Two Rules for Guys

I’ve explored masculinity from a lot of angles over the years, both in my own journey as a man, husband, and father and also with many of my therapy clients. And while masculinity has many facets, nuances, and mysteries, over time I’ve started to see two very simple rules for guys that I’ve found to apply in pretty much any situation we encounter: “Don’t Be A Dick!” and, “Don’t Be A Pussy!”

The first rule is the most obvious of the two. Who wants to be a dick?

“Don’t be a dick!” from my perspective, basically means that you shouldn’t bully people physically (of course), but more importantly through your emotions and words. If you’re bullying other people you might be using your power, but probably not in service of your principles (unless you have a principle that it’s a great thing to bully people).

Bullies actually have a lot of self-esteem, but they don’t have a lot of self-awareness, their relationships suck, and they tend to be unhappy. So that’s the first rule for guys–Don’t be a dick!

stop bullying

See Also: 5 Ways to Beat the Crap Out of the Bully in Your Head 

Rule number two (“Don’t be a pussy!”) is a little more challenging. Pardon this potentially misogynistic term, but everyone intuitively knows what I mean.

You’re a pussy if you allow somebody to dominate you inappropriately like saying “Yes” when you need to say “No.” If you don’t stand up for your principles and say, “This is what’s right,” in the face of something you believe is wrong, you surrender to external coercion and become a pussy. Often in such cases, the rationale is, “My boss made me do it,” “My wife insisted,” I couldn’t help it,” etc.

man up

We’ve seen such collapses a lot in the last twenty or thirty years in the political arena. People who come out of an administration often write a book and say “Well, the decisions I made (going to war, lying, hurting poor people, surrendering to special interests) went against my principles, but I did it because I was ordered to.”

“I was just following orders” is what the world was contemptuous of in the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals. But it’s interesting how often that gets pulled out when somebody working for some boss or institution violates personal principles.

So if you have a principle, don’t violate it. If you do violate it, you suffer—don’t be a pussy!

So there you have them, my two simple rules for guys. I’m curious to hear if you agree with me.

 

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The Problem of the Perfect Parent

As parents, we may try to keep a clean house, practice good time management skills with getting everyone in the family where they need to be on time, and in general have our act together and run a tight ship. We may not succeed all the time, but striving to do our best is a good thing.

However, there are some parents among us who are experts at keeping things organized and on track. These parents serve healthy, hot meals in spotless kitchens, keep their children perfectly dressed, and arrive early to appointments. You may be thinking, “That sounds awesome! What’s the problem?”

The problem is that the kids are watching. The kids are observing the completely organized lifestyle with few, if any “mistakes.” Kids will try to emulate what parents model for them, and kids who view their parents as perfect and try to be perfect themselves are more likely to become anxious.

They may become easily frustrated and disappointed in their own imperfect performance. Has your child ever crumpled up a drawing or a homework assignment because he or she couldn’t get it just right in his or her mind?

The anxiety that the pursuit of perfection causes in some children, left unchecked, can be the cause of more serious anxiety disorders in children, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or selective mutism (refusal to speak).

As adults, we inherently know that perfection is vapor. Perfection is an unachievable goal.

If you are a parent who tends to do a great job of keeping on top of all the activities of daily life, try this lack-of-perfection-is-okay tip. The next time you are cooking with your child, let an egg fall on the floor in an “accidentally on purpose fashion.” Emphasize to your child that the mess of an egg on the floor is not a big deal. Clean the mess without fanfare and with an “Oops, look what happened, no big deal” attitude. You may even put your shirt on inside out or lose your keys, or spill a glass of milk.

See Also: 8 Ways to Be a Better Parent

great dad

Kids who struggle with perfectionism or anxiety need to find a way to feel in control so the worried thought doesn’t win.

In our book, I Feel Worried! Tip for Kids on Overcoming Anxiety, kids will learn how to identify the way worry feels in their bodies so they understand when to use calming strategies.

i feel worried book

One way to overcome anxiety is to catch it and cope with it before it gets too big to handle. Learning deep breathing, for example, when a child is in a calm state can help the child do that breathing when anxiety starts to creep in.

