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Nicole

3 Reasons to Invest in Bitcoin

This post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

One of the largest trends in the investment industry over the past few years has involved the trade of Bitcoins online. The popularity of this trend is based solely on the commodities high value of the trade. As Bitcoin’s value has increased four-fold since spring.

Bitcoin, for those who may not know, is a type of digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank. Making them popular with investors domestically and abroad.

It goes without saying that Bitcoin, of course, is a blockchain-based cryptocurrency. It’s decentralized, anonymous, and global. Which for those who trade online makes the currency all the more desirable.

Bitcoin made big headlines this past winter when its price on exchanges surged to an all-time high above $4,000. That was about a four-fold increase from Bitcoin’s value just a before Thanksgiving, and about seven times what Bitcoin was worth a year ago at this time.

For example, if you had $1,000 dollars invested in stocks this time last year, you’d now have something like $4,000 today. A seemingly simple way to invest in your family after becoming debt-free at home. Which begs the question: Is now the time to invest in Bitcoin?

For those who are thinking about investing in Bitcoin, here are three reasons to consider the trade:

Bitcoin is not affected by political unrest:

Unlike many traditional investments, global unrest is not good for the financial market because investment values are closely tied to established companies that depend on government services, stable financially backed banking institutions, and a dependable workforce.

Bitcoin, on the other hand, is not undervalued because of political unrest and global insecurity. Because Bitcoin is not a government-backed currency. In fact, there’s evidence that recent unrest in Asia contributed to the Bitcoin price surge.

With the current political divide occurring in many first-world nations, you might find uncertainty to be a compelling reason to invest in the long-term prospects of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin is easy to invest in:

Investing in Bitcoin is simple. Because transactions are subject to few regulatory oversights, they often make for headache-free online transactions.

They have a lower investment cost:

Due to few investment costs, Bitcoin exchanges offer lower investment points for entry, with as little as 0.2% of the value of a transaction required on various Bitcoin exchanges.  Platforms seemingly out-of-reach for traditional families at home. By comparison, U.S. banks usually charge about 3% in fees when you use a credit card to buy something in foreign currency or to purchase traditional portfolio stock online.

For those looking for quick, first-time currency speculation, Bitcoin offers a cost-efficient way to do so.

There is also a lot of credible financial counselors and authors who praise the use of the currency. Mark Dukas, a renowned financial analyst who works within the Bitcoin industry praises plunging into this surging investment profile for working families and millennials alike. Mark Dukas Charlotte is a great source for information on Bitcoin investments for yourself this season.

With that said, are you considering investing in Bitcoin this season? Share your reasons for investment below!

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3 Reasons to have a family attorney

This post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

While I love a good joke about lawyers as much as the next person, often these jokes are without merit. As most lawyers are honest and knowledgeable professionals that look out for the best interest of their clients. No different than doctors or accountants they are professionals with important services to provide.

While most of us don’t think twice about having a family doctor or keeping a handyman on speed dial, many people feel that having a lawyer is a sign that someone is either looking for trouble or doing something risky that might make them more likely to have legal problems.

Generally, most ex[pect to never have need of such services. But often times having an established relationship with an experienced family attorney prevents problems from forming entirely. Such as buying a home, when getting married, adoption services, establishing an LLC, venturing into business, protecting your savings, or personal injury claims . Especially if you are a parent who is responsible for the care, estate, and general welfare of others.

For these reasons and more, there are several reasons for you to consider why it is a great idea to get a family lawyer today:

1. They’re Affordable

One of the big reasons that people avoid talking with an attorney is cost. While lawyers do charge different rates and some can be very draining on the wallet, most are actually very reasonable. In fact, you can probably find a very capable attorney for a lower hourly rate than your doctor or even a licensed plumber.

With many attorneys likely providing free consultations prior to collecting retainers for services. In those consultations, they will talk with you about your situation and provide some idea of how they can help and how much it will cost. Eliminating the risk in talking with an attorney and trying to build a relationship with one.

2. Lawyers Provide Prevention

Most people think of attorneys as people who fix problems but most of the work that they do is preventative. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, writing up agreements, filing paperwork or making sure that their client is compliant with the law. Attorneys represent the interest of their clients and those interests are best served by keeping them out of legal trouble. Not just merely defending them when they are in the middle of it.

