Category: Lifestyle

Do You Need a Financial Planner?

by Susan Gregory, posted in Finance, Lifestyle

Making the decision to work with a financial planner can be intimidating. But the fact of the matter is that a financial planner could benefit many Australians.  It’s important to understand that financial planners are there to help you reach your financial goals. They are experienced professionals who can provide you with valuable advice to help you make wise financial decisions – decisions that will benefit you and your family in the long run. 

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you need a financial planner, here are some dead giveaways that hiring one might be beneficial to you.

 

You Don’t Know How to Manage Money

A financial planner in Sydney can help you to achieve your financial goals, even if you don’t know how to manage money. They will provide you with advice and strategies on how to set up a budget, develop an investment plan, save money and minimise debts.

Financial planners can help you review your current financial situation and create a plan tailored to your specific needs. This can include an analysis of different aspects such as income, expenses, savings and investments. They will also discuss with you your long-term goals and objectives, to ensure that the plan they develop is in line with your expectations.

 

You’re Thinking About Investing

A financial planner can provide you with invaluable advice about investing. They can help you evaluate your risk tolerance, create an investment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals, determine the best types of investments for you, and provide guidance on how to monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed. 

A financial planner can be a great asset to have when it comes to making smart investments for the long-term. They can offer you a wealth of knowledge and expertise that might otherwise be difficult to access on your own. With their help, you can make informed decisions that will help to ensure your financial independence and security.

 

You’re Overwhelmed by Debt

A financial planner can provide you with the guidance and support needed to help you manage your debt. They have a range of strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. This includes being able to access a range of debt consolidation options, such as transferring existing debts onto a lower interest credit card, or taking out a loan to pay off multiple debts. 

They can also provide you with advice on budgeting and money management techniques so that you can better manage your finances. A financial planner will also work with you to develop a plan that takes into account the time you have available to pay off your debt, as well as any potential Tax implications. 

With their assistance, you can take control of your finances and start to reduce and pay off your debt.

 

You’re Nearing Retirement

A financial planner can help you plan for a secure retirement by making sure your investments are well-diversified, tax efficient, and appropriate to your risk tolerance. They can also advise on other matters, such as estate planning, claiming strategies, and long-term care insurance.  

Additionally, they can help you develop a retirement budget, so you know what kind of lifestyle you can sustain with the resources available to you. They may also be able to suggest ways to reduce your expenses.

Puppy Food Guide for New Owners

by Susan Gregory, posted in Lifestyle, Pets

If you’re a new puppy owner, then you’ll need to read up on puppy food; what should you feed your new furry little friend? Your dog needs a diet that’s nutritious and balanced, which will ensure that they remain healthy and grow adequately.

Interested in learning more? Read on the learn everything you need to know about puppy food.

 

Where to Start

The first year of a dog’s life is incredibly important when it comes to its health and development. Things that happen within the first 12 months can have lifelong effects, whether benefits or consequences. It’s up to you to ensure your pup is given the right foods.

You might have already visited a pet store and had a look at what’s on offer. At this point, you’re probably not sure, which is why you’re reading this guide right now. There are several options on offer, with varying types of food and brands available.

It’s also worth noting that the breed of your pup, as well as its size, can have an influence on what puppy food is ideal. But don’t worry, read on and all your questions will be answered.

 

What Should You Feed Your Dog?

First things first, what is the breed of your dog? How big is he or she? Larger breeds of dogs will have different nutritional and growth concerns. On the other hand, smaller “toy-sized” pooches reach full adult size within a year or less. The bigger the dog, the longer the growth takes.

Make sure that you get in contact with your local veterinarian; they’ll know exactly what your dog requires. Also, consider that the breed of the dog might bring about unique health concerns; for instance, bulldogs tend to have respiratory problems.

There are several different types of puppy food available. Some examples include freeze-dried, raw, dry kibble, and others. Always read the label to know exactly what is in the puppy food. Run everything by your veterinarian to be safe.

 

How Often Should Your Puppy Be Fed?

That first year of a puppy’s life will be dramatic. After about a month and a half, puppies will begin to transition from the milk of the mother. At this point, you need to feed the pooch puppy food that’s specifically designed and formulated.

