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  • Starting Your Day Right with the Right Breakfast

    Starting Your Day Right with the Right Breakfast

    Everyone knows the old cliché: “breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” However, most people don’t properly act on this, instead opting to have a very small (or no) breakfast. However, the key to starting your day off right is getting a complete breakfast. Let’s look at the science of why, and what you should be eating.

    The Right Breakfast

    Why It’s Important

    There’s a lot to be said for the first meal of the day. Getting up on time to eat a full meal before you start your day can be a huge help for your nutrition as well as your mental health. Firstly, starting off with your largest-calorie meal of the day is a great way to set up your body with the energy it needs to take on the day. If you’re going to have a big, high-calorie meal, you should make it your first meal.

    Secondly, if your first meal is your large meal, that means that you can burn off those calories throughout the day. Then, you can have a medium-sized lunch and a small-sized dinner, tapering off your calorie intake as the day goes on. But what should you be eating for breakfast? And why do certain foods taste better as breakfast foods?

    Breakfast Foods

    Everyone knows that there are some set staples of breakfast food. Cereals, toast, eggs, sausage, bacon and pancakes are all known for their role as breakfast staples. Why is this the case, though? They don’t taste bad for the rest of the day, so what makes them such ideal picks for breakfast food? And why do you not see people typically eating pizza or steak for breakfast?

    In general, foods that are considered better breakfast options are less “intense” flavors, and tend towards sweeter or slightly savory. This is because bolder or more intense flavors tend to be less pleasing in the morning. Since you’ve got more adrenaline in your system when you wake up, it makes your senses more honed, and thus makes bolder flavors more overwhelming. As such, more muted flavors tend to be better for breakfast!

    Balanced Breakfast

    You’ve likely heard the term “balanced breakfast” many time, but you might not know what exactly that entails. Typically, the term “balanced breakfast” means that you’re getting enough calories and nutrition to make for a healthy day out and about. Let’s take a closer look into what kinds of things you should be eating to get a balanced breakfast.

    Protein

    Protein-rich foods, like sausage and eggs, are a great start. Protein is important for building and powering muscles, so getting your intake of protein in early is a great idea. That’s why it’s so common to see eggs and sausage being eaten for breakfast: they’re great nutrition and they taste great for breakfast.

    Fiber

    Fiber is important for regulating various bodily functions and helps to regulate the body’s use of sugars. You can find fiber in strawberries, avocado, bananas, apples and several other sources. This makes bananas and strawberries added to cereal great additions to a breakfast, as well as avocado toast! These foods are also quite tasty, and not too overpowering to be had for breakfast.

    Sugars

    It’s also good to get some sugars in your diet early in the day. Sugar helps you to get bursts of short-term energy, so foods like bananas, apples and strawberries can also help you get some energy to start your day. Another option is to eat cereal, many of which have tons of sugar! Just make sure you’re not eating cereal that is too sugary: too much sugar can lead to weight gain and lethargy.


  • When to Buy and When to Sell: Stock Basics

    When to Buy and When to Sell: Stock Basics

    While everyone knows the tropes of some Wall Street banker screaming “Sell! Buy! No, sell!” into a telephone, not everyone understands the basics of the stock market. Essentially, the stock market is a way to invest in shares of a publicly traded company. Investing in the stock market can be quite lucrative, assuming you know how to buy and sell like a pro.

    Today we’re going over some basic rules of thumb to help guide your purchasing and selling. Remember, past performance is never a direct indicator of future changes. However, understanding historical patterns is a big step towards understanding what current trends could indicate. Let’s get into some tips and advice.

    Stock at Low Prices

    Investors are notoriously skittish. When stock prices start hitting lows, the average stock investor steers clear of it. The ample supply and low demand often means that the stock maintains its low price until confidence is restored. This often makes low stock prices ample times to buy in on the cheap. If the stock never bounces back, you’re not out much. If it does bounce back to its previous highs, you make out like a bandit.

    This might sound like a cliché, but it’s an old truth. You should always buy when the stocks are low, and sell when they’re high. Doing anything else is playing a scared, defeatist strategy in a world won by the boldest operators.

