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  • Are You Looking to Sell Your House Now?

    Are You Looking to Sell Your House Now?

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found.

    On the popular real estate website redfin.com 27% of searchers were looking to move to an area outside of their immediate metro area. In the second quarter of 2020, the most popular places people were looking to move included Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Austin and Atlanta.

    Why are people looking to move? Many potential buyers from out of town are now working remotely, so affordable options that include office space, a big backyard, and good weather are now a much higher priority.

    Tech workers are making up a large portion of the new buyer pool. A realtor in Austin was quoted stating that he had buyers from New York, San Francisco and Portland buying homesites in Austin, sometimes site unseen!

    Even areas that have been thought of traditionally as ‘vacation’ towns, or ‘places to retire’ are now also seeing an influx of full time residents with Palm Springs, CA as a perfect example. With nice homes priced between $350k and $600k- it’s no surprise that urban dwellers are ditching their apartments for more space and sunshine.

    Only time will tell if this trend becomes permanent, but one thing is for sure- with the many new realities we all face, considerations about moving are top of mind these days.

     

     

     

     

     


  • Tools You Can Use to Plan for Retirement

    Tools You Can Use to Plan for Retirement

    Planning for retirement isn’t something you do overnight. It takes years to prepare fully for retirement, both financially and mentally. As a result, it’s always important to have a clear roadmap you can follow for the best retirement package. One thing most people usually get wrong is the timing to start planning for retirement. However, it’s never too early to plan for your retirement. While this task may seem daunting, you must also ensure you have enough savings set aside for your golden years.

    Preparing for retirement is something most Americans struggle with, especially those who don’t have the knowledge to do so. If this is you, these important steps should enable you to start preparing for retirement now.

    Identify Your Retirement Goals & Assess Your Income.
    One of the biggest worries most retirees face is whether they’ll have enough saved to live on during their golden years. But this isn’t always a difficult process. You will simply have to calculate the total amount of cash you’ll receive in the form of pensions, social security, and retirement withdrawals. Add this to the total amount of cash you will have stashed away by the time you retire.

    In addition to tallying your retirement income, it’s also essential that you list all your retirement goals and work to meet them. Identifying your goals early should help you determine your total income and how it can fulfill your other objectives. With a handle of your retirement goals and full retirement income, you should know if your savings are enough to meet your retirement dreams and make them a reality.

    Understand your Time Horizon
    This is the period between your current age and your expected retirement age. This time should map the initial groundwork for you to execute an effective retirement strategy. The longer the time you have between right now the date of your retirement, the more time you will have to craft an effective retirement plan and develop a strong portfolio for your golden days.

    If you are young and have thirty or so years until retirement, you will have more leeway to place most of your assets in riskier investments. And although you will deal with a lot of volatility, stocks have been known to outperform other securities like bonds, over long periods. The kicker here is the word “long,” meaning at least ten years’ worth of investment.

    Additionally, you must understand all returns that outpace inflation to help you maintain your purchasing power during and after retirement. Think of inflation like an acorn. It will start out small. However, given enough time, it will turn into a massive oak tree. In truth, everyone always wants compound growth on their investments.

    Get A Pay Raise
    According to a Robert Half Study, only about 39% of employees negotiate for higher salaries. Asking for a pay raise could help you earn an extra $7,500 annually. Unfortunately, most people fear asking for a pay raise, thinking that their employers might not take too kindly to their requests.

    Imagine you are 25 and receive a $7,5oo pay raise. Let’s assume that your salary remains the same up to the point you retire. If that’s the case, you could earn an extra $300,000 some 15 years down the line. Moreover, you find that most companies base their raises and bonuses on a worker’s salary.

    Generally, you shouldn’t be scared to ask for a pay increment. After all, the odds are always in your favor. Studies show that over 4/5 of employees who always ask for a pay raise always get them, although 33% always receive less than they request. The trick here is to learn how to negotiate with your employer for a higher salary. It’s one of the most valuable techniques you can have as an employee. After all, the worst possible answer you’ll receive is a “no” from your manager.

    Track Your Spending
    One of the best ways to start saving is to track your spending and compare your income to your savings. Essentially, you want to track your savings and note how much of your income you spend on any unnecessary purchases. From here, you will know what you can cut back on to save more. Preparing for retirement relies more on how disciplined you are with regards to tracking your spending and the amount you can save from it.

    Fortunately, there are several online applications that you can use tot racking your overall spending. Apps like “Spending Tracker” are excellent for manually tracking every dollar that enters and leaves your account. You only need to be disciplined enough to track and record every single penny you receive and use.

    Take Full Advantage of Retirement Accounts.
    Whenever possible, you should also strive to increase your retirement contributions up to the maximum limit allowed by your 410(k), IRA, and any other financial tools or retirement plans you intend to use. It’s always advisable that you aim to put as much as possible into your 401(k) so you can qualify for any maximum matching contributions your employer may offer. Therefore, by the time you reach your 50s or older, the rules for catch-up contributions will let you set aside even more for your retirement.

    It may also be best to consider account consolidation to help simplify your investment management as you grow older and near your retirement. This will help to provide you with a much clearer picture of what your total retirement assets are and how much they value. You may also need to consider combining similar IRAs with one institution and review any 401(k) accounts you still have with your former employees. Basically, there are several steps to cover here, and you might need to have a professional help you with the documentation.

    Institutions with Retirement Planning Tools You Can Use
    Some of the most reputable institutions with the financial tools you can use include:
    Fidelity – this institution receives high remarks for its range of financial products and other options you can use. It has a long history of service and doesn’t have opening fees, a minimum balance, or annual costs to open an account. It’s one of the most trusted institutions to consider using for your IRAs.

    Merrill Lynch – this financial institution appeals to most casual traders with its combination of competitive pricing and robust research, Merrill Lynch is another great financial institution to consider using. It also has unlimited free trades on ETFs and stocks, which makes it a favorite among most customers.

