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When you know that you want to do something about your finances, it can feel like you’re drowning. No matter what your financial situation is looking like right now, there is always hope. Whether you have things to pay off or you know that you’re not earning much, it’s time to do something about it. And you can totally make this happen in record time too.

If you think that you’re stuck without options, think again. A lot of people have been where you are now. And even though you might be wondering what you can do to make things happen, you’ll find that it’s easier than you think. With the right approach, you can turn your finances around. Let’s take a look at how.

Pay Down Debt

First of all, if you want to get out of debt, you might want to make this your priority. It’s not that easy to just be out of debt in an instant. Instead, you are going to find that you need to create a plan and consciously work on it. But if you set this goal, you can make it happen in your own time.

Get A New Job

Maybe the one thing that is going to help you here is the idea of getting a new job. Sometimes, it can be nice for you to think about retraining and earning more in a new field. Maybe you’d like to become a certified tax preparer or go back to law school? Give this some serious thought to help you to get to where you want to be.

Evaluate Your Spending

Next, you’re going to want to think about your spending and what you can do about that. One of the best ways to get your finances in order is for you to look at your outgoings, cut out what you don’t need, and look to keep everything else under control.

Start To Save

It’s also a good idea to think about saving if you can. Having some savings behind you is always a good idea. It’s always nice to be sure that you have emergency savings and something to fall back on. That way, you can be protected should you need to pay out on anything.

Start A Side Hustle

Finally, you may find that it might help you to work on something for yourself. It’s always a good idea to try and do things that get you to where you want to be in life. Sometimes, when one of your goals is to start a business or be financially independent, starting a side hustle can be a great idea. So why not think about getting something started on the side? It could be the perfect thing for you to start earning extra money to put towards your dreams!

It can sometimes seem hard to work on your finances. Maybe you’re scared or intimidated? Either way, you may find that once you get started, it’s exactly what you need to restart your life!

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Keeping Your Home In Tip Top Shape Requires Work From You!

 

If you have been walking around your home and noticing that it’s not in the best condition, what are you going to do about it? The obvious answer would be whatever needs doing, but we’re looking at more specific things. There are certain things that need to be done if you want to keep your home in tip top condition, and we’re going to be looking at some of them in this article. If you would like to find out more about this topic, keep reading down below.

Keep Clearing It Out

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The first thing that we’re going to recommend is that you keep clearing out the space. Your home should never be cluttered up with things that you don’t use or don’t want anymore. This is completely pointless and is just going to end up irritating you. Instead of letting it get this bad, make sure that you have clear outs every couple of months, but still try to get rid of things as you decide you don’t want them. It might seem tedious, but it has to be done!

If you’re going to be having a big clear out, then we recommend you go room to room to do this. Otherwise, you’re going to get confused about what parts of a room you have been through, what is staying vs what is going and so much more. Pick one end of your home, and then work your way around until you’re at the other end. It’s an effective method and one that will ensure you make the most out of the experience.

Make Sure It’s Clean

Another thing that you’re going to have to do is make sure that the home is clean. Now, it’s understandable if you don’t want to do this because most people don’t, but it’s important. If you keep on top of it now, you’re not going to have to waste hours doing a big clean later down the line. Make sure that you are doing things like cleaning your counters regularly, making sure that nothing is too dirty at any given time, and regularly vacuum the home. When it comes to some of the bigger things such as carpets, look into a carpet cleaning company. Carpets are a nightmare and only need to be done every couple of months, so hiring someone shouldn’t be an issue.

Or, if you are trying to get into those hard to reach areas such as the back of the fridge or down the side of something, make sure that you’re being careful. Try not to drop anything down here, but make sure you are checking every month or so.

Handle Repairs As They Crop Up

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When a repair crops up, make sure that you get to fixing it rather than just letting it get worse. There are too many problems that can be caused by not getting something fixed and this is going to end up costing you more money. For example, if there is an issue with your roof, and it’s only causing a small leak right now, if you leave it, this could get 10 times worse. It could end up with your roof caving in if you’re not careful and the damage spreads enough. While not all repairs are going to have drastic consequences like this one, that doesn’t mean they aren’t important.

