Car insurance - it’s complicated, and we all know it. But that doesn’t mean we should bury our heads in the sand and hope that our cover is right for us.
The modern market is actually easier to navigate than in the past, so you just need to make a small amount of effort to take advantage of it.
With that in mind, here are the main points to remember when tackling the thorny issue of insuring your automobile today.

Platforms like CheapInsurance are ideal for comparing auto insurance quotes, allowing you to find a bargain in just a few minutes.

All you need to do is enter some personal information into a reputable comparison site, and quotes from a range of competing insurers will be compiled automatically.

Gone are the days when dealing with a broker took an age. All it takes is a laptop or a smartphone, and a small amount of your time.

Most people assume that if you’ve got an expensive car, insurance premiums will be pricier than if you’re driving an old jalopy.

The truth is that the monetary value of a vehicle is just one piece of the insurance puzzle. Providers will look at all sorts of statistics to determine what to charge customers, and other elements are given more weight.

For example, choosing a brand new family car which is generally chosen by sensible, safe drivers will mean that insurance premiums are relatively low, since there will be less risk of the provider having to pay out.
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On the other hand, going for a cheaper, older vehicle which has more power under the hood, and thus is more commonly chosen by drivers who push their luck, could land you with a costlier insurance package.

Before you get car insurance quotes, you should check your credit score. This is because in most states, insurers are able to use it as a factor when calculating how much to charge customers for car cover.
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Once again it’s the stats that are at play here, because data demonstrates people with better credit scores tend to be safer drivers. Your score can be hurt for all sorts of reasons, many of which can easily be rectified, so you could make savings on your car insurance by boosting your credit score.

Another rule of thumb is that unless your policy states otherwise, it’s the car that’s insured, and not you specifically as a driver.
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What this means is that anyone else who uses your vehicle is covered, which can be a double edged sword. Your policy will pay out if they get in an accident, but you’ll be the one who has to face up to the increased premiums as a result.

It’s true that younger drivers are the hardest hit in terms of auto insurance costs. However, there’s a point which we all reach when cover no longer gets cheaper as we age, but creeps upwards once more.
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This is usually only a concern for the over-65s, and so long as you’ve got a clean record and a good driving history behind you, it won’t make much difference. All the same, if you need to plan for increased insurance costs as part of your retirement budget, this is one thing to watch out for.

No matter what age you are, it’s vital that you follow standard safe driving practices like keeping your distance from the vehicle in front, not speeding, and not driving while distracted.
 
After all, more than six million car accidents happen every year on average in the U.S., according to the NHTSA, so it’s vital that you always follow the rules of the road and engage in safe driving.
 
But as you get older, it’s important that you also do other things to ensure you stay safe when driving.
 
Here are five tips you should follow.

Seniors can experience a variety of vision problems that are related to aging, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
 
Such conditions can make it difficult to see normally or to drive when it’s dark, and of course, being able to see clearly is essential for safe driving.
 
Likewise, as a driver, you must be able to hear in order to stay safe on the road. But hearing can deteriorate the older we get.
 
Therefore, it’s very important that you have regular vision and hearing tests.
 
By ensuring your eyesight and hearing is in good condition, you can reduce the chances of being involved in an accident.

Seniors often take medications to manage health problems. But if you take medication that causes drowsiness or dizziness, make sure you don’t drive.
 
Also, lots of everyday medications, such as cold remedies and pain medications can affect your ability to drive safely, even if you think you feel fine.
 
So, it’s imperative that you always read the label of any medication you take and follow your doctor’s guidance before getting behind the wheel of your car.

As you get older, you’ll probably experience aches, pains, and physical limitations. So, you should always consider your limitations and how you feel on any given day before you drive.
 
You should also make changes so that you can adapt to your limitations.
 
For instance, if your hands are painful when gripping the steering wheel, it could help to get a steering wheel cover.
 
Furthermore, you could change your vehicle to better suit your new needs. Cars that have large, easy-to-read dials on their dashboards, for example, are a popular choice for older drivers.
 
You could change when and where you drive, too, depending on your limitations. For instance, you could be safer driving during the daytime, during good weather, or on quiet roads.
 
Also, bear in mind how tired you are. If you feel sleepy, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

If you are ever injured in a road accident that isn’t your fault, you can at least gain compensation to cover things like medical bills with the help of nationwide car accident lawyers.
 
But by following the above tips, you can hopefully avoid being in an accident in the first place.
 
One other tip that could be beneficial is this: update your driving skills by taking a driving course specifically geared towards older drivers.
 
By doing so, you could even potentially get a discount on your auto insurance rate.

​Lastly, it’s worth noting that, sometimes, physical and/or mental health conditions can worsen to the extent that people become unfit to drive.
 
While no one wants to lose their driving independence, remember that, if you need to give up your car keys, it’s for your safety and the safety of others.
 
Then, embrace and enjoy using public transport, a ride-sharing service, or cabs instead.

However you look at it, the elderly want to love, be loved, and feel good too. This comes with its drawbacks though. There is a growing trend of STDs in older people. Between the free time, insular communities, and the growing awareness of sexual reproductive and family issues, it leaves the elderly at risk for a variety of sexually transmitted infections. Below are some reasons why there is a growing trend of STDs in the elderly and what can be done about it.

At the twilight of life, people want to continue experiencing things and feeling good. With little time left, there is less care about all the preconceived judgments and conventions that define our early lives. Instead of waiting for life to be over, many older people want to experience everything they can with the time they have. They want dating and companionship like everyone else does. This is one reason why the elderly continue to be sexually active.

​A lot of people think that when people get older, they shut down in several ways. This isn’t the case. Not only do older people want to do everything that younger people do, but they also want to continue making love and enjoying each other’s bodies. If given the chance, many older people will continue to remain sexually active. Without awareness that the elderly often stay active, there isn’t much talk about the spread of STDs.

​Depending on how old the person is, STDs might not have been very prevalent in the lives of the elderly. When you’re young and no one talks about the spread of these infections, you won’t live the rest of your life with them in mind. Furthermore, younger people often feel uncomfortable talking about these issues with their parents or grandparents. Preventing them with protection is key. Awareness needs to be spread to older people to prevent the spread of STDs in their populations. One of the most important things that can be done to prevent STDs in the elderly is to talk to them openly and honestly about it.

Another reason that STDs have spread in the elderly is that they commonly enter insular communities. Senior living communities have a limited number of people. If they are multiple people who are sexually active with each other and don’t use protection, this could lead to the rabid spread of STDs amongst these communities.

In the twilight of life, you understand that you won’t be around forever and that many of the relationships you cultivate may not work out. Still, older people want to enjoy themselves and feel good. When seniors are active sexually in communities designed for the elderly, condoms should be passed around.

STDs are much more of a talked-about problem than they were in the mid-20th century. A lot of people didn’t need to worry about STDs in their youth. If these infections weren’t an issue in the past and having children young wasn’t such a big deal, many elderly people wouldn't grow up using condoms. STD prevalence has increased.
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Since the AIDS scare of the late-20th century, safe sex is a topic of discussion amongst young people. Not only are these transmissions more common, but they can also lead to more complications with older people. There are more STDs than ever before, and people are more at-risk when they don’t use condoms during sex. This even applies to the elderly population.

​As you get older, your immune system weakens. Not only does this make STDs easier to contract, but it can also make them a lot more dangerous for the elderly. An STD that would only take a simple medication to clear up could be more complicated when the person is older. This makes STDs a bigger problem for seniors. When the person has a weakened immune system, even more steps should be taken to spread awareness and protect seniors from the spread of STDs.

According to Emergency Medicine News, the number of STIs in the elderly has doubled since 2014. HIV is alarmingly prevalent. Among the 39,000 people who were diagnosed with HIV in 2017, 17 percent of them were age 50 or older. It is also more dangerous and potentially deadly for people who are older. The numbers show the number of STDs in older people going up.

Of course, STD awareness among older people is at the top of the list of things that should be done to prevent the spread of these infections. Having condoms readily available at senior living homes will prevent the spread and complications that come with infection. Furthermore, testing needs to be more accessible.

Luckily, there is the option for an at home STD test that can help stop the spread of these infections from person to person. With accessible testing options that don’t force the person to go into an office and ask for an STD test, older people are more likely to get the test done. When they know if they have an STD or not, they will be able to make responsible decisions going forward.

Life as a senior is multifaceted. It can be both difficult and enjoyable. There is no shortage of different health problems to wrangle. The growing number of STDs is one of them. Just because someone is older, that doesn’t mean they don’t want love, companionship, and sex. They are still alive, after all. Depending on the person’s health, they could be as sexually active as they want to be.
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The prevalence of STDs has gone up, but so has awareness. People understand that STDs are a risk, but if you didn’t grow up worrying about them and didn’t use condoms much, it can feel foreign. All these reasons contribute to why we should spread awareness by talking to the elderly, provide sexual health resources, and make sure that condoms are available at senior living homes and other communities.

