Hard work plays a huge role in the way your career unfolds, but it’s not the only thing that can make you successful. It turns out that social networking and productivity are closely related to a person’s success. How? Here are the four major ways socialization can make one more productive.

Shared Goals

“You are what you eat.” You’ve probably heard this saying before. In the context of professional productivity, it carries a great weight. How? Replace “what you eat” with “who you hang out with.” When you build a network of professionals in the same field as you, you’ll have a group of individuals working toward the same goals as you. This can be incredibly motivating. While it’s easy to get burned out in any job, even one that you’re passionate about, having colleagues and friends whose passion remains will help you stay on the right track. And when their motivation wanes, you can do the same for them.

See Also: 4 Cheesy But Effective Tips To Set Goals And Achieve Them

Professional Accountability

When you’re regularly in touch with other professionals in the field, it makes it impossible to ignore any career-oriented goals that you set for yourself. This makes it important that you actually set aside time for people who are on the same network as you. For instance, pick one or two people to check in with every month. Choose people who have a bit more experience in the field than you do. Ask them to hold you accountable for reaching a goal at work or taking a professional step within a given time frame. When you have someone else cheering you on from the sidelines, you’ll have a much harder time putting off that difficult conversation with your boss about a promotion or stepping back from launching your own business.

Sound Advice

Your network of like-minded people won’t only help you meet your goals, but they can also help you make them. If you’re wondering if you should take a new job or make another career move, your peers will be able to offer some advice. Since they work in the same industry as you do, they’ve probably encountered a similar situation already. And if not, they, at least, have a better understanding of the job than you do.

Social Stimulation

Having a traditional network of colleagues and friends in place can boost your productivity, but did you know that checking Facebook can, too? Some recent studies have discovered that employees who take occasional breaks with social media are nine percent more productive than employees who keep their noses to the grindstone all day. The brief escape from work helps the brain recharge and gives one a boost. Some companies are also starting to use social media networks internally. It’s easier for you to engage with other employees and the company as a whole when you can use a medium you’re already familiar with, like Twitter or Facebook. So, in this setting, social media can help you get involved with and invested in what’s going on at a higher level and that can motivate you to work much harder. With so many positive aspects of networking, it’s impossible to deny that meeting more people in your field positively affects your work. Whether you’re bouncing ideas off a seasoned colleague or taking a break from crunching numbers to check Instagram, the connection between social networking and productivity is undeniable.

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Hustle. Work harder. Sleep less, do more. Quit whining and get to work! All of these lines are terrible pieces of advice. I know because I’ve tried them all for myself. I worked 16 hours per day, killing myself to try and grow my business. At the end of the day, my only accomplishment was massive burnout and exhaustion. And then something happened… I discovered the real “secret” to high performance. No one’s talking about it while others laugh at it. For me, however, it helped me transform from being stressed, anxious, and on the verge of bankruptcy into a joyful, happy, and a 7-figure business owner. So, what’s this secret? Read on to find out.

Your Life is a Race Car

Have you ever watched Nascar or Formula One? If so, then you probably noticed that these high-performance vehicles are forced to stop several times over the course of a race to refuel and replace their wheels. Those cars are some of the most finely tuned, high-performing feats of modern engineering our world has ever seen. Yet, they are forced to stop dozens of times over the course of a race to refuel! This is obvious to most people, but when applied to life, most people would think, “Bah, I can sleep when I’m dead. Life’s for the living baby!” If that’s your attitude, then I want you to listen carefully to what I’m about to say. If you want to perform really well, then you need to get serious about refueling yourself. Just ask any bodybuilder you know. Unless they are hopped up on steroids, they will tell you that proper nutrition, high-quality sleep, and the right supplements are just as important (if not more so) than lifting heavy weights. So, how can you apply the “secret” of refueling to your life? It’s actually pretty simple. Focus on the “Three P’s” of high-performance refueling. Physical, psychological, and personal.

Refueling Yourself Physically

The first part of the “Three P” equation is also the most commonly practiced. Physical refueling. Whether you want to or not, every single one of you reading this has to spend time each day eating, drinking, and sleeping. It’s a requirement if you want to continue living. However, few people fail to do that. So, over the next month, I want to challenge you to do three simple things.

Sleep More and Sleep Better

Sleep deprivation can kill you. If you want to perform at the highest level, then you must take your sleep seriously. Here’s a checklist to help you get better sleep tonight.

• Stop drinking coffee by 2 p.m.
• Take 500 mg of Magnesium before bed.
• Turn off all the lights.
• Put the thermostat at 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Take a cold or hot bath one hour before bed.
• Drink one cup of chamomile tea with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey.

If you will do these tips, I promise that you will sleep better than you have in months!

