Homemade Self Care Products You Can Make This Weekend

Image

In the pursuit of youth, beauty, and natural health -  we are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to stay healthy without all of the chemicals. 

If you are looking to ditch the commercially chemical packed products this year, and head for a natural self-care routine, this post is ideal for you. Whether you are on the lookout for sulphate free shampoo,soap free body wash , or salt-free shower gel, today we have some simple recipes which are guaranteed to simplify your beauty routine once and for all. Here are our top recipes for self-care products at home this year. 

Soap

Soap is the most basic self-care product and is the most commonly used cleaning product by all. Soap is often laden with chemicals such and Sodium Laureth Sulphate which causes soap to produce suds and bubbles. However, this recipe is simple and easy to make and will leave you squeaky clean every time! 

You’ll need: 

• 1lb glycerine soap base

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp goat’s milk 

• Coconut oil for greasing

Melt the glycerine soap base in a bowl above a pan of boiling water. Once melted, add honey and goat’s milk and stir to combine. Grease silicone molds (any shape you like) with coconut oil, and then pour the mixture into the molds. Allow to set at room temperature or in the fridge, and enjoy it when you next take a shower!

Dry Shampoo

When out and about, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, and when you have forgotten to wash your hair this handy little spray or powder can be used to absorb the grease and oil in your hair to make it appear clean until you are able to wash it. Dry shampoo is a great little product and it is something that can be made easily at home. 

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cornflour

Mix both ingredients in a bowl, and then sprinkle onto the roots of your hair to absorb moisture and make your hair feel revitalized. 

Shampoo

Shampoo is used to wash hair, and unfortunately a lot of the time it can contain a lot of harsh chemicals. Rather than use shampoo which can cause residue build-up on your scalp, there are some simple home recipes that will allow you to wash your hair naturally. The recipe we want to share with you is not only simple, but it will smell amazing and make your hair smell stunning. 

You’ll need:

• 8oz water

• 2 tsp dried rose petals

• 3oz castile soap

• 3tbsp aloe vera gel

• 1tsp jojoba oil

Add dried petals to boiling water and leave to soak for 30 minutes, then drain liquid into a bottle. Add castile soap, aloe vera gel, and jojoba oil and shake. Use to make your hair silky and shiny. 

These simple self-care products should make your life much easier and allow you to save money and stay clean without the chemicals. 

Why Dog Owners Are Happier People

Image source Pixabay - CC0 Licence

If you’ve never welcomed a little puppy into your home, you have no comprehension of the joy this little four legged creature can bring into someone’s life. Unlike a cat, a dog will cling to you like glue. They will imprint on every member of the family and become one of the pack. They adore being loved and showing love. Dog owners are happier than non-dog owners because they experience unconditional love from their pooch. But dogs give us so much more than just puppy mutt eyes and a cute little face. Dogs really are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend.

Read on to find out why.

Emotional Intelligence

Dogs have a tendency to read the emotions of their owners. It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy the company of an intelligent breed like a border collie or one renowned for its lack of obedience like a beagle, the chances are your pooch will read you like a book. When you are feeling alert and happy, they’ll bring their favorite toy to you so that you can play. However, if you are a little under the weather or you are feeling a little low, you mutt will snuggle close to you, sit on your lap or curl up at your feet. They know when you need company, a little extra love, and support, and this is their way of providing it. It is this emotional intelligence that forms the great bond between dog and human.

They Want To Please

A dog loves nothing more than hearing the famous two words, ‘Good boy,’ or ‘Good girl.’ It is these two simple words of praise that your canine buddy lives for. They are eager to please us and know their place within the pack. They want to be obedient and are keen to show just how agile, playful and trainable they are. If you find yourself with a pocketful of chicken breast, your mutt will sit, play dead or give paw for the treats they can smell on you. Your pooch will be keen to behave around visitors and will be great company on road trips, outings and walks down to the park.

Walking your dog can provide you with ample opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and get out into the great outdoors and exercise. This can help lift your mood, boost your dopamine levels and leave you feeling less stressed and with lower blood pressure.

Dogs Become Family

While you might welcome a puppy into your life expecting them to be nothing more than a pet, you will be surprised at just how much of an integral part of your family they become. Before you know it, you’ll be commissioning some custom pet pop art to put on your family photo wall, you’ll be making bespoke Christmas cards with your mutt on the front, and you’ll be considering where to go on your vacation taking into account your dog’s wants and needs from a trip. Dogs become one of the family very quickly. Having a puppy really is like having a newborn baby. They need love, feeding and sometimes even rocking to sleep.

If you want to become happier, you can do worse than buying a dog!

5 Diabetic Friendly Food That Provide Relief From Stress And Anxiety

I have been living with Diabetes for decades and it is not a pleasant experience. Fluctuating blood sugar levels, pricking your finger several times a day, insulin shots and pills, pills and more pills add to my anxiety that this chronic illness is here to stay.

Managing my blood glucose level is already as task in itself, but once anxiety sets in, then it is a whole different story. When I have those days, I don't want to get out of bed. I have all sorts of pain, I feel lethargic and my mind is in a blur. I can't work or function normally. Thankfully, I am able to snap myself out of the rut with the help of adding certain foods in my daily diet. These foods have a low glycemic index (GI) which means it would not cause a spike in my blood sugar levels. It is also known that eating food with low GI can reduce the risk of depression.