Here are a few coping thoughts excerpted from the book:

Coping Thoughts:

I can only try to do my best. No one is perfect.
I will image that I can handle things as well as someone I respect.
I can decide to stop the worrying and take action to solve my problem.

Laminate these coping thoughts as well as other encouragement cards located in the appendix of the book and put them on a key ring for kids to refer to when taking tests or for any activity that tends to cause worry.

See Also: 11 Ways Parents Can Help Children Do Better In School 

mother and daughter having fun

Whenever you as the parent make a real blunder, share it with your child and, with a laugh, explain how you recovered from it. Show your child that mistakes are not only not a huge problem but a normal part of life. If your child messes something up and feels upset, you can remind him or her of the times you made mistakes in big or small ways and lived to tell (and laugh) about it.

 

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Top 4 Benefits of Red Cabbage Juice That You Should Know

Any nutritionist will tell you that eating fruits and vegetables is healthy for your body especially when taken raw. This is because heating or boiling denatures or destroys the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

However, currents statistics in America reveal that most people actually take in very little vegetables and fruits compared to junk food. This, in turn, has led to an increase in lifestyle-related health complications that would have otherwise been prevented if people adopted healthier lifestyles.

The reason for many of us not taking vegetables and fruits can be blamed on factors like prep time, taste, and lack of adequate information. Juicing, however, offers you an opportunity to enjoy fruits and vegetable in flavors that you can actually appreciate. Among the many vegetables that you can juice is the red cabbage.

This vegetable is mildly spicy and has a strong vegetal taste for those who try it for the first time. This is why it is mostly associated with soup and coleslaw.

To help improve the flavors, consider adding it to other vegetables and fruits which will also boost the nutritional value. Remember that the United States Department of Agriculture and many dieticians encourage adults to consume at least 4 to 6 cups of red vegetable juice per week.

red cabbage benefits

How to Juice Red Cabbage

To prepare ½ cup of red cabbage juice, you will need 3 cups of chopped fresh red cabbage. You are allowed to add other fruits and vegetables to get the flavor you prefer.

Benefits of Red Cabbage Juice

Here are the 5 major benefits of juicing red cabbage.

red-cabbage-juice
Via tarasmulticulturaltable

Rich in Folate

According to Phil, a university professor, this nutrient is responsible for body tissue development and improved cell function. This is why expectant women as always supplemented with this nutrient to prevent birth defects in their unborn babies.

In adults both male and female, lack of folate leads to the development of gray hair, anemia, diarrhea, and ulcerations. This nutrient belongs to the family of B vitamins which are responsible for the use, breakdown, and production of new proteins when they are combined with vitamin C and vitamin B 12.

Recent research reveals that a ½ cup of red cabbage juice has 48 micrograms of folate. This comprises 12% of the recommended adult intake. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, this represents 10% of the recommended intake.

Rich in Vitamin C

Our body tissues undergo wear and tear on a daily basis. That is why we need vitamin C to help repair these damages. However, this important vitamin is easily destroyed by heating that is why having it raw is the recommended way to consume it.

Cabbages, especially red ones, are the richest source of this vitamin which is responsible for tissue repair, collagen production, wound healing and maintenance of bones and teeth.

Besides this, it is a known natural antioxidant that protects us from free radicals and environmental poisons that we are always exposed to as a result of pollution. Just half a cup of red cabbage juice contains 152milligrams of vitamin c which represents 100% of our bodies’ daily requirement.

See Also: 6 Vitamin-Packed Smoothie Recipes for Glowing Skin 

Rich Source of Potassium

Our bodies require potassium in order to function well. This nutrient is an electrolyte that that helps in the nervous and cardiovascular systems’ functioning.

Potassium controls the electric activity of these systems that improves their functioning ability. It is also responsible for the maintenance of the body’s acid–base balance that is essential for tissue and muscle growth as well as proteins production.

Half a cup of red cabbage juice contains 649 milligrams of potassium. This is nearly 14% of the daily potassium requirement for adults.

