Category: Frugal Living Tips

Did you know that modern braces have been around since the 19th century? They were invented by Christophe-Francois Delabarre in 1819.

Fast forward to today, and they’ve become one of the most common dental treatments available. In the United States alone, nearly 4 million people wear braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

And there’s more than one type that you can choose from.

Interested? Want to learn more about the various options for teeth straightening? If so, you’re in luck, because that’s what we’ll be going over in this post.

Keep reading to learn more about the topic!

1. Metal Braces 

Traditional or metal braces are the most common type of braces among children and adolescents. They consist of several components, including brackets, wires, bands, ligatures, and elastics, all of which work together to move your teeth into the ideal position.

If anything, they’re the most effective solution for overcrowding, misalignment, crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, and other orthodontic issues.

Not only that, but they work quickly. What’s more, is that they’re affordable with a price range of $3,000 to $8,000 (and they’re often covered by insurance).

With that said, they do have their drawbacks. For one thing, they’re highly visible and can make some feel self-conscious about their appearance. You’ll also have to visit the orthodontist every month for regular adjustments.

2. Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. They usually cost between $3,000 to $7,000.

The orthodontist will start by creating a 3D image of your mouth and jaw.  From there, they’ll create a series of customized trays, which will apply pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them to the desired position.

For the best results, you’ll need to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours each day. And every week or two, you’ll need to switch them out for a new set.

While there are no age restrictions, they’re not usually prescribed to children, as they’re more likely to remove the trays when they shouldn’t (more about Invisalign for kids).

3. Ceramic Braces 

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces in that they involve brackets and wires. The former, however, are made from translucent materials, which makes them less noticeable. Studies have also shown that they lead to less accumulation of plaque than metal braces.

As a result, they tend to be more expensive (they can cost up to $2,000 more than traditional braces).

And while they move teeth slower than metal braces, they work faster than clear aligners. Generally speaking, you’re looking at a treatment period of about 18 to 36 months. 

The Different Options for Teeth Straightening

There are various options for teeth straightening, each of which has its own pros and cons. At the end of the day, it all depends on your preference (and the severity of your case). For those who are interested, consider talking to an orthodontist.

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the rest of our health and fitness section!

Many people have a love for traveling. There’s something exhilarating about picking and going somewhere new for the first time. It lets you see new things and get a fresh perspective from others. 

The trouble often comes from planning your tour of the new place. Driving around in unfamiliar places can lead to traffic complications. Sometimes it can even be dangerous. 

Some locations are too big to walk everywhere, too. So, what can you do?

If your vacation destination offers a helicopter tour, it can be the solution you need! Helicopter tours provide convenience and perspective that no other tour can match. To learn more, check out these five helicopter tour benefits!

1. Incredible Views

A helicopter tour provides its customers with an experience that nobody else can match. In this way, you can see the landscape of your travel destination in a way you never would otherwise. You may even spot other attractions and interesting sites, giving you an idea of where to go next.

All the while, you get to sit comfortably in your seat and unwind. As you fly, make sure to snap some pictures to impress your friends and family back home!

2. Fresh Perspective

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, taking a helicopter tour gives you a fresh perspective about your destination. For example, let’s say you take a Miami helicopter tour. 

While in the air, you’ll see all sorts of things in a way you never have before. From majestic coastal views to the Dolphins’ stadium, you can see the world in a new way. To make things even better, you can avoid traffic and long lines as you fly.

3. Improved Tour Experience

If you’ve ever been on tour before, you know how inconvenient they can sometimes become. You have to worry about keeping up with the guide and navigating crowds. Sometimes, too, it’s hard to appreciate the scale of the sites you see. 

A helicopter tour changes this for you. From here, you can easily appreciate the scale of places you see. 

In particular, night tours offer an even greater experience. Flying high on a Chicago helicopter tour lets you see the grandeur of the city lights as you soar through the night sky. 

4. Making Memories With Loved Ones

If there’s anything you and your loved ones will certainly remember, it’s flying in a helicopter. If you want to spend time with a loved one, whether a family member or an old friend, this provides the perfect opportunity. So, book a tour and enjoy the ride!

5. Experiment With a New Hobby

If you’re a thrill-seeking kind of person, you may consider learning to fly a helicopter. If so, trying out a helicopter tour can give you a feel for what it’s like in the air. If that excites you, book a tour with Breezehelicopters.com.

Try Out a Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour provides a unique experience that nothing else can match. So, don’t hesitate; book your tour today!

