What People Never Tell You About Debt

‘It’s terrible’, ‘you can get out of it if you’re determined enough’ and of course, the classic, ‘you obviously overspent.’ Essentially, if you’re in debt, you’ll hear people telling you, not completely surreptitiously that it’s your fault. This is nonsense, and I can prove it with one statistic. In 2015 8/10 Americans were in debt as seen on CNBC.com, and if you think that stat has changed, you should probably think again. The world hasn’t improved all that much in two years. In fact, I would argue that while debt is terrible, being determined isn’t even the only thing you’ll need to get out of it. So, let’s look at some of the things that people will never tell you about debt but that are certainly true. We’ve already covered one. 

Overspending Isn’t The Only Reason For It

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It’s important to remember this because it can seem like overspending is the reason why people end up in debt, and yes, this can be a cause. In fact, you could even go as far to say that too many people are relying on the plastic in their wallets and purses rather than the money in their bank account. That, it could be agreed, would be a fair point. But it’s certainly not the only cause. Do you know what else can cause debt? 

Buying a house. It’s true, buying a house is a massive cause of debt for people, and we’re not just talking about expensive mortgages here. We’re referring to the bills that people just don’t see coming from expensive repayments. You can very easily get in over your head, particularly if we’re talking about your first property here. 

Or, how about medical bills. In countries like America, where healthcare isn’t a given, medical bills can certainly cause issues with relation to people’s finances. For instance, cancer treatment regularly exceeds one hundred thousand alone. Just think, finding out that you have cancer and then discovering that treatment of the disease will cost you your livelihood, but your quality of life's in jeopardy. 

Alternatively, you could just be made redundant. It’s easy to think that if you work hard, always do your best and deliver a great level of quality when working you won’t lose your job. But that’s not true. Workers are laid off all the time and what then? On average, it can take around six months for people to find work after being made redundant. That’s more than enough time to end up in some form of debt, particularly if you have to borrow to pay the bills. 

There’s More Against You Than You Think

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Okay, so your finances have been through the wringer, and you’re trying to recover. How do you do it? Well, one possibility might be to borrow your way out, and it’s not as crazy as it sounds. If you can borrow from a source offering a lower interest rate, then it makes sense, and that’s exactly what is on the table with debt consolidation. With debt consolidation, you can pool all your debt from various sources into one easy to pay the sum. Awesome right? So, then you can pay it off naturally each month like a basic tax. It’s probably sounding even better, but here’s the kicker. To do that you need to be able to borrow. 

You might run into a slight problem there with your bad credit score. Bad credit scores tend to scare off lenders, and you will almost certainly have one if you’re in debt. It sounds crazy when you’re talking about a loan designed to get people out of debt, but we guarantee there is debt consolidation loan lenders that won’t give out money to people who have bad credit. Luckily, not everyone is like, and you can read DebtConsolidationUSA.com for more information on companies that can and will give these types of loans out to people with bad credit score. But borrowing to pay off the debt isn’t your only issue. So, perhaps we should look at something no one will tell you about debt recovery. 

They Won’t Let You Forget

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This is absolutely true. You might think that once you pay off your debt, you can get back on your feet, but that’s not always the case. Indeed, it’s fair to say that even after you start paying off the debt people are still going to hold your problems against you and it’s all due to that annoying credit score. This can impact your livelihood, whether you can rent or buy a property and many other financial and personal issues. The fact is that you won’t just be working to escape debt. You’ll need to salvage your credit score too. There are ways to do this, such as peer to peer lending schemes. These are safe projects that allow those who need it to lend and borrow money in an environment where there is no risk. You can learn more about correcting your credit score on MyFico.com. 

This, among many reasons, is why the road to debt recovery can feel a little like a juggling act. It’s not just about paying the money you owe back. 

It Gives You A New Perspective

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On the plus side, getting lost in debt certainly gives you a brand new perspective on finances. You have a completely fresh outlook where you will be more concerned about how much you’re spending and where. As well as this, you won’t be so quick to spend on frivolous purchases and perhaps even avoid things that depreciate in value rapidly like for instance cars. A little run-in with debt is enough to convince anyone that it’s never a good idea to buy a car brand new. 

As such, you may just find that this negative experience helps you handle money far more effective and with a little luck, improve your quality of life. Particularly if you start saving more for rainy days and spending less on things that you don’t need or won’t want in a few days. We’re not saying this is what lead you to debt. It’s highly likely that it was something far beyond your control, but it never hurts to focus on the silver lining of the fact you’ll do everything in your power to make sure it doesn’t happen again. 

Making Your Mark On The World: How You Can Leave A Lasting Legacy

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With each passing day, time passes. Where once we lived a carefree life, we begin to realize the reality of our mortality as we get older. Despite our best efforts with skin creams to appear young, we know we are not going to live forever. Sorry, but it’s true. Then we start to take stock of our lives, and a possible mid-life crisis kicks in (if it hasn’t already), and common questions arise. What have I done with my life? Have I been the best I can be? What will I be remembered for when I’ve gone? All good questions and only you can answer them. 

So, here is the crux of the article. What legacy are you leaving behind? We aren’t talking about legacy trusts and will making, though practically this is important. You don’t want your beneficiaries going through probate litigation when you’ve gone. Rather, we are referring to a non-material legacy, where your actions on earth leave a lasting impression. How will people remember you? Will it be for good or bad? We’re betting you’re hoping for the former. So what can you do now to ensure your legacy is a positive one? Here are some ideas.