Nothing beats a hard day at work than a fine rest at home – and even more so when it's after your retirement. Think about it: you’re nestled under the shade with a refreshing breeze blowing, holding a fruit drink in your hand. Indeed, this is what you'd call your fruits of labor, as you've lived life to the fullest after retirement.
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With years of rest ahead, boredom could quickly lurk around the corner since you're still adjusting to the new ways of your retired life. However, such lurking boredom could also allow you to try something new. So, to keep you engaged with the world around you, here are the seven best things you could try after retirement:

With so much time in your hands, you could quickly go through your drawers, wardrobes, and desks to declutter your home. You could even sort out all the things you own into:

• Things that mean a lot to you.
• Things you could donate.
• Things you could even sell.

You could even ask for professional assistance to make decluttering more fun! You could always get home care packages for this task if you want. With this, you gain a helping hand that suits your needs, whether general support, home modification, or even technical assistance. Overall, decluttering will help you remind yourself of the child you were once, and it could prove therapeutic as you reminisce through the years.

Keeping your connections open is always needed, especially if trying to ease boredom. Here, you could always keep up and have a chat with close friends. You could even enjoy new activities together - especially now that you have more time to relax.
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Likewise, you could even connect and look for new friends on social media. Since you have more time to burn, adding more people to your group is never the wrong way. You could even start by having your own social media presence, which means you get to connect with new people who have the same interests as you!

If you want to get out of your box, you could even move somewhere you've wanted to go. You could always try making it big in the city if you're from the country. Here, you get to bask in rich art and culture. You get to sightsee looming buildings and explore pavements your new life offers.
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Conversely, you could always move somewhere quiet and tranquil if you're from the city. Here, you could try raising pets you've always wanted to have. You could even try stargazing or berry picking if you want. Nevertheless, you could always start your retired life by moving. With no job and financial constraints, nothing is indeed holding you back!

Another activity you could do is growing a garden of your choosing. You could try your green thumb in vegetable gardens, flower gardens, or even a mix of both. With this, you can expect month-long cognitive rewards when taking care of your plants.

A 2019 South Korean study found gardening to help protect one's cognitive functioning – even if it was done in under 20 minutes. So, if you're looking to grow your vegetables and keep your mind healthy while at it, you could even grow your garden!

​If you're more into writing or if you want to write, you could even start your blog. Here, you could post new content on what it means to live a life after retirement, what people could do, and what they could hope to expect in the life that awaits them. You could even try writing about your life. Doing so allows you to relive important moments by sharing them with the world.

If you have a bit of a financial nest egg, you could even start your retired life by giving back to the less fortunate. Here, you could contact fundraising groups or even donate on your own. You could do this by delivering food to the homeless, sorting donations at your local charity, and taking care of animals in your local pet sanctuary.
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If you're looking for an enormous step, you could even look through international charities. By doing so, you contribute to helping others and changing their world through little acts. You could even gain new perspectives on culture, connection, and gratitude.

Spending time with your family, whether at home or the mall, is one of the best ways to spend your retirement. You get to hang out and connect with the people you've grown with for most of your life. You could even reconnect with those you've lost touch with over the years.
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Here, you could bond with them with family game nights, going on weekend outings, or grand getaways. Keeping familial connections open allows you to form a tight-knit bond with your family and understand each other even more so during your retirement.

​With these seven activities lined up for you, boredom will indeed have difficulty creeping into your new life. With this, you could finally look forward to days of rest and recreation – especially since you've got friends and family beside you and many activities and hobbies to discover!

Want to save more cash for retirement but not sure how to get started with an effective strategy? You are not alone, because most working adults feel the same way. Recent economic downturns like soaring inflation and housing market disruptions have made it more challenging than ever to sock away money for the long haul. Is there a solution? Luckily, there are a few tactics that can increase a person's chances of initiating and slowly increasing the balance of a designated retirement account. The following suggestions can help you get priorities in order and begin saving as quickly as possible.

​Find out what kind of benefits are available to you by asking your employer about 401(k) plans, matching provisions for payroll savings accounts, and any other company-sponsored options. Many private companies still offer generous matched savings plans that are essentially free money for workers who have the discipline to set aside a percentage of their incomes.

​There is one simple math equation: when you reduce monthly expenses, there's more left over for other purposes, including IRAs and similar arrangements for your golden years. Of course, the trick is to figure out how to get those expenses down. For those who are carrying a balance on one or more education loans, there is plenty of potential. That's because a student loan consolidation can be an excellent, simple, and effective way to combine all the loans into a single monthly payment with potentially better terms, rates, and repayment timing. It's important to learn the ins and outs of how consolidating works by reviewing an informative guide that uses clear examples to delineate the benefits of the process.

Spending money to pay for an hour session with a licensed retirement planner is a wise investment for most working adults. Unless you know the landscape well, take the time and make the investment to get solid, reliable advice that is based on your specific financial situation. Unfortunately, too many adults assume that paying an expert for financial advice is a waste of money. But if you find a competent service provider with experience in the field.

​Create an account with the SSA (Social Security Administration) in order to access your lifetime earnings record. Another advantage of having an account is that you can use the online SSA tools to see how much you need to earn between now and retirement to achieve specific monthly benefit amounts. In about 20 minutes, users can see exactly how much they have already paid into the system and choose an optimal date for beginning to receive benefits.

​There is a lot to think about at this stage and the considerations of downsizing your home and lifestyle are no exception. Make an honest personal assessment about where you can downsize. Is it possible to sell your home and purchase a smaller one, move into a townhouse, or buy an efficient condo? Do your own more vehicles than you need? What about all that stuff stored away in the attic, basement, and garage? Can you sell some or all of it for a quick cash boost? Downsize wherever you can in order to free up monthly cash flow for long-term savings.

Insurance is an important facet of day-to-day living in the modern world, especially when you’re over the age of 60. That’s because, as you progress into retirement age, your bodily functions start to wane, which can open you up to a lot of situations whereby you may need insurance to protect yourself financially.

With that said, here are 5 important types of insurance to consider when you retire;

With a free schedule and little to do in your retirement years, taking vacations, exploring landmarks in places you've always wanted to visit, or just enjoying the ambiance of a country is not a bad idea. 

But with everything comes its risks, and investing in travel insurance would go a long way in making a trip risk-free.

Travel insurance suits fun-seekers or vacationers who just want to relax. Most policies cover inconveniences like flight or hotel cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, and even slight medical issues that might require a hospital visit during the trip. 

It’s important to avoid a senior insurance scam when trying to get travel insurance - that’s because seniors tend to be targets of scam attacks by fraudsters looking to take advantage of your desire to seek out insurance.

Dental insurance policies for retirees help in budgeting the maintenance of oral care. The policy can come as a standalone or included in a medical plan. This covers issues relating to the teeth, gum, and also preventive measures.

Most insurance companies adopt the 100/80/50 payment structure which states the company covers 100% for preventive measures like cleaning the teeth and X-rays, 80% for basic procedures that include treating gum diseases or getting fillings; and 50% for major procedures like surgeries, inlays, and dentures. 

A great place to seek out dental insurance coverage is dentalinsurance.com. They’re a service that displays various dental insurance plans while also allowing you to compare and choose the one that fits your budget.

​A lifetime annuity is an income based plan for retirees. It gives the security of a steady allowance each month until they pass away. 

Unlike other retirement plans such as an IRA or a 401k which are heavily dependent on the state of the economy - lifetime annuities can offer retirees guaranteed income regardless of any economic downturns or stock market crashes.

Lifetime annuities vary differently from life insurance in the payment aspect, in the sense that life insurance payment is paid out after the demise of its holder, while lifetime annuities are paid out in perpetuity while its holder is alive.

Vision Insurance for retirees is usually attached to health insurance, but can also be a standalone plan. It’s designed to handle the costs of eye checkups, prescribed eyeglasses, and contact lenses for its policyholders. 

The care providers give ranges from discounts on lenses or frames to covering partly for any laser eye surgery. With the insured only able to use the approved care by the provider.

​Health insurance is a contract issued by an insurance company that pays for the medical bills, surgeries, and drugs on behalf of its policyholder. 

Acquiring health insurance is a relatively straightforward process, however, some issues can arise while selecting a plan to run with.

For instance, most of the plans come with rules that may act as a barrier for getting another healthcare in the future. 

Some of these include being unable to use another service aside from the designated one by the provider and refusing to honor service payments when the service is obtained without proper approval. 

Most health insurance plans typically have a program especially made for retirees. While others not offered can be gotten through programs, qualifications, or direct purchase through the healthcare insurance marketplace.

Teaching English abroad can be a life-changing opportunity. There are multiple reasons why people teach English abroad. One of the main reasons people want to teach English abroad is because it gives you the opportunity to travel the world without going broke. 

Before you can start, you’ll have to get the necessary certifications. A lot of countries don’t require a teaching or English degree, but a valid TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is a minimum requirement before you can start your adventure abroad. 

While a TEFL certification isn’t as expensive as a teaching or English degree, it does cost some money. If you are interested in getting your TEFL certification but don’t have the money right now, here are some excellent ways to earn or save money so you can enroll in that life changing course. 

