Category Archives: SEX & LIFE

Preparing For The Worst With The Best

Preparing For The Worst With The Best

You hope that the worst case scenario should never happen and of course, for most of us it that will not, but every so often the unexpected can and will happen in life and that’s why being prepared for these unexpected situations is necessary for wherever you are.

You might suddenly find yourself facing a long term illness or in the middle of a situation where you require some professional advice, for example a legal dispute with an employee over employment terms or with a neighbour over land ownership. With any of these situations you want advice from the best and you want to make sure your money is going as far as it can for great results.

That’s why you’ll find everything you need in this guide on how to get the very best in legal advice when you need it most and what to look for when hiring a lawyer, whether that’s for something for work or for when you’re in need of a divorce lawyer. We take a look at what makes the best legal representation for your very individual situation and and some of the pitfalls you’ll need to avoid. Whatever your legal needs are you’ll find the lowdown on hiring right here.

Word Of Mouth

Who’s on the grapevine as being the best in the business? Once you start looking for someone to represent you, you soon start hearing from everyone, from the local postman to the receptionist at the gym about someone they’ve used or heard about from a friend. Take a note of these names, if one or two keep cropping up then it may be worth getting in touch for an initial consultation.

Ask your friends, family and fellow professionals for some recommendations too, having a personal introduction can help oil the wheels and make the process of appointing someone a whole lot easier.

Read reviews online and find out their success rate, which should be a matter of public record. You’ll also want to make sure that the lawyer is someone who specialises in your particular issue, rather than a general practitioner.

Interview widely

Take your time in in finding the very best in advice and in finding someone you feel can handle your case and all the complexities that go with it. You may need to talk to one or two or even more lawyers before you decide on appointing someone, and depending on the size of your case they may be able to handle it solo or need some help from someone else in their firm. Make sure you know all the details of how this will work before you sign up.

If you’re worried about wasting your time and money on initial consultations that don’t lead anywhere, most lawyers will give you enough time to explain their case, around 15-30 minutes, before they start charging by the hour, so make sure to go in fully prepared with the facts of your case and any questions you might have.

Search online

As mentioned up post if you’re interested in one particular firm, then you should be able to find out a fair amount about them from the public record. You will be able to see the success rate of the individual lawyer and how well they are rated by individual clients.

If the practice has several lawyers, find out which one seems to have more experience in your particular type of case and ask to meet with them first rather than someone you just find yourself assigned to. You need to know that your case will be taken seriously and if you are going to be able to strike up good communication with whoever is taking it on.

Characteristics

You’re going to need someone experienced and yet hungry to make a win. If you feel that your lawyer is too laid back or gives the impression that they’ve seen it all, failing to reassure you then avoid this lawyer.

Similarly, avoid anyone that promises you a big win. Instead find someone who is measured and calm and who you feel can be honest with you about how the case will run and what the chances are of it going the way you want. Find that right mix of determination and level-headedness and you’ll have someone fighting your corner who stands every chance of winning your case for you. If the worst does happen and you do lose, then with the right lawyer you’ll know they tried their best and that the loss wasn’t through lack of trying.

Budget

The one thing we would say is that lawyers don’t come cheap so whether the matter is personal or professional you’ll want to have a very realistic picture of how much this service is going to cost you overall.

A lawyer usually charges clients by the hour though you may find some will offer a flat fee or even be happy to wait until the end of the case and collect a percentage of any damages and their legal fees if paid by the opposition. Make sure you are very clear with your legal representative on how the fee charging process will work and even let them know your top end of the budget.

You may well have room to compromise with something like an upfront payment to start out with and then the rest coming in the form of a successful pay out. This will depend on how confident your lawyer is of the case going in your favour. You might also want to explore the possibility of legal aid and legal loans to cover the ongoing expenses.

The money can very quickly disappear so keep on top of your billing as you move through the consultation to trial proceedings.


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.