When you notice that something isn’t quite right, do your best to get it fixed. Whether it is a part of your home, or an appliance in the home, make the effort. It might be best to just get rid of whatever it is and then replace it with something better. It depends on the situation, so make sure you decide on whatever is best for you.

Keep Your Eye On Things

You should always be keeping your eye on things to make sure that everything is the way that you want it to be. Whether this is weeds in the back garden, or something that looks a little out of place. It doesn’t matter, but you need to be keeping your eye on things as much as possible so that you can sort out whatever isn’t looking right. At the end of the day, the only person that will know if the home is right is you, so it’s down to you to take on this role.

It might even be a good idea for you to make a list of the things that you need to do. For example, if the dishwasher needs emptying then make sure it’s on the list so that it gets done. Things like this should always be included when you’re considering how to keep your home in tip top shape because they all contribute to the aesthetic of the home.

Get An Inspection

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This is something that you should only do on rare occasions, but sometimes it can be helpful. If you’re not sure if there are problems and you just can’t see them, then a home inspection might be a good idea. It will also bring up any issues with the foundations so that you can get those fixed if you want to. Of course, keeping your home in good condition is more than what you can see, so a home inspection goes a little deeper and helps you discover everything there is to know. You can then start working through whatever shows up until you have your fantastic home!

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you need to do if you want to keep your home in tip top shape. Of course, it’s never going to work if you are not putting any effort in seeing as it is your home. You can hire all the people that you want to look after your home for you, but they are never going to have the same investment into it as you are, which is why you will always be the best person to maintain your home!

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How I Afforded 4 Senior Dogs with NO DEBT

 

**This is an old post I'm reposting - at the time I had 4 seniors. Now I have 3 seniors and a puppy!**

People always say when they find out I have 4 SENIOR chihuahuas that I must be broke. Now, when I first had 4 chihuahuas I was definitely struggling but then it got to a point where I realized I needed to get my stuff together and set money aside for not just their regular vet expenses but also any emergencies. And when Rocky was diagnosed with his heart issue and I learned he’d need 2 cardiologist appointments a year, I started doing some specific things to save money overall. The things I’m about to list below are what have worked for me. They could work for you too but don’t be afraid to tailor my advice to better suit your specific needs.

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5 Potential Hazards Of Water Damage

 

Water damage can have adverse effects in your home, ranging from health concerns to drywall spots. As much as the causes of water damage are many, the hazardous situation left can be detrimental when mitigation measures are not considered. It is essential to understand how water damage can affect your home and why you should look for professional help as soon as possible. Below are the potential hazards of water damage you should know.
 

Rampant Growth of Mold

Mold growth is the last thing you want in your home. It takes approximately 24 to 48 hours after a flood for mold to start growing and spreading on water-logged items. Not only are the drywalls affected but also your carpets and clothes you have when waterlogged. Molds damage everything, including the structural integrity of your house, and put you and your family at the risk of developing health problems. When mold spores are released in the air and inhaled, they can lead to breathing difficulty and other allergic reactions. It is much easier for mold growth to take over your house when mitigation measures are not taken.
 

Damages to Wiring and Appliances

It is easier to get electric shocks that can destroy your appliances when water damage is caused by floods or pipe bursts. Always turn off electrical appliances and gas outlets after water damages or during floods as this can lead to explosions. Ensure you rewire and do other electrical replacements in your home after the floods or other water damages. When you take safety measures, you reduce the cost of operation and replacements in your home.
 

Waterborne Diseases

When water from unsanitary sources seeps into your home, the chances of developing waterborne diseases are much higher. As long as the water contains toxic chemicals, human and animal waste, it is paramount that you take precautionary measures. Look for and call water damage restoration services to guide you on the best steps to take when there is contamination. Contracting diseases such as typhoid and tetanus becomes possible as you clean up black water without considering safety measures or seeking help.
 

Skin Infections

Developing skin infections and other fungal diseases when outside contaminated water seeps into your home is easy. With the high level of contaminants and other harmful substances that the outside water carries into your home, you should expect health problems, including skin infections. The best step to take is looking for a professional clean-up by hiring the services of a water damage restoration company.
 