    Knowing When to Buy

    For each stock you’ve got your eye on, make sure you know what range you’d be comfortable buying it at. That’s not to say you mark down a hard dollar amount, above which you’d never buy it. Instead, look at a price range. If a stock has been high for years but then drops closer to your range, you might wait to see if it falls further. Once it shows signs of resurgence, though, you should go ahead and snap it up so you can ride that momentum.

    Do Your Research

    It’s important that you do your research. There are ample resources online that can help you learn more about how to value stocks. Notably, figuring out when stocks are under- or over-valued is important when you’re making your buying decisions. The main way to find out whether a stock is undervalued is by using valuation techniques. These can be somewhat complex and involved, but here are some of the basics.

    Essentially, valuation techniques are ways that financial advisors and stock managers look at given company’s stock prices and compares them to the company’s projected profits. These formulas are strictly speculative, of course, as no one can tell the future. However, these formulas tend to be time-tested and bear out over longer time periods and across wide sample sizes. When a stock is undervalued, that’s the time you should buy it.

    Patience in Selling

    It’s a rookie mistake to sell out of a stock right as it begins to shoot up in price. Maybe you bought stocks in a company that just posted three profitable quarters in a row and had its stock prices double. It can be tempting to go ahead and cash out, getting a return on your investment and a contented feeling of success. However, this is usually not the case.

    Typically, an undervalued stock could take years to begin trading at its true value. While analysts might project it will go up, that doesn’t mean it’s trading where you want it yet. As such, riding out the stock for a few years and waiting for it to grow naturally is your best bet before you sell out of it.


  • How to Choose the Right Dentist

    How to Choose the Right Dentist

    There are a number of great reasons to have a regular dentist you see for annual check-ups (at least!). Firstly, they can take care of your teeth, of course, making sure you don’t have any cavities or other dental issues. Another huge positive of seeing a regular dentist is that check-ups can help prevent heart attacks and strokes, among other medical conditions.

    Sure, there’s a lot to be said for brushing and flossing. However, good oral hygiene is no replacement for regular check-ups with your dentist. When it comes to picking out a dentist to take care of your dental health, though, it can be hard to know who to go with. Today, we’re offering some tips on helping to pick out the right dentist for you.

    Recommendations

    The first place you should look when you’re trying to find a dentist should be the recommendations of friends and family. Ask around, and see who your trusted friends and family go with to take care of their dental hygiene. Your friends probably aren’t medical professionals (bonus points if they are, though) but you can still value their recommendation. After all, customer satisfaction is a huge indicator of a dentist’s overall quality.

    Another great source of recommendations would be a medical professional you currently see. If your general physician is someone you’ve been seeing for a while and trust, ask them for a recommendation. Likewise, if you have a pharmacist you’ve been using for years, they could be a great person to ask. These medical professionals are sure to know the reputation at least a few dentists in your area.

    Factors to Consider

    When signing up at a dentist’s office, there are some factors you need to consider. Firstly, make sure they take your insurance. This one is big! Paying out of pocket for dental expenses gets out of hand fast, and you would much rather pay for your dentist visits with your insurance. The next thing you should consider is their office hours: will you be able to get by the office without having to take off from work, or will you need to use time off to make an appointment?

    The next thing you should look at is their location. Are they really far outside of your normal commute, or are they conveniently located in relation to your house or office? Outside of these simpler, up-front considerations, look at more in-depth logistical concerns like how they handle dental emergencies, what type of anesthetic they use and whether they have a missed-appointment policy.

    Picking a Dentist’s Office

    Some things to look for when you’re visiting an office for the first time are indicators of the culture of the office. This includes things like the cleanliness of the lobby and the examination rooms, as well as the cleanliness and relative age of their dental equipment.

    Other factors to keep an eye out for relate to the staff. Do they answer your questions patiently and politely, or do they seem as though you’re bothering them when you ask? Does everyone wear gloves when dealing with equipment and when inspecting your mouth and teeth?

