Proactive Steps To Boost Your Bank Balance

It’s no surprise that money worries are one of the most common causes of stress at the moment. With many people either losing work or finding themselves unemployed, it’s an anxious time. If you’re looking for ways to boost your bank balance and improve your financial situation, here are some proactive steps to take today. 

Reducing debt

The majority of Americans are in debt, but there is a significant difference between owing money on a mortgage or a long-term loan and being in a situation where you’re using credit cards or short-term, high-interest loans to make it from one payday to the next. If you’re up to date with mortgage or loan payments, and you don’t have any other outstanding debts, there’s probably nothing to worry about. If you’re borrowing money to stay afloat, or you’re turning to credit cards to cover the essentials, there is a risk of debt spiraling out of control. Try and reduce your debts as soon as possible by seeking professional advice and using programs like the Debt to Success System. The sooner you can start clearing debts, particularly those with high interest, the better. There is support out there, and it is possible to get back into the black.

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Decreasing spending

Increasing your bank balance depends on two key factors: bringing money in and lowering the amount of money that goes out. If you’re guilty of overspending, you’re not alone. Many of us live beyond our means, and we buy things that we don’t necessarily need or even want. If you find it difficult to resist the temptation of online shopping, you get lured in by deals at the grocery store, or you’re paying for subscriptions or memberships you’d forgotten about, now is the time to carry out an audit and start budgeting. Analyze where your money goes each month and highlight areas where you can eliminate or reduce costs. Cancel memberships you don’t use and start setting a budget to save on food shopping and control how much you spend on luxury and non-essential items. It’s also a great idea to try and make your money stretch further. If your home, pet or health insurance policy is due for renewal, for example, don’t automatically roll it over for another year. Compare prices online and switch providers if there are better offers available. 

Adding to your income

Most of us would like to earn more. It’s not always possible to get a raise or increase your hours, but there are alternatives to try and boost your income. Side hustles have become very popular in recent years, and they are an excellent way to utilize your skills and talents to generate a bit of extra cash. From painting, writing and blogging and baking to teaching a foreign language or a musical instrument and offering consulting services, you could use your spare time to sell all kinds of products or services. 

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If your bank balance is lower than normal, or you’re worried about the prospect of getting into uncontrollable debt, it is possible to improve your finances and reduce the risk of financial stress. Keep an eye on where your money goes, tighten your belt, reach out and seek advice and consider ways to add to your income.

Expensive Mistakes To Make While Moving

Moving home is rarely an easy time for anyone. However, it doesn’t have to be quite as expensive as it can be, either. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most common mistakes that a lot of people don’t even realize they’re making until it’s too late and they’re being stung with a hefty bill. Keep your costs down by avoiding the following expensive mistakes.

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Having poor timing

Sometimes, you don’t have much say over when you move and you don’t have the time to prepare quite as much as you would like. However, if you do have some time, then be sure to think about when exactly you’re going to move. This blog post shows that the costs of moving do change depending on the seasons. Since a lot more people tend to move from the spring to summer, for instance, you can expect to get charged more by the majority of moving companies, since they’re busy enough to justify it.

Not thinking about what to do with the cars

If you have more than one car, or you’re planning to make the move without driving at all, then finding yourself wondering what to do with your wheels can be a very sudden and not-too-small expense to deal with. The sooner you consider what you’re going to do with your car, the better. Whether you decide to drive it after all and make sure it’s fit for the trip or you visit this website to have someone relocate it for you, it’s better to decide and prepare the funds you need for it in advance. If you have to use emergency moving services, you’re going to pay more.

Not downsizing your move

If you haven’t taken the time to sell, donate, or otherwise get rid of some of your possessions before you move, then you’re adding unnecessary cost already. A lot of the time, you’re going to find yourself unpacking on the other side and wondering why you still have X, Y, and Z. Take the time to make a full inventory of your belongings and decide what you can and can’t live without. For the latter, buy-sell-swap sites make it all too easy to sell your old possessions.

Thinking DIY is cheaper

Whether you’re talking about just moving your vehicle or moving all your possessions, the DIY approach is often more expensive. Driving your own car will use up a lot of fuel, while the costs of transporting it professionally usually gets split between multiple car owners. Meanwhile, if you aim for a DIY move without fully accounting for the costs, you might be surprised by how much it costs to rent a moving vehicle and how much you have to pay for moving supplies, as well.

Avoiding the mistakes above won’t necessarily make moving cheap, but it can at least make sure that you’re not spending a lot more money than you have to. It’s still on you to make sure you’re getting the best deal from any services you choose.

4 Car Problems You Can Never Ignore

 

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Driving a car comes with freedom and convenience. It means you don’t need to wait around for buses or spend often-extortionate fees on taxis. However, as useful as a car can be, it can also come with some problems. It’s no secret that running and maintaining a vehicle can be expensive, and this is why there are several problems that you mustn’t ignore. 

Noisy Brakes

Squeaky and squealing brakes won’t just be annoying. It can turn very dangerous, very quickly. A squealing set of brakes signifies a serious issue with your brake pads and ignoring it will mean either you have some expensive repairs on your hands or end up in an accident while on the road. Neither of these is an ideal solution, but while you may not want to pay up, this is a much more appealing solution than potentially being responsible for the injury of a passenger of another driver. 

