Why Your Pre-Teen is Anxious About Moving

My blog focuses on Health/Wellness, Home/Living and Home/Property Discussions. Housing moves can be tough, especially for young people. Pre-teens may initially be averse to moving. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Your Pre-Teen is Anxious About Moving.

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Moving to a new house is a huge transition for any family, but for a preteen it can feel especially overwhelming. They’re already at a precarious age where identity, friendships and routine are more important than ever before, so a move can trigger a range of emotional responses, especially anxiety.

One of the biggest concerns for preteens during a move is the uncertainty around schools. Whether they’re transferring to a new middle school or starting a fresh academic year in a whole new district, school represents far more than just academics for a preteen. It’s their social world, a source of stability, and a place where they’re learning who they are along the way. Disrupting that environment can understandably ’cause some upset.

Image source: Pexels

1. Worrying about a loss of friendship. A preteen’s social circle is their staple for their identity. At this age, friendships often feel like the center of a preteen’s universe, and a move can mean leaving behind best friends, familiar lunch tables, and well established social circles. There’s always promises made that they’ll still meet up, but that doesn’t always happen in practice. Many preteens also worry how they’ll stay in touch with old friends while trying to make new friends with different rules, expectations and clicks. And that can be incredibly intimidating.

2. It’s the fear of the unknown. They may be anxious about moving because this is an unknown neighborhood in a new location and it upends their sense of control. Different daily routines and unfamiliar surroundings can leave them feeling disoriented. And a new school might mean different academic standards or teaching styles or extracurricular activities, all of which require strong adaptations. Even the little things like not knowing the layout of the school or where to sit on the bus can cue feelings of self doubt.

3. Academic pressures. A change in school can sometimes mean a change in academic expectations. Your child may be worried about whether they’ll be able to keep up with coursework or understand new teaching styles. If your preteen has already experienced academic struggles, a new school may heighten their concern. They might wonder if the move will worsen the situation or if they’ll receive the support they need.

4. A lack of involvement in the decision. When you decide to move to a new place, your preteen doesn’t often get a say in it. This is a lack of control for them because they want to be involved with the decision making. And even when moves are decided entirely by adults, children may feel powerless or overlooked. That lack of control can quickly morph into anxiety. You can ease this by involving them in the process, such as visiting the new school or a new house, and helping to choose their bedroom setup.

5. Emotional development worries. Preteens are in a complex stage of their emotional growth. They are not children, but they’re not quite yet teenagers and their ability to process and express their emotions is still developing. They won’t always verbalise their fears, but instead show them through mood swings, lashing out or withdrawal.

    Understanding the emotional impact of moving is important if you want to make sure that this move goes smoothly.

    How To Overcome Health Embarrassment And Seek The Care You Need

    My blog focuses on Health/Wellness. Each of us will encounter some sort of health issue in our lives. Some come with stigmas and can cause personal embarrassment and thus have a psychological side. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Overcome Health Embarrassment And Seek The Care You Need.

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    Image Source: CC0 License

    In our society, we tend to hide our bodies and avoid all the embarrassing things that we find confronting or awkward to talk about. While this makes sense in terms of general decency, our inability to speak openly can also become a problem in certain situations. For example, if you’re experiencing a so-called ‘embarrassing’ health problem, you may struggle to break your silence. From mental health to hormonal problems, you may find it easier to ignore these issues than tell a doctor about them.

    In truth, though, these are issues that doctors see daily, and speaking out is always better for your long-term wellbeing than keeping silent. But, how can you overcome your health embarrassment to finally seek the care you need? Keep reading to find out.

    #1 – Read up on Your Condition

    While it’s always worth being wary when reading up about health problems online, doing so can be a great starting point for realizing that you aren’t alone in what you’re experiencing. After all, the main issue with certain embarrassing health concerns is that nobody speaks about them, and that can feel isolating.