    Making a Decision

    Weigh all of these factors carefully when you’re considering which dentist to go with. It’s important that you’re comfortable with whoever you pick for your regular dentist, as check-ups are exceedingly important. You want to pick a dentist’s office that makes you feel comfortable, important and at-ease. A good dentist is worth their weight in gold, so don’t be afraid to look for a better office to visit regularly if the first one you look into is less than ideal. You deserve good medical attention, and that extends to your teeth, too!


  • The Best Places to Rent a Vacation House

    The Best Places to Rent a Vacation House

    Who doesn’t love skipping town for a week to party it up with some friends in a rented vacation house? It’s hard to match the fun and excitement of having a party pad all to yourselves in some remote region. No one has to worry about work or school, you’re far from all your troubles, and everyone’s able to cut loose.

    Today we’re going over some of the best places you can go to rent a vacation house. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront getaway or a retreat up in the mountains, this list will have something for you to love.

    Helen, Georgia

    The beautiful mountain vistas and quaint charm of Helen, Georgia make it an ideal vacation destination. Helen has a German village aesthetic that extends to the local food and drink offerings, with numerous German-style pubs dotting the mountainous landscape. If you like outdoors activities, river rafting and tubing are popular local attractions, and numerous nearby water parks make this adorable resort hamlet a must-visit in the summer.

    Wildwood, New Jersey

    People who live in New England often prefer to head to the Jersey Shore when it comes time to make for the beach. After all, driving a few hours beats having to fly to the Southeast, or to California! However, there’s a lot to love about Jersey’s beaches, and Wildwood is no exception. The beaches are pristine and gorgeous, and the boardwalks offer a variety of colorful attractions. Renting a vacation home in this area is ideal for party-goers looking to sample the nightlife of the region.

    Asheville, North Carolina

    Another mountainous town in the Southeast, Asheville is unlike many of the surrounding areas. The quiet and striking landscape rises all around a hip, trendy hamlet that holds numerous breweries, music venues and artsy attractions. If you’re a fan of all things hip and looking for a far-out vacation, consider renting a vacation house up in the mountains around Asheville. You’ll certainly come home with a story to tell!

    Miami Beach, Florida

    Any list of summer vacation spots would be incomplete without mentioning Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach is a great pick for a variety of reasons, including the surprisingly affordable rentals. You can even opt for the fancier group rentals, with amenities like dock access and rooftop decks, and make out on the lower end of a normal vacation cost once you split the costs with friends!

    The ample nightlife and numerous stunning beaches allow for a killer vacation. Not to mention, nearby attractions like scuba diving and helicopter tours make this a prime beach vacation destination.

    Santa Cruz, California

    The legendary beaches and temperate weather of California got their reputation honestly. Santa Cruz, a prime surf spot right on the coast, is no exception to this legendary pedigree. In fact, many home rentals in the area offer wetsuits and boogie boards as amenities just for renting. Meanwhile, the town itself offers ample fun for visitors, both on and off the waves. If your crew is looking to get away for a surfing vacation in the sun, Santa Cruz is the destination for you.

    Long Beach, California

    In many respects, THE beach to see in California is Long Beach. The gorgeous vistas of the Pacific, the pristine sands, the excellent location: it all makes for an unbeatable beach vacation destination. If you and your friends are looking for a vacation where you get to do a little of everything, Long Beach is for you. There are tons of home rentals available in Belmont Shore, which is close enough to walk to the shore, tennis courts, bike paths and tons of coffee shops!


  • Smartest Retirement Savings Strategies

    Smartest Retirement Savings Strategies

    Saving for retirement is no joke, and the sooner you start thinking about it the better. It’s impossible to just retire and live comfortable on Social Security. In fact, for many younger people, Social Security likely won’t be around to help out. That means it’s time to start thinking seriously about saving up for your retirement. Here are some of the best ways you can start saving for your retirement.

    Retirement Saving

    Start Now

    There’s literally never a bad time to start saving for your retirement. The sooner you get money into a retirement account, the sooner that money can start accruing interest and making money for you. Accruing interest is one of the best things your money can do for you: the more money you have in an account accruing interest, the more the effect snowballs and makes you even more money. It’s a win-win to invest earlier, rather than later.

