Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

Business Start-up Ideas: Tips for Making your Own Tech Tools

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. A good way to start a business is to do it in the technology realm. There is always likewise the need for new technology tools. The following contributed post is entitled, Business Start-up Ideas: Tips for Making your Own Tech Tools.

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If you really want to work in tech then one of the best things you can do is try and create your own tech tools. If you follow this guide, you should find it easier than ever to figure out how to do that.

Spot the Problem

One of the first things you need to do is spot the problem and then work hard to build a technology solution. The natural process of development always starts with a problem. Even though this may sound awkward, the more obvious the issue is, the better as it will help you to create something truly great. At the end of the day, if you want to become the next best thing then you also need to provide value. You need to come up with an idea that you know people are going to pay for, because if you don’t then you may find that you struggle to find a market, which is the last thing you need.

Source: Pexels

Market Research

You also need to make sure that you do your market research. Identify who your target market is and determine if you can reach them. You also need to evaluate the size of your target market. If you know that a lot of your clients are freelancers who work in smaller teams then this is great, but you also need to go deeper than that. You need to try and choose a geographical market and you also need to be sure to find people who align with what your product provides. If you want to launch an AI product then you will have a lot of options so keep that in mind.

Focus on Your Product

Another thing you need to try and do is focus on your product. You need to come up with something truly unique if you can. Sites like Skillfusion are great if you want to build your own AI products but at the same time, you do need to give some thought to creating something unique that nobody else can do. It may be that you use your software knowledge to tweak the product further or that you try and take the time to tweak things so that you end up making it unique. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to create something truly unique.

Get Acquainted

Assessing demand online is great but at the same time, it’s not a substitute for live interviews. Talk with people and find out whether or not they are experiencing the issue that your team has identified and find out whether or not they consider it to be a pressing issue. Whether the demand is there or not will help you to shape your product overall. It may be that you provide support to customers and then add in extra features later on. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to not only create a good product but for you to meet the demands of your customers too.

Acquire a Domain

Another thing you need to do is take the time to acquire a website domain name. You need to make sure that you assess your options and that you make sure that you get one that suits your company or your product. Ideally, as soon as you have your company name or product name, you should work to try and get it registered. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to get access to a solid customer base. Of course, names are being taken up all the time, so if someone happens to steal your name or if the domain is already taken then you may want to give thought to how you are going to acquire it. A lot of the time you can buy a domain name if it has expired, and if it hasn’t, you may be able to message the site owner to find out if they would be willing to sell you the domain, so from there you can still go ahead and get the name you want but for a very affordable price.

So as you can see, it’s very easy for you to make your own tech tools, you just need to take a good approach and make sure that your business is not being put at risk because you are not making the right decisions. Keep this in mind and you’ll go far.

Protecting Your Finances: Smart Strategies For Long-Term Security

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money. Money isn’t just something to spend. It is also something to use to build wealth. There are aggressive ways to do that, in addition to defensive strategies. The following contributed post is entitled, Protecting Your Finances: Smart Strategies For Long-Term Security.

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Financial security is essential for leading a stable life. Whether you’re saving for the future, managing debts, or dealing with unexpected expenses, it’s crucial to protect your finances from unforeseen risks and changes. By taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your money and avoid financial setbacks.

Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-writing-down-on-a-stationery-7063771/

Here are some effective ways to protect your finances:

Build an Emergency Fund

One of the most effective strategies for protecting your finances is to establish an emergency fund. This fund serves as your financial safety net, ensuring you have the necessary resources to cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills, job loss, or car repairs. A good rule of thumb is to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account that is easily accessible. Having an emergency fund provides the flexibility to handle life’s surprises without incurring debt or jeopardizing your long-term savings. This financial cushion is especially valuable during times of economic uncertainty or major life transitions.

