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8 Factors That Play a Role in How Long-Term Disability Premium Is Calculated
Even if you know how beneficial long-term disability insurance can be, you may not know what to expect as far as rates are concerned. It’s not easy to just throw out a few figures; rates vary from one person to another, and they depend on various factors. Below, we’ll explain some of these factors in greater detail. 1. Your Age As we age, we’re more likely to suffer a long-term disability. Because of that unfortunate fact, insurance rates increase with age. Keep in mind that your cost for long-term disability insurance will never be as low as it is today, and consider purchasing a policy as soon as possible. 2. Your Income In the long-term disability insurance niche, the terminology is a bit misleading; it should really be known as ‘income insurance’. Because it is designed to protect or replace your income, it pays more if you make more. Therefore, rates are higher for those with elevated incomes. In most cases, long-term coverage costs from one to three per cent of your gross yearly income. 3. Whether You Smoke Those who smoke are more likely to become disabled in the future. Not only do they pay more for health and life insurance, but they also pay more for disability coverage as well. If you smoke, consider quitting; if you don’t smoke, don’t start. 4. Your Job As a worker, your long-term disability insurance rate is determined based on your job’s risks or physical demands. For instance, if you’re an office worker, you may pay less than a manual labourer would pay. 5. The Definition of a ‘Disability’ Every policy has a unique definition of the term ‘disability’. Most question whether you can do your previous job, or whether you’re unable to do any work at all. The looser the definition, the more you’ll pay for coverage. A policy covering ‘own occupation’ disabilities will pay out if you can’t do the same work, even if you could hold a different type of job. However, a policy covering the ‘loss of earnings’ will bridge the gap between your pre- and post-disability income. Finally, an ‘any occupation’ policy will only pay out if you cannot perform any type of work. By considering this from Darras Law, you will get the help needed to encourage your insurer to fulfil its obligations. 6. The Potential Payout While your policy’s cost will, of course, depend on your income, not all long-term disability policies pay 100% of what you make. Some pay just a fraction of that amount; the closer the policy comes to a 100% payout, the higher the rate you’ll pay. 7. Elimination Period Length A policy’s elimination period is sometimes referred to as a waiting period. It’s the time that has to pass between the onset of your disability and when the policy starts paying out. A policy may come with a 30-, 60-, or 90-day elimination period, and those with shorter periods will cost more. 8. The Benefit Period A disability insurance policy’s benefit period is the length of time it will pay out following the waiting period. Two- and five-year policies are common, as are lifetime policies and those that pay out until retirement age. The longer the benefit period, the more the policy will cost. In Conclusion Now that you’ve gained an understanding of the factors affecting your long-term disability insurance rates, your next step should be to determine how much coverage you need. While an insurance agent can help you find a new policy, a local disability attorney will help you get the benefits to which you’re already entitled. Read Also: 4 Expert Tips For Finding The Cheapest Insurance For You Your Simple Guide To GAP Insurance Tips For Breaking Into Finance And Banking
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Most Dangerous Intersections in Fort Lauderdale
Driving in Fort Lauderdale can be pretty intimidating and for good reason. Broward County is repeatedly found to be one of the most dangerous places to drive in the country, with a total of 41,755 accidents reported in 2016, which resulted in 245 deaths and 25,361 injuries. There are a lot of reasons that this could be the case, but the intersections of Fort Lauderdale might play at least some role in these numbers. Who hasn’t been uncomfortable sitting at a massive intersection, paying attention to the left turn, right turn, and straight green or red lights trying to figure out when it’s safe to go? Fort Lauderdale’s Zero Vision movement is an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities across the city for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone else who shares these roads. Take a look at some of the most dangerous intersections, and tell us what intersections you think are worth mentioning in the comments below. A1A and Las Olas Blvd In 2015, this intersection had more than 1,000 accidents that caused injuries. That means that this doesn’t even include fender-benders where nobody was injured. Many accidents at this intersection are from one car rear-ending another, which can cause serious problems like whiplash. For personal injury firms like Friedland & Associates, this intersection is well-known due to the high number of injury cases that begin there. Sunrise Blvd and Andrew Avenue A lot of the accidents at this intersection comes from people either trying to race through yellow lights. When a driver decides to try to beat the light, they quickly realize how wide the intersection is, and may not be across completely before the other drivers begin to move through their now-green lights. For those who think that yellow means “speed up,” Florida’s intersections are a simple proof of why this is a bad idea. NE 26th Street and Federal Highway Depending on the side and direction of the street you are traveling on, this intersection has both 3- and 4-lane roads that either direct drivers to go straight, left, or right. This can often lead to confusion, especially for tourists who are unfamiliar with such large intersections or are just getting familiar with their rental vehicles as they cause an accident in one of the many lanes. Of course, we can’t pin all of the blame on tourists, so make sure you keep an eye out when you are coming through this intersection as well Not Just Concerning for Drivers Intersections can cause serious problems for drivers, but they can cause serious problems for pedestrians and cyclists as well. When traveling on foot, some intersections require pedestrians to cross eight full lanes of traffic before they are safe to the other side, which is just one reason that Broward County is so dangerous for pedestrians. Florida has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the country. In addition to foot traffic, cyclists must navigate these roads while sharing lanes with drivers who are either inexperienced with interacting with cyclists, or simply not expecting them on such busy streets. Read Also: Windscreen Replacements Are You Thinking About Buying Quad Bike For Your Kid? Honda Cars In Watertown NY: 8 Things To Check Before Buying A Second Hand Car
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What is a Simple Assault in Texas?
