Small Steps to Make Your Home More Functional

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We all want our homes to be the best they can be. They’re our pride and joy. We invest a whole lot of time and effort into buying them and sprucing them up. We’ll flick through interior design ideas in magazines, scroll through Pinterest boards and browse influencer Instagram feeds. We create colour palettes, settle on different types of furniture and generally sculpt our properties to fit our aesthetic tastes and preferences. But it’s important to remember that there’s a whole lot more to an ideal home than aesthetics and looks alone. Sure, we want our properties to look great. But we want them to be functional and comfortable places to live too. After all, we have to store all of our belongings in here, rest in here, cook in here, clean in here and generally revolve our lives from this spot. Now, there are many steps you can take to make your home feel more functional. Here are a few to get the ball rolling!

Storage

First, let’s focus on storage. This is something that people don’t consider until way down the line, but it’s absolutely essential for any home that people actually live in. Want to know how the most minimal properties manage to have a clean, empty look but the people who live there still seem to cope and actually own belongings? Storage. Want to know how parents with young kids have presentable homes despite the kids clearly having buckets of Lego, arts and crafts materials and endless toys? Storage. Effective storage solutions can really make a property and can keep things neat, tidy and organised rather than cluttered, stifling and overwhelming. So, browse some of the storage solutions available to you. There’s all sorts out there. From wardrobes to underbed storage, baskets, shelves, rails, chests, trunks, toy boxes and more.

Repairs

So many of us brush repair work under the carpet. Unless a necessary repair poses a specific threat to us or our homes, we tend to ignore it. But this is problematic. Very few issues simply go away or rectify themselves – and failing to attend to them early on can just see problems develop further and you have to fork out more down the line. So, no matter what your repairs – whether it’s a leaky tap, a leaky roof, Hot Tub & Spa Repair, a cracked window, AC repair or anything else, call the professionals in sooner rather than later.

Try Double Duty Furnishings

Double duty furnishings are versatile. Consider coffee tables that also have shelves where you can store books and other items. Consider side tables that can also serve as stalls. These kinds of furnishings save space and are extremely practical!

The steps are relatively simply to implement. You just need to consciously implement them! Try them out and you could be surprised by the beneficial results you experience!

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Why You May Have More Money Than You Realize

Of all things that can cause stress, none are quite like our money situation. The problem with finance-related problems (or even just worries) is that it seems like they rarely, if ever, go away; it’s an all-consuming issue. However, while there aren’t any magic bullets when it comes to solving these issues, there is something that could help: you may have more money than you think you do. A lot of this will be wrapped up in untapped sources. We’ll take a look at how to reveal that cash below.

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In the Drawers

Most of us are guilty of buying more stuff than we really need. We buy and buy and buy, to the point where our homes are overflowing with things that we don’t necessarily need (or even want). Take a look in your drawers, and you might just find that you have many goods that you could sell for a significant amount. Go through, figure out the items that you don’t need, and then look at listing them online for sale. Within a week or so, you might have earned the equivalent of a month’s pay.

What You’re Owed

We tend to think that the only source of cash is through our jobs, but that’s not really the case. There’s a lot of money in the world, and some of it may be owed to you. For example, if you were injured and it wasn’t your fault, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, it’s not as if that money will automatically come your way: you have to fight for it. The best personal injury lawyer can help you to get the money that’s rightfully yours. You will also want to see if there are any tax credits or other state money that you’re entitled to.

Daily Expenses

If you’re one of those people that reaches the end of the month and always thinks, ‘where does all my money go?’ then it’s worthwhile digging a little deeper, and seeing where exactly your money goes. For example, many of us spend more money than we realize on things like coffee and takeout food. Individually, these things don’t cost too much — but collectively, they can add up to a pretty penny. Just by cutting down on these expenses, you’ll find that you have a lot more money in your bank account.

Putting Your Assets to Work

It could be that you’re actually fairly wealthy — it’s just all your financial worth is tied up in your home or car. If you want more cash in your life, then put these assets to work. You could rent out a room in your house, for example, or offer rides in your car (such as to work).

Earning Potential

Finally, take a look at your earning potential. If you’re currently underpaid, then you’re more valuable than you’re currently being paid. If that’s the case, talk to your boss about getting a raise — if you’re worth it, they’ll give it. You can only ask!

