Should You Financially Plan For Death?

 

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Many of us don’t like to think much about death. However, estate planning can be necessary for reducing the cost and stress for those we leave behind. Here are just a few questions to ask yourself when financially planning for death.

Who will pay for your funeral?

Funerals can cost thousands. As a result, many people now financially prepare for their own funeral so that loved ones don’t have to take on the burden. Some funeral companies have pre-payment options that allow people to pay for their own funeral in instalments – this allows you to plan out the funeral that you want while also paying it off gradually. Other people set aside savings that can be used to fund the funeral.

What will happen to your property?

If you own a property, you may want to consider who inherits this and how it is passed down to them. Writing a will is the best way of guaranteeing who inherits your estate. You can alter your will at any time if you change your mind – for this reason, it’s never too early to write a will. As for how your property is inherited, you can choose between either a life estate deed or a transfer on death deed, which you can learn more about here at this Boppre Law Firm website. How the grantor inherits your property can affect other costs such as Medicaid and the tax that your loved ones may pay. As a result, it’s worth spending time researching your options to make sure that there aren’t any of these hidden costs.

Will you be leaving any funds behind?

Some people like to leave designated funds behind to their loved ones. These could be in the form of a trust fund that is directly handed down to the trustee and not taxable. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply keep the money locked up in a savings account that you yourself can still dip into if you need it. It’s worth visiting your local bank and seeing what options they have. A higher interest option could allow you to accumulate more funds without having to put so much in each month, although some of these accounts have penalties if you do need to withdraw money.

Should you take out life insurance?

A life insurance scheme could help to pay out compensation when you die – which could be useful if you have no savings or assets to pass down. Life insurance can often help pay for funeral costs. There are different types of life insurance plans that you can look into. The older you are and the more high-risk your lifestyle is, the more you are likely to have to pay. That said, it’s worth always shopping around and comparing rates – some insurers have specialist schemes available for those over 70 that are much cheaper than those provided by general insurers. This guide at Money Expert delves more into different types of life insurance and what they can provide.

Secret Santas and Matching Pajamas: Our Family's Holiday Tradition

The months have gone by so fast. A lot of things have happened and the world is still finding ways to control the spread of the Corona virus. Many of us are still trying to adjust to this new normal. 

In a few months it will be Christmas again. Although we are still unsure of what the following months would bring, it does not mean we will forego with the family traditions we all look forward to every year.

I grew up in a closely knit family and we make sure that Christmas day is reserved for our annual family reunion. We bring our best homemade cookies and cakes, casseroles and pies, pasta and appetizers to be shared with everyone.

The fun only starts there. We also do a Secret Santa and a family pajama photo contest. My grandmother is the judge and every one goes out of their way to find the "winning pajama set" because that would mean a big prize from Gramma. 

This year, I am dead set on winning that prize. I found this cool online store that sells the cutest pajamas! LazyOne family pajamas have so many designs to choose from. They all look so soft and comfy and are reasonably priced! My husband and I have already made a few choices. 

We have not reached a consensus yet. My sons have not yet picked the design they like. I am suggesting one with red as a dominant color because I believe that red is always beautiful in photographs. LazyOne has so many beautiful designs it is difficult to choose only one. We might as well get more than one set! 

We are also going to practice posing for the camera. A wacky pose would make my grandmother laugh so that is what we would probably do. We will have to make a final choice so that I can place an order for our Christmas family pajama set. 

Does your family enjoy wearing matching pajamas too? What are your family holiday traditions? Leave a comment below and let me know. 

3 Benefits of a Wooden Cutting Board

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The modern world is a time of convenience and fast-paced living. More innovations to improve the quality of life exist than ever before, but at the same time people are more stressed and their time-constrained more than ever by the burdens of modern jobs. The emergence of restaurants and prepackaged sandwiches and frozen meals has increasingly lured busy people into a trap of cheap, unhealthy convenience. Even with the many fast food options and prepped meals available for those less skilled at the culinary arts, most people enjoy a home-cooked meal on occasion. One of the vital tools in any kitchen regardless of whether its user is a beginner or an expert is a cutting board. Cutting boards can be made of different materials, including wood and plastic. The traditional wooden cutting board does possess benefits over the cheaper plastic cutting board. Here are three of them. 

1. Customizable

One of the best benefits of wooden cutting boards is their customizability. They can be etched with special designs or cut on different shapes. They can be bought customized from retailers like the one found at https://www.lotechsales.com/. Furthermore, wooden cutting boards come in a variety of options like edge grain and end grain, as well as being made from many different types of wood. 

