Five Strategies For Reducing Anxiety As You Age

Stress is something that everyone deals with from time to time, but too much stress can negatively impact your mental and physical health. This is true for people of any age, but as you get older, your body might not be able to recover or compensate as much as it did when you were younger. And, specific stressors tend to affect seniors more than others, so this guide will address these common concerns and how to cope with them. 

If you’re feeling stressed out, there are some straightforward ways to reduce anxiety and feel relaxed. Whether reading a book or going on a walk, these simple solutions help you feel calm throughout your week.

1.Follow some quick stress managing tips for daily anxieties

Even for people who don’t have constant issues with anxiety, the daily stress of life can become draining. Some days, you’ll feel more stressed than others. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, the American Heart Association suggests taking one of these simple steps. And, these options can be modified or work for most people of any age:

  • Go on a walk in nature. Or, if you can’t walk, try to sit outside.
  • Read a book or magazine. It’s also possible to listen to an audiobook.
  • Do a project inside your home or around your yard. You can pick something that’s accessible to you, such as doing a puzzle or spending time in your garden. 
  • Reach out to a loved one as connecting with others is a great way to relieve stress.

While this isn’t a comprehensive list, these options can help distract you from what’s causing your distress.

2.Reduce technology stress with devices like Amazon Echo.

While some people stay very current on technology as they age, it can be challenging to keep up with the rapidly changing expectations of things like texting and video calling. Luckily, there are some ways to reduce this stress as a senior. Some devices, like the Amazon Echo, can be set up once to auto-answer for you (so you don’t have to remember how) or to respond to very simple voice commands (e.g. “Alexa, call Jennifer”). You can get help from someone in your life who knows about technology or over the phone from customer support.

DailyCaring.com, an advice site for caregivers, has this article on gifts for elderly women, and they discuss the pros and cons of different Amazon Echo versions, including the “drop-in” feature that automatically answers calls for you. 

When looking for an Amazon Echo device, there are pros and cons to the various versions. The baseline model is the Amazon Echo (4th Gen). This updated model features the “drop-in” ability that automatically answers calls for users, which is a great option for elderly loved ones you know. This feature also enables you to easily speak to your loved ones through Alexa as it acts as an intercom. Another great choice with drop-in capability is the Amazon Echo Dot. It’s smaller and cheaper but doesn’t have as good of a speaker. 

3.Focus on overall health habits

Everyone needs to do what they can to stay healthy, and this will go a long way in managing life stressors. Eating a balanced diet and drinking water is essential, and you should also try to get into a consistent sleep schedule. But, as you age, it may become more difficult to maintain balance in these areas. However, according to Cleveland Clinic, minor changes, such as doing what you can to increase daily physical activity, can make a difference. 

4.Get help from medical professionals

If you are struggling with constant stress and anxiety, changing small things in your life might not be enough. The best way to cope with stress that feels unmanageable is to talk to your doctor. They can work with you to figure out treatment options and help you be as happy and healthy as possible at any age. It’s best not to make any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle without consulting a healthcare professional first. 

5.Be gentle with yourself.

It can be frustrating to age and find that your physical or even mental capabilities are different than they were before. These changes can cause extra stress, so don’t be too hard on yourself. If there are some adjustments you can make to feel more calm and relaxed, try to do them, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t.

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Live in New York? 6 Reasons to Ditch Your Car

Living in New York can be stressful, but driving can make it even worse. Not only does it take a long time to get to your destination, but people aren’t exactly the best drivers. If you’ve been thinking about ditching your car, here are several reasons to finally make that choice.

  1. You can hire a car service for your outings

If you’ve been hesitant to ditch your car because you don’t want to deal with a cab or Uber at night, you’ll be happy to know there’s another option: hiring a private car. Hiring a car service in NY is easy. It’s also less stressful because you won’t have to drive.

Hiring a car for your special outings will actually be more fun for you and your friends or clients. You won’t have to deal with traffic or parking, and you can enjoy each other’s company while you’re on the way to your destination. If you’ve always wanted to hire a private car to go out at night, you’ll be hooked from your first ride.

