All posts by Tia

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Solar Power: The Pros, Cons, and Myths

Solar Power: The Pros, Cons, and Myths

Home solar power is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills and take a more active role in sourcing their electricity. But like any major home improvement project, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of solar power before making a decision. In this article, we will dispel some of the myths around solar power and outline the key factors you need to consider before installing panels on your roof.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Pros of Solar Power

The biggest advantage of solar power is that it produces electricity without burning fossil fuels, resulting in zero emissions of climate-harming greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide. By installing a home solar system, you can reduce your household’s contribution to air pollution and global warming.

Lower Electricity Costs

In some states, the cost of powering your home with solar energy can be less than the cost of buying electricity from a local utility company. This is especially true if you participate in net metering programs available in many parts of the country. Net metering allows homeowners to sell excess power generated by their solar panels back to the grid at a profit.

Increased Home Value

Installing a solar system is an investment that can pay off in the long run. A home with solar panels will typically have higher resale value than comparable homes without them, making it easier for you to recoup your initial costs. Just make sure that you partner with the best solar company so that you get quality installation, products, and service.

Read: 8 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE GREENER

Cons of Solar Power

The cost of installing a home solar system can be prohibitively expensive for some homeowners, especially if they don’t qualify for any tax credits or incentives offered by local governments or utility companies.

Limited Availability of Sunlight

Solar power systems rely on sunlight to generate electricity and are therefore limited in geographic scope. Locations with plenty of sunny days throughout the year tend to be best suited for this type of energy generation.

Maintenance Requirements

Solar systems require periodic maintenance in order to keep running at optimal efficiency. This includes cleaning the panels and replacing any parts that may be damaged or worn over time.

Read: TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Solar Power Myths

Solar power is often misunderstood by the general public, leading to some common misconceptions about its efficacy and practicality. Here are a few of the most popular myths about solar power debunked:

• Myth 1: Solar Panels Take Up Too Much Space – In reality, solar panels don’t take up much space at all; a typical system can fit on an average-sized roof with plenty of room to spare

• Myth 2: Solar Power Is Too Expensive – This is no longer true; with advances in technology and the availability of incentives, solar energy can be just as cost-effective as traditional electricity sources

• Myth 3: Solar Power Is Unreliable – On the contrary, modern solar systems are designed to be reliable and durable even through extreme weather conditions. As such, solar power can provide a dependable source of electricity for your home

Whether you’re looking to reduce your utility bills or you want to do your part to help the environment, installing a home solar system could be just what you need. By understanding the pros and cons of this alternative energy source—and dispelling some common myths—you can make an informed decision that best suits your household’s energy needs.

Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. 

SEX & LIFE, TIPS IN ACTION

Top Signs You Need a New Car

Top Signs You Need a New Car

The beauty of modern cars is that with the right treatment, they can run for a very long time without breaking down. Hitting 100,000 miles on your clock is nothing these days, and there are some motorists out there who have rolled over up to a million. The problem is that with your vehicle not being well maintained, this isn’t actually possible. You need to make sure that you are paying attention to what your car is telling you when your car whispers rather than when it shouts. Those whispering signs that you need a new car are only going to start shouting when it comes to being stranded in the middle of the road. 

Read: 7 MUST-HAVE DRIVING APPS FOR AN EASY COMMUTE

Companies such as Cars Protection Plus can help you to learn about car safety, but how do you know when you need a new car? And what are the signs that your current car is going to break down? Daily diagnostics can provide you with valuable clues and help you determine whether or not it’s time to say goodbye to your old car and hello to a new set of wheels. The subtle signs you should be looking for are below.

Image source: Pexels

  • The car is starting to smell. Cars are supposed to have a certain newness to them, a smell of leather or a smell of fabric. You might even get that nice strawberry smell when you hang up your internal air freshener. But they’re not supposed to smell strange, and they’re not supposed to make weird noises. If you are dealing with either of these things, there is a good sign that there is a problem. Something smelly is a good sign that your car is wearing out and needs to be replaced or something within it does. If you hear noises, that’s completely different because any kind of grinding, rattling, or backfiring shows a good chance that you’re in for a very expensive repair.
  • You have noticed a leak. It’s not the end of the world if there is a leak in your car, but they are often the beginning of something going wrong. New cars are not supposed to leak; old cars can leak a lot, but that’s because the car itself has aged out. If you are seeing a rainbow of liquid colors on the garage floor, you need to go to a new car dealer, and you need to go to a mechanic. They may be able to write off your car for you. And then you can go and buy a new one.
  • Have you seen some smoke? Smoking elements in your car can be repaired, but it usually shows off that there is a serious problem. Usually, smoke coming out of a car that needs some support is either black, gray, or white. Black usually means that there is a dirty something within the filtration system, and gray means that the car is burning oil. White means that there’s a problem with the engine, so you need to make sure that any leaking engine gaskets are cleaned up quickly
  • Your car is overheating. We know that engines get hot, and when they do, this isn’t usually a problem except in extreme conditions. If your temperature gauges are permanently in the red zone, you may want to think about getting a new car because while it’s fixable, problems often recur, and it will cost you more money over time.

