5 Ways to Cut Costs When You Are Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is one of the biggest expenses you will make in your life, second only to buying a house. However, driving is essential for most people as they need to get to work, socialise, and run errands. If you want to buy a new car without spending a fortune, here are five ways to cut costs.

Make The Switch To Electric

electric car

Electric cars are the vehicle of the future. With the UK government pledging to ban sales of new fuel-driven cars by 2030 it makes sense to switch early and get used to driving an EV. They don’t produce emissions which is better for the environment and many people believe they are safer to drive too.

Currently, an EV holds its value better than a fuel-driven car so it can be more expensive to buy. However, once you own one you will not need to spend money on fuel which could save you a fortune. EVs don’t have a lot of moving parts which means that maintenance costs are lower too.

Shop Around

There are some great deals to be had on car prices if you know where to look. Don’t settle for the first dealership you come across when buying a new car; shop around and see where the best bargains are. This can save you a considerable amount on your purchase.

Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price you want to pay with the dealership. They are in the business of selling cars and if they want to do the deal, they can make it worth your while. Asking for a price reduction may sound scary but it could save you a few hundred pounds. Even if the dealer won’t give you money off the car, they will usually throw in some bonus features for free if you ask nicely.

Lease Rather Than Buy

car door and key

Electric car leasing can work out incredibly cost-effective. You have to have a down payment, but this is a great deal less than the purchase price of a car. If you are leasing an electric car, you make payments monthly and often things such as servicing and maintenance are included. Companies such as ElectriX can provide more information on leasing, as well as great deals on chargers and insurance.

Research Tax Breaks

If you are self-employed or you drive a company car you will know that company car tax can be expensive. However, if you get the right car this can dramatically reduce the cost. This is because the government has offered tax breaks for cars that have low CO2 emissions. Electric cars come out on top because they don’t produce much pollution and hybrids get tax breaks too. Do your research and you can save a lot of money here.

Getting a new car does not need to be as expensive as you think. Use these tips to get a great price on the car and reduce your costs whilst driving.
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5 Tips To Take Your Home Decor To Another Level

Knowing how to take your home decor to another level can be tricky. But with some time and patience, you can use these simple tricks to make your next project one you will love.

lounge


Pay Attention To The Smaller Details

From the finest print on a cushion to an overtly impressive pendant shade, when you look at a room, you take in everything all at once, even if you aren't aware. The entirety of the space impacts your mood and how you feel when you spend time in it. So you must pay attention to the smaller details that most people gloss over. A professional decorator can help you with the overall design. But you are the one who lives in the home. Because of this, you must choose patterns, ornaments and even materials that bring you maximum comfort and enjoyment.
 
Think Carefully About Your Lighting

One of the most overlooked aspects of decorating is lighting. This is a shame because there are many ways to light your home these days. One of the easiest is to maximize the amount of natural sunlight you can get into a room. You can do this with skylights, window replacement and opening up with glass doors. However, the sun doesn't last all day. And you can use layered lighting to boost the design aesthetic of your home. First, try choosing a main light, such as a pendant. Then use lamps and smart LEDs to complement it at various points in the room.

Use Art To Take Your Home Decor To Another Level

Artwork can elevate a room immensely. And although the art industry is worth $65 billion, you don't need to spend a fortune on a piece to add value to a room. You just need to find something that speaks to you personally and adds something to your overall design. Many people spend their lives curating a collection of art pieces that they can show off. But even as a modest collector, you can use artwork to greatly enhance the appeal of a room. Just remember to use complementing colours, and always hang your pieces at eye level for best results.

Don't Play By Design Rules

There are many rules when it comes to home decor. The law of three, hanging art at eye level, and symmetry. But rules, as they say, are made to be broken. So go ahead and live precariously. Because not all rules will apply to your project anyway. And bending them a little can be fun and visually appealing. For example, you can make better use of a small room's space by arranging furniture asymmetrically. And wall art doesn't always need to be positioned parallel when creating a display wall to show off your favourite pieces of various sizes.

Take Your Time And Try Different Things

Some people can take decorating far too seriously. While you should definitely pay attention to detail and think about what you are doing, you should also take your time. Unless you are under a strict deadline, take the time to experiment with different ideas you think you would like. After all, it's your home, and you're the one who has to live in it. Using the internet and sites like Pinterest for inspiration is a great idea. But you also need to figure out how you can make a design style your own. Otherwise, you will feel like you are living someone else’s dream.

Summary

You can try certain things to take your home decor to another level. These include paying attention to detail, experimenting with layered lighting and taking your time with ideas.

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Common Injuries At The Gym And How To Avoid Them

Exercising is fantastic for both physical and mental health. The NHS calls exercise a ‘miracle cure’ and the benefits are overwhelming. However, it’s important to exercise safely and carefully as there is always a chance that you could strain yourself or sustain an injury. 

woman lifting weights

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 most common gym injuries and how you can avoid them.

Groin Pull

Groin pulls are a common injury during exercise. They can happen when you’re running or when doing squats or lunges. Groin injuries are more common the older you are as your muscles and tissues will have less elasticity, however, they can happen to anyone at any age.

You can avoid groin pull by ensuring your inner thigh muscles are properly stretched and warmed up before exercising and by avoiding sudden movements (like bursting into a sprint) when your muscles are still cold.

Shin splints

Shin splints cause pain around your shins and calves. They happen when the tissues connecting to your lower leg bones are subject to repeated stress, making them a common issue among runners, including those who use treadmills at the gym. Some people are more at risk of shin splints than others, for example, beginner runners, dancers and people with high arches or flat arches.

Warming up properly before you run can reduce your risk of developing shin splints. You should also check your form, avoid running on uneven or hard surfaces and ensure that you’re wearing supportive footwear.

