Do I Have Enough Money To Sustain My Lifestyle?

Blog, Lifestyle

How does retirement look these days? We surveyed 3,700 people and found that they have 7.5 hours per day of leisure. 92% of respondents believe that this is enough time to be able to do what they like. Most people emphasize that they are looking for experiences more than things. This could include time spent in activities that improve your health, such as exercise, yoga, or mindfulness, and also special “peak” experiences, which you can share with your social media followers and friends to inspire them. But that’s not all. According to AARP research, three out of four fifty-plus adults would like to remain in their homes and their neighborhoods. There’s even more: Many retired people work at least part-time. Many people take care of their family members. Many people volunteer in their local communities and around the globe.

Retirement, no matter how you see it, is a time when more money is leaving than c

oming in. How do you determine if you have enough money to support your lifestyle? You have to get down to business. JJ Montanaro is a certified financial planner working with USAA’s Military Affairs Advocacy Group. You can find out more about where to start by clicking here. It’s also a good idea to stop and take stock of the facts in your life right now, as well as the future.

CONDUCT A REALITY CHECK
Even though expenses are not going down when you retire, they don’t stop increasing.

If we take a look at the averages, $46,000 is the annual amount that older households (those whose owners are 65 years or older according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) spend each year. This is about $1,000 less than what all households in the US spend on an average year. This means that you might not need to replace 85 percent of your preretirement income.

This means that you need to take a hard look at your personal situation and determine if you are in the average category. If you take a look at your finances before retiring, do you have a large budget for commuters? You may be able to save a few thousand each year if you don’t go to work every day. How much did you save? You’re now a net spender and the money you used to automatically contribute to your retirement plan is no longer required to be spent. Look at the other side. If you have been heavily subsidized by your employer, the amount you spend on insurance could go up by thousands per year. If you worked long hours during the week and spent weekends at home recuperating, you have many options for how you spend your free time. To see where your chances of falling, run some numbers before you retire.

GET REAL ABOUT WHETHER YOU’LL CONTINUE TO WORK (and how much money you’ll make if so).
The 2019 Retirement Confidence survey from the Employee Benefits Research Institute found that 80 percent of workers think they will continue working for their retirement pay. However, only 28 percent of those who actually work do so. The majority of workers expect that the income they earn will only be a small source of income.

Montanaro says this is an important issue. Not only for those who expect to continue receiving a paycheck in retirement but also for the 40 percent of people who have to retire earlier than they expected due to a medical issue or job loss.

CONSIDER THE HOUSE
A paid-off mortgage is a great way to have some breathing room as you approach retirement. It may require some planning. You need to plan the loan term so you can retire it as you would. Montanaro says that it gives you more options and flexibility than if you don’t have it. You don’t have to take into account taxes, insurance, maintenance, and you can also consider a reverse mortgage. These loans, which allow seniors 62 years and older to tap into their equity at home, have many critics. However, experts recommend using them as a back-pocket credit you can access if your portfolio is in decline.

Emerging Trends Shaping Our New Future

Blog, Trends

The Coronavirus (COVID-19), the outbreak has now impacted our professional and personal lives. Many people are struggling to understand the complex business issues affecting their supply chain, financial health, and customer engagement.

The world is currently experiencing one of the largest historical shifts in 100 years. New businesses will emerge and old businesses will be restructured. As a result of this pandemic, we are already witnessing a shift in the services that our clients use. Services essential to health, energy, natural resources, and emergency services will be in high demand even though the business models may change.

We must be alert and cautious to the possible spread of the virus and remain resilient in our efforts to find new ways to live and work. We should learn from China and India how they are handling the situation. The combined wealth of the western countries will allow us to repurpose our spending and improve our healthcare.

As soon as fear dissipates, new ways of living and working will emerge. Let’s discuss ten ways we can reimagine our lives, our organizations, and our society.

1. With a stronger emergence and support of social capitalism, globalization will be redefined
COVID-19 may bring an end to unregulated, free-market globalization. It exposes the serious consequences of uncoordinated and independent actions by countries on the global economy as well as the well-being and security of individuals. The pandemic demonstrated that problems in one country can have a significant impact on the whole economy.