Because puppies grow rapidly early on, they’ll need to be fed frequently, in smaller doses. This is opposed to larger, more infrequent meals. 3-4 small portions will work well; this should be good until around 3 months.

After 12 weeks, you can drop the meal frequency to 3 and maintain that until they’re half a year old. At the 6 month mark, you can drop down to 2 meals a day. You might notice that they naturally start eating less at this point as well.

At this point, you can begin slowly introducing adult dog food. The exact moment when you should do this will depend on the breed of the dog, how fast it’s growing, and its expected size. Your veterinarian should have further insight here.

 

5 Health Goals to Embrace in 2022

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health, Lifestyle

As the year is about to end, it’s time to not only evaluate what you’ve accomplished for 2021 but also look forward to what you can do to improve your wellbeing in 2022. With almost two years since the pandemic, being healthier is now more important than ever and here are five simple health goals that you can embrace to welcome the new year:

 

1. Nourish your mind and body.

Keeping yourself healthy isn’t just about eating well and going to the gym regularly. With mental health taking a big toll on many people’s lives because of the pandemic, wellness has now been re-defined to include the mind in taking care of the body. So, what can you do to nourish both? It’s simple: practice the art of yoga. Get yourself motivated to embrace this lifestyle by investing in one of those eco yoga mats NZ that are not only sturdy and efficient but also eco-friendly.

 

2. Cook your food.

Are you one of those who constantly eat out or have takeaways? Make 2022 your year of using the kitchen more and cooking your food. If you want to be healthier, you have to start by knowing what you’re putting into your body. When you cook at home, you know exactly what your ingredients are and how the dish is prepared. This allows you more control of what you eat without sacrificing flavour.

 

3. Go slow on the alcohol.

While it doesn’t hurt to treat yourself to a cocktail now and then, drinking too much alcohol can destroy your body in so many ways. So, if you want to change things up, try to drink less alcohol, and you’ll surely see how it can help improve your skin, boost your immune system and even improve your mood. Of course, there’s the benefit of saving a lot of money from buying those cocktails.

 

4. Learn how to walk.

With all the convenience of transportation, it seems like walking has become a lost art. But don’t give up on it just yet because walking can actually help you burn calories, boost your energy, and just let you live a better life. So, the next time you go to the office, make sure that you take the stairs, or if you’re working nearby, ditch the car and just walk to work. 

 

5. Be kind to yourself.

Finally, it’s not uncommon for us to be too hard on ourselves sometimes, especially when we feel a lot of pressure to keep up with the world around us. But after surviving a pandemic and all its struggles, it’s time for you to be kind to yourself. Put down that phone at night to enjoy a good sleep, plan a holiday, and take a break. 

 

You work so hard that you sometimes forget that you also need to relax. Treat yourself because you deserve it more than anyone. Doing so will help you recharge and get better focus for the days ahead.

Sleep Deprivation: What It Does to Your Body

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health, Lifestyle

With one in five Australians being affected by a major sleep disorder, it is now considered a major health issue in the country. Although we all lose sleep on some days due to stress, fatigue, and a whole lot of other factors, consistent sleep deprivation often leads to more serious health conditions in the long run. Here’s what happens to your body when you don’t get enough sleep:

 

  1. You’re at a higher risk for heart problems. According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, getting less than five hours of sleep or more than nine hours of sleep per night can harm your heart health. But if you consistently lack sleep, you put yourself at a higher risk for getting a stroke or developing coronary heart disease. 

 

  1. You tend to have memory issues. Your brain benefits most when you get enough sleep because it has the opportunity to form connections that allow you to remember and process information easily. But when you lack sleep, you’ll start to notice that it’s harder to understand information and remember things. 

 

  1. You easily get sick. Lack of sleep depletes your immune system’s ability to fight off illness. This means you can easily get sick if you don’t get enough shut-eye. A study even revealed the link between sleep and your immune system. 

 

  1. You have a hard time concentrating. Sleep deprivation can mess up your brain’s ability to function. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll notice that it’s harder for you to be creative, solve problems, make decisions, and think straight. When this happens often, your lack of sleep will begin to affect your ability to perform daily activities at work and home.