Create positive memories. Despite your business, you don’t want lasting memories to be about somebody who was barely around when they were alive. Make time for the important people in your life, take holidays together, share stories, have fun. It is often the small moments that create the best memories. Something you have said to make somebody smile. An encouraging word to offer support. These are the things that will be remembered.

Impart positive values. As a good person, there are bound to be values and ideals that you hold close to your heart. Whether they are faith-related or not, you have the power to share a positive message with those near to you. Considering the conflicting viewpoints imposed upon your children at school and your friends at work, they may not receive the moral framework that only you can provide. Therefore, without being heavy-handed, impose good values on to those you come into contact with.

Erase bad memories. If you’re afraid you are going to leave a bad legacy behind, make your amends before it is too late. If you have hurt somebody in the past, make every effort to apologise to them, or change your behavior as you go forward in your relationships. Be somebody that people will talk about with enthusiasm and love, and not in hushed whispers about how unpleasant you were.

Be charitable. You can’t bring about world peace (that would be an amazing legacy), but you can make the world better in your corner of the world. Change one person’s life, and your legacy will roll over as they take the baton and follow your good deed. So, consider volunteering with a charity near you. It may be a homeless shelter, food bank, breakfast club, or a church mission. You can’t save the world, but you do have the power to change individual’s lives for the better.

Finally, leaving a legacy is about being remembered for the good person you were, as well as leaving a positive impact on others that they will take forward into the world. Chances are, you have already made steps to ensure this happens. If not, don’t put off till tomorrow when you can do something to make a difference today. Thanks for reading.

Financing Your Home Improvements

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Do you often find yourself looking at big houses, having lots of work done and wondering how their owners can afford to make changes all the time? Or hear your friends and family talk about extensions they are having or big decorating jobs they are planning in the future, knowing that their jobs mean they couldn’t afford such an expense? Do you want to make some changes to your house, but find yourself unsure of how you could ever afford it?

Well, you’re not alone. Many of us have constant urges to make changes to our homes. We want to make improvements which will keep it warm and safe. We want to replace things that are broken and old, and we want to change our décor. Many people finish one room only to start making plans for the next almost immediately. While a little paint job or a change in accessories are cheap and easy, larger changes and improvements can get very expensive; it’s thought that the average new kitchen costs around $20000. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make changes. Here’s a look at some of the options available to you when it comes to financing your home improvements. 

Save

If you want to make some changes without getting into debt, the best thing to do is simply save and only spend what you can afford. Ask your employer about 1099 forms to help you manage your income, and set yourself a budget. Try to pick up some overtime at work, or look for ways to make extra money online. This money is in theory extra to what you normally live on, so can all go into your home improvements fund. Put this money into a high-interest savings account to get the most from it. 

Ask for Help

Another option is to ask your family for help. Most of us hate asking family for money. But, if your home desperately needs work and your family can afford it, they may be willing to help you out. Even if you wanted to pay them back with interest, it’ll be significantly less than you’d pay a bank.

Re-mortgage 

For large home improvement jobs, often the best way to raise the money is by refinancing your home. Essentially borrowing on your house to improve your house. Mortgage refinancing doesn’t necessarily have to mean borrowing more money. If the interest rates have changed significantly since you got your current deal, changing to a new deal could lower your payments and free up some money.

Take Out a Loan

Personal loans often have higher interest rates than mortgages, but if you don’t want to use your home as collateral or change your current agreement, it can make a good option. Just make sure that you shop around for the best deal, and never borrow more than you can afford to pay back.

Pay with Credit Cards

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Credit cards can have even higher interest rates and shouldn’t be used to make large payments. However, they are fast and easy to use for smaller home purchases. 

Changing Your Own Landscape

We all worry a little over how good our house looks to the outside eye. Those people on the streets don’t live here, and thus they have no idea of it’s real charm and coziness. That means we take a lot pains in making sure the exterior is cleaned up and has plenty of curb appeal, but that still leaves the entire world of the garden to take care of. Let’s face it, if you own your own house, or you have the bottom floor of the apartment building you live in, there’s quite a big chance you’re also responsible for a garden.

There’s quite a lot you can do in terms of landscaping, which leaves a bit of a creative ebb and flow to be filled. However, a lot of us don’t know what we can do, or where to even try to start. So here’s a few ideas to get you started on the outlook of your dreams. 

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Know Your Boundaries

These are both in terms of the physical and what you can manage, and whereabouts your land ends and what you can do with the space in it. 

If you have a big area to work with, work out what you’re allowed to dabble in before making any of those planned changes. Do you know where the zoning areas in your neighborhood are? Look into those first of all and then see what you can do if the stipulations are a lot harsher than you thought.

The main aim is to frame your house with any of the plots you use, the lawns you cultivate, and the trees and flowers you seed to finish off the perfect picture. It doesn’t have to go beyond this, but if you’re looking for a practical element as well you need to allot for a vegetable garden. If you need to bring in some help for your landscaping needs, whether it be because you don’t know how to grow a tomato or the edging around your pool just isn’t working out, do so. 

What You’ll (Most Likely) Need

For most gardens, a lot of the supplies are similar. You’ll want to use bricks for the paving, and some timber if you’re building yourself a deck. This is always a nice addition so consider it for your budget! 

You may also need to invest in some edging wire or more bricks for this as well, as having a green area in a sea of reds, blues, yellows, and purples, is a wonderful contrast, and leaves a good place to have a picnic or BBQ. If this area is curved, you can use gravel or other shingle materials to make it easier to lay and separate. 

