Archives for January 2022

What You Need To Know When Applying For Education Loan

January 31, 2022 by

To get into your dream college, university, or even to study abroad, it needs hefty fees. Many students aspire for higher education either abroad or in top colleges in their own country. Still, despite being good at studies, some poor children cannot take admissions in such colleges or universities. Have you ever thought about why it is so? This is because of the very high fee demand of the colleges for admission.

So, to prevent these scenarios, banks grant education loan for the needy and potential students to get their admission to the best college, for which they have worked day and night. Due to this facility, every student who wants to pursue either a management course or any other course can study wherever they want. So, if you too want to take this opportunity, you must first understand its policies and overviews.

Eligibility Criteria

Banks, whether public or private, have their specific terms set for working. If you want to apply for education loans, you should go through the eligibility criteria for students. First of all, you must be an Indian citizen. And second, earlier or recently, you must have taken admission in any of the authorized colleges.

Moreover, if you are just a student and do not have any specific job, your parents or even a sibling can be registered as your co-applicant. Co-applicant is necessary because if you fail to repay the loan, they will be asked to reimburse those debts. Generally, banks do not ask for collateral if the loan is of up to four lakhs, but higher than this amount, collateral is compulsory.

Understand The Interest Rates

Every bank allows different education loan interest rate in India, depending on the loan amount. Therefore, before deciding on one place, know all available loan options, and then evaluate and compare them. Most banks provide loans of up to four lakhs at an interest rate of 12 to 15 percent. If you demand a loan for a higher amount, i.e., more than four lakhs, then the bank may offer you the loan at lower interest rates. But you will have to bring one guardian, who can be either parents or siblings.

Know The Repayment Tenure

Similar to the interest rates, various banks offer repayment tenure differently. There are several options available, and thus, you should first know their repayment tenure along with interest rates for a particular loan amount. And then confirm your decision based on repayment tenure. Banks mostly allow three years of the term to repay your debt for up to four lakh. But for a higher amount, it may extend the repayment period from 6 to 7 years.

Choose The Term Wisely

For the repayment option, students must apply for a longer tenure loan so that they are not forced to pay the heavy EMIs. A longer duration loan will lessen the burden of paying debts on students, and also, till that time, students will be able to earn their own money. Though it will be the beginning of the career, and with that earning will be less, thus longer tenure loans will require less EMI to pay. Therefore, choose wisely the term of 10 to 12 years of repayment so that you do not fall in defaulter lists.

Maintain Your Credit Score

While giving education loans to students, the bank generally considers the credit scores of the student. They check if there is any outstanding loan in the name of the applicant or even on the co-applicant before they sanction an education loan. So, if you have taken any loan earlier, make sure that you have built your credit score properly, and at present, you are not under the burden of any existing debt.

Look For Special Schemes

Some banks have special provisions for students. Some banks offer special discounts on interest rates to female students. Do ask the bank officials for any subsidies that you might be getting due to the educational institution you are enrolling yourself.

Read All Documents Carefully

After finalizing the loan amount and interest, do look for any special conditions that are attached to it. Understand all the terms and conditions like the cycle of EMI and your mortgage and then make a decision.

These are some of the things that you need to keep in mind while applying for a student loan for yourself.

 

Filed Under: Money & Finance

How to Incorporate Self-Care Into a Busy Lifestyle

January 27, 2022 by

Whether you are busy with work, family or other obligations, a busy lifestyle can leave very little room for self-care. When you have a number of pressing responsibilities, self-care can appear to be unimportant. While the effects of self-care might not be immediately felt, it can be invaluable in helping you to maintain mental health, deal with stress and even to boost performance at work.

This guide is here to help anyone with a busy lifestyle learn how they can incorporate more self-care into their regular routine.

1. Reflect On What You Need

Self-care is not all about pampering and bubble baths; self-care can often be less glamorous and more practical. When incorporating more self-care into your lifestyle, you should take some time to consider what it is you really need. Taking the time to work out what type of self-care you would benefit from the most is essential for anyone with a busy lifestyle, as it helps you use the little time you have to gain the most benefit.

