Lifestyle Archives - Page 10 of 52

How to Create Happy Memories

Something That Must Be Pursued, But Can’t Be Forced
Happy memories are often a matter of perception and recollection. Some of your fondest memories may be of times when, at the moment, you were miserable. For example, that family vacation where everything went wrong, everybody got sunburned, and the whole family was more relieved to get home than anyone could have believed.

The thing is, in retrospect, you remember all the funny little stories from that trip, and you share them, and suddenly what was a terrible weekend becomes a fond, happy memory. In contrast, sometimes your happiest times at the office or college are remembered in sadness, as you realize who you were, what you’ve become, and what has been lost.

So the truth is, if you want to create happy memories, you shouldn’t focus on said memories as an “end game”. How you feel now will have little to do with what you remember as years go by. What you want to focus on, instead, is living life to the fullest with those around you.

When you get an opportunity to do something you haven’t ever done, take that opportunity, and drink it all in. Following we’ll briefly explore a few other things you might want to think about to build memories that last a lifetime.

We decided to list some options suggested by popular bloggers:

Music Photo Life

There is one important thing that you need to do before you can start creating happy moments: to understand what happiness means to you and the people around you.

Happiness has a different meaning to the individual. One person could be happy catching a movie with his newfound love, while another person might demand an expensive handbag.

If you are creating happy moments with someone else, you need to know what makes the other person happy. This could be harder to accomplish since what makes the other person happy might not make you happy.

I feel that moments are happier when saved in our memories than in recorded videos. The moments become somewhat “manufactured” when you whip up a camera to record the happy moments. If someone else is recording the video, that works better.

So, the best way to create happy moments is to understand the person you want to be happy with and plan for the activity so that the person can indulge in the activity with you and have a good time. Ask to take some photos to commemorate the moment so that you can revisit the moment in the future. Spend time interacting with the people and not trying too hard to record on video, because people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

GenThirty

Creating happy memories is less about what you’re doing and more about who you’re doing it with. By focusing on the people around you, their joy, and your joy – you bring happiness to the forefront.

As a mom of two young toddlers, I’ve learned that the key to creating happy memories is to keep expectations low. We’re all going to be much happier with a situation if we go with the flow and don’t try to overwhelm ourselves with a long to-do list and high expectations of outcomes and behaviors. Finding joy in each other creates happier memories than any specific situation could.

6 Essential Tips on How to Handle Family Property Disputes

Property disputes are surprisingly common occurrences among families, particularly those that co-own properties and can’t decide on the following steps, whether to keep the properties or sell them. In most instances, family members get this property ownership through inheritance, but it could also happen due to other factors, such as failed business ventures.

In any case, the result is similar – family members don’t know what needs to be done with the properties, but they wouldn’t like this situation to drive a wedge between them. That is why careful, delicate steps are necessary, and here are some of the best tips that will allow you to handle property disputes in the most efficient way:

Define your main goals

One of the most common issues related to property disputes is the fact that each family member has a different goal and wants to adhere to the one they think is the best option. For that reason, it might be beneficial to discuss your main objectives in advance, and see whether you’ll have to buy out other family members or if they’d like to sell the property. This will give you a better idea of the role, purpose, and overall value you can get out of the property. Of course, a good estate-planning process beforehand could have prevented this issue in the first place.

Make needed calculations

When it comes to property disputes, partitioning cases are difficult to set in motion, mostly due to the fact that family members often aren’t able to come to a certain decision without understanding the accounting numbers. This means knowing who has the repayment right for money regarding common benefits such as repairs, mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and other similar categories. Without fully understanding all of these expenses, it’s nearly impossible to resolve a property ownership dispute successfully.

Seek professional help

Seeking assistance from an attorney is absolutely essential in these cases, particularly for ensuring your rights are protected. Australians are well aware of this fact, for instance, which is why they often hire an experienced property lawyer from Sydney to handle their disputes. Specializing in property law, a skilled and knowledgeable solicitor can help you navigate through your responsibilities and rights more easily, and ensure a desirable outcome. Such a professional will have extensive knowledge of the law, and their experience can aid in understanding the judge’s decisions, knowing which areas need compromise and which need improvement, as well as receiving the right guidance and advice throughout these proceedings.