The you have your plants to think about. It’s a good idea to buy the potted variety from the garden centre if you want some faster results, or if you just want ease of planting. Otherwise, be sure to invest in a variety of bulbs, seeds, and cutting. You can design your perfect garden as well as brush up on your gardening skills at the same time. 

Some Common Designs

For the more contemporary among us, geometric shapes are the way forward. Having everything in neat places with a clear walkway around it is good for maximizing on space whilst having a little leeway with your plans. Try bulk planting with a certain flower to increase the impact, and make sure all the bigger flora is kept to the back near fences. 

On the other hand, a cottage garden is popular with the masses. This means planting in small quantities and having lots of plants at once in the same space. Creating a cacophony of color, you’re guaranteed to spend a lot of time out there with all the scents and sights for your time. 

The plants are what brings a garden together, and the whole point of one. Make sure they’re well planted with the right heights and spacing for their needs.

Don’t Limit Yourself, Build in a Garage

This option is for those with the time, money, and property rights to do so. If you have the room for it, you can install yourself the garage of your dreams. Finally, a proper place to store the car and keep all your extraneous storage attached to the ceiling! If that’s not for you, you can even turn the space into your own studio or gaming room, and have mini theatre nights for all the family. 

Remember that adding a bit more of an interesting view to your garden doesn’t only come in the view of pretty flowers and creeper vines up the fence; it can also mean you build up your own mini estate. Visit the The Garage Plan Shop for some detailed plans that range from having loft space to storing more than one car. 

Make Sure You Have Safety Thought Out

If you’re the type of person who loves a bit of DIY, you’re going to need to make sure everything is up to standard or code before you try anything. The main thing is to know what you’re doing, and that can mean taking a few classes, or buying some books to read up on, or even just surfing the web for tips and tricks. 

Of course there’s learning by doing, and that works a lot of the time, however, don’t rely on this for everything. When it comes to something like destroying waste material, you’ll probably need to hire out a machine rather than use a fire, and it’s never a bad idea to hire a professional to take care of a few things for you. 

You don’t have to be a retired older person to be interested in gardening, and it’s a great versatile hobby for anyone to get into. Draw up your own plans and get crafting; it’s good to do a bit of your own creating and hard grafting afterwards, and you can be proud of the finished product. 

International vs Interstate Moving; Which One Suits You?

It’s never a bad thing to want to move and relocate in life; doing so can be very fruitful in a number of ways. It can freshen up a previously stagnant life, it can provide fresh motivation to succeed and it can enforce a whole host of other positive impacts on one’s life. But, the decision to move should be one that is taken both carefully and with great precedence. Specifically, the type of move, whether it be international or interstate, should be thought through carefully. If you're looking to shake up your life through a relocation, then make sure to read on find out whether you should move overseas, or stay in your current country.

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The way of life

Different countries produce different ways of life, that’s just a given. So, you need to take that into consideration when you come to deciding between an international or an interstate relocation. If you are looking for a complete and utter change in your life, and you believe your current circumstances would make this kind of change a fruitful journey for you to embark on, then by all means relocate abroad. But, if your life is as solid and as stable as it ever has been, i.e. if you are married with children or other dependants, then perhaps an interstate move would be better if you are in fact dead set on moving.

The financial costs

You cannot forget that relocations cost. More to the point, you cannot forget that some relocations *cough* international ones *cough* cost more than others. And, you cannot forget to take these financial costs into account.

You should begin by taking these costs into account when it comes to actually moving all of your worldly belongings. Simply, an interstate removalist is going to charge far cheaper rates than an international one, simply because they won’t (generally) have to pay for boat or plane fees. What’s more, a removal company that deals with interstate moves is going to be fair easier to come by, too, which means less effort would need to be spent on enlisting their services, too.

Another cost that you should take into account is the cost of living. Let’s get straight to the point: the cost of living varies in each different country. In one country a pint of beer may cost one price, in another it may be considerably cheaper or considerably more expensive. So, what you should do is check out a cost of living index in order to see if you could afford to relocate abroad. If you can afford the cost of living in the country you are proposed to relocate to, then by all means head straight there.

The added headaches

There are always going to be added headaches added on top of the headaches you already have when it comes to upping sticks and relocating to a new geographical area, no matter how close or how far this area is. You have to ensure all of your belongings make the trip safely with you. You have to ensure everybody you are moving with is on board with the move. And you have to ensure all the legal formalities are in place.

Then, you have to take into consideration the demands of the country you are moving to, if you are in fact moving internationally. For instance, would you need to get yourself specifically vaccinated for the move?

The final and probably most important thing you have to consider when it comes to either moving internationally or interstate is how the move will improve your life. If one is more likely to do it than the other, then opt for that one. But, if neither are likely to do it, then is there any point in moving at all?

Why Care Labels Aren't Enough To Protect The Fashion You Love

The clothes we wear are under constant attack. The environment we live in, the sun, the rain, and even the food we eat can damage our favorite fashion items. Natural light from the sun’s rays can fade colors. Dry-clean only fabrics can perish or stain in a rain shower. And did you know that the odors from cooking food can hang around in your clothing even after a wash?

Care labels are inserted into clothing to help you make decisions about how to clean them. The trouble is, there isn’t a lot of great advice there to tackle all the other issues and risks we might come across on a day-to-day basis. This is where tips and tricks for tackling stains can come in really handy! Even celebrities know the shaving foam trick for getting foundation stains off your neckline.