2. Set Time Aside

No matter how good your intentions might be, unless you set aside a set period of time for self-care, then you will likely not practice it as much as you intend to. You don’t have to set aside a long period of time, just a 10-minute break in your schedule can be all you need for a bit of self-care. Setting this time aside and making sure you use it for self-care can be hugely effective.

3. Treat Yourself

When you are trying to incorporate more self-care into your busy lifestyle, it can be tempting to try and focus on the most efficient forms of self-care. While this is very useful, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat yourself from time to time. You should encourage treating yourself to help you to feel more relaxed and to show yourself some love and appreciation.

4. Stick To a Routine

When it comes to self-care, whether you are meditating, reading or spending time in nature, regular practice is much more effective than long, irregular periods. You should try to be disciplined with yourself and make sure to give yourself the required time every day to practice some form of self-care.

5. Stop Overthinking

When it comes to certain forms of self-care, like meditation or journaling, it can be easy to assume that there is a “right” way of practicing. When it comes to performing self-care, you should try to avoid overthinking. There is no right or wrong way of practicing self-care, as long as you are achieving your personal aims, such as reducing your stress levels, then you are doing well.

6. Make Self-Care a Habit

Studies have found that it takes, on average, two weeks to make something a habit. You should be mindful to practice your scheduled self-care regularly until it comes to a habit. Staying focused on making self-care a habit might take a little bit of discipline in the short term, but it can be hugely effective in the long run, as it will soon become an unconscious part of your daily routine.

Filed Under: Lifestyle

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Book To Have Your Cataracts Removed

January 20, 2022 by

Although you may have been diagnosed with having cataracts several weeks or even months ago and your doctor advised that an operation to remove them is the best course of action, it is common for people to delay the procedure due to worry and concern.

There are many amazing benefits to having your cataracts removed. The best part is that the actual cataract removal procedure takes only ten minutes from start to finish.

With that being said, continue reading to discover the top five reasons why you should book to have your cataracts removed.

Your Eyes Will Become Much Less Sensitive To Light

Especially for people whose cataracts are growing on the back of their lenses rather than the front, cataracts can cause extreme sensitivity to daylight and natural light.

The cataract removal surgery will drastically reduce and, in some cases, even entirely eradicate the pain and discomfort from bright lights.

Colors Will Become Substantially More Distinct

Whether your cataracts have been present in one or both of your eyes for a long time now, or you have been diagnosed with them relatively recently, your vision will steadily become more and more tinged with a dark yellow or brown tone.

After surgery, you will find that a plethora of different shades of colors will become perceptible that you simply weren’t able to distinguish between before.

Your Eyesight Will Be Protected & Preserved For Much Longer

Although slightly disturbing, the fact of the matter is that if you neglect your cataracts and refuse to have them safely removed, then, eventually, your cataracts will cause complete and utter blindness.

People who are considerably more prone to suffering partial or even total blindness due to the growth of cataracts are those with a family history, females, and people who are over the age of sixty.

Both Surgeries Are Arranged In Quick Succession

If it has been discovered that you have cataracts in both of your eyes, you can rest assured that you will have two separate procedures arranged for you, and it is incredibly rare for a patient to have cataracts removed from both eyes at the same time, however, your surgeries will be as close together as possible.

Your Emotional Health & Wellbeing Will Improve

After cataract surgery, it is not just your physical health that will instantly improve, but that of your mental health and wellbeing as well.

Pain, discomfort, irritation, and restricted vision all caused by cataracts can severely affect the enjoyment of daily activities and the pursuit of hobbies. After the recovery period of your operation, you will be compelled to confront life with a renewed sense of vigor and increased energy levels.

In addition, it may even be possible that you have canceled or declined invitations to theatres or parties due to your restricted vision, meaning that after surgery, social life will also be richer and you will be more inclined to enjoy yourself.

 

Filed Under: Food & Health

Strategy for Success: How to Make Your Weight Loss Goals a Reality

January 19, 2022 by

Fad diets and popular weight loss programs might seem like an ideal way to shed pounds, but they may hold you back on your journey to success. If you’re eager to lose weight and restore your confidence, a low-calorie, balanced diet with increased physical activity will provide a foundation for success.