    For instance, if you begin saving for retirement at age 23, right out of college, and put only a small portion of your paycheck into savings, you’ll begin accruing interest right away. Depending on the amount of interest, you might even outpace the savings of someone in their 30’s who begins saving with much more of their paycheck, since you’re going to have nearly ten years of a head-start on them!

    Prepare For a Long Retirement

    Advances in medical technology, improving diets and better overall public health mean that the average person is simply living longer than ever before. This means that most healthy retirees can expect to live well into their 80’s, and even their 90’s. This means that you need to be prepared for a long retirement when you’re saving and considering your retirement income.

    This means that you’re going to need to consider nearly 30 years of income in your retirement savings. That’s a lot of years not working while still having to cover all of your needs! Without proper planning, this means you could end up simply running out of retirement savings and having no way to bring in any money.

    Don’t Forget Inflation

    When you’re considering such a long retirement, it’s also important that you remember inflation rates. Even a modest 2% inflation rate can really add up over the course of 30 years. For instance, if you wanted to buy something today that costs $5,000, you’d need $8,200 in 2050 dollars at a 2% inflation rate.

    This means that you should not only plan for a long retirement, but factor in several thousand more dollars than you think you’ll need. The longer your retirement goes on, the more an ever-increasing inflation rate impacts your savings and eats away at your retirement funds.

    A Long-Term Plan

    This all means you need to work with a financial advisor and figure out a way to invest your money in such a way that it keeps working for you over a very long period of time. This likely means that you could be more aggressive with your retirement savings even into your 50’s and 60’s than prior generations were. Since you’re going to be living longer, on average, you’re simply going to need more money.

    Also make sure that any strategy you end up employing gives you ample flexibility to react to changing situations. You’re going to have to stretch your income stream over the course of nearly 30 years, so you want to make sure that you’re able to respond to changing market and your own changing lifestyle.

    In short, consider thinking about your retirement differently than prior generations have. You’re going to need a lot more than you think you will.


  • Should You Buy a Home in the City?

    Should You Buy a Home in the City?

    When it comes time to buy a home, should you opt to buy one in the city, or in the suburbs? There are a number of pros and cons to both, though it’s often difficult to look at them all in isolation. Today we’re going over some of the reasons you might buy a home in the city, or reason why you might opt to live further out in the suburbs. Let’s talk real estate.

    Where to Buy a Home

    Consider Your Needs

    If you work downtown and can find a home within walking distance, or within walking distance of public transportation, it might be worth buying a home in the city. Also consider how comfortable you are with walking around urban areas all the time. Do you prefer to be out in the world, and do urban crime rates scare you? Or do you enjoy the opportunity to rub shoulders with other people in your daily activities?

    Consider, also, that you’ll have less easy access to natural spaces if you live in the city. That is, of course, assuming you don’t live near a public park, which could offer much-needed greenery. While you’re considering recreation, also think about your kids, if you have any. How close is the nearest school? Would your kids have to walk to school, and would you be okay with that?

    Walkability

    One of the biggest draws to living in the city is walkability. Younger buyers, especially, love getting to live in an area where they can walk to all the places they want to work and shop. Really, there’s a lot to love about living in a walkable area. For one thing, if you set things up correctly, you might get away with not even owning a car. That saves you a lot of money, as you’ll need no car insurance, pay no car payment and avoid having to gas up.

    The flip side, of course, is that buying or renting in the heart of a city can easily offset those costs, and then some. You’ll pay several times as much per square foot downtown than you would in the suburbs. That said, you’ll be close to the action and able to walk outside your front door and find activity any time. That’s priceless for some people.

    Suburbs

    Meanwhile, not everyone wants to live in the heart of the city. This goes double for people trying to raise children. Living in the suburbs makes it more affordable to have more space for children to grow and play. Likewise, it frees up more money for your child-based expenses, like diapers, food and childcare.

    That’s not to mention the upshots of having your own yard. Having friends over for grill-outs, backyard parties and the like becomes much easier when you have your own yard. The drawbacks, however, are still there. If you live far from the city, your commute could become much longer than a more centrally-located home. You will also almost certainly need a car to get around, which adds to your monthly bills.