See Also: 10 Amazing Foods You Should Include in Your Detox Diet 

A Good Source of Vitamin K

Basic elementary science will tell you that Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. A single half cup serving of red cabbage juice contains 85% of our daily dietary requirements. It contains 102 micrograms of this essential vitamin. Besides blood clotting, it helps in the maintenance of strong bones and prevents bleeding disorders in expectant women and newborn babies.

With all these amazing benefits from just one glass of red juice, don’t forget to grab yourself some red cabbage the next time you go a-grocerying.

Happy juicing!

 

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5 Things about Women that are Instant Turn-ons for Men

When it comes to what men like, everyone is different. There are some general things, however, that are famous for impressing men and making them more interested. If you are single, these are things that you really should know.

Caring About Her Appearance

caring about appearance

The first thing that a man will notice about you is the way that you look. It is not that they are superficial. It is just that before you have a chance to speak to a man, first impressions will already be made.

If you look good and care about your appearance, it will be noticed. If you have certain features that you don’t like, there are makeup tricks that you can use to downplay your more unflattering features. If you don’t know how to properly apply your makeup to accentuate your best features, you can get tips from experts like makeup artists.

Good With Children

When men are looking for their life partners, they will appreciate seeing a woman who is genuinely fond of and good with children. They know that they can start a family with a woman who enjoys children.

A Good Work Ethic

good work ethics

Men want to be with a woman who has a strong work ethic. This doesn’t mean that you need to work three jobs and 22 hours a day to get a man’s attention. If you are successful in your career and have been working at the same job for a long period of time, it shows the man that you are a hard worker and you can help in providing for your family if needed.

See Also: 8 Reasons Why Women Are Better Than Men at Business

Independent

Men like a woman who can stand on her own two feet. They want to see you as a strong woman who doesn’t need anyone else to support them or take care of them.

When it comes to being independent, you need to walk a fine line. While men love independent women, they also like to feel needed once in a while.

Also, you may need a shoulder to lean on at times. You shouldn’t be in a relationship where your needs aren’t being taken care of just because you want to come off as being independent. You can be independent and still ask for help when you need it.

See Also: 5 Women Entrepreneurs Who Failed Before Becoming Millionaires

Levelheadedness

Men want to be with a woman is level headed. Most don’t want to be with a woman who will fly off the handle at the smallest little problem. If you are not level headed, it can lead to embarrassing moments when you are out in public. Also, if you direct your fury on him, he will likely end the relationship as quickly as it started.

This doesn’t mean that you should change your entire personality. Being levelheaded is a personal goal that you should work towards. Not only will it benefit you in your relationships, it will also help you out in your everyday life.

There are many women who don’t know this, but there are ways to turn a man on outside of the bedroom. If you want to get the attention of a quality man, you should consider the points listed above.

 

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Gym Exercises That Will Boost Your Winter Regime

Have your workouts been stalled by the ever-changing winter weather? Going out for a run isn’t the most appealing exercise option during the winter months. Not only is it cold but it can be extremely daunting running alone in the darkness.

Just because the weather has changed does not mean your exercise routine has to too. Get back to your local gym and start by trying out some of the equipment they have on offer – while keeping dry and warm!

HIT Training: Treadmill

hit treadmill

“HIT” training has been extremely popular this year. Personal trainers now recommend short, high-intensity training sessions, that are great for those who hit the gym for an hour after or before their working day.

HIT training works on the treadmill extremely well as you have the ability to change your speed and level.  With HIT training, you are working harder, meaning your heart rate and metabolic rate will increase. This style of exercise also means that you will burn calories even during recovery.

This ten-minute workout is great for beginners. Start out with a light jog for three minutes to warm up. Then complete the following:

  • Beginner: 20 seconds of work 40 seconds recovery x 10 *
  • Intermediate: 30 seconds of work 30 seconds of recovery x 10 *
  • Advanced: 40 seconds of work 20 seconds of recovery x 10 *
  • Finish this workout with a three-minute cool down.

