Don't Wait to Fix These Summer Home Problems

A range of problems can pop up in your home during the summer. While some of them can wait to be fixed, there are some issues that you just don't want to leave. If they don't need to be fixed by the time summer is over, you might need to make some repairs while the season is still in full swing. If you don't, you could end up dealing with an even bigger issue, whether it's your home being too hot or problems from summer storms. During the summer, make sure you look out for these problems so you can fix them right away.

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Gutters and Drainage

Summer might make us think of sunshine and heat, but it often comes with rain and storms too. It's important to be prepared for it to rain, so pay attention to your guttering and drainage system. If there's a blockage or anything is broken, it could mean that something isn't working as it should be. This could lead to water not draining away from your home properly when it rains, which could cause flooding, leaks and other problems. These types of issues need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

Air Conditioning Problems

Your air conditioning can be your lifeline during the summer. But, not only does it keep you cool, but it also stops your house from overheating. If your home gets too warm, it could cause various problems, such as warped hardwood floors. Keeping your AC on during the summer is important, so make sure you're ready for any emergency AC repair that might be necessary. To prevent this, be sure to service your air conditioning system before summer begins. It will help to reduce the chance of anything happening that requires sudden repairs.

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Pests

Pests can become an issue during the summer because some pests like the heat. And those that don't still might want to come into your home. Pest problems might start off as a slight annoyance, but they can get a lot worse if you leave them for too long. It's always best to tackle them as soon as you can, which means it's helpful to know the signs of certain common pests. When you know how to spot them, you can pick up on them sooner and get rid of them faster. Of course, prevention is a good idea too, so take steps to stop pests from causing problems in the first place.

Moisture and Mold

Moisture and mold in your home aren't only problems during the winter. With summer rain and storms, it can become an issue during the summer too. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks, condensation, mold and mildew in your home during the summer. You need to deal with them as soon as you can so they don't become a bigger problem. You could eventually start to see structural damage if the issue grows.

Some problems need to be fixed right away. Even if you're having fun in the summer, don't forget to take care of these big problems.

Drains

Drains in our homes are often left until they are completely blocked. Sometimes the problem can be solved quickly and easily with a plunger, but other times more drastic measures may need to be taken. If you notice signs of water not draining away properly, it's important to take action before it turns into an even bigger issue. Get your drains inspected by drain cleaning specialists so that any potential blockages can be identified and dealt with as soon as possible.

The Conversations We Need To Think About Having With Our Older Parents

Have you noticed that a parent of yours is a little less capable than they used to be? Perhaps they’re a little less mobile, or complaining about aches and pains more, or even a touch forgetful? As we age, it’s a fact that we’re going to need a little more help than we used to. You need to be compassionate as you approach these questions, but it will be important to address them.

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How they’re getting around

Few people live close to the essential destinations they need daily access to, be it for grocery shopping, to see the doctor, or otherwise. As we get older, our driving skills can begin to suffer impairments. For that reason, it might be worth asking your parent if they have been driving just fine lately. If they have had any accidents or even near misses lately, then it might be time to consider offering to drive for them instead of putting them at such risk again in the future.

The health issues they may be experiencing

The majority of people don’t want to worry their loved ones, regardless of their age. As such, they may be likely to keep quiet about or at least downplay symptoms they may have been having. However, it might be a good idea to bring up the idea of an annual physical, something that we should all be doing anyway. Make sure that it’s clear your wondering about health comes from a place of concern first and foremost. People can be stubborn if they think that you’re trying to push them into making any decisions for them.

Where they’re living and with who

If your loved one is having trouble taking care of their daily needs, such as feeding, washing, and transporting themselves or there are real concerns of health risks if they are living alone, then it might be time to address their living situation. It can be a scary topic to consider, so it’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time to find good senior living care and facility options. Otherwise, they may assume the worst about where and with whom they’re going to end up.

Their plans for the future

No-one likes thinking about the idea that their life is going to end but it’s a reality that we should all address as soon as we are able to start planning that far ahead. A good way to broach the topic of end-of-life instructions is to bring up that perhaps you have begun planning your own estate. Trust is essential to help in this regard, of course, so if your parent isn’t willing to trust you in helping in this regard, you should at least encourage them to talk to an estate lawyer about it.

Remember to keep your parent’s experience and viewpoint as the most important weighing factor during all of these conversations. Encouraging them and considering their needs and wants is the best way to get them to cooperate.

Making Your Vacations A Little Easier (And More Affordable)

How often do you get to travel? The past year might have made that more difficult, yes, but even outside of that, have you noticed fewer opportunities to vacation or simply take a break? As life goes on and responsibilities pile up, travel can become not only more difficult to plan but harder to afford, as well. However, it doesn’t always have to be so. Here are a few ways you can make travel cheaper, more accessible, and a little easier to fit into your schedules.