See Also: Get Strong, Sleep, Repeat: The Importance Of Sleeping

Eat More Greens and Less Meat

Many of you might hate me for this one (and I understand) but one of the changes that had the biggest impact on my physical health was reducing my meat consumption (specifically red meat) and increasing my fruit and vegetable intake. I’m not saying that you have to go vegetarian or vegan. I haven’t either. What I am saying is that the quickest way to boost your energy, reduce fatigue, and generally feel better is to eat more whole fruits and vegetables and less meat, dairy, and processed foods.

Practice Weekly Self-Care

It’s amazing to me how many of my friends will spend $997 on a brand new business course promising to transform their lives but they won’t pay $45 to get a massage after a long week of work. The final part of the physical refueling trifecta isn’t more exercise (although that’s important); it’s to find small ways to care for yourself weekly. Whether it’s a massage, a salt bath, 30 minutes in a steam room, or simply a long nap, you need to prioritize taking care of your body and doing things that add energy into your life.

Refueling Yourself Psychologically

While many people excel at refueling themselves physically, they still end up feeling stressed, burnt out, and exhausted (just like I did) because they don’t prioritize refueling their psychological tank. Just because your body is firing on all cylinders doesn’t mean that your mind is keeping up. Here are a few quick tips to help you overcome brain fog and refocus your mind.

Work in 42 Minutes

Although many experts suggest working in the traditional Pomodoro blocks of 50 minutes, I’ve found that I’m more productive when I only work for 48 minutes. Give it a try for yourself and see how effective you are during the day. First, write down your #1 priority for the next 42 minutes. Then, use e.ggtimer.com and set a timer for 42 minutes. Put your head down and work as hard as you can and then, when the timer buzzes, get up and take a break for 18 minutes.

Learn Something New Daily

Ironically, I’ve found that some of the most rejuvenating mental activities are also the most challenging. For example, if I sit down in front of the TV and watch Family Guy reruns for two hours, I will leave feeling drained and mentally sluggish. However, if I used those same two hours to read a good book, practice a new language, or toy around on my guitar, I leave feeling inspired and motivated to take on the day. Commit right now to learning or practicing something new and I promise that, 365 days from now, your life will look completely different.

Take a Morning and Evening “Braindump”

One of the simplest yet most profound techniques that I’ve ever found for clearing mental fog and refueling your psychology is to build a morning and evening “braindump” ritual. The practice is simple. Take a pen, a notepad, and your brain. Sit on the couch, set a 10-minute timer, and then write down everything that comes to your head. Whether it’s to-do list items, angry feelings about a fight you recently had with your spouse, or inner frustrations about a situation at work, get it out of your head. If you do this every morning and evening for a month, your brain will never feel the same.

Refueling Yourself Personally (or “Spiritually”)

Before you check out on me and roll your eyes because I used the “S” word, realize that I’m not referring to anything esoteric, religious, or “woo-woo”. I use the term “spiritually” very loosely, referring to those activities that recharge your “higher self”. Here’s what I mean.

Get Out for 30 to 60 Minutes Every Day

This one simple habit has the power to significantly reduce stress and rejuvenate your mind and body in ways you probably can’t imagine. We evolved to live in harmony with nature. In our fast-paced world, we often forget this and spend days, weeks, or even years without reconnecting to our roots and enjoying the great outdoors. Make it a priority to do something that you enjoy outdoors for at least 30 minutes a day.

Do Only One Thing

This might sound like an odd practice but you’d be surprised at how effective it can be as a refueling activity. In our day to day lives, we’ve seemingly lost the ability to focus on a single task. We’re never just doing one thing. We’ve always got something else going on in the background. So, I want to challenge you to take 15 to 30 minutes a day and just do one thing. Whether you sit and enjoy your morning cup of coffee in complete solitude, enjoy talking with your partner without distractions, or even just do your work without notifications going off in the background, learning to focus on one task at a time will help you conserve your energy and live a more fulfilling life.

Volunteer and Spend Time with Other People

The final way to recharge yourself spiritually is to spend time every month in service to others. Go volunteer at a local soup kitchen, clean up the trails near your home or sign up to build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

See Also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer

Just do something that will help you remember how much you have to be grateful for in your life. You won’t regret it.

The post How to Become Successful: The Real Secret No One is Talking About appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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I like to read a lot. Through the years, I have come to understand and memorize plenty of quotes. Only a few of them left a long-lasting mark on my life, just like those was found in a book called Good to Great written by Jim Collins.

I have read that book 4 years ago and it was one of those books that changed my entire approach to life. This book showed me mistakes in my leadership style, like how I neglected the people I was leading and how badly I was dealing with some situations. It also showed me all the good stuff I was already doing which gave me a huge smile on my face.

In the book, there was one principle, or better yet, a paradox which got stuck in my head. That is the Stockdale Paradox.

Before I explain its meaning (which you will find very interesting), I will share some details about the guy who started it all- Jim Stockdale.

