Discovering Osnabruck, Germany, the City of Peace

Since the Peace of Westphalia was proclaimed on the steps of its historic town hall in 1648, Osnabruck has been known as the City of Peace. Osnabruck’s location in the northeastern region of Germany made it a center for trade during the Middle Ages. The city was part of the Hanseatic League, a collection of merchant guilds that promoted free trade and defended trade routes along the northern coastline of Europe. Cities within the Hanseatic League were governed by a common legal system and shared military resources on behalf of all the members. This allowed Hanseatic League cities to establish trade routes throughout northern Europe and provided Osnabruck and its residents with exceptional prosperity during this period.

Exceptional Architecture

Many of the towers erected to fortify the town of Osnabruck during the medieval period are still standing today. The brick Steinwerke, also known as the Vault Houses, were built approximately 800 years ago and provide Osnabruck with a sense of character all its own; some of these architectural marvels are still open to the public and offer a look back into the history of the Westphalia region. The Felix-Nussbaum House was designed by Daniel Libeskind and commemorates the life and death of the noted German and Jewish painter.

A Close-Knit Community

Osnabruck’s unique physical layout makes it easy to travel from one part of town to another quickly; the entire city has been designed to be compact and convenient to navigate for residents and visitors alike. Most community activities take place in the Marktplatz, a central marketplace that plays host to local festivals, Christmas markets, weddings and other celebrations. St. Mary’s Church, St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Town Hall of the Peace of Westphalia form the borders of this central gathering spot. The Museum am Scholerberg is another popular educational attraction located in Osnabruck.

Educational and Employment Opportunities

The German Federal Environment Foundation is headquartered in Osnabruck. The city also boasts the world-class University of Osnabruck and the University of Applied Science of Osnabruck, a top-notch technical college that offers a number of international study options for foreign students. Osnabruck is a popular tourist destination and offers numerous employment opportunities for residents; it is currently the third-largest city in the German state of Lower Saxony.

Surrounded by Natural Beauty

Osnabruck holds a singular distinction as the only city in Germany located in a nature reserve. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has established the Natur- und Geopark TERRA.vita to provide a living reminder of the Earth’s history and its natural beauty. Osnabruck is located within the Geopark TERRA.vita and offers easy access to hiking, biking and exploratory trails within this scenic park.

For visitors to this area, Osnabruck offers an exceptional mix of unspoiled landscapes, outstanding Mediterranean and German food and delightful venues designed to please almost any shopaholic. The rustic charm of the surrounding countryside and the range of available activities make this one of the most attractive destinations for tourists in the northern Germany region.

Avoiding the Credit Card Trap

Credit card debt is a serious issue for many American families and can become a long-term problem if not addressed promptly. Because the interest on outstanding credit account balances is compounded on a daily or monthly basis, the total amount due can quickly grow to an unmanageable level and can create financial issues that may seem impossible to resolve. By taking a few simple steps, however, families can often reduce their credit card debt and remove this source of stress to increase their financial stability.

Evaluate the Problem

For many families, even discussing the issue of credit card debt can be a painful process. Taking a hard look at the size and extent of the problem, however, can be t1he first step toward resolving it. By determining the actual amount owed and the current monthly payments on each outstanding credit account, consumers can establish a baseline financial situation from which to build a brighter economic future.

Compare Interest Rates

Credit cards with higher interest rates cost more over the life of the loan. It makes good financial sense to eliminate these debts first and to refrain from charging any items on high-interest credit cards. By paying off these balances, families can make a healthy dent in their outstanding debts and can prevent high interest charges from compounding to create added amounts due. Once one credit card balance has been paid off, consumers can move to the next until all outstanding credit accounts have been resolved.

Don’t Charge

It is vital not to accrue any additional credit card debt during this period. Trading one set of credit card problems for another will only prolong the cycle of debt and will result in further interest charges and excessive monthly payments. Resist the urge to acquire and use new credit cards or lines of credit. Instead, find ways to save for financial goals or to do without luxuries until the debt situation has been resolved.

Negotiate a Positive Solution

In some cases, credit card companies may be willing to suspend the compounding of interest or to reduce the amount owed on an outstanding account. Unfortunately, some lenders require that the account be in default prior to any negotiations and settlement offers. By contacting the company directly and asking for help in reducing or resolving the outstanding debt, consumers can sometimes achieve surprisingly positive outcomes for their credit card woes.

Don’t Close Paid-Off Accounts

It may be tempting to close accounts that have zero balances and are no longer creating financial problems; however, credit ratings are based in part on the amount of unused credit available for use. By closing accounts that are no longer in use, consumers can actually lower their credit scores and reduce their chances of obtaining loans in the future. Leaving these accounts open but unused is a much more positive way to manage the credit score conundrum for most families.

By taking steps to address credit card debt effectively, consumers can ensure greater peace of mind and a more positive financial future for themselves and for their families.