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Look a little closer to home

If your idea of a good trip is hopping across continents to enjoy brand new climates and cultures, then it can be tough to make that accessible. However, a change in perspective can help you a lot. Looking at local tourist towns you haven’t been to, staycation hotspots, and gorgeous camping grounds or national parks can still help you plan a great family getaway without having to put aside the money and time needed to go much further afield. There’s likely to be plenty that you haven’t seen around you. You don’t necessarily need to go halfway across the world.

Get further on your own four (or more) wheels

The family road trip is a fantastic way to craft your own adventure and to discover the little organic surprises that you’re not likely to find in tourist guides, both near and far. However, you can make them go even further and enjoy sleeping under the stars more easily with an investment in second hand caravans for sale. It might cost a little money, but you’re investing in not just one trip. You’re investing in the ability to take those trips whenever the mood strikes you.

Plan for short surprise breaks

It’s a good idea to put together a travel budget that you contribute a little money to here and there. Then, whenever you have an extra day or two for the weekend, you have a pot that you can dip into for those unplanned trips. With flight comparison websites and a little flexibility, you can find flights that are going to leave soon and are selling seats much cheaper to help fill the plane up, allowing you to majorly cut one of the biggest costs of a holiday.

Use what rewards you can

If you stick with the same few travel providers, your options might be a little more limited but you can start racking up points that let you book holidays more often. This doesn’t just go for airline loyalty schemes, but also for “travel hacking,” which is effectively the practice of using credit cards with travel rewards more often in order to quickly build up those rewards. Of course, any credit card use needs to be carefully monitored and planned to make sure you’re not leaving debt on the table.

You don’t have to plan a jet-setting trip around the globe to enjoy the benefits of new environments and new experiences. With the tips above, you can find all that and more closer to home.

Pet ownership: How To Make Your Home More Pet-Friendly

No matter what kind of pet you keep, it is a great responsibility to make the home safe and comfortable for your animal friends. They deserve a clean and welcoming space just as you do. Globally, 33% of households own pets; unfortunately, most pet owners fail to factor in these animal friends before buying or building a home. For this reason, this article seeks to discuss three ways you can transform your home to be more pet-friendly.

1. Choose pet-friendly flooring materials.

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Flooring a home is a huge investment, and a wrong one could be costly, especially when you plan on having household pets. Laminated floors, ceramic tiles, and woody designs are durable, easy to clean and manage. Although some may be slippery for a young pet, such as a puppy, they get used to it with time. On the other hand, for those with a preference for carpeted floors, you will have to take caution up another notch. For example, instead of choosing light-colored carpets, go in for darker patterned ones. This way, even after cleaning, there will be no visible stains that attract your indoor dog from scratching at it. 

Furthermore, avoid rugs designed with loose continuous loops. These types tend to trap claws, and to free their paws, a cat or dog will pull at it until it tears. A better option is to choose microfiber carpets or rugs designed to feel plush without leaving marks or tugging at pet claws. They are excellent choices for homes that allow their pets indoors. 

2. Set up a comfortable resting or sleeping place

Did you know that dogs and cats are susceptible to back pains just as humans? Unlike human beings, these animals cannot talk about it, but you should know how to pick up on these signs as an observant pet owner. A dog with back pain would usually appear inflexible or yelp when touched on its back. In other instances, it would whimper at every bodily movement it makes. A more obvious sign is a visible unsteadiness when standing.

To avoid these health problems from showing up, dogs need comfortable and breathable beds that cushion their bodies when they lie down. Better yet, a mattress that provides proper alignment of its spine will reduce the chances of a dog suffering from a slipped disc. Pawpedics dog beds are excellent orthopedic mattresses specially designed for man’s best friend. They’re waterproof, breathable, non-slip base, and come in four different sizes.

3. Hide all electrical cables

Dogs, cats, and pet rabbits love to chew on anything they get their paws on. That includes electric cables in the home. As a preventive measure against electrocution, it is recommended to hide all visible lines or encase them in pet-resistant cord protectors. These casings perform a dual-duty by wrapping around your electric cables while making them impossible for household pets to sink their teeth in.

Interestingly, these robust plastic casings come in varied colors which can blend in with the rest of your home. However, pet trainers recommend going in for darker colors that will not draw attention. The reason being, dogs and cats especially are naturally drawn to bright-colored objects. Furthermore, pet cord protectors come in different sizes and lengths to accommodate all electric cable types.

The next time you consider placing animal friends in your home, take extra precautions to make the space safe and comfortable. More importantly, store all household toxins such as cleaners away from reach. Finally, you must keep poisonous houseplants such as the Peace Lily and Sago Palm out of reach.

Could Stressing About Money Less Really Make You Richer?

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On average, around 77% of us admit to being stressed about money at least some of the time, and it’s hardly surprising. Like it or not, money makes the world go round and honestly, having enough of it (or not having enough of it) is the reason we get out of bed in the morning. 

But, is such a high percentage of stress truly necessary for ensuring that we can live a comfortable life? Perhaps not. In fact, when you consider what separates those who have their financial futures sorted against those who don’t, it’s often this very stress that separates them.

In reality, this could be a bit of a chicken or egg situation. Are they not stressed about money because they have enough or are their finances up and together because they don’t stress? Who can say, but taking a leaf out of their books could certainly help you to feel richer in the following ways. 