Jim Stockdale was an American pilot in the Vietnam war. He was captured and made into a POW. He spent 8 gruesome years in a war camp in Vietnam while being tortured almost daily. After he was able to escape, he explained how he survived and why both optimists and pessimists were the first ones to die in the camp.

The paradox goes like this:

“You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties. AND at the same time… You must confront the brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

So, let’s now dissect this paradox and see what we can learn from it.

You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.

This is the first part of the paradox and it covers the optimistic side of life. It says that in order to survive a hard period or any period in life, you need to have absolute faith that you will manage to conquer it. This goes to serve not only the people in war camps but also those who face any difficulties.

This part of unyielding faith can be applied to any part of your life. Whether it’s about a traumatic experience, losing a job, going broke or breaking up with someone, you need to have that strong faith.

“It too shall pass”.

This is a phrase you often hear someone tell you when you’re going through tough times. It means looking at what could be instead of what is.

Although it’s supposed to be good, it actually creates more problems.

With only the future in mind, what will happen with the present?

You must confront your current reality.

This is the pessimistic side of the paradox. It’s about being realistic.

You need to look at what’s happening in the present and assess it as it is.

To be honest, pessimists are way better in dealing with problems than optimists.

Pessimists see the current reality as it is while the optimists try to see what things can be.

That part is really important because you are going to your desired future, but you need a starting point. And that starting point needs to have a solid foundation which is your present reality.

Here, you can’t lie or deceive yourself out. You need to be brutal.

Let’s take an example to explain this.

Imagine you want to be the boxing heavyweight champion of the world. That is the first part which is the optimist part. We will call that POINT B.

Before you reach that point, you need to know where you currently are.

It can be a point where you can’t even do a southpaw the right way. Once you are able to acknowledge that, you can start working on it and become better. That is your starting point and let’s call it POINT A. ”

You need to meet them where they are”, the quote would say and the same thing applies to you.

Before you start earning a million dollars, start with earning a $100. Take it one step at a time.

This is what makes a difference and creates a paradox. You need to be optimistic about the future but at the same time be realistic (pessimistic) about the present.

I don’t care how smart or capable you think you are. You need both of those factors to succeed in life. Optimism takes you forward, gives you a vision and a better future to strive for but the pessimism grounds you in your current situation and makes you focus on what’s ahead.

This is how Jim Stockdale survived the war camp. He knew he is going to walk away free one day and that was his desired future. At the same time, he endured physical pain every day in the war camp and found a way to face that.

“The optimist that says everything will be alright and does nothing is the same as the pessimist that says nothing will be alright and gives up”, said Stockdale to his students at Stanford where he became a professor of Stoicism after the war.

The world will conspire to gives us what we deserve when we implement the paradox in action. Some call it God while others call it destiny. For me, however, it is karma.

What about you? Where does the Stockdale paradox apply in your life?

The post The Stockdale Paradox: How to Successfully Deal With Life appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Your skin gets exposed to harsh conditions every day. There’s pollution, UV rays, dirt, and harsh weather conditions. If you don’t take care of your skin the right way, you can end up with a lot of skin issues, like acne, wrinkles, and sunspots.

So, how to get flawless skin?

On this article, you will learn ten easy beauty tips to keep your skin smooth and elastic.

Do regular cleansing

Cleansing is one good way to make sure no dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup residues can clog your pores. In choosing the right cleanser, it’s a good idea to consider your skin type.

If you have oily skin, go for oil-free cleansers. In case you are dealing with acne, you can use medicated soaps but make sure that they aren’t strong enough to irritate your skin. As much as possible, avoid cleansers with perfume, artificial colors, and chemicals as they can cause allergic reactions.

Wash your face twice a day. Do it in the morning and before you go to sleep.

Moisturize your skin

Most people tend to forego moisturizers, particularly those with oily skin.

The truth, however, is that moisturizers are essential in making sure your skin doesn’t get dry and dehydrated. Once that happens, your skin will produce more oil than necessary and that can spell problems for your skin. Excess oil can cause acne, clogged pores, and dull skin.

Apply your moisturizer right after cleansing, while your skin is still damp. This will ensure that you seal in as much moisture as possible.

Exfoliate regularly

This is another important beauty tip that you should include in your skincare routine. Having too much dead skin cells can make your skin look dull and it can also make you prone to clogged pores. It can even lead to acne.

When exfoliating, make sure to use something light. Skip exfoliators that contain highly abrasive ingredients as they can only cause more problems. Use gentle, circular motions when scrubbing and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.

Apply a face mask

Every time you take your skin through the exfoliation process, follow up with a good face mask. However, since they can be expensive, you can try creating your own natural face mask. You can use papaya, lemon, or even honey to bring back your skin’s natural glow.

Put on sunscreen

If you’ve been skipping sunscreen because it feels greasy, you’re probably using the wrong product. The right sunscreen should feel light and natural on the skin without compromising protection.

