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Which Cosmetic Procedures Are Actually Worth It?

Megan Isola
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Which Cosmetic Procedures Are Actually Worth It?

Many people consider cosmetic surgery throughout their lifetimes. Whether they want to change an aspect of their appearance or cosmetic procedures could improve their life in some way, one thing that always prevents people from deciding to go under the knife is the fear that something could go wrong. Like with any surgery, cosmetic surgery is not without risks. However, not all cosmetic procedures are surgical. 

Non-surgical procedures are becoming increasingly popular because you don’t have to risk scars, but they’re still just as pricey, if not more expensive, than surgery. Right now, you might be wondering whether cosmetic procedures are worth it. Whether you’re considering a specific procedure or you’re simply interested in learning more about the types of procedures available, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of cosmetic procedures that are actually worth it. 

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure because it’s non-invasive and allows you to return to your daily activities as soon as it’s over. Believe it or not, you can have it done on your lunch break and return to the office. Laser hair removal uses lasers to damage hair and affect future hair growth. Unfortunately, laser hair removal isn’t permanent, but it is long-term. Additionally, as long as you keep up with treatments, you can completely eliminate body hair. 

Laser hair removal has a few downsides, but technicians typically recommend you stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen to avoid sun exposure after treatment when your skin will be more sensitive. 

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy shrinks the size of the stomach to reduce the amount of food someone can eat before feeling full, leading to significant, fast weight loss. Also known as gastric sleeve surgery, it’s typically recommended instead of a gastric bypass because it’s less invasive and has fewer potential complications with a shorter recovery time. 

Breast Surgeries

There are many different types of breast surgeries, including implant removal, reduction, and augmentation. Breast augmentation surgery has its risks and requires incisions, so there will be scars. However, they’re relatively safe with few complications. Breast implants last a long time, typically between 10 to 15 years. Additionally, the recovery is relatively quick, with most women feeling slight discomfort and tightness in the chest for a few days following surgery. 

Hair Restoration 

Hair restoration surgery is most worth it for men with thin hair or hair loss. Hair transplants are more successful than hair restoration products you can use at home, with up to 80 percent of transplanted hair growing back in three to four months. Unfortunately, hair restoration surgery doesn’t work for everyone and may not be a permanent solution to thinning hair. 

Rhinoplasty

Also known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a procedure to enhance the nose’s appearance. However, it can also correct breathing issues associated with a deviated septum and broken noses. Rhinoplasty involves making incisions within the nostrils or along the nose base to reshape the bone and cartilage.

It’s an outpatient procedure, so patients are discharged after surgery, allowing them to rest at home with pain medication. Recovery from rhinoplasty can take a few months, but patients only have to wear a splint for a few weeks following surgery. Afterward, the nose will be swollen and bruised for a few weeks until the patient is fully recovered and can see the results of the surgery. 

Face Lift

Rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, is most popular among older adults who are showing signs of wrinkles and aging. Facelifts reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. During the procedure, a surgeon makes incisions around the ears and behind the hairline to lift the skin and tighten it for a smoother, youthful appearance. Facelifts may also be performed alongside other age-fighting procedures, such as eyelid surgery, forehead surgery, and botox. 

Neck Lift

Neck lift surgery, also known as platysmaplasty, is another procedure people get to appear younger by enhancing the neck. During the procedure, a surgeon removes excess skin and fat around the neck and jawline while tightening the muscles that may have become loose due to aging, sickness, or even weight gain.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculping is a non-invasive fat removal procedure that freezes stubborn fat in targeted areas of the body. The FDA-approved process doesn’t use needles. Instead, a technician will put a device on your body to cool and destroy fat cells. Once the procedure is over, it will take a few months for your body to expel the destroyed fat cells through the immune system. Still, many patients experience a noticeable difference in just one treatment. 

CoolSculping is ideal for those with excess fat they can’t get rid of through diet and exercise alone. Patients should be relatively close to their ideal weight and live a healthy lifestyle to prevent fat from returning. 

Tummy Tuck 

Abdominoplasty corrects body contours in women and men, which can change over time due to lifestyle factors, aging, and pregnancy. Anything that causes the abdominal skin to lose firmness can make the skin sag, requiring tummy tucks to fix it. Even though the skin is fairly elastic, it can stretch too far, so someone who has recently lost over 100 pounds may experience saggy skin that will never return to normal. 

Tummy tucks are not a weight loss surgery; instead, they remove excess skin and fat after someone has already lost weight naturally through diet and exercise. In this procedure, the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat while tightening the remaining tissues for a more contoured appearance. There are many variations of the tummy tuck, including the full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, extended, and different surgical options. 

Final Thoughts

Finding which procedures are worth it to you takes time and research. Some procedures are non-invasive, so you won’t have to worry about lasting pain, discomfort, or scars. However, some procedures require surgery in which you’ll be under general anesthesia and have weeks to months of recovery. Consider your goals and talk to a qualified professional before going under the knife to ensure your best chance of success. 

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

7 Ways to Make Your House More Green This Year

Megan Isola
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7 Ways to Make Your House More Green This Year

 

Are you looking for ways to make your home more environmentally friendly? Lucky for you, creating a sustainable residence isn’t too complicated. There are tons of simple changes to reduce your household’s carbon footprint. In this article, we’ll explore seven practical but effective ways to make your house eco-friendlier this year. 

Recycle and compost

Most cities across America have some form of garbage protocol. Hopefully, your city asks that you separate your recyclable materials from your disposables, which is a good start. Check out the recycling guidelines in your area to ensure you’re correctly disposing of your waste in the correct bins. If you want to take it a step further, consider adding composting to your routine. Composting is the recycling of organic matter like food scraps and leaves and coverts them into compost. Compost is fantastic for your garden because it provides nutrients to your plants and soil. You can add the compost mix to your indoor or outdoor plants, vegetable gardens, and lawns for healthier plants. 

Reduce your plastics

Plastic waste makes up a significant part of pollution. Plastic can take 500 years to break down, showing how important it is to start reducing single-use plastics. Luckily, most of the plastic we use in our homes has a better alternative. Ditch your plastic bags and opt for reusable options like tote bags or beeswax wraps to cover your food and buy groceries. If your household goes through a ton of plastic water bottles, switch to a reusable thermos and get a water filter to keep in your fridge or install a water filtering system. You can also buy your foods in bulk to help limit the plastic waste from packaging. 

Conserve water

Water is a natural resource the world is in a limited supply of. If you want to make eco-friendly improvements to your home, reducing your water usage is a necessary place to start. If you have leaks around your home, fix them as soon as possible to conserve water. You can also install low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce the water these systems use. If you take long showers, you’re wasting water and should start setting a timer to help limit your water use. In addition to shorter showers, try to run full loads of laundry or dishes to maximize your water usage. If you want to be a sustainable superstar, you can collect rainwater or use the water from your washing machine and use it to water your garden. 

Switch to clean energy

Using clean energy plays a vital role in the fight against climate change. Luckily, depending on where you live, there are likely a few clean energy plan options for you to enroll in if you can’t install it in your home. For cleaner energy, you can source power from the sun through solar panels, water through hydropower, or wind through wind power. If you live near a large river, you can source your water using that energy. While solar power is the more prevalent clean energy source, many others exist. Clean energy is better for the climate and your wallet because it lowers your electric bill. 

Use natural products

Many companies offer sustainable alternatives to products we use in our daily lives. These products are better for the environment and our bodies because of their organically derived ingredients. For example, traditionally, perfumes often use formaldehyde as a preservative, which is destructive to the environment and our bodies. A sustainable alternative avoids these kinds of ingredients. You can find sustainable products and options for almost anything, from perfume, alcohol, meats, and more. 