Invest in Insurance

Insurance is another vital way to protect your finances from significant risks. Whether it’s home insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, or life insurance, having the right coverage can shield you from large, unexpected costs. Without insurance, you could face overwhelming bills that might drain your savings and lead to financial hardship. For instance, health insurance can prevent you from being financially burdened by medical expenses, while life insurance ensures your family is financially protected in the event of your passing. Similarly, auto and home insurance protect your property and vehicles from theft, damage, or accidents, thereby reducing the financial impact of unforeseen circumstances.

Seek Legal Assistance When Needed

Legal challenges can pose significant risks to your financial health, especially in cases of personal injury disputes or accidents. For example, if you’ve been involved in an accident and are facing medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care expenses, it is important for you to consult with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate settlements, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. This will help alleviate the financial burden on you and your family.

Legal issues can also arise in other areas, such as contract disputes, divorce, or business-related matters. Having legal support when needed can protect your finances and ensure that your interests are protected.

Manage Debt Wisely

Another important strategy for protecting your finances is to manage your debt. High-interest debts, such as credit card balances or payday loans, can quickly spiral out of control and hinder your financial progress. Prioritizing the repayment of high-interest debts and avoiding new debt is essential. If you are dealing with multiple debts, consider consolidating them into one single payment with a lower interest rate, or seek professional financial advice. Staying on top of your debt and managing it properly is crucial for protecting your financial future and preventing financial distress.

Protecting your finances is about being proactive and taking the right steps to safeguard yourself against unexpected expenses and legal challenges. Building an emergency fund and investing in insurance can help you manage your finances and secure your financial future.

7 Essential Tips for Owning a Car (& How Much It Costs)

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Technology. One of the most important expenses is transportation. That said a car can be both costly and problematic if not properly taken care of. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Essential Tips for Owning a Car (& How Much It Costs).

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Image Credit: Ross Sokolovski from Unsplash.

Everyone wants to buy a car, and there are plenty of reasons why they do. It offers a lot of freedom and independence, and can even make daily life easier. As much as you’ll look forward to it, it’s always worth knowing as much as possible about actually owning a car.

There’s a lot more involved in this than you’d think. You’ll have a lot of responsibility, and you’ll have to actually look after your car.

This is where so many people get stressed. When it’s their first time owning a car, they mightn’t be sure of what to do. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be nearly as complicated as you could think. Using a few tips and tricks could help with it a lot more than you’d expect.

Even if it’s your first car, it shouldn’t need to be too complicated. It’s worth looking into a few tips and tricks that could help you with it.

How Much Does Owning a Car Cost?

One of the best car ownership tips you can take advantage of is to make sure you can actually afford it. This doesn’t just mean the outright cost to buy the car. You’ll need to consider the ongoing costs you’ll need to shell out when you actually own it.
Some of the more notable of these expenses are:

● Insurance
● Fuel
● Loan repayments
● Repair and Maintenance

And all that’s before you consider how much the car depreciates in value once you buy it. Add in registration costs, and you’ll end up spending a whole lot more than you’d think.

A recent study says it costs about $6,684 per year to own and run a car. This depends on multiple factors, however, with even the type of car you own playing a role in this. Take the time to make sure you can actually afford that long-term.

You wouldn’t want to end up in a position where you can’t afford your car anymore. And then there’s properly looking after your car.
This is where most people can really use a few car maintenance tips. Thankfully, there are plenty of these out there, and many of them can be more effective than you’d think. Seven of these stand out because of how practical and effective they can be.

Owning a Car: 7 Tips to Use

1. Be Prepared For Breakdowns

You’ll already know you’ll have to spend a decent bit of time on car maintenance. No matter how much time and effort you put into this, there’s still a chance your car could break down. Make sure you’re prepared for this. An emergency kit could be vital, and you shouldn’t have a problem putting this together.

It’s worth including a few specific items in this. A first aid kid, flashlight, and jumper cables are the most obvious. Traffic cones can even be worth investing in to cordon off your car if you break down on the highway, for example. You’ve no reason not to invest in your car emergency kit.