Habits That Are Costing You Money

Habits That Are Costing You Money

We all have a habit and habits aren’t always necessarily bad for our health or body. They can be a welcome indulgence during a stressful time or to help you relax and slow down. But when a habit is starting to cost a lot, they can end up becoming too expensive for what you can afford. Here are the habits that are costing you your hard earned dollar.

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Smoking

It’s one of the few habits that’s actually bad for your health, but it’s also one of the most expensive habits to have too. With the price inflation of cigarettes going up, the cost of them is more significant now than it was years ago. However, with the introduction of vaping, you can take advantage of giant vapes, which are a slightly cheaper alternative and possibly not as harmful. It might be worth a try if you’re a regular smoker.

Drinking

A lot of us like to drink, and it’s pretty much available at many social occasions or events that we find ourselves at. So it can be very hard to avoid, and once you’ve started, it can be very easy to spend a lot of money in the space of a few hours. Particularly if you live in a big city environment, the price of alcohol is going to be a lot higher than if you lived out in the sticks. If you can, try to drink cheaper spirits and avoid the cocktails as they are the priciest when it comes to the value you get.

Trips To The Coffee Shop

A lot of us will know the feeling of going into work, not quite awake yet and the thought of a coffee en route to work seems like the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself. However, you’ll probably find those trips have become a daily occurrence, and it’s quickly eating into your bank balance. Even though they are only small amounts, once tallied up, you’ll be shocked at how much you spend over the course of a week or month. It might be cost effective to get yourself a coffee machine at home with a reusable cup.

Beauty Procedures

The beauty industry has certainly become precedent in the past few years. Mainly brought about by the increase of reality shows and celebrities promoting beauty procedures to their followers. There’s also this need to perfect our looks and any insecurities that we may have that can be quickly zapped or cut away.

Eating Out Or Takeouts

One that we’re all guilty of is eating out or treating ourselves to a take out. And that’s fine in moderation, however, if you’re finding yourself eating out quite a lot, this can end up impacting your bank balance severely. Try to restrict the amount you eat out or order in and cook yourself. Offer to host social occasions and dinners in your home, and you’ll be saving everyone money!

Habits can become addictive, so it’s important to take control when necessary to ensure that you’re not spending beyond your means.

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.

Looking For New Wheels? A Guide To Stress-Free Car Buying

Looking For New Wheels? A Guide To Stress-Free Car Buying

If you took a moment to Google new or used cars, you’d be greeted with hundreds of links and adverts. While it’s fantastic to have a choice as a buyer, being inundated with offers and ads can be confusing. With so many makes and models to choose from, how do you go about finding the right car for you? If you’re shopping around for new wheels, here are some tips to make the buying process a breeze.

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/p300njb/41030823175

Setting a budget

Perhaps the most important step to take when embarking upon a search for a new car is setting a budget. Buying a car costs money, and it’s always beneficial to work out how much you can spend long before you fall head over heels for a car that is way out of your price range. Figure out how much you have available either to pay out as a lump sum or to put down a deposit and then pay the remaining costs monthly. If you’re looking online, you can set filters to ensure that the results match your budget, and you can organize results based on price. If you’re considering getting a car on finance and spreading the cost over a period of a few years, ensure you can afford the monthly payments, and shop around for deals and special offers. You might find that some dealerships put a contribution towards your down payment, for example. Once you’ve got a budget, you can focus on vehicles that match your requirements.

New versus used

If you’re on the hunt for a new car, think about whether you want a brand new vehicle straight off the forecourt or a used car. New cars have the advantage of being in pristine condition, they won’t have previous owners, and you may have more control over customization options, but it is worth noting that new vehicles lose value very quickly. As you drive away from the dealership, your car will have already lost value. Used cars may not give you the flexibility in terms of color, trim or features, but they often offer better value for money. If you know exactly what kind of car you’d like, but you can’t afford a new model, look for nearly new cars instead. When shopping for a used car, take care when buying from private sellers and be prepared to negotiate with dealers. It’s wise to research in advance to make sure you pay what the car is worth. Taking a car out for a test drive is always a good idea. You can get a feel for the vehicle, gauge comfort and performance levels and see how it runs.