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Tight budgets can also cause your fashion to fall out of favor much quicker than you would like. It’s always worth spending a little more to make sure the fabrics you’re getting are good quality. The manufacturing process should be high quality too to ensure the clothing can take a few washes without damage. There are lots of cute affordable online boutique options that buy in good quality garments from reputable sources. Try to avoid the budget lines that tend to offer wear-once options.

If you wash and dry your laundry yourself, consider the wash cycle program you choose. Delicate washes will avoid the high spin that can misshape delicate fabrics. However, the items will come out much wetter than on the spin cycle. Using a dryer can also damage lots of fabrics. If you need to use one, set a cooler program on the machine. Try to air dry if you can. Of course, the outside air might not be that fresh, and you could be at risk of picking up dirt and bird mess on your laundry!

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Ironing is another way you can easily damage your clothes. But without the iron, your clothes simply won’t look much at all! Always choose the coolest setting, and try not to over dry your garments. Any item of clothing that incorporates different textures or materials can be a challenge. Take your time to use different heat settings for each part. 

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Hanging or folding your fashion is essential for storing them in your closet. Always hang items whenever possible. If you need to fold them, make sure to fold along the seam to avoid extra creases that might be difficult to remove. You can find a folding board to make light work of tees and blouses. As for hanging? Keep garments separated rather than crushing everything in together. Use padded hangers to avoid tears or snagging from them.

Some climates attract a lot of insects and moths. These can turn your fashion faves into food! If you want to avoid moths, you might try some mothballs. Different woods for your closet are also thought to put them off coming after your clothing. Garment covers are ideal for your designer dresses to keep them protected from any intruders! How do you care for your most delicate fashion items?

Dens: Not Just For Kids

Wherever you look online for tips about building a fantastically cozy den, you find lots of advice about making a space for teenagers and younger children. We’re not talking blanket and box forts – as fun as they may be – we’re talking about that spare room you use to chill out and watch TV in. We’re talking about making a space to totally relax and kick back away from the rest of the house. Sometimes, just sometimes, grown-ups need that bit of space, too.

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Playing around with making a room purely a stress-free zone to relax in is exciting! Most of the time, adults get the raw end of the deal. We have to make the decisions with regard to mortgages and bills. We have to sort all the interior design of the house and make it special for everyone else; including guests who only visit once or twice a year. Sometimes, it’s nice to put yourself first and make yourself a space that only you can unwind in. The way you decorate your den is going to reflect you and how you relax, so there’s no real one size fits all approach to the interior design. Don’t feel afraid to experiment with colours and textures – remember, it’s all about what relaxes you. On saying that, here’s some excellent ways to create your own relaxation den at home!

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1. Comfort is absolutely key. You need a space that isn’t rigid; so, a wooden chair with a cushion to sit on is likely not going to be the way to go. Browse Comfy Sacks for ideas on the best beanbags to relax on. Chuck the chairs out and make the whole space a fort of pillows, blankets and beanbags so that you can be as comfortable as possible.
2. Fun is an essential. A big part of being an adult is the fact that you have responsibilities. Fun is not a responsibility, which means you need to learn to relax and have some of it to balance out your everyday routines. Add some of these retro games, a large television and even a music player if dancing it out is your thing. The bottom line is about having fun, and that’s going to be totally individual to you!
3. Lighting means a lot. If you are a bookworm and want to use your den space to lay back with a good book, you need to ensure that the lighting is perfect. Reading in dim light is not ideal for the health of your eyes, so you need to have a few of these floor lamps scattered around so that wherever you are, you can read your books properly. Installing a dimmer switch is going to be important, because even when you don’t want to read, you may want to turn down the lights for a movie.
4. Snacks are required. A small mini fridge to hold your favourite drinks and chocolate means that on the days you don’t want to do anything but laze around, you have everything you need to hand. 

Being a grown-up can often, well, suck. But you can also be a grown-up that pays for a whole den of your own to relax in. Not so bad now, huh?

How to Improve Your Life RIGHT NOW

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Do you feel like you are not at the point in life that you would like to be? Well, you are certainly not alone - not by a long shot. Unfortunately, for many of these people, life-improvement always seems like something that is out of reach, and they don’t take steps to make the best of their situation. In fact, you don’t always have to take huge steps to improve your lot in life. It is the little things that you can do right now that are the ones we will focus on in this article. So, let’s get going!

Start Off the Day Right

Your morning routine has a big impact on how the rest of your day will go. So, rather than rushing out of bed, downing cups of coffee and trying to do a million things all at once, try getting up a little earlier so you can take your time and not feel so stressed. It may feel painful at first, but it is something that will certainly pay off in the long-run. Make yourself a good breakfast, catch up on the day’s news and even do some exercise or meditation. Instantly, you will be in the right frame of mind to tackle what the rest of the day has in store for you.

Vary Up Your Routine 

When many people feel stuck in a rut, it is because they are firmly entrenched in a routine that no longer provides them with any excitement. So, why not try doing one or two things to vary up your day? They don’t have to be huge - try a different route to work, get your morning cup of coffee from a different shop, enrol in a new exercise class at your local gym. The old saying ‘variety is the spice of life’ is still one that rings true, and you will discover this when you put it into action! 