Here is my list of 5 foods that help ease my stress and anxiety. The best part? They are are diabetic-friendly too.

Brown Rice (GI = 50)

Brown rice is whole grain rice meaning it contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than white rice. Brown rice has a high vitamin B content, which is essential in the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin which regulates our mood. 

Image credit

Eggs (GI = 0)

Eggs are inexpensive, filling and has no carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of protein because it provides the essential amino acids in the right amounts. It is also packed with vitamins A, and D, and B-complex vitamins that helps keep blood and nerve cells  healthy.  One egg provides us with important antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin for eye health.  Other minerals found in eggs are Calcium, Selenium, Zinc, Iodine, Phosphorus and Choline.

A study on the effect of Vitamin D on depression and anxiety in women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus showed some improvement in the respondents' mental state, however more clinical trials are needed to establish its use in clinical practice. 

Image source

Cashews (GI = 25)

Cashews are not only a delicious snack, but it also provides us with a significant amount of magnesium in our diet. In fact, a 100 gram serving can give us 73% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Magnesium restricts the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. It also acts as a barrier preventing this stress hormone from entering the brain. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, so it helps reduce irritability, restlessness and fear.

Image credit

Black Beans (GI = 30)

Black beans, as well as other beans are great sources of protein. The health benefits of including black beans in our diet are improvement in cardiovascular health, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing cancer risk, improving digestion and boosting the functions of the nervous system. 

Black beans contain molybdenum, which help break down sulfites in highly processed food. Another important nutrient in black beans is its Vitamin B9  (Folate) content. Folate, or Folic Acid is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system. Deficiency of this vitamin may increase risk of developing clinical depression. For people already suffering from chronic illness, developing clinical depression and mental/cognitive impairment should be avoided at all costs. 

Photo By Sanjay Acharya - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5744293

Avocados (GI = less than 15)

This superfood is packed with healthy fats, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.It is naturally sodium free, sugar and cholesterol free. Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, the good kind of fat, which ensures heart health, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. 

Avocados contain B-complex vitamins and magnesium. As previously mentioned, B-complex vitamins help in the production of mood-regulating hormones, dopamine and serotonin, while magnesium acts as a barrier to restrict the release of cortisol into the brain. 

There are natural ways to relieve stress and anxiety, and that is eating food that are rich in nutrients that promote a healthy nervous system. Start adding these 5 kinds of food to your diet now and let its nutrients nourish you back to a healthier, happier you!

How To Prepare for Car Accidents Before They Occur

Accidents can be part of life, and are often things that are considered inevitable. If you are someone that drives every day, then it doesn’t put you at risk. Plus, we will see and hear about car accidents on the news each day. You are no doubt aware of some of the risks that come from driving, but until one happens to you, then it is hard to really know the impact that it can have. So with all of that in mind, here are some of the ways that you can help to prepare for car accidents, all before they even happen. 

The things to do are things that are clear and pretty obvious, but they can tend to be something that we start to ignore when we have been driving for a long time. But if you aren’t paying close attention, then you might find yourself in need of a car accident attorney. So next time you get behind the wheel, make sure that these things come into your head, so that you can follow them and be the safest and most courteous driver that you can be. 

Image - CC0 licence

Check your car before you drive

When you are learning to drive, then it can be one of the things that is going to be drilled into your head; check the car properly before you drive. But checking out the car first before you start to drive, is something that is really important. It might feel like you’re being super cautious, but your safety, and of those people around you, really is something to think about and consider. So make it a habit of checking for things like leaks, lights that are no longer working, and anything else that doesn’t look quite right. You should also check something like the rear view mirror to make sure that visibility is clear, as well as things like the wipers working well. 

Keep it slow

If you are someone who manages to make it to your final destination just in time, or even a little late. But that is only going to be a good thing if you have arrived there safely. It is so important to drive slowly, or basically just keeping to the speed limit, because after all, they are there for a reason. Of course, being someone who drives slowly doesn’t mean that you will be kept away from car accidents, but it will mean that you have plenty of time to react to different things, which could cause a potential accident. You are going to be much more in control of your car when your car is being driven slowly, rather than when you are storming through the roads. Plus, the severity of having an accident is going to be much less when there is a slow car, compared to a car going quickly. 

Keep both hands on the wheel

It is going to seem a little old-school, but having both of your hands on the wheel are going to help immensely when you are driving. Believe it or not, both hands are actually meant to be on the steering wheel. When you drive, the thing you should be focused on is the driving; there doesn’t need to be any other tasks that occupy you. Looking ‘cool’ with just one hand on the wheel isn’t something that should compromise your safety. It will give you much more control and help you to reduce the chance of being in an accident when you’re not in control of the wheel.

Image - CC0 licence

No distractions

Driving is something that is enjoyable and fun. But there are some distractions that can really kill all of the fun. Things like calls and text messages can wait until you are at your destination. Updating your social media is not something that is needed when driving; a tweet can wait. If you need to make a call or get in contact with someone quite urgently, then it is a good idea to pull over, or just wait until later. People can always leave a voicemail if needed. 