Equipment Related Injuries

Serious injuries can happen in the gym due to improper use of equipment or faulty equipment. Injuries can occur if hair, clothing, headphones, shoe laces or limbs become trapped or entangled in machinery or if you trip over or fall onto equipment. Heavy weights or unsecured machines can also fall onto and crush body parts. If you do sustain an injury in the gym that isn’t your fault, or if the equipment was damaged, you may be able to claim compensation for your injury.

You can reduce your risk of injury from gym equipment by ensuring that you’re confident using each piece of equipment and seeking guidance from a qualified instructor if you aren’t sure. You should also be sure to read any instructions or safety guides on the machine. When using gym equipment, don’t get distracted and don’t start machinery such as treadmills, for example, until you’re properly positioned and ready to go.

Lower Back Sprain

This can happen due to lifting too much weight, which will affect your posture when lifting and exercising and create poor form. To avoid lower back pain after exercising, maintain a flat back when lifting weights and engage your core muscles. You should also know your personal limits and avoid pushing past them.

Shoulder Strain

This is another common gym injury that often happens due to lifting excessive weight or poor form when exercising. Shoulder pain is often a result of rotator cuff injury that can result in swelling, inflammation, tears and discomfort when moving the shoulder. If this happens, it’s important to rest to allow your shoulder to heal. The best way to prevent shoulder strain is to strengthen your upper body muscles gradually and to only lift weights that your body can handle without discomfort.

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5 Tips On Saving For An Engagement Ring

If you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, chances are you’ll be thinking about proposing. This is a grand gesture and one that signifies your commitment to another person entirely. You will probably want to accompany the moment with an engagement ring, which will act as a reminder of the event for the rest of your lives. However, the more desirable rings aren’t cheap and you may need to plan financially for some time before you can afford one.


couple kissing engagement


If you’re looking to save for an engagement ring – here are some tips and tricks to help you get there.


Research and set a final goal

The first thing you should do is get a rough estimate of the amount of money that you will need to save. If you’ve already got your eye on a ring, take note of the asking price and make this your end goal. If you don’t have a certain ring in mind, then browse some ranges and get an idea of how much you would be willing to spend. Once you have an idea of what figure you are working towards, you can start to plan your finances much more effectively. Open up a savings account and begin saving!

Track your income and expenses

You should be doing this already, but tracking your monthly income and expenses is the first step you should take when looking to save money. Understanding how much disposable income you have left to save and where your costs are becoming unnecessarily bloated is critical to be able to save faster towards your goal. Having a better understanding of your financial position through tracking income and outgoings is also fundamental in avoiding plunging yourself into debt which will hinder your saving efforts.

Cut costs where you can

Once you have identified all your monthly expenses, you can identify areas where you can look to cut costs. You may be spending hundreds a month on takeaway food, nights out or betting – all of which will significantly increase your outgoings and reduce the amount you have to save. Implement a strategy to stop yourself from spending unnecessarily on these things and you’ll be surprised how much more you are able to save at the end of the month.

Set monthly saving targets

Working towards a target is a good way to keep yourself motivated and on course to afford the ring that you want to give your partner. Set a goal that is realistic and achievable but also makes you smart with your money, so you don’t get sloppy with your spending. It could be £50, £150 or £500 a month depending on your income – having a timeframe and end goal will give you an idea of how much you need to save from your income each month.

Sell your unwanted or disused items

It’s not all about cutting costs, however. Earning some extra money will go a long way in boosting your saving efforts and helping to reach your goal faster. If you’ve got old clothes, games consoles, sporting equipment or anything else that you don’t use anymore – sell it on one of the many online marketplaces available these days. Put any income from this straight into your savings pot, but maybe keep it on the down-low to avoid arousing suspicion!

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Your Go To Guide For Effective Hair Removal Treatments

Shaving – why do we do it and where did it all start? In the early days of the 20th century, fashion for women was very modest, with little to no flesh on show, thus making the need for hair removal mute.

It wasn’t until 1915 that the underarms of female models were targeted in advertising campaigns for depilatory creams, popularising the removal of unwanted hair. Later fashion trends spanning from the 1920’s- 1950’s presented more revealing clothes that flaunted the arms and legs, and bodily hair was viewed as undesirable.

legs


Fast forward to the 21st century and shaving has become a daily practice for men and women the world over. Whether for hygiene purposes, cultural traditions or just to enjoy silky smooth legs – there is now an array of methods to choose from and I'm here to help you decide which method is right for you.

Waxing

Despite not being the most comfortable of procedures, waxing remains a popular choice due to its long-lasting results and silky-smooth finish. Using removal wax or waxing strips can be a little tricky to use on your own so it is often recommended this method be done by a professional.

Salons will often offer various types of waxing treatments with the following being the most common -

Hot Wax: Hot wax is usually an option for small, more sensitive areas such as the bikini line or underarms. It dries within a few minutes of application and is pulled against the grain to remove the hairs from the root. It can be repeated a few times in the same area without causing irritation.

Wax strips: More ideal for larger surfaces of skin that have finer hair, such as the thighs, shins, back, and chest. A thin layer of wax is applied and covered with a woven strip and, like hot wax, releases the hairs from the root when removed.

Before waxing the most important thing that you can do is exfoliate. Removing any layers of dead skin the night before will reduce the chance of ingrown hairs. Furthermore, for the best results, you should ensure that the hair is a sufficient length for the wax to be able to work – we recommend around half an inch.

Epilating

Epilating is a similar method to waxing whereby the hairs are removed from the root using small, motorised tweezers leaving a long-lasting result. The advantage that epilation has over waxing is that it can be used on shorter hair as well as being more convenient with less time and mess.

Due to epilating having a reputation of being one of the more painful options, it’s recommended that this method be used on larger areas with finer hair, such as the legs and arms.