In Texas, there are several types of assault. According to state laws, a simple assault involves an intentional act that causes bodily injury against someone. But the law isn’t limited to bodily injury. Simple assault can also involve a threat of bodily injury or offensive physical contact. Learn more about the laws regarding a simple assault in Texas. Examples of Simple Assault: To better understand simple assault, you should consider some examples. When most people think of assault, they think of hitting or kicking an individual. But assault can include other violent acts. For example, it can include pinching, poking, or grabbing another individual. Assault can also include threatening to hurt someone. If someone uses words that make another individual fear their safety, they are guilty of assault. For instance, telling someone you are going to punch them is a form of assault. You make the other person fear that they will be harmed. If an assault involves some minor injuries, you could face charges of simple assault. However, actions that result in more serious injuries are often aggravated assault. You could face more severe penalties for such a charge. In fact, the severity of the injuries could be the difference between a misdemeanor crime and a felony. Simple Assault or a Felony? If your assault involves certain circumstances, you could be guilty of a felony assault. Felony assault comes in three degrees. A simple assault could be a third-degree felony if it involves one of the following situations: The assault is against a government official or public servant The incident is against an emergency worker or a security guard The assault is against someone in your house or a family member If your simple assault is a third-degree felony, you could so as many as ten years in state prison. You could also be responsible for paying a fine as high as $10,000. Penalties for Simple Assault: The term simple assault refers to misdemeanor assault. If you are guilty of a misdemeanor assault, you face one of three charges. The charge that you face depends on the circumstances of the assault. For example, a Class A misdemeanor is an assault that results in minor injuries only. However, a Class C offense only involves threatening or touching an individual. Class B offenses are more specific in that it involves a threat against someone participating in a sporting event. If you are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, you could spend as much as one year in jail and be required to pay up to $4,000 in fines. Meanwhile, a Class B misdemeanor is less serious. The maximum jail time is 180 days and the maximum fine is $2,000. Finally, a Class C misdemeanor comes with the least consequences. There is no potential for jail time and the fine is as much as $500. In certain situations, the court could make you pay the victim for their damages. For instance, you might need to pay for their medical care, counseling, or property damage. Charges of simple assault don’t need to ruin your life. If you work with a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney, you improve your chances at a positive outcome. By working with a lawyer, you can fight the charges. Your lawyer can craft a legal strategy that minimizes the consequences or results in a dismissal of charges. Read Also: Keep In Shape More Easily During 2019 Using Glo! What Are Popular Mind And Body Exercises Available At A Gym?