Know the property’s worth

Money — A model of the house is placed on the table next to sets of coins

The value of a property is often a critical factor in disputes. Partition cases can be difficult to resolve as families often can’t agree on the price that is put out for potential buy-outs. For that reason, many European families tend to list the property for sale as a simple way to learn the property’s market value and the following partition shares. However, this might not be the most suitable solution for everyone. If you want the property to stay in the family, consider hiring a professional appraiser to determine an accurate market value of the property. This will be a great foundation that you can later use for settlements and buy-outs.

Improve your relationships

Property disputes rarely arise in close-knit families that are loving, caring, and supportive of each other. If you want to ensure your family can make the right compromise, make an attempt to improve your relationships, if at all possible. Aim to spend more time together, learn how to communicate efficiently, or even consider a family vacation every once in a while. The more quality time you spend together, the stronger your bond will be. And when all family members have great connections, the risk of arguments, serious disputes, and demanding legal proceedings will be significantly lower as well.

Consider a mediator

In certain cases, families are unable to find a middle ground, even with the help of skilled solicitors. If you’re in a similar situation as well, it might be best to seek assistance from a third party that can serve as a mediator between family members, such as a close friend, an unbiased lawyer, or even a judge. By holding a mediation meeting early on, you can resolve any differences between family members and any other shared owners more easily. This could also help to save a significant sum of money, as well as reduce any stress and animosity that the involved parties might be feeling.

Final comments

Legal issues that involve family members are particularly delicate, and property dispute cases are no different. That’s why it’s so important to make careful and informed decisions and seek help from an experienced professional.

Written by Lucas Bergman

Reception Table Favors for Your Wedding Guests

Your wedding to-do list is a long one, so the last thing you’ve probably thought of is what to place for your loved ones on your wedding reception tables. But, those small trinkets that say thank you for all the years they’ve looked out for you shouldn’t be overlooked. Your wedding guest list has been broken down under a microscope and everyone coming played at least a small role in getting you here, so, these integral people deserve more than just a hug and a kiss as they exit your special event. Send them off with something practical, yet creative to remember your wedding day!

I was just on the Web and stumbled upon a site that offers a wide variety of unique wedding favors for reception tables, Forever Wedding Favors. There you can find an assortment of top-notch items for your reception on their simple-to-search online store. I really enjoyed the following assortment of products and couldn’t believe all of the wedding themes that were covered on this cool site. Forever Wedding Favors will help guide you through ideas for your wedding, no matter what the theme.

How cute is this? There is no better way to open a bottle of wine than with a bottle of wine! Personalize a special note for your guests and they will love this practical wedding favor. These petite wine bottle openers come with a bow and customized note. They are an ideal way to say thank you to your guests and will bring a smile to their faces each time they pop open a bottle of wine at home.

Click here to take a look

Hugging Polar Bear Shakers — Hugging Polar Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers are perfect wedding reception table gifts

Hugs are aplenty at weddings and that’s why these Hugging Polar Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers are perfect wedding reception table gifts. These cute offerings will bring a smile to the faces of your guests as they get to bring them home and enjoy for a lifetime. Each one of your family and friends will remember the warm embrace you gave them when you said thank you for attending their brig day.

Click here to check it out

This Vintage Key bottle opener is a perfect wedding favor gift at a traditional, classic wedding. Spreading these trinkets on the reception tables will bring out that rustic charm. A functional favor is the best kid, and this bottle opener can be brought home by each guest and used on a daily basis. Let your loved ones remember your wedding each time they pop open a beverage at home.

Click here to search all bottle openers

LOVE will be on the refrigerator of all of your wedding guests after your big day. It will remind them of the love you have for them and your new bond with your significant other. Everyone needs a fridge magnet, so why not gift out these adorable computer key LOVE letters to hold up Johnny’s school work? Let the letters of LOVE will be on full display at all times in the homes of your family and friends.

Click here to check it out

There’s no better way to join the party and liven things up than a round of shots. Personally engrave your wedding information on these high-quality shot glasses and have them set up for a drink at each reception table. Give cheers to your loved ones and enjoy an ounce or two of your favorite beverage together as one. After the wedding, your guests will love to bring these shot glasses home and remember your wedding day for many years to come.

Click here to shop shot glasses

Go Fish! Every household needs multiple sets of playing cards to keep the family game night going. So, what better offering to hand your friends and family than these personalized wedding playing cards. From poker to rummy, your loved ones will take these cards out and enjoy your big day while they have quality family time at home. This is an ideal functional wedding gift for all!

