Category: Featured

Just as we turn to music to lift our mood, it does the same for the kids. Music is the language of the spirit. It opens up the secrets of life, brings peace and abolishes stress. It is supposed to be the universal language of humankind. Music gives expression to feelings and thoughts without using language. It’s an art that is above and beyond all words; where words fail, music speaks. Without words, music can evoke our laughter, our fears, and our highest aspirations. Music is the literature of the heart, and it embarks where speech ends. It is shorthand for emotions or life itself. Music gives colour to the moments of life and washes away from our soul the sands of time. The true beauty of music is that it connects people and carries a message.

Be mindful that if the music doesn’t soothe your irritated baby, something else could be bothering him, like a nappy rash or abdominal pain. So better talk to a doctor or a pharmacist at Click Pharmacy

How Music Benefits Your Baby

Music is an essential part of our life. It connects us and brings feelings of togetherness and joy. It’s why people get great devices (like those on https://cloudcovermusic.com/equipment/ ) to listen to their favorites much more easily. Listening to music with your baby creates a true natural bond rare to find. A baby’s early exposure to music helps develop a sense of rhythm as it involves dancing, clapping, and chanting. Music may also help in promoting healthy memory in babies.

For added convenience, you can consider installing an entertainment automation system in your home. Automation for Multi-Room Audio Video Systems can enable you to control the music whether you are in the kitchen preparing a meal or in the living room interacting with guests. You don’t need to be in the baby’s room to change tracks or play soothing music for them

Babies exposed to music are more likely to be quick learners; they tend to speak and learn earlier than others. Music, of course, is more calming and relaxes angry babies and helps change their mood. In minutes a lullaby can take your baby to dreamland. A lullaby sung by a mother is more effective, so sing to your baby no matter how your voice sounds. It’s the rhythm that attracts the little one. The rhythm calms him, not your voice. You can also play rhythmic chants to your baby like “Pat-A-Cake”, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”.

Babies love to listen to music but select one that is beneficial as well. Select the tunes with which your little one can sing, clap, and dance. Singing and dancing with music initiate a cognitive process called audiation. It is just like thinking in language. Babies train their brains to make meaning of the music through producing sounds and movements. Music has a significant impact on all areas of child development and helps to:

• Develop a sense of rhythm
• Promote memory
• Enhance language learning capability
• Sharpen cognitive skills
• Develop spatial reasoning skills
• Relax and calm baby
• Reduce stress and induce sleep

Create a Music Playlist

Music is good for babies, and it makes them smarter. You use music to calm and soothe your baby and to express your love and joy. Music helps you to engage and interact with your baby. In reply, your baby smiles to his favourite tones, dances with the music that attracts him, and creates his music by banging on his toys, pans, or pots. A one-year-old baby prefers music that is mostly played around him. If you listen to jazz or rap, your baby will get used to it. It is said that music is food for the soul. Try to create an ear food buffet for your lovely little one. Create a music playlist for your baby with a special focus on some points, for instance:

• Make sure music is available any time in your baby’s room. Either place a radio, a sound system or play music on your smartphone.

• Play some music and dance while holding the baby in your arms. It can soothe and calm him and brighten his mood. It also releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) in the brain.
• Show your baby the joy of music by playing a guitar or piano, singing a song, or dance with him.
• Try to tap on the soles of the baby’s feet or clap his hands with the rhythm of the music. It will help him understand what he hears and how he feels. Your baby can sense a connection between his thinking and feelings.
• Try to select tunes on which your baby can dance like “Hokey Pokey”, “If You‘re Happy and You know it”. Dancing promotes self-confidence and self-expression.
• Turn on the music and bang on the pans, pots, boxes, and empty containers to show your baby how to beat with a rhythm.
• Musical toys, bells, rhythm sticks, shakers, rattles, toy drums, and xylophones are mandatory in your baby’s room.
• Introduce different types of music to your baby. It should not necessarily be traditional lullabies. Any style of music will appeal to or attract your baby.
• Always play music that has a variety of basic melodies, rhythms, tones, and keys.
• The music that changes its sound frequently is best, like orchestral music with more variety of instruments. The juxtaposition of difference helps in the learning ability of children.
• There should be a wide variety of music. Include in your playlist a mixture of your favourite genres plus ones your baby likes. Classic, Rock, Indie, Reggae, R and B, and Latin and pop tunes offer steady melodies.
• The musical menu should consist of the songs of your culture as well as of other cultures. Babies enjoy music from all over the world, for instance, African dance to reggae and Latin sounds. “Putumayo Kids”.
• Many companies sell music created especially for babies like “Rock-A-Bye Baby”, consisting of lullabies of rock and other music tracks.
• It is best to start with nursery rhymes and then gradually shift to music and folk songs.
• As your baby grows older, start including classical music, especially one telling some story or teaching babies about instruments like “Carnival of The Animals” and “Peter And The Wolf”. The babies not only learn a story but also learn about musical instruments.
• Avoid long orchestral music and try to play shorter pieces of 4-5 minutes.
• Go through iTunes or Pandora on your smartphone along with your baby, play different tunes, and note which your baby likes the most. This way, you can always add new stuff to your music list.
• Avoid music that lacks appropriate lyrical content.
• Try not to play too loud and chaotic music as it can damage the sensitive eardrum of babies resulting in hearing loss.
• If you don’t like some music and your child wants to listen to it, like songs in cartoons, allow your baby to listen to it. Give him space, and don’t impose your likes and dislikes on your kids.