You’ll finally be able to get your savings in order

Weirdly, worrying less could well see your savings in order. Why? Well, for one, thinking about money less makes you far less liable to spend it. Rather than holding your budget so tightly that there’s no room for maneuver, you’ll be able to calmly cut costs in non-essential areas or even lessen your insane debt overpayments a little so that you finally have some spare cash to put in the bank each month. 

You’ll realize that there’s always a way out

Those of us who worry about money feel like we’ll end up on the streets or facing impossible expenses if we don’t get our acts together/keep a set amount in the bank at any given time/stay awake thinking about it all. But, honestly, there are few financial situations with absolutely no way out. Far from worrying if you have enough to afford any possible situation, throwing stress out the window will open your eyes to these reassuring out-points. Suddenly, you’ll see that even in dire straits, immediate solutions like the second mortgage caveat finance from CSA can always come to the rescue. Even better, those savings that you’re not thinking about might just start creeping the right way up to come to the rescue while you’re distracted.

You’ll be able to love what you’ve got

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How often have you wasted a day with the family because you’ve been stressing about the next mortgage payment? How many times have you spent entire evenings going over accounts? We’ve all done it, and, not to be cliche with the ‘experiences not expenses’ stuff, but there’s genuine truth to this. After all, right now, you’re spending money for a house, food and day trips that you barely notice. By addressing that stress, you’ll start to appreciate what you have, and might just realise that you aren’t so hard-off after all. 

We won’t lie, it’s not easy to switch money worries off like a tap. But, if you manage it, your finances will certainly thank you.

Teaching Your Teen to Drive Safely

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While teaching a teen to drive can be a dreaded experience for any parent, it’s a great way to  prepare him or her to be a safe and competent driver. The risk of a teen getting into a fatal car  accident is three times higher than that of an adult aged 20 and above. By giving his or her  driving education the serious attention it requires, a parent can help his or her teen avoid  becoming another statistic. Here are four actionable tips a parent can use to teach a teen to drive  safely.  

Grasping the Basic Driving Skills 

A parent should ensure the driving lessons are in line with the current skill level of the teen. This  involves teaching the basics during the first few lessons. The teen should get used to sitting  behind the wheel before he or she can actually start driving. Giving him or her an organized and  detailed tour of the car, from the gas and brake pedals, dashboard controls, turn signals, to  parking brakes, is a great place for parents to start.  

Showing him or her how to adjust the mirrors and how to correctly position the hands on the  wheel is also important. The teen should drive only when he or she has mastered all of the basics  and can repeat everything back to the parent.  

The first lesson should take place in an empty and clear space, such as a parking lot. That way,  the teen can practice igniting, turning, or stopping the vehicle at various speeds in an area that is  free of obstacles. Once the teen has basic skills for navigating obstacles, the parent can introduce  traffic cones. 

Route Mapping 

Before hitting the road with a teen, the parent should identify the best route to use. The teen is  traveling through an unfamiliar area behind the wheel and learning a new skill, all the while  aware that one slight mistake could result in disastrous consequences. It is, therefore, wise to  give him or her more organization and predictability.

Avoiding congested highways and freeways that may be beyond his or her skill level, especially  during the first few days, can make the driving lessons enjoyable for both the teen and the parent.  Without mapping the route in advance, avoiding those areas would be impossible.  

Identifying the Skills to Practice 

Besides mapping the route before each lesson, the parent should also determine the skills the teen  will learn in each session. It could be navigating toll booths, maintaining a safe following  distance, or parallel parking. Keeping these in mind during the planning phase can help a parent  choose a route that has all the things he or she wants the teen to learn. If he or she wants the teen  to practice parallel parking, for instance, there should be plenty of opportunities on the selected  route.  

Eliminating Unnecessary Distractions 

AAA lists distracted driving as one of the main causes of car accidents involving teen drivers.  Therefore, when teaching a teen to drive, the parent should get rid of unnecessary distractions to  ensure all the attention is on the road. He or she should also avoid playing music or using a  phone. Although the parent isn’t the one driving, he or she serves as the second pair of eyes for  the teen until the teen can comfortably navigate obstacles and look for cars independently.  Moreover, the teen can learn safe driving habits by just watching how the parent behaves as an  instructor.  

5 Ways That Small Businesses Accidentally Break Privacy Laws

The laws surrounding data privacy have changed a lot in the last few years. As more questions have been raised about the way businesses handle the personal information they collect about their customers, new legislation has been introduced to protect consumers. All businesses are responsible for managing customer data in the right way to ensure that they are in line with the laws. 

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Unfortunately, a lot of business owners think that they’re doing everything above board even though they are inadvertently breaking data privacy laws. If you are found to be breaking data privacy laws, your business could be subject to a huge fine which, in some cases, could sink the business. The authorities won’t have any sympathy for you because the infringement was accidental, so it’s up to you to make sure that you are looking after data properly and you avoid the common pitfalls that people fall into. These are some of the most common ways that businesses accidentally break data privacy laws. 

