Saying Goodbye To Debt for Good

Debt is one of those lingering problems in life that will always find a way to sneak up to us. Even if you only have a bit of debt now, there’s a good chance that you might end up growing that debt to ludicrous amounts in the future due to interest rates or bad spending habits. While it can seem innocent at first and easy to deal with, it’s something that can spiral out of control if you’re not careful.

You also need to be concerned about the effects of debt. The emotional effects of debt can be debilitating and times and it could ruin your relationships or harm your mood and motivation. These are difficult problems to cope with, so it’s important that you seek out ways to say goodbye to debt forever.

In this post, we’re going to cover some of the most important tips that will help you ensure that you never have to experience those worrying feelings again.

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What causes debt in the first place?

In order to beat debt, you need to understand it. A lot of people don’t realize why they get into debt in the first place, so let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why debt occurs.

Relationship problems after being reliant or partially reliant on someone else

Did you know that relationship problems can cause debt? If you’re somewhat reliant on another person financially, there’s a good chance that you might find yourself facing a lot of debt if you end up splitting up due to your financial situation.

Poor money management due to overspending or failing to save

Overspending is one of the most common reasons for people falling into debt. Buying expensive items on a regular basis and taking out loans for the purpose of leisure can be extremely detrimental to your financial security. Make sure you cut down on overspending and try to avoid the feeling of missing out if you don’t have the same things as your friends and family members.

Low income or being unemployed for a long period of time

Little to no income means you’re going to be in a bad financial situation. If you already had debts that you were paying off, then they’re going to get a lot worse if you remain unemployed for a long period of time. If you’re currently a low-income individual or family, try and save as much as possible and only spend money on necessities for some time.

High costs of living in an area that you can’t afford.

If you’re living beyond your means then you’re going to find yourself in a difficult financial situation before you know it. Make sure you stop overspending and focus on the important things when using your money.

A failed business idea or project that you got no return on

It’s not uncommon for people to invest a lot of their own money into a project or business that ultimately fails. If you get little to no return from it, then it might plunge you into debt.

Lots of surprise expenses that you weren’t prepared for

Surprise expenses are troublesome to deal with since they’re almost impossible to plan ahead for. Even if you have a large pool of savings, there’s no guarantee that it’s going to keep you afloat if you experience large back-to-back expenses.

Losing your job due to uncontrollable circumstances

We discussed above that being unemployed can drag you into debt, but suddenly losing your job is perhaps the quickest way to find yourself in debt, especially if you lived life going from one paycheck to another.

Loans from the past such as student debt

The quickest way to find yourself in debt is to take a large loan for something such as a house, a car or even for education. However, these are often necessary to advance your life and career, so it’s one of the few acceptable forms of debt.

Can you avoid debt completely?

There are many little tricks and helps to help you avoid debt, but ultimately boils down to managing your money properly and avoiding any unnecessary expenses that you could live without. However, you might find yourself in debt due to circumstances that were completely out of your control. For example, some people might find themselves in debt because they’ve lost their job suddenly and without warning. Without any time to prepare, you might find yourself thrust into debt due to a decision that you had no control over.

So while it’s certainly possible to plan ahead for debt, there are times where you won’t be able to control your fate. You’ll end up falling into debt regardless due to circumstances outside of your control, so it’s a good idea to find ways to climb back up.

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Acknowledging that you have a money problem

First, make sure you acknowledge that you have a money problem. This will help you get your finances under control so that you can start taking your financial situation more seriously. To start, let’s take a look at some fundamental ways to help you navigate around your debt.

Finding ways to help you get around your debt

• Start budgeting for your debt repayments. The most important tip we can offer is to start budgeting for your debt repayments. Add them to your regular expenses and make sure you’re looking ahead a few weeks at a time to ensure you always have money for paying off your debts while also living a comfortable and frugal lifestyle.

• Pay on time every month. If you miss payments, you’re going to be subject to more interest. Missed payments can also accumulate interest, ultimately forcing you to pay more money. As long as your payments are on time, you have nothing to worry about in regards to interest.

• Pay more than the minimum whenever possible. While it sounds obvious that paying more each month will ultimately clear your debt faster, it’s a good idea to remember just how effective it can be. By simply paying a little more off your debt each month, you’ll speed up the process which results in less interest.

• Try and decide what debts to pay off first. It’s a good idea to look at what debts you should pay off first in order to maximize the value of your repayments. If you have multiple debts, look for the ones with the biggest interest rates first. Pay these off first so you lose less money each money due to those interest payments.

• Dig into your emergency fund if necessary. Lastly, remember there’s no shame in using an emergency fund to pay off your debts. Debt can be considered an emergency, especially if you’re looking to prevent your interest from mounting up which ultimately costs you more money.

What if there’s no way for you to slowly overcome your debts?

In some situations, you might find that there’s no way for you to overcome your debts slowly and steadily. You might be having your wages garnished soon, you might not be making much money to pay off your debts in the first place, or you might be having a stressful time that is negatively affecting your health. In cases like these, you may want to look for a faster way to overcome your debts.

• Consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is the go-to option for people that want to completely remove their debts. However, you might want to consider the aftermath of a claim. For instance, questions like "how long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?” are fairly common. This is because there are different kinds of bankruptcy claims and some of them will leave a longer mark on your credit report.

• Speak to your bank or a lender about debt consolidation. Debt consolidation essentially means putting together all of your debts and squeezing them down into a single repayment plan. This helps you remove all of the interest rates and will make it easy for you to climb out of debt.

• Speak to the lender about debt settlement. You may also want to speak top your lender about debt settlement. This will help you remove a large portion of your debt outright.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways to overcome debt both slowly and with help from external services and lawyers. The ideal option for you will depend on your circumstances, but it’s a good idea to look out for different options.

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What comes next?