    TD Ameritrade – many other institutions use TD Ameritrade for their customers’ IRAs and like the provider for its track record of excellent customer service. Opening a TD Ameritrade account also takes a little as 15 minutes, which is something most clients appreciate. It also doesn’t have any hidden charges attached to its clients’ investments.

    SoFI – SoFI is another online brokerage that makes IRA investing very simple. It may not offer as many features as most of the other larger competitors, but you can find everything you need using this financial institution. SoFI is known for helping several customers manage their traditional IRA or have the institution manage them on their behalf. Either case, you won’t face any recurring account fees.

    Diversify and Invest for Growth
    While it’s always tempting (even easy) to shy away from stocks to minimize risk, the growth that these types of investments provide is always very important. However, you may need to consider maintaining a mix of stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other assets that fit your, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon.

    As a result, it’s always important that you examine your income sources in advance before you retire. This should give you more time to adjust any plans you have if need be.

    Having a well-balanced portfolio should help you to weather any downturns and possibly generate the income you need to cover any expenses you may incur during retirement. The Merrill Edge Asser Allocator is an especially effective financial tool to use in this regard. Remember, it’s important that your portfolio is always in line with all your investment objectives and meet all your retirement needs. One thing you must note is that diversification doesn’t entirely protect you against loss, especially in declining markets.

    Downsize
    Most people downplay this critical factor, but it’s also just as effective as cutting back on your overall spending and saving more. Therefore, if you live in a very large home and have space you don’t need, you may need to consider downsizing to a smaller home when you retire. This can be very cost-effective, especially if you live by yourself. The cost of living in your current location may be much higher compared to the cost of living in other places around the state or county.

    It may actually make more sense to live in a different state or city or swap your large home for a smaller one. This is one of the most effective cost-cutting measures for retirement you can use.

    Start Paying Off Your Debts.
    Debt has become a major problem for most senior people, especially during and after retirement. More people retire with more debt than ever before. Debt payment is usually a huge burden for employees on a fixed income. The last thing anyone needs is to spend their withdrawals or Social Security money from their retirement accounts on paying off credit cards and other loans.

    Sure, if you are unemployed at the moment, you may not consider debt payment a priority. However, if you have a job or your unemployment benefits equal the salary you made while working, this may be the best time to start paying off your debts. The current low interest rates also mean you can refinance your high-interest debts at a much lower rate, making repayments easier.

    Start paying off your debt easier, so you don’t have to later towards or after your retirement. It becomes a lot harder then.

    Determine Your Retirement Spending Needs
    It’s not unusual you start planning for your post-retirement needs right now. In fact, it may actually work in your favor as you will know exactly how much you should invest or save to meet your post-retirement spending needs.

    Therefore, having realistic expectations about your spending habits post-retirement should help you to define the best size of your retirement portfolio to work towards. After they retire, most people believe that their annual spending amounts to only 70% of what they spent previously. This is far from true, and one of the most unrealistic assumptions you can ever make, especially if you haven’t finished paying your mortgage or some unforeseen medical expenses occur.

    It’s not uncommon for new retirees to spend their first few years splurging on tours and travels or other bucket-list goals. But the best way to ensure you meet all these goals without running bankrupt at the end of the day is to start planning early.

    Invest in a Good Financial Advisor
    Another critical step to take now is to search for the right financial advisor to help you manage your money. You want someone who can provide you with the financial guidance you need to make the best personal finance decisions. Institutions like Smart Asset play a critical role in designing a financial plan to help you even post-retirement. You can also always seek advice from your family members and close friends on the best financial strategies to take now to help you create a stronger portfolio for your golden years.

    The Bottom Line
    An important fact to always have with you is to work hard now so you can relax later. After all, nobody is looking forward to reaching their sixties with nothing in their bank accounts to show for the several years of hard work and labor they invested in work. You will end up regretting every single penny you spent on unnecessary things when you could have invested or saved that money.

    Take care of your financial situation today, before it gets to a point where you can’t make much of a difference. And you can do this by carefully analyzing your spending and determining where you should cut back on. After all, the only way you will save more is by making painful sacrifices so your future self can reap the fruits.


  • Atrial Fibrillation and Strokes: What you Need to Know

    Atrial Fibrillation and Strokes: What you Need to Know

    The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. The beating heart keeps the body going. The upper chambers of the heart are called the atria and the two lower chambers of the heart are called the ventricles. When they operate at the same time this will allow for the heart to pump efficiently. The beat of the heart is controlled by an electrical impulse that begins in the SA node which is direct to the right of the atrium. Normally they can adjust to the heart rate based on physical activity of when the body is at rest. When there are problems with this connection and the SA nodes are not working properly a person can be at serious health risk. Atrial Fibrillation also is known as AF or AFib is an issue that affects the heart and the way the current work.

    What is Atrial Fibrillation?

    This condition is where a person will have an irregular heart rhythm that begins with the atria. The SA node may have a different impulse and it may fire quickly which will lead to a fast and unsteady rhythm in the atria. The atria will not be able to squeeze and it will not be able to get into the ventricle. The impulses will not have a chance to travel into the ventricles and when they do they will be disorganized. A person can experience a heartbeat between 300 and 600 beats per minute.

    When the arteries that carry the blood from the heart to the brain, the brain will not be able to get the proper amount of oxygen. This is often due to a blood clot. If the nerve cells in the brain do not get the oxygen they die. Dead brain cells cannot be restored. This will lead to a stroke. When the heart is working too hard, when it is weakened, or even it becomes enlarged the blood forms a pool in the atria. If a person has atrial fibrillation the blood will not be able to empty of the chamber in the heart and a clot will form in the atria. There are cases when the blood clot will break loose in the heart. It can then be transported to the arteries that go to the brain. This will then block off the blood flow and the oxygen from reaching the brain. This can cause a stroke. The longer that the artery is blocked the more nerve cells will die.

    Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke

    Each year there are 700,000 people in the United States alone that experience a stroke. Around 500,000 of these cases are first attacks. Atrial Fibrillation makes up around 20 percent of all stroke cases and a person with this condition is five times more likely to experience a stroke. Around 35 percent of people that have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation will have a stroke during their life. As a person ages the risk for a stroke ill increase especially for those over the age of 55.

    High Blood Pressure and a Stroke
    People with high blood pressure or hypertension and more likely to have a stroke. If the blood pressure is high the arteries leading to the brain have become weakened.
    High blood pressure can put a person at risk for a stroke in two ways. High blood pressure can lead to a clot in the arteries leading to the brain and a person will have a stroke. They will have an ischemic stroke. If the blood clot burst or one of the blood vessels leading to the brain a person will have a hemorrhagic stroke. The brain will not get oxygen and the cells will begin to die.

    Prevention
    There are some things that a person can do to reduce the risk of having a stroke. They need to take measures to keep their blood pressure at a stable level. Blood pressure levels should be less than 120/80. To lower blood pressure a person needs to carefully monitor their intake of salts of fats as this can cause the blood pressure to increase. A person should also try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to keep the body in shape. Cigarette smoking can lead to a stroke so a person should quit if they are a smoker. If a person has diabetes they need to take measures to control their blood sugar levels. People that are overweight tend to have health issues that will raise their blood pressure. A person should aim for a box mass index of 25 or less. They should also limit their calorie intake and get more exercise to get down to a healthy weight. Over time high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and lead to a clot. A person should also see their doctor regularly and be checked for atrial fibrillation. The doctor may recommend a blood thinner such as Coumadin to help with this condition.

    Medications
    If a person does have atrial fibrillation there are some medications that the doctor can prescribe to help control their heart rate. These medications can help restore the heartrate to a close to the normal level. A person can also take a rhythm control medication which will help the heart go back to the nature beating rhythm in the body. There are also anticoagulant medications that can be prescribed. These will help control the thickness of the blood and prevent clotting. This will reduce the chance a person has for a stroke.
    A stroke leads to a person being paralyzed or it may even lead to their death. If a person has a condition such as atrial fibrillation they should see their doctor. There are some lifestyle changes that can be made and some medication that can help reduce the chance of having a stroke. A person needs to take the steps to manage this condition and help restore the heart rate to its normal functioning and rhythm.


  • Get Better Sleep! Here’s How:

    Get Better Sleep! Here’s How:

    When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? If you are like most people these days, you probably have not thought about it. Even if you know sleep is important, it may not be high on your list of priorities. Now is the time to make some changes! Full nights of restful sleep can lead to better health and a more fulfilling life.

    Why Do You Need Sleep?

    Sleep is your body’s opportunity to restore and repair itself. As you sleep, organs, muscles, and cells throughout your body are repaired. Your immune system is strengthened by chemicals circulating through your bloodstream while you sleep. For these reasons, your overall good health depends on sleep. Your brain requires sleep, too. It is essential for your brain to function properly. Your ability to learn, remember, process information, be creative, and be attentive all depend on sleep. As sleep repairs your body, it also repairs your mind.Sleep affects the hormone levels in your body. As you may know, hormones play many roles. As examples, your hormones affect your fight-or-flight response, and your ability to lose weight. Most people, though, notice one main reason sleep is so important. It affects the way you feel during the day. Virtually every aspect of your daily life can be affected by sleep deprivation.

    What You Need To Know About Sleep Deprivation

    When you do not get a good night’s sleep, you feel terrible during the day. You feel tired, listless, and want to go back to bed. All of these features can affect your everyday life. You do not feel up to meeting your responsibilities at home or work, have less interest in your personal relationships, and do not feel like having fun. However, while you notice the effects of sleep deprivation on the way you feel and your daily life, there can be more serious complications. Lack of sleep greatly increases your risk of accidents. From slip and fall accidents to accidents while driving, sleep deprivation means you are impaired. Neither your judgment nor your motor skills function as well when you have not slept. Your coordination and balance are both affected by lack of sleep. The effects on your body increase your risk of illness. As sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, you are more likely to develop minor illnesses such as colds. If you do become ill, it will take longer for you to recover. Lack of sleep can also increase your risk of serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer. If you have been trying to lose weight but not succeeding, sleep deprivation may be the reason. In addition to hormones that control your appetite, hormones also control your insulin levels. If your hormone levels are not stable, it can be difficult to maintain your ideal weight. Sleep deprivation can interfere with emotional balance. You may feel grumpy, argumentative, depressed, or even out of control. Perhaps you want to pick fights with everybody, or simply withdraw from everyone around you. Your ability to react appropriately can also be impaired. Your stress hormones may result in irrational responses to stressful situations. There can be many complications associated with impaired brain function. From concentration to memory and decision-making processes, your brain cannot work at its best when you do not get enough sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of mental health problems. Examples include frustration, confusion, depression, and anxiety. Your life expectancy can be shortened if you suffer from sleep deprivation. Some studies show the risk of premature death is increased by 12 percent in people who do not get enough sleep. For individuals whose insomnia is chronic and long-term, the risk is significantly higher.

    Why Do You Have Insomnia?

    There are numerous medical conditions and mental health conditions that can affect a person’s ability to sleep. There are also various medications that can have this effect. This is why it is a good idea to discuss your sleep problems with your doctor. In most cases, though, insomnia is caused by lifestyle factors. Poor sleep habits, an erratic schedule, too much alcohol, and stress are only a few examples. The good news is lifestyle factors can be changed so you enjoy a good night’s sleep.