It is important to remember that distractions can be outside the car too, not just things that are inside. There might be some things that catch your eye on the road, as well as things like the weather being a distraction. Putting sunglasses on when the weather is sunny, is naturally something that can be needed when the sun shines, but that can be a distraction as it can be hard to do one-handed when you’re driving. The focus when you are in the car should be on driving the car. Eating can be something that can be a distraction too; if you’ve ever opened a bag of chips when driving then you will know can be a dangerous distraction. 

Drinking and driving don’t go together

This could definitely be something that could have been classed as a distraction, but because of the impact it can have, it does need its own section. Drinking is a massive no if you are thinking of getting behind the wheel after. There are many accidents that are caused by drinking and driving, and the consequences can be pretty terrible. When you have been drinking you will lose control of your senses, especially with a large reduction in reaction time. So you really are putting yourself in danger, as well as the other people out on the road, so there really needs to be a blanket ban on it. Call a taxi if you end up drinking when you didn’t plan on it, and then you can collect your car the next day when you’re rested and it is all out of your system. Your life is so precious and losing it over driving after drinking would be something that would massively disrespect it.

One of the final things to do is to make sure that you have your phone charged, and have a list of numbers that you can call in case of an emergency (once you have been pulled over, of course). 

Getting Older? Here's How To Cope

Getting older is often something that is dreaded, however, more than anything, ageing is a state of mind. Yes your body will get older and you’ll develop more wrinkles, but you don’t have to adopt that ‘old person’s mindset’. Mindset is so powerful. A study was conducted where a group of older men had to live like they were in their 20s. They read papers from that era, listened to music from that era, and did everything possible to convince themselves that’s the era it was. By the end of the experiment, many of them felt better, were walking taller, and were even going without their canes. 

If you’re worried about coping with ageing, below, you’ll find advice that could help you: 

Keep Your Mind Healthy 

Start by keeping your mind healthy. From the intro you can gather how important your state of mind is, so work on keeping your mind healthy and strong. You can do this by brain training, doing things like crosswords, sudoku, and other games. Do this rather than watching TV or scrolling the internet, at least for a while. The earlier you start, the better! 

You can also keep your mind healthy by making sure you get plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, and reading self development books. Everything works together holistically, so taking care of both your physical and mental well-being is important. 

Credit: Pixabay

Ask For Help If You Need It 

You might realize that you need a little more help as you get older, and that’s normal. You may not be able to walk as far as you did once, or even get around your house the same way you did. Maybe you could use help moving into a bungalow, or perhaps you want some help from a place like Senior Life. Whatever you think is best for you, make sure you speak to those closest to you and get an idea of what you can sort out. 

Stay Active

Make sure you do your best to stay active. The longer you stay active, the more mobile and healthier you’ll be later on in life. People accept things like bad backs, aches and pains, and slowing down as a normal sign of ageing, but the fact is, they haven’t done much exercise. Go for regular walks, try swimming, and if you feel up to it do a gym class or go on your own. Try to incorporate some activities into every day. 

Eat Well 

Balanced meals are the key to health and happiness - don’t let the pendulum swing too much one way or the other! You want to get plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. Learn how to read nutritional labels and what each macronutrient does for you. 

Let Go Of The Need To Look ‘Perfect’ 

No matter how great your skincare routine is, how much you exercise, and how hydrated you stay, your body will change. Let go of the need to look perfect and embrace these changes. Many people report feeling much happier and more comfortable with themselves as they age! 

Life's Not Fair But You Can Learn To Cope

Life is harsh and unfair. Even though none of us genuinely believes they live in a happy and cozy kingdom, surrounded by fluffy candy floss trees and bouncing unicorns, we tend to assume good things are bound to last. So when suddenly something terrible happens, our first reaction is to rebel against it. 

It’s not fair, we say. And we are right, it isn’t fair, but fairness is not what life is about. Unfortunately, life is a combination of good and bad. If you’re lucky, at the end of your days, the good moments outnumber the bad ones. But, in the meantime, when life hits you with a tragedy, you don’t know how to react. When you lose someone you love, the world around you seems empty. Even your day-to-day existence feels void of joy and purpose. At the back of your mind, you hear a little voice asking you how you are going to cope. And you realize, with horror, that you can’t find an answer to the question. 

But, life is not about fairness. If we accept to be alive, we need to accept that not everything that happens is fair. And when you do, you find in yourself the strength to cope and rebuild your happiness. Indeed, even if everything seems dark today, there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you are ready to look for it. 

Art helps you to express your grief

Asking the practical questions first

Tragedies can take your mind off the practical things. But you’ll find it easier to deal with your emotions gradually. Sudden loss is a shock that leaves you vulnerable, exposed, and confused. You are surrounded by a mixture of violent emotions, ranging from sadness to anger. However, you need time to understand what it all means and to let go. During that period of pain and confusion, simple and practical facts can help you to move forward until you’re ready to unbottle your feelings. When the loss is unexpected and accidental, you can find the pragmatic approach of a local attorney reassuring in the face of grief. If the loss was the result of a long illness, discussing the case with a specialist doctor can give you a better understanding of the situation. The practical questions don’t eliminate your pain, but they give you a clear perspective of what was done and what is left to do. They provide you with a direction you can follow until you’re ready to face your emotions. 