Not Knowing The Law 

The laws surrounding data privacy can be quite complicated and they are always changing. Technology has advanced so much in the last few decades and legislation is only now catching up, which means that new laws are being introduced all the time and old laws are being updated. There are also specific laws that apply to certain types of business. For example, if you run a child daycare business, there are different laws surrounding the private data of children. There are different rules for medical businesses too because private medical information needs extra protection. 

A lot of businesses get caught out because new laws are introduced or they don’t realize that their business is subject to different rules. When the laws change, they don’t update their own data privacy processes to bring them in line with new legislation. It’s important that you stay up to date with the law so you are aware of any changes and you can change your business processes as a result. 

Failing To Ask For Permissions

Whenever you go to a website these days, you’ll get a pop-up asking about cookies and data collection, etc. You’ll get the option to choose what data you want to share and how it will be used. This is a legal requirement in the EU, and if your site doesn’t have this feature, you’re breaking the law. You want to make this process quick and easy for your customers and make sure that they know they are in control of their data. Check out these GDPR consent form examples to get an idea of how to ask for permissions in the right way. You can also use this as an opportunity to ask people to opt in to marketing emails etc. Make sure that you stay up to date with legislation to ensure that you are giving the right options on your consent forms. 

Using Customer Photos For Marketing 

Customer testimonials are a great way to promote your business. Their opinion carries a lot more weight than yours does, but you do have to be careful about how you use them. Photos of customers enjoying your product are great for marketing, but you can’t just use them without permission. If you upload pictures of people on your website or print them on direct mail marketing materials without asking them first, you are in breach of data privacy laws. So, if you are going to use customer photos, get their permission in writing first, so it doesn’t come back to bite you later on. 

Bad BYOD Policies 

Bring your own device (BYOD) policies are becoming more common in business. It saves you a lot of money if your employees can use their own computers and tablets for work, and it’s often easier for them because they’re using devices that they are comfortable with. Remote work is much easier when people use personal devices too. However, there are some big security concerns that you need to manage and a lot of businesses breach data privacy laws because they have bad BYOD policies in place. 

If your employees don’t have adequate security software installed on their devices and they regularly use unsecured public wifi networks, all of the customer data they have access to is at risk. Banning people from using their own devices is one way around this but if you still want the benefits of BYOD, you need to improve your policy. Make sure that all devices have been assessed by your IT department to ensure that they are protected and offer security software to all employees. Make sure that all of your employees understand the importance of data security and they know how to set strong passwords on their devices, etc.

Bad Phone Policies 

Whenever you speak to a customer over the phone, you need to take steps to ensure that customer data is protected. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses make mistakes and find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Whenever you speak to a customer on the phone, you need to ask security questions to make sure you are speaking to the right person. If you start discussing personal details without asking security questions, you could accidentally reveal personal data to the wrong person. It’s easy for people to fall into bad habits and start skipping the security questions, especially as customers often get frustrated with them. To combat this, you need to explain the importance of these questions to your staff and give them a short script to help them explain it to customers too. 

Be careful about recording phone conversations too. Although it can be beneficial for training, you could be breaking data privacy laws if you record and store phone conversations that contain sensitive personal information. You can still record calls, but you should cut the security questions and any credit card information or addresses, etc. 

Most data privacy breaches happen by accident and the perpetrators think that they’re doing everything right. If you are making these common mistakes, you could be breaking the law. 

Is It Worth It To Repair Your Own Vehicle?

Of all the ways that people spend money on their vehicle, paying a mechanic is generally not something you want to skimp on. This is because a mechanic understands your vehicle better than you and you want the peace of mind knowing that they’ll repair your vehicle, not cause more damage to it. This is especially important if you’ve got a car that you want to keep around.

But what about repairing your own vehicle? Is that a viable way to save money on car-related costs without putting your car in danger? While knowing how to repair a car is certainly a great skill to have, it’s not as easy as it sounds and might not be worth it depending on the person.

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Do you have access to the knowledge you need to repair your car?

First, consider how easy it is to access the knowledge you need to repair a car. For example, do you have access to local lessons, or do you know a mechanic that can help train you? If not, then you may need to rely on YouTube videos, online courses, and various books to get started.

If you don’t have easy access to car repair knowledge, then it may be difficult to start learning how to fix things in your vehicle. As such, it might not be worth learning.

Do you have access to spares, tools, and aftermarket parts?

Most people can just buy parts online. Even specialized parts such as Duramax head studs can be purchased over the internet these days. For tools, you can buy anything you need locally or online as well.

However, certain aftermarket parts might be hard to source if you don’t have contacts. As such, you may want to try to network with other DIY mechanics and services in your area to expand your options for spares.

Are you willing to invest in repairing your own vehicle as a long-term commitment?

Repairing your own vehicle is a difficult and long process, especially if you have no prior knowledge. If you’re not ready to invest a lot of time into learning the ropes, then you may want to reconsider.

If you don’t have time to spend on learning how to repair your car, then it’s much faster and often cheaper to just take it to a mechanic. Learning mechanical skills like this is time-consuming and not something you’ll see an instant return on for your investment.

