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Nicole

Always Eat After 7 PM: An Introduction To Debunking Diet Myths

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. Opinions expressed below are my own. 

For well over two decades, I have tried numerous diet and exercise programs and found that only a few of these programs worked for sustaining any lof my personal long-term health-minded goals. With many plans being the widely popular diets that promised great results, for which I was always excited to try out for size. Only to find the plans too expensive to maintain or too restrictive to be continued. Because in my experience, any diet that is too restrictive, it’s generally a failure from the get-go.

This is why I was excited to be introduced to Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion, and take part in this book review and lifestyle challenge.

Always Eat After 7 pm is a three-phase program that school users on how to lose big by eating strategically bigger meals during the day when you’re naturally hungriest—each evening. While this may sound too good to be true,  let me assure you it’s neither a gimmick or a diet destined for the never-to-be-read-again book pile. This plan centers around making smart, strategic food swaps, allowing readers to continue eating their favorite foods.

Friends, learn more about the book and how to purchase, here.

Keep in mind, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is something I have worked hard to incorporate into my current life. Having joined many gyms and group fitness groups in the past. Several years ago, I joined a local gym near my home, and religiously went to workout 3-5 days a week.

Always an early riser, I was able to get my workout in before heading to work. I really enjoyed working out. Especially the increased energy and stamina I gained from these sessions. Sadly, due to small-town living, the gym closed due to low member rates. Then, as I transitioned to working from home full-time, my workouts followed suit. While I miss the support from the coaches and staff, an early bird treadmill session each morning gets my blood pumping just the same. 

As you can imagine, its never been working out that caused issues in my healthy-living lifestyle, meal prepping and planning has. For years, family friends, physicians, and coaches provided grat, general food plans. Despite this, my food consumption has always been why I have not seen the results I wanted to see. Knowing that my eating habits are a huge reason why I was not seeing the results, I felt that I was wasting my money on the gym membership.

Being the best version of yourself

It’s been well over 6 months since I have started working out full-time from home and have really been struggling with especially plateaus in my weight and lack of sustained energy. Working long hours from home and inconsistent sleep can take a toll on my health. While my goal is still being the best version of myself I can be and have my love notice my positive weight loss changes, I have bigger goals as well. To have more sustained energy, eating right, not feeling sluggish, and ultimately losing weight.

Check out the video below to learn more about why Joel Marion wrote this book.

Why am I so excited to get started with this book?

Bestselling author, Joel Marion, fitness expert, and nutritionist debunks myths and underlying traditional dieting styles, offering and offers readers a simple, highly-effective, sustained weight loss and lifestyle program.

In the west, we’ve been force-fed the principles of avoiding carbs, consuming early dinners, and never eating before bedtime. Contrary to these popular ideals and the latest scientific research shows, these early food plans are not ideal for sustained, healthy weight loss.

Based on surprising science, Always Eat After 7 PM debunks popular diet myths and offers an easy-to-follow diet that accelerates fat-burning while allowing readers to indulge in your favorite foodie cravings- Just while eating the majority of your calories at night. 

Over the next month, I will be following the program laid out in Always Eat After 7 PM. Friends, be sure to follow along with me and see how my After 7 PM journey goes!

Want to take this challenge with me? The Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available online. Learn more about the book and how to purchase it, here.

Friends, will you be trying this challenge with me? Leave your thoughts below!

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own. 

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5 Ways to Boost Your Savings Account

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Is your savings account looking a little barren? Maybe you’ve always planned on saving properly but never got around to it. Here are five proactive ways you can start putting money into this account, or boosting what you already have. 

Go through your budget

First things first, if you’ve not gone through your budget in some time then there are probably areas that you’re overspending on. Utilize new customer deals as a way to reduce your utility bills, get rid of little extras that you don’t use as much as you should like Netflix and Spotify. Have a look through your statements at where you’re overspending so you can start to cut back on these expenses. Many of us are guilty of spending too much on things we don’t need such as clothes, homewares, cosmetics, or just about anything that’s on sale. We think we’re saving money by buying things at reduced prices, but if you weren’t going to buy them in the first place then you’re not saving money- you’re spending it!

Sell what you don’t need

Speaking of purchases you’ve made and don’t need, how about reselling some of these things and recouping your costs? eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great for getting rid of items you no longer need, making money, and freeing up extra space in your home. 

Start a side hustle

Making some extra money on top of your regular job can help you save dramatically. Some of your profits might have to go back into your business, such as buying more stock and materials, software, and cloud storage (check out the cheapest VPS to ensure you’re not overspending on this). But the rest can be put straight into a savings account- your normal job will pay the bills while your side hustle can earn you money to save. 

