Author: Staff Writer

Categories
Financial Tax Services

Which Tax Software is Best for You?

tax services

Tax season is upon us and for many people, that means stress and worry about filing their taxes correctly. You want to be sure to file your taxes correctly while still getting all of the deductions and refunds that you qualify for. Using tax software can help you achieve that goal.

Tax software leads you through the entire tax process by asking questions to know what forms you should file. They will also tell you what information you need and where to find it on your tax forms. They also make it easy to file electronically so that you can get your refund quickly.

There are different tax software available and each kind of tax software is best for certain people and situations. Which one you want to use will depend on your situation and what taxes you file.  

TurboTax

TurboTax is one of the leading tax filing software companies. Their software asks you questions about how you’re filing taxes this year, how you made money, and what your year looked like financially to get you to the right places to file correctly and get the right deductions. They also account for federal and state taxes in the same filing. 

This software is easy to use whether you’re an individual or business filing taxes. It will automatically include home purchases, dependents, and other deductions so you don’t have to worry about including them. By answering the questions it asks you, you can be ready to file electronically and know that they will be filed correctly. 

H&R Block

If you want free software to file your taxes, H&R Block can help with that. They provide ease of filing without having to pay for anything. It covers federal and state taxes for many filing options without any additional charges. 

Many individuals do not have complex tax forms, they have a W-2 form and some deductions. In these situations, having a free option for filing taxes is the best option. When your taxes are easy to file, they should come with a corresponding price tag.   

Tax Slayer

As more people become reliant on the gig economy or self-employment for either a portion or for their entire paycheck, having tax software that understands that can help ensure that your taxes are filed correctly. These kinds of jobs have different tax forms and deductions that you want to account for.

Tax Slayer is affordable and will help you account for all of the ways you made money and the different deductions that you qualify for. They provide options for state and federal taxes so you can be assured that all of your tax needs are met.     

Conclusion

Filing taxes requires different needs depending on how you’re filing taxes. Some taxes are easier to file than others. There are several kinds of tax software available so you can find the right one for your situation. Filing taxes with the help of tax software makes filing taxes easy, no matter how you made money.

Categories
Financial Insurance

Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

life insurance guide 101

In order to know which life insurance policy is best for you, you must first understand its function. What is life insurance? It is a contract between you and an insurer to provide your beneficiary with death benefits based on your payment of premiums.

Still sounds complicated?

In this guide, you’ll learn all of the basics that you need to understand—no matter your stage of life. Whether you’re shopping for the first time or switching policies, we encourage you to read on to find out more about life insurance 101.

Types of Life Insurance

The two primary types of life insurance are term and permanent. With term insurance, you are covered for a set amount of time. It typically lasts 5-30 years, whereas permanent insurance covers your entire life or up to 100 years old.

For the most part, providers sell term policies with level premiums, so you never have to worry about the rate going up as you get older. However, you may have the option to convert your policy to a permanent insurance after the life insurance term is up. With permanent policies, you can choose between whole life and universal plans. Whole life means that you pay the same premium throughout your entire life while universal life insurance gives you flexible premiums.

The biggest difference between term and permanent policies is the ability to build value. A term plan has no value at the end of the life insurance term, but permanent insurance increases cash or loan value. That means you can withdraw, invest, or even borrow against that value. If that’s a feature that is important to you, a permanent policy would be your best option.

Calculating Life Insurance Rates

Your health and age are two of the biggest factors determining your premium rate. In fact, policies are issued either simplified issue or fully underwritten. The former often comes at a higher price because it is based on simple application questions. The latter typically offers lower rates if you show good health through a thorough medical exam and lab work.

Those aren’t the only factors that insurance companies consider, however. They also base your premium on:

  • Your Gender
  • Family Medical History
  • Location
  • Lifestyle

What Does It Cover?