1. Make a budget and stick to it
Everything starts with a budget. To get a good understanding of your own finances, it is important to track everything. Write down what you earn each month and write down what your expenses are each month. The goal is to make the difference between income and expenses as high as possible, in the positive direction that is, so that you can save as much as possible. 

By creating a budget for yourself, you can keep your expenses in check. Do you have an expensive coffee habit? By allocating a certain part of your budget to coffee runs, you get a better understanding of how much money actually goes into those daily lattes.

2. Save on the not important things
Saving money usually means cutting back on something. That doesn’t mean you have to cut back on everything. Successfully saving money is a marathon, which means you’ll have to create a sustainable routine. Don’t eliminate the things you love dearly - if that daily latte is really important for you to start your day, keep it or try to be creative and make your own latte at home. But is that cookie you always get with your morning latte really that important or more of an indulgence? Identify the things that you can eliminate or cut down on and focus on those first. Once you see how much money you can see, it might inspire you to tackle some of your persistent habits too. Need some more inspiration? Check this article for more money-saving life hacks. 

3. Get rid of unwanted items
So you want to teach English online and travel the world, but you need extra money to enroll in the necessary courses? This is the perfect moment to take a good look at your home and your closet for unwanted items. You’ll be traveling soon anyway and you can’t take all your belongings with you, so why not sell some things off to earn a little extra cash? A great way of getting rid of some unwanted items is by selling them at a flea market. 

4. Get a second job
One of the easiest ways to increase your income is by getting a temporary second job. Seasonal jobs are perfect for this. Some examples of seasonal jobs are summer camp positions, tour guides, seasonal retail jobs or summer festival jobs. 

If you’re looking for something a little more steady, try a weekend or evening job. Restaurants are always looking for people willing to work evenings or weekends. 

5. Become a tutor
A great way to practice becoming a teacher and earning some extra money in the process is by tutoring. Whether you are still a student yourself, a teacher, or somebody who recently graduated, as long as you are able to break down difficult material to an understandable level, you’ll have no trouble finding students to tutor.  

6. Get creative
Do you have a knack for painting or knitting? Or what about making jewelry or designing T-shirts? There are hundreds of opportunities to sell your creations online and make a little money on the side. 

Etsy is probably the most well-known website for selling your DIY creations, but there is also Shopify, Amazon Handmade, Ebay, or your own personal website. 

7. Become a blogger
As you prepare to teach English abroad, you’ll probably have some interesting stories to tell. People love hearing from other people who are trying new things, especially if the thing they are trying to do is exotic and a little out of the box. 

Traveling the world and teaching English abroad is one of those things. Keeping a blog as a way of documenting your journey could very well turn into an extra source of income. For example, you can earn money with ads or affiliate marketing. 

8. Freelance as a side hustle
Are you good at your job? Then why not freelance in your own time to increase your income? There are so many job opportunities for freelancers, as long as you know where to look. You can attach yourself to an agency or work on freelancer platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr. 

Some typical freelancer jobs are writing and editing, web development, or graphic design, but you can also freelance in accounting, data entry or by becoming a virtual assistant.

Conclusion
Teaching English abroad can be a life-changing opportunity for you, but first you need to get the necessary certifications. While a TEFL certification isn’t as expensive as a teaching or English degree, it is not free either. Luckily there are more than enough ways for you to save money or increase your income. It all starts with creating a budget and sticking to it. 

Next, identify your costly habits and try to change them. Now that you’re thinking about traveling the world as an English teacher, why not purge your home and closet of unwanted items and sell them? 

Now that you’ve got your spending habits under control, it is time to increase your income. Look for a second job, become a tutor, sell your DIY creations online, become a blogger and share your adventures with the internet or freelance as a side hustle.

Another aftershock of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the closure of personal lines of credit. Banks like Wells Fargo have been closing lines of credit and reducing credit card limits. These have been involuntary and disruptive changes for customers.
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However, the economic woes and regulatory changes have prompted big banks to reduce risk and protect their bottom lines. As a result, customers face several consequences, including negative impacts on their credit scores. In addition, they no longer have access to some accounts.

Some banks are closing personal lines of credit and removing these products altogether. For example, Wells Fargo said it retreated from these products because of the pandemic and Federal Reserve limitations.

The bank was previously involved in a scandal where employees opened fake accounts for customers without their knowledge. The customers did not give the authorization. As a result, the Federal Reserve put limitations on Wells Fargo's growth.

Those limitations include growth restrictions until the bank corrects its compliance deficiencies. Consequently, Wells Fargo has had to offload assets and deposits and cut products. Personal lines of credit were on the chopping block.
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The bank states that instead, it will focus on credit cards and personal loans. However, some customers used the revolving credit lines as overdraft protection to fund home improvements and cover emergency expenses. Now they must look for alternatives. For more information on alternatives, Simple Fast Loans has a list of FAQ’s on lines of credit, personal loans and the loan process in general.

Beyond the Wells Fargo scandal and ensuing growth limitations, other banks are closing credit cards and reducing card limits. This has been occurring for younger generations more so than older ones. Approximately 56% of younger millennials have had their credit limits reduced.

About 44% of this age group have had credit card accounts closed involuntarily during the pandemic. This is compared to Generation X, whose numbers have been 33% for limit reductions and 21% for involuntary account closures.

Only 8% of Baby Boomers reported a credit limit reduction, and 3% indicated a card was closed without their consent.
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These banks can no longer take as many liberties with extending credit. Accounts are more likely to be closed if they see little use. Extended periods of not using cards can lead to closures and limit reductions.

When you don't use your card as much or at all, the bank sees this as a signal that you don't need or want the credit. Just like a person tightens their belt by cutting things they don't need a bank will reduce its financial risk by doing the same.

If you're not using as much credit as you have or any at all, the bank sees the open account as an unnecessary liability. Creditors can improve their bottom lines and balance sheets by reducing their potential liabilities. Unfortunately, once this decision is made, the customer has little recourse.
In other words, you're unlikely to get the creditor to reopen your account or bump your limit back up. You have to seek another bank or creditor willing to let you open an account.
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Your other alternative is to look for other financial products or ones that can serve the same purpose. For example, say you want overdraft protection for your checking account. But your bank closes the line of credit that serves as protection. Change to a bank that doesn't charge overdraft fees.

Besides losing access to a personal line of credit, customers must deal with other negative impacts. The most serious one hits their credit scores. Having accounts closed and limits reduced both impact a person's credit score.

That's because these actions reduce a person's revolving credit. Having less available credit means it's more likely your utilization rate will go up. Your utilization rate is how much credit you're using compared to how much you have available.

The higher your utilization rate, the lower your credit score can be. Even though your rate of use is only one of the things that go into your score, a higher rate means you're a bigger risk.
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But when accounts are closed or limited further through no fault of your own, you suddenly become a higher risk. You probably haven't changed your habits, like being a good borrower and using credit wisely.

Those impacted by credit limit reductions and account closures can turn to alternative financial products. For example, checking account overdrafts can sometimes be covered by a linked savings account. Check with your bank to see if this is an option and do it.

Then, maintain enough balance to cover any overdrafts and waive overdraft fees. You can also switch your checking account to a bank that doesn't charge overdraft fees (even without a linked backup). 
Credit cards may be an excellent way to pay for emergencies and unexpected purchases. However, personal loans are another way to go. Some creditors have revolving personal loan options you can borrow against when you need to. Others are one-time deals.
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So, you can borrow what you need for an emergency, a home repair or renovation, or to cover an expense you'd rather pay in increments over time.  Revolving personal loans are a way to boost your credit score with on-time payments and proper use.

Wondering why many banks are closing lines of credit? Most are concerned with growth limitations imposed by federal regulations and the need to reduce risk. In addition, the pandemic has ushered in economic uncertainty and financial losses for businesses.
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Banks and creditors usually look to reduce risk during times like these. Getting rid of overlapping or duplicate products is one way. Another is to look at customers that aren't using available credit and reduce or cut it off.

Though you may be hesitant to commit to a new pet during your retirement years due to physical limitations, adopting can be a significant boost in your everyday life. Though it may take a few weeks to settle into your new life as a pet parent, adopting a furry friend can enrich your life so profoundly that it’s worth addressing potential issues down the road. 

If you’re looking for companionship in your latter years, consider the benefits of adopting a new pet as you head into retirement.

Whether you opt for a cat or kitten, an adult dog, or an energetic puppy like these, a new pet is a great way to get your body moving. Dogs need walks, of course, but all pets need playtime throughout the day to stay happy and healthy. Ultimately, you can stay active while giving your furry friend the mental and physical stimulation it needs to thrive.

Unfortunately, retirement can be a lonely time for many elders— this is especially true if you tend to stay home most of the time or are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Thankfully, pets are excellent companions through good times and bad. Their love is unconditional, making them the perfect antidote for loneliness.

​Pet owners are less socially isolated even beyond their animal’s companionship. Owning a pet provides you with common ground to share with others, creating a built-in conversation topic with any neighbors you see out and about while walking your furry friend.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the social connections your dog or cat could help you forge online. Between joining internet forums about pet parenthood and sharing pictures on social media, there’s always something new to talk about with a pet.

