Tying the Knot? Five Potential Issues to Keep in Mind before Marriage

Tying the Knot? Five Issues to Keep in Mind before Marriage

Marriage is a major change in life, regardless of where in the planning process you are. Even if you’ve yet to get past the proposal, there’s a lot to consider and think over before taking the next step. You know you should be on the same page with your intended before the commitment is in effect, so take some time to make sure you are. Below are five topics to get the conversations started.

Financial Statuses

It’s an oft-mentioned fact that finances are a common stressor in a relationship. It could be that you’re better at saving than your partner, have a significant amount of debt, or simply disagree about budgeting. Whatever your concern is, it’s best to discuss it before it’s a problem in the marriage. While a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer will help you protect future assets in case of trouble, a financial advisor now can teach you to better manage money before it becomes a problem.

Children

The topic of children can be a dealbreaker for many couples, so it’s better to come to an agreement with your significant other before getting married. You’ll have to discuss several different issues, from whether you want any at all to when you want to try conceiving, not to mention how many you’d both like. You should also consider what you two will do if infertility occurs, as well as whether adoption is an option. Then there’s the question of child-rearing and education, since your approaches might not align. Waiting until after you’re married to broach these questions could cause heartbreak and strain, which is why it’s important to start early.

Chores

Chores may very well be the least exciting topic of discussion for a budding marriage, but figuring out the division of household labor can alleviate a lot of stress. Agreeing about who handles which chores is, for many couples, part of a successful relationship. Being able to deliberate what a fair share of work is, especially when one or both partners might seriously dislike certain chores, saves time and exhibits good decision-making. What’s more is that it sets the both of you up for respecting the other’s efforts and establishes a healthy living dynamic.

Location

Buying or moving into a new home with your partner is exciting, but it’s best to consider how it’ll affect your relationship if you plan on including marriage in the move. Where do you both want to live? How will that affect jobs and other relationships you have? The environment and culture of a given area may also influence your wedding prospects; if you’re unhappy where you are, getting married likely won’t change that. Whether you plan on staying in a given location also matters.

Compatibility

Loving and being compatible with your partner are not mutually exclusive. Do the two of you hold the same values, interests, and concerns? Are you “alike” beyond the romantic side of your relationship? Friendship is inarguably vital to a happy marriage, and while you two don’t have to be perfect matches for each other, it’s worth contemplating how well you two align. Knowing you and your partner see eye to eye on what matters can only help.

Whether you’re ready to take the leap or still having second thoughts, marriage requires careful thought and commitment to go smoothly. Talking about any issues you have with your partner ahead of time paves the way for less stress as you get closer to the aisle. Though you may end up putting a wedding aside for later, it’s better to solve problems than let them linger. The five tips above will help you know for certain.

3 Big Christmas Decor Ideas for Small Spaces

If you live in a small apartment or tiny house, you don't have to let limited square footage put a damper on your holiday decorating. Learn how to make the most of your space. Here are a few ideas you can try to spruce up your place for some merry-making with your loved ones.

Concentrate on Color

Adding splashes of bright, vibrant color to your home may be the key to transforming it from basic to beautiful this holiday season. You can hang a few colorful ornaments from your windows or cabinets. Purchased or homemade stained glass ornaments look especially charming when hung in the windows to soak up the sunlight. You could also hang some bright red ribbons on all the doorknobs throughout your home. If you have a neutral color scheme for your everyday decor and you choose one or two accent colors for most of your holiday decorating you can create a classy, sophisticated look. You could even add some inexpensive throw blankets or pillows to your couch in your favorite holiday color scheme.

There's no one-size-fits-all color scheme for the Christmas season. If you're not into traditional red and green, you could choose shades that are close to the traditional colors on the color wheel, such as burgundy, wine, teal, or sage. Once you've chosen your colors, you can scan the store shelves for any eye-catching curios that will fit in tight spaces. For a simple yet elegant centerpiece, find a small, clear mason jar. Fill it up one-third of the way with water. Then add small, round glass or plastic ornaments in the color of your choice. Add a white or complementary colored tea light candle on top. You can add a little fresh greenery around the jar as an accent. The result will be purely magical.