2. Read Through the Owner’s Manual

When you buy a car, you’ll be given an owner’s manual with it. It’s vital you don’t overlook this. It’ll include all of the information you need to drive and look after your car. Read through this as thoroughly as possible once you bring the car home. There are multiple reasons for this.

It’ll make sure you know what you’re doing with any repairs, for example. Without the owner’s manual, you mightn’t know everything you need to know. Getting through the manual doesn’t even need to take a lot of time, but it’s still worth putting the effort into.

3. Pick a Trusted Mechanic

You’ll need to visit a mechanic with your car at some point or another. With how much of an asset your car is, you shouldn’t just go to any mechanic you come across. You’re much better off going with somebody you actually trust. That way, you’ll make sure they’re not overcharging you.

Asking friends and family about mechanics they’ve used is a great way to figure this out. That way, you can find out if certain mechanics are worth avoiding. You’ll be in a position to pick a mechanic you can actually rely on when you need them.

4. Check Tire Pressure

It’s always worth focusing on your car’s safety once you own it. You’ll naturally want it to be as safe as possible. That’s part of the reason why you should take it to the mechanic regularly. Your mechanic isn’t the only one who can look after your car’s safety, though. You could do a few things, too.

Checking your tire’s pressure is one of the more notable of these. By making sure it’s within an appropriate range, you make sure your car’s safe to drive. If the pressure is above or below a certain amount, then it could be too dangerous to drive long-term.

5. Keep Your Papers Handy

You’ll have quite a few papers associated with your car. The most obvious of these will be ownership records, insurance, and similar documents. Then there are the receipts you can get related to any repairs you might’ve had carried out. These are always worth keeping handy somewhere in the car.

You could need a few of these more than you would’ve thought. A lot of this revolves around being stopped by authorities, but you could also need them for filling out various pieces of paperwork. You could need repair receipts for your insurance later on, for example.

6. Pay Attention to Paint

When most people think of damage to their car’s paint, they believe it’s because of an accident. While that can happen quite a bit, it’s not the only source of paint damage. There are more than a few you mightn’t have thought of. Even car washes can damage your car’s paint.

Take the time to look over your car’s paint every so often. That way, you can get it fixed relatively quickly. Though this seems minor, it can help avoid the paint flaking or getting worse later on. Small fixes are a lot easier – and more affordable – to fix than larger ones.

7. Use Common Sense

People often overlook how important common sense is to buying and owning a car. It’s always worth paying attention to your gut, especially when it comes to any potential problems. If you’re hearing noises from your car at any point, then listen to what your gut’s telling you.

Even if everything else seems fine, go with your gut if it says to visit a mechanic, for example. This could help you nip potential problems in the gut and avoid costly repairs later on. There’s no reason not to use your common sense.

Owning a Car: Wrapping Up

Buying a car for the first time is an exciting prospect. Then there’s the thought of actually owning a car. While this is usually great, it can also be relatively stressful. You’ll need to worry about the intricacies of looking after it. This can seem complicated at the start.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you could think. Using a few tips and tricks helps a lot more than you could expect.

By using a few tips and tricks, you could make it relatively easy. They’ll help you look after your car better without needing to spend a lot of time and effort on it. There’s no reason not to put a bit of effort into a few of them.

Some Of The Bet Changes To Make To Your Business In 2025

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Businesses are evolving things and that must stay limber and nimble as time goes on. As such you always want to think about what changes you can make. The following contributed post is entitled, Some Of The Bet Changes To Make To Your Business In 2025.

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It’s always great to think ahead in business, and if you are already wondering what 2025 might look like for your business, that’s a good sign that you are taking it seriously and that you want it to succeed. Of course, having that approach is great, but you also need to back it up with some real changes, and that is the part that can be tricky. Nonetheless, if you focus on a few key kinds of changes, you should find that it enables your business to become the best it’s ever been in 2025.