Another noteworthy switch to make is with cleaning products. Cleaning products often use harsh chemicals with damaging health and environmental effects. Natural cleaning products are just as effective as chemically-based cleaning products but use non-toxic ingredients that cause less harm to the environment. Because traditional cleaning products emit harmful chemicals into the air they contribute to air pollution. Natural cleaning products don’t release harmful emissions and instead are biodegradable. These ingredients easily break down and are less likely to cause harm to natural habitats and ecosystems, preventing water and air pollution. Using natural cleaning products in your home reduces your environmental impact. 

Ditch the grass and plant a garden

Grass lawns are popular in America but require many resources to keep them alive. A grass lawn uses a significant amount of water to maintain, even more so during the warmer seasons. Water consumption to upkeep grass strains local water resources and exacerbates droughts. Some cities employ water usage limits and ticket individuals who overuse the water supply, which means you’re hurting the environment and your wallet.

Grass lawns also require pesticides and fertilizers to keep them healthy because the grass isn’t a native plant to most areas. These chemicals run off into waterways and pollute the local water supply, potentially damaging aquatic environments. Grass lawns also serve in habitat destruction. Installing a lawn destroys natural habitats, resulting in a loss of biodiversity.

Instead of installing a high-maintenance, expensive lawn in your backyard, opt for a garden. Gardens positively impact the environment by improving air and water quality by absorbing excess CO2. They also provide natural habitats to wildlife and reduce the urban heat island effect. Gardens also are a sustainable resource for food, reducing the need for industrial agriculture. Overall, gardens can significantly make your home greener and more eco-friendly. If you like the look and feel of a grass lawn, you can opt for a clover lawn for a sustainable alternative. 

Opt for a clothesline

Instead of wasting electricity using a dryer for your clothes, consider switching to a clothesline. Harnessing the power of air to dry your clothes may take longer, but reduces your environmental impact. Electricity burns fossil fuels to provide energy, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. In addition to being better for the environment, drying your clothes naturally can prolong the life of your clothes and linens because it’s gentler on fabrics. Clotheslines are a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to electric clothes dryers. It may seem primitive, but the benefits for your clothes and the environment are worth it. 

A greener home = greener planet

In conclusion, making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be hard on your wallet or damaging to your lifestyle. Starting with simple steps like conserving water and switching to natural cleaning products can influence and motivate you to make more significant changes. Remember, every effort counts, so how will you make your home greener this year? 

 

Megan Isola

 

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

 

7 Easy Ways to Maintain Personal Hygiene

Ashley Nielsen
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7 Easy Ways to Maintain Personal Hygiene

7 Easy Ways to Maintain Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene affects all aspects of your life, yet it’s rarely discussed in public. Your hygiene is how you care for your body, including washing your hands, brushing your teeth, bathing, shaving, and more. Personal hygiene is about more than smelling nice when you’re in public (although it is important); instead, it’s about the germs you come into contact with on a daily basis. As you already know, germs and viruses can make you severely ill, which can affect your work and school performance while preventing you from being able to do the things you want to do. 

Personal hygiene can help you prevent illness and make a good first impression on others. Here are just a few easy ways to maintain personal hygiene. 

1. Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands after you use the restroom, even if you don’t use the toilets. Bathrooms are full of germs, and if you’re in a public restroom, you never know how many people haven’t washed their hands while they were in there. Scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, cleaning between your fingers and under your nails, and rinse with water. While this might seem simple, many people don’t wash their hands long enough to remove all the germs they pick up in a public bathroom. 

If for some reason, you don’t have running water or soap in a restroom, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until you can get to a sink. 

2. Shower Every Other Day

Most people don’t need to shower daily, especially if they’re not performing hard labor and aren’t sweating. However, there’s nothing wrong with showering every day, especially if you’re dirty or have been sweating all day. That being said, when you do shower, always use soap to rinse away dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils. 

Pay special attention to areas where skin comes into contact with other skin, including your armpits, where bacteria grows because it’s moist and dark. In addition, don’t forget to wash your feet. Letting the water and soap hit your feet as it runs down the rest of your body doesn’t count as washing your toes. Your feet go through a lot during the day and probably sweat in your shoes, so make sure to wash the tops and bottoms of your feet and between your toes to remove bacteria. 

Bathing is also the perfect time to remove unwanted hair. Even though removing body hair won’t make you more hygienic, a shower or bath will allow you to remove hair and unwanted skin cells while gently exfoliating your skin to remove dirt and oils. 

You should also wash your hair regularly. Again, not everyone needs to wash their hair every single day, especially if you have dry hair and don’t sweat throughout the day. However, you should still wash your hair at least twice a week to remove dead skin cells on the scalp and protect against oils that can affect hair health. 

3. Brush Your Teeth

You’ve been told your entire life to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. However, you’d be surprised how many people don’t brush their teeth before bed. Good dental health doesn’t just make your teeth whiter; it can protect your entire body from illnesses and diseases. You should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes. 

Always brush your teeth as soon as you wake up to remove bacteria and plaque that have built up in your sleep. Then, brush again before bed to remove food, bacteria, and plaque that built up throughout the day. Don’t forget to floss, either. Flossing is important as it can remove plaque and food your toothbrush can’t. 

4. Trim Your Nails

Cleaning and trimming your nails can reduce your risk of hangnails while removing dirt and germs under the nails that can pass bacteria. If you bite your nails, consider keeping them short to avoid passing bacteria from under your fingernails to your mouth. Having trimmed, clean nails will also prevent infected nail beds while helping you maintain a clean appearance. 

5. Wear Clean Clothes

Your clothes should be washed every time you wear them. Dirty clothes, especially gym clothes or clothes you’ve sweated in, can harbor harmful bacteria that lead to body odor, skin irritations, and even illnesses. However, not all clothes need to be washed after every use. For example, you can probably wear your jeans twice before having to wash them. As a general rule of thumb, if your clothes have an odor or no longer smell like your laundry detergent after wearing them, it’s probably time to wash them. 

6. Wash Your Sheets

Your bed is supposed to be the comfiest, safest place in your home. However, if you don’t wash your sheets, your bed will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. When you sleep at night, skin cells and sweat fall off your body onto your sheets, attracting bacteria that can cause sickness and skin irritation. 

Changing your bedsheets, including your pillowcases, once a week will help keep bacteria at bay. 

7. Create a Routine

Having a hygiene routine is the best way to maintain your personal hygiene. Once you build your routine, you’ll go through the motions of maintaining your hygiene without even thinking about it. For example, you can wake up and wash your face, brush your teeth, then hop in the shower. Having a routine allows you to get into a groove, helping you maintain your hygiene without having to put in too much time or effort. 

Final Thoughts

Personal hygiene is important for maintaining your overall health, but of course, there are other reasons why you should maintain good hygiene. After all, you don’t want your smell to scare away potential employers, friends, or partners. In addition, good personal hygiene can improve your confidence because it allows you to take care of yourself while looking your best. If you don’t already have a routine, try building one to see how easy it is. 

 

Ashley Nielsen

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer where she shares knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness or financial tips. During her free time she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music. 

 

Is a Financial Crisis in the Near Future?

Matt Casadona
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Is a Financial Crisis in the Near Future?

Is a Financial Crisis in the Near Future?

The last few years have shocked everyone, including financial experts. While many things have been predicted, many predictions have also been wrong. For example, many experts believe that the housing market might crash in 2022, but the housing market is just as strong as ever. While many people don’t know what to expect, others believe that a financial crisis is in the near future, but perhaps not this year. This article will discuss whether or not there will be a financial crisis in the future and when to expect it. 

What Happens During a Financial Crisis?

To understand whether a financial crisis is coming, you should first understand what happens when there is one. Once a recession begins, it’s difficult to stop and can easily spiral out of control, impacting individuals and businesses. Here are things that may happen during the economic crisis. 