Check out all playing cards here

Not that a bottle of wine lasts too long, but if you only go for a glass at a time these wine stoppers are the gift for you. No matter the wedding theme, there is a wine stopper for them all! From pink flamingos to airplanes, you can find a wine stopper for any occasion. The classical heart shape is my favorite but I truly do love them all.

Check out stoppers by clicking here

No one enjoys a drink mark on their coffee table, and it seems like everyone is constantly looking for quality coasters to protect from them. Enter these high-quality slate coasters! Personalized with your wedding information, these coasters are perfect for gifting to your guests. Slate is sheik and will be great to protect any table out there from those dreaded ring stains.

Click here to shop more coasters

Whether you’re having a spring or fall wedding, these adorable candle favors are perfect giveaways at your wedding. Many can be customized with your names and wedding date. Candles are a practical gift that anyone can enjoy in their homes. These wax burners come in many themes and colors. The floral candle pictured above fits a spring wedding perfectly and will be a sight for sore eyes on your reception tables, with their bright colors and charm.

For more candle ideas click here

I can spend all day sifting through ForeverWeddingFavors.com’s awesome site. Their countless items of all wedding themes are well worth the time to check out! So make your life easier and head over to the site and you’ll have one less thing to worry about for your big day. From travel themes to pineapples, I’m sure they’ve got your wedding theme covered.

Best-Tasting Treats at IHOP (That Aren’t Pancakes)

It makes perfect sense that if you’re hankering for pancakes, you go to IHOP. It’s not named the International House of Pancakes for nothing. The brand specializes in pancakes, which are so delicious that you might even dream about them afterwards. Once you get a taste of IHOP pancakes, it’s difficult to even consider going anywhere else for pancakes.

But the truth is, IHOP doesn’t just serve pancakes. It’s trying to be more than just a pancake house or even just a breakfast joint. The brand wants to be more known as a place for lunch, dinner, and all the snacks in between.

That’s why there’s even a marketing campaign involving a temporary name change to IHOb, to emphasize how they’re serving burgers nowadays as well. And they’re serving many other types of dishes.

But how good are these menu items? Actually, some are surprisingly good. If you even visit IHOP and you’re curious about ordering something that isn’t a pancake, start with these treats:

IHOP’s Breakfast Sampler

Let’s start with this since IHOP can’t just deny that they offer terrific breakfast options. This Breakfast Sampler is a great choice for those who may not be sure about what to order for breakfast.

Yes, this does come with 2 buttermilk pancakes. But it also comes with many different classic breakfast items, so you’re sure to find something else you’d like.

You start with 2 eggs, and you decide how they’re cooked. You can get them scrambled or sunny side up, or over easy, over medium, or over hard.

Then there’s the meat portion. You’ll also get 2 strips of terrific bacon, 2 thick slices of ham, and 2 pork sausage links.

Finally, you also get a generous helping of hash browns, with that Goldilocks-level of perfectly crispy texture.

Original French Toast

This is actually one of the more underrated treats on the IHOP menu, and that’s a crime in our opinion. True, it does seem just a little bit too simple, but it’s delicious from start to finish. The price at an average $8.64 for Original French Toast is also quite reasonable.

This order sets you up with 3 slices of thick bread, each one cut in half so you end up with 6 terrific triangles. Then they add some powdered sugar and a scoop of whipped butter on top. This butter isn’t that underwhelming sort you generally encounter in other places. It tastes like absolutely authentic butter, and you’ll want some butter to just emphasize the tastiness of each bite.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Yes, IHOP is into several types of sandwiches, and for many, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is the absolute top. That may be surprising since quite a few folks feel that the IHOP chicken strips are overly crispy.

But here, the chicken breast crispiness is just right. It’s then tossed into Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce until the sauce covers every bit of the chicken breast. It’s then set onto a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles.

It’s actually not overly spicy, since they also add a generous amount of buttermilk ranch on top of the chicken. The brioche bun is tasty as well, so the overall deliciousness is just undeniable. It’s just spicy enough for a bit of excitement, but it’s not overpowering.

Colorado Omelette

Omlette — Omelette is being served on the plate

True, the name of this omelette doesn’t quite match the allure of the Bacon Temptation Omelette. But it’s not really about the name.