So what’s next after clearing your debts? We’d suggest that you adopt frugal living tips to help you save more money and avoid getting into debt in the first place. This can take a little practice and it might take some time to drag you out of your old habits. However, it’s good practice to ensure that you can live a stable and comfortable life with financial freedom in the future.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

 

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Sprucing up your home doesn't have to take a lot of money. Whether you are looking to add value to your home before putting it on the market or just want your living space to look more elegant, there are many inexpensive ways to make your home look more expensive.

Here are five ways to give your home a more elegant look.

Update your fixtures

The small fixtures like lighting, doorknobs, cupboard handles, and switches might not seem important, but they make a huge difference to the overall feel of your home. If your fixtures are old and boring, consider updating them with some flashier options. Update lighting with some more modern alternatives, or if you are willing to stretch your budget, why not invest in some Murano Glass Chandeliers? Upgrade switches and handles with sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing options, and your home will instantly feel more expensive.

Go neutral

Expensive modern homes all have that pared-down, minimalist look. The best way to emulate this in your home is to give your walls a color makeover. Opt for neutral shades like off-whites and greys. The same goes for furniture and upholstery.

Declutter

If you have a home that's cluttered and packed to the rafters with hoarded possessions, you will struggle to get that luxurious feeling you're after. The sparse, minimalist look makes your home look more modern and can add tremendous value. Go through every room of your house and get rid of any belongings you no longer need. Once you've done this, try to keep floor spaces and surfaces clear. You may need to invest in some smart storage solutions to keep items out of the way. Underfloor and under-stair storage are brilliant ways to keep your belongings discreetly out of sight.

Add landscaping

One of the most effective ways you can add value to a home is by increasing its curb appeal, i.e., how pleasant it looks from the outside. If your driveway or front garden is cluttered and messy or sparse and barren, then it will need an improvement. A good way to boost curb appeal is by adding some greenery and subtle landscaping. This doesn't need to be expensive: you can do it yourself with a few plants from the garden center and a couple of hours on your hands and knees. Here are some of the most attractive plants you can buy on a budget. 

Make an artistic statement

Adding a large, bold piece of modern art is a great way to make your home feel more extravagant. It has a huge impact and can completely transform any room. And you don't have to spend extortionate amounts at art galleries. You can buy cheap art very easily from thrift stores, charity auctions and flea markets. 

There are so many ways to make your home look more expensive, and with the right techniques, this can be done relatively cheaply. Follow these five tips, and you'll be enjoying your splendid new living space in no time at all.

How To Become A Safer Driver

Driving can be a fantastic source of joy, as well as a simple means of transportation. However, it can also be extremely dangerous if you don’t know how to drive safely, protecting yourself and other road users. When it comes to your driving, the truth is that there is always room for improvement, regardless of how much of a great driver you might think that you are. 

Every so often it’s useful to have a reminder of how to ensure that you are driving safely, and making sure that you are doing whatever you can to keep yourself and others safe. Bearing that in mind, below are a few useful tips for how you can become a safer driver - have a read, take note, and consider implementing some of these into your driving strategy. 

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Take your time 

It’s been said before and it will be said again but it’s vital to remember that the speed limit that’s in place is a suggestion, not a target. It’s perfectly fine to drive under the speed limit - you don’t have to drive at the limit recommended, you just cannot drive over it, that’s all. There’s no need to rush when you are out on the road, take your time and take things slowly. Rushing is one of the main causes of car accidents, so it’s important to try and make sure that when you’re driving you’re not in a rush, as by rushing you put yourself - and others - at risk. 

Be aware of what causes accidents 

You should also try and remind yourself what causes car accidents and road fatalities. If you ask any of the top rated car accident lawyers what the main causes are of car accidents, they will tell you that the key causes of accidents are speed, rushing, tiredness, impatience, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. By being aware of the main causes of serious accidents, you can help to ensure that you don’t put yourself in a situation where you might cause an accident. Be a more mindful driver and learn to drive in a safer way while out and about on the roads. 

Keep an eye out for others 

When you’re out and about on the roads, it’s not just your own driving that you need to think about, but also the driving that others do. You cannot trust that other road users will be driving as safely as they should be, that’s why it’s so important that you make sure to keep an eye out for other drivers who may not be driving as safely as they should be. Worried about how someone else is driving? Don’t feel bad about reporting them - after all, just think how bad you would feel if you didn’t report them and then they caused a serious accident. 

Hopefully, the tips and advice above will help you to become a safer and better driver, keeping yourself, your loved ones, and other road users safe while on the roads. 

How To Move On: Coping After Trauma

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Post-traumatic stress disorder is a form of anxiety caused by stressful, and often life-threatening situations. It can be a debilitating condition that prevents the sufferer from leading a full life. Often PTSD causes a person to relive their incident repeatedly, and have potentially vivid nightmares, insomnia, and extreme fears and anxiety.

Post-traumatic stress can affect anyone. A severe incident can bring about feelings that we are not equipped to deal with. This might be an assault, car accident, or even problems during childbirth. The symptoms of PTSD might not also become apparent for months or even years after the event had taken place. 

Those in very stressful jobs where there is a great deal of physical risk, such as military personnel, or emergency service workers may be exposed to the kind of trauma that can cause post-traumatic stress. Those working in war zones are particularly susceptible and, in this case, suffers should visit veteransdisabilityinfo.com for advice and support. 

Witnessing, or learning about severe trauma in someone that you are close to can also bring about PTSD too. 

Symptoms

Symptoms vary, and may not become apparent for some time after the event. They may be things such as a disinterest in daily life and activities that are happening around you, a feeling of numbness and disconnection from other people, a lack of positive feelings about the future, and an avoidance of people, places or things associated with the trauma. More severe symptoms might include panic attacks and vivid flashbacks of the event. 

PTSD survivors may say that they don't want to talk about the event. A reluctance to even talk about anything to do with an incident may be a sign that they have PTSD. Having a feeling that they cannot control their own thoughts also demonstrates a potential risk of post-traumatic stress.