Having a lawyer that can read your contracts, keep up your business filings, and guide you through any paperwork you may have can go a long way to preventing legal problems saves you a great deal of money and headache down the road.

3. Your Competitors Have Attorneys

If you’re signing a contract to work with another company, chances are that they had an attorney write it for them and prepare it with their interests in mind. If someone you’re negotiating or competing with has an attorney working with them and you don’t, that puts you at a disadvantage.

Having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner makes this process all the more seamless in nature. And in terms of business negotiations can also act as a powerful contact. A good lawyer is a great place get contact information for other professionals, informally and formally. For all your business needs.

While you might not need to visit a lawyer every six months or even yearly, you should establish a relationship with one as soon as you can and see about stopping by every time your situation changes. Routine stuff such as minor car accidents, contracts, and wills and estate planning.

So take the opportunity to seek one out. Most likely, you’ve been putting off some legally-oriented task for a while to make it a late New Year’s resolution to get it done and, along the way, establish a relationship with a legal professional that can help you a great deal down the road.

For readers in the Tampa area, especially those seek a personal injury attorney in Tampa, or perhaps you need a Tampa Car Accident Attorney, you have numerous resources available to you. Because when you need your lawyer, you’ll be glad that you met them when you did.

Now friends, do you have a family attorney to handle your personal affairs or personal injury claims at home? Share your experiences below!

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Better Tips For Clearing Clogs at Home

Disclosure: I am being compensated for sharing this information. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

We live in an older home, and as a result, we’ve been no stranger to plumbing problems!  When we first moved into our home, we attempted to cut off many problems at the pass by purchasing sewer-friendly toilet paper and by making sure no one in the family placed anything in the toilet that didn’t need to be there to maintain our city sewer system.

Unfortunately, we still experienced a lot of problems with clogs in our sinks, slow to drain bathtubs, as well as leaky pipes.  While my husband has been able to fix many of our minor plumbing issues himself, there were several times last year when we had to call out the guys at Roto-Rooter.  They did a great job of replacing several lines of corroded copper piping, which has prevented us from having excessive clogging issues since. But like other homeowners, we still experience the occasional clogs, and for that, we rely on Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover®.

We all know Roto-Rooter has been a trusted name in plumbing for 80 years.  Now they have a line of sewer and septic products for home and professional use with more active ingredients than other leading brands.  The Roto-Rooter line of products includes their Gel Clog Remover, Hair Clog Remover, and Septic Treatment.

RotoRooter Products

The Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover contains 25% more active ingredients than the national leading brand and it works by powering through standing water to remove stubborn hair clogs and soap scum from bathroom sinks, tub, and shower drains on all types of pipes 50% faster than other brands.

It’s also very simple to use.  First, with the cap secured, you should shake the bottle.  Then you add about 16 oz. of the product directly into your drain and let stand for ten minutes, or longer for bad clogs.  Then flush with hot running water for an additional minute and that’s it! I used the product just the other day in our bathroom sink, and I was very pleased with the results!

Also worth noting, Roto-Rooter products are available at a number of retailers, including Walmart, Lowes, Kroger, Tractor Supply, Dollar General, Shoprite, Meijer, and more! Making it convenient for pick-up on your next trip to the market or local retail chain.

Clear a Clogged Drains at Home with Roto-Rooter Products:

When your drain is clogged, you have a few options you can use to clear a clogged drain.

Option one: The kitchen plunger. You will plunge, plunge, and plunge some more until you have finally unclogged the drain. This method is labor intensive depending on the nature and stubbornness of the clog.

Option two: Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover. Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover is the for easiest and fastest way to unclog your drain. The Gel formula is stronger than other brands as its thick consistency easily powers through standing water to remove even the most stubborn of clogs.

To use, simply pour the clog remover directly into the drain and wait at least 5 minutes to see if the clog has drained; it may take up to overnight to unclog the drain.

The Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover is my family’s go-to method for clearing drains at home and to clear a clogged drain and is the only clog remover we purchase because we know that it works fast. We trust that Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover to get the job done.

Roto-Rooter guarantees that their products work, or it’s free. I like a company that stands behind their product. If you have a clog that Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover couldn’t power through, then go to their website to learn how to get a refund.

