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Things to keep in mind before buying your first home

Everyone dreams of possessing their own home. Many people put in extra efforts to reach a point where they become financially stable enough to finally purchase and build their own dream house. After all, the ideal life of an average man will be incomplete without a perfect house. Although, buying a house in general is a nerve wrecking experience, it becomes more grueling when you are purchasing a home for the first time.

Buying your first home is indeed an unforgettable experience. Where you are super excited, you are also nervous and scared. Where you have ideas flowing, making a decision as small as choosing the color of your curtains takes ages. Also, you are afraid of making wrong choices and fear any financial loss. Well, it is natural to be scared and many people do in fact end up making wrong decisions while buying their first home, if you do your research right you can avoid these mistakes. Here are some crucial things that first time home buyers should keep in mind before making their first big purchase:

Managing finances smartly

When you are heading towards buying your house you obviously have reserves, but how you manage the reserves and manage your budget makes a very crucial role. Many people end up spending too much on one or two aspects that leaves very little for other important stuff. Let’s say you have a limited cash reserve the major bulk of which you spend on down payment and mortgage insurance, in the end you would either compromise on the interior of the house or turn to the emergency fund (another important thing that we’ll discuss below). Always go for houses with mortgages that are 3-4 times your annual income.

Keeping emergency funds

No matter how much money you have in your reserve always, always have an emergency fund. It’s human nature that the more you have the more lavishly you will spend. And, even if you spend wisely, buying a house is full of unexpected turns and twists and you would be surprised at how many unplanned things you’d be spending your money on. Therefore, while budgeting for your house always keep an emergency fund along with your cash reserve. However, keep in mind that it is an emergency fund, so use it only in emergency situations. Otherwise, follow the above rule and manage your finances smartly.

Choosing the right mortgage

Choosing the right mortgage involves many factors. First of all it is essential that you choose reliable and efficient mortgage lenders. Secondly, before paying more for the mortgage consider what your long term goals are. If you plan to stay in this house for a very long time, then it is suggested that you go for a fixed rate mortgage in which your interest remains same during the course of your loan duration. If, however, you plan to move before the fixed time, go for adjustable rate mortgage in which your interest rises or falls based on the market rates. Choosing the duration of your mortgage loan is also important: many gurus believe that you must choose a 30 year plan over the 15 year plan as it provides more of a financial flexibility. If you can afford and want to get rid of mortgage payments quickly, then you may choose a shorter plan.

Things you need vs. things you want

When you are buying your home for the first time, everything seems appealing. Let’s say you are buying Spring Hill apartments from spring hill rentals. Even the unnecessary, nice-to-have things, seem to be a necessity. However, many of the choices that first time buyers make turn out to be a liability. So first make a clear distinction between things that you like and the things that you must have. If a certain design of windows suits your aesthetics while holds little significance in other areas, then don’t waste your money on it. Remember, that long after you have built your house, you will constantly need money for home maintenance and it is not always easy to cut money out of your monthly allowance for that.

Purchasing your first home is an experience no one forgets. It is full of mind bending decisions. You may make great decisions and you may also make some mistakes. If you are a little cautious and tread lightly, you will end up making way more smart choices than wrong ones.

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Is Montessori School System The Best Choice for Your Child?

Have you heard of Prince George attending the Westacre Montessori School? Yes the 2 year old son of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will be attending the preschool for a few days a week. Are you in process of considering preschool or regular school for your child? There are reasons why you should follow the footsteps of the royal family. Montessori school system focuses on independent and individualized learning.

Dr. Maria Montessori was the lady behind this creation and ever since then, it has grown popular and a great choice for support and natural development of children. It’s a precise alternative to teacher-driven educational system that traditional schools follow. The Montessori Curriculum is usually available at a higher price and some parents wonder is Montessori preschool is worth the value.