Taking Action

If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD after surviving a traumatic experience, then action needs to be taken. In the first instance, speaking with your doctor is advised. They will probably ask a few questions in order to diagnose and understand the level and cause of stress disorder. At this point, being completely honest about how you feel will make sure that an accurate diagnosis can be made. There is no shame in admitting that you are struggling. Suffering with PTSD does not imply failure on your part, and it certainly does not make you a weak person. So if there are symptoms that you are embarrassed to talk about, take your time and allow yourself the opportunity to open up about them and get the help you need. 

Antidepressants

Treatment might include antidepressants. These will help with rebalancing the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. Increasing neurotransmitters that may be depleted helps stimulate synapses making up for the reduced levels. This helps restore our brain activity to a 'normal level'. Over time, antidepressants serve to repair broken connections in the brain through neuroplasticity. When we're under a great deal of stress, our brains produce adrenaline in an attempt to run from or fight off any dangers. Reliving trauma can engage in adrenaline production, meaning that a PTSD survivor suffers from an overproduction of adrenaline. This surplus of hormones serves to raise heartbeats, fuel anxiety and keep the sufferer on edge for a prolonged time. Lowering these chemicals is essential as part of the treatment process. 

Therapy

Alongside medication, many sufferers may require trauma counselling. This could be talking therapy surrounding coming to terms with the incident. Unpicking the complex emotions surrounding trauma can take a very long time. A qualified therapist will know the types of questions to ask to help you come to an understanding of your condition. They may provide you with reading or exercises to do outside of sessions. It is vital to engage with any therapeutic activities set out, as they are designed to aid your recovery. Often, though progress can be slow and you may not notice the changes. There may be a feeling that you are wasting time, and will feel like stopping. Stick with it, it is a very gradual process, but it is beneficial in the long run.

You may be offered cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of counselling will look at the ways you think and do things and will look at changing your mindset to help you deal with situations better. It is particularly useful for breaking out of patterns of thought and behavior that may be destructive.

Is Downsizing The Right Financial Decision For You?

If you are tempted to save some cash and create a little nest egg for the future, you might be tempted to downsize your home. This massive asset that you own is a burden around your neck. If you are spending a small fortune every month on your home loan repayments, you may need to consider decreasing your outgoings. Alternatively, by swapping your large pad for a smaller and more humble abode, you can decrease your mortgage and enjoy more disposable income. Take a look at why downsizing could be a sound financial decision for you.

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Equity

Downsizing from a property that you have built up equity in will leave you with a healthy bank balance once you have downsized. This large amount of cash sitting in your bank account post-downsizing could empower you to travel, start a business, or simply save for a rainy day. Thinking about your twilight years also needs a cash injection to prepare for your future. Equity being released means that your money isn’t tied up in a large asset. You may even find that by downsizing, you have enough equity that means you can buy your next smaller property outright without the need for a home loan. This could leave you mortgage free meaning that you have an asset that is yours and your alone!

Lifestyle

You may leave in a large detached pad in the middle of suburbia or you might live in a home that has spare rooms that you no longer use. If you are tired of living in an echoey property and you seek a more vibrant community to be part of, downsizing can facilitate this. Think about checking out the garden Brickworks apartments, designed by renowned architects that are the embodiment of modern living. With like-minded individuals, you can feel part of a more exciting and inspiring community. Living in silo will be no more as apartment living tends to be more communal. 

If an apartment doesn’t sound like your thing, consider venturing to a two bed condo, a terraced home, or a smaller version of your current dwelling. This gives you a chance to declutter from your current pad and take with you only those items and sentimental things that mean something to you. A smaller pad doesn’t have to squeeze in all of your current belongings and gives you a chance to detox materialistically.

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Ongoing Costs

Living in a smaller property naturally means that your pad takes less time to heat up in the winter and requires less upkeep financially. Having a smaller boiler is cheaper, you may be able to implement greener energy saving initiatives, and you could find that your garden and exterior costs less to maintain. Less ongoing maintenance means that your finances are freed up and your time is less shackled to your pad. A smart thermostat needn’t cost the Earth to install and could save you a small fortune in an apartment or small condo. 

If you are keen to downsize, assess all of your options, and make a decision based on your financial needs and wants.

3 Things You Better Have Sorted Before Christmas Week!

 

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Often around this time of year, it can seem like everyone else in the world is having fun and enjoying themselves. However, the story can be quite different for us moms! Yes, that's right, for moms, there is usually so much to do over Christmas that it can become quite stressful and overwhelming. Of course, if we get organized and complete things ahead of time, it is possible to have a more relaxed and fun Christmas week. Luckily you can find out which jobs are essential to complete before the week of Christmas in the post below. 

Cleaning your home inside and out 

One thing that you don't want to have to worry about come Christmas is whether your house is clean. That is why it's vital that you break the back of this work before Christmas week begins. 

With that in mind, a deep clean of the home at the beginning of December can work very well. Then you will only need to run the vacuum around occasionally as it gets closer to the 25th. It's also a smart idea to make sure that all your recycling bins are empty and clean as you will likely have more stuff to go in them than you usually do. 

Cleaning the outside of your home is just as important as making sure the inside is spick and span. After all, you won't want to hang outside lights on a home that doesn't look its best. Not to mention that you will want things to look as pleasing as possible for when visitors call. 

The good news is, you don't have to clean the outside areas of your home yourself. Instead, why not get a cleaning company that offers pressure washing to do your drive and pathways. You can even ask them to pressure wash your outside walls, making your home look almost brand new for the Christmas season! 

Buying and wrapping gifts

The fantastic deals on offer as December progresses may tempt you to leave gift buying to the last minute. However, it's probably not worth the stress of rushing around trying to locate things, or worrying that stuff will run out! 

