One of the biggest achievements that you can ever have in life is the one where you can finally leave your working life behind. Getting to retirement age is a big enough achievement but to be able to say that you spent most of your working life somewhere that appreciates you is a new thing entirely. You get the chance to say goodbye to a big old slice of your life and it’s all for a good reason. This is your time to kick back and relax for a little while, and it’s exciting that you get to do that.

The biggest question that you now have to answer is how you plan on celebrating that area of your life being over. Are you going to throw a huge party? It doesn't matter either way as long as you are happy to say goodbye! You might get a gift of one of the best selling watches out there - it’s a standard retirement gift - but you will still have the time to really enjoy it. You might not want to organize a party, but it can be done in a way that’s exciting - and we’ve got some of the best suggestions for you below.

Image Source: Pexels

1. Travel. You could use this time to travel the world and see more things in life than you ever thought you could. One of the most popular plans is a cruise and that’s because of all the senior discounts you can enjoy! You can choose to safari in Africa, relax on the beaches of Jamaica or simply spend time in a caravan by the ocean. No matter what you do, you can travel and see so much more than you thought you could.

2. Start giving to charity. So many retirees use the time to spend giving back. Not everyone wants to sit around enjoying life (no, really), some people want to be busy and that means volunteering time. You might have spare income you want to use for a good cause, or you may just have some spare time you want to use for a good cause! Either way, you’ve got time now to choose a charity and start giving.

3. Spend more time with family. One of the main things that people look forward to with retirement is spending time with family and friends a lot more. You could use the years now and spend more time being a grandparent or an uncle/aunt. You can see more of your children and their children, and you can make new memories.

4. Use the time to come up with new traditions. If you love to keep busy by organizing events, then the time is now to try new traditions. You can use your retirement date as a new holiday date in the family and you can organize new game nights and celebrate birthdays and events with new traditions, too.

5. Give yourself a gift for a change. Have you been sitting on a rainy day nest egg? Well, if so, now’s the time to treat yourself. You have been saving money all this time and while you might want to give to others in your family, you don't want to be the richest person in the crematorium, right? 

6. Go backwards. Some of the fun of retiring is the time you have, and you can use some of the time to go backwards down memory lane and revisit all of the older places you used to be in. It’s a nice way to spend time with your kids, too, as you can go and see how things have changed over the years. It’s half the fun of retiring.

7. Take up a new hobby. One of the best ways to spend time saying goodbye to your working life is to do something new with your time. You can take up a brand new hobby and really enjoy every second of your life now that you’re not filling up time with working. 

8. Choose to do something out of your comfort zone. Retirement is only the end of the working life that you chose for the past few years, it's not the end of all things that you ever wanted to do. So, use this time to come up with a new dream for yourself so that you can be ready to have fun no matter what you’re doing. You can be more productive, and try a new dream and you want to boost your creativity! This is a choice that will change your future.

Image credit

When you are looking to buy a house, it’s not just the money you have to think about. There are lots of other aspects of a house move that are important to prepare in advance, to keep you both organized, and to ensure that you are ready to do so. Here are some top tips to help you prepare for buying a house. 

#1 Review your current situation

It is important to think about your current position. If you live with a friend or family, then the process will be extremely simple for you, especially when it comes to unpacking. However, if you are renting a property, or already own a property, you will have more to think about. If you rent a house, you will need to consider the time that you have until the end of your contract and whether you will choose to wait this out, or see if you can come out of it early for a small fee. You will also need to consider what you will do if there is a gap between your tenancy ending, and waiting to get into your new home. If you own a property, you will likely exchange contracts at the same time as you buy and sell, so that the moving process is much simpler. The only complex thing with owning a property is waiting for an offer, and considering how much equity you have in the home that you wish to move across to your new place, and how much of a mortgage you wish to apply for. Alternatively, you may wish to rent out your property, and invest in a second, in which case, time may not matter as much. Your current situation, and your goals, will impact whether you are ready to start house hunting or not. 

#2 Agree your budget 

Once you have decided that you are in a position to move house, the next important step before house hunting is to agree on a budget. The amount you can afford should include a range of different factors, not just the price of the property. When you buy a new home, you have to invest in a real estate agent to help you conduct property searches, you can get it from here. You will also need to invest in an attorney to help with the legal process, a mortgage broker to assist with finances, as well as all the start-up costs involved with your property, such as setting up the utilities, furnishing the home, and any renovations you wish to make. 

#3 Decide where you want to live 

It can help you prepare for the house hunt if you know approximately where you would like to live. Think about all the features and amenities that you want close to your location, for example, do you want it close to a good school, a leisure center, a gym, your office, nice walks in nature, public transport, etc? This will help you while you search, as it can significantly narrow it down and save you a lot of time. 

There are a lot of things to think about when moving house. These tips will help you better prepare for your move. 

Image Credit: Mikes-Photography from Pixabay.

When you buy a car, you go into it knowing that you'll have to put up with some maintenance. No vehicle stays in the same condition after it leaves the dealership. If you're a first-time buyer, however, you mightn't know what kind of car maintenance you should focus on.