Source – CCO License

With that in mind, let’s take a look now at some of the best changes that you might want to make to your business in 2025 to ensure that it is going to be moving in the right direction as well as possible. If you do the following you should find that it’s going to be a much more successful business in no time, so let’s take a look and see what you might want to consider here.

Rebrand

This is something that can always make a huge difference to your business, and you’ll find that you are probably going to notice a change here if you do decide to do this. The thing about rebranding your business is that you will be able to give it a completely new direction, and often just that is one of the best ways to ensure that you are improving your business in general. If you are able to rebrand your business effectively like this, you should find that you are going to really notice a huge change, and it’s something that can be really powerful all in all.

So with that in mind, consider whether you might want to put your business through a rebrand right now, or whether it’s the right time for that. If you think it is, then it could genuinely be one of the best things that you can do for your business in the coming year, but you will want to make sure that you are taking care with it and not doing anything to make it worse off. If you are careful, however, it can be hugely effective.

Source – CCO License

Boost Marketing

You’ll also want to think about the marketing of your business more generally, beyond just the brand, if you are keen on trying to ensure that you are going to make your business work as well as possible. All in all this is going to mean that you are a lot more likely to keep your business going strong, and it’s vital that you are therefore thinking about this, because it can really help a lot. So if you are keen to do that, make sure that you have some decent plan for how you might improve your marketing and what you can do to make it much more effective.

There are a lot of approaches you could consider taking here, but one is to consider using an agency like signals marketing to help ensure that you are growing your marketing effectively and in a targeted, powerful way. If you are doing that, it’s the kind of thing that is really going to make a huge difference to your business, and you’ll find that it is really effective on the whole. So this is important to consider and could be the best thing you have ever done for your business on the whole too.

Other ways to boost your marketing could be worth thinking about too. For instance, you might decide that you want to rework the marketing that is already out there, or you might be thinking about which kinds of changes you want to make to the places you are putting it. In either case, you’re going to find that this is something you really need to think about, and it’s important that you are doing all you can to make this work as well as possible.

If you can improve the marketing in whatever way, you should find that this really makes a huge difference to how you are going to grow your business and improve it generally in 2025 and beyond.

Source – CCO License

Hire More Staff

Very often, it’s important to make sure that you have the right numbers of people in your business, and that they are the right people too. To that end, there is a really vital need to hire staff as appropriate, and this is something that you might want to make sure you are thinking about in 2025 in an effort to keep your business as strong as possible. If you hire more staff you should find that you are going to really notice a huge difference to how your business operates, and it can help to make things so much easier to run generally.

Of course, you’ll need to ensure that they are good staff, and not just anyone, so this is something to be aware of too. But as long as you make sure of that, you should find that it’s going to make for a much better business and that you have much greater things in the pipeline as a result. It’s amazing what having some new staff around you can really do.

Balance The Books Better

Money is at the center of everything a business does, of course, and you should make sure that you are doing all you can to keep your finances in check in 2025. If you can do that effectively, you should find that it really makes a huge difference to your business, and it’s amazing what that can really do for you. Balancing your books effectively is the kind of thing that is always going to help a lot and you’ll find that you are going to be so much more likely to actually notice a difference to your business generally.

Those are just some of the best changes you can make to your business in 2025, and they are all worth thinking about.

Essential Winter Car Maintenance

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Technology. One of your costliest purchases is your car. Your car will cost you money even if you take care of it, but if you don’t, it will cost you much more. This is especially true if you live in a geographic region with a long winter. The following contributed post is entitled, Essential Winter Car Maintenance.

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Winter can be cruel to your car, and if you don’t allow it the care it needs, then you will have to bear expensively bad repercussions. From slippery roads with ice on them to bone-chilling temperatures, all feature in making driving hard. Be it going to work or going on a winter getaway, letting your car receive all the due care will save you from a number of unexpected headaches.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-car-in-mountains-in-winter-7403902/

Get Your Battery Health Checked with a Professional

As the temperature drops, so does your battery efficiency. Cold weather can weaken your battery’s ability to hold a charge, and luck would have it that you run out of juice at the worst possible time. So, before winter really sets in, you should get your battery tested. A simple stop by a mechanic can tell you if it is time for replacement. If your battery is a few years old already, change it as a preventive measure. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck out in the cold, fighting off jump starting.