    Property Values

    If you can drum up the down payment to buy a home located in the city, you’re actually making a very sound investment for your future. A home with close proximity to popular businesses like Starbucks and downtown nightlife is worth its weight in gold. These types of homes almost always appreciate in value dramatically, and this makes them ideal investments for younger buyers.

    That said, they’re also appreciably more expensive to purchase than homes in the suburbs. Older buyers tend to prefer suburban homes due to their lower up-front costs, quieter neighborhoods and larger square footage per dollar.


  • Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Home?

    Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Home?

    When is the right time to refinance your home? That can be a tricky question, as the act of refinancing can be time-consuming and you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal. However, the general rule of thumb is that you want to refinance when you can save at least 2% of the interest rate of your current mortgage. Let’s get more into home refinance, what it means, and when you should pull the trigger.

    Remember: if you have specific questions about real estate or home values, you might wish to speak to a professional financial advisor. Everyone’s situation is unique, and while general rules are helpful, you’ll want specific advice when you go to make major moves like refinancing your home.

    Home Refinance

    What is Home Refinance?

    Home refinancing refers to a practice that involves taking out a new mortgage loan to pay off an existing loan. Broadly, this falls under the umbrella of a financial practice called debt consolidation. This might sound a bit odd at first. Why would you take out a loan just to pay off another loan? However, this makes more sense when you look at the benefits you could get. For instance, if you can get your interest rate lower on the new loan than your existing loan, it’s a good idea to refinance.

    Typically, people are going for the lower interest rate. However, there are other reasons to do this. These reasons could include switching from a fixed-rate mortgage to a variable mortgage, or vice versa. One could also make the switch in order to shorten the length of their mortgage.

    Lower Interest Rates

    One of the main reasons people will refinance is to get a lower interest rate. As a general rule, if you can reduce your interest rate by at least 2%, you should do so. In a market with historically low interest rates, you should also consider getting a fixed-rate loan, which will lock in a rate for the duration of the loan. This can give you peace of mind that the loan will remain stable even as the interest rates of the market go up.

    When one gets a lower interest rate on their mortgage, they have two options. First, they could simply opt to have lower monthly payments. This is great for people who might not have a lot of money left over at the end of the month. Another option would be to pay off the loan faster by keeping the payments the same. This is a great option for people who aren’t having any issue meeting all of their bills every month.

    Fixed Rate: The Right Call?

    Should you get a fixed rate loan when you refinance, or should you opt for an adjustable rate? This is a complex question that depends on a number of factors, like the length of the loan and the current interest rates in the market. However, as a general rule, if interest rates are low or your loan is for a longer period, you may wish to get the fixed rate. This locks in the interest rate and gives you peace of mind that you’re not having to keep up with the market’s rates.

    On the flip side, if you loan is longer, or if interest rates are historically high, you may wish to go with an adjustable loan. Adjustable loans change their interest rates based on the market, generally reflecting what you see on the housing market. These allow you to buy-in with a higher interest rate without worrying about getting stuck with it even while rates in the market fall.


  • The Best Reasons to Take a Cruise Vacation

    The Best Reasons to Take a Cruise Vacation

    Are you in serious need of a vacation? We can’t blame you for that, as everyone needs a break from time to time. However, what kind of vacation is the best for you? Many people love heading to the beach, or to exotic locales. Others prefer to go to resort hotels and enjoy the pool, the spa and the bars. What if you could get all of that and more on a single vacation?

    Why You Should Take a Cruise Vacation

    Stress-Free

    One of the biggest reasons to get out to a cruise boat and kick back in style is that a lot of the normal stresses of a vacation wash away when you get on the boat. You’ve got nothing to worry about: the boat is out at sea and all the luxury you could want is around you. There’s no need to drive anywhere or make travel plans: you’re already traveling!

    There’s nothing to stop you from just taking it easy, drinking however much you’d like, enjoying the comedy shows and clubs, and just generally taking it easy. It’s like being in a luxury resort that goes to all of the exotic locales you’d like to see during your vacation.