    While you should take your findings with a pinch of salt until you’ve spoken to a doctor (which we’ll get to later), reading or even sharing your stories on forums can be an especially effective way to both find support and discover a way to speak out at last.

    Image Source: CC0 License

    #2 – Speak with a Trusted Expert

    It can also help to seek trusted experts in whichever healthcare area your embarrassing issue falls under. For example, it can be difficult to speak about your hormonal health with a general practitioner who may be unfamiliar with your symptoms or might not have dealt with that particular issue. That provider may even undermine your concerns or refer you to a colleague who will require you to recount your embarrassing experience all over again.

    By comparison, speaking about those same hormonal issues with a private or concierge medicine practitioner who is an expert in things like testosterone levels can be a lot less embarrassing. After all, they’re far more likely to be familiar with cases like yours. Experts can also handle your full health journey themselves, without requiring you to explain embarrassing symptoms to multiple colleagues before you can secure treatment.

    #3 – Write it Down

    Image Source: CC0 License

    Sometimes, explaining an issue out loud is the most embarrassing thing imaginable, which is why it’s worth bearing in mind that you can simply write your problem down. This is especially true in the age of telehealth, where many healthcare professionals accept online referral requests during the booking stage.

    The ability to write down your health issue here, or simply to take a written explanation to your appointment, can both ease your embarrassment and ensure that you don’t miss anything out because you’re worried about certain words or symptoms. And that guarantees more inclusive, informed care overall.

    We all face embarrassing body complaints at some stage. Make sure yours don’t drag your health down by following these top tips.

    Why Networking Outside Your Industry Actually Helps Your Core Business

    My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Networking is a key to success in all industries. In some instances, branching out into other sectors can greatly help you core business. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Networking Outside Your Industry Actually Helps Your Core Business.

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    A few weeks ago, I found myself in one of those reluctant coffee shop queues. That shop everyone goes to because they need a break from their inbox, but no one really wants to make small talk. And there I was, chatting to a man who restores antique furniture with the kind of finesse you’d expect from a heart surgeon.

    I thought we’d end up talking about varnish or wood grain. We didn’t. We spoke about juggling customer requests without becoming overwhelmed by admin. By the time the conversation had ended, I had filled the back of a receipt with my own notes. Interesting how that happens.

    Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-holding-takeaway-coffee-cups-7490979/

    Routines Are Good Things, Until They’re Not

    When you’re always surrounded by people who do similar work to you, it becomes easy to forget to ask questions. Everyone’s approaching things in the same way, chasing similar goals, using the same language.

    Eventually, your thinking starts to follow the same patterns. Reliable, maybe, but it can start to feel like you’re running a loop, like watching a film you once loved and suddenly noticing that you already know every word.

    Something Changes When You Change the Conversation

    Now and again, I find myself in a completely unrelated conversation with someone whose work couldn’t be more different from mine: a butcher, a lighting technician, a garden landscaper. And somehow, I always walk away with a fresh idea. Sometimes the link is obvious, and sometimes, it’s more like working backwards through a puzzle.

    One afternoon, while helping a friend organise her delivery schedule, we got chatting about her rural suppliers. We ended up discussing stock flow and logistics for something entirely outside my usual remit Farm Supplies Shropshire. That one conversation quietly nudged me to rethink how I manage my own planning calendar. Nothing dramatic, just a gentle reframe that helped things fall into place.

    Those smaller nudges are sometimes more powerful than big, flashy strategies. They come without pressure, without an agenda. And that’s why they stick. Because they come from moments that feel human, not transactional, and they open the door to creativity without you even trying.

    No Pitch, No Pretence

    There’s something refreshing about conversations that don’t involve trying to impress anyone. When you’re speaking to someone from outside your industry, there’s no silent comparison going on. No need to translate your job title or prove your worth.

    You just tell stories. You ask questions. You listen. And in that space, ideas show up. Honest ones. Useful ones.