Book clubs have long been a beloved pastime for bibliophiles and those seeking intellectual stimulation and social connection. These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity not only for discussing literature but also for exploring various side hustles and local business ideas that can complement the spirit of your book club meetings. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income, support local businesses, or simply enrich your reading experience, here are some creative ideas to pair with your book club activities.

• 1. Open a Pop-up Bookstore:

Embarking on the thrilling journey of launching your pop-up bookstore, where local authors and independent publishers take center stage, holds the promise of an exhilarating adventure. While fostering community engagement through vibrant book club meetings and featuring distinctive titles within the bookstore is essential, it’s equally crucial to navigate the UK’s stringent tax regulations when establishing this new business endeavor. Stay vigilant about the £85,000 VAT registration threshold, ensuring strict compliance with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guidelines. Fortunately, books, often exempt from VAT, contribute to a customer-friendly atmosphere. Keep meticulous records of sales and purchases, and, if necessary, effortlessly complete the online VAT registration process. Seeking tax advice in Cambridge by Scrutton Bland or a similar reputable company in your location can guarantee a seamless integration of your literary passion with regulatory adherence.

• 2. Literary Event Planning:

Leverage your book club’s love for literature by venturing into event planning. Organize book launches, author readings, or literary-themed events for your community. This side hustle allows you to immerse yourself in the world of books while creating memorable experiences for fellow book enthusiasts.

• 3. Home-Based Catering Services:

Enhance your book club meetings with delectable homemade treats. If you have a passion for cooking or baking, consider starting a home-based catering service. Using catering software in UK, you can arrange and provide for your book club members with delicious snacks or meals, and if it gains popularity, you could extend your services to other local events. If your catering services gain popularity within the book club and beyond, you could extend your offerings to other local events, potentially securing catering contracts for various occasions. As you aim to grow your business, it becomes crucial to protect it. Investing in catering business insurance ensures that your venture is safeguarded against unexpected challenges. In that regard, you can consider visiting the site here to find the best insurance policy for your business. This approach can provide financial security and allow you to focus on the growth and success of your catering endeavours.

• 4. Artisanal Bookmarks and Merchandise:

Tap into your creative side by crafting unique, handcrafted bookmarks, book-themed jewelry, or other literary merchandise. These items can be sold at your book club meetings or local craft fairs, adding a delightful dimension to your reading experience.

• 5. Copywriting:

If you have a way with words and a knack for marketing, consider offering your services as a copywriter. Help local businesses enhance their online presence and marketing materials by creating compelling copy that attracts customers. This copywriting side hustle can be done on a freelance basis, allowing you to flex your creative muscles while earning extra income.

• 6. Hosting Author Workshops:

If your book club is fortunate enough to have connections with local authors or experts in various fields, consider hosting workshops or talks. These events can cover writing techniques, author discussions, or even topics related to your current book club selection. Charging a nominal fee for these workshops can provide a source of income while offering valuable insights to attendees.

• 7. Themed Subscription Boxes:

Capitalize on the subscription box trend by curating book-themed subscription boxes that align with your book club selections. Include not only the book but also related goodies, such as bookmarks, snacks, or exclusive author notes. These boxes can be marketed to your book club members and beyond.

• 8. Publishing Local Authors:

If you’re deeply invested in your local literary scene, consider starting a small publishing venture to support emerging local authors. You can work on publishing short stories, anthologies, or even debut novels. This venture not only enriches your book club’s experience but also nurtures local talent.

• 9. Eco-friendly Book Swaps:

Combine sustainability and community engagement by organizing eco-friendly book swaps. Encourage book club members and local residents to exchange books they’ve read, reducing waste and promoting a love for reading.

