4 Ways To Cover The Cost Of Unexpected Car Repairs

4 Ways To Cover The Cost Of Unexpected Car Repairs

Unexpected repairs are just part of being a car owner, and your car isn’t going to wait until it is convenient before it breaks down. This can be a big problem because repairs are incredibly expensive and if you don’t have the money to pay for them, you could find yourself in some financial trouble. You rely on your car, so you can’t just leave it, which means that you need to find the money from somewhere. The good news is, there are ways that you can cover the cost without completely ruining your finances. If you are hit with unexpected car repairs that you can’t really afford, here’s what you can do. 

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Shop Around 

Before you start thinking about how you are going to find the money, it’s important that you shop around for the best price. The cost of repairs varies a lot depending on the mechanic, and some mechanics will try to rip you off if they suspect that you don’t really know what is wrong with the car. If you want to make the cost more manageable, you need to shop around and compare prices. You should also check out reviews of local mechanics so you can find somebody that you know is going to be reliable. 

Get a Repayment Plan 

A lot of people don’t realize that you can get a repayment plan to help you pay for your car repairs. Companies like Optimal Warranty offer auto repair payment plans, so you can get the repairs done and then pay it off in installments over the coming months. This makes it so much more manageable and you can fit it into your budget, rather than rushing around trying to find a big lump sum from somewhere. 

Do Repairs Yourself 

In some cases, you may be able to do the repairs yourself. When you first buy a new car, you should spend some time looking through the manual and learning the basics of how the engine works. You are not a mechanic so there will be a lot of things that you cannot do, but if you spend some time learning, you may be able to do simple repairs on your own. This saves you a lot of money and even if you do have to go to a mechanic, knowing a bit about your car will make it harder for them to rip you off. 

Get a Loan 

 If none of the other options on this list are possible, you may need to get a loan. You should always exhaust all of the other possibilities before you do this, and if you need to get a loan, make sure that you avoid payday loans with crazy interest rates. It’s much better to put the money on a credit card or take out a loan from the bank so you are only paying a reasonable amount of interest. 

Unexpected car repairs can throw you a financial curveball, but these are all great ways to cover the cost without ruining your budget. 

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.

Boost Your Immunity

Boost Your Immunity

Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay

As the world braces after hearing The WHO declare a global pandemic, most search for ways to maintain health. How is it that some people that are infected with COVID-19 are barely showing symptoms while others are aren’t so lucky?

Lord only knows…

The infected number is climbing at alarming rates as the death toll continues to rise. Clean hands, closures and social distancing is helping slow the cases. But human nature tells us, ‘We need to do more’. The major organizations request that people stop buying masks. However, people are looking for ways to feel proactive. To keep fears and anxiety at bay, there are some helpful suggestions, finally, being sent our way.

We Know… Wash your hands

Yes, it’s surprising this is number one on every preventative list. It’s amazing how many folks can forget this on a regular basis. Many, many years ago, it was discovered that rinsing hands, alone, doesn’t have the same impact as adding soap into the mix. Nowadays, timing is everything. For as long as I can remember, I have sung my ABC’s while washing my hands. As a child, it was considered adorable. Yet, as a teen, my friends would tease. And as an adult, well… lets just say, I sing it in my head, along with a head bob every now and again.

Recently, people have created new versions of 20 second washing by using show openings and classic hits. However, according to a poll, what is the song that people are singing in their heads while scrubbing down their paws? The census appears to be ‘Happy birthday’. Good choice. Just remember to sing it twice!

Supplements

Supplements are always a tough suggestion when dealing with any illness. Their mere presence can cause backlash, especially since most aren’t FDA approved. Plus, as a nutritionist, I can honestly say, ‘I don’t know your personal history’ to safely recommend a one size fits all cure-all. (Btw, there is no, one size cure-all, as far as I know.) When the SARs outbreak happened, many took to natural viral fighters like, turmeric. Really? Yes, but listen… Supplements like turmeric are amazing as long as they are right for you, personally. Curcuminoids that are found in turmeric supplements are bad-asses that can kill many things in vitro (in a test tube). Yet, the way it works on your specific body could be different. Always talk to your doctor before starting a supplement or vitamin. They will know you best and what interactions to look out for.

Exercise

We all know exercise is good for us. But, seriously… there seems to be a connection to COVID-19 patients who exercise daily with things like, stretching or yoga and their lack of symptoms. So, why not add a bit of exercise into your daily. It’s good for your heart and your immune system.