Pexels

Setting easy goals to achieve

You don’t want to get up in the morning. What is the point? Life has hurt you too much, and you’re not sure you are ready to forgive and move forward. 

It might be hard to believe, but you are not alone with these feelings. For any people who go through grief, imagining a happy day again is impossible. Impossible goals are not exactly easy to reach. However, small goals are more manageable. Getting out of bed in the morning. Cooking lunch and eating it. Getting out of your house to do your shopping. A goal at a time, you can relearn to live and redefine your happiness. More importantly, these little milestones create a path towards your future. 

Finding a way to express your emotions

Grief is difficult to describe. Sadness. Anger. Confusion. Pain. Feeling lost. There is more than one emotion to grief and more than one way of expressing them. When you’ve run out of tears, but you still feel that the grief bottle isn’t empty yet, you need to find another way to pour its content. Some choose therapy because talking can make a big difference. For others, art offers a path to explore your pain. Drawing, painting, writing, or even knitting can show you a way to let your grief out. 

Realizing that you’re not okay

Grief, however, doesn’t pass easily. It can hide at the back of your mind, creeping into your life every day a little more. And one day, without knowing it, you realize that you’ve stopped grieving, but instead you’ve become depressed. Developing awareness of your feelings takes time, and as you’re falling, you may not have noticed the signs. But some clues can tell you whether it’s time to consult a specialist. Depression affects your sleeping patterns. You may not be able to rest at night, or you might sleep too long and still feel tired. Your mood also influences your appetite. Many people lose weight when they’re depressed. Ask yourself: Are you eating correctly? Finally, depression leads to social withdrawal. Avoiding social situations could be a sign. 

A sudden loss is devastating. People will tell you that time heals all wounds. But it doesn’t. You heal, only if you can use the time to understand and accept the pain.

Moving House Doesn't Have To Be Stressful. Here's How

Moving has always been a stressful process. It is said to be up there with divorce and a serious illness as one of the most stressful things you can go through! To make it a little easier for you, we have some tips to make moving house this year a little more straightforward.

Photo by bruce mars on Pexels

Understand the property market

If you really want to make the process of moving home easier, then you need to gain an understanding of the property market. You are probably very eager to sell your old house and buy a new one as quickly as possible, but it's essential that you don't rush the process. There are many things that you need to consider if you want to save money and make sure that you make the right decision. Start by making improvements to your existing house; if it's in good condition, then it will be more valuable in the eyes of the market. Declutter it, paint the walls and clean the carpets - this will impress potential buyers and does not cost a huge amount in terms of time or money.

As for buying your new home, you need to think carefully about what you and your family want and need. The location is just as important as the property itself. You might be looking for an exclusive gated community, such as those provided by wigwam properties or a beachfront condo. By gaining an understanding of the property market, you should be able to sell your old home and buy a new one with relative ease. 

Get a decent offer from a removal company

Another costly and stressful aspect of moving house is hiring a removal company to help you out. The chances are that you probably don't have enough room to move all of your belongings in your car, and you don't want to damage your precious possessions, especially if you are making a long-distance move. Before you rush into booking the removal company, you might want to start by decluttering, so that you do not take anything unused or unneeded with you, saving you both time and money.

Prepare for moving day

With everything that moving house involves, it can be easy to focus on the bigger picture and completely forget about the small details, especially on moving day itself. For example, you need to make sure you pack an emergency moving kit that you take in your car - this may be a spare change of clothes, some mugs and plates, your toothbrush, toilet paper, and soap. You don't want to put your essentials in the main moving van; otherwise, you will spend forever trying to find the things you need once you arrive at your new house - it is always the last box that comes off the truck!

You may also want to prepare for moving day by setting up things such as the internet a few weeks in advance. It can take most providers a couple of weeks to send out an engineer to set up your connection. You also need to redirect your mail and let all the important people and organizations know that you have moved house.

Look After The Little Things And Overall Health Will Take Care Of Itself

Image Credit: Pexels

Lifestyle over-halls, health kicks, and new fitness regimes are great, and anyone embarking on a health and fitness journey should be encouraged and applauded. If you are thinking about doing this, then it's a good idea to break it up into smaller chunks rather than focus on the bigger picture and a whole transformation. If you want to lose weight for example, then while it's good to have an overall goal, it can be too daunting to think about trying to lose four stone, but if you focus on losing half a stone and you achieve that fairly easily then you can focus on the next half and so on. It works the same with anything, and in just everyday life, it is all those small things that count and add up that make the difference to your life. 

To transform an unhealthy lifestyle, start by trying to focus on one small, unhealthy habit, and turn it into a healthy, positive habit. For example, if you have a can of soda at lunchtime every day, have a glass of water two days a week instead. Starting with small, painless changes helps establish the mentality that healthy change is not necessarily painful change. It's easy to build from here by adding more healthy substitutions.

When it comes to exercise, start by taking 10-minute walks, and choose the days and times to walk, and plan a route. Once you have achieved this for a couple of weeks, then you can start to build it up, either add in some running, stair climbing or stopping to do some press-ups or sit-ups. 

