Are you planning to take your outdoor gardening indoors? Do you reside in a megapolitan city and you are looking for ways to grow herbs in your apartment?

Whether you want to grow marijuana or just some basic herbs indoors, you can do it all year round, courtesy of a growing kit.

What Is a Growing Kit?

It is a portable and reusable grow room for plants. It is suitable for people who want to grow plants indoors but have fears about compromising the privacy of their homes or subsequently messing up the apartment.

Generally, gardening outdoors can be quite messy. And we can say the same about growing herbs/plants in closets or a room in your house. It could also be an expensive venture and sometimes, not feasible. This is the reason why several home growers have switched to growing kits.

This method of indoor gardening is discrete and provides a good setting for the plants to thrive. When compared with using the spare bedroom or the closet, grow kits are better. You may want to visit Canadagrowsindoors.ca to find more information on growing kits and gardening tips.

What Can You Find Inside a Grow Kit?

Ideally, using a kit is a great way to start indoor gardening because you only have to purchase an outfitted growing space. If you try to buy the individual components for the grow room, it could cause you some headaches. And it may even be more expensive than the pre-configured kit.

Some of the components of the kit are:

1. Grow Lights

One of the essential things needed for an indoor garden to thrive is a grow light. And without the sun, you have to provide your plants with an artificial light source for growth.

There are different kinds of grow light that could overwhelm any buyer. However, we will help you by giving you a detailed description of the lighting types that are available. This will enable you to pick the one that you most prefer.

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH)

These are high-intensity illumination options. They are very efficient and generate so much light. The metal halide produces a blue light that promotes vegetative growth but with less flowering.

Also, the orange to red hues of the high-pressure sodium (HPS) are excellent for producing flowers and buds, but the plants won’t be strongly built. When used together, the metal halide light would promote the growth of leaves before swapping it with the high-pressure sodium light for flower production.

The MH and HPS growing lights are examples of traditional illumination technology. They’re good for beginners who are in search of a cheap and straightforward source of light and do not mind switching lights between vegetation and flowering.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

This option is quite new yet popular. It emits near-zero heat and requires minimal energy to function. You can program it to look like the color temperature of the sun and it can simultaneously generate blue and red band spectrums which plants need for both flowering and vegetative growth.

LED lights are costly. However, as technology advances, the prices may fall.

Fluorescent Light

This is a popular option for many home growers. The traditional type does not have the correct range required for flowering. So, it is best used for the germination and growth of vegetative parts. However, the newer versions offer wider spectrums for multi-purpose use.

Fluorescent is safe to use because it does not generate much heat. It’s also budget-friendly, versatile, and very efficient.

Irrespective of the type of illumination you choose, you need to purchase other accessories like the light timer and hangers. You will connect the timer to the grow light. This will enable you to configure the daytime and night-time periods. On the set intervals, the light will automatically turn on or off.

2. Bulbs

These will serve as a replacement for the grow lights when they burn out or malfunction.

3. Ballasts

These are the sources of power for the lights. They generate enough power to enable the arc to power on when the light is turned on. Afterward, they regulate the current and offer a steady beam.

4. Reflectors

They help to magnify the effectiveness of the lighting system. The light that would have been shining towards the ceiling would be directed downwards towards the plants. This action of the reflectors helps to optimize electricity usage.

How to Build Your Own Grow Kit

Building your own kit is quite simple.

Materials

Here are the things you need:

1. PVC

You need PVC pipes of 19mm since they are strong, cheap, and suitable for making the frame. You need:

1. 16 pieces of straight pipes to make the horizontal and vertical sides of the frame
2. 8 pieces of 90-degree fittings for the corners
3. 1 cross fitting
4. 4 pieces of t-fittings

2. Reflective Film

This film will be placed on the walls. The black portion will absorb light while the white portion will reflect it.

3. LED

There are different types of illumination, but LED is more durable and energy-efficient. You can also use any of the high-intensity lights we have earlier discussed. They are cheaper and will produce good results. However, you have to replace them after 2 harvests, and they consume more energy.