According to Red Apple Montessori there are certainly some factor which determine whether the Montessori preschool you’re approaching is the right one or not. Today we’re putting together the facts you will need to know, you will hear, and what should your decision be.

What to Look Out for?

A regular school might just be using the name of Montessori to attract parents. The school will be affiliated with American Montessori Society of Association Montessori International for being a Montessori Certified Program. Also, the teachers at Montessori will also have special training program graduation. Keenly check the mission statement and curriculum of the Montessori school. It is also important that you visit the school and ask about the program.

What Montessori Supporters Will Tell You

Children learn and advance quickly. Parents who have sent their kids to Montessori rave about how quickly their kids advanced in self esteem and academic capabilities. They also inform about how their children gained independence and self motivation because of Montessori education. Another important aspect that Montessori understands about young children is that, they learn at their own pace.

Children cannot be compared to adults and nor can their tendency to learn be compared. At Montessori, each and every child is encouraged for picking his or her own pace and develops the understanding of handling the situation or puzzle alone. They are also taught to share, care, and collaborate and support one another.

Teacher’s model behavior is to let the children learn to respect and be independent. Grownups don’t interfere in the child play or work unless necessary, which teaches them to respect. Moreover the environment of Montessori is calm and inviting and you will find no chaos.

What Will You Hear Critics Say

You will hear some people tell you that teachers at Montessori are standoffish, rigid, and not warm. Teachers are less interested and stand at a distance while the kids are working. Parents complain of not feeling welcomed at the school. They are not even encouraged for spending time in the classroom and are discouraged for hanging around the corner.

The Montessori curriculum is inflexible and controlled. Despite the independent learning of children, the material and things chosen for their learning are carefully picked. Some complain of manipulative product usage in doorways instead of real life products. It’s calm and quiet.

So, Is Montessori Right For Your Child?

In relation to the points mentioned in “Critics Say”, isn’t this what Montessori uses to develop brilliants? Montessori is great for self directed children, who can work independently, and can work alone or in groups. But even if your kid does not-Montessori School develops these skills and abilities in kids. Take a visit of a Montessori school while you’re considering all such factors.

However, do remember that although the basic philosophy for all these schools is similar but they will differ. Focus and observe how children are doing in classes? Observe how their moods are and how are they dealt by teachers. Ask yourself, would you enjoy the environment and can your child thrive in this setting? Your answer will become clear.

 

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Flowers for Every Reason and Occasion

God has given us enough plants and flowers so that we can decorate our lives with them and create some beautiful memories. From a kid to a sixty year old person, everyone seems to be get captivated by the look of a flower and that’s due to the sheer beauty and innocence of a flower. Nowadays, with various online shops, you can send flowers online in Dubai or Dublin with ease. Flower is always a reason to smile and love more and they know to beautify our special moments of birthday, anniversary, wedding, etc.

Let’s check a list of those flowers that can serve as a decoration purpose and also as a gift for your special day.

Birthday:- This is a special day is of utmost importance to someone’s life because growing old is fun. To decorate the day with special layer of love, you can create small wreath of flowers and hang on the front door or keep on your center table. As a gift of flower on this day, you can select the yellow tulips and roses bouquet so that the birthday boy or birthday girl cheers up with the joyful blooms. You can also keep a box of chocolates ready as a part of your gift.

Anniversary:- This is presumably one of the memorable days of a couple’s life because their souls were united on this day. As an anniversary decoration, keep enough flowers ready to swirl over the stairs and you can also put a lining of flowers over your chandelier. If a gift of flower is in your mind, place an order for a king size red roses bouquet of heart shape which would sweep off your partner for sure. Another addition to this bouquet can be a diamond necklace.

House-warming:- Buying a new house is no less than a victory because a lot of energy and money goes into identifying the right home. To congratulate your friend on possessing a new home, a bunch of white lilies would be a fantastic idea. Also take some dry fruits with these peaceful lilies. Lilies are meant to bring in peace, harmony, and prosperity in home. And that’s why it is a perfect gift for your friend.