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6 Signs Of A Reputable Eye Doctor In Fort Myers
If you’re experiencing blurry vision, discomfort or pain in your eyes, then it’s best to seek medical advice from an eye doctor. People tend to neglect these symptoms thinking that they will eventually go away. But more often than not those symptoms associated with a more serious eye problem. Having your eyes checked should be a part of your annual health exam, and it’s important to consult a reputable eye doctor. 6 Signs Of A Reputable Eye Doctor In Fort Myers: If you’re not sure how to choose your eye doctor, here are some things to look for: 1. Positive reviews from his patients: Ask your family or friends if they know a good eye doctor, so you will already have their experiences as a gauge of his or her services. A good sign of an eye doctor in Fort Myers with an excellent reputation is based on the number of referrals he’s getting. After all, other people won’t recommend doctors if they are not satisfied with the service. Another sign to look for when choosing an eye doctor is the number of positive reviews and feedbacks from his current and previous patients. Check his clinic site or hospital feedback page on what other patients have to say about their experience with your prospective eye doctor. 2. Excellent credentials: Choosing a great eye doctor will benefit you in the long run so it’s important to take the time to review credentials. Not all doctors in Fort Myers are created equal, and some of them acquired extensive knowledge to make them more competitive in the medical industry. Look for doctors with recognition, distinctive awards and even affiliations related to their specialization. Aside from the completion of their doctorate, they should have a proper training and certifications. In this case, it will enhance their expertise. This means that they have the dedications and motivatations to learn more and to be able to serve their patients in the best way possible. The credentials don't have the limitations to the knowledge obtained but also experience in the field. 3. His specialization: There’s a specific kind of eye doctor with knowledge about specific ailments. Some doctors specialize in glaucoma, cataract, eye surgery, and others. Seeking advice from a medical specialist will give the patient the best care and treatment possible, with less or no complications since it’s been appropriately diagnosed and checked by the most appropriate doctor. 4. Excellent communication skills and professionalism: A reputable eye doctor in Fort Myers should adequately explain the current condition of his patient. His responsibility is not that limitations to treating his patient. But this is also about to inform them in the best way about the possible treatments and repercussions concerning the disease. A good one should also properly advise on how to take good care of the eyes depending on the patient’s condition. A good doctor also values the sense of time. A reputable one knows that time is essential for both doctors and patients. Look for attitudes of professionalism, and you’ll be confident that you’re in the hands of a good eye doctor. 5. Updated in technology and medical innovation: You can see a good sign of a reputable eye doctor in Fort Myers if you visit his clinic and he has the well equip-ment with up-to-date technology and equipment he’s using to check his patients. A good eye doctor should keep up with the changing technology and advancements in the field of medicine. He knows that innovations are necessary to provide excellent quality service for the patients. He should also be competent in how he can apply these technologies during his practice. A good doctor knows what to do with the patient and what diagnostic tests should be performed for proper examination. 6. Knows how to reach out to his patients: One of the complaints patients usually have is that they don’t feel comfortable raising their concern with their doctors. Sometimes, it becomes the reason for inaccurate diagnosis rendering the treatment ineffective. A good doctor should be effective in building trust and confidence in his patients. Creating a friendly and reassuring environment is necessary. He should show commitment, dedication and quality time doing consultations and procedures to his patients. Devoting time and sincerest concern to a patient is a quality of a good doctor. Final thoughts: You want to receive the best consultation and treatment as possible, and choosing a good eye doctor in Fort Myers will help you get that. You need to consider not just referrals but other things as well such as his credentials, professionalism, patient interactions and even his adaptation to the advances in technology in his field. Read Also: What Doctor Says About Snoring Have You Heard Of Upcoding? It’s A Big Part Of Medical Fraud
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6 Benefits Of Buying Clothes Online – Why People trust online shopping
What would you do without the internet today? Everything that you can think of is via the internet, from socializing, to playing games, to ordering pizza, to selling and most especially to buying. Kids nowadays are clueless about how life was before the internet took over. People back in the days had to walk to a newsstand to be able to read what happened the previous day. But now, the news is only a click away. Even starting a business can also be done online. That’s how powerful and essential the internet is. The internet has clearly turned the world upside down. But we have to admit, gettings things done online is extremely convenient. It’s an answered prayer to anyone too busy to drop by the shopping mall to buy a great outfit or someone who doesn’t know what to cook for dinner. Many women and men find shopping online inherently convenient. Here are some of the reasons why people like to buy their wardrobe online. Less Crowded: Who likes to be