What if your vehicle is too far gone?

If you’re looking to repair your vehicle because it’s in really bad shape, then it might be worth turning it into a long-term passion project. If you’re looking to replace it, then you might just want to sell it instead and get a newer car.

The choice between repairing or replacing a car can be difficult at times, but if your car is beyond saving or will take too much time to fix, then you may as well just replace it.

Excellent Ways to Manage Home Finances

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How are your home finances? You might be among the many people who feel that they could manage their finances at home more effectively. Here are some of the most effective ways of handling your home finances.

Have A Budget

Home expenditures require an organized budget, which stipulates the money to be spent on different things. Most people buy home stuff without budgeting, and as a result, they end up purchasing unnecessary items. You can curb this by ensuring you have a budget that shows the things you need and their cost.

Coming up with a budget is simple and you can do it even without anyone's help, provided you know the things you need. You only need to establish the things that your household requires and therefore put them into your budget. You also need to put some extra money apart to deal with anything that might come up beyond the budget.

Live Within Your Means

There are a lot of people who spend beyond their limits to impress others. You do not have to spend extra money or to show other people that you are a certain standard. Some people even take payday loans so that they can show society that they have money.

The best way of living within your means is to avoid associating yourself with people who put pressure on you financially. These include friends who would not mind spending a lot of money because they are affluent. Such people will compel you to spend even money you do not have just to impress them and stay in their class.

Buy The Right Appliance

Some of the appliances in your home require that you pay huge bills, including electricity bills. You might be paying expensive bills simply because you purchased appliances that consume a lot of energy. To avoid this, you should take your time while shopping and ensure that you purchase devices that do not consume a lot of power.

One of the ideal ways of ensuring the appliances you purchase do not consume excess power is buying certified appliances. These are the appliances that have modern designs, especially when it comes to power consumption. The store you purchase your appliances from should have descriptions directing the power consumption of the stock's different appliances.

Avoid Impulse Buying

Most people purchase things just because they have seen them without having a real need for such needs. A perfect example is going shopping for food and then ending up buying a shirt just because you found a good deal. It is advisable to avoid purchasing things that were not in your plan.

To avoid impulse shopping, you should have a designated time when you go shopping. You should not be going shopping just because you have time or money. Instead, it would be best if you were going shopping only when you have planned or when you require certain things.

Therefore, by implementing the outlined ideas, you can effectively manage your finances and eventually be able to save more.

How Do You Improve Your Credit, Anyway?

When it comes to your financial health, you should be concerned with more than how much is in your bank account or how much you are earning alone. There’s another measure of your financial health that is just as crucial for long-term planning: we’re talking about credit. Here, we’re going to offer a reminder as to why credit is so crucial and, from there, look at the steps you can start to take to improve it.

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The importance of credit

First of all, it’s important to remember what your credit score really is. It’s a numeric value that is assigned to you, as a person, by a host of credit organizations. Effectively, it’s a measurement of how reliable you are when it comes to sticking to the terms of a credit agreement, whether it’s a loan, a long-standing bill order, or otherwise. Your credit can dictate the terms of future loans you get. Better credit typically means better terms such as lower interest and more flexible payment periods. As such, if your credit score is too low, then you can expect to repay more for each loan compared to someone with a higher credit score, for instance. But how do you improve your credit score?

Make sure that you pay everything on time

The most important way to keep your credit score up is to make sure that you’re not falling behind on your existing credit arrangements. Don’t think about applying for anything else until you’re sure you have your current set-up in order. If you have trouble remembering to pay bills and can easily fall behind that way, then consider using apps that can give you bill reminders, or setting up accounts with your creditors that allows for automatic payments directly from your bank to them. If you’re using rolling credit such as a credit card, then you should make sure that you’re making frequent repayments, rather than just climbing out of the hole once you get deep enough in it.

Get out of unarranged debt

Not all debt is terrible for your credit rating, but that’s something to get into later. Unarranged debt, such as being late on bill payments or falling behind on your credit card can very much be detrimental to your credit score. If you’re deep into unarranged debt (i.e., debt that isn’t tied to a loan that you planned to take out, such as an arranged overdraft), then you should look at ways to get out of it. If you need to take advantage of a debt relief program, then consider making a move on it. The sooner you are out of debt, the sooner your credit score can start to heal again.

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Make sure there are no false black marks on your credit report

Your credit report is a record of your past and existing credit arrangements. It is used, in part, to determine what your credit score will be. Every person has the right to access their credit report from one of the three major credit reporting agencies at least once a year. From there, you can take a closer look to see if there are any black marks, such as outstanding debts, that you should take care of. However, it is not uncommon for people to find that there are records that should not be on that credit report, such as late repayments that you don’t really owe, or records that, by rights, belong to someone else. If you see any records on your credit report that don’t make sense, it’s typically recommended that you get in touch with the company that filed the report in the first place.