We hope you enjoyed this article! If so, check out our other content today.

According to Pew Research Center, almost a quarter of Americans aged 45 – 64 cares for an aging relative.

Are you caring for aging parents? It can be a tricky situation to navigate. For so many years, your parents took care of you, now the tables have turned.

When dealing with aging parents, it’s important to be mindful of their perspectives. Read on to find out more about how to care for aging parents in a way that takes everyone’s needs into account.

Your Aging Parents

It can be difficult when you start to notice the signs that your parents are aging. Perhaps they’re moving more slowly. Their memory may be beginning to wane.

The house that used to be immaculate is now a little messy.

Your instinct may be to step in and try to take over. Before you do, think about how your actions may be received.

Respect Independence

Your parents want to be treated like adults. They will not take it kindly if you start trying to take over. They’ve had autonomy for a very long time, and giving that up is hard.

Accepting help means getting used to new routines and new ways of dealing with daily living. Have a discussion with your parents about how things are going. Are there some tasks that have become harder to do? Are there tasks they still love to do?

Once you know where your parents stand, you can tailor the help you give. If they find grocery shopping to be too exhausting, go ahead and let them make a list for you to take to the store. If they are still enjoying walking out to get the mail, leave the letters in the box.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Many a misunderstanding has happened because of miscommunication. It’s important to talk with your parents about your concerns and allow them, in turn, to share theirs.

Don’t make the conversation an event. Everyone should be relaxed and ready to do some active listening. No judgement should be made—on either side.

If there’s a specific topic you want to discuss, such as what level of care your parents should have, have some options to present. Be prepared to hear what your parents think of these options. Come to a decision that works for everyone.

Your parents may be willing to consider different types of senior communities, or they may prefer to stay in their house and receive in-home care.

Keeping an open mind and listening to each other can preserve a relationship you and your parents hold dear.

Beware of Assessment

No one likes to be judged, your parents included.

It can be stressful to have someone assess how you’re managing your home. Mentioning the mess in the kitchen or the pile of laundry in the closet can make your parents feel self-conscious. They may not be quite ready to admit they need help.

Instead of expressing all your concerns in a way that may leave your parents feeling unhappy, take a silent look around. Check the fridge and note the state of the living room.

If there’s something that matters, bring it up. Have a calm conversation about what you’ve noticed and ask if you can help.

What’s Best For Everyone

Your aging parents may need you more and more as time goes by. Take the time to truly listen to them. Respectfully share your thoughts. Keeping everyone in the loop will make any changes seem like a breeze.

For more information on managing family life, visit our blog today.

The swimming pool market was worth an astonishing USD 1.3bn in 2021. As people become more conscious about their health and lifestyles, this figure is only likely to grow further in the future. However, if you own or are purchasing a pool, you may want to consider installing a pool fence. 

But, what are the benefits of installing a pool safety fence? Before you make the investment, you’ll want to be sure this type of protective barrier can make a positive contribution to your pool area. The good news is there are many excellent reasons to have a pool fence on your property. 

Read on to learn more about the advantages of pool safety fencing.

1. Help Reduce Accidents 

When considering the benefits of a pool fence, pool safety is probably the first thing that springs to mind. While placing a barrier around your swimming pool is only one of many steps you can take to improve safety standards, it could help reduce the risk of accidental drownings.

2. Keep Out Unwanted Visitors

If you get visits from the local wildlife, you’ll likely want to keep them out of your pool. While birds and smaller animals will be able to get through a pool fence, larger creatures could be put off by the barrier. This can be useful if you don’t want to wake up and find substantial-sized animals taking a bath in your pool.

3. Cost-Effective Option

The cost of your pool fence will depend on several factors such as its size, material, and location. But, if you find a reliable local contractor, they can advise on what types of fence you can get at different price ranges. You can then decide which kind of pool fence you would like to install. 

4. Custom Designs

You can choose pool fences to meet the specifications of every pool shape and size. There are also many different types of materials you can use such as glass, mesh, wood, and aluminum. This wide selection means you can pick a pool fence that adds extra safety while also blending in with your current decor.

5. Peace of Mind

You can’t be near your pool all the time, and installing a pool fence can help give you peace of mind that you’ve reduced the risk of accidents when you are not there. Combining this method with other mitigations could be invaluable.