  1. You can live anywhere without a car

In New York, there are so many more living options available to people without cars. If your home doesn’t come with onsite parking, finding a parking spot can be brutal. However, when you don’t have a car, you won’t need to find parking. That means your living options are wide open.

You can live in a house, apartment, or condo, or even rent a room from someone if that’s your preference. You don’t have to search for places based on available parking, and you won’t have to worry about finding the perfect spot, only to realize there’s no place for your car.

If you love NY, but you don’t love the parking, you probably already have an idea of where you’d like to live. Maybe you want to be in the heart of New York City, or maybe you’d like to be in a smaller suburb like Manhattan or Queens? It really doesn’t matter where you want to live when you don’t have to worry about parking your car.

  1. You’ll save thousands of dollars

Taking public transportation and walking when possible is far more affordable than hanging on to your car just to be able to drive occasionally.

You’ll be stuck with many expenses regardless of whether you drive. When you keep your car, you’ll have to pay for gas, repairs, maintenance, inspections, yearly registration tabs, and insurance. This can add up to thousands of dollars each year no matter how much or little you drive. On top of that, if you get any traffic or parking tickets, you’ll spend even more money.

If you need to go to the store, it’s easy to call a cab or use a rideshare service. If you need to get to work, you can take the subway. If you’re worried about the subway running late, leave early.

  1. You won’t risk damage to your car

When you don’t have a car, you won’t need to worry about getting into an accident, other people hitting your parked car, people scratching your doors with their doors and shopping carts, or someone taking off a side mirror when you park.

Parking in New York will inevitably lead to damage to your vehicle at some point.

  1. You won’t have to worry about street sweeping

Driving and parking is bad enough. When it’s time for your side of the road to be cleaned by the street sweeper, you’re going to have a crazy day. If you don’t move your car before the specified time, you’ll get a ticket. However, depending on where you live, you might need to park really far away or just drive somewhere else if you can’t find parking.

In some neighborhoods, double parking on the other side of the street is legal if you leave a note with your phone number on the car you’ve parked beside. However, it’s still inconvenient. When you ditch your car, you won’t ever have to think about the street sweeper again.

  1. You’ll feel calmer

Driving stresses most people out and after a lifetime of driving, that stress can feel normal… until you stop driving for a while. Does driving stress you out? Do you get frustrated when it comes time to park? Unless you can park like this, getting rid of your car will alleviate more stress than you realize.

Do you really need a car?

Public transportation in New York makes it pretty easy to get around; you really don’t need a car. If you want to save time, money, and eliminate your stress, consider alternative options instead.

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5 Virtual Jobs to Make Money While Going to College

Are you looking for ways to make money while going to college? If so, you’re in luck. Several virtual jobs allow you to do just that. We will discuss five of the best virtual jobs for college students. These flexible jobs will enable you to work from home, making them perfect for busy students. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

  1. Try Crypto Trading

As a college student, you have time to sit in front of a computer screen for hours, day after day. If you’re one of them, consider trying your hand at crypto trading. Crypto trading is a form of online trading where you buy and sell cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Monero, and others. With this job, you set your hours so you can still attend class or meet up with friends when you need to. The financial perks are a great advantage for college students who have loans they need to pay off.

As a student, you are likely well-versed in the workings of social media. As such, working as a crypto trader might be the perfect job for you! Crypto trading is based online. You can do this virtual job from your laptop or computer 24/7. It’s also possible to make money with cryptocurrencies even if you don’t own any. 

  1. Freelance Writer

As a college student, you probably have many thoughts itching to get out of your head. Why not make money by sharing them with the world? There are tons of blogs and websites out there that need content (more than 400 million, in fact). If you can structure sentences and own an iPhone or Android properly, you can work as a content writer.

  1. Tutor

If you’re studying in your major of choice at college, you’re likely an expert in that field. People are always looking to improve their skills to secure or advance in a job. So, why not help them out? If you have one-on-one tutoring skills, this might be an excellent option for you. You can work from home and make money, helping students improve their studies.