Make use of your credit

In some cases, it’s not a low credit score that is the problem. You might not have much of a credit history, to begin with. That might sound like a clean slate to you, but most lenders and financial institutions are looking for someone who can provide proof that they are able to stick to their financial arrangements. Making use of low credit options such as guarantor loans, with someone else as a signatory, can help. You can build up your credit history by showing that you are able to stick to the letter of the loan agreement.

Mind your utilization rate

If you’re making use of any forms of rolling credit, such as a credit card or an overdraft, it can be healthy to use them and repay them again. Much like taking on a manageable loan, this is a way of building your credit score. However, you should pay attention to how much you are relying on these forms of credit and how “deep” you are into them. This is known as your credit utilization rate. Typically, a lower credit utilization rate will be better for your credit score. You don’t want to constantly be as deep into your overdraft as it allows. You should use it wisely, instead.

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Don’t open or close accounts too quickly

It’s easy to assume that taking actions regarding credit accounts can help you, but you should make sure that you’re not making one of the common mistakes that can bump your score down. First of all, do not close unused credit cards or overdrafts unless you are at risk of misusing them and getting yourself into debt. Keeping these open can help you maintain a low credit utilization rate which, as mentioned above, is good. Otherwise, even if you’re trying to build a credit history, do not start applying for a lot of new credit arrangements. Take your time, apply for the best one that suits you. Otherwise, credit agencies will see a lot of inquiries going into your credit, which can be a bad sign to them, leading to a decrease in your credit score.

It can take a while for a credit score to start to improve, especially if you have any uncleared debts on your record. Get started with fixing it now and you should start to see real improvements by the time you need to make use of your credit, whether to buy a car, a house or otherwise.

Better Planning For Your Financial Future

One of the most important parts of looking after your money is making sure that you are planning for the future as well as you can. If you can do that, you will be able to get so much more out of life, and you are going to find that things tend to work out a lot better for you in general. So what can you do to make sure that you are planning for your future more successfully? In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the things you might want to bear in mind if you hope to do some better planning for your own financial future.

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Know What You’re Saving For

You already know that it’s wise to save, so you don’t really need to be told that. But if you are keen on ensuring that you actually do it, and you keep up with it, you might find it helpful to have something clear in mind that you are aiming for with regard to those savings. That can be anything you like, whether it’s a holiday or simply something to have to retire with. But whatever it is, having it clear in your mind is going to make it so much easier to save your money as required.

Reduce Your Expenses Every Month

If you are clever about it, you should be able to bring your expenses right down month after month, even past the point where you would think you could go. If you want to do this, it’s all about reducing your expenses a little each month. You might think that you could only do this for a certain amount of time, but actually there is always a little something extra you can save on or get rid of entirely, and that’s something that you should count on. So, make sure that you aim to reduce your expenses every single month, and you should have a much brighter future.

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Get Serious On Debt

Debt is a hugely important thing to be aware of, and a problem which you are going to want to think about and not ignore. As it happens, everyone has debt at some point in their life, and there is always something you can do to do away with it. Even if you are only getting rid of a little at a time, it is still worth doing, and could help you to have a much brighter future soon enough.

Establish Your Emergency Fund

We have already spoken about savings, but this is somewhat different to that. With an emergency fund, you are trying to put money aside not just for a rainy day, but if you should ever be in a real dire situation that you need to get out of immediately. There are a lot of situations that could happen where this might be relevant, so you need to make sure that you are doing all you can to put aside some emergency funds.

Outside Issues That Could Be Holding Your Career Back In 2021

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A successful career has always been a priority shared by millions. Right now, though, the focus is even greater, especially if the pandemic posed stumbling blocks in 2020. Even if your job stayed safe during the past 12 months, this period has highlighted the need to strive for better.

However, dedicating yourself to learning new skills and proving yourself to be worthy of a better job is only a part of the puzzle. The other pieces need to be in place too. Here are some of the issues that could be holding you back.

Body Language

When looking to make yourself an attractive candidate, you must remember that employers want the whole package. Your skills and talent only go so far, especially as the competition for jobs is greater than ever. A body language course and confidence booster could be a game changer. It is just as beneficial as direct skill development.

Improved body language doesn’t only improve your hopes of making a big impression when attending job interviews. It also influences client opinions while it can enhance your hopes of getting noticed for a promotion. Whatever increased success looks like to you, body language is a vital factor.

Location

There’s a lot of truth in the ‘right place at the right time’ cliche. The reality is that your skills may be in demand in one city but not in another. Likewise, some locations boast a thriving or emerging industry. For example, New York and Los Angeles are enjoying success in the electric vehicle market. 

Therefore, it may be better to rent for the next stage of your life. This will give you the versatility to follow the opportunities rather than limit yourself to those in your current location. Your career isn’t the only key feature in your life, which is why relocation isn’t for everyone. If a better job is the priority, though, this issue can’t be ignored.

Driving

A growing number of workers and contracts need to travel around for work. Therefore, problems with your license could significantly reduce your possibilities in some sectors. If facing potential disqualification due to an accident that’s not your fault, a car accident lawyer could save your job prospects. As well as protect your finances.