Apply it every single day. Even if it’s a cloudy day, UV rays can still cause damage to your skin. It can make you prone to wrinkles, sunburn, and even skin cancer.

Watch your diet

Healthy eating can benefit your skin, too.

If you have oily skin, then you must avoid eating too much junk foods and sweets. Eat one fruit a day and drink at least eight glasses of water to flush out toxins. Include veggies in your meals, too.

Observing this kind of diet will eventually regulate the amount of oil produced by your skin. This is one of the ways to remove warts as well.

See Also: 10 Best Skin Foods For Healthy Glowing Skin

Use an alcohol-free toner

Alcohol-based toners can work on any skin type. Daily toning eliminates dirt and excess oil from your skin. If you can’t access rosewater, you can use other alcohol-free toners to regulate sebum.

Apply ice cubes

Ice cubes help to shrink pores, hydrate your skin, remove puffiness, and improve blood circulation. Rubbing ice cubes on the oiliest parts of your skin will regulate the oil generation and tone saggy skin temporarily.

Steam

Steam is another beauty tip you shouldn’t miss. It helps open skin pores, making it easy to free your pores.

Steaming your skin daily with mint leaves or margosa leaves in hot water for approximately three minutes allows minerals from the leaves to penetrate through the pores and extract extra oil.

Bonus tip: Choose the right serums and makeup

Use the right skin serums for your skin type as they can guarantee dramatic results. You can apply them after toning and before you apply your face creams and moisturizers.

Wait for your serum and other skin care products to dry or get absorbed by your skin before you do the rest of your makeup. This way, you’ll be able to prep your skin, leaving it glowing and free from breakouts.

See Also: Unlocking Japan’s Secrets to Healthy Skin

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Even in a fluctuating financial market, you can always find a way to avail credit and access funds. The catch lies in choosing the right lender or financial product. If you are looking for a relatively flexible option with a lower interest rate, consider a personal line of credit.

What is a Personal Line of Credit?

A personal line of credit allows the borrower to use only the money he/she needs. Its variable rate of interest is typically lower than the interest rates on fixed loans.

While the lender approves your entire loan amount at once, the borrower only pays interest on the amount transferred for use. A personal line of credit lets you maintain a maximum loan balance account and gives you instant access to funds. This is a continuous revolving credit account and includes a maximum borrowing limit.

The credit limit will depend on the CIBIL score, which reflects the borrower’s creditworthiness. It’s based on his income and credit history. As the borrower repays a part of the amount, the interest is then charged on the remaining balance, which keeps reducing every month.

Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit

A personal loan provides the borrower access to a fixed amount of cash for a predefined period where the repayment timeline remains fixed and pre-payment attracts an additional fee.

A personal line of credit, on the other hand, is available for use at any time. Its interest is not charged on the entire amount allocated to you. In a personal loan, the lump sum amount is disbursed to the borrower for one-time use and the interest is charged on the entire amount, regardless of the amount used.

Another major difference between a loan and a line of credit is the rate of interest.

The interest rate of a personal line of credit is generally higher than a personal loan. Yet, if you compare the closing costs of both, a personal line of credit would prove to be an affordable option. A personal line of credit is flexible, open-ended, and can be used for any purpose.

Interest Rates and Processing Fees

Banks and non-banking financial businesses are now offering financial products with the benefits of a personal credit line.

The generic charges and fees of such funds typically include:

Activation Fees – This is a one-time joining fee that lending institutions charge at the time of approving a personal line of credit or on withdrawal of funds.

Interest Rates – A line of credit has a variable rate of interest that depends on the borrowers’ CIBIL score and typically ranges between 16-25% annually.

Processing Fees – The lender may charge an annual maintenance fee of 1 to 2% of the approved amount. Certain lenders don’t charge an annual fee, but they do charge a processing fee every time the borrower withdraws money.

Applicable Taxes – Government taxes are levied on a personal line of credit wherever applicable and they include the interest rate.

Who Should Leverage a Line of Credit and When

Having a line of credit helps when you don’t need a fixed amount. It’s also useful when your monetary needs are spread over a timeline of a few months. It proves beneficial in case of medical emergencies, home improvement, vacation or a family wedding where you can never be certain of the amount you would need.

Both self-employed individuals and professionals who do not have a fixed income can benefit greatly with a line of credit. Borrowers can instantly access cash through the ATM, mobile banking or checkbook and get the needed amount any time, anywhere.

The Benefits of Using a Personal Line of Credit

Fast and Flexible– Borrowers can tap into funds as and when the need arises with a personal line of credit. While they have access to a large credit amount, they also have the freedom to use only what they need and pay interest on that amount only. Also, the repayment terms are relatively flexible for both part and lump sum payments.

Affordable– Since borrowers don’t need to pay interest on the entire amount that is disbursed, the cost is reduced significantly if the funds aren’t utilized completely.