See Also: 5 Essential Items to Enhance Your Gym Experience 

Interval Training: Cross Trainers

cross trainers

Interval training works in a similar way to hit and many of the machines in your local gym will have interval training function. If you are working out from home or at a gym without this function, try these steps out:

  • Start out on a lower level for five minutes to warm up.
  • Begin to increase the intensity of your workout by increasing your machine’s resistance level. Once you find your maximum resistance, maintain it for 30 seconds.
  • Rest at a moderate-intensity level for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
  • Return to your high-intensity zone. If you want to challenge yourself, increase your resistance up one or two levels. Hold for 30 seconds.
  • Rest at a moderate-intensity level for 2 minutes and 30 seconds and repeat this for 20 minutes.
  • Cool down for five minutes at low-intensity level, this will reduce your heart rate.

Rowing Machine

rowing machine

The Rowing machine is great if you are looking for a simple full body workout. The rowing machine will help strengthen your legs, arms, and tone your tummy. If you are planning on spending some time using the rowing machine, try to stay on it for at least 20 minutes.

If you want to increase the number of calories you are burning, use the same workout style as you would with the interval training cross trainer exercise.

Kettle Bell Workouts

kettle bell workouts

It can be daunting working out with weights for the first time. The kettlebell is one of the easiest types of weights to use. Make sure that when you are lifting the kettlebell that you are keeping your posture straight. Kettlebells are great workout aids if you are looking to tone up your glutes and thighs. Try lifting and squatting the kettlebell at the same time!

Fitness Classes

spin class

Glasgow Gym, Anytime Fitness, say that “trying a new style of exercise is an excellent way to stimulate your mind and your body.” If you are lacking motivation, fitness classes at your local gym are a great way to start.

Spin classes are an excellent choice if you want a quick workout with great results. Working out for an hour a few times a week will increase your fitness levels and boost your energy over the dark winter months.  Once you are inside the gym, you will feel motivated to complete your workout, something that you may find harder if you are avoiding the ice and rain during a jog.

See Also: Top 5 Fitness Trends for 2016

 

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5 Surprising Facts About Medical Tourism

The number of people deciding to jump on a plane to seek medical care abroad has been steadily increasing in the last few years, and according to Patients Beyond Borders, 11 million people travel to a different country each year for medical purposes. Whether it be for a hip replacement or a nose job, more and more people rely on exotic places to get a treatment done.

Despite the increase in numbers, many people are still skeptical about being treated abroad. If you are one of them, the following list of points might offer you a different perspective or at least give you insight into what medical tourism is all about.

Traveling abroad for medical purposes can be cheaper than staying home

Countries like Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand are renowned for offering procedures at reduced rates, mainly due to the fact that labour and living costs are lower than in other countries. For this reason, getting treated here can allow you to undergo surgery without breaking the bank. Even by adding flight, accommodation, and other transportation costs, you ask? Yep, still cheaper.

Just consider that the average price for a hair transplant in the US is around 9,800 USD for 4,000 grafts, while many clinics in Turkey offer the same procedure starting at 1,900€ (2,050 USD). The same applies to dental treatments: a dental implant in Hungary costs around 874€ (929 USD), while it can get as high as 5,000 USD in the U.S.

Even by adding up a round-trip flight ticket, it is clear to see that traveling abroad can still be a good deal. Moreover, many clinics offer special packages where accommodation and pickup/dropoff costs are included.

There are doctors abroad who are as qualified as in your home country (or even more)

surgery abroad

At this point, you are probably concerned about quality, thinking that reduced rates obviously hide low-level performance. But who said low prices necessarily mean bad quality? When picking a clinic abroad, you certainly have to be careful, and you should not just choose the cheapest one. As Dr Sophie Chung – CEO and founder of Junomedical – states, Without compromising on quality, you can find high-quality yet affordable healthcare abroad if you can’t afford treatment in your own country. Make sure that you read any reviews, complaints, comments, reports, and evaluations you can find about the hospitals you’re considering.”

One of the deciding factors when it comes to making the right choice for ourselves, it’s whether a specific hospital achieved the accreditation provided by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which identifies safe and high-quality healthcare facilities.

Countries like Turkey, India, and Thailand boast a large number of JCI-accredited clinics, whose doctors and surgeons studied and specialized in the US, the UK, or Germany, but decided to practice in other countries, such as Thailand, Hungary, Poland, Mexico, or India.