The new globalization that recognizes interdependence and benefits all peoples will emerge. It is based on the collective actions of individuals, countries, and businesses. Companies will adapt their business models and governance to place greater emphasis on social responsibility and the well-being of employees. COVID-19 will be a model for new legislation in many countries. Companies will be driven by social capitalism and the rise of social capital. Business strategy will not only be driven by markets and market regulation but also the good of the community and society.

2. Digital transformation acceleration
Many organizations have been working to transform businesses in the past two years. COVID-19 will require companies to make radical technological advances and modernize their culture, organizational structures, and operating architectures.

Top business leaders agree that even if an organization is ahead, they must be flexible, willing to take calculated risks, and ready to fail quickly if they want to keep their business afloat. Many companies would make it a priority to accelerate digital transformation to improve business continuity and productivity, as well as to launch new business models that will remain competitive.

3. Increased use of a workforce on-demand will mean that there will be more
COVID-19 will have a positive economic impact on the economy. People and companies will adopt technology-enabled platforms and models for their workforce. This will improve workforce planning, financial management, and access to diverse skill sets. Employers should learn how to retain and engage on-demand talent by learning about improved People Management strategies, tools, and tools that can make a difference for an on-demand workforce.

4. A new platform for healthcare reform
COVID-19 exposed serious gaps in some of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems. The pandemic created an urgent need for healthcare reform in the United States and other countries, including France, the United Kingdom, France, and many other developing nations. COVID-19 will make it more difficult for the healthcare industry to change and offer better care. Many will be able to take advantage of this opportunity, as they are part of the construction process.

Companies will have to focus on individual healthcare, in addition to industry reform. As remote work, social isolation, and social distancing become more common, the need for emotional connection will rise. To avoid the negative effects of infrequent human contact, companies will place greater emphasis on employees’ mental health and well-being.

5. Supply chains will disintegrate and reorganize themselves
Technology platforms will integrate them, further fragmenting supply chains. Multiple-tier supply chains will be created to track key components, including the origin and incremental value-adds. This will open up new avenues for customers to interact, manage inventory, optimize production and distribution, logistics management, and managing cash/capital.

In addition to this, 5G internet will become more accessible, increasing the use of internet systems online and reducing the risk of centralization. Traditional business strategies are based on the market and its competitors. Companies must create breakthrough value for customers in the new COVID-19 era. Not just once. Companies must embrace global thinking and form strategic alliances with other companies in a global ecosystem. This will make value creation difficult in an ever-changing business environment.

Complete Guide To Buying A House In Your 20s

Blog, Home & Real Estate

This is the ultimate guide for buying a house in your 20s

In your 20s, the idea of buying a house may seem impossible. As a recent graduate, student loan debt is a major concern. You are working at an entry-level job with no prospects for a raise.

Although homeownership may seem daunting, millions of Millennials can do it. The single largest group of homebuyers in the country is now the Millennials. Many are buying homes alone, long before children or marriage are even on their radar.

Is this the right move for you? And, most importantly, is it possible to afford it? Let’s get it down.

Benefits of purchasing a home while you are still in your 20s
There are many benefits to homeownership, especially when you’re young. A home can be a long-term investment in your 20s. If you keep it long enough, it could lead to significant wealth building. You can sell the house at a profit, make it an income-earning rental property, or live in fully-paid-off housing in retirement (though that may seem far away).

Is it too young to purchase a house?
There is no right or wrong time to buy a house. Although you are legally allowed to purchase and own real property at 18 years old, that doesn’t mean that it is the right decision for everyone 18.

It’s a large and costly purchase that you will need to live in your home for many years. You should wait until you have a steady income, a stable job, and decent credit to be eligible for a mortgage loan. This will allow you to pay the monthly mortgage payment while you live in your home.

Here are some things to remember before you buy a house in your 20s

Be sure to consider all financial considerations before you make a serious decision about buying a home.

Consider these things:

Your career
Are you satisfied with your current job? Are you sure that you will be there for a long time? Are you able to move because your career takes you outside the area? You wish to remain in the house for at least a year to recover your transaction costs and make the property profitable.

Your income
What is your annual income? What percentage of your after-tax income can you put towards housing? To calculate how much your mortgage is likely to cost, use a mortgage calculator. Make sure that you have enough income to pay for maintenance/repairs, as well as regular monthly expenses such as food, utilities, car payments, and so on.