  1. Virtual Assistant

Typically, virtual assistants work with large businesses or companies looking for administrative help. It might include making calls, organizing files, managing social media accounts, and more. They set their work schedule according to their availability. If you’re organized and able to communicate online effectively, then this might be the perfect job for you.

  1. Online Tutor

If you are still searching for a way to make money while going to college, consider becoming an online tutor. You can work at your own pace and set your hours. People of all ages use virtual tutoring services, so there’s likely a need for one in your area. With sites like WyzAnt, you can work as little or as much as you want.

These jobs are very flexible and allow you to set your schedule. You have to log in at a scheduled time and start tutoring students who need help from the comfort of their own homes.

Conclusion

It cannot be easy to find ways to make money as a college student. Luckily, there are virtual jobs that you can do from the comfort of your own home. All options on our list are real opportunities, so why not try Best of luck.

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How To Build A Business That Stands Out Online

Building an online presence is key to a successful business. There are many things you can do to grow your online presence and create lasting relationships with consumers.

In this article, we’ll tell you the most important things you need to know about e-commerce relations and how to build your business’s reputation. You’ll be ready to tackle any situation that comes your way if you follow these guidelines!

Hire a Service

The first thing to know when working on an e-commerce business model is that you should not work alone. Get in touch with a Magneto company to discuss options for reaching clients across the web. Their extensions are designed to assist you with selling to your clients, doing most of the work for you. Certified developers know what will work best for your business.

The world of e-commerce is constant and changing. You’d do well to hire a team of professionals who have their finger on the pulse, ready to give you the highest-quality service available. These services are also used to protect both client and company data from potential threats. Using a flexible approach to e-commerce businesses, magneto services can help your business thrive!

Build Loyalty

Building loyalty with your brand is another important step in creating an online presence that stands out against the competition. You’ve seen how one bad story in the press can have a powerful impact on a company if handled incorrectly. It’s important to build a reliable company brand that customers can trust, even when things go wrong.

Your digital voice is key to creating the narrative your clients see. Working on collaborations with other companies displays your compatibility and trustworthiness, so more businesses become more willing to work with you. When you have a loyal client base, your company can support itself.

Emphasize Customer Service

Every company knows how important customer service is, especially now when live help is available through calls or chat messages. Prioritizing the customer experience is essential to building a business that stands out from the competition online. You’ll read negative reviews everywhere, but you’ll want to create a positive experience, so that good reviews are left everywhere!

Train your representatives to listen to customer complaints and work with the customer to reach a conclusion that will follow company policy while showing the customer you’re willing to go the extra mile to make them happy. This is a great way to build your business online and show that you’re worth working with!

Embrace Change

It’s imperative that you, as a company, can adapt to the rapidly changing needs of the masses. Refusing to learn and change can irreparably damage your reputation and profits. Utilizing social media in a tasteful way is one way to embrace change. Speaking about current events and engaging directly with customers can make you seem more relatable.

Also, be ready to embrace new technology as it emerges and invest in teams that will assist you with utilizing the latest trends to your advantage. When you’re ahead of the game, you can gain a lot of recognition and virtual traffic that will generate business.

Conclusion

Following these guidelines will help you set your business apart from the rest. Knowing how to search for and meet customer needs will help you adapt your action plan to serve your clients best. Building loyalty will retain customers and have them return for more later on.

Consider hiring a service to assist you with these things so that you have a team of professionals at the ready. You’ll thank yourself for it later!

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Introduction To TOGAF 9 Part 2 Platform OG0-092 Exam

TOGAF by Open Group

TOGAF, introduced by The Open Group, is a proven enterprise architecture methodology and framework used by the world’s leading organizations to improve business efficiency. It is an enterprise architecture standard, ensuring consistent standards, methods, and communication among enterprise architecture professionals, so that we can conduct our enterprise architecture work in a better way, including:

  • An iterative process model supported by best practices
  • A re-usable set of existing architecture assets
  • Methods and tools for the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise architecture

TOGAF is the acronym for The Open Group Architecture Framework and it was developed by The Open Group, a not-for-profit technology industry consortium that continues to update and reiterate the TOGAF.