Check Out Your Tires

Tires matter for traction on snowy and icy roads. Your tires should be ready for winter, which basically covers the proper tread depth and overall condition. If your tires are worn, now is the time to get new ones, preferably winter tires for cold weather. These special tires will provide much better grip and control; this can be quite essential for safe driving. Of particular importance is proper tire pressure, since cold temperatures make your tires lose air. Keeping them properly inflated may simply create the difference in maintaining control on slippery surfaces.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers and Fluid

Visibility can become an extreme issue once those winter storms begin to strike the pavement, so don’t take your wipers lightly. Replacing your normal wiper blades with winter ones will face no issue in removing heavy snow and ice. In addition, refill your windshield washer reservoir with a freezing-weather fluid. Regular fluid will freeze on your windshield, giving you a foggy view of the road-not ideal when trying to avoid hazards.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

You never know when you may find yourself in a winter emergency. Having a well-stocked kit in your trunk can make all the difference in turning a potentially dangerous situation into one you can handle. Stock it with basics like a flashlight, blankets, a first-aid kit, and snack foods that don’t perish. Add a small shovel and some cat litter or sand to assist with traction when stuck. This is especially advisable, since regular https://www.greshamsinc.com/ could save you many hassles of being stuck in the house when snow piles on the driveway.

Test Your Heat

A functional heating system isn’t only a comfort but a Winter safety feature. Can you imagine driving in freezing cold with no heat on in your car, with fingers numb and immediate fogging of the window glasses? Before winter hits below zero, turn on your car’s heater and see if it’s blowing warm air and if the defroster is clearing your windows. If not, have it checked straight away. Being proactive, this small issue won’t build up into an expensive repair later on.

With these steps taken, you will go into the challenges of winter with confidence and preparedness. A little maintenance now will save you a lot of stress later.

How To Improve In Your Career

My blog focuses on Career Discussions. Growing in your career requires lots of planning, thought, and reflection beyond collecting your paycheck. It is not obvious to everyone once they finish school. The following contributed post is entitled, How to Improve in Your Career.

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Your career is one of the most important things in your life. It’s where you will spend most of your time, something you will think about every day and is what will give you money to enable you to live. It’s a highly vital part of your life and as such, you want to ensure you do it right. When working, you need to put your all in and if you want to improve, find out the things you can do in order to progress. After all, if you aren’t furthering your career, you’re essentially going backward and that’s not something anyone wants to do! Whether you work in a wastewater treatment plant and do things such as source the best wastewater treatment chemicals, you’re a marketer, or work in sales, there is always plenty to be done to better yourself at work. In this article we take a look at a few tips to help you further on in your job and smash those goals. Keep on reading to find out more and get inspired.

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-beige-long-sleeve-shirt-using-macbook-pro-4065876/

Never Stop Learning

One of the most important things you can do to improve in your career is never stop learning. You should head on courses that can help you to learn more and improve in your sector, or spend some time reading online resources, blogs and watching videos that can help you to get to the top of your game. No one ever knows everything, so the more you learn and open yourself up to, the better you can benefit from it.

Make Connections

Never underestimate the power of connections! When you are looking to improve in your career, think about the people that you work with, or who else you might know that can help offer you some advice or leverage in the industry. They could know of potential job openings that you can benefit from, or give you some tips on what you can do to get ahead in the field you’re in.

Embrace Challenges

When you are faced with hard times at work, you can either embrace the challenge or shy away from it. Challenges can help you to grow as a person and ensure you get the most out of your career possible. You can surprise yourself at just what you manage to do and it can help you learn more about yourself and your capabilities. Whether this is taking on a new role or a new project, don’t be afraid to say yes and see what you can do!