Revitalize by Repurposing

Rather than going out and purchasing a bunch of bulky decorations that will make your already small space seem crowded, decorate the smart way by repurposing items you already have around the house. For example, add some festive holiday covers to your existing couch cushions. Or slip some holiday-themed slipcovers over your chairs. An extremely economical way to really add holiday cheer to your entire home without taking up extra space is wrapping the paintings on your walls in Christmas wrapping paper. You can do the same thing with your entire front door to let the neighbors see your holiday spirit on display.

If you have any plants around your apartment you can easily glam them up for the holidays. Simply add small colored ball ornaments, tiny strands of lights, or a few strands of tinsel to their branches. You can even decorate a houseplant in lieu of a Christmas tree.

Miniaturize for Maximum Results

Many apartment and tiny house dwellers love to go all out for the holidays and decorate with the same exact types of items that those with larger homes use. If you're one of those people who wants to decorate the house from top to bottom, just opt for small sizes for the items you use. Instead of a large, full fir or spruce tree, you could select a slim Christmas tree for your living room. Find a corner to tuck it into so it won't be blocking any high traffic areas. If you're going to leave wrapped presents beneath the tree, choose ones that will fit in small bags or boxes. The wreath on your door can be a compact, rustic winterberry wreath. Instead of a large mantle to hang your stockings, you could opt for a sturdy line of twine hung in an unobtrusive spot. Just fasten your stockings to the line with clothespins decorated with a piece of simple ribbon.

When it comes to decorating your small living space for Christmas, let your creativity shine. Whether it's adding a few paper snowflakes hung on strings from your hallway ceiling or spraying decorative ice crystals onto your windows, a few special touches here and there can make a huge difference. So show off your holiday spirit by giving your compact living quarters a festive new look.

3 Tips to Make Packing for a Move Easier

Almost as soon as you make the final decision to relocate, you may be inclined to rush off to the store to buy a stack of moving boxes, box tape and other supplies. While enthusiasm is great, you can waste valuable time and energy if you do not approach packing for your move with the right strategy. Remember that everything in your home needs to physically be removed and transported, and this can be a daunting task. Applying the right strategy can streamline the packing and unpacking process.

Remove Unnecessary Items
One of the best first steps that you can take when preparing for a move is to remove unnecessary items. In most homes, there are many items that are no longer needed, such as old clothes that you have not worn in years or a stack of books that you have been meaning to take to the used bookstore. Spend a day or two thoroughly going through all of your items to remove anything that you do not need. Make a pile for trash, donation and reselling. Your Houston moving company will have fewer items to relocate when you take this initial step, and this could help you to reduce moving expenses related to paying the movers and to buying boxes and other packing supplies. In addition, you will have fewer items to pack and unpack. Altogether, this important first step can save you a tremendous amount of time, money and energy.

Use Container Bins
If your home is not as organized as you would like it to be, now may be a great time to start organizing. After all, everything in the home needs to be packed up. By using container bins with a snap-on lid rather than boxes, you can easily transport your items in the bins. You can also slide the bins into a closet or another desirable location once you get to your new home. There will be no need to unpack and organize these items because they will already be organized. This works well for packing closets, garages and even bookshelves and entertainment center. For example, rather than having a stack of clutter that needs to be stored in a closet in your new home, you will have a stack of organized container bins that you can simply place on top of each other. It may sound more time-consuming to pack in this fashion. However, the items must be placed in a container to prepare for moving day. There is no extra effort required to place them in a storage bin rather than in a box.

Color Code Your Boxes
Another great idea that can save you time is to color code your boxes. You can use colored duct tape on the boxes, or you can use colored permanent markers for labeling. Color coding your boxes makes it easier for you to determine which room your boxes need to go in when you get to your new home. You may also take the additional step of adding a few details to the box label. For example, rather than simply write that a box belongs in the kitchen, you can also write that the box has your coffeemaker and glasses in it. This can help you to unpack the top priority boxes first when you get into your new home.

You could simply purchase some boxes and get started tossing items into the boxes without rhyme or reason. On the other hand, you could apply these simple steps to your relocation efforts to enjoy a faster and easier packing and unpacking experience. These efforts can also help your professional moving team do their job more efficiently, and this means that your moving day experience is streamlined and productive. Remember that you can take the first step of removing unnecessary items before you walk through the following two steps. By removing unnecessary items first, you can complete the following two packing steps with greater ease.