 

  1. You have a higher risk for cancer. Lack of sleep is a contributing factor to a lot of other health conditions, including cancer. According to some studies, not getting enough shut-eye could increase your risk of getting breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.

 

  1. You’re moodier and emotional. This is a very common consequence of lack of sleep. When you’re deprived of rest, you easily get angry and emotional, and you might not even want to talk to anyone. If sleep deprivation continues, you could also experience anxiety and depression, which could escalate into serious mental health issues.

 

  1. Your sex drive diminishes. When you lack sleep, you also lose your interest in sex. According to a study, young men who didn’t get enough sleep over one week showed a significant decline in testosterone levels. It also revealed that sleeping for only five hours or less can reduce sex hormone levels by as much as 15%.

Sleep deprivation can be caused by several things. So, if you’re having a hard time getting some shut-eye, you could use some sleeping aids like Circadin to help you get that much-needed rest that will help you avoid these serious health consequences. If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping, consider speaking to your healthcare provider as they can help you understand the cause of these symptoms.

Are You Always Wearing High Heels? You Should Know These Tricks

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health, Lifestyle

High heels are the ultimate definition of womanhood. They give you extra height, arch your feet to make them look sexy, and add that hint of glamour to any outfit that you wear. But let’s also be honest—wearing high heels has its disadvantages aside from hurting your feet a lot. That’s why they say that you have to suffer sometimes in the name of fashion. 

 

But do you need to? We think not because here are some tricks that you can follow to make wearing high heels painless and more comfortable:

 

  • Tape your third and fourth toes together. If you like to wear pumps that hurt your feet, try taping your third and fourth toes together to relieve the strain on the nerve between those toes that cause the pain on your feet. This makes wearing your favourite pumps a lot more comfortable.

 

  • Place cotton balls under your toes. A lot of models do this trick because it helps them feel comfortable while walking on those high heels for hours. Cotton balls will provide some cushion under your toes and the balls of your feet so you can last on those Louboutins or Blahniks for a longer time.

 

  • Break-in your new heels. As exciting as it is to wear a new pair of high heels for the first time, it can also be very excruciating. But you don’t need to suffer because you can always break in your new pair by wearing it first with a thick pair of socks and aiming your blow dryer on all the tight corners. This will help stretch the material to make wearing your heels more comfortable, and you can also avoid those blisters.

 

  • Use lip balm. Your trusted lip balm is not only good for your lips, but it can also help you prevent those ugly blisters on your feet when wearing high heels for a long time. By applying a little lip balm to the back of your feet, you can prevent friction that causes blisters to form.

 

  • Use dry shampoo. If you have a problem with sweaty feet, you can try spraying a layer of dry shampoo on your feet to keep them from sweating. This allows you to wear your high heels more comfortable and keep your feet smelling great.

 

Finally, there’s the magic trick that almost every model and fashion icon use—Emla. This skin numbing lignocaine patch is every fashionista’s best friend because it helps numb those parts of the feet that usually get most painful when you wear high heels for a long time. This will allow you to strut in those Louboutins for hours and not feel the pain. And Emla is very safe to use as long as you don’t apply it on any open wounds. 

 

Are you one of the many women around the world who love to wear high heels? Make sure that you have these tricks handy all the time.

The Four Things You Need to Know About Allergies

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health, Lifestyle

Allergies and anaphylaxis continue to be a growing problem in Australia. According to research, more than four million Australians suffer from a form of allergic disease, and that number continues to rise every year. With such common prevalence, it’s very important to learn these four things about allergies and what you can do to treat them. Here’s everything you need to know about allergies.

 

What causes allergies?

Allergens are the primary culprits of allergies, and they can come from different substances in the environment. It could be from mould, dander, pollen or dust that causes your immune system to initiate a reaction through inflammation in your skin, airways, sinuses and even digestive system. This is then manifested by symptoms such as itching, wheezing, and sneezing, and it could range from mild to severe depending on the number of allergens in your system.

 

What are the most common symptoms of allergies?