  • Businesses go bankrupt: When people can’t spend as much money on items they once did, many companies suffer and won’t be able to recover. 
  • Job losses: When businesses suffer, so do their employees. With fewer jobs needed when people aren’t spending money, many individuals will get laid off, making it more challenging to purchase items from businesses. 
  • Difficult to find work: As businesses lay people off, they won’t need to make new hires, making it difficult for young people to enter the job market. 
  • Lower wages: Even if businesses can keep their employees, they will likely do so at lower wages, which employees are forced to accept since no one else is hiring. 
  • Reduced spending: Reduced spending comes from job losses and the inability to afford everyday products. 
  • Relocations: When people can no longer afford their homes, they may move to cheaper neighborhoods.  
  • Increasing debts: People will still have to pay bills during a recession. They may take out more loans to make ends meet. 
  • Interest rates decrease: When there’s less money spent in the economy, interest rates decrease in hopes more people will start spending money again. 
  • Fewer lifestyle expenses: People start giving up items that they don’t need during a recession, which can contribute to businesses going bankrupt and job losses. 

No Financial Crisis in 2022

Financial crises happen when there are both demand and supply issues. This year, there has been a strong demand for goods and services since consumers have more money to spend than in 2021, when job security was threatened due to the pandemic.  Additionally, many people have been able to pay down debt while employment rates have increased due to increased spending. 

Businesses are also doing well as consumers start spending again, and many are upgrading their business equipment and machinery or replacing workers with technology. Homebuilders are also back on their feet as supply issues have decreased, and mortgage rates are still meager as the real estate market continues to thrive. 

Very few people expect any type of crisis in 2022, but supply issues might trigger a recession next year. 

Supply Chain Problems 

While people are starting to spend again, supply chain issues could trigger a financial crisis in the near future. Supply chain issues occur when factories shut down and produce fewer products than usual. This has already started in the auto industry, with supply chain shortages impacting the price of vehicles, both new and used. The auto industry has already laid off workers due to supply chain issues affecting the economy. Not only are there fewer products, in this case, vehicles, to purchase, but there are fewer people able to purchase them because they’re out of jobs. 

The current supply chain issue isn’t that there are fewer materials; instead, there aren’t enough materials to meet increased demand. Therefore, supply is limiting the growth of companies rather than causing recessions as of right now. This lack of supply isn’t pushing spending down, but it’s forcing businesses to cut back. These cutbacks may discourage buyers, but many will still buy products despite less variety. 

Job Loss

Job losses can cause a recession because fewer people will be able to spend money and boost the economy. There are many layoffs of unvaccinated individuals over the age of eighteen, and while many workers will get vaccinated, many may still not. Losing jobs due to vaccine mandates could be disastrous for the economy. Still, the government will likely pull back the regulations before letting unemployment impact the economy at such a devastating level. 

Is a Recession Likely?

While experts agree that a recession in 2022 is unlikely, there might be an economic downturn in 2023 and 2024. Soon, short-term interest rates will begin rising again, and the economy will react slowly. The main issue in the near future is inflation, which can trigger a recession. If inflation continues, the government might be too slow to react; the longer they wait, the harder it will be to recover. 

Luckily, many experts don’t believe there will be a severe economic downturn over the next few years. Many federal banks want to keep inflation down, and many leaders are restricting economic growth to ensure inflation doesn’t get out of hand. Unfortunately, there is still much speculation, especially with Russia’s war in Ukraine adding doubt among consumers. Additionally, mortgage rates have increased with housing becoming less affordable. The federal government will do everything it can to fit inflation in the next few years to avoid a recession. 

Final Thoughts

While many speculate there might be a financial crisis in the near future, others have faith that the federal government will play its part in keeping inflation down to avoid a severe recession. When there’s a recession, everyone, including investors, individuals, and businesses, suffers as the unemployment rate increases and wages decrease. While the pandemic delivered a major blow to companies and individuals, many people have started recovering in 2022 and are making sound financial decisions, including buying homes and paying off debt. Whether a recession happens in the next few years or not, there are ways you can make your life more recession-proof, including:

  • Saving as much as possible
  • Cutting back on spending
  • Supplementing income

It’s likely a recession is coming, but it should be a mild one, depending on the federal government’s actions regarding inflation and interest rates. When they raise rates, borrowing money and getting a mortgage becomes more complex, but the government hopes that it should slow down the economy enough to avoid a major recession. 

 

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music.

8 Types of FHA Loans and How to Take Advantage of Them

Matt Casadona
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8 Types of FHA Loans and How to Take Advantage of Them

8 Types of FHA Loans and How to Take Advantage of Them

FHA loans are ideal for borrowers that don’t meet the requirements for conventional home plans. The Federal Housing Administration program has a variety of home loan options that make it easier for people with lower credit scores and down payments to qualify for a mortgage loan. FHA loans are a flexible and cheaper option for first-time homebuyers, which helps more people purchase homes. This article will discuss the different types of FHA loans and how you can take advantage of them. 

Benefits of FHA Loans

FHA loans offer benefits over traditional conventional home loans, including:

  • Lower down payments: You only have to put 3.5% down instead of 20% in most cases. You can also choose to put more down to keep your monthly loan payments lower. 
  • Flexible income requirements: FHA loans might offer people with non-traditional employment models, like contract workers flexible loan options to purchase a home. For example, they might be a good option for freelancers and retired individuals. 
  • Lower credit requirements: FHA loans typically have a lower credit requirement than conventional loans, making it easier to buy a home if you have less than perfect credit. 
  • Competitive rates: While FHA loan interest rates are typically higher than conventional mortgage loan rates, they are still competitive and make purchasing a home affordable. 

These benefits are aspects of FHA loans, but the exact rates will vary depending on your lender. 

Types of FHA Loans

As we’ve already discussed, there are many types of FHA loans, many of which potential home buyers don’t even know about. They include:

1. Fixed-Rate FHA Loan

FHA loans are available in fixed-rate terms between 15 and 30 years. These loans come with a low down payment with competitive rates and lower credit qualifications than most conventional loans. However, the higher your credit score, the better your interest rate will be, so it’s always best to improve your credit score before applying for a home loan. The fixed-rate FHA loan is also considered the standard FHA loan and can help many first-time homebuyers purchase a house. However, you will have a higher monthly mortgage insurance premium for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down. 

2. Adjustable-Rate FHA Loan

An adjustable-rate FHA loan, also known as an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), has an interest rate that changes throughout the life of the loan. Typically, the rate starts low and increases over time. Many people choose the adjustable-rate loan because it has lower rates initially, which makes buying a house easier. Additionally, many people expect their incomes to increase over the life of the loan, making an increasing interest rate more manageable to pay off as time goes on. FHA ARMs have a few different term options, including:

  • 1 & 3 Years: these ARMs can increase up to one point after the first or third year, with a lifetime increased percentage cap of 5%. 
  • 5 Years: A 5-year ARM can increase one point per year after five years with a cap of 5% or up to 2% per year after five years with a 6% cap. 
  • 7 & 10 Years: These ARMs can increase up to two points per year after 7 or 10 years with an increase cap of 6%. 

FHA ARMs might be a good option for homebuyers who want to sell their homes before the rate increases or those that believe their incomes will increase over the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages are not as popular as standard fixed-rate mortgages, but they are still a good option, depending on the borrower and their needs. Unfortunately, mortgage rates adjust according to the real estate market, so your rate is unpredictable, which scares off many borrowers who want to ensure they know precisely how much they’ll owe each month. 

3. Graduated Payment Mortgage

Also known as an FHA 245(a) loan, the graduated-payment mortgage has a fixed rate. These mortgages are structured, so your monthly payments increase at intervals. As your loan balance decreases, your equity will start to build and gain traction. All graduated payment mortgages have a 30-year term, but many people pay off the loan early. 

