Why Spending Top Money on Jewelry Isn’t a Waste

 Of all the things that we can treat ourselves to these days, jewelry is perhaps a lot more expensive than anything else that might cross our minds. People think that it’s expensive and doesn’t really have much function or value, but you’d be surprised at just how valuable a piece of jewelry can be if you know where to buy it from and have good reasons to do so.

So in this post, we’re going to explain a couple of reasons why spending lots of money on jewelry isn’t a waste and how it can actually come with some benefits as long as it’s within your budget.

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Top-quality jewelry doesn't just hold value–it can go up

When it comes to jewelry, a lot of people assume that it’s a waste of money because it can cost a lot but not really give you anything back. However, the reality is that much like many of the investments we make, jewelry can actually increase in value and can be considered an asset just like your savings. When you buy round cut diamonds at Whiteflash or any other reputable vendor, you’re going to get something that will most likely increase in value purely because it’s a genuine piece of jewelry or gemstone that will eventually go up in price. This is likely due to inflation, but the market for rare gemstones is always going through ups and downs much like any kind of stock or share.

In other words, buying a piece of jewelry can be considered an investment. You could end up selling it in the future if you ever need money, and it can be passed down several generations which means it’ll be worn for many years to come. In fact, many people buy expensive jewelry to mark special occasions, such as anniversaries, and then keep the piece for years. They’ll pass it down if needed, wear it on special occasions (such as future anniversaries, and then sell it if they’re in need of money.

Great jewelry is worth showing off

Jewelry is something that is utterly unique to everyone that wears it. Some people wear different kinds of gemstones because they carry different meanings. Some could represent one’s personality, while others could be used to represent certain emotions. This allows us to truly customize the way we look but also helps us present a message to people around us.

A lot of people find that there's sentimentality in jewelry. It’s usually associated with something or someone and can help add meaning to the money that we spend.

If you’re going to reward yourself, then do yourself a favor and get yourself a piece of jewelry that is really worth the money. Don’t go for cheap options and don’t even go for large retail stores. Instead, look at specialty stores and speak with staff to get a better idea of what you should be spending your money on. In addition, don’t be afraid to go to multiple stores to get different quotes to see if you can get it cheaper elsewhere.

The Cost Of Moving To Another Country

 

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Moving to another country isn’t easy. Not only are there legal requirements to meet and emotional challenges to face, but there’s also the huge cost of moving abroad to contend with.

Just how much does it cost to move abroad? In many cases, thousands of dollars. It all depends on where you move, how you move and how long you plan to stay. Moving to a neighboring country for a year may not cost too much at all, whereas a permanent relocation to an overseas country can be very expensive. This post delves more into the types of costs you’ll need to budget for when planning an international move.

Visa/citizenship application

Unless you’re moving from one EU country to another EU country, moving abroad typically requires you to obtain a legal permit.

The most basic form of permit is a visa, which allows you to live in another country for a temporary period. There are different types of visas available depending on what your purpose is (student visas are usually quite cheap and easy to obtain, while working visas are more expensive and can be a little more difficult to obtain). A working visa can cost less than $100 in some countries like Germany. In other countries like the UK, you can pay thousands for a working visa.

Applying for permanent residency is a longer process and can cost a lot more. You’ll have to pay an application fee, regardless of whether your application is accepted or not. To help ensure that your application is approved, it’s worth considering an immigration lawyer consultation. You’ll have to pay for this service, but it’s generally worth it, especially when moving to countries with tougher immigrations processes such as the US and China. In some cases, you may have to live in the country for a number of years on a temporary visa first. 

Shipping your possessions

It’s likely you’ll want to bring some personal possessions with you. It’s worth taking the time to find the cheapest transportation option for your belongings.

If you’re moving to a neighboring country with a few possessions and you have a car, you may be able to simply drive there with your possessions in the back of the car. In this case, you’ll only have to budget for the cost of fuel and tolls. 

