The Multiple Benefits Of The Cycle To Work Scheme

Posted on March 31, 2023 by rosie

The Benefits of the Cycle to Work Scheme

A UK government programme called cycle to work encourages workers to commute by bicycle rather than use their car. This programme offers employers and employees tax and National Insurance savings in addition to several other financial advantages, as discussed below:

Tax and National Insurance savings

Employers can buy bicycles and equipment worth up to £1000 for their employees under the cycle-to-work programme without paying taxes or National Insurance contributions. Because of this, the programme is a desirable choice for businesses wishing to reduce their payroll expenses.

Employees can also benefit from tax savings when they repay the bicycle’s cost in monthly instalments from their wage without paying any tax or National Insurance contributions.

Cost savings for employers

Employers can profit from reduced parking, fuel, and maintenance costs when their employees choose to cycle rather than drive, in addition to the financial advantages of lower tax and National Insurance contributions. As a result, businesses may eventually experience significant cost reductions as a result of this.

Lower travel expenses

Compared to driving or using public transit, cycling to work is a significantly more affordable means of transportation. Employees can save money on gas, parking, and transportation costs by cycling to work. Over time, this can save a lot of money.

Free implementation

Local governments may offer bike sheds for free or at a discount, with funds set aside to promote cycling.

Health benefits for employees

Regular riding has health benefits and financial advantages in the cycle-to-work programme. Cycling is a fantastic exercise that enhances general well-being, lowers stress levels, and improves cardiovascular health. Frequent cycling can also assist in reducing sick leave, which can help businesses save even more money.

Employer branding, recruitment, and employee welfare

Cycling to work benefits corporate branding and may increase your appeal to prospective hires as one of the incentives you offer employees. It exhibits concern for the welfare of a company’s workforce.

Cutting down on commuting times

Traffic congestion and the time spent stuck in it are two of the most annoying aspects of travelling to and from work, especially after a long day at the office. This is especially true when there are delays caused by accidents or roadworks!

Environmental benefits

Cycling to work is a sustainable mode of transport that reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Employers encouraging cycling to work can demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Encourages corporate social responsibility

Promoting cycling as a mode of transportation to work shows a company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, which can improve its reputation and draw in socially conscious workers.

Retention

Like other income sacrifice programmes, a cycle-to-work system may be a delaying factor for job changes.

In conclusion, employees and businesses can benefit financially from the cycle-to-work scheme. In addition, the programme can lower travel expenses, boost health and productivity, and create a cleaner, more sustainable environment by encouraging more people to cycle to work.

Top Reasons Why Your Family Deserves A Pet

Posted on March 16, 2023 by rosie

Having a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any family. Pets provide us with unwavering loyalty and love, no matter how old you are – it’s always nice to come home to a wagging tail or purring cat! But did you know that having a family pet also has many benefits beyond companionship? Research shows that pets are beneficial for their owners’ physical and mental health, can help reduce stress levels, improve social skills, and even offer educational opportunities for kids. Here we’ll explore some of the reasons why your family deserves a pet:

Via Pexels

#1: Pets Offer Unconditional Love And Companionship

Pets provide us with unconditional love and companionship. No matter how bad your day may have been, coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat can instantly lift your spirits. Pets provide us with the opportunity for connection, which is essential for all human beings. There is no other love quite like that of an animal, and it is a special bond that you can’t get from anyone else.

Having a pet by your side is a surefire way to make your family feel more connected and loved. There is only so much we can do as parents to teach our children unconditional love and companionship; however, having a pet in the home allows our children to experience those feelings firsthand.

#2: Pets Can Help Reduce Stress Levels

Research has shown that owning a pet can help to reduce stress levels. Pets provide us with the opportunity for connection and interaction with our pets release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones in our bodies. Pets also give us consistent companionship, which can be beneficial when we feel lonely or down. Our stress levels play a vital role in how healthy and happy we are and having a pet can help to keep those levels in check.

Various types of animals are used to reduce anxiety and stress for their owners, such as therapy dogs or horses. These animals are specially trained to provide comfort and emotional support, so if you’re in need of a calming presence, consider having one of these animals in your family.