Your future
Are you considering marriage? Are you looking to have children or pets? Are you able to afford a home that can accommodate these changes? It is important to ensure that your home purchase matches your plans and goals.

Interest rates
What are the current mortgage interest rates? Is it better to wait for rates to drop so that your monthly payments are more affordable? If you aren’t sure, talk to a trusted loan officer and make sure to compare rates. They can vary from one lender to the next.

Your local market
How is the housing market in your region? Are home values rising? Are home prices still affordable? A home that will increase in value over time is what you want, and it will bring you profit. Talk to a local agent if you are unsure if a house is worth your investment.

You also have to be responsible. You will need to be more involved in maintaining your home than you would if renting. Before you move forward, make sure that you are ready to handle all the responsibilities of homeownership.

Home Treatment for Sore Throat

Blog, Health

Overview

The most common symptom of sore throats. It is possible to have difficulty swallowing liquids and food, or it may get worse.

Although it’s not serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor, it’s painful and may hinder your ability to get an adequate night’s rest. Fortunately, you can use at-home remedies to soothe irritation and pain.

1. Honey

A common home remedy for sore throats is honey, whether in tea or as a treat by itself. One study found that honey was even more effective in reducing nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants. Additional research

2. Saltwater

Warm salt water can soothe a sore throat and help break down the secretions. It also helps eliminate the bacterial burden in the throat. Create a saltwater remedy by mixing one-half teaspoon of salt in one glass of water that is warm. Inhale it to reduce swelling and keep the throat clean. The procedure should be performed at least once every three hours.

3. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is known to be gentle. It has been utilized for centuries to treat sore throats. It is commonly employed due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Many studies have shown that inhaling chamomile tea may relieve the symptoms of a common cold. Similar benefits can be found in chamomile tea. It also helps to boost the immune system to aid your body in fighting off the infection that led to sore throats in the first place. shows honey to be an effective healer of wounds, meaning it could speed the healing process for sore throats.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint oil is well-known for its ability to soothe breath. Diluted peppermint oil sprays may also help relieve sore throats. Peppermint has menthol in it, which aids in reducing mucus and helps to soothe sore throats and coughs. Peppermint could also possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that may aid in healing.

Essential oils should not be used without being mixed with carrier oils, such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, and softened coconut oil. For peppermint oil, combine five drops of essential oil with one 1 ounce of carrier oil you choose. Never ingest essential oils.

5. Baking soda gargle

While the saltwater gargle is most commonly used, gargling baking soda mixed with salt water can help alleviate sore throats as well. This treatment will kill bacteria and stop the growth of yeast and fungi.

The National Cancer Institute suggests gently swirling 1 cup of warm water, containing 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt. The National Cancer Institute recommends using the rinse every 3 hours as required.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an excellent choice to improve your health. It comes in many types. You can eat fenugreek seeds, use the oil applied to the skin or drink fenugreek tea. Fenugreek tea is an effective remedy for sore throats.

Studies have demonstrated the healing power of fenugreek. It has the ability to relieve pain and kill bacteria that cause irritation and inflammation. Fenugreek is also used as an antifungal.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends that pregnant women stay clear of fenugreek.

There are many ways to make use of ACV to help treat sore throats. It all depends on the severity of your issue and your level of sensitivity to vinegar. It is best to first talk to your doctor or healthcare physician.

Prevention

Do not touch people with strep thyroid or the flu to prevent sore throat. Be sure to clean your hands frequently. Avoid spicy and acidic foods. Also, avoid smoke and chemical fumes which can trigger inflammation.

Complete healing

There is a tiny percentage of sore throats that could be caused by bacteria. These include whooping cough, strep-thrush, and diphtheria. Most doctors recommend seeking out a doctor only in the case of a very sore throat, such as a sore throat with a fever or when swollen tonsils block the throat.

Try these natural remedies that may help you feel better more quickly and avoid visiting the doctor’s office. If you want to feel at your best ensure that you drink plenty of fluids and take enough rest.