Yet, there are other healthy habits and tactics you can adopt to speed up the process and turn the diet into a lifestyle. Continue reading to learn how to make your weight loss goals a reality.

Assess Your Needs

Reach and maintain your desired weight by assessing your current needs. To make permanent changes to your lifestyle, you may need to adopt the right mindset, receive support, and eliminate various stresses.

Before you start, pinpoint your motivation to lose weight. If you’re shedding the pounds for others, you might struggle to stick to a diet long-term. It is crucial to losing weight for your own needs, such as boosting your self-esteem, improving your health, or increasing your energy levels.

Consider if you’re distracted by other pressures in your life, too, such as social obligations or a demanding career. If so, you might need to look for healthier ways to spend time with friends or pack healthier meals and snacks for work.

Also, you may need support from others during your weight loss journey. For example, you might find it beneficial if your partner adopts a healthier lifestyle with you, as they will be less likely to tempt you to indulge in fatty or sugary foods and may keep you accountable. Another option is to seek advice from a doctor or nutritionist to manage your stress levels or create a diet plan.

Make Simple Swaps

Lowering your daily calorie intake could help you slim down and improve your general health. Remember, reducing calories doesn’t mean giving up delicious meals and snacks, either. A few simple changes to your lifestyle could help you achieve your weight loss goals at a quick rate.

For example, you could swap your morning sugar-filled coffee for a smooth cup of green matcha tea. It will boost your metabolism, burn calories, and increase your energy and focus. Find the antioxidant-packed drink from a reputable green matcha tea store.

Another healthy option is to swap meat for more plant-based foods. However, if you hate the idea of giving up meat, swap red meats like steak and pork for poultry, as it is leaner and healthier.

Forgive Yourself

No one is perfect, especially when following a long-term healthy diet and exercise plan. There could be days throughout the year when you might indulge in a chocolate bar, treat yourself to a restaurant meal, or enjoy an extra glass of wine or two with friends. Rather than berating yourself for the slip-up, forgive the mistake and remember you can’t be perfect 100% of the time. If you follow a healthy lifestyle 80% of the time, you can trust weight loss and improved health will follow.

 

Filed Under: Food & Health

How to Transform Your Guest Bedroom

January 18, 2022 by

You hope to impress your guests when they decide to visit your house. If family members are arriving, you only want the best for them. If it’s their turn to host you, they will most likely do the same. Here are some tips to prepare the guest bedroom before their arrival.

Use the most comfortable bed

Don’t offer your guest old and saggy mattresses. They deserve only the best. Instead, take out a quality mattress or buy one if your bedroom doesn’t have any. They will only be there for a few days, and you want them to have the best experience.

Upgrade your bedding and linens

Check the sheets in your closet. Not all of them are useful. Buy new covers if necessary. Again, comfort must be a priority, and these sheets provide such benefits. Make sure they’re of top quality. You may also keep extra linens on a shelf if your guests want to replace the used items.

Improve the guest bathroom

If the guest room has a separate bathroom, you must also elevate its appearance. Install a shower cabin for a more comfortable bath. You want your guests to have privacy while they bathe. Buy new accessories to spruce up its appearance.

Make sure there’s a home office

Your guests might also need to work during some days. Make sure you have a table and chair for them to work on. Check if the internet works well in the guest room. Write a note that contains the password for easy access.

Include a mirror

If the guest room doesn’t have a mirror yet, you should buy one. It helps create an illusion of space and make the room seem larger than it is. Your guests will also use the mirror. They want to look great before leaving the bedroom.

Clean the closet

Clear your closet and take everything you no longer need. Useful items must be in a temporary storage location while your guests are around. Give them space to keep their clothes, especially if they will be with you for the next several days.

Repaint the bedroom

You can give the bedroom a new look by repainting the walls. Choose neutral colours since your guests might have different preferences. If you decide to repaint, make sure you do it several weeks before their arrival. You don’t want the room to smell like paint and suffocate your guests.

Repair the damages

If the bedroom has damages that need immediate attention, you must ask someone to come over. You don’t want injuries at your house because of these repair issues. You’re also responsible for the health and safety of the guests while they’re around.