• 10. Book Review Blog or Podcast:

Share your passion for books and reading by starting a book review blog or podcast. You can discuss your book club selections, interview local authors, and attract readers and listeners who share your literary interests. Monetize your platform through sponsorships, ads, or affiliate marketing.

Incorporating these side hustles and local business ideas into your book club meetings not only adds excitement and variety to your gatherings but also supports your local community and fellow book enthusiasts. Whether you choose to start a catering service, become a copywriter, or host author workshops, these ventures allow you to follow your passions and create a richer and more fulfilling book club experience.

Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a hard slog. Cliché cards, disingenuous announcements of devotion and an overbearing commercialism can make it all feel a bit thin on the ground. Having a little bit more fun with 14^th February isn’t hard. One way you can step back and get some perspective on Valentine’s Day is by examining how people celebrated it in the past.

Valentine’s Day has a long and storied history, beginning even before the birth of St Valentine as the festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated by pagan priests and citizens. It was in the Victorian age, however, when a more modern version of the celebration that we might somewhat recognize today rose to prominence. Indeed, Valentine’s Day celebrations were all the rage in the 19^th century, and spawned some rather extreme devotional gifts. Here is how to add a Victorian twist to your celebration of romance and devotion by taking some inspiration from 19^th-century Valentine’s Day cards.

Get Elaborate

Some Victorian Valentine’s Day cards were immensely delicate, elaborate and expensive. Men were known to save up large portions of their often-meagre wages in order to buy the most elaborate cards possible for their lovers. Paper lace designs were especially popular during these times. The ‘Barometer of Love’ paper lace card housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is a great example of a delicate paper lace card. Joseph Addenbrooke reportedly invented paper lace in 1834 whilst working on embossing techniques.

Get Lyrical

Gentlemen – when thinking up Valentine’s gifts for her, you might be tempted to break out the old moleskin notebook and start scribbling. The Victorians often sent cards that contained elaborate rhymes, with Victorian rhyming cards often bordering on the absurd. The popularity of nonsense poetry in the Victorian age – most notably the work of Edward Lear – led to a craze of people sending their romantic interests poems that expressed both love and, well, nonsense. Nowadays, people will usually gift something a little more modern like a custom spotify glass plaque, however, in the Victorian age, poems and rhymes were what many people considered a romantic gesture.

Get Offensive

We don’t often think of the Victorians as having a particularly vibrant sense of humour, but their choice of Valentine’s Day cards seemed to rather contradict this historical stereotype. Indeed, some of the most popular Valentine’s Day cards of the era were ‘vinegar valentines’. These cards, which were often sent anonymously, were deliberately designed to titillate and offend. They often featured gaudy caricatures of weeping, lonely people beside crude, rude and crass poetry.

Vinegar valentines were at the height of popularity during the middle of the 19^th century. The museum of Wales has a great collection of these crude cards. Their archive contains an 1846 report in the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian that bemoaned the crass design of vinegar valentines, which typically took the form of “ridiculous coloured caricature of the male or female figure, with a few burlesque verses below”.

By the late Victorian period, they were seen as vulgar and immoral by the general population, and the once-booming industry surrounding the creation of insulting Valentine’s Day cards found itself falling into obscurity. 

It’s a great year of kids as you go about hunting for the smartest, newest, cutest toys for Christmas. You will be overjoyed by the endless options; however, that can get confusing at times, as there are so many changing trends and crazes – for example, many young children watch anime as a pastime and so Waifu Anime Body Pillows or something similar may be a good choice of gift. This goes for any common popularity amongst kids, as they evolve constantly over the years! It is always better to do your research. Personalized gifts are also another hit with kids, especially young ones as they can be something that they can really relate to or to comfort them when they are feeling sad. For example, you can get a Lámpara de Luna Personalizada which means a personalized moon lamp in Spanish. This would be an excellent choice for younger kids because it can comfort them if they are scared of the dark and they can see a picture of their parents light up the room. However, if you are struggling to find the best gifts for kids or teenagers, do not despair. To keep the holiday cheer afloat, we have brought for you some excellent Christmas holiday gift options.

When it comes to indoor games gifts, you have a wide variety of choices. Here we have done all the hard work for you and grouped the best gifts to buy.

Educational Gifts

Educational gifts can be fun too. It is a practical idea to have a Christmas gift with which they can learn while playing. These games will teach them some valuable skills again. Such toys can educate your child in a variety of topics: geography, rocks & minerals, the body, art appreciation, shapes, maths, time, language and even yoga. You will find these games for all ages and kids with different interest levels. These toys are fun while learning and are safe, sustainable choice. From science kits to puzzles and quizzes in an innovative format, the child will love playing and will never have enough of it.