These loans were created when rates were high, which made it difficult to reduce the principal balance. Now, homeowners can pay extra monthly to pay down their principal balance faster. Of course, you’ll need a long-term budget strategy with scheduled increased payments, but this is a great loan if you plan to stay in your home for at least 30 years. 

4. FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage

The Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) loan offers financing that allows borrowers to roll the cost of energy-efficient upgrades into their loans. For example, homebuyers can use this program to upgrade their windows, HVAC, and insulation, but solar technologies also apply. 

5. Mobile Home Loan

The FHA mobile home loan offers buyers the opportunity to finance a mobile home, viewed as personal property and typically has higher insurance rates. This type of loan can be used to purchase a home, lot, or both, and the maximum loan term ranges from 15 to 25 years. 

6. Condo Loans

You can also purchase a condo using an FHA loan. Many condo associations have rules for property sales and home improvements, but there are restrictions regarding using your FHA loan for a condo, including: 

  • A community with a high percentage of owner-occupied condos
  • Minimal non-residential square footage
  • No rent-pooling

 

7. FHA 203(k)

The FHA 203(k) loan allows buyers to purchase fixer-uppers and finance home repairs and renovations with the same loan. This add-on allows financing for up to 100% of the post-renovation appraised home value, but this loan only helps those who need a mortgage for a fixer-upper. 

8. Reverse Mortgages

Reverse Mortgages, also known as home equity conversion mortgages (HECM), allow qualified homeowners to receive cash disbursements by liquidating their built-up equity. This program is ideal for older homeowners who want to increase their monthly earnings. However, this loan reduces the home equity and has strict requirements. 

Applying for an FHA Loan

If any of these types of loans look like a good fit for you, all you have to do is apply to see if you’re eligible. Of course, you should always shop multiple lenders to ensure you’re getting the best rates. Next, complete a loan application, giving the lender permission to check your credit scores and employment history. You’ll either be approved or denied, just like any other type of loan. Once you’re approved, you can begin shopping for a house with your approval in hand to show sellers you’re ready and able to purchase a home. 

 

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music. 

 

10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Increase Productivity

Marné Amoguis
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10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Increase Productivity

10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Increase Productivity

Being productive can help you accomplish more in a single day without breaking a sweat or spending too much time on a single task. However, not everyone can remain productive for more than a few hours, and many productive people have to work through blocks and increase their energy to be efficient.

Of course, productivity should never be your only concern. While you want to get more done every day, you should always pay attention to what you’re doing and deliver quality work. You should remember that nobody is perfect, and striving to be productive all the time can lead to burnout and poor mental health. If you want to increase productivity and make yourself more efficient, check out what you can do right now. 

1. Take Breaks

Not every boss you have will be a hero boss who lets you work whenever you want, but many aim to increase employee retention by allowing employees to take breaks whenever they need. Productive people know that they can’t be productive every second of the day and that breaks are necessary to let their minds and bodies rest. However, working productively without a break can lead to stress and burnout; it’s typically best to work in short bursts by setting off a timer and taking a ten-minute break every few hours. 

2. Stop Multitasking

Even if your boss wishes you could do five different jobs simultaneously, you can’t. Multitasking might sound like a way to get more done, but it can actually make you less efficient. Jumping from task to task takes energy and time away from each project. Instead of moving from one task to the next without finishing them, consider completing one task before starting another. By spending more time working on a single task, you can put all of your energy and time into one and quickly finish it up. 

3. Be Happy

It’s impossible for people to stay happy at their jobs at all times. However, enjoying what you do can help you be more productive. If you’re unhappy with your job, your work will show it. Doing your job to the best of your ability depends on how much you love performing the tasks at hand. 

4. Work Flexibly 

A flexible work schedule can allow you to be more productive at work and in life. Instead of worrying about all of the chores you have to do when you get home, you can have those chores done and work when you’re most productive. Some people are most productive in the morning, while others are most productive at night. You can get more done in a single day by working in short bursts when you have the most focus and energy. 

Of course, most workplaces don’t allow you to come into the office whenever you want. However, you might be able to negotiate with your boss to work flexible hours. If your boss isn’t sold on the idea right away, ask them if you can do a trial run to demonstrate your ability to get the same amount of work done with a flexible schedule. You can prove that the more time you have for your household tasks and personal life, the more effectively you can work. 

5. Eliminate Distractions 

Whether you work from home or at an office, you’re going to be faced with distractions. If you work on a computer all day, you might even be distracted by the tool you use to get work done. For example, you might be working on a report only to find out you’re distracted by an advertisement that you opened up in a browser. 

If you work from home, you’ll be distracted by all of the things going around you in your household, including pets, children, and chores. Instead of letting yourself get distracted, you can make a list of all the things you need to do and focus on priorities first. Next, find a quiet environment where you can work with fewer distractions. 

6. Work Outside

Working outside can help you feel energized and relaxed to focus on your work. With a new environment, fresh air, and sunlight, you can help stimulate your mind and body, improving your productivity. 

7. Make a List

If you find that you’re getting scatterbrained throughout the day and you’re not sure what to work on, you might benefit from a list. Creating a shortlist can help you determine your priorities to get the most important tasks done first. Instead of writing a long list, start with a list of two or three tasks. If there’s a task you’re not looking forward to, consider getting it done first to get it out of the way. Once your daunting task is done, you’ll feel more energized to get additional tasks completed. 

8. Move Slowly

Productivity and efficiency shouldn’t be measured by the speed at which you get things done. Instead, you should focus on small tasks and move slowly through your to-do list. Large tasks can be intimidating, especially if you don’t break them into smaller chunks. By breaking up large projects into smaller tasks, you can slowly move through your list of projects. 

9. Be Realistic

When you start your day, you might feel ready for anything. However, as the day goes on and you start to realize you won’t be able to get as much done as you want, you can feel defeated. So, consider what must be done that day instead of starting with a large list of tasks. If tasks aren’t due or don’t need to be done immediately, put them at the bottom of your list. 

As you continue working to be more productive, you’ll learn achievable and realistic goals by measuring how much you can get done in a single day. 

10. Reward Yourself

When you finish your tasks, make sure to take the time to appreciate yourself. While you shouldn’t reward yourself with something that’s unhealthy, you should do something that allows you to sit back and relax. For example, you can take a bubble bath or spend time with your family at the end of a long day. 

 

Marné Amoguis

Marné Amoguis holds a B.A. in International Business from UC San Diego. She is a contributing writer at 365businesstips.com where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing. Outside of writing, she loves traveling, playing music, and hiking.

The ‘N’-Word: A Controversial Term That Should be Off-Limits to All!

Joy Sobhanian
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The ‘N’-Word: A Controversial Term That Should be Off-Limits to All!

Since the advent of political correctness, there has been discussion over the use of the n-word. The black community has managed to reclaim the slur and use it as a term of endearment despite the n-troubling word’s and oppressive past. This is exactly why people of the black community can say this word freely.


The n-word is mainly utilized in rap music and as the punchline of provocative jokes in today’s culture. Today’s youth and college students are at a perfect age for popular rap and pop culture songs. It’s common for college students to have AirPods or less expensive wired headphones tucked deep inside their eardrums. It’s reasonable to suppose that not everyone is listening to Kanye’s latest Gospel album. But the point is, the n-word can be heard or read easily, but that does not give anyone permission to use it.

Many people think that white people shouldn’t use the n-word, while others think it should be banned entirely. This has been an on-going discourse for as long as I can remember now. There is a belief that the word has lost its negative connotation as a result of its widespread use in contemporary culture. That way of thinking is incorrect since there wouldn’t be any tweets or videos of individuals using the n-word forcefully at black people. Additionally, there wouldn’t be a great deal of backlash against people who use the word. People wouldn’t be fired or disciplined for using the n-word in previous social media posts if it were merely a word. Its influence is further demonstrated by the need for censorship whenever this word is used. The n-word still has the same effect now even though the black community has changed how it is perceived, as it did years ago.