Creating a wish list

Every driver is different, and some people have different priorities and requirements to others. When you’re exploring your options, think carefully about what matters to you most. Are you looking for a family-friendly vehicle with plenty of space and a flawless safety record, or are you searching for a sporty number that offers a thrilling ride? Do you need a versatile car or truck you can use for work, or is fuel economy your main concern? Create a wish list based on your individual preferences. This will help you narrow down the options.

Researching

Seeing a car in a showroom or on a garage forecourt is very different to driving a car day in, day out, and this is why research is important. Take your time to compare different contenders, learn more about various makes and models and seek expert advice. If you’re thinking about buying a Chevy, visit an experienced dealer, look at the models that tick the boxes, and take a test drive. Ask questions, get recommendations, and don’t be too hasty when it comes to making a decision. If you don’t have a specific make in mind, visit different dealerships or go to a vendor that sells cars from multiple manufacturers. If you have a short list, mull over the pros and cons, and don’t forget to ask about prices. There may be some room for maneuver if you’re prepared to haggle.

Picture source: https://pixabay.com/photos/autos-autotransport-new-cars-3631086/

Booking a test drive

Looking good is not the only criteria that concerns prospective car buyers. Every model is different, and you might find that some cars are a lot more comfortable than others, some are easier to handle, and some are lighter, quicker, and more responsive. Booking a test drive offers a host of benefits. You can really get a feel for a car when you’re driving around, and you can compare how you feel with other driving experiences. You may find that the car that was leading the way before the test drive doesn’t meet your expectations when you’re behind the wheel, and this is why doing a trial run can be useful. You’ll also get a better idea of the space available inside the vehicle, and you can learn more about the features and gadgets.

Closing the deal

If you’ve found the one, it’s time to close the deal. If you’re taking out a contract and paying monthly, it’s always beneficial to compare prices from different dealers before signing on the dotted line. If you’re paying up front for a new or used car, look out for special offers and try and bring the price down. In many cases, the ticket price is negotiable, and if you’re prepared to drive a hard bargain, you could save yourself a substantial amount of money.

Image via https://kaboompics.com/photo/3721/wheel-of-the-car-bmw-i8

Has your car seen better days, or is your current contract drawing to a close? If you’re searching for a new car, shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Set a budget, think about what you want and take your time to look at different makes and models, take some for a spin and weigh up the pros and cons. Shop around for the best prices, visit reputable dealerships only, compare used and new cars and give negotiating a go. It’s always useful to be open-minded and to make sure you have all the information you need before you make a final decision.  

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.

5 Good Reasons To Quit Your Job

5 Good Reasons To Quit Your Job

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Been thinking of quitting your job? Knowing whether to leave or whether to hang on in there can be difficult. Here are five good reasons to walk away from your job.

You hate your job

Everyone has bad days at work – but if every day is a bad day and you constantly dread going into work, it’s a clear sign you need to quit. Not everyone is able to find a job they love, but there should be enough of a sense of reward to keep you motivated. Your unhappiness with your job could be having a significant negative impact on your general mental health. Regardless of your experience with previous jobs, there is a job out there that will offer you more satisfaction – you just need to be prepared to search for it.

It’s damaging your health

Following on from the previous reason, if a job is damaging your health in any way – either mentally or physically – you should definitely consider quitting. Things to look out for include chronic stress, RSIs and hearing loss. Employers may be able to work with you to offer protection from these health risks, in which case you may not feel you need to quit. However, if not protection is offered, you should most definitely leave (and possibly sue if it’s something that can be guarded against). It’s also possible you may have an unrelated health condition that is aggravated by your work, which could be another reason to quit.