4. Fan

You can use a fan that has a carbon filter if you are building a big tent. Otherwise, a wall fan will be okay.

Tools

Duct tape (for covering the reflective film)

Velcro (to serve as an opening for the tent)

Hand saw (to cut the PVD pipes)

Procedures

Follow these steps to build the grow tent:

1. Assemble the Frame

Cut the PVC pipes to your desired size using the hand saw. You will need 8 pieces for the tent’s roof, 4 to make the base, 4 to make the vertical side (it should have a minimum length of 1.5 m).

Connect the pieces with the fittings and make the frame. It is important to note that the roof will have cross fittings at the center for additional stability since it will hold the fan, light, etc.

2. Cover the Tent

You will cover the tent two times. The first time, you will use the white portion of the film to cover the inside. The second time, you will use the black portion to cover the outside.

After that, place another film over the roof ensuring that you have an overlap of about 3 to 5 cm on each wall. Hold it down using the duct tape. Examine the interior for light leakage. If there is any, use the duct tape to cover it from the exterior.

To open the tent, cut a film that is about the length of the mid-roof to the tent’s base. Attach it to the tent’s roof using duct tape. Then use Velcro to attach it to the side and base of the frame.

3. Install the Fan and Light

Install the grow light according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It will stay at the center top. You will pull its power cord out of the tent through an opening on the roof, then seal it properly to avoid light leaks.

Finally, place the fan at the base and that would be all. You may want to read this article on growing plants in artificial light.

Conclusion

Indoor gardening is convenient and very satisfying. However, you need to monitor the growth conditions like temperature, humidity, and light. If you build your growing tent to standard, you may not have a lot of trouble maintaining the optimum growing conditions.

What comes to your mind when you hear jigsaw puzzle? You probably would be thinking about children and childhood. However, you have to know that it is no longer an all-kids’ affair. Adults can have fun with puzzles, too.

If the 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles aren’t on your bucket list, you may want to try them out. It may not be an easy feat, but it would be worth an evening of fun; one that will consume you in a good way such that your brain will be activated.

Settling down to a board of jigsaw puzzles, amid the digital distractions in our present-day society, challenges the brain and calms the body. It gives your mind a specific task to work on; something that is entirely different from the conventional work or the challenges it brings.

Additionally, puzzles are not just games and fun. Research shows that they could improve spatial skills. They also affect our memory positively. So, it will be a good idea to set aside that cell phone and unwind. Well, all we want you to think about is which of the puzzles to pick from.

In this article, we will show you some of the fun puzzles you can find online. Keep reading to see them.

1. Dog Lovers Jigsaw Puzzle

This puzzle is the dream of dog lovers. It features several favorite breeds such as Sheepdog, a sociable English dog, the inquisitive Pomeranian, the enthusiastic Dalmatian, and the Afghan Hound which is quite athletic.

The puzzle contains fifty-four dog breeds. And you can find the traits of each breed underneath. You can get this as a fabulous gift for a friend who loves dogs.

2. Friends Milkshake

Are you a fan of Friends? This is specially made for you. It is a 1000-piece puzzle showing iconic images from the show. The characters are seen sharing milkshakes. Characters like Phoebe, Joey, Monica, Ross, Rachel, and Chandler can make your time worth it. You could even have the series playing while you settle down to work on the game.

3. Houseplant Jungle

This verdant and lush puzzle is from a photographer and designer, Litten Troy. It is a way of celebrating the diversity and beauty of the surprisingly colorful and uniquely shaped houseplant leaves. You’d find an insert that would help you identify all fifty-one leaves inside the pack.

4. Disney Ravensburger Christmas Puzzle

Because Disney is not only for kids, Ravensburger comes as 1000 pieces too. It is also quite challenging. You can find characters from some classic childhood movies such as Aladdin and Jasmine, Belle, the 7 dwarfs, the fairy godmother of Cinderella, and some animals. If you are thinking about how to solve a challenging puzzle, you can click here to know how.