No Charges on Withdrawal– Generally, there are no charges for withdrawing money.

Higher Limits– A personal line of credit usually comes with a higher limit as compared to personal loans and credit cards. This makes it a perfect solution for funding large expenses.

No Collateral Required– A personal line of credit needs no collateral backing. Even if you don’t have any financial reserve, you can make use of a line of credit.

The Limitations

Fluctuating Interest Rates– Being an unsecured product, the interest rates of a personal credit line keep fluctuating as bank interest rates go up and down. Borrowers may end up paying much more than what they had expected.

Revolving Account– This means that borrowers need to keep track of the amount due.

Stringent Approval– A personal line of credit is approved on the basis of the borrower’s CIBIL score. Those with a poor credit history may not be able to take advantage of it.

Maintenance Cost– Some banks and NBFCs levy closing costs or maintenance charges on a personal line of credit.

No Tax Deductions– The interest charged on a personal line of credit is not tax-deductible. A line of credit is a flexible instrument fulfilling the dreams of many professionals today. So, if you are planning to make the most of this financial product, make sure you are well-informed with the right knowledge.

The post Personal Line of Credit: From Basics to Benefits appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Travel has recently undergone quite a revolution and Uber is one of the most visible trends to have sprung up in the past decade. The rideshare app allows individuals to request rides from nearby drivers through their phones. It’s much cheaper than conventional taxi services and often much quicker due to the proximity-based matching system and state-of-the-art GPS technology.

Despite those features, however, Uber is not free from criticism and its drivers are not infallible. Accidents can still happen.

As a passenger in an Uber car, what do you do if you get in an accident?

Uber’s Insurance Policy

Uber will probably give you a refund for your trip if you inform them of the accident. You can do that by leaving a comment, submitting a feedback report or alerting the company through the “Help” option. Once they receive your feedback, an insurance agent will contact you to verify the details.

If you didn’t suffer any physical injuries, the process will be easy. However, if you were hurt, you should be aware of your next move.

First, it is important to understand the system of insurance at play with Uber rides. The Uber driver must have his own personal auto insurance policy in order to drive for the company. However, Uber provides all its drivers with a policy that varies depending on the status of the driver.

When the driver has the app on and is waiting for a customer to request a ride, he is covered for up to $50,000 in liability damage. From the time a customer requests a ride and until he reaches his destination, the policy increases to $1,000,000 and that also extends to you as a passenger.

James River Insurance is the carrier for Uber. The reason Uber provided its drivers with this policy is because personal auto insurance coverage will not honor claims that occurred during commercial or paid driving.

Initially, Uber claimed that its drivers were independent contractors and the company wasn’t responsible for any of their actions. This changed after the introduction of a law in the wake of an accident involving a 6-year-old girl.

A New Danger

What makes Uber dangerous for passengers?

It’s the potential for distraction.

The Uber app can only work on a smartphone. This means that a driver must routinely take his eyes off the road and his hand off the wheel to use the app. He needs to do this every time he has to accept customers, reroute a location, change settings or call a rider.

There is also a chance that an Uber driver will not report the accident to the company. This can confuse passengers, particularly when they expect to receive a certain compensation only to find out that there’s no record of the accident.

Filing a Claim

If an accident happens while you’re in an Uber vehicle, you’ll receive compensation for your injuries. If another driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with his insurance company. In case the crash was the fault of your Uber driver, you would be able to pursue compensation from him or from Uber.

It doesn’t really matter who was at fault for the accident. Whether it was your Uber driver or another driver, the passenger is protected.

“A passenger is considered an innocent party and it does not matter who caused the crash,” said Kevin Adkins, an Uber accident attorney based in Los Angeles.

But this rule is subject to a caveat:

“If the passenger was somehow responsible for the accident, his compensation might be reduced based on how much his negligence caused the accident,” continued Mr. Adkins.

Imagine this:

A drunk and unruly passenger somehow distracts the driver to the point that the driver loses control and gets into an accident. Without those exceptional circumstances, the passenger is protected.

Uber offers a small section on what to do in the event of an accident but not for passengers. Fortunately, the protocol is similar.

You should immediately seek medical treatment even if you feel like you didn’t suffer any injury. Adrenaline can waylay a lot of the pain and you may have invisible or internal damages that only a healthcare professional will be able to identify.

Additionally, take photos or videos of the accident and of your injuries. Those photos will be useful when submitting a claim.

What You Can Pursue

By filing a claim, you’ll receive payment for your hospitalization expenses, surgery fees, medication costs, and physical therapy.

Lost income from days you weren’t able to work because of the injury or recovery time will be paid, too. This includes both past and future days’ wages. Any personal items you had that may have been damaged or lost in the accident are covered as well.

Because of the rise of Uber and other rideshare companies, legislators are starting to craft new laws. Those laws are more accurate and easier to understand.