One of the gifts you could give your kids this Christmas can be a Custom Photo Backpack with a picture of their favorite cartoon, anime, or superhero! Backpacks are known to play a huge role in a child’s social life and getting them something customized, might boost their confidence, once they return to school after winter break.

Arts & Craft Gifts

Arts and crafts are engaging activities for kids and are essential to the social, cognitive and emotional development of a child. Kids of all ages enjoy it, and it encourages creativity in the child right from a young age. Alongside it adds to the child’s personality a vital skill that correlates to achievements in school and later on in life.

Be it a moulding dough, Christmas tree decoration kit, wall hangings or any other imaginative game, and it will maintain the child engrossed for long. Scissors, glue guns, papers and more, the child also learns to organize stuff in a significant way.

Indoor/board games gifts

These fantastic gifts can be one of the best ways to keep mind healthy and active for the kids. The benefits of these games go far beyond entertainment. It will keep their mind young, energetic and entertained at the same time. Not only does these create happiness but also is an excellent opportunity to socialize and have a good time together.

Board games help in improving the cognitive skills and enhance the parts of the brain responsible for complex thoughts and memory formation. From the popular ones like monopoly, scrabble, checkers, and chess to the new and innovative ones, you will never be short of choice.

Within these broad categories, you will have the right choice of games that will be unique, entertaining and yet educative for the child. Another good thing with these is that it will easily distract your child away from the computers and the tablets. Moreover, most of the games are so engaging that even adults will get involved and enjoy the moments spent with the child while playing it.

Remember, these indoor games are not a luxury for a child but a necessity, and there is no such thing as ‘age-appropriate’ when it comes to playing.

The detrimental effects of worrying about debt are well known, but by taking just a few positive steps and assuming control over mounting financial burdens, you can get back on track and turn a problem into an opportunity.

With effective debt management, you can stabilise your credit rating, reduce your monthly outgoings and start enjoying a good night’s sleep again, so take a look at the following tips and see what you can do today to start getting back on your feet.

Check your finances

The very first thing you should do to deal with debt is to check your finances. This means looking at your assets, holdings, liabilities, and liquid reserves to understand how you can navigate through this predicament. You’d also want to ensure that your taxes are sorted out so that you do not have to deal with any violations or fines while you’re already in debt. Consider looking up “tax accountant near me” on the web if you don’t already have one whom you can go to for a consultation. Once you’re in the clear, make an assessment of your monetary health, and see what you can liquidate to raise funds. This should enable you to plan out how you can pay off your debts in a systematic manner.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Regardless of how far you go, there might come a juncture where you will need help monetarily or personally. Talking about debt can be embarrassing but Feefo reviews of Financial Wellness Group make it clear that discussing money concerns with a stranger can be easier and more beneficial than sharing with loved ones. Professional debt management companies have heard it all, so there’s no need to feel ashamed about your situation – their team members have been trained to offer a compassionate and pragmatic ear. They are also able to talk you through potential action plans that you might not have considered.

Know who and what you owe

This might sound like an obvious tip, but it’s shockingly easy to get overwhelmed and simply lose track of every pound outstanding. It can be very helpful to set up a rudimentary spreadsheet, listing all of your outstanding debts, the current monthly repayments and settlement figures too. By having these figures in front of you, you can motivate yourself to try and save a few extra pounds every month, in order to get some of the smaller debts paid off and out of your hair. Once they are completed, you can start to focus on the larger accounts.

Consider Downsizing

To reduce your debt, consider making lifestyle changes such as downsizing your living arrangements or cutting back on non-essential expenses. This may involve moving to a smaller home or selling assets you no longer need. If you opt to relocate, consider collaborating with a professional moving company or acquiring packing boxes from companies like Happly (you can find more information here) to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition. Professional moving companies can offer valuable assistance with packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking your belongings, saving you time and effort during this stressful period of transition. While making these decisions can be challenging, downsizing can significantly decrease your monthly expenses and free up more money to allocate towards paying off your debts.

Negotiate with Creditors

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your creditors, especially if you’re facing financial hardship. Many creditors are willing to work with you to set up a more manageable repayment plan, reduce interest rates, or even settle for a lump sum that’s less than the total amount owed. Be upfront about your situation and provide documentation to support your case.

Increase Your Income

While cutting expenses is important, increasing your income can also help you pay off debt faster. Consider taking on a side job, freelancing, or starting a small business. Even picking up a few extra shifts or taking on overtime at your current job can make a significant difference in your debt repayment efforts.

