Art of Small Talk

Have you ever found yourself at a meeting or social event and been at a loss for words? Making small talk isn’t random. It follows a formula, says Bernardo Carducci, author of The Pocket Guide to Making Successful Small Talk. Carducci says you can anticipate where the conversation is going and plan ahead. Here are some tips to follow: Look for someone not talking with a group and use a simple opening line, “This appetizer (food) is great!” Or mention something about the building or room. Or how was your weekend. Or it has been nice weather lately. Then introduce yourself. If a conversation stalls, you can restart it with a compliment. That’s a great suit (tie, jewelry, color of clothing), you’re wearing. Or Any fun plans or trips coming up? Or have you been working on anything exciting lately? If there’s someone you want to talk to (but they’re talking in a group), meander over, introduce yourself to others in the group and soon enough you’ll be able to talk directly with that person. Keep it positive and light by avoiding heavy topics unless the conversation naturally deepens. You may or may not ever meet this person again, but you can always enjoy a short easy conversation. Feel free to exit gracefully by winding down with it was great meeting you or it was great chatting with you. Or I won't keep you, but it was sure nice getting to know you. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Money Habits

Are you smart when it comes to money? Since many of us would say “probably not,” here are some basic bad money habits and good ones you should adopt to replace them. Bad: Using the same credit card for years. Good: Get a new card with terms and rewards that are appropriate to your lifestyle. Bad: Not tracking your spending. Good: Make a budget and have a plan. Track your spending and be prepared for major purchases that may lie ahead. Bad: Doing everything manually. Good: Take advantage of technology by setting up automatic payments tied to your credit card for bills that can be paid online. You’ll avoid late payments that can lower your credit score. Bad: Not investing your money. Good: Invest in yourself now by contributing to your employer’s 401(k) program and putting money into a mutual fund or trading account. It might be a good time to consider investing in real estate if it works for your portfolio! Bad: Going it alone. Good: Hang out with successful people. Their good habits can rub off on you! Learn from people in your life you respect.

5 Reasons to Volunteer Your Time

Does anyone think it’s better to give than to receive? We know the answer is yes, but do we know why. Volunteering is not just for retired people we can all give back to the causes we support and make a difference. Here are just a few reasons to find an opportunity to serve. 1. Develop new skills in leadership, communication and teamwork. Boost confidence by exploring new interests through diverse experiences. 2. Impact our community in areas such as food insecurity, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, spiritual growth, or pet adoption. 3. Connect with others who share your goals and values. By expanding your network, you can feel more connected and might make lifelong friendships. 4. Improve your physical and mental health by helping others. Volunteering can increase feelings of fulfillment and lower stress levels by finding more gratitude and purpose. 5. Create real change! Your efforts can directly impact the lives of others. Be part of something bigger than yourself.

It is Tree Planting Season

Trees are a major landscaping feature for your home, and a major investment as well. Choosing the right tree for your yard is about much more than just what looks pretty in the garden center. Consider these factors before you start planting this spring. What is the tree’s job? You might want property border definition, a privacy screen, shade, brilliant fall colors, or fruit growing in your yard. Narrow your search to trees that fulfill your needs. What trees are best suited to your location? Don’t invest in a beautiful tree if it won’t thrive in your climate or the soil in your yard. Also keep in mind how much extra watering a tree will need, and when. Trees generally need more water in the first two years before they’re established. What kind of maintenance is involved? Leaves that turn bright colors every fall may be a vibrant focal point for your garden, but those leaves will also need to be raked up. Find out what a tree will need in each season, including any pruning and disease prevention. How much space can the tree occupy? Be aware of how large a tree will get when it’s mature, and plant accordingly. Even if you won’t be in your house 20 or 50 years in the future, careful planting today means future occupants won’t need to uproot the tree. The Arbor Day Foundation has a helpful “Tree Wizard,” where you answer some questions.

Live Longer with a Pet

What would you say if you could buy a medicine that lowered your blood pressure, improved your cardiovascular health, reduced your anxiety and stress, and made you happy...everyday. Would you buy it? We know how much love and affection pets can bring to our lives, but there’s more. Scientific studies have found that having a pet can significantly improve your health. Here are five ways pets can positively impact your health: 1. Heart Benefits. The American Journal of Cardiology reports pet owners are more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don’t own a pet. Another study found people who owned a dog were more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack than those who didn’t have a dog. 2. Lower Blood Pressure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that pets help lower blood pressure (and heart rates). An American study found men who owned a cat had a lower resting heart rate and lower blood pressure than men who didn’t own a cat. And after a stressful event, their blood pressure returned to normal more quickly. 3. Mood Elevator. People, particularly seniors, who own pets are less likely to be depressed and lonely. Pets can provide companionship, humor, and add playfulness to our daily lives. 4. Kids and Health. Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction 2004 found that children who have pets have fewer sick days. They also reported that children who had pets had higher levels of self-esteem and functioned better emotionally. Research studies also found that children with pets coped better with divorce. 5. An Exercise Buddy. Dogs need regular exercise, which also gets their owners walking. This can improve their overall health. As an added benefit people improve their social network as they socialize their pet. There is a word of caution, however. Owning a pet requires your time and a financial commitment. If you’re not ready for that responsibility, it’s best to hold off owning a pet.