Category Archives: SEX & LIFE

SEX & LIFE

Protecting Your Personal Finances As A Driver

Protecting Your Personal Finances As A Driver

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Owning a car can be costly, but it’s a necessity for most people in the modern world. Still, that doesn’t mean it has to be an expense that excessively consumes your available funds. You’ll always face regular costs as a driver, but those costs can be mitigated by some smart driving or finding the best car insurance. It just takes some careful planning and some careful driving, as we’ll explain in this article. Let’s talk about some of the ways in which you could start protecting your personal finances as a driver.

Economical driving.

For starters, driving sensibly is one of the best ways to protect your personal finances. When people buy cars, they assess many different aspects that determine both the initial cost and the costs they’ll face throughout the life of the vehicle they’re purchasing. One of the most important variables is the fuel economy of the car in question. How much is it going to cost per gallon? Modern cars are becoming more and more efficient in this regard, but many drivers still fail to accept that economical driving is the best way to make your money go further.

Accelerating and braking excessively hard are both examples of ways in which you’ll burn through petrol far more quickly. By taking a calmer and more methodical approach to driving (in particular, by avoiding speeding and driving aggressively), you’ll be able to cover more miles with a full tank. That means you’ll have to take fewer trips to the local petrol station. Obviously, this would save you a lot of money in the long run. If you want to protect your personal finances as a driver then think about the way in which you operate your vehicle. As we’ve discussed before, driving efficiently is a great way to save fuel.

Accidents.

Unfortunately, car accidents are very common in modern society. It’s hard to say whether the blame falls on careless drivers or the sheer number of cars on the road, but the point is that you must be ever-vigilant. Being a good driver is important, but that doesn’t mean others on the road are going to be good drivers. It’s important not to react to dangerous drivers in an aggressive way; that could turn a potential hazard into an accident. But even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in road incidents. Obviously, the priority is that everyone is safe in such an event, but many of us have probably been involved in some sort of car accident at some point in our lives, even if it was just a minor bump or scratch.

The cost that comes with such accidents can be astronomical, so make sure you collect details from any other drivers or witnesses involved to help protect your finances as much as possible. If you are injured in an accident then it’s important to get compensation for any medical bills or time off work that might impact your finances as well as your health. You might even want to check out https://www.braininjurylawofseattle.com/seattle-brain-injury-lawyer/ if you’re suffering something more serious, such as a brain injury. Your recovery is essential, but your finances play a big part in this.

Insurance.

Finally, let’s talk about insurance. This is the cost that gives most car owners headaches. No matter how good a deal you might get on a car itself, it’s the insurance premium that determines how much that vehicle is ultimately going to cost you on an annual basis. Still, there are ways to save money in this regard.

Take a look at your existing insurance policy. Is the coverage essential for your current situation? Maybe you don’t actually drive that many miles anymore. Maybe your car is getting older and you wouldn’t actually get a very high payout if there was an incident, so there’s probably no need for such a high premium.

You could even raise your deductible, as suggested at https://www.fivecentnickel.com/does-raising-your-car-insurance-deductible-save-you-money/. The deductible is the amount you’re willing to pay before the insurance provider starts paying. If you raise your deductible then you’ll face a lower premium because your insurance company will consider you less of a risk.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

SEX & LIFE

5 Things You Can Do To Find A Date

5 Things You Can Do To Find A Date

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The dating game is hard. It doesn’t matter how smart, beautiful, or funny you are, it can be difficult to find that special someone. Far too many people rely on chance and wait around for their dream guy or girl to come to them. The trouble is, this is unlikely to happen, especially when the sort of person you want in your life is just as busy as you probably are. If you’re going to meet Miss or Mr Right, then you need to work at it. With that in mind, here are five ways to find a date.

1. Swipe Right On Apps

Dating apps can definitely be frustrating at times, but there is no option quite so simple. All you need to do is upload a few pictures, write a little about yourself, and then start swiping. Although people often tell the horror stories of online dating, there have been many successes too. As long as you stay safe and keep your wits about you, there’s no reason why it should go wrong.

2. Chat Over The Phone

While dating apps are convenient, some people prefer to talk over the phone than through messages. This is where freechatLines could come in. Whether you want to meet your soulmate or just talk to someone new, a chat line would allow you to do that. It’s fun, a great way to break the ice, and, because you’re talking over the phone, completely safe and private too.

3. Attend A Singles Event

Although it can definitely feel like it at times, you’re not the only one in your local area looking for a date. There are sure to be hundreds of other single people nearby. This is why singles events are so popular. These gatherings can come in many different shapes and sizes but are all full of people just like you. You could also try signing up for a class or social group of some kind.

