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How to Buy Bitcoin: A Guide

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Bitcoin is the most popular and well-known cryptocurrency, and it is frequently featured in the news due to surging and falling prices as well as the sometimes controversial nature of cryptocurrencies in general. Cryptocurrencies are, put simply, virtual currencies that are generally paired with social platforms or content purchasing platforms. They operate on blockchain based systems, which are basically electronic ledgers that record information about cryptocurrency transactions. Most internet users have likely at least heard of Bitcoin following its huge price increase in 2017. Trading in cryptocurrencies can be highly lucrative, and there are plenty of modern self-made millionaires to prove it.

Naturally, like all other investments, cryptocurrencies aren’t without their risks. They can be extremely volatile in price, and it’s near impossible to predict which cryptocurrencies will become popular and which will fade into obscurity. Some skeptics of Bitcoin are concerned that its blockchain has set the maximum amount of Bitcoin that can be made to 21 million. With well over 17 million Bitcoin already in circulation today, this raises some concern over whether the cryptocurrency can be scaled for widespread use. An advantage Bitcoin has over other currencies, however, is that a single Bitcoin can be divided as much as the owner wants. If you’d like to transfer simply .01 percent of a Bitcoin, that is possible, which makes the 21 million limit more of an abstract concept. Of course, before you can start really considering any bitcoin investment strategies, you’ll need to know how to first obtain it.

Set up your Bitcoin wallet

The first step to buying and trading Bitcoin or any similar cryptocurrency is setting up your digital wallet. There are many different wallet options which range in their features, security, and compatible platforms. Generally speaking, it’s best to have an online wallet set up with your exchange site and a backup offline wallet. An offline wallet is good in case your exchange site either goes down or is flooded with traffic so you can still access the Bitcoin your already have. These are some of the best bitcoin wallets available for use.

Find a Bitcoin exchange

Once you’re able to store Bitcoin, you’ll have to find a way to acquire it. While it is possible to mine your own Bitcoin, the process is complicated and requires a great amount of resources. Most find it simpler to just purchase already existing Bitcoin. There are several cryptocurrency exchange platforms out there, and some are much more limited or less trustworthy than others. Coinbase is probably the most well-known platform, but there are Bitcoin exchange comparison sites where you may find better platforms for your goals.

Signing up for these platforms will require some form of identification, such as a photo ID, and there may be additional rules for security purposes. If you’d prefer a more direct route to purchasing Bitcoin, it’s possible to join peer to peer services that allow you to purchase directly from a Bitcoin seller without the exchange platform. Accepted payment methods can vary based on your platform or peer network. Most will accept traditional currencies in exchange for cryptocurrency, but there are some platforms that only allow for different cryptocurrencies to be exchanged.

Whether you plan to sell your Bitcoin at a profit once you have it or you’re looking to exchange or spend it, you should be prepared to move at a moment’s notice. The value of Bitcoin can fluctuate quickly and drastically, so you need to have a plan of action well in advance to avoid making mistakes in a panic. There are many online stores where you can spend Bitcoin, but be sure to do your research to make sure they’re safe beforehand.

To read more on topics like this, check out the money category

How Does a Bedroom Affect Your Sleep

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Doctors say that if you want to be healthy and live long, you need to get quality sleep each night. Some people have a difficult time falling asleep, and there are many reasons for this. Some people drink way too much coffee and soda while some have poor sleeping conditions at home. Stress and anxiety can also play a significant role in sleep deprivation.

Every individual, regardless of age, sex and social status, deserves to sleep soundly. Doctors recommend getting eight hours of sleep every day to allow our body to rest and rejuvenate. Your bedroom plays a significant role in getting quality sleep. It is recommended to invest in a quality bed by checking out products from the Bernhardt furniture collection to ensure that you will achieve the quality of sleep that you deserve. Here are some things that you should avoid in your bedroom that may be causing you sleepless nights.

  1. Declutter your bedroom

According to experts, having a cluttered bedroom can cause poor sleep patterns. The cognitive part of the brain, which is in charge of your decision-making skills, is significantly affected when the room is messy. Every person needs a space in their bedroom where they can sleep without worrying about any clutter. To solve this problem, avoid buying stuff that you do not need. Also, make it a practice to clean up your mess and make your bed each day.