Medical travel can significantly reduce the waiting time for your treatment

Who has never had problems getting a doctor’s appointment or an operation planned in the short term? While wait lists in the US or UK can last up to several months, they are virtually non-existent in Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico, no matter what treatment you need to undergo. As a consequence, it is very easy to plan a treatment short term or for when it best suits your schedule.

The trend treatment of the year: Hair transplants

Ever since stars like Robbie Williams, Wayne Rooney, and James Nesbitt have started showing a fuller head of hair, hair transplant treatments have slowly been legitimized, and have become more socially acceptable than previously. No wonder hair restoration surgery has improved vastly in the last few years, making sure that unsightly scars and obvious-looking hair plugs now belong to the past.

Thanks to appealing prices and high-level specializations in several foreign countries, many men and women globally are looking for doctors and clinics abroad to help them stop receding hairline or partial baldness.

Other common sought after procedures include plastic surgery, liposuction, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and dental surgery.

See Also: 5 Things You’ll Love About Being A Men’s Hair Donor

Mixing business with pleasure: Many patients combine their treatment with a holiday

mixing business with pleasure

Many people who decide to travel to get a treatment done take this an opportunity to soak up the culture and take in the sights of the place they are visiting. Even if traveling to a different country for treatment purposes might be daunting, you can decide to make the most out of your trip by taking some extra time off and combine your medical visit with leisure by enjoying what the city has to offer.

The most popular destinations include Istanbul in Turkey, Bangkok in Thailand, Tijuana in Mexico, Budapest in Hungary, and Chennai in India.

So why not lay on Rosarito Beach in Mexico or take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, before getting your bright and dazzling smile back, or a lustrous head of hair?

See Also: Strange International Laws Every Tourist Should Know 

 

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How to Choose the Best Table Linen and TableCloths

Table linens are an important part of setting a beautiful and elegant table. The best way of setting the tone for an event is to select the most suitable table linen.

There is an extensive variety of tablecloth available in the market. The trick to creating a beautiful and aesthetic look is choosing the right type and design of table linen.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best table linen for transforming a room.

Choose the right material

table linen material

  • One of the most common material choice for table clothes is cotton. The aim of using round tablecloths is to make sure that tables are safe from wear and tear as they are regularly used. Cotton is the best choice because it is highly absorbent and durable. Cotton table clothes are affordable and easy to maintain. You can wash them in warm water and you can buy them in a variety of colors which makes them perfect for different occasions. They are an excellent choice for the dining table, kitchen area, and even outdoors.
  • Polyester and cotton are similar in a lot of ways. Polyester is shinier and silkier compared to cotton. It is well suited for formal occasions. It is also pretty affordable. One of the disadvantages of polyester is that it is made up of chemicals that can be harmful. Make sure you are not allergic to it before buying it. Polyester table clothes are suitable for outdoors, kitchen and dining area.
  • Vinyl is another option. Vinyl is highly suited for outdoor events and picnics. It is easy to maintain as you can easily get rid of stains. This material is durable as it is resistant to sun, stains, and weather. However, vinyl table clothes are not a good option for formal occasions as they may look cheap.
  • Silk is the perfect material options when it comes to formal events. Silk is perfect for creating a luxurious look. To add an extra edge, choose decorative silk linen. Silk table linen should be reserved for special occasions because the material is delicate and hard to maintain. It is important to take special care while washing them. They are perfect for weddings and other formal events.

Choosing the perfect size

The size of the table linen should be chosen while keeping the occasion in mind. For formal occasions, it should hang down 10 inches to 12 inches around the table. If you want to add extra elegance, then you can create a drop of 15 to 30 inches. The key to creating a dramatic look is to choose a longer drop.

To get the right size, you need to measure the length and width of the table and add the length of the drop according to your personal taste. You need to consider the shape of the table while measuring the tablecloth.

If there are different sized tables that you use, then it is better to buy the table linen that has the largest size.

Choosing the right design

correct table linen

The design of the cloth is important for creating a particular look. You can choose a woven, printed, patterned, or embroidered designs. For formal occasions, you should choose ivory or white color. You can choose printed and patterned designs for informal settings.