After all, the Colorado Omelette also comes with bacon, so it’s not as if you’re missing out on some bacon goodness. In fact, it also comes with bits of ham, shredded beef, and pork sausage. The distinct flavours of each meat combine well together, and each bite is just a bit different (though all equally great). It doesn’t hurt that this also includes chopped onions and green peppers, plus quite a lot of cheddar cheese.

Even if you Google for some similar recipes, it’s actually quite difficult to replicate the goodness of IHOP’s Colorado Omelette. Perhaps it’s because they put in a splash of pancake batter to their omelettes so that they’re just a bit fluffier than anything you might make in your own kitchen.

Swedish Crepes

The name emphasizes the “International” in IHOP, and this treat features actual lingonberries, which are popular in Sweden. They also top the dainty crepes with lingonberry butter, just to make sure you don’t miss out on the taste. The taste is both tart and sweet, so you can’t complain that it’s too sweet.

If there’s just one thing wrong about this order, it’s that it only comes with 4 crepes and they’re all really light. You might need to get 3 orders of these just to feel sated, even if you’re only slightly hungry!

Coping With Post-Traumatic Stress After a Grisly Accident

Dealing with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident can take a toll on you. The stress manifests itself as shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, fear, uneasiness, worry, or nervousness. You might be doing well physically but emotional stress might impact you and your loved ones. That said, the right post-traumatic stress management tips can help. Hopefully, you can get back to where you were before the incident. Let’s look at some of the ways to cope with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident.

Use Defensive Driving

Perhaps the accident was caused by negligence or careless driving, and you don’t want a repeat of the same. In this case, defensive driving can help lower the risk of falling into another accident owing to emotional struggles. Drive carefully, avoid distractions when driving, and avoid alcohol, drugs, or medicine that affects your judgements. Listening to loud music, talking on the phone, texting, or concentrating on other people and things will distract you and increase the chances of an accident.

Seek Compensation for the Pain & Suffering

Accidents often result in damages. You might be hurt or injured because of someone’s fault, which adds to your emotional distress. Perhaps your pricey truck is heavily damaged, and you need to chuck a lot of money to get it back into the business. Economic damages can aggravate the situation, and this is one aspect that can be hard to quantify. The best remedy to this is to find an accident attorney to help calculate and fight for the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering.

Find an auto accident that specializes in similar cases. If you were involved in a truck accident, say at work, you can find a team of truck accident attorneys to help seek compensation from your insurance, employer and any party involved. Economic damages caused by accidents are often much distressing. When you are freed from the distress of economic damages, you will probably have an easier recovery path.

Don’t Keep It: Talk with Friends or Colleagues

One of the best ways to deal with any type of traumatic stress is to share it with friends, colleagues, or victims of the same. Talk about the incident, the reaction and feelings afterwards, and how you have tried to cope with the situation. Your friends will definitely have something helpful to add to your recovery basket. Others might have friends or relatives who are victims of a grisly accident or traumatic experience. That experience and how they coped with the situation will probably inject glimmers of hope into your recovery. Listening to different trauma circumstances will make you feel like you are not the only one fighting it. In fact, you might realize that others are fighting post-traumatic stresses that are tougher than yours.

Keep Your Body Active

Thinking about the accident all the time is an insult to the injury. It is the easiest way to drive your trauma to bad levels like depression, and this is not what we want. The best dose is to keep yourself busy and let your mind get preoccupied with different things. Keeping your body active is one way to stay away from stress. You can participate in some of your favourite exercises or games and simple home workouts. You can participate in social events near you, such as charity marathons, football, or indoor games. The good thing is that you socialize with other people while you keep your body active. In a nutshell, you will have plenty of good memories to divert you from the accident thoughts.

Follow up with your Doctor

Your doctor would recommend visits to monitor your condition and give you prescriptions if you were hurt. Even if you feel like you are okay, it is good to follow up on those appointments. Again, the doctor can recommend to you some of the best mental health specialists to help you get through the recovery with less distress and other mental problems.

Seek help from a therapist

Talking of professional help, sometimes, talking with friends or colleagues might not be enough. Their guiding capability is limited because they are not professionals in that field. If you still find it hard to cope with the stress, find a good counsellor near you. The counsellor is in a better position to help you recover given they have the experience and expertise to handle PTSD.

Final thoughts

Coping with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident can be a tough task. Without proper recovery tips, you might find yourself struggling to live a normal life. We hope our quick guide has given you some of the best ways to cope with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident. Don’t hesitate to seek family support, and medical and legal help to help you get back on your feet again.