  1. Give your pets their place to sleep

More than fifty percent of pets such as cats and dogs prefer sleeping with their fur parents. There is nothing wrong with this setup because pets can help keep their humans company, warm and safe while sleeping. The big issue here is that most pets can get quite restless in the bedroom. They tend to play around and get up in the middle of the night. This can cause significant problems for those people who sleep lightly. If you still want to keep your pets in the bedroom, it is highly suggested to get them a separate bed and be patient in training them in how to sleep in their cot.

  1. Stay away from all types of gadgets

Nowadays, it would be hard to deny the fact that many people, including children, sleep with their devices beside them. Some claim that they need to answer emails, check their social media accounts and browse YouTube for a couple of hours until they start feeling sleepy. However, the problem is that most of these gadgets produce blue light, which can be a significant cause of sleep problems. Blue light gives the body a signal that it should stay awake; in return, it messes up your body clock. The best way to fix this problem is to leave all of your gadgets in the family room; also, you should not watch television in your bedroom.

Lastly, always remember that getting enough sleep should be given priority. Make sure to avoid all distractions in your surroundings as much as possible.

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Holiday Destinations That Will Delight The Kids

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When the annual holiday needs to please adults and kids alike, the pressure is on to find the perfect place. Whether your kids are toddlers, tweens, or teenagers, we’ve got destinations that your whole family will love. From waterpark hotels in family-focused resorts to beach retreats where you can spend all day building sandcastles, paddling in calm waters, and catching up on your holiday reading – there’s bound to be something that matches your family’s needs.

Bulgaria

Treating the whole family to a break abroad needn’t cost the earth. If you’re looking for a destination that’s friendly on your budget, look to Bulgaria. Expect all the sun, sea, and sand you’d get on your usual Mediterranean holiday, but with a more wallet-friendly price tag. Sunny Beach is the country’s main tourist hotspot, so come here if you want everything within easy reach. Zoom down every sort of water slide imaginable at Action Aquapark, explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Nessebar just south of Sunny Beach, or simply kick back on the sands – head for Cacao Beach if you want one that’s Blue Flag-rated.

Portugal

Portugal does family holidays brilliantly, and it all starts with a kid-friendly flight time of under three hours. With a mixture of small and sizeable resorts, plenty to see and do, and a string of gorgeous beaches to its name, the Algarve is the country’s main family-friendly destination. Thrills come courtesy of Slide and Splash waterpark and the treetop course at Parque Aventura. For something a little calmer, spend your days at one of the many Blue Flag beaches here. Camilo Beach and Odeceixe Beach are two popular choices.

If you prefer holidays based more around exploring the local area than on the beach or by the pool, then consider the island of Madeira. Here it’s less about the beach scene and more about swimming in natural pools formed by volcanic lava at Porto Moniz, whooshing through the Funchal streets on a toboggan ride, and riding the cable car to The Monte Gardens.

Mexico

For a holiday that the kids will love, make it Cancun or the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Base yourself in Cancun and you can explore ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, spend long lazy days on the paradise-style beaches, or take a ferry trip to Isla Mujeres. Here you’ll find Playa Norte Beach. With calm, crystal-clear waters and sugar-soft sand, it’s perfect for kids of all ages.

The best way to explore the island is by golf buggy – which, let’s face it, the kids are seriously going to love. At Riviera Maya, meanwhile, you can build holidays centred entirely around your hotel. This area has a quieter vibe, but you’ve got your pick of beachfront all inclusive hotels. Laze at the pool, wander along white sandy beaches, and enjoy a bit of quiet time while the kids burn off some energy in a hotel-run kids’ club.

Spain

For a family holiday destination that’s close to home, Spain is a wise choice. Whether you choose to holiday on one of the family-friendly islands like Menorca, or you stick to mainland Spain, this country serves up plenty for kids to enjoy. With its gorgeous sandy beaches, Fuengirola in the Costa del Sol is a permanent favourite with families looking for chilled-out days by the sea. Benalmadena, meanwhile, takes things up a notch. With a cable car and Aqualand waterpark to explore, it caters to kids looking for adventure.