The symptoms of allergies depend on which part of your body is exposed to the allergen. For instance, food allergies are commonly manifested by rashes, hives, and swelling that could start showing within minutes after ingesting the allergen. In some cases, food allergies could lead to anaphylactic shock if not addressed right away. If you’re experiencing crashes caused by allergies, you need to have Sigmacort cream on hand every time to treat the rashes right away. If you inhale the allergens, your allergy could manifest through nasal congestion, sneezing, and, eventually, breathing difficulties.

 

Who is at risk for developing allergies?

Anyone is at risk for developing allergies, and you can experience them at any time in your life. Some people may even be surprised that they’re suddenly allergic to shrimps when it didn’t bother them before. However, people who have a family history of allergies are more likely to develop them than those who don’t. This means that if you’re allergic, there’s a good chance that your children will develop it too. 

 

How do you diagnose an allergy?

If you start noticing that you develop rashes when you eat seafood or you sneeze a lot when your pet is around, you could be experiencing an allergy. The best way to know if you have one or not is to seek medical consultation because allergies can vary from person to person, and you’ll need different tests to diagnose allergies and, more importantly, what triggers them. But it would be wise to take note of your symptoms and the times they appear. You should also observe some things that trigger an allergic reaction like a new skincare product, a new pet in the house, or a new perfume.

 

Allergies can take a toll on you, especially if you don’t know how to address them right. So if you’re experiencing any form of allergies, make sure to consult with a doctor right away. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s causing your allergies and what types of medications you need to have on hand to treat them whenever they appear.

What Do You Need in Your Medicine Cabinet?

by Susan Gregory, posted in Health & Pharma, Lifestyle

No one in the family needs to be sick for you to have a medicine cabinet at home. Whether it’s a proper cabinet or a simple box, this emergency go-to kit will allow you to be more prepared when sickness suddenly strikes and you don’t have access to immediate medical help. But what exactly should you store in your medicine cabinet?

 

  • Decongestants

Colds are very common in Australia. Adults experience colds at least twice each year while children experience at least five. This is mostly because of sudden weather changes, which happens very often in the country. Since a cold can be so uncomfortable, you need to have decongestants for both adults and children at home so you can treat anyone who’s under the weather in your house. It’s also very important to treat colds right away since this viral infection could easily spread throughout your household.

 

  • Anti-diarrhoeal

Nothing is more embarrassing than a sudden bout of diarrhoea. Unfortunately, 4 in 10 Australians in a survey experienced diarrhoea in the last 12 months, making it one of the most common ailments among Australian households. This is why learning how to stop diarrhoea with the right antidiarrheal medication is a must since moving your bowels too frequently could easily lead to dehydration. Taking the right medication along with rehydration will allow you to recover quickly and get back to your daily routine without any interruptions.

 

  • Anti-allergies

Your medicine cabinet would never be complete with some antihistamines, eye drops, and creams that will help treat common allergies. You’ll never know when an allergy could strike. It could be those insect bites that lead to rashes or a guest mistakenly eating seafood that they are allergic to. You could really use a medicine cabinet that’s well-stocked with anti-allergy medications if these things happen.

 

  • Pain reliever

Pain is such a common ailment for family members that you need to have pain relievers in stock all the time. When choosing which pain medications to keep in your medicine cabinet, it’s best to evaluate the needs of your family first. For instance, you have to choose between 12-hour or 4-hour pain reliever medications depending on what your household needs most. You also need to keep children’s pain reliever medications on hand if you have little ones at home.

 

  • Antibacterial creams

Whether it’s a simple insect bite, an abrasion or a wound, you can definitely use an anti-bacterial cream in your medicine cabinet to treat and prevent skin infections. It’s best to have different types of antibacterial creams at home for both adults and children since you’ll never know when these accidents could happen.

 

You don’t need a proper medicine cabinet to start stocking these essentials at home. Even if you’re just starting to build a medicine cabinet or re-stocking an existing one, don’t forget to include these medications in your list so you’re always prepared whenever things suddenly come up at home. Who knows, you can also help neighbours who experience problems and don’t have these medications in stock in their own homes.

Here’s How to Keep Employees Happy Even Without a Raise

by Susan Gregory, posted in Lifestyle

It’s not uncommon for most entrepreneurs to think that the only way for their employees to be happy is to give them a raise. But in reality, unhappy employees leave not just because of the pay but also because they’re not treated right by the employers.