5 Essential Remote Work Tips for Working Moms

Working full-time when you’re a mom can be quite challenging. Working from home may come with some benefits for you, such as a flexible schedule, but it’s still certainly not an easy feat. In this article, you’ll be able to read about five tips for remote working moms that may help you juggle your work and parenting responsibilities more easily.

Create a routine for you and your kid(s)

Setting up a routine and sticking to it as much as you can is the key to having a productive day at work when working from home on a flexible schedule. Regardless of whether you have one or more than one child, your routine has to revolve around them. Noting down daily tasks, including both work and other obligations, and setting a time limit will help you stay organized. That includes setting aside time for cooking, helping the children with homework, and family time. Explain to your kids when it’s time for you to work, and if your children are old enough or have someone else supervising them, you may even create a designated home office. In order to help you stay focused while working, so as to not waste valuable time, you can track the time using a time tracking app, such as Clockify.

Arrange tasks according to priority

Prioritizing tasks is extremely helpful when managing time as a remote working mom. Your schedule should be based on your list of priorities. You should do the tasks that are at the top of your list first, if possible when you start working in the morning. If your children go to daycare or school, use that time for tasks with tight deadlines. That way, you can ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines if something unexpected happens.

Make sure you deal with tax properly

When working from home, especially if you’re working for a foreign company, you need to make sure that you handle tax properly so that you don’t get into trouble because of it. As a working mom with tons of obligations, you may forget about this obligation. Depending on where you’re located and what firm you’re working for, the tax may be your or your employee’s responsibility. It’s up to you to ask around and do the necessary research. You may be eligible for tax treaty benefits if you’re a non-US citizen who is working for a US company. In order to claim your benefits, you will need to fill out one of the five W-8 forms. For instance, the most commonly used W-8 form is the W8-BEN form, or the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting. The form may be filled out by you or the company, and it is used to sign up for tax withholding reduction or exemption.

Have a plan B for instances when your child is disrupting your work

Sometimes, especially if you have a toddler, your child may be cranky or bored, making it difficult for you to focus on your work. What you can do is invite your child to “work” with you. You may tell them that you need help with your work and give them assignments, such as to draw certain shapes. If that doesn’t work, you may suggest other calm activities like puzzles or LEGOs. Being prepared ahead of time for such situations will allow you to handle them better. You may even promise a new toy if they behave. Then, they’d have something new to entertain them the next day while you’re working.

Dress up for work

Entrepreneur — A nicely dressed young, entrepreneur mom is holding a notebook and smartphone in her hands

This may sound counterintuitive, but dressing up for work even though you’re not leaving the house is a great way to ensure you’re productive, and to keep your mental health in check. As a mom that works from home, it’s easy to neglect your own needs and stop taking care of yourself properly. That’s why you shouldn’t grab your computer and start working in your PJs as soon as you wake up. Dedicating at least fifteen minutes to getting ready for work can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. It would also help you get in work mode, allowing you to work more efficiently.

Final thoughts

All in all, working from home as a mom can be a handful. However, it is certainly manageable if you try harder to stay organized, while also dedicating some time to yourself, as well as your family. Following these tips will help you be more productive and manage your time successfully.

Winning Father’s Day Gifts

While your man is doing a deep dive into his March Madness brackets, you have plenty of free time to start searching for his perfect Father’s Day Gift! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the days of gifting dad socks and a tie are long gone. And to be honest, there is no excuse for giving a tired, old gift idea at this point in the game. With so many fun and unique options on the Web today, it’s time for you to win your Father’s Day gift!

Here are some great ideas that we’ve come across that will knock his socks off! See what I did there? When you see the look on his face as he opens the box…well, you’re welcome!

Gift sets are all the rage these days, as they can be customized for that special man in your life. Whether your guy is a hunter, drinker, smoker, or into dress accessories, sites like Groovy Guy Gifts have customizable gift sets for all. And what’s cooler than unwrapping and seeing a classy gift box with your name on it that houses a great surprise?

Everyone knows a cigar guy! You know, the man in your life that would give it all up for some me-time on the porch, listening to the land while puffing away in tranquility. That guy probably has a wide variety of cigars to smoke, but does he have the fun accessories and cigar sets to go along with them? Between cigar cutters, torch lighters, humidors, and cases, there is a wide variety of presents that a smoker would love!