If you are a young worker yet to earn your license, it’s worth looking into taking lessons ASAP. Aside from improving your primary career, it offers a backup for if you lose your job. You could fill the employment gap with a delivery job or taxi service. Or, you could gain a commercial vehicle license for even more.

Health

Finally, you must not overlook your health. If you want to give the best version of yourself at work, you need to be the best version of yourself away from it. Checking out hearing loss symptoms or other health issues is essential. Otherwise, the impacts can seriously harm your productivity levels.

For similar reasons, you must adopt a good nutrition plan and stay. Studies show that even 2% dehydration can affect your ability to work. Conversely, when you are a fit and healthy worker, you’ll display the energy and vigor to produce great work time and time again. And that’s something that won’t go unnoticed.

Side Hustles: How To Utilise Your Spare Time

Let’s be honest here, who couldn’t use a little bit of extra money? The truth is that we are always on the lookout for additional funds. After all, you can never have enough in your savings account, can you? Whether you are in the process of saving for your future, you are saving for a new home, or you’re looking into treating yourself to that once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world, the truth is that you are most likely constantly looking for new ways to up your income. The answer is to create a side hustle. 

If you have some spare time outside of your 9 to 5 job, why not consider utiliszng that time to start your own side hustle? It will give you the opportunity to give your income a boost, pursue something that interests you, and may help you to reduce any financial concerns that you have. Intrigued by the idea of starting a side hustle? 

Below is a guide to a few simple ways you can utilise your spare time to give your finances a boost! 

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Create an interests list 

The first step towards creating a viable side hustle that has strong income potential is to create a list of your interests. This is important, because you will only succeed at a side hustle if you are working in an area that interests you and that you have knowledge in. So it’s important to sit down and consider where your interests are positioned; are you someone who is into cryptocurrency and spends most of their time looking at sites like Diem Answers and Crypto Today? You need to think about where your interest lay, and use that to create a side hustle that you find interesting and will actually enjoy doing. 

Consider how much you can invest 

Once you have thought about the kind of side hustle that might be of interest to you, the next step is to consider how much money you can invest into it. It might be that you don’t want to invest anything into your new venture, in which case selling a service is probably your best bet, such as selling a freelance marketing package or an accounting service. If you’re happy to invest then you need to take the time to think carefully about what you want to invest in, and how much you are happy to invest. Remember, any investment can always be lost, so it’s important to ensure that you can live without the money you are putting into your side hustle. 

Schedule time for your side hustle 

When it comes to running a side hustle, one of the most important steps that you can take is to make sure that you schedule adequate time for your side hustle. If you are not going to put the time into it, you will see that your side hustle will fail to excel. That’s why it is so important that you make sure that you are putting adequate time into your chosen venture, to help ensure that you see results. 

There you have it, a few simple tips and suggestions for ways in which you can effectively utilize your spare time to see financial results. 

How To Improve Your Driving Experience On The Road

 

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While driving eventually becomes natural and fairly easy to do, it may also cause some anxiety or worry for you. There’s a lot to think about and pay attention to if you want to avoid any accidents and stay safe.

Be glad to know there are steps you can take to help improve your driving experience on the road so you become a better driver and feel in control. It’s important that you’re focused and paying attention to what you’re doing and can react quickly if anything unfortunate or sudden does occur.

Invest in A Reliable Vehicle

You can improve your driving experience on the road by investing in a reliable vehicle. If your car is old and run down and not working properly then it may be time to shop for and purchase a new or used car that will keep you safe and protected on the road. Once you replace your vehicle, make sure you commit to taking good care of your car and staying current with routine maintenance and upkeep. There are also technology upgrades for your vehicle you can invest in that will improve your time out on the road.

Know Who to Call

The reality is that you can be doing everything right and still run into issues while you’re driving to your destination. It’s important that you’re prepared for anything and know who to call if you get stuck. Keep the number for a trusted towing company handy and contact them if you need help transporting your vehicle or getting it up and running again. Always keep your insurance information and contact details in your vehicle and contact the authorities if you’re in an accident that you need to report.

Practice Driving

The truth is that you’ll get better at driving and become a better driver when you practice. Therefore, take your car out often and get behind the wheel so you begin to feel more comfortable driving over time. You can improve your experience on the road by becoming more familiar with the signs and rules of the road and going through the motions. You may even want to practice parallel parking if you find it challenging to do and want to improve your skills.

Make Sure You’re Well-Rested

Improve your driving experience on the road by ensuring that you’re always well-rested before you get behind the wheel. It’s especially vital if you’ll be traveling long distances and need to be alert for an extended period. Get plenty of sleep the night before you head out driving and make the decision to have someone else drive or not go someplace if you feel overtired and groggy. You’ll have a much better time getting to your final destination when you feel good and aren’t susceptible to making silly mistakes.

Conclusion

Put these tips into practice and you’ll be on your way to improving your driving experience out on the road quickly. Remember that not all that occurs when you’re driving is in your control so always be alert and ready to respond. Put safety first and commit to becoming a better driver over time so you can continue to improve.