Don’t adjust your outgoings

If you are determined to get your debts cleared as soon as possible and are making headway by clearing some of your smaller outstanding agreements first, don’t see your former repayment amounts as bonus money. Instead, channel any extra funds from clearing debts into overpaying some of your larger ones or those with the most disadvantageous interest rates. If you have been coping with a certain amount of spending money per month, why try to secure more, when you could just pay more of your debt off?

Cut up the cards you don’t need

Keeping hold of credit or store cards after you’ve paid them off is just a needless temptation. By all means, keep your accounts open – if you really need to – but don’t have a card that you can access and use. Cleared accounts can help to get your credit score in a healthy position, so they can be useful, but you need to be sure that you won’t get into trouble with them. Store cards often come with high interest rates, so if you can live without this season’s drops, maybe cut them up and keep a credit card for non-fashion emergencies.

Create a comprehensive budget

It’s time to make a cup of tea and sit down with your bank statements. The only way to really manage and get on top of your debts is to account for every penny that comes in and goes out each month. If you’re serious about being debt-free, you’ll need to use these figures to budget properly, so be prepared to make some short-term sacrifices for long-term peace of mind.

When you know what your income is every month, subtract your minimum payments and see what you have left. Divide this by four and that’s what you have to live on each week. This is when you can start to enjoy the process, seeing how thrifty you can be. Budget supermarkets, such as Aldi and Lidl are a perfect way to save money on your weekly food bills, and try turning the heating down a degree or two, to see a tangible difference in your energy bills. At the end of the month, whatever you have leftover, put into a separate savings account and watch it grow. You can then pay debts off in one and start seeing a real difference to your financial situation.

Don’t fritter away extras

If you come into any extra or unexpected money, don’t simply spend it without thought. Birthday cash, eBay earnings or selling on preloved websites can all generate valuable extra income that can be used to offset pesky debts that are playing on your mind, so try not to immediately splurge on unnecessary purchases. Pop them in your savings account instead, to top up the ‘lump sum’ fund.

Struggling with debt is not uncommon, despite credit card borrowing on the decline in the UK, but the mental anguish that it causes is hard to overcome. By taking control, being totally honest with yourself and seeking out positive steps, no matter how small, you will find that your situation could improve almost instantly.

The plan was never to be any kind of social media star or mega influencer, but it sure helps to bump up the follower numbers. My Instagram account got a major boost, which had me in for the receipt of a nice range of household goods and personal items to try and review. Many people will go and figure out how to buy Instagram likes to achieve this, but my method was a little different.

I’m more than willing to share my “secret” behind the explosion of my account, because you’re going to hear about it in any case. You might as well here it from me if you don’t already know about GetInsta!

So GetInsta is an application with compatibility across all common platforms, one of which is Windows. I must admit I do indeed use my computer for Instagram (I use developer tools to simulate using a mobile device so that I can post), but you don’t need to use the app on the same device you use your Instagram account with.

The app is easy to download and install, with the installation passing the safety test since you don’t get that message asking you if you trust the software vendor or not. It installs quickly and easily enough, after which time you register with an email address, verify that email and add as many Instagram accounts to the app as you want engagement for.

I was going for the likes as opposed to building up a following, but you can get free Instagram likes or followers to your heart’s content.

Well, okay, there is a little catch, if you can call it that. That catch is that you have to essentially participate in the tasks allocated to you via the app, which basically include liking posts presented to you and/or following other people’s Instagram accounts.

As I said, I was going more for the likes, simply because for potential sponsors the posts which are “liked” represent engagement. You can actually buy automatic Instagram likes monthly if you want to increase the engagement on your posts and therefore gain organic interest due to your increasing number of purchased likes. These brands often want to work with “influencers” who have an active audience, which is indeed possible through bumping up the number of followers. I just personally chose to go with the likes and I’m more than willing to follow people’s accounts to get more “coins” that I can go on to exchange for likes.

You know the followers you gather or the likes you rack-up are real, because on the other end of those engagements are people just like you who are also using the same app. Sooner or later some of those “paid” engagements will constitute people who genuinely have an interest in your content and your account, so the retention rate is pretty high. Someone who likes one or more of your posts can go on to become a follower, after which action they’ll likely engage in more of your content in future.

That’s pretty much it. That’s my secret to the recent explosion in the numbers associated with my Instagram account. The other part of the secret is simply a focus on a specific niche, which is the one around what I blog about right here. I don’t cast the net too wide, focussing more on quality than quantity.

As a mum, you’re not just responsible for your own life but also the lives of your children, which is why as soon as motherhood hits, mums realise they need to start looking for life insurance to ensure they’re kids have financial stability, and start to look at different reviews of life insurance companies.