There’s no opportunity for progression

If you feel like you’ve reached a stagnant point in your job in which there’s nowhere left to progress, this could also be a good reason to quit. Finding a new job could give you the progression you’re after whether it’s better pay, more challenges or a more senior role. Of course, some people may be happy doing the same job every day with no variation – there can be a comfort in the routine. However, if this routine turn to boredom and frustration, you know that you’re holding yourself back and it’s time to break free from your comfort zone.

Your goals have changed

It’s also possible your goals may have changed. You may no longer want to stick on the same career path and may be thinking of switching to a new career entirely. Alternatively, your personal goals may have changed, which may interfere with your ability to continue your current job. This could include the desire to relocate or the desire to get an education. You may even want to start a family and may feel that your current job is ill-suited.

You’ve been offered another job

Another job offer can be a good reason to leave. You should however do your research to ensure that this new job is definitely better than your current one. Always take the chance to do an interview so that you can get a better idea of the company.


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.

Ways of Teaching Young Ones About Death

Ways of Teaching Young Ones About Death

Death is never a topic someone looks forward to discussing. Trying to explain death to your children can be quite overwhelming.  However, it’s severely worse when that discussion becomes inevitable. But how can you approach the subject of death to a child that has had no experience with it? There’s a lot of thought and pressure that goes into a conversation like that, but teaching them about death before it happens to a pet or someone close to the family could save a lot of heart-wrenching questions.

Introduce Death

Everything on this planet has a season or a life span. Introducing death to young ones is as simple as teaching them about the flowers that bloom in the spring. A flower is a great example of life and death. Plants and flowers are so similar to us yet, opposite. Just like us, they need food, water and sunlight. However, we rely on each other for life. We need their oxygen; they need our carbon dioxide. Teaching kids the facts of life and pointing out that death is a fact can help them to generally understand life’s cycle.

Experiencing Death

Sadly, some children are exposed to death at a very early age. Other children are able to make it to late-teens before personally knowing a pet or someone that has passed. Which scenario is better? Neither. They both have their downfalls because a loss is just that… a loss.

Some folks have used goldfish to be a first death experience. It’s a lot less traumatic than losing other pets. As most of us have experienced firsthand that goldfish do not have very long lifespans. A goldfish is a great example of a ‘being’ that must be named, cared for and loved. But once its life is over, parents can teach their child in-depth about loss by having a mini-funeral around the toilet bowl or a shallow grave in the yard. This experience teaches a child that there is honor in life and honor in death.

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It

Death isn’t scary. How people die can be. But don’t be afraid to talk about death with your child. Kids are curious, so it’s better to learn from you, the parent, than from other outlets. Death is on TV, video games, the internet, etc. Getting the facts from you is better than your child thinking they have extra lives because that’s how the video game works. Or even worse, they do their own random search of facts that has the potential to scare the crap out of them.

Remember, to also talk to them about your beliefs. Share with them about what you think happens after life. Give them comfort in their questions. Reassure and comfort them when they express their fears. (Yes, they will have some.) And most of all, keep the door of communication open on the subject. They will have questions that popup at any time.

Letting Your Child Mourn

Mourning is a necessary process when losing a loved one. Whether it be a pet or a family member, whether you, yourself are mourning too, allowing your child to know that it’s a normal emotion to feel grief during this time is very important. There are five distinct stages of grief: Denial and isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally, Acceptance. Be reasonable as they process their grief. They might not be where you are in your process. Sometimes children sail through the stages, or they may get stuck on one stage longer than expected. There is family counseling that can help with this subject at any stage. Don’t be afraid to seek help if needed at any point.

Death is a fact of life. But, making it easy for just anyone to understand can be difficult, let alone a child. Teach them that everything on this planet has a lifespan. Perhaps, let them experience an example of death on a less-traumatizing level. Talk with them. Listen to them. And always keep the door of communication open. These things can help build a healthy outlook for your child on the facts of life and death.

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.