5. Stranger Things by Clementoni Netflix

You may want to relive this epic series from Netflix with the 1000-piece puzzle. You can put together your fav Hawkins residents. Stranger Things game features images from the second series. It has the entire cast, from Lucas, Mike, Will, Dustin, to Hopper and Eleven. After completing the game, you can frame it, and then place it on a wall.

6. The Beautiful Skylines of London

This gorgeous London skyline game features the Shard, London Eye, Big Ben, and other renowned landmarks. If you are experiencing wanderlust, especially when you have been indoors for a long time, this game will be exactly right for you.

7. Bethesda Fountain

This game has a snowy scene from New York. It shows a festive spirit with people moving along the famous landmark of Central Park – Bethesda Fountain. This can pass as an awesome Christmas gift.

8. The Endangered World

This puzzle is an interesting way of showing our love for the planet. It has a circular shape and features most of the endangered species in the world as well as the threats facing them in their habitations. You can find more than 30 environments and animals that are at risk across the universe, from the well-known polar bear, the unfamiliar addax, the puffin, to the garbage patch of North Atlantic.

You may want to check out https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-quickest-way-to-complete-a-1000-pieced-jigsaw-puzzle to help you solve your 1000-pieces faster.

Conclusion

Puzzles are fun to play and they are not only for kids. Adults can also benefit from all that play time while improving their intellect.

The bustling capital of the UK holds thousands of drinking holes. Typically, these range from your local boozer to flashy nightclub. Luckily for us, there are several establishments out there that are looking to offer you more than just blurry memories. They provide unique, trippy and bizarre experiences to leave a lasting impression. You may just want to be an observer, or be fully immersed, London has both. Perfect for making your night out a touch more special. Here are five top locations, where you can have an enhanced drinking experience.

Roller Nation

Ready to show off your skating moves? Head to Roller Nation in Tottenham for the largest purpose-built rink in London. Funky disco balls decorate the space. It has a fully stocked bar and diner. There is a disco that has an electrifying light show and live DJ’s. The outdoor space provides a place for revellers to chill out when they need a well-earned break. For the amateurs among us, there are even roller skating experts to keep you rolling through the night. Large groups, a few friends and even families can find the right event for them to have fun.

 

Trailer Happiness

You can find this drink hole hidden in a Portobello Road basement. It has the e-z-boy vibe of a modest, 60s bachelor pad in California valley. This lounge bar, den and kitchen has one of the finest cocktail selections in West London. Its eccentric and off-beat décor oozes of young Londoner searching to party with the best concoctions around. The exotic-themed location is a must visit for cocktail enthusiasts and gives you something a little different from your average night out.

 

The Escapologist

Styled as a blend of ‘Masonic lodge’ and ‘Victorian Men’s club’, The Escapologist is created in the headquarters of the rebellious secret society which ran Victorian London. The bar is named after notorious vagabond Baron Von Took, whose epic tale of mischief and cunning earned him the nickname ‘The Escapologist’. If you’re ready to party like a 19th century scoundrel, head down Covent Garden for reasonably priced drinks, finger food and a great time.

 

Proud Cabaret City

In this prohibition-like atmosphere, guests receive high end entertainment and dining experiences. The dimly lit venue has a few comfortable booths and a pool of tables for you to sit back and enjoy the show. Up on stage, there is a variety of talent available for your entertainment. On offer from the kitchen and bar are delicious British classics with a comprehensive wine and cocktail list. This City of London speakeasy is open from Thursday till Saturday hosting various different shows, so pick your favourite and book a slot.

 

Swingers

This swingers club combines three key elements that are street food, amazing cocktails, and crazy golf. The vibrant and social space contains vendors of London’s greatest street food, alongside a resident crew of skilled mixologists. Perfect for a quick hole at lunchtime or a full-on night out with friends. This casual and fun environment doesn’t hassle you with strict dress codes. They have two locations across London and can even take bookings of up to 20 people, so get your team ready and let’s tee off.