Send flowers in UAE for every occasion as this gift occurs naturally and you find the bouquets easily in floral stores.

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How to Make Bomber Jacket Look Stylish in This Fall

There are always a lot of diverse fashion fads happening at once, but each season has its stand out a model that we remember more than any other piece, and this fall, it is the bomber jacket. We are naming it now – you are going to perceive some variety of a bomber jacket on every person from celebs to cool moms to Instagram style bloggers and fresher middle schoolers. Bomber jackets are nearby to take over, and we are absolutely not complaining. The only query left is how to dress them.

Bomber jackets have come from a long way since they were first shaped for aviators in the military. In the beginning made out of heavyweight leather, this bulky piece of outerwear has gone through an enormous amount of variations and updates throughout history.

These elegance tips from J-Bees Online Store will tell you on how to wear bomber jackets and will make you head to the mall ASAP to discover the one that is precise for you. Promise!

Cocktail Hour

Yes, imagine it or not, you can undeniably pair a cocktail dress with a bomber jacket. It gives just the exact amount of Avant-Garde edginess to a sexy and girlish silhouette. Whether you select a little black costume or opt for something in a flattering color, a silk, and a little fitted bomber jacket would work out very well. Embrace a pair of heels and the sparkly box clutch to complete the appearance.

Dress with A Black Tee and Black Pants

When in hesitation, dress all one color. When truly in doubt, make that shade black. An all-noir getup is pretty much fool-proof and always elegant. Throw a cool black jacket atop a casual tee and trousers and add a little pointy toed pumps to gear it up a little (or hold on to black loafers or flats if that is more your style).

Office Apparel

Bomber jackets are not constantly puffy, made from heavy materials, or oversized. In fact, there is a newfangled look to the bomber jacket that’s, goad we say, sophisticated. The deluxe look to this layering piece is the precise fit for a professional atmosphere. Select a pair of long and slender tailored trousers, cashmere shell tank or a silk, and slip into a beautiful tailor-made bomber-style jacket before heading off to a job.

Dress with A Striped Top and Neck Scarf

Speaking of wardrobe staples, a stripy tee should absolutely be one. Worn with comfy fitting jeans and an on-trend neck muffler (this could be whatever from a small silk square to a bandanna), the outcome is totally fun with a hint of Parisian inspiration.

Kicking It

When you are hanging out with your BFFs in an informal setting, think about pairing a lightweight, laid back bomber over a pretty tank or shorts and crop top, with a duo of Stan-Smith Adidas sneakers. To blend it up a bit more, think about the maxi style bomber jacket presenting a longer, mid-thigh grazing cut. Polish off this clothing with charming hoop earrings and ball cap.

Dress with A Stripy Button Down and Wide Leg Jeans

Straight stripes are magnificent but do not disregard perpendicular ones either. Check out a button-down paired with simple sandals and snug wide-leg jeans.

Final Note from J-Bees

So there are several ways you can gear up a bomber jacket, making them one of the most adaptable jackets on the marketplace. It is a decent opinion to brush up on just how one should suit, though, make sure you do not go overboard with the bulky appearance, or get one that is squeezing your insides. Whether you are wearing for a casual day out or a more official occasion, a bomber jacket can be amalgamated into a range of looks, and suit a class of elegances.

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Four Things to Take Care of Before Leaving College

So you’re done with college and on to your next adventure! Should you choose to become a traveling nomad, this article may not apply to you. However, if you’re moving to a new place to start a new life as an “adult”, listen up: it’s time to start planning ahead professionally. Here are a few suggestions to get you ready for this new shift in your life.