Straight Driving 

Being able to drive straight is something that most drivers take for granted. However, while it isn’t too common, it can still happen, and this can lead to a wide variety of potential issues that will hamper your ability to drive safely. Wobbly steering means you run a greater risk of being involved in an accident as you will not have adequate control over the car. If your car seems to struggle driving straight, you can look at Suspension Alignment Shops Near me to make sure you get the issue fixed as soon as possible. 

Flashing Lights 

Flashing lights will always happen on a car, and most of the time, you will feel you can ignore them, especially if you’re a new driver who doesn’t yet understand the ins and outs of their dashboard. However, just like any other problem in your car, these warning lights illuminate for a reason. One primary problem you might encounter is the Check Engine light, which signifies a range of different issues, including transmission problems or even fluids leaking. Whatever the icon, it’s essential that you get it looked at and research what this light means to ensure you stay safe on the road.  

Shifty Shifting 

If you drive with manual transmission and find it difficult to glide through your gears, you should think about the potential problems. Not only will difficult gear shifts damage the transmission and the clutch, but it could also cause you to get stuck at traffic lights or even in the wrong gear while driving down the highway. Many drivers will ignore this issue and put it down to being a quirk of the car. However, leaving this problem for too long could be catastrophic. 

Safety First 

Ignoring problems with your car is never a wise thing to do. There is no such thing as a Best Case Scenario, and no matter how minor the issue might seem, it will catch up with you eventually. While visiting a mechanic can be intimidating (not to say expensive), it’s something you must do to ensure that your car is safe to drive. 

Bathroom Renovation and the Valuable Life Lessons It Brings

Renovation and remodeling projects may be a bit stressful, but they can also be a lot of fun. Those who have ever had home improvements done, such as adding a sunroom, installing high-quality solar panels, or remodeling a kitchen know what it's like to deal with not just the headaches but also the eager anticipation of the end result.

But there's one other aspect about remodeling projects that we found interesting. And this is the unexpected wisdom we gleaned from them, especially bathroom renovations.

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Life Lesson #1: It's important to have a clear vision of what you want

Since bathrooms are more limited in space compared to all the other areas in your house, you need to have a clear picture of what you want it to look like. It's hard to start a remodeling project with no clear goal in mind.

Similarly, in life, you need to have a vision for yourself so you can plot out how to get there. Your vision will determine the steps that you will take. It will give you the motivation to keep showing up every day and make progress constantly.;

Life Lesson #2: Preparation and lead time make a whole world of difference

Another important thing you need to keep in mind if you want to renovate your bathroom is you need to have a plan before you make things happen. You need to make sure you have enough money for the project. If you're DIY-ing it, you have to have the right tools and equipment. If you're not prepared for it, chances are, you'll end up making things worse and prolonging the process.

Preparation is also a big deal in life. It is said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Have the foresight to anticipate potential problem areas and have contingency plans in case they happen. Foresight means your back-up plan has a back-up plan.

Life Lesson #3: Know your priorities

When installing a shower stall, some folks will compromise its size to give the bathroom a larger appearance. However, that few inches you choose to skimp on will spell the difference between a cramped shower space and something more comfortable. What good will a spacious-looking bathroom do if you can't even take a decent shower in it? When it comes to planning bathroom renovations, always prioritize function and not just appearances.

A lot of folks also tend to compromise plenty of things to make a good impression on people. Perhaps some of us even know a few who would spend hundreds of dollars on clothes and yet struggle to feed their families. Don't get your priorities mixed up.

Life Lesson #4: Don't be afraid to try things out to see what works for you

When painting bathrooms, sometimes you need to try out different types of paint first to see which one will work best with your concept. You may spend a bit more on some paint samples but seeing how they actually end up like will give you a clearer picture of what your bathroom would appear.

Life is also a series of trials-and-errors. Don't be afraid to try new things out. As the millennials say, YOLO. You only live once. It's okay to take some risks. Be a bit bolder. It's good to be cautious but being a little more adventurous can do you some good, too.

Life Lesson #5: Be flexible

Things won't always go as planned in any remodeling project. There will be some unexpected expenses along the way, even if you think you've already covered all the bases. If you want to see the result fast, you need to be flexible with your budget.

We're all too familiar about life not going well for us all the time. Our ability to be adaptable will determine how fast we progress in life.

Whatever we do in life, it's important to take a step back and see the bigger picture, so we don't miss out on the important lessons that life is teaching us. There's a lot that life wants to tell us. We just need to be more sensitive to its voice.

The Keys To Staying Active As You Age

We used to think that there was an age limit when it came to living an active lifestyle. But this is not the case; more and more, we’re beginning to understand that it’s always possible to live your best life, no matter how many times you’ve been around the sun. The thing to remember, however, is that it won’t just happen. Left to its own devices, your body will naturally begin to wind down. If you take steps to combat that, then you’ll be fit and healthy no matter how old you are! In this blog, we’ll look at some of the key ingredients that you’ll want to incorporate into your life. 

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Low Intensity Activities

There’ll come a time when you’re not quite as able to do all the physical activities that you used to do. You might like to play football, but at some point, you’ll have to concede that your body isn’t quite cut out for it. So what’s the solution? It’s definitely not deciding to stop all physical activity. It’s switching to lower intensity activities, such as swimming, in-line skating, and walking. These activities will keep you active, without putting too much pressure on your body.

