Category: Living Life

Unleash your potential with transformative tips and strategies that will elevate every facet of your life. From boosting your fitness and enhancing your health to revamping your home, mastering your finances, and embracing your beauty — the possibilities are limitless! Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey and start living your best life today!

How to Save Money on the Video Games Your Kids Have to Have

Video games can be incredibly awesome ways for your kids to pass the time on dreary days, and even meet new people online that share their interests. The only problem is that video games can be expensive, especially during the holiday season. But before you start giving up buying groceries to buy video games, there are a few ways that the resourceful dad can get her kids the games they want without spending a ton of money.

Use a Game Rental Service

In most cases, your kids want video games that they have never played. They have seen the awesome commercials on the television, but they have no clue what the game really is.

The cheapest way to avoid buying brand new games that your kids lose interest in after a couple of hours is to get a subscription to a video game rental service. You can get games in any format you need at a low monthly rate. Plus this gives your kids a chance to try the games before you buy them.

Take Advantage of Downloads

Playing free games online is a great way to save money. If your kids have to have that newest game the day it comes out and renting the game is not good enough, then you can get the PC download version of the game and save more than half off the retail purchase price.

It would be best to get a bigger drive to take full advantage of game downloads due to the substantial storage space required by modern games. As games become more graphically advanced and immersive, their file sizes increase, too. Internal storage on computers may quickly fill up, limiting the number of games that can be downloaded and stored locally.

An external hard drive offers additional storage capacity, allowing you to expand the game libraries without constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games. Even when the worst happens, you can use data recovery services to get back your downloaded files.

Trade Video Games

If you have a game that your kids no longer want, then you could try and see how much the local video game store will give you for the game. The chances are pretty good that you will only get offered a fraction of what you paid for the game.

A smarter move is to find a good video game trading website and offer to trade that game to someone with a game your kids want. You only pay for the postage, and your kids get a new game to play.

You can also set up a network of local parents to swap games with as well.

Buy Used Games

It could be argued that the market for used video games is almost as large as the new game market.

Your favorite online auction website has pages and pages of used video games for sale. There are also websites dedicated specifically to the process of buying and selling used video games.

These websites can save you money when you purchase used games, and you can also use these sites to sell your kid’s old games and get a lot more than the retail store down the street would give you.

If your kids love video games, then you need to be creative with how you buy games. There are plenty of ways to get the games your kids want without spending a small fortune.

“Some trees flourish, others die. Some cattle grow strong, others are taken by wolves. Some men are born rich enough and dumb enough to enjoy their lives. Ain’t nothing fair.”

– Red Dead Redemption

What is your favorite video game?

January 17, 2020
5 Ways to Save Money Using Technology

Technology has a lot more to offer than many realize. Although it’s mainly used for entertainment, did you know that it can also save or make you money? Shopping online is one example of how you can save some bucks.

There’s not much overhead cost for online retailers compared to your local store. This sometimes enables them to offer larger discounts. Another way shopping online can be helpful when it comes to savings is the ability to easily and quickly compare prices across several different websites. The days when you have to rely on paper fliers or visit multiple stores to check prices are gone.

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to find a great bargain; a simple Google search is all it takes. To help you out a bit more, here are five ways to save money using technology.

1. Earn Cash Back On Your Purchases

If you are an online shopper or plan on becoming one, Ebates is a great website to keep in mind. You can join for free, and they actually pay you for signing up. New members receive $10 when they make a qualifying purchase of at least $25.

Ebates gives you cashback for purchases made at specific websites, all of which are popular and well-known. The percentages of cashback vary and also change over time. For example, they currently offer 6.0% cashback on Overstock.com purchases, whereas it used to be only 3.0%.

Ebates also has a variety of coupons that can help you save even more on your purchases. If you’re looking to earn some cash, you can do so by taking part in Ebates’ referral program. After you’ve made over $5, you’ll be eligible to receive your payment in the form of either a check or through PayPal.

A particularly appealing feature of Ebates is that you don’t have to remember to visit their website each time you want to purchase something online. You can install the Ebates Cash Back Button, and it will automatically let you know if the website you are viewing is eligible, as well as allow you to activate cash back without having to visit their site in a separate tab or window.