Instead, make sure that all of your gift-buying and your wrapping is done well before the week of Christmas. Then all you need to do is sit back with some eggnog and enjoy yourself. 

Just be sure to label each gift securely, as you don't want tags falling off and leaving you in a position where you cannot remember what gift is for whom! 

Clean and stock the freezer 

Finally, for most families, the Christmas period means good food and feasting. Indeed many families enjoy all sorts of culinary treats such as party food, and large joints of roasted meat along with all the trimmings. 

Of course, the most time-efficient and convenient way of offering this type of food is to buy it frozen and then cook it on the day. Something that means, most people need to clean out their freezer in early December before they can begin stocking it with delicious food. 

4 Things That Can Make Your Depression Worse

 

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Mental health statistics in the United States are quite shocking indeed. For example, about one out of five American adults experience mental illnesses. The coronavirus pandemic gave further rise to the grim statistics on mental health across the States. Among the host of mental health challenges confronting Americans, depression stands tall. Adults aged over 18 are more likely to experience depressive illnesses in any given year. But what makes your depression worse? Outlined below are some key factors that can worsen your depression.

1. Sleep deprivation

Most people feel better and healthier when they get a good night's sleep. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can give rise to negative feelings and even worsen your depression. Research studies have shown that insomnia patients are ten times more likely to experience depression than those who sleep well. If you are experiencing sleep problems, try visiting your doctor. Also, consider limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and have a regular sleep pattern.

2. Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by special glands and conveyed by the bloodstream. Statistics show that women are more prone to depression than men. It has usually got something to do with hormonal changes in the different genders. For instance, after giving birth, some mothers experience what's called postpartum depression. 

Depression symptoms can also worsen in women during their ovulation and menopause periods. If you experience sharp changes in your mood at specific cycles of your life, book an appointment with your doctor. Experienced mental health experts may be able to diagnose your condition and prescribe the right treatment for you.

3. Diet

Depression often arises from a myriad of factors relating to your social environment, physical environment, and even genetics. However, what you eat and don't eat can also affect your depression status. One research study by the American Journal of Psychiatry related typical Western diets like sugary products and processed food to depression and anxiety in women; on the other hand, fruits, veggies and meat were thought to be healthier. 

In Australia, Deakin University researchers theorize that a class of micro-organisms in the digestive system can influence people's mental health. They also suggest that just by improving your diet, you can lessen your symptoms of depression. As scientists continue to research the dietary culprits associated with depression, you may want to cut down on your consumption of sugary products and rather eat whole and fresh food.

4. Social media lifestyle

Over the past years, social media has grown to be a huge world on its own. While there may be the best platforms to connect with others during the pandemic, social media networks can also worsen your depression. In fact, researchers have coined the term "Facebook Depression" to describe the disappointments people face when their posts don't receive the expected number of comments and likes. There is a growing volume of evidence linking digital activities to depression. Things like texting, emailing, video calls, and live-chatting — have all been related to worsening depression. However, in some cases, people are able to ease their depression symptoms when they visit social media environments like Facebook. The secret is to build positive connections that add value to your life. Also, try not to expect too much from social media connections. 

Social media can be especially damaging and impactful on young girls. As they are going through their tween and teen years, the content and comparisons they are exposed to online may lead to depression and thoughts of self-harm. Should you notice a problem with a teen in your life, it’s time to seek professional care. The qualified staff at Eva Carlston Academy can help provide the services your child needs to heal and get back to a healthier lifestyle.

Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Car Maintenance For Women

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You may still be trying to make sense of all the chaos regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic, and restriction as your car sits going nowhere on your drive.

You may also be wondering what to do if your car breaks down or the garage you go to is temporarily closed. Women can find this a challenge, and many are now taking to learning about car maintenance and rolling up their sleeves to maintain their vehicles.

You can do it too.

Here are a few helpful tips and how to’s so that you can become a Car Maintenance Diva and keep yourself on the road and moving forward.

Ten Steps To A Happy Car

Step One - Changing A Car Tire

There is nothing worse than driving along, only to discover you’ve got a flat tyre. Don’t panic; just follow this little guide or watch this fun clip on how to change your tyre.

Step Two - Tire Pressure

Before heading out on the road, it’s always smart to check that your tyre pressure is within the legal limits. An underinflated tyre can cause issues, and overinflated tyre can lead to a number of issues. You can learn more here.

Step Three - Checking Your Oil and Water

You need to make sure that your car has oil and water; otherwise, you’ll not be going anywhere fast. Use the engine oil recommended for your car and fill up to the level.

Step Four - Jump Starting Your Car Battery

Imagine jumping into your car, trying to start the ignition. But guess what not a sound - a flat battery. Just look at this for some help.

Step Five - Replacing Windscreen Wipers

You need to make sure that your windscreen wipers are working, and your road ahead is clear. Here is how to replace your windscreen wiper blades.

Step Six - Check the rubber parts of your engine.

Check the rubber components in your car, and make sure that hoses and belts are free of splits and cracks. You should do this every six months, and especially before long trips.

Step Seven - Read and Understand Your Cars Manual

Read your car manual and understand how your car works, it could help prevent any car breakdowns if you know your car well. Carry an emergency kit in your car in case you breakdown.

Step Eight - Take Care Warning Lights Seriously

If your lights are flashing on your dashboard, you must take your car to a garage to help you resolve the issue.

Step Nine - Check your Car Fluids

It’s essential to check the radiator coolants, brake fluid, power steering fluid. To learn more click this link www.peakhd.com.

Step Ten - Keep You Car Sparkling

Keep your car squeaky clean inside and out. A clean car is a happy car.

Make sure your lights are free from dirt and grime, and all of the windows a clean and clear, so that you can see clearly and drive safely.

You are now ready to enjoy your journey ahead, have fun!

