LifeStyle

Who actually enjoys budgeting money? Okay, someone out there somewhere does enjoy it. If you have a family and need to budget your money better, you need these tips in your life. There has to be at least one person in the family that manages the money and they can always do better. No one should take this as an insult, but we can all do better! Here’s how to manager your money better every month.

(1) Don’t spend more than you make

This is pretty common knowledge, but so many people don’t follow this basic principle. Don’t spend more than you make! Try your hardest to only spend what you make. This can be hard, but it’s not impossible. One of the simplest principles for budgeting is to NOT spend more than you make!

(2) Pay attention to what you’re spending

How many of you go buy whatever you want and don’t pay attention to what you buy? Save your receipts for a week and you’ll be amazed at how much money you didn’t even realize you were spending! This is a true wakeup call to those of you who spend money without tracking it. It will also light a fire under you and make you want to manage your money better every month.

(3) Write down when your bills are due

The average person misses out on hard earned money because they paid their bill late. One way to combat this issue is to go buy a calendar that’s made of paper. Put this paper calendar on your wall and then write down all of your bill’s due dates! This may seem like a monotonous task, but it will help keep you on task with paying your bills on time, so you can AVOID those late fees and keep more money in your bank. Not to mention, you don’t want to be left scrambling while trying to figure out how remove collections from your account.

(4) Now is the time to set up that budget

Let’s be honest, money is hard and sometimes you don’t want to deal with it, so don’t. A budget can help put your money to work for you. Every time you get paid, you put money where it needs to go. This may take some serious discipline, but it’s worth it. It works well if you get paid every week. This allows you to split your bill into fours.

• If your house payment is $600, every time you get paid, you will put $150 away until the bill is due.
• If your car payment is $240 a month, you will put $60 away every week until the bill is due.
• If your utilities are $300 a month, you will put $75 back each week until the bill is due.

Pretty simple and doesn’t require a lot of thought. It does, however, require actually following through with your budget.

Another part of budgeting is only spending your budgeted amount on items. Here are a few examples:

• $100 for groceries, you can’t spend more than that, no matter how tempting it may be.
• Put away money for gas and only use that amount
• Budget for “fun” and don’t spend more than that

Half the trouble of budgeting is making sure you don’t spend above what you budgeted for. After a little time has passed, you will be way better at budgeting than you are right now.

(5) Have budget meetings every month

It’s really hard, as a family, to be the only one who cares about the budget. If you’re married or have a partner, you need to consider them a part of the budget planning to. You need to have a budget meeting once a month. Talk about what you the budget will be in every category! The more you can talk and communicate about the month that’s being spent, the better off your money will be.

Just know what you can always do better next month. Maybe you went over on your eat out budget or you couldn’t agree on a eat out budget for this month, it will always get better. The more practice you have with budgeting and managing money, the better you will get.

(6) Use cash when possible

It’s hard to manage your money when you don’t know what you’re spending. You can manage your money better every month by using cash. If you take out a certain amount to spend and only use cash, you can’t spend more than that.

Credit cards and debit cards give us a false realization about how money can be spent. Stop and think about using cash only and see how big of a handle you can get on your finances.

Managing your money better every month starts with being proactive! Pay bills ahead of time, so they’re not late. Use cash, instead of credit, so you don’t overspend.

 

Spain has plenty in store for visitors, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular tourist spots on the European continent. If you have ever been to Spain, you will readily agree that it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean, and it boasts sunny, temperate climes almost the whole year round. But what else makes Spain so special, and why should you even consider living there? Whether you’re looking to move to Spain for a job opportunity, are planning to live somewhere else when you retire or are merely looking to change your environment for a few years, Spain will always be an excellent choice. Here are the top reasons why you should live in sunny Spain.