Lapland

Holidays don’t get more magical than a trip to Lapland. Whether you want to treat little ones to a visit to Santa’s village, or you’re here for the skiing, Lapland holidays are something special. Meet reindeer, attend Elf School, and greet Father Christmas himself at Santa Claus Village on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Kids will love zipping through the snow on husky-pulled sledge rides, steering mini snowmobiles, and ice skating with snowmen at Snowman World. If it’s skiing you’re here for, Yllas is the place to be. It’s Finland’s largest ski centre and has ski slopes for all abilities. But the best bit is the fact it’s one of the places you’re most likely to set eyes on the mesmerising Northern Lights.

Keeping the kids happy and occupied at home may be a constant battle, but on holiday it’s a different matter. When you choose a holiday destination that’s geared up to keeping all ages happy, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your time together, too. From the simplest pleasures like building sandcastles to sledge rides with reindeers, kid-friendly holidays are about making the most of your time with each other.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Costs you need to factor in before planning to rent a property in Dubai

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When looking for a property to rent, finding the best property that suits your needs is only half the battle. After selecting the property, the paperwork begins with discussions on the rent and other associated fees.

Here are some of the common costs you should be aware of before signing the tenant agreement.

  1. Agency commission

If you are renting a property in Dubai, you’ll probably consult top Dubai real estate agencies to get the best deal. However, you should expect to pay a commission of up to 5% of your first annual rent. Also, some landlords appoint agencies to manage their properties. So, even if you find the property by yourself or through a friend, you would also need to pay the agent’s fee. In some cases, you may interact directly with the landlord without involving any commission.

  1. Security deposit

Apart from the rent, you will need to pay a security deposit which is also 5% of the annual rent. According to Article 20 of Real Estate Legislation, the security deposit is intended to resolve unexpected issues like damage or breach of the lease agreement. The security deposit is refundable upon vacating the property. However, some landlords deduct a certain percentage of the deposit to cater for repainting and minor repairs.

  1. Ejari fees

In Dubai, it is mandatory to register tenancy contracts with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) through the Ejari system. As a tenant, you will have to complete the registration formalities and pay related costs which are around AED 195. You will only need the original tenancy contract, a DEWA bill and copies of your passport and visa.

  1. DEWA connection

As a new tenant, you will need to set up a DEWA account for electricity and water supply. If it is your first time to rent in Dubai, the DEWA account will cost AED 100. There are also other additional costs such as administrative fee and refundable security deposit which is AED 4000 for villas and AED 2000 for apartments.

And lucky for you, due to the recent growth of the property market, there have been new off plan projects in Dubai that are expected to be completed soon.

  1. Etisalat/ Du

In order to get internet, TV and phone services, you will need to set up an Etisalat or Du account. The installation cost for Etisalat is AED 199 while Du is AED 200. However, the total cost will depend on the TV package, internet speed and type of router.

There are numerous villas for sale in Dubai offered at affordable prices. So if renting is not your cup of tea, you can also consider investing in the new affordable real estate projects in Dubai.

For more informative articles like this from Tutor Circle, check out our blog category.

How to Improve Your Grade When it’s Crunch Time

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So you’ve realized that your exam is coming up in just a few days and you’re nowhere near ready to take it on. Between your daily life responsibilities and schoolwork, there’s so much to do — and you barely have time to recover from the panic, let alone make sure you’re prepared! The following tips are just a few things you can do to help improve your grade, even when you feel that all is lost.

1. Stay Calm. We know the last thing you want to hear right now is “just stay calm” when you’re in a panic. But it’s important to try to eliminate the negative thoughts that hold you captive in this moment. Take a moment to take a deep breath and set your mind straight. There is nothing you can about the situation in the present moment, and agonizing about the problem will only serve to keep stuck.

2. Go to Sleep. It can be very tempting to attempt to “binge” study everything you need to know the night before an exam. But depriving yourself of sleep will do more harm than good and may severely affect your ability to concentrate on anything, therefore rendering all of your efforts totally obsolete. Be satisfied with where you’re at so far. It’s far much better to know some of the answers than to stay up all night and remember none of them the next day.

3. Prioritize. So, how do you learn everything you need to know without compromising on your sleep? The best way is to prioritize the topics that are likely to appear on the test. Most instructors will at the very least hint at the various topics you can expect on the exam. Put more effort into these topics and you at least have a chance at a passing grade.

