Getting Along With Adult Siblings

If you have siblings, count yourself lucky. These relationships are the longest-lasting family ties you’ll have. This can be tough for those who had rough sibling relationships growing up, but a recent study found two-thirds of people said a brother or sister was one of their best friends. It’s never too late to turn that special family relationship into one of your most treasured, especially around the holidays. People spend lots of effort improving friendships and romantic relationships, but a brother or sister may outlast all of those relationships. Don’t take a sibling relationship for granted. Research by West Virginia University shows people are more verbally aggressive with siblings than anyone else. Being aware of this and actively offering affectionate support goes a long way to strengthen familial ties. Also, don’t compare your sibling relationships with those of other people. These are your unique relationships, so shake off expectations. Siblings may not unconditionally confide in or spend every holiday with you, and that’s okay. Instead, enjoy the time spent together and conversations you do have. Focus on the good instead of what could be.

Scan Files With Your Phone

Put technology to work for you in overcoming the dreaded mountain of paperwork! Did you know you can scan and organize important documents with your smartphone or tablet? With an iPhone, open the Notes app, select the camera button, and “Scan Documents.” You can also open the Files app and choose “Scan Documents” from the three-dot menu. Then you can upload them directly to your iCloud account (you can also organize and tag them to make them easy to find). With Android phones, open the Google Drive app, select the “Add” option, and then “Scan.” The files are automatically saved to your Google Drive. There are dozens of other scan-capable apps you can download, both paid and free. Microsoft’s Lens app (free) has a setting to scan business cards that pulls relevant contact information and adds it to your contacts. Adobe Scan (free) gives you the ability to not only scan documents as PDFs but also review, edit, and sign PDFs you receive. Apps like Expensify, QuickBooks, and Abukai let you scan receipts to cut down on the data entry you would otherwise need to do.

Inexpensive Pest Control

Before you call in a top-dollar professional to handle your pest invasion problem, try one of these cheaper options: • If you have ants, make a spray of vinegar and water (one part vinegar to one part water). Spray at their entrance into the house, whether it’s at a door, window, or baseboard. Spray their trail completely. • Make homemade ant bait with a mixture of Borax and sugar. Place the mix in small containers. If sugar doesn’t work, mix Borax with something fatty or oily. • If gnats are a problem, let soil in indoor plants dry out completely. This kills any larvae that are nested there.

4 Accident Prevention Tips

Everyone will face one if not all four of these situations where you lose control of your vehicle. Here’s exactly what to do if, and when, they happen to you: 1. Suddenly Swerving? – Do this: If you have to swerve to avoid hitting an animal or another car, turn your car first, then press the brake pedal. 2. Tire Blowout? – Do this: If you hear a loud pop and suddenly lose control, steer the car as straight as possible and don’t turn or brake. Press the gas pedal slightly to accelerate, which helps keep the car under control. Then slowly decelerate by pressing the brake to stop your vehicle. 3. Running Off The Road? – Do this: If the side of your car drops off the edge of the road, steer straight and slow down gradually as you come to a stop on the shoulder. Then drive back onto the road. 4. Sliding On Pavement? – Do this: If the roads are wet or icy and your car starts to slide, turn in the direction of the slide and let off the gas. Don’t slam on your brakes or they could lock up, press the brake slowly.

Money Buddy

By linking up with that person (or a couple), you can support each other and benefit financially and psychologically. Here are 5 things you can do for each other: Relieve tension and talk it out. Most of us keep our financial problems to ourselves. You’ll ease your stress if you have someone you trust to talk to. How much information you share is up to you. Give and get advice from fresh eyes. When you’ve reached a point of financial indecision (“Which debt do I pay off first?” “What bank should I use?”), a money buddy is a second set of eyeballs to look at the situation. Hold each other accountable for goals. If you set a goal for yourself, share it with your buddy and remind each other of your goals regularly. Knowing your buddy knows your goal can be a great motivator. Share knowledge and resources. Split the cost of a warehouse shopping club membership or divide the items you buy in bulk. Celebrate each other’s progress and successes. It’s even more gratifying when you take the journey together.