Retirees benefit physically from owning a pet, too. A 2017 study found that regularly walking your dog can stretch joints and keep muscles strong well into your retirement years, leaving you with fewer visits to the doctor for daily pains.

Retirement can bring many positive changes, but losing an everyday routine may come as a challenge to fresh-faced retirees. Fortunately, a new pet can help tremendously with reestablishing a sense of rhythm in your day-to-day activities. Pets need consistent care and attention to thrive, so creating a routine around your new furry friend can keep you both on a regular schedule.

Plenty of dogs and cats require adoption, and senior pets are even less likely to be adopted, and opting to make the last few years of a pet’s life as pleasant as possible can be enriching. 

Who knows—the perfect dog breed for you might end up being the mutt at a nearby animal shelter. You could spare yourself the extensive puppy training period and gain a fulfilling purpose at the same time by choosing to adopt an adult dog.

​Though a new pet is a commitment, you shouldn’t rush into, adopting a little friend can significantly improve your everyday life.

For many homeowners, the idea of downsizing can be frightening — and for a good reason. With the rising costs of real estate and mortgages that require a larger down payment, buying a home is getting more expensive every year. 

Once you accept that you’re not going to upgrade your home in the near future, the next question is how to go about downsizing. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, there are several different ways to downsize your home. Here is how you can go about it.

Downsizing Is Not the Same Thing as Moving

Many people think of moving when they hear “downsizing,” but in truth, several types of moving involve downsizing — including buying a condo. “Moving” is one of the most common forms of downsizing, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to change your address or zip code.

In fact, many homeowners simply decide to move to a new area within their existing home state. This can allow them to maintain the same lifestyle and save on mortgage cost and home maintenance.

Many people dread downsizing because they imagine having to completely throw out all their stuff and start from scratch, which can be a very expensive ordeal at times (especially if you need professional help). However, if you don’t want to do that, there are other ways to downsize without destroying your home.

Most homeowners choose not only to sell some items on their own but also use services to buy items by consignment or make offers based on purchases made by others to keep some things around while selling others off. There are several ways you can downsize in your life.

One of the best ways to get started downshifting is by looking at your possessions and seeing if you need something. If you don’t, then look for other options. If you need something, look for ways to adapt and use it the next time.

For example, instead of going out and buying a new coffee maker every year or so, try brewing coffee in your French press instead of your coffee maker. Instead of ordering food from your favorite restaurant once a week, consider making it in recipes so you can control what goes into it. 

When downsizing, you will need to clean the home, the surfaces, as well as using the correct cushion cleaning and storage methods. This will help you to reduce the clutter in the home.

If you’re planning to move but don’t want to pay for a move-out cleaning service, you could make the most of your time and money by storing your things while you are gone.

If you have a family, it can make sense to even have someone else take care of this process. This saves money on actual moving costs and helps eliminate the hassle of trash removal, storage, or packing in general.

​When you imagine a new home, it can be tempting to picture yourself living there. But your home is more than just an architectural backdrop for your life. Your home is also an investment: a place where you will live, grow old, and pass down traditions to future generations. 

If you’re looking to affordably break even, downsizing your home might be your answer.

Obtaining your driver's license is a huge achievement and one that you should be proud of. However, with all of the excitement comes a lot of responsibility.

Now that you are on the road, you must know how to maintain and care for your vehicle. Even if you don't consider yourself an expert, some items are essential.

Below we are going to take a look at just five things every car owner needs.

Are you interested in learning more? Then let's get started!

One critical item that every car owner needs is insurance. In fact, it's so important that most states require some type of coverage by law.

When choosing your options, remember to consider the overall price and the services you will receive. It can also be worth looking at something like one of these GMC extended warranty plans.

Not sure of the difference? Insurance will provide coverage for accidents such as collisions, while a warranty assists with costs associated with breakdowns and repairs.

You may have already thought about investing in car seat covers and new floor mats. However, one of the simplest and handiest things to have at all times is a sunshade for your windshield.

Alongside protecting yourself from painful burns in the heat of summer, it will keep the interior of your car in excellent condition. This means you'll be able to sell it for more in the future.

​You don't have to be a mechanic to own a car, but it's still wise to have some basic tools in your trunk. Even if you don't know how to use them, someone else may be able to give you a helping hand.

Jumper cables, a tire jack, a lug wrench, and a quality multi-tool are just a few things to have. You can look into other items if you want to take on more responsibility.

Even if you plan on taking your car to the wash every week, there will always be a time when you need to clean it yourself. You would be surprised at how dirty they can get, especially if you've been driving for more than a few hours.

You don't need to go overboard either. Car wash liquid, glass cleaner, a bucket, sponge, and a set of microfibre towels will do the job just fine.

Lastly, while an emergency kit can seem like a rather extensive thing to include, it is important. Items such as a torch, first aid kit, water, and thermal blanket won't just help you out of a sticky situation but may even save your life.

If you're not sure where to get started, check out this list here. Just remember to keep the size of your vehicle in mind, as you don't want to take up too much of your trunk space.

​And that's it! These are just five things that every car owner needs. 

What do you think? Do you have any other essentials that you would recommend?

Nursing homes provide safety, assisted living, and round-the-clock care to senior citizens. This allows them to enjoy quality health care without putting a strain on their families. But even with these benefits, senior citizens in nursing homes can suffer depression and live unhappy lives.

Happiness is critical for senior citizens; its absence can significantly affect their physical and mental health. Happy seniors who maintain a positive attitude towards aging are less likely to develop dementia and have a lower mortality rate. They’re also more likely to recover from illnesses.
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Meanwhile, you can do several things to keep your senior loved one happy in a nursing home. Here are four of them:

You can keep your seniors happy by meeting their health care needs in a nursing home. Most seniors in nursing homes have an illness or condition that needs long-term medical care. As such, they’d only be happy if these needs are met by their relatives and staff in the nursing home.

If you have a senior loved one living in a nursing home, checking on them regularly and staying involved in their lives are some of the most effective ways to keep them happy. On the other hand, senior citizens may suffer neglect and nursing home abuse under the care of angry or frustrated staff.

Therefore, you can make your loved ones happy by monitoring them closely and observing their behavior or changes in appearance. Consequently, you can raise any concerns you have about their well-being with nursing home staff, and if nothing improves, take action. 
If you suspect abuse, file a report with a state or local investigator. If your senior loved one relies on you to meet their health care needs, it’s important to ensure they receive the best care. To be sure, you can keep an eye on them on a regular basis.

Moving to a nursing home is a stressful step for any senior citizen. The transition can make them feel like they need to care for themselves. As a result, they’re reluctant to leave the comforts of their own homes. You can ease the transition of your senior loved one into a nursing home by explaining how the move will benefit them.

Consider bringing objects like furniture and photos that can add a homely feeling to their room. If your senior citizen has a spouse, check whether the spouse can move to the nursing home with them. Moving into a nursing home with someone close to them, like a spouse, can boost their mood and protect them from mental decline.
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Significantly, to deal with this anxiety and make the transition smooth, seniors need help. In addition, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may have challenges understanding why they need to move into a nursing home.

Another way to keep senior loved ones happy in a nursing home is to encourage them to nurture relationships. When you visit them, encourage them to build connections. Nursing homes offer senior citizens great opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and tend to new ones.
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Meaningful relationships can boost their happiness and improve their health as they prevent physical and mental decline over time. In a nursing home, your senior loved one can interact and build friendships with people in the same age bracket and the staff who care for them.
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On the other hand, you can help your senior citizens to stay happy by visiting them often and encouraging them to interact with other seniors during your visit. Also, you can encourage their old friends or neighbors to see them in the nursing home and share any concerns or questions they have with the nursing home staff.

The other thing that can keep seniors happy in nursing homes is living an active lifestyle. They can do this by engaging in activities that keep them in shape, both physically and mentally. Often, nursing homes have activities that all senior citizens, including those with dementia and disability, can engage in throughout the day.

These activities include reading, listening to music, walking, arts and crafts, bingo games, and cat or dog petting. As you help your loved one settle into a nursing home, find out which activities interest them and work with the staff to customize them in order to meet their needs.

As people age, they become vulnerable and in need of care. Nursing homes provide safe spaces for senior citizens to receive care. However, being away from the home environment and family members can take a toll on seniors, costing them their happiness. If you’re taking your senior loved one to a nursing home, doing the above four things can keep them happy.

Developing good habits is a perfect way to ensure that you live a great and successful life. You want to be fulfilled at the end of each day and ingraining health habits into your mind is the one size fits all solution to what ails you. But what exactly could qualify as being a good habit? Sure there is great importance in always being on time and having good manners but could you go deeper?

Is there something that can be changed about the way that you view the world or your work? And could this change reap you the benefits that would merit the time spent learning this new mindset? The answer is an absolute yes and time has everything to do with it.

