A financial advisor assists individuals in broadly planning their client’s financial future and determining financial goals and how best to accomplish those goals. There are specialties in this field, which include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Investment Advisers (IA), Registered Representatives (RR), and Investment Adviser Representatives (IAR). The law requires a licensed fiduciary financial planner to act in their client's best interest. Other types of financial advisors don't have the same requirement.   What Does a Financial Advisor Do?   Each type of financial advisor utilizes a structured process to help the client develop their fi…

A clean and tidy home can help make you feel more relaxed in your space. However, with any hectic lifestyle, it can be difficult to keep your house neat and clean. Hiring a cleaning company is a great solution to help you regain your time and energy for other things, like your family or your job. Before you commit to one company over another, take a look at this list of essential features that every quality housekeeping company should have. Reliable References A high-quality house cleaning company will have testimonials. Based on the time they have been operating, they should have a track record of providing high-quality service. Start by checking their online reviews and ask your circle of influence if they have any recommendati…

Giving gifts expresses love, support, excitement, and happiness for the people you care about. Choosing to gift someone a handmade gift basket can be a great way to say many things, like "Congratulations," "Happy Birthday," or "I love you." Let's look at a few special occasions and holidays that are perfect for giving personalized gift baskets. 1. Births Births and baby showers are unique occasions to honor new life and are ideal occasions for giving presents to the baby or new parents. During events like baby showers, friends and relatives shower the mother-to-be with baby presents. Baby clothing, stuffed animals, books, toys, and various sizes of diapers are all great items to include in a baby shower gift basket. You can al…

Are you a first-time homebuyer? If so, you're likely thinking about the best home improvement projects to add value and personalize your space. However, many big home improvement projects—like renovated kitchens, new windows, or updated HVAC—are expensive and time-consuming, which means you likely can't tackle everything at once. The good news is that there are plenty of small changes you can make that are simple, affordable, and can make a big impact on your new place right away. Here are five to consider! 1. Add a New Coat of Paint One classic home improvement project to consider is adding a new coat of paint to the walls. The color of paint can change the atmosphere of your home, making this a simple, yet effective way to tran…

You never know when you’ll get sick or injured, and you may need medical treatment fast if your condition is more serious. You can get the prompt health care service that you need by going to either an urgent care center or an emergency room. Knowing the difference between the two—and knowing when to go to each—will save you extra time and stress. Whether Your Condition Is Life-threatening Life-threatening conditions require immediate attention in a local emergency room. You should definitely go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as: Chest painHemorrhagingBreathing difficultiesHead traumaSevere burnsA gunshot or stab wound If your condition doesn’t put your life in immediate dang…

Sometimes it can be difficult to hit the ground running and get all of your tasks done each day. Whether for work or personal tasks, there are many tools and systems that exist to help you organize your time and get the task done on time. Here are four popular tools that you might want to consider using. Daily Planner One of the most popular tools for organizing daily tasks is the daily planner. This can be a physical book that you keep with you at all times, or it can be a cloud-based application on your phone or computer. The key to using a daily planner is to write down everything that you need to do each day, as well as when you need to get them done. Once you complete the task, check or cross it off and move on to the next t…

Managing a small business can be a challenging task. While there are many online resources available to help you keep going, there may come a time when you need additional help. That's where hiring a business consultant comes in. Here are some reasons why hiring a business consultant may be a good idea for your small business. 1. Expert Advice Business consultants are experts in their field. They have a deep understanding of the challenges that small businesses face, and they can offer valuable advice to help you overcome these obstacles. Whether you need tips on pinpointing your company vision, improving your sales pitch, or avoiding common pitfalls, a consultant can be an invaluable resource for your business. 2. Access to N…

There are many benefits that come from using raised beds in your gardening. If you're just starting out with raised garden beds, here are five easy-to-grow vegetables (and a fruit!) that will flourish. 1. Root Vegetables Because you can control the soil and depth in a raised garden, carrots, radishes, beets, and other root vegetables are an excellent choice and will thrive with the extra space to spread out. For ideal growing conditions, make sure the soil has no rocks, debris, or clay. 2. Tomatoes Tomatoes love loose, nutrient-dense soil and grow well in raised garden beds because the soil can be better controlled. Consider planting companion plants such as carrots alongside your tomatoes, which tends to increase the yield…

Lower back pain is a common concern for many people. For some, the pain may be a result of repetitive motions or a sedentary lifestyle. For others, pain may be due to an underlying health condition. Whatever the reason, back pain can be quite disruptive to your daily routine. The good news is that stretching can be an excellent way to alleviate your symptoms! Here are four stretches that may give you some relief. Child's Pose Child's pose is a traditional yoga pose that gently stretches your thighs, glutes, and spinal muscles. This pose is great for lower back pain because it helps loosen those stubborn back muscles that can be difficult to stretch. Child's pose is also great for improving flexibility and blood circulation. Kn…

When it comes to elder care, there are several options available—and it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for you or your loved one. Let's go over a few common types of elder care: in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes. In-Home Care In-home care allows seniors to continue in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, and it can be less expensive than nursing home care. It also affords one-on-one attention from a caregiver and is less disruptive to the senior's routine. Services vary, but they typically include meal preparation and cleanup, housekeeping, laundry, monitored bathing and grooming, running errands, and light exercise routines. Seniors can also expect help with eating and moving around…