4. Volunteer For A Charity

Volunteering is a great way to put yourself out there and meet new people. It’s also a particularly smart dating strategy for those looking to find someone compassionate and caring. Plus, you get to do some good for a cause close to your heart. There are many places you could volunteer, from animals shelters to beach cleanups. You just need to find a cause that you care about.

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5. Talk To A Friend

You may not know anyone that you want to date, but that doesn’t mean that your friends don’t. By letting your loved ones know that you’re looking for someone special, you give them a chance to find someone for you. Couples who meet through mutual friends benefit from having the same social group. Because of this, you should allow your loved ones to try to set you up.

Although the perfect person could find you by chance, this is unlikely to happen. If you want to meet your dream guy or girl, then take the advice above on board and start looking for them.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

SEX & LIFE, TIPS IN ACTION

Why Buying a Used Vehicle Is Better

Why Buying a Used Vehicle Is Better

If you are in the middle of deciding what type of car to buy or truck to buy, the chances are you have browsed online for both new options, and second hand. Each choice has a range of pros and cons, for example, driving a new car is a pretty sweet drive. They have air-con, perfectly working heaters, inbuilt parking sensors and cameras. Some will even park for you now… Or in the case of Tesla – drive for you. And all of those things are great, but they come at a pretty steep price. If you aren’t a cash buyer, and most of us aren’t you might struggle to find a finance deal that is going to work for you. Or, you might not want to be locked into a contract for the next X amount of years.

Used cars come with much fewer strings. Unless it’s in the newer age bracket of ‘used,’ it’s usually within the grasp of most people to be able to afford it. But if you are shopping used trucks and cars online here are a few great reasons to buy used – not new.

Photo by Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash

Depreciation

No one who buys a new car ever says ‘well this was an investment!’. The moment it rolls off the lot, it loses a heap of value. And then over the following three years, they can lose up to 50%. Which is a lot if you are making a 30-40k investment. Used cars, however, you’re not likely to worry too much about that. You’re already getting a great deal on a car in perfect working order – just a few years under its belt.

Lower Insurance

Older car – cheaper to repair (in most cases). The value of your vehicle is one of the primary factors that is taken into account when determining the rates that you’re going to pay. It makes sense, right? The higher the value of the car, the more money the insurance company will have to pay out in the event of an accident. Of course, there are other factors, like how long you’ve been driving and how many seats are in the car. But mostly, they’re looking at the value.

Longer Life

While you can still find plenty of 20+-year-old cars trundling along, in general vehicles are designed to last longer now. Of course, they all have a certain amount of miles in them, and by no means in 100,000, the same as 200,000 but car designers and engineers have made incredible strides in the giving cars a longer lifespan.

This is one of the things that people who are buying used cars worry about, but with cars designed to last, it shouldn’t be a concern. Unless you are really going to buy that 20-year-old Volvo – of course.

Pick Of The Litter

Or something like that anyway. If you want an older model because it had a sweet shape, more boot space or a particular gadget they phased out then used is going to be your best friend. Each year, around 350 models of new car hit the market. Which might sound a little OTT, it’s just that some marketing is better than others – and we don’t always see the models that get released in other countries. So if that is what the new car market has each year, you can begin to imagine the range of the used car market.

Online Information

New cars come with a blank sheet. And that’s cool, but older cars come with a personality – and that is cooler. But, what is more – you have access to their history. You can check the plates of the vehicle too, has it been stolen? Do the plates match the make and model of the car?

If the car has been in an accident, has been repaired, or failed its last MOT you will have access to all of the information before you decide to purchase the car. Of course, a clean MOT one year isn’t a guarantee that it will pass the next – but if you know what some of the issues were, you will have an idea of what you can expect the next time.

More Motor for Your Money

A new car is going to run you a few thousand. Either upfront or a couple of hundred a month in a contract. If you have the cash to play with, then you’re going to be able to get a lot more car for your money. A new Land Rover, or a Volvo 4×4, are anywhere between $45,000 – $177,000. Which is pretty steep, even on finance. But a few thousand will get you second-hand version – with a few miles on the clock.

You aren’t tied to only purchasing something that has a heap of functions you might not use. You can buy any make, and model and any year of car that you like. In fact, if you have time, you can spend as long as you like finding the perfect second-hand sweetheart for you.

New Driver?

Obviously, no one wants this to happen, but in the first year of driving most people are more likely to have a crash. The insurance on a newer car is already going to be high, add in a new driver premium – and then an accident? It makes the car even more expensive. Having a slightly older car, and maybe even on the cheaper side is going to put you at ease just that little bit more when you start driving unaccompanied.

Cover

If you buy from a used car garage, the car will usually come with a decent warranty. One that will keep your covered for 3-6-9 months and the follow-up care is generally pretty nice too.