Debris

During and after a flood, debris such as broken glasses, broken tree branches, and other sharp objects will be carried in the water. Care should be taken as getting injured while walking in floodwater that contains debris and other contaminants is possible and compromises your safety. The debris can get stuck along the electrical or gas lines in your home, which can lead to explosions or electrical shocks.

If your home is flooded or has other water damages, you should seek help by hiring the services of a reputable water damage restoration company. With the many hazards lurking after floods and other water damages in your home, it will be a rational decision when you affect safety measures and look for professional help.

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Tips to Recovery and Achieve Sobriety

 

To overcome and recover any substance abuse, an individual must be ready and willing to deal with the problem. With the right support and right treatment, it is possible to overcome cravings and any other impact that may have been resulted from abusing illegal drugs. Recovery can be termed as the gradual process of getting better or returning to a state of mental and physical health.

Treatments to addiction vary according to drug abuse. Alcohol and drug recovery requires motivation, persistence, and patience. Combination of mental, health, and addiction treatment bears long-term success on individuals’ sober life. Not all addicts require supervised rehabilitation or detoxification hence, read more about finding the best drug addiction treatment for you to ensure effectiveness. The recovery care depends on; Drug-use history Medical condition Age.
 

Keys to addiction recovery
Seek support from family and friends as you inform them that you are committing to recovery
Set specific and measurable goals such as limits on drug use
Scrutinize past attempts to stop drugs
Identify the reason you want to change
Get rid of your addiction reminders from places you frequent visit
Drug treatment programs 

 

Residential treatment

This involves undergoing intensive treatment. The addict lives at a facility to get away from addiction triggers such as friends and peers. This may include certified rehabilitation and treatment centers.
 

Partial hospitalization/Day treatment

It is great for individuals who require medical monitoring but wish to stay at home. Day treatments take place for about 8 hours per day.
 

Outpatient treatment

These are scheduled forms of treatment. They are essential in preventing relapse.
 

Sober living communities

This program involves the recovering addict living in a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment. The care is intensive to relapse prevention.
 

Stages to recovery
 

Pre-contemplation

In this stage, the addict is aware of the consequences of addiction. The individual still prefers to remain in active addiction as he perceives that the use of drugs is of greater benefits than the cost and repercussions.
 

Contemplation

The transition is notable in that the addict is becoming acutely aware of negative effects. The addict openly accepts that they have substance abuse problem but their desire for drug abuse outweighs the prospect of recovery.
 

Preparation

The addict realizes the impact of addiction is far greater than any perceived benefits. The individual accepts there is a need for treatment. The addict creates an action plan to address the substance abuse. At this point, he seeks support from close relatives and friends.
 

Action

The addict immerses himself into recovery such as enrolling in a treatment program, rehabilitation center, or joining a 12-step group. Recovery in this stage is proactive in fitness, repairing, and re-establishing relationships.
 

Maintenance

The individual completes the treatment program. The individual now assumes responsibilities and he/she must stay sober and avoid relapse. Engaging in aftercare, support groups, and alumni programs promotes success in recovery life.
 

Termination

Individuals now have no desire to return to active addiction. The individual has transformed and regained healthy relationships.
 

Elements of a successful treatment program
 

Detoxification

This step involves getting rid of drugs and aids in managing withdrawal symptoms.
 

Behavioral counseling

This facilitates identifying the root cause of drug use, repair damaged relationships, and learn healthier coping skills.
 

Medication

Sought to manage withdrawal symptoms, mitigate relapse or treat any co-occurring mental health condition like anxiety.
 

Long-term follow-up

It is crucial to recovery and sobriety as it aids in maintaining sobriety and prevent relapse.
 

Conclusion

The longer the substance abuse intake, the more intense the recovery treatment. Treatment success depends on developing a new mode of living and addressing the reasons why you engaged in drug abuse. Upon reaching sobriety, it is recommended to have sober friends who will support your recovery.

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You Can Boost Your Immunity

 

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If you want to stay as healthy as possible, then one thing you’re gonna want to do is boost your immune system. Your immune system is a wonderful thing; a complex network of bodily cells that work together to defend the body from infection and stop you from getting sick, it is one of the most important aspects of health you should be taking care of.