The diet

The Spanish diet is remarkably healthy, with its abundance of olive oil, fresh tomatoes and other vegetables, olives, seafood, and meat. Spanish cuisine is comprised of tapas and paellas and hams that are sure to whet your appetite, but the Spanish people are still some of the healthiest in the world. There may be different reasons for this, but you definitely can’t go wrong with the Spanish diet. Did we mention the wonderful seafood yet? Oh, yes, we did – and you’ll be happy to know that the cost of typical Spanish fare is not so exorbitant, either. Anyone can dine well in Spain.

The lifestyle

The Spanish lifestyle is unique in that people love spending time together. Be it a family gathering or a tête-à-tête with friends, Spanish people love to socialise. And when people socialise, expect lots of food and drink as well. You will hardly be on your own in Spain – there’s sure to be a friendly face at almost every turn, and since there are now more British expats and retirees in many parts of Spain, you’re guaranteed not to be too homesick, either.

The weather

Since the weather is generally good, expect to spend a lot of your time outdoors – whether you’re just walking around and taking in the neighbourhood, eating al fresco in a restaurant, enjoying the beach, spending time in a park, or going for a run along the shore. All the time spent outdoors can no doubt serve you well. And in the Costa regions, sunlight is expected an average of 320 days every year, so you will definitely have your share of sunshine. Compare this to the dreary British weather, and you’ll be in heaven just because of the pleasant warm climate.

The cost of living

When you live in Spain, as mentioned, it’s relatively easy to enjoy yourself and delight your palate. The cost of living isn’t as far removed from the UK, but when you factor in the better quality of life and the better lifestyle, you come out winning. Also, the cost of property in Spain is noticeably lower than that in the UK – in fact, you can get a luxurious villa with a pool for very reasonable prices compared to those in the UK, as confirmed by the Moraira property specialists from www.watkinswilson.com. And to add frosting to the cake, the wine, beer, and alcohol are less expensive in Spain, too.

 

Dreaming of that one special vacation where sky’s the limit and all the best things in life are at the palm of your hands? A luxury vacation so awesome you never want to go back home? Well you might just experience this when you go to Greece. The country is known for topnotch holidays that include world-class tourist spots, first-class service, the most sumptuous food, and of course, spacious and elegant accommodation like hotels and private villas in Greece – all these will surely complete the holiday of your dreams.

Greece is quite a big country and in this article, we will guide you about the most recommended spots where you should spend your luxurious escape.

Spetses

Curious where the rich and famous vacation in Greece? It’s in Spetses. This car-free naval island is home to grand mansions, cobbled streets, entertainment hubs, and commercial centers for shopping and indulgence. Go around on foot or ride a horse-drawn carriage to explore Spetses and its spots like 17^th Century building House of Bouboulina, Cathedral of Ayios Nikolaos, and the many beaches for some fun time under the sun like Ayia Marina, Zogeriá, and for watersports, Ayioi Anargyroi.

Zakynthos

Off the coast of the Ionian Sea where the coziest and most comfortable and coziest Greek vacations happen courtesy of the villas in Zakynthos. In beautiful island, you can have a spacious and extravagant accommodation all to yourself, complete with a pool, a tennis court and a private chef plus a well-stocked pantry and bar if you feel like staying in. Tour around Zakynthos’ jaw-dropping spots via a sleek yacht and stop by the world-famous Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, and Turtle Island. Take things to the next level and ride a helicopter to check out the view from the top. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Rhodes

Experience the best of both worlds in Rhodes as this Aegean island is a melting pot of both traditional and modern highlights that will surely get you hooked. If you want a piece of history and a dose of blast from the past, visit Old Town where you will get do marvel on ancient medieval settlements, statues, mosques, and other awe-inspiring architecture. Up for a cosmopolitan affair? Head to the city of Mandraki for a day of sights at the imposing marina, culture at the National Theater, and food at the various restaurants and cafes. If you have a rented villa on this Greek island, allot a day to drop by other must-visit stops like the Colossus of Rhodes, Prasonissi Beach, and the Valley of the Butterflies.