2. Durability

Wooden cutting boards also tend to be durable with long lives. Wood, when cared for properly, is a sturdy material that can last for years. A wooden cutting board can, therefore, last for years if treated correctly. It is reliable and able to withstand heavy daily use. There is no need to constantly replace your cutting board when you have a wooden cutting board so long as you are careful. 

3. Maintainability

Wooden cutting boards also possess the benefit of being easy to maintain. They are easier to clean than plastic cutting boards, which are actually hard to remove bacteria from once they begin to collect little nicks and valleys. In spite of what some people may claim, wooden cutting boards do not hoard bacteria. On the contrary, they have antibacterial properties and actually kill microbes. 

Wooden cutting boards are beautiful, customizable kitchen tools that add to most decor rather than detracting from it. They are useful and possess many benefits over plastic cutting boards, including longer lives, being easier to clean and maintain and naturally killing off possibly harmful bacteria. So the next time you find yourself in need of a new cutting board, consider purchasing a wooden one for the long haul. 

4 Ways to Have Your Grass the Envy of the Neighbors

Professional landscapers don’t want to share their secrets for lush green lawns, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find out what they are. To be frank, landscapers just know the details about the best things to use on a lawn and when or how to use them. Here are their secrets.

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Feed the Lawn

Most homeowners only head out in the spring to give their lawn a good meal. Grass that grows in thick and healthy needs to be fertilized about four times a year. There are also different foods that should be applied each season. You can head to a garden store or nursery for more information on the type of grass you have and the best food for it.

Mow It With Care

Pulling out a lawnmower with dull or rusty blades will hack your lawn to death. Use a lawnmower repair company to sharpen your blades and maintenance the mower before the start of each cutting season. Depending on how long your growing season it, you may want to consider a second sharpening midway through. Leave your grass higher than two and a half inches at a minimum, though each type of grass has its own recommendations. Vary your mowing pattern to avoid ruts in the ground and to stimulate thicker growth.

Let It Get Thirsty

Too many people make the mistake of watering the grass every day. It is better to let the grass and soil have a good long soak. This forces the roots to grow down deep, strengthening the lawn and adding more protection from drought. Spring and fall may require one watering a week, while the summer sun will have a lot to do with your summertime schedule. If the grass blades start to turn gray and limp, it’s the sign to give the lawn a drink.

Use Good Grass Seed

You can fill up your lawn with green stuff or you can fill it up with lush grass. The type of seed you choose will impact the quality of your lawn. A premium grass seed, followed by a quality fertilizer will create a lawn your neighbors will be envious of. It does cost a little more, but the results are longer lasting and much nicer. Fuller grass does better at choking out weeds as well.

If you follow these tips, then that old adage about the grass being greener on the other side will be referring to your lawn. Let your lawn be the best on the block.

5 Habits That Are Damaging Your Hearing Health

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Right from birth, our bodies are exposed to different kinds of health problems right through our growing days into old age. But there are certain kinds of health problems that we are totally responsible for as a result of our habits and actions. Hearing loss may not be the most talked-about health issue. But with over 48 million Americans affected by different kinds of hearing conditions at some point in their lives, this health issue is more common than we may acknowledge. Unfortunately, most people only realize the negative consequences of their habits either when it is too late, or when their attention is drawn to it. So, in this article, we will take a look at some everyday habits that are causing damage to our hearing.

1. Listening to loud music

Sometimes, we feel like cranking up the volume to appreciate the beats and enjoy the music. But as the bass continues to pound in your inner ears, just remember that it could leave behind some permanent hearing damage. There is a reason why, thankfully, most smart devices warn us when we are turning up the volume too high. However, and quite unfortunately, most people go ahead and ignore the warnings. So, always remember to turn down the volume. And if you are a music lover, then it is best to ensure that you do not soak in your music non-stop if you are using earphones. Also, never turn the volume up beyond 65% of the volume setting on your device. 

2. Not eating a balanced diet

Yup, there is such a thing as ear food. Generally, the kind of food you eat will have implications on your physical wellbeing. Thus, it is very important to ensure that you consume a balanced diet on a daily basis. Fast food may be quick and delicious, but most of them are filled with a lot of trans fat and sodium, all of which do not add anything significantly positive to your health - and hearing health for that matter. Eat foods that are rich in omega-three fatty acids, which help to improve internal circulation, and hence feed the tiny cells located in the inner part of the ears. Also, ensure that you supplement your diet with vitamins such as vitamins D and B12. But only add these supplements if you have such a deficiency. 

3. Living an inactive or sedentary life

Not being active often or not regularly exercising is not only bad for your general health, but it also contributes to poor hearing. Being a couch potato, for example, will increase your likelihood of gaining unhealthy weight as well the many other health problems that come with it - diabetes, poor cardiac health, hypertension, etc. and all these can affect your hearing health. Regular exercise or an active lifestyle boosts blood circulation and, thus, provides the tiny blood vessels located in the inner part of the ears with enough oxygen and blood. This helps in delaying the onset of Sensorineural Hearing Loss. 

4. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol

As if you need to be given more reason to quit smoking or cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking are mostly likened to the liver and cardiac ailments. But that’s not all; these bad habits can also have a negative impact on our hearing health. Smoking is one of the main causes of arteriosclerosis, a condition that leads to the walls of the arteries becoming thick. This condition can affect the supply of blood to the inner parts of the ears, as the arteries are responsible for that. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause hearing loss. This is because it can contaminate the bloodstream and make it toxic. Thus, the kind of blood supply that will reach the inner parts of the ears will end up killing the tiny hair cells that are responsible for converting sound waves to electrical impulses to the brain. Plus, alcohol can also cause vertigo and tinnitus. 

5. Not getting regular checkups

Unfortunately, most people wait until they feel some discomfort or pain before visiting a doctor. But it is always best to visit an ear or hearing specialist at least twice a year. This could be the difference between ending up with a permanent hearing loss or detecting a potential risk early before it becomes a problem. You may be provided with hearing aids such as the invisible-in-canal or iic hearing aids to help support your hearing. Note, however, that hearing aids do not cure hearing loss. 

How To Make Your House Feel Like A Home

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The difference between a house and a home isn’t obvious — it isn’t a particular paint colour or type of sofa - it’s a feeling. You know it when you feel it. Everyone knows that when you move into a new place, it can take a while to make your pad get that special feeling (cosy, welcoming, comforting). So, if you’ve unpacked your boxes and filled up the fridge, and the place still feels a bit ‘new’, follow this guide for some small changes that can make your house feel a whole lot more like home. 

Inject some personality 

A quick way to make a house feel more you, add in some ornaments and memories from your life. Whether that means creating a gallery wall of all your best travel photos, displaying your favourite books on a coffee table or throwing a favourite old rug over the side of the sofa. These small touches will evoke warm, happy feelings that can transport you straight back! 

Bring the outside indoors 

Filling your house with plants has three benefits. Firstly, plants look beautiful, helping spaces look vibrant and friendly. Secondly, they have been proven to boost people’s moods, lowering stress levels and making people feel happier. Thirdly, they can help to improve the air quality in your home, which is never a bad idea. 

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DIY 

Stamping your mark on a place is a sure-fire way of making a place feel more ‘you’. That doesn’t mean you should start knocking down walls or taking up tiles — only take on projects that you think you can handle! By doing some work on your house yourself, you can make it exactly to your specifications, and it will immediately feel more like home. Be that painting a room your favourite colour, upcycling some furniture, or changing the doorknobs, you’ll add some personality and help make it feel more like yours. 

Get gardening

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden — especially in the city — spending a little time and money can make a huge difference. Creating a space where you can throw open the doors and step into greenery is a great way to make a place feel more homely. If you have a little more cash to spare, there are a number of uber-talented landscape designers, like Amber Freda, who can help transform outdoor spaces into oases of calm. 

Find a furry friend 

Maybe the quickest way to transform your home from somewhere that you sleep to a warm and cosy home is by getting a little friend: a pet! Adopting an animal that needs your help will make a world of difference, flooding love into your home. They can have other useful benefits too - owning a pet can help to reduce stress, provide support and even lower blood pressure. 

So, that’s the end of the guide. I hope you found it helpful, and that you can start making your house a home from now on.

19 Tips To Help You Stay Happy & Healthy As COVID-19 Continues

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The worst of the first wave of COVID-19 may have passed, but its impacts are set to last for a very long time to come. 

While you've done amazingly well to overcome the initial obstacles, it's clear that more permanent ideas are required. Here are 19 simple steps that will serve you well.

#1. Sleep Better

Daily routines have changed, but that shouldn't impact your nighttime routines. Set yourself a regular bedtime, and take the time to ease your body into sleep. When you sleep well, your energy and mood will greatly improve. 

#2. Eat Well

Nutrition is immensely important at all times. However, its impact is even greater right now. Increased water intake is particularly vital while a balanced range of foods should be a priority too. At this moment, portion control is pivotal.

#3. Stay Active

Most people have put on a few pounds over the last few months. Reduced activity is the main cause of those issues. Now is the time to stop making excuses. Yoga, home workouts, and cycling are just some of the available options.

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#4. Get Outside

In addition to time dedicated to vigorous exercise, you should get outside more frequently. The fresh air and vitamin D will serve you well. Exploring the local area with regular walks is ideal while gardening or picnics in the park are great too.