But the pressing question is, should everyone, regardless of ethnicity, be banned from using the N-word?

No matter the context, the word itself is offensive, and many believe this call for its elimination from the English language. Eradicationists conflate the word’s formal meaning with its frequent use as a slur that disrespects persons of black African origin and casts them in a negative light. Being called the N-word was such an unpleasant word; it was meant to humiliate them and to make whatever standing they had in society relative to white people evident. Many African-American forebears have experienced so much suffering and discrimination as a result of racism. Whatever you want to call it—reclamation—you shouldn’t utilize it.

Racism may not be as pervasive as it once was, yet it still has an impact on minorities frequently. it is wrong and insulting to use the n-word. Avoiding the use of a foul, demeaning slur in any situation should be simply out of respect for an entire race. Nobody will ever say that while appearing cool or with the same motives. It is simple to control your behavior and get on with your day.

Top 10 Best Colognes for Men: A Comprehensive Guide to Find Your Signature Scent

Joy Sobhanian
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0
Top 10 Best Colognes for Men: A Comprehensive Guide to Find Your Signature Scent

 

Cologne has been a staple accessory for men for centuries, serving as a statement of style and confidence. With so many options on the market, finding the right scent can be overwhelming. However, with a little research, you can find the perfect fragrance to fit your style. Here are 10 of the best colognes for men on the market today:

1. Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani – This classic fragrance is a timeless scent that is both fresh and masculine. Acqua di Gio has a light, aquatic aroma with notes of bergamot, jasmine, and rose, making it a perfect choice for day wear.

2. Bleu de Chanel by Chanel – This contemporary scent is perfect for the modern man who wants to make a statement. Bleu de Chanel features a unique blend of woody and aromatic notes, including pink pepper, labdanum, and sandalwood, giving it a bold, masculine edge.

3. Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men – This warm and spicy fragrance is perfect for men who want to stand out. Dolce & Gabbana The One features notes of tobacco, cardamom, and grapefruit, making it a bold and confident choice.

4. YSL L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent – This elegant and refined scent is perfect for the sophisticated man. YSL L’Homme features a blend of bergamot, ginger, and cedar wood, giving it a warm and spicy aroma that is perfect for special occasions.

5. Gucci Guilty by Gucci – This vibrant and bold scent is perfect for the confident man. Gucci Guilty features a blend of lemon, lavender, and patchouli, giving it a fresh and masculine aroma that is perfect for daytime wear.

6. Aventus by Creed – This iconic fragrance is perfect for men who want to make a statement. Aventus features a unique blend of pineapple, apple, and black currant, giving it a fresh and crisp aroma that is perfect for any occasion.

 

7. Paco Rabanne 1 Million – This daring scent is perfect for the man who wants to stand out. Paco Rabanne 1 Million features a bold blend of grapefruit, mint, and rose, giving it a refreshing and masculine aroma that is perfect for daytime wear.

 

8. Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford – This sophisticated scent is perfect for the stylish man. Tom Ford Noir features a blend of bergamot, pink pepper, and vanilla, giving it a warm and spicy aroma that is perfect for special occasions.

 

9. Dior Sauvage by Dior – This bold and masculine scent is perfect for the confident man. Dior Sauvage features a unique blend of bergamot, lavender, and pepper, giving it a fresh and crisp aroma that is perfect for any occasion.

 

10. Versace Eros by Versace – This bold and vibrant scent is perfect for the daring man. Versace Eros features a unique blend of lemon, mint, and vanilla, giving it a fresh and masculine aroma that is perfect for any occasion.

 

When it comes to finding the right cologne, it’s important to choose a scent that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident. Whether you prefer fresh and crisp scents, warm and spicy fragrances, or bold and daring aromas, there is a cologne out there for everyone. So, take the time to find the perfect scent that fits your style, and you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression wherever you go.

7 Creative Ways to Enhance Your Health

Megan Isola
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7 Creative Ways to Enhance Your Health

 

Improving your health is a great goal, no matter your current health status or age. Unfortunately, finding new ways to enhance your health that are also maintainable can be difficult, especially if this is the first time you’ve decided to dedicate time, effort, and even money to improving your well-being. But, of course, that’s why you have us. Whether you have a health condition like essential tremor or you’re simply wondering how you can improve your physical and mental health, there are several ways to get creative with it. Here are just a few creative ways to enhance your health: 

1. Dance

While some types of dancing can involve technical skills, dancing at home alone doesn’t have to be beautiful to improve your health. Instead of sitting in front of the television, consider moving to the music and burning calories while doing it. Any dance moves that get your heart pumping can improve your mood while helping you burn calories. 

If having a dance party alone doesn’t sound so fun, consider dancing throughout the day. For example, the next time you’re carrying laundry from one room to the next, consider adding in some of your coolest dance moves to help keep you energized. 

2. Create a Positivity Calendar

A positivity calendar is a calendar that reminds you of something positive every day. For example, if the first thing you do is wake up and think about all the chores you have to do or deadlines, you’ll likely stress yourself out before you even get out of bed. However, having a positive calendar can help you remember the reasons why your life is so great in the first place. You can use a print calendar or the app on your phone and add an event every day of the week that compliments or motivates you. 

3. Declutter Your Fridge

You’ve heard the mental health benefits of decluttering your home, but what about your fridge? If something falls out every time you open your fridge, it’s time to clean and disinfect your fridge and consider your food choices. Does your fridge need to be so stocked things fall out? Decluttering your fridge will allow you to look at the types of foods you choose at the grocery store. You can decide whether or not the foods you eat daily are positively or negatively impacting your health and if you’re simply purchasing too much and it’s going bad. 

In addition, this will finally allow you to eliminate any foods you wish were no longer in your home. So all those bags of opened chips, pretzels, and chocolates you want to get rid of but haven’t yet should be on the top of your list. 

4. Adopt a Pet

Adopting a pet is good for your health in more ways than one. For example, being a pet parent to a dog can keep you more active because they require daily exercise, which may mean waking up early for a thirty-minute walk or going for a jog around the block after work. Whatever the case, dogs can improve your physical health. 

In addition, pets of all kinds are good for your mental health. Even when they’re not forcing you to go on walks, having a pet can reduce stress. Simply walking through the door after a long day of work and seeing your best friend standing in front of you with their tail wagging can improve your mental health immediately. 

5. Sleep More

This tip isn’t necessarily creative but is essential for your overall health. Getting enough sleep every night will improve every aspect of your health by giving your mind and body time to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. If you’ve ever had poor sleep the night before an important day, you know exactly what we’re talking about when we say you need quality sleep. 

Six to eight hours of sleep is recommended for adults, but many people find that seven hours of sleep is the sweet spot. If you have difficulty falling asleep, you can think of creative ways to form a nighttime routine, such as doing yoga an hour before bed or putting on your pajamas every night at the same time to help your mind wind down. If this doesn’t seem to help, you should consider changing your mattress out for one that is comfortable and aids in consistent sleep for you. 

6. Keep a Journal 

Keeping a journal is another creative way to enhance your health. Since journaling is a personal experience, you can write about anything you want, including how your day went and the personal goals you have for yourself. In addition, you can keep track of any health goals you’ve set for yourself using your journal. 

You should always write about the positive aspects of your day in your journal. For example, if your work performance was complimented, you could put it in your journal to remind yourself the next time you’re worried about your performance. Of course, you should also keep track of daily wins regarding your health. For example, if you finally found the energy to hop on the treadmill in the morning, you can write about how it made you feel and why you should do it again. 