in crowded places, especially when shopping? Certainly not women! Women love to take their time when it comes to buying clothes. And the best place to do that is right at your home. All you need is a computer/mobile phone/laptop and the internet! By shopping online you can avoid the chaotic crowd. Price Comparison: Checking the price tag of each clothing that you want can be a challenge, but it’s more convenient when done online. Multiple tabs can be accessed on safari or chrome that will make life easier for you when it comes to comparing prices. In addition to this, you don’t have to walk anywhere to see the prices of other items. Everything you need is right in front of you. Different Choices: When shopping for clothes at a mall, you have limited choices. You can only choose from what the mall has to offer. But when shopping for clothes through an online store, you have numerous options. These options also could include clothes from other countries. For example, Boxhill has a variety of dresses to choose from, while in shopping malls you have limited designs and style of dresses. People like a variety of choices to make sure they’ll get what they need. The delivery may take some time, but the wait will be worth it! Always Looks For Reviews: One of the good things about shopping online is being able to see what other people’s reviews are about clothing. Of course, you will always want to go for dresses and pants that have awesome reviews. In addition to the reviews, some people also leave pictures of the actual clothing for other people to see which can help you imagine how the outfit would look on you. Open 24/7 Shopping online means there is no time limit, which makes it an advantage to shopaholics. This gives you more time to look at clothes with no rush. As mentioned above, women like to take their time when it comes to choosing the right outfit. No More Waiting In Line: Everybody loves to shop, but nobody likes to fall in line. This can be very frustrating especially when it’s the mid-year sale. During this special occasion, malls would be crowded and check-outs would have long queues. The great thing about online shopping is precisely this - no more waiting in line. You can check out right at your home, on the couch, on the bed, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, the list goes on. Final Thoughts: These, among many other advantages, is what makes shopping online genuinely essential. The internet has clearly taken a big part of our lives. Read Also: How To Save Money When Shopping Online Ways To Spice Up Your Online Shopping Of Apparels Dress For Success: 4 Tips To Look (And Feel) Like A Confident Man
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Breast Augmentation: Does It Cause Cancer In Patients?
Many women worry about developing breast cancer, especially when it comes to invasive procedures. In fact, according to breastcancer.org, one out of every eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Here, you will learn whether breast augmentation leads to cancer or not. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. More than 300,000 surgeries happen in the United States every year. Their number is growing. Basically, breast augmentation is a full-scale surgery that tampers with the tissues. Hence, many patients fear the possibility of developing such dangerous conditions as cancer. Can breast augmentation cause cancer? Let’s find out. Understanding Breast Augmentation Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure with the help of which cosmetologists and doctors change the shape and size of a woman’s breasts. It is also called augmentation mammoplasty. Generally, there are two reasons why you need to perform breast augmentation: Cosmetic Reasons:This helps in making breasts larger, correcting asymmetrical breasts, or changing their shape. Reconstructive Reasons: Some women want to restore the volume of their breasts after pregnancy, weight loss, or even breast removal. Moreover, reconstruction also works when you want to increase the size of your breasts that are of different sizes. Basically, during the breast augmentation procedure, the surgeon inserts breast implants under the chest muscle or breast tissue. Generally, these implants consist of sacs that are full of silicone or saline water. Moreover, the surgery mostly happens at an outpatient clinic or a hospital. On the other hand, there is also a natural alternative to breast augmentation. This happens through fat transfer. Here, the surgeon brings out fat from the woman’s body through liposuction. Then, they inject the fat into the breasts of the woman. In some cases, this procedure surgeons call this process fat grafting. Risk Factors To Breast Augmentation The following are some of the major risk factors for breast augmentation: Improper incision placement Excessive tissue manipulation Incorrect implant placement Poor surgical technique Inadequate hemostasis (control of bleeding) Does Breast Augmentation Cause Cancer? Different research came up to show whether implants can lead to cancer. According to Seattle breast augmentation surgeons at LaBelleVie and other board-certified doctors and qualified medical professionals, there is currently no evidence linking breast implants to breast cancer. There are reasons why some women may find out about cancer after or even before getting implants. This depends on the fact that there are many tests before the actual surgery happens. So, patients discover tumors during the preparation procedures rather than after the insertion of the implant. Generally, breast implants haven’t been linked to the appearance of breast cancer. However, they may increase the risk of developing a certain type of cancer. Actually, it is the Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or BI-AALCL. What Is BI-AALCL? BI-AALCL is an uncommon type of lymphoma that occurs around the implants after breast augmentation. It’s more common