You wouldn't have owned a car before, so it's only natural that you wouldn't know much about a vehicle maintenance routine. While some tasks might be relatively obvious, quite a few won't be. Overlooking this could prove to be a mistake.

You'll naturally know to have regular check-ups with a mechanic. Beyond that, you'll need to do a few things to keep your first car running smoothly.

Car Maintenance 101

Keep Your Battery In Check

Your battery is one of the few car maintenance tasks that are pretty easy to overlook. That’s primarily because it shouldn’t develop many obvious issues. Regardless, you’ll need to replace it at least once every three years.

Within that time span, they can develop faults or even become flat. Since batteries are one of the more common causes of breakdowns if they’re not replaced enough. That makes it more than vital to keep on top of it.

Have An Eye On Your Tires

Your vehicle will only make contact with the road through its tires. Because of that, they’ll suffer from a great deal of wear and tear. You’ll need to make sure that you keep an eye on them because of that. Once they become worn-down enough, they’ll need to be replaced.

When you’re doing so, it’s worth going for high-quality options that will last longer. Many retailers also offer notable deals on their products, such as lifetime tire rotations, among other things. Taking advantage of these when you can is more than recommended.

They’ll save you a significant amount of money in the long term.

Top Up Your Coolant

Many people think that their coolant - typically a mix of water and antifreeze - will only be needed for the winter months. That’s not the case. Your car’s engine will need to use it year-round to stay at an optimal temperature.

While this will primarily focus on the winter months, it’ll also need this coolant for the rest of the year. How often you should refill your car’s coolant can vary from model to model. You should check your owner’s manual to determine how much your coolant needs to be changed.

Once you do, you'll see fewer issues develop with your engine.

Wrapping Up

First-time car owners will naturally want to be careful with their vehicles. That’s the same with anyone and their new car. Most of this will focus on driving carefully and being overly cautious when avoiding potential accidents.

You’ll also need to perform regular car maintenance tasks. You could be surprised by how much is involved in this. Once you’ve certain things looked after, however, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Outside of the above, you should take your car to the mechanic regularly. That’ll make sure that many issues don’t develop.

Personal Service

Intimate and Cozy Setting

Unsurpassed Hospitality

New-Found Family

Image: rawpixel/Pixabay 

Everything is magnified when you’re sailing. The weather feels more extreme and seasickness can be almost unbearable. Forgetting an essential is also far more problematic as it’s not like you can just pop out to a local grocery store. 

If something has been forgotten, you’ll likely have to do without it for the duration of the trip. This makes preparation essential. From medical supplies to ocean-worthy clothing, here are the six most important things to include for your sailing trip: 

1. Suitable Clothing

Adventures out at sea can come with a wide range of weather conditions, and you need to be prepared for them all. Here are the clothes that should be packed when going on a sailing trip:

• Long-sleeved t-shirts 

• Swim-wear

• Shorts or skorts

• Jackets (preferably fleece jackets)

• Underwear

• A raincoat

• Extra pairs of sunglasses

• Waterproof watch

• Hats for both cool and warm weather

• Flip-flops

• T-shirts in breathable, comfortable fabric

2. Sun Protection

The sun is mighty, and this is magnified when onboard a boat. You’ll be getting hit by its rays from above and from the reflection on the water. However, the greatest danger lies in not feeling hot due to the cool sea breeze. 

Without the proper protection, you could wind up with a painful sunburn and even heat stroke. Therefore, it’s crucial to pack plenty of sunscreen with a minimum factor of 30. Remember to reapply it every couple of hours and any time you go for a dip. 

3. Pain Relief and Medicine

There’s nothing worse than feeling unwell on a trip. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and Aspirin should be packed in case you need them. It’s also worth investing in motion sickness medicines like Avil and Avomine. These and all other required medicines should be sealed and stored somewhere safe and easily accessible.

4. Bug Repellant and Anti-Itch Spray 

Biting insects don’t always stay on dry land. When sailing to particular places, mosquitos and other insects that leave itchy bites can cause discomfort if you’re not prepared for them. It’s best to be armed with bug repellent to avoid getting bitten in the first place. Include some anti-itch spray in case they get to you before you put on the repellent. 

5. Sailing Guides and Maps

Taking to the open ocean is an adventure that many enjoy. However, it can be all too easy to become lost, frustrated, and frightened. Taking a sailing guide will provide reassurance as it comes with the solutions to many common problems. Sailing maps tailored to the destinations you’re visiting will give you a greater sense of security as they provide backup if your devices stop working.

6. A Couple of Flashlights

It’s essential to pack a couple of heavy-duty flashlights with additional batteries. As mentioned, everything is more extreme on open waters. This isn’t solely limited to the weather but also includes the intensity of the dark. It appears much darker than on land when nightfall comes. Ensure this is catered for by packing a functioning flashlight. If possible, include two flashlights with a spare pack of batteries to reduce anxiety and act as a lightweight insurance policy. 

Packing for a Sailing Trip Is the Start of an Adventure 

Being at one with the ocean is nothing short of magical, and if you’re prepared, it can be the adventure of a lifetime. First, however, it’s important to remember the golden rule: respect the water.