So, if you want to keep your most precious employees, here are some tricks that you can follow:

  • Provide them with the right space.

According to a study, most employees who produce better outcomes are satisfied with their physical working environment. This is also one of the basic things that you can offer to the people who work day in and out for your business. For instance, instead of just providing them with a regular chair that could cause back pain at the end of the day, why not invest in an Aeron Miller chair remastered? This revolutionary chair covers everything when it comes to style, functionality and ergonomics, making it the choice for many companies all over the world.

 

  • Always appreciate hard work and progress.

While it’s important to give constructive feedback to help your employees improve their performance, you should also take the time to appreciate their hard work and progress. By acknowledging your employees, you’re telling them that you value their services to your company and it will motivate them to work harder. Your goals will become their goals, as they pursue great results on behalf of a business they love working for. 

 

  • Think about work-life balance.

Yes, achieving a perfect work-life balance can be close to impossible, but at least you can give your employees the time to spend with their family and friends. Make sure that they are given enough tasks to finish without having to work overtime. It’s also important to allow them breaks now and then so they can recharge and be more inspired to work when they come back.

 

  • Invest in team building.

Team building activities are important because they don’t only allow your employees to enjoy themselves, but they also help you build a stronger relationship with each other. By investing in team-building activities, you’re giving your employees a chance to get to know each other, communicate well and make memories outside the workplace. 

 

  • Offer benefits.

There’s more to helping employees out than just giving them a raise. You can offer them life or disability insurance or assist them financially if a family member gets sick. Some companies even offer free gym memberships or nutrition classes to employees to encourage them to live healthier lifestyles.

Employee happiness is such an important factor in the success of your business. After all, your employees build the backbone of your business, so if you keep them happy, you are also fostering the growth of your company. Follow these tricks and learn more about the ways that you can keep your team happy. At the end of the day, it’s not always about the paycheck but their satisfaction in their work environment that makes employees stay loyal to your business so you can grow and foster together in the long run.

Property Investment Tips from the Experts

by Susan Gregory, posted in Lifestyle

Property is a volatile subject with a lot of people only knowing the basics or thinking that they do but don’t. There are a lot of ways to invest in property and a lot more strategies to apply to ensure that your investments work out.

In property investment, however, there is no such thing as the absolute strategy, and sometimes some strategies work better in a specific situation, this means that what works for others may not necessarily work out for you.

Renting out spaces and property might be significant for your acquaintance, but you live in very different places, and there may not be a demand. We’ll be giving out useful property investment tips to beginners from the experts.

 

Buying and Holding

The first investment strategy on this list is a long term type of property investment. This is when someone buys a property and holds on to in hopes that the value of the property increases over time as the market goes up. This is an excellent way to make money if you have enough patience. If you are interested, land for sale in Officer is a good way to start.

 

Renting Out

Buying a piece of land and renting it out or leasing it for a couple of years to people while waiting for the value of the land to increase is another great idea. If you want to make sure that you earn at least more than how much you’re paying for the property in taxes, renting it out is an excellent way to cover those costs. If the property’s value increases, you can also increase rent instead of selling it for a more consistent income.

 

Own Your Home

One of the most common strategies applied all over the world when it comes to property investment is homeownership. Although generally, you won’t be gaining revenue if you’re not renting it out, it also means that you won’t be spending more on lease or rent. If you’re interested in buying a house, Hillstowe is an excellent option. Over time, the house and the lot will also increase its value, and you can choose to sell it for eventual revenue.

 

Renovating

Some people may think that renovating a property means you’re spending unnecessary money on a property that won’t get you any revenue, but that is not the case. Renovating a worn-down property, especially those that have been neglected by previous owners, can actually be rewarding.

Once the property has been kept up to date and properly renovated, the value of the property increases exponentially. Once you’re done with the renovation, you can rent it out or sell it depending on what your preference is.

 

Flipping 

Last but not least on this list is flipping a property. Some properties have been in the market for too long but haven’t been shown in the right light or have just been neglected. Afterwards, you can “flip” and increase its value by marketing it to the right people and selling it at a higher price, earning you some revenue.