Vital Tips When Bringing a Dog Home
Bringing a dog home for the first time can be a really exciting and rewarding time for your household and your new furry friend. However, it can also be a big adjustment for both you and your new pet. Making sure you have everything in place to make the transition fun and safe for your new dog is crucial. Home Prep Tasks for a New DogPreparing your home is essential if you have not had a dog before. Pet-proofing your living space by removing hazards is key. Walk around your space and look for hazards like toxic plants, small objects that a dog may find appealing, and electrical cords. This is especially essential if you are adopting a puppy who lacks a lot of training. Keep in mind, however, that even an older dog can experience some anxiety in a new space, which may cause it to chew or explore items that it would not otherwise. For this reason, additional pet-proofing tasks are important: Secure your yard and make sure that all fencing is conducive to outdoor play and exercise for your new dog. Be sure to check for any gaps or potential escape areas. Evaluate your landscaping and the indoor plants. Some are toxic to animals, and new dogs, in particular, may get curious and decide to take a nibble. Keep them safe by preventing an issue before it occurs. Create a safe space that is designed exclusively for your new dog. A small and comfortable spot indoors where your dog can rest and feel secure is essential when it is being introduced to a new home. Establish a RoutineWhether your dog is already trained or is a puppy in need of some gentle guidance, dogs thrive on routine and consistency. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding walks, playtime, and bathroom breaks to help them feel secure, adapt to their new environment, and understand what behavior is expected of them. This is especially essential for new puppies who are learning important rituals like potty training or crate training. Establish Vet CareSchedule a visit to your local vet for a thorough Health checkup and ensure that your dog is on the proper schedule for important vaccinations and preventative healthcare. Even if your dog is already vaccinated and may not be due for a checkup soon, establishing care now is important so that you have a place to go in the event of an urgent issue. Find TrainingIf you train your pet early then it should make both of your lives easier. I have a St. Bernard Doodle named Harley (pictured) and we can take him everywhere. He went to puppy training early and then to Core training as a teenager. Best dog ever! He listens and doesn't pull or act up. We went to CleverCanines.ca and also took our last dog there. You might find equivalent training but understand that a good training program can be as good for you as for the dog.
When Planning for Retirement, Do Not Underestimate How Long You Will Live
Average life expectancies have been steadily increasing due to advances in healthcare. While that’s good news, it can make retirement planning tricky. To save enough, you need to know approximately how many years your money will have to last. Many people underestimate how long they’ll live and, as a result, they don’t adequately prepare for retirement. How Long Can You Expect to Live After You Retire?When people think about how long they’ll live, they often think about the ages that their parents or grandparents reached. Those aren’t reliable guidelines. Due to advances in medical care, people who are adults now can be expected to live longer than previous generations of their families. The Social Security Administration produces mortality tables with information on how long a 65-year-old person is likely to live. An average 65-year-old man can expect to reach the age of 85, while an average 65-year-old woman can expect to live to 88. Some individuals, particularly those who exercise, eat healthy food and don’t smoke, might live significantly longer. What Will You Have to Pay for in Retirement?When you’re retired, you’ll need enough money to cover housing, food, transportation, and other essentials. Even if your house is paid off, you’ll still have to cover maintenance, repairs and taxes. As you get older, you might need medication or other treatments to manage chronic health problems, and you might be hospitalized one or more times due to illness or injuries. You might eventually have to move into an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Those are realistic scenarios, yet many people don’t plan for them or erroneously assume that Medicare will cover all their bills for medical treatment and long-term care. When Should You Start Collecting Social Security?Claiming Social Security benefits too early can cause retirees to struggle financially. Waiting as long as possible to collect Social Security can pay off in the long run.People can choose to claim benefits at the age of 62 or wait until they reach 70. People who tap into Social Security at a younger age receive smaller monthly payments and might not have enough in savings to make ends meet. Those who wait to begin collecting Social Security receives more money each month. How Can You Prepare for a Secure Retirement?A financial advisor can help you create a retirement planning strategy that’s tailored to your circumstances and goals. You can discuss things like how long your money will have to last, which type of retirement account best fits your needs, how much you should contribute each month and when to claim Social Security benefits.
If You are Planning a Kitchen Remodel, Which Items Should You Splurge on?
Redoing a kitchen can be expensive. When you’ve got a limited budget, you have to allocate your money strategically. It can make sense to choose low- or mid-priced versions of some items and shell out more money for other things. Focus on Your Family’s Needs and ConcernsYour kitchen has to work for your family. Your needs and pain points might differ from those of other families. Be willing to spend more on upgrades that will make your kitchen more functional for you. For any product that will get frequent use, focus on durability. Investing in appliances, counters and cabinets that are made to last will pay off in the long run. Decide Which Features Are Most Important to YouIf you feel that you don’t have enough storage space, you might want to devote a significant chunk of your budget to new cabinets. If you need additional workspace, an island can be a wise investment. The amount you’re willing to pay for appliances will depend on how much you expect to use them. If you cook every day and like to host large gatherings, you might want to splurge on a high-end stove and oven. If you have young kids and lots of dirty dishes, you’ll want to invest in a quality dishwasher. Look for energy-efficient appliances. They might cost you more up front, but the money you’ll save every month will be worth it. Your kitchen counters should be durable enough to handle meal prep, your kids’ art projects and other daily activities. Granite countertops are popular, but their hefty prices can make them out of reach for homeowners on a budget. You might be able to find counters made with a lower grade of granite that’s in your price range or laminate counters that closely resemble granite. A functional kitchen needs good lighting. If your kitchen doesn’t currently have enough lighting above the counters and island, now is the time to install some new fixtures. It will be money well spent. Think About Resale ValueIf you think you might sell your house at some future date, think about what potential buyers will be looking for. You can’t go wrong with energy-efficient appliances, durable and attractive countertops, and plenty of storage space. Pay for Professional InstallationUnless you’re an experienced and skilled DIYer, you shouldn’t try to install your own cabinets and countertops. Those kinds of jobs aren’t as simple as online videos might make them seem, and a mistake can have serious consequences. For instance, if you hang a cabinet incorrectly and fill it with dishes, it might fall down and injure someone. Professional installation can be costly, but it’s worth it. Be Clear About Your PrioritiesWhen you look at the vast array of appliances, counters and cabinets that are available, you might be drawn to products that would stretch your budget. Some of them might be worth the money, and others might not. Setting clear priorities can help you make tough decisions.
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