Category: Life Hacks

There are nearly 1 million licensed beds for assisted living in the United States. And whether you are looking for assisted living or other options for senior living, there are plenty of choices.  

Many seniors like the options and amenities offered by these types of living arrangements. Many are maintenance-free and give seniors much independence. 

Here’s what to consider when looking at options for senior living.

Location

Location is often the number one reason when people consider options for senior living. You may want to be close to your children or other friends and family. They can make your transition to senior living much easier.  

In looking for independent living options for seniors, you may want to be close to things like your church, favorite restaurants, or shopping. Will you have easy access to public transportation? Can you walk to your favorite park?

If you are looking to make a change to another part of the country, you might want to consider the weather conditions or areas that might be under constant evacuation from floods or storms.

Services

When you are looking for options for senior living, ask what types of service the facility offers. Daily housekeeping? Shopping?

Some of these services might suit someone better who is looking for senior living options for veterans or senior living options for couples. Maybe you’ll want a place where the facility cooks all of your meals, or you have the option to leave on occasion.

What about social options? Does the facility hold social functions? If a facility has these types of services, a company like Senioroi.com will market them to attract customers.  

In searching for independent living options for seniors, services might be a key factor. The more services, the more independence you may have in your living situation. 

Access to Healthcare

Depending on the location of your senior living facility, you may want to think about access to healthcare. This might be more of a concern for those looking for assisted living options for low-income seniors, because of their access to transportation.

Some people may also want a facility that offers in-house healthcare services including doctor visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services. Those looking for senior living options for veterans may also want to inquire what types of services might be available for them, especially for healthcare. 

Amenities

Some amenities when considering options for senior living may include hair salons or barbershops, a swimming pool, or even an in-house library.  

These amenities are even available as assisted living options for low-income seniors or even for senior living options for veterans.  

Options for Senior Living That You Should Consider 

When looking at options for senior living, consider location, types of service, access to healthcare, and the types of amenities. These can help you make the best decision when looking for independent living options for seniors.  

If you like this information, read more information like it on our website.   

Did you know that women are more stressed than men? Research finds multiple reasons for this, like managing work and marriages. However, one of the top stressors for women is raising children.

While being a mother is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life, you will feel the stress from time to time. That is especially true if you juggle children, a partner, and a full-time career.

Finding time for self-care is critical to maintaining a healthy mental state of mind. Do you want to know the top five ways to pamper yourself at home? If so, keep reading this informative article. 

1. Buy Fresh Flowers

Research shows that adding some beautiful flowers to your home has the power to lift your mood. If you are a flower person, this is one of the best pamper yourself at home ideas out there.

So, go ahead and take a trip to the store or florist. Don’t be afraid to pick up your favorite flower or bouquet and spread them out around your home. Not only will they liven up every room, but when you walk around, you will feel happier in their presence. 

2. Light Some Candles

The next thing to do is light some candles. When we inhale the scent of our favorite candle, it directly links to the parts of our brains that control memory and mood.

Therefore, basking in the smell and glow of a few candles will turn all those stressed feelings upside down. One of the best ones on the market is the lotion candle at cartermillsoapcompany.com. 

3. Have Some Spa Time

Next up, we suggest some spa time if you can grab a minute or two to yourself. Run a hot bath and let your worries melt away.

To enhance this self-care for moms, light some of those candles we mentioned before. Along with that, you can also apply a face mask, hair mask, exfoliating scrub, or anything you find relaxing. 

4. Treat Yourself 

Do you eat healthy most of the time? If so, that is an excellent life habit to maintain. However, when stress hits, it often helps to know we have some treats to eat.

Buying your favorite foods will give you something to look forward to all day long. You get to daydream about indulging yourself later, even if it is just one piece of chocolate. That first heavenly bite will take you out of your stress and focus your mind on the treats at hand. 

5. Do a Hobby

If you want to pamper yourself on a budget, try to partake in a favorite hobby. Do you have a book sitting on the shelf just waiting for you to read it? Grab it before bed and read.