It is important that you use the correct type of epilator depending on your hair type – for example, thicker hair will require an epilator with more tweezer heads and a faster motor.

Exfoliation is the epilator’s best friend and should be done before your hair removal session. This becomes more important with time as hairs can become finer with higher chances of becoming ingrown.

It is also recommended to apply a natural, preferably non-perfumed moisturiser or gel after use to soothe the skin and prevent irritation, especially in the more sensitive areas.

Laser hair removal

Laser treatment is an ideal option for anyone susceptible to pigmentation and ingrown hairs after shaving. This procedure involves shooting a laser light at the hair pigment which damages the follicle, thus, resulting in permanent removal. Unlike other treatments, laser removal usually takes a few weeks after the first session for outcomes to appear and around 10-12 treatments for the completed results.

A few things to remember before going for your treatment: 

  • Avoid tanning – both real and fake – the heat from the laser can burn the skin surface. Wait about 4 weeks before your appointment if you have a tan.
  • Avoid other hair removal treatments before your session – this can disrupt the hair growth cycle and the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Leave approximately 5-6 weeks of hair growth before going to your appointment.

It’s safe to say that hair removal procedures have come a long since the beginning of the 20th century with effective treatments available either professionally or to do in the comfort of your own home. Be sure that you are doing the right treatment for yourself and your skin and if you are ever in doubt, always ask a professional.

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Check Points for Landlords While Renting Their Properties

Renting out your property, be it a house, a flat, or an office, can fetch you a handsome monthly income. In many parts of the world, people have made renting houses out and making it a permanent part of their regular earnings. They invest in building or buying a property often in a run-down state, doing it up, and then renting it to have a regular monthly income. However, renting property isn’t as easy as it might seem.



The responsibilities of landlords are vast and can often come with unexpected costs. If you are a landlord and planning to give your property for rent, here is a checklist that will help make the process smooth for you.

Fix the Rent Amount

The first step to renting your property is fixing your rent amount. You cannot fix an amount that you like, rather it is an extensive process, you have to research the market and see how tenants respond to different rent fees and what you are offering for that amount. To ensure monthly rent payments hit your bank account, the rent guarantee scheme helps you manage things.

Sign an Agreement

Both the tenants and the landlord can drift away from the terms and conditions, and to stay on one line, it is important to sign an agreement, to which the tenants and the landlord mutually agree. A legal contract between both parties ensures the safe handling of the rented property. Your agreement should be duly signed and the terms and conditions should be clearly put across.

Investigate the Tenants

To whom you are lending your property is quite an essential and difficult task. Before signing the agreement with tenants, do some basic checks. Not every person is reliable and failing to find honest tenants could mean they could default on payments or damage your property. Have an interview with your potential tenants, and check their ID and if they have the right to rent in the UK. If you are not sure of their credentials you could employ a local private investigator. Keep a copy of their important details and contact numbers so if an emergency situation occurs, you can contact them and you could present something as proof.

Prepare Your House

cleaning floor

Obviously, as you have expectations from your renters; similarly, they would also have certain demands from the landlord. They might want to have some changes in your property or some renovations, this is the time to do the DIY home improvements needed. You probably cannot get away with renting out the home as it is, without it being up to date and there is always room for certain improvements. Since tenants have to pay you, they become choosy, and because of the increased availability of rental homes, their expectations are much higher than in the past. Clean your home and ensure appliances are working and in good condition.

Understand Your Responsibility

Apart from the agreement that ensures guaranteed rent for landlords, the landlords also need to act responsibly in certain ways. Just because you are not living in the house does not mean that you are free from obligations - you must ensure the house is safe and livable, for example, and this can mean doing DIY work yourself or getting in contact with maintenance contractors if and when you need them.

The advantages of renting your property are numerous, such as the ease of tax breaks (you will still have to pay some tax on your property, of course, though resources like this step-by-step guide to calculating the tax will no doubt simplify things), and the ability to generate income that covers the bills and possibly even creates a profit. But being a landlord is a huge responsibility; you'll need to stay aware of repairs and maintenance, collect rent timely, work on your homeowner's insurance policy, and try to avoid wear and tear on your property by keeping an eye on your tenant's housekeeping skills. So before you decide to rent your property, do some research to ensure you are personally prepared for it. 
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Which DIY Projects Can Improve The Value Of Your Home

We are a nation of DIY'ers in the UK. There is nothing we like better than spending an afternoon drilling, sanding and sawing. With house prices at a record high, making home improvements by doing it yourself, can really add value to your home as well as making your home more comfortable for you and your family. In this article, I will look at which DIY projects can improve the value of your home. This post is in conjunction with Brandon Hire Station who spoke to industry experts George Clover and Daisy Jones on their views.

Let's begin!

Improve your front door

front door
Spending time improving your front door can add to the curb appeal of a property. It's inviting you into the home and needs to be attractive. If you have peeling paintwork then sanding a door down and repainting can make the door look better instantly. Also replacing the door furniture such as a knocker and letterbox all help if they are damaged or corroded. Your front door will be the first thing your prospective buyer sees if they are looking through estate agent details. If you have the money, having a new front door fitted is great but can run into thousands of pounds so do it yourself and save money too.

Paint your home in light colours

Painting your home in light colours can help improve its appeal to buyers. White, cream and neutral shades will help depersonalise and brighten up your home and make it look clean and inviting. You want the buyers to be able to think that they can move in without having to do much to your home and a lick of paint certainly helps. You may love your home in shades of orange, red and dark blues but think about repainting it to help it to sell.

Converting a bedroom into an office

home office

With many people working from home these days adding a home office can be a great selling point. Daisy Jones from Hewitt Adams suggests that this is a good idea and can add value to your property. This works well, especially if you have four bedrooms or more. If you have the space, this can also be used as a little place to get away from the family, and chill, I know we all need that sometimes don't we?