 

Moving into a care home once you reach a certain age is a very common occurrence. Still, there is a great misperception about moving someone you love into one. Residential care homes can provide comfort, safety, security, medical monitoring, and companionship to the elderly. When they cannot live on their own any more, it’s a good idea to consider moving them to a care home.

If you aren’t sure if or when you or your beloved should move into a care home, then read along for some clarification.

Benefits of a Care Home

There are many benefits to moving someone into the helpful hands of a care home. Here is a list of all the major advantages:

• Safety: To provide 24/7 assistance is something that care homes do with a lot of love. The vulnerable and frail can feel safe and secure within an environment that’s enclosed and safe from all hazards.
• Comfort: Many homes offer their residents a spacious room or small apartment that can be decorated and used. They are usually laid out to provide the utmost comfort and movability. This allows the resident to move around freely in comfort without having to struggle through a big home.
• No Chores: Staff will take away the burden of all chores that includes dishes, laundry, mopping, cleaning, and even buying groceries. Taking away unnecessary stress of constantly having to upkeep the home.
• Monitoring of Medication: Some elders are on very strict medication schedules. You will have the peace of mind that they won’t forget to take their medication or take too much when there is a nurse keeping track of their medication schedule.
• Saves Money: Many older people who are retired can struggle to keep up with utility bills, house maintenance costs, and other expenses. When they move into a care home, most expenses are included in a monthly fee. This means that all separate bills are now all cramped into one to ensure the stay is more affordable.

For complete transparency, read this article on all the pros and cons.

When Should You Consider a Care Home?

If you are not sure whether you or a loved one should make the move, then here are a few times you should seriously consider it:

Can’t Live Alone Anymore

The vulnerable and old reach a time in their life when they can’t live on their own anymore. It becomes difficult to perform everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, and even bathing and getting dressed.

When they struggle to take care of themselves like they used to, then getting the assistance of nurses and caretakers is a great choice.

Needs Extra Help

In many cases, family members aren’t readily available to look after older members of the family. Either because of work or personal responsibilities. This means that they can’t help them 24/7 with minor tasks or even doing the grocery shopping.

When such a person needs extra help and can’t get it anymore, then it’s time to consider a home. This could also be the case when they’ve lost the person that usually helped them in their own house. Losing a neighbor, spouse, relative, or partner can leave a big empty space and double the work.

Signs of Loneliness

Especially when elders stop working, can’t drive into town, or when all family members have moved away, they can become extremely lonely. Loneliness and isolation can cause sadness and depression resulting in a quicker demise.

When your loved one is showing signs of depression and lonesomeness, then they will benefit greatly from the feeling of community in one of these facilities.

Personal Care Assistance

Personal needs like brushing teeth, combing hair, going to the bathroom, dressing in clean clothes, and eating nutritious meals can become quite challenging and strenuous for the old and vulnerable.

A person can stay independent while accepting help and assistance with these personal tasks within a care home. Especially if their hygiene and nutrition needs aren’t met within their own house anymore.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer’s can cause great distress in an individual’s life. It usually causes slow deterioration which limits their ability to function in the home and keep safe.

Contracting an illness or a traumatizing fall can have a further negative influence on a person’s mental and physical health. If there isn’t someone who can look after them to avoid their health deteriorating even faster, then the Digby Manor care home should definitely be considered.

In Need of Nursing Care

In cases where an individual is bed ridden or has serious medical conditions, it can be difficult for the family to assist. This is not because the family doesn’t want to. In most cases, it’s because family members aren’t trained nurses and have no idea how to handle certain nursing tasks and give medical attention.

Trained nurses will be able to provide your loved ones with the medical care they need to be as comfortable as possible. Not occasionally, but on a 24/7 basis. They will also be able to assist in giving medication according to the patient’s doctor’s schedule.

Having a minor cut at an older age can quickly turn into an inflamed wound when not treated correctly. Putting your loved one in the hands of a professional nurse and caretaker will ensure that all medical conditions are treated correctly and within the right time frame.