5 Challenges You Must Be Prepared For As A New Mom

As a new mom, it’s fair to say that you are going to face numerous challenges and hurdles. Here are some of the issues that you need to be aware of and the right ways that you should handle them.

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Colic 

Colic is a problem that numerous babies have within the first few weeks and months after they are born. Colic is best described as trapped wind but it can be quite painful for babies and will result in a lot of crying. It’s worth noting that researchers don’t actually fully understand the cause of colic. However, there are treatment options available that can help a great deal. 

Sensory Issues

It’s important to realize that sensory issues can start to develop from birth. Babies can also be born with sensory issues such as hearing loss. The good news is that a lot of these problems can be corrected. For instance, you can get microtia ear surgery for your baby. This can help eliminate issues that your child might have with hearing and ensure that they don’t develop issues with their hearing later in life. 

Trouble With Feeding 

You might also have to deal with a problem with the baby feeding. It’s quite common for newborns to throw up a lot after they feed. Keep in mind that while this might seem odd, it is perfectly normal behavior and nothing that you need to panic over. You just need to make sure that you do continue to feed them regularly when they are hungry. You might also want to give them sterile water between feeds to help them with issues like dehydration. 

If the struggle continues, it might be a good idea to switch foods and try something more organic, like Beech-Nut Baby Food. Organic foods are typically easier to digest than processed foods and may help ease any digestive issues your baby has. If the problem continues, it might be time to consult a doctor. 

No Sleep 

It’s true what they say when you have a newborn, your sleeping habits change drastically. You will find that you struggle to get the sleep that you need and a full eight hours can be nothing more than a pipe dream. Babies can be quite restless, even through the middle of the night. If you are worried about your sleeping pattern, then the best way to handle it is to make sure that when the baby sleeps, you sleep. It’s good to do this, even if you are taking little naps with them during the middle of the day. 

Depression 

Ultimately, when all these issues come together, you can experience one major problem. You might find that you develop signs of depression. It’s worth noting that you won’t always recognize the signs of depression yourself. Instead, it can be people around you that notice these changes that you might be experiencing. It’s important that depression isn’t ignored as it can get gradually worse overtime. You might even find that it begins to affect the feelings that you have for your child. If you are having problems here, then cognitive therapy can be the right choice. With cognitive therapy, you can ensure that the main causes of your depression are being tackled head on. 

We hope this helps you tackle some of the common issues and challenges that you can potentially face as a new mom. 

Quit Being Bored! 5 Fun Things To Do Right Now

Life is not supposed to be boring, but right now we are living through a pandemic and that can make finding fun a little difficult! A pandemic has a huge impact on mental health, and it’s not easy to find life fun when you are stuck in quarantine or under lockdown rules. You need to know that it is okay to feel restless - it’s a restless waste of a year - we are all finding life a little harder to manage right now. 

The good news is that you can quit being bored right now. You can stop sitting on the couch and binge watching whatever is on Netflix, and you can start looking at how to make the best of a rubbish situation. So, we’ve put together five things that you can do right now to stop being so bored. Let’s dive in!

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1. Workout. Yes, I know, you don't feel like it because the pandemic has made you sad. We get it. But the thing is, you are going to fester just sitting on your butt and you cannot get those endorphins pumping if you are going to allow yourself to sit and be sad. So, get up, get online and find a good workout to get moving to. You won’t want to do it to start, but once you get going, I promise it’ll be worth it. 

2. Shop. Ah, I hear you cry out that the shops are shut and you cannot go anywhere because lockdown says no. Psst - the internet is RIGHT THERE! Get online with curvesncombatboots.com and snoop around at the best workout gear you could hope for to help you with point 1! Online shopping can get you into home renovations, hobby crafting and working out all in one - plus it feels nice to know that deliveries are on the way!

3. Learn A Skill. The online world is a huge place nowadays and you can learn anything from upholstery to baking. Get online and find a tutorial for something that you are interested in. by the time the world goes back to some kind of normal, you could be an authority in a whole new hobby you didn't think about before!

4. Dance. Put the music on loud and get your dance on. You have no way of going out and hitting the town with the girls right now, but you can grab everyone on FaceTime or Zoom and just dance! You can still do this together if you want to, though it looks a little funny to the outside world. The good news is that you’re in the comfort of your own home - so no one is watching outside anyway!

5. Get Outside. You are allowed exercise every day and if you have a garden, get outside and spend time in it. Use lockdown to build that veggie garden you’ve daydreamed about and don’t be afraid to get a little creative with seeds that you buy online. Just make sure that you plant for the right season.

Inside and Out: Changing Who You Are

 

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Changing who we are is something that we all would like to do. We all view ourselves in a certain way, but we may grow frustrated with the person staring back at us in the mirror. Changing ourselves isn't something that happens overnight, but there are certain aesthetics that we can work towards, but also make inward changes.

Surround Yourself With Different Components

Changing who you are can be about the environment you are in. Sometimes exposing ourselves to different stimuli forces us to think differently. Taking yourself into more stressful situations can force you to think on your feet. Hanging around with different people forces you to think differently and to see things from different perspectives. But even incorporating different physical items in your life can make you think differently. Changing your look is one thing, but you can also think about changing the things that surround you. Something like a new car is not always an affordable option if you want to change your life completely, but you can change the rims and tyres! These environmental changes can stimulate us to think differently. But it's important to remember that they won't change your thought habits overnight.

Change How You Think of Yourself

When you are on the quest for a new image, it's about looking at how people see you now and how you want to see yourself. You need to decide on the characteristics that you would like to change. And it's a great idea at this point to brainstorm and think about people you admire. It's not just about what people's actions are, but it's their behaviors. But you need to start small. Think about the personality traits that you'd like to have and see if they are still achievable based on your personal beliefs and values. It's impossible to completely change who you are if the person you want to be is at odds with your belief system. Before you declutter your closet and throw clothes out, you need to look at where you want to be and if you can take the steps in that direction.