Stretch It Out

Your body will begin to seize up over the years. It’s just a normal process. We’re less active; we’re sitting down more -- your body isn’t going to be as flexible as it once was. But only naturally. There are things you can do to loosen up again. And when you do, you’ll find that your body feels so much better. Yoga is amazing for this. They say, in fact, that you stay the age you were as when you first started doing yoga. So get going! If not a full yoga workout, then following along with a morning stretching routine will be a good substitute.

Useful Tools

There are advantages to living in the modern world that we’re prone to take for granted. For instance, there are many more tools available than we used to have in the past, ones that we can use to help stay active. There are devices we use to assist us in our movement, which are especially useful if we have an injury. There are support braces that’ll help if you have a knee injury or canes that’ll assist with walking. Take a look at the product selection from Ergoactives to see if there are any products that’ll help with your particular issue. If you have an injury that doesn’t seem to be healing, you’ll also want to work with an expert such as a physiotherapist. They’ll help to get you back up and active in no time.

Avoid Bad Habits

Finally, if you want to stay active as you age, then be sure to avoid the bad habits that’ll compromise your quality of life. If you drink too much alcohol, for instance, then you’ll have activity issues: it has a big impact on energy levels, especially when you’re older. So take a look at your bad habits, and work on putting them behind you. 

4 Signs Its Time To Replace Your Car

 

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Is it time to send your old motor to the great scrapheap in the sky? Sorry to say it but it might be!

While you might be tempted to hold onto it forever, perhaps because of the happy memories it has given you, or because of the expense of a new car, you might have to admit to yourself that now is the time for a replacement. 

Of course, you don't have to break the bank and buy something brand new. Used car dealerships akin to Indi Car Credit can often offer you something that won't derail your finances, so it is worth shopping around. And you might want to do so at your earliest opportunity, especially if the following signs relate to you.

Signs It's Time To Replace Your Car

#1: You have a breakdown company on speed dial

Cars are great...until they break down! They tend to break down at the most inconvenient of places too, such as in the middle of the highway or in places that are miles away from a service station. So, if your car has started breaking down with alarming regularity, then it's clearly time to consider buying something new. 

#2: Your local garage is like your second home

This is really a follow on from the last point. If your car is often in need of repair, you are going to spend more time in your local garage than you might want to. Minor repairs are natural, but if you're regularly having to book your car in for engine faults, exhaust problems, and radiator issues, these are signs that your car has long since past its prime.  Now, you could set yourself up in a corner of the garage with your own armchair and a kettle if you're never away from there, but instead of making yourself home, you might want to replace your car instead. Despite the initial expense, it will work out cheaper for you in the long-term. 

#3: Raindrops keep falling on your head

The best place for a shower is in your home and not in your car. But if your car is rusting, it might be that holes have opened up where they shouldn't. For this reason, you might be subject to a sudden shower if the heavens open up and rain starts coming through. If your car is corroding, there could be holes in the floor too, and pieces of your car could fall off when you're journeying from A to B. These are not good signs, so protect yourself and your passengers by ditching your crumbling motor.

#4: Your family won't get into the car with you

It might be that you're a less than careful driver, in which case, we wouldn't blame them for steering clear of the passenger seats. On the other hand, it might be because your car is falling apart, so they might be embarrassed to get in there with you. And if your family has grown in size, they might struggle to fit in there anyway, regardless of the state of the motor. So, consider their needs as well as your own, and if there are any practical reasons why they won't get into your car, consider replacing it soon. 

So, is it time to replace your car? It might be, especially if you have related to the signs we have listed. Consider the option then, and bless your life with something that won't derail your finances or your personal happiness. 

Take care and thanks for reading!

3 Things You Should Know About Captive Insurance

 

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Accidents happen, and businesses carry business insurance to pay for any damages or repairs that result from unexpected accidents. Companies may purchase general liability, income, commercial property, workers’ compensation and cybersecurity insurance. However, some businesses have risks that are not covered by traditional insurance companies, so these companies may seek captive insurance.  

Self-Insurance

Captive insurance companies are subsidiaries of a parent company, so the parent company owns and pays their premiums to their insurance company. Their purpose is to mitigate their parent company’s risk in areas that are not covered by traditional insurance, such as an oil spill in an offshore drilling company. These companies only provide captive insurance services to their owners. Typically, larger corporations create these insurance companies due to their administrative and overhead costs.

Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service requires that insurance companies distribute and shift their risks, and captives must also follow this rule. Many captives are located in tax havens, such as islands in the Caribbean, to gain additional tax benefits. For example, companies that start captives try to deduct the insurance premiums they pay to their captives from their taxes even though they are essentially paying themselves. This may be considered abusive tax evasion.

Asset Accumulation

Captives accumulate assets. These assets result in significant surpluses or reserves for policy claims. These insurance companies need to keep a portion of their assets in case of an emergency.

Because it is quick and easy to draw money out of a captive, companies may seek to cash out the surplus over the assets they are required to save. However, but this may have substantial tax implications, especially if this money is not used on a covered emergency. Therefore, these companies must weigh the benefits of drawing out the money against tax penalties.

Companies in high-risk fields may choose to create their own captive insurance company. However, they should weigh the advantages and disadvantages prior to withdrawing the captive’s assets.

4 Gifts Men Will Love

If you are looking for something to buy a man in your life, there are so many options to choose from that you would be forgiven for not knowing where to begin. No matter what the occasion might be or what relation the man is to you, there are many ways to approach this. Whether you find gift-buying to be stressful or you generally revel in it, either way it’s good to have a sense of what to buy. Let’s take a look at some of the best gift ideas for the men in your life.