Caring For Others - The Most Meaningful Thing You Can Do

 

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In the West, we have quite a narrow definition of success. We think people have “made it” if they offer other economic value. 

But when you dig a little deeper into the emotional lives of the people who do amass a lot of wealth, you soon find that there are problems. They have a lot of resources, but they’re still searching for meaning and value in their lives. 

The problem with this definition of success at the moment is that it is all about the individual. It’s about acquiring some sort of personal pleasure at the end of the road. 

It never actually winds up satisfying you. There’s always some new mountain to conquer. 

When you care for others, though, you redirect your energy away from yourself and onto another person. In a sense, you forget about your desires - and that can offer a lot of relief. 

You can see this ethic in action in the caring profession if you click here. The founder of the first hospice, Cicely Saunders, was famous for valuing the quality of life of the individual. For her, it was all about the other person - and that gave her meaning. 

The benefits caring for another person can bring you personally are enormous. It takes you off the treadmill of economic success and allows you to become a more generous person. 

Getting A Sense Of Accomplishment

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Getting a sense of accomplishment can be a challenge sometimes. You’d love to feel great all the time about what you’ve managed to achieve in your life, but many of your personal victories aren’t what you thought they’d be. You hoped that getting a raise or a relationship would make you feel complete, but it didn’t. 

Switching your focus outwards towards other people can feel like a massive challenge. But when you do it, it can make all the difference in the world. All of a sudden, you feel like you’re providing meaning. And importantly, you get a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond anything you could generate for yourself. 

Feeling Worthwhile

If you sometimes struggle to feel worthwhile in life, then caring for other people could be a way to help. When you care for another person, you suddenly take on a “parental” role and gain responsibility. Somebody else is relying on you to help them navigate their lives and improve their condition. 

Growing Personally

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Personal growth is a strange thing and can come from practically any situation. It often comes from the unexpected - when you change the status quo and do something different. 

Caring for another person with challenging needs could be the perfect avenue to help you feel like you’re moving your character forward positively. When you look after somebody else, you often have to suppress your desires and develop your powers of empathy. It can be a tough road, but it’s one that’s worth taking. At the end of it, you’ll feel like a much more loving and warm person. And, frankly, that’s because you probably are!

5 Tips to Save Money for a Financially Secure Future

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Financial security is not guaranteed for everyone. What would you do if you got fired today? Would you survive if a recession hit? How will you live without money when you are a senior in retirement? You need to start saving as much as you can while you still have an income.

Here are five tips to help you increase your savings and secure your financial future:

1.      Record Your Expenses

How much money do you spend? Now, how much money do you spend on essential things, and how much do you waste on non-essential expenses? You will be surprised.

Start by recording your weekly or monthly expenses – depending on your financial cycles. Compile your expenses for that month and sum them up. Highlight each expense clearly and don’t leave anything out – especially your credit cards.

2.      Make a Budget

So, how much do you spend per month? More importantly, how much do you make per month? Is it less or more than how much you spend, and by how much? Make a budget to find out.

A budget will tell you more than just the difference between your income and expenses. It will help you organize your finances and identify opportunities for saving more money. It should contain all essential expenses, such as groceries and rent – not everything you spend your money on. It should be an ideal representation of how you should use your money if you were not struggling with impulsive spending.

3.      Set Savings Goals

How much would you like to save per month? What do you want to do when you’re older? Move into an active adult community? Maybe sell up and move across the world? Whatever it is you fancy dreaming about, now’s a good time to get set up for it. You can do it if you are disciplined in your financial usage – and if your savings goals are practical.

The best way to motivate yourself to save more is by setting productive and tangible goals. For example, you can save for that new car that you have always wanted. You can also save for a house where you will raise your family. As such, set your goals and focus on achieving them. Additionally, follow up on your goals by saving enough money to realize them.

4.      Cut Down On Your Spending

So, how much do you spend on non-essential things? How many subscriptions do you pay for but don’t even know it? Do you eat out too much than necessary? Do you need the latest pair of shoes that you just bought?

Cutting down on non-essential expenses is the best way to save more from a fixed income. It also pays to make sacrifices that will free up your financial obligations, such as clearing debts that carry high long-term interests.

5.      Get Out Of Debt

If you have any debts, it’s worth getting out of them as soon as you can. While that could mean paying more for it now, it could mean saving more money in the long term. Thankfully, there are various ways you can go about this. Spend some time researching your options, such as looking up Jefferson Capital Systems reviews, to see what you can do.

It’ll put you in a much better position than you would’ve thought and help you put away more money in the future. You’ll be better off financially in the long-term.

6.      Leverage Savings Accounts & Tools

There are lots of resources that will help you save and secure your money. For example, there are savings accounts that will automatically deduct your desired savings amount when your check comes in. Additionally, there are retirements and pensions accounts that will help you save for your sunset years. Make use of these tools.

Final Thoughts

It feels good knowing that you have some money stashed away for a rainy day – especially when that dreaded day comes. As such, put these tips into practice. Additionally, consider investing your money in safe and lucrative investment options.