An extra toilet downstairs

Industry expert George Clover states that installing a downstairs toilet if you do not have one, can be appealing to prospective buyers and according to Checkatrade, a downstairs loo can add up to 5% to the value of your property. It's also a plus point if you have guests and don't want them to go upstairs to use the toilet, and it's useful for family and friends with mobility problems too. 

Adding an extra room

floor plan

According to George Clover, an extra bedroom with an ensuite is likely to add £50,000 to the value of your property. That's a lot of money! It doesn't have to be a bedroom though as adding any room can add some serious value to your home. If you are thinking of doing this then it's best left to the professionals although you can do some of the internal DIY yourself. If you are considering an extension be sure to think it through and write down exactly what you want before hiring an architect or designer. Then get at least three written quotes from builders on the costs of building materials and labour and the time it will take before committing.

So these are some DIY projects that can improve the value of your home. Brandon Hire Station spoke to George Clover of Helmores Estate Agents in Crediton and Daisy Jones of Hewitt Adams in Heswall for their expert opinion. Check out this campaign with Brandon Hire Station on which DIY trends can impact the value of your property. 

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Can You Use USA Dollars In Dubai? If Not, Where Can I Exchange Once There?

If you are travelling to Dubai and you are wondering if you can use the USA dollar then here you will find out if that will be possible or not. Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates and the official currency is Emirates Dirham (AED). Therefore, you will find most places in Dubai accepting the AED. Worry not if you have USA dollars though because you will learn where you can exchange your money.

dubai exchange

Before diving into how you can exchange the USA dollar for AED, it is important to note USA dollars are also accepted in Dubai. Hence if you have the USA dollars and you are applying for the UAE tourist visa extension, you can pay using the USA dollars.

That being said, the exchange rate of the United States dollar to the United Arab Emirates' currency, the Dirham is fixed at AED 3.67 to 1 USD. This is the single most significant fact that you need to be aware of regarding currency exchange in Dubai.

This indicates that you may anticipate buying and selling US dollars at fixed rates of AED 3.66 and AED 3.68, respectively, regardless of market conditions.

All exchange rates, with the exception of those of the US dollar, are fluid and subject to constant adjustment. In Dubai, the majority of stores take US dollars as payment; nonetheless, it is usually to your advantage to carry some Dirhams with you. One may exchange currencies in Dubai at the airport, hotels, banks, or currency exchange counters located throughout the city.

The majority of the airport's bank counters close between the hours of 10 and 11 pm. However, at the airport, there are a few currency exchange desks that are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Doing your work at shopping malls is both the easiest and most convenient way to get your work done. At least one branch of a renowned money changer chain may be found in each and every shopping centre and mall in the country. These locations follow the same schedule as the mall itself in terms of when they open and when they close.

Refer to the following list of top money changers in Dubai to increase the number of Dirhams you have available for your vacation. Simply because they offer reasonable prices and a well-deserved reputation for providing high-quality service, these locations come highly recommended.

The fact that money exchange chains offer competitive exchange rates and a widespread presence in convenient areas makes them the provider of choice for a lot of tourists. These chains, in general, provide consistent pricing across all of their locations.

Where Can You Exchange USD For Dirhams?

Airports
Metro stations(Not all of them)
Shopping Malls
Major Hypermarkets/supermarkets


What You Should Know About Exchanging Money In Dubai

If you want to avoid paying exorbitant fees and discover the greatest bargains when exchanging currency in Dubai or any other foreign location, it is essential to educate yourself before making the transaction.

If you plan to stay in Dubai for an extended period of time or if you intend to make significant financial investments there, such as purchasing real estate or automobiles, you should think about opening a bank account there. Exchanging money is a common option for tourists from other countries. However, you should also consider opening a bank account there.

1. Beware Of ‘Zero fees’ Services


While you are away from home, it is highly possible that you will come across businesses that advertise that they can provide currency exchange for 'zero fees' or 'no commission.'

However, this offer is too good to be true because the companies providing these services still need to earn a profit. They will typically offer you a low exchange rate that is not reflective of the actual rate being offered on the market, and they will keep the difference for themselves.

The real exchange rate is also referred to as the mid-market rate, and it is the rate that banks and other financial institutions use in order to convert one currency into another on the international market.

If you do a search for the currency pair that you are using on Google or use a currency converter online, you will probably find that the exchange bureau or bank is offering you a considerably lower value for your money than what it is actually worth.

2. Familiarise Yourself With The Exchange Rate


Now that you are aware that currency exchange businesses do not typically offer their customers the genuine mid-market rate, you should verify the base rate before you go to exchange your money so that you can recognize a poor bargain if you encounter one.

3. Avoid Money Exchange In Airports Or Hotels


In this particular instance, it is unfortunate that one must pay a price in order to enjoy convenience. Airports and hotels are common places to exchange currency at the last minute; nevertheless, these establishments are frequently the worst places to do so because they provide the worst exchange rates and charge the highest transaction costs.

4. Check If Your Personal Bank Operates In Dubai


In the same way that you would use ATMs while you are at home, you are able to withdraw cash from them when you are in Dubai. However, before you begin utilizing automated teller machines (ATMs), you should first determine whether or not your home bank has any connections with local banks in Dubai.

When they do, then it is possible that you will be able to withdraw cash without having to pay any additional costs from the ATM for the opportunity of doing so. Notifying your bank that you will be using your card while you are away from home is something else you should do before you leave the country.

5. Choose To Be Charged In The Local Currency - AED (Dirham)


When you are using an ATM in a foreign country, you can be asked if you want to be charged in the local currency or in your own country's currency. This is not a good idea, as it implies your money will be converted at an undisclosed exchange rate and you’ll likely pay an extra cost for the conversion. Choose to be charged in the local currency if you want the pricing to be more equitable.