In general, there are pros and cons to both new and used. But, if you are looking to maximize what you can get with the money you have, and keep your insurance low, then used cars will win every time.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE, TIPS IN ACTION

Saving Money On Big Life Decisions

Saving Money On Big Life Decisions

As we get older, and the responsibility piles on, we can often find we are spending out left, right and centre. Money worries are a significant cause of stress, and with many people less able to save on a weekly or monthly basis, it pays to get smart about what you buy.

Weddings, new babies, moving house, decorating and buying a car are all heavy hitters in terms of big spending. Maybe you have to relocate for a new job and need to view cheap apartments in Austin online. Or you need to move everything you own overseas. Any of these things can be overwhelming yet truly exciting. So how do you spend less and still enjoy those things?

Here are a few tips for you!

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Weddings

If you have been dreaming of a perfect wedding, for years, you don’t need to cast that aside just yet. Think about what you non-negotiables are. What is it you have to have without question. Is it the dress? What about the cake? Flowers perhaps? Sometimes the pinch really comes when the guest list keeps getting longer and longer.

If something doesn’t make the non-negotiable list, then those are places that you can safely cut back. Not everyone wants to spend so much on flowers when a small wild bunch looks beautiful.

Call in favours from friends and family to help you decorate the venue yourself, and do other things in the early stages like:

  • Design and print your own invitations, or create a free website for people to RSVP
  • Hand make the favours
  • Skip the DJ and create your own playlist, and use a simple Sono style speaker
  • Put a down payment on your dress as early as possible, so that you won’t need to pay too much of a lump sum later on.
  • Same with the venue
  • Always get insurance for your wedding. That way, if something does go wrong, you won’t lose a penny.

It is easy to get caught up in color schemes and taffeta, but try to remember that a wedding is about you and the person you love. The rest is just the trimmings.

Car

Buying a new car is out of most people’s reach. You can, of course, opt to go down the finance route, and that does come with a lot of perks. But in the end, you are still going to be spending a premium for those four wheels. Before you start working out what % deal you can get, consider buying a used car instead.

They have a few miles on the clock, sure, but they have also (in most cases) been well looked after. New cars do have that ‘new car smell’, but a second-hand vehicle has a whole personality of its own. They’re usually cheap enough to buy outright, you are free to haggle on the price if you want it even, and depending on the age they are cheaper to insure.

When you make the decision to buy a used car, don’t just buy the first one you see. If you have the time to visit a few and fit in some test drives, then try to do that. You’ll quickly learn if a car is for you or not. If you aren’t very great with cars, then try to bring someone along with you who is. They will be able to do some checks on the overall health of the vehicle and guide you n the right direction in terms of price.

Moving House

If you aren’t moving too far, then you have the luxury of calling in friends and family, hiring a van and doing most of the leg work yourself. When you are thinking about moving out of state or even to a new country, the logistics get a bit trickier.

The best place to start is by having a good clear-out. Get rid of things you don’t love, need, or use. That might be a lot more than you think. Starting with your clothing works really well. If you need the inspiration to get your clothing sorted, or the rest of the house for that matter, then check out Marie Kondo. She has excellent tips about how to really clear your space of clutter. Donate what is good enough to be used again, sell what you can, and try to streamline what you’re taking.

Consider hiring a moving van yourself. It’s a lot cheaper than having a whole moving team doing it for you. And, while yes, you’ll need to do the heavy work yourself – you’re going to be saving big bucks. The size of van will obviously depend on what you are bringing with you, so really give everything a lot of thought.

Redecorating

Before you rush out to the DIY store, start cleaning and getting rid of stuff too. Much like moving, it will make the whole thing much smoother. Once you have gotten rid of the clutter, and given the place an excellent clean, consider this – do you want to redecorate, or do you just want a fresh feel?

Paint isn’t too expensive, and if you then focus on moving the furniture around instead of replacing things, you’ll get a ‘new’ looking space at a fraction of the cost. If you want to pick up smaller items, like vases, candles holders and even pieces of art for the walls, they are also cheap alternatives to a full redecorating project.

Don’t forget about redecorating the exterior either! You’ll need to wash down your concrete, exterior walls, and your lawn. Check out sites like http://vikingconcretellc.com/ if you don’t have access to a pressure washer of your own. Then, break out some hard wearing paint! 

30 Day Rule

Unless you have to buy something immediately, start putting yourself on a timer. If you see something you want, instead of instantly buying it, make yourself wait 30 days. Then, if you still really want the item at the end of those 30 days go and get it. Often we make hasty decisions when it comes to making purchases. During the 30 day wait, you will think about your finances more, and do you really need it? More often than not, we won’t go back a month after to get something. Impulse buying always costs more in the long run. From dresses, you’re ‘saving’ and never wear, to the coffee machine that ends up gathering dust on the side.