Or you can paint, write, journal, or learn an instrument. Whatever your hobby is, go for it. Even if you can only do it for ten minutes a day, it will still redirect your mind from all of the busy mom stuff you do all day. 

More Tips on How to Pamper Yourself at Home 

As you can tell, there are countless ways that you can pamper yourself at home. Remember, buying things like fresh flowers to brighten your day work wonderfully for cheering up your mood.

Plus, if you find some extra time, you can have a mini spa night with face masks and lotion candles. We hope this article helps you find some ways to pamper yourself at home.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, keep reading the rest of our blog for more content on lifestyle and how to manage stress. 

Shopping for insurance isn’t something most people look forward to. While this is true, it is a necessity for most families.

Even though time may be limited when it comes to choosing a health insurance plan, if you rush and pick the wrong one, it may cost you – a lot – in the long run.

While this is true, there are some tips you can use to help you find and select the right plan for you and your family. Keep reading to learn what those tips are.

Figure Out the Type of Policy You Need

You can find health insurance plans in different variants. Each variant offers a unique type of coverage.

This means it’s up to you to find the right policy for your family. Some of the most common health plans that are available include:

Individual Health Plans

If you are single with no kids, an individual health plan may be ideal. It is considered an indemnity health insurance plan, and claims are only paid for hospital-related expenses.

Family Floater Plans

With a family floater plan, all members of your family are covered for a single price. This policy offers umbrella coverage and allows each person to claim the max amount covered.

Senior Citizen Plans

For individuals over the age of 60, this plan may be ideal. It typically covers services seniors require, such as pre-existing diseases, outpatient treatment, and more.

Disease-Specific Plans

If you or someone in your family has a specific illness, a disease-specific plan may be needed. This includes things like COVID, heart problems, and others.

Coverage Considerations

It’s important to choose the health insurance that offers coverage for many problems and needs. For example, choose a plan that your family doctor and family dentist accept.

Also, consider if the policy covers pre-and post-hospitalization costs, transportation costs, daycare costs, and more. If you are buying the policy for your entire family, be sure it meets the needs of each person.

You also need to find out if the plan will provide coverage at healthcare facilities nearby.

Figure Out When and Where to Enroll

Depending on where you live, you can use different sites to purchase your insurance.

For example, the District of Columbia and 12 states have their own exchange. You can also shop for policies during the federal exchange’s open enrollment period, which lasts until mid-December.

If you live in a state with its own marketplace, you will likely have more time to shop and buy.

Compare the Options

Your out-of-pocket costs will be lower if you can go to an in-network doctor. That’s because insurance companies work with in-network providers to reduce rates.

If you go out of network, the doctors don’t have any pre-established rates. This means you have to cover the higher costs.

For situations where you already have a preferred doctor, you want to continue to see, be sure they are listed in the provider directory for the plan you are considering. You can also speak to your doctor to see if they take the plan you are thinking about buying.

In situations where you don’t have a preferred doctor, try to find a plan with a large network. This is going to give you more choices.

Bigger networks are also important if you live in rural areas. It will be easier for you to find a local healthcare provider who will accept your plan.

If you find a plan that doesn’t offer local, in-network doctors, then eliminate these.

Look for Policies with Comprehensive Coverage

As mentioned above, you need to ensure you find the right plan by finding one with the required coverage benefits. Making sure you have comprehensive coverage is essential, which will ensure all medical costs are covered.

Also, when looking at coverage benefits, make sure the ones offered to meet your requirements.

For example, if you recently got married, you should choose a plan with a maternity benefit if you plan on having kids.

Compare Plan’s Out-of-Pocket Costs

The out-of-pocket costs you are responsible for are just as important as the network you choose. The summary of benefits for a plan should be laid out and easy to understand.

The federal marketplace also provides you with summaries of costs, making it easy to compare different plans.