I would recommend that you also take a look at FatWallet, as they are very similar to Ebates and sometimes offer a higher percentage of cashback when you shop on certain websites.

2. Invest In Energy Efficient Gadgets

Modern gizmos can save you money because they are energy efficient. Look for the Energy Star label when you’re picking up your next electronic.

Energy Star-certified products typically use around 30 percent less energy than required by government standards.

Whether you’re buying a brand new TV, appliance, or even light bulb, most gadgets are now Energy Star certified and can save you money compared to your old ones.

Newer electronics are a worthwhile investment; it won’t take long for you to save the amount you spent on the product just by having a lower electric bill.

3. Save Money With Software

Anti-Virus Software

Surprisingly, some programs can help you save some money. One of the most important and widely recognized programs for your computer is the good old anti-virus (McAfee or Norton sound familiar?). Not everyone knows it, but paying for anti-virus software is completely unnecessary.

Did you know that you can get your anti-virus program for free? Well, you can, and not just for your computer. You can also get free anti-virus apps for your smartphone and tablet, all of which will provide the same quality of protection as a paid service.

Of course, paid services sometimes offer some additional features that can be useful, but those are usually a matter of preference rather than necessity. The free anti-virus programs will protect you just as well and without the cost.

Virtual Private Networks

Another program that can save you money is a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

The VPN adds extra protection that your anti-virus program does not, such as encrypting your entire connection to the internet. Encryption is a sort of code that hackers don’t typically attempt to crack unless there is a serious incentive that would make the effort involved worthwhile.

That makes the average person with an encrypted connection very unappealing to them. It takes far too long to crack the code. Plus, it can cost them money because a powerful computer is required to successfully hack into a secure connection (keeping their equipment running for over 24 hours can start racking up their electric bill).

A VPN can save you money in three ways. It will prevent hackers from obtaining your personal information (identity theft isn’t cheap), prevent you from spending additional money if one of the websites you subscribe to happens to be blocked wherever you travel (such as Netflix or Hulu), and allow you to call long distance for free or a reduced rate over programs such as Skype.

A VPN can do all of this because it is a remote server that you connect to. Therefore, websites will “read” your location as being the VPN’s rather than your own. This makes it easy to see if you are located in Canada when you are actually in the United States.

A VPN typically costs somewhere between $5 and $15 per month, but you can find one for free. In my opinion, the best free VPN available right now is CyberGhost.

Business Specific Software

As well as the two options we just spoke about, if you own a business, then there are going to be specific pieces of technology that will make your life ten times easier and save you money.

For example, it might be something like employee scheduling software for restaurants, which saves you a lot of hassle, but you can also get some pretty good deals on things like this if you know where to look.

You can also purchase for a long period, and that takes the price down. The same can be said for other types of business-specific software; you’ve just got to look!

4.Coupon Savings

The internet has brought us lots of things, including tons of coupons that weren’t commonly found before. You no longer have to sort through flyers to find savings on your favorite products. Now, you can just look online.

The easiest way to find coupons is to either check Coupons.com or the website of the specific product you’re interested in. Manufacturers will sometimes send you coupons if you take the time to email them as well.

5. Use Apps To Your Advantage

There are several apps available on your smartphone that can save you money.

Skype is one of them, as you can make free calls (voice or video) to other Skype users. Another one is Textfree, which lets you both text and call others free of charge.

Lastly, there are also a handful of coupon apps (Ibotta being one) that can help you keep some money in your pocket. Check your phone’s app store; you’ll be surprised at what you can find!

Technology can bring not only savings but also ways to earn money as well. When finances are tight, take a look at what your computer or smartphone has to offer. You might find that there are more savings to be had than you would have ever imagined.

January 17, 2020
The Battle Over Snow Removal Equipment Continues

After the first winter storm hits, you may be trying to decide if you want to keep using your old snow shovel or invest in a snowblower for winter snow removal. Whether you’re jealous of your neighbor across the street who cleared their driveway in half the time it took you, or you’re a recent empty-nester with no teens to help you clear the driveway, now might be the time to purchase a snowblower.