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Never DIY These Plumbing Jobs

No matter how skilled you are at DIY, there are always some household jobs that are best left to the professionals. Attempting a repair job that is outside of your skills set could result in you creating an even larger problem, doing more damage, meaning you have to make a potentially expensive (and embarrassing) phone call to a professional to put right your damage. Some plumbing tasks are among these jobs much best to the professionals.

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Water Line Repair
If your water bill is much higher than usual and you can’t think of a reason why then you should check your water line for a leak. A water line pipe runs underground to provide the water to your home. Because of their position underground, a leak in these pipes is hard to spot, meaning it go on leaking undisturbed for some time. Replacing these pipes needs an expert professional, and are not the kind of plumbing services to tackle yourself. A professional will be able to replace or repair the waterline without causing as much of a disturbance to you and your home.

Gas Leaks
A gas leak can be very dangerous. As soon as you think there may be a gas leak, you must turn off the gas immediately. Call a gas safe, registered plumber and get out of the house. Do not attempt to take on any repair involving gas yourself, as this could be very dangerous. Only a professional with training in safely handling gas appliances should be called. Most plumbers will offer an emergency call-out service for dangers like gas leaks.

Sewer Rodding
Back-ups in your sewage system can cause some very unpleasant and dirty living conditions. Back-ups like this are often caused by a blockage somewhere in the pipes or in the mainline sewer. To clear a blockage, the whole system, including pipes, drains, and sewer lines will need a good clean. This kind of cleaning can only be done via rodding, which must be done by a professional.

Sewer Clogs
The sewer can become clogged if debris builds up in the pipes. You might first notice a clog if you’re getting an overflow of water from your taps, bath, and toilet. The overflow of water can cause all kinds of nasty water damage. To get the clogs cleared, call in an experienced plumber to find and remove the obstruction. They can also help you to repair any damage done by the water overflow.

Drain Cleaning
Call a plumber to clean your drains on a semi-regular basis. This helps you to reduce the risk of clogged drains and the problems they cause. Keeping your drains in good repair is smart to save you from bigger plumbing problems later on.

A good plumber is a very handy person to know. Any responsible home-owner should have the number of a professional, experienced plumber saved, in case of a plumbing emergency. Don’t attempt big repairs yourself, or you risk just making the problem worse, and more difficult to put right.

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Life Hacks That Will Save You Money

Everybody wants to save more money. Whether you’re saving up for a vacation or want to build up your savings for retirement, saving money is important to everyone. It can seem difficult to save money if you feel like you’ll have to go without things. With these life hacks, you can save money without feeling like you’re going without.

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      1. Speak to a financial advisor. They can help you to look over your finances and help you spot areas where you could better manage your money. Whether you’re overpaying on your mortgage or have debts to handle, they can assist you with sensible solutions to make you better able to save.

      2. Clear your browser history. Shopping online can very tempting when you’re trying to save money. After browsing online, clear your cache and browser history. Online companies use cookies to follow your progress around the internet and will show you the products you’ve looked at in adverts, tempting you to go back and buy.

      3. Turn down the brightness on the screens of your TV and computer. This is not only better for your eye health, but it can also save you a lot of money. Lowering the brightness from the default can really reduce the amount of energy you use, which is much cheaper. The default brightness is meant to make the screens look their best in a store under fluorescent lighting. You don’t need it this bright in the lounge.

      4. Carry large bills. Many people find that paying in cash instead of using cards makes you less likely to overspend. This is because you can see what you’re spending. If you carry large bills, you won’t want to break it, which can save you from making impulse purchases that you don’t actually particularly want.

      5. Build your credit. Whether your credit is good, bad, or middling, you can still do more to build it up. Credit is used to determine your rate on loans and is also used by utility and insurance companies to decide on your monthly premium. A good score could save you a lot of money on the bills.

      6. Make big purchases at the end of the month. Sales representatives, whether they’re selling cars or washing machines, will have a monthly quota to meet. If you need to make a large purchase, try and wait until the end of the month. If the salesperson has had a bad month, they may be open to giving you a generous discount in order to secure a sale and meet their targets.

      7. Paint your roof white. Painting the roof sounds strange but could potentially be a big saving. Roofs are usually a dark shade, but dark colors absorb more heat. In the summer, this means you’ll have to crank up the air conditioning to keep the house cool. With a white roof, this doesn’t happen.