Focus on drinking more water, so treat yourself to a nice new water bottle and make sure you have it with you at all times. Set yourself challenges to drink a certain amount by your 11 am meeting or by lunchtime so that you make sure you're getting into the habit. 

Steer clear of all-consuming diets and meal prep as this can be hard to keep up with you end up failing. Take it slow and steady and make a conscious effort to add more vegetables to every meal. 

Small changes make a big difference, and it's not just about diet and exercise either. Small health problems, if ignored, can deteriorate and end up affecting your overall state of health and quality of life. For example, if you notice that your hearing isn't what it once was - at first it's nothing serious, you can cope with it and it doesn't affect everyday life, however there is evidence that if you have hearing loss, it could mean that your brain atrophies at a faster rate than normal. It could affect your memory and might increase your chances of developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia which you can learn more about here.

You need to look after your eyes, your skin, and your brain as well. Each body part should be cared for and as mentioned, if you do so in small doses, then you will have a far better chance of overall health.

Making It Through A Funeral With Care

Pexels

Funerals, no matter how well organized, no matter how supported you are, are not events we hope to attend many of in our lifetimes. Unfortunately, they do happen, and when they happen, it’s important to care for them as carefully and respectfully as possible. This is why funeral directors up and down the country continually exercise the utmost professionalism, ensuring that they shepherd a family through this process as carefully as they can, avoiding added distress as much as possible.

Yet as someone organizing the funeral, or simply having to experience it, this period of time can be very difficult. No guide like this can help you erode that difficulty completely, unfortunately. It is why funerals can be hard to deal with. However, we can offer you some guiding advice to help this experience progress steadily, to help you feel the most supported throughout, and to pay respects to the departed as humbly and modestly as you can.

Let us consider how you can make it through a funeral with care, particularly in an organizing context:

Resolve Disagreements

Sometimes, it can be that disagreements occur. This can be normal in any organizational context, however it can sometimes feel extremely stressful when trying to plan a funeral to this extent. This means that mediation, speaking to people carefully due to the current high emotions being felt, and always listening to everyone’s point of view is important. Sticking to how the deceased might have wished for their procession to go can be a great idea, as well as listening to the closest members of their family. Don’t be afraid to be humbled or to change the plans according to the wishes of your family members who might know better but need help. When communication thrives, events like this can be planned with care.

Consider Cost

It can be very important for families to pitch into the overall cost of a funeral. Sometimes, services such as BSF can provide you with the funding you need to send off your relative in a timely and respectful manner. It can take a frank and honest discussion with your family members, or  those whom you are helping organize. Don’t sign onto anything unless you are certain that the money can be raised in the future. However, with this kind of effort, some breathing room can be established. On top of that, crowdfunding elements can help you set a goal and funnel the cash correctly should you wish for accountability.

Do Not Force It

A funeral is best when it is respectful and simple. It is not like a wedding, where extravagance and luxury can often be something aimed towards. Instead, simply giving a humble send off for your family member and letting your love be present is important. This can sometimes be why inviting those who had little contact with the departed can be unnecessary. This way, you will care for the best outcome.

We are sorry that you have to deal with this. But with these tips, planning a funeral with care will be a real possibility.

What Are Your Financing Options When Buying A New Car?

Buying a car is a big decision and it’s important that you spend enough time finding the perfect car for a good price. But it’s not just about the car either, you need to work out how you’re going to pay for it. There are a lot of different financing options for a car and they all have their own benefits and drawbacks. You need to think about your own financial situation and try to work out which option is best for you. The problem is, a lot of people don’t really know where to start and they don’t fully understand how all of the different options work. If you’re buying a new car soon, read this list of your different financing options and the benefits of each one so you can make an informed decision. 

Image from Flickr

Paying in Cash

The best option when you’re buying a car is to pay for the whole thing upfront in cash. If you can save up the money to buy the car without having to get financing from anywhere else, you’ll save yourself quite a lot of money. Firstly, you won’t have to pay any interest on a loan and over time, those interest payments can really add up. Secondly, most car dealerships will offer a cash discount so you can usually get a better price on the car. Even if you can’t pay the full price in cash, putting down a big deposit and reducing the amount that you need to borrow is always a good idea. 

If you are going to pay in cash, there are a few important things that you should keep in mind. It’s not a good idea to spend your entire savings account on a car and leave yourself with absolutely nothing, because you may need that money in the near future to pay for other emergencies. Only buy the car with cash if you’ll have enough left over as an emergency buffer, otherwise, you could land yourself in some serious financial trouble. Even if you do have the cash to pay for the car, it might be best to put it on a credit card and then pay the balance off right away so you can benefit from credit card purchase protection. 

Cash is the best way to pay for a car but the majority of people don’t have that kind of money lying around, so you’ll need to look into some of your other financing options. 