Read: THE ROADBLOCKS IN YOUR MIND: GETTING OVER YOUR FEAR OF DRIVING

Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. 

TIPS IN ACTION

App Concepts Fintech Startups Should Consider In 2023

App Concepts Fintech Startups Should Consider In 2023

Unsplash – CC0 License

Every year, the fintech world progresses. Improvements in regulations mean that it is easier than ever before to launch an app and generate profits. 

Strangely, though, only a small fraction of startups are entering the sector. It remains relatively underexplored compared to other areas where competition is fierce. 

Here, we explore app concepts on the horizon in 2023. Let’s take a look. 

Bill Reminder Apps

People get into trouble when they fail to pay their bills on time. It tanks their credit rating and it makes it much harder to get a loan. 

It can even lead to legal trouble and letters through the door. That’s not what people want. 

Bill reminder apps are a solution. These connect to the user’s bank account and then schedule reminders based on due dates. All users need to do is read and respond to the notifications. 

The best apps allow users to automate payments or press a single button to authorize them. 

Read: SMART BUSINESS TECHNIQUES THAT WILL HELP YOU SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Loan Lending Apps

There are plenty of people in society with money to lend, and many others who need to borrow. Getting them to meet each other, though, is difficult. Doing it the old-fashioned way is impractical. 

Loan lending apps, though, could change all this. It would make it easy for lenders and borrowers to meet each other on a shared, monitored platform. They could then exchange at agreed-upon rates and timescales, without having to worry so much about admin. 

P2P Payment Solutions

There are already many P2P payment solutions on the market, but are they using an open banking API for fintech app development? Probably not. 

There’s a simple reason for this: most developers simply aren’t aware of the existing tools and systems out there. They believe they need to integrate from scratch when this is not actually true. 

Blockchain Banking

Unsplash – CC0 License

Blockchain banking is very much in its infancy and there are all sorts of opportunities for startups entering this sector early. The reason is simple: there is only a handful of people in the world who understand the technology well enough to implement it and put it into practice. 

Blockchain banking might be difficult to achieve, but the final result will be worth it. Protecting customers and eliminating the risk of fraud could change financial transactions for good. 

Crypto Exchange Platforms

Another area in need of professional startups is crypto exchange platforms. While there are already several out there, they all have weaknesses. What users need is an app to rule them all that offers impeccable security. 

Read: SIDE HUSTLE IDEAS FOR THE LOGICALLY MINDED

E-Mortgage Apps

Lastly, your startup might want to pursue e-mortgage apps. These pieces of software let users plan, manage and even apply for mortgages electronically. 

E-mortgage apps are helpful because of the complexity of the mortgage market and the sheer cost of taking one out. The software can point users in the direction of the cheapest suppliers and help them keep costs down. They can even offer real-time advice through the app itself, helping users to make better decisions with their money and how they use it.

Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

5 Last Minute Awesome Gifts for Your Person

5 Last Minute Awesome Gifts for Your Person

The holiday season is in full swing, and you’ve gathered up a few gifts for your special someone. However, you feel like they deserve a little something more to show how much you care. Here are 5 last minute awesome gifts for your person that will show them how much you love them.

The Gift of Smell

Perfumes and colognes are a perfect gift for someone special because everyone deserves to smell insatiable. Unfortunately, buying expensive perfumes or colognes can be last on the priority list for many people, and that’s why it’s a perfect gift. The price can vary substantially, so there’s a good chance of finding a magnificent fragrance within your budget.

Get Intimates

Shinesty.com

Usually, it’s left up to parents until a certain age. After that, it becomes up to you to get your own intimates.

Is it appropriate to buy underwear for someone?

It depends. Buying undergarments for just anybody isn’t appropriate.