in women who opt for breast implants having surface textures. BI-AALCL is an immune system cancer, NOT breast cancer. The risk of developing such cancer is rather low. One in about 30,000 women develops BI-AALCL after opting for breast augmentation with textured implants. However, if doctors discover the problem early enough, it is easy to cure. The symptoms of this type of cancer include: Unexpected breast enlargement Breast asymmetry Lump in the breast or armpit Hardening of the breast Fluid collection If a patient experiences such symptoms, she must contact a doctor immediately in order to prevent cancer from spreading. BIA ALCL can occur in patients who have chosen silicone or saline implants. Also, one can find it regardless of the type of surgery, be it breast reconstruction or breast enlargement. As of today, no cases of women developing BI-AALCL after installing a smooth implant have been reported. If a patient opts for textured implants, the doctor must monitor her for several years after the surgery. Today, it’s not possible to run tests in order to understand which patients are prone to this disease. Should You Remove My Breast Augmentation And Implants? If you have textured implants, it doesn’t mean you will develop BI-AALCL. All the findings show that the risk of getting such cancer is quite low. Removing the implants is a drastic measure that should be discussed with the surgeon and the physician. In the majority of cases, women with textured implants should be monitoring the condition of their breasts carefully in order not to miss the first signs of the disease. For the majority of patients with stage 1 BI-AALCL, the cancer is confined in a capsule. Early treatment involves surgical removal. The survival rate of patients with such cancer is 89% over 5 years. The rate is much higher for women who are diagnosed early and who have the implant and the capsule removed timely. Breast Augmentation And Cancer: The Way Forward Does breast augmentation cause breast cancer? No. However, it can lead to an uncommon form of immune system cancer, which is well-treatable if caught early enough. Do you have more information to add about breast augmentation? Please share them in the comments section below. Read Also: 6 Proven Ways To Deal With Hair Loss For Women 7 Important Reasons For Breast Reduction Surgery
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Why You Should Choose To Have An Asset Protection For Your Business
Business owners focus so much on accumulating wealth but spend very little time protecting their assets. But the sad truth is that we live in a lawsuit-frenzy society and as a business owner you are ever vulnerable to many risks that can put your assets – home, savings, and business – at stake. Why asset protection is vital? Nowadays, having a solid asset protection plan is not an option but a necessity. And this is true not just for business owners but to anyone who may be perceived to own substantial assets. If you are a potential target of creditors, lawsuits, or any other legal threat, planning asset protection should be a priority. Basically, asset protection strategies help safeguard your assets and wealth from potential attacks in the future. Contrary to what many people think, it is not only your savings and properties that may be at risk in case of an unfair adjudication. Everything that is of value, including business interests, real estate, investment properties, commercial properties, intellectual property, and other properties such as cars, art, boats, art, and jewelry, can be targeted by creditors. The good news is that there are specific asset protection strategies that can help secure a different type of assets. When you implement the right measures, you can rest assured that your assets are safe even in the face of lawsuits and liabilities. Who needs asset protection? A common misconception people have regarding asset protection is that an individual first needs to have significant wealth to start devising a plan. But the reality is that lawsuits can be filed not just against businesspeople but to anyone, regardless of backgrounds and levels of affluence. As long as people think that you own substantial assets, you can be targeted with frivolous lawsuits. Some individuals who may need asset protection include: Young entrepreneurs who wish to secure their assets before entering into a risky venture; Retirees preserving their assets for their beneficiaries; Individuals protecting their properties from growing medical bills; Individuals engaged in a profession with a high degree of liability (medical professionals, real estate investors/developers, lawyers, financial advisors, accountants); Debtors and/or guarantors; Business owners running a business with the poor financial state; Individuals from the affluent class with assets from around the world; Married couples with a souring marriage that is heading to divorce; Individuals facing a possible tax or other government liability; Business owners whose business may be affected by new laws or create new liabilities not covered by any insurance; People about to receive or have gained a substantial amount of wealth through inheritance, vesting event, corporate success, business acquisition, etc.; and People expecting a lawsuit or at high risk of being sued. Basically, everyone who has accumulated any asset will eventually need asset protection. How to protect assets? As mentioned above, different strategies can be used to protect your assets. They can be classified either as domestic or offshore. Domestic asset protection strategies involve the use of domestic laws and business structure. The simplest is choosing the appropriate business entity, such as corporations, limited partnerships, and trusts. As stated by an asset protection consultant at CS&P, by registering a business entity, you can benefit from having a corporate veil that completely segregates business and personal