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Self-Care Products

There is a real trend of male self-care products right now, and you could make use of this in buying something that your man is going to be able to use on himself. There are many to choose from, so whether you go down the skincare route or you end up getting him something for his facial hair, you can be sure it is going to be well appreciated. You can see beard products to discover what a great range there is, or you could simply go for something simple like a moisturizer. Either way, it’s going to go down very well indeed with most men.

Tools

Sometimes, the classic options are classic for a reason, and that is certainly true when it comes to buying a man some tools. If you know that there are certain tools that he needs, or you just want to take a risk and get something particular, then it could go down very well. Another way to approach this would be to get him a general toolbox, full of a wide range of tools that they could use at different times. That is bound to be something that they can get a lot of us out of at different times.

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Cooking Equipment

Many modern men love to cook, and if that is true of the man you are buying for, then you have so many options to choose from in this area. You might go down the grill or barbeque route, for instance, or you could look into getting him some high-quality utensils or even a knife block with great knives. Or you could think about getting something you know they have been wanting, whether it’s a griddle pan or a set of wine glasses. Anything for the kitchen is generally going to be well appreciated by most men today.

Experiences

Maybe you want to try and find him some kind of experience to do instead, as this is often a great way to ensure that the gift is appreciated and that it lasts a long time in memory. If there is some kind of experience that they have always wanted to do - gliding, bungee jumping, skydiving, riding in a hot air balloon - then that is a great way to go. If not, you can surprise them with something original and just hope for the best.

How to Effectively Create a Pet-Friendly Home

Maintaining a clean and stylish home, even with animals indoors, is possible. Check out these tips on making your home as pet-friendly as possible.

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Keeping the house clean and orderly can be extra challenging for pet owners. Animals have a mind of their own, and even the most effective dog training will not stop a pet from being, well, a pet. Still, pet owners will do anything for their furry kids, even if it means making adjustments to their homes and lifestyle to keep the pets safe and happy.

Having animal hair all furniture and clothes, bites and scratches on stuff, stains on the carpet - there are only some common problems that pet owners face in the household. These can be solved with the right planning and materials. Coupled with lots of love and effort, you can maintain a clean and stylish home even when you have pets in the house. Here are some tips on making your home as pet-friendly as possible:

Buy Pet-Friendly Furniture

Upholstered or slip-covered furniture and pets do not blend well together. That is why if you have pets staying indoors, having furniture made of stain-resistant fabric is essential. Certain materials are more susceptible to stains and stinky odors, which can make your couch unpleasant to sit or sleep on. Do away with fabrics such as silk, velvet, and tweed and opt for leather, synthetic microfiber, and materials made for outdoors. Also, choose fabrics in darker colors instead of white or beige.

Use Pet-Specific Items That Will Blend Well with Your Interiors

Cat litter boxes and dog crates are functional items that your pets need, but they look out of place with your home's interior. The solution is incorporating them with existing furnishings to make them blend seamlessly with your theme. Instead of using just the litter box, you can create a litter box cabinet where your cat come and go when the need arises. It also hides the litter box well and lessens odors and mess that comes with it.

Dog crates are mostly large and bulky, which makes it harder to hide. Why not create a kitchen island that has a space below that can serve as the dog crate? That is a stylish and space-saving solution that your pet will love.

Put Screens on Your Windows

If you have a two-story house or higher and have cats in the house, it's best to install screens on your windows to protect your felines from injuries. Cats go in and out of windows, and a lot of them get injured when they jump from higher grounds. Screened windows should be enough to keep the cats in and force them to use the door instead.

Avoid Having Carpeted Floors

Carpets will absorb stains and odors that come naturally from having pets in the house. Opt for ceramic tile or porcelain flooring instead, which are highly resistant to scratches and stains. If you have to use rugs, get ones that are washable and made of durable fabric. You don't want to end up wasting good mats on dogs and cats who will inevitably scratch them.

Use Trash Cans with Lids

If you have dogs, you know too well the probability of having trash strewn across your floor or lawn. Dogs have a knack for rolling around in garbage and other smelly stuff. To discourage your pooches from rummaging through the garbage, use trash cans with lids, especially for your kitchen, pantry, and bathrooms. If you can, place these garbage cans behind a kitchen cabinet or other closed-off areas to keep them safe from your dogs.

Create a "Mud Room"

Nothing beats seeing the pure joy on your dog's face when running around outdoors, especially in muddy areas. The problem arises when the dog re-enters your home with his dirty or muddy paws. One way to solve this problem is to designate a place in your house where your dog can clean off before entering the rest of the house. An existing laundry room will be perfect for this purpose, where you can also keep your dog supplies along with the dog shower.

Make Modifications to Curb Your Pet's Behavior

Cats will always love to climb and seek higher places to perch on. If your home lacks the space for him to do it, he will try to go outside, which is a problem if you want to keep your kitty strictly indoors. Arranging your furniture can solve this - you can have cat shelves installed, which allows them to prowl and climb all they want while still confined indoors. Even better is making them a cat patio outfitted with screen walls. That will effectively contain them while being outdoors technically.

With these ideas in mind, you can prepare a house for your furry family member. This way, you can ensure their safety and health, even without your supervision.