Changing Your Habits

The biggest alteration of all when you are trying to become a different person is to change your habits. There are so many things that you have to be conscious of before you change your habits. It's not just about the people you are hanging around, but it's also about making sure that you correct what people think about you, but you also need to change how you think about yourself. And these changes can be very daunting. Because you've got to think about so many different components. From looking at how you act in certain situations to ensuring that others notice a change in you it takes a long time to mold. And when you start to embody a new image, you then have to solidify how you feel as a new person. 

Changing who we are is something that we would all like to do but we have to remember that it's about taking small steps.

How Can You Enjoy Greater Financial Security as a Woman

How Can Women Enjoy Greater Financial Security?

Financial security and success is a life goal for many people, not just women. However, for many people and women in particular, it can often seem a lot more elusive. Issues such as disparities in salary in the workplace for female employees, as well as making choices like leaving work or reducing hours in order to maintain family commitments, can often have serious impacts on the financial future of women. If you want to look ahead to a more stable and enjoyable financial life, read on for some useful suggestions on what to consider.

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Review your career prospects

One of the major obstacles for women when it comes to financial security is the vast gap in salaries between men and women. The gender pay gap is a common phenomenon in many industries and workplaces around the world, and while there has been more awareness raised, it continues to persist in many areas.

The pay gap is often a consequence of other limitations placed on women, such as having fewer opportunities to enjoy career growth and promotions, often due to mistaken assumptions about their personal and professional goals, or even because of prejudices about women’s abilities in the workplace. However, there is hope for women here, as more contemporary workplaces are reviewing this issue in a transparent way and offering better career prospects, which in turn can pave the way towards more financial growth.

Think about what you can invest in

Investment can start at any point and does not require a huge sum of money to do so. While some forms of investment, such as buying real estate, will require a significant outlay to begin, other forms of investment can be started on relatively modest sums.

You may want to start a savings fund or trust where a portion of your salary can be put aside on a regular basis. With interest and over a consistent period of time, this can help a relatively modest fund to grow into something of meaningful value. You may also want to look into other forms of practical investment, such as buying antiques or gold, from sellers such as www.nuggetsbygrant.com.

Establish a plan for the future

Finally, one of the most important aspects of creating greater financial security for your future is planning ahead. This can mean different things to many people. You may have specific objectives that you want to achieve, such as buying your own home and owning it outright, or personal goals such as traveling the world. Knowing what a successful future looks like for you as an individual can help you determine what kind of steps you need to take now, as well as help you understand how much money you may want to have in order to feel comfortable and secure.

While these things can vary between individuals, one thing is certainly for sure: all women want to enjoy greater security and stability, and this is not an impossible achievement to enjoy in your life.

22 Things They Don't Tell You About Birth

Motherhood is one big adventure. Before you decide to start a family, you spend time thinking about what your family could look like, how many children you might have and what your family would be. The shocking reality of it is that all the castles in the sky that you built can crash down when you finally have a baby and the reality is very different from what you imagined. Not every birth goes wrong, but every mother has high hopes for their miracle to happen the same way it does in their head.

There is a lot that they don't tell you about motherhood and a lot that they do tell mothers but that goes ignored. You spend your time pregnant and being as safe as possible to keep your baby safe until you bring them earth-side, so it stands to reason to properly research everything from car seats to crib bumpers to keep them safe when they are born, too. There are many things you’ll learn about motherhood as you raise your new baby, but before you get to that point, you have to go through childbirth - and this is the part that’s always a surprise. No one can tell you how your labor is going to go; they can only tell you what could happen and how to prepare yourself. However, they also give you the cliff notes version of things and not the open, honest version of the things that could happen. So, with this in mind, we’ve put together 22 things that they don't tell you about childbirth!

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1. Your waters may never break. Most people expect the big splash and pop that happens in the scenes during movies. Unfortunately, it’s not as fun as watching a water balloon pop and coat the pavement. In some cases, your waters may never break - and the doctor has to do it for you! Sometimes, waters go slowly and it feels like you’re wetting yourself. It’s not the most pleasant feeling in the world!

2. Maxi pads are going to be your best friends when your water is trickling - oh yes, it can trickle over some time and you may not even lose your waters just once. Your forewaters (that is, the waters at the front) can go before the hind waters; at the back of the sac. With the right stock of maxi pads, you won’t have to worry about ruining your underwear.

3. Your birth plan is a nice guide and gives you something to do, but doctors will throw the whole thing out the moment your baby and you are in any danger. You can list everything that you want and have someone with you to speak for you when you’re in pain, but know that a birth plan is not written in cement. It can and does often change at the last minute.

4. Sometimes, labor and birth are easier alone. When you have people with you as you give birth, you can spend too much time concentrating on whether they are okay and this distracts you from the task at hand. Birthing alone gives you the chance to concentrate and breathe. It’s rather empowering to go it alone!

5. That being said, you and your partner may find that everyone wants to be involved in the birth. It’s okay to tell your mother and his mother that you don't need them there! You were alone together when your baby was conceived and you are within your right to birth the baby without outsiders watching you dilate. 

6. After your labor begins, it can take hours and even days for the baby to arrive. It’s not like the movies: you will often have to spend most of your time walking and living life as you contract and dilate. It’s only when you hit 4cm dilated that the hospitals consider your birth to be active!

7. If your waters break while you’re at home, you need to avoid any more “baby encouraging” sex to get the baby out. You no longer have waters intact to protect the baby, which means you are susceptible to infection. Your labor should start within 24 hours of water leaving, and if you don't go into labor, your doctor will give you a helping hand with induction drugs.

8. You will panic when contractions start, even if you think you won’t. Your brain naturally wants to fight the pain and try to control it, and you can’t. The best thing to do to get through the contractions is to breathe and keep moving while they happen. Don't hold your breath when they hit, either, as this can make it more painful!