Always give your finances the once over before making big decisions, and give yourself plenty of time to find alternatives too.

​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

How To Avoid A Junker When Buying A Used Car

How To Avoid A Junker When Buying A Used Car

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A junker, as the name suggests, is something that is only fit for junk! When buying a used car, therefore, you need to take steps to avoid a motor that, let’s be honest, should only be homed in a scrap yard, and not on your driveway. If you don’t, not only will you have a potential money pit on your hands, something that will cost you a fortune in repairs and breakdown fees, but you might also have something that could put your life in danger.

Here then are some tips that we hope you find useful. Our advice here should hopefully help you avoid a junker of a car the next time you’re looking for a new set of wheels.

#1: Buy your car from a reputable dealer

When shopping for used cars, you might be spoiled for choice. From private sellers flogging their motors in the classifieds (online and off) to the many dealerships in your local area, you won’t be short of cars to consider for your next purchase. However, while many sellers will be honest and fair with you, there might be those who don’t have as many morals. Especially when it comes to private sellers who don’t have to offer you a warranty, you might end up with a car that isn’t worth the money it was advertised for. The same might apply to backstreet car dealerships that have no online reputation to speak of. Therefore, look for dealers that you should be able to trust. You can do this by asking for recommendations from family and friends, checking for testimonials and customer reviews on their website, and by doing a quick Google search to check for any good or bad news reports. When you think you have found a reputable dealer, you will have greater peace of mind when buying.

#2: Have the car inspected before purchase

If you don’t know the first thing about cars, then you really should pay a mechanic to inspect any car you are interested in before you part with your cash. If there are any hidden (or obvious) faults within the car, the mechanic will let you know, and you will then have the option of continuing your car search elsewhere. You could, of course, ask the seller to make the necessary repairs before you purchase the car, but to be honest, if they haven’t bothered to do so before putting it up for sale, then you might want to think twice before trusting them. Any reputable seller, private or otherwise, should always do the necessary work on the car before putting it up for sale; unless, of course, the following point applies.

#3: Be wary of cars advertised for sale ‘as is’

When you’re browsing the classifieds, you might come across cars for sale ‘as is.’ This means that any flaws or defects you notice before you buy will be your responsibility, as the car is only available for sale in its current condition, i.e. ‘as is.’ Because of this, it is unlikely that you will be offered a warranty, meaning that once you have parted with your cash, you have no legal rights to claim a refund or ask the seller to pay for any repairs if the car breaks down or you notice any problems after driving it away. Now, a car advertised ‘as is’ does not always signify you are buying a junker. If the defects are fairly insignificant, such as a scratch on the surface of the car, then you can always get that covered over later if you wish. If you’re buying the car for a dirt cheap price, you might also be happy to pay for any repairs that need doing. But as we suggested above, hire somebody to inspect the car before purchase, because you might also find yourself out of pocket should you later discover any serious and expensive issues after sale.

#4: Take the car for a decent test drive

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A test drive is more than a quick circle around the parking lot. And it’s more than a twenty-minute jaunt around town. You need to give it a thorough test drive to make sure that everything is working as it should, so request a test drive for a couple of hours or more so you can fully get a handle on the vehicle you might be buying. There are some useful tips here on what you should look out for when you’re taking the car for a spin. Still, if you aren’t particularly car savvy, you might want to bring somebody along on the ride with you. This should be somebody with years of driving experience, so ask anybody you know (or the mechanic you hired for the inspection) to join you on the roads. They will then be able to advise you further on the viability of the car in question.

#5: Check the car’s history

Any reputable seller will have a vehicle history report ready for you to review before the sale. This will let you know how many owners the car has had, as well as details of any accidents and repair jobs, both large and small. If the car has had a lot of owners, you might want to ask why. There might be issues with the car that has resulted in it changing hands a lot of times, so you might want to think twice before buying. You might also want to think twice if the car has been in an accident, or if there is has been a lot of maintenance work done on the vehicle. And you should run in the other direction if the seller does not have the car’s vehicle history report, because he or she is probably trying to hide something. Still, even if the car seems to be good to go, and the seller does have a vehicle history report, you might also want to run a free vehicle check online before buying, as you may well uncover details that the seller has been trying to keep hidden from you.

Finally

Buying a used car can be problematic, but you can save yourself a lot of trouble and money if you follow the tips we have presented here. Hopefully, you will then buy a car built to last, and not something that is only fit for the junkyard or a demolition derby!

Thanks for reading!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.