You might be thinking that if your young and healthy, you don’t need insurance at all, but that’s simply not true. It is especially important for young people with families to get insured. A good life insurance policy can help your loved ones with:

  • Funeral Expenses: Did you know that the average cost of a funeral is over $7,000? Add to that the cost of a cemetery plot, headstone, or vault, and it’s even higher. These high end of life expenses are the biggest life insurance selling points for a majority of people.
  • Replacement Income: If your income plays any role in your household’s finances, you need life insurance. When you leave behind a spouse and young children, it helps them maintain their standard of living.
  • Mortgage Payments: It is also crucial that you have life insurance to cover mortgage payments. Nothing could be worse than losing a loved one and your home all at once. Your insurance policy could help with monthly payments or pay off the remaining balance entirely.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The answer largely depends on your family and financial needs. Typically, young married couples with children and single parents need the most coverage for the items we mentioned above. We suggest that you take a look at your mortgage or other loans, the cost of your funeral, and your income to choose an amount that best fits your needs.

On the other hand, empty nesters and retirees typically need fewer death benefits. You may not need life insurance at all if you’ve paid off all of your debts and saved accordingly. A financial advisor can help you determine how much coverage you will need.

Get Your Life Insurance Quote

Every policy is different. What may be best for you could be entirely different from what is best for your neighbor. For that reason, we recommend that you do further research and shop around for the best life insurance quote for your needs. There are plenty of agents and online tools ready to help you choose a life insurance policy.

Categories
Financial Insurance

The Basics of Health Insurance

guide to health insurance

Health insurance is the product you purchase to cover any essential or emergency medical expenses. Much like other insurances, many complicated terms and requirements make health insurance confusing for first-time buyers.

However, you must do your research, so you can make sure you have the right coverage for when you need it most. You don’t want to risk being uninsured or underinsured. To learn more about the basics of health insurance, keep reading this guide!

What Does Health Insurance Cover?

There are many different plans and coverage options available, but the government requires all public and private health insurance policies to cover the basics. These required services are referred to as the 10 health essential benefits, and they include:

  1. Prescription Drugs
  2. Pediatric Services
  3. Emergency Services
  4. Hospitalization
  5. Preventative Services & Chronic Disease Management
  6. Addiction & Mental Health Services
  7. Pregnancy, Maternity, and Newborn Care
  8. Laboratory Services
  9. Ambulatory Patient Services
  10. Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services

You may find that your state requires insurers to offer more essential coverage. It is very rare that you would find a state that restricts these 10 essential services.

Commonly-Used Health Insurance Terms

When you start to compare health insurance plans beyond the essentials, you’ll notice that there are many different terms thrown around. Some plans may offer a high deductible with a low coinsurance rate. Others may vary based on out-of-pocket limits. In order to find the right plan for your needs and budget, you need to know what all of these terms mean.

  • Deductible: The amount of money you must pay before your health insurance starts to cover any of your medical expenses. Your deductible amount resets every year, even if you exceed it the previous year.
  • Copayment: The flat fee you pay for certain services, such as doctor visits and prescription drugs. It’s also referred to as a copay, and you typically pay it regardless of whether you met your deductible or not.
  • Coinsurance: Unlike your flat-fee copay, coinsurance is a percentage of the medical costs you have to pay after reaching your deductible.
  • Out-of-Pocket Limit: This amount is the most that you will be required to pay for your medical costs. Your deductible, copays, and coinsurance all make up your out-of-pocket expenses.

How to Determine the Cost of Health Insurance

Since all of the different factors can vary from plan to plan, you need to know how to calculate your health insurance costs. You shouldn’t compare the premiums alone. Instead, you need to calculate the overall expenses by adding up the five major features of your plan.

Premiums

Your premium is your monthly bill that you pay for health insurance coverage. It’s important to understand that this isn’t the amount you’ll pay for your actual health care services. A low premium often means that you have less coverage, so you should expect to pay more out of your own pocket for your health care expenses. This amount also does not contribute to your deductible or maximum out-of-pocket limit.

Deductibles

Your deductible is the amount that you have to pay before your insurance provider steps in to cover your expenses. A lower premium usually means that you’ll have a higher deductible, so you need to find the balance between what you can afford to pay now versus in an emergency.  

Coinsurance

Once you meet your deductible, your insurer helps to pay for a percentage of your health care expenses. You are still responsible for the other portion until you reach your maximum out-of-pocket limit. However, there are some plans that cover 100% of your expenses after you reach your deductible.