Down Payment Options

Your down payment will be based on the cost of the home and most likely one of the following popular loan programs... 1. Conventional financing – For conventional financing, you will probably need a minimum of 5% up to a maximum of 20% down. 2. FHA financing – You will need a minimum of 3.5% down. 3. USDA financing – You may not need a down payment. 4. VA financing – You also may not need a down payment. Here are a few more things to know if you go with conventional financing. If you put less than 20% down, you may be responsible for paying private mortgage insurance. Also, the lower your down payment on a home, usually the higher your interest rate and monthly payment. Mortgage lenders tend to offer better terms to those with a high credit score, a higher down payment, and a stable employment history.

Financial Advise for Grads

Want to get your college (or high school) grad off on the right financial foot? The Better Business Bureau suggests you have a talk about avoiding these common (and expensive) financial mistakes: • Not being prepared for emergencies. Plan ahead. Stash some cash so you’ll be able to have a least a three-month emergency fund. • Living off credit cards and making minimum payments. Once you go down this road, you may never catch up. • Using loan leftovers. If you happen to have some leftover loan money, don’t spend it – use it to pay back what you’ve borrowed. • Rushing to build credit. While you want to have good credit, you don’t want to do it by opening multiple credit cards accounts. Chances are you’ll lose track of billing and end up in heavy debt.

Volunteer at Concert Venues and Enjoy The Show for FREE

Lots of people do this… and they all rave about the experience! Volunteer as an usher or backstage crewmember for your local concerts, plays and outdoor music festivals. You’ll have to do a little work before or after the show, but expect to have lots of time to enjoy the entertainment. Here’s the trade-out- volunteers usher people to their seats, set up chairs, give out programs and do clean up after the event. If you do a good job, my times you are on a “first call” list for future events put on by the promoter or theater. With ticket prices going up into the 3 figures, this can save you hundreds of dollars per year on top-quality cultural events and concerts.

Exercise for Your Personality

If you’re going to maintain an exercise routine, you need to enjoy it. You can, if you find the exercise that fits your personality. There are several quizzes you can take online (try the one at exercise.about.com, and search for “exercise quiz”), but here are some quick tips:  Personality: “I get bored easily.” Sign up for Zumba, an aerobic dance class that will get you moving. A dance studio or sports club usually offers these classes.  Personality: “I am a competitive person.” Try CrossFit. Go to www.crossfit.com to learn about these timed, intense exercises in which participants compete against one another. Then search the local area for a CrossFit gym.  Personality: “I want to relax.” Yoga may be for you. Researchers say doing even 15 minutes a day can lower stress in your body. Search for a yoga studio.  Personality: “I prefer to exercise alone.” You can get a total body workout in minutes by swimming a few laps at a recreation center or YMCA. Plus, it’s better on your joints.  Personality: “I love to socialize.” Join a team (softball or volleyball, for example) or start a running club with friends. You’ll have fun and hold each other accountable.  Personality: “I love to get my heart pumping.” Sign up for Spinning at a local fitness club. It’s fast-paced indoor cycling that includes lights and music to make it a fun adventure.

Save at the Grocery Store

You can read plenty of articles on the internet about how to save money on groceries, but do you really have a grocery shopping strategy? Here are some supermarket tips and secrets that will make you a savvy shopper.  Approach grocery shopping like a job. You need to have a plan (take a list) and a budget to make the best use of your time and money.  Stick to a time schedule. Shop for what you need and get out. It is said that if you’re in the store more than 30 minutes, you’ll spend an extra 50 cents to $1 per minute as you walk the aisles.  Shop alone. Real Simple Magazine says parents will spend 10-40 percent more if they take their kids along. It might be worth it to hire a babysitter!  Only buy “food” at a grocery store. Generally, you’re better off buying toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet food at a big-box discount store.  Know the floor plan. Shop the perimeter first for fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and milk. You’ll find some good buys in the center aisles, but you’ll also be tempted by items like frozen convenience foods.  Don’t assume everything on sale is a bargain. Stores often display “sale” items at the end of the aisles. Manufacturers pay to have their products put there so they aren’t necessarily a good deal.  Check “price per unit.” Sometimes it’s cheaper per unit to buy two smaller items than it is to buy one supersize package.  Look high and low. Stores often place higher-priced items at eye level (brands pay for the space). Check prices on the top and bottom shelves.  Pay attention at checkout. Shoppers lose up to $3 billion a year on scanner mistakes (current sale prices not reflected).