#5. Listen To Your Body

It's very easy to ignore declining health at this time. However, the sooner you respond to hearing loss or other health issues, the better. After all, failure to manage your health at this time could bring major disruption to your wellness.

#6. Cure The Boredom

Whether spending more time at home or less time with friends, you need to stop the boredom. Finding a hobby that can be enjoyed in short or long spells is essential. Otherwise, the repetitive nature of daily life at this time could pose problems.

#7. Meditate 

Keeping your mind, body, and soul in great health is a challenge at this time. Therefore, taking out a little time to enjoy breathing exercises or connect with your inner peace can pay dividends. Now is the time to put it into your routine.

#8. Get Ready For Work

If you're still working from home, it may be tempting to sit in your pajamas all day. This can disrupt productivity and make you lose confidence in your looks. A shower, followed by getting dressed, is essential.

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#9. Consider Building A Home Office

On a similar note, you must avoid working from bed or the sofa. If possible, transforming a guest room into a home office space should occur. If that fails, a designated area to work from should be the minimum expectation.

#10. Upgrade The Home

Looking at the same four walls for longer periods than ever before is probably getting a little frustrating. A dash of color and some new home décor features should soon solve this problem. It will make your daily life far better.

#11. Stay In Touch

Even the relaxed social distancing rules won't stop you from worrying about certain situations. However, digital communications can compensate for a lack of face-to-face interactions. Video calls and social media are ideal.

#12. Develop New Skills

You want to come out of this period with the knowledge that you've grown as a person. Learning a new language or developing new talents to boost your career of daily habits can have a positive impact. You may never have this opportunity again. Take it.

#13. Consider A Pet

Companionship is vital for your health, and a pet can deliver several benefits at this time. Nonetheless, you must take a responsible approach and consider whether it's suitable for the long haul. If it's not, signing up to take rescue pets for walks can work wonders.

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#14. Regain Financial Control

Financial problems are the most common source of stress. Whether it's reducing your monthly outgoings, stopping interest fees, or creating a side source of income is up to you. Either way, increased financial control is crucial.

#15. Stay Tidy

While it's an issue that's most likely to impact your home, it can extend to other areas too. Ultimately, though, good organization starts with keeping things clean and tidy. The clear surroundings will promote a clear mind.

#16. Celebrate Success

Many aspects of our lives have been made a little worse due to the coronavirus. So, when positive features develop, it's important to appreciate them. Focusing on those sources of positivity will work wonders for your mindset.

#17. Buy New Outfits

You may think that there's no point in doing this. Nonetheless, looking good makes you feel good. So, if a new outfit can revamp your style and restore your confidence, you should have no guilt about doing it.

#18. Make Plans

Whether it's making a bucket list or booking next year's vacation is up to you. However, giving yourself something to look forward to will help drag you through the tough times. Now is the time to do it.

#19. Remember It's Not Forever

Right now, it may feel as though the COVID-19 life will never end. It will. Even if it's likely to cause disruption for months to come, we will beat this virus. When you keep hold of that fact, positivity should remain.

Tackling the Balance: Learning to Deal With Debt in Terms of Mindset

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Everybody has a certain amount of debt. Whether it's a minimal amount or a significant chunk, whether you are planning for the future or you are trying to escape the debt cycle, it can help you in certain ways. Whether it’s about acquiring certain resources or professional help, it can be a big lesson, but when you wipe the slate clean, it doesn't mean you will be out of debt for the rest of your life. For many people, it's all about mindset. It's crucial to change your perspective so you can deal with debt and beat it once and for all. But how do you do this effectively?

Set Yourself a Goal

So many people talk about escaping debt as a nice thing to do in life, but if you are to really be debt-free one day, you've got to set tangible goals. If you start to reframe your goals and make them real, you will come up with an appropriate plan. Having a strategy is crucial. And yes, there are many out there such as the Debt to Success System (DTSS). And while DTSS is legitimate in its approaches, you've got to find a strategy that suits your lifestyle and your goals. A strategy is pivotal in terms of escaping debt. But you also might want to consider having smaller goals because this makes it more manageable in your mind. When you start to set targets on a weekly or monthly basis, this can demystify the process in your mind.

Take Responsibility for Your Debt

It's so easy to blame external problems. So many of us are now struggling due to the pandemic. But when we start to think that we are responsible for our own debt, this could free up mental space so we can do something about it. Yes, there are so many reasons we can be in debt through no fault of our own but at the end of the day, the debt is in our name, nobody else’s. When you take on debt as an obstacle that needs overcoming, this can help you into the right mindset. When you start to think of debt as an obstacle instead of a burden, you will have a better idea of how to approach it. That can be a burden, especially when it comes to credit card debt. But if you continue to make minimum payments on that card, it is not going to disappear anytime soon. When you start to shift your mindset, it stops the debt from being so scary.