Damask and jacquard are used for patterns which are woven. They are perfect for creating an elegant and stylish look. It also refers to heavy cloth, but the patterns of damask are woven into fabrics of different weight.

These are some of the important considerations which will help in choosing the right table linen for any table setting and any occasion.

 

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8 Interview Tips For Introverts

As an introvert myself, I know how difficult it is when the spotlight is right on you. The thought of talking spontaneously to total strangers brings sweaty beads of nervousness on the forehead, and interviews are just as much of a challenge, if not more of a challenge. The stakes of the situation are high and you’re asked to talk about yourself while marketing your skills and talents.

I understand that meeting new people and conversing costs you a lot of energy, but you cannot keep skipping those interviews just because you don’t like to open up. That said, given below are a few tips that should help you release all that tension and excel in your upcoming interview.

Prepare Your Introductory Talk

“Tell me something about yourself!”

For an introvert, we know how much this question weighs. Opening up in front of new people is not your cup of tea, but passing on just the necessary information about yourself would not be of much harm.

Prepare a small introductory speech beforehand to clear the last minute tension. Remember to incorporate all your strengths and achievements in your small yet powerful introduction.

Do Some Research

“What do you think you’ll have to do if selected?”

This question can be quite challenging for everyone. But for an introvert who does not know how to cover up the unknown with wordplay, it is even more frightening. You know the job role you’ve applied for, but it is important that you know what exactly you’ll have to do or what the company does for that matter.

Do a little homework about the organization. Know the core responsibilities of your post and amaze the interviewer with your quick replies.

Engage In Small Talks

engage in small talks

It’s hard keeping up a conversation with a stranger. Remember though that you need this job and you need to create a connection with the interviewer. It is always better for an introvert to engage in small talks with the interviewer to create a good impression and make them like you instantly.

Asking a few general questions at the end to initiate small talks could also be of great help for you.

See Also: Interview Tips: What Not To Say During Your Next Job Interview

Focus, Focus, Focus…

“You seem lost. Are you okay?”

It is in the personality of an introvert to lose focus on unrelated things happening around them. Whether it’s the tick-tock of the wall clock or the magazine that is placed on the table, don’t let your mind wander. Pay attention to what the interviewer is saying or asking. Focus on his words and don’t let your wayward thoughts get in the way.

Remember that your interview is the most important thing right now. Keep your mind focused on this and you will definitely excel in your interview.

See Also: 5 Techniques for Increasing your Focus in 5 Minutes 

Keep Those Negative Thoughts At Bay

Don’t take your negative thoughts along with you to the interview room. This will only increase the tension within your mind and make you look less confident. Another way to release the pent-up tension is to not let your introvert nature hinder your interview performance. Stop overthinking about what could go wrong, instead focus on your positives.

Your Introversion Is Your Strength

introversion strength

Stop overthinking about what could go wrong and instead, focus on your positives. So what if you are an introvert? Before going to the interview, list down your strengths and have a clear understanding of how these traits can be useful for the company.

For example, introverts can be relied on for deep listening and careful thought. They’re also easier to manage as they are often autonomous and self-managing. After so much excess from extroverted personalities in the workplace, being with an introverted colleague can be a breath of fresh air.

An organization is made up of different people with different personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. As an introvert, you have a special place in the workplace. Keep this in mind and be confident of yourself during your job interview.

Good luck!

 

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Caution: 5 Steps to Take Before Buying a Used Car

Used vehicle sales were up another 3.2 percent during the third quarter of the year, and it’s easy to understand why. The average transaction price for a new vehicle is on the rise, with that figure now surpassing $34,600.

The choice seems pretty obvious if you’re shopping for a car and you’re on a budget: buy used. The thing is, if you’re not careful, buying a pre-owned vehicle can be more trouble than it’s worth—and more expensive than you thought.

Here are 5 steps you can take to help make sure you don’t get taken in when buying a used car.

Do your research

car research

There are literally hundreds of different car and truck models on the market which makes narrowing the field an important first step. You’ll want to think long and hard about the kind of vehicle that best meets your needs—whether it’s a small hatchback or a large pickup—and then go online to see what the experts have to say about the leaders in that segment. And by “experts,” that includes real-world owners, too. A particularly helpful source is U.S. News & World Report. That site essentially crowd-sources its car reviews by basing them on consensus opinions from other auto-related resources.