If you’re moving further afield or want to bring more possessions that your car will permit, you’ll likely need to hire a moving company. Depending on where you’re moving to, you’ll have to weigh up your transport options. Lorries can be an option when moving across land. If you need to move across water, you’ll have to choose between a ship or air travel. Shipping possessions by sea is a lot cheaper than shipping possessions by air, but it’s also a lot slower. 

Some possessions will cost more to ship over. Vehicles can be some of the most expensive items to ship, often costing thousands of dollars. If you cannot drive your vehicle there and it’s not a high value vehicle, consider whether it’s worth selling your vehicle before you move and buying a new vehicle abroad.

It could be worth applying for moving insurance to cover your possessions against loss or damage. Insurance can vary in cost from $100 to thousands of dollars depending on the route and the value of your possessions. International moving companies may offer insurance as an add-on, but you could find it cheaper to take out insurance elsewhere.

When moving to some countries you may have to pay customs duty charges and taxes. Household goods are generally exempt, but items like cars will come with a fee. 

If you’re moving abroad for a short period, you may decide that it’s cheaper and easier to simply leave your possessions behind. If you haven't got a property back home to store them in, consider renting out storage for your items. Storage fees can vary depending on how much storage space you need. 

Personal travel

On top of the cost of transporting your possessions, you’ll need to consider the cost of transporting yourself. 

Driving yourself abroad in a car may be an option when moving to a neighboring country. If you don’t have a car or don’t drive, you could look into public transport such as international coaches or trains. When travelling over sea, travelling by ship may be an option. 

Flying is the most common option as it is the fastest. Long-distance flights can be expensive, but you may be able to reduce costs by timing your flight right (avoid peak flight months like June and December, and fly on a weekday). 

Accommodation upfront costs

When you move abroad, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Some people opt for temporary accommodation at first while they look for their new home. Other people plan their new home before relocating so that they can move straight in. 

If you’re buying a house you’ll need to consider the down payment and any other upfront fees like solicitor fees. If you’re renting, you’ll likely need to put down a rental deposit and possibly pay for agency fees. Consider whether it’s worth visiting your destination in person to carry out a viewing, or whether you’re willing to decide upon a property without a physical viewing. Travelling abroad to do an in-person viewing will help to ensure that the home is right for you, but will cost you more money. A virtual viewing may be cheaper, even if it does not provide the whole picture. 

Long-term costs

The cost of living abroad could be very different. Depending on where you are moving from, things like groceries, rent and transport could all be a lot more expensive. You may also find that you are taxed differently to how you are used to back home. 

Any job you get abroad will have to cover these costs. You may find that you earn less abroad for the job you are currently doing. That said, countries that pay less in wages typically come with a lower cost of living, so it may balance itself out. 

5 Tips For Raising A Happy, Healthy Child Inbox

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Whether you’re newly pregnant or you’re the mother of three, you’ll never stop wondering how to ensure your children grow up to be happy and healthy. It’s the plight of motherhood - the love you hold for your children means you’ll do all you can to ensure they’re well. 

So, if you’re looking for some tips and tricks for raising a happy, healthy kid, then you’ve come to the right place. It goes without saying that the main thing a child needs is love and care, and while toys and holidays are nice to have, as long as they’re secure and supported, you’re doing a great job. 

1. Lead by example 

One of the best ways to help your child is to ensure that you yourself are happy and healthy. Take a look at your life - not just what you think your child sees, because they are more perceptive than everyone believes - and think about how you look after yourself. Are you taking care of your body by exercising and eating well? Do you keep an eye on your mental health? Consider ways you can provide your kids the best example, whether that’s picking up daily meditation to help or switching up your diet. 

2. Encourage independence 

Allow your child the space to play and make their own mistakes, as this helps them build resilience. That doesn’t mean abandoning them or putting them in danger, it just means observing and allowing them to work out things on their own. This sense of independence can be built by allowing children to learn and play Montessori Preschool - schools such as these encourage independent learning and exploration. 

3. Limit screentime 

The iPad or TV may be a great babysitter, but it can have an impact on your child’s overall happiness. By placing clear limits on screen time, your child can learn when they can and can’t engage with screens, and then they will have more time for independent play. This can be a difficult balance to strike, but it can have a hugely positive impact on your child’s mental and physical health. 