See Also: Do You Know What To Do In A Ride Sharing Accident?

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Living in a high-cost area has its perks. There’s a lot of high paying jobs, which means you have a lot more opportunity to earn. And since things can cost more, you’re less likely to consume them. This translates to lower living standards. Of course, those ideas don’t apply to everyone and not all people can live well in an expensive city. Whether you’re looking to pinch pennies or you’re struggling to make ends meet, here are some tips on how to reduce expenses when you live in a high-cost area.

Saving on your housing

Of course, your rent will be one of your highest bills. If you live in a city like New York City, expect the average rental rate to be around $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. While this number is nothing to sneeze at, you can bring this cost down by doing the following:

• Renting with friends or a co-worker- Consider finding a roommate to slash your rent by 50%. You can ask your friends or co-workers. If you can’t find one, try Craigslist or post on your local Facebook marketplace. Just be sure to screen for your security.
• Avoid the flashy areas– In most large cities, the rental opportunities are endless. And since they are in-demand, they are likely to cost more. Try to avoid those “flashy” areas and try to find a place that’s a few blocks away.

Saving on transportation costs

Transportation is a cost that can easily exceed $8,600 annually. The costs are derived from car payments, insurance, interest, repair costs, maintenance costs, gas, auto club fees, and more. When residing in an expensive city, the amount you pay out of pocket can increase every 6 to 8 months depending on the size of your vehicle and the length of your commute. The following are a handful of tips that can assist you in cutting or eliminating this (non-essential) expense:

• Carpool/Ride-share– This option allows you to decrease the wear and tear and fuel costs of your vehicle. The cost of ride-sharing (Lyft, Uber, ZipCar) is a mere fraction of the cost of owning a vehicle of your own.
• Utilize public Transportation– If you are in an area where public transportation is available, use it. It’s far less expensive than driving a vehicle around town.

Start decreasing your debt

You can decrease your monthly expenses by reducing or eliminating revolving debt. As you pay off your debts, you’ll receive fewer monthly bills and you’ll have more money to save. The following will show you a few ways to reduce debt and increase your savings:

• Use balance transfers– If a debt that you’re currently paying is attached to a high-interest rate, consider utilizing a balance transfer. It offers perks, like an 18-month APR of 0%. You can also try rewards programs but be certain to factor in all transfer fees. It is also best to pay the transferred balance during the introductory period (if plausible).
• Refinance– Contact your auto and homeowner insurance company and see if you qualify for a lower interest rate. A reduced rate can save you money over the life of your loan and this can make living in a high-cost area more affordable.
• Consolidate loans– Consolidation can provide you with a lower interest rate and a greater chance to pay off the loan quicker.
• Reduce credit card rates – You may be able to negotiate with your credit card company to reduce your current rate/s.
• Use auto debt repayment plans– This will keep you from missing payments and incurring late fees or rate increases.
• Spring clean and purge – Go through your home and gather unused or rarely used items. Once you have gathered them, sell them. This will give you some added income, no matter how small the amount may be. You’ll also be able to free up space.

Think about decreasing your energy costs

On average, American households spend approximately $2,200 annually on energy bills. Fortunately, advances in technology are making it easier for energy expenses to be slashed. Below are some ways to decrease your monthly costs for energy:

• Seal your home– This will prevent drafts which is a common issue with energy efficiency. The loss of heat or cool air can increase your costs.
• Use LED or CFL bulbs– These bulb types are (on average) four times more efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs. This simple change will save you $0.66 per month and (plausibly) $40 annually.
• Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater– 14% of your home energy cost is from your hot water heater. By reducing the temperature to between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit and installing a water heater blanket, you will drastically decrease that cost.
• Install a thermostat that is programmable– This will allow you to decrease energy use when no one is at home, saving you money throughout the month.
• Unplug– Any electrical devices that are not in use should be unplugged. Whether on or off, they are still drawing electricity and adding to your monthly bill.

Decrease your entertainment costs

Most people think of entertainment as dining out, heading to a movie theater or concert. Those are not your only forms of entertainment. Remember, you’re living in an expensive city so there are probably tons of low-cost entertainment options such as local museums or parks. Here are some of the things you can cut out to reduce your monthly expenses:

• Cancel Club Memberships
• Eliminate or reduce your cable/satellite bill– Utilize streaming services, such as Netflix or the PlayStation Vue. There’s no reason to pay $100+ per month for cable TV purposes.
• Cancel magazine and newspaper wubscriptions– Read and view your favorites online for free.

Living in a high-cost area is doable and you can still successfully live in one if you’re smart with your money. Hopefully, by applying some of these tips, you can slash a few dollars off of your budget.

The post How to Reduce Expenses When You Live In An Expensive City appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Remember snow days?