Now, friends,  I encourage you to learn about Roto-Rooter and their complete line of products check out my post here, or you can go to their website for plumbing issues that arise in your own home this season.

Friends, what do you use to clear a clogged drain? Have you used Roto-Rooter products? Tell me your experience with Roto-Rooter in the Comments!

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7 Tips To Keep Your Home Cleaner With Dogs

This post is sponsored by The Libman Company but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

 

pets

As many of you know, we have a large adoptive pet family. Including three amazing dogs, including our twelve-year-old Westie, Roxie, our seventeen-year-old Chihuahua Harley, and my pride and joy, my nine-year-old Shih-Tzu Sassy.

So it’s not a big surprise that when it comes to keeping my home clean at home with pets, it can sometimes be a constant uphill battle. Considering that I already have two other human beings in my home with a penchant for all things messy.

Luckily over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping all the pet messes in my home at bay and today I’m sharing my top 7 tips for keeping your home clean and tidy with dogs.

1. Quickly clean up accidents.

Pets are often very scent driven. When it comes to effectively cleaning up pet accidents its best to air on the side of attending to stains sooner than later. My go-to? Enzyme cleaners.

While many prefer baking soda and vinegar bombs, they are often effective only at removing surface stains, whereas enzyme cleaners naturally dissolve the bacteria and pet-induced pheromones completely. Allowing you to quickly address accidents which will help you in the long run.

Because even if you can’t smell the residual bacteria and pheromones left behind by pet accidents, your pets certainly can. And this lingering smell can include repeat performances which over time can damage carpeting and untreated hardwood flooring

pet feeding station

2. Create a pet feeding station.

Keeping your dog bowl and water bowl on a clean, wipeable surface will allow you to quickly clean up food messes as well as to allow for a more hygienic means to feed and nourish your fuzzy friends each day.

At home, I like to use feeding stations consisting of easy-to-clean food dishes, a water fountain, and treat bowls places on top of clean contact paper. This allows me to keep their feeding area clean and tidy throughout the day.

3. Bathe your dogs bi-weekly.

Bathing your dogs bi-weekly will help keep your home cleaner and help keep your allergies at bay by keeping pet dander, shedding, and the proverbial ode de dog scent we all know and love.

This is also a great way in warmer months to keep your pets healthier as bi-weekly bathing will help you to kill any residual fleas that can come into your home via evening walks as well as give you the opportunity to get hands-on with your pets and check them over for ticks. Especially important from May-November each year.

4. Brush your pets often.

If you have a dog that sheds, is a long-haired variety (as two of my fuzzy friends are), or are prone to skin allergies, regular brushing will not only keep your home much cleaner but will also help to prevent painfully, difficult mats from forming. What’s even better? Many dogs enjoy a great brushing. So consider adding it to your pets existing care and comfort routines at home!

libman tornado mop

5. Stock my home with the right cleaning supplies.

When it comes to cleaning up after my pets at home, my go-to is always my Libman Tornado® Spray Mop. It’s my favorite because it features zero-waste cotton strings, which after you’re done the cleaning, can be thrown in the washing machine and line dried for quick and easy pet mess cleanups.

But what’s even better? After many seasons of cleanings mopings at home, the mop can be composted at home. Making it not only very effective at cleaning pet messes at home but eco-friendly too!

6. Set regular bathroom break trips.

One of the most effective ways I have found at home to limit pet messes is to regularly set household times for letting my dogs outside each day.

I designate times throughout the day where my dogs are allowed outdoors to our fenced in backyard where they can relieve themselves, play, and enjoy their time outdoors. This helps to not only eliminate pet messes indoors but like with children, helps out dogs release some of their pent-up energy too!

7. Clean your dog’s paws when they come inside.

Is there anything worse than being in the middle of mopping your home only to find redeposited paw prints everywhere? To remedy this, I make a point of wiping down and around my dog’s paws each time they come into our home. Especially on rainy days at home.

libman tornado mop

What to do to keep your home cleaner with pets this season?

The next time in-store at your favorite big box store, make sure you’re stocked up on pet cleaning supplies for your home. Especially the Libman Freedom® Spray Mop.