Brighten the room

Replace the curtains and use something brighter. You intentionally used dark tones when no one was using the guest room. However, since someone will be there, the area must be sunny and relaxing.

With these improvements, you will feel proud about welcoming your guests to come over. They will also be grateful for your kindness and hospitality.

Filed Under: Home & Renovations

Top 8 Factors Affecting the Cost of Family Health Insurance

January 17, 2022 by

Buying a health insurance policy is one of the most practical ways of accessing the best medical facilities while coping with the dramatically-rising healthcare costs. Health insurance also offers tax benefits. Nowadays, consumers prefer purchasing family health insurance plans to have a safety net during medical emergencies affecting any member of their family. The insurance premium is a crucial criterion for most people when choosing an insurance plan. The guidelines of every insurer for calculating the insurance premium may vary. Here are eight key factors that affect the cost of family health insurance policies:

1) Age

Age is one of the most crucial factors influencing your insurance premium. As a general rule, the younger you are, the lower the premium. Typically, people in their 20s or 30s are less vulnerable to contracting illnesses than those in their 60s. The former also recover faster. Ergo, it’s ideal to purchase a health insurance policy when you’re younger. When looking at health insurance plans for your family, consider buying a senior citizen policy for any of your family members who are more than 60 years old.

2) Pre-existing illnesses

A few insurance companies require customers to undergo a medical check-up before finalising the premium to verify the presence of pre-existing conditions and determine the risk associated. While some insurers allow pre-existing illnesses but enforce a waiting period, some reject the application altogether. You may also find insurance providers who provide coverage for such conditions without a waiting period but charge a higher premium.

3) Occupation

While no one can be denied health insurance coverage based on their profession, the nature of your occupation plays a minor role in determining your insurance premium. People exposed to risky elements in their line of work such as members of the armed forces, construction site employees, individuals exposed to radiation/hazardous materials, or the like have to pay a higher premium than someone working in safer environments like schools. This is for the simple reason that individuals working in high-risk environments are more likely to suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

4) Sum insured

Sum insured refers to the maximum amount you can claim during a medical emergency. A higher sum insured means a higher policy premium. However, having a health insurance policy with a high sum insured is helpful during medical emergencies as you have better financial safety. This is another reason that makes group insurance policies such as those for families better since the sum insured of individual health insurance is usually on the lower side.

5) Smoking habits

Smokers are more prone to making health insurance claims as they are at higher risk of developing chronic lung diseases, infertility, and the like. Considering these factors, insurance companies charge a higher insurance premium from smokers than non-smokers, irrespective of their gender.

6) Body mass index (BMI)

Typically, people with a higher BMI have to pay more for health insurance than those falling in the normal BMI range. The reason is that the former are more prone to suffering from illnesses, such as heart-related diseases, diabetes, and the like, and consequently, require regular medical care.

7) Policy duration

The tenure of your health insurance policy also affects your premium. A long-term health insurance plan—valid for 2-3 years—is likely to cost less than a regular annual one, which is valid for a year. Long-term health insurance policies eliminate the need for frequent renewal and come with discounted premiums.

8) Coinsurance

Coinsurance is a fixed portion of treatment costs that the policyholder must pay from their pocket after covering the deductibles. For instance, if the coinsurance is 20%, you must bear 20% of the treatment cost, and the insurer will cover 80%. Coinsurance helps protect insurance companies against large claims.

The insurer decides the family health insurance premium after considering how all these factors affect all the members of the policyholder family. However, you can get an idea about your family health insurance cost by using online premium calculators. Visit your preferred insurance company’s website to find out your estimated premium.

Filed Under: Food & Health

How to Keep Your Dog Happy

January 14, 2022 by

Fondly referred to as man’s best friend, a dog can certainly become one of your best pals when you welcome one into your life. They are loyal companions who will love you unconditionally, and the feeling is mutual. Just like you, dogs need to be shown that they are loved, so if you want to make sure your furry friend is happy and healthy, here are some of the best ways you can do this.