You’d wake up, turn on the television, and wait to see your school’s name scroll along the bottom of the screen. Seeing your school’s name followed by “Closed” or “2-Hour Delay” was probably the best feeling.

It meant being able to lay around in your pajamas, play video games or go out with other neighborhood kids.

Now, as an adult, snow days usually mean working from home if you can, or losing out on a day of pay if your kids are out and you don’t have that option. Adulthood can be a real bummer sometimes. But one thing that can still save you is an Internet snow day. What do you do when the Internet goes out and you can’t work?

The Internet Is The New Office

What did people do all day before the Internet and even before there were computers?

There were physical letters that had to be typed on a typewriter, physical filing cabinets where things had to be properly stored, and do you remember Rolodexes?

My goodness, the Rolodexes.

There’s so much in the office of yesteryear that most people today would not even recognize. Today, people in offices report:

• 78% of people who work in offices say the Internet is crucial to work getting done
• 60% of workers say they lose the majority of their productivity when there is an Internet outage
• 65% of office workers choose their location based on the Internet signal there

The Internet Is In Near Constant Peril

Solar flares and sharks can cause Internet outages.

Yes, real sharks can attack the undersea lines that connect the Internet between continents. Solar flares can knock out communications satellites, too.

The biggest threat to the Internet, however, are hackers. DDoS attacks have been responsible for many outages, including one that seized the unsecured WiFi connections of things like cameras and IoT to overwhelm Dyn, the system that routes traffic on the Internet. This knocked out access to popular sites like Twitter and Netflix for nearly a day.

For ordinary consumers though, sharks and hackers take a backseat to frustrating ISPs.

Things To Do Without Internet

Congratulations, you are embarking on your very own Internet Snow Day! If you are fortunate enough to work with really fun people, you could:

• Go for a walk in the park
• Check out an art museum
• Head to the nearest thrift shop to rummage for interesting stuff
• Have coffee from somewhere other than the break room

• Play a trivia game

And if you are still stuck in the office waiting and hoping for the Internet to come back on, there are still a few things you can do without Internet access:

• Play the jumpy dinosaur game on Chrome
• Pop a DVD into your drive and watch a movie or show
• Write out your next blog post or social media post and just upload it once the Internet is back up

Will Internet Outages Soon Be A Thing Of The Past?

With great technology comes great frustration when it fails. That’s why ISPs are trying to improve the reliability of their service whenever possible.

Fiber Internet is one option for making the Internet more resistant to outages. It is physically stronger and lasts longer than cable. It’s also faster and this can decrease outages caused by traffic overloads.

Until the world is covered by Fiber, you should have a plan for your next Internet snow day. What will you do the next time there’s no internet?

You don’t get many snow days as an adult, so a little preparation can help you make the most of it. Learn more about the best things to do without internet from this infographic!

The post Things to Do Without Internet: How to Make Your Internet Snow Day Better appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Online casinos are fun. They can help you pass time, double your money, and earn points without the need to spend on gas and drive all the way to a casino. They can even lessen your anxiety and stress.

Now, despite all the great things you hear about online casinos, not all of them can give you the best experience. In fact, if you fail to find the right one, you can end up falling victim to identity theft and fraud.

To make sure none of these things happen, check out these best tips on how to find the safest and best online casino.

Reliability

Since you’ll be depositing money into the online casino, you have to make sure that you can rely on it in keeping your money safe. The last thing you’d want to happen is to find all your money gone even before you start betting.

One good way to verify a casino’s reliability is to check its licensing company. You should also verify if its random number generator is legit. Otherwise, the casino could be swindling its customers and that’s not legal.

Reputation

As much as possible, stick with online casinos that have a proven track record for treating their clients fairly. AskGamblers, named one of the best casino portals, is a great example.

Now, how do you check?

You can do a quick search online to see what others are saying about the online casino you like. Take the time to read each review so you’ll know what to expect.

You can also try asking your friends about which sites they trust and how long they have been using them. Having lots of long-term users is a sign of a good reputation.

Take note that searching for and reading reviews isn’t a foolproof way to determine a casino’s reputation. However, they can give you an idea about which sites are trustworthy and which ones are shady.

Remember, try to stay away from sites that are plagued with negative reviews.

Selection of Games

Once you know your money and information will be safe, it’s time to get to the fun part.

In choosing the best online casino, you need to find out what makes it great and that includes the game selection. You’d want to have as many options as possible if really want to have fun.

Imagine this:

If you sign up for an online casino with a narrow selection, there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself searching for another online casino in just a few days. That isn’t only time consuming but frustrating, too.

So, before you start playing, make sure that the online casino you’ll be playing in is offering all the games you’re after.

Check if the site offers all types of games as well. An online casino that has about 40 types of video poker and only 5 table games won’t give you the best experience since it can force you to play the same type of game over and over again.