Hydra

This picturesque island is conveniently located only two hours away from the country’s capital Athens if you want to have a short and quiet time from the crowd but want quick access to the city. Home to quaint traditional villages, chic boutique hotels, and stone mansions, you will never run out of options on where to stay. Just like other luxury Greek islands, motor vehicles are prohibited in Hydra, so quiet and relaxion are instantly assured. To see more of this island, it’s recommended to take an island cruise or go beach hopping. If you’re up for some adventure, Hydra hosts great diving spots as well. A visit here is also not complete without trying out the local cuisine at the taverns and restaurants in Kaminia or Vlichos.

Santorini

This guide is not complete without including probably the most popular of all the Greek islands — Santorini – as consistently been in every list of top luxury destinations all over the world. With majestic cliffside hotels, stylish boutiques, and magnificent villas, this Greek island paradise has got it all when it comes to topnotch vacations. Witness the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets as you cruise the clear waters of the Aegean aboard a yacht or take a peek at the local customs and traditions as you navigate around Oia and Fira’s white-washed villages and cobbled streets. End the day with a romantic dinner at of the restaurants with the view of the caldera or experience the fun nightlife that is uniquely Santorini at one of the bars in the city center.

Making the birthday special of a man who never leaves any stone unturned to make your birthday special is quite a difficult task. Isn’t it? But, if you make a little effort, you can reciprocate the same amount of love that he always shower upon you. Yes, if you want to make your husband feel super special on his birthday, you don’t necessarily need a big store-bought gift, when you can just create the magic with a delicious birthday cake for your husband. However, to make it more special for your husband, do not comprise with the birthday wish to be written on the top of the cake. To help you make your husband’s birthday a memorable one, here are 8 romantic birthday cake wishes that are sure to make your husband fall head over heels in love with you:

1. Dear husband,

Today is a very special day in my life because you were born today. So, happy birthday, my love. I love you to the moon and back.

2. Dear hubby,

You know I was looking for the sweetest thing in the market for you then, I realized that nothing can be as sweet as you but to a little extent, this delicious cake can be. Happy birthday, my sweetheart. I love you so much.

3. To My Sweetheart,

I have been waiting for this day just to let you know that you are the most special man of my life. And, for my special man, here is sweet surprise which I hope will bring a million dollar smile on your face. Happiest birthday, hubby.

4. Hi Handsome,

Is there any chance that you are still single? Well, that because I want to remarry you and make your mine once again. So, thank you for being born. Happiest birthday, my dear hubby. I love you to eternity.

5.Dear (name)

On your special day, I want to tell you that I feel so lucky to be a wife of such a beautiful person inside out. I couldn’t have found a better husband than you who is just the best in everything. May you keep shining, honey. Happy, happy birthday.

6.Dear (name)

Do you know that my love for you deepens every day, at every moment whenever I see you doing so much for your family. You are a gem of a person, my love. Have a wonderful birthday, my dear husband.

1. Honey, when I wished for a true lover in my life, I didn’t know that God would bless me with such a handsome, charming, and cute partner like you. I truly feel lucky every morning when I find you beside me holding me tightly. I love you baby and happy birthday.
2. Dear hubby,

You are so special in every way and I want to tell you that I love everything about you. Yes, you smile, your smell, you arms, your warmth, and literally, everything. Happy birthday, my handsome.

So, these are some of the messages that you can dedicate to your husband on his birthday along with a delicious birthday cake and make him feel loved.

There’s no denying how iconic the banjo is. Not only does it boast an unmistakably unique aesthetic look, but it also produces a recognisably beautiful and striking tone that no other instrument can truly replicate. This has allowed the instrument to remain well-liked despite more popular stringed instruments like guitars which have taken the limelight over the years. To this end, here are just a few advantages of learning a banjo over other instruments.

1. Banjos are generally easier to learn

Unlike other instruments that often require a considerable investment of time to become competent, learning the banjo is usually easier to get into and learn. While it still presents its own unique and fair share of challenges, the simplicity of the instrument ensures that even a daily routine of short practice sessions will be sufficiently effective. Best of all, with plenty of references available both offline and online, you’ll always have the resources you’ll need to be able to learn to play dueling banjos for beginners.