The Certification

TOGAF 9 Certified 

The purpose of certification to the TOGAF 9 Certified qualification is to provide validation that, in addition to the knowledge and comprehension of TOGAF 9 Foundation, the Candidate is able to analyze and apply this knowledge. The learning objectives at this level, therefore, focus on application and analysis in addition to knowledge and comprehension.

Target Audience

  • Individuals who require a deeper understanding of the TOGAF 9 standard
  • Professionals who are working in an organization where the TOGAF 9 standard has been adopted
  • and who need to participate in architecture projects and initiatives
  • Architects who will be responsible for developing architecture artifacts
  • Architects who wish to introduce the TOGAF 9 standard into an architecture practice
  • Architects who want to achieve a recognized qualification to demonstrate their detailed knowledge of the TOGAF 9 standard

The Value of this Certification

Individuals certified at this level will have demonstrated their understanding of:

  • How to apply the ADM phases in development of an Enterprise Architecture
  • How to apply Architecture Governance in development of an Enterprise Architecture
  • How to apply the TOGAF Architecture Content Framework
  • How to apply the concept of Building Blocks
  • How to apply the Stakeholder Management Technique
  • How to apply the TOGAF Content Metamodel
  • How to apply the TOGAF standard recommended techniques when developing an Enterprise

Architecture

  • The TOGAF Technical Reference Model and how to customize it to meet an organization’s needs
  • The Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model
  • The content of the key deliverables of the ADM cycle
  • How an Enterprise Architecture can be partitioned to meet the specific needs of an organization
  • The purpose of the Architecture Repository
  • How to apply iteration and different levels of architecture with the ADM
  • How to adapt the ADM for security
  • The role of architecture maturity models in developing an Enterprise Architecture
  • The purpose of the Architecture Skills Framework and how to apply it within an organization

Examination

Certification is only achieved by passing the two examinations either taken separately or together as a combined examination.

Examination Name: TOGAF 9 Part 1

(Exempt if the Candidate has achieved certification for TOGAF 9 Foundation)

Examination Type: Multiple-choice examination

40 questions/60 minutes

Supervised: YES

Open Book: NO

Delivery Options:

  1. Authorized accredited training organizations are able to provide this examination on-site.
  2. Pearson VUE test centers. 
  3. At your home or in your office using Online Proctored delivery.

Examination Name: TOGAF 9 Part 2

Examination Type: Complex multiple-choice scenario-based examination 8 questions/90 minutes

Supervised: YES

Open Book: YES1

Delivery Options 

  1. Authorized accredited training organizations are able to provide access to this examination on-site.
  2. Pearson VUE test centers.

Study Track

Candidates may choose how they wish to learn about the TOGAF 9 standard. Courses will be available from The Open Group accredited training organizations and other training organizations.

Prerequisites: None.

The Exam

TOGAF 9 Part 2 Exam

Exam Summary

Exam Name:  TOGAF® 9 Part 2 Exam

Exam Number:

OG0-092 – English

OG0-095 – Brazilian Portuguese

OG0-097 – Simplified Chinese

OG0-F92 – French

OG0-S92 – Latin American Spanish

Qualification upon passing:   TOGAF 9 Certified

Delivered at:  Authorized Examination Provider Test Centers

Prerequisites:  TOGAF 9 Foundation or a pass of the TOGAF 9 Part 1 Exam on the same day at the same test center

Supervised:  Yes

Open Book:  Yes, an electronic copy of the TOGAF 9 Standard is built into the exam. No hardcopy books may be used at test centers. 

Exam type:  Scenario-Based, Complex Multiple Choice

Number of  questions:  8

Pass score: 60% (24 out of 40 points)

Time limit:  90 minutes

Retake policy:  If you fail the test you must wait one month before another attempt

Recommended Study:  A Study Guide is available. The Practice Test included with the Study Guide is also available on its own.

Recommended Training:  An Accredited Training Course covering the TOGAF 9 Level 2 conformance requirements. See the TOGAF Register of Accredited Training Courses.