assets. This protects your assets in case of lawsuits and other liabilities. Other asset protection measures that leverage domestic laws include the proper use of contracts and agreements, purchasing appropriate insurance policies as well as umbrella insurance, segregating assets and assigning them to a spouse, and using homestead exemption. A comprehensive estate and trust planning can also provide a solid form of asset protection. It is recommended to do trust planning before you establish a new company. Offshore or international asset protection strategies are among the most successful methods to preserve your wealth. These are very confidential and secure ways of shielding your assets. This involves the establishment and transfer of assets to a corporation or trust based in a foreign territory. However, the process can be quite daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with its intricacies. It requires the help of experienced asset protection specialist to ensure that the process complies with the laws of both the origin and destination territory. Read Also: Substantial Tips On How To Invest Your Money Responsibly Small Business Guide To Private Health Insurance Exchanges
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Timber! 8 Facts About Log Cabin Construction You Should Know
Thought log cabins were a thing of the past? Think again. Today, log cabin construction has become a chic, upscale way to build a modern home with a unique look. In fact, some people have even built high-rise buildings that pull design elements from cabin construction. Log cabins have a solid place in modern architecture. They meld old-fashioned traditions that endure for a reason with popular modern elements like environmentally-friendly designs. Wondering what else you don't know about log cabins? Keep reading to learn more fascinating cabin facts! 1. You Can Calculate Exactly How Many Logs You'll Need How many logs does it take to build a log cabin? Turns out it's all a matter of simple math. For example, by determining the height of each wall, then the height of each individual log, you can calculate how many logs you'll use per wall. From there, it's simple to add up the number of walls in a room to get the total. Of course, other design aspects like the addition of doors or window can make things more complicated. When there's an opening in the wall, it will get flanked by shorter logs, which can increase the total number of logs used. If the roof is built of logs, that will also change the numbers. While you'll want to leave it to the professionals when it comes to deciding how many logs to order, it can still be fun to try your hand at calculating the number of logs in a cabin. 2. You Can Build from a Kit: Did you know that you can order a log cabin kit for a major DIY moment? With a log cabin kit, you don't have to be a pro to have a rustic cabin of your own. Most companies also offer plenty of customer service support, so you'll know where to turn if you run into problems along the way. It also doesn't take a lot of extra tools to work from a kit. Most people can get the job done with just a few basics (think drills and hammers). Since this is a more rustic form of the building, it appeals to many environmentally-savvy consumers. You're not bringing in heavy machinery to pollute the area and disrupt local wildlife. 3. Log Homes Stay Warm: Having trouble keeping warm in the winter? A log cabin just might hold the answer. Wood naturally keeps heat in -- that's why wood furniture tends to feel relatively warm, even if the rest of the room is cold. Many modern building materials, from concrete to sheetrock, get cold fast. This lowers the overall temperature of your home fast. With walls made of solid wood, your home actually soaks up and stores heat, dispersing it into the home over time. This helps your home stay warmer, while you save on heating costs. 4. Moisture Matters: When you're building a log home, one of the keys to success is keeping your logs completely dry. You can actually choose to buy logs with different levels of moisture content. The lower the moisture, the better, because you won't have to worry about what happens when the logs shrink and settle over time. You'll also need to take care to keep your home as dry as possible after it's complete. This can mean installing different design elements (read more here) to keep water away from the walls. Sturdy log cabins often include an overhanging roof or protective landscaping elements. You'll also need to take care to keep other sources of water, like an automated sprinkler, away from the log walls. 5. Log Homes Last a Long Time: There's a reason many historic log cabins from 100 or more years ago remain to this day. This is one of the most durable ways to build a home that will remain sturdy for years to come. Although American architecture doesn't date back so far, you can find homes and churches made of logs in Europe that have stood strong for many hundreds of years. This natural building material offers the perfect balance of strength and flexibility to withstand all kinds of threats. 6. Log Cabins Work Best in Shade: In addition to keeping your cabin away from moisture, you'll want to build it so it's shaded from the sun as much as possible. Sun won't destroy a log home, but it will mean you'll need to re-finish the logs more often to make them last. If you can build in a shady area that's guarded against moisture, your log cabin will require virtually no maintenance at all. 7. Log Homes Save Energy: In log cabin construction, it's super-important that you seal up the spaces between the logs carefully. But as long as that's done properly, you'll have an incredibly energy-efficient home to enjoy. Spaces, where energy can escape, include the connection between individual logs, the space between the foundation and the lower logs, and space between the walls and roof. But when those spaces get sealed, your home will be significantly more energy-efficient than most. The solid wood walls offer great insulation, so keeping your home warm or cool becomes far easier than with other materials. 