Locking Down Your Small Business Data

Cyber attacks on large businesses seem to be in the news frequently nowadays. However,
large corporations are not the only targets of hackers looking for data. Small businesses are
prime targets for cybersecurity breaches. In fact, 43% of cyber security hacking incidents
are committed against small businesses.

Why are small businesses even targeted? For one, most are ill-prepared to defend against a
cyber attack. Owners often think that their business is not a prime target, and are far less
inclined to spend money in something they do not feel is pertinent. In turn, they do not invest
in proper infrastructure to protect their data.

How can you protect your small business from such a breach? Is it even worth your time and
money to do so? The answer is yes, it is worth it. There are several ways you, as a small
business owner, can protect your customers' data, foster an attitude of importance within your
business about the dangers of cyber attacks and how to prevent them, and instill confidence
in your customers that their information is safe.

Create Strong Passwords

The vast majority of cyber attacks on small business come from within. Whether it be a
disgruntled employee or a negligent contractor, it is important that you create strong network
passwords and protect them from getting into the wrong hands. Using longer passwords with
a mixture of letters, numbers, symbols, and capitalized letters make for strong passwords.
Also, do not reuse the same password for different systems.

Educate Your Employees

Customer data protection should start with the people who your customers interact with on
a daily basis. Employees should be educated on how to protect customer data and company
policy should detail protocols for them to follow.

Get Cyber Liability Insurance

If your small business is hit with a cyber attack, chances are you will have to pay for a lawsuit
filed by your customers for having their data stolen. This can lead to your business failing, as
60% of small businesses shut their doors six months after a cyber security breach. Cyber
liability insurance can help cover lawsuit damages and fees, data restoration costs, the costs
associated with notifying your customers of a breach, and more.

Investing in Stronger Infrastructure

While many small businesses are worried about cyber attacks, over half do not budget for
investing in cyber security measures. You may think you do not store valuable data, but
customer home and email addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers are exactly
what hackers are looking for and should be treated as highly valuable information.

Utilize an Off-Site Data Storage Service

Most small businesses rely on in-house or local servers to protect their data. Sometimes,
this is not enough. Local servers may or may not be sophisticated enough to prevent a cyber
attack. There are off-site services that can be utilized to store your customer data that provide
the proper level of sophisticated protection. For instance, Amazon offers a service called
Amazon RedShift that allows you to store your data on a secure server far from your store. It
offers the ability to scale the storage amount you need as your business grows for a
reasonable price. It is simple to use and compatible with standard SQL clients.

Customer data is the gold hackers are mining for. As a small business owner, you owe it to
your customers to prevent their information from falling into the wrong hands. Improving
in-house security in the form of education and stronger passwords, investing in liability
protection in case you do have a breach, making sure the technology used to protect your
data is secure, and taking your customers' data seriously are huge steps in preventing a
cyber attack and allowing your business to flourish and grow.

5 Reasons to Get Out of the House with Your Kids

If you are a stay-at-home parent, then you might find that you and your children spend a lot
of time at home. Even though your home might be your comfort zone, however, it is a good
idea to get out of the house with your kids every now and then. These are a few reasons
why getting out of the house is something that you and your children should try to do more
of.

1. Get Some Exercise

The majority of adults and children do not get enough exercise each day, which can have
negative effects on your entire family's health. If you and your little ones are cooped up in the
house, then you might not be getting enough physical activity in your day. By making an effort
to put on your yoga pants or other comfortable active wear and get out of the house and head
to the park or another place where you can get active, you can help add more exercise into
each day both for yourself and for your children.

2. Enjoy Some Sunshine

Of course, as you might already know, the sun's harsh rays can actually be harmful for you
and your children's skin. However, this does not mean that sunlight is not a good thing. Getting
a good dose of sunshine each day can help boost your serotonin levels and can help boost
your mood. Simply walking around the neighborhood can help you and your kids get essential
sunlight.