Next Step:  Take the exam after training with a TOGAF Accredited Training Course provider   OR  Self-study and Schedule your exam with The Open Group Exam provider

Preparing For The Exam

TOGAF is a professional platform that offers distinctive certifications. These certifications are very different from other certification exams. That is why there is not much training material available for these certifications. If you are looking for the training material for the TOGAF 9 Certified OG0-092 exam, ExamsTrust is a reliable training provider. The training material at ExamsTrust is covered by a money-back guarantee. The comprehensive training package for the OG0-092 dumps exam by ExamsTrust includes PDF and Testing Engine. The training material is prepared by the professionals from the industry according to the outline provided by the Open Group. The braindumps by ExamsTrust are recognized by the industry for being accurate and updated. The ExamsTrust PDF package includes the practice questions and answers from past tests introducing you to the real exam format and questioning pattern. With accurate and updated training material, you can secure a distinctive result in the certification exam OG0-092 which is a part of the requirement for TOGAF 9 Certified credentials. 

Conclusion

Every modern organization requires Enterprise architecture and framework practices. These requirements are the same for both the private and public sector organizations as well as the Government bodies. The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is a non-profit organization that is working for the standardization of Enterprise Architecture and Framework. TOGAF certifications are acknowledged worldwide as credible credentials for architecture framework professionals. Success TOGAF 9 Certified is an advanced level certification for those who want to pursue a higher-level career in the field of enterprise architecture and framework. 

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Here’s How Gold-Rated Teaching Standards at the University of Essex Can Nourish Your Future

Founded in 1964, the University of Essex is one of the main institutes in England, United Kingdom. In the same year as the university’s founding, 122 students registered at the university, and over the course of the next 50 years, the university has graduated close to 100,000 students from more than 140 countries.

The University of Essex has three campuses, which are Colchester Campus, Southend Campus, and Loughton Campus. The Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science and Health, and Faculty of Social Sciences are the three faculties responsible for teaching and academic growth at the institution.

The University of Essex was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for its commitment to students’ overall development. The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a ranking system created by the UK government in 2017 with a focus on higher education institutions and the enhancement of undergraduate teaching quality. The new evaluation will assist students to pick where to study in the UK by awarding Gold, Silver, Bronze, or provisional ratings to universities and institutions. The examination included 134 higher education institutions, with 43 receiving Gold, 67 Silver, and 24 Bronze.

The TEF Panel determined that the University of Essex regularly provides exceptional teaching, learning, and results for its students based on the data presented. It is of the best grade available in the United Kingdom. The TEF Panel gave Essex the Gold grade because students from all backgrounds achieve great outcomes in terms of continuation and advancement to highly skilled work or further study, significantly exceeding the University’s criteria. Essex had excellent levels of satisfaction with teaching, academic assistance, and assessment and feedback, well beyond the University’s benchmark, according to the TEF Panel. The University of Essex Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster, said: “We are extremely proud to be rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework.” Essex admits students based on their potential rather than their success, and its faculty are dedicated to offering a transformative educational experience for all of our students.

The University of Essex is a pioneer in delivering quality education and research and is among a limited group of universities that excel at both. This is evidenced by its top 20 rating in the Research Excellence Framework in 2014. The University aims to guarantee that students get the most out of their time at a research-intensive institution by establishing a connection between research and education. With their very close relationship with the Students’ Union and placing the student voice at the heart of their work, the award of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework confirms that Essex consistently provides an outstanding education to its students, said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Aletta Norval.

Essex equips their students with the knowledge and skills to develop critical thinking and become independent learners. It prepares them for the global world in which we live. In addition, it supports a wide range of innovations in teaching and learning, from an in-house Personal Tutor system to a Technology Enhanced Learning program. Beyond the lecture hall, laboratory, and seminar room, Essex is dedicated to providing excellent instruction and an exceptional student experience. Their award-winning THINK seminar series, for example, provides a forum for students to debate controversial and thought-provoking topics, allowing them to broaden their perspectives on today’s most pressing issues, while extra-curricular activities such as sports, student societies, and volunteer work organized by their Students’ Union ensure that students at Essex receive more than just a degree.

