Moving on Mondays
People move for different reasons. They move out on their own after school, they get married and move in with their spouse, they move to a larger house to accommodate a growing family, or they move to a friendlier climate upon retirement. These are all joyful occasions.
There are other reasons people move, too. A company may relocate the head of the household to another state, a divorce may require the sale of the current home in an asset liquidation, or a senior may not be healthy enough to care for his/her current residence on his/her own. In these cases, emotions run higher because the move is not optional, but rather a necessity due to outside circumstances.
Regardless of the reason, moving is very stressful. Like any other event, though, proper planning can make the transition easier. If you know what to expect and what to do, the move will be smooth and stress-free.
To help you through these stressful times, Prima By Design, Inc. has published a moving guide. The guide is full of helpful information and guidelines. It also has many forms that you can use to make your move as easy as possible. There are 76 pages of ideas and forms that we have compiled from our experiences. For more information, see our web site.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Frugal Cleaning Tips
Frugal Friday
Here are some penny-pinching tips for saving while cleaning your home.
• Use the rule of half. Use half the detergent, half the dryer sheet, half the sponge, etc. You will find that most cleaning can be done with half the product, saving you 50% on cleaning costs.
• Denture cleaner and water makes a great paste for cleaning stainless steel.
• Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your microwave, boil water for 30-60 seconds. The food particles will easily wipe off.
• Buy generic when possible. These brands often clean just as well, for much less money.
• Buy in bulk when on sale. This will save you money in the long run.
• A crumbled up mesh onion bag works just as well as a scouring pad--and rinses clean more easily.
• Freeze vinegar/water cubes and toss one in your garbage disposal for inexpensive, effective cleaning.
• Use rags instead of paper towels.
Here are some penny-pinching tips for saving while cleaning your home.
• Use the rule of half. Use half the detergent, half the dryer sheet, half the sponge, etc. You will find that most cleaning can be done with half the product, saving you 50% on cleaning costs.
• Denture cleaner and water makes a great paste for cleaning stainless steel.
• Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your microwave, boil water for 30-60 seconds. The food particles will easily wipe off.
• Buy generic when possible. These brands often clean just as well, for much less money.
• Buy in bulk when on sale. This will save you money in the long run.
• A crumbled up mesh onion bag works just as well as a scouring pad--and rinses clean more easily.
• Freeze vinegar/water cubes and toss one in your garbage disposal for inexpensive, effective cleaning.
• Use rags instead of paper towels.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Overview of Senior Communities
Senior Thursday
There are as many different types of facilities for seniors as there are needs. Some seniors are still active and working. Others are retired, but can't live on their own and take care of a house. Yet others are too ill to take care of any of their daily needs.
Here is a summary of different types of facilities and their levels of care.
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES
These are generally for people 55 years of age or older. The senior purchases the home and it can be sold when moving out. They can be single family homes, attached, or apartments. Most communities have club houses and golf courses, along with other activities. Health care is not normally included.
CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITIES
These facilities offer a carefree lifestyle with a built-in support system. Residents pay an entry fee, along with a monthly fee. There are different types of contracts, depending upon the seniors situation:
• Extensive--Provide shelter, services, amenities and long term care. Monthly fees do not increase.
• Modified--Provide shelter, services, amenities and a specified amount of nursing care. Additional care can be purchased in the future if necessary.
• Fee for Service--Provide shelter, services, amenities and emergency and short-term nursing care. There is an entrance fee , and low monthly fees. Long term care is available at an additional cost if necessary.
• Rental Agreement--There is no entrance fee. This is for housing only, and health expense are paid for as needed.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
These are designed for individuals who need help with daily activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day. Most offer three meals a day, housekeeping and laundry services. Medicare does not cover assisted living care. Most of the cost is covered by private pay.
NURSING HOMES
These are for people who need significant assistance with activities of daily living. Most provide different levels of care, from skilled nursing to rehabilitative. Services include room and board, personal care, and medical care. Most offer structured activities and recreation. Medicare might pay for a limited number of days.
The facility you choose for yourself or your family member will depend on physical health, mental capactity, and income. Make an informed decision.
There are as many different types of facilities for seniors as there are needs. Some seniors are still active and working. Others are retired, but can't live on their own and take care of a house. Yet others are too ill to take care of any of their daily needs.
Here is a summary of different types of facilities and their levels of care.
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES
These are generally for people 55 years of age or older. The senior purchases the home and it can be sold when moving out. They can be single family homes, attached, or apartments. Most communities have club houses and golf courses, along with other activities. Health care is not normally included.
CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITIES
These facilities offer a carefree lifestyle with a built-in support system. Residents pay an entry fee, along with a monthly fee. There are different types of contracts, depending upon the seniors situation:
• Extensive--Provide shelter, services, amenities and long term care. Monthly fees do not increase.
• Modified--Provide shelter, services, amenities and a specified amount of nursing care. Additional care can be purchased in the future if necessary.
• Fee for Service--Provide shelter, services, amenities and emergency and short-term nursing care. There is an entrance fee , and low monthly fees. Long term care is available at an additional cost if necessary.
• Rental Agreement--There is no entrance fee. This is for housing only, and health expense are paid for as needed.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
These are designed for individuals who need help with daily activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day. Most offer three meals a day, housekeeping and laundry services. Medicare does not cover assisted living care. Most of the cost is covered by private pay.
NURSING HOMES
These are for people who need significant assistance with activities of daily living. Most provide different levels of care, from skilled nursing to rehabilitative. Services include room and board, personal care, and medical care. Most offer structured activities and recreation. Medicare might pay for a limited number of days.
The facility you choose for yourself or your family member will depend on physical health, mental capactity, and income. Make an informed decision.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Organizing Contest Submissions--Part Two
Writer Wednesday
There are many contests available for writers, both published and unpublished. For the unpublished, it is a good way to get your work in front of editors and agents in a competitive market. Contest wins also look good when submitting to an agent or editor. For the published, contest wins and finaling are ways to show your readers that others have enjoyed the book. They will attract a new audience that might not have tried you without those badges of honor.
Because there are so many contests, you can easily lose track of which contests you've submitted which works to. Here are some tips for keeping track of your contest submissions.
• Carefully review returned entries for feedback. Look at scores and comments.
• Take what is useful and disregard the rest.
• Incorporate any useful feedback into your project.
• Send thank-you notes to the judges for volunteering their time. This should be done regardless of whether you agree with the comments.
• Keep all expense reports (postage, copying, etc.) for tax purposes.
There are many contests available for writers, both published and unpublished. For the unpublished, it is a good way to get your work in front of editors and agents in a competitive market. Contest wins also look good when submitting to an agent or editor. For the published, contest wins and finaling are ways to show your readers that others have enjoyed the book. They will attract a new audience that might not have tried you without those badges of honor.
Because there are so many contests, you can easily lose track of which contests you've submitted which works to. Here are some tips for keeping track of your contest submissions.
• Carefully review returned entries for feedback. Look at scores and comments.
• Take what is useful and disregard the rest.
• Incorporate any useful feedback into your project.
• Send thank-you notes to the judges for volunteering their time. This should be done regardless of whether you agree with the comments.
• Keep all expense reports (postage, copying, etc.) for tax purposes.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Streamline Your Tasks Around the Home
Tips for Tuesday
Does your life seem busier than ever? Take all your day-to-day tasks, add in the hours you work outside the home and the hours you spend driving your children around, and you are left with precious little time to yourself. Here are some tips to help you streamline your life, get things done more quickly, and have more time for yourself and your family.
AROUND THE HOUSE
• Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of the cans for quick replacement at take-out time.
• Keep a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on each level of the house so you don’t have to drag everything up and down stairs.
• Keep vinegar in a spray bottle for quick clean-up of windows, drains, etc..
• Bring a basket or box along while cleaning to collect items for other rooms—put stray items away when you get to that room.
• Line roasting pans with foil for easy clean-up.
• Cook in bulk and freeze extra servings for busy evenings.
• Use clear containers whenever possible for easy viewing of contents.
• Label any non-transparent boxes in storage so you know their contents without having to open them/
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to save time switching settings back and forth, and to save on heating/cooling bills.
• Tape your repairman’s phone number to furnace, water heater, etc., so you don’t have to search for it in an emergency.
• Program frequently-used phone numbers into your home and cellular phones.
• Keep a supply of greeting cards on hand for unexpected events such as illnesses and deaths.
Does your life seem busier than ever? Take all your day-to-day tasks, add in the hours you work outside the home and the hours you spend driving your children around, and you are left with precious little time to yourself. Here are some tips to help you streamline your life, get things done more quickly, and have more time for yourself and your family.
AROUND THE HOUSE
• Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of the cans for quick replacement at take-out time.
• Keep a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on each level of the house so you don’t have to drag everything up and down stairs.
• Keep vinegar in a spray bottle for quick clean-up of windows, drains, etc..
• Bring a basket or box along while cleaning to collect items for other rooms—put stray items away when you get to that room.
• Line roasting pans with foil for easy clean-up.
• Cook in bulk and freeze extra servings for busy evenings.
• Use clear containers whenever possible for easy viewing of contents.