Below are the Top Money Exchange Places in Dubai


(1) UAE Exchange

(2) Al Ansari Exchange

(3) Al Ghurair Exchange

(4) Lulu International Exchange LLC

(5) Sharaf Exchange L.L.C

(6) Orient Exchange Co. LLC

(7) GCC

(8) The Index Exchange

(9) Rajhi Exchange

(10) The Asia Exchange Centre

(11) The Ravandi Money Exchange

(12) Khalil Exchange LLC

(14) The Habib Exchange Co LLC

(15) The Emirates India International Exchange

(16) The City Exchange

(17) The Joy Alukkas Exchange

(18) The LM-Exchange

(19) Multinet Trust Exchange

(20) Redha Al Ansari Exchange

(21). Al Rigga Metro Station

(22). Emirates Metro Station

(23). Emirates Tower Metro Station

(24). Internet City Metro Station

(25). Burj Khalifa Metro Station

(26). Rashidiya Metro Station

(27). Oud Metha Metro Station

(28). UAE Exchange Station

(29). Jebel Ali Metro Station

(30). Etisalat Metro Station

(31). Union Metro Station

(32). Salah Al-Din Metro Station

The fact that just 12% of people living in the United Arab Emirates are natives, while the remaining 88% are foreigners, means that exchanging money won't be an issue in Dubai.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robeena Brown is a travel blogger & destination expert living in UAE, working for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you’ve been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa and/or extending stays and exploring the city, you can follow her on social media.

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How To Create A Perfect Email Newsletter In 2022


Email marketing is an old communication channel — it appeared before social networks and targeted advertising. People say that email marketing is gone, others that it's ineffective. But if it were so inefficient and useless, why would you get a bunch of various emails in your inbox every day?

laptop

Of course not and many companies understand this. In fact, it's hard to create an effective email newsletter that will be read. The more practice you have, the easier this task will become. Business owners invest heavily in email marketing strategies and business promotion. They increase sales while others speculate about the future of this communication channel.

In this article, I will tell you why you need to pay attention to email newsletters; how to build an effective email marketing strategy and drive traffic to your website.


How to Build an Effective Email Marketing Strategy


  • Choose the best time to send emails

Having strategy is good, but it won't work if you don't take into account people's interests. You can read a lot of articles about the best time to send emails on the web — we won't delve into details and describe by days and hours. We just want to draw your attention to the fact that the success of your email marketing campaign depends on the timing and frequency of your emails.

It's worth noting that your target audience also plays a significant role. Use analytics data to understand when users read your emails and click and follow the company's blog.

Remember that someone will send emails several times per day, adhering to certain email marketing templates, and for someone — three times a month is enough. It all depends on your business field.

  • Use video content in your email newsletter
video content

It's a well-known fact that video content surrounds us everywhere today. Video is a great way to show emotions, reveal the topic, and convey crucial and not-so information to the client. There are various types of video content that you can include in your email newsletter, so don’t ignore this opportunity.

Experiment with video content — it works well as entertainment and as a part of promotional campaigns for a new product. For the email newsletter, shoot short videos of up to two minutes. It's not necessary to hire one more person for video editing. You can just use some proven and user-friendly video editing software like iMovie for Windows and Shotcut, which even a beginner can master. Moreover, don't forget to mention the video in the subject line and title — this way, your email will have a better chance of being opened.

  • Personalise your emails

Personalisation increases the overall effectiveness of the email newsletter and makes users see it as a letter from a friend. There is nothing worse than sending irrelevant or dry emails to the client. It's a direct way to lose your base. The strategy works best when a client opens an email from your company and understands that this isn't a general newsletter but personalized content.

Consider this information when composing a letter and choosing an email marketing automation tool. First, you should address your client by name in the subject line or headline. In addition, personalize your email newsletter with individual bonuses, offers, discounts, and coupons. It will significantly increase conversion and engage your customers.


  • Use the same template for all emails

man checking emails


The method works well when the structure and design of all emails look the same every time. This way, the client gets used to receiving regular newsletters from you, and you don't need to spend half a day deciding on the design and best fonts — you should think over email newsletter content only.

For instance, you can send your customers articles like “Top 5 Products of the Week” or “Last Week’s Most Popular Content” weekly. In addition, allow readers to benefit from your newsletter. Make it useful. How? Share essential tips, help people feel better, and inspire them.

As a result, the use of email marketing templates allows you to:

  • Save time: you don't need to compose a new letter every time by having a ready-made template at hand. 
  • It's enough just to replace the main blocks with information and start sending emails;
  • Increase brand awareness: with a corporate template, your emails stand out and are remembered and associated with you and your company.
  • Add interactivity

One way to improve the effectiveness of email marketing campaigns and increase metrics is interactivity. For instance, you can ask your customers to share their opinions on a service provided or your business expansion plans. People always like when companies ask their opinion. They begin to feel important and needed, and you, in turn, understand what they want. Therefore, offer customers interactive surveys and polls. They're engaging, simple, and, most importantly, don't take much time.

Plus, add infographics, animations, GIFs, and more. Use simple services to create this content like Infogram and GIPHY, or hire an email marketer who will do everything perfectly. In any case, this method will have a beneficial effect on your business promotion.

  • Add an avatar
man on laptop


An avatar is a necessary element of your email newsletter. Numerous companies ignore this point or simply don't pay attention to it. And this is a mistake. It's much nicer to receive an email from a company with a brand logo. So the recipient immediately sees whether it's worth opening the letter or not. Certainly, not all of your emails will be read, and you should accept this as a fact. But to neglect the avatar is a gross mistake.

Make sure that the image is visually perceived and doesn't turn into something incomprehensible from pixels. Moreover, you can't upload any picture you like. It must be your logo, brand name, or something that customers associate with you. If you put something else, you can confuse people.