Understand Your Type of Debts

Why is this important? Different sorts of debt require a different method of dealing with it. There is a big difference between a bank loan and a credit card. If you have a credit card, you can apply for a balance transfer card. And you would be able to qualify for this in comparison to your friend who is trying to pay off their student loan. Once you start to become savvy in terms of your debt, you will have better control over the situation.

Keeping Yourself Focused

Setting a goal is a good starting point for many but people struggle to stay on track because, after that initial push where they feel that they have finally started to chip away at the debt, something can come up, throwing a spanner into the works. Keeping yourself focused isn't just about putting all of your energies into paying off your debt because constantly focusing on your negative bank balance can be very depressing. It's all about the balance in terms of mindset. There is no harm in treating yourself to something little to offset the negative feelings. If you set yourself a target and you meet it, you are getting one step closer to being debt-free so why don't you celebrate in a small way?

Reducing Negative Thoughts

One of the overriding thoughts when it comes to getting out of debt is the fact that you don't have as much money as you used to. When you're making changes to your lifestyle and buying cheaper versions of the products you are used to, the temptation to go back to your old ways is larger than usual. It's important that while you are working hard to get out of debt, the fact that you may feel there are certain aspects of your life where you are depriving yourself can be harder than the debt itself. This is where you have to really focus on practicing positive mental attitudes. When you start to think about retaining focus, but also getting to the bare bones of what makes you happy, you may start to uncover a few home truths. When we limit our resources, we can feel a challenge that could stoke a fire in us. This is why many people are now practicing minimalism. The idea that drastically reducing your personal possessions can make you understand what you really need in life. And of course, the day you get out of your debt may not necessarily mean you start to buy all the clothes you want. Instead, you may use your new-found finances to purchase things that really enrich your life. In terms of the family, we may choose vacations that enrich our lives, rather than toys, video games, and other worldly possessions.

When you have a significant amount of debt, you may feel there is no escape. If you follow these approaches, it arms you with the sensibility to formulate an action plan. But you should also understand that when you get out of debt, you may feel different than you did before. As easy as it is to say that money isn't everything, this is not the case. But we should think about what we use our money for. If we can start to focus on the quality of life rather than the number of things that we buy, this could be the biggest lesson of all in learning to deal with debt.

Super Simple Saving Strategies (That Anyone Can Use)

You don't have to be a financial expert to get your own spending under control. In fact, it has never been simpler or easier to save money on your monthly budget and have more in your pocket for the fun things in life. Just keep reading for some super strategies that will help you do just that. 

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Switch to cash only.

Switching to cash is an oldie, but a goodie! In fact, it is an incredibly useful tactic if you are hoping to save money. After all, it is much harder to part with cold hard cash that you hold in your hand than to pay for something with your card, watch, phone, or by clicking a button online. 

Unfortunately, the way that things are set up can make paying cash for everything a bit more tricky these days. After all, many of us don't carry any cash at all anymore. 

The good news is there is another strategy you can use that is just as valid. It's to remove your payment details from any site that is anything but essential. Then you can still pay for everyday necessities like travel with no problems, but when it comes to binging on clothes and fashion, you will have to think twice. 

Use prepaid cell phones. 

Whether it's for calls, text, email, internet, or social media, our cell phones are a vital piece of equipment that most of us cannot afford to do without. Unfortunately, they are also one of the highest and most difficult costs to control. This is because we are invoiced for what we used at the end of the month. Something that means it's straightforward to lose track of your usage and overspend. 

Fortunately, there is a solution. It is super simple, too, as all you need to do is switch to a Prepaid Bill instead. In fact, opting to top up our phone before we use them has several advantages. The first is that we can always make sure that we spend according to our budget. The second is that it makes it much clearer when we are overusing our phone, allowing us to step back and make saving where necessary. 

Zero spend days.

Wow, can you imagine a day where you don't spend any money at all? Probably, 20 years ago, this wouldn't have been a big deal. However, as we are continuously digitally connected to a universe of commerce, the temptation is always there. Whether we are on the move, chilling out in front of the TV, or even in bed!

In fact, with the spend all the time culture we live in, it's even more critical to institute zero spend days. The good news is that you will be working on your ability to resist compulsive spending by doing this. That's not all either as you will learn other skills like packing your lunch or thinking ahead for what you will need. All of which will help you to master the art of saving money in the longer term.

Signs You Should Replace Your Vinyl Siding

When is the last time you really looked at the outside of your house? If it has been a while, now may be the time to inspect it. While you know when it is time to replace the roof because leaks and other issues will form, with siding the issues can be less noticeable. Some of the things to look for that indicate it is time to replace your siding can be found below.