4. Be Consistent. The worst thing you can do while trying to study last minute is to change up your studying style. For example, don’t attempt to read a full book in one sitting when you’ve never done it before. Changing your studying habits, no matter how much your roommate swears by them, will always derail your efforts to learn. Keep it practical: if you use flashcards, don’t skip the crucial step of making them. You are far more likely to learn something when you are comfortable.

5. Get Some Help. If there is a certain subject of topic that you simply find too difficult to understand, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Get a study buddy from your class to help you with the difficult areas and also help you remain on task. If you are taking an online course, a great place to find the kind of support you need is discussion boards where you can find a study partner in your time zone.

When you’re in the midst of exam panic, you may think to yourself, “I wish I could pay someone to do my homework!” While that’s an option for some, you can definitely implement the above tips that will help you improve your grades during crunch time. With these ideas, studying will be far more productive and even possible to get those target grades, even if you’ve forgotten an exam and have to study last minute. Happy studying!

To read more on topics like this, check out the education category.

Extraordinary Career: What’s Required To Become a School Bus Driver

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The transport industry in the US is huge, to say the least. From commercial truck drivers to couriers and delivery drivers, the country is reliant on the people who are tasked with getting things from A to B. As such, employment opportunities are far-reaching and wages are generally ample, making a career in driving a very lucrative choice indeed.

One such career path that is becoming ever more popular is that of the humble school bus driver. Unlike many driving jobs, school bus driving comes with sociable and predictable hours, while still paying quite well. As of 2016, 687,200 were employed to drive school buses and this is predicted to rise by 6% over the next 7 years.

So, how do you make the leap into this much sought-after line of work? Here, we break down the five steps you need to take in order to become a school bus driver.

Step One: Understand the Licensing Laws in Your State

Before you can start applying for positions with schools, you first need to obtain proper certification.  This certification will most likely come in the form of a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). But, when it comes to obtaining your CDL, different states have different regulations and expectations, so it’s vital you do some research into what that means for you.

For instance, to obtain your CDL in Alaska you have to be at least 21 years old, while in Georgia you can apply for your CDL at 18. Alternatively, states such as Colorado, Louisiana and Minnesota require you to pass a physical examination. Other than this, it’s also important to note that almost every state has its own CDL handbook, containing state-specific information for drivers operating commercial vehicles.

You can click here to view CDL requirements state by state

Step Two: CDL Training

The road to obtaining your CDL is not exactly as straightforward as just ‘driving’ a vehicle. The skills required when operating a commercial vehicle exceed those needed when you’re driving a car. Since the path to earning your CDL is more extensive, so too is the workload.

Depending on where you live, the expected training requirements vary, with some states such

as Ohio requiring that drivers complete 160 hours of training both in the classroom and on the road. To complete your education requirements, you might want to consider completing a qualified CDL training program through a community college, private driving school or school run by a trucking company.

But, not every training program is the same, each containing different characteristics. It is probably a good idea to evaluate the pros and cons of each program before committing.

Perhaps weigh up the length of each program, as some courses can take few weeks to complete while others can take months.

Also, depending on the school you attend, the cost will vary. A program conducted through a community college is a more cost-effective option, but a program with a private school offers a quicker completion time.

Step Three: Passing Your CDL Test

Passing the test is not necessarily a walk in the park. Even with the best training program under your belt, the final CDL exam can still feel overwhelming. There is a certain combination of both determination and courage needed to successfully pass the exam. So, if you’re feeling stressed, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The CDL test is split into two parts: a written knowledge and practical skills. Your knowledge test will take place at your local DMV office. From there, you will have 60 minutes to complete 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass this section of the test, you will need a score of 80%, so there is some room for error.

Now, the practical skills test is in a league of its own. The purpose of this test is to evaluate your execution of procedures and determine whether you can safely operate the vehicle. Expect to perform many different maneuvers throughout this exam. Some of these driving procedures could include safety checks, sharp turns, checking mirrors correctly and navigating through traffic.

Step Four: Adding Endorsements to your CDL

Once you’ve earned your CDL, you’re not home free just yet. Following federal regulations, any driver transporting 16 or more passengers, is required to earn additional endorsements to their CDL. In order to transport students from A to B, school bus drivers are required to earn a School Bus Endorsement as well as a (P) passenger endorsement and air brake endorsement, if required in your state.