Learn more about the benefits of using a snowblower over a snow shovel as well as snowblower maintenance, to decide if power snow removal equipment is what you want for your driveway.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Snow Shovel

If you’re looking for a good workout at 5 AM on a wintery morning, a snow shovel is the right tool for you. You just may not want to have that workout every day, especially if you have an unexpectedly heavy snowfall that makes you late for a meeting.

Plus, if you have health concerns or don’t use proper technique and stretch before and after you shovel, you could risk injury or heart problems.

Snow shovels are great snow removal equipment for short driveways, decks, or pathways around your yard, but using a snow shovel on a long driveway or to clear heavy snow keeps you outside for an hour or more after each snowfall. It’s definitely a chore.

This often means getting up early to get it removed before work and sometimes removing it again between work and dinner. If you are using a snow shovel, you’ll also need to stay hydrated, rest frequently and wear layers so you can stay warm without overheating.

But, if you live in an area with light and infrequent snowfall, a snow shovel maybe your best option based on ease of storage and affordability.

Benefits of a Snow Blower

Snowblowers do have two disadvantages when compared to snow shovels. They’re more expensive, and they require annual maintenance to keep them up and running.

However, snow blowers are better for your back, better for your heart, and they reduce the time you’re out in the cold. The speed and efficiency of a snowblower mean you can get out and get the driveway cleared quickly before work or holiday visits (even if you wake up to a few unexpected inches).

Plus, they require much less physical exertion than snow shovels, and you can order snowblower accessories like snow cabs, tire chains, work lights, skid shoes, and drift cutters to make your job even easier.

So, if you often receive a heavy, wet snowfall over four inches, have a long driveway, are older, have health concerns, or just want to spend more time with family and less on chores, a two-stage snow blower is a better choice than a snow shovel.

Despite the higher price point and necessary snowblower maintenance, properly cared-for power snow removal equipment lasts for years and cuts down the time and energy it takes to clear your driveway.

The ease of clearing snow with power snow removal equipment might even prompt you to clear your sidewalk or neighbor’s driveway. Who knows, you might get some cookies in return!

Snow Blower Maintenance Tips

To keep your machine in pristine condition, make sure you do routine snowblower maintenance each fall. Change the oil, check the oil and air filters, change spark plugs, inspect belts, tighten bolts and lubricate parts to ensure your power snow removal equipment is ready for old man winter.

Do this early enough in the fall to order replacement snowblower parts for the upcoming season if necessary.

Before each use, makes sure your snowblower has a full gas tank. Since the machine needs to be cool before refueling, you don’t want to be in the middle of the driveway when you have to stop and wait.

Snow Removal Tips When Using a Snow Blower

Before your first major storm with a new snowblower, do a test start to make sure everything is running smoothly. Spray the chute with a non-stick spray to reduce the chance that thick snow will clog it up, and never use your hand to unclog the chute, or try to unclog it while it’s running.

When removing snow with a snowblower, be sure to clear the path of any objects that could damage the machine or your property if they are picked up by the snowblower. Finally, when using the snowblower, clear snow up and down the driveway rather than across it, and avoid using it on steep slopes. Stay warm!

Do you have snowy winters where you live?

January 17, 2020
Simple Steps to Set Up an EBay Store

Dads–are you looking for a hobby or a way to consistently make some extra income? Maybe there’s a new video game your kid has to have or a much-needed vacation that just doesn’t align with your current budget? Although anyone can sell items on eBay via auctions and the “Buy it Now” process, there are several perks to opening an actual eBay store. For example, this will allow you to become more visible to consumers, and it will also let you customize your storefront.

Due to this, creating an eBay store can help you turn the clutter in your home into a viable source of income. In fact, this is the perfect way for dads to create an easily managed home-based business.

Once you’ve had a few sales, you might catch the bug and start shopping for low priced finds at flea markets, thrift shops, yard sales (and friends) which can be converted to larger cash sums in your store.

Guide to Setting Up an eBay Store

1. Create an Account

If you do not already have an account with eBay, you will need to create one.