Local authorities offer needs assessment tests to identify elders who might benefit more from moving into a home. If you still aren’t sure whether this is something to consider, a professional will be able to assist you and your loved one by making a clear assessment of the situation.

Remember to consider a care home that is not too far away from family to ensure regular visits. Moving someone you love into one of these facilities will give their life quality. Therefore, it’s definitely worth considering in any one of the above-mentioned scenarios.

 

Decades ago, most people thought of families as a nuclear family. A couple would marry and have children. Although blended families existed, they were less common than they are now.

The global pandemic has changed our perception of work. Around the world, lockdowns have caused countless bankruptcies and accelerated the adoption of remote technologies. South Africa is no exception. It will take years for the country to return to its pre-crisis condition. Now, the economy is in shambles, and residents need new sources of income. Online trading is a popular way to earn money.

You may be familiar with Forex. The largest financial market is now accessed online. Every day, institutions and individuals buy and sell immense volumes of currencies. Turnover estimates vary. What is clear, though, is that trillions of US dollars circulate in this market daily. Through trading platforms and apps, anyone can try to benefit from this bustling activity.

Where to Begin

First, learn as much as possible about the market you will trade in. In addition to currencies, one may access stocks of the largest corporations, derivatives, precious metals, and more. Choose instruments you understand best, and monetize your knowledge. To enter those markets, you need four things:

• an account with a brokerage,
• trading software,
• knowledge, and
• the right mentality.

Brokerage Services in South Africa

A registered account is your gateway to the real financial market. These companies act as intermediaries for clients. They provide access, support, and processing of all financial transactions. Brokers may be compared to online bankers, as they take care of payments to and from your account.

Residents of South Africa may trade through local and international companies. Global brands have obvious advantages, as their capabilities are broader.

Companies like ForexTime offer a rich selection of instruments, 24/7 support, and education. The brand is officially registered and licensed by trusted industry regulators. Reliable companies have nothing to hide, so you can find full license details on their official websites – usually, in the footer.

Sadly, Forex has given rise to different scams since the 1990s. Today, you may encounter fake websites with promises that sound too good to be true. Beware of any companies that guarantee quick riches. Reputable providers always stress the importance of education and the risks of trading online.

How to Open an Account

Brokers offer demo and live accounts. The first type is used for training purposes. It unlocks the simulation mode of online trading platforms so you can practice for free. The system will re-create actual market conditions, but any profit or loss will be virtual.

Every novice needs to start with a demo and explore the features of their platform. This is a great way to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks. You can see how positions are opened and closed, and how all features work.

To get started, fill in a simple form on your brokerage site. Usually, login and password are generated and emailed to you almost immediately. The entire process may take a few minutes.

The next step is to create a live account. The registration includes an extra stage – verification of identity and payment details. You will be asked for a copy of your ID, as this is required by industry standards. Once the account is funded, real trading can begin.

As Forex is risky by nature, do not rush headlong. Take time to gain experience – it will help you avoid devastating losses. There’s always a possibility that market forces will work against you. The job may be approached differently: there are short-term and long-term strategies.

How to Limit Risks

Trading is not for the risk-averse. You need a certain degree of courage to begin. A safe and profitable investment is fiction. Where there is high return, there is always high risk. Any company promising quick and easy riches is a fraud. Losses will be made, but there are ways to keep them under control.

Traders must learn to establish Stop Loss and Take Profit for every position. These technical features allow exit at desirable price levels. Even if you fail, you know exactly how much you lose. Without precautions, you can wipe out your account in no time. A single reversal will deplete your balance. When trading on leverage, this is particularly damaging.

The Right Mentality

Last but not least, pay attention to emotions. You may be surprised, but emotional control is very important for traders. Strong feelings are common causes of poor judgment. Traders may act on the spur of the moment, for example, sell everything when the market is in panic. It is important to control impulses and be rational. If you’re feeling upset or ecstatic, refrain from trading for a while.

 

The advent of online gambling has opened the industry to thousands of more people who do not live close to a brick-and-mortar casino facility. Many states have legalized online casino operations, and several have plans to do so imminently.