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Evidence of Rotting

Vinyl siding doesn’t experience dry rot. However, the wood siding under it can. If water gets under your siding, fungus may grow, which can cause dry rot. This will affect the wood and the siding that covers the wood.

If rot has affected your vinyl siding Baton Rouge it will pull apart easily or will appear cracked. This means it isn’t too hard to detect. If you don’t see any visible areas of rot, poke a few of the areas that may have water seepage, including the siding near your gutters.

Evidence of Moisture in Your Home

If there is any moisture in your vinyl siding that has moved into the wood siding under it can be seen inside the house, too. This is a tell-tale sign of an issue. Sometimes, this issue will be noticed due to peeling interior paint, which means the moisture has reached the drywall or plaster. However, it may also result in mold in your walls. This is a dangerous situation and something that needs to be addressed right away.

If you notice any of the above issues, it is a good idea to speak with the professionals about replacing the vinyl siding. In many cases, replacing the siding is going to be the only way to fully repair the issues present. Keep this in mind when inspecting the exterior of your home.

3 Tips to Save Money When Moving

Excitement is in the air as you ready yourself to move and relocate. There is so much to do as you work on finding a new home, selling, or renting your old one, and packing up your possessions into boxes.  Do not get overwhelmed though, there are ways you can help alleviate the stress and costs that may come with moving.

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1. Declutter

Going through your household items before you start to move, can be a beneficial task. Decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need, or simply do not want to take with you to your new home, can help lessen the number of boxes you pack. You may even want to hold a yard sale to sell unwanted items, to make some additional money for your move.

2. Packing Smart

Packing up your belongings is a big step in the moving process. While you can pack much of your possessions yourself, you may want to allow professional movers to pack and prepare fragile, antique, and large items for moving. If you’re looking to save money, you can get used moving boxes St Louis to help lessen expenses.

3. Get Estimates from Moving Companies

When searching for a moving company, it is a good idea to call several companies and get their estimates. You may even find that depending on the time of year, some moving companies may give you a discount during slower-moving seasons, like winter. It may even be beneficial to see if the moving company has some space for negotiating the final price.

Moving is an exciting time as you begin a new life adventure. Do not let unnecessary expenses take away from the happiness and excitement of this time. Follow the tips above to help cut back needless costs and enjoy the move!

Common Health Problems To Address As You Get Older

Today, we take a look at some common health problems to address as you get older. When your body ages, it becomes susceptible to a range of different health issues. Some are virtually unavoidable, but most can be delayed for as long as possible. The earlier you start acting against these health issues, the less of a problem they become in your senior years. 

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Memory Loss

Memory loss is often associated with health problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Indeed, it’s also thought that most of us will experience memory loss as we get older. It’s all down to the brain losing its functionality, much like an ageing computer will become much slower and more prone to errors. 

Contrary to popular belief, old people can live with fantastic memories. It’s all about looking after your cognitive ability when you’re younger. Use brain training exercises to prevent memory loss, and follow a healthy lifestyle. Avoid drinking lots of alcohol as this has a terrible effect on your memory. I’m sure most of you have heard of people getting drunk and not remembering what happened the night before. If you drink consistently, then you will gradually erode away at your ability to retain memories. 

All in all, you can boil it down to remaining sharp and in control of your brain. If you keep stimulating your brain, you will be able to remember things for a long time. It sounds simple, and it is! The problem is that most people don’t realize this until it’s too late and they’ve already started showing signs of memory loss. 

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Hearing Loss

There’s no question that hearing loss can impact your life in many different ways. Again, this is something that seems like a natural progression as your body gets older. While most people over 60 will suffer from at least mild hearing loss, you can do your bit to delay it for as long as possible. Certainly, you may even live a life without the need for hearing aids. 

It all boils down to protecting your hearing while you’re younger. Ironically, young people are probably more at risk of hearing loss than other generations. This is largely thanks to people listening to music at loud volumes in headphones from a very young age. If this is something you’re guilty of, don’t worry, there’s a smart way to fix it. As this guide to hearing protection states, noise-cancelling headphones are the best option. Why? Because you cancel out any outside noises, meaning you can listen at a lower volume with more clarity. It might sound louder, but the decibel level is far lower thanks to cancelling out the noise. 

Other tactics exist alongside this - such as covering your ears when you’re around loud noises for an extended period. For example, if you work on a construction site or go to a concert, you should have earplugs to dampen the noise entering your ears. Adopt these preventative measures from a young age to delay the effects of hearing loss when you’re older. 