These are just a few things you can do that can help you to improve in your career. No matter how long you’ve been in your job for, or whether or not you’re looking to start over in a new industry, these tips can help you to go that extra mile. What are some top tips you have? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Finances This Year

My blog focuses heavily on Money/Financial Literacy. Money is something a lot of people struggle with in any financial environment. If you want to win with it, there are a couple of key things you must focus on. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Finances This Year.

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Source

Life can have its ups and downs. But nothing beats feeling like you’re on track and have it all under control. As much as we might all want this to be the case at all times, that doesn’t always happen. We get thrown curveballs from time to time and it often means we need to change direction or try and get things back in line. The problem is, when that happens, we can tend to feel stressed out and a little stuck. So we don’t always know what we need to do to change things. As much as this can apply to just about any area of your life, it always feels so consuming when it affects your finances.

We all need money to live. We also need money in order to finance our goals and create the lifestyles we want – no matter what they are. So, when we find ourselves in a less-than-perfect financial situation, it can feel really stressful. When this happens, the best thing we can do is take control and make the tweaks that will take us in the right direction.

If you have noticed that your finances have taken a tumble recently and you’d like to get them back on track, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’re going to run through seven things you can do right now to get your finances back on track.

1. Start Tracking

First of all, the most important thing for you to do here is to become more financially aware of where you’re at. If you’re not tracking your finances, you’ll find that it’s hard for you to make any adjustments or improvements. So here, you’ll want to begin by keeping track of all your income and expenditure. From here, you can then make the right decisions to support your finances going forward.

2. Create a Budget

When you have more visibility around what money is coming in and what’s going out, you can then start to budget a little more accurately. Having a budget is a great way to funnel and guide your money in the right direction. It also helps you to have more control over your money too.

3. Pay Down Debts

When you’re more aware of where you are financially, one of the first things you might want to consider doing is paying down your debts. It doesn’t matter how much you owe and what the debt payments are for, you’re likely to feel more on track as you start to pay them down and get yourself feeling more secure again.

4. Set a Savings Goal

Next up, as you’re starting to pay down debts, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re looking at what you can save. When you have savings behind you, it can feel so much more reassuring. Then, if there’s ever an issue again in the future, you know that you have money to fall back on. Here, you can consider setting a savings goal to work toward. Having a target might make you feel more on track and accomplished when you reach it.

5. Buy a Property

As you start to get your finances back on track, you may want to consider buying a property. This might be your first property ownership experience or it could be that you want to move to a more suitable family home. Either way, you’ll want to get organized here. Not only do you need to organize your finances, but you’ll want to make sure that you have a civil attorney in place too. That way, you can be ready to make your purchase but also budget out all the legal costs that go along with it too.

6. Look into Investments

As things starts to get a little better and you have money in savings, the next port of call is to consider investments too. Savings rates will only do so well for your money – so considering investing in stocks, bonds, and shares might just help you to get a better return.

7. Increase Your Income

Finally, you may want to think about the ways you can increase your income here too. Because when you’ve managed to get your finances back on track, you may want to make sure that they stay there. Only having one income can put you at risk and if you do start to create some investments, that will certainly help. However, from there, you may also want to consider some side hustle ideas that will help you to add more money into the pot and have additional income streams to rely on.

Why Do So Many People Struggle With Money? The Hidden Traps Explained

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money. Like politics and religion, personal finance can be and often is a controversial topic as it touches all of us. Some people do better with money than others and there are reasons for that. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Do So Many People Struggle With Money? The Hidden Traps Explained.

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Pexels – CC0 License

Have you ever wondered why so many people struggle with money? Why is it, for instance, that more than half of people living in the US are doing so paycheck-to-paycheck, without being able to build any savings?

It’s a deep question. But part of it comes down to hidden traps. People simply don’t understand money enough to manage it effectively.