Be prepared, organized, and make safety your top priority. 

Pack suitable clothing, sun protection, medicines, bug repellent, and anti-itch spray. Don’t forget the sailing guides and maps, keeping them somewhere easily accessible alongside a flashlight or two for the evenings. You’re all set! 

 Purchasing a car calls for a considerable investment, and on top of that, you still need to maintain it. When your vehicle is still under warranty within the first few years, the manufacturer repairs the most significant problems. However, when you hit 50,000 miles, you'd need to buy an extended warranty or take care of the repairs on your own. Keep listening to your vehicle's moods; sometimes, problems with your car will be unnoticeable, and if you don't take care, it will break down when running errands. So, the following are indicators that it's time to get a new car.

Pixabay – CCO License

Constant breakdowns

Consider getting a new car whenever you need to use your vehicle and start worrying that you won't arrive at your destination on time or safely due to constant breakdowns. Although breakdowns can sometimes be an easy fix, it’s not worth it. Your vehicle should give you comfort and relief; you shouldn’t have to worry about getting stranded in the middle of nowhere without cell reception because your car broke down.

Terrible gas mileage

Antique vehicles have poor gas efficiency due to old parts; this is one of the subtle signs that may go unnoticed. If you haven’t thought about it, calculate all the money you spend on gas and think of how much less you could use with a new car.

Crumbling interior

If you have to be careful where you step when in the car due to holes on the floor or worry about weather changes because you might get several drops from the rain, you need to get a new vehicle. If your car's interior is crumbling, there's no way to salvage it. Other signs that can make getting into your car feel like hardship include windows that won't shut properly, torn fabric and falling knobs.

The cost of insurance keeps rising

Insurance costs are just as essential as operating expenses, such as repairs and gas. As your car gets older, its insurance becomes expensive because it lacks safety features, unlike in newer vehicles. Even if your driving record is flawless, insurance premiums creep up annually as your car grows older.

The odometer exceeds six figures

Once your car's odometer hits 100 000 miles and over, it won't perform the same way it did when it was new; it will start going downhill soon, even with constant maintenance. Save yourself the stress, time, and money when your mileage gets to six figures by approaching New Roads Auto Loans to finance a new car.

Failing emission inspection tests

Old model vehicles lack “drive clean” technologies that new cars possess; this means that the emissions from the tailpipe are harmful to the environment. If you don't pass an emissions test, you will not renew your license plates. If you have to spend a lot of money to install new technology or find that you're not allowed to take an emissions test, consider buying a new car.

Although you do everything to make your car last longer, there comes a time when you have to choose between holding on to a vehicle that requires constant repairs and experiences breakdowns or buying a new

Unsplash

Deciding which career you’d like to pursue isn’t easy. You might be just starting out, or looking for a career change? To help you on your journey, check out these five straightforward tips.

1 . What’s most important?

If you want to find the perfect career, you’ve got to figure out what’s most important to you. Are you looking for a career that helps others? Perhaps you’re looking for a career with the highest earning potential? You might what to return to your passions, and focus on your key strengths? Figuring out what’s most important to you is the first step to finding the perfect career.

2. Work with a careers coach

Working with a careers coach can help you to move in the right direction. A careers coach can help you to establish your strengths and your desires. Your coach will help you with your resume and cover letters, and to practice interview scenarios. A careers coach can offer plenty of resources and advice to help you find the perfect role. You’ll go through a series of personality tests, to find a career that’s a good fit. Before you choose a coach, it’s a good idea to read some online reviews. You’ll want to find a professional who is the right fit.

For example, if you need help with putting together a winning resume, then your careers coach will be able to point you in the direction of a professional resume writing service such as ARC Resumes in California or a similar service in your local area. Whether you are just getting started in your career, or have been working all of your life, a strong resume can help you to impress a potential employer so do not be afraid to seek a professional opinion on your current resume.

3. Build a personal brand

Once you’ve figured out which kind of career you’d like to pursue, it’s a good idea to build a personal brand. Create a website, a blog, and social profiles. Use your profiles and your website to showcase your brand, and tell people exactly who you are. When you’re developing a personal brand, these questions may be useful:

• What’s unique about my career path? How can I express this in my brand?

• What sets me apart from similar professionals?

• How can I tell the story of my career to date?

• Which career goals are most important to me?

  
  

4. Network to boost your career

Networking can help you to make progress on your career journey. By making the right connections you might just land yourself an exciting new role. Start off with online networking opportunities using sites like Linked In. You can also check out networking apps like LunchClub, Shapr, Clubhouse or Bizzabo.

To find in-person networking events, try using sites like Meetup. The website has info about lots of interesting networking events, particularly for entrepreneurs. Networking is one of the best ways to boost your career.

5. Conduct plenty of research

To find the perfect career, it’s important to conduct plenty of research. Look at educational articles and listen to talks by industry thought leaders. Check out podcasts, and reach out to respected professionals online. To make a start, this article on Nathaniel Whittle has some interesting info about establishing a career as an Actuary. For further resources check out ezines like Jobs and Careers.

Choosing the right career is no easy task. It’s important to take your time, educating yourself on all the options.