How To Start A Business With Your Friend

Blog, Business

Sometimes, friendships end up being the backbone of several successful businesses. Quite a few big-name companies in several of businesses are conducted by pairs of intimate friends — by the fashion-forward pals who found Juicy Couture almost a decade ago, into the mothers (and BFFs) using a passion for healthy snacks who based Tasty.

If you are considering turning your partner-in-crime into your business associate, below are a few strategies to take into account, courtesy of girls who’ve been around.

BE SURE YOU’RE COMPATIBLE AS BUSINESS PARTNERS
The attributes which make people great buddies do not always fit the qualities which make folks excellent business partners. Your pal’s inclination to be overdue, as an instance, could be endearing if she shows up frazzled to happy hour (20 minutes later she was supposed to), yet this habit might be rather frustrating when the same thing occurs with a significant business meeting.

Amy Creel understands how significant it to create an unemotional decision regarding that which you enter business together: She started Smart Mother LLC together with her very best friend only to get a massive falling out to the point she ended up purchasing her friend from the business. “It is not sufficient to be buddies, even best friends,” she states. “You want to learn whether you’re business harmonious — kind of like traveling with somebody. You can be best buds horrible travel companions”.

SET EXPECTATIONS AND GOALS
As well as taking inventory of your own compatibility as business partners, you have to be certain that you’re both on precisely the same page about what you wish to accomplish, states Zangara. “What are your dreams for this particular business? Are you on precisely the same page?”

For Grace Clapham and Colonia Teodros, co-founders of this Change School, which contributes a string of educational retreats in Bali, this supposed clarifying aims — and endurance — upfront. “Establish a deadline for attaining key milestones and examine your own personal and startup financing to make certain you can sustain yourself more than specified intervals,” states Teodros.

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
While every business differs concerning whether you’ll want to make an LLC or document for a DBA, you are going to want to find some type of formal paperwork in your venture setup. “Girls tend to prevent confrontation — we do not need to violate by requesting our pal to place things in writing,” says Creel. “We frequently rely on our feelings and, in business, which does not work. You have to protect yourself with a thorough written agreement that covers all probable situations before getting into the business.”

DON’T LET MONEY BECOME AN ISSUE
Cash has a funny method of coming in between even the best of friends if you are not careful. So, have a hint from Amy Weicker, who’s business partners with author and self-help-guru best buddy, Brenden Dilley: “Don’t permit your business and personal funds to commingle at any moment,” she states. Rather, start a business account to which you have access. (This may also safeguard your personal interests if someone sues your business).

“Additionally agree before starting your enterprise that there’ll be absolute transparency concerning all elements of their business financing,” Weicker adds. “No spouse will at any time remove funds in the business with no knowledge and approval of another.”

SEPARATE WORK FROM PLAY
Sharon Fornaciari Maher, co-founder, and designer of RJ Square LLC making traveling bags for children says that her business partner/BFF, Maggie, does her best not to allow their two connections to commingle. “Although we began on our kitchen tables understood we needed to approach our alliance’s a business,”’ she explains.

Of course, it is not simple to exclusively talk store when you have got hot gossip or a cute photo of your child to talk about. Heather Carson of startup-focused PR firm Onboardly, says she and her business partner (and best friend) Renee Warren make it quite clear when they are creating a personal statement or a job. “We declare ‘buddy hat’ or founder hat’ before stating something which could be contemplated in a gray area,” she states. “It is the way we distinguish a personal comment or opinion from one which does not actually have a location at the business.”

UNDERSTAND ROLES BASED ON YOUR STRENGTHS
The experts we talked with agree that picking a business partner with complementary — not similar — advantages is essential to your success. Amie Hoff, CPT, NASM, who went to business with her friend Beth (who also happens to be her sister) to start FitKit.com, considers that using distinct ability sets helps define your own characters and daily activities. As a fitness pro, I’m more the surface of the merchandise and manage all of the PR, exercise development, and client interaction,” she explains. “We make a fantastic team. I couldn’t ever do what she does and she could.”

And as soon as you’ve got your tasks determined, let your spouse do her job without micromanaging or second-guessing, says Stephanie Allen, co-founder of Fantasy Dinners, which aids families to create homemade dishes, with her very best friend Tina Kuna. “Trust them entirely and permit them to look after their daily activities,” she states. “Do not play in their sandbox.”