Wrapping Up

In theory, everything looks easy and simple, but, in practice, it may seem harder. If you want to win your client's heart, the email must be sent at the right time and to the right audience.

Apply newsjacking, use current information trends to promote your brand, and send memes to subscribers (if appropriate). Users don't like to read promotional emails. You can solve this problem by making commercial messages look like neutral ads. For instance, say that a new product is on sale, prices are reduced, and delivery terms are updated.

In general, be creative, value your customers, and invest not only money but put your soul into business promotion and your company's email marketing strategy.

We wish you the best of luck, and stay safe!

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5 Ways To Grab A Bargain

We all like a bargain don't we? I mean who doesn't get a buzz out of buying something at a great price? With the cost of living creeping higher and higher, everyone has had to tighten their belt in the last year, and many people have never had to do this before. But there are some things you can do to get a bargain. Let's have a look at what they are.

Make a list

shopping list
If you are looking for something specific make a list. This will help to keep you focused and stop you from wasting money. This applies if you are going shopping for groceries, shopping for clothes or shopping for big-ticket items such as a TV or bed. The internet here is also your friend to research the best deals before you buy. You can use comparison sites too.  If you are looking for deals from a specific store, then it can be a good idea to sign up for emails for the latest offers.  

Collect coupons

Another money-saving move is to use discount coupons. Discount coupons are often printed in magazines and leaflets that you get free through the door and in the back of magazines you buy. Many companies also have loyalty cards these days, and it's worth signing up for these for discounts on everything from coffee to groceries to toiletries. Signing up for loyalty cards is a good idea to earn discounts on a range of items and you can even get your shop for free! They love coupons in the US and we bargain-loving Brits are starting to love them too.

Save a pot of money

saving money

If you can afford it and can wait then if you put aside an amount every month you are in a great position to pounce when the offers come in. For example, if you need a new laptop then saving an amount of money every month throughout the year can help you have the cash ready when you need to buy, this can mean you are in a great position when the Black Friday or Boxing Day sales are on. You won't have to rely on finance meaning it will be cheaper for you to make that big purchase. This relies on forwarding planning and some disposable income so it's not for everyone but can definitely be worth doing. 

Use social media

Using social media is a great way to keep up to date with the latest offers from companies big and small. Follow your favourite companies on Twitter and Facebook to see when they have offers on, discounts and deals.  You could make a Twitter list with your favourite companies so you can see when they have offers and discounts. Sometimes following a certain hashtag can help you spot the deals too, such as #deals #blackfriday #boxingdaysales #discounts and #sales. Be quick though as sometimes these deals can go quick.

UK Deals And Giveaways

UK Deals and Giveaways

A specific Facebook group I love is UK Deals And Giveaways. UK Deals And Giveaways has 285,000 followers on Facebook and over 300000 online in total. The Facebook group is brilliant as they have dedicated admin and fans of saving money, who post the latest, greatest, and best deals available online and in-store. They also have a website where you can spot the trending hot deals. Every offer on their website is categorised so it's easy to search for, and there are many deals from Kids and Toys, to Fashion, to Home and Garden to Groceries and much more. If you like entering competitions they have those too as well as freebies and samples, perfect for trying something for the first time or even taken on holiday. Whenever I am on the lookout to buy gifts for a family member I search the group to see what offers are on. Some of the best deals at the moment are Addidas trainers with 45% off and Hugo aftershave at half price. 

So here are 5 ways to grab a bargain. What's the best bargain you've had?

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Menswear Tips for Summer

We are now well and truly into the summer season, which means we can finally enjoy some much-deserved visits to beer gardens and outdoor trips enjoying the fine weather. This also means you need to peel away the layers and consider comfortable clothing wear for the summer. 

man in t-shirt


Roll up your sleeves, pour yourself a nice cold beverage and dive into my picks of the most comfortable menswear to keep you as cool as a cucumber this summer.

Consider Your Underwear

Underwear is the foundation of whatever you decide to wear for the day, so it’s vital that you choose pants that are cool, refreshing, and comfortable. The last thing you want is a tightly packed, constricted, sweaty package. The best men’s underwear for hot weather can handle friction, moisture, and heat all in one, but it can be hard to spot the gimmicks from the worthy options.

Of course, you still have to settle the debate on what style of underwear you like, whether it be briefs, boxers, or whatever else – you should always decide what is most comfy for you. A reputable underwear brand is Bawbags. Based in Scotland, they provide high-quality underwear that supplies all the breathability and comfortability you need for summer. And not only is the quality good, but they come in different patterns and colourways for you to choose from.

Choose Carefully with Socks

When it’s sunny, most of us enjoy slipping on a pair of sandals with no worry about socks whatsoever, but unfortunately, most of us don’t have access to a beach, so socks are a common necessity. So, what socks should you wear during the hot weather?

Ensuring that your socks and shoes provide plenty of breathability is important and will help protect your feet against common problems with foot perspiration.

Cotton socks are the most common option as they are a pretty good, well-rounded sock; however, they aren’t going to do an overly great job during the hot summer weather. Opt for a performance synthetic or natural bamboo for moisture-wicking, as they are brilliant at giving your feet plenty of breathability. The same applies to any mesh-styled socks that provide a breathable fabric around the toes and sweaty areas of your feet. If you take note of these tips you will never have to worry about smelly feet again!

Explore Different T-shirts

Perhaps no garment is more necessary during the summer months than a t-shirt. However, every tee comes in a unique shape, size, and material. With all that in mind, how do you choose the best t-shirts to tackle the summer heat?

Choosing your style should always be the most important aspect, whether slim fit, boxy or wide, but it is worth considering the shirt’s breathability. Lighter and looser fit tees will always be better for the warm weather. Opting for linen is also a fantastic call. Linen fabrics have more open weaves, allowing more heat to escape and air to pass through; this is particularly effective if you are going on holiday in extreme heat.