Install Your Pool Safety Fence Today

It can be great fun to have a pool where people can relax and get some exercise. But, it’s vital to keep areas around water as safe as possible, and a pool fence can provide an added layer of security. Not only can it help prevent accidents and keep animals away from the water, but you can also design a custom pool fence to meet your exact requirements. 

If you’ve found this article helpful, be sure to check out more great posts in our Family Life section before you go.

Planning for a family vacation is a fun and exciting time.

Research shows that family vacations are essential for bonding with your children and they make for happier kids. Family vacations also give you the chance to create memories for your children that will last a lifetime that is far more valuable than material items. 

If you’re planning your next family vacation, there are many important steps to remember. From scheduling to accommodation to budgeting, you don’t want to miss a thing while you’re planning. 

Keep reading for the ultimate guide in planning a family vacation.

Confirm Dates Ahead of Time

When planning a vacation and traveling with family, you want to double-check and cross-reference important dates on your calendar. 

This is especially important if you’re traveling with a large number of family members. You want to ensure that the allotted vacation time is aligned with everyone’s school and work schedule. 

If you book the wrong date for your transportation or accommodation, it could cost you a lot to reschedule.  

Decide on a Destination

If you and your family are deciding on the best places to visit, be sure that everyone gets a chance to express what they want from their vacation. 

With multiple family members and a variety of age groups, there are likely to be many different opinions. Be sure that everyone gets a chance to communicate and then compromise on a destination that has a little something for everyone. 

If the children want to go to an amusement park but the adults want to go to Paris, choose a place that offers a cultural experience and a fun excursion for the children.  

Budget Accordingly and Save Saving Early 

Budgeting for your family vacation is one of the most important parts of planning for a trip. 

You want to be sure that you’ve considered everything so that you don’t exceed your family’s budget. For most trips, you will need to budget for: 

• Transportation, including flights, getting to and from the airport, parking, and getting around in your destination
• Accommodation in a hotel, Airbnb, or resort
• Food and drinks throughout your stay 
• Leisure activities and entertainment 
• Tours and excursions 
• Souvenirs and gifts 
• Emergencies 

Planning an affordable vacation means having a solid budget. 

Saving ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you are ready when the time comes to take your vacation. There are also small ways in which you can save money. 

Booking an all-inclusive vacation can take care of flights, accommodation, food, and drinks all in one go. Or you can book a trip that doesn’t involve a flight and you can opt for a road trip instead. 

Whatever you choose, start saving before you start planning.  

Arrange Your Transportation

Your mode of transportation will depend on your destination. 

If your family vacation is in the state or a driveable state, you want to make sure that your car is in good shape for a long drive. Be sure to take your car to the mechanic before you go on your trip and budget for gas to get there. 

You might be traveling by plane with your family and if you have younger children or a large family, airport travel might be a bit more challenging. Talk to your little ones about what to expect at the airport and the plane trip. 

Be sure to book your plane tickets well in advance to get the best possible price. While booking your plane tickets, reserve your airport parking ahead of time to save time and money when you arrive at the airport.  

Book Your Accommodations

There are a variety of accommodation options for your family, depending on where you travel. 

You might choose a resort, a hotel, a cottage, an Airbnb, or a campsite. Depending on your destination, you must choose the right accommodation for your family. These will vary in price according to the amenities and convenience. 

Higher-end accommodation that is close to leisure activities might be worth the cost to save on time and transportation. If you have a large family you might benefit from renting an Airbnb so you can share a home rather than being divided up into hotel rooms. 

This will depend on your family’s needs, your destination, and your budget. But be sure to book your accommodation ahead of time to get the best price and the perfect accommodation to suit your family’s needs. 

Plan a Memorable Shared Experience 

During most family vacations, children of all ages want to do different things and adults want their time to relax. But a family vacation is all about a shared experience. 

Plan at least one thing that the family can do together that will be enjoyable and memorable for everyone. 

It can be a hike to watch a sunset, a horseback ride on the beach, or a family skydiving excursion. This will be a different experience for each family but the important thing is that it will be memorable. 

How to Plan a Family Vacation 

Planning a family vacation can be overwhelming but if done right, it can be part of the vacation excitement. If you want to plan a family vacation without missing a step, remember to schedule the right dates, decide on a destination, budget accordingly, start savings early, arrange your transportation, book your accommodation, and plan a memorable experience with your family. 

Now you are ready to relax and pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime with your loved ones. 

If you enjoyed this article, keep coming back to our awesome blog for more vacation planning tips and tricks.