Flask with personalized dad caricature on it

Dad will certainly get a kick out of this unique gift! Imagine the look on his face when he takes a look at this humorous item. There are sites all over the internet that will turn your favorite photo into an amazing caricature of dad. This is far beyond socks and a tie and will be sure to bring a laugh each time he takes a swig out of this flask.

There are so many exciting whiskey gifts out there that dad would love. From all different types of decanters to stylish whiskey glasses, there’s something for everyone. What better present for a guy with a man cave than a classy whiskey set? If he enjoys a nightcap, then he’ll really enjoy these types of items for Father’s Day.

Is your dad a sports guy? One of the most unique gifts out there is the Louisville Chugger! An ideal combination of two great American pastimes, baseball, and beverages, this mug is a top-notch present. The feel of the classic wood in dad’s hand will remind him of his days on the ball fields. As nostalgia kicks in, so will his urge to take a sip and enjoy. Whether it’s the Louisville Chugger or another personalized sports gift, there are so many ideas out there to choose from.

Add to that Man Cave! If you’re ever stuck for a gift idea for dad or any man in your life, just think of ways to enhance his favorite chill spot in the house. Maybe it’s his basement-dwelling or his home office, but every guy has his personal nook. From wall decor to drinkware, there are a wide variety of unique gifts out there to bring his space to the next level.

Maybe you and dad don’t always see eye to eye, so this is the time to bury that hatchet! Parents and children are often in a tricky spot in life and look for ways to mend fences. A humorous gift like a personalized ax is the perfect way to start those conversations. Don’t let another year go to waste and find a way to get closer to dad. You’ll both be glad you did!

Cutting board — Personalized cutting board

The Chef! We all need one in the family. Guys love to grill and once a perfect slab of beef is prepared by dad, he’ll be looking for somewhere to carve it up. Personalized cutting boards are just what the cook ordered this Father’s Day. Dad will love this thoughtful gift and use it on many occasions. Functional gifts make the best gifts!

Cooler bag — A beer was placed next to the cooler bag

Can you grab me a beer? You’ve never heard dad ask that before, right? Well, of course, you have! When it comes to beer gifts the list is literally endless. From a cooler bag to a personalized mug, from a beer sign to a unique bottle opener, you can find just about anything. Beer guys are like any enthusiasts, they have a lot of what they love, but are still on the hunt for the latest and greatest. Get your beer-loving man something to add to his collection this Father’s Day.

Wall sign — A personalized sign is displayed on the wall

Guys love to lay claim to what is theirs. From the early explorers to the modern-day man, they all look to get their name out there. What better way to stake your claim and show off to friends than these personalized signs? Whether it’s a sign by the grill, hanging in a man cave, or representing a home gym, these metal signs cannot be ignored.

And finally, raise your hand if your dad is obsessed with golf! What is it with a guy when he turns 40, as he transforms into a Wanna-Be Tiger Woods? You really can’t go wrong with a personalized golf gift for dad. Golf accessories range far and wide and most dads would be more than happy to be gifted a guy he can show off on the links.

Listen, chances are your dad loves you regardless, and receiving anything from his children will make him smile ear to ear. You may be daddy’s little girl so you can’t lose, right? With that being said, this year instead of sleepwalking through your Father’s Day gift-giving, why don’t you win the day. Get him a gift that will wow and make the day that much more special and memorable. You have it in you. I know you do. Now get shopping!

Interest Rate vs. APR Mortgage: What Are the Differences?

As of March 2022, the average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage was 4.18%. But, of course, the interest rate you get with a mortgage depends on multiple factors, including your credit score and down payment amount.

When you start thinking about getting a loan, you might have a few questions. For example, have you ever wondered about the difference between the interest rate vs. APR mortgage rate?

You’ll hear about both terms when you start working on a mortgage loan, but it’s crucial to know the difference. This guide explains what both terms mean and the differences between them.

The Basics of the Interest Rate on a Mortgage

So, what is the interest rate on a mortgage? That’s often the first question borrowers ask when applying for one. They want to know the rate as it affects their payment amount and total loan amount.

The interest rate on a mortgage is the stated rate the lender tells you when approving your loan. For example, they might tell you that your loan has a 4% interest rate.

This rate affects the interest charges you pay each year. For example, if you get a 5% rate on a $200,000 loan, you’ll pay $10,000 in interest charges for the year.

