Thursday, February 15, 2024
Fight Colds with Olive Leaf
Friday, February 2, 2024
5 Budgeting Tips for First-Time Homeowners
Purchasing a home means taking on a large financial responsibility. Any first-time homeowner should have made good use of a house payment calculator to determine what they can afford.
Budgeting is key when it comes to owning a house, and there are many ways to do it that will make the process feel like less of a burden.
1. Monitor utility bills and usage
As a homeowner, you will most likely be taking on new utility bills, or seeing a drastic change in utility bills you’re used to paying, especially if you’re moving to a larger space.
Be conscious of your utility usage throughout the month, and make adjustments where needed. Make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly to help with the heat in the winter, fix any leaky faucets, and be aware of how many lights you have on at any given time.
You never know what might come up in terms of costs having to do with your home. Having a nest egg to pull from means you can address a problem without taking on debt or stealing the funds from another priority, like retirement.
A broken appliance or leak in the basement will feel much less stressful knowing the monetary aspect of it is taken care of.
3. Determine disposable income
Extra and hidden costs that come with homeownership can affect how much money is left over each month after all bills are paid.
This may mean having less disposable income. Be sure to assess and differentiate your wants and needs on a monthly basis so you can adjust your overall spending plan accordingly.
If, however, you find you have more disposable income, think of reallocating some of it towards that emergency fund or putting it towards home maintenance savings.
4. Regularly check in
You can spend a lot of time setting forth a budget, but if you aren’t actually sticking to it what’s the point?
Review your home’s budget and expenses at least four times a year. This can bring to light how utility costs are affected seasonally, where you may have unnecessary spending, or where you might be able to consolidate payments.
This will also help monitor your savings accrual. Regular reviews will aid in avoiding overspending and taking on debt.
5. Don’t throw it all away on housewares
Buying a new home is exciting. It’s a fresh start and a clean slate – and this includes décor, both in and outside of the home.
New homeowners may feel inclined to purchase things like furniture, decorations, and other housewares as a way to further personalize their new abode.
They may have also just discarded a lot of items in the packing process, trying to streamline what needed to be boxed up and oved.
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting new things for your new digs, be aware that these costs can add up quickly. You don’t have to buy all items brand new. Check out thrift shops, sales, and even free items friends offer up to furnish your new place.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Health Alert: FDA Issues Warning for 26 Eye Drops Due to Risk of Infection, Blindness
The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for Twenty-six over-the-counter eye drops that were removed from store shelves and websites due to their unsafe conditions. Popular retailers such as CVS, Target, Rite Aid, Leader, Rugby etc. have been pulling their eye care products.
Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms or signs of an eye infection from using these eye care products.
Eye Drop Recall 2023
Some of the Eye Drop Recalled products include the following:
CVS
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)
Click here to view the entire list of eye drops that were recalled from major brand retailers
Read more on the Washington Post
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Real Ways to Make Money From Home - Dealing With Financial Stress
Start a Yard Sale
Most people have items in their homes they no longer need. If your home is cluttered and untidy, selling your items to people is a good way to eliminate junk, to make fast cash, and to get your home more organized.
Babysitting
A family with young children will always need to hire a babysitter when they’re not home. By advertising for this position, you can make quick cash to look after kids.
Dog Walker
There are many dog owners who don’t have the time to give their pets the exercise they need, or will leave their pets unattended. As a dog walker, you’re providing a great service.
Freelance Writing Gigs
If you’re Internet savvy and have a talent for writing, there are people you can assist to complete projects. This is a very lucrative way for you to earn income working from home.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Benefits of Mindfulness Apps
Medical doctors also confirm that a large percentage of health issues are stress-related. In today’s stressful and hectic society, it is necessary to devote quality time to practice mindfulness. Excessive stress interferes with your social life, it zaps your energy levels and minimizes your physical and mental health. It is important to find the best ways to safely manage your stress levels.
Why Should you get a Mindful App?
This article explores top benefits why busy professionals need this essential app.
Stress Reduction
As previously stated, most people share the commonality of suffering from excessive stress. Your busy career should not prevent you from practicing daily mindfulness. To retain your health and wellness, it is important to use mindfulness apps.