Fortunately, this post is here to help. It explores the real reasons for money struggles and how they emerge. Here’s what you need to know:

No Savings

The first trap is the issue of savings. These are necessary when unexpected expenses arise, but many people believe they can live without them, only to discover later that they can’t.

Poor saving skills are often what leads to debt spirals getting out of control. Cash runs out but bills need to be paid, so people take out credit to cover the difference. Interest rates mount and then individuals become dependent on debt. Eventually, it becomes a rolling theme, costing more every month.

According to the CEO of National Debt Relief, Alex Kleyner, mastering credit management is essential. Debt can prevent people from achieving their financial goals, he says, and even experiencing a sense of freedom in their lives.

Behavioral Issues

Another common problem is behavioral issues. Many people get into trouble simply because they approach money in the wrong way.

One problem is the so-called “present bias.” This is the idea that what happens now matters infinitely more than what happens in the future. It’s a tendency to view short-term rewards as being superior to long-term gains, reducing the propensity to save.

Another serious issue is the idea of “mental accounting.” Here, some people compartmentalize their spending, telling themselves that it’s okay to put all their money into entertainment because it’s fun.

Then there’s just outright procrastination. Many people dislike dealing with finances and don’t want to interact with them.

Social Media Influence

The fear of missing out (FOMO) is another massive reason people struggle with money. Many individuals believe they have to keep up with the lifestyles of ultra-rich and successful individuals, including buying nice cars and jetting off all over the world.

Of course, the reality is that for most productive people, going away is something that happens once or twice a year. It’s not a weekly event.

Comparison culture on social media also plays a role. People want to play the status game, and that often involves spending vast quantities of money on conspicuous consumption, like trips to Flannels.

Economic System Issues

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Of course, it’s not just a matter of personal responsibility. The economic system as a whole creates issues for people.

The cost of living, for instance, can rise dramatically in some cities, often over the course of a few months. Added demand can put pressure on housing stock and local resources, putting prices up.

Stagnant wages are also a factor. While wealthy people keep adding to their cash hoards, ordinary citizens are struggling to get by. Globalization, immigration, and unfriendly labor practices are all issues.

Limited Financial Literacy

Then there’s the problem of limited financial literacy. Many people simply don’t understand money and how it works.

To be fair, the number of people who really know their finances well is limited. That’s because it is a tricky topic, especially when you start including things like the stock market.

However, many individuals weren’t taught simple money management and accounting skills in school, setting them up for a life of challenges. For example, in today’s culture, we see a massive reliance on credit. People stick payments on their cards, shifting payments off into the future, neglecting to consider rates and fees. These practices can then lead to more debt that becomes hard to escape.

Hardly any children get an education in investing either. Then, when they become adults, they wind up making poor financial choices because they don’t understand how the underlying market works.

Then there’s the absence of goal-setting, also critical for financial planning. Overspending is much easier when all that matters is right now.

Emotional Spending

Finally, many people spend money for emotional reasons, not practical ones. Shoppers might use retail therapy to splurge on items they don’t really need to cope with stress, boredom, or other uncomfortable emotions they might be experiencing.

Financial avoidance is another common phenomenon. Here, individuals deliberately avoid looking at their bank accounts because they worry about what they might show. Overdue bills cause them stress, so forgetting about their overdraft often seems like the best short-term tactic.

How To Make Your Restaurant Business More Attractive

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. If you have a restaurant, one of the most important parts of it is its entrance. The ambiance and appearance are arguably just as important as the food. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Make Your Restaurant Business More Attractive.

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When it comes to starting your own business, first impressions are absolutely everything. People will judge both the food you have to offer and the service you give purely with a thirty second glance at the exterior of your business. You want your restaurant to take off, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to make sure that your restaurant opening is a success from day one.