You already know that it’s a little taboo to buy a friend or co-worker a back of tighty-whities. However, when you have a special someone, buying holiday-specified underwear can be a cute option for a perfect gift. Online stores like Shinesty have super sales going on for Christmas-inspired underwear for her or him.

Hair Care

Hair products can be pricey and fall low on the priority list of something someone might get for themselves. Buying hair care products could be the perfect gift for him or her this holiday season. Tis the time of year to get great deals on bundles like shampoo, conditioner, and finishing spray set. Don’t forget gels, pomades, and sprays are also great gifts that can bring big smiles to the face of your loved one.

Read: 5 GIFTS TO BUY THE ADVENTURE-LOVING MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Jewelry

Jewelry isn’t just for the ladies. Men have increased their jewelry collections over the last several years. The ladies might still favor diamonds, but men love metals and tungsten. The most challenging part of getting this gift is buying the correct size, especially when it comes to rings. A quick trick to find out your special person’s ring size is by using a string or paper. Measure the length and divide by 3.14. It will give you the diameter of the finger.

How to measure without them noticing?

Use a straw wrapper and wrap it around your finger, and then ask your person if they did that when they were little. Then compare the size so you can get your hands on the paper and snag it for later.

Another idea is to be crafty by using gift ribbons while wrapping presents together. Wrap the ribbon around their finger and snip off the size. When they’re not paying attention, pocket the ribbon to measure later.

An Ornament

It might sound cheesy to buy an ornament for your person, but if you believe this person will be with you for future holidays, buying a sentimental ornament or decoration is a sweet gift. Make it something that will have personal meaning to them or both of you. It will be a gift that might be slightly overlooked this year, but it will be treasured for many years to come if you two have built a future together.

Read: SMART WAYS TO DECORATE YOUR HOME ON A BUDGET

Final Thoughts

It’s the season of giving. Remember, giving doesn’t have a budget, but you probably do. So, stick within your budget and be thoughtful. Sentimental and useful gifts go a long way. So, if you’re struggling to find the right gift, use these 5 last minute awesome gifts for your person to show them how much you love them and that you’re glad to be spending the holidays with them.

Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

8 Ways To Make Your House Greener

8 Ways To Make Your House Greener

Making your home more eco-friendly can seem like a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. From simple changes to major overhauls, there are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental impact while making your home more comfortable and efficient.

Here Are Some Ways To Make Your House Greener:

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

1. Install solar panels or wind turbines:

Installing solar panels or small-scale wind turbines can be a great way to reduce energy bills from traditional sources while also reducing carbon emissions and helping the environment. In addition, you may qualify for tax credits when you install renewable energy systems, so it’s worth doing research in your area to see if you can take advantage of them.

2. Make use of natural light:

Natural light is a great source of illumination, and using it as much as possible during daylight hours will save electricity (and, therefore, money). Installing large windows and skylights in your home can also help to bring more light into the house.

Read: GREENER-ON-THE-GO

3. Insulate your home:

Making sure that your home is properly insulated is key to reducing energy costs, as it helps keep warm air inside and cool air outside during summer months and vice versa for winter months. This will save you money on heating/cooling bills while also helping the environment.

4. Reuse and recycle materials:

By reusing materials like glass jars, steel cans, old newspapers, etc., you are reducing the amount of waste generated and saving resources by not having to manufacture new products from scratch. Additionally, recycling should be part of a regular routine; try to have separate bins for different types of waste and make sure you’re disposing of them correctly.

5. Purchase energy-efficient appliances:

Replacing old, inefficient appliances with newer models that are more efficient can help save electricity costs by as much as 30%. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new appliances; this indicates that they meet certain efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Read: ELIMINATE COSTLY ENERGY BILLS IN YOUR HOME

6. Utilize low-flow fixtures:

Low-flow showerheads and faucets reduce water usage while still providing sufficient pressure. Installing these in your home will help reduce the amount of water used, which is not only better for the environment but also helps to lower your monthly utility bills.

7. Use eco-friendly cleaning products:

Many conventional household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be bad for both the environment and our health. Instead, opt for natural, non-toxic options that are just as effective without the negative side effects.

8. Install a septic tank:

A septic tank is an efficient way to dispose of wastewater and reduce the amount of water sent to sewage treatment plants. Using Pump services are also a great way to save money, as you don’t have to pay for sewage fees or water bills.

Making your home more environmentally friendly is not only beneficial for the environment but can also save you money over time. Utilizing these tips will help reduce your energy costs while also helping to protect our planet’s precious resources. So start making small changes today, and you’ll soon see big results!

Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.