Now, the interest amount you pay actually varies each year, as lenders base it on your principal loan balance. They also may calculate it monthly instead of annually.

Therefore, each month your lender multiples your monthly interest rate times your principal balance to determine the interest charges for that month.

If you read through an interest rate mortgage guide, you’ll also learn that lenders provide a statement when you initially get the loan. They call this an amortization schedule.

This schedule shows how much interest you’ll pay for the entire loan if you make every payment on its due date. Of course, if you make your payments early or pay extra, it changes this chart.

If you look at an amortization schedule, you’ll notice that you pay the most interest at first. After that, your interest gradually goes down each month because your principal balance decreases.

How APR Mortgage Rates Work

Now that you understand the interest rate and how it works, you can move on to the APR mortgage rate. What is an APR mortgage rate, you might wonder? Is this different from the interest rate?

The APR rate is different from your loan’s interest rate, and there is one main distinction. The interest rate doesn’t include any fees, charges, or additional expenses, while the APR rate does.

Your mortgage APR reveals a more accurate cost you pay for the loan, as it includes other expenses. For example, if you pay points on your loan, the APR includes these costs.

The APR also includes broker fees, loan fees, and any other mortgage costs. So when you add those up and add in the interest charges, you learn your APR.

Therefore, your APR reveals the true cost of the loan. It’s a more comprehensive calculation than the interest rate.

As a result, you should compare the APR on loans when choosing one, as this is a better reflection of the costs you’ll pay.

Factors That Affect the Rate You Pay

You might be wondering why this matters. The truth is it matters for several reasons. The primary reason to learn this is to compare loan options.

You can compare numerous loan types, including 0 deposit home loans, to find the one that offers the best rate and terms for your situation. You can also ask about other loan types as you search for one.

Additionally, you might want to learn about the factors that affect the interest rate and APR you pay for the loan you acquire. Multiple factors affect these things, including the following:

Credit Score

Lenders run credit checks before issuing loans. They also run them before approving loans.

The point is for the lender to see a person’s creditworthiness. An excellent credit score reveals a person who pays their bills in a timely manner. People with high scores work hard to get these scores and keep them.

Your credit score affects the rate you get, and it can also affect your eligibility to qualify for a loan.

Down Payment

Most lenders also base the interest rates on a person’s down payment abilities. Therefore, you might qualify for a lower rate if you offer a larger amount down, as this reduces the lender’s risks.

Mortgage Loan Fees

The lender’s fees for the loan also affect your rate, but these fees only affect the APR. They don’t change the stated interest rate.

Terms

Finally, the loan terms you choose also play a role in the rate you get. For example, you might get a lower rate if you choose a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan.

The Effects of Your Rate on Your Loan Payments

Finally, you may want to delve into the effects your rate has on your loan. Of course, the most significant impact of an interest rate is the interest costs for borrowing the money.

A higher rate leads to a higher monthly payment. A higher rate also leads to paying more for the total cost of the loan. On the other hand, a lower rate leads to a lower payment and a lower total loan cost.

The bottom line is that you might want to shop around for the best rate on your loan. When you find the best rate, you’ll save money.

Understanding Interest Rate vs. APR Mortgage Rate Is Helpful When Getting a Loan

Borrowing money comes at a cost, and the interest rate you get affects the amount you must repay. Understanding the interest rate vs. APR mortgage rate is helpful when choosing a loan to buy a home.

In fact, learning about mortgage options and types is also crucial when searching for a loan to get.

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The Benefits of Volunteering With the Elderly

If you are a stay-at-home mom, many of your day-to-day activities will revolve around your children and family unit. This can be highly rewarding, yet you may still feel the urge to interact with other people and offer your time and skills to a worthwhile cause.

If you are considering volunteering opportunities that allow you to utilize your experiences from a former career or simply provide you with a sense of fulfillment by serving others, then volunteering for the elderly could be a good match. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of doing this.

Reduce Loneliness and Isolation

Isolation and loneliness in older adults are major public health issues that affect much of the elderly U.S population placing them at greater risk of serious health conditions such as dementia. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

Through volunteering, you can help combat the feelings of depression and loneliness many elderly people feel. By taking the time to sit and have a conversation or escort an elderly person on a walk you can offer much-needed company and support, thereby making a meaningful difference in their life.