    Food Included

    Most cruises include all of your meals in their cost. That means that you get to eat at numerous tasty restaurants and don’t have to worry about the bill! Many cruise liners also have specialty restaurants that cost extra to dine at, but those are usually well worth the price. In either case, you get to sample tons of delicious food while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the boat. What’s not to love?

    Typically, the dinners that are included with the cruise are delicious and high-end. Most boats have a fancy dining room where guests are encouraged to come in formal wear, allowing for a very exquisite dining experience. It’s like getting a taste of how the other side lives, all while floating across the ocean.

    Exotic Locales

    No matter whether you take a Caribbean cruise, an Alaskan cruise, or a cruise throughout some other locale, you’ll get to see fantastic and exotic locales. While many vacations have you only visiting one or two locations for the sightseeing and fun, cruises allow you to visit numerous locales scattered across the region you’re visiting.

    Not only do you get to experience all of these great locations, you don’t have to worry about the travel to get there. The boat will take you right to the islands or locations you’d like to visit, and all while you’re relaxing and taking it easy on the boat.

    Amusement Park Meets Luxury Hotel

    When you’re on a cruise boat, you’re essentially on a giant, floating luxury hotel that is attached to an amusement park. Many boats have numerous attractions such as rock-climbing walls, water slides, hot tubs, pools and theaters with fun shows. Even on days that the boat is at sea, with no stops at exotic locations, you’re still enjoying the fun of the boat’s various attractions!

    There are also ample bars, clubs and activities to be found on the boat. If you fancy a drink at a cabana, you can find that below decks. Likewise, if you find yourself longing for a bit of nightlife, there are clubs you can go to dance and meet people.

    In short, a cruise vacation is likely the best of all types of vacations you could be considering going on. Taking a week to simply float on the ocean, enjoy luxury food and drinks, and have fun in the sun sounds like the ideal version of a week off. Not to mention, cruise vacations are usually more affordable than other types of vacations. What are you waiting for? Book yours today!


  • Seven Signs that You May be Depressed

    Seven Signs that You May be Depressed

    Often, people aren’t even aware that they’re living with depression. The symptoms sneak up on them, slowly piling up and pulling their quality of life down. If you’re worried that you or someone you know is depressed, you might not know what to look for. There’s a difference between feeling a little low and feeling depressed. Today we’re going over some of the biggest symptoms of depression to help you identify the issue and seek treatment.

    Symptoms of Depression

    What is Depression

    There are a number of mental disorders that fall under the “depression” classification. While there are distinctions between these various forms of depression, they share a few symptoms in common. Notably, if you feel as though you may be suffering from clinical depression, you should seek help from your doctor. Depression can result in suicidal thoughts and has numerous health detriments associated with it.

    If one or more of these symptoms applies to you, and constantly interferes with your daily life, then you need to seek professional help. There are a number of treatments that can help you tackle depression, including antidepressant medication, diet and exercise, and therapy with a licensed psychiatrist.

    Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts

    Intrusive thoughts regarding ending one’s own life, and attempts to do so, are a sure indicator of major depression. Contact the suicide hotline if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, as they are very serious and need to be addressed as such. Remember: suicide is permanent, your problems aren’t. There are plenty of ways you can address your life’s issues without ending it.

    Insomnia, or Sleeping too Much

    Sleep disturbances are common among people suffering with depression. Sometimes this can manifest as insomnia, as the patient finds themselves unable to get to sleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Other times, the patient is oversleeping, often sleeping through alarms or going to bed hours earlier than they normally would.

    Concentration, Memory

    Disturbances in your memory and your concentration can also be common with depression. If you find it hard to remember details, or you’re often forgetting your commitments, it could be related to depression. This is often referred to as “brain fog” and can feel like sleepiness and fatigue in some cases. This could, in turn, lead to the oversleeping some patients experience from depression.

    Fatigue

    Chronic fatigue, lethargy and “laziness” are other common symptoms of depression. People with serious depression might find themselves unable to motivate and have difficulty completing simple tasks. For these people, the thought of even cooking a meal or folding laundry can seem insurmountable. Much like concentration issues, this can contribute to the hazy, “brain fog” feeling many complain of with depression.