Among the 95,000 graduates of the university are some well-known personalities in areas such as journalism, humanities, politics, and architecture. Oscar Arias (former President of Costa Rica), Nick Broomfield (documentary filmmaker), David Yates (filmmaker), Tom Raworth (writer and graphic artist), Kee Thuan Chye (Malaysian poet), Brian Hanrahan (BBC correspondent), Jonathan Wilson (novelist), John Etheridge (jazz guitarist), John Bercow (Speaker of the House of Commons), Mark Watson-Gandy (award-winning barrister) and Ben Okri (Booker prize recipient) are some of the most noteworthy names.

The university awards undergraduate scholarships of £4,000 to Indian students through the Indian Subcontinent Regional Scholarships. High-achieving Indian Master’s students can save anywhere between £3,000 and £5,000 on their tuition.

These are not even all of the reasons why you should consider the University of Essex for your studies. The University provides solid employment, a welcoming culture, and a worldwide education experience, thanks to its contemporary facilities and cutting-edge technologies. As a result, studying at the University of Essex will help you improve your abilities and pave a pathway to a bright future.

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Tips for Finding the Right Career for You

When you ask someone what the most meaningful aspects of their life are, the chances are good that their answers will include health, family, and work. Therefore, choosing what type of work you’ll be doing might just be one of the most important choices in your life.

When it comes to choosing a career, whether you are just starting on your work path or you just feel it’s time for a change, the following steps can help you pick one that’s a great fit for you.

Self-Assessment

Before making any important decision, it’s always a good idea to take a bit of time and self-reflect. When it comes to choosing your career, there’s no difference. In the self-assessment step, think about what type of environment you’d like to work in, be it indoors or out, helping people or selling something; what you’d enjoy doing, being a product designer or a lawyer, etc.; who you’d like to have as coworkers, and more. As you’re considering these things, you may want to jot down a few notes. These can help you evaluate various job descriptions further down the road.

Determine Your Must-Haves

Next, you might want to take a bit of time to identify those things you have to have in a job. These might range from your benefits and salary to whether or not you want to travel and the workplace location. It can be helpful to employ a question-and-answer session with yourself to find out what areas you can be flexible in and what you can’t with your career.  Is there a certain salary you need to make, or do you require certain benefits such as time off or healthcare? Are you willing and able to travel on a regular basis? How long of a commute are you comfortable making each day?

Create a List

Once you understand a little more about yourself and what you need in your career, you can begin looking for jobs that seem desirable or interesting to you. You can do this by utilizing your network, finding industries that interest you, identifying things you enjoy doing, and more. If you come across a job you don’t know too much about, make a note of it so that you can research it. You might just end up finding the right one that way. Also, keep in mind that job titles don’t always convey everything the job entails. While a specific title may not seem desirable, the actual job description may be a perfect fit. 

Training and Resume

Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a couple of possible careers, you’ll need to determine whether or not you need any additional credentials or training. Some employers may be willing to provide training on the job, but others will be in search of candidates who already fit their needs. 

Once you’ve determined your career path and are qualified for it, you should update your resume to show your relevant skills and strengths. It might be helpful to explore some job postings to understand what the employers in your preferred industry are looking for. 

Last Step

Once you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to begin looking for job openings. There are many places to do this – on job boards, in the newspaper, online, and more. Depending on where you look online, you can apply various filters like distance, experience level, job type, etc. 

As with any change, it might take time to adjust to your new career. During your transition, make sure to pay close attention to which parts of the job you enjoy. You’ll continue to learn, grow, and change as you begin to understand more about your job, yourself, and what works the best for you.

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5 Reasons to Book an Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is a land of extremes. It’s the largest state in the US, yet has a population smaller than some cities. It’s known for its cold weather and remote location, but its landscape is unrivaled in beauty. But that’s not all, Alaska is the home to some of the most popular cruise ships globally.