See Also: What Science Says About The Car You Drive 

Look into the vehicle’s history

Beyond doing your homework to pick a certain type of car, it’s just as vital to research the exact vehicle you’re thinking of buying. This is where a vehicle history report comes in handy. It can tell you information like accident history, the number of previous owners, open recalls and even give details about documented maintenance. Many used vehicles at major selling sites already supply these reports. But if they don’t, definitely ask for one.

Have a mechanic inspect it

mechanic checks car

Research and reports are invaluable, but they’re not infallible. There’s no replacement for having a knowledgeable, independent mechanic thoroughly inspect a possible purchase. (To be clear, that’s even the case if you’re considering a used car from a dealership, where a tech already has checked out the vehicle.) If you don’t have a mechanic you can trust, you can contact a company like Alliance Inspection Management, which will even send one of its pros out to your location. A comprehensive inspection starts at $129. That’s certainly better than having to pay for extensive repairs further on down the line.

If you don’t have a mechanic you can trust, you can contact a company like Alliance Inspection Management, which will even send one of its pros out to your location. A comprehensive inspection starts at $129. That’s certainly better than having to pay for extensive repairs further on down the line.

See Also: How to Find a Good Mechanic in the Age of Social Media

Inspect it—and drive it—yourself

Now that you’ve gotten your mechanic to sign off on the car, it’s time for the real judge—you. Feel it out and be sure that you’re going to like driving the car for a while. Are the seats comfortable enough? Is there enough headroom and legroom? Are controls within easy reach? What about the driving experience? If the ride’s too rough or the car feels too slow on a test drive, imagine years and years, and miles and miles, of the same issues.

Watch the bottom line

Although used vehicles can be a lot less expensive than new ones, they’re still a significant investment. The average transaction price for a pre-owned compact car was $11,929 at the end of September. It’s a lot of cash to come up with, and if you finance, note that the average loan payment on a used vehicle during September was $378 per month.

Moreover, there are ongoing costs to take into account, like gas, insurance, and routine maintenance, along with the likelihood of at least some repairs. A used vehicle should fit into your budget before you worry about fitting one into your garage.

For more tips, check out this CARFAX infographic about car value.

Source

 

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Most Powerful New Year Quotes to Motivate Anyone for a Fresh New Beginning in 2017

After sending out inspiring Christmas quotes, follow up with our new collection of motivational Happy New Year quotes. Post them on your social media and inspire all your friends and followers too!

And if one quote or saying resonates with you, own it! Start the year with the right mindset. Print out your favorite saying of the bunch or make it into your wallpaper. Put it up where you’re guaranteed to always be looking at it so you’ll never forget.

It’s a new year, friends! It’s another 364 days of exciting opportunities and chances! Happy New Year 2017!

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals. – Melody Beattie

happy new year message

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. – Rainer Maria Rilke

new year quotation

There are greater things to be achieved in every New Year, and each and everyone must prepare themselves to be great, not by words of the mouth, but by a lot of sacrifices. – Michael Bassey Johnson

new year message

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C.S. Lewis

new year quote new

Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. – Michael Josephson

quotes for new year

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. – Taylor Swift

new year quote

Like what you see? See more New Year Quotes.

New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolution, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!

happy new year wishes

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. – Edith Lovejoy Pierce

happy new year greetings

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. – Bill Vaughan

New-year-motivational-quote

Happy New Year to you! Wish this year brings to the warmth of love and illuminates your path of life towards a positive direction.

 

wishes for new year

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. – Chinese Proverb

new-year-quotes

A new year brings not only happiness, it makes us happy with a hope to fulfill our dreamz or a new beginning of our life. So, a new year is very special to everyone. – Santonu Kumar Dhar

new years resolution quotes

Visit SayingImages.com for more Inspiring New Year greetings, messages and images.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

The post Most Powerful New Year Quotes to Motivate Anyone for a Fresh New Beginning in 2017 appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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