How To Deal With Unlikeable People

Despite your best intentions to get along with the people you meet, occasionally you’ll encounter someone you simply do not like. If this happens to you, here are a few tips on how to proceed with tact.  Focus on the positive. Even though this person has habits or characteristics that drive you crazy, don’t focus too much on these negative attributes. Try to find something positive to focus on instead. Though this might be difficult, it will likely help you tolerate this person a bit better.  Be kind. It’s true what they say: Act the way you would like to be treated. You don’t need to go out of your way to be friends with an unlikeable person, but at least be nice. If you are polite and kind to him, perhaps his actions will eventually reflect yours. Also, don’t talk badly about him behind his back. Try to be truly kind. This is to help you stay positive and perhaps let go of the negative feelings completely. Love your neighbor as yourself!

How To Create A Home Inventory Just In Case

Do you know every single item you own – and would you be able to remember it all if you had to recall from memory? Taking a detailed home inventory requires making a thorough list of everything you own including a description, serial number, and estimated value. Having this inventory can save lots of time and headaches after a home fire, robbery, flood, or other disaster, but it’s also a good exercise to make sure you have enough home insurance and for tax purposes, if necessary. Taking The Inventory: Walk through every room in your house. Write down, take pictures or video, and/or create an audio recording of every single item. A visual inventory provides a more detailed overview of your belongings. Expensive items like jewelry and collectibles should be photographed from several angles. Get Technical: A number of apps make it even easier to keep track of your personal items using photos, bar codes, and sorting options. These apps include American Family Insurance’s DreamVault (Android/iOS), Sortly (iOS), The Home Inventory (Android), and Know Your Stuff (Android/iOS). For Android, go to play.google.com/store/apps and for iOS, go to itunes.apple.com. Note Prices And Serial Numbers: Keeping purchase receipts makes it easier to record how much you paid for each item. Look up the prices of those items for which you are unsure, and don’t forget to make a note each time something new is added to your home. Store The List: Keep your list updated and stored in a safe or bank deposit box. Don’t forget to keep a digital back-up in an accessible location as well.

Saving Money Is Easier Than You Think It Is

Just about everyone could do with saving a few pennies for a rainy day, but sometimes cutting back on financial expenses can be tough. Here are several easy ways to save money that you may not have considered: 1. Carpool to work. Sharing a ride with neighbors or colleagues is not only good for the environment, but it’s easy on the wallet as well. Ride-sharing even one day a week has been shown to save carpoolers 10%–20% of commuting costs. Bonus tip: If carpooling doesn’t work with your schedule, look into taking public transportation instead of driving. You’ll save money on gas, car maintenance, and parking. 2. Make a meal plan. Dining out takes a huge bite out of many family budgets because most people don’t plan ahead. Every weekend, draw up a meal plan for the week ahead and shop for the needed ingredients. The excuse that “there’s nothing to eat” won’t be an option when dinner time rolls around. Bonus tip: Take a detailed list to the grocery store so you won’t be tempted to buy items on an impulse. 3. Maintain your vehicle. Schedule oil changes and appropriate tune-ups when recommended. These have a financial cost upfront, but simple, ongoing maintenance work is far less expensive than major repairs that might be required if these are overlooked. Bonus tip: Learn how to change the oil in your car and perform basic maintenance yourself to avoid paying shop fees. Or, find a friend or neighbor who has these skills and make an exchange. An oil change for a week’s worth of dog walking only requires time! 4. Read e-books. Instead of buying new hard-copy editions, purchase digital books, which can be significantly less expensive. Bonus tip: Can’t give up the good ol’ ink-and-paper book? You can still save money by shopping at used bookstores or purchasing used books online. Alternatively, hold a book-swapping party with friends and you’ll all walk away with new-to-you books at no cost.