#3: Pets Can Improve Our Social Skills

Pets can also help improve social interaction skills, especially among children and teens. Playing with an animal or having conversations about animals is a great way to start a conversation between two people who might not otherwise have one. Parents can use this as an opportunity to help their kids learn how to interact with others and build relationships in a safe, low-pressure environment.

As we age, staying social isn’t always easy; however, with a pet by your side, you can make new connections or re-establish old ones. In addition, pets can be a great topic of discussion with friends or family, providing an easy way to break the ice. They may even help to reduce social anxieties and calm nerves in some situations.

#4: Pets Can Provide Educational Opportunities For Our Kids

Pets can also provide educational opportunities for children. Having a pet gives them a chance to learn about caring for another living creature and learn responsibility, empathy and respect. This knowledge is invaluable for young minds, and it’s something that will stay with them throughout their lives.

In addition, many schools now offer programs that bring animals into the classroom to teach kids about animal care and conservation, a great way for your family to get involved in something special.

#5: Pets Help Promote Physical Activity

Having a pet can also help promote physical activity. As adults, we need to focus on getting the recommended amount of exercise each day, and so do our kids. This can often be a challenge; however, having a pet makes it all worthwhile. Having a pet gives you the incentive to get outside and exercise. Going for walks or playing fetch with your pet can be a great way to get the whole family involved in physical activity. Owning a pet will force you to get off the couch and have a little fun with your four-legged companion.

Via Pexels

#6: Pets Teach Us Compassion

Caring for a pet can also be extremely rewarding, as it teaches us compassion and empathy. This is especially true when kids are involved; children learn invaluable lessons about responsibility and caring for another living creature. In addition, caring for a pet helps children understand the importance of nurturing relationships, which will serve them throughout their lives.

To give you some helpful advice on teaching your kids how to ensure your pet is happy, you can read this article, https://chocolatelabradorretriever.ca/unlocking-the-secret-to-your-dogs-happiness-how-sniffing-makes-all-the-difference/. Doing everything in your power to ensure your pet is happy and healthy will go a long way in teaching children the fundamentals of compassion and empathy.

#7: Pets Encourage Independence And Responsibility

Having a pet is also a great way to help your child become more independent and responsible. From feeding their pet or cleaning up after them, children learn valuable life skills when caring for an animal. Letting your kids take part in daily activities such as brushing the dog or giving them baths will help them understand the importance of completing tasks on their own and having responsibility for something other than themselves.

It will also teach your child independence, which is an important skill to have in life. Having a pet also teaches kids self-discipline, as they learn not to take too many liberties with their pets. This is an amazing way to teach kids a sense of control and patience, which will benefit them throughout their lives.

#8: Pets Help Improve Our Mental Health

Owning a pet can be great for your mental health. Studies have shown that pet owners experience lower levels of stress and depression and fewer feelings of loneliness. Pets have also been known to reduce anxiety and increase confidence levels due to the companionship they offer. For children, having a pet can be especially beneficial for mental health. They can provide comfort and emotional support during difficult times and are always there for them when needed. Pets can even help kids better manage their emotions by providing an outlet for anger, fear, or sadness in a safe way that doesn’t involve hurting another person. Not to mention that playing with or cuddling a pet can be incredibly therapeutic and calming.

#9: Pets Bring Families Together

Pets also bring families together as they provide a common interest that everyone in the family can enjoy. Spending quality time with one another is vital to any healthy relationship, and what better way to do that than with a pet? Watching them play or simply snuggle up close provides an opportunity for fun and laughter, which will create memories of cherished moments for years to come.

Families with pets also tend to communicate better, as they have a common topic of conversation. Having a pet can also give families a sense of purpose as they work together to ensure their pet is loved, happy, and healthy.

#10: Pets Encourage Overall Happiness

At the end of the day, owning a pet can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying. Having someone to come home to that is always happy to see you can be an immense source of joy and comfort. When coming home after a long, tough day at the office or school, having your pet there to greet you can instantly put a smile on your face and boost your mood. And, of course, spending time with animals has been proven to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. So if you’re looking for an easy way to add some more happiness to your home, consider adding a furry friend.