How Frontliner Moms Get by Every day and How We Can Help

Each of us is struggling in this pandemic. Some are battling poor mental health, difficulties in online classes, work-from-home demands, family issues, or others. But the medical frontliners, especially the moms, could have it the worst. 

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Your hardships aren't invalidated, of course. Each of us goes through things differently, but the fact that frontliners work the hardest during this time is undeniable. They've been sacrificing the comforts of home for months now. Their well-being is also affected due to continuously rising cases and deaths.

Frontliners themselves come up with ways to uplift each other and their patients. Various organizations in different countries also make donations to them or visit them personally to increase their morale.

But while these actions are comforting to frontliners, they may only offer short-term joy. The things that'll benefit them more are increased support from their employers, a compassionate government, and cooperative citizens.

That said, let's see what can be done for frontliners to receive those urgent needs.

Support From Employers

Since classes are already beginning, one of the most urgent needs of frontliner moms is child care support. What employers can do is to reach out to public officials and ask for plans on long-term child care support.

Even if schools are only held virtually, young children will still need the guidance of their parents. They're too young to manage on their own yet. To address this, health care employers, together with appropriate organizations, can collaborate with the local government that can then partner with a local school district to open some classrooms for affected children, for example. And as it goes without saying, the schools should also develop plans to prevent viral infections.

Employers should also get feedback from their workers. They can only find out their exact needs by hearing it from them. A data collection survey software can help them do this, provided that they follow up each cited issue with action.

Allowing flexible work schedules is also immensely helpful, particularly to cleaners, security officers, and some nurses. Also, employers and employees must strive to achieve better work-life harmony. The higher-ups should understand the challenges faced by their frontliners better, then optimize work processes and improve their welfare.

And though giving excessive workloads tends to be inevitable these days, employers still have to be mindful about it. They must respect their frontliners' rest hours and day-offs.

How Frontliner Moms are Getting By

Every frontliner mother faces a different challenge. Some are lucky to be helped by their spouses in caring for their kids. Others have to sacrifice even more sleep to nurse their infant child.

But a struggle that all moms can relate to is the "mom guilt." They tend to feel remorseful while they're at work and their kids are staying at home. But according to physician moms, vigilance and preparation are essential to their jobs of being a mother and frontliner. Dr. Courtney Howard, a Canadian emergency doctor, is always ready to take action, even while facing a sense of impending doom.

It's saddening that a cure to COVID-19 is yet to be administered, so the least we can do while waiting for it is to cooperate with the health protocols and heed the plea of frontliners. The faster we flatten the curve, the sooner the moms can be reunited with their children. And of course, employers should regularly check in with their employees and immediately address their concerns.

Survive the Heatwave without Breaking a Sweat

Summer is coming and heatwaves in Australia are reaching record highs. In 2019, Nullarbor and Adelaide recorded temperatures of 49.9°C and 45.3°C, while temperatures in cooler cities like Brisbane and Sydney went up to 41°C and 42.4°C. Expect next summer to be the same and make a few changes to weather the heatwaves. 

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Insulate

Outside temperatures shouldn't matter if your house is well-insulated. With proper insulation, temperatures inside your house can stay cooler than outside temperatures by 5-10°C, and that's without air conditioning. Prioritize insulating your roofing. Sun hits your roof more than any part of your house and it is generally the place with the highest rate of heat transfer. Minimizing heat transfer also reduces the stress on your air conditioning system. 

It won't be working as hard and would reduce your electrical consumption. Proper insulation has been noted to cut electricity bills by as high as 30 percent, so your investment on insulating your roof should pay off in just a few months. Roofing insulation can last up to 15 years so a bit of money should solve your heatwave problems for years to come. Aside from your roof, make sure to inspect your house's vents and other openings to reduce unchecked heat transfer. 

Get Some Shade

Direct sunlight is the primary cause of heating. Adding shade or extending your house's shade should reduce the temperature of the immediate area around your house. Plant a few fruit trees in line with the sun or buy full-grown ones and have them replanted. You can also build an insulated patio to add some shade near your doors or windows. A patio will allow you to spend some time outside the house if you feeling cooped up, and you'll still be protected from the heat and the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. While patios are excellent during the summer, you can use them any time of the year when entertaining guests, hosting a barbecue, or just lounging around by yourself with a good book.

Don't Let the Sunlight In

Glass windows and doors serve as ports that let sunlight and heat inside your home. Houses with exceptionally large windows are vulnerable to heat transfer and absorbed heat can stay up even when the sun goes down. If you want to keep it cool, you'll need to add a few shades or heavy curtains to keep sunlight out. Shades and curtains are simple solutions and you can always take them down when summer ends. 

A more high-tech option is smart glass or switchable glass. These modern glass marvels can turn opaque with a switch, allowing you to regulate the amount of light entering your home but they do come with a hefty price. A less expensive option is UV-filtering film. UV film can reduce the heat entering your windows by close to 75 percent and they also keep your house safe from harmful UV radiation.

With climate change, expect heat waves to be the norm. Adjust to the changing times by making a few changes in your house that will make it resilient to extreme outside temperatures to keep your family safe and comfortable.

Passing The Time When You've Got Nothing Else To Do

There comes those moments in our lives, when we’ve accomplished all of our tasks, and we have nothing else to get on with, and we’re stuck with a little period of time before we move on to do something else. Maybe you’ve got half an hour before picking the kids up, or an hour before going to work, and you’re not quite sure what to do with yourself. You don’t usually get these little moments of freedom, after all!