    Shifting Sideways Can Still Move You Forward

    If your calendar’s full of the same networking calls and familiar faces, consider this your nudge to shift things slightly. Say yes to the community walk. Chat to the woman running the local flower stall. Join the talk on a subject you know nothing about.

    Let the conversation be what it is: natural, unplanned, and maybe even a little odd. Sometimes those quiet exchanges plant the seed for something useful to grow later on.

    You might leave with nothing more than your usual flat white, or you might walk away with an idea you didn’t know you needed. Either way, the coffee queue has its moments.

    The Overlooked Foundations Of A Strong Brand

    My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Arguably the most important part of your business is its brand. Creating a strong brand can solidify your profitability. The following contributed post is entitled, The Overlooked Foundations Of A Strong Brand.

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    When people talk about building a brand, the conversation usually goes straight to the obvious things, including logos, colours, and catchy slogans. And yes, they’re part of it, but they’re not what makes a brand feel strong in the end, and the real foundation is something that’s a bit hard to put your finger on. You’ll often find it in how people experience your business day to day, and the little things that signal you care and that you know who you are. That’s where you’ll find the real difference. So if you want people to trust and remember you, those are the bits and areas worth paying attention to, and with that in mind, keep reading to find out more.

    Photo by Anna Nekrashevich

    Knowing Who You Are

    It’s surprising how many businesses skip this part, but it’s absolutely vital, only a lot of the time they know what they sell, but they haven’t really nailed down who they are as a brand. Why do you do what you do? Who are you trying to reach? And what makes you different from the next business doing something similar?

    Once you’ve worked all that stuff out, it helps you do everything else because it’s easier to make decisions about what to post online, what to say to customers, and even which projects to say yes or no to. And it stops you from blending in – people can tell when a business knows why it exists.

    Keeping Things Consistent

    If someone visits your website, sees you on social media, and then walks through your door, will it all feel connected? That’s what consistency does because it makes sure people recognise your voice, your values, and your way of doing things no matter where they find you.

    The best thing is that all this builds trust without you having to say a word, and when customers know what to expect, they’re more likely to come back.

    Showing Up Well Online

    For most people, the first time they see your business won’t be in person – it’ll be online. And that means your digital presence has to pull its weight, and investing in good website design is a big part of that. Your site definitely has to look good, but it also has to work – and one of those things is no more important than the other, it all has to come together.

    The fact is, if your website feels messy or outdated, that’s often the impression people will walk away with, even if everything else you do is great, and they’re probably not going to give you much of a chance to change their minds.

    Noticing The Little Things

    Strong brands don’t just get the big picture right, they also really care about the details. A quick response to an enquiry, the tone of a confirmation email, the way a package is wrapped… all those things help people know how to feel about you, and if you do it all well, they’ll get a good impression, which is precisely what you want.

    Serving Sustainability: Showing How Your Catering Company Cares for the Planet

    My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Many businesses can have strategies for sustainability, and catering companies are in that group. The following contributed post is entitled, Serving Sustainability: Showing How Your Catering Company Cares for the Planet.

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    Sustainability has quickly become a top priority in food and catering. Today more than ever, clients and event planners prioritize finding service providers who share their environmental values, making adopting green practices not just good practice. For catering companies it becomes a unique selling point. Showcasing sustainability not only reduces carbon emissions but also resonates with eco-minded consumers, setting your brand apart from competitors. In this blog, we will look at creative yet impactful ways you can demonstrate your dedication to eco-friendly practices.

    Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash

    Sourcing Locally and Seasonally

    By supporting local farmers and suppliers, food sourcing for your company can have minimal environmental impacts. Purchasing items locally means reduced transportation emissions associated with shipping them, helping the environment as a result. Seasonal ingredients have lower environmental costs as they require less artificial input for growth, while clients value fresh, locally-sourced dishes with bold in-season flavors. Catering businesses that develop relationships with local growers, fisheries, and butchers demonstrate their dedication to supporting local economies while simultaneously upholding green values. Showcase this dedication by including your sustainable sourcing practices prominently on your menus or promotional materials.