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Joint Pain

As you get older, something happens around the joints in your body. All joints have a protective tissue (cartilage) that stops the bones from rubbing against one another. In healthy humans, this allows for smooth movements without any pain. However, when you get older, this cartilage can break down and become more worn. Unfortunately, you can’t repair cartilage, meaning your bones rub against one another, causing inflammation and joint pain. 

The most common health problem associated with joint pain is osteoarthritis. Speaking of common things, the most frequently affected joints are our hips, knees, and the many joints in your spine. When you suffer from joint pain, you are afflicted with chronic pain that can make your life a lot harder. It may even reach a point where you have to stay in a wheelchair because you can’t move. 

Once more, you can prevent this by taking action right now. The best way to prevent joint pain is to exercise! Exercising prevents cartilage damage by strengthening your muscles and the other tissues around your joints. In fact, it can lead to more joint stability, which reduces the risks of joint pain. Weight training is particularly effective at doing this, though you should also avoid many joint loading activities - like running.

It’s easy to look at these health issues and assume you will deal with all of them in your golden years. Truthfully, there’s no reason you can’t avoid them all! At the very least, you can prevent the issues from becoming too serious to manage. Start thinking about your future today, and begin taking preventative measures to conserve your health. 

Why Boring Cars Are Often The Best

When you think about your dream car, you probably have something exciting in mind. Perhaps your ultimate ride is a Lamborghini Aventador or a Porsche Cayenne. Or perhaps you have your eye on a Mercedes GT. Whatever it is, the chances are that it’s expensive and, usually, way out of your price range. 

But do you want an exotic car? When you think about it, the answer isn’t always clear. Yes - they’re exciting. But they also come with a bunch of downsides. In the grand scheme of things, boring cars are almost always better for most people. And in this post, we’re going to explain why. 

Boring Cars Are Cheap To Run

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Not everyone can be a millionaire. Some of us have to make do with ordinary financial lives. And for that reason, boring cars are the way to go. 

For starters, insurance costs are way lower. Whenever you own something exotic, you wind up paying exorbitant premiums to keep it on the road. That’s not the case when you get something run-of-the-mill. 

Secondly, sourcing replacement parts is incredibly simple. You just head to your local accredited mechanic, and that’s it - no fuss, no hassle. 

Then there are the running costs, like fuel. Most boring cars are surprisingly economical, allowing you to save money in the process. 

Boring Cars Are Easy To Service

Getting an exotic car like a Bugatti Veyron serviced is not only expensive but also logistically challenging. Very few shops can service vehicles like these. And most owners wind up having to load their vehicles onto trucks and shipping them halfway across the country, just to replace disc brake pads. It’s a massive inconvenience. 

Now compare that to a regular car. Servicing usually takes an afternoon. That’s it. 

Boring Cars Are Available

Have you ever tried buying a luxury or exotic car? It’s incredibly challenging! Very few car dealerships sell them. And even those that do have long waiting lists. 

Now compare that with boring cars. You turn up to a showroom, hand over the necessary money, and you’re done. You’re free to drive off the forecourt immediately. 

Boring Cars Don’t Draw Attention

Some people love drawing attention to themselves on the road, but most don’t. When you’re driving along, you don’t want people staring at you, wondering who is inside the car. Often, you just want privacy. You want to go about your business without people continually trying to take compromising pictures of you. 

However, boring cars don’t draw any attention whatsoever, from the general public, criminals, or, for that matter, the police. 

There’s a certain luxury in having anonymity. A grey Toyota is never going to get noticed on the road. 

Boring Cars Don’t Break Down

Finally, boring cars tend to be very reliable. Manufacturers know that it’s worth putting effort into ensuring that all components work perfectly because they’re going to sell so many units. Plus, they can often take proven parts from existing lines, instead of engineering new, high-performance items. The effect of this adds up. 

How To Know When You Need a New Boiler

When your home or office building has a boiler, it is important to know when to repair or replace it to avoid dangerous breaks or malfunctions. It is also a good idea to have a routine inspection done on it by licensed professionals to spot problems before they get out of hand, and to know who to call when it does break. It is recommended that you replace your boiler every ten years, but you should also replace it if you need frequent repairs, hear odd noises or spot leaks.

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Odd Noises

The parts for your boiler will wear out at different times for various reasons, causing popping, hissing or knocking while on. When you hear these sounds, it is a good idea to call a boiler repair and installation company Scarborough ME professional to diagnose the problem. Sometimes it is a simple repair and replacement part, but others it is more cost effective to get a new unit.

Leaks

Leaking plumbing is never a good sign, but leaks around your boiler can be more than just water. Older or broken boilers can also leak carbon monoxide, which can cause suffocation. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it is a good idea to evacuate first and call for boiler repair from safety.