There are countless reasons why families deserve and would benefit from having a pet. They can provide unconditional love and companionship, teach important life lessons, boost mental health, bring families closer together, and make everyone happier overall. So if you’re on the fence about getting a pet for your family, this list should be enough to convince you that you’ve made the right decision. So go ahead and bring some extra joy into your home today!

BLACK LEGGINGS ~ LOVE THEM OR LOATHE THEM?

Posted on February 6, 2023February 7, 2023 by rosie

Whoever invented them should be punched hard, on one side of their face, and smothered with kisses on the other. Has one item of clothing ever been so loved and hated in equal measure?

Loved, I would guess, mainly by women, hated, I can confidently say, mainly by men.

Every autumn, when bare leg days are behind us, I vow that when the chill does finally come into the air, and it’s time for chunky jumpers and warm jackets, I will NOT, most definitely NOT succumb to wearing that ‘capsule’ item of clothing found lurking in almost every woman’s wardrobe, BLACK LEGGINGS. But every year, I always do, and I hate myself for it.

But aren’t they oh so easy to wear, so comfy, so cosy, and best of all, so flipping cheap! Perhaps therein lies the irony of it all.

Many girls pop on leggings these days, almost the same way they pop on their knickers, they wear them EVERY time they go out. It’s only their tops and shoes, which change, depending on the destination.

Leggings have become the young Mum’s uniform of choice. Teamed with baggy T-shirts and woolly socks for indoors. Baggy T-shirts, a waterfall cardi, and flip flops for a trip to the local shops. Baggy T-shirt, jacket, and Ugg boots for the school run, and if they are really pushing the boat out, hardly any T-shirt at all, and SPARKLY leggings, with sky-high shoes for clubbing. Dress ‘em up, dress ‘em down. Anything goes.

Having said that, it’s quite a challenge dressing leggings ‘down’ any further than they already ultimately go.

But what about us more ‘mature’ ladies? Have you said, Hello Sixty, bring it on, but I won’t be a slave to fashion? I can’t wear leggings at my age, they are far too unkind to my figure, it’s not what it was. Jeggings are the way forward for me!

Regardless of age, should we look on leggings, as our comfortable friends, or are they the work of the ‘does my arse, tummy, hips, thighs, and legs, look big in this’ fat fairy in a bad mood.

Do you wear them to Waitrose, or are they something you prefer just to wear in the privacy of your own home?

Men hate leggings, and that’s a fact. I recall in the late ’80s when leggings first became popular, a ‘gentleman friend’ of mine once commented that the sight of me, in leggings, reminded him of Max Wall. I’m still wounded. He is not my friend anymore. Max Wall indeed.

But what is it about leggings that turn men off so much? I mean they are black, and they cover your legs, pretty much like stockings, but I guess that’s where the similarity ends.

Leggings clearly do not have the same appeal to men, as a silky 10-denier black lacy-edged stocking. But both are black, and both cover the length of your legs, but I think they occupy the same space in a man’s head as tights, without the gusset.

SUCH a great word GUSSET. It’s worthy of a mention for no other reason.

Strange isn’t it that many things that men find sexy are so bloody uncomfortable. Suspenders. Corsets. Stilettoes……you know it’s true.

How typical, that something as comfy as leggings, should be such a turn-off. So tell us where you stand on the legging front. Will you be wearing them loud and proud this winter, or could nothing persuade you to go there?

Rediscovering The Pleasure of Travelling

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by rosie

How often do you travel?
It’s the kind of question that you’re most likely to see appearing on an air miles questionnaire, which means that most people don’t question their travel habits. As a result, it’s not uncommon to fall into a routine that can take off the joy and excitement of travelling. You end up going to the same places, year after year, simply because it is convenient.

Ultimately, it’s fair to say that there is no right or wrong way to travel. However, if you find yourself feeling a little bored at the idea of driving or flying away, it’s time to challenge yourself to something new. Here are some ideas to make new travel plans in 2020.