 

7. Find Activities You Enjoy

The easiest way to improve your health is to find physical activities you enjoy. Of course, while some individuals like going for morning runs, others can’t stand the thought of waking up early just to exercise. There’s a fun physical activity for everyone, so you may have to experiment to find one you enjoy. 

If you have difficulty finding something to do, you can talk to your friends and find out what activities they enjoy. For example, you might try going on a hike or attending a weekly pilates class at the gym with your friends to make exercise more enjoyable. 

Improving Your Health

Everyone is different, and how you enhance your health will depend on your goals. For example, individuals who want to lose weight might engage in calorie tracking, while those who want to focus on their mental health may invest in meditation apps. Of course, it’s not only to find something that works for you but to find something that you can do several times a week, if not daily. 

 

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

 

Can Businesses Run Without Technology?

Matt Casadona
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0
Can Businesses Run Without Technology?

Can Businesses Run Without Technology?

All businesses rely on some type of technology in their daily operations. After all, even a cash-only business has a cash register. Technology helps businesses perform day-to-day tasks while automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks to help companies run more efficiently, keep customers happy, and make more money. 

The truth is most businesses would be unable to run without some form of technology. This article will discuss what would happen to a business if it couldn’t use technology and why technology is so important for modern businesses. 

What Would Happen If Businesses Suddenly Lost Technology?

We live in the digital age, and our reliance on technology is too strong for businesses to function any other way. Here’s a look into what would happen to businesses if we suddenly lost the use of technology. 

Limited Communication

If businesses didn’t have technology, they would have a difficult time communicating with customers, partners, and employees would have a difficult time communicating with each other. There would be no emails or telephones; all communication would have to be done using snail mail. 

Not only that but if you wanted to eliminate technology, there wouldn’t be vehicles to get to work every day. Similarly, there would be no elevators, so if you worked in a highrise, you’d have to walk up hundreds if not thousands of steps every day. 

Loss of Time

Many daily business activities are facilitated by technology. Take photocopying, for example. If there were no printers, someone would have to sit at a desk all day to make copies of documents. Additionally, all employees would spend most of their days completing time-consuming tasks, such as data entry, which have become automated in the modern age. 

Without technology, there would be no computers, so employees would be stuck using pen and paper for everything from writing down their tasks to drawing out designs. 

Loss of Efficiency and Productivity

With the loss of time comes the loss of efficiency and productivity. Taking away technology leaves businesses with a room full of people who are slowly completing tasks. Customer service levels would also drop because you’d be unable to serve more than a few customers at a time. 

Benefits of Technology for Businesses

Technology is used in almost all business operations and processes. Without it, business owners, employees, and customers would be completely lost. Of course, humans have run businesses without technology before, but that was back when there was no other option. Now, businesses have thousands of options in terms of the types of technologies they can use for their business. Here are the benefits of technology for businesses. 

Business Agility

Technology allows businesses to respond quickly to changes within the market. With the right software and tools, you can quickly bring products to market with fewer errors. In addition, technology allows businesses to continuously improve on their processes to drive business growth. 

Additionally, businesses can respond to internal problems faster. For example, if there’s a breach in cybersecurity, they can patch up their infrastructure and work to find a solution. Not only that, but technology allows businesses to prevent cyberattacks, protecting valuable information. 

All businesses need the ability to prevent and respond to problems. For example, businesses in the auto industry can use surge generators to test systems during EMC testing. So whether you’re a marketing agency or running a small shop, every business can use technology to predict, prevent, and react to problems. 

Improved Collaboration

Technology allows your staff to collaborate in real-time so they can easily work together on projects. For example, Google Drive allows employees to work together in a single spreadsheet or document to get more done in a day. Not only that, but video conferencing platforms allow workers to schedule meetings with one another without having to leave their desks. If your employees work from home, you likely rely on technology for continued communication. 

Automation

Automation increases business productivity. Adopting solutions that automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks allows your employees to free up their time for more important initiatives. For example, your marketing coordinator could automate their social media posting by scheduling posts ahead of time, allowing them to spend more time strategizing ways to help your business increase profits online. 

Attract Top Talent

As a business, your main HR goal should be attracting and retaining top talent. After all, you only want the best, most qualified employees for your business. Unfortunately, if your business isn’t keeping up with the latest advancements, you could lose valuable employees. For example, if you’re not automating repetitive tasks, top performers may quickly get bored with work and look for an opportunity elsewhere. 

Increased Revenue

Technology helps business owners find and implement ways to generate new sources of revenue. For example, a store could start selling products online with an e-commerce website or online marketplace. Businesses can also tap into digital marketing strategies to attract new customers. 

Better Customer Experience

Technology can help you improve every aspect of the customer experience, especially when it comes to the customer journey. First, you can easily implement digital advertising to get customers to your website using technology. Next, your website can help lead your prospect through the customer journey, ultimately leading them to make a purchase or perform an action, such as calling your business. 

You can improve the customer experience by regularly communicating with customers through email marketing to earn more repeat sales even after you’ve made a sale. 

Additionally, technology facilitates customer service. For example, instead of forcing a customer to call you and wait on hold to speak to a representative, customers can talk to a chatbot on your website or install a chat feature that allows customers to contact customer service without ever having to pick up the phone. With the use of a customer service platform, you can keep all of your customer communication in one place to solve customer service issues faster and improve your overall reputation. 

Technology for Businesses

Technology is a necessity for any modern business, but finding the right technology for your business can be difficult. For example, each department may need different software or tools to help your employees efficiently get more work done. If you’re not sure what types of technology can benefit your business, talk to your employees; many of them have used software and tools in the past that can improve overall business processes. 

 

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music. 

 

Developing an App? 7 Tips for Finding the Best Software Developer

Matt Casadona
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0
Developing an App? 7 Tips for Finding the Best Software Developer

Developing an App? 7 Tips for Finding the Best Software Developer

 

Businesses large and small can take advantage of the many benefits of apps. Whether you’re developing an app to use in-house that can track employee productivity or an app for customers where they can shop on your eCommerce store, you need a software developer that can help take your project from conception to completion. 

If you don’t have experience in software development, finding the right developer can be difficult. Developing an app takes time, testing, and patience. If you aren’t ready to listen to a professional developer about expectations, you might not be ready to start developing an app. Here’s how to find the best software developer for your business app. 

1. Understand Your Goals and Requirements 

Before you can start looking for a developer, you must understand your requirements. In the opening talks with a software developer, they will ask you what your goals and requirements are to better understand the project. Remember, a software developer will need to ensure your project is a right fit for them just as much as you need to ensure they’re the right fit for your project. 

You can better understand your requirements by writing down your mission, vision for the app, and expectations. You should also do market research to learn about the end-user and analyze your competitors’ apps if possible. Remember, you need to know exactly what your app will be used for. For example, if you want it to be used internally by employees, a developer will need to know what features it should include. Similarly, if you want to create a popular consumer app to help your business earn revenue, your developer should understand your target market. 

Document your requirements to easily share them with a prospective developer and communicate with them. By detailing and writing down your needs and expectations, you can easily figure out if a software developer or company can meet these expectations or not. 

Once you find a developer you want to work with, you can share the document with them so they can refer back to your expectations. You should include everything from the app’s purpose to the proposed release date. 

2. Ask for Referrals

Recommendations make finding software developers easier. If you already trust the person giving you the recommendation, you can rest assured that the developer will be someone you can trust. Get opinions from people in your network that understand what it takes to build an app. If you don’t have anyone in your network with that experience, consider asking for help and recommendations via social media, such as LinkedIn. 

3. Always Review Portfolios

Once you start looking for software developers, always ask for their portfolio to understand the quality of their work and approach towards projects. In addition, a developer’s portfolio can give you an understanding of the types of projects they’ve worked on in the past to help you make a more educated decision. For example, if a developer has only worked on gaming apps in the past, they might not be the best person to help you build an app for crypto trading. 