Trade-In Value 

If your old car is still in relatively good condition and it’s still worth a bit of money, you should consider trading it in. If you trade the car in, you’ll get a significant amount of money to put towards your new car, which makes the cost a lot more manageable. You might find that you have enough cash to cover the cost once you factor in the trade-in value, which is great news. Even if you don’t have the cash and you’re going to take out a loan, trading it in will reduce the amount that you need to borrow so you can pay it off quicker and save yourself some money on interest payments. Trading in isn’t always the right option so you should check out these trade-in tips to see whether it’s a good idea or not, and help you to get the best price for it. If the car is costing you a lot of money in repairs and it’s a bit outdated, it’s worth trading it in. However, if you still owe a lot of money on your current car loan, trading in won’t get you that much money once you’ve paid off the rest of the money that you owe on it. 

Personal Loans

Image from Picserver

If you need to borrow some money, a personal loan is often one of your best options. If you can get a loan from your bank or building society, you can spread the cost of the car over an extended period, usually somewhere between 1 and 7 years. If you shop around some different lenders, you can get a good interest rate on a personal loan and it’s usually the cheapest option aside from paying in cash. You can get a loan to cover the whole cost of the car and it’s easy to arrange, sometimes over the phone or even online. However, there are a couple of downsides to getting a personal loan. Sometimes, you won’t get the cash paid into your bank right away so you’ll have to wait a while. The monthly costs are often higher than other options as well, even though the overall cost of the loan is lower. But as long as you can afford the monthly payments, it’s probably your best option. 

The only issue is, a personal loan is dependent on your credit rating. If you have a good credit rating, you should be able to get a loan with a good interest rate quite easily. But if your credit rating is bad, you might struggle to get a loan at all and if you do, the interest rate will not be very good. You may be able to get a better interest rate if you secure the loan against your house but that isn’t usually a good idea because you’re putting your home at risk if you can’t afford to make the repayments. If you’re going to go for a personal loan, it’s best to pay off your debts and spend some time trying to improve your credit rating first so you’ll get a better deal. 

Hire Purchase 

Hire purchase agreements are a way of buying the car on finance but you don’t actually own the car until you’ve made the final payment, up until that point you’re just renting it. You’ll pay an initial deposit on the car, usually around 10 percent, and then make monthly payments until you’ve paid off the rest of the cost of the car. The hire purchase agreements are usually made with the car dealer, so they’re quite convenient and you don’t have to go and find separate financing. A lot of people like to go for a hire purchase agreement because it’s easy to arrange, however, you should shop around a few different dealers to see who is offering the best rate. The payment terms are usually quite flexible, ranging from 12 to 60 months in most cases, so if you want to spread the cost out a bit more, you can. The interest rates are usually very competitive and they’re fixed so you don’t get any sudden price increases further down the line. The only downsides are that you don’t own the car until you complete all payments, which some people don’t like, and they tend to be more expensive if you’re going for a shorter payment period. 

Personal Contract Purchase 

Image from Flickr

A personal contract purchase is quite similar to a hire purchase, however, you don’t get a loan for the full price of the car. You get a loan for the difference between the cost of the car brand new, and it’s predicted value at the end of the payment period. At the end of the payment period, you have 3 different options; you can trade the car in for a brand new one and start a new personal contract purchase agreement. Alternatively, you can return the car and pay nothing, then start looking elsewhere for a new vehicle. Finally, if you decide that you want to keep the car, you can pay one final payment, called a balloon payment, and then you will own the car. Just keep in mind that the balloon payment can vary quite a lot so it might be a few thousand but it could also be tens of thousands. 

If you like to update your car regularly, a personal contract purchase is the ideal financing option for you. It’s also good if you’re not quite sure about a car and you want the option to return it at the end of the period if you decide that you don’t like it. You get a low deposit and the monthly repayments tend to be quite low, but the overall total can be quite high. The resale value of the car is also based on an average mileage and if you exceed that mileage, you may have to pay an excess fee. There will also be fees for minor damage like scratches and dents if you decide not to keep the car at the end of the payment period. 

Leasing 

When you lease a car, you never actually own it. You pay a fixed monthly cost for the use of the car, and that includes all of your maintenance and servicing costs as well. At the end of the agreement, you simply return the car and start a new agreement with a new vehicle. That means that you can plan for the cost easily because it’s fixed and any repairs are handled by the dealer. However, there is a mileage limit that you have to stick to and the monthly costs are higher because they include all of the maintenance. 

There are a lot of different options for financing your car and they all have their own benefits, so it really depends on what your financial situation is and how you use your car. 

What Makes A Careful Driver?

Millions of people hit the roads to get to work every day. No matter where you live, there are always risks to bear in mind when you get behind the wheel of a car, van, or truck. Most of us would consider ourselves careful, safe drivers, but over 90% of accidents are caused by human error. Whether you’re an experienced driver or you’re relatively new to the road, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks posed by driving dangerously and to make an effort to steer clear of trouble. Here’s a useful guide to what makes a careful driver. 

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-driving-car-on-freeway-1386648/

The most common causes of accidents on the road

Research suggests that most of us rate our driving skills highly. However, the statistics tell a different story. More than 90% of accidents are caused by mistakes. The most common causes of road traffic incidents include:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most significant risk factors for fatal crashes. If you’re driving too fast, it’s much more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, it’s more challenging to react quickly, and the impact is likely to be greater. Driving at speed increases the risk of life-changing and fatal injuries. You might think that speed restrictions take the fun out of driving, but they are there for a reason. The limit is set according to the type of road and the proximity to residential properties and community buildings like schools. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents based in the UK, an increase of just 10mph from 40mph to 50mph can elevate the risk of life-threatening injuries by over 40%. 