1. Get on LinkedIn!

Upon leaving college, many of your personal connections will become professional connections. But unlike Facebook, LinkedIn is a place to connect on a professional level. It’s specifically designed to let you see where connections are working and what they’ve achieved in the workplace. Those connections stay important when you’re job shopping or looking for partners on a project and need an industry insider with experience. In addition, many job recruiters are looking through LinkedIn profiles and even using it to screen potential employees before an interview even starts. To be frank, I’ve even been offered jobs through it. In this age, it’s almost necessary to be taken seriously as an employee.

2. Pack Light!

When moving, you should take mostly necessities for your new life and that naturally means letting go of textbooks, extra office supplies, and anything else you no longer use. This doesn’t mean you have to throw them all out. You could sell those textbooks and office supplies to younger students. Do the same for clothes you don’t wear and furniture you won’t use. Really, your primary focus in what you take with you should be things you need or will be using a lot.

3. Think about Paying Off your Student Loans – Now!

Make a plan to pay your student loans off as soon as you can. As a starter, get educated on student loan interest rates if you’re not already. This will hopefully incline you to pay the most you can whenever you make payments. Afterward, simple adjustments like avoiding going out for eating and entertainment are easy ways to save some cash. Choosing to make food at home more often doesn’t have to mean dollar store tacos. In fact, you can learn how eat healthy on a budget. Use resources from fitness websites that show how to eat healthy and affordable are great places to start. Going to see movies or buying DVDs? Netflix and Hulu will be your best friends and save you hundreds on what you normally would spend at a theater. Cut free those everyday expenses that you don’t need. Your wallet will thank you.

4. Do Research on Moving Trucks and Equipment!

Assuming you can’t fit everything into your car, you may want to rent a truck. I think this is fine, but if you’ve never driven a larger vehicle before, you need to know a little bit about it! The experience is much different from driving a smaller car and when you’re carrying more weight that makes a lot of difference, especially with unfortunately minimal highway precautions in some places. Be careful, know the limitations of a vehicle that size, and only use one if you have to. When dealing with a business for something this important, know what you need in a company and how they should be acting with customer relations. Companies like American Van Lines have the best reviews, while U Haul – though it’s more popular, tend to have some of the worst. Some companies you may not expect offer these services as well.

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3 Tips to Help You Buy Car Insurance Online

Many people buy car insurance online because it’s easier than calling or visiting an insurance provider in person. This method can save you time and money as you compare quotes from multiple companies. You can shop online when you want, whether it’s while waiting in line or sitting at home. To make the most of the process and get a great deal, you should follow these tips.

  1. Be Prepared

Know what coverage you need and want before you start shopping for car insurance online. You’ll need to carry the minimum liability coverage in your state, but you may want more coverage than what is required. Think about your options before you start searching.

Also consider comprehensive and collision insurance. If you are financing a vehicle, you will need to carry this policy as well. You’ll also discover riders and add-ons, which you may find beneficial, but they will add to your price. Know what you need, but avoid paying for something you don’t want.

You’ll also need to have information about your vehicle on hand when you submit information for a quote. The more data you have to include, the more accurate the quote will be. You’ll be asked for your driver’s license number and vehicle identification number. Have your registration handy, and be prepared to give permission for the providers to check your credit.

  1. Compare Products and Providers

Once you have input your information, compare the options you are given. Make sure the policies are identical or you can tell the difference to determine who has the best rate. Don’t forget you may be able to claim discounts, which would lower your price. Factor that in before you select a provider.

Once you have the base quotes, you can visit the providers’ websites to find out more about what they offer. You may discover one company provides a discount for alumni of the college you attended. Another may offer discounts if you work at a specific company or are a military personnel. Knowing these details can help you save even more money.

  1. Select Your Coverage

Once you find a company that offers great rates and fantastic service, you need to sign up. Choose the coverage you need, and they will create a policy for you. Make sure you know the details of the coverage you’re getting, such as any limitations or restrictions. Also find out who to contact if you should ever need to file a claim or have any questions about your policy.