Not to mention, I really love the ability I have to throw the mop head straight into the washing machine after a messy day and right outside to line dry and sun bleach at home. It can hold up to at least 100 washes. Perfect for all your cleaning at home this season! My favorite part? This mop is easy to use, it’s not heavy in hand, and is always fresh, clean, and ready to use at home!

It also works great on my homes various flooring including century-old hardwood floors, ceramic tile, and concrete flooring too! Head on over to their site and find the closest retailer to you!

Now, friends, I want to ask, what are your go-to tips for keeping your home clean with pets at home? Share your tips below!

pets

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Why You Deserve To Relax A Little This Summer

(Photo Source)

As a mama that’s gotten pretty great at being frugal, saving money, and generally being quite budget conscious, you may find that you get into a habit with your money. You think twice before you spend, you allocate as much money to become debt-free as possible, and you never, ever waste money. And that’s so refreshing.

Because having a healthy relationship with your money can feel incredible. But at the same time, you do need a break. Sometimes, you get so used to being frugal that you take things too far and next allow yourself a penny to enjoy. This can be just as bad as being extravagant with your money. Now that the summer’s here, you definitely deserve to relax a little more and enjoy your money. And here’s why:

1. You’ll Burn Out

First of all, burnout is real. When you’re trying to keep things together too much, and you’re constantly cutting back, something’s got to give. And what you don’t want to happen here is you to get so stressed out that you just spend too much. Instead, you need to just relax every now and again and enjoy the money that you make from time to time. When you’re constantly trying to save, it’s exhausting, and it can make you feel like you have to go without. So book that vacation or treat yourself, it’s okay when you’re really practically 99.9% of the time.

2. Your Kids Deserve The Break

You have to think about the kids. It’s the summer, and they work hard at school, that’s only fair that they get treated to a day out or two this summer. The best news is that the escape room or the zoo won’t cost you your life savings. It’s okay to have funded activities every once in a while. It’s also a great way to teach your kids about the value of money too.

3. You Can Still Get Great Deals

But relaxing a little bit doesn’t mean that you’re going to throw your money away or go wild. After all, the frugal side of you is still there. So you can always make sure that you get the best deal on everything, and that you’re saving money as you spend to get the best value.

4. Life Will Pass You By

This one sounds like a huge cliche, but it’s still very true. Life is short and you have to enjoy it. Constantly cutting back and keeping money aside for a rainy day isn’t always fun. It’s practical, and a great way to make your money stretch, but you still deserve to live a little and enjoy life. So if you have the money, book your vacation and just enjoy it. Because that’s what life is all about.

5. Everything Will Be Okay

Above all else, you need to realize that it’s okay to spend. You’re not throwing money away, and you won’t struggle. For the summer, you can shift your priorities around and rejig your budget so that you can afford to have a bit more fun. It’s as simple as that.

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5 Ways Newlyweds Should Safeguard Their Marriages

Please note, this post was sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

 

5 Ways Newlyweds Should Safeguard Their Marriages

So you’re married to the man (or woman) of your dreams, and people are always asking you “How’s married life?”

Maybe your answer is always, no different from when we lived together, nothing has changed. Depending on how completely enmeshed your lives were before you walked down the aisle, that might be true. However, if by no different, you mean that you haven’t sat down together to tackle any major life issues that need addressing as a married couple, it might be time to bite the bullet.

Because time flies when you’re a newlywed. When I got married a decade ago, I returned from my honeymoon I felt overwhelmed by all of the adulting that needed to go on behind the scenes. And while in the midst of planning our I-do’s there wasn’t a lot of time left over to think about anything beyond the thank you notes were written and sent in a timely manner. 

But with wedding season quickly upon us, and with so many people making that next step in their lives together this year, there are several things that need addressing once your back down from cloud nine. So if this sounds like your life at present, or you’re newly married yourself, here are 5 areas of your married life that you should make sure to safeguard this season:

1. Debts

If you are newly married or getting married, knowing the conditions of one another’s finances is vital. Especially when it comes to debt. As by the time you sign your marriage license, all debt becomes communal property!

To remedy this, make sure to create a working debt repayment plan in place. Where all of your joint assets and debts are listed and combined. Whether the picture is hopeful or terrifying, it’s got to be and dealt with promptly. Remember, debt and financial discord is not a marriage destroyer if you face it head on as a team. From day one!