While it might be easy to assume that a practical exam is all that’s needed to obtain your endorsements, this is not the case. Similar to your CDL test, an endorsement exam is separated into two parts: a written knowledge test and practical skills exam. These tests cover a range of topics, such as student management, loading and unloading procedures, approaching bus stops, post-trip and pre-trip inspection, proper use of safety devices, emergency exit and evacuation, railroad crossings; backing. Now, if you feel overwhelmed by the range of topics covered here, not to worry!

There are a number of resources available online to get you up to speed. Particularly, there’s an extensive range of practice tests you can take to give you a taste of the real deal.

Step Five: Making It Official

Once you’ve earned both your CDL and appropriate endorsements, you can start applying for work. A great place to find positions is to either search through bus driving companies or follow school district job listings

Many school districts will require you to undergo further training covering subjects like emergencies, district policies, driver and student relations, as well as first aid. This additional training is essential to ensure the school district (your employer) that you are both trustworthy and safety conscious.

As a new school bus driver, you can expect to receive a rate of between $11.00 and $16.00. That said, the more experience you gain, the more your prospective employers are willing to pay. So, if you are willing to put in the time and the work you will reap what you sow.

To read more on topics like this, check out the education category.

See The 17th Century in Costa Del Sol.

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Costa del Sol offers some of the nicest beaches in Spain. With expansive coats of gorgeous sand bordering crystal clear water, why would you ever leave the beach? Well, there is a lot more to do in Costa del Sol than just soak up the sun. If you’re looking to spend a little more time here, there is enough in this fantastic region to keep you occupied without ever going to a beach. This area of Spain gives you the chance to take in some of the interesting histories of the region. While the beaches and nightlife are fantastic, these places are equally unmissable in Costa del Sol.

Costa Del Sol is home to many attractions like The Caves of Granada. However, a few places that truly stand out are the Acebuchal and the El Torcal Natural Reserve. One is a village that is truly unique, both in Spain and the rest of the world. The other is one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe.

Acebuchal

The Acebuchal is a village in Costa del Sol that has gained a few names from the locals. It is described as the Lost village and even the Ghost Village. This small area was hit unnaturally hard in the Spanish Civil War. The fascists took revenge on the town for seemingly harbouring enemies, which left the village in a pretty bad state.

Local authorities ordered the village to be entirely abandoned for the safety of the residents. In the chaos of the years that followed the Spanish Civil War, the village remained deserted and abandoned.

This was until the late nineties when one local man attempted to rebuild the entire village. All of the work was done by hand, with no electricity even connected to the village until progress was finished. It was a restoration project that was devoted to authenticity. No modern techniques were used in recreating the village. By recreating the process that the village was built In, Acebuchal has managed to be entirely restored to its previous state.

Alhama Natural Park

The lost village is a fascinating glimpse back in time and an impressive achievement of restoration. However, just alongside it is the El Torcal Natural Reserve.

This spot serves as a reserve for the beautiful nature that can be found in the area. It features impressive natural formations born into the limestone rock around the area. If you’re looking for nature in Costa del Sol, then the El Torcal is just as impressive as the miles of beach.

Coming to Costa del Sol

With so much going on, it is no wonder that so many people are looking in Costa del Sol property for sale. Not every town is home to authentic untouched villages, and very few regions in Spain or even the rest of the world are quite so densely packed with nature. In Costa del sol, property for sale never lasts too long with all of this to do. Even outside of the history and nature on show, there’s still plenty of beautiful beaches in Costa del Sol. Costa del Sol even features plenty of property that isn’t in a ghost town!

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

The Relationship Between Customer Experience and Brand: 5 Important Tips Revealed

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If you don’t care about the customer experience, then you’ll never see an increased revenue on your products and services. The sooner you focus on it, the better your brand will perform. Increased customer experience will help win your customers over and make you stand out among the competition. Here are five ways why the customer experience is important for maintaining your brand.

1. Treasure Your Loyal Customers

You should treat both your new and existing customers in the same way. Don’t value your new customers over your existing customers. Loyal customers are ten times more valuable from their first purchase, according to the White House Office of Consumer Affairs. Research has shown that it’s six to seven times more expensive to attract a new customer than it is to keep your existing customers around.