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9. Not all pain relief options are good ones. Depending on the country you live in, you may not get every single option, and not everyone wants an epidural given the higher risk of needing a c-section. 

10. Most women forget that they can have a birth that they want to have regardless of what anyone says. Informed choice is the most important thing you can have when you give birth, and you deserve to know that if you don't want a csection unless in absolute danger, then you can refuse one. Always weigh your options: the goal is a healthy baby, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try for a vaginal birth if you want one.

11. If you want an epidural, you can have one! You only need to ask for one and while doctors will try to get you as far along as possible without pain relief, you are allowed to control your birth.

12. Giving birth feels like you’re doing a number two - but in a big way! You may be smiling, but did you know that you may poop on the birthing bed? Yep, that’s a thing you know now! And it’s totally normal and natural. Midwives and doctors simply scoop it away to make space for the baby to arrive. 

13. Purple pushing can cause more tears. What is purple pushing? Well, it’s when you are coached to push your baby when a contraction isn't happening. You go purple in the face because you’re pushing against the wave: the baby isn't coming yet but you push anyway. This can cause your vagina to tear and you get exhausted in the attempt!

14. If your baby gets tired during the birth, you may need forceps or a ventouse to help the baby out. Both of these options are fairly invasive, but they’re less invasive than a c-section. Again, informed consent is a must for labor, and you need to know all of your options and outcomes. They may be scary to research, but knowledge is power.

15. Your chosen doctor may not be the person who delivers the baby. This can be disconcerting when you’re initially in labor, but when the moment comes to push you won’t care!

16. Episiotomy. It’s a word that you may avoid, but you need to understand it. A swift cut to your perineum (the bit between your bottom and your vagina) can give you more room in the birthing canal to get the baby out. It’s rare to happen now, especially when there are so many more birthing techniques you can rely on. However, it’s important to be aware!

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17. You can stand up and birth if you like. It’s an antiquated notion that you have to be on your back, when in fact, it’s the least comfortable and the least practical position in which to give birth. You can hold a rope from the ceiling and squat, you can go on your hands and knees while holding the back of the bed - you can birth in any position that feels most comfortable.

18. You may “moo”. Honestly, the noises you make in childbirth will happen whether you intend them to or not. Most women seem to “hum” which sounds like a cow “mooing”. The noises you make are absolutely fine - whatever helps you to concentrate.

19. You don't just birth a baby - you also deliver a placenta. Most women don't actually feel this bit as the body naturally ejects the placenta once it’s detached from the wall of the womb. Some women encapsulate it and choose to ingest it!

20. You may need stitches if your baby is born with a hand against its face, or they come through at an awkward angle. Sometimes, stitches can be more painful than the contractions, but the doctor will give you an injection to numb the site. 

21. Post-baby bleeding is called lochia, and you will deal with that. You will bleed for up to 3 months post-baby, but a lot of women stop bleeding after six weeks. The bleeding is caused by the placenta coming away - it leaves a wound the size of a dinner plate in the womb. It’s for this reason you shouldn't have sex before the bleeding stops (and before six weeks!), and you shouldn't use tampons either. You want to avoid infection!

22. Within three months of giving birth, you will be thinking about the next baby. All of the things that you went through with childbirth will feel like a distant memory. It may be the baby hormones that do it so that we continue to procreate!

4 Benefits Of Adopting A Pet

 

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Nowadays, it seems like the trendy thing to do is buy an exotic breed and show it off like it’s a new car or handbag. Don’t get me wrong; Cockapoos and Labradoodles are beautiful animals with plenty of personality. However, there are cats and dogs in need of help, and you should do your best to step up to the plate. After all, adopting a pet has many benefits that you don’t consider when you think about a shelter. Therefore, it’s about time you gave them a look and factored in the advantages of adoption.

Continue reading for more.

You’ll Save A Life

It’s sad that animals have to lose their lives because of irresponsible owners. That’s what happens when pets end up in shelters and aren’t re-housed. Due to the lack of space, some have to be euthanized, which is horrible to picture. Considering Uncommon Giving says that 6.4 million dogs and cats enter shelters every year, you literally save a life by adopting unfortunate pets who have done nothing wrong. Plus, so many of them are sweet and caring and don’t have a bad bone in their bodies. Designer pets will always have a home, but animals in shelters aren’t as lucky.

You’ll Save Money

You should consider the costs of pet ownership as it isn’t cheap to keep an animal. The Simple Dollar puts the average expense at upwards of $1,000, and that’s just for purchasing a dog. All in, you can expect to fork out tens of thousands of dollars in food, clothes, and veterinary bills. So, it’s essential to paws for a moment (pun intended!) and consider whether you can afford to own a pet. If you can but you’re on the edge, adopting an animal can cost as little as $50, saving you $950 straight out the gate.

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You’ll Avoid Health Problems

The issue with buying from private breeders is that you can place style over substance. This means you’ll be tempted to gush over how cute they are without thinking about the mix. Designer dogs, while stunning, aren’t always healthy since they take on attributes from different breeds that can put their wellbeing at risk. A British bulldog is a prime example. Vice points out that not only are they cheaper from a shelter, but they will have fewer health issues as professionals understand how to care for a bulldog’s chronic respiratory problems.

You’ll Enjoy The Journey

Yes, rescues are harder to train and assimilate into the house. The ones that have been through hell will take a while to realize that love is healthy. As such, you can expect a pet from a shelter to lash out for a couple of weeks or months until it’s comfortable in its new surroundings. It’s tough at first, but it gets easier. Understanding your new member of the family is part of the process, and one that pet owners who rescue animals wouldn’t change for the world.

The process is sweeter when you recognize where you started and how far you have come as a unit.