Read dozens of books and autobiographies based on the most successful people of our world today and you will find quite a few constants among them all. A willingness to learn, a hunger to always keep moving upwards, and the ability to learn from one's own failures but there is a greater trait that is always looked past.

Time management. How you manage your time says everything about you and your future fortunes or lack thereof. Picture this, you are given a surprise assignment by your professor or teacher. The professor expects his students to write an essay in only a couple of days. Essay writing is no easy task, especially for young students that are barely getting a grasp on writing and essay writing as a whole.

At this point, you have got only two choices. Spend the next two days researching, writing, editing, and stressing, maybe getting a few hours of low-quality sleep here and there. Which doesn't sound like a pleasant experience at all or you could find a time-effective solution to your problem. A solution that allows you to hang out with your friends, an activity that studies have shown to be of great benefit to your health.
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This is where the EssayExpert comes in.

For the busy student, essay service is the perfect, full counter to the dreaded essay and essay writing as a whole. They are an online service that provides premium and custom essays at an affordable price. They have years of collective experience writing and researching for their more than 50,000 satisfied university students.

No business in the world can amass 50,000 plus customers, much less students, without at least having a clear and concise system that prints out quality work. It doesn't stop there, the Essay Experts even have an entire squadron of workers dedicated to tackling thesis and dissertation projects. In this category, they have helped more than 15,000 graduate students meet deadlines and impress their superiors.
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It has been the world's top-ranked essay writing service for more than 20 years now and they don't show any signs of slowing down. Within just LA county, they have more than 10,000 students on their customer list. Proving that their quality work is unrivaled and unmatched by anyone else in the industry.

​With easy order forms that save you time on project submissions to an essay editing service that is designed to help students that have written their own essays but merely want a second opinion. Surely, there must be something else to this service.
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The tens of thousands of students that rely on their work and dedication would like to say otherwise. The best part about great sites like this one is that the laundry list of customers speaks for itself. What greater proof can there be of your talents than tens of thousands of comments heaping praise upon this company.

​As a student in the modern world, essays and the very act of essay writing can make you tear out your hair. Sure, essay writing can be done but what about the time lost? Hours of potential great experiences were thrown away because you had to write an essay on a subject that is neither interesting nor important.

It’s midnight when everyone’s fast asleep.

The pitter-patter of feet can be heard from someone rushing to the kitchen.
It’s you from the past.

When you were young, you would hoard all the chocolate from the cupboard and not worry about any potential consequences.

Those sweets would quickly melt away after you played with your friends after school. Or would go away because of your solid teeth and professional brushing skills.

But times change, and people age, unfortunately.

Now you feel worried when someone offers you a bunch of hard dark chocolate.

“My teeth might fall out!”- you think to yourself.

And you have every right to be concerned since several eating problems affect the majority of the elderly population.

Everyday activities of chewing food can become difficult because of various issues.

Loose teeth, jaw pain, reduced saliva secretion are significant contributors to affecting your chewing abilities. Hence, it’s recommended for the elderly to be careful when it comes to what they eat.

For example, if you’re going to choose what type of grains you can eat, it’s best to go for oatmeal and noodles. For fruits, choose banana and ripe apricot. While for vegetables and meat, opt for tomato, spinach, minced meat, boiled eggs, and salmon.

Also, remember to chop, puree or blend your food for easier consumption. And don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly.

​Part of the eating experience that makes it pleasurable is to smell and taste what delicious platter you have in front of you.

If your taste buds are not working correctly, you won’t enjoy eating. Many elders skip meals because they lose the ability to taste a wide variety of food.

While some cases might be due to aging, others can be directly attributed to smoking. Nicotine in cigarettes can cause functional changes in your taste buds that would alter their functionality altogether.

If you’re a chronic smoker, it would be better if you stopped smoking for the sake of your poor taste buds.

On a final note, to bring more flavor to your cooking, add herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, ginger, and garlic. You can also toss some spring onions and squeeze some lemon juice to enrich your salad.

​Many elders suffer from dehydration because of reduced abilities to seek water. Past 70, the elderly brain receives fewer signals that indicate the need for hydration, thus causing dry mouth.

Dryness of the mouth can also occur because of decreased saliva production. For this reason, it’s advised to eat more soups, mix pureed food with gravy, and always have a cup of water next to you as a daily reminder.

A lot of elders get anxious when they think about transitioning to a care home also because of eating issues. But don’t fret since there’s assisted living in Eugene OR, that will help you with your nutritional needs. They offer customized meal plans that will cater to your taste buds!

Ultimately, when it comes to dealing with dry mouth spells, you can try to suck on lozenges, candies or sour pickles, or fresh lemon slices to stimulate your saliva.

Whether you're in a financial predicament or not, a high mortgage loan repayment amount can consume a massive portion of your income. And it might become tricky to cover other bills and financial obligations with what's left. 

It's typically recommended that your mortgage repayments should not consume more than 30% of your total monthly income after taxes. If your mortgage costs are any higher, these mortgage repayment reduction tips might help you make ends meet each month more easily.

The most straightforward way to minimize mortgage costs is to extend the repayment term. By extending the term, you'll be paying a smaller amount of money over a longer period of time. 

Extending the repayment term may even allow you to purchase a second home. Moreover, having a second home offers a few financial benefits, so you might find yourself browsing Florida real estate listings shortly after freeing up more of your income with this simple approach.

You also have the option of refinancing your mortgage loan. Refinancing might promise you a lower interest rate, which can reduce your repayment amount significantly. 

You will need to have good credit to refinance your mortgage loan and save. Current refinancing rates are down about 20%, so you'll stand to save substantially on lower interest by refinancing now. Refinancing is a money-savvy way to avoid high-interest rates.

​This solution is only plausible for those who have not yet purchased a home with a mortgage. While saving for your down payment, be a bit more patient and save more than the minimal 20% of the property's total value. In doing this, you'll need a smaller mortgage loan in the long run, which means more affordable repayments.

​While a lender might insist that you opt for private mortgage insurance when securing your loan, you can later opt-out of this policy. Avoiding this policy can save you a small fortune in the long run.

Alternatively, you can pay for the private mortgage insurance policy upfront, which might entitle you to discounts.

There are a few federal loan modification programs available if you're a homeowner battling to make mortgage repayments due to financial distress. These programs can help reduce your repayments through your chosen lender. However, you'll need to meet specific criteria to be eligible for these programs. 

In addition to the above, it's worthwhile to consider ways of reducing property insurance premiums. By lowering these premiums, you will also save each month substantially. Shopping around and comparing insurance deals is the best way to reduce your premiums while you can also increase your deductible and be sure to keep your claim number low. Moreover, maintaining a good credit score and keeping up with home maintenance are also effective ways to lower your property insurance premiums. 

That said, if you're a senior, you can also consider the option of a reverse mortgage, which is a type of loan that pays you a lump sum or a monthly amount to the value of your home. 

With the rise of travel rewards programs, it can be hard to decide which is right for you. Cash back programs offer a simple way to earn money back on the things you buy every day, while travel rewards programs offer more opportunities to save money on your trips. But which is the best for your spending situation? Here are a few things to consider.

A travel rewards program is a type of loyalty program that allows customers to earn points for every purchase they make. These points can be redeemed for rewards, such as free flights and hotel stays. Some programs also offer exclusive discounts on travel-related products and services.

Cash back programs are a great way to earn rewards for your spending. They work by giving you cash back in a statement credit, which you can use to reduce your monthly debt payments.

Pros of cash back programs:

1. Easy to use: Cash back programs are easy to use. You can earn rewards simply by spending your money at the stores and websites you use every day.
2. Rewards are often higher than travel rewards: Cash back rewards tend to be higher than travel rewards because cash back programs generally offer larger rewards for a greater percentage of spending.
3. No redemption fees: Unlike travel rewards programs, which often charge redemption fees, cash back programs don't charge fees.

Cons of cash back programs:

1. Rewards are sporadic and may not always be worth the effort: Although cash back programs offer high rewards for a significant percentage of spending, they may not always be worth the effort to earn them. For example, if you're earning rewards for every $1,000 you spend, but the reward you're earning is only worth $50, it may not be worth your time to participate in the program, especially if you're accruing massive amounts of debt just to hit your spending goals. If you end up in a situation like this you should immediately stop making unnecessary purchases and consider using a consolidation loan calculator to get back on track.
2. You may lose your rewards if you stop spending: Unlike travel rewards, which often stay with you even if you stop spending, most cash back programs generally don't have any built-in protection against losing your rewards and can expire.

​There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, if you're looking for a more flexible rewards program that can be used to save or spend as you please, cash back may be a better option.

Which program is right for you depends on your goals and preferences. If you're looking for a straightforward way to earn money, a cash back program may be best. If you're interested in more opportunities to save money on your trips, a travel rewards program may be better suited.

​So you're ready for a new car, but you're having a hard deciding between buying a used car or doing a full restoration. Do you notice the shiny new cars packed with the latest technology, features, and comfort, but your mind draws you to the classic silhouettes and gleaming chrome of a fully restored vintage car? Trying to decide between buying a used car and doing a full restoration can be difficult. Here are some things to consider when making this tough decision. 