Get Serious About Self-Improvement 

There are plenty of ways that you can improve yourself, and this is something that you should commit to for life. Start off by setting yourself some goals of what you would like to achieve in life. They can be huge to start off with, and then you need to break them down bit by bit so they seem more manageable. You could take up a new class to develop some new skills. You could try reading some books, so take a look at the top self-improvement books here. Commit to developing yourself, and life suddenly has a spark to it once again.

Practice Positive Thinking 

People have a tendency to be extremely hard on themselves, analysing every little thing that they have said or done in the past. But, just remember, no one else is dwelling on the same things to anywhere near the same extent. So, if there is one thing that you can do that will make all the difference, it is learning to be a little bit kinder to yourself. 

The Cure For Household Exterior Ills

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The exterior of your home is not an area you think about often; it’s not an area that anyone thinks about often. The vast majority of our thoughts regarding our home are consumed with what’s inside; the decor, the furniture decisions, the colors we paint our walls. There’s just no mental energy left for what happens outside-- after all, it’s not an area you see that often, either. 

However, there’s no doubt that your household exterior can experience issues which can bring down the entire aesthetic of your home. What’s most annoying about this is that these issues are fixable and preventable. One day, you will want to sell your home, and you don’t want to find yourself having to make a huge series of home improvements just so you can attract a buyer. 

So, if you think you might be able to make some room in your schedule, here are a few exterior ills you’re going to want the cure for… 

Pollution

Pollution is an issue wherever you live, but particularly if you live in an urban location. The problem with pollution is that the issue can build, and build, and build, but it’s so gradual we don’t always notice what’s happening-- it’s the household equivalent of the boiling frog. 

Pollution will settle on the exterior of your house and stay there, layering up year after year, until the brickwork is a mottled grey rather than the color it was intended to be. Every few years, tackle the problem head-on by contracting a sandblasting company to remove the grime that is building. This is far easier to do frequently rather than needing a huge job to remove years of pollution layering up. 

Weeds 

Weeds are pernicious and insistent; they can grow between concrete and decking, and they will keep coming back year after year. If you take pride in your front garden, then the weeds that push their way through will be a persistent nuisance-- and they will make the exterior of your home look incredibly untidy, even if everything else is well-manicured. 

Wherever possible, you need to install weed-suppressing landscape fabric. This fabric is thick and dense, and prevents weeds from growing both through providing a barrier and denying them sunlight. Well-laid landscape fabric should last for a couple of years, saving you hours of backbreaking weeding in the meantime. 

Gutters

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If you don’t regularly clear your drains and gutters, then you could be facing a future with a significant number of issues. 

The most serious threat occurs over the winter. If you have leaves clogging up your gutters, then the flow of water can be restricted, meaning that water pools rather than running clear. If this water freezes, there’s a good chance that the weight will be too much for the guttering to bear, and eventually, gravity will win the fight and come crashing down. 

Not only does this cause a huge amount of mess, but it will also be incredibly expensive to repair. Gutters that are packed with debris also look bad, so it’s well worth taking the time to clear them fairly frequently. It’s not a pleasant task, but it’s nicer than having to repair the issues a broken gutter can cause! 

If you focus on these three steps, you can be sure that the exterior of your house has the same quality as the interior-- and save yourself a lot of mess and hassle in the future. 

Easy Ways To Safeguard Your Home From Criminals

Nobody wants to think about what might happen if a criminal or burglar manages to gain access to their home. However, it’s something that occurs thousands of times every single year in the UK, and so all homeowners need to take the threat seriously. If you aren’t exercising precautions at the moment, it’s wise to use this article to ensure you leave no stone unturned. Research shows that the measures mentioned in this post not only help to catch criminals, but they can also deter those individuals from attempting to break into your home. While you might have to make a small investment, that spending will pay for itself. 

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Install CCTV outside

The first thing you’ll want to do involves installing a CCTV system on the outside of your property. You don’t have to spend a fortune because security cameras have come down in price during the last few years. In most instances, you can link the system to a computer inside your house and record all the footage. There is a decent chance that any potential burglars will notice the cameras and move onto the next property. However, if someone decides to break into your home while you’re out, at least you will have some evidence to provide to the police. In many instances, CCTV footage can assist the authorities in securing a conviction. Just remember to:

• Only purchase cameras that record in HD
• Store all footage for at least a week or two
• Turn the system on whenever you leave the house

Fit some motion sensor cameras

Sometimes criminals will manage to avoid CCTV and still gain access to your property. That is why you need to install some motion sensor cameras on the inside of your home. Those devices will kick into action the second someone moves around inside the house. So, even if your outdoor CCTV doesn’t capture anything incriminating, you could still gather enough evidence to help the police. Also, you can often link motion sensor devices to your alarm system or a local police station. Most police forces charge a fee for that service, but it ensures officers will arrive as soon as possible if you have an unwanted guest. If you like the sound of that idea, just be sure to:

• Pay for professional installation
• Invest in high-end sensors 
• Keep all footage for a couple of weeks

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Invest in an intruder alarm 

There are hundreds of different residential burglar alarms available on the market today, and so you just need to read some online reviews to sort the wheat from the chaff. As mentioned a moment ago, it’s possible to link your motion sensor cameras to those devices in most instances. That means if someone enters your home, the alarm will trigger even if that person didn’t break in through the doors or windows. Again, be sure to pay for professional installation if you don’t want any headaches. People who install alarm systems without specialist help reduce the protection they provide for their families. Also, nothing is worse than waking up in the middle of the night because the alarm goes off accidentally. 