4. Spend time outdoors 

There are numerous benefits for children who spend significant time outdoors. Running around, playing and exploring are all extremely important for children’s development - scientific studies have even stated that it increases children’s self-control, empathy and engagement. These are all brilliant for your child’s future. If you prioritize outdoor play - no matter the weather - you are giving your child a much greater chance of growing up happy and healthy. 

5. Eat together 

Family mealtimes are a brilliant social opportunity for you and your child to bond. It allows you all to talk about your days and share with each other, strengthening familial bonds. It also has a positive effect on the health of your children - scientific studies have shown that children who eat meals with their parents are less likely to be overweight. 

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas on how you can raise happy, healthy children. 

 

How To Save Money When Moving House

 There are various benefits associated with moving house. For example, it could help you take the next steps in your career by widening your employment prospects and options. Alternatively, it can give you the fresh start you were looking for. However, moving can home also be expensive, which can be tough for those working within a tight budget. 

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With that in mind, here are some top tips you can use to save money while moving. 

• Get your current property valued & set a moving budget. It goes without saying that understanding your finances will help you to manage them, especially when financing a residential move. As a result, your first port of call should be establishing exactly how much money you have to work with. In many cases, the money you can set aside to move and find the right home is based on how much you sell your current property for. As a result, you should bring an expert, such as a team member from https://www.callthewalls.com/ who can help you to ascertain the value of your home. You can then work on pulling together a budget. 

• Carry out some home renovations. It may seem a little counter-productive to spend money on the home you’re planning to leave, but a well-presented home is likely to sell quicker and for a higher value. As a result, you could actually be selling yourself short by failing to make necessary home renovations ahead of time. Thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to make an old home feel like new in order to impress a potential buyer, such as repainting your door or exterior accents. 

• Be prepared for the unexpected costs of moving home.  One of the biggest reasons why people lose money when moving is due to the simple fact that they are not prepared for the unexpected moving costs you may face during the process. For example, hiring removal vans can be expensive if you do so last-minute, but are often much more budget-friendly if you book them far in advance. 

• Declutter your home. Decluttering before selling your home comes with many benefits. Firstly, it means the home looks more attractive whenever you are hosting a viewing. However, it could also save you money as it reduces the amount of space you’ll need in a removal van. You could also earn some extra cash by reselling any items that are in a good condition as opposed to simply throwing them away or letting them gather dust in your closet. If you’ve never sold second-hand items before, your best bet is likely online groups such as Facebook Marketplace. Where possible, try to advertise the products on local groups, as you then won’t have to pay any delivery fees. During this time, you should also keep an eye out for items for sale in these groups, as you may find new furniture for your home at a fraction of its original price. In some cases, people give away items completely free of charge!   

Taking Care of Your Body After Giving Birth

 

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Birth is an arduous process. Anyone who’s been through it will be able to agree. While pregnancy comes with its challenges - from morning sickness to back ache, swollen feet and more - birth itself puts even more strain on your body and you will really need some recovery time after the event. The issue? Once you’ve given birth you’ve got a newborn to look after who will be entirely dependent on you. Though this is perfect, you will often find yourself fully focusing on your little one and neglecting yourself, your body and your own wellbeing in the process. What’s important to remember is that you need to be in good shape in order to provide your little one with the best care. There’s no point ignoring your own needs to the point that you’re unwell, uncomfortable or hurting, as then you’ll be out of the game and your little one can begin to struggle too. But what can you do to take good care of your body following birth? Here are some postnatal tips to help!

Listen to the Doctor

Your doctor will likely give you some tailored care tips for when you get home. If you had a caesarean section, you may need to change dressings and avoid lifting heavy weights for a while. If you gave birth vaginally, you may have stitches that need to be cared for and remove at some point. Whatever the doctor recommends, it’s important that you stick to it. If you find that you experiencing issues during your birth unnecessarily, you may also be able to look into a birth injury malpractice lawyer who can recoup costs that provide you with enough to get childcare until you’re better yourself.