Additionally, portfolios can help you understand whether a developer or company can execute your project. For example, if a company only develops apps for niche industries, it might not be able to develop an app meant for use by thousands of people. 

4. Consider Your Finances

Before you can recruit and hire talent to develop your app, you’ll need to know the estimated costs associated with app development. Any developer who understands your project should be able to provide you with an estimate after the first few calls you have with them. However, if you have not been clear about your expectations, a developer can give you an estimate that’s much lower than the actual cost to develop the app. 

Doing your research to understand how much app development will cost can help you plan your budget without having any setbacks. If a developer’s price does not match your budget, you can explore other options. However, the more experienced a developer is, the more expensive they will be. 

It’s important to note that a more expensive software developer may not be more qualified for your app. Many developers base their price on experience, but they might also base it on their cost of living. A developer in Michigan might be cheaper than one in New York because their overall costs are lower. 

5. Understand the Tech

Software developers can use various tools to develop an app, and business owners need to understand the types of technologies used for their projects. It’s not necessary to learn how to code or develop software yourself, but you should ensure the technology being used is capable of custom app development based on your requirements. 

You should never settle for less than adequate or nonsecure technology for your app. Before you start the project, get an understanding of a developer’s expertise. 

6. Determine Standard Operating Procedure

Before you begin your project, you should have an understanding of how the developer works. Many developers have a standard operating procedure that helps them work more efficiently while serving clients. A standard operating procedure ensures you and the developer are on the same page with estimated timelines, budgets, and expectations. It can also set communication guidelines. For example, some software developers may prefer to be emailed instead of called so they can stay productive. 

7. Consider a Company

Small businesses can save money on app development by hiring a freelancer. Still, freelancers need clear guidelines for what’s expected of them, and many don’t have the same project management skills that a software development company would offer. If you want to take yourself completely out of the equation and let someone do what they do best, consider hiring a company instead of a freelancer because they can have more people working on your app at once to meet deadlines. 

Final Thoughts

Developing a mobile app can provide your business with advantages that make you more efficient and productive while ensuring a positive customer experience. However, when building an app, you must find a developer who is willing to take your project to the finish line. Whether you choose to work with a company or a freelance developer, it’s up to you to understand the process involved in the development and set clear expectations. 

 

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music. 

 

The Hidden Dangers of Drinking Tea: Disadvantages to Consider

Joy Sobhanian
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0
The Hidden Dangers of Drinking Tea: Disadvantages to Consider

Tea is a popular beverage consumed worldwide, and it has numerous health benefits. However, despite its numerous benefits, there are also some disadvantages associated with drinking tea that need to be considered. In this article, we’ll discuss the disadvantages of drinking tea and why you should be aware of them.

1. Caffeine Content:

Tea, especially black tea, contains a significant amount of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate, cause anxiety, and disrupt sleep patterns. For those who are sensitive to caffeine, drinking too much tea can lead to restlessness, jitters, and headaches. If you have a history of heart problems or are pregnant, it’s advisable to limit your caffeine intake.

2. Tannins:

Tannins are natural compounds found in tea that can cause digestive problems, such as heartburn, bloating, and gas. They can also interact with other medications and decrease their effectiveness. If you suffer from digestive problems, it’s best to drink tea in moderation and avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach.

3. Iron Absorption:

Tea contains tannins that can interfere with the absorption of iron from food. This can be particularly problematic for people who have iron-deficiency anemia or are at risk for this condition. If you are concerned about your iron levels, it’s best to avoid drinking tea with meals.

4. Stains Teeth:

Teas, especially black tea, contain pigments that can stain teeth. If you are prone to tooth staining, it’s best to limit your tea consumption or brush your teeth immediately after drinking tea to prevent discoloration.

5. Addiction:

Tea contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can lead to addiction. For some people, tea drinking becomes an obsession, and they find it difficult to go without it. Over time, this can lead to caffeine tolerance, and people may need to drink more tea to achieve the same effect.

In conclusion, while tea is a healthy beverage that provides numerous health benefits, it’s important to be aware of its potential disadvantages. If you are sensitive to caffeine, suffer from digestive problems, have iron-deficiency anemia, or are prone to tooth staining, it’s best to drink tea in moderation. Additionally, if you find that your tea drinking has become an obsession, it’s important to seek help to avoid becoming addicted to caffeine.

How To Get Better Traction on Your Blog Posts

Matt Casadona
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0
How To Get Better Traction on Your Blog Posts

 

Blogging offers businesses a great opportunity to start connecting with their customers. It also provides online visibility and can serve as a valuable customer service tool. However, while blogging might seem like a fast way to get more customers, it takes time, skills, and dedication to ensure the public sees your blog. 

Getting Traction on Your Blogs

If you’ve started blogging or used to blog and noticed you’re not getting many web visitors, you might have to change the way you do things. But, ultimately, it’s important to know that writing a blog doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get more traffic to your website. So here’s how to get better traction on your blog posts. 

Repurpose Blogs on Social 

Whether you’ve written a blog about the hiring process or an industry-specific post, you can easily boost your blog’s visibility by blasting it out on social media. On the other hand, if you’ve written a more business-centric blog, consider using LinkedIn and/or LinkedIn Pulse. Pulse allows businesses of all types to reach their audience and develop an online reputation. It’s an online news feed on LinkedIn designed for businesses to post self-published content. 

Take an existing blog and reuse the content by putting it into a different format. For example, you can present your blog or introduce it using infographics, statistics, and images. Next, you’ll just publish it on Pulse. 

Repurposing your blog article means you reuse the content you have already written into a form suitable for other online mediums. 

Promote Your Blogs

We’ve already discussed using social media to get more traction for your blogs. However, you can also promote them on social media with social media advertising. If you have a healthy budget for advertising your blogs, you can use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to help bring more traffic to your website. 

You can also promote your blogs using Google Ads, which will help users find your blog based on the search terms they use on Google and other search engines. 

Post More Frequently

If you post one blog every few months hoping it will get you more traffic, you probably see your blogs aren’t generating much traffic at all. Updating your blog more often allows your website to get more traffic over time. Keeping your content fresh and up-to-date is one of the best ways to show search engines like Google that you provide fresh, authoritative content to users. An easy way to post more frequently is to have each team member dedicated to a certain platform. 

Check Your Titles

Your blogs’ titles are just as important as the content itself. The titles are the first impression someone has that will help them decide whether or not to click on your blog to read it. If you look through magazines, check out the titles they use to draw readers in. Your blog post’s title should let readers know what the blog is about and might even offer solutions to their problems. For example, if you’re writing a blog about how much crypto to invest in, your title can be as simple and straightforward as “How Much Should You Invest in Crypto.”

Understand Your Audience

The key to getting better traction on your blogs is understanding your audience. If your blogs don’t provide any insight into what your audience expects to read about on your website, then they won’t read anything. Instead, learn everything you can about your audience, especially their pain points, so you can address their problems and solutions to them in your blogs.

For example, if you’re a business specializing in marketing, your prospective clients might want to know more about digital marketing before they call you. A blog can help answer all of their questions while positioning you as an expert in the field. 

Add Photos

Blogs need to be easily readable and scannable. When you read a blog online, you might not read every single word; instead, you’ll skim through it so you can quickly understand it. In addition, some blogs consist of long blocks of text that can be intimidating to readers, especially on mobile devices. Instead, break up text with photos to help engage the more visual reader. 

Add Sharing Buttons

When someone reads and likes your blog, they might want to share it on their social media pages to help educate others and bring them to your website. However, this can be difficult, especially if someone is on their mobile phone. If you don’t have social sharing buttons on your blog, the user will have to copy and paste the URL, open their social media app, then post it as a status. 