Driving a lot slower can help to prevent truck accidents. Truck accidents can be one of the most devastating types of accidents especially when they involve collision with smaller vehicles. They usually get very complex and  a truck accident lawyer will often need to get involved. You can help prevent the risk of collision by slowing down.

When you’re driving, always pay attention to the road signs, and make sure you’re aware of the speed limit. If you’re going too fast, and you have a crash, you will probably be held liable for the accident, and you may face legal charges. Adjust your speed according to the weather conditions and the surface. If it’s foggy, it’s raining, or there’s ice or snow on the ground, reduce your speed. Your stopping distance will increase in wet weather, so you need to give yourself more time to slow down and brake. 

Driving fast can be fun, but you should always be wary of the fact that hazards can appear out of nowhere, and that you have a responsibility to protect other drivers, as well as yourself. If you are hurtling down the road, and an animal runs out, for example, you may not be able to react quickly enough, and this could put other road users in danger. Stick to the speed limits, and be prepared to modify your speed to minimize the risk of collisions. Even if a road has a speed limit of 70mph, it might not be safe to drive at this speed if visibility is poor, or the surface is slippery. 

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/chadelliott2012/5659144073

Distracted driving

We live in a world where we tend to try and do several things at once. We watch TV while scrolling through our phones and having conversations with our families. We take business calls while reading and sending emails. Multi-tasking is fine in certain environments, but it’s not a skill that should be exploited when driving. When you’re driving, your focus should be the road ahead, the vehicles around you, and any other hazards that could come into play. 

One of the most pressing concerns for drivers is that the landscape can change in a matter of seconds. One moment, you’re moving along without a care in the world, the next you’re having to slam the brakes on. Even in quiet areas, animals could run into the road, children could appear from behind parked cars and other drivers can make mistakes that require you to be able to react instantly. If you’re sending a text message or messing around with the navigation system, you might not be able to brake or steer your car away from a hazard in time. 

In some countries, it’s illegal to use your phone while driving, but in others, this isn’t the case. The best advice is to avoid doing anything that could potentially distract you from the road while you have the wheel in your hands. If you need to make a call, use an in-car, hands-free system or pull over in a safe place. Keep at least one hand on the wheel at all times and make sure you’re prepared to change gears, to brake quickly or to turn the steering wheel. Checking social media is much less important than staying safe. 

Picture credit: https://www.moody.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/210557/texting-talking-impacts-more-than-drivers-life/

Tiredness

If you’ve had a sleepless night, or you’re feeling drowsy and lethargic, it’s best to avoid driving or to take steps to wake yourself up and increase alertness. When you’re tired, your reaction time increases, and there’s also a risk of falling asleep at the wheel. This could have devastating consequences. If you have to make a journey, open the window to let fresh air in, listen to uplifting music, and have a caffeinated drink before you set off. If you’re already on your way, and you feel your eyes closing, and it’s impossible to stay awake, pull over in a safe place, park up and take a nap. It’s much better to delay your journey slightly and arrive in one piece than to run the risk of injuring yourself and others on the roads. 

If you are prone to feeling tired when you drive, try and steer clear of making trips at night, and drive when you feel most alert. If you have a long journey ahead, and you want to set off late to avoid peak traffic, have a sleep beforehand. 

Image via https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/216142/airmen-guard-against-fatigued-driving/

Drunk driving

Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Drinking alcohol has an array of negative effects on drivers. The problem is that often, drivers don’t realize these effects. Even if you feel fine after a few drinks, there’s every chance that drinking could put your life at risk. Drinking affects your reaction time, it can cause you to lose focus and concentration, and it can encourage you to take risks you would never even consider if you were stone-cold sober. You might try and overtake when there isn’t enough time or space, for example, or you may drive faster than usual. If you need to respond instantly, it might also take you too long to react, which could end up in a serious collision. It’s also worth noting that drink driving is illegal. If you cause an accident as a result of drinking too much, you will be held liable, which enables the other person to claim car accident compensation, and you’ll also be likely to face legal charges. Rules vary according to where you’re driving, but in most countries, drivers who are over the limit face fines, driving bans, and even prison sentences. 

If you do decide to go for an impromptu drink after work, or you’ve ended up having a couple more beers that you intended to, don’t risk getting behind the wheel. Organize a taxi or ask a friend who hasn’t been drinking to give you a lift home. 

Picture courtesy of https://pixabay.com/photos/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808790/

Careless driving

When you learn to drive, you’re required to take a test and swat up on the rules of the road. This might not be the most interesting or fun way to spend your time, but it’s critical to ensure you stay safe when you pass your test. Rules and laws are there to protect road users and pedestrians. If you’re driving too fast, you’re weaving in and out of traffic, you’re changing lane or overtaking without signaling or giving yourself enough time, or you’re aggravating other drivers, this kind of behavior will put you and others at risk. Take your time, be patient, and give other vehicles time and space. There should be a gap of two cars between you and the vehicle in front. If you’re too close, you might cause the other driver to become anxious, and you also run the risk of flying into them if they brake suddenly. Keep your distance, especially in adverse weather conditions. If you plan to change lanes, you’re overtaking, or you’re stopping, check your mirrors, signal, and then move. Always check your blind spot for cyclists and vehicles you might not have spotted. It’s also essential to make sure you look before turning into or out of a junction. Other drivers should not have to put their brakes on to accommodate you. 