Rest

Rest is the most important element of recuperation. Of course, this is easier said than done with a newborn around. You’re going to find yourself doing a whole lot of feeding, changing, comforting and more. But don’t overload yourself beyond this. Some new parents try to take the time that their baby sleeps and naps to get on with other chores around the house or to do things like food shopping, cleaning and more. Instead, use this time to rest yourself. Call in help from others in your life for assistance with the routine tasks that otherwise eat up your time to yourself.

Gentle Exercise

Few people really want to hit the gym shortly after giving birth. Your body has been through a lot. But it is recommended that you get some gentle exercise to help your body stay as fit and strong as it needs to be. This could include a stroll round the park or a gentle walk. Plenty of new parents like to take their little one with them in their pram to do this.

As you can see, these are just the basics. But it really is important to focus on them and implement them into your routine as a new parent. Keep them in mind and put them to use as required.

Potential Extra Income Ideas for the Stay-at-Home Mom

 For the stay-at-home mom, finding ways to make extra money can be a challenge. However, it is not impossible! This blog post will discuss several potential extra income ideas that are perfect for busy moms and cover a variety of options, including online opportunities, side hustles, and more! So whether you are looking for a way to make some extra cash or just want to find a new hobby, there's a perfect solution for you down below.

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1) Start a blog

If you have a knack for writing and love sharing your experiences, then starting a blog could be a great way to make some extra money! You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Starting a blog is easy, and there are plenty of free resources available online to help you get started. Once you've established yourself as a blogger, you can start earning an income by doing things like sponsored posts, product reviews, or banner ads.

2) Explore the world of cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are all the rage right now, and there's a lot of money to be made in this new and exciting world. If you're interested in learning more about cryptocurrencies, then you can start by buying a small amount of Bitcoin or Ethereum. Once you've bought some coins, you can start trading them on an exchange or holding onto them in your crypto banking account in the hopes that their value will increase over time. 

If you want to get really involved in the world of cryptocurrencies, then you can even start mining your own coins! Mining is the process of verifying transactions and adding new blocks to the blockchain. It's an essential part of how cryptocurrencies work, and it can be a very lucrative activity if done correctly.

3) Sell your handmade goods

If you're a creative person, then selling your handmade goods is a great way to make some extra money. You can sell your creations online through sites like Etsy or at local craft fairs and markets.

There are all sorts of things you can sell, from jewelry and clothes to paintings and sculptures. So if you've got a talent for making things, then why not put it to good use and start earning some extra cash?

4) Do some freelance work

If you've got a skill that others need, then you can start doing some freelance work and earn money for every project you complete. There are all sorts of freelancing opportunities available, from writing and editing to web development and graphic design.

You can find freelancing work on a variety of different websites or by contacting businesses directly. Once you've built up a portfolio of work, you'll be able to charge more for your services and start earning a decent income from home.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the many potential extra income ideas for the stay-at-home mom. So if you're looking for a way to make some extra money, be sure to explore all of your options and find the perfect solution for you!

What You Can Do To Help Your Children Through The Divorce Process

 

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If your marriage is over and you're getting divorced, it can be a really scary time for you and your children. When you tell them about the divorce, they might react differently; some will be upset and cry, while others might shrug their shoulders and say, "OK, let's get on with it then." However, however they react—and whatever their age—it can leave them feeling scared about their future, confused about why this has happened and worried about how this will affect them all. 

Around one in two children will see their parents get a divorce at any age during their childhood. Children will likely display more behavioral concerns associated with the divorce between 7 and 14. That's; not to say older or younger children won't be affected as much, but studies have pinpointed this age as a time when children are most at risk of experiencing emotional and behavioral issues resulting from a parent's divorce, regardless of how amicable it is. After all, this isn't just about two adults splitting up; it's about two people who are also significant figures in their children's lives moving out of the house.

Whether you have younger kids or teenagers doesn't matter either; they'll still need reassurance that everything will be OK. Here are some things you can do to make it easier for both yourself and your children during this challenging time:

Get specific family divorce representation.