3. Encourage Your Kids to Play Imaginatively

Many kids find themselves playing with electronic devices nowadays, meaning that they might
not get in as much imaginative play as they should be. Of course, you can always encourage
your kids to play imaginatively in the house, but you can give them even more inspiration for
doing so by taking them outside. Then, you can encourage your kids to unplug from their
devices for a little while and to let their imaginations run wild, which can help them have a
whole new type of fun and can stimulate their creative minds.

4. Encourage Your Kids to Socialize

If your kids are at home with you all day, then they might not get much socialization with other

children. If your child is an only child, then he or she might not get much peer socialization at
all. Even if you have multiple children, your kids might usually only socialize with their siblings,
who might be in different age groups.

To help your kids make friends and to prepare them for when they are surrounded by other
kids in school or in other social situations, it's a good idea to get out and allow them to meet
and play with other kids who are the same age. Taking your kids to the park is a good way to
encourage this. You can also look into children's activities that are scheduled in your area,
such as at the library or the local museum. Not only can this encourage socialization, but it
can be very educational as well.

5. Meet Other Parents

As a stay-at-home parent, you might not have a whole lot of interaction with other adults.
Even though you might love spending time with your family, you might crave a little more
adult interaction as well. By getting out with your kids in social situations, you may be able to
meet other parents and make some friends of your own, which can help make being a
stay-at-home parent a whole lot less lonely.

As you can see, there are many reasons why it can be a good idea for you to get out of the
house with your kids. Then, you and your family can enjoy these five benefits and more.

What I Learned Shopping for Auto Insurance

Your car insurance policy is one of the most important expenses you pay. It doesn’t seem that way often considering it’s an expense you pay but rarely use. However, car insurance is mandatory in all states, and you must meet the minimum insurance requirements provided by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle. If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance rates, you’re certainly not alone. Americans want to find ways to lower their monthly expenses, and finding a more affordable but just as comprehensive insurance policy is one way to do just that.

You Can Compare Rates

One thing many people don’t realize is you can compare rates with different insurance agencies. You’re not required to stick with the agency you’ve worked with in the past. You can compare car insurance quotes online, you can call and speak to agents at different companies, and you can even walk into the offices and speak to agents about your insurance needs. They key to finding the best rates is knowing what kind of auto insurance coverage you need and how much you can afford.

Check Your Credit First

Before you go comparing rates for a new auto insurance policy, you must check your credit. Not all insurance agencies use your score, but many use it to find out what kind of risk you are in their eyes. If you have a low credit score and a poor credit history, you’re considered a riskier driver. The insurance agency will charge you a higher premium. If your score is high, you’re viewed as a responsible driver and offered lower rates.

You Can Have Discounts for Your Policy

There are many things you can do to find discounts for your auto policy, and you should ask. The worst thing your agent can do is tell you no, you can’t have the discounts. It’s always worth asking if you qualify for any of the following discounts.

• You don’t drive many miles
• You work in a low-risk career
• You are married
• You are a student
• You are a good driver
• You live in a good neighborhood with a low crime rate

Did you know you might qualify for insurance discounts if you work from home, live close to work, or you are retired? You spend less time on the road and in your car if this is the case, and you’re considered a less risky driver as a result. You might even qualify for discounts if you drive a car with safety features, a car with an alarm system, or one with better safety ratings.

Know What Additional Things You Need

You aren’t automatically covered if anything should happen to your car. Some policies make it seem that way when they are labeled “comprehensive,” but they aren’t. They are good policies, but they are policies in which you are going to find you might not be covered if something is stolen from your car or if your vehicle is damaged by something other than a natural disaster or accident. Know the different riders available, and purchase the ones that make the most sense to you when you’re searching for the most affordable policy.

Not all car insurance policies are created equal. You might need to shop around for policies before you realize that sometimes you’re paying less by simply paying a bit more if the policy is better. It’s always possible to save a bit by paying your policy upfront rather than monthly. It’s also possible to save money by signing up for automatic bank debit each month, and by utilizing other features your insurance agent might share with you. Call around, ask for quotes, and never settle for the first offer made to you. There might be a better option available.

Chapter 1: Childhood and Adolescence

My childhood was a happy one. I loved my parents, and my parents loved me back.
I was an only child, so I got all of my parents' love and attention. I also had a lot of
friends and did well in school. In elementary school, I didn't have any significant
problems with bullying beyond the usual teasing that every kid gets. All in all, I had
an idyllic existence as a child.