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Consider some security lights 

Another excellent idea involves installing some floodlights on the exterior of your property. If you do that, you should manage to illuminate anyone who approaches your home. That should deter burglars, but it might also mean your neighbours notice when something is amiss. It’s the perfect solution for people who spend a lot of time away from the nest. Just make sure you angle the lights correctly, so they only shine on your property. The last thing you want is to deal with complaints from people across the street who need to wear sunglasses to enjoy their favourite TV shows. The lights work in much the same way as the motion sensor cameras inside your property. They will only swing into action when they detect someone is moving towards your home. 

Those four tips should help all readers to safeguard their homes from criminals. So, you just need to conduct some online research and identify the best products for the job. Price is often an indicator of quality when it comes to security equipment. That means, while you don’t have to spend thousands of pounds, it’s wise to avoid the cheapest solutions on the market. You need devices that are going to remain in working order for at least a few years if you don’t want to waste your investment. Of course, you could always get in touch with reputable home security firms and ask for advice if you get stuck. Get started today, and you could protect your entire family by this time next week!

3 Things You Need to Make Maintaining Your Pool Easy

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When you’ve got a pool, you don't want to spend all your time maintaining it - you want to be doing lengths or splashing around with the kids! Luckily, keeping your pool hygienic and warm with minimal effort doesn't have to cost a lot. In fact, there are a few gadgets that are ideal for those chores you don't want to do. 

You might already know about using bicarbonate of soda (which seems to do everything!) to balance the pH levels of your pool, but have you considered these pool maintenance magic tricks? 

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Okay, so admittedly a robotic pool cleaner is on the expensive side, but once you’ve made the investment it will quickly become apparent that you’ve spent your money well. Robotic pool cleaners are generally energy efficient, low maintenance and will just get on with the job. 

You will probably need to be there to set up the robot so that it can analyse the dimensions of your pool and you can decide on how intensely you want it cleaned. But after that, all you need to do is put it in the water and press go. It will do the rest for you. Your robotic pool cleaner will scrub the walls and floor of your pool and removing dirt and bacteria. This will mean that not only will your pool look better, it will also be safer to swim in and require fewer chemicals. 

Pool Cover

If you have a heated pool or find that you get a lot of leaves and other debris in the water, pool covers are just what you need. It will protect the water and will even retain some heat over night. This means that you will spend less on heating the pool up again in the morning - much more energy efficient!

There are all sorts of pool covers to choose from and what you decide should be based on your needs. For example, you might want a pool cover that is easy to put on and take off each day to protect the pool overnight, or you might be looking for something to let your pool hibernate over the winter months. Compare all the different types before you choose the one for you. 

A Tennis Ball

This might come as a surprise but when you think about it, the reasoning is pretty good. Your pool is probably full of suntan lotion and sunblock after a full day of swimming. These oils are harmless, but they don’t belong in the pool and will make it look dirty if they aren't dealt with. This is where your tennis ball comes in. Leave it bobbing around on the surface of your pool all the time to slowly collect up the oils on top of the water. And when it’s not looking so good, chuck it in the washing machine. It will come out as new, ready to go back to floating about on your pool again.

With these 3 magical maintenance tricks, you can go back to topping up your tan and keeping up your fitness. After all, that’s what the pool is really for. 

Pro Tips For Easy Ways To Improve Your Home

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We all lead busy lives, and this can sometimes mean that we struggle to find the time to work on home improvements. Sometimes a job seems too daunting or time-consuming to be worth doing.Whether you want to jazz up your house before selling and moving on or you just want your home to feel nicer, it can feel like a big task. Fortunately, there are some simple methods that everyone can follow to help refresh their home.

Repaint Inside

Adding a fresh lick of paint to your walls is a great way to breath new life into a room. The current walls don’t need to look old and tatty for this to have a significant effect. Sometimes just changing things up and doing something different is enough to help a room feel refreshed. If you have wallpaper and would prefer not to replace it (as this can get expensive), then instead consider hanging some paintings or wall prints. This can have a similar effect to repainting a room. When painting a room don’t forget to think about what colors you are using. Bathrooms enjoy blues due to their relationship to water and bedrooms prefer warm, comforting colors. Living rooms and dining areas often have bright, welcoming colors used as this makes them an enjoyable place to sit and relax. However, don’t be afraid to experiment and go with a color scheme that you enjoy not one that someone on the internet told you was best.

Repaint Outside

When painting, people often neglect the outside of their house. A lot of homes include some paint outdoors. Whether that is on the garage, a specific wall or their shingles, over time this paint will fade. This is only natural due to the paint continually dealing with varying weather. However, you can make your home look new again by merely repainting those areas. It is usually best to stick to the same color that came before and not to rock the boat too much. However, it is your house, so go with whatever color you prefer. Remember that you will need to buy specialist paint depending on what you are painting. When painting high off the ground be sure to have a second person around to hold the ladder to avoid any falls or dangerous situations.

Fix Broken Things

This might seem obvious, but broken things are often left that way for a while before fixing. Sometimes you just learn to live with it in its damaged state. This is entirely understandable since getting them fixed is hardly going to be the highlight of your week. However, taking some time to get them sorted will help your house feel better, and it will be one less thing that you need to worry about. For example, you might have learned how to live with a broken garage door and have adapted merely around it.If you just take some time to hire a garage door repair company to fix it for you, then it will make your life that much more comfortable.