New cars come with increased reliability and improved technology. This can be a big plus, depending on your specific needs. A new car can help you get to where you need to go quickly and efficiently without worrying about whether it will startup.

Statistically, newer cars are safer to drive. They can also decrease the chance that you'll be in an accident — thanks to collision avoidance systems, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
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Is the latest and greatest technology your style? Want a large touch screen and air-conditioned seats? How about a car that parks itself? Interested in a massage while you drive? These are all real features that are available in the newest cars. Stay up-to-date with the latest automobile news for the best new car models and their features.

Maybe memories are more important to you than memory foam seats. Classic automobiles can help you recapture better days of bygone eras or connect you to a simpler or happier time. Just you and the road.
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Not to mention the pride and satisfaction of finally scoring that car you've wanted since you were a kid but couldn't previously afford it.

Most passion projects take more time and attention than we allow for in our schedules. Take a moment and think about your other commitments. Do you have the time to invest in this project?
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Additionally, restorations usually end up costing more than expected, as you start poking around. 
But if cars are your passion, then you probably can't think of anything more enjoyable than getting under the hood every weekend.

When it comes to car insurance, there are a lot of choices to make. You want to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs and budget. There are a variety of policies available, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few ways to get the best auto insurance for your needs.
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Shop around. Compare rates from different car insurance companies. You can usually do this online or by calling around. Be sure to get quotes for the same amount of coverage for each vehicle type so you can compare apples to apples.

Classic car insurance is usually less expensive than a new model's, as the car is driven less frequently. Note that a vehicle has to meet several requirements to qualify, including age and annual mileage.

For most, purchasing a new car is the simplest and most cost-effective option. You know exactly what you're getting and the history of the vehicle. With a restoration, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into your one-of-a-kind model. Only you can decide which is more important!

It's a pretty common issue — entrepreneurs and innovators want to start some new business, but don't have a lot of money to do so.

The good news is that these intrepid pioneers now have a lot of options in today's lending economy.

Here are some of the key ways that business leaders can get started, without spending a lot of upfront capital on their dreams.

The grant process can be cumbersome, but it can be instrumental in giving business leaders upfront money to put into a business plan.

In general, your business documentation is going to be a big aspect of grant success. It's also important to know the landscape of these grant programs, and understand what they're asking for, up to and including the format for applications.
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Grants can be a way to get started thinking outside the box for funding a company that's new and doesn't have a big war chest.

Here's where these new business leaders have a lot of choices.

In the old days, traditional business loans involved going to a bank and getting a specific financing plan in place through an individual application. The borrower had to work hard, in many cases, to prove themselves to an individual lender who then decided whether or not to get involved.

Today, through the power of the Internet and cloud, as well as cryptocurrency and fintech, borrowers have many different options involving peer-to-peer and crowdsourcing lending. They may, for example, get microloans from many small donors, instead of venture capital funding from one big firm. They have new ways to reach angel investors, and new ways to prove their collateral or secure a loan.
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With that in mind, it pays to think about lending in a whole new way and spend more time figuring out the particular types of lending that will best serve your new small business. You may want to go the traditional route with seed rounds of funding, or you may want to go to a new peer-to-peer or crowdsourcing platform.

Here's another way to bootstrap business finances.

Invoice factoring involves selling outstanding invoices for money. The buyer takes on the payment process in exchange for upfront funds.

How does this work for a new small business? Let's say that the business needs capital, and has completed some initial projects or services, or sent products to clients. The invoices are outstanding, but they haven't been paid yet.

Invoice factoring unlocks that money for the company. The buyer gets a premium in terms of the eventual payout, but in return for a reduced revenue, the startup gets the money immediately, and that can make the difference in creating the financial runway that business leaders need.

Another major tip is to start small, and only take on what the business can handle financially.

It can be tempting to want to tackle the world in one great leap, but that's the way that a lot of businesses get in trouble financially. Specifically, for a business without a big budget at the startup, it makes sense to build small, and steadily grow the coffers in order to branch out and expand more confidently (and on better financial terms) later.
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This also helps you to blaze a trail in the precise way that benefits the business the most, not just ‘buy it and hope it works later.’

In some cases, changing the business structure is also a way to grow funding.

For example, there is the S Corp. or C Corp., but there's also the LLC that often connotes a partnership. If the business can include more partners at its beginning, that is its own kind of crowdsourcing that can also lower the capital requirements for each partner.

Here’s an additional tip: as you look at your various options and types of loans, you'll find that some are better suited to your own financial strategy. Where are the lowest interest rates and most favorable repayment terms? Who are the lenders who seem most amenable to or excited about your project?

Many lenders would say that there is a human element in the relationship between the lender and the borrower. Shopping around for options gives you more of an idea of what loan will serve you best in the long run.

As you go, think about options for using a more scaled-down startup process. What do you absolutely need at the beginning of your business cycle, and what can wait?

All of this can help in preparing for small business success at the outset of your venture. What do you think? Leave your comments below and get involved in planning your business well.

​A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that 10% of deaths recorded in the United States are due to medical errors. This makes it the third leading cause of death countrywide. Even if you receive the best medical care possible, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, there are a few things you can do.

Medical malpractice is a term used to describe a negligent act or omission by a healthcare professional that leads to injury or harm to a patient. Although the exact definition of medical malpractice varies from state to state, the general principles are the same.

In order to prove that medical malpractice has occurred, it must be shown that the healthcare professional owed a duty of care to the patient, that this duty was breached, and that the breach resulted in injury or harm. While medical malpractice can take many different forms, some of the most common include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Surgical errors
• Birth injuries
• Prescription errors

​In each of these cases, the healthcare professional involved failed to meet the acceptable standards of care, and as a result, the patient suffered some form of harm. If all of these elements are present or a medical error impacts your quality of life, then a patient may be entitled to compensation for their losses.

There are a few key indicators that may suggest you have been the victim of malpractice. If you experience an unexpected or unexplained injury following a medical procedure, this could be a sign that something went wrong.

If you receive a diagnosis that does not match your symptoms, this could be another red flag. Similarly, receiving improper medication or surgical procedures are also causes for concern.
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If information about potential risks associated with a procedure were withheld from you, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Not all injuries or negative outcomes are the results of malpractice. In some cases, the risks and complications of a procedure are simply unavoidable.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, there are a number of resources available to help you. It’s important to seek legal counsel to determine if you have a case. Reach out to legal malpractice attorneys in Seattle, WA, or whichever city you reside, for more information.

Once you have decided to pursue legal action, there are a number of organizations that can provide support, including the American Association for Justice and the National Center for Victims of Crime.
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In addition, many state and local bar associations offer resources for victims of medical malpractice. These organizations can provide information about filing a claim, finding an attorney, and understanding the legal process.

There are also plenty of websites that offer information and support for victims of medical malpractice. These sites can be a valuable resource for information and support as you navigate the legal process.

​No one should have to worry about being the victim of medical malpractice. However, if you or a loved one has been harmed by a healthcare professional, it is important to know that you have options and resources available to you. With the right support, you can get through this difficult time and seek the compensation you deserve.

Large corporations have entire marketing departments that promote goods and increase brand awareness. And whatever such companies produce, they all pay attention to one critical aspect – psychology. People purchase products for various reasons; some fall for visuals and slogans. Others, in turn, succumb to the price and overall convenience.

Using psychological methods allows you to improve your product or service and tailor it to people’s expectations. Marketing psychology relies on using a wide array of gimmicks, from the software with free graphic design templates to proficient analytics tools. Below, we’ve put together the most crucial information about marketing psychology and how to use it to achieve your goals.

​In a nutshell, marketing psychology delves into the human mind and conduct to learn customers’ buying behavior, interests, and preferences. The primary purpose of such a technique is to determine how people behave on social media and what makes them more inclined to purchase a particular product. 

It’s a truism that we are surrounded by marketing psychology these days. Whatever ad or Instagram story promoting a good you see is based on marketing psychology.

Above all else, marketing psychology is beneficial in that it lets you identify people’s buying patterns and predict how they’d behave once they stumble upon your product on the web. The technique also lets you alter people’s behavior and influence them to choose your brand. 

Besides, marketing psychology helps you enhance clients’ shopping experience and portray your company as customer-oriented.

​Marketing psychology encompasses various techniques. Which one to opt for hinges on your brand and its area of operation. Notwithstanding, let’s look at the most practical methods more in-depth.

Priming strategy
Priming is a widely known stimulus in psychology and related branches. In psycholinguistics, for example, priming is used to measure children’s response time and thus check syntactic prowess. In marketing, experts use priming to pair various elements and make the person think these items are inseparable, so they need to be bought together.

Fitts’s Law
As mentioned earlier, visuals always contain a powerful message that can make people complete the necessary action. Fitts’s Law states that the more appealing and friendly the visuals (social media profile, web page, etc.), the more they affect the buyer. 

Reciprocity Concept
People mirror your attitude toward them. Simple as that, be nice to people if you aspire to succeed and convert them into regular clients. Incentivize them, provide them with discounts, coupons, vouchers. It will all have a powerful effect.