Automate your savings

Saving is easier when you don’t even realize you’re doing it. Set up a standing order to make money from your main account on the day you get paid, and automatically transfer this into a savings account. It doesn’t need to be a huge amount, but you can forget all about it and it will quickly start to grow. You won’t miss or notice the money, but give it twelve months and you could have a nice chunk of cash. Whenever you’re feeling flush you could transfer chunks of money to your savings account too manually, but having that automated payment means you’re saving at least a certain amount each month.

Get organized

Finally, getting organized can save you so much money. From ensuring bills are paid on time to avoid fees and arrears, to getting organized with your food shopping so you’re shopping to a list and not overspending in the grocery store. Spend a little time planning each area of your money, and you’ll find that you stay in control, and saving becomes much faster and easier.

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3 Types of Loans Small Businesses Should Consider

Please note, this post is sponsored by Diamond bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you.

 

While you can start a home business on a budget, it’s not likely you’ll build a profitable one without incurring some expense. Especially for the self-employed. Which makes taking the previous five elements into consideration as you are calculating your startup costs. Everything from the amount of money you need to open up shop to daily petty cash funds. While it’s okay if you don’t know specific costs, but you want to get as close as possible, perhaps even over-estimate expenses.

Once you have your financial cost list in-hand, look for ways you might be able to cut costs and fund your business without going in debt. And always remember to factor in expenses such as how much will you need to pay your bills until the money starts coming in from your home business. Will you be keeping your full-time job or is there another breadwinner in the family that can help you until you develop an income stream? As you move closer to starting your business, keep a tally of expenses you didn’t anticipate and add them to your list.

And as the old saying goes, it takes money to make money, look for funding sources for your business that ideally won’t put you in debt. All important factors to financially consider when starting your own at-home business this season at home. This is why many small businesses may need to turn to lenders to help make their business goals a reality this season. Three types of business loans small businesses may want to consider include:

Term loans from Associates Home Loan

A term loan is a common form of business financing for those seeking self-employment loans. for the purposes of home buying or business-centric loans. You get a lump sum of cash upfront, which you then repay with interest over a predetermined period. With various online lenders offer term loans with borrowing amounts up to $1 million and can provide faster funding than banks. The pros of these types of loans include access to upfront funding to invest in your business, typically higher borrowing amounts, and faster funding provided borrowers utilize an online lender rather than a traditional bank. As online banks typically distribute funds within a few days versus up to several months with traditional banking facilities. But do keep in mind that term loans may require a personal guarantee or collateral to secure funding and terms costs can be high. These types of loans are best for small businesses looking to expand practices and operations as well as borrowers who have good credit and a strong business and who don’t want to wait long for funding. Such as lending houses such as AstroFlipping.

StreetShares loans

StreetShares loans are a funding source guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, offered by banks and other lenders, that allow borrowers terms of repayment based on the loan’s funding will be used. Typically ranging from 7-10 years for buying equipment and 25 years for real estate purchases. Some of the benefits of these types of loans include some of the lowest interest rates on the market, high borrowing amounts, and long repayment terms. But as might be expected, these loans are harder to qualify for and require a longer and more rigorous application process. Making these loans a better option for small businesses looking to expand or refinance existing debts, borrowers who can wait for longer periods prior to funding disbursement, and borrowers with established businesses of 4 or more years.

Business lines of credit

A final type of funding that might be a great benefit to small business owners this season may be lines of credit. A business line of credit provides access to funds up to your credit limit, and you pay interest only on the money you’ve drawn. It can provide more flexibility than a term loan and is typically unsecured, so no collateral required. However, these types of loans may carry additional costs, such as maintenance fees and draw fees, and often require better credit scores to qualify. These types of loans are best for small businesses looking to finance short-term financing needs, managing cash flow or handling unexpected expenses, or for businesses that are seasonal in nature.

Friends, not only do you need money to start, but you’ll need money to stay open. The goal is to earn enough to cover your operating expenses and make a profit. With this in mind, how will you better financial plan for your own at-home business or home buying expenditures this season? Leave your plans and tips in the comments below!

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Making Sure You Are Financially Stable When You Have A Family

When you have a family, looking after your money becomes all that more important. However, you need to live on a budget that works for you and your family. Making healthy financial choices to help eliminate debt, decreasing your costs, saving money, and stretching a paycheck without the need to crunch the numbers is what you want, and to do this you need to create yourself a good budget that you know you can stick to. 

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Let’s have a look at some of the important things you should focus on to help your financial security when you have a family: 

Set A Budget 

The first step to financial stability to start living in a family budget. Start by tracking your income and expenditure; gather all your bills, payslips, bank statements, and things like receipts. Then you can start to write out your budget to help manage your money. 

If you wing it each month without a budget, you’re missing out on opportunities to cut unnecessary costs and save money. If you spend a few minutes to make a budget now it will save you big money in the future. A great way to help you stick to a budget is to be on the lookout for ways you can save money such as using the latest Peacocks discount code when next buying some clothes for the family. 