If you’re thinking about taking an Alaska cruise, there are a few things you should know. First, the best time to go is during the summer months, when the weather is (relatively) warm and the days are long. Second, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers, as temperatures can vary significantly from one day to the next. Finally, be prepared for some fantastic scenery.

Here are five reasons you should take your next vacation on a cruise to Alaska.

  1. For the Wildlife

Alaska is home to some incredible animals on the planet. From the massive grizzly bear to the elusive wolverine, there are plenty of creatures that will make your heart race. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these animals in the wild, it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Of course, Alaska isn’t just home to big predators. The state is also home to some of the most adorable animals in the world, like the Alaskan husky and the red fox. So whether you’re looking for a thrill or just want to admire some cute critters, you’re sure to find it in Alaska, and what better way than checking out Alaska cruises from Seattle. A cruise is one of the best ways to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

  1. For the Scenery

One of the best things about Alaska is the scenery. Whether you’re in the middle of a bustling city like Anchorage or out in the middle of nowhere, the views are just incredible. And since so much of Alaska is still wilderness, you get a sense of how vast and empty this world can be. It’s an amazing feeling and one that you can only truly experience in a place like Alaska.

Alaska is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Towering mountains, pristine waterways, and unspoiled forests greet visitors wherever they turn. Booking a cruise allows you to take it all in without worrying about planning logistics.

  1. For the Adventure

From glacier trekking to dog sledding, there are endless opportunities for adventure in Alaska. And what better way to experience them than on a cruise ship with everything you need at your fingertips?

Alaska cruises are an excellent choice for those who enjoy adventures. There’s never a dull moment with so much to see and do. And what’s more, you can enjoy all the amenities of a cruise ship while taking in the stunning scenery of Alaska. From glaciers to wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on an Alaska cruise. So if you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, an Alaska cruise is a perfect choice.

  1. For the Relaxation

If you’re looking for a cozy relaxing vacation, there’s nothing quite like a cruise. Whether sailing the open seas or cruising down a river, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Plus, there’s no need to worry about packing and unpacking each day since your cabin will be your home base during the trip. And with plenty of onboard activities and amenities, you’ll never find yourself bored. So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a cruise might just be the perfect getaway.

  1. For the Memories

An Alaskan cruise is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. From the moment you step onboard to the day you disembark, you’ll create memories that will last forever. There’s nothing more magical than having experiences to carry with you for the rest of your life.

Alaska cruise ships are not for everyone. But if you’re looking for an adventure, and don’t mind a little cold weather, then an Alaska cruise might be perfect for you. Just be sure to pack some warm clothes, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

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5 Personal Financial Tips for Freelancers

Being a freelancer comes with a lot of perks. However, it also comes with many responsibilities. From the financial side of things, you have to be prepared to handle all of the nuances involved with managing your money.

Mastering Your Money as a Freelancer

Freelancing offers a wealth of opportunities, freedoms, and benefits that you simply don’t have access to as a W-2 employee working a 9-to-5 job for a large corporation. 

You’re basically able to set your hours, choose your clients, and build the kind of business you want. But to be successful, you also need to manage your finances well and make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

As you think about managing money as a freelancer, here are several helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Open a Separate Business Account

If nothing else, make sure you follow this first tip. Open separate checking accounts for your personal use and business use. This is extremely important and will make accounting so much easier.

When you have a business account, everything runs through it. This includes every business expense and all earnings. This allows you to reference one set of statements when balancing your books or filing taxes. 

It also protects you. If you run an LLC, you’re required to have your own dedicated account. Even a single personal transaction on your business account (or vice versa) can do what lawyers call “pierce the veil” and compromise the integrity of your LLC.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

When you’re a freelancer, you have to plan for peaks and valleys. Unlike a salaried employee,  you can’t count on the same consistent paycheck month after month. Some months will be feast and others will be famine. One way to account for these fluctuations and protect your family’s finances is to build up an emergency fund. 

An emergency fund is basically three to six months of cash reserves that you set to the side in case you need it. It’s like a cushion that you can access when there’s an emergency or bill that you can’t pay. (The key is to fill the emergency fund back up as quickly as you can after drawing from it.)