So when they do hit, it’s time to take some time for yourself, and do something enjoyable and/or relaxing. And if you’re in need of a few pointers right now, here are some things you might want to get on with.

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Pick Up a Book

A book is a great way to pass the time, thanks to the abundance of books on offer to us, and the amount of stories we all enjoy getting into. And if you’ve got a bookshelf of neglected paperbacks to get on with, taking the 20 minutes you’ve got right now to get stuck into the first chapter is very beneficial for you. 

Sure, you may not want to put the book down once your free time comes to an end, but you can always pick it up again later. And this is a good excuse to buy some cute bookmarks as well! 

Play Some Mini Games

If you’re bored and have a few minutes, why not make good use of your internet connection with some commitment free and fun gaming? Mini games are free to play, and all you have to do is search for the website they’re hosted on. Plus, a whole bunch of them can even be played on phones nowadays, thanks to an upgrade in modern tech! 

Any and all kinds of mini games can be found online, including bus games, racing games, dress up games, stickman games, and even story games you might find yourself coming back to… Either way, you’ve got some time to kill, and you want to have fun whilst you do so, so load up that laptop! 

Even a Nap Works! 

And if you’ve got half an hour, why not fit a power nap in, before you have to get back in the car and go elsewhere? After all, it’s very good for your body to have a bit more sleep every now and then, and all those biphasic sleepers across the globe can’t be wrong! 

So go grab a blanket, snuggle down into the sofa, and get 40 winks while you have the chance to. Recharging is always good for you, no matter what anyone else says. 

If you’ve got a bit of time to spare, and don’t know what to do with yourself, why not make good use of ideas like those listed above? Until you settle into this new found freedom, it could be a good idea to pass the time a little constructively in a more relaxed manner. 

Hacks to Have a Wreck-Free, Pet-Friendly Garden

We all love our pets; they're like family. But, sometimes, it can be a problem when you can't control what they do outside your home or even on your lawn. If you're considering turning your simple backyard into a luscious garden but concerned about having plants that either may be toxic to your pets or that they may destroy, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while you make your choices.

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Plant Safe But Pet-Repellent Plants

There are some plants that cats and/or dogs seem to dislike a lot. But remember, they don't like them for a reason, and whatever it is, if they've accidentally ingested too much of it, there will be consequences-not deadly but unpleasant for the pet. So, it's a good idea to pick your plants carefully and create boundaries for your pet whenever they're in the garden. Here are some plants to consider.

Prickly, Thorny Plants -They may not be the friendliest of plants, but they can make for a useful barrier between pets and areas in the garden you want them to avoid. Rose bushes, Prickly Pear, or succulents are good but avoid Aloe Vera, Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii), and the Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata), to name a few, as these are toxic to pets.

Scaredy Cat (Coleus Canina) -Neighborhood cats and dogs will learn to avoid your garden, not to mention the occasional rabbit and fox, if you plant these around. When brushed or broken, the leaves and stem of this perennial plant release a foul odor similar to a skunk spray.

Herbs -Often, pets don't like the smell of some plant herbs, so they leave them alone. These herbs include Rosemary, Lavender, Citronella, Thyme, Sage, Bergamot, Basil, Cilantro, and Catmint. The latter you use not to repel them but distract and redirect them away from your more precious plants.

Citrus Plants -Most dogs don't like the strong smell of citrus, but you'd need a few of these trees planted together and producing fruit in a few years before the smell becomes unpleasant to them. Perhaps scattering some lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit peel will do the trick in the meantime.

Crushed Red Pepper- Pets don't appreciate the scent of this strong spice. It's best to have the powder sprinkled around the garden area to repel dogs or cats or other nocturnal visitors to your garden. But avoid applying them on the leaves of your plants.

Avoid Toxic Plants

It's surprising how many dangerous plants your pets are exposed to-lilies, daffodils, foxgloves, tulips, chrysanthemums, and ivy, etc. There's a detailed list of toxic (and non-toxic) plants on the ASPCA page that can help you decide which pet-safe plants to add to your garden.

Designate a Bathroom Area

Build an area for your pets to relieve themselves. Training them to use this spot away from your garden will prevent them from having their way with your plants. Before you start building, it's vital to choose pet-friendly surfaces like cedar mulch and pea pebbles.

Choose a Safe Ground Cover

Depending on the type of dog you have, it may be worthwhile considering your options for ground turf. It doesn't have to be real grass if you don't feel like you'll have the time to maintain it properly. You can choose from either artificial turf cover lawns, or mulch. Check to make sure whichever one you decide to pick is appropriate for the size of your dog.

Elevate Your Sprinklers

If you decide to install automated sprinklers, make sure their position is elevated enough that it protects your water mechanism from being dug out by your fun-loving, dirt-digging dog.

Build a Digging Pit

This is good protection for your garden and lots of fun for your pet. No matter how you decide to build the digging pit, it's important to remember that it has to be covered overnight, or some cat will think it's a litter box specially made for them.

Apart from the smaller plants, it's important to look at the condition of the trees in your yard. Are some of them looking a bit worse for wear? Maybe it's time to get an arborist to check the health and safety of its bark and branches. If the branches are no longer sturdy or the tree is rotting at the base from a fungal infection, it may be time to have the tree removed and replaced with a healthier one.

More importantly, with thorough research and proper care, you can have a garden that will be a haven of small delights that you and your loved ones can enjoy for years to come.