More Happiness
There is substantial proof that daily meditation can dramatically transform your life. Practicing mindfulness will increase your happiness. If you’re struggling with a specific area in your life, meditation is a solution that helps you to overcome your difficult challenges. Mindfulness gives you the advantage to experience happiness and joy. This helps you to have an easier time adjusting to painful experiences.
Improved Relationships
If you’re overwhelmed and emotional, the relationships you have with people will decline. When you practice mindfulness or daily meditation, you feel calmer, you will have an easier time building good relationships and you also have better control of your emotions. Use mindfulness apps to learn how to develop emotional awareness and to obtain mental clarity.
Every busy professional needs a special moment of daily inspiration, so they can feel reenergized and more positive. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life delivers positivity to the mind and improves your overall health.
Saturday, July 1, 2023
How to Save on Your Fourth of July BBQ
To start your barbeque on a budget, consider your meat selection. This may consist of hotdogs, veggie burgers, chicken thighs, steak, and other delicious meats you want to cook on the grill. To make sure you save the most money, be sure to compare the prices of the foods you want to buy on your grocery list. You will need to shop around at different supermarkets to learn about discount prices. On the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, you will be sure to discover deals on certain food items. If you hate the idea of barbequing this year, you can also invite your loved ones to July fourth restaurant specials and deals for 2023.
Next step, barbeque on a budget by finding deals on your barbeque equipment. Save money and time buying a grill by making a list of the features, sizes, and preferred prices you’re looking for. You can research online to learn about the various types of grills that fit your budget. Some of these options may include electric, natural gas, smokers, and charcoal grills. You must also consider buying a grill according to your cooking style, personal needs, and backyard space. Don’t forget to read online grill reviews and ratings to make it easier for you to determine the grill that’s right for you. It is also helpful for you to save money by buying a used, quality grill.
Finally, use cost-effective techniques to decorate your backyard for your Fourth of July BBQ. You don’t have to use expensive decor to make your outdoors look fancy for your guests. You can buy cheap decorations from your local dollar store and thrift store and perform DIY projects. Decorate your outdoors with red, white, and blue by incorporating stylish outdoor pillows on your seating furniture, adding pops of red to your porch, and hanging patriotic flags on your doors or windows to make your home stand out.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
How to Make Healthier Food Choices While You’re Out
Review the nutritional information of the menu. Many restaurants including fast food chains have incorporated the calorie count for items on their menu. With such information, you’ll be able to determine what meals are beneficial for maintaining your healthy lifestyle. You can also grab a copy of the menu for future reference in case you decide to have lunch or dinner at that restaurant again. Circling the healthier menu items can cut down the time you spend scanning through the menu. Select meals that are low in calories.
While the fried items on the menu may be a tempting treat, such food does not fit into your healthy food options. Eating healthy doesn’t mean having a salad-only lifestyle. You can still enjoy delectable items such a grilled chicken on a sandwich, baked potato, salmon, vegetable wraps or other items with a low calorie count. Other healthy food options include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While you may not be able to find such options in abundance on a restaurant menu, you can always have one or more of these items at a later point in your day. Limit your portion size by eating slowly. Chew your food slowly, so that you can enjoy each mouthful and truly savor the variety of flavors. By doing so, you’ll consume less than you would have normally done, if you were to eat without chewing as much. Eating slowly will satisfy your appetite faster, since it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to determine that you’re full. Adopting this method of food consumption can significantly reduce your chances of overeating. Avoid using high fat condiments, dressings, dips, and toppings. If you’re having salad as an appetizer, you may want to dress it up with salad dressing and the like. While such additions help add flavor to the salad, it can also pack on a few inches around the waist if you consume it on a regular basis.
Instead of covering your salad with salad dressing, ask for substitutes like olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice. Carry snacks. Pack snacks such as fruits, nuts, pretzels, and protein bars in your carry on luggage or work bag. If you ever develop a craving for something to eat and you’re unable to find a healthy spot to have a meal, one of these snacks can help hold you over until you’re able to locate a healthy food option. Consume lots of water. Instead of choosing those super-sized sugary drinks full of calories, choose water. You’ll save money, while eliminating the chances of going over your daily calorie intake. About the author:
Written by The Park Club; a family owned gym in Chiswick London.