3. Keep Budgets

Budgeting may sound boring, but it’s necessary. Be meticulous about keeping budgets in both your personal life and business. You’ll have to decide what kind of budget you want to keep, but it’s a good idea to build what we’ll call a “reflective budget.”

A reflective budget is a budget that’s built on the previous month’s income (it reflects what you earned in the past). In other words, if you made $10,000 in May, you use that as your top-line budget number for June. Then if you make $7,000 in June, you budget $7,0000 for July, etc. When you use this approach – as opposed to one that projects your future earnings – you ensure you’re always budgeting correctly down to the penny.

4. Know Your Options

Make sure you know your options when it comes to things like financial relief and bankruptcy (should you find yourself in a situation where you’re struggling to keep up).

“Most freelancers don’t realize that if you’re a sole proprietor – meaning you and your freelance business are legally the same entity – you may actually have access to both Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13,” bankruptcy attorney Rowdy G. Williams says. “But if you have an LLC, Chapter 11 is your only option.”

Hopefully, you don’t reach a point where you need to explore bankruptcy, but it’s nice to know there are always options. 

5. Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes

As a freelancer, there’s nobody taking taxes out of your paycheck each month. This means you are 100 percent responsible for paying your own taxes. And guess what? The IRS doesn’t want you to wait until the following April to settle up. They want their taxes along the way.

Freelancers are required to pay quarterly estimated tax payments. You can find the IRS schedule here. Meet with your accountant to figure out a plan. However, as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to set aside roughly 25 percent of your monthly earnings for estimated taxes.

Set Yourself Up for Success

It’s not enough to bring on a new client or close a new deal on a high-ticket project. In order to be successful as a freelancer, you have to master the art of managing your finances and maximizing your earnings. Let this article nudge you in the right direction, but never underestimate the importance of partnering with the right financial professionals and advisors!

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Tips For Making the Most Out of Your Career

Finding a stable career is one thing but making the most out of it is another. Though success is different for everyone, there are plenty of things that can help you earn it. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your career.

Lower Your Monthly Expenses

You might find this a bit odd but keeping your monthly expenses low is something that can help you feel more successful. If what you spend each month is almost as much as you earn, the situation can feel hopeless. Even if you’re earning a high salary, having to pay out as much or more than you bring in never works. You need to look for areas where you can cut costs and save more money each month.

Invest in Continued Education

If you’re looking to grow with your current company, you should also consider continued education. Not only does it boost personal enrichment, but can also help you climb the corporate ladder. If you’re looking to return to school but are already paying on student loans, you could think about refinancing. When you roll your existing balance to new terms, it can help you save money and feel less stressed overall. It also allows you to focus on building your career, not worrying about paying off high-interest loans.

Expand Your Social Circle

Whether you’re new to the office or simply haven’t tried to engage with co-workers, doing so can make you enjoy your career even more. Even if you’re more of an introvert, connecting with co-workers can make you love you career so much more. You’ll have a common thread between the two of you, and it also gives you a feeling of belonging. It’s normal to want to connect with others, so even if you’re already happy at work, not having at least one person you connect with can be tough.

Have Realistic Expectations

It’s also important to have realistic expectations in the workplace. Far too often, people set the bar too high, which only leads to disappointment. As much as you love your job, every day might not go according to plan. You may have tight deadlines or have a day where everything seems to go wrong. Set realistic expectations for yourself and know that it’s okay to have a bad day.

Be Open to Change

It’s also important to be open to change, especially at work. You should expect some occupational stress but working with others means being able to compromise on projects and not have things your way all the time. Having an open mind allows you to see things from a different point of view without feeling slighted. It also allows you to learn new things that might not be in your wheelhouse.

Practice Effective Communication

Nothing ruins an otherwise happy work environment faster than poor communication skills. Whether it’s you or a colleague, everyone needs to focus on proper communication skills. That means letting others finish what they are saying before interjecting, not make snide comments when you hear something you don’t like, and being open to constructive criticism. Keep lines of communication by being respective and agreeing to disagree.

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