Getting Them the Best Healthcare

You want to trust the doctor who sees you when you’re sick, and the same goes for your dog. Their health should be a top priority for you, and finding a brilliant vet to help you with health checks, vaccinations, and other treatments your dog might need is key. Find a clinic close to home as this will make it easier for you and your dog when they need to go in for their appointments. The closer your vet is, the better this will be for emergencies, too. If you want to see a good example of a vet clinic, this Bonney Lake vets clinic should give you some idea of what you need to look for.

Take Them for a Long Hike

Dogs love to get outside and go on adventures, and walking them daily is all part of maintaining a good, healthy routine for them. It’s also a great way for you to get more exercise each day. If you want to give your dog a real treat, however, consider taking them for a long hike in the countryside at the weekend. Escaping into nature is a lovely day out for you both, and you could even take along your family or some friends if you wanted some human company, too.

Tasty Treats

Dogs love their treats, and they will always be happy to receive a tasty snack from you. While you shouldn’t overindulge your dog, if they have been behaving well or look like they could use a little pick-me-up, giving them a treat is a perfect way to reward them and show them some love. Carry treats with you when you’re out with your dog so you can have them at hand when you need them.

New Toys

Another thing that dogs love is their toys, and you can have a lot of fun playing with them as well. After a while, you’ll soon find that your dog has worn out their old toys, which makes it the perfect time to treat them to something new. It might be a new ball, chew toy, or something else that they can chase around the garden or park.

Give Them a Hug

Finally, if you want to show your dog some affection, why not try an old-fashioned hug? Not all dogs will like to be embraced; you will need to consider your dog’s personality and whether or not they prefer people to keep their distance. Sometimes this can be stressful for them, so always assess their mood and consider petting them instead if a hug will be overwhelming. However, most of the time, they will be happy to be held by their owner, and it could be a good source of comfort to you as well if you’ve been having a tough day.

If you want to show your dog just how much you love them, why not try some of the suggestions above to strengthen your bond?

 

Filed Under: Pets

How to Juggle all of Your Mom Responsibilities

January 10, 2022 by

As a mom, it can be difficult to juggle all of the responsibilities that you have, whether these are in terms of work or family, and this can make you feel fatigued and stressed. So, if you are struggling to keep up with your schedule and to-do list, here are a selection of tips that can help you to juggle all of the elements that make up your life more smoothly.

Look at Senior Living Facilities

If you are a mom, it may not only be your children that you have to look after, with many parents also looking after the older members of your family. However, it can be difficult to fit in caregiving with such factors of family life as the school run. If you are starting to find that you no longer have the time to give your elderly parents the support that they need, you should consider looking into assisted living CT facilities that could help them to live a high quality of life without your constant attention. This will then release the pressure on you to be in two places at once and can ensure that every member of your family can remain safe and healthy.

Create a Schedule

Disorganization is the enemy of juggling your responsibilities well, and you may often find that you feel hassled and flustered only because you are trying to do everything at once. Then, to make sure that you fit in all of the tasks that you need to perform at the right time, without forgetting everything, you should try to create a schedule. With this schedule in hand, you will soon be able to start following a routine and carry out your responsibilities by habit alone, ensuring that no part of your life gets forgotten or abandoned in favor of another.

Ask for Help

It is sometimes impossible to do everything that you need to do alone, though. If you are struggling to give every part of your life the attention that it requires, you should consider asking for help from your family or trusted friends. By sharing out the responsibilities in any way that you can, you will be able to prioritize the most important tasks to you while making sure that every other element of your life runs like clockwork until you have time for them again.

Stay Flexible

Flexibility is vital when you are a mom, as circumstances change constantly and you may find that unexpected events push out your schedule. So, you should ensure that you have ample time to allow for these obstacles and that you can adapt to whatever happens. You can also stay flexible by making decisions such as choosing to work from home. Working from home can help you to more easily juggle your responsibilities as you will be able to cut out the large amount of time that your commute takes up and finish your work within the deadline while still keeping an eye on your children. This may also allow you to work around your other commitments at the time of the day or night that works for you.

 

Filed Under: Mommy Blog

Top Ways to Look After Your Home This Spring

January 10, 2022 by

Throughout the course of the winter months, your home can take a bit of a hit when it comes to maintenance. Depending on where you live, it may not be possible as a result of the weather for you to take care of all the tasks that you would have liked. If this is the case, it is important to waste no time in getting things back up to a good standard as soon as the weather begins to warm.