    Reducing Food Waste

    Food waste is an environmental challenge catering companies must not ignore. Develop strategies to decrease leftover quantities by planning menus carefully and communicating effectively with clients to estimate headcounts accurately. Using surplus ingredients for new dishes that reduce what gets wasted, or considering partnerships with food recovery programs or charities to redistribute extra food as donations. Composting unusable scraps is also an excellent way to limit landfill impact while creating fertile soil that can be used locally for food production.

    Using Bamboo Product

    Switching to bamboo products is a great way for catering businesses to reduce environmental impact while simultaneously improving sustainability and providing their clients with a greener dining experience. Bamboo is a renewable resource, growing quickly with minimal water input, making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and single-use items. Partnering with an established bamboo products manufacturer ensures access to biodegradable cutlery, toothpicks and skewers which reduce waste significantly while showing their commitment to green initiatives.

    Offering Plant-Based Menu Options

    Plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable due to the lower environmental toll incurred during meat production. So expanding your menu to offer hearty plant-based dishes appeals to an increasingly vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian customer base. Add diversity through creatively prepared vegetables, legumes, grains and plant-derived proteins into menus in order to address rising customer demand while positioning yourself as an environmentally aware catering service provider.

    Choosing Energy-Efficient Equipment

    Choosing energy efficient equipment can go a long way toward lowering energy use for kitchens and events. From choosing Energy Star-rated ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers to simple measures like using LED lighting or natural gas instead of conventional electricity can contribute towards creating more sustainable operations. Likewise, switching over to hybrid or electric vehicles for deliveries would demonstrate your serious commitment to sustainability.

    Conclusion

    Sustainability in catering business operations is no longer optional, it is now an absolute requirement in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace. From ethical ingredient sourcing and waste reduction practices, every step taken toward greener operations earns your company greater respect and loyalty from eco-conscious customers. Make sustainability an important component of your brand and watch your catering company flourish while leaving less environmental damage behind.

    Designing a Sustainable Interior: Important Things for a Truly Green Building

    My blog focuses on Technology. A major strategy for designing buildings and infrastructure in the future is incorporating sustainability. The following contributed post is entitled, Designing a Sustainable Interior: Important Things for a Truly Green Building.

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    Building green doesn’t just involve eco-friendly construction methods. Interior design and materials used also play a huge role in energy efficiency, waste reduction and creating healthier environments. In this blog, we will look at some of these things sustainable building must consider, from floors to windows, in order to truly reflect eco-conscious values.

    Photo by Lily Banse on Unsplash

    Energy-Efficient Windows for Sustainable Viewing

    Windows are a big element of sustainable building design, yet often go underappreciated in their energy saving potential. Double or triple pane windows equipped with Low-E coatings represent one of the best investments for energy savings in sustainable buildings. Airtight windows reduce heat transfer, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. And significantly reducing artificial heating or cooling needs. Windows from manufacturers using recycled or non-toxic materials add a sustainability benefit while exterior solutions such as window awnings or motorized shades help naturally regulate sunlight exposure for increased energy efficiency while adding an aesthetic element to a building facade.

    Eco-Friendly Flooring That Matters

    When it comes to flooring, there are a lot of sustainable choices. Bamboo and cork are more common choices due to their renewable nature and biodegradability. Bamboo grows quickly while cork trees can be harvested without harming them. Recycled materials in carpets and rugs that are installed in commercial buildings also add another eco-friendly element. These rugs add durability, with low maintenance requirements, as well as providing an inviting ambience. They also contribute to improving the occupants’ wellbeing and overall mood.