Image taken from https://pxhere.com/en/photo/712092

Most of us assume that accidents happen to other people. The truth is that anyone can be involved in a car crash. The vast majority of incidents are caused by driver error, and every driver should be aware of the risks of taking to the road. Driving carefully is essential for your own safety, but also for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. It is also essential if you want to continue having the freedom to get behind the wheel as and when you want to. You’re going to have to drive safely in order to avoid immediate threat suspension, losing your license and other punishments. Next time you take the keys in your hand and fire up the ignition, think carefully about the decisions you make and pay attention to the rules of the road. 

Simple Ways You Can Save Money At Home

Saving money is easier said than done. Although we all want to keep our bank accounts as flush as possible, every day expenses often mean that this isn’t likely. Here are some tips that will help you save money at home without having to decrease your quality of life...

Record Your Expenses

A great way to cut down on your spending is to figure out just how much you really are actually spending. Make sure that you note down all your purchases, from that Starbucks coffee to buying a pint of milk on your way home from work, and you may realise that actually you are spending more than you realised. It sometimes feels as though money vanishes without any warning, and you aren’t entirely sure where it vanished to - so making a record of your expenses and your purchases is the perfect way to figure it out. Check off the expenses that were actually necessary like bills and grocery shopping, and then you will see how much expendable income you really have.

Source

Go For A Used Car

When it comes to buying a new vehicle, many people veer instantly towards the shiniest and newest cars at the fanciest showrooms. But if you take a moment to consider matters, you may decide that actually a used car is the smartest financial decision for your family. A car depreciates in value extremely quickly, which means that if you buy a car that’s just a couple of years old, you’re paying considerably less than you would have paid for it when it was brand new, but it definitely hasn’t lessened in quality that much. Finding used cars doesn’t have to be difficult - look for a local dealership that has good reviews online, and talk to the salespeople there about what exactly you require from your new vehicle. You may need to travel vast distances frequently, or you may only be going to and from work; they will be able to advise you on what exactly you need. You should make sure that you negotiate - check out other dealerships as well, and make sure that you have a certain amount in mind that you are willing to pay. Buying a used car can save you a lot of money in many ways - you may be able to pay cash instead of entering into a payment plan during which you will have to pay interest.

Source

Learn To Meal Plan

Learning to meal plan is a great way to save money. It means that you can grocery shop at the start of the week with a specific list, so you won’t end up buying and wasting food items ‘just in case’ that you don’t actually end up using. Make your lunch every night - you could even use leftovers for part of it - so you don’t end up buying it at work, and take along a reusable water bottle and a flask of coffee so you can take your own beverages instead of buying them. Reusable cups and bottles are also great for the planet.

Source

Go Eco-Friendly

A great way to save money is to be eco-friendly. Reducing your energy use is great for the planet and the environment and it is also, of course, great for your electricity bills. Turn off lights when you leave rooms, and make sure that you don’t leave appliances like your TV on standby - this uses up almost as much energy as it does when you’re actually watching it. Turn off your tablet and computer when you aren’t using them, and try to hang your wet laundry outside instead of throwing it all in the dryer. This will also keep your clothes in better condition for longer. When your light bulbs burn out, replace them with energy efficient bulbs. Not only will they last for longer but they will use significantly less energy. When it comes to travel, why not try to walk more often and to use public transport instead of using your car all the time? You could also consider buying a bike so that you can cycle to and from work or in your local vicinity. This is great for your health as well as your wallet.

Source

Try Out The 30 Day Rule

If there’s something you want to buy but that you don’t entirely need, wait for thirty days. If you still want it then, splash out and buy it. A lot of the time, these items are just momentary impulses, so you need to conquer those impulses in order to save money. It’s better to splash out on experiences rather than items so that you can create memories instead of hanging onto objects. So next time you see a pair of shoes that you just desperately need, bookmark the web page or take a photo on your phone and come back to it in a month to see if that desperation is still there!

Source

Figure Out Your Priorities

One of the most important aspects of saving money is figuring out what exactly you are saving money for. Some couples save for a house before a wedding, some families would rather save for vacations over expensive clothing, others may be setting up college funds for their kids, some might be setting themselves up for early retirement so that they can spend time travelling. You need to make sure that you talk to your spouse about saving money: why are you doing it and what are your long term aims? At some point, most families decide to save money for a certain amount of time, when they realise that their expenditures are going up and they would like a little more money in the bank for a rainy day. But talking to your spouse and children about what you want long term is crucial to your happiness, so that you all have the same ideas about the future. Remember that although saving money is great, you also need to spend it a little to enjoy your life - nobody knows how long they’re going to be here for, and it’s important to take advantage of every day!

Saving money is easier than you think - make sure that you plan and prioritise, and you’ll be all sorted.