Healthy diet

This is a given for any immune system. Eat fresh. Eat a variety. Green and leafy veggies have plenty of chlorophyll to toughen up your immunity. Veggies with lots of color tend to have lots of nutrients. Buying caned or frozen will still give you a good deal of nutrition. Look for foods that are packed with vitamins. Vitamins in the B family are always important to keep the cognitive aspects in check. New studies have shown intakes of Vitamin D have had effects on blocking and/or shortening viruses. And who could forget, Vitamin C. Look for some vitamins that might have the combo you need like Vitamin C + D chews. Eat several small meals a day, so you can get more variety. Also, it might be more beneficial to ration your meals if you find yourself in quarantine.

Rest

Getting a good amount of sleep is important for any immune system. However, getting extra sleep is important to fight off germs and viruses. Don’t neglect your body. If you feel tired, take a nap. Taking several periods of rest through out the day can cause a surge of healthy cells to do their job and fight off the bad guys trying to take up residence in your system.

Reduce Anxiety

Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of stress. This pandemic is unnerving for most individuals. Follow the guidelines of your country, city, town. The rules laid out to stay home or keep away from crowds are there to protect you and others. Don’t lie, we have all been self-serving at one point or another, but this is about the bigger picture.

Feeling overwhelmed? Try deep breathing exercises: Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale very slowly from your mouth. Repeat several times. Try a pressure point for relief. Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and holding it there for several seconds can ward off a panic attack.

Stay calm; stay kind. Make plans with neighbors if any one of you should get sick. Remember, pets can catch this! Keep your pets away from your tissues and bodily fluids and wash your hands thoroughly after dealing with theirs. Check on the family and the elderly with a phone call. Cover your mouth when you cough, yawn or sneeze, by using the crook of your elbow. Wash hands for at least twenty seconds. Don’t like to count? Try singing a song. Don’t fight with your fellow man over toilet paper or any other store item.

And God bless us, every one!

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.

Relationship on the Rocks: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Relationship on the Rocks: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-and-man-sitting-on-brown-wooden-bench-984949/

Love is wonderful, but it’s not always easy. Relationships can be hard work, if you’re struggling with yours, here are three questions to ask yourself before throwing in the towel.

Has the argument/ issue only just cropped up?

If the problem in the relationship is new, then instead of throwing in the towel and running for the hills- give yourself some time. Think about things from your partners perspective, have some space if you need it and then come together and talk. Even if it feels serious at the time, it could well be something that you’re able to resolve together. The only exceptions here are infidelity and abuse, if the issue involves either of these then you’re best bet is almost always to leave. But many other problems can be worked out, and you can go on to be happy together again. If the argument is ongoing, and seems to be one of the main topics you bicker and row about then this can be a sign that you’re unable to get past it and might be a cue to speak to divorce lawyers. Ongoing arguments about the same things over and over is the signal of an unhealthy relationship as it shows you’re not able to resolve your problems, meaning they’ll keep on coming back around. 

Do you need to work on yourself?

In relationships, it’s easy to blame the other person when things start going wrong or arguments occur. But take a step back and think objectively. Are there things you’re doing which make the situation worse? Maybe you’re controlling and jealous without even realising, and your partners outbursts are actually due to frustration and retaliation. Many of us paint ourselves as the victim in relationships and certain situations when it’s not always the case. Be mature enough to own up to your behaviour and figure out what you could be doing wrong. In many cases, issues in relationships are a result of both of your actions and not just one. It’s not to say you should blame yourself or make excuses for your partner’s bad behaviour- but do acknowledge if you have a part to play. Once you’re aware of this you’re able to take steps to stop and perhaps have a much happier relationship.

Have you considered therapy?

Relationships can get really messy, when you love your partner and a lot has gone on in the past and your feelings are all over the place it can be hard to communicate effectively. For this reason it’s well worth visiting a relationship therapist before you decide to call it quits. Sometimes, just being able to communicate your message in an environment where your partner has to listen to you, and vice versa is all you need. A therapist can give you tips on how to resolve arguments and speak to each other more clearly too to avoid future issues. 

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.

Soothing Self Care Ideas To Try After a Rough Day

Soothing Self Care Ideas To Try After a Rough Day

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When you have had a terrible day all you want to do is sit on the sofa, eat chips, and watch your favourite movie. Drowning your sorrows in the most unhealthy way possible seems to be your only solution at the moment, but are there better ways of dealing with things? Whether you’re trying to cope after an accident or you’re struggling with your relationship, self care will always be the winning answer. It doesn’t take much time or money to invest in a solid self care routine, and this will always cheer you up after a rough day.

