Detecting “Unwanted” Visitors

Could you be sharing your home with uninvited visitors – like mice, squirrels, birds, or even termites? Pests are a common problem for everyone, so here are a few tips to spot them and what to do: Where you might find them. Look for animal droppings, signs of chewing, and odor in your kitchen, basement, closets, and attic. Check any moist areas like around air conditioning units. In the case of termites, look for “dirt tubes” around your home’s perimeter. What to do. You know how to trap mice in the kitchen. After you trap them, be sure to clean up crumbs and keep food sealed up. When it comes to larger animals, like squirrels, birds, or snakes, don’t try to remove them yourself. They can be dangerous when cornered. If you suspect you have the larger visitors or tiny bugs like termites, hire a professional animal catcher or pest control company.

Overcoming Retirement Financial Fears

You’ve worked tirelessly your entire life, and retirement is your time to finally and fully enjoy that hard-earned rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, not being able to afford retirement is a fear many people have. Get ahead of the game so you can rest easy.  Start saving now, at your current age. Establish a monthly budget that includes tucking money away for retirement.  Stick to the retirement plan. Do not withdraw money early for expenses if you have any other options.  Avoid borrowing money, and keep debt to a minimum.  Use a 401(k) plan to boost retirement savings. These plans allow funds to be invested directly from a paycheck before they’re subject to taxes.  Take advantage of company matching opportunities for retirement contributions.

Passport Facts

How much do you know about your passport? The International Civil Aviation Organization has outlined the following rules about these little books:  Made of a material that bends rather than creases.  Stable in temperatures between 14F-122F degrees.  Readable in humidity conditions between 5%-95%. However, there are no stipulations about typeface, type size, font, and cover color, yet all countries have chosen shades of red, blue, green, and black for cover colors.

Easy Ways To Add Curb Appeal

The first impression of your house is from the street. If you want to sell or just add some new style, try these ideas: Focus on your front door with a new color, updated light fixtures and easy-to-read house numbers. For more charm, add window flower boxes or shutters around the windows. Learn to build a window box on YouTube.com. Clean out the clutter, and trim the overgrown bushes and trees (this also makes your home safer). For quick color, add container gardens. You can buy them pre-planted. Add lighting accents to trees or to illuminate the pathway (another safety feature). You can go solar to eliminate wires. Pressure-wash the exterior. If it doesn’t look better, consider new paint or siding. Don’t forget the garage door. Repair it, paint it or replace it to make your house look like new.

4 Tips When Booking a Cruise

Planning a cruise trip involves more research than you might think. Here are some important things to know before you book your cruise. 1. Pick the Right Cruise Line – Know which cruise lines have a party atmosphere, and which are more geared to peace and quiet. (Depending on your preference!) Try a site like www.cruisecritic.com to help you decide. 2. Read the Fine Print – It might be boring, but the fine print could have information about what’s non-refundable, what’s included in the beverage package, if your cabin is chosen for you, and more. 3. Choose the Right Cabin – An interior cabin might make you feel claustrophobic. A cabin next to a nightclub, an elevator shaft, or the anchor means noise at potentially odd hours. A cabin near the front or back of the ship, or higher up on the ship, are where seasickness is most likely. 4. Look at a Detailed Itinerary – Know how long you’ve got in each port, and how long it takes to get from the port to the areas you want to visit. Just because it indicates that you have “one day” in port doesn’t mean you’ve got 12 hours to explore.

Detergent Secret…

Detergent makers recommend that consumers use more of their product than necessary. Here’s a quick tip: Use only half as much detergent in your laundry and dishwasher. You’ll save money and your clothes and dishes will be just as clean – maybe even cleaner!

Help Your Pet Live A Long And Healthy Life

Most pet owners would say that pets are important members of the family. We welcome them into our lives knowing we’ll most likely outlive them- but we can help them have the best possible life. Here are some tips for giving your critter a long, happy life:  Maintain a healthy weight. Feed pets the proper type and amount of food. Avoid feeding fatty human foods to your furry friends.  Exercise regularly. Dogs need regular walks every day, and time to run around. Indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats, but they should have stimulating toys and room to play and exercise too.  Schedule regular vet visits. Regular health screenings (at least once a year for healthy adult animals) allow vets to detect and manage diseases early. Keep vaccinations updated.  Keep teeth clean. Tartar, gingivitis, plaque, and other problems with teeth and gums can lead to other health problems. Brush dogs’ teeth at least a couple times a week. Try making your own toothpaste with coconut oil and baking soda, and your dog will enjoy his brushing time. The Veterinary Oral Health Council publishes a list of accepted oral health products to help with dental care as well (http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm).  Note behavioral changes. If pets aren’t following their normal routines, this may be a sign that something isn’t right. Don’t wait too long before checking with a vet about abnormal behavior.  Chill out. Even pets need time and space on their own, so make sure they have at least a couple hours a day to relax.