If you've chosen to go down the divorce route, you should definitely seek family law representation, especially if you need to legalize custody. Getting the right custody lawyers can help you make the proper arrangements for your children.

It's always best to have a qualified lawyer look over any legal documents to ensure that nothing goes wrong and that the family's best interests are taken into consideration. The divorce process is long, complicated, and emotional, so you'll want to make sure that you're prepared for any challenges or issues that may come up in the future. Your lawyer can help with this and ensure that everyone involved is treated fairly. Having a lawyer to help guide you through the process can make it smoother. You'll be able to focus on other aspects of your life while your lawyer takes care of the legalities.

Allow access to both parents when possible.

You'll need to work out the specifics of custody and visitation with your ex, but if you can, try and put a plan for your children to see both of you. Even if it's just every other weekend, it will help them retain some sense of normality during this significant change in their lives. However, don't be afraid to ask for the same in return if you think it's appropriate. If you're worried that your ex may not be able to provide the support that your children need, you can always ask for supervised visitation.

Avoid restricting access when you feel hurt by your soon-to-be ex-spouse. This only directs the children and will leave them feeling hurt and confused, especially if they have a good relationship and are excited to see them as much as possible. Maintain a good connection to help with child custody arrangements and communication within the family.

Talk to your children about divorce before you tell them.

Before you talk to your children about the divorce, it's best to have a clear idea of how you want to speak to them about it. This will make it easier when it comes to the actual moment. Sit down with them and try to find a way to talk to them that they'll understand and feel comfortable with. If they're very young, you might want to use pictures or toys to explain the situation to them, while older children might want you to talk things through with them.

Let them know they are still loved, no matter what happens.

It is essential to let your children know that you still love them, despite what's happening between you and their other parents. Yes, it's a sad situation, but if you tell your kids that you love them and are still there for them, they will feel less confused and more reassured. It's also vital that you show them that you still love them. When your kids see you love them, it will help make the situation a lot easier for them to cope with. It's also important to remember that you don't have to stop loving your ex-partner just because your marriage has ended. It can be a good idea to keep communication channels open between you and your ex-partner when it comes to your children. This way, they can still see how much you love them and how much you still care about their other parents.

Help them understand why you're getting divorced.

Even though you might not want to go into the details of why your marriage has broken down, your children will probably want more information than just the fact that you two are getting divorced. Try and find a way to explain this to them. Use your situation and experiences to help them understand that not all marriages work out and that sometimes, divorce is the best option.

Don't try and hide the fact that you're getting a divorce from your children.

You might be tempted to keep the fact that you're getting a divorce from your children, but don't do it. Keep things as low-key as possible, but don't ever try to hide it from your kids. Let them know that this is a family matter and that you want to keep them in the loop as much as possible. You may not want to go into too much detail about it, but there's no point in keeping your kids in the dark. Keep communication between your children, their other parent, and yourself open as much as possible. Let your children know that you're doing everything you can to keep things running smoothly and working hard to keep them as happy as they can be. If you keep your children in the loop, they will feel more included in what's happening and feel less stressed by it.

Make sure your children have a safe place to talk about their feelings.

Asking your children what they are feeling, and offering them a safe place to talk about their emotions, can help things run a lot more smoothly. Let your kids know they can talk to you anytime they need to talk about their feelings and that you are always there to listen to them. If you have younger children, consider setting up a child-friendly room where they can talk and play with their toys. If you have teenagers, try finding a space where they can speak in private. Keep communication open between you and your children, and make sure they know you want to hear from them whenever they have anything on their minds. 

Let them know that you want to know when they feel upset or when something is bothering them. If you can, try and answer their questions for them, but if you don't know the answer, let your children know that it's OK not to know the answer. Let them know that it's essential to ask questions because the only way to learn is to ask questions.

In some cases, it can be beneficial to allow your children to speak to a therapist if you are struggling to help them adjust to the divorce and get the support they need.

Help your children make decisions during the divorce process.