Expressing Gratitude

After a terrible day, the last thing you want to do is write down a list of things you’re grateful for. However, this can really ground you and make you assess what’s really important to you. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may find looking at the crash report reassuring. Although the details might be difficult to read, it will help you to see the positives of the situation. It may also help you to gain the closure you need in order to move on and be positive again. Expressing gratitude is so simple yet so effective so make sure you give it a try for yourself.

Read: HOW TO HAVE MORE FUN IN LIFE

Time With Friends

Spending some much-needed time with those you love can really impact your mood for the better. They will be able to lift you up when you’re at your lowest, and they will always see the best in you. There is no better tonic than meeting up with your best friend for a cocktail and a chat!

Time on Your Own

You should never be afraid of spending time on your own, especially when you’re going through a difficult time. There are so many positives to being alone because you can focus on what you really want to do. Make sure you don’t spiral into overthinking mode as this could become unhealthy in the long run. 

Read: COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK-UPS: INVESTING IN YOUR FAMILY’S WELL-BEING

Movement and Eating Well

No matter how old or young you are, eating well will always make you feel better. The first thing you want to do when you’ve had a bad day is reach for a family-size chocolate bar and lounge around on the sofa. Although this might seem appealing, it is so important to treat your body well. Moving gently and eating well with benefit your physical and mental health, so give this a go next time you’re feeling low.

With all of these things in mind, you will always be able to pick yourself up after a rough day. There are going to be times when you just want to give up completely and stay in your pajamas all day. Although this is sometimes a good choice, you don’t want this to become a habit. Opt for healthier ways of treating yourself, and you will soon be able to make a quick recovery from your bad day.

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 TwitterTikTok, or Instagram.

3 Tips to Help You Stay Focused on the Road

3 Tips to Help You Stay Focused on the Road

Everyone knows the importance of safe driving, and it never hurts to brush up on your skills to ensure you’re secure behind the wheel. 

Unfortunately, even if you’re a seasoned driver, distracted driving has become a big problem for everyone, especially since there are currently 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world. 

Some distracted driving statistics are downright scary, including the fact that distracted driving contributes to 400,000 injury-involved car accidents in the U.S. alone each year!

While these statistics are frightening and we all know we should stay focused while on the road, it’s not always that easy. So, what can you do to re-center your focus and be less distracted when you’re behind the wheel? Let’s look at a few tips you can start using immediately. 

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1. Only Use Your Phone for Emergencies

When you’re behind the wheel, you should only ever use your cell phone for emergency purposes. Even then, instead of talking while you’re driving, try to pull over to the side of the road to use it. 

You might think it’s better to use hands-free devices that allow you to talk with your hands on the wheel. While those are better than holding onto your phone with one hand, it’s still impossible to be fully focused on the road while you’re having a conversation. Wait until you’re done driving so you can give your full attention to the conversation itself, too!

2. Never Drive Drowsy

Driving at night or for long periods of time can cause “driver fatigue.” It’s far too easy to get lulled to sleep by the steady motion and sounds of a car. If you feel drowsy behind the wheel, let someone else drive or pull over and rest. Even a short break can give you some energy. 

When you drive drowsy, you’re not only putting yourself in danger. You’re putting your passengers and other people on the road in danger. Even if you don’t fall asleep, it’s hard to stay focused when you’re exhausted. Losing that focus for even a second can contribute to an accident. 

3. Limit the Number of People in the Car

Some places have laws that don’t allow teenage or novice drivers to have more than one or two people in the car with them. Those laws are lifted as you get older, but it’s still a good rule of thumb to keep in mind. When you’re with your friends, you might find yourself getting distracted by conversations, music, laughter, etc. 

If you find that you’re easily distracted, especially when you spend time in larger groups, make a commitment to only have one or two people in your car with you at any given time. The less activity in the car itself, the easier it will be to focus on the road. Remember, when you’re driving with passengers, you have other people’s lives in your hands, too!

While these tips might be nothing but reminders of things you already know, they’re good to keep in mind if you feel you’ve lost a little bit of focus behind the wheel. The good news? You can re-gain it immediately by using these suggestions and practicing safe habits on the road. 

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.

Everyday Tips from Tia