1. Banjos are often cheaper than other alternatives

Apart from time, money plays a much more crucial role in learning an instrument more than many of us give it credit for. After all, money doesn’t fall off trees, and the majority of us will undoubtedly have no more than a modest budget to invest towards pursuing our passion for music. By opting to learn the banjo, not only will you be able to learn music much faster, but it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

1. Banjos are unique instruments

One of the reasons why many musicians love the banjo is because of how unusual and unique the instrument is. From the way it looks to the melodic sounds that it can produce, banjos are versatile instruments that allow for a high level of creativity that music in this day and age seems to lack. By taking up the banjo, you’re guaranteed to stand out from the oversaturated genres of today and play pieces that are as unique as the instrument itself.

1. The musical system of a banjo is complete

Music is all about the perfect balance between rhythm and melody. Not unlike fish and chips, you can’t just have one without the other. Having to play the drums without the accompaniment of other instruments, for example, can undoubtedly tire the ears of the listeners. The same goes for the melodic pieces of the mandolin which can only exist with a suitable rhythm section. The banjo, on the other hand, boasts a musical system that is more or less complete. While it can be played with other instruments, it also lends itself well to being played on its own.

It’s not hard to see why the banjo continues to be relevant even in this day and age of electronic and technologically-driven music. It represents an era that is as timeless as it is unique, allowing those to pursue competency in the instrument to do so at their own pace and time.

Image: Pixabay.com

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Winters are almost here. The season of pullovers, hot cuppas, dry fruitcakes, and not to forget, winter embarks the beginning of celebratory days like the Christmas and new years. While many of us think that a Christmas tree with a nice dinner is enough for the winters, however, it becomes important to realize that gifts play a huge role in hitting the milestones right. Not just for men, but for the women counterparts of your life as well.

 

So, at the onset of winter sun, here are a few of the surprises that can make your lady go bonkers and warm her heart at the same time.

1. Designer Pullovers

With the end of summer colors, winter becomes more of a gloomy season for women. However, with a proper hunt down the malls, you can acquire a perfect pullover for her. Not only it will keep her warm, but also will remind her of you every time she puts it on.

2. Photo Mug

Make her sip affection and love and give her a dip to past memories with a photo mug. Not only a picture, but a photo mug ensures to highlight a warm message that can simply melt her heart and make you reach out to her in a soulful way. In fact, you can gift a mug with a heart-shaped handle as Valentines gift for her and make her fall in love all over again.

3. Custom Made Handbag

Moisturizers, gloves, keychains, socks, winters demands for huge, spacious handbags. You can either go luxury or buy her from the usual ones. All you need to do is pick her favorite color and her most wanted brand and get the handbag of her dreams.

4. Chocolate Flowers
Flowers are great things when it comes to girls. No matter which variety it is, be it rose, daisy, lily, carnations or orchids, but what will leave her awestruck is the chocolate flowers. These are the Ferrero Rocher bouquets that hold each hazelnut-chocolate ball in a stick and thus, they ensure to make her bloom in chocolate all over again.

5. Personalized Tokens

Personalizing the gifts have become the trend. You can pick any of the gifts such as the keychain, cushion, lampshade, tabletop, wall clocks, tiles, coasters, cards, and get it personalized with a beautiful memory you wish to represent your emotions with. Each of these tokens can be embossed with a photo and a heartwarming message and when you think this is it, you can even opt for online delivery and send it anywhere via a doorstep delivery.

6. Sweet Treats

Chocolates, cupcakes, jar cakes, pastries, chocolates, handmade chocolates, desserts, and sweet delicacies are a perfect way to win hearts, especially of your lady love. These luscious bites on their way to stomach make sure to hypnotize the heart and leave it awestruck.

So, this winter makes sure to go overboard and surprise, dazzle, and delight your girl just like the way she has been wishing to.

As the days get shorter and the nights become colder it is important to ask yourself whether your house is of an adequate standard to cope with the winter conditions? For most people the answer is yes, however this is only as they do not want to do the renovation work, so they really mean no. We are looking at the winter flooring trends that may be able to solve any renovation issues as well as spruce up your home. Flooring is easy to install and really can make a huge difference to your home, that is why it is a great place to start.