Copayment

Before and after you meet your deductible, you’ll have to pay this flat rate every time you go to the doctor or receive prescription drugs. The amount of your copay depends on your insurance provider and the plan you select. A common copay is around $15 to $25 for a routine visit to an in-network doctor.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit

If you want to know the maximum amount of money that you’ll ever have to pay for health care, you should look at the maximum out-of-pocket limit. Aside from your premiums, every cost contributes to the limit, so you’ll never have to pay more than that amount for your health care expenses. Keep in mind that a higher monthly premium usually gives you a lower maximum limit.

Learn More About Health Insurance

Since payments and plans can vary so much from one provider to another, you should request a health insurance quote from several different companies. We suggest that you speak with each provider to learn more about their coverage options. You can also read some of our other health insurance guides to find out more about how it works.

Categories
Health & Home Home Improvement

Converting Your Shed into a Living Space You’ll Love

convert your shed

Do you have a vacant shed taking up space in your backyard? Have you ever thought about converting it into additional living space? If so, this guide is for you!

Sheds can be converted into several types of living spaces. You can easily transform your structure into a cozy she-shed, a guest suite, or a place to work from home without any distractions. Regardless of your goals, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your shed into a comfortable space.

Install Insulation and Seal Cracks

If your shed already has electric, then you can start insulating right away. If you want to add more wiring, outlets, or any plumbing, that needs to be taken care of before you insulate. Otherwise, you’ll have to tear down your drywall and insulation!

Once that is done, you can install insulation. If you plan to spend time out there year-round, you’ll want to make sure that it is as comfortable in the heat of the summer as it is in the dead of winter. We recommend that you take the time to install insulation in all of the stud space of your shed. From there, you can cover the insulation with drywall to give a more finished appearance.

We also suggest that you go through the shed and identify any drafts or cracks. All of these should be sealed off for energy efficiency and protection from the elements. You can easily install weather strips in areas that feel drafty in cool temperatures.

Add Heating/Cooling To Your Shed

With the electric and insulation installed, you can add heating and cooling to the shed. There are several different options designed to fit a variety of budgets and needs. If you want something simple that doesn’t require a difficult installation, then a space heater or window air conditioner is a great option. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the shed, we recommend that you invest in something a little more efficient, even if it is more challenging to install.

Increase Lighting

Many backyard sheds lack adequate lighting, so you’ll want to remedy that solution by installing lights or buying table lamps. If at all possible, you should take advantage of natural light. You can do this by replacing the shed door with glass doors, installing windows, or adding a skylight. Your options are only limited by your budget and design goals!

You might want to consider adding outdoor lighting so that you can enjoy the space in the evening. You can add string lights around your garden, or you can install a porch light by the door of the shed. These lights will also help light your path if you need to go back and forth from the shed to your house in the middle of the night.

Add Furniture and Decor In Your Shed

Your shed should finally start to look like a living space with all of the basics done. The only things that should be missing are personal touches that truly transform it into a place you’ll love to hang out in. The type of furniture and décor you choose will largely depend on how you plan to utilize the space.

If you want a little home gym, you won’t need much furniture, but you’ll need plenty of equipment. A hobby shed should have ample workspace and storage for all of your craft items.   A guest room could have a futon, small café table, and a television. It’s entirely up to you and your imagination!  

Convert Your Shed Today

With so many of us spending time at home, there’s no better time to add extra living space to your property. We suggest that you start converting your shed today if you want to create a she-shed, guest house, home office, or gym. You can learn more about how to renovate your shed by researching DIY home improvement.

Categories
Children Family Health & Home Wellness

Don’t Live Alone? 10 Ways to Carve Out Me Time

In Need Of Alone Time

Not every one of us is fortunate to own or rent our own space. Sometimes, family obligations and cultural values force us to live in a family system, while environmental factors such as the pandemic and others force us to move in with family or roommates, instead of living alone.

No matter what the reasons may be, it can get entirely frustrating when you just do not get any time for yourself. Devoid of peace and quiet, one cannot survive calmly for long. So how can you carve out alone time for your own sanity when you don’t live alone?

Here is how:

1.    Communicate Your Need for Peace Clearly

Emphasize how you need peace and some alone time. Of course, if you’re dealing with family or friends, you need to set the boundary very gently without hurting feelings. You can make a weekly routine where you spend some time in a solo activity, like writing your journal, etc. Let others know not to interrupt you then.