While shopping for car insurance online can help you save time and money, it’s also helpful to work with an agent once you receive an initial quote. When you have a live person to talk to, you can get your questions answered and feel more secure about your coverage. An independent agent who offers multiple policies makes it easy to save money while working with someone who will help you along the way.

ASA Insurance provides excellent coverage for car and home insurance in the Salt Lake City area with the lowest rates to the English and Spanish communities . Affordable rates and superior service for all home, auto and business/commercial insurance needs.

 

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What I Would Tell My Younger Self About Being Scared To Graduate From College

Graduating from college can be somewhat terrifying. It’s nice to live in a secure place with a source of funding. However, it shouldn’t be too comfortable. Resting in one place too long is never a good policy.  After going through the college experience twice, I can assure you that getting through once, on time, and getting started on life is the most sensible policy. Here are the major things I would change, given the opportunity to try again.

Focus On The Right Things While In College

While in college, it is not important to commit to memory every concept and every lesson from every class. Do your best, get the grades and then leave specific lessons to be learned when you start working. That is to say, don’t get hung up on stresses of now.

What is important to carry away from college is the ability to focus on basic skills. Care about organization and compartmentalization. Care about how to write and develop good arguments. Anything that involves the process of asking questions and minding details will be your best assets in the future and should alleviate fears, instead providing confidence.

Get A Useful Degree

It’s easy to get a specific degree in a field that you love, but a bachelor’s in underwater digital photography isn’t terribly useful. It could be good for a gig in the Olympics, but will contribute mostly toward giving you a collection of cool things that you won’t have room for in your apartment. Unless you are a smooth talker, it will be hard to turn such a degree into a relevant job offer.

Get a generic degree, like business, something that will offer many different paths and options into a solid occupation. Or, if you really know yourself, look at fields that will always be facing a shortage of quality talent, such as nursing or nurse training and go forth and make your mark. Otherwise, just enjoy the ride and then spend junior and senior year getting the resume ready while doing internships to find your real place and establish networks.

Learn To Start Over Again

Starting life after college is much like the experience of starting college. You will start a new life in a new place and have to grow into it. Things will be weird and slightly uncomfortable. Plans fluctuate and missions change as people figure out the path. It’s not something that can be prepared for, but the ability to adapt to little changes and keeping track of goals is helpful.

Over the first year or two, don’t plan on getting too settled. Move into a small apartment with only essential items. As life unfurls, pull old stuff out of storage or buy into new hobbies. Start simple, finding out exactly what you need. Accumulating stuff is a major roadblock to any type of progress. The path of life should not start out overgrown. Rather, grow into your life and develop habits and accumulate things as you go.

Don’t Go Back To School After Graduation

When life gets boring, or the comforts of college keep calling, it’s easy to run straight back. The addiction of staying in school gives people fancy ideas about additional qualifications they could add to their resume. Consider the time and monetary investment in comparison to what you actually will receive and it’s not usually worth it.

If you do return to school, do it because your employer wants you to and is willing to pay for it. Since college is basically life prep more than career prep, it is not important to go back to school as it would be to transfer into a position to learn different skills on the job.

I have two degrees in specific and relatively useless fields. Going to school costs a lot of money, even more the second time around. It’s so ridiculously expensive that employers may start to offer loan refinancing options as the next part of benefit packages. My time at university was an inefficient use of six years and $100,000.

A good businessman should be able to turn a couple grand to turn huge dividends. A hundred grand investment should turn anyone into a millionaire. Yet, my investment is only making me poorer. People that spend the most time in college are not the most successful or the wealthiest.

Get out of college quick to stop borrowing money and start making money.  

Go To Work Straight Out Of College

Presumably, students are in college to create a good path for themselves. Most of the time that is to get a good job. If that’s the case, don’t take time off to find yourself or to travel. Some people, like me, took the opportunity to travel both before and after college, at a cost. Others wish they had spent their youth traveling while they “had a chance”.  