If you love the feeling of gathering around a fire in the evenings to relax with friends and family, share stories, or roast marshmallows, a backyard firepit might be just what you need. But should you go with a wood or gas firepit? Let's go over a few things you need to know before choosing which type to buy. Wood Firepits Wood-fueled firepits are typically simpler, cheaper, and easier to install than gas firepits. However, since wood fires release sparks, ash, and other debris into the air, it is especially important to place the firepit in a safe place away from combustible or flammable items. Wood burns bigger and hotter than gas, making wood firepits better for cooking—and all you need is a supply of firewood, something to…

Vitamins and supplements can play a major role in your overall health and well-being. A regimented intake can help keep your body feeling great and your mind feeling clear. Read on to learn about five common vitamins and supplements that you might want to consider taking regularly. 1. Vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the most popular vitamin supplements, and for good reason. It is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing or slowing the development of conditions like osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps prevent depression, autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight, but many people don’t get enough sun exposure through…

Nannying and babysitting both involve taking care of children, but there are some key differences between the two occupations. Let's discuss them! What Is a Nanny? Nannies are professional caregivers who typically work full-time for one family. They are responsible for all aspects of the child's care, from feeding and dressing them to taking them to appointments and helping with their homework. Nannies often become like members of the extended family. Nannies are usually certified in CPR and first aid. Some hold associate degrees in early childhood education or child development. Nannies' services are more expensive than those of babysitters due to their level of experience and larger sphere of responsibilities. What Is a B…

If you're considering filing bankruptcy, you're not alone. More people in the United States are filing for bankruptcy than you may think. While filing for bankruptcy might seem like an overwhelming decision or process, there are a few reasons why bankruptcy could be a wise financial choice. You Need to Pay for Medical Expenses The American Journal of Public Health published a study in 2019 that revealed that 66.5% of U.S. bankruptcies occurred because of medical debt. Many individuals were unable to pay medical bills due to having to take time from work to heal from an injury or surgery or manage a chronic condition. Americans with health insurance can still be overwhelmed with medical debt, even if their policy offers copays and…

The signs of poor air quality in your home can range in severity, from frequent sniffling to excessive coughing, sneezing, or asthma attacks from the people in your home. Whether or not these signs are already starting to show, there are a few steps you can take now to better the quality of the air in your home. 1. Clean Dirty HVAC Units Dust and dirt lined up on your air conditioners or heating vents can cause serious problems. As the air blows to make the house more comfortable, this filth is actually being spread around your home. One simple way to improve your home's indoor air quality is to clean these spaces on a regular basis or have them cleaned by a professional. 2. Upgrade Appliances If your home has been using th…

When your child is stressed or anxious, their feelings may manifest in ways that are different than those of adults. Some of these signs will be similar to those your child experiences on a typical day, so they can be difficult to detect. Here are a few clues that might tell you your child is anxious or stressed. Infants Your baby may show signs of stress and anxiety if they cry more than usual or have trouble sleeping. Your child may break down when you leave them with a caregiver, babysitter, or in a daycare center. Your infant may also be fussy, irritable, and have trouble feeding. Toddlers Physical symptoms, such as sweating or trembling, can be signs of anxiety or stress. Your toddler may act apprehensive, be withdraw…

Long daily commutes by car or public transit can quickly become boring or frustrating, but luckily there are ways to make the time more enjoyable (and even productive). Let's go over a few suggestions. Learn Something New During a long commute, you can use your time to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge. If you drive yourself in your car, you can listen to audiobooks or podcasts about subjects you're interested in, such as history, finances, or cooking. Another great option is to start learning another language through an audio-based program or listen to new music from an artist you enjoy. If you take public transportation, you can use your traveling time to read a book, put together a shopping list, manage personal t…

Having area rugs in your home can bring many benefits, like adding aesthetic appeal, defining a space, retaining heat in a room, and providing traction on slippery floors. However, these rugs can become stained over time (especially in high-traffic areas of your home), so you should know how to clean area rugs to keep them looking their best. Basic Cleaning 101 First, you should know the material of your rug. This will let you know which cleaning agents or methods you should use to maintain the integrity of the rug. Typically, you can find the material listed on the manufacturer's label. If this tag has worn off, you may also be able to check online with the manufacturer. For daily cleaning, you can vacuum a large area rug the…

If you suffer from allergies, you know they can make you miserable. Sneezing, coughing, sniffling, and itching can make it difficult to concentrate at work or enjoy time with friends and family. Some people try to combat their allergies by taking over-the-counter medications, but sometimes this is not enough. If you have tried seemingly every medication out there and still find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms, you may want to consider allergy shots. What Are Allergy Shots? Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a type of treatment that can help to reduce your symptoms and allergy attacks by increasing your tolerance to the allergens that trigger them. Allergy shots work by injecting you with small amounts of the…

Antifreeze is a liquid that helps to keep your car running at its best, but do you know how it actually works? Learn more about what it does and why it's important. What Is Antifreeze? Often referred to as coolant, antifreeze is a liquid that has a much lower freezing point and a much higher boiling point than water. This makes it very useful for controlling temperatures within the extreme environment of a combustion engine. Typically, antifreeze is sold as a bright green or blue liquid, but it can also be orange, pink, or red. What Is the Purpose of Antifreeze? Ethylene glycol was first used commercially as antifreeze in the 1920s after mainly being used for explosives. In a car engine, antifreeze regulates and main…

Banks and credit unions offer similar financial services, but there are a few key differences between them. Let's take a look at what sets these two types of institutions apart. For-Profit vs. Not-For-Profit: Why It Matters Banks are for-profit institutions, which means their goal is to generate income for their shareholders. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profits that work for the public good and use their profits to benefit their members. Credit unions are owned by their members and focus on providing affordable banking services to their communities. While they tend to lack the financial leverage of banks, their not-for-profit status grants them tax exemptions and other benefits. Since banks are for-profit …