So, go above and beyond for your loyal customers. You’re more likely to keep them around. It’s better to have a customer who’s satisfied with your products or services than to have a new customer who’s willing to jump ship. Take this information into account when working on the customer experience and do your best to engage with them.

2. Customers Could Leave Your Business for Another

As stated before, those new customers are more likely to jump ship. This is usually caused by poor customer service. Customers who wait forever to get a response are more likely to switch to another brand. It can take up to 12 positive experiences to gain your customer’s trust to make up for an unpleasant experience.

You have to find unique and clever ways to gain their trust back. Engage with them, instead of talking at them. Ask questions or offer support. You can also use e-mail newsletters, online surveys, and personalised messages that allows you to engage with your customers. Then you can reward them for their time with an offer or discount. This can help improve the customer experience.

3. Customer Experience is Reflected in Your Revenue

Customer experience is seen in your revenue on a monthly basis. How your customers feel about your products or services can create a positive or negative experience that’s reflected in metrics and transactions. Satisfied customers don’t consider leaving your brand for another. They will make more happy returns and future purchases.

If you satisfy all of their needs and meet their requirements, then they will come back. It’s that simple. Analysing the customer experience should become a part of your daily efforts. It’s not something you should do once in a while to prevent a customer from jumping ship. If you don’t know how to measure the customer experience, use customer success software to help you out.

4. Customer Experience Makes You Stand Out

Your competitors want you to make a mistake so they can scoop up your customers. Sometimes being prepared is not enough. You need to know how to deal with negative backlash and a ruined reputation. If you consistently provide exceptional customer service, then you don’t have to worry about this problem from happening.

5. A Positive Customer Experience Can Elevate Your Brand

Customer experience can take your brand places you never thought you could go. The value of customer experience should never be underestimated. This is an important factor to consider when planning your marketing and sales campaigns. Loyal customers are more likely to recommend your brand on social media and to their family and friends.

They’re also more likely to engage with your posts. They may leave some glowing reviews behind. You can use these reviews for your case studies and success stories. Every brand should work hard to strive for excellent customer experience. Getting your business on Google and social media have both become crucial factors for gaining feedback from customers and identifying areas where you can improve.

Offering great customer service will satisfy your business and your target audience. They’ll receive the service they want, and you’ll get increased revenue as a result. The sky is the limit — your brand can always find ways to improve.

 

Why Encouraging Creativity and Self Expression is Vital in The Workplace

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No matter what industry you’re in, you will need creative thinkers to move your business forward. By encouraging creating space for safe self-expression, you give your employees a place to express ideas that may seem out of the scope of their jobs. From these thoughts may come your best opportunities.

The Power of Safe Self-Expression

When your employees feel safe expressing their thoughts and emotions, you provide a base of shared support that everyone in the firm can access. Not only can this bring some great ideas to the surface, but you can give those employees who may struggle with mental disorders like depression the flexibility to;

  • arrange their days so their best mental energy can be shared effectively
  • provide those who need some quiet time a much-needed break
  • promote authentic engagement in the workplace, and
  • reduce mental fatigue

Creativity in the Workplace

None of your employees, even yourself, are robots forging ahead for the sake of business alone. People need the ability to express themselves occasionally and to take some time to care for themselves to move ahead, in much the same way they would need time to consider and tackle new business ideas, so they can fully contribute.

Encouraging your employees to be creative in the workplace is also a great way to encourage employee engagement. Fully engaged employees are;

  • more likely to stick around, putting your training dollars to the best use
  • willing to buckle down and do what it takes to get through the tough times
  • put company resources to the best use
  • celebrate their wins, and
  • give themselves a break when things go wrong.

How can you encourage self-care in the workplace daily? First off, start at the top. Owners, leaders and managers need to learn to take a mental health break and share that they are doing so.

Mental and emotional rest is the best way to refresh yourself and come up with better ideas than you had the day before, so – demonstrate this to your employees. A of people learn by example, so having owners and managers actively promoting self-care at work, even in small steps, will encourage employees to follow suit.