Develop Your Skills

In addition to practical matters such as picking up groceries or teaching elderly people computer skills, volunteering with the elderly will require you to develop some soft skills too.

Having conversations in a kind and empathetic manner, as well as listening and understanding things from a different point of view, are some of the softer skills you will learn, which can also help you in other areas of your life. Strengthening your interpersonal and communication skills will also bolster your resume, setting you in good stead to enter the workplace.

Volunteering in this area may also lead you to pursue a career in the area. Consider undertaking one or more aged care courses to help you develop your skills.

Support Families

Often work responsibilities mean that families do not have the time or resources to take care of their aging relatives throughout the day, making them reliant on the services of local volunteers to keep their family members company.

Knowing that someone caring, trustworthy and helpful is spending time with their loved one can offer much peace of mind and relief to families allowing them to tend to other matters.

Make New Friends

Hands — A young person’s hand is holding the hand of the older one.

Volunteering also offers you the opportunity to make meaningful and lasting friendships with the people you meet. Through spending time together you may find you have some common interests such as playing chess or bridge or perhaps you have similar taste in music, books or sport. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience allowing you to share your love for a hobby or pastime with another and can also help you to broaden your mind as you learn more about the life an elderly person has lived.

Having greater life experience often means a wealth of wisdom and knowledge in an area you may enjoy learning about. Hearing about their stories can offer you guidance and insights into your own life helping you to see things from a different perspective.

The three benefits of volunteering for the elderly highlighted in this article show how it can improve the lives of others and help you gain a profound sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment in your own life.

Best Dressage Saddle Pads for Your Smooth Horse Riding

The intention of pads for your saddle is to protect your horse and your saddle. Technically, a proper saddle fit does not need the use of a saddle pad. While some people want to use a saddle pad, others want to use a saddle cover to preserve the saddle.

If your dressage saddle pad is well fitted to your horse, you may get away with using simply a thin pad. Depending on how poorly the saddle fits the horse, certain horses may need more shock absorption, more wither space, etc.

Different Saddle Pads

All-Purpose Pads: These may be used by hunters, jumpers, and dressage riders. All-purpose pads are typically square, although they are available in various colors and designs. The inserts may be made of foam or gel and maybe quilted.

Half Pads: Manufacturers design these pads to be worn below the saddle’s cushioning. You can use them as a riser pad to fine-tune the saddle’s fit or as extra cushioning to help absorb shock. When it comes to hunter/jumpers, half pads are more popular than when it comes to dressage.

Shaped Pads: Pads shaped to suit the contour of the saddle are known as shaped pads. They are available in either dressage or hunter types. The key difference between the two will be the length of the pad since dressage saddles feature larger saddle flaps. Thus, this results in a bigger pad.

Dressage Saddle Pads

Dressage saddle pads are made particularly for saddles with a larger flap to accommodate this. These pads will always be white in color and square in form for the sake of appearances. Schools pads are a little more adaptable than notebooks. Moreover, you can find them in various colors, textures, and shapes to choose from. It is vital to understand the fit of your dressage saddle pads and the confirmation of your horse to pick the best pad for you and your horse.

Importance of Dressage Saddle pads

Saddle cushions safeguard saddles and horses from harm since the beginning of time. They serve as a barrier against dirt, a cushion for the horse, and a perspiration absorber for the rider.

There are also shearling pads available for purchase in a variety of colors, lengths, and thicknesses to suit your needs. The most crucial characteristics to look for trail riders are horse comfort and moisture-wicking properties in the clothing they choose.

What Factors Should You Consider While Purchasing A Dressage Saddle Pad?

Take into consideration the fits of your saddle, the needs of your horse, and your financial situation. Is your saddle a proper fit for your height and weight? Do you own a horse that has a lot of wilts on it? Do you need a dressage saddle pad for a bit more shock absorption?

As there are several options accessible, you want to be sure that you make the best decision possible.

Is It Essential To Have So Many Dressage Saddle Pads?

Most riders that compete will use a white pad for exhibiting and a second pad for schooling and training. While this will assist in keeping the white place clean, it will also allow for customization of your schooling pad.

Conclusion

Dressage Saddle pads are an essential item of horse equipment. As a result, there are several choices available at various pricing ranges to choose from. When picking the ideal pad for your horse, consider his or her conformation, saddle fit, and intended use. Dressage saddle pads are often available in just one size, so make sure horses pay great attention to the pad specifications when placing your purchase.