New Furniture

Replacing old furniture goes a long way towards helping your house feel nicer. Whether you have had that same bed for years or are in need of a new couch, buying a new one will help to lift the room and make your home feel fresher. When picking new furniture make sure that it goes with your current fittings otherwise your room might start to look mismatched. However, if you are feeling adventurous, then you might decide to replace a lot of furniture. This means that you can change the entire feel of your rooms.

New Light Fittings

Getting new light fittings can change the entire feeling of a room. This could include getting some extra free-standing lamps for your sitting room. The additional light that these give in an evening help the room to stay bright and cozy especially on those dark, winter nights. However, you might elect to purchase some new light shades for your fitted lights. This can help to jazz up a room as they are often one of the centerpieces of a room. If you decide to change your current fitted lighting, then getting something like a dimmer can help set the mood during romantic dinners or while snuggling up watching a movie. It can be a simple change that won’t take long to be fitted, but the effect on the room can be massive.

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New Roof

One of the first things you will see about your house is its roof. It sets the tone for a house, and an old tatty looking roof can reflect poorly on you. This could mean that it is an excellent time to reroof your home or at the very least have some maintenance done. Often it won’t need much more than a clean and a few broken tiles replacing. If this is done, then it can prevent worse issues such as leaking or damp. This isn’t only an aesthetic choice but also one that will help increase the value and longevity of your home. It is an investment that is well worth it. Be sure to get professionals for this kind of thing as if you try to DIY then you might do more harm than good, plus this will leave you time to work on other projects.

New Windows

Windows, like anything else, can start to get old and sometimes need replacing. This might be a pragmatic decision based on wanting better glazing to keep your home warm in winter. Or it might be a design based decision as you want some windows that will help you home to look fantastic. Whatever your reasons or decision, getting new windows can help your house look brilliant. They are something that you use daily without even really noticing and they are also one of the first things people see when they visit your home. High quality, well-maintained windows reflect well on their owner, and this is another decision that will help boost the value of your home.

Read This and Get The Best Night's Sleep Ever

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It’s a fact that sleeplessness is on the rise, with more adults than ever admitting to not getting the recommended eight hours or not feeling refreshed when they wake up. An epidemic of insomnia seems to have swept the country, with all sorts of factors keeping us awake at night. So how do we make sure we maximise the chances of dropping off – and of staying asleep? Here are some easy to follow tips that will give you the best night’s sleep ever…

Sync it Up

Have you heard of a Circadian Rhythm? The name refers to your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, where a complex mix of hormones, brain waves, and temperature fluctuations dictates when we need to sleep. For best results, you need to make sure that your periods of rest coincide with these natural patterns of sleep in the body. The best method of syncing up is to ensure that you stick to a consistent time of waking up and going to bed each day, even over the weekends, Exposure to daylight in the morning is also an important factor, so try to fit in an outdoor AM stroll.

Ban Tech from the Bedroom

You’ve probably heard it before, but if you’re serious about improving sleep quality, you need to ban phones, tablets, and televisions from the boudoir. The reason? These devices emit blue light, which signals to the brain that it's time to rise and shine. If you’re trying to go to sleep as these signals are being sent out, you’re reducing the quality of sleep you get thanks to this low-level interference. Not to mention that any noise from television will cause subliminal disruption. The old trick of reading a (paper) book before bed is the ideal way to let the brain unwind for an hour or so before sleep.

Optimize your Environment

Restorative sleep depends on a restful environment, so check all the factors here – consider investing in blackout blinds if your room gets a lot of sun, ensure you have a good quality single size mattresses and get fresh bed linen. Also try and minimize clutter in the bedroom so that it’s a quiet, relaxing and clean space focused on getting to sleep.

Try a Bath or Shower

Many of us take a shower in the morning, but science points to the fact it’s more beneficial to take your bath or shower in the evening before bed. Studies have shown this prompts a temperature drop in the body that gears it up for sleep and leads to a more restful night overall. Adding in a bit of aromatherapy in the form of a lavender bath oil or pillow spray can also help to boost relaxation.

Take Regular Exercise

Getting a daily dose of exercise has been shown to be more effective than insomnia drugs, so it’s important to get some form of physical activity in – but not too close to bedtime, as that can throw sleep off balance. Time your sessions at least 3-4 hours before you are planning to sleep for the best results.

Protecting Your Garden From Frost And Bitter Cold

The back garden of our homes is one of the safe havens all family members like to retreat to. We can simply be with our thoughts, get out of a stuffy home that may be too hot for us, or too populated, and we can also share family moments as well. As the colder months are sure to set in and take over the landscape, this is the time of the year, which preparations need to be made just as the animals are doing, making sure life after winter is the same as it was. The frost of midnight is one of the key points that every homeowner should be wary about as it can essentially freeze everything. Even the water inside plants can be frozen to the points that the roots become dry and start to die. Your garden equipment can become brittle and especially if it's something electrical, extra care and protection are needed. 

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Plants 

Nature is a wonderful fighter, but your plants do need help to survive the winter. Of course, flowers and trees will shed, wilt and most of them will in fact die, but if you have plants, you care about, such as vegetable plants you need to take some precautions. Get a metal chicken net made out of wire and wrap it around the plant or you could also get plant wiring if you want. Stuff the edges of the inside, around with hay. This will give the plant dexterity and make sure that water is absorbed slowly, which of course will freeze during the night, hence the extra layer of protection. You can also wrap the plant itself in plastic, which will protect it further from the cold.