Social Proof
By spreading clients’ comments and testimonials on your product, you verify your expertise and prove that people trust you. The great thing about this method is that it’s flexible, meaning you can use it however and wherever you want.
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Option Reduction
Scattering dozens of purchasing options isn’t always a good idea in that it can overwhelm people and leave them uncertain about what option to choose. If you want to double conversions and leads, restrict a list of choices.

Nudge Approach
This approach dramatically influences clients’ decision-making process. Here, you can use various linguistic structures and visual elements to encourage people to buy your product. Remember to use this concept in moderation to make it fruitful.

​With that being said, you may wonder which strategy to employ to influence and persuade. And that’s the thing: it’s nearly impossible to select the technique without analyzing your business. 

First, you need to set clear goals and expectations before adopting marketing psychology methods. Once you are clear on what you want to achieve, define what psychology marketing strategies you want to implement. You are encouraged to acquire several approaches, for using them interchangeably will bring better results.

And there you have it. As you now know, marketing psychology is a modern way of being compelling on the market. Regardless of your company’s size and focus, embracing marketing psychology can multiply your returns and make your brand way more successful and recognizable in the long run.

​Under UK law, pensions are considered to be a joint marital asset. This means that when a couple is divorcing, pensions are liable to be viewed as collateral and divided accordingly. The way that they are divided differs between cases depending on a number of important factors. Current guidelines aim to divide combined assets evenly, however, the way this is achieved is not always straightforward, which is where specialist firms such as Major Family Law can help navigate the various pitfalls.

​UK divorce legislation uses the equal division of matrimonial assets as a starting point from which to generate a financial resolution that is fair to both parties. The primary consideration for the Courts is the provision made for any dependent children. For example, if the main caregiver retains the marital property in order to provide a stable home for the children, the other partner may be allocated other financial assets instead, such as a lump sum payment or a larger stake in any pensions.

• Occupational pensions
• Private or personal pensions
• Additional State Pensions

Note that State pensions are not applicable and will not be taken into consideration.

There are three ways in which pensions can be divided up during the divorce process. These are:

• Pension offsetting - where the value of the pension is offset against the value of other assets.
• Pension sharing - this requires a Court order and represents one party being allocated a percentage of the pension scheme of their estranged spouse.
• Pension attachment - these are where one spouse is allocated a share of their ex-partner’s pension but can’t benefit from it until they start to draw on the pension. It is rarely used any more. 

Research has suggested that around 70% of married couples fail to talk about their pensions before getting divorced. This means that many people either don’t even know that a spousal pension exists or that it counts as marital collateral. Factors which can influence the percentage of your husband’s pension that you may be entitled to include:

• Yours and your spouse's age
• Length of marriage
• Proximity to retirement
• Potential earning capacity

Factors taken into account are highly dependent on individual circumstances. For example, if you haven’t been married for very long, you are significantly younger than your husband and have greater future earning capacity, or if the majority of their pension had been contributed prior to the marriage.

• Family responsibilities
  All divorces are different and there is definitely no ‘one size fits all’ solution. This is mainly due to circumstantial factors that the Courts place considerable weight on, such as the financial requirements of meeting the needs of any children and the ongoing financial needs of either yourself or your husband.
• Earnings
  Both the current and future potential earnings of the parties involved are given credence as well as both the financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage, for example, if one spouse has spent more time raising the children then this is considered as viable a contribution as bringing in a salary.
• Health and wellbeing
  Health considerations, including any long-term illness or disability will be recognised and accounted for along with the standard of living with which you have been accustomed to during the marriage.
  
  ​There are many issues to consider when it comes to pension entitlement. If you are getting a divorce, then speak to a legal professional about your individual circumstances to become more informed about what steps to take next.

Time is a valuable resource, so it’s a shame when we squander any of it. When you’re a student and studying it might feel like your time is constantly being wasted, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways you can use time management to boost your grades and get more done in less time. Sounds pretty sweet right? Well, there are lots of tactics to learn but here are the top 10 that any student can start using today!

​Time management is a key component to your success in college. Learning to balance your time can help you tackle projects, assignments, and other activities that will come your way. If you are having trouble managing your time, here are 10 tactics that can help boost your grades and make you a more efficient student.

1. Create a calendar:
A calendar will help you organize the things that you have to do for the week, month or whole semester. You should put due dates for assignments, exams and other activities as well as include any obligations that you have such as family events and organizations that you are involved in. Having a calendar is the first step to becoming organized and will allow you to better manage your time.

2. Make a schedule:
Your schedule should include the amount of time that you need to spend on certain tasks and activities during the day or week. It should also include when you should start studying for an exam or doing homework so that it gets done on time. Having a schedule gives you an idea of how much time you have available to complete all of the tasks that need to be done.

3. Be realistic about how much time you have to accomplish tasks:
If you’re a student, you probably don’t want to spend all of your free time studying or doing school work. You need some free time to hang out with friends, pursue a hobby or sport, or just relax. When you are given an assignment, look at the due date and make a schedule for how much time you can afford to spend on it each day so that you will finish on time and still have enough free time for other things.

4. Do some of the most difficult works first:
Rather than starting with simpler assignments that you find more interesting or easier to complete, begin with the most difficult ones. This is because you will be working with a fresh mind when your energy level is highest. Once your mind is drained, the quality of your work will decrease.

5. Start working on assignments early:
As a student, one of the best ways to boost your academic performance and to write a perfect essay is to start working on your assignments early enough. If there is an assignment due in two weeks, do not wait until the night before it is due to start working on it. Get started early so that you have more time to complete it, and avoid rushing through it. Starting early will also give you enough time to seek assistance if needed.

6. Reward yourself for completing tasks:
You can also be an effective time manager by rewarding yourself for completing your assignments. If you’ve got a reward waiting for you when you finish, it will motivate you to get started and keep going until you complete the assignment. 

If you have a favorite snack or treat that you enjoy, use it as a reward for yourself when you have finished your assignment or study session.

7. Ask for assistance when needed:
Asking for help doesn’t show a lack of intelligence; it shows strength. If you don’t understand the material, you can ask your professor for more explanation or ask a fellow student for study tips. Don’t let not knowing something stop you from asking. A tutor can also be your ally in time management and prioritizing tasks.

8. Find a quiet place to study without distractions:
Finding a quiet place to study is important when trying to figure out how to manage your time as a student. Go to the library, or find a room or area in your house where you can focus on getting things done. Turn off social media notifications on your phone, and only use your laptop when necessary. 

It may be tempting to check Facebook right before you start studying, but this will only distract you. Make sure that homework is the first thing you do when coming home from school so that it’s finished and out of the way before anything else happens during the day.

9. Take active learning techniques into consideration:
Active learning is an effective method of teaching that applies to a variety of academic needs. Some of the most common active learning techniques include observing experiments, collaborating with peers and doing presentations. 

Study groups are also an excellent way to boost study performance and encourage students to talk about their academics. The best part about these tactics is that they can be used in any academic environment, including online classes.

10. Review what you've learned at the end of each day:
This one is obvious. A little bit of repetition will help keep your mind focused on the tasks at hand. For example, if you're studying for a math exam, then reviewing some past problems can help refresh your memory and remind you what you need to work on before test day. Studying should also be done in short intervals, as research shows that students' brains react best to studying over a period of time rather than in a single sitting.

​Eating a healthy balanced diet can help you reach and maintain your fitness goals. What you eat before and after a workout affects your mood, motivation, performance, energy level, and recovery. 
 
Pre-workout nutrition gives you the strength and energy you need during exercise. And just as important, post-workout nutrition provides your body with the nutrients it needs to recover and replenish. 
 
When used appropriately, dietary supplements can be used before and after exercise to enhance performance and recovery.

​Fueling your body before a workout provides you with the energy and strength to perform. 
 
Pre-workout meals should consist of an easy-to-digest balance of macronutrients. To avoid an upset stomach, try to eat 2-4 hours before activity.

Pre-workout supplements, taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercise, boost energy levels. 
 
Proponents claim that pre-workout nutrients increase focus, energy, strength, and endurance during exercise and promote faster recovery after exercise. 
 
Unfortunately, pre-workout products are largely unregulated. Many products do not undergo proper testing to ensure the quality and safety of ingredients. In other words, buyer beware.
 
If you take a pre-workout supplement, choose a product from a reputable company. One that performs independent third-party testing for quality and safety. Like Naked Energy, a clean pre workout from Naked Nutrition. 
 
Naked Energy contains B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, caffeine, creatinine, beta-alanine, and L-arginine. 
 
Be sure not to exceed the recommended serving size and always consult with a physician before taking any new supplement.
​

What you eat after a workout helps maximize recovery and replenish energy stores. 
 
Consuming high-quality protein post-workout can help repair, remodel, and build muscle. It is generally recommended to consume protein in combination with carbohydrates within 1 hour of working out. You can get the protein you need from whole foods or a protein supplement. 
 
Whole food sources of protein include chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, nuts, beans, and tofu.