Now that you can gamble online, what games will you choose to play? There are so many that deciding might be challenging. Here is some advice for selecting a casino game to try:

Do your research

Before you start, find out what games the online casino you have chosen offers. Most online casinos offer table games, such as poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. They also have hundreds of slots games for players to try. If you have never played casino games before, it might be a good idea to learn about them before starting.

While slots games might not require too much skill, table games do. That does not mean you should not try them, just that you should familiarize yourself with the rules first. Download or buy a guide that gives you insight into a game and how it is played. This will indicate whether it is your kind of game or not.

What kind of mood are you in?

When you work from home and productivity demands are high, you might prefer playing something that does not require a lot of strategizing. After all, visiting an online casino is meant for unwinding.

If you love the thrill of the chase and the adrenaline rush that high-risk games induce, then table games like poker and blackjack are perfect for you. These games have as much to do with analytical thinking as they do with luck.

What is your spending budget?

While online casino games are ideal for enjoying at home, they should not dip into your budget to the extent that financial commitments become a nightmare to meet. Table games tend to require bigger stakes than slots games. Additionally, you might lose after one or two rounds, whereas you could be online longer playing games that require small bets.

What are the odds of winning?

All games have different return to player (RTP) rates. This is another crucial factor in deciding on your preferred game. An online casino website should list the RTP rate for each game. Nevertheless, just because it says 97% does not mean you have a 97% chance of winning every time you play.

 

For most people who have been pushed to work from home due to the current pandemic, it might come as more of a relief than anything. However, many are not prepared to handle the responsibilities of working from home, especially those who think that it is a vastly superior alternative to working in the office.

One thing about working in an office space is that there is a time and place for everything, a time for breaks, a time to enjoy things, and a time to head back home and rest. Working from home breaks the boundaries, which makes things quite tricky for those who have a hard time maintaining discipline. Here are just a few ways to help you emphasize productivity without stress when working from home.

Understanding your schedule

For many who work from home, their schedule largely depends on when they feel like getting the work done – provided it is finished before the deadline. It might come as a surprise, but working too hard can have just as many consequences as working too little.

To help emphasize productivity, the best thing to do would be to emulate a similar schedule that you might have had in the office. Following similar schedules for breaks as well as learning when to stop working will go a very long way to easing stress without compromising your work.

Get enough sleep!

Without a doubt, one of the most crucial parts of keeping stress levels low over an extended amount of time would be getting enough sleep at the end of the day. Even if you might not be used to it, seven hours is the minimum, and eight hours is the ideal when it comes to getting enough rest.

If you are having issues getting enough sleep, there are wellness products that can help ease you into a more restful state. You can even buy edibles online if you think that it can aid you in getting at least eight hours of rest. Aside from rest, it would also be a good idea to be disciplined when it comes to what you eat, and when.

Keeping spirits high and distractions low

Productivity in the workplace is all about getting the job done within the allotted time. To help achieve your goals while working from home, it would be ideal to organize your room as much as you can to limit the distractions. If you have a busy family that will undoubtedly ask you for help around the house, let them know that during your work schedule, you should only help if it happens to be an emergency. If you can limit the distractions from your family and work area, it will go a long way to helping you get the job done without the stress.

While working from home comes with its set of benefits, not everyone understands how challenging it can be to stay focused when you have to deal with home and work responsibilities all at once. Fortunately, the tips above will ensure that you increase productivity without compromising your health.

Whether you are a photography enthusiast or simply wish to preserve memories with your loved ones, photo books are a necessity. They are more than just something to look at once in a while. Here are some of the most important reasons to create your family album.

1.      Big Rewards for Little Effort

You don’t need to invest a lot of your time and effort to create an album for your family. Whether you choose to use photos from special events or random snapshots from your daily life, you can complete your book in no time.

2.      A Valuable Gift

The books may be great gift ideas for your loved ones. The best thing is that you can customize them to suit your relationship and lifestyle. Consider creating an annual album for children and gifting it to them when they are older.