By adding social sharing buttons, you can make the process of sharing your blogs easier. All a user has to do is click on one of those buttons, and it will automatically open their social media app so they can share your blog with all of their friends, family, and followers. 

Find Guest Contributors

One way to get more traffic to your blog is to ask for guest posts from other writers in your niche. Making your blog a more collaborative effort will help you reach more people. A writer will share the blog once it’s posted on your website, which means you’ll not only get more traction from your followers, but you’ll get new views from the writer’s followers as well. 

Invest in SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) can help take your blogs to the next level. If you’re writing blogs and nobody is seeing them, you’ve wasted your time. One sure-fire way to ensure your blog is getting traction is to invest in an SEO strategy. Using target keywords and link-building strategies, you can help boost your blogs up the rankings of search engines like Google. When someone searches for an answer to a question or any keyword relating to your blog, your blog can show up and be one of the first to get clicked for answers. 

SEO is a long process that requires a skilled strategist. There are many ways to DIY SEO, but working with an agency that can help get your blog off the ground is worth it. 

Creating Better Blogs

Blogging offers many benefits for businesses that too few understand. However, if you want to get better traction with your blogs, you must invest in your blog strategy. All of these techniques can help your website get more traffic, but it’s up to you to decide how important a blog is for the success of your business. 

 

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music. 

 

10 Must-See Movies for Film Lovers

Joy Sobhanian
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10 Must-See Movies for Film Lovers

 

Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke strong emotions, and tell stories that stay with us for a lifetime. With so many options out there, it can be tough to choose which movies to watch next. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 must-see movies for film lovers.

  1. The Godfather (1972) – Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this classic crime drama is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time. It tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia clan, and their rise to power in New York City.
  2. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this crime comedy-drama is known for its non-linear storyline, quirky characters, and memorable dialogue. It explores the interconnected lives of criminals and outcasts in Los Angeles.
  3. Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Directed by Frank Darabont, this drama follows the story of a man wrongfully convicted of murder and his friendship with a fellow prisoner over the course of several decades.
  4. The Dark Knight (2008) – Directed by Christopher Nolan, this superhero film explores the psychological and moral dilemmas faced by Batman as he battles against the Joker. It’s widely regarded as one of the best comic book adaptations ever made.
  5. Forrest Gump (1994) – Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this comedy-drama tells the story of a slow-witted but kind-hearted man who becomes embroiled in some of the most significant events of the 20th century.
  6. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – Directed by Jonathan Demme, this psychological horror-thriller follows an FBI agent as she tracks down a notorious serial killer with the help of a brilliant but disturbed psychologist.
  7. Goodfellas (1990) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime drama is based on the true story of Henry Hill, a Mafia associate who turns informant. It’s widely considered one of Scorsese’s best films.
  8. Schindler’s List (1993) – Directed by Steven Spielberg, this historical drama tells the story of a German businessman who saves the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.
  9. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – Directed by Peter Jackson, this fantasy adventure is the final installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It features breathtaking special effects and an epic storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  10. “City Lights” (1931): Directed by Charlie Chaplin, is a timeless silent film that tells the story of a tramp who falls in love with a blind flower girl.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good starting point for film lovers looking to expand their movie-watching repertoire. Each of these films offers a unique and memorable viewing experience that is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

How to Stay Active as you Age

Ashley Nielsen
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How to Stay Active as you Age

Aging can make many healthy activities more difficult to accomplish. Anything from cleaning your home to getting daily activity to improve your health can be more difficult. Staying active as you age is even more difficult if you have a health or pain condition that prevents you from getting out and doing the things you want to do. Staying active can improve and maintain your health as you age, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Luckily, there are many ways for seniors to stay active without putting too much pressure on their bodies or themselves. Here are a few ways you can stay active as you age.

Stay Fit

Staying fit throughout your entire life can help you stay active as you age because your body has muscle and strength that it wouldn’t have if you hadn’t worked out in your younger years. In addition, exercising has been proven to improve your balance and bone health and prevent heart and brain problems that plague the elderly. Working on a cardio and strength training program can help you stay fit as you age, which can help you stay active for longer. 

Address Health Conditions

If you have health conditions that prevent you from being active, talk to a doctor about ways to manage any problems. For example, if you suffer from essential tremor that makes it difficult to accomplish daily activities, you can talk to a doctor about treatments that can reduce your tremors, giving you the confidence and ability to stay active. 

Any health conditions you have should be managed or treated by a professional. For example, if you’re experiencing pain that prevents you from going on a walk with your friends or performing regular daily tasks, you may need a prescription that can help keep you active and improve your overall health. 

Know How Long to Exercise

Staying active doesn’t mean you must exercise for hours every day. Instead, aim for moderate activity for at least 150 minutes per week to improve and maintain your health. You can spread this time out throughout the week to make it easier to fit into your busy schedule. 150 minutes is only 30 minutes a day for five days, so you can start to brainstorm different activities that will be gentle on your body but provide you with enough exercise to reap the benefits. 

Know Which Activities Are Best for You

The type of activities that are best for you will depend on your current fitness levels and health. For example, gardening might not be for you if you experience back pain from bending over. It’s best to mix in different types of stretches and activities to maintain and improve balance as you age. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

Aerobic Activities

  • Walking: Walking is an ideal workout for anyone, no matter their physical limitations. Walking is a great way to start training your body again, whether you have a pain condition or haven’t been active for a while. Walking improves cardiovascular health while strengthening your legs, buttocks, and abdomen. 
  • Dancing: Dancing is similar to walking in that it offers the same benefits, but it can also burn more calories per hour than walking because you’re moving your entire body. Dancing is also a great way to reduce stress and improve your happiness. 
  • Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact exercise ideal for anyone, especially those who suffer from joint pain. When you get into a pool, you’ll float and reduce stress on your joints, which can prevent you from getting the exercise you need outside of the pool. 
  • Running: Running is only ideal for those who are in good health. However, running can be a great exercise for those who like fast-paced exercise. Beware, though; running on pavement can be tough on the joints, so running might not be for you if you have knee problems. 
  • Bicycling: Riding a bike is another fun, low-impact exercise. Not only can riding a bike make you feel like you’re young again, but it can also help you get places without worrying about driving a car. 
  • Golf: Golf is another low-impact activity that can help you burn more calories. Next time you practice your golf swing, consider how much you walk while on the course. Many people don’t realize that they walk miles playing just one round of golf. 
  • Playing with grandchildren or pets: If you have grandchildren or pets, playing with them is a great way to stay active without feeling like you’re exercising. Running around with your grandchildren or pets in the yard or going for a walk together can help support your overall well-being. 

Strength Activities

  • Body weight exercises: Using your own body weight to train your muscles is a great way to get back into strength training. Body weight exercises like pushups and planks can help you build muscle. 
  • Carrying groceries: Simple chores can also help improve your strength. Carrying the groceries can work your arms and legs to improve your strength. 
  • Yoga: Yoga uses your body weight to train your muscles while helping you stretch and maintain your balance. 

Getting More Active as You Age

If you never stopped being active, you can continue working on your cardio and strength training exercises. However, over time, you might notice your body gets weaker and unable to perform the same exercises you once did easily. If you’re unsure what exercises are right for you, consider talking to a doctor or physical therapist. Staying active as you age is essential for maintaining and even improving your health. Luckily, there are many ways you can stay active and even become more active, no matter your age. 

When beginning a new training program, start gradually and increase intensity and activity as your body becomes stronger. Of course, you should evaluate your current level of fitness to reduce the risk of injury before increasing physical activity. However, no matter how old you are, you can find a great way to stay active that will help improve your health. 

 

Ashley Nielsen

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer where she shares knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness or financial tips. During her free time she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music. 

 

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