• Label any non-transparent boxes in storage so you know their contents without having to open them/
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to save time switching settings back and forth, and to save on heating/cooling bills.
• Tape your repairman’s phone number to furnace, water heater, etc., so you don’t have to search for it in an emergency.
• Program frequently-used phone numbers into your home and cellular phones.
• Keep a supply of greeting cards on hand for unexpected events such as illnesses and deaths.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Frugal Tips at the Grocery Store
Frugal Friday
We've covered several things you can do to save money in your kitchen. But saving money and being frugal begins at the grocery store. You will want the best deals and to make the smartest choices. Here are some tips for being frugal at the grocery store.
• Buy only what you need. Make a menu for the week, and buy the ingredients you will need for those meals. Also make sure you have your staples on hand at all times.
• Buy only from your list. Don't buy items in the aisles or at the ends of the aisles unless you need them. They are there for the sole purpose of enticing you to buy something you don’t need.
• Weigh your produce. If you are paying by the piece, select the largest apples, cantelopes, etc. And weigh bags of potatoes or other pre-packaged items. Even though they say "10 lbs", some bags can weigh slightly more than others.
• Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where all the fresh items are. Buying your own ingredients and making meals is much cheaper than purchasing frozen meals and packaged dinners. And healthier too!
• Bring your coupons. Keep your coupons in your purse or car so you have them whenever you stop in at the store. Combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons for best deals.
• Bigger isn't always better. You may be tempted to purchase larger sizes because it seems like a better deal. However, look at the fine print on the shelf label. The store usually posts the cost per unit, such as ounce or piece. Sometimes smaller sizes are the better deals if they are on sale. Also, you may not use the entire contents of larger packages before it spoils. Then it really wasn't a bargain.
Bottom line: Be a smart shopper.
We've covered several things you can do to save money in your kitchen. But saving money and being frugal begins at the grocery store. You will want the best deals and to make the smartest choices. Here are some tips for being frugal at the grocery store.
• Buy only what you need. Make a menu for the week, and buy the ingredients you will need for those meals. Also make sure you have your staples on hand at all times.
• Buy only from your list. Don't buy items in the aisles or at the ends of the aisles unless you need them. They are there for the sole purpose of enticing you to buy something you don’t need.
• Weigh your produce. If you are paying by the piece, select the largest apples, cantelopes, etc. And weigh bags of potatoes or other pre-packaged items. Even though they say "10 lbs", some bags can weigh slightly more than others.
• Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where all the fresh items are. Buying your own ingredients and making meals is much cheaper than purchasing frozen meals and packaged dinners. And healthier too!
• Bring your coupons. Keep your coupons in your purse or car so you have them whenever you stop in at the store. Combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons for best deals.
• Bigger isn't always better. You may be tempted to purchase larger sizes because it seems like a better deal. However, look at the fine print on the shelf label. The store usually posts the cost per unit, such as ounce or piece. Sometimes smaller sizes are the better deals if they are on sale. Also, you may not use the entire contents of larger packages before it spoils. Then it really wasn't a bargain.
Bottom line: Be a smart shopper.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Helping Your Aging Parents--Collecting Vital Information
Senior Thursday
As the primary caregiver for your aging parents, you will need to know all the personal information necessary to care for them. You will also need to know this in case of an emergency. Make a list of the following and keep it handy:
• Name and phone number of physician, pharmacist, and other medical caregivers
• Names and doses of prescription meds, and over the counter medications
• Medical insurance information
• Life insurance information
• Names and phone numbers of friends and other relatives of the elder
• Parish the elder belongs to
• Extra set of keys to the person’s home or apartment
• Extra key to safe deposit box or in-home safe
• Name and phone number of close neighbor
• Name of bank and bank account number—have yourself put on the account
• Name and phone number of financial advisor
• Name and phone number of lawyer
• List of all the bank, savings, investment accounts
• List of all insurance policies
As the primary caregiver for your aging parents, you will need to know all the personal information necessary to care for them. You will also need to know this in case of an emergency. Make a list of the following and keep it handy:
• Name and phone number of physician, pharmacist, and other medical caregivers
• Names and doses of prescription meds, and over the counter medications
• Medical insurance information
• Life insurance information
• Names and phone numbers of friends and other relatives of the elder
• Parish the elder belongs to
• Extra set of keys to the person’s home or apartment
• Extra key to safe deposit box or in-home safe
• Name and phone number of close neighbor
• Name of bank and bank account number—have yourself put on the account
• Name and phone number of financial advisor
• Name and phone number of lawyer
• List of all the bank, savings, investment accounts
• List of all insurance policies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)