2. Create a Spending Plan

Expenses come up. It’s only natural. Which is why you should naturally have a working spending plan in place to help you, as a couple, decide where your assets will be allocated each month.

To do this, simply create a combined list of your monthly expenses, maintenance for home or cars, and for monthly recurring expenses. Making sure to also allocated slush funds to cover unexpected expenses that just come up. This plan will help you be on the same page monthly and help avoid the costly lesson of debt before it even occurs!

3. Discuss Your Bank Accounts

While it isn’t necessary to combine your bank accounts and work out of one checking account after you get married, you should have each other’s names on all of your accounts and make absolutely sure you have changed the beneficiary information at your bank for those accounts.

Odds are that if it’s your first marriage, everything is set up to go to your parents if something happens to you. If you’ve been married before, not changing the beneficiaries could result in you giving lots of money to an ex-spouse. Taking care of these matters now will help protect your spouse in more ways than one!

4. Create a Peace of Mind Plan

It’s daunting to start your marriage thinking of a time when your spouse would no longer be with you in life. But its something that must be done. Which is why one of the best gift you can give your spouse in to create a peace of mind plan. A plan that includes notarized wills, insurance information, reverting of housing or property deeds, living wills, plans for organ donation, custody arrangements, business plans, and a designation for your power of attorney, and medical directive.

This doesn’t have to be complicated – but it should be done properly and looked over and witnessed by an attorney. In most states, you will be required to have these documents in place to legitimize the validity of the documents before an unfortunate situation arises. Do it once and it’s done. Do it correctly and you’ve safeguarded your spouse for decades to come!

5. Assets

Money is one of the top causes of divorce in this nation. Couples who face financial problems together will survive them and come out stronger in the end. Those who ignore them will sink together unless somebody steps up to the plate and addresses the situation.

Not everything financial is bad – some brides and grooms enter marriage with trust funds, investment accounts, and other significant assets. Unless you have a prenuptial agreement that excludes the new spouse from any benefit of these things, he or she should know what is there – even if they can’t access it.

And one of the best ways to protect your marital assets is with the assistance of a trained legal professional. Professionals such as Hunter Law, P.A., are trained to help provide you with quality legal expertise. Advise that can help solidify your marital future for decades to come. 

Don’t let the small stuff ruin your marriage and your financial future. Schedule a meeting with a trusted legal professional in your area this season. 

Now, friends, I want to ask, are you, newlyweds? If so, what measures have you taken to ensure your financial and legal peace of mind at home? I’d love to hear about your experiences below!

5 Ways Newlyweds Should Safeguard Their Marriages

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How to Surprise Mom on Mother’s Day

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SaveOnMothersDay #CollectiveBias

 

Looking for that perfect gift to surprise Mom with this Mother’s Day? Look no further than the Black Stainless Steel Suite kitchen appliance collection from the Oster®, Crock-Pot®, and Mr. Coffee® brands!

The Black Stainless Steel Suite is an assortment of small kitchen appliances with a premium Black Stainless Steel finish. Warmer and softer than traditional stainless, Black Stainless Steel provides a modern style that matches a variety of other finishes. The innovative finish reduces the appearance of smudges for low-maintenance care – simply wipe with a dry cloth to bring back its original luster.

Now, you can save $15 on two or more items in the Black Stainless Steel Suite, all from your favorite brands – Oster®, Crock-Pot®, and Mr. Coffee®! Treat Mom to a kitchen upgrade this Mother’s Day – get this limited-time offer, here! Or consider gifting mom something as amazing as she is, something truly sparkly in nature.

Celebrate mothers day by buying your mother special LaCkore Couture gold charm bracelets. The perfect gift for the mother who loves to accessorize!

LacKore Couture offers a wide variety of charms to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your mother. Whether she loves animals, and nature, or enjoys pretty things, there’s a charm for her.

Give your mother a gift that she’ll cherish forever with a LaCkore Couture gold charm bracelet.

What better way to show your mom how much you appreciate her than by giving her a beautiful piece of jewelry that she can wear every day? LaCkore Couture’s gold charm bracelets are the perfect way to do just that. Made with only the finest materials, these bracelets are sure to make your mom feel extra special on her special day. So go ahead and pick out the perfect charm bracelet for your mom today!

How do you plan to celebrate the special women in your life this Mother’s Day?

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