    Best Practices To Get A Good Night’s Sleep

    When you want healthy, restful sleep to be part of your life, you have a number of options. One option is to consider lifestyle changes. You can enjoy the benefits of sleep by making some changes in your daily life. First, prepare your bedroom so you will look forward to bedtime. As each person has their own preferences, choose the temperature that is comfortable for you. You may decide to open the window for fresh air, turn on the air conditioner, or change the temperature setting on your thermostat. Preparation includes making your bedroom an inviting place. Remove clutter and debris so the room is neat and clean. Make sure your bedding is attractive, fresh, and comfortable. Assess the condition of your mattress. You cannot sleep very well if your mattress is old, lumpy, or torn. Consider investing in a new mattress with the firmness that meets your needs. Some people like to sleep in the dark, while others prefer some light. Choose the option that works best for you. Eliminate distractions and noise, such as electronics and pets. Decide on the time you must be awake in the morning, and set your alarm clock to reflect 8 hours of sleep. Choose this as your bedtime. Adhere to it unless there is a genuine emergency. Preparing for sleep should start hours before plan to go to bed. Avoid activities that promote alertness, such as strenuous exercise, using electronic devices, and late naps. While you should not eat heavy meals in the evening, there are some foods and beverages you should definitely avoid. Do not eat or drink anything that contains caffeine, highly spiced foods, or alcohol. If you use tobacco products, this is a good time to quit. If you are not ready to take this step, limit your use to earlier in the day.

    Natural Techniques For Better Sleep

    When you want all the benefits of sleep, you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally relaxed at bedtime. There are some natural ways you can achieve these goals. One option is to practice yoga. The simplest poses will relax your body, mind, and spirit. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy and appreciate these benefits. A second option is to soothe yourself with a long, warm bath. You will start to feel your stress and worries drift away as you relax in the tub. If you wish, you can create a relaxing atmosphere with bubble bath or scented oils. A third option is to read a book. For the best results, choose reading material that is interesting but calm. When you want to fall asleep easily, you do not want a book that causes strong emotional reactions. A fourth option is an old-fashioned approach that works. Treat yourself to a warm glass of milk. If you prefer, you can add a small amount of honey. This warm drink is soothing and relaxing.

    Over The Counter Sleep Aids

    You may find some of these options useful, but are still having trouble with sleep. Perhaps you have been told over the counter products are dangerous. If you choose a natural sleeping aid, though, you can avoid the complications. Natural products do not contain drugs, and they are not habit-forming.

    Natrol’s Melatonin Advanced Sleep is one of the best sleeping pills in this category. It is an all-natural supplement containing melatonin, calcium, and Vitamin B-6. Melatonin may help you fall asleep faster, and increase your overall quality of sleep. As melatonin is a natural hormone, most people do not experience serious side effects. This product has a time-controlled formula. The initial dosage in a pill helps you fall asleep, and the remaining dosage can help you stay asleep. The Vitamin B-6 helps your body produce more natural melatonin.

    Vitafusion Sleep Well is an edible gummy. In addition to melatonin, it contains herbal ingredients. Passion Flower Extract may reduce stress. Chamomile Flower Extract has calming effects and acts like a mild tranquilizer. Lemon Balm Leaf Extract is a natural sleep aid.

    Sleep Support Plus is another highly rated over the counter sleep aid. Customers have given it a 5-star rating. This all-natural product contains melatonin, tryptophan, Lemon Balm, Goji Berry, Chamomile, and Valerian. You can feel calm, relaxed, and ready for sleep from its natural formula. It is said to be one of the most effective natural products for sleep.

    These three over the counter products contain no drugs. However, some people should check with their doctors before using any supplement. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or have a serious medical condition, ask your physician’s approval before taking one of these products.

    Prescription Sleep Aids

    In some cases, all of the best efforts do not result in restful sleep. If this describes your experiences, do not hesitate to consult with your personal physician. You may have an underlying medical issue that affects your ability to sleep, or your doctor may simply recommend a method you have not tried. If your doctor advises a prescription sleep aid, though, it is wise to follow his advice. Never use a prescription medication unless it was given to you by your own doctor.

    Ambien and Ambien CR are commonly-used prescription sleeping pills. These pills work somewhat differently. Ambien can help you fall asleep, while Ambien CR can help you stay asleep throughout the night. As your doctor takes your medical history, he will know which product is right for you.

    Lunesta, a sedative, works on chemicals in your brain. It can help you become relaxed, fall asleep, and sleep throughout the night. While side effects are generally minor, some people experience severe side effects. Discuss your medical history and your concerns with your physician.

    Prosom is also used to treat insomnia. It is meant to balance the chemicals in your brain. Minor side effects may include dizziness, and sleepiness during the daytime. While serious side effects are rare, they can occur.

    Doxepin may be prescribed if your insomnia is due to tension, stress, or anxiety. It is a tricyclic antidepressant. The product increases natural substances that are in your brain. It can help you achieve a balanced mental state so you can fall asleep. While it may cause a wide range of minor side effects, serious side effects may also occur.

    If your physician prescribes a medication, it is because he believes its benefits are greater than its risks. You should make sure he has full information on your medical history, any health problems you currently have, and any other medications you are taking whether they are prescriptions or over the counter. The more your doctor knows about your health, the easier it will be for him to choose the product that is best for you.

    You Too Can Enjoy The Benefits Of Sleep

    If it has been a long time since you had a full night of sleep, you can prepare for some wonderful changes! You will start to awaken in the mornings feeling rested and refreshed. You will be ready for the day. Instead of feeling fatigued, uncoordinated, and foggy, you will feel good! Unless you have a medical condition for which your doctor recommends a different sleep schedule, consider 8 hours of sleep each night to be ideal. After you have started sleeping through the night, you may find 7 hours or 9 hours works better for you. Perhaps you recall what it was like in childhood when you had a bedtime every night. Regardless of your age, or how long you have had trouble sleeping, it is not too late to return to those positive sleep habits. Whether you simply need to change some lifestyle factors, learn relaxation techniques, try a natural product, or seek help from your doctor, your life will change for the better. With restful sleep each night, you will be rewarded with good health and a happier life.


  • Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Thinking about Senior Independent Living? We’ve put together the top 10 best and worst states for retirement and Senior Living.

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    Searching for Medicare Part D?

    Posted: January 24, 2021

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you may find that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare. If you are currently in a difficult situation where the health care bills are […]

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  • Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    It’s neither controversial nor shocking to say that cigarettes are bad for you. It’s now no secret that smoking can cause heart problems, lung disease, a stroke and cancer. Nearly everyone who smokes is fully aware of the nature of just how bad cigarettes are for your body. Your risk of cancer, lung and heart problems and issues with your kidneys and intestines are all increased by smoking. However some smokers still fail to accept these proven risks and give up cigarettes. People who smoke die an average of 13 to 14 years sooner than nonsmokers. Smoking can also cause sexual and reproductive issues. Pregnant women who smoke risk the health of their unborn child as well. Quitting can be extremely difficult as nicotine and smoking has been proven to be highly addictive. What is the main reason why you want to quit smoking? It is important to establish why you want to quit to stay motivated during what could be a long process.

    Tips on How to Quit Smoking:

    Talk to People About It:You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, if you try to handle this by yourself, you’re likely going to relapse. So, to prevent the likelihood of that, tell people in your life that you’re trying to quit. Talking about things helps to make them feel more real. It’s harder to stay consistent if there’s no one to hold you accountable. Get the people closest to you on board in this process!

    Get Help:Whether it’s medical help or therapy, you should look beyond just moral support of friends and family. Addiction is a serious thing, and it takes some serious work to undo the claws tobacco products have in your central nervous system. Things like nicotine gum, patches and support groups are all excellent steps to combat the issue.

    Eliminate All Traces of Smoking from your Personal Space:This one might seem obvious, but it goes deeper than you think. Start by throwing away or giving away all of your cigarettes, ash trays, lighters and matches. Then, shampoo your carpets, clean your drapes and do everything you can to eliminate the smell. You don’t want that smoke smell welling up and driving your desire to light one up.

    Find Healthy Alternatives:Even if you’d prefer to not use nicotine in your efforts to quit smoking, look for other ways to relax. The biggest draw to smoking is the relaxation that follows a cigarette as nicotine sinks into your system. In order to combat the worst cravings, seek out other relaxing activities. Meditation, yoga, tai chi and hobbies like painting, drawing or making music are all great alternatives. If you can afford it, getting professional massages hits similar mental notes as smoking a cigarette! These activities are good for your mental health as well as your physical health.

    Don’t Give Up: If you slip up and smoke a cigarette after weeks of being smoke-free, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t sweat the small lapses like that, and don’t let them convince you to pick smoking back up. No one is perfect: small mistakes don’t define you. Keep up the good effort and follow the advice in this article. You’re strong enough to quit smoking, so keep at it!


  • Finger Arthritis Remedies

    Finger Arthritis Remedies

    More than 50 million people in the United States are affected by arthritis, and up to 67 million are expected to be diagnosed by the year 2030. Arthritis pain can be downright incapacitating if it gets intense enough.

    Wrists and joints ache and you feel as though nothing can make you feel normal. Every joint can be affected, but most often hands, wrists, knees, and feet are affected.
    When not properly treated, arthritis can be damaging to many aspects of people’s lives, causing all kinds of physical and emotional issues stemming from chronic pain and the loss of mobility. There has been much research into arthritis remedies for those suffering with aching joints. Here are a few you can try.

    Top Arthritis Remedies

    1-Enbrel

    Etanercept (Enbrel) is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is a prescription only injection that has been proven to stop joint pain, and prevent joint damage. It has many side effects, despite its effectiveness. Contact your physician for more information.

    2-NSAIDs

    Two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and naproxen are available without a prescription, and are quite effective at treating arthritis pain. Aspirin, the proptype of this class, is still used quite commonly in treating arthritic pain. Avoid upset stomach by taking these medications with food.

    3-Over the Counter Rubs

    There are a wide array of creams and ointments available without a prescription that are effective in alleviating pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Look for ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate when choosing a product.

    4-Ginger

    Ginger is quite effective at treating and preventing arthritic pain. It is available in many forms including the root which can be chewed, cooked, or used in teas.
    5-Black Seed Oil

    A teaspoonful a day is helpful in treating arthritis. Black seed oil has many other uses.

    6-Hot and Cold Therapy

    Hot and cold therapy can do wonders for aching joints from arthritis. Taking a nice, long and hot bath or shower in the morning can do aching joints wonders. Alternatively, using electric blankets or heating pads can help to relax stiff joints.

    On the other hand ice therapy can be used to alleviate intense pain rapidly. Ice packs wrapped in towels and applied to sore joints can provide fast relief. Follow this cold treatment with a bit of heat treatment for relief from joint pain!

    7-Turmeric
    Consider adding turmeric to your diet in higher quantities. This root plant is a known anti-inflammatory and has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of years. You can add it to dishes easily, as it is a common spice. It tastes really good, too! While it’s not a cure-all, you might find it helps to alleviate symptoms of joint pain.

    The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric could result in your joints and tendons feeling some relief from your arthritis symptoms. This is a great way to attempt to tackle your symptoms from several angles.

    Because, at the very worst, it’ll just add some spice to your dishes!

    8-Cocoa/Chocolate
    Did you know that cocoa provides an abundant source of phytochemicals? You might not know much about phytochemicals, but this odd ingredient means cocoa is an antioxidant – and antioxidants are known to help with cardiovascular health, brain function, and cancer prevention. If you have RA, consuming cocoa (yes, even in the form of chocolate) can also benefit your immune system.

    Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, can significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. Cocoa properties are known to decrease COX-2 enzymes that cause inflammation, meaning every bite of dark chocolate helps decrease what’s causing your aches and pains.

    When you consume chocolate, it triggers the release of serotonin in the brain – or what many people call “the happiness chemical.” Serotonin literally changes your mindset, releasing happiness and lifting your mood.

    Suffering from the symptoms of RA can have a devastating impact on your well-being. However, treating yourself with dark chocolate can help combat both a bad mood and a little of your pain. Enjoying dark chocolate (in moderation, of course) is enough to lift up your spirits, even if just for a moment.

    9-Acupuncture
    The use of acupuncture for treating pain is a bit contentious. However, many patients claim that their chronic pain symptoms are greatly alleviated by acupuncture. Consider visiting a specialist for a consultation and a quote! They might be able to help you.

    In short, acupuncture is a practice that uses select placement of needles to attempt to manipulate the body’s pain receptors. Some practitioners ascribe the benefits of acupuncture to the manipulation of chi flow in the patient. Chi is an energy force that many Eastern traditions believe flows through all living things, though scientific examination has shown no evidence of such a force.

    Those patients who have had acupuncture treatments have had varying responses, though many claim that the procedures have helped them manage their arthritis pain.

    10-Massage
    Along those same lines, you could consider visiting a massage therapist. They could use massage techniques to help relax your muscles and loosen stiff joints. Alternatively, you could work with a physical therapist to learn techniques of self-massage if it would be difficult to see a professional regularly.

    11-Exercise
    Make sure you get lots of exercise! Simply staying active can work wonders on aching or stiff joints. Make sure you walk often and don’t spend all day indoors. If you find walking to be too high-impact, consider hitting the pool. Getting some light swimming in is a great way to work your joints, tendons and muscles without putting a lot of stress on them. Staying limber and exercising often is a great way to directly tackle arthritis symptoms.

    Try a combination of these arthritis remedies and hopefully they will alleviate your symptoms!


  • Are You Looking to Sell Your House?

    Are You Looking to Sell Your House?

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found.

    On the popular real estate website redfin.com 27% of searchers were looking to move to an area outside of their immediate metro area. In the second quarter of 2020, the most popular places people were looking to move included Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Austin and Atlanta.

    Why are people looking to move? Many potential buyers from out of town are now working remotely, so affordable options that include office space, a big backyard, and good weather are now a much higher priority.

    Tech workers are making up a large portion of the new buyer pool. A realtor in Austin was quoted stating that he had buyers from New York, San Francisco and Portland buying homesites in Austin, sometimes site unseen!

    Even areas that have been thought of traditionally as ‘vacation’ towns, or ‘places to retire’ are now also seeing an influx of full time residents with Palm Springs, CA as a perfect example. With nice homes priced between $350k and $600k- it’s no surprise that urban dwellers are ditching their apartments for more space and sunshine.

    Only time will tell if this trend becomes permanent, but one thing is for sure- with the many new realities we all face, considerations about moving are top of mind these days.

    If you are looking to sell your house- consider the following:

    When you are ready to sell your home, there are a few steps that you must keep in mind. Knowing how these steps work and being prepared for them is one of the best ways to get the most out of the sale and ensure that you can get moved out quickly. Some of the steps to take to get the most out of your real estate investment includes:

    Working with a Real Estate Agent

    One of the first things that you should do when you are ready to sell your home is find real estate agents near you. Some people want to go the “for sale by owner” route, but this can take a lot more time and effort to complete than doing it with an agent. Be aware that it does cost a commission, or a percentage of the sales price, to hire a real estate agent. But considering they often take on all the work and can handle the showings, the legal documents, and more, they are often worth it to get results.

    How an Agent Can Help You

    There are a number of benefits to hiring a real estate agent rather than trying to do it all on your own. Some of these include:

    1. They help you list your home at the right price. This helps you to get the highest price possible, without your home sitting on the market forever.
    2. They can present your home in a way that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. You love your home and that is great, but a real estate agent knows how to make it shine to a buyer.
    3. They can bring in more potential buyers. Most buyers like to work with an agent. And many times your agent will already have a list of people who may have some interest in the home. This helps you to get the best offer possible.
    4. They handle all of the paperwork for you. This is one of the most difficult things to do when you try to sell your home on your own. With the help of a real estate agent, you will not have to worry about all of the paperwork and legal stuff because they will do it all.
    5. The agent can get the best offer from each buyer. When the home sells for more, the agent earns more. This incentivizes them to get a better offer on your home.
    6. Can negotiate after the inspection. While you most likely will need to get a few things done on your home after the inspection, an agent will make sure the work is kept to a minimum.
    7. Speeds your closing time. This helps you to get the home closed on and the money in your account so much faster than before.

    Typical Costs for a Real Estate Agent

    There are several factors that will come into play when you have to pay for your real estate agent. Some agents will charge more if the sale price is below a certain threshold and then will lower the rate if the price is higher. Some may have other deals and incentives to get sellers to work with them. The average commission for most real estate agents is 6%.

    Before you sign with an agent, take the time to ask about the commission they will earn. This helps you be prepared and can make it easier to factor in this cost when you finally get an offer on the home. You as the seller will be the one who will pay the commission to the real estate agent. This 6% is often split between the buyer’s and the seller’s agent, but the seller is still responsible for the whole amount.

    Picking a Good Sale Price

    The next thing that we need to take a look at is how to pick out a good sales price for your home. There are a lot of different things that go into determining a price for your home. While you want to get top dollar for your home, you do need to be realistic about what a buyer is willing to pay.

    To determine the price of your home and what to sell it for, you must consider its location, how big the home is, how many rooms and bathrooms, any upgrades, and even what other homes in the area are selling for as well. And since each home is a little different and very unique, this can be hard.