The Warning Signs Of An Electrical Fire

 

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Electrical fires are one of the most common household fires. Such a fire could cause huge damage to your home and put you and your household at risk. For this reason, it can be useful to know the warning signs so that you can take preventative action. Below are just some of the major warning signs. 

Unidentifiable burning smells

An unidentifiable burning smell could be coming from your electrics. Heat from worn wiring could be causing the surroundings to burn. By tracing the source of the smell, you may be able to determine whether it’s coming from something electrical.

Buzzing electrical sockets

If electrical sockets are making an odd noise such as a hum or a buzz, it could be another sign that the wiring is worn and at risk of causing a fire. Strange sounds aren’t always dangerous, but are still worth looking into. 

Discoloured/charred outlets

You should also look out for electrical outlets that seem discoloured or charred on the outside. This could be a sign that burning has already started to take place and that a fire could be around the corner.

Circuit breakers tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping it could be any number of electrical faults. A tripping circuit breaker is common in homes with old wiring and could be a sign of damaged electrics. An electrical fire could occur as a result.

Visibly old/worn wiring

Is there any wiring in your home that looks visibly damaged or old? Perhaps the wire casing has worn away or perhaps your wiring looks messy and amateurishly done. This could also be worth looking into - damaged wiring could be the cause of a potential electrical fire in the future.

How to prevent an electrical fire

If you spot any of the warning signs listed above, you should hire an electrician to take a look immediately. Fixing the problem could help to prevent any electrical fires in the future.

Electrical work can be expensive, which can put some people off. If you haven’t got any funds to pay for electrical repairs, you could consider looking into payday loans and other borrowing methods. Alternatively, some electrical companies may offer the option to pay in installments. 

That said, if it’s just a single outlet that needs fixing, you may find that the cost is quite low. It’s only if you have to think about rewiring your whole home that you may want to worry about the cost. If you’ve got very old wiring, as costly as it may be, it could be worth it - there could be other hidden electrical dangers in your home. 

There are other fire safety measures that you can take to help prevent a fire. These could include making sure that extension packs aren’t overloaded and that electrical appliances are kept away from water sources. It’s also worth avoiding any DIY electrics in your home, unless you really know what you’re doing. 

Non-embarrassing Ways to Get Some Quick Cash

It is not unusual to hear of people doing some strange things in order to earn some cash. Whether is selling plasma or being a sperm donor, you may not want these experiences in your life history as you figure out how to pay for much-needed car repairs. Fortunately, there are a few other ways to legitimately line your pockets when you need it the most.

Apply for a Loan

It’s not always the most ideal, especially if you struggle to make ends meet with your current budget, but short term loans Mississippi companies offer may be the help you need. If you have good credit or something of value that can be used as collateral, you may have no problem getting approved for a loan.

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Sell Your Things

You probably don’t realize how many things of value you own that can be sold for extra cash. Stocks or mutual funds that aren’t attached to your retirement account or an option, or you could sell old smartphones or an extra vehicle. If you search the house for items to sell, you benefit from having a house that been de-cluttered and cleaned out.

Check With Community Organizations

There are many places in the community that provide assistance to those in need. You may have to call around to find a church or organization that can help with a utility bill, or your employer may have an emergency fund that employees can borrow from.

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Plead With Family and Friends

It may take a little humbling, but an unexpected medical crisis or home repair isn’t something to be ashamed of. Your friends and family may be thrilled to offer assistance, whether in the form of a loan or simply sending you some money.

When you fall on hard times or you struggle to make the payment on your mortgage, there are many places you can go for financial assistance. These happen to be some of the least embarrassing options.

Prep Your Home for Winter

With fall weather upon us, now is a good time to start planning your home maintenance so it's ready for the colder weather. Before you begin, here are a few items you should add to your to-do list to ensure you're ready for the winter when it arrives. 

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Check Your HVAC

To keep your HVAC system in good condition, it's a good idea to have it serviced each year. Before cooler weather settles in for the season, have an HVAC contractor come out to inspect and clean your system so that it continues to run optimally during the long winter months. 

Clean Your Gutters

Once the leaves start falling, you'll want to set aside some time to clean your gutters so they don't get clogged, which can cause them to back up or overflow. While you're cleaning them out, give them a good inspection to see if they're still in good condition. If they're in disrepair or have seen excessive wear, it's time to call for gutter replacement St Louis.

Seal Your Home

Before cold, damp weather arrives, you should seal off your home to protect it from the elements. Take the time to walk around your home and caulk around windows and doors to prevent energy loss. Sealing around your home also prevents critters from making their way into your home during the winter, which can lead to infestation. You may also want to consider sealing your driveway if it's pavement to prevent cracking during the colder months. 

Close Your Pool 

If you have a pool, you should be sure to have it cleaned, drained, inspected, and closed up well before winter arrives. While you're having your pool shut down, have your sprinkler system winterized as well to prevent blown lines when the ground freezes. 

With these items crossed off your fall maintenance to-do list, you'll be ready to relax when winter arrives and rest easy knowing your home is prepared for winter's arrival. 

Marriage Counselors In Nashville Helping Couples With Their Marriage

 

Are you no longer intimate with your partner? Both physical and emotional lack of intimacy comes as no surprise in marriage, triggered by a myriad of situations that happen along the way. However, not every married couple is capable of resolving marital issues on its own, hence ending up estranged. 