    Appetite Disturbance

    Much like sleep disturbances, appetite disturbances can occur in some depression patients. This could manifest as a complete lack of interest in food, often accompanied by complaints of nothing tasting good or sounding appetizing. In other cases, this could result in binge-eating that resembles stress-eating, and often is unhealthy in nature.

    Irritability

    Often, depression can be detected in others by the onset of unusual and heightened irritability. If someone is normally easygoing and relaxed but becomes chronically irritable and hard to talk to, it could be a result of the onset of major depression. Likewise, if you find yourself constantly annoyed by even small things, it could be due to depression.

    Lack of Interest

    A pervasive and telltale sign of depression is the sudden lack of interest in things you once found pleasing. Your hobbies become chores to you that you dread. Activities once pleasurable, like exercise or sex, become unbearable in your daily life. This isn’t normal, and you should seek help if you begin feeling this way.


  • Why the iPhone Has Enjoyed Enduring Success

    Why the iPhone Has Enjoyed Enduring Success

    While the iPhone X and XS line hasn’t sold quite as well as prior iterations of the long-running smartphone line, they’ve still made their mark on the cellphone industry. When looking back at the history of the iPhone, people often overlook just how pivotal Apple’s device was in the development of modern phone technology. Today we’re taking a deeper look at Apple’s device to find out why it’s had such enduring popularity.

    Why the iPhone Remains Popular

    Bleeding Edge

    Let’s begin by saying that we love Android, Android devices and the wide variety of phones available on that platform. However, when it comes to blazingly fast, bleeding-edge technology, no one has Apple beat. The A12 Bionic chip under the hood of the iPhone XS is unparalleled in terms of speed and performances and blows everything Qualcomm offers out of the water.

    This means a lot of things for the iPhone. For one, it means that the overall experience is faster, smoother and more responsive than on any other phone. For another thing, it means that functionality like augmented reality and more taxing games are much better than on a comparable phone, like the Galaxy S10.

    Holistic Design

    Apple’s phones are designed and owned entirely by Apple, and the entire device syncs up with its own features in a beautiful way. Android devices, by their very nature, are composed of parts from dozens of manufacturers. While this is normally seamless, it can occasionally result in Franken-Phones that don’t have the most integrated of features.

    For an example of what we’re talking about, look no further than Apple’s Face ID system on the iPhone X and onward. The incredibly complex and impossible-to-crack technology works like a charm, only unlocking for your face and working in nearly any lighting conditions. Meanwhile, Samsung’s experiments with face unlocking could be beaten by a print-out of your face.

    “Walled Garden”

    Something of a double-edged sword for Apple is their “walled garden” approach to their own technology. If you already own a Mac, an Apple Watch or an Apple TV, you’re heavily incentivized to stay in the ecosystem. The iPhone works seamlessly with the Apple Watch, while it syncs to your Mac easily and organizes your music while it’s at it.

    However, this does mean that it’s a bit harder to jump into Apple’s ecosystem for a single device. That’s not to say that the iPhone won’t work with a PC or with a third-party smartwatch, it just won’t be as clean and user-friendly.

    Speaking of User Friendly…

    While on the subject of being user friendly, let’s take a look at the iPhone for a moment. When you open up an iPhone, there’s not a steep learning curve to figuring out how to use the device. Primarily, if you want to do something, you touch it and it opens. Navigating the more complex gesture controls is intuitive and straightforward. The same goes for the apps available on the iPhone.

    The device is heavily curated, and software all has to be okay’d by Apple before it can hit the App Store. This means that you’re not going to see carrier-based bloatware on your phone, and Apple users get the first pick of the best apps that hit the smartphones. After all, it’s easier for developers to make software for the all-inclusive and unified design of the iPhone over the myriad of configuration Android phones can take on.

    And while we’re on the topic of streamlined phone ecosystems, let’s poke the sore spot: iPhones get iOS updates all on the same day. It can take weeks or months for every Android device to get access to the newest versions of Android, thanks to the disparity between the numerous Android devices. iPhones, by contrast, all update at the same time.