    One way to figure out a fair sales price on your home is to perform a “comps” analysis. This is when you and your agent will look at some of the recently sold comparable homes on the market. While it may be hard to find one exactly like your home, it can give you a better idea of how much similar homes in your area have sold for.

    This is also why it is important to work with that real estate agent we talked about earlier. They know how to handle the pricing of your home and will help explain it along the way. They can take in all of the factors for you and come up with a fair price that is likely to sell your home quickly.

    Staging Your Home

    If you have already moved out of your home and no longer live there, one way to sell it faster is to stage the home. This helps to give your potential buyer a look for how the home can be used and gives them a vision of all the potential in the home. Never leave the home completely empty because this slows down the process.

    List the Home and Start Showings

    When you are ready, your agent will come over and sign some paperwork with you. This helps both of you be on the same page the whole time and can avoid confusion later on. The agent will also take pictures of the inside and outside of the property so they can show potential buyers, both online and in person. It is then time for the agent to list the property and wait for the calls to come in.

    At some point, you will need to show your home. The days of  an ‘Open House’ are gone for now, and most agents will hold private showings. The agent can handle this, but you must make sure the home is clean and ready to go. And you may have to be out of the way for a bit. Sometimes it only takes a few showings and sometimes you may need to deal with quite a few showings. But these are the best way to sell your home. All buyers will want a chance to look through the home and see if it is right for them.

    Accepting an Offer

    At some point, you will get an offer on your home. If the offer sounds good to you, you can accept it and move on with some of the inspections and other things that need to get done. You can also provide a counteroffer to better meet the needs you have if the buyer’s offer is close to your original offer. If the offer is way off, you can choose to decline the offer.

    The offer will often include information on what the buyer expects. They will say what they want to purchase the property for along with the preferred closing date, any inspections they want, and other contingencies. The most common contingencies including the buyers securing their financing and the buyers selling their other home.

    The Different Types of Inspections

    Your buyer may choose to do a few different inspections to make sure the home is safe and secure. If there are some major problems with the house and they are found during the inspection, then you will be responsible for them. Most home buyers choose to do a full home inspection that checks out quite a few different things, but they can also do a few other inspections based on their needs. The most common inspections include:

    1. Pest and rodent inspection
    2. Radon inspection
    3. Chimney inspection
    4. Roof inspection
    5. Lead-based paint inspection
    6. Flooding damage inspection
    7. HVAC inspection

    As we mentioned, the full-home inspection is the most common, though some may choose the others if these problems are common in your area. The buyer will usually put this in their offer so you can decide which inspections you want to participate in ahead of time. The cost of the inspection falls to the buyer. The cost to fix anything falls to you.

    If there are some repairs necessary on the home, you can typically negotiate these. When the buyer has some minimal repairs to do, you may consider doing them and finishing the process. Other options are to offer the home “as is” so you won’t do any repairs or offer a credit for the work to be done. The credit may work if there is a time crunch on the sale and you don’t have time to get it done. Homes sold “as is” often take a lot longer to sell.

    Closing On Your Home

    Once all the inspections are done and you have moved out of the home, and your home buyer has secured their financing, you can close on the home. These often happen at two different times. You will meet with the lender or a title company to sign off on the home and agree to the sale.

    Later, sometimes the same day and sometimes later depending on the schedules, the buyers will go in and complete their paperwork to buy the home. The funds will go to pay off the rest of your mortgage, your real estate agents fees, and any other closing costs that are necessary. Whatever is left will be deposited in your account and can be used for purchasing your new home, paying off debt, or other uses depending on your needs.
    Typical Closing Costs

    There are a few closing costs you will need to pay before you get any money from your home sale. Some of these include:

    1. Any attorney’s fees for writing up the documents.
    2. Credits towards the closing costs that you and the seller agreed on.
    3. Any HOA fees if applicable.
    4. The prorated property taxes.
    5. Any escrow that is agreed on and other closing fees.
    6. Title insurance
    7. Transfer tax
    8. Agent commission.

    There are some other fees that may be required based on the bank you work with and where you live. You and your agent can discuss these fees before closing so you aren’t caught by surprise.

    Are the Rules Different in Each State?

    There are a few things about selling a home that will vary based on the state you live in. In fact, depending on where you live in each state the rules may be slightly different as well. Knowing what these differences are in your local area can be tough, but this is another benefit of working with a real estate agent to get things done.

    First, the amount in taxes you pay will vary based on one state to the next. Some states will require the seller to pay taxes on the home up to a certain point and others will require the buyer to handle this. Some states, including California, have a special tax on any home sold that may add to the closing costs you must work with.

    Most states have requirements that the seller needs to include any information about the property that may deter the buyer from making the purchase. This is often presented to a potential buyer before they even put an offer in on the home. This could include any updates you did on the home, along with any potential problems that you know about.

    You may also need to work with an escrow account. The way that this is used will depend on the state you live in but allows a little protection on both sides. It ensures that both parties know where the money is and they can get it back if things go south during the deal. Talk with your real estate agent to find out if an escrow account is necessary for you.

    Where is Everyone Moving During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

    Due to Covid-19 pandemic many Americans are ready to live the cities and move somewhere more rural. This is great news if you have a home for sale in a rural area as you are more likely to attract a good buyer for a good price.

    In fact, six out of ten Americans have said that they would consider moving to a less populated area. Some may have been considering this before. Some may be tired of living with all of the health mandates. And some see these rural areas as safer areas to be because with fewer people there, it is a much safer place to be right now.

    This is a common trend no matter which state you live in. Rural homeowners who are looking to make a switch and get out of their home into a new one will find that is a sellers’ market and they will do well. In fact, it is likely that you will have a few offers to sweeten the pot.