The chance to travel will always be an option, but still the best time to travel is while in college. It’s important to give refreshers and new experiences while in the midst of studies, as much as it will be in the midst of working life. It’s also important to build connections and interpersonal skills in different environments. Traveling during school years is almost like doing internships.  The experience looks good, but more importantly it comes across in demeanor for those intangible traits that don’t show up on a resume but sell you as a valuable employee anyway.

If you get offered a job straight away, it would be smart to take it. It may make the chances to travel a lot smaller window, but remember to work first, play second. Mostly, when it comes to career, you need the best foot forward. The people most serious about careers are going to get the best ones. Get the job, make the impressions, then reward yourself after you have attained the first couple of goals. First impressions matter – a lot!

While college is fun, simple life with a lot of security, it doesn’t do wonders to stay there forever. None of the world’s most successful people spent a decade in college. Do what you need to and get out of college as soon as possible to start making a name for yourself.

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How To Advertise Your New Business

Everything a New Business Owner Needs to Know

Advertising your new business is crucial to its success, so it’s important to plan how you’re going to do it.

When you’re establishing a business, it’s easy to leave the advertising and marketing as an afterthought. After all, you’re going to be focusing on the concept and development of your business. This is a dangerous mentality to have though, as advertising your business well is vital to its success. Just devoting whatever time and resources you have left at the end won’t deliver a successful outcome. So how can you ensure your marketing campaign is a successful one?

Choosing the right platform

Think carefully about where you’re going to advertise your product. There are so many magazines out there, so start off by figuring out which ones your potential customers may be reading or looking at. Setting up a photography business? Advertise in wedding magazines. Selling tools? Go for DIY publications.

Consider advertising in the weekend editions of newspapers too – people are more likely to read them leisurely, cover to cover.

Consistent, small ads

Advertising in newspapers and magazines can be costly. So instead of a splashing out on a full-page advert, build your brand with frequent small ads. Flick through your daily newspaper and you’ll notice that companies of all sizes use this method – and it works! You’re more likely to remember the name of a business after prolonged exposure to it, after all.

Discount ad space

Magazines want to sell all of their ad space, so if there are still unused spaces left at the end of the month, it’s worth trying to bag yourself a discount. It’s a riskier strategy, so don’t rely on finding that cheap ad space alone. At the end of the day, if you pay the normal price for adverts in two magazines and a reduced price in one, you’re still saving money. If you’re a regular advertiser, you may be able to secure yourself an even better deal.

Get online

As well as setting up a website, make some social media accounts too. Twitter and Instagram are free to set up, and allow you to connect with millions of users. Track search terms that are relevant to your business, follow those who are in the industry and interact with potential customers. You should also pay attention to how the most successful companies grow their brand with a strong online presence.

Advertise with a PVC banner

As well as magazine readers and internet users, you need to attract passers-by too. Your business could be just the thing they need – but if they don’t know it’s there, you’ve lost out on a customer. So invest in a PVC banner to grab their attention. They don’t cost the earth to have made, and what you’ll get back from them in terms of visibility and passing trade makes them incredible value for money.

Starting as you mean to go on

With a great advertising and marketing strategy, there’s no reason why you can’t launch your business with real impact. We all have to start somewhere, but the key is to hit the ground running and attract customers from day one. By following all the advice in this guide, you can look forward to a long, happy and successful time at the helm of your company.

Featured images:License: Image author owned

Lee Reeves is the managing director at Signs and Print Ltd., which is one of the UK’s leading large format print providers.

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Life is Unfair “La vie n’est pas juste” !

pMany of us use this expression when they experience an unfair phenomenon without being able to define the responsibility of this unfairness!

But how could we explain that someone who is powerful enough to take decisions that all concerned parties are obliged to accept without even negotiating , and he knows very well that his decision is unfair and when he is asked why he is taking this unfair decision , his answer is simple: “ Life is unfair” Continue reading “Life is Unfair “La vie n’est pas juste” !”