Graphics

Of course, you want your games to give you the best experience. And for that to be possible, you need to make sure that the online casino you choose uses the latest technology and graphics. You also need to make sure that it offers the latest games.

Excellent customer support

This might not sound that important but once you experience a problem, you’ll find the true benefit of having an excellent customer support. It won’t just help solve your issues quicker and easier but it can also make problem-solving a lot less stressful.

Now, testing a casino’s customer support isn’t that hard. All you need to do is send them an email with a few questions. Check how fast they’ll respond and how helpful their answers are.

If there’s a live chat support, try using it. Don’t wait until you have an actual problem before you test it out.

If you encounter a problem and that live chat support don’t work, you’ll have a hard time fixing your problem.

Deposits and Withdrawals

If you prefer a particular method for funding your account, you might want to check a casino’s depositing options. You should also check if you need to pay any additional fees to process your money.

Now, remember:

Most sites allow players to withdraw money from the same method they deposited their funds. This means that if you are going to use the bank method, make sure that your account allows deposits and withdrawals for the site you’re after.

Verify this before you deposit any money into your playing account.

Apart from deposits, you need to check the casino’s withdrawal process, too. Not all casinos process cash-outs at the same speed. There are casinos that follow a range of processes and that can delay your cash-outs.

Rewards

Online casinos usually post their rewards and bonuses so you can easily spot them the moment you visit their sites. In fact, they are the first things you’ll see.

Now, here’s the thing:

Although big bonuses and rewards look attractive, not all of them are great. Some of them can have hidden terms and conditions you need to keep an eye out for. Others require a higher wager which can make the rewards not that valuable.

If you are an occasional player, a welcome bonus is something you should look forward to. However, if you a regular gambler, try to find the best rewards for your wagers. The list includes reload bonuses, leaderboard contests, cashback deals, and VIP clubs.

See Also: Top 5 Strategies To Maximize Your Online Casino Profits

Conclusion

Playing online casino games are great as long as you can find the best sites to play. If you aren’t careful, you won’t just waste time and money but you can also end up compromising your security.

So, do your homework and use the factors above in choosing the best online casino. It may take more time and may require more effort but the peace of mind and sense of security can make your gaming experience a lot more enjoyable.

The post How to Choose the Best Site for Online Casino Games appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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If you want to be productive, the first thing you have to do is break free from your bad habits and focus on implementing powerful changes to your lifestyle. There are a couple of tools that can help you with that, but the best one is probably your smartphone. It’s that one device that rules most of your day so it’s only practical to use it to start your behavioral changes. Here are some of the best productivity apps you can download today.

Way of Life

To achieve productivity, you have to kill your bad habits and develop good ones. Way Of Life is a great app that promises to do it for you while tracking your progress. With the app, you can list down all the tasks you want to accomplish. It can be any habits you want to start or stop. At the end of the day, you can evaluate which tasks you were able to accomplish and which ones you still need to work on. And since you’ll be able to track your progress, you’ll know if you need to exert more effort or spend more time in making the necessary changes in your life. For instance, you decided to lower your sugar level. Habit trackers, like Way of Life, can keep you motivated to achieve your goal. You can download the app on Android and iOS devices.

Cold Shower Therapy

A cold shower can do a lot of good things for your body. For one, it can reduce your stress level. CST is an app that can help you track your cold shower schedules. It provides a 5-minute timer, which you can use while showering. And while you are at it, the app will play your favorite songs. Now, before you actually spend a long time showering with cold water, try it for a couple of minutes first. This is to make sure you can tolerate the temperature.

iCare Health Monitor (BP & HR)

If your work is taking a toll on your health, then this is the best option for you. This app can measure your blood pressure and other essential parameters on the go. You won’t need any additional equipment, but you have to make sure that the app is compatible with your phone. You can also use it with any other professional blood pressure monitors. You can look for information on how to choose the right blood pressure monitor over the internet.

Meal Reminders

Skipping meals can have detrimental effects on your productivity as your brain needs glucose and other important nutrients. If you don’t eat, you won’t be able to concentrate and focus, making you more prone to errors. Meal Reminders is an excellent app to address that. It can help keep track of your food intake, ensuring that your brain receives all the nutrients it needs to perform well.

Spin Me

Spin Me isn’t just an app that wakes you up. By forcing you to spin in a circle, it makes sure that you wake up and get out of bed. Its alarm won’t stop until you have spun a circle.

Brain.fm

Some types of music can help your brain relax and make it more productive. Brain.fm lets you listen to scientifically engineered music so that your brain can get into a productive mode. You can set it to play for 30, 60 or 90 minutes depending on your task. The app can work on both Android and iOS devices.

In Conclusion

These productivity apps can only work if you use them consistently and if you pair them with discipline and commitment. Remember, no app can boost your productivity level if you’re too lazy to do your part.

See Also: Lacking Motivation? Try These 6 Best Health Apps That Pay

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