A restaurant is not an easy business to run. Not only will you have local competition on either side of you – especially in a busy area – you need your food to appeal both on presentation and taste. For success, presentation is EVERYTHING and so in this article, we’re going to show you how you can launch a beautiful restaurant that nails it every time:

Image source: Pexels

1. Improve your furnishings. The fastest face lift that you can give a restaurant involves upgrading and changing up the look of the space. From the furniture you buy to the layout, having something fresh, something that stands out from every other restaurant in the street, is what will count. New furniture is easier to arrange, easier to clean and is easier on the eye than old furniture that is worn out.

2. Offer beautiful tableware. It’s not just about the food, remember? We already talked about the fact that presentation is everything so looking at Restofair RAK tableware and fine dining ware is going to help you to bring in those exciting reviews. Tableware and cutlery is essential as part of the dining experience, so upgrading your silverware and coordinating your tableware with the rest of the restaurant theme can make it far more cohesive.

3. A lick of paint. This doesn’t just pertain to the inside of the restaurant, but the exterior, too. Your restaurant is going to stand out for all the right reasons with a fresh look. Older wallpaper can be stripped back and brightened up with a much cheaper, easier lick of paint. The best thing about a paint job is that you don’t necessarily have to hire and pay an interior designer – you can do this one yourself.

4. Add a little life. Well, for a restaurant to be a success you want to add a LOT of life! You want people chatting and laughing, good background music and great ambience and a good way to achieve it is with beautiful greenery. Find a local florist and work out a great deal on fresh flowers and plants to add actual life to the space. Romantic dinners are not complete without the waft of a fresh rose and it’s one of those things that will make your business an overnight success.

5. Comfortable seating. Seating isn’t just about the tables and chairs that are littered through the restaurant. What about waiting spaces for those hanging on for a table, or bar-seating for those who are coming in for a drink? Whatever you choose, it should be a significant part of the restaurant design phase!

Launching a restaurant is not an easy thing to do, but once you figure out the little things that pull customers in, you’ll have the most attractive one on the block.

Don’t Make These Financial Mistakes When Running a Business

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. There are keys to succeeding in business and there are things that will hurt your prospects for success. The following contributed post is entitled, Don’t Make These Financial Mistakes When Running a Business.

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If you want to make the most out of your business, then you have to make sure that you avoid these top financial mistakes. If you don’t, you will struggle to get the result you want out of your profit and you will also struggle to break even when you have had a rough financial year. If you want to find out more about the top financial mistakes people make when running a business, then all you have to do is take a look below.

Ignoring your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is ignoring their budget. If you operate your business without a budget then you may find that you don’t have any kind of financial roadmap to work from and this can result in you overspending. You may also find that you end up experiencing financial instability which is the last thing you need. If you want to do something about this then one thing you can try and do is develop a budget that encompasses every aspect of your operation so you have a financial roadmap to work from. If you don’t do this then you may find that you end up running your business into the ground when in reality, all of this could be prevented.

Source: Pexels

Poor Documentation

Another critical mistake would be not documenting your records properly. Inadequate record-keeping will affect your ability to make decisions and it will also stop you from being able to track your expenses properly. If you want to do something about this then you need to use accounting software. If you’re torn between Venmo vs Zelle, then find software that tracks both, or update your system as a whole. You also need to make sure that you have a clear financial overview. If you don’t have anything like this then you may find that you end up struggling to get the result you need.

Inaccurate Pricing

If you can, you have to avoid poor pricing. Incorrect pricing can compromise your general profitability and it can also affect your ability to get new clients. If you run a new business then you have to make sure that you are analyzing the costs you have while getting a good idea of what your competitors are charging. You also need to make sure that you align things with your business goals. If you don’t do things like this then you may find that you end up struggling which is the last thing you need. Make sure that you are always aware of what you are charging and why. You don’t always need to lower your prices, but you do have to make sure that you are not making a mistake by charging more than your competitors without realizing it.

On top of this, you may find that you are not managing your cash flow consistently. This is a major issue at the end of the day, so make sure that you are doing what you can to make sure that you are using software and that you are also using the right tools to run your operation.