With so many things to worry about, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and overlook certain aspects – financial protection can be one of them.

Thinking about your family’s life if you were no longer around can be a painful thought, but one that needs to be considered in order to secure the right protection. For a mum, life insurance is essential for securing the financial future of your family.

But what is life insurance and how does it work?

Life insurance is a form of financial protection that will pay out to your loved ones if you pass away while your policy is active. Your loved ones can then use this pay out to cover any new financial obligations.

From paying off the mortgage in full so your children can stay in the family home, to covering additional childcare costs or simply leaving an inheritance for your kids to spend how they wish – a life insurance pay out could take care of all of this.

There are multiple policy options that can be taken out, including term life insurance (level and decreasing), whole of life insurance and family income benefit.

You also have the option of taking out a single policy or a joint life insurance policy.

Many parents opt for a joint life insurance policy that can offer survivorship insurance coverage, making it a convenient way to ensure their children’s financial security in the event of their unexpected passing. This type of policy can provide a lump sum death benefit to the children when both parents have passed away, thus ensuring they are well taken care of during such difficult times.

However, when you are considering a joint life insurance policy, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to ensure it aligns with your family’s unique needs and circumstances. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy type? Award-winning UK life insurance broker, Reassured, explain the pros and cons of joint life insurance.

Pro: Save money

We all like a good saving and the main benefit of a joint life insurance policy is that it can help you save money when taking out life cover (compared to two separate policies). Life insurance in a nutshell is about saving money for the future in order to protect family members. Companies like Final Expense Direct and many more are there to help answer any questions regarding money-saving and how to find the best deal.

With a joint life insurance policy, the lives of you and your partner will be covered under one policy. So, there’s only one application to fill in and just one premium to pay between you both.

It’s possible to save up to 25% when taking out a joint policy compared to taking out two separate policies. If you’re on a budget and just want some form on cover in place to protect your kids, this can be a good option.

While the idea of saving money can be tempting, life insurance isn’t something to be scrimped on. It’s important to make sure that the cover you’re paying for is the right amount of cover to protect your loved ones – otherwise this could end up costing you more in the long run.

Con: Only one pay out

The downside to having a shared policy, is that it only provides one pay out. This will usually be after the first death and after this the policy will expire, leaving the surviving partner unprotected (and needing to secure a new policy).

Securing a policy later on in life can mean you end up paying more for your cover as you’ll be at an older age with potentially less favourable health (and therefore a higher risk in the eyes of insurers).

What’s more, in a worst-case scenario where both policyholders were to pass away within a close time frame, one pay out simply may be enough to cover all the associated costs.

By taking out two separate policies, you’ll benefit from more comprehensive cover and you’ll have peace of mind that there will be sufficient funds left. Alternatively, you could sell your life insurance policy for a lump sum if you know that both you and your partner are reaching the end of your lives. You are unlikely to both die at exactly the same time, so this method helps to avoid the potential wrangling of trying to set up a new policy when only of you dies.

Pro : Save time

Having only one form to fill in can help you to save time during the application process.

You’ll need to provide information about both parties, including your age, medical history and smoking status.

However, it’s important to be aware that this can also have a negative impact on your policy.

If you or your partner has a pre-existing medical condition, is a smoker or leads a less healthy lifestyle you’ll both experience inflated premiums, which means one of you could be left paying over the odds for their cover.

By taking out two separate policies, you can ensure that you’re not paying more than is necessary.

Con: you can’t split a joint policy

No one wants to think about what life will be like when they’re no longer around and, similarly, no one wants to think about a potential relationship breakdown.

The truth is that divorce happens and, not only can this have a big impact on your life but also your life insurance.

Joint life insurance after a divorce can get complicated as a lot of insurers won’t allow you to split a joint policy.

So, if you and your partner decide to separate, you’ll most likely end up having to cancel your joint policy and you’ll each need to take out a new policy to meet your new financial requirements.

If you’re doing this at an older age, it can become costly (particularly if there’s been any changes to your medical history). If it’s within your budget at the time, taking out two separate policies from the beginning can be more beneficial and can elevate financial stress in the future.

If you’re not sure whether joint life insurance is a good match for you, comparing quotes for both joint and single policies can help you make a fully informed decision. You could do this yourself or you could talk to a life insurance expert (such as a broker, like Reassured).

A life insurance broker can compare multiple policies on your behalf, helping you to save time and money.

Transport costs don’t end when you arrive at your destination. There are various transportation options you have to consider when you arrive. In case you plan to stay in one location, then this article is not meant for you. But, if you are planning to move from one place to another exploring, you will need other means of transport besides a plane. So, how do you choose the right means of transportation?