    Furniture with a Green Heart

    Furniture is another important aspect of creating an environmentally-friendly interior. Look for pieces made of sustainably sourced or reclaimed wood, recycled metals or biodegradable materials. Supporting local artisans and businesses that practice fair trade practices will only enhance this effort further. Also, prioritize modular pieces that can be disassembled and recycled at the end of its lifecycle in order to encourage circular economic practices.

    Decorative Elements that Don’t Cost the Earth

    Decor can also be eco-friendly. When choosing decorative elements for your interior, be mindful of their environmental impact. Choose rugs, curtains and cushions made from organic or recycled materials while avoiding plastics and synthetic fabrics wherever possible in favor of products dyed with non-toxic dyes such as natural pigments. Houseplants offer another excellent way to add vibrancy while improving the air quality. Low maintenance species such as snake plants or pothos will bring vibrancy while requiring minimum care from you.

    The Green Standard in HVAC Systems

    When you install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, you should prioritize units that are energy efficient and reduce environmental impact. High-performance systems using renewable energy sources or featuring programmable thermostat technology can dramatically cut energy use. When combined with adequate insulation they ensure minimal energy loss throughout your building.

    Conclusion

    Each component of a green building’s interior can represent a step in the direction of greater environmental responsibility, from energy-saving windows and flooring made of eco-friendly materials or furniture crafted from renewable resources. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and practices you can create a future where your business contributes to real change, one sustainable building at a time.

    850-4 Ways to Grow a Creative Business

    My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. There are many creative businesses, but because they aren’t traditional businesses, it isn’t clear how to grow them. The following contributed post is entitled, 850-4 Ways to Grow a Creative Business.

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    Image by Pexels from Pixabay

    Whether you are a designer, maker or an artist running a creative business offers a lot of rewards. It’s an opportunity to earn money from your passion. However, turning that passion into a consistent paycheck can be a challenge. It’s going to require more than just raw talent.

    Success in a creative business boils down to strategic thinking. You have to build connections as well and continuously improve your products and services. Take a look at these practical ways in which you can take your creative business to a whole new level.

    Refine Your Brand Identity

    Your brand is about a lot more than your logo. It’s also about the experience that people have when they interact with it. You want them to remember your work at all times. The first thing you should do is identify your unique style, target audience as well as your message.

    Having a consistent look and tone to your brand is going to build recognition. It will also cement trust. You should update your website, packaging as well as your social media profiles to reflect the personality of your brand as well as your values.

    Invest In the Right Tools and Skills

    As your business begins to grow, your needs also change as well. There comes a time when you have to upgrade your equipment so that you can improve your products and increase efficiency.

    For example, if your business focuses on textiles, then investing in a high performance quilting machine is going to allow you to produce a lot more professional designs.

    This will assist with meeting the growing demand of your business. Similarly, taking online courses or even doing workshops in marketing as well as business can help you to hone your craft.

    Build an Engaging Online Presence

    Having a strong digital presence is going to be critical for your growth. You should use social media platforms to show off your work. You can also share behind the scenes content as well. This way, you’ll be able to connect with your audience. You’ll also need to build an online store so that your customers can buy from you directly.

    Start an email newsletter so that you can give regular updates to your customers without having to depend on social media. With an email list, you can send special offers and product launches to them.

    Explore New Business Ventures

    It’s always a good idea to diversify your income whenever you can. This will help you to grow your business. In addition to selling finished products, you can do digital downloads, and custom commissions as well.

    It may even be possible for you to license your designs. When possible, you should try to collaborate with other creative brands. This way, you can get your products exposed to an even wider audience.

    Growing a creative business is going to take a lot more than just your talent. You’re going to have to be strategic about it. You’ll also need to have a willingness to learn and be consistent.

    Fixing Up Your Home After a Flood

    My blog focuses on Home/Living and Home/Property Discussions. Many regions of our country and the world are impacted by flooding at the hands of Mother Nature. In some instances, you property can be salvaged. The following contributed post is entitled, Fixing Up Your Home After a Flood.