It’s not always possible to get adequate protein through food alone. In this case, using a supplement is a convenient way to incorporate protein. There are various types of protein supplements available. Animal-derived proteins include whey, casein, egg, and collagen. Plant-derived proteins include pea, rice, hemp, and soy. 
 
Your fitness goals can help you to match a supplement to fit your needs. For example, if you have joint pain, collagen may help. Collagen is a major component of skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, and ligaments. 
 
There is evidence that collagen can reduce activity-related joint pain, and strengthen tendons and ligaments. 
 
Making a post-workout smoothie is easy to incorporate collagen into your diet. Like this green apple ginger smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 date, pitted (if you don’t have dates, use a whole frozen banana)
• 1 green apple (cored & chopped)
• 1 tbsp. hemp seeds or chia seeds
• 1 scoop of collagen peptides powder
• 1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger
• 5 drops liquid stevia
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• Ice as needed (~4-5 ice cubes)

Instructions
 Simply combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

​If you’re looking for a plant-based post-workout smoothie option, try this peanut butter hemp smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 date, pitted (if you don’t have dates, use a whole frozen banana)
• 1 scoop of Naked PB protein powder
• 1 tbsp. hemp seeds 
• 5 drops liquid stevia
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• Ice as needed (~4-5 ice cubes)

 Instructions
 Simply combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

​Before and after exercise, proper nutrition and hydration can help you reach and maintain your fitness goals. 
 
Pre and post-workout supplements can enhance performance and recovery, when used appropriately. Use caution before taking any pre or post-workout supplements. 
 
Be sure to choose products made with high-quality ingredients and third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.

We all know how cute French Bulldogs are. So, it should be no surprise to learn that, in 2020, they were the second-most popular pet in the U.K. and the fourth-most popular dog breed registered with the American Kennel Club in the U.S.
 
Frenchies first appeared in Paris during the nineteenth century, as a result of crossbreeding English toy bulldogs with French ratter dogs.
 
The mild-mannered and friendly French Bulldog makes an excellent pet for all kinds of people who want to be dog parents. But can a French Bulldog be a service dog? Let’s find out.

Service dogs are trained to help people who have disabilities. They can assist people with physical disabilities or mental impairments.
 
Over 80 million people in the U.S. alone have service dogs to help them in a variety of ways. For example, they can assist physically disabled people who are visually impaired, deaf or have mobility issues.
 
Blind and visually impaired people can navigate their environments much more easily and safely with the assistance of a service dog, and people with hearing problems can hear important sounds, such as oncoming traffic. Meanwhile, mobility dogs can help individuals who have balance issues or use wheelchairs or walking devices.
 
Service dogs also include medical alert dogs that can signal the onset of medical problems like allergies, low blood sugar, and seizures.
 
Service dogs can be very beneficial to people who have mental disabilities. For instance, psychiatric service dogs are able to help people who suffer from conditions like PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
 
The dogs are trained to help such individuals by performing specific tasks. The tasks are uniquely linked to the individual person’s mental disability and precise needs.
 
For example, someone suffering from PTSD could experience panic attacks or social anxiety. When such an individual has a psychiatric service dog, he or she can reduce symptoms of panic and anxiety, and the dog will know what to do to help. Find out more by checking out psychiatric service dog guide from Certapet.

A reputable trainer will train your service dog.

​​The international standard is: service dogs should be trained for an average of 120 hours over a period of 6 months. 30 of those hours should be spent in public places so that the dog can become accustomed to certain sounds, experiences, and environments. They are best trained as puppies.
 
Once a dog has been trained, a further period is required to see how it fairs in certain situations. For instance, trainers must be sure that any service dog can remain calm, doesn’t display signs of aggressive behavior, doesn’t beg for food or attention, and doesn’t show any hyperactive behavior in public places.

The most common breeds that are trained as service dogs for people with physical disabilities are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
 
But actually, any breed of dog can be a service dog. Only, some breeds of dogs are more suited to helping some forms of disabilities than others.
 
For example, service dogs can be used to pull wheelchairs, so large and strong dogs like Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs would be ideal, whereas a Papillon would not. However, a Papillon would make an excellent hearing dog.
 
And some dog breeds, like Toy Poodles, can perform tasks like alerting people about blood sugar variations and activating light switches.
 
So, it’s about finding the right breed of dog to fit the needs of the individual disability and the needs of the person.
 
In addition to those already mentioned, common breeds that are used as service dogs include Beagles, Boston Terriers, Saint Bernards, Pomeranians, and Pugs.

Any breed of dog can be a service dog. So, yes! French Bulldogs can indeed be service dogs.
 
However, like other breeds, Frenchies are best suited to people with certain disabilities. A French Bulldog would not make the best guide dog for a blind person. Nor would it have the strength to help people with mobility issues.
 
But French Bulldogs can make ideal partners for people who have emotional needs. The dogs are even-tempered, intelligent, and have calm natures. They’re pretty tough too. Furthermore, French Bulldogs rarely bark.
 
Perhaps most importantly, the dogs crave companionship, are very affectionate with their owners, and are well known to be very loyal. Those kinds of qualities are exactly what people with mental disabilities need.
 
Also, Frenchies are great with both adults and children; and they get along well with other pets.
 
French Bulldogs are easier to train than many other breeds, too. However, they can be stubborn from time to time.

Both male and female French Bulldogs are suitable as service dogs. But the two sexes do have differences.
 
Male French Bulldogs tend to be more playful, energetic, and assertive than females, while females tend to be more docile but dominating. And females are generally easier to train than males.
 
Spaying and neutering can also make a difference in a French Bulldog’s personality. And spaying and neutering make Frenchies calmer and easier to train.
 
As for their physical differences, male French Bulldogs have larger heads and physical frames than females.

​Service dogs are able to transform people’s lives. Individuals with physical disabilities like deafness, hearing impairments, blindness, vision impairments, or mobility issues can greatly benefit from having a service dog. So can people who have mental disabilities like PTSD or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
 
French Bulldogs are not suitable for assisting people with physical disabilities, but due to their warm personalities and ability to be trained well, they can make the perfect partner for individuals with mental disabilities and mental health issues.
 
Frenchies will provide a lot of love and affection. That alone goes a long way to helping people who have mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

As your body ages, you notice a series of changes that impact your way of living and general well-being. Basically, even if you still feel like you are 20 years old in your mind, your achy joints and lack of stamina manage to bring you back to reality. 

But old age doesn’t have to be a sad period of your life. While things will change and you won’t be as fit as you used to be, you can still improve your current condition. And where you can’t, it helps to understand and accept the situation. 

Let’s take sleep as an example. Nowadays, sleep disorders caused by low-quality sleep​ are quite common among adults and even young people. The constant exposure to news, social media, and various devices equipped with a screen that emits blue light is disruptive to sleep patterns, which leads to a wave of health issues.

However, even if you had a healthy sleep pattern during your early and middle adulthood, the situation may be different in your golden years. Moving forward, we’ll have a look at some of the most common changes in sleep patterns that occur with age so you can recognize and understand them.

Our sleep patterns are regulated by our body’s circadian rhythm, which is unique for every individual. That’s why some people are early risers while others are night owls, for instance. Now, the circadian rhythm is directed by various hormones designed to tell you when to sleep and when to wake up.

As you get older, the production of hormones decreases or changes due to cellular deterioration. As a result, your sleep patterns change, and you may find yourself sleeping less or needing to take longer naps during the day. 

Plus, if you don’t take enough walks in nature and don’t expose yourself to natural daylight (research shows many older people don’t), your circadian rhythm will suffer. Therefore, both a drop in hormone production and less exposure to daylight can lead to a reduction in sleep quantity and quality.

Waking up tired and no energy throughout the day can also be a symptom of old age. However, it’s important to make sure there aren’t other causes such as:

• Lack of physical exercise
• Too many stimuli in your bedroom - light early in the morning, sound from outside, irritating smells, and so on.
• A mattress that’s too hard/soft or too hot
• A snoring/kicking bed partner (be it a spouse or a pet)
• Sleep apnea
• Anxiety

Any of the scenarios above (and others) can be fixed or diminished with a few changes or medical devices. So before you settle for an old age during which you feel chronically tired, make sure there aren’t any hindrances that can be removed.

​Let’s be honest - everyone can sleep well when they are healthy! However, as you get older, chances are you’ll get diagnosed with at least two or more health conditions that will block the possibility of peaceful sleep. 

Plus, you may also experience side effects from the medication your doctor prescribes for your health conditions. In many cases, medications such as corticosteroids and antidepressants are known to cause insomnia while opiates tend to cause daytime drowsiness. 

Also, if you are on multiple medications, the interactions can also impact your sleep patterns.

​Medications, changes in hormonal production, and an overall lack of physical activity are some of the most common causes of low-quality sleep in older adults. Still, there are a few things you can do to overcome some of these scenarios.

For instance, you can practice meditation sessions right before going to bed to help the body relax and invite sleep into your world. Also, light physical activity is crucial for aging gracefully, and don’t be afraid to take walks in the sunlight when possible.