Luckily for us, many mainstream brands are bringing out lots of new dry-fit clothing, which we see introduced into many different outfits and styles. Dry-fit clothing will provide an odour-resistant finish so you can get about your day without hassle. And best of all there are always plenty of colours to choose from.

It’s no scientific mystery that black attracts heat but considering this when choosing your clothes will make a night and day difference. So be sure, when you can, to try and pick white – or at least light-coloured clothing to stay as cool as possible.

Embrace Sun Hats

Sun in your eyes combined with prickly heat is not a good combination. Luckily hats are becoming more and more into recent fashion. Baseball caps are great for blocking head-on sunshine or even protecting the back of your neck if you turn it backwards; however, they can tend to get a little sweaty if not made out of a mesh-like material.

Bucket hats are a great option and are becoming incredibly popular. Not only do they cover all areas of your head from the sun, but they are also very fashionable, featuring never-ending colourways and patterns. A good quality bucket hat can add heaps of character to an outfit while keeping the most important part of your body nice and cool.

To Conclude

There are many ways to stay cool this Summer and many more out-widths in this article. Hopefully, this article was able to help you think about some of the clothing fundamentals you should know going into Summer.

Have a great summer and remember to bring a hat!

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4 Tips That Can Help You Be A Better Business Leader


Being a business leader is not for everyone. It takes time and patience to climb the corporate ladder, and you may find that your hard work does not give you a return in the short term. However, if you are patient, and your hard work pays off, you will find yourself in a position to effectively manage those around you. 

woman leader

Being a business leader means that you need to be constantly evolving and that you always take the time to find ways to improve your leadership skills. Within this article, I am going to discuss four tips that can help you be a better business leader.

Great Communication Skills

One of the most important parts of being an effective business leader is having great communication skills. Your business will only run successfully if everyone has a positive attitude towards open communication. Sometimes, in a workplace, open communication can be difficult, which is why you need to lead by example. Ensure that your employees know that they can come and talk to you if there is ever an issue. Talking about issues when they occur and being proactive to prevent them in the first place is the best way to stop them from blowing out of proportion.

Work With, Not Above Your Team

Another important step for being an effective business leader is always making sure that you work with, not above, your team. Of course, you want to avoid being a micro-manager, but it is also important not to present yourself as above your employees. Take the time to get to know each of your employees and work with them if they are struggling with the workload. As a business leader, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees have access to everything they need to help do their job. Make sure that your employees know any tools or software they can use to make their jobs a bit easier. For example, they may be able to use compression tools that can make large files smaller and easier to share.

Set Clear Goals

Setting goals is an extremely important part of being a business leader. When working as a leader, you must ensure that your employees are meeting their goals so that the business can continue to be successful. Once you have gotten to know your employees, you should have a better understanding of what they are capable of achieving. This information will be helpful in setting goals for your employees as you can make sure the goals you set are realistic, manageable and measurable.

Ask For Feedback

The final point we are going to discuss is asking for feedback. As a leader in the workplace, it is likely that a lot of your role involves giving feedback to your employees. While this is effective and important, you must also ensure that you are willing to receive feedback as well as give it. Be open to feedback from your colleagues and make sure you actually listen to what they have to say. Giving feedback to your boss can be difficult for some people, so it could be a good idea to set up some sort of anonymous survey, so your employees can freely give feedback without any judgement.

So these are four of my tips that can help you become a better business leader. What do you think of my tips? Do you have any tips yourself?
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Best Games For Adults 2022

It's 2022 and you are bored, but you shouldn't be in this day and age. There are plenty of games out there aimed at adults.   Adult games may have more mature content, such as swearing, gambling or adult themes or may be complex or have sophisticated themes younger people may not understand. Some of these games you may not have heard of and some you may have but haven't tried. So let's have a look at some of the best games for adults in 2022.

Escape Rooms

escape room

Escape rooms are a relatively recent phenomenon, springing up in many towns and cities over the last 10 years. I've reviewed a number of these rooms myself like this Cardiff escape room and escaped from a few too! There are a number of escape rooms you can play online now as well. The general premise is that you have to get out of a themed room in an hour as a team, and you solve the puzzles to get out. Escape rooms can be played with older children, but the puzzles are often complicated and are better played with a group of adults. I have also found the best ones have more adult themes such as escape rooms based on horror films like Saw.

Risk

Risk is a classic old-school board game that has been around since 1957. It has been updated for modern times and you can now play Risk as an App, on a PC, on Xbox one or online. Risk is a strategy board game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest for two to six players. Your goal is to build an army and conquer your enemies' territories. Traditionally it's played as a board game with dice. It teaches strategy and the consequence of actions. It is aimed at those 10 and over so can be played as a family if you have older children. 

Blackjack

I have a confession to make, I learnt to count by playing cards. After I learned how to play simple games like Snap, I moved on to playing Gin Rummy and Poker. When I was older I learned to play Blackjack - a version of poker with strategy involved. To play Blackjack you need a dealer that plays against you. The simple objective of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over or the dealing beating you. You can play at home with playing cards and chips or you can bet real money. There are many variations of Blackjack that you can play through games consoles, via apps, or online like 777 Blackjack. Always be sure you can afford what you bet. 

Beer Pong

Beer Pong is a game which you generally play in teams, where you take turns throwing a ball into a row of cups.  Once a ball lands in a cup, the cup is taken away and the opponent then drinks the contents of the cup. There are variations on riles so be sure you know what they are before you play. For example, check if the ball is allowed to bounce or not or hit the rim of the cup.  It's not a sophisticated game that's for sure but it's a fun drinking game especially great at parties. Of course, always drink responsibly.

