pay for maintenance services that car owners are responsible for, such as - wheel alignment, wheel balancing, tuneups, spark plugs, hoses, belts, wiper blades, brake pads, brake shoes, drums or rotors. 
Maintenance items are not mechanical breakdowns. Most service contracts cover mechanical failures, not wear-and-tear components. See EXCLUSIONS, Part C page 11.

2. Pre-existing Conditions - This is probably the biggest misunderstanding for customers. If your vehicle already has symptoms before coverage begins - such as: check engine light, ABS light, transmission slipping, engine knocking, engine overheating, coolant leaks, hard starting, oil leaks, engine smoking at the tailpipe, suspension noises and others - then, the administrator may determine the failure existed before your contract became effective. No vehicle service contract wants to insure something that is already broken.

See EXCLUSIONS, Part N page 12.
3. Lack of Normal Maintenance as Required by the Manufacturer - Do you follow a maintenance schedule for your vehicle?

The maintenance schedule for your vehicle is found in the owner's manual. You may want to reconsider signing-up for an extended warranty plan if you do not follow a maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

A covered part is not automatically a covered claim. Coverage depends on whether the cause of the failure meets the terms and conditions of the contract.

Example: A Water Pump Failure - You Assume your Vehicle is Covered Under the Service Contract. The water pump itself may be covered. However, suppose the cooling system had not been maintained according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

The coolant had never been replaced, the radiator hoses were cracked and leaking, or the system had been operated while overheating. If the administrator determines the water pump failed because of neglected maintenance or because the vehicle continued to be operated after overheating, the claim may be denied - even though the water pump is normally a covered component.

You should therefore read both the Covered Components section and the Exclusions section equally.

If the contract requires maintenance according to the manufacturer's schedule, you should keep receipts and invoices, record mileage, and document with dates when services were performed. Without documentation, it can become difficult to prove that your vehicle was properly maintained.

READ the contract and avoid surprising loopholes.
See EXCLUSIONS, Part F page 11.
4. Damage Due to Continued Operation - If you notice your engine TEMP gauge indicating HOT and your vehicle begins steaming under the hood, your extended warranty expects you to pull over IMMEDIATELY and shut the engine OFF. You should contact their 800 number  and follow the emergency assistance procedures offered under the contract.
If you drive the vehicle for any length of time; to the next exit; or try to make it home or to the nearest authorized shop - your claim may be denied because of CONTINUED OPERATION.
Most contracts exclude damage caused by continued operation after obvious warning signs. See EXCLUSIONS, Part K page 12

5. Understanding the Claims Process and Giving Authorization for Diagnosis and Tear-downs. 

Many consumers think they can simply take the vehicle to a repair shop and hand over their warranty card. That is not how most vehicle service contracts work.

Usually:

  • the repair shop diagnoses the problem,
  • the administrator authorizes covered repairs,
  • inspection may be required,
  • the shop proceeds after approval.

If the repair is not covered, the customer is generally responsible for diagnostic charges.

The contract clearly states that you must authorized the repair before filing a claim to determine if the repair is covered by the warranty. You also agree to pay for "this inspection to diagnose the problem."

This statement insures the repair facility get paid for their service and that CarShield will not be responsible for repairs that are not covered. 

Read the contract and understand your responsibility... 
See What to Do in Event of a Failure, No. 4-7 page 8
Here's My Final Comments: My opinion hasn't changed over the past few years. I believe the best investment for most vehicle owners is keeping up with routine maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle often avoids many of the expensive repairs that people hope an extended service contract will cover. 
An extended service contract is not a substitute for routine maintenance. Even if you purchase coverage, you are still responsible for maintaining the vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Save your money and pay for only ONE - routine maintenance. 

Have a great day and keep your eyes on your money. 

 

Before Buying Any Extended Warranty, Ask Questions... 

What are the exclusions?  
Is there a waiting period? 
Is there a deductible? 
Can I choose my own repair shop? 
Who pays for diagnosis if the claim is denied? 


Not affiliated with CarShield or any extended warranty company...
Freestuffinder.org is for informational use only and is not intended as a repair guide or for legal advice....

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEACE - Wisdom, Unity, Love and Truth

 


Image Created with Help from ChatGPT


If peace is power under control… then chaos is wisdom acting a fool.  



Friday, May 22, 2026

Russellville Spring Cruise Night Is Back! — Saturday, May 23, 2026


To Open, Follow this Facebook Link - (Click Here Now)

Russellville Tourism & Visitor Center has officially announced that Spring Cruise Night is back for 2026! Russellville Spring Cruise Night returns Saturday night with classic cars, cruisers, music, food, and family-friendly fun!

Time: Cruise night runs into the evening, starting at 6:00 PM from late afternoon through the night, with the main activity after sunset.

Location: Downtown Russellville - cruising up and down Arkansas Avenue.

Highlights:
Classic & custom cars cruising the streets
Good music setting the tone for the evening
Local food & treats - snacks and drinks likely available nearby (food trucks & downtown eateries often participate)
Photo opps with vintage wheels and automotive art
Arrive early with your lawn chair - popular cruise nights fill up fast, and downtown spots are prime.
Bring the entire family - cruise nights are casual and family-friendly!



Not Affiliated with  Russellville Tourism or Any Vendor...
FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only...