Finding Your Home Away From Home

Do you have a favourite place in the world you find yourself coming back to year after year? But somehow the tourist population at the hotel makes your trip a little less special. Have you considered buying a holiday home? It can be a smart investment, as you can rent it out when you’re not using it. Typically, in popular destinations such as an exotic island on the other side of the planet, holiday homes can even pay for themselves. You may want to have a look at the best Mauritius property for sale beachfront or a modern sunny Malta villa with an integrated pool. Destinations that attract tourists are a brilliant side hustle for holiday rentals, which means that you can make the most of your second home away from home, even when you’re not there.

Change Your Lifestyle For A Bit

Admittedly, our time as free travellers in the EU might be coming to an end with Brexit – although, there’s no way to know what deal we’ll get –,, but you can make the most of the transition period to explain the neighbouring countries. You’d be surprised by how easy it is to become a temporary resident in Spain, Italy, or even Portugal – if you love warm summers. If you prefer winter sports, Sweden is a member of the EU, and you’ll find plenty of long-term rentals for you to discover the beauty of the local culture. It’s a brand new way of travelling, but when work isn’t a worry anymore, nothing is stopping you from spending a few months under a new sky.

Join A Group If You Are Worried About Solo Travel

A lot of seniors tend to get worried when they can’t travel with their partners anymore. The truth is that if you’ve never travelled alone before, now’s the best time to give it a go. You can get in touch with professionally operated tours so that you can join a group. Group trips are a great compromise for people who want to explore new countries but are worried about safety or accommodation arrangements. You still get some time on your own, but you can follow the group for organised visits and trips. It’s a favourite to make new friends too!

Get A Group Of Your Favourite Friends Together

Your trip doesn’t always have to last for a week or 10 days, you will benefit just as much from spending a weekend exploring and having a new adventure with close friends or family somewhere like Ireland where you could also enjoy some excellent food by booking a private group dining room for you, and your friends through Square Meal IE

Square Meal IE is a one-stop website where visitors can find the best restaurants in Ireland, along with the opportunity to book online – anything from a Gastropub to an award-winning fine dining restaurant. Each venue listing shows the number of people it can accommodate, the type of cuisine it offers, as well as the price range you can expect to pay.

Travelling is a journey that takes your senses to the discovery of new tastes, sounds, and cultures. When the journey stops being enjoyable, you need to think of how you can change your travel habits. From finding a place you can call home to moving in for a few months in a new country, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for you to enhance your travels!

Does Getting Older Influence Your Choice Of Car?

Posted on December 13, 2022December 15, 2022 by rosie

An old adage says that a man’s choice of car purchase is an extension of himself, and that may well be the case when you are a young man out to impress.

But as we travel (pardon the pun) through life, our tick list of vehicle ‘must haves’ changes dramatically, and never more so than when we are heading towards retirement.

So what factors influence you when choosing a car to take you into the later years of your life? Will it be a snazzy little convertible, a sensible estate, or maybe a people carrier to well, carry lots of little people and their associated mountain of pushchairs and toys?

Will you buy secondhand, or maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a brand-spanking new set of wheels? If that is the case, then you need to do your homework first. Spend time visiting local showrooms, and ask questions not only about the running costs, and interior extras, but also about where the car was manufactured, the background of the company, and what other models they produce at the plant.

Ask if manufacturers have industrial vision systems in place, designed to give precision quality control, which helps to ensure your vehicle will have had all its components fully tested before it reaches the car dealer.

Many of us are completely unaware of the way car manufacturers implement artificial intelligence which now makes owning a brand-new car a totally user-friendly experience. Not only from the initial construction of the car but right down to giving the owner a more focused drive, by lessening the distractions within the car and ultimately understanding the driver’s habits.

If it’s been some time since you took the plunge and bought a brand-new car, with all the new technology that is now available, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Time To Enjoy The Wind In Your Hair

We all remember the nostalgic films of bygone days, when impossibly handsome actors in straw hats and aviator sunglasses drove shiny convertible cars around hairpin bends, to some romantic soundtrack. Usually accompanied by an equally impossibly glamorous female wearing a chiffon scarf that was blowing gently in the breeze. These scenes of course were usually shot in exotic places such as the South of France or the Italian Riviera.