It’s a good idea to learn a few health insurance-related terms. Some of the most important related to out-of-pocket costs include coinsurance, copayments, and deductible.

The total amount you can spend yourself each year is limited. This maximum amount will be listed in the plan’s information section. Usually, the less your premium is, the more you will pay out of pocket.

During this step, try to find a plan that balances out-of-pocket costs with deductibles. This is going to help you avoid spending too much, regardless of your situation.

What to Know When Shopping for Insurance

When you are ready to start shopping for insurance, keep the tips and information above in mind. These will help you find the right policy and provide you with the coverage you need.

Remember, when buying a plan for you and your family, there are several factors you need to keep in mind. Knowing what to consider will help ensure you find a plan that meets your needs now and that will meet them in the future.

Are you searching for more information and guides about topics like family life, frugal living, and earning money? If so, take time to read some of the other blogs on our website.

Saving money is a great goal to have. Whether you are saving for a specific situation or just want extra money in your pocket, finding ways to cut your costs is important. 

However, when most people think of saving, they think of major purchases. While saving on these purchases is a great idea, you don’t get many opportunities to do so.

Fortunately, saving on household items like dental products is just as important. Although these items might seem small, saving day-by-day adds up and can have a significant impact on your finances. 

If you are wondering how to save on your dental products, this short and simple guide is for you. 

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly 

One of the best tips for saving money on dental care is to visit your dentist regularly. By attending all of the recommended check-ups, you can prevent many dental problems. This will cut down on the dental products you need to buy, which will result in savings. 

2. Set a Budget 

Before shopping for dental supplies, make sure to set a budget. By giving yourself a spending limit, you can ensure you don’t spend too much on impulse buys. 

3. Buy Generic 

One way to save money on dental products is to buy generic. Many generic products are created with the same or similar ingredients as brand-name products. Many generic products also give the same results as brand-name, making them a perfect way to save money.

4. Buy in Bulk

A great way to save on dental hygiene products is to buy in bulk. When you buy in bulk you save in a few ways, including saving money on trips to the store. You can also look for bulk discounts to boost your savings even further. 

5. Shop the Deals 

If you want to save on dental products, consider shopping for the deals. Look at the circular for your local big box store and only buy products that are on sale. Take advantage of every discount you can find to supercharge your savings. 

6. Use Rebates and Coupons

A helpful tip for saving on dental hygiene products is to use rebates and coupons. Although rebates are offered on a variety of products, they mostly go unclaimed. Claim your rebates and look for coupons to use for dental products. 

7. Take Advantage of Savings Apps

Did you know many apps will help you save on dental products? It’s true, by using shopping apps, you can automatically find deals, discounts, coupons, rebates, and more. 

Use These Tips to Save Money on Dental Products

By using these tips, you can save on dental products and put money back into your pocket.

Start by visiting your dentist regularly and practicing preventative maintenance. You should also set a budget, buy generic, and buy in bulk. Make sure to shop the deals, use rebates and coupons, and take advantage of savings apps. 

Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to saving money on your dental products.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on health, relationships, finances, and more. 

Research suggests it takes an average of 12 to 18 months to plan a wedding for the average couple. This adds up to an average of 200 to 500 hours of wedding planning in total! 

The pandemic has put a lot of things into perspective for us all. Many of us want to seize the moment and get back to living.

For the recently engaged who want to get to the big day already, it doesn’t need to take years to plan your wedding. In fact, we can help you learn how to plan a wedding in 6 months.

How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months

It goes without saying that you’ll need to be insanely organized to pull it off, but it is doable. Use our 6-month wedding planning checklist to help you plan the big day pronto!

6 Months

Before anything else, you need to determine your budget. This means figuring out how much you’re willing to spend and if anyone else is contributing, as well as how much. You can then figure out how much you need to allocate to different aspects of your big day.