2.    Boundaries

Set a physical boundary that helps you withdraw to a secluded corner, even if for only a few minutes in a day, to enjoy that much needed alone time. It could be your reading corner, a desk, or even a Prayer place.

3.    Plan a Solo Outdoor Escapade Every Weekend

Whether it is a close-by park or a hiking trail, or even a trip for groceries, make sure you plan one trip every Saturday or Sunday alone.

4.    A Daily Stroll

This is a great idea because it will not only keep you physically fit but also give you much-needed free time. A jog every morning or a leisurely stroll alone in the evenings is a great idea.

5.    Stop By at a Café on Your Way Home from Work

There are days when you are lucky to have a lesser workload. In that case, try not to return home directly but rather stop for a cup of coffee at a café for a breather and soak up all the moments alone.

6.    Early Mornings

The best time to grab some alone time is to wake up before the others. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Imagine the silence and tranquility when all else are asleep, and you can just relax without intrusion.

7.    Early Bedtime

Similarly, going to bed early is a great way to spend some me-time too. If nothing else works, an early bedtime routine during the week can give you some time to run through your thoughts alone before drifting off.

8.    Date Nights or Happy Hours

Although it may not be alone time, do not hesitate or feel guilty to plan these. It’s okay to grab some special time without the presence of your family or your roommates. A date with your pals or happy hours with colleagues is a treat you deserve every once in a while.

9.    Practice Solitude

Even when you’re living with a crowd, you can practice alone time. It requires some skill, but soon you’ll be able to withdraw emotionally and mentally from the others. Choose a quiet corner during family dinner times or others and try not to contribute in conversation. Focus on your thoughts while trying to block out the sounds around you.

10. Volunteer for Errands

Does your mom need something from the farmer’s market? Has the family pet run out of its stock of biscuits? Volunteer to run outdoor errands if you can manage them. This could be a great way of being by yourself, away from the people at home.

Categories
Financial Real Estate

Home Inspection Preparation

home inspection

The chore of selling your home is almost done. You’ve prepped it, listed it, and found a buyer. They managed to make an acceptable offer (congratulations!) and now it’s time for the home inspection. Hold off on filling up and taping those moving boxes shut, this step has caused many deals to fall through.

In most real estate deals, the home inspection happens once the buyer has signed the purchase agreement, but before the final closing date. Many buyers prefer to make the closing of the deal contingent on the acceptable results of a home inspection.

This lets them back out of the sale if any serious issues or defects are found by the home inspector. There is generally the opportunity for the seller to remedy the items, but if they are a major expense, like roofing or foundation issues, they may not agree to the expense.

If you’re a little nervous about the inspection, as the home seller, you are certainly not alone. Many sellers find this final hurdle nerve-wracking. On one hand, you don’t want the deal to fall through, on the other hand, you don’t want to be saddled with the cost of repair for anything that might be major. Here are some things that you can do to help prepare for the event.

1.   Clear The Way

The last thing a home inspector is going to want to see is that anything they need to inspect is blocked by stuff. Storage, junk, furniture, whatever, get it out of the way. If something common cannot be inspected, the buyer will see that in the report, and it could be a red flag.

2.   Walk The Perimeter

Check your siding, trim, windows, caulking and seals, doors, and weatherstripping of your home. This is all small stuff that you should have in order easily.

3.   Check The Roof

You may not have ever looked up there, but you know who’s going to? You guessed it, the home inspector. So haul out the ladder and take a look at the roof. Clean the gutters, remove any moss, look for and replace missing tiles or shingles.

4.   Check Your Bulbs

This is simple, but it can be your undoing. A light that doesn’t work tells an home inspector one of two things, either the bulb is out or the wiring or outlet is faulty. Since they won’t be bringing extra bulbs to test, make sure they won’t need them.

5.   Toilets

Clean and functioning properly are key. Worn parts can cause a toilet to keep running, get that stuff replaced before it’s noted on the home inspection report. The parts are only a few bucks and anyone can do it.

6.   Pilot Lights

This one is important if you turn your furnace off during the warmer months. The inspector is going to test the major appliances, so make sure that they are ready.