1. Consider the Reason for Travelling?

To decide what transport means is right, you have to consider the purpose of the journey. Do you desire to see a lot in the shortest time possible? If that is the case, then choose the fastest means of movement. But if your trip gives you a great experience then choose a slower means of transport.

Sometimes your trip itinerary can include visiting a lot of places that are not so close to each other or may involve some island-hopping, in which case you need to decide on transport that is quick and convenient for you. You could reach out to some private jet rentals that can arrange a charter plane for you so that you are able to cover all the destinations on your mind while ensuring to make the most of your trip (and the transport). All of this, if it proves pocket-friendly for you; which brings us to the next point…

2. Consider your Budget

You may have researched transport when planning for your vacation to estimate how much you are likely to spend. At this point, the amount you estimated to use will help you choose the right transport mode. For example you can hire a golf cart to get around during your stay in Pu-in-Bay.

In most cases, the cheapest means of movement are buses. That means if you have a lot of time and are on a small budget, this could be the best choice. Unfortunately, this may not be the safest option due to COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Consider Trip Length

How long do you intend stay? If you have more time to connect with the nature, then a slow trip is a great choice. Are you planning to visit the top ten travel destinations in the US within ten days? If yes, you must plan effectively.

4. Consider Luggage and Companions

Are you planning family vacation in Put-in-Bay? If that is the case, then a hiring a car is the most straightforward means of transportation because your children can rest in the car before you go back to your hotel after a long day in the bay.

Have mobility issues? If your journey is long, trains are comfortable because they have comfy seats and don’t have steps. You can also choose to use a cruise because only limited walking is required. 

Can’t avoid carrying a lot of clothes and stuff for your vacation? Then choose a transport means that eliminates the possibility of you hauling your luggage from one from place to another or where there is limited storage space.

Summary

Transport costs cover a large percentage of your travel budget, and that is why you need to plan not only for the flight charges but also for the amounts you will spend moving from place to place once you reach your destination.

When you plan early, you save yourself hassles, stress, and headache that come with unplanned expenditures-planning to go for a vacation soon? Follow the tips given above to decide what means of transport is best for you when you reach your most awaited travel destination.

If you want to buy a house but can’t afford to pay for it yet, you might want to consider financing the purchase by taking out a mortgage. At first glance, the idea of paying off a mortgage can be disconcerting, especially because it can take as long as 25 years to repay mortgage loans, which is why it is so important to try and find the best rate. However, a mortgage doesn’t have to be so scary. Of course, it is a big purchase, so you’d be better off talking to a private mortgage lender in Calgary to make sure it’s something you’re capable of doing.

Acquiring such a huge debt not only reduces the likelihood of your early retirement; it can also prevent you from affording certain luxuries such as vacations, clothes, and accessories.

Despite these discomforts that come with different types of mortgage, there are some effective ways to reduce the number of years on your payment schedule. This will enable you to enjoy your Limited Company Director Mortgage and gain financial freedom sooner than later.

Why should you pay off your mortgage early?

When you pay off your mortgage earlier than the scheduled time, you eliminate the risk of foreclosure and gain full possession of your house. This assures you a sense of security should your financial situation suddenly take a turn for the worse.

Another important benefit of repaying your mortgage early is that the total amount of interest you pay on your loan will reduce drastically. As a result, your cash flow will increase, allowing you to repay other debts you may have incurred, grow your savings and invest in the stock market.

How to pay off your mortgage faster

Check out some of the surefire ways to pay off your mortgage early.

1. Consider overpaying your mortgage

This involves exceeding the exact amount when paying your mortgage. The downside is that some lenders in the UK won’t support this option unless you’re ready to pay early repayment charges.

Check-in with your lender early enough and examine your paperwork thoroughly to be on the safer side.

2. Refinance into a shorter-term mortgage

Refinancing a long-term mortgage (such as a 25-year mortgage) into a shorter-term mortgage can save you a lot of money and reduce the term of the loan. This is because shorter-term loans normally have lower interest rates.

It’s imperative to take an objective look into your financial state and opt for a level you’re comfortable with. Refinancing into a shorter-term mortgage will lead to an increase in your monthly repayment. More information about this can be found at https://www.sofi.com/home-loans/mortgage-refinance/.

However, it will give you peace of mind and help you clear your mortgage faster. And since the life of their loans is short, your interest charges will be a lot less.

3. Payoff expensive debts

It’s ideal to repay debts on expensive credit cards or store cards. These types of debts often have higher interest rates. You should pay them first before overpaying your mortgage.