Secondly, encourage employees to take a break. If you know that an employee is struggling, suggest a long lunch or a walk around the block. Encourage your employees to let people know what their triggers are and what times of the day they are most or least energised. Respect these boundaries.

Simple Means of Self Expression

Allowing some free decoration of the workspace is critical to encouraging self-expression. Also, consider letting employees create a “door closed” sign for when they’re very busy or struggling to focus. This can be anything from a laminated poster to stick to the cubicle wall to a hat or set of headphones that let co-workers know that this employee needs time to think!

This is particularly crucial for new employees. Focusing on the personality of new employees and allow them to express themselves leads to better retention and engagement, for example.

 

Financial Freedom: Is It Even Possible today?

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Many people today find it difficult to pay their bills each month. In fact, a lot of people face mounting bills with no solution in sight. It is, indeed, stressful living from paycheck to paycheck. Thus, people today ask the same question:

“Is financial freedom even possible in today’s world?”

Know How to Manage Money

One of the ways you can achieve financial freedom is to be a good money manager. It is important to plan a budget each month and do everything to stick to it. If the money is not in your bank account yet, avoid ordering online or buying items you can’t pay.

Clean up Debt

Many people need to repair the mess they made before they can think about financial freedom. Do you find yourself in a credit card mess today? The first thing you have to do is get rid of all your credit cards. Although having credit cards is not necessarily a bad thing. It only gets you into trouble if you don’t know how to use them wisely. Pay cash instead of taking out more credit. Make sure to pay your debts every month to lower down the balance. If you have student loan debt, you can look into refinancing options. When you refinance, you can extend your repayment term or qualify for a lower interest rate. Either way, you could be eligible for a lower monthly payment, freeing up more money in your monthly budget.

Take Charge

Taking charge simply means being responsible. Know exactly how much money you have coming in and how much money you will need to pay bills every month. You can’t just live a life without knowing if you have enough or not. Other than this, you also need to check out the following:

  • Check your credit score. Individuals who have a higher credit score will get the best rates on car insurance, car loans, mortgages. Consumers who have low scores should try to increase it.
  • You also need to check the interest rates you pay with your credit cards and other loans. If you have multiple credit cards with higher interest rates, you might want to consider consolidating those cards with one rate and with a lower monthly payment.
  • You also need to control what you spend. Even though it is tempting, people do not need to take out more debt. They should not keep getting loans that they cannot afford.

Check the Checking Account

Most banks today have online access where customers can check their balances anytime they choose. You need to know exactly goes on in your checking account and what goes out. Online banking today is a great way to get on top of your finances as you get real-time access without a hassle.

Pay off Secured Debt

Studies show that the mortgage is the largest bill that most consumers have. Also, many people have one or multiple car payments. If this is you, it would be wise to pay extra on the principal amount of your loan each month. By paying extra, you can save lots of money on interest, and it will allow you to pay off your debt sooner.

Cut Back on Luxuries

It is very tempting for people to see a movie or buy that perfect shirt. It can be tempting to go on holiday too. If your goal is financial freedom, you can enjoy shopping, go on holidays and other luxuries when you have extras saved.

Open a Savings Account

Unexpected expenses can be a huge problem after a person make a budget. Car repairs, medical bills, home repairs can get expensive. Therefore, people need a savings account if they need to use some expenses for some emergency expenses that pop up. Most financial experts would advise you need to pay yourself first. It is a good idea for individuals to check their employer’s payroll plans to see if they can automatically deduct money from the checking account. Consumers need to have the money come out as soon as they get paid to make sure it gets in the checking account.

Invest

It is a good idea for people to seek the advice of a financial advisor to look at investment opportunities. Individuals want to start saving for retirement and college expenses. Experts would recommend that individuals save between 10 to 15% of their income. However, if that is not possible, decide on how much you can possibly put aside each month. A little amount saved will grow and come in handy when you need it the most.

 

See a Financial Advisor

A financial advisor can help individuals make the right decisions. He will know the best investments available. Here are a few things an advisor can help with:

• Direct to the best investment opportunities

• Help choose the safest and less risky

• Help set up an automatic withdrawal

Individuals now are overwhelmed with bills, unexpected car repairs, and other emergency expenses. The good news is that financial freedom is possible. People need to take control of their finances so that they can live comfortably without the burden of debt.