Frequent Repairs

As boilers age, parts wear out and many will reach the end of usefulness within months of each other. Sometimes these can be spotted when an earlier repair is made but needing frequent repairs or many at once can quickly add up to more than the cost of a new, more efficient, boiler.

Boilers are necessary equipment for many home and offices, so knowing what signs mean that you should have the unit repaired or replaced is the difference between having hot water for your shower or having your carbon monoxide detector go off during the night. Odd noises such as popping or knocking, leaks of water or gases and frequent repairs may mean that a replacement is a more cost-effective solution.

How To Update Your Landscape On A Budget

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It may be time to update your backyard. Your grass is dying, the flowers you planted are long gone and you are tired of looking at it all. You want to upgrade, but maybe you are hesitant because of how much money you think it will cost you. Fear not, because there are ways you can upgrade your landscape without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to give your back or front yard a facelift on a budget.

Consider Using Mulch Alternatives

Using mulch saves you time and money. It decreases the quantity of water and weeding your garden needs if you have one. The only drawback is that mulch can be pricy. Mulch alternatives will provide you with the benefits of mulch without mulch prices. Some of those alternatives include grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, compost, stone and even newspaper. These simple and easy to use methods will leave your plants and your pockets happy.

Garden Up

Planting a vertical garden is the ideal thing to do if you are challenged with finding space. A vertical garden makes the most out of a tiny space. It is really cheap to do this. You can use a wooden ladder, terracotta pots and some wire for a rustic look. Clean out ould pant cans and fill them with soil. Hang them up and pot your plants. Use a picture frame to make a vertical succulent garden or transform your wooden fence into the prettiest vertical garden you have ever seen.

Add Color

It is amazing what a simple splash of color can do to change the atmosphere of a space. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to improve your landscape, just add some color. Do this by painting a planter or add a fresh coat of paint to wood, metal or plastic elements that are incorporated in your yard. If that is not the route you want to take, you can easily add color by planting colorful flowers or foliage. Place them in creative spots for a unique look.

Plant A Tree

Bringing a new life into your front or back yard is another great option. Planting a tree is one of the most cost-effective ways to do this. In addition to breathing new life into your yard, a tree can also save you money in the long run because it provides much-needed shade to your home, bringing down energy costs. Gather your digging tools, some mulch and a tree and you are good to start.

Plant Natural Perennial Ground Covers

This is a great option if you are sick and tired of weeding your lawn. You have used your Ryobi 4 cycle trimmer to manicure your lawn, and no matter what you always find weeds. Planting low-cost perennial ground covers is also better for your health. Weed killers are terrible for your health because of the harsh chemicals that are used. They have been known to cause things like cancer.

Tips For Working On Your Relationship With A Partner

Every relationship needs working on regularly, it doesn’t just stop when you get to a certain point. That initial stage in which you got together needs to be an emotion that you feel as much as possible when you’re with your other half. Here are some tips for working on your relationship with a partner.

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Make Sure Both Sides Give Their All

When it comes to a relationship, it’s an equal partnership, and so both individuals need to give their all and it not simply be one-sided. If you’re not giving time to your partner, then there’s going to be a lot of that special time that you’d need in order to continue to grow, that is lost. It’s important to find time for your partner and to be together as a team, even if sometimes you need to spend time apart too. There are lots of ways that you can contribute to the relationship. For example, you might want to make breakfast in bed occasionally for your partner, or perhaps you clean the house for them when they’ve had a bay day or week. It’s the little things that make a difference, and if you go out of your way to help show your commitment and affection, it should also be something that’s received too!

Appreciate Time For Space Alone

It’s important that you spend time alone too and everyone needs their independence. It’s worth taking time out when you need it so that you’re not suffocating one another and needing to schedule a FREE Divorce case review. Make sure that you’re giving each other space when it’s needed and to have that personal time where you can enjoy each other’s own presence, rather than it always being the two of you. That independence is certainly needed, especially when you’re in a relationship.

Make Date Night A Regular Occurrence

Date nights are good to spend some quality time with your loved one, and it’s something you want to do as often as you can. When you first got together, you probably did a lot of date nights, so why should that stop? Find time to spend with your partner and to do different types of date nights whether it’s going for a meal, having a takeaway night in together, or doing something active like ice-skating.

Be Prepared To Listen

A relationship is something that you have to be willing to give and take. You should be able to speak your own mind and have your partner provide a shoulder of support. However, you should also be prepared to listen to your partner too when they need your advice and support, or simply just to listen while they speak their worries or thoughts. It’s part of the partnership and something you should always be willing to do for your loved one.

Working on a relationship is constant and something you should always be prepared to give back to. Don’t become lazy and let your love fizzle down, you both don’t deserve