One traditional French flooring style that is making a resurgence is parquet flooring. French Castillo’s were the first buildings to feature parquet flooring as they truly appreciated the elegant patterns that you are able to create with wooden blocks. The patterned style has now become increasingly popular with many flooring suppliers struggling to keep up with the demand of customers. However, suppliers have been able to manufacture a modern engineered version of the traditional solid parquet blogs. This means that the boards are now suitable to be installed on top of underfloor heating, which is a fantastic option when heating your house during the cold season.

Carrying on the wood flooring theme, dark wood flooring becomes popular in winter months as the darker colours appear to add warmth to the house. Walnut flooring and chocolate stained oak perfectly fit into the dark wood flooring category as the dark tones and textures look fantastic in any room in the house. This allows you to install the boards throughout your whole house and create a uniformed effect throughout.

It is all well and good aiming to purchase real wood flooring for large areas of your house, however it can become very expensive and most certainly not recommended if you are sticking to a tight budget. Therefore, a cheaper alternative, that is also compatible with underfloor heating is vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is extremely thin and manufactured using a photographic layer to replicate the appearance of wood, tiles or stone. As the photographic layer is computer generated, you are able to recreate designs that is impossible to be constructed using any other material. This allows you to show off your newly designed floor to guests over the Christmas period when the majority of households will expect lots of guests.

Many individuals will still argue that even with underfloor heating, the products above can still feel cold underfoot and therefore would always stick with carpet. A thick carpet does feel amazing underfoot and new manufacturing techniques have allowed the silky softness to be intricated into high quality carpets. It does feel like you are walking on cloud. The only negative of installing carpet during the winter months is that muddy footprints from the wet weather may ruin your new carpet. However, there is an easy solution for this. Leave your shoes at the door.

At the end of the door, flooring is a very personal decision and you should always stick to your personal choices.

Healthcare is ever-changing. We would like everyone to take care of their health to be able to keep up with the activities that they love. Choosing a health plan can be rigorous but it doesn’t have to be. There are Health plan consultants capable of guiding you through the process for yourself, family, or business. However, there are things to look for when choosing a consultant. Not everyone is a right fit for you. Here are a few tips to consider before your consultation when selecting a Health Plan Consultant.

 

The Right Fit

Those looking to pay a consulting firm should review the firm’s present work, expertise, results, and client to vendor relationship. Charlie Kirksey of GuideWell Connect Health Care Consulting Practice said, “consultants should be experienced physicians who can prove their track record with delivering thorough recommendations in scenarios close to any issue a health plan leader could be challenged with.”

The consultant should engage and work with the payer to achieve a specific goal. They should have key knowledge with the work being presented to them, be results driven, and put successfully addressing the work before consulting. A consultant should be able to combine tactical recommendations and action plans to successfully deliver perceptible results.

Consultant Red flags

There can be times when you don’t want to recognize the red flags but they are as clear as day and you have to start the process over. Finding the right fit is very important. The first red flag is when taking the time to have a consultation with a firm and they are using a standard approach, showing they do not have the time then you should not either. They aren’t committed to starting a partnership. The guidance that a consultant gives should be properly tailored and implement their expertise.

Make sure that the consultant understands the health plan and your business needs. They need to have extensive knowledge of the plan before they can decide on a strategy. The result should include a solution for the payer based on the stance in the market. The consultant and payer should be able to come together on the objectives for the plan. The engagement between the consultant and payer should be well-off that the consultant can bring in a third-party to facilitate an actionable plan for the payer’s situation. If this does not describe your relationship with the consultant or their views, this is a big red flag.

Another red flag is how the process developments itself. If the firm has a dedicated team during the engagement but a sudden switch is made during the sale then this is not a good firm to do business with. As a payer, you need to know who all is working with and for you. The team should be composed of experienced professional oppose to a few junior associates. Shadowing is different from a hands-on approach in this case.