Dealing With Family Loss: How To Make Coping More Doable

The concept of losing a loved one isn’t something that any of us can comprehend until it happens to us. There’s is nothing worse than losing someone that you love, and coping with that loss can be extremely stressful and upsetting. This is especially true if you have been put in charge of dealing with the arrangements following their death and you have your own young family to look after. 

Knowing where to start after losing a loved one can be extremely difficult. There’s a lot that you need to think about and consider when it comes to coping with the loss of a loved one - it’s not an easy task, knowing what steps to take in the wake of someone you care about passing away. However, just because it’s not easy, that doesn’t mean that you cannot make coping a little easier. 

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Here’s how to make coping when dealing with a family loss a little simpler to manage - read on for everything that you should know. 

Don’t put pressure on yourself 

It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself when it comes to coping with family loss, as there’s probably a lot that needs to be done. However, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Realize that it’s okay to move slowly to organize things and that there are no time constraints on how long you have to get organized. Coping with a family loss is hard and it’s important to realize that it’s okay to not be okay and to need time. 

Find a funeral home 

An important step to take when it comes to coping with the loss of a loved one is to find a funeral home to work with on the end of life celebrations. You want to find a funeral home like George Boom Funeral Home that is able to offer you plenty of help and support with every aspect of your loved one’s funeral arrangements. Finding the right funeral home will help to make the process that little bit easier, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right one. 

Spread the load 

Don’t try and deal with everything yourself, you’re grieving too. Spread the load and speak to other family members and friends and see if they can help you to organize everything in the wake of your loved one’s passing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, after all, you need time to grieve too. Whether you need help organizing the service or you need help organizing the memorial, don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Coping with the loss of a loved one is never easy; it can be extremely upsetting and even traumatic. Dealing with that loss and putting the arrangements in place to say goodbye isn’t easy either, and it can often end up feeling like a little too much pressure. Hopefully, however, the advice above will help to make dealing with your loss that little bit easier to cope with. 

5 Things You Should Always Be Saving For

 

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We all know that it’s important to save a portion of our income every month, but what exactly are you saving for? You might have a luxury purchase or a dream vacation in mind but there are other things that should be a top priority too. To ensure you’ve got a good financial management strategy in place, take a look at these five things you should always be saving for:

1. Your Family’s Future

When you’re saving money, don’t just look six or 12 months into the future. Instead, you’ll want to consider what the future may hold for every member of your family. If you have children, for example, you may want to save in order to help fund a college education or to help them buy their first home.

2. Medical Treatment

At some time or another, it’s highly likely that someone in your family will require medical treatment. Even if you have medical insurance, the cost of deductibles can quickly escalate. By having access to a savings pot, however, you can ensure that you’ll always have the funds to cover any healthcare costs.

3. Your Retirement

As you get older, your needs will change, which means your budget may be affected. When you stop working, you may want to travel the world, pursue new hobbies, and move into the best luxury assisted living facility. No matter what your dreams are, by planning your financial strategy now, you can ensure that you have the funding you need to finance a fantastic retirement.

4. Investments

Making an investment can be a great way to increase your capital or to generate a second income. However, you’ll need to have access to some initial funds in order to make a worthwhile investment. Saving to make an investment now could mean that you’ll have access to a larger amount of capital in the future. Of course, no investment offers a guaranteed return, so it’s important to seek financial advice before making any major decisions.

5. A New Home

If you are currently renting your home, you may be eager to save up enough money to purchase your own place. Alternatively, if you already own your home, you may wish to save so that you can climb the property ladder and move to a larger home. Your family home is generally your biggest asset, so building up equity in a home can be a viable way to prepare for your financial future, as well as enabling you to enjoy having your own space.

Creating a Savings Plan

With so many things to save for, it’s easy to see why making regular contributions to your savings pot is so important. By calculating how much you can afford to save each month and listing it as an essential expense on your household budget, you can ensure that you never miss a contribution. This will enable you to reach your savings goals within the relevant timeframe and should mean you can look forward to a bright financial future.

Four Life Lessons Worth Knowing For Good Health

Good health is something that everyone wants to achieve when it comes to their mind and body. In order to live a long and happy life, it’s important to take care of yourself in any way you can. With that being said, there are certain life lessons worth passing on to make sure you’re doing everything possible to look after yourself. Here are four life lessons worth knowing for good health.

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Look After Your Mental Wellbeing

Firstly, your mental wellbeing is always good to be aware of because there can be a lot of things in life that can impact it. If you’re not open about your own mental health or don’t have anyone that you can talk to, then it’s something that you need to try and change. We all deal with mental health in our own way, and it shouldn’t be something to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Think about what is causing you a mental drain at the moment and work on improving those areas in your life. It might be to do with work, perhaps a relationship with a partner or friend. There can be many contributing factors, and it’s important you try and make these changes where you can in order to help your body.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Talking of stress, the amount of stress one can have throughout their life can vary depending on where it comes from. It also depends on your outlets and what you do to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm you or affect your health. Stress can certainly be something that ages a person, and so it’s good to find ways of reducing those stress levels where you can, Whether you’re dealing with a premier injury law firm regarding an injury or you’ve lost your job, try to find coping mechanisms that work well for you and your mind.

Moderate Your Food But Enjoy It

Food is essential because we need it to fuel our bodies, right? However, with so much pressure to eat healthily, we often end up taking up the satisfaction out of eating. Instead of focusing so much on what food types you’re eating, instead, focus on moderation. Moderating what goes onto your plate and not over portion is going to be helpful for you to keep healthy. It’s also going to make you happier, knowing you can treat yourself every now and then. You shouldn’t feel guilty when it comes to what food you eat.

Live In The Moment

Sometimes we get so worked up over what’s happening in the future that we forget to take a moment and just enjoy what’s happening right now. Living in the moment is important and something you want to try and carry forward in everything you do. It’s going to make a real difference to your outlook on life and to help you live your life to its fullest.

These four life lessons are certainly worth carrying forward with you in life and passing on to anyone you know!