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    Pexels – CCO Licence

    There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of water inside your home to really ruin your day and make you immediately step into panic mode when you should have been enjoying a nice, relaxing breakfast, right? But if you live in an area that is prone to heavy rains and flooding, then there is a distinct possibility that this exact scenario will become your reality one day, if it hasn’t already. If the worst does happen, it’s important that you don’t panic. Instead, take a few deep breaths (try to ignore the impending smell of damp and doom as you do) and do this stuff to get your home back on track again.

    1. Safety First, Hero Later

    Before you channel your inner DIY warrior, check for hazards. That means shutting off electricity (wet wires and feet are not friends), avoiding standing water until it’s clear of contamination, and making sure the structural integrity of your home hasn’t gone full Jenga tower.

    When in doubt? Call a professional. No shame in not wanting to fall through the living room floor.

    2. Document the Damage (Yes, Before Cleaning)

    Resist the urge to immediately mop everything up. Your future insurance claim depends on good documentation. Take photos, record video, and capture all the soggy, sad evidence before you start tossing stuff. It’s not fun, but your wallet will thank you later.

    3. Call in the Pros (Because Mold Doesn’t Wait)

    Sure, you could rent a wet vac and throw some fans around, but let’s be real: water damage is sneaky. It seeps into drywall, creeps behind baseboards, and throws a welcome party for mold spores.

    That’s why services like United Response restoration exist. They’ve got the tools, the training, and the time to handle flood recovery like pros, because you have better things to do than Google “how to remove mildew smell from everything I own.”

    4. Triage Your Belongings (With Grit and Grace)

    Floodwater doesn’t play favorites. Go room by room and sort your stuff into three piles: salvageable, questionable, and ugh, toss it. Porous materials like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and rugs may have to go. It’s tough, but hanging on to mold magnets is a recipe for trouble.

    Pro tip: Sentimental items like photos or documents might be saved with careful drying and cleaning – just don’t shove them in the microwave. (Yes, people try that.)

    5. Dry Everything Like It’s Your Job

    Once you’ve cleared the water and trashed the worst, it’s time to dry out every surface, crevice, and suspicious crack. Open windows, run dehumidifiers, and get air circulating like your home is auditioning for a wind tunnel.

    And keep your eyes peeled – musty smells, stains, or bubbling paint are red flags for lingering water and future mold.

    Final Thought: Recovery Takes Time (and Coffee)

    Fixing up your home after a flood is messy, emotional, and straight-up exhausting. But with the right support, be it from trusted pros like United Response Restoration or your local caffeine dealer, you will rebuild.

    Take it one step at a time. Hydrate. Vent (your feelings and your house). And remember: even the soggiest of chapters can end in a fresh, dry start.

    5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Real Estate

    My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Investing in real estate can be a very rewarding, but also very perilous if you don’t know what you’re doing. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Real Estate.

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    Investing in real estate can be a fantastic way to spend your money, especially when the comparison to keeping it in a bank, is not always going to be the best outcome.

    With that in mind, there are great opportunities within property investment, but it’s also important to be aware of what common mistakes can occur. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when investing in real estate this year.

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    1. Underestimating costs involved

    When you’re a newcomer to investing in real estate, you might not always consider what hidden costs can come from buying property. There’s hidden expenses like repairs and permits, or vacancy periods if you’re renting it out.

    Not to mention legal costs to process the sale of the property, whether you intend to hold onto it or do it up and flip it. It’s always important to be aware of the costs that come with investing into property that lie beyond just the property price itself. It’s also worth budgeting for phantom costs that might occur in the process too.

    2. Skipping on research and due-dilligence

    Skipping out on research can also be a problem if you’re not careful, that’s why you’ll want to look at everything that comes with real estate investment so that you’re well clued up. A panic bid on a property without verifying anything could be what turns into an expensive nightmare.