With your budget planned, next up you need to choose your venue. This is usually the most expensive and difficult part of wedding planning. The most popular and traditional venues are usually already booked up for years in advance, but there’s plenty of amazing venues that won’t be.

You can try booking on less popular days for traditional venues or look for more unusual venues. You never know what you might find that you’ll love. 

Once you’ve booked your venue, it’s time to book your main vendors. Much like venues, the best and most popular vendors are booked well in advance. Get yours lined up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you know you’ve got a lot of guests in from out of state, it’s a great time to secure a hotel room block. This will reserve rooms for your wedding guests only to book, usually at a discounted rate. 

If you’re having an engagement shoot, this also needs to be organized now you’ve arranged your photographer. This is so you can use your photos on your invitations, on the big day, or on your wedding website.

Last but by no means least, time to choose your dress. Custom-made dresses need to be ordered as soon as possible to avoid rush order fees. Once you’ve found the dress, you can also schedule your fittings closer to your big day so it’s a perfect fit.

5 Months

With the majority of the big decisions made, this month is all about who’s coming to your wedding. This means figuring out your guest list now you know your venue size.

Sit down with your other half and spend time making the list and checking it twice. It might also be worth talking to both sets of parents to make sure there’s no one you missed. 

You’ll also want to establish who’s in your wedding party now. This is because you’ll need to organize bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen tuxedos. They don’t take as long to organize as the bride’s dress, but the sooner the better. 

If you’re going to create a wedding website to keep track of your guests and for your gift registry, then now’s the time to do it. Include key information like the date, maps, nearby hotels, and any dress codes.

Time to send your save the date cards. If you’re opting for digital save the dates, this is fairly hassle-free and there are loads of cute templates available online.

However, if you’d rather have traditional physical save the date cards then you need to find printers. Our pro-tip here would be to find a printer who can do it all, including your later wedding invitations, menus, and anything else you want. Using the same vendors where possible makes planning a wedding in 6 months much easier to coordinate.

4 Months

Arrange any other vendors you need to. You’ll obviously already have things like your caterer and music for the big day arranged from months ago, but there are some other smaller vendors you’ll need too. Things like transport for you and your guests, hair and makeup stylists, and more should all be booked now. 

You’ll also need to purchase your wedding bands. Many wedding bands are made to order and it can take up to 3 months for your bands to be made and delivered. So 4 months to go is the latest you should be organizing this aspect if you want to avoid disappointment. 

3 Months

You’ve reached the halfway point! Treat yourself to some menu and cake tastings with your other half. Arguably one of the best parts of wedding planning in our humble opinion. 

Send out your invitations now. They should’ve been designed and ordered back when you arranged your save the dates. So this should be as simple as popping them in the post. 

You can start thinking about beyond your big day now — your honeymoon! It’s a great time to get your flights and hotel booked for some R&R after the big day. 

2 Months

Time to party it up at your bridal shower, bachelor party, and bachelorette party. These should hopefully be organized by the maid of honor and best man, as well as other members of the wedding party. We’d definitely recommend having them well in advance as opposed to the day before the big day to avoid hangovers.

Get a little post-party pampering with a hair and makeup trial. This will help avoid any catastrophes on the big day.

In more serious business, you also need to order your marriage license. It’s easily forgotten in all the fun, but without it, you won’t officially be married. All you need to do is visit the county clerk. 

1 Month

The vast majority of your planning is done, but it’s still worth re-confirming everything with your vendors and wedding party. You’ll also want to finalize your seating chart now you’ll have all your RSVPs. You can use a free wedding seating tool to make this nice and easy. 

Get your bags packed for your honeymoon so you’re not rushing around after the wedding day. Otherwise, just focus on enjoying your big day!

Enjoy the Big Day!

Knowing how to plan a wedding in 6 months is only half the battle! Getting through it without having a stress meltdown is no easy feat. But remember this is the best day of your life, so take time to enjoy all the little moments and not let the stress get to you.

You can find loads more tips for wedding planning, including frugal planning, on our blog.