Image by Paul Brennan

Garden equipment

If you have your lawn mowers, weed whackers laying around the back of your home, and don’t have a shed to store them in, it's vital you also wrap these in sheets of plastic. The air will become cooler during the night, freezing onto the surfaces, and when midday comes around, will begin to melt. As the water melts it will seep into cracks and thus, ruin your electrical equipment. Winter’s breath can also freeze, contract and eventually crack wires, and then the process previously mentioned is repeated, causing dangerous hazards. It's a good idea to take care of your grill as well, and you should look for something like a heavy duty cover for a Genesis. The extra thickness and the quality of the material will keep the sensitive parts of your summer barbecue grill, away and out of harm’s way of rain and snow. 

Grass 

Overfeeding the grass at this time of year is actually a nominal thing to do. During the day you can feed the grass to helpings of lawn feeder and therefore keep the green, healthy color somewhat alive and kicking. Watering the grass during the daytime is also a good idea if you want the lawn to maintain it’s thickness.

Protecting your garden from the frost and bitterness of winter is something that could end up saving you a lot of money. The maintenance issues are merely temporary as you’ll soon be able to get into a habit of doing things. 

International Investment: Buying Your Ideal Property Abroad

There are a few reasons you might decide to buy a property abroad. Perhaps you're making a big move, and you're going to start your new life in another country. You might have fallen in love with a favorite destination for vacationing, and you've decided you want a base for your future trips. Maybe you want to make an investment, or you're looking for a home you will eventually retire to. Whatever your reasons for buying property abroad, you need to take the right approach to get something that works for you. Start with these steps to discover the best options for your wants and needs.

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Check the Rules on Foreigners Buying

Don't do anything before you check what the laws are surrounding non-citizens or permanent residents buying property. Some countries have rules about who can and can't buy property so that foreign investors aren't able to snatch up all the good real estate and drive prices up. Even if there's no country-wide rule, there might be some regional stipulations that will limit where you're allowed to buy. In some places, you might be allowed to buy property, but that won't make it easy. Some examples of where things might be difficult include Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand. See http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1011/4-difficult-places-for-foreigners-to-buy-real-estate.aspx for some more in-depth information.

Know the Terminology

When you start looking for property abroad, things can quickly get confusing. Different countries can use different terminology to talk about property, and that's before you start learning words and phrases in another language. For example, in many countries in Europe, listings will refer to the number of total rooms in the property, instead of saying how many bedrooms. This often means how many there are excluding the kitchen and any bathrooms. However, in the UK, you'll see properties listed by how many bedrooms they have. Don't forget that you'll need to know how the purchasing process works too. It can vary dramatically from country to country.

Understand What You Can Get for Your Money

Maybe you've already decided where to buy your property, or perhaps you're still looking. Either way, you need to know what your money is going to get you. Property prices can vary hugely in different countries and even in various regions in the same country. The same amount of money is likely to get you a lot more in the north of England than in the south. Start doing some research on property prices in different areas so you can work out how far your budget is going to get you. Do you have a mansion budget, or is it more like a cottage budget?

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Outline Your Need and Wants

Of course, you need to think about what you need from your property and what you want from this. This is definitely going to depend on what the property is for. Is it for personal use only or property you want to rent out? Is it an investment property or one you intend to keep for the rest of your life? There are plenty of things to think about, from how many rooms you need to location and amenities. Remember to prioritize your needs, but don't forget about the things you want. Your wants might be a little less important for investment properties, though.

Start with Sites for Expats and Vacationers

If you're not sure where to begin your search, you can try starting with real estate sites that cater to expats and vacation home buyers. These can help to make buying on the foreign market easier and will often mean you're buying from another foreigner. There are often lots of tips on purchasing property as a non-citizen, so you don't miss out on anything. These sites are also often in English, which can help. However, you can find there are some downsides, such as perhaps not having as great a choice of properties.

Use Sites and Resources for Locals

If you're not finding what you're looking for on sites for foreign buyers, you can turn to local resources. Sometimes this means having to navigate a site in a foreign language, but you can use Google Translate to make it easier. Take a look at http://rumahdijual.com/jakarta-utara/sewa-apartemen to see the kind of thing you might be looking at. Even if you don't speak the language, you can quickly pick up a few key terms. If you find yourself dealing with a seller who doesn't speak English, there are a few things you can do. Hiring a translator is one option, or enlisting the help of a friend who speaks the language. Another possibility is to find a specialist service that helps foreigners buy property.

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Consider Your Property's Purpose

Remember to think carefully about what you're buying your property for. It will influence various decisions, such as where to buy, how much you want to spend, and what facilities and amenities you want. If you're moving permanently, you want to focus on finding a home that works for you. You might want to be close to your job and make sure the home has everything you need for your family. If you're buying a property to rent out to travelers, you should consider which areas are most popular with visitors. You might want to think about buying an apartment or house within a community that offers private amenities to use.

Think About the Neighborhood

You'll need to know all about the neighborhood where you buy your property. You don't want to end up buying somewhere too rough or where you won't feel at home. When you've chosen which city, town or region you want to live in, you can usually find neighborhood guides online. Some people want to buy property in an area where there are lots of other foreigners, but others want to live among the locals. You might want to be somewhere quiet and family-oriented, or perhaps you want to be near the center of all the action. Or maybe you want to choose an up-and-coming neighborhood for your investment property.

Buying property abroad can be complicated, but it's also an exciting thing to do. Just make sure you get your priorities right.