Your children will probably want to feel like they have some control over the divorce process. It can help them feel more in control if they can make some of their own decisions during the divorce process. This can involve hard questions such as where they want to live, how much time they want to spend with each parent, and what they expect to happen concerning their lifestyle in the new family dynamics.

While it might not be possible to have them make more significant decisions, allowing them to have some direct input and control can help them adjust easier and feel more heard and supported during the divorce.

Summing up

Getting a divorce can be a challenging and emotional process for everyone involved, but it becomes even more complicated when you add children to the mix. Unfortunately, a divorce is not something that your children will ever forget. You must do everything you can to help them through it. This means making sure that they have a safe space to talk about their feelings and a person they can trust to talk through their emotions with. It's also helpful to make sure they have someone they can rely on to help them make decisions during the divorce process.

The best tools you have as a parent are your love for your children and your desire to want to do what is best for them. These will help you make the best of a bad situation to support both yourself and your family at this time.

7 Tips For Changing Careers

 If you are at a point in your life that you are ready to choose a new career, you are going to be stunned to learn that you have far more options than you could ever imagine. These days, very few people stay in the same job throughout their entire career. A lot of the older generations think that the younger generations are flighty, that they have no stamina to stick with something. The truth is that millennials and the generations beyond us realize that there’s nothing okay with staying in an industry or a job that makes you feel less than you should. The problem is that you might not always know what you want for your career. This means that you have some decisions to make and some thinking to do. What if you wanted to be a pilot but didn't have the stomach for flying? Well, they need aviation human factors for safety monitoring. What if you wanted to be a beach patrol person but you couldn't swim? Well, they have jobs that involve cleaning up the beaches. There is a lot you can do related to your chosen field you just have to see what’s out there!

The good news is that you don’t have to make this decision by yourself. Employers will put you through the mill to be able to give you a job, which can be frustrating. The processes for hiring are so convoluted these days, and employers will have you doing several interviews and tests before making an offer. It can be confusing. Why do you need three interviews packed with the same questions? What does the Strong Interest Inventory® measure? Why does a barista need a drug test? There are a lot of considerations to make when you are getting a new job, and to help  you along the way, we’ve got some tips to help you out.

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1. What are your interests? If you want to change careers, you have to explore what your interests are. For example, if you’re currently working in IT but you’re getting bored with programming, you could maybe transfer your skills and segue into design instead. Think about your interests and how they can be monetized and you might be able to turn that into a career.

2. Does your new career idea have good prospects? One of the best tips that you could ever have about changing your career, is to visualize the end goal. If you know where you’d like to be in 5 or 10 years, you need to have a career that will line up with those goals. There is no use in coming out of a secure and stable job only to find the new career path you take to be as unstable as it could be. Consider your prospects first and then make the decision.

3. Consider your actual skills. There are so many skills that you can transfer from one career to the other, but you have to consider your current aptitude for various careers. You might love the idea of going to nursing but know that night shifts are going to kill you. You might love the idea of working from home, but be a very sociable person. These are things that matter when you choose a career.

4. Do you need a better job or a change of industry? This is an important question to ask yourself before you start hunting for a new career. If you’re bored with your current job but you love your industry, you should have a look for jobs that work with your current industry and skill set and go for those. If you need a drastic change, you might shock yourself and find that there are some other things out there that really interest you.

5. Research the required training. The chances are you can’t just stop what you’re doing and pick up a whole new career and get it right the first time. Other industries require different skill sets and training and qualifications. Going for a different career may mean that you have to go to school first. Do the research and figure out if that’s going to need to be done.

6. Where is the demand? There is no use going back to uni and starting again to become an art historian if there is no demand for it. Look at the sectors with the highest amount and the greatest jobs ability and see whether you’re interested in any of those.

7. Will you be fulfilled? The very last consideration is whether or not the career change that you’re looking for is really going to be a good thing. Changing careers may sound great on paper, but there’s every chance that you might not find a new job as fulfilling as you do right now. Choosing a new career can be daunting, but there’s nothing wrong with a major change.