3.      Telling Your Story

Consider creating an album to tell your family story. You may create one to represent your family tree, genealogical information, or to commemorate your lost loved ones. Think of a theme that suits your family and use it to tell a story. The album may be passed down to future generations.

4.      Capturing Important Moments

The world is always changing and it is important to capture special moments while you can. Consider creating an album that captures moments such as your child’s first birthday, your first family vacation, and a newborn’s milestones. You can look back at them in the future.

5.      The Offline Experience

While it is possible to keep your photos stored online, most people rarely look back at the digital copies. If you do not back them up, you may lose them. Creating an album makes it possible to enjoy the digital world away from your screens.  The experience of going through the pages can be much more satisfying than scrolling through a screen.

6.      Travel Back in Time

With a good album, you can travel back in time. You can get an insight of what older members of the family did and understand their unique experiences. You may use them to share memories with future generations who would otherwise have no way to know you. Your special memories can remain with the family forever.

7.      Reinforcing a Sense of Identity

Children who constantly see themselves in family albums have a strong sense of identity and security. It is, therefore, important to capture and print out the important memories of your children.

Life is precious and there are plenty of moments that may bring you joy. Capturing them is not enough. Consider compiling them and creating an album that represents your family’s ideals and most valuable moments. Photo printing is one of the simplest ways to bring your special moments back to life. If you do not print out your photos, you are likely to lose them. Accessing them can be difficult as you may need to deal with challenges such as a faulty device, low battery, or passwords.

 

When it comes to creating your will, there is a strong temptation to ‘get it over with’ as quickly as possible. This feeling is, of course, perfectly justified – none of us want to dwell on the events that will follow our deaths. But it has given rise to a number of companies offering ‘templates’ for those seeking a quick Do-It-Yourself approach to writing a Will.

There are, unfortunately, a number of pitfalls that are becoming increasingly common when this approach is used. Read more about the dangers of the DIY Will below.

You Risk Misinterpreting the Legalities

When a document is legally binding, those involved must exercise a greater degree of caution over their phrasing, as legal terms all have their own implications, and may result in a different meaning to the one you intended.

A qualified legal expert with plenty of experience in will writing and the law will listen to your wishes and advise you on any legal terms or jargon as they liaise with you to draw up your Will.

Errors are More Common Than You Might Expect

Not only can errors leave a Will vulnerable to misinterpretation, but they may invalidate a Will altogether. If you die without leaving a valid Will, your assets will be distributed in accordance with the intestacy rules.

There are, for instance, strict rules regarding the signing and witnessing of Wills; if they are not closely adhered to, a Will may not be valid.

Complexities Might Cause You to Miss Out Important Details

While, for some, drafting a will is not seen as a complicated task, some assets – particularly those subject to UK inheritance tax or foreign assets – bring their own legal implications and concerns that must be specifically addressed within a legally binding Will which is best drawn up by legal experts.

Your Own Mistakes Won’t Have Any Legal Recourse

If you take sole responsibility for preparing your own Will, then any mistakes you might make – or mistakes made on a DIY template – may leave your loved ones without many options.

Qualified solicitors, on the other hand, are protected by professional indemnity insurance. This means that, should your solicitor make a mistake – and should this mistake lead to a loss for your beneficiaries – then your beneficiaries may have a claim for professional negligence.

Ambiguities Can Cause Lasting Disputes

Of course, the primary purpose of your Will is to ensure that, after your passing, your family and loved ones are able to inherit assets in accordance with your wishes. This is particularly important if, say, you have a long-term partner to whom you are not married, or step-children whom you did not legally adopt.

Issues with a DIY Will could lead to disputes among your beneficiaries and loved ones after your death, causing unnecessary stress and potentially lasting damage to once-stable relationships. It is easy to believe that your family will be capable of reaching a fair decision on their own, but it is so often the case that loved ones have no choice but to undertake the process of contesting a will, which can be lengthy and difficult for all involved.