      8. Brew your own coffee. Takeaway coffee can be a pricey treat, especially if you buy it most days. Instead, treat yourself to some quality coffee that you can brew at home. Even with a more expensive brand, it’ll be cheaper than coffee shop drinks. If you do buy takeout coffee, take your own reusable mug. Many shops now offer a discount if you don’t need a disposable cup.
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How To Enjoy A Happy Retirement

Have you ever wondered what your life will look like after retiring? Do the thoughts worry or excite you? Your answer may be dependent on how prepared you are for retirement. Retirement is not something to push back until we start growing old.

Some people end up with either little or no retirement plans at all. In fact, experts have suggested a retirement crisis where most Americans will not be able to live a ‘solid life’ after retiring. So, how do you ensure that you do fall within the retirement crisis group? Hopefully, the following tips will help.

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Save Early
The first thing you need to start doing is to start saving early and often. Look for retirement savings account options, sign up, and start saving as soon as possible. There is no right time to start saving. In fact, some experts have advised that children are taught the habit of saving at a very young age so they can grow up with it. The earlier you begin to save, the greater the value of your savings will be when you finally retire.

Balance Investments
Don’t get it wrong; investments are not the same as savings. Savings take a number of forms such as treasury bills, certificates of, savings accounts, etc. These are usually very safe as well as liquid. As a result, they are always available to us whenever we need them.
Investments, on the other hand, come in the form of assets that are expected to yield returns in the long-term on a yearly basis. Investments come in different forms that include purchasing of stocks, real estate, trading in gold, art collection, etc.

Because retirement funds are for future use, many people choose to use them to acquire investments. Experienced investors opt for diversity in terms of the number of assets to avoid certain losses. Thus balancing investments allows for the selection of certain securities that will ensure that a loss in one investment is canceled by a gain in another.

Maximize Tax Advantage
Currently, there are enough opportunities for diligent Americans to lower their tax liabilities through credits and retirement plans. This is all thanks to the federal tax code. There are even savers’ tax credits available for people who 401 k or IRA contributions. Indeed, there have been several considerations about the possibilities of one person having multiple 401k accounts.

Control Spending
Unnecessary spending is gradually becoming a part of most Americans, as countless companies and advertising agencies encourage consumers to spend on things they do not need. This situation is not helped by the availability of easy credit that is behind the habit of instant gratification. Thus, anyone who is seriously interested in enjoying retirement should seriously consider cutting back on unnecessary spending. That is, do not spend money on things you do not really need.

Stay Healthy
It is better to enjoy your retirement in good health. Age-related health issues are one of the main reasons why most people do not enjoy their retirement. You do not need to wait until it’s too late to start living healthy. Start now. Exercise often, eat healthy, get enough rest, and drink loads of water. Your future depends on it.

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How To Make Your Home Look Gorgeous From The Outside

Curb appeal is usually something the average homeowner only worries about when they’re trying to sell their house. Curb appeal just means making your house look good from the outside. Curb appeal can be used for your house even if you’re not planning on selling it any time soon. You can use some of the classic curb appeal tips for your home to make it look welcoming and beautiful from the outside, to impress visitors, and to make you happy every time you get home and see it waiting for you.

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      1. Trim back your garden shrubs. This is one of the simplest ways to keep the front of your house look a lot tidier and to give it some serious appeal. Cut back any shrubs, bushes or hedges that are getting a bit overgrown and aim to keep them looking neat and tidy all the time. A front garden that has been kept tidy can make the house feel fresh and new again and will always look good.

      2. Add some cheerful plants in pots. Buy some attractive plant pots in a few different sizes. Fill these plant pots with a selection of flowers and green plants. Flowers are a simple way to add a pop of cheerful colour and some visual interest to the front of the house. Choose plants that smell nice too, so you can be welcomed home with a waft of pleasing scents that you can enjoy opening the front door to. Put your new pots of plants around the front door where they will look welcoming and cheerful. Hanging baskets could be a good choice too to add some interest to a plain house front.

      3. Clean the windows. If your windows are dirty, then your house is never going to look at it’s best. You can keep the windows clean to keep your house looking smarter and better cared for. If you hate washing windows yourself, hire a company to do it for you, but keep on top of it. Fingerprints, grubby smears, and other smudges won’t look good, whereas clean windows will look good from both the inside and the outside of your home, and will be better at letting the light in.

      4. Paint the front door a colour you love. Painting the front door a pretty colour will look very eye-catching from the road and can be a great way to add some fun to the look of your house. Choose whatever shade you like best, whereas that’s a more classic shade or something a bit funkier. Don’t be afraid to choose a bright colour, as these happy shades will stand out against the greenery and can’t fail to make you smile when you pull up outside the house.