When retirement is on the horizon, you might plan some adventures; maybe a drive across Europe in a nifty little sports car, and you imagine long stretches of open roads, under clear blue skies, with the soft top down and the wind in your hair. How fabulous that would be.

And so off you go on a mission to find THE perfect sports car to take you on your magical road trip. The downside of that idea is, that your knees aren’t what they were, and being so low on the ground, you might just as well be driving a skateboard. You might want to reassess, and choose comfort over the convertible!

Hobbies That Require A Workhorse

Retirement gives you lots of time to enjoy hobbies you used to slot in around your working life. Previously, you may have driven a small, economical car, to and from the station or workplace. But now, you can indulge yourself with the right vehicle for your change of lifestyle. One that can accommodate things like golf clubs, a mountain bike or two, easels, and canvasses, or maybe just a couple of BIG dogs to take on long walks in the countryside.

But of course, a bigger car means it’s not going to be as economical as your little run-around and for everyday uses, when you are just popping to the shops or running errands, there’s a lot of ’empty’ car space behind you. Before deciding on an estate car, it might be wise to weigh up just how beneficial a bigger car will actually be to you.

How Many People Do You Really Want to Carry?

Memories can be short as we get older. And what we do often forget is our own parenting days, when every family outing had to be planned like a military campaign. Loading children, assorted ‘just in case’ extra clothing, buggies, bikes, toys, cool bags, potties, and changing mats into a family saloon. We thought it would never end. Back in the day, a BIG car was a necessity for the sheer volume of ‘stuff’ required to go on any significant journey.

Your retirement dream of spending more time with the Grandchildren might just come back to bite you on the bum if you do invest in a people carrier. Small people still need the same amount of paraphernalia, and ‘impulsive’ trips usually take hours to organise before everyone is safely strapped in. Think carefully, will you become the designated driver for your whole family, simply because Nanny and Grandad have the biggest car!

Later life car purchases need careful thought. Do your research, have fun doing some test drives, but most of all make sure your purchase is right for you and will tick all your retirement travel boxes!

Handwritten Letters – So Much More Than Just Words

Posted on October 10, 2022October 13, 2022 by rosie

Looking back, I remember how I’d huff and puff when my Mum asked me to send handwritten thank you letters to any relative who had been kind enough to send me a birthday card, containing money, or a book token.

Indeed any gift at all required a huge degree of graciousness, wrapped in a laboriously handwritten, missive. To make the task less painful I was sometimes allowed to choose the notelet as if I actually cared!

Fast forward a few years, and obviously before the invention of email and texting, but after the invention of the package holiday to sunny climes, I made new holiday friends, and we exchanged addresses because the only way to keep in touch was to become pen pals with them. I remember how exciting it was to get a letter, read it over and over again, then reply with indecent haste. Especially if it was from a gawky teenage boy!

But now I’m MUCH older and arguably wiser, and I think it’s sad that the sending and receiving of handwritten letters and notes have all but vanished.

In fact, it seems we now need help to write a business letter, and the internet is full of ‘how to’ information to show us… well, the right way to write various communications such as handwritten real estate letters

There’s so much more to getting a handwritten letter than just reading it. Initially, there’s the surprise factor of it dropping through the letter box in the first place. Then, unless you recognise the writing, the ‘wondering’, who it’s from. The slicing open of the envelope and the gentle retrieval of the paper.

Do you look at the last page first to see who it’s from, or the address if there is one? Then you might scan up and down to see how many pages there are before making a comforting drink to enjoy, whilst you settle down to read your letter.

A handwritten letter requires thought, planning, time, and effort. The writer is letting you into a little part of their world, telling you important news or perhaps inviting you to a celebration, or simply just including you in what’s happening in their life.

Yes of course, sometimes handwritten letters do contain bad news, but I think it softens the blow a bit by reaching you more personally, than an electronic email or text.

Let’s face it, the world would be a poorer place if the Bronte sisters hadn’t received and written so many missives in the Parsonage at Haworth. Their books revolved around waiting for ‘news’ of one dashing suitor or another, via a handwritten note. Invitations to take tea with their neighbours, or to join a soiree, all delivered in flowery handwriting and received with such excitement!