If you’re having trouble deciding which type of mortgage is the right option for you, or if you need assistance with your mortgage application, get in touch with reputable lenders for professional advice and guidance.

They are always happy to discuss your options, talk you through your mortgage application and help you secure the house of your dreams.

The imminent birth of a child is a happy event that is worth celebrating. Many cultures around the world mark the occasion with a unique ritual that brings family and friends together to ‘shower’ the mum-to-be with gifts but don’t forget fellas you can always have a diaper party for guys and not miss out.

Not all cultures celebrate a baby shower in quiet the same way. In some countries, like the UK, that have recently adopted the mother and baby honouring custom, it’s acceptable to incorporate different aspects of traditions from around the world.

If you’d like to organise a baby shower for a close friend or relative, you can take inspiration from the rules and etiquette of international baby shower rituals and create your own unique experience for mum-to-be. You’ll need to plan a baby shower party – that features refreshments and entertainment – and to send out invitations. Don’t forget that it’s good manners to send baby thank you cards to every guest after the party, to show gratitude for their company and gifts.

To inspire you further, read on to discover how the baby shower tradition is celebrated around the globe…

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the birth of a baby isn’t officially celebrated with a baby shower until the 6^th night after the infant is born. Family and friends come together to celebrate the event over the sharing of a feast. As the guests already know the gender of the newborn, they traditionally bring gifts of items that the baby needs, like clothing, baby supplies and toys.

China

Families in China plan and organise a formal baby shower that is hosted after the birth of the baby. It’s considered unlucky to celebrate before the mother gives birth. Guests are invited to a large banquet dinner, and traditionally bring gifts of money, for the baby and parents, in ‘lucky’ red envelopes.

Dominican Republic

Parents in the Dominican Republic like to throw a surprise baby shower party for the expectant parents. Both women and men are invited to attend the lavish occasion. Before gifts are presented to the mum-to-be, it’s customary to play a variety of fun party games.

The United States

Many people consider a baby shower to be a
custom that originated in the USA. Although the country can’t officially claim
the baby-honouring practice as its creation, some cultures around the world
have accepted many of the elements that make up an American-style baby shower
as their own. Once a women-only afternoon event, the baby shower has evolved
over the years in the United States and now welcomes women and men at the party
that is held in the morning, afternoon or evening. The baby shower is traditionally
planned and hosted by a family member or close friend and arranged in honour of
the mum-to-be. Invitations are sent out to guests, along with baby thank you
cards after the event. The celebration includes party games, refreshments and
the showering of gifts for mother and baby. Many expectant mums choose to
reveal the gender of their unborn baby to everyone, during the baby shower
party. The hosts and guests may together open a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, or any wine of their liking, for a celebratory toast to the mum and the little one.

France

The baby shower tradition isn’t formally
celebrated in France until the infant’s first birthday, when family and friends
get together to make a great deal of fuss. Baby’s 1^st birthday is a
lavish affair with women and men in attendance, and gifts galore for the
birthday boy or girl and the child’s mother.

India

In India, it’s a traditional Hindu custom to
celebrate the imminent birth of a child during the 7^th month of
pregnancy. The celebration is known as Godh Bharai, which translates as ‘fill
the lap’, and involves showering mum-to-be with blessings of abundance, support
and gifts. The expectant mother is dressed up in a beautiful flower covered
saree, and is anointed with special oils. During the women-only event, family
members and friends gather together to dance and sing, and to play games. A lot
of attention is bestowed on the mum-to-be, and she is adorned with colourful
jewellery as her lap is filled up with fruits, sweets and other gifts.

Latin America

In Latin America, a baby shower is an occasion that
brings the entire family together, including men and children. There’s music, dancing
and entertainment, party games that go on for hours, a feast of delicious
treats, and plenty of affectionate hugging. The kissing and touching of the
expectant mum’s belly is also a common custom.

South Africa

South Africans enjoy celebrating the imminent
arrival of a new baby with a ‘stork party’. The event is often arranged as a
surprise for the expectant mum, and includes party games, food and drink and
the giving of gifts to the baby and mum.

Tibet

In Tibet, it’s traditional to honour the birth
of a child with a celebration that is known as pang-sai, which translates as ‘the
cleansing of the baby’. The event is held during the first week after the birth
of the newborn and lasts for the entire week. Family and friends bring gifts of
clothes for the infant, and food that represents wishes for an abundant life. Some
guests give the gift of brightly coloured scarves that symbolise good wishes
for the parents. It’s also common for the parents to receive a visit from a
monk from the local monastery, as this is associated with the gift of wisdom
for the child. On the final day of pang-sai, the most respected person in
attendance is given the honour of naming the child during a special naming
ceremony.