      5. Clean the front path. Paths and patios can soon get grubby if they’re not cleaned on a regular basis. A good clean with Propel Pressure Cleaning can make a big difference. At the start of the spring, get your garden looking better by giving any pathways or patios a good clean so they look fresh. This will make your house look much more put together, and will brighten up the front of the house.

      6. Add some seating on the porch. If you have a porch with enough space, why not add some seating? A porch swing, a long bench, or a set of smart chairs with a little table all look welcoming whenever someone is coming to visit the house. Some seating at the front of the house also gives you a spot to sit and relax with a cup of coffee where you can watch the neighbourhood go by. For a smaller porch, even a single chair in a material like wicker can look cosy and welcoming, and gives you somewhere to sit to take off muddy shoes before going inside the house.

      7. Make your entryway as welcoming as you can. An entryway that has been thought about and well-decorated, whether a porch or the front steps, makes your house look much smarter. This will welcome visitors in the right way and make a good impression as soon as someone arrives at the house to see you. Repaint the front door regularly so the paint doesn’t start to look faded. Keep the entrance area clean and tidy, and free from clutter like abandoned umbrellas and muddy boots. Put out some bright plants in pots, and keep the front door’s hardware clean. A bright or patterned doormat is a good addition too to add a splash of personality to the front of the house.

      8. Light up the front of the house. Lighting at the front of the house not only looks good but can help to make your home feel safe and more secure too. Automatic lights are very handy for you for when you arrive back at home in the dark. The light will come on to light your way to the door without tripping or fumbling for your keys in the dark, and will also act as an effective deterrent against any would-be burglars coming towards the house. Solar lights along the pathway at a low height can light your way to the front door, or be used to highlight the best bits of your flowerbeds. An automatic light over the door is effective for security, and for lighting your way through the garden.

Curb appeal isn’t just for estate agents. Even if you never plan to sell your home, you can still use these tricks to make your home look gorgeous from the outside, so you can feel proud of it every time you arrive home. Why not make your home as nice as possible for you, and for anyone who comes to visit you, and not just for would-be buyers? With some simple additions, like lighting and plants, you can really change the feel of the front of the house and make the house welcoming, pretty, and ready to greet you when you get home at the end of the day.

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How To Meet Work From Home Challenges Head-On With The Right Software

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In the last few months the world has been turned upside down. The COVID-19 healthcare crisis has changed everything in our lives. One of the areas that it has affected the most has been the workplace.

With workers unable to share a space, non-essential businesses have had to close their doors. Those that have been able to, have adapted by asking employees to work from home.

Working from home has its benefits, especially when social distancing and isolation are such major issues. Working from home can lead to improved productivity, and it can help your business remain flexible to challenges.

But the issues associated with working from home include challenges surrounding communication and collaboration, and concerns over cybersecurity.

In this article we’ll talk about how you can meet all of these challenges head-on with the right software.

Collaboration

When you share an office space it’s easy to collaborate. But when your workforce is spread out and is completely isolated, it can be a challenge to work with other people effectively.

The right software can help this. Firstly, by making use of Cloud Services and Solutions you can work together on the same documents in real-time. All of the changes that anyone makes, will be visible on the other person’s screen. All of the work will be stored safely on the cloud.

Email is a way of communicating collaboratively, but it’s not effective. Because emails tend to be long-form they lack immediacy.

Using a tool such as Slack, you’ll be able to quickly engage with other members of the team and share ideas quickly.

Communication

In addition to using services such as Slack to communicate, one way that your business can stay effective and productive is by having regular meetings. Servies such as Zoom are great for this as they offer the ability to host meetings with multiple participants.

Try and keep regular meetings. Maintain a schedule as you might when you were in the office. Given the change in circumstances, it may be productive to host more meetings and include the wider team where possible.

Cybersecurity

One of the biggest concerns you will face will be that of cybersecurity.

Hackers and cybercriminals have increased their activity levels throughout the COVID-19 crisis and as a result, cybercrime has gone up. There is a very good reason that this has happened. Working from home puts your business’ data at risk. Home networks are far easier to hack than you might find in the workplace.

In order to avoid attacks on your home network, you should install a virtual private network. This will provide you with an increased level of security.

In addition to this, you should also hire a managed service provider. By outsourcing your IT support, you’ll get around the clock support. Your MSP will be able to spot any vulnerabilities in your network and they can work to address them. They will also be able to help you to put disaster recovery plans in place that will help you in case of the worst.

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