For sure, emails and texts are a huge step forward in communication, and today’s young generation doesn’t know of any other way to get in touch with each other. But whilst it favours the young, it precludes the elderly and those who don’t own or want to own a mobile phone or computer.

Do they still receive those thank you letters and notes for birthday money and gifts they have sent to their families, which I was encouraged to write all those years ago, or are they still a thing of the past too?

Autumn Giveaway – Win A Free M & S Hamper

Posted on September 28, 2022 by rosie

Autumn is well and truly upon us, and it’s time for our September free giveaway. To be in with a chance to win a free M & S Mayfair hamper, simply follow the instructions.

There are plenty of ways to enter, simply scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget below to see the options. You will also see the terms and conditions below as well as all of the blogs taking part – please do take a moment to visit them to show your support to them.

Bloggers Taking Part

Here is a list of all of the bloggers taking part in this giveaway – please show your support by visiting them.

The Prize

This prize is a M&S Tea in Mayfair Hamper

Terms and conditions

1. There is one top prize of a M&S Tea in Mayfair Hamper
2. There are no runner up prizes.
3. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding all bloggers involved with running the giveaway
4. Closing date for entries is midnight on 23.09.2022
5. The same Rafflecopter widget appears on all the blogs involved, but you only need to enter on one blog
6. Entrants must log in to the Rafflecopter widget, and complete one or more of the tasks – each completed task earns one entry in the prize draw
7. Tweeting about the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget will earn five bonus entries into the prize draw.
8. 1 winner will be chosen at random.
9. The winner will be informed by email within 7 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days with their delivery address, or a replacement winner will be chosen.
10. The winners’ names will be published in the Rafflecopter widget (unless the winner objects to this).
11. The prizes will be dispatched within 14 days of the winner confirming their details.
12. The promoter is Drew Media LTD t/a www.MakeMoneyWithoutAJob.com
13. By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions

Enter now

Simply complete any or all of the Rafflecopter entry widget options below to be entered. You can also tweet about the giveaway daily to earn bonus entries.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

How Your Children Can Learn From Online Games

Posted on August 25, 2022 by rosie

As Grandparents, we are in the enviable position of being able to spend time with our Grandchildren doing nice, enjoyable things like playing games. We can leave the ‘parenting’ stuff to their parents!

My Grandsons were at their most interesting when they were sucking up knowledge like a sponge. Asking question after question, who, why, what, when, and although it drove me bonkers, I enjoyed combining fun times, with a touch of education too.

As soon as they were old enough, car journeys were always spent spotting specific colours and animals, then counting cars and singing songs, and of course, good old I-Spy, always a winner, and always good for lots of laughs when the youngest ones couldn’t spell and chose completely the wrong initial for the thing they had ‘spied’.

For the older ones it was always very competitive and usually accompanied by lots of groans when the object was, shall we say, a little bit debatable.

When my Grandsons got older and were able to grasp the concept of board games, I spent time teaching them the good old-fashioned favourites that have stood the test of time, such as Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, and Guess Who.

Naturally, back in the day, we played them on a cardboard ‘board’ that folded in half and came out of a box, along with all the necessary bits and bobs, like dice and brightly coloured counters.

But now you can play these games online with your children or Grandchildren, or, they can play by themselves. Obviously, children always prefer to have company and to play their games with someone, rather than alone. But the option is there.

I think we automatically assume that anything that children are viewing on their handheld devices such as iPhones, or iPads is not going to be very educational, and indeed, many people feel that it’s lazy parenting to simply let their children get so absorbed in their technology.

But that isn’t always the case; online games for children can be entertaining AND educational at the same time.

Online Math Calculators

As well as classic board games, and classics like chess and draughts, there are now a lot of educational online games available that can really help children with their maths, algebra, and geometry.

There are also a host of word games to help with spelling and reading, the difficulty levels range from pre-school to harder levels such as crosswords, and even multilingual word search!