8. Air-Dried Logs Work Best: Drier is generally better no matter what, but if you have a choice between air-dried and kiln-dried, opt for the first choice. Logs that get air-dried for the proper amount of time have already adjusted to the outdoor environment where they'll be placed. This reduces settling even more because the moisture content of an air-dried log isn't likely to change much further. Kiln-dried logs tend to absorb more moisture when they first get placed outside. Then, as they lose that moisture over time, they'll settle, creating a need for more home maintenance. Will You Try Log Cabin Construction at Home? Whether you build it yourself or hire the professionals, log cabin construction can give you a durable, unique, cozy home that you'll love. These tips will help you plan ahead for the best possible cabin construction. Once you build a log cabin, it's time to decorate the inside! For a rustic look that matches perfectly, try these cork board ideas. Read Also: Best Ways To Maintain A Shower Cabin Why Kiln Dried Wood Is Better For Furniture
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All Ahoard! 5 Reasons to Consider Collecting Things as a Hobby
The average American home holds over 300,000 items. Thank goodness our home size tripled within the last 50 years. While we may have the space to keep everything, it doesn't mean most of it's worth keeping. However, some items are not only worth keeping, but they're also worth collecting. There's a huge difference between hoarding and collecting. Hoarding is a serious problem often associated with mental and physical health risks. Meanwhile, collecting things is considered a hobby with lots of positive side effects. 5 Reasons to Consider Collecting Things as a Hobby If you've ever considered starting your own cool collections, you're not alone. Keep reading to learn five reasons why getting involved with popular collections is the perfect hobby for you. 1. Collecting Things Improves Your Social Life: 3% of American adults suffer from a general anxiety disorder. That's 6.8 million of us who are stressed out. And that's not even including those with social anxiety. And the more we isolate ourselves, the worse the anxiety, especially social anxiety gets. That's why popular collectibles are such a great idea. You aren't the only person out there looking for fun things to collect. There are tons of others exactly like you who want to talk about their collections with others who share their passions. Since you already have something in common, it's easier to strike up conversations with others. You'll probably find you have a lot more in common with other collectors enabling you to make lifelong friendships. Works of Art Start Conversations: Also, collectibles are often considered works of art. They're not for storing away where no one can see them. Instead, collections are made to be displayed proudly so everyone can admire them. And it's a great way to start conversations with other people. Make sure you find the proper place and way to store your collectibles so they stay safe but can also easily be viewed. There's no point in collecting items that gather dust in your basement. 2. Collectible Items are Worth Money: While some popular collections such as Hummels lose their value over time, many of them increase in value. And some collectible items end up being worth some serious money such as Star Wars memorabilia. If you're looking to make an investment in something you can enjoy for a long time, collectibles are the way to go. Some of the more popular collectible items are things like stamps, games, and comic books. It's an exciting hobby to watch your collectibles increase in value year after year. Know the Value of Your Collection: Some people collect for the fun of collecting. Others do it as a way to make money such as collecting and selling scrap metals. Some collectibles fluctuate in price on an almost daily basis. Others grow in value over time. Look for collectibles that still have their original boxes. An easy way to keep track of the value of an item is to join a collecting club. But do additional online research before you decide to sell so you avoid being ripped off. For some ideas on best selling practices, click here to learn how to sell comics. 3. Enhances Your Historical Knowledge: If you are someone who loves history, then consider collecting items. Collectible items are a great and fun way to learn about history or even a specific period of time in history. Take coin collecting, for example. Coin collecting has been around as long as coins themselves. Each era of coins provides a wealth of information. Each coin tells you what language the country where it originated spoke when the coin was created. The coin also tells which metals the country of origin considered valuable, providing you with a lot of information about what people during that era held in high esteem. 