Set Goals 

If you struggle month to month just to pay the bills, thinking about saving money seems like a long-term goal that’s always out of reach. Whether you want to save for your child’s future, a family holiday, days out, or for your retirement, setting goals is an important step in protecting your family’s future. 

However, you shouldn’t neglect your family’s short-term financial goals either. Whether they include a reduction of utility bills, broadband bills, and other expenses, all of which are keeping you from saving more money each month. 

Get Out of Debt

Being in debt can be overwhelming, however, managing your debt becomes easier when you set yourself realistic goals. You should think about creating a debt management plan alongside your family budget so you can pay off your credit cards, mortgage and eliminate your overall level of debt. 

You may not be able to pay off all your debts straight away, but you can create a realistic plan to stick to. Your budget will be able to show you where your money could be reallocated to help reduce them down as much as possible. Any unnecessary expenses can be minimized and you can see where you’re money really needs to go. 

Plan For Financial Emergencies

Facing an emergency that suddenly eats into your family funds can pose a crisis for even the wealthiest of families. If you establish an emergency fund, you should be able to tackle and unexpected expenses head-on. Whether it’s the boiler breaking, a leak in the bathroom, or the car breaking down, they can all easily put a dent into your budget if you don’t have the savings in place to pay for it. Consider placing some money to one side each payday to cover you for any unexpected costs you may face. 

It’s also a good idea to have life insurance in place. Even though it’s the last thing you would expect or want to plan for, it will help to shield your family from any financial hardship if anything was to happen to you or your spouse. The peace of mind and benefit of having them in place by far outweighs the cost. 

Control The Amount You Spend On Food

Food is one of the biggest costs for any family, but it can be helped with a well-planned food budget. One of the easiest ways to reduce the costs of a food shop is to go with a prepared list of items that you need rather than winging it when you get there. This means you will always be able to what just what you need and then top up with sales on your regular staples. 

If you want to save even more, don’t just think about the supermarket. There are many different places that offer budget-friendly options and even some kids eat free with a paying adult. 

Budget Travel 

Most families will see a family holiday as the ultimate budget buster. However, stretching your money for a family holiday can be easier than you think. With a few extra steps, you can save money on your holiday to include a getaway as part of your budget. 

If you can’t make your budget stretch for your family travel plans, consider a staycation instead, it will keep you close to home but you can add in some day trips and fun activities at home. 

These tips should help you to remain financially stable when you have a family. Is there anything that you do to keep your family’s finances in order? Please share your tips in the comments below.

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Powerful Money Lessons To Take From The Coronavirus Pandemic

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As well as putting hundreds of thousands of people through pain and heartbreak, the Coronavirus crisis has put peoples’ bank balances in jeopardy. If you haven’t experienced COVID-19 symptoms, you’ve probably still been impacted via a lack of earning opportunities.

With a global recession expected in the short-term, there’s no doubt that the Coronavirus pandemic is money-related as well as health-centric. As a result, everyone can take powerful money lessons from the past couple of weeks that will stand you in good stead in the future.

Hopefully, the following will safeguard your family’s finances should a second wave hit, or a new crisis occurs.

Save, Save, Save

Previously, there was a change in the guard as more households stopped saving as much and invested their nest eggs instead. While riskier, the risks are few and far between if you spend cleverly, and the returns are often two, three, or four times higher. As a result, creating a sizable rainy day fund may not appear as appealing as channeling your funds into investment opportunities.

Investing is undoubtedly an incredible way to enhance your wealth, yet it does tie up your liquidity. Therefore, you still require emergency savings big enough to cover your expenses for three to six months.

Don’t Overspend On A Vacation

Vacations are no longer perks – they are viewed as basic rites. Almost 100 million Americans went on a holiday in 2019, and more were expected to go this year until the crisis hit. Not only did a cluster of COVID-19 cases occur when Americans went abroad, but the cost is very high. You can expect to pay thousands of dollars for a week or two in Europe, which is a huge amount. Yes, a holiday is an excellent way to rest and recharge your batteries, but you need to factor in the expenses, too.

You may, for example, try and be more financially responsible when you reach your destination instead of using a vacation as an excuse to splash the cash.

Create Comprehensive Coverage

Insurance companies haven’t covered themselves in glory during the health crisis. Rather than pitching in like everybody else, they cited reasons why they wouldn’t pick up the bill. If anything, this proves the necessity for comprehensive policies that cover you regardless of the situation. Otherwise, you may find yourself being unable to pay for medical bills or travel fees to return home.

You can do this by doubling up on your insurance.