Maximizing the Engagement ROI

As a payer, you want to get the most out of your engagement with the consulting firm. After choosing the right consultant, ensure there is a transparent communication relationship. Trust is important between both parties because withholding information can threaten the results. If there are contributing factors that can cause a problem, the consultant needs to be in touch with the right people and fully understand the technology along with the process for successful results. Having health plans be open to various changes and expanding the scope of the engagement for the sake of rectifying the culprit of a problem is another way to maximize the ROI on engagement.

When a payer and consultant have an ongoing relationship, things such as being ahead of regulated changes, market trends, and consumer behaviors ensure member retention and increases the chances of the members paying higher prices.

Consultants have the ability to help payers gain more members as well as to improve their retention rates. The right consultant with the right approach can guarantee better financial results for members.

Author Bio: Adrian Rubin is a climate change advocate and freelance writer.

Very few aspects of human endeavor stand still, and this is just as true for marketing as it is for science or social evolution. Marketing in the second decade of the 21st century has gone through a bewildering period of change, and that change is likely to accelerate in the years ahead.

A hundred years ago, marketing was limited to newspaper advertisements and billboards, but the modern business has a bewildering array of marketing options, in terms of the media and communications platforms that they can use to get their message across. At the same time, the intensity of modern business competition has made marketing more essential than ever.

More consumer choices

The most important change in the modern economy is the rapid growth of consumer choice that is transforming every sector of every industry. The days when customers often had few local options are long gone. In the modern world of Amazon Seller Protection and instant online reviews, the customer holds all the cards when it comes to business. Even small companies are now operating in a global marketplace, whether they like it or not, and more choices for consumers inevitably means a dramatically increased level of competition for modern businesses.

Fortunately, the internet also makes it possible for any company, no matter how small, to establish a strong marketing presence, either by calling on the services of skilled marketing companies of the caliber of Digital Brandworks, or through raising the quality of their own advertising practices. However, recognizing that the marketplace has changed and that the customer is now in the driving seat is the starting point for any modern business that wants to advertise effectively.

Awareness of communication channels

In the 21st century, there are many options when it comes to marketing communications. Companies can still use traditional tools, including newspapers and television, but these are expensive, and as younger generations increasingly turn away from traditional media, their effectiveness is reducing.

The most effective advertising these days is done through non-traditional media, such as social media and the wider internet, which offers countless ways to stay in touch with people. It isn’t necessary for every business to master every communication channel, but it is essential to be informed about what is available so that you can choose the most effective means for your business, and so that you are not at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to taking on your competitors.

Marketing creativity

The modern age has also been marked by a rapid growth in the range of technology available. Technological change is transforming every aspect of our lives, and marketing is not immune to these changes. A modern marketing campaign has access to a wide variety of graphics platforms, sound and other media technology, and the ability to get the best out of this technology can give you a distinct edge in the marketplace. Much of this technology is extremely user-friendly, and there is an array of graphic design packages available to help with every aspect of marketing, from designing a cutting-edge website to coming up with eye-catching online content.

Social media and word of mouth

The most effective form of marketing has always been word of mouth, and now that effectiveness has been amplified by social media. In the 21st century, word of mouth is no longer about local customers sharing good service with their neighbors or family. The modern consumer can interact with millions of people across the globe, and targeting your marketing to the right people on the right social media platforms at the right time can produce dramatic effects. Being active on social media is no longer an optional extra – it is at the heart of most successful modern marketing campaigns.

Don’t forget the basics

The 21st century has undoubtedly seen a transformation in the way that businesses market themselves, but at the same time, it is important to remember that certain fundamentals of marketing remain relevant. Whatever tools you use, and no matter how sophisticated your online operation may be, marketing is still about the core activities of identifying your target market, making sure that you understand what this market is looking for, and shaping your marketing message accordingly through the most appropriate channels of communication.

Adhering to these principles, while exploring all that modern marketing technology has to offer, is the best way to ensure that your advertising remains effective in the 21st century.