It was in middle school that my troubles with drugs started. I didn't start out as a
heavy drug user. I first started smoking pot in the eighth grade with my friends in
one of my best friends' basement. None of us thought that the pot was a huge deal.
We certainly didn't believe that any of us would turn into heavy drug users when we
got older. We all planned on going to college and then living fabulous lives. Little did
I know what was in store for me.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse stated that almost 20 million people smoked
marijuana in 2013. Being one of those people, I thought that I would end up a casual
user like my friends. I didn't know that I would become a heavy drug user in just a
few years.

In high school, a friend introduced me to Adderall. He said that it would help me
study. I figured anything that would help me get better grades couldn't be that bad
for me. I was in honors and AP classes, and I was looking for any study aid that
could give me an edge over my super competitive classmates. While the Adderall
did help with concentration, I also found that I couldn't even do a simple reading
assignment without taking a couple of pills. Soon I discovered that I had trouble
concentrating on the most straightforward task if I didn't take those pills. Before I
knew it, I was hooked. But I got good grades, so my parents didn't have a clue
what was going on below the surface.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens says that many teenagers take
prescription drugs such as Adderall because they think it will help them do better
in school. Yes, Adderall helped with school. But I also experienced social instability
at school for the first time in my life. For example, I wasn't part of the popular crowd
anymore. The friends that I had when I was younger turned to parties while I turned
to academics, community service, and school activities. Sure I had made new
friends since then, but I mourned the loss of my old ones. I also started smoking pot
a lot more. My use of Adderall also increased. I still find it amazing that I graduated
from high school near the top of my class. I probably would have made valedictorian
if it wasn't for all the Adderall and pot.

Chapter 2: My First Time at College

I ended up going to my first choice college. On my first day there, a new "friend"
told me that if I smoked meth, I wouldn't need to sleep. Soon, I started smoking meth
on a regular basis. I also went to class and partied a bit. But before I knew it, I was
going to a lot more parties than classes. At the end of the semester, my school
politely "invited me to leave" after I failed all my classes. The National Institute on
Drug Abuse says that over 1 million people used meth in the past year. My meth use
cost me an education. Or so I thought.

Chapter 3: After School

After my mother found drug paraphernalia in my room, my parents begged me to get
help. I refused, so they kicked me out. I ended up moving to the West Coast. I
couldn't keep a job due to my growing drug habit, so I ended up sleeping in public
parks. That was where I met my friend "Ricky."

Ricky taught me the ropes of living alone in the park. He told me about the best
places to sleep, how to avoid the cops and great places to panhandle. He looked out
for me, and I appreciated that.

Ricky's drug of choice was heroin. One day, we were getting high in the park when
Ricky nodded off. When he wouldn't respond when I shook him, I started screaming
and asking the passerby for help. It seemed like years before someone finally
stopped and helped us. It pained me, but I had to leave before the ambulance came
or I would have gotten arrested. I still feel bad about that to this day.

I got to the hospital where they took Ricky. When I asked about his condition, they
asked me how I knew him. I told the doctor that I was his sister. I could tell he didn't
believe me, but he took pity on me and told me that Ricky died before he got to the
hospital.

Then the doctor asked me if I needed help. That's when I broke down and cried. To
this day, I don't know what took hold of the doctor, but he offered to buy me a plane
ticket back home. At first, I said no. But he insisted, saying that he didn't want to see
me in the same position as Ricky, sleeping in a park and wasting my life. Finally, I
accepted his offer and went home to my parents.

Chapter 4: My Second Time at School

When I got home, my parents drove me straight to drug rehab. There, I stayed for
the next few weeks dealing with my issues once and for all. After rehab, I reapplied
to school and went back the following semester. My new major is psychology. I want
to become a psychologist and help people with addiction issues. The therapists at
my rehab center were so helpful and inspired that I want to give back to the
community in my small way.

My journey from college student to drug user back to college student was a tough
one. But it is a journey that anyone can travel. If I can do it, certainly anyone else
can, too. You can also do whatever it is that you want. The first thing you have to
do is get help for your problem. Once you do that, the sky is the limit.