Nowadays, marriage counseling has become an effective way of saving relationships. These therapies teach individuals how to express their emotions, admit their fears, and let go of their grudges. 

These are the main ways in which therapists help partners renew their love.

Improved communication

The core of marital problems is predominantly the communication between partners, such as barely speaking to each other, not being able to find a common language, or turning a blind eye on what the other spouse wants to say. Therefore, marriage counseling sessions provide the perfect opportunity for individuals to vent out without feeling disconnected. Visit this page to check out some helpful strategies for improving communication in marriage. 

Additionally, therapists ensure no issue is left unheard, hence allowing both spouses to share their side of the story. In the meantime, they take the role of mediators by providing unobstructed two-way communication, preventing partners from interrupting each other while opening their souls. These professionals will make sure you understand why the old patterns of interaction are no longer functional, as well as assist you in finding new ones. 

In some cases, having no normal conversation between spouses is triggered by the fear of one partner to share its opinion and true feelings. In such scenarios, marriage counselors provide the necessary encouragement to individuals to speak up without feeling afraid. Therapists work on improving clients’ self-confidence, as silence is definitely not golden in a marriage. 

Fear realization

Many married couples cope with repetitive arguments due to the fear of certain aspects of marital life. Most individuals aren’t even aware of their underlying fears, thus inducing unnecessary quarrels in the hope of getting rid of their negative energy. Nevertheless, the arguments keep on repeating as long as spouses take no action to overcome their fears. 

Instead of going through tirades every single day, couples therapy might provide you with the long-desired peace of mind. Most of the respectable marriage counselors are experts in helping married couples understand how fear affects their relationship. Through conversation, your therapist will make your realize your deepest fears, such as having financial problems, not being prepared for the role of a parent, or feeling no longer intimate enough with your spouse. After admitting your fears and discussing them with your partner, you’ll no longer be tempted to initiate quarrels. 

Improved intimacy

Another major issue married couples experience over the years is the lack of both physical and emotional intimacy.  It’s common for spouses to drift apart after years of being in a marital union, as infatuation fades gradually. However, partners should strive to keep the spark alive, regardless of the inevitable feeling of monotony. 

For instance, most couples forgo physical intimacy after their newborn arrives due to being overwhelmed by their new role of parents. For some spouses, the sexual dry spell lasts for a few months, while for others it lasts much longer. In the latter case, most partners feel like strangers, which might eventually result in an emotional, not just physical estrangement. 

Fortunately, marriage counselors help spouses deepen their intimate connection both on a physical and emotional level. By tackling the core of the issue, these professionals enable married couples to rekindle their spark and restore their intimacy. 

Learn to forgive

Couples therapy teaches partners about the power of forgiveness, which most individuals lack. Instead of putting an end to your marriage after learning about your husband/wife’s infidelity, find the strength to give him/her another chance. 

Moreover, counseling might prevent you from terminating your relationship prematurely. After listening attentively to what your spouse has to say about its disloyal behavior, perhaps you’ll reconsider your opinion about getting a divorce. Go to this link, https://www.wikihow.com/Forgive-After-an-Affair, for some useful tips about forgiving after an affair. 

Final word

Marriage counselors are the right professionals to consult when coping with marital problems. 

Don’t miss the chance!

How Hard Is It To Go Vegetarian?

You might be interested in going vegetarian. There’s a lot of buzz around this idea lately and that’s largely due to the fact that the celebs and the athletes are jumping on board the bandwagon. Indeed, many now swear by a plant-based diet. But, you might be wondering how difficult it is to make this change. After all, it’s going to be a massive shift in your lifestyle. Let’s look at some of the key points to consider.

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Slow And Steady 

First, you do need to make sure that you’re not rushing this change. It’s important that you give your body and your mind time to readjust to this new lifestyle choice. It’s not something that you can do overnight and if you try to make the change this quickly you are going to run into issues. You could find that your body reacts negatively because you will be depriving it of things that it was used to. It can take a full year to make this change and you should only remove meat from diet gradually. Start off by changing one of your meals - preferably lunch - before going vegetarian full time. You’ll find it a lot easier if you approach the change this way. 

What About the Budget? 

You might have heard it’s more expensive to be a vegetarian than to eat a meat-based diet. But how is that possible? After all, most meat products cost a fortune? Well, to go vegetarian in a way that is healthy you need meat substitutes. Meat is a solid source of protein so you need to ensure that you are getting this from another place rather than losing it from your diet. Without the right amount of protein, you will feel a great deal weaker and that’s definitely not what you want. So, you could need to factor in more money for your food shop. 

Finding The Right Foods

When you start to go vegetarian it can be tricky to find foods and dishes that you enjoy and that fill you. We recommend exploring various different options before settling on the dishes that fill you up and provide the right taste or flavour. You could try this vegetarian ramen recipe as an example. It certainly packs in a lot of delicious flavours that you are sure to enjoy. You can also experiment with different options and great your own recipes if you’re not scared of being adventurous in the kitchen. 

Can Anyone Become A Vegetarian? 

Finally, you might be wondering whether there is anything that could stop you from becoming a vegetarian. The good news is that if you approach this the right way, there is nothing that should stop you from making this change. You just need to be smart with your decisions and ensure that you are not jumping the gun. It is also absolutely vital that you still give your body everything it needs. If you are unsure of how to do this, speak to a nutritionist. They’ll be able to help out.