7.   Water Leaks

This is a big one. Look under cabinets and up at floor joists in the basement if you have one, and look for signs of leaks. Fix the leak, and fix any water damage before the home inspection.

Categories
Dating Health & Home

How Couples Stay Happy During Quarantine

happy relationship

The pandemic came as a welcome respite for many couples who were over the moon with joy at spending more time with their partners. For others, it is probably a nightmare, especially if the chemistry between them is dwindling, and they’re ready to pull each other’s hair out.

The good news is that it need not be as bad as that: certain key practices that can affect your relationship healthily, keeping both partners happy during the quarantine. Here’s how:

1.    Help with Chores

The first key practice is to share the load of home chores. Divide the work equally so one does not feel unfairly burdened. If you are good at cooking while the other has no issues doing the laundry, then volunteer to do what you’re good at it.

Sharing each other’s load like a team will keep you both happy and even strengthen your relationship.

2.    Give Each Other Space

Just because you’re spending all the time indoors together does not mean you have to constantly breathe down each other’s neck. Give each other ample space without creating a fuss. Let your partner breathe, have zoom calls or facetime with friends and family or even work out separately.

If your partner wishes to go for a stroll in the nearby park alone, try not to balk at it. Make your own me-time while giving your partner theirs. But the key is to coordinate your schedules so that you both take your alone time together.

3.    Plan Fun Couple Activities

Don’t let your time housebound become boring. You may not get to dine out at lavish restaurants, party at the bars, or go dancing on the beach, but you can plan all that and more at home. Make weekends special with cookouts in the backyard, plan movie nights with popcorns, or just a fancy date at home.

4.    Make One Meal a Day Special

If you’re both working professionals, then you’re perhaps working just as much from home. If the days are busy, at least try to make your dinners special. Cook what you both love, try out new recipes, and spend quality time with lively conversations during dinners.

5.    Try Couples Yoga or Meditate Together

If you both could never make time for these due to your demanding careers, now is your opportunity. Try practicing some meditation or yoga together. It will strengthen your personality and intellect and help attain a level of calm, peace, and control together. Besides, yoga and meditation are a great way to unwind from stress, and what could be better to do it as a couple.

6.    Fix Your Loose Ends

While you’re dating, everything seems like moonlight and roses as romance is in abundance. Once you start living together, you realize the many flaws and imperfections and many things you struggle to put up with in your partner.

A relationship strengthens and stays healthy when partners work as a team to address their differences. Take the pandemic time to focus on one another, accept your differences, work on your flaws, learn more about each other, please each other more and even give your home a makeover.

Categories
Health & Home Recreation & Leisure

What Zodiac Signs Say the Best Way to De-Stress Is

astrology sign de-stress

With each day getting more competitive and tougher, it’s natural to get stressed, especially if you have many things to balance at the same time. But, de-stressing is very important if you’re looking to maintain a focused and healthy lifestyle.

You may have tried different ways to de-stress, and they may have or not worked. Regardless, it’s time to seek help from your zodiac sign. Read further below to learn what your zodiac sign suggests are the best de-stress methods.

1. Aries (March 21 – April 19) Engage in Physical Activity

As one of the most athletic zodiac signs, Aries needs plenty of physical activity in their life to get rid of the stress. Running as fast as you can on an empty road is the best way to get rid of any negative energy plaguing your spirit.

2. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Therapeutic Aromatherapy

As a sign of beauty and luxury, a Taurus needs to reconnect with their body to de-stress. This means using sensual essential oils for aromatherapy and creating a calming effect.

3. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Writing

It’s common for a Gemini to need a break from the chaotic world they live in. They love writing their heart out as a means to de-stress.

4. Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Give Time to Yourself

While Cancerians enjoy being there for their loved ones, they still need some private time to themselves as a way to de-stress. This could include going through a flashback of memories from photos or an old jewelry box you might have stowed away.

5. Leo (July 43 – August 22) Do what You Love

It’s hard for Leos to make some time for themselves, but the best way for them to de-stress is to do what they love. This could mean taking a nap, hitting the club, or reading their favorite book.

6. Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Meditation/Yoga

Virgos constantly immerse themselves in work, so it’s no secret that they need something to de-stress. The best way for a Virgo to do that is by engaging in physical activity such as meditation and yoga.

7. Libra (September 23 – October 21) Watch a Favorite Show

Libras like relaxing by watching their favorite show. This will give them a realistic feel and view of the life they want, giving them a sense of hope at the same time.

8. Scorpio (October 22 – November 21) Discover Music

A busy schedule can overwhelm a Scorpio with different feelings, and they prefer to handle their emotions by seeking guidance from music. Play your favorite track on repeat or discover new music – this is Scorpio’s favorite way to de-stress.

9. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Talk to Someone

A long therapeutic chat with a close companion is what Sagittarius needs to calm down and reorient themselves. If you’re a Sagittarius, you can do this with a friend, family member, or therapist.

10. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) Carry Out House Chores

While being such a hardworking sign, they need something to keep them going and feel accomplished. At the same time, they want to feel productive. That’s why they find engaging in household chores to be a perfect solution.

11. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Partake in Games

An Aquarius is an intellectual sign, but they often thrive on competitiveness. Hence, to reduce stress levels, they prefer playing competitive games.

12. Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Meditation

As the most spiritual zodiac sign, a Pisces will take the Zen route. Hence, they will involve themselves in activities like prayer or mediation, which can have stress-reducing effects.

Conclusion

Take a deep breath, and do what your start sign encourages as a means to de-stress. You never know; it may work for you.

Categories
Health & Home Recreation & Leisure

Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings: A Complete Guide

Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings

Whether you’re the type of person to believe in astrology or not, you may believe what your zodiac sign says about you, especially when you come across the weekly zodiac section in a newspaper or your favorite magazine. There are 12 signs in total, and your birth date determines your zodiac. To find out yours and know the true meaning behind it, read further below.

1. Aries (March 21 – April 19)

The Aries sign is symbolized by a ram, highlighting a fiery feature in every Aries. People with this sign are athletic, dynamic, and want to be winners at all times. An Aries loves being part of the trend and never wants anything of a lower position.

2. Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Taurus is among the stubborn zodiac signs but still retains a cool aura. This sign is represented by a bull with Venus, the ruling planet. Taureans are known to enjoy art and love luxuries. At the same time, they are super loyal. Taureans take their time and never like to rush into things, no matter if there’s a deadline.

3. Gemini (May 21- June 20)

Gemini, also known as the air sign, includes talkative people who love sharing bits of their lives and live for communication. Despite being charming and flirty, Geminis can be reserved and shy as well. They love being social and choose a career that fills them with drive.

4. Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancerians, represent a crab symbol, and they are among the most exaggerated and greatest dreamers of all the signs. They always prioritize those they love but have a very moody nature. From taking care of themselves to others, there are pros at doing it altogether.

5. Leo (July 23 – August 22)

The Leo Lions, ruled by the sun, symbolize generosity, optimism, and charisma. Their sign means they are well-motivated to follow their unique dreams and do whatever it takes to reach there. Leos have their frequent down moments when they cut themselves off. Nevertheless, they are the most devoted, adoring, funny, and loyal ones out there.

6. Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgos represent the virgin and have detailed services and health-oriented traits. Virgos have a lot on their minds, requiring them to pour it out on a person or in a journal. Different than the other signs, everything has to be perfect, and they will do anything to help their loved ones.

7. Libra (September 23 – 0ctober 22)

Libras have the most indecisive and romantic nature of the signs, with a big interest in art. They are society’s social butterflies. They are true believers of romance, no matter how bad it gets a hold of them.

8. Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpios, representing scorpions, have a mysterious and spiritual side to them. They love keeping things private and leading spiritual lives.

9. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarians have a life-loving personality and love adventures like touring, partying, and meeting new people. You will find them to be the funniest and most talented with unique quirks.

10. Capricorn December 22 – January 19)

Capricorns, represented by a goat, try to go as far as possible to reach a particular goal. They are known to be workaholics, but at the same time, hilarious and grounded.

11. Aquarius January 20 – February 8)

Aquarius, also known as the Water Bearers, is a cool and eccentric sign. They love influencing their society. Aquarians, maintain numerous platonic relationships and are very tech-savvy.

12. Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Representing the fish symbol, Pisces take other people’s emotions into account at all times and are very emphatic and dreamy. Their sign means they are very sensitive and hopeless romantics but tend to heal themselves from trauma.

Conclusion

With the help of this zodiac sign guide, you can look for certain traits in people and try to guess their signs. It also gives you an opportunity to better understand why some people act the way they do.

Categories
Health & Home Home Improvement

Cleaning Your Home? 11 Shortcuts To Make It Easy

Cleaning Your House

Do you wish a clean home wasn’t so much work? We do too, but unfortunately, we’re still a long way from self-cleaning homes. That doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your free time on house projects, though. With these 11 shortcuts, you can be on your way to a cleaner house in no time!

1. Clean from Top to Bottom

When you clean, you don’t want to repeat steps. Therefore, you should always work from the ceiling to the floor. If you start by vacuuming, you’ll be frustrated when crumbs and dust get knocked onto it from dusting the ceiling fans or kitchen counters. That’s why we always recommend finishing your cleaning with the vacuum and mop.

2. Keep Cleaning Supplies Organized

Organization is one of the keys to a clean home. For that reason, we suggest organizing your cleaning supplies. There are a million different products, but multipurpose cleaners are often just as effective. Best of all, they reduce clutter!

We also suggest that you keep cleaning items accessible. For example, bathroom cleaners should be kept in the bathroom, while kitchen cleaning supplies should be kept in the kitchen. It’s a simple and effective organization method.

3. Clean While Things Soak

We love efficiency when cleaning the home. Some tasks take longer than others, so you should strategize your cleaning schedule accordingly. Soaking time is a great opportunity to work on other smaller projects. Cleaning your toilet is something quick and easy you can do as you wait on your shower cleaner to penetrate any soap scum or mildew.

4. Space out Your Chores

This tip goes along with the last one. We suggest that you space out your cleaning schedule so that you aren’t doing everything all at once. If you plan accordingly in a logical order, you can keep yourself from repeating steps and enjoy a clean home for longer. When you procrastinate and let everything build up, you end up feeling more frustrated on cleaning day.

5. Repurpose Your Dryer Sheets

Did you know that dryer sheets can serve multiple purposes? They are perfect for dusting blinds, baseboards, and any other surface. We think they are also great for mopping up messes because of their absorbency. Next time you do your laundry, be sure to keep your dryer sheets instead of tossing them!

6. Use Containers in Your Pantry

Pantry organizing is a great, affordable home improvement project. You can easily buy containers in different shapes and sizes to organize the goods in your pantry. The best part is that you can pick up the containers to wipe down your shelves, and if anything spills, you can remove the container and wash it.

7. Maximize Your Dishwasher Use

If the container is dishwasher safe, you can make cleaning even easier! However, your dishwasher isn’t just for your everyday plates and glasses. You can also use it to clean soap dishes, toothbrush holders, pet dishes, children’s toys, oven hood filters, and so much more.

8. Line Refrigerator Shelves with Placements

Spills and leaks inevitably occur in your refrigerator. However, you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing shelves and glass to clean them. If you line your refrigerator with plastic placements or shelf liners, you can simply pull them out and wipe them down.

9. Let Your Blender Clean Itself

Okay, so blenders aren’t completely self-cleaning, but they can do most of the work for you. All you have to do is toss some warm water and dish soap in them. Press the button and watch it clean! When it’s finished, you can rinse it out and be done with it.

10. Line Your Oven with Aluminum Foil

If you hate cleaning burnt-on food spills from your oven, you’re not alone. We hate it too, but we found a little trick to make that step a lot easier. With a layer of aluminum foil protecting the bottom of your oven, you can simply pull it out and throw it away when something spills.

11. Put a Lemon in Your Garbage Disposal  

Does your garbage disposal have a lingering odor? If so, put some lemon slices and ice in it, and switch it on! The ice helps to sharpen the blades, while the lemon cleans and freshens the disposal.

Cut Down Your Cleaning Time

Stop dreading cleaning day and start implementing some of these helpful tips and tricks. We hope that you find these shortcuts to be useful. We encourage you to do some research and see if any other house projects can make your life easier when you clean your home.