    Selling your home is a big experience. You have to get the home prepared and looking nice while cleaning. You need to find a good realtor who will work with you and find the best deal. And you need to finish all of the inspections and other work after you accept an offer. But when you have things organized and ready to go, you will find that it is easy to sell your house quickly.

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  • The Best Way To Fight Fleas

    The Best Way To Fight Fleas

    Few situations are more annoying to pets and their owners than a infestation of fleas. Fleas are mean, evil, awful little bugs. They get into your carpets, lay eggs and stick around for interminable lengths of time.

    Quickly becoming a problem, fleas can infest homes in very short amounts of time, posing health risks and frustrating living conditions for both people and their pets.  All the while, they pester your animals, making them itchy and uncomfortable. What’s worse, some pets even have allergic reaction to the pests!

    While there are many products that can be used to combat flea infestations, it’s vital to choose the right products that are appropriate for severity of your pet’s flea problem — otherwise you’ll end up wasting time and money as the flea problem gets worse. Today, we’re looking at the best ways to fight fleas.

    Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Flea Collars

    Flea collars are a great first line of defense to keep your animals safe from the tiny pests. Using a combination of pesticides that are harmless to animals and scents that disgust fleas, these collars have a high success rating. While your animal might not like having to wear an odd-smelling collar, it will help them avoid the worst of the flea infestation! This is just one part of the fight, however.

    Flea Sprays

    Spraying your carpets and furniture for fleas is another effective strategy. A number of high-quality flea sprays are sold in pet stores and online. Such sprays not only kill fleas but also help to kill their eggs. The trouble with fleas is that you will often think you’ve rooted them out, only for another round of eggs to hatch. The eggs can go dormant for months at a time before being activated by vibrations in the carpet.

    As such, spraying in often-unused rooms is advised. That way, any hidden, dormant eggs can be killed by the spray. This prevents the eggs from reactivating when you or a pet enters a low-traffic room!

    Diatomaceous Earth

    Also known as D. Earth, this naturally occurring mineral deposit works wonders as a pesticide. If you’re having trouble with a particularly nasty flea infestation, consider this mineral. Make sure you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth, as it’s pet safe. Sprinkle it around your carpets and near the thresholds of your doors and windows. Earth works by compromising the lipids in fleas’ exoskeletons. The chemical interaction causes the fleas to become dehydrated, as their bodies can’t lock in water anymore. As such, they die of dehydration shortly after contacting the mineral. Don’t worry, though, the mineral doesn’t affect anything bigger than a small bug. The worst it can do to a pet is dehydrate them slightly, so just avoid getting it on your animals if you can!

    Flea Pills

    Flea pills for pets generally have the highest success rates for preventing and treating fleas. Pills come in chewable tablets or capsules that must be swallowed, usually with food. These oral medications for fighting fleas require a vet prescription, and usually fight flea adults or eggs, but rarely both at the same time. Flea pills, like other medications, come with side effects; it is essential for pet owners to ask what these side effects may include. The two most popular feel pills include Capstar and Comfortis, and both start working within hours of being administered.


  • Coronavirus Pandemic: How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates for 2021

    Coronavirus Pandemic: How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates for 2021

    Let’s be honest: Coronavirus or not, you’re required to have car insurance. Just because you have to have it doesn’t mean it has to stink, though. You deserve only the best car insurance, from only the best car insurance companies during this pandemic. Today we’re taking a look at some of the best car insurance companies for the money in 2021.

    We’re looking at a combination of factors when deciding on the best: customer service, customer satisfaction, price and a good shopping experience. There are tons of car insurance companies all vying for your dollar, so the one you go with needs to have only the top marks in order to be worthy of your hard-earned cash. Let’s get into it.

    Amica Insurance

    Amica isn’t the biggest names in terms of recognition, but they are a juggernaut in the field of customer satisfaction. Amica consistently scores huge marks from their customers in terms of satisfaction: people with Amica feel taken care of, important, and well-covered. Try this one on for size: Amica has proportionally lower complaints from customers than any other agency in the country, even accounting for their small size.

    That’s not to mention their awesome free perks. Car insurance policyholders with Amica get all kinds of goodies like free lock and airbag replacement. You also get a complete reimbursement of your lost wages if you have to go into court at Amica’s request: they have you covered. If you lose your keys, or they get stolen, they’ll cover the cost of getting you replacements. Oh, and did we mention that in most states they won’t take depreciation out of your new car in the first year if you total it?

    Erie Insurance

    Another smaller company with a low profile and stellar customer reviews, Erie Insurance is beloved by their policyholders. The consistently get five-star satisfaction reviews, and they offer a ton of killer perks. The only problem, however, is that they operate in a small selection of states. Only Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania are covered.

    If you do happen to be covered, however, Erie is well-worth considering. They offer a rate-lock so that you know your premiums won’t go up unless you add cars or drivers to your policy. After three years, you get accident forgiveness so that your first at-fault accident doesn’t carry a surcharge. They also offer goodies like a diminishing deductible and even pet injury coverage if your pet is hurt in a car accident.

    Nationwide

    Nationwide insurance is the only insurer on this list with a large national profile, and for good reason. Normally operating at the scale they do makes it difficult to keep customers satisfied, but they manage to be both massive and care about their policyholders. Ignoring their obnoxious televised commercials, Nationwide is a good company to have in your corner. They consistently score five-star customer satisfaction reviews, and they have a very low number of customer complaints year over year.

    The much-talked-about vanishing deductible is one of Nationwide’s staples, and it can really add up: after five years of safe driving, you’ll have $500 off your deductible. In some states, Nationwide offers accident forgiveness, which can be a lifesaver if you get into a little fender bender and don’t want your rates to go up. Likewise, their “On Your Side Review” offers you the yearly chance to go over your life and needs to make sure you’re getting the right coverage and all the discounts you need. In short, Nationwide treats their customers with care and tries to make sure they feel valuable and cared for.