If a child is struggling a bit with their lessons, it’s so much easier to persuade them to play a few educational online games, than it is to sit and study books for hours on end around the kitchen table.

Whilst this shouldn’t be used as the only form of a teaching tool, it certainly can be seen as a valuable form of support, and shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.

I’m really pleased that such progress has been made that enables children to enjoy their screen time, but also to learn at the same time as playing.

And at least with online Snakes and Ladders, there’s no risk of losing the dice, and that must be a good thing!

How To Find Financial Freedom In Your Golden Years

Posted on August 18, 2022August 18, 2022 by rosie

The journey of achieving financial independence will help you to find your passion in life and what you want to do with your life.

The first step towards achieving financial independence is to figure out what kind of lifestyle you want to live. Once you have figured this out, then it’s time to start saving money for the future. This will require working hard on reducing expenses, saving more money in a bank account, and investing the saved amount wisely.

What is Financial Freedom and How to Achieve it?

Financial freedom is the ability to be financially independent and free from financial constraints. It is the freedom to do what you want with your life and money. Financial freedom can be achieved in different ways, but it usually involves saving a significant amount of money for retirement, early childhood education, or buying a house. If you want to retire at a certain age, you need to start saving money now.

How to Reduce Your Expenses Now so You Can Retire Early

To retire early, it’s important to make sure that you’re thinking about it and taking action today. The first step to reducing your expenses is to take a look at what you’re spending. You might be surprised by how much you’re spending when it comes to things like food, entertainment, and other lifestyle expenses. You should also consider making a budget for yourself and sticking to it religiously. This will help you avoid the temptation of splurging on something unnecessary or going over budget in the future.

How to Build a Side Income By Investing in Real Estate or Starting a Business

It’s also a great idea to have an additional income or replace your career with a business. This could be something like Franchise Direct or even building up a property portfolio. Investing in real estate or starting a business is not the only way to build an income for yourself. You can also invest in stocks and other investments that can provide you with passive income.

The key to building your portfolio for future income is to diversify it. This means that you should have funds in different types of investments like real estate, stocks, and bonds. If you are unsure about which investment to put your money into, start small and experiment with different strategies until you find one that works for you.

The Retirement Planning Tools You Need

Planning for retirement is a big decision and it can be overwhelming. There are so many tools to choose from and it can be difficult to find the one that will suit you best. Here are two to help you.

Retirement calculators: They offer a variety of different features, such as the ability to calculate your monthly spending, what you need to save up for, as well as how much time you have left before reaching certain milestones.

Retirement planning software: It helps people manage their investments and see how much they have saved over time.

July Giveaway- WIN a £50 Amazon Voucher To Spend on the Grandchildren.

Posted on July 12, 2022 by rosie

There can never be enough garden toys when the summer holidays arrive. Especially for visiting, and often bored, grandchildren. Here’s a free competition to enter, with chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher which you could spend on paddling pools to keep your little visitors happy!

Bloggers Taking Part

Here is a list of all of the bloggers taking part in this giveaway – please show your support by visiting them.

The Prize

This prize is a £50 Amazon GiftCard

Terms and conditions

1. There is one top prize of a £50 Amazon GiftCard
2. There are no runner up prizes.
3. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding all bloggers involved with running the giveaway
4. Closing date for entries is midnight on 23.07.2022
5. The same Rafflecopter widget appears on all the blogs involved, but you only need to enter on one blog
6. Entrants must log in to the Rafflecopter widget, and complete one or more of the tasks – each completed task earns one entry in the prize draw
7. Tweeting about the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget will earn five bonus entries into the prize draw.
8. 1 winner will be chosen at random.
9. The winner will be informed by email within 7 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days with their delivery address, or a replacement winner will be chosen.
10. The winners’ names will be published in the Rafflecopter widget (unless the winner objects to this).
11. The prizes will be dispatched within 14 days of the winner confirming their details.
12. The promoter is Drew Media LTD t/a www.MakeMoneyWithoutAJob.com
13. By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions

Enter now

Simply complete any or all of the Rafflecopter entry widget options below to be entered. You can also tweet about the giveaway daily to earn bonus entries.
a Rafflecopter giveaway