Prepare A Will

You have no plans on going anywhere anytime soon, and most people who contract COVID-19 only experience mild symptoms. Still, this pandemic has probably made you think about what happens should the worst-case scenario happen. Of course, the last thing you want is for your family to mourn your passing and run into financial trouble, which is why a will is critical.

Writing one will prevent any confusion as to who gets what and why. Plus, you can tweak it at any time to reflect your preferences.

What money lessons have you taken from the Coronavirus pandemic?

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Four Tips To Save Money Online

We all spend a lot of our time online browsing the internet. And when it comes to online shopping, there are so many benefits that come with it, that make it much more effective than having to do it in person. Here are four tips to save money online and to get the most out of your shopping experience.

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Shop Around

It’s always good to shop around when it comes to online shopping because there are so many different websites and businesses out there. What you’re shopping for may be available somewhere else a little further down the search engine and could be more affordable or at a heavily discounted price. Never just shop on one site as this can limit the opportunities you have to save money. Try expanding your horizons when it comes to choosing places to shop online because there are so many that you might find more beneficial to shop on. Shop around and always take advantage of any comparison sites if you’re trying to bring down the cost of something that’s particularly expensive. 

Use Coupons

There are lots of websites out there like Innovative Finance that can help you find ways of saving money online. Another great way to save yourself some money when shopping online is through coupons. There are tons of sites around that may work or may have expired when it comes to redeeming coupons on sites you shop on. There are also multiple platforms that are worth taking advantage of when it comes to collating all the vouchers, without you having to do any of the actual leg work. Browser add-ons like Honey, for example, have become increasingly popular to use as it simply pops up when it shows that there are potential coupons and vouchers that exist online. You then simply let it scan and you could end up saving lots of money as a result.

Try Shopping At Different Times Of Day

Shopping at different times of the day can actually help alter the price that you are looking at for certain things. For example, train tickets and flights can end up being different prices throughout the day or week, depending on the location you’re traveling to and from. It’s worth experimenting with this and seeing if you can make any savings by shopping at different times of the day or week. Again, like the coupons, there are also apps that can help track travel sites in the hope that you could save some money here and there.

Take Advantage Of Introductory Offers

It’s always a good idea to sign up for the website’s newsletters because many of them will likely offer you some form of an introductory offer. These can be a certain percentage off of your first order or something that could end up saving you even more money. Tick that box and you certainly might be able to save some extra funds. 

Saving money online is definitely possible, so use coupons where you can, shop at different times and sign up to those introductory offers where you can. 

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How To Cope With The Hot Summer Ahead

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While it is not unheard of for long-range weather forecasts to be wrong, it is a fact that they don’t tend to make an inaccurate call when it comes to the basics. So, given that it’s expected for this summer to be hot – that is, very hot indeed – it’s probably fair to expect that we’ll have a lot of long sunny days and the mercury will be hitting the peaks for a few months. That’s great news, by and large, but it does mean you might have some preparations to make.

Summer plans usually don’t deviate much from a set pattern – holidays, cookouts and plenty of frugal fun – but this coming summer might be a little different. As we’ve already covered, it is expected that we’ll have a particularly balmy season. In addition, there is the question of the current crisis, which may make it hard to have the same kind of summer you’d usually have. Below, we’ll go into a few tips on how to prepare for the season so that it’s low on stress and offers plenty of fun.

Get your HVAC checked as soon as possible

Many of us rate how hot summer has been by how soon in the year we needed to start running the AC with regularity, and if this year’s forecasts are to be believed, we’re unlikely to have to wait. Given that you may be spending more time at home – and lockdown might mean there are more people around for more of the day – things could get sticky sooner than you were bargaining for. It’s important to ensure the HVAC is in perfect working order; as of right now, you might be best checking it yourself to ensure social distancing is maintained – but call your supplier for more information if you find it’s not running smoothly.

Make sure your garden is ready for a long summer

Summer for many people means long days gardening, regularly mowing the turf, and then enjoying the best of your work with a cool drink in a lawn chair. With that said, keeping your garden at its best during a hot summer can take a lot of work, so make sure you take all the help that nature is prepared to offer; make use of shade to stop the soil from drying out, and consider the likes of Zoysia grass sod for the lawn. The latter is highly suited to hot, dry summers – and it needs less watering, which could be good news if drought conditions strike.

Make sure you follow the rules on public gatherings

Of course, a hot evening is enhanced by being able to have a cookout, and it would be a shame to let a summer pass without having a gathering of family and friends to enjoy al fresco dining. However, bear in mind that there are likely to be municipal or regional guidelines on how many people you can have round, who can visit and which distancing recommendations you should follow. It may be a shame to miss out on this kind of gathering, but you could face a penalty for breaking conditions – and it could be worse if someone is carrying the virus.

We’re looking forward to a long, hot summer – and there can be plenty to enjoy as long as you’re well-prepared.

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