This will require you to provide eBay with payment information so that they can bill you for your store subscription, listing fees and their percentage of each sale, and you will also need to have a verified PayPal account.

2. Pick a Package

There are several perks associated with having an eBay store, including reduced listing fees. Additionally, your monthly subscription comes with a predetermined amount of free listings for you t0 sell your goods. For example, if you opt for the basic package, you will receive 150 free listings each month, and you can also save $48 by paying for the entire year upfront.

Most people who are selling items out of their homes will have their needs met with the basic or premium package, but power sellers will receive the best value by subscribing to the anchor package.

3. Build Your eBay Store

You will have the option of using a basic template and creating your own look with HTML. If you do not have any experience with HTML or creating templates, it will be best to stick with the basic layout.

Fortunately, you will still have the opportunity to customize your storefront by uploading a logo, writing a description that makes it easy for people to determine the type of items you sell and selecting an eye-catching color scheme.

4. Post Your Listings

Posting listings with a store account is easier than using the standard auction approach because you can upload multiple things at once. Additionally, you will be able to save basic templates for items that you plan to sell often.

Keep in mind that the store format also enables you to set a specific price for your items instead of operating your listings in the typical auction format.

5. Promote Your Store

Anyone who has an eBay store can take advantage of the site’s many promotional tools to increase their sales. For example, your buyers can sign up for your newsletter so that they can be the first people to hear about your latest listings.

You can also highlight some of your listings so they become more visible. If you have social media accounts, it’s smart to promote your links there too.

Setting up an eBay store does not need to take a lot of time. In fact, most people who choose the basic layout can have everything in place in less than an hour.

Once you have taken care of the necessary set up, you will be well-positioned to begin making money out of your home. This will allow you to get rid of unnecessary items, and you will have enough extra cash to splurge on something that you really want (I’m looking at the new consoles that are coming out later this year).

January 17, 2020
Balancing Your Time: Household Chores and Time with the Kids

I suspect most parents feel guilty about not spending enough time with their kids. There are just so many other demands like household chores.

Time is a precious commodity, but it may be possible to free up some of it by looking closely at your schedule. Here are a few suggestions for how you can improve the balance between household chores and spending time with your kids.

Choose the Right Cleaning Supplies

Purchasing the right cleaning supplies can mean you waste less time on household chores.

For example, things like a carpet cleaner can be an essential cleaning tool. It is much easier to use something designed for the task than trying to use something that falls short.

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to have a well-stocked cabinet of cleaning supplies and gadgets, and it can be worth it if it saves you time.

We personally could not live without our robot vacuums.

It is amazing how quickly the kids learn the operation of the DVD, yet are unable to understand the vacuum cleaner.

Etienne Marchal

Encourage Your Children to Help You with Household Chores

You can spend time with your kids and do household chores at the same time by allowing them to join in.

Even young children can participate if you turn it into a bit of a game. The secret to making this work is to choose the right tasks for your child – otherwise, you could end up making more work for yourself.

It can also be a good idea to give children some regular household chores (i.e. cleaning their room) because it can be beneficial for their development. It will provide them with some responsibility and prepare them for when daddy and mommy aren’t there picking up after them.

The cruel irony of housework: people only notice when you don’t do it.

Danielle Raine

Create a Schedule for Household Chores

The advantage of a schedule is that it allows you to stay on top of what needs to be done. It makes it possible for you to think more carefully about when you do these tasks, so you are more in control of your time.

Maybe do certain chores on certain days. Or, when you are waiting for something to cook, do some speed cleaning. Doing a little bit here and there really does add up.

Don’t cook. Don’t clean. No man will ever make love to a woman because she waxed the linoleum – “My God, the floor’s immaculate. Lie down, you hot bitch.”

Joan Rivers

Understand That Quality is Just as Important Quantity

The quality of the time you spend with your kids is just as important as the quantity of time. There are only so many hours in the day, and all you can do is your best.

It is always nice to spend more time with your kids, but it is better to make the most of the time you have.

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. —Phyllis Diller

January 17, 2020