Okay, but what can you do to boost your immune system right now?

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleeping well is one of the most important aspects of boosting immunity because the two are very closely tied. If you sleep too little or have lots of poor quality sleep, you are far more likely to get sick.

In fact, in one study, adults who slept for less than 6 hours every night were found to be more likely to catch the common cold than those who slept for over 6 hours each night. This could be because the resting body is able to bolster the immune system ready for its next fight.

Of course, getting enough sleep is a lot easier said than done for many people. If you struggle to get enough sleep, a few things you could try include spritzing your pillow with lavender oil, drinking a milky beverage or chamomile tea before bed, and taking a hot bath around 30 minutes before you head off to bed, If none of that stuff works, you may need medication to help you drift off, so speak to a doctor.

Vaccinations

From the flu shot to HPV vaccine, there are numerous vaccines that can not only help your body to build immunity to a range of diseases but which will also help to protect those around you from those same diseases too, If you are offered or entitled to particular vaccines, it is probably a good idea to have it. the better your immunity, the less likely you are to get sick overall, it really is that simple.

Exercise

While we’re on the subject of vaccines, moderate exercise is said to increase their effectiveness in people who already have compromised immune systems. This may sound surprising but it really isn’t when you consider just how important moderate exercise is to boosting the immune system in general.

You may have noticed that I’ve been mentioning moderate exercise; I’ve been doing that for a good reason, Studies have shown that prolonged periods of strenuous exercise can actually suppress the immune system, which is exactly what we do not want to happen! Moderate exercise, on the other hand, has been shown to boost immunity, lower inflammation, and assist in the regeneration of important immune system cells. So, try to exercise moderately for at least 150 minutes each week and you will start to feel the benefit.

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Eat more plants

Eating more whole plant foods is not only great for lowering weight levels and helping to manage diabetes but it can also be useful for boosting immunity too. Foods like nuts, lentils, seeds, and of course, fruits and veggies, are rich in a number of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can boost immunity and help you fight off numerous harmful pathogens.

They work by lowering inflammation levels in the body by fighting off free radicals that can cause a breakdown of cells. Since chronic inflammation has been linked to everything from being more likely to catch colds to heart disease and even dementia, it is important we eat as many plant-based whole foods as possible.

Have some healthy fat

Although the bulk of your diet should be made up of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, you should also make sure that you pack it with plenty of healthy fats like those found in avocados, olives, coconuts, and salmon. Why? Because studies suggest they may be able to boost your immune system’s response to various pathogens by decreasing inflammation levels in the body.

Low levels of inflammation are vital for maintaining good bodily health, cutting the individual’s chance of contracting heart disease, diabetes, and so many other illnesses, and putting a little healthy fat in your daily salad dressing is one of the simplest ways of combatting that.

Cut out sugar

You may love sugar, most humans do, but added sugar is really bad for us. Not only can it cause tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity, or overweight, but it can also have a negative effect on your immune system. That’s why you should probably think about cutting out added sugars completely and switching refined cards, which are basically just sugar, for unrefined versions. For example, switching white rice for brown.

Why does this matter? One study found that people who were obese were twice as likely to get sick with the flu even after vaccination than people who were a healthy weight, and since sugar is a major contributor to obesity, this is an important point to think about.

Not only that, but the less sugar you eat, the less inflammation your body will experience, which means it will be better able to fight off attacking pathogens that make you sick.

If you can’t give up sugar cold turkey, start slow by switching one of your daily sodas to diet or eating one less cookie with your coffee and take it from there.

Bust stress

Stress is as bad for the body as the mind, It produces excessive levels of cortisol that can cause immunity to fall. That’s why it’s so important you learn how to manage it better. This is something that meditation can help you with. However, you may have your own coping strategies, so just make sure you use them.

Drink plenty

Staying hydrated won’t stop cold and flu germs from getting inside you, but it does help your body to function more optimally all round, which means it will help to boost your immunity when that is what’s needed. Drink enough daily that your urine is a shade of pale straw and you should be fine.

Stay healthy!

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