4. Helps You Improve Your Organizational Skills: If you take your collection hobby seriously, you'll need to learn some organizational skills. Most hobby collections involve categorizing items. Categorizing items helps you and others recognize certain characteristics of your collectibles. Categorizing also helps identify breaks in patterns. This skill helps you recognize fakes when compared with real collectibles. And it can help you recognize when you've found something truly special. Transfer Organizing Skills to the Rest of Your Life: As you learn how to organize and categorize, you'll realize how beneficial these skills are to everything else in your life. And they're easily transferable skills. Organizational thinking is a necessary skill in today's world. Especially if you're in certain professions such as teachers, doctors or stockbrokers. You can use these skills to increase your productivity, reduce stress, and make smarter, healthier decisions in every area of your life. 5. Improves Your Health: Collecting is a hobby. Research shows that those who engage in hobbies are more averse to problems such as low blood pressure, depression, and even memory issues. Hobbies help people focus on something that brings them joy, which reduces their anxiety. And if you're scouring flea markets for the latest find, you'll get some exercise, too. Hobbies create joy in your life and give you a sense of purpose. How to Select Which Cool Collectibles to Focus on: There are tons of cool collectibles you can choose from. Start by taking a look around your home. You may have already started a collection without knowing it. If not, take a look at your friends and family's collections, see if you like what they're collecting. If so, ask them about it. Do Your Research Before You Purchase Anything: If not, take some time to do research on what's worth collecting. Then select something you're excited to learn more about. If you already know what you want to collect, start doing research. Learn the lingo used by those already collecting. Find out where the best spots are for finding new items to collect. Designate an Area to Keep Your Collectibles: Make sure you have a safe spot in your home or office to keep your collectibles. Make sure they're in a place where they're not exposed to elements, kids/pets or bugs/vermin. Don't Go Overboard: Collecting things is a great hobby, but don't go overboard. Create a budget to ensure you don't spend money you don't have on a collectible item. If you can't wait to get that latest cool collectible, we can help you avoid financial disaster. Click here to learn how to make money without getting a second job. Read Also: Six Tips For Crowdfunding Success
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How To SEO Optimize WordPress Category And Tag Pages
Have you ever thought of optimizing your tag and category pages? Well, not many people are aware of the role these pages play and how they can negatively impact your SEO. However, categories and tag pages are much more than just optimizing things for readers and search engines. Categories are essential for SEO; in fact, they are more important than the individual posts and pages. Let's say, you stumble upon a DIY makeup and hair blog and you suddenly find the post you just read quite fascinating and you are looking for more. Where would you go next? How will you read next? You see a big tag cloud at one side with ‘Hairstyles’. You are going to a party, so you click it. You see, many random posts on the same page, but since the posts are not sorted, you become confused and leave the page. That’s how WordPress behaves! And, sometimes this behavior only makes sense to the authors, not the readers. However, if the web page has the same and sorted content, maybe the best hairstyles on that page with the content explaining how you can try those styles, it would have been easier for the reader. What Is A Category Page? A category page lets you combine different posts altogether. It's more like your main page of the blog that displays posts from a particular category. Think of categories as a table of content of your site that will give readers an overview of what the comlplete guide to seo is all about. Further, the categories are hierarchical, which means you can create a subheading with ease. Category pages might have the same template as your post with the similar widgets and sidebar. Usually, category pages have the title, image, and the introduction of the post with paging at the bottom to help readers navigate through the archives. In terms of SEO, category pages have many issues with duplicate content being one of them. A category page with excerpts of different posts need not have to be unique, as everything is already available at various posts. Category Pages Are Also Difficult To Rank…. Because of the piracy and duplicate content, Google will rank a page or post from your website instead of the complete category page. Put any keyword on Google, and you will rarely find any category page in the SERPS. The only time when Google might show a category page is when a website has many related pages, and the SEO structure of a website will help Google choose category pages over a post page. Tags: Tags help in describing the details of your web post; you can think of them as your website’s index words. Besides, they can also be touted as the microdata that you can use to micro-categorize your content. Also, tags are not hierarchical, for instance, if you have a blog where you write about daily events; you can categorize it as Music, Food, Books and more. Now, if you write posts in these any of these categories lets say food, you can put tags like pasta, pork, pizza, etc. Further, when you add a tag in the tags section of the post, WordPress automatically creates a page for each tag. Further, a tag page is just like a category page that lets you group posts together. It shares the same template as archive pages and is also not shown in the menu unless you specifically add them in the post. How To Add Content In Both Category And Tag Pages? Spend time in organizing content and ensure they look relevant. It's very easy to randomly add tags and categories, but that creates confusion and looks messy. You can either add categories or tags, or both. Besides, you can also add individual categories, but don’t get overwhelmed thinking you will have to complete everything at once. Conclusion: Your website is for readers, not for the search engine bots. Just think of your webpage as an evolving book, so choose your table of content and increase readability! Read Also: Guide To Hiring A WordPress Developer 8 Reasons Your SEO Campaigns Aren’t Showing The Desired Results Source: SEO for dummies
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