Springtime is one of the best times to get a handle on all of the home maintenance jobs that slipped through the cracks during winter for this very reason. The weather is warmer and generally less wet, and the days tend to be longer as well. This will provide you with more natural light in the day for you to take care of your home’s exteriors and any issues with your yard.

With so many things on your to-do list, though, you might not know just what to prioritize as soon as spring has sprung. Here are some of the best ways in which you can look after your home once winter begins to thaw.

Have the Roof Inspected

One of the most crucial things that you can do for your home at the start of spring is to have your roof inspected. This is because the wet and often freezing conditions of winter can cause some serious damage to the integrity of your roof.

If left unchecked, damage to your roof can result in internal water damage and even a critter infestation. You will want to have some Michigan roofing experts on-site in order to thoroughly inspect your roof and make any minor repairs right away before they develop into bigger issues.

Clean the Gutters

Another way in which you might end up with serious water damage within your home can be the result of gutters that haven’t been cleaned in a while. Throughout the winter months, leaves, dirt, and debris can all collect in your home’s gutters and result in pooling water either on your roof or at the base of your home.

In order to avoid serious issues with water damage, take the time to clean out your gutters as soon as the winter snows have melted. You can either do this yourself in the afternoon or have a professional come and take care of it for you.

Seed the Lawn

Nothing says spring quite like a full, green lawn. However, this isn’t something that will simply occur overnight. Once the weather warms enough, you should spend a day seeding your lawn and getting everything in top shape for spring.

Not only does a fuller lawn simply look better, but it can also help you to avoid problems with drainage as well as shifting earth in your yard. You might need to aerate the ground first, but in the end, you will end up with a healthy, bright lawn that is ready for spring.

 

Filed Under: Home & Renovations

Common Complications that Can Occur During Pregnancy

January 7, 2022 by

If you are pregnant or are expecting your first child, then you tend to find a lot of the time that your emotions can go into overdrive. Our inner pessimist comes out during those nine months as it is common to worry about what could potentially go wrong. Generally speaking, the majority of pregnancies will go by without incident; however, a small percentage will incur some kind of complication that if left without any kind of treatment could harm the mother or the baby. This article will discuss what some of those most common complications are.

Have You Had Trouble at Birth?

If you are reading this retrospectively because of the fact there has been some kind of complication at birth and you want to know if it was preventable, you may want to reach out for legal assistance. By contacting a law firm such as Romanucci Blandin Law, which specializes as birth injury lawyers, you could get further information as to whether the complication you incurred could have been avoided. If it could have been, then you may be able to bring forward a legal claim.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is common for pregnant women to experience morning sickness; however, when you have hyperemesis gravidarum, it is basically morning sickness taken to a whole new level. It is severe nausea that results in the likes of extreme weight loss and could require hospitalization. Your weight loss will likely take you down to below what you weighed pre-pregnancy. The main way to treat it is by ensuring you have enough nutrients in your body for both yourself and your baby. It may be that you need to go to the hospital and receive these through an IV if you are struggling to keep food down.

Gestational Diabetes

This is a type of diabetes that occurs throughout pregnancy which makes it hard for your body to break down sugar. One of the bigger risks that comes with developing this is that it can make it so your baby grows to be larger than normal. This means that during delivery, the babies’ shoulders can get stuck. Of course, if upon examination your doctor believes your baby is too big for a vaginal delivery, chances are your doctor is going to recommend you undergo a c-section.

Placenta Previa

While pregnant, your placenta plays an incredibly important role as it is responsible for providing your baby with oxygen and nutrients so that it can develop properly. It’s usually found attached to the uterus (specifically the upper part), but if you experience placenta previa, it means it will partially or totally cover the cervix. The main symptoms of this will be vaginal bleeding. Nothing can be done to prevent it, but if you have regular prenatal care, then you are going to be increasing both the health of yourself and your baby. It could result in bleeding during pregnancy, which if heavy, could mean you need to stay in hospital for a period of time. It is common for doctors to recommend a c-section for women with placenta previa.

Filed Under: Food & Health
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