    Always research the property you’re looking to buy and everything around it. Check out the rentals in the area, what’s around it when it comes to local amenities and schools etc. What’s the crime levels like in the area? Not doing your due-diligence could leave you with a very nasty investment.

    3. Falling in love with a property and getting emotionally involved

    While it’s nice to find a property you love and that you end up falling in love with, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to get too emotionally attached to a property. By getting too emotionally attached, you’re more likely to make mistakes and allow your emotions to spend more money or lose more of it.

    Set some strict rules when it comes to investing and be aware of the potential fallouts that might come as a result of investing. Be sure to work with the best realtor in order to get a property that ticks all your boxes.

    4. DIY overconfidence

    While you might be a dab hand when it comes to DIY, you don’t want to take on too much DIY that you realistically can’t do with your other commitments in life.

    Overconfidence in DIY can also result in you making an offer on a property in which you might then not be able to follow through with. Always get professionals in to do this work that can’t do and make sure it’s affordable in regards to the investment.

    5. No exit strategy

    An exit strategy is important when it comes to investing because whether you’re on the up with your investment or you’re losing money fast, you want an exit strategy for it. Life happens and there are some situations where you might need to sell the property or switch up your intentions for it to make some money through rental for example.

    Trust your instincts when it comes to investing in real estate and know that while this is a solid investment opportunity, it’s still a risky one.

    5 Ways to Plan Your Retirement Finances

    My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money. Some people are conscientious about their retirement savings and actively prepare for it. If you’re one of those people, there are some important keys to keep in mind. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ways to Plan Your Retirement Finances.

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    Retirement is the time to enjoy the life you’ve worked hard to build, but without proper financial planning, it can be stressful and uncertain. Whether you’re 10 years away or already easing into retirement, now is the time to take control of your finances and make some solid plans for the future.

    One often overlooked part of retirement planning is legal preparation, especially around your estate. Consulting a probate lawyer early on can help you to ensure that your acids are distributed the way you want and can ease the burden on your loved ones later. But estate planning is just one piece of the retirement puzzle. Let’s take a look at five other ways that you can get your retirement finances in order.

    Image source: Pexels

    ● Estimate what you need for your retirement. Most people underestimate how much they’ll need in retirement, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for about 70 to 80% of your pre retirement income every year. That includes everyday living expenses, healthcare, travel and unexpected emergencies. Start by creating a retirement budget. List your expenses, adjust for any lifestyle changes, and include long term costs like medical care or assisted living.
    ● Maximise your retirement account contributions. If you’re still working, take advantage of any retirement savings plans like IRIS or 401ks. Not only do these accounts offer tax benefits, but they also grow with compounding interest over time. If you’re over 50, you may be eligible for catch up contributions, allowing you to save even more as you near your retirement age. Review your investment portfolio regularly and adjust based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
    ● Plan for healthcare costs. Medical expenses tend to increase with age, and Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Look into supplemental insurance plans or healthy savings accounts if you qualify. Planning for Healthcare is essential to avoid dipping into your savings unexpectedly. You should also consider long term care insurance that might help to cover costs that aren’t included in traditional health coverage, such as in home care or assisted living.
    ● Get your documents in order. This is where working with a probate lawyer becomes critical. A qualified legal professional can help you to draft a will, establish a power of attorney, and create health care directives. They also help you to set up trusts if needed and ensure your state avoids unnecessary delays and expenses during probate. By taking these steps now, you can protect your assets and your family’s Peace of Mind later on.
    ● Create a withdrawal strategy. Once you retire, you’ll need a smart strategy for how and when to withdraw from your savings account. Consider the order in which you’ll tap into those accounts, such as taxable, tax deferred and tax free accounts, to minimise the liabilities over time.

    Planning retirement is more than just saving money. It’s all about creating a strategy that ensures financial security and peace. From budgeting and investing to working with a probate lawyer, a proactive approach can help you to retire with confidence.