Cards Against Humanity

Card Against Humanity is a modern classic game aimed at adults. Basically, it's a card game where a group of players takes it, in turn, to answer questions from a black card by using the funniest reply from their white cards.  The person with the funniest answer wins that round. Cards Against Humanity is a game to play with broad-minded adults, it's not for the faint-hearted but it can be hilarious. Prudes should not play that's for sure, you wouldn't want to play it with grandma at Christmas unless she has a dirty mind!

So here are some of the best games for adults in 2022. Have you played any of these games? Which adult games are your favourite? Let me know.

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The Pros And Cons Of A Kredittkort

Just like everything else in life, credit cards have their pros and cons. If you use them as they’re meant to be used, they can serve as an outstanding tool to increase your credit score and give you cashback with every purchase.

If you use them incorrectly, they can be a source of worry and a crippling amount of debt. It’s just like life. It’s all about balance and getting things just right. Click on this link if you want to find out more.

Establishing a good credit history



The initial step you need to take towards creating a good credit score is to get a card. When you’re new to the practice, the whole process of borrowing money from the bank might seem like a lot of fun. Thousands of pounds, dollars, or euros are available only if you swipe the card.

But you need to have a high level of self-control to avoid doing that. Instead, you need to enhance your standing and pay your bills on time. By doing so on a regular basis then you can enhance your creditworthiness and the credit card company may increase your limit.

As soon as you establish a positive pattern of responsible spending and borrowing, you will experience better deals and lower interest rates. Visit this site for additional info https://time.com/nextadvisor/credit-cards/rewards-perks-comeback-summer-travel/

Accumulate points and privileges

credit cards


Earning incentives serve as prompts to make you spend more. But the benefits you’re getting are well worth their price. Whenever you spend a pound, dollar or euro, for example, you can earn an air mile, a point, or a percentage as cash back. It's up to you to pick the rewards you love most and then accumulate as much as you possibly can. Of course, that depends on your personal preferences, as well as your lifestyle. Those are the two factors that determine which version is most suitable for you.

However, there’s a downside here. A number of studies have demonstrated that consumers who use credit cards to pay for everything pay more on average compared to the people who use cash. There's a pretty good psychological explanation for it. Let’s say that you’re buying a pair of expensive sneakers. When you use a card, you just swipe it and see numbers on a screen.

The notification you get afterwards can easily be deleted, and you must go inside your banking app to see how much you’ve spent. You only feel positive emotions about the purchase. However, when you’re using cash, you must physically give it to someone else before you can get a pair of sneakers. People feel more negative emotions when they’re losing money as cash compared to any other form of credit.

If you want to maximize the benefits of the card, you should make it a point to only use it for purchases that you would have made anyway. That way, you will be confident that you can pay off the entire thing. In addition, you should be aware that few of the reward cards have yearly fees attached. Make sure to calculate how many rewards you’re going to get over the year and see if they cancel out the annual charge. If not, then it’s in your best interest to choose another type.

Large purchases

credit card

Because of the normally high-interest rates that are often more than 20 per cent, using a card isn’t the greatest choice when it comes to buying expensive products or services. On the other hand, getting a version that offers zero annual percentage rates for a few months can provide you with a great option to pay for a significant purchase.

You won’t get any interest charges but you may have to pay for this benefit. It's always important to check the terms and conditions for any hidden fees.

There are credit cards where promotions include deferred interest. In that case, if you fail to pay for the amount before the deal expires, you will be responsible for paying everything that was accumulated during the entire period. The fees can pile up pretty quickly, so be careful in what you choose.

Making good use of them

wallet

Not being careful with a credit card has the potential to result in large interest rates, an increase in debt, and a bad influence on your score. On the other hand, if you utilise them properly, they may give various advantages. Reading about Kredittkort info will help you out. Here are some of the greatest practices that can assist you in maintaining a budget and overall financial wellness.

Keep track of your payments and have a schedule. That’s one of the most important aspects that’s crucial when it comes to determining your credit score. The history of payments is shared between banks. If you don’t pay your monthly rates on time, then every bank will know about it, and your ratings will fall. Not only that, but you’ll also have to pay a fee.

Think of late fees as burning money. Why would you want to set a hundred-dollar bill on fire? It only lasts for a couple of seconds, and you only feel bad about it afterwards. Try to make all of the payments on time, as credit card debt is likely to be your highest form of debt and paying late or defaulting could be a black mark on your credit score. Try setting up an automatic payment whenever your pay hits your bank account. That way, you won’t be able to spend the money before your bills get paid.

A lot of people want to buy a brand new phone each year or a brand new car. Think about your actual needs and weigh them up against your wants. The performances are pretty much the same with a new phone, laptop or car, as opposed to a year-old phone, laptop or car and you can be overpaying for a small upgrade. Sure, the feeling is great for the first week or so, but when it fades, all you’re left with is a bunch of debt.

Furthermore, you need to make sure that you’re below the limit. This is a trick that not a lot of people know about. One of the factors that go into determining your score is the ratio between the sum you owe across all channels and the limits imposed. In simple terms, the less you owe, the better. Having a low ratio has a positive influence on your ratings, while a large ratio decreases the score. Aim to maintain a balance that is lower than thirty per cent at all times.

Certain countries also give you extra protection when buying certain items with a credit card. For example, in the UK If you buy something with your credit card and the item is faulty or damaged or it never arrives, you have the right to claim the costs back through your credit card provider.

A few final words

There are hundreds of positive aspects to using credit cards, but they’re attached to significant drawbacks. If you walk the thin line between the two, you’ll find yourself more in the latter compared to the former. Using some self-discipline will ensure you’re always on good terms with lending institutions, and you will never have to worry about your credit score, loans, or mortgages again.

*This article is for information purposes only and does not offer financial advice, do your own research when applying for a credit card

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