by Mrs C | Jan 3, 2020 | Blog
If you are planning a family vacation near the Florida coast, you may want to consider renting a boat as part of the fun. Taking a boat to go water skiing, fishing or exploring for a great swimming spot can bring hours of fun while on a holiday. Here are some ideas you may want to consider before making that decision.
Budget
Renting a boat needs to be included in the vacation budget. Some research may be needed once you decide what type of boat you will need for your activity. Check to see what is included in the rental, such as life preservers, gas, dock fees and a first aid kit. Also, check to see what kind of amenities comes on the boat. Some may have coolers, deck chairs and a small galley. Different boat rental agencies will have varying prices for in and out of season, the size of the boat and the length of the rental.
Following the Law
Before renting a boat and proceeding out onto the water, it is important to check local and state maritime laws for boating. For instance, even though you’re on vacation, keep in mind that being drunk while boating is a crime. If fishing, check for a license requirement, as well as the local catch-and-release program. Nothing can spoil a vacation for the whole family more than fines or arrests for not following the law. Also, there are established boating ethics that should be observed while on the water, so try to brush up on what you need to know.
Things to Have on the Water
When boating, there are items you will want to have with you. You will need to bring enough drinking water for everyone, dry towels, food and a first aid kit. Sunscreen is a must as well, and everyone should bring a hat. Plan on bringing the equipment you will need for your activity, such as fishing poles, tackle, water skis and pull ropes. You will want to bring your cooler and ice if there is not a cooler on the boat.
Boating is a great addition to a family vacation. Plan activities for the kids, such as visits to beaches that will be great for having a picnic or grilling. Favorite cove swimming holes can be fun for the whole family. Be sure you have enough fuel for your boating destination and return, plus look for landmarks that will guide you back home.
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by Mrs C | Jan 3, 2020 | Blog
It’s good for your children when you involve them in activities that make your household run smoothly. Chores can boost a child’s confidence and teach him or her how to perform tasks he or she will need to know in the future. Here are a few great ways to get your kids to help take responsibility around the home.
Cooking
Sit down with your child sometime during the week, and design a meal plan together. Let your child choose what meals to cook from this list, so he or she will have responsibilities in the kitchen. This helps your child learn about nutrition and meal prep at the same time. According to Noonan Law; In order to protect your family, kids should be careful in the cooking zone and should not play near or around the oven. Give your child cooking duties that are age-appropriate, and add more as your child becomes ready for them.
Laundry
Laundry often feels like a never-ending chore, so get your kids involved to help. Even very young children can sort clothes into light or dark piles. They can then learn to fold their own laundry and put it where it belongs.
Teach your child how to use the washer and dryer when he or she is ready. Explain what settings to use and what water temperature works best for each load. Once your child knows all the steps, you won’t have to do his or her laundry any longer! He or she can even help wash towels, dish rags and sheets to lighten your load.
Yard Work
Being outside is great for children for a variety of reasons. Help your child spend more time outside by assigning him or her chores in the yard. Kids can eventually graduate to mowing the yard, but there are plenty of other things they can do when they are still too young for that chore.
Have children pull weeds, plant flowers or seeds and tidy up the yard when it starts to get cluttered. Kids can also water gardens and help rake leaves in the fall. This allows them to be physically active and learn the importance of nature in their lives. Kids are often less reluctant to work outside than they are to be stuck indoors, so yard work may be a responsibility that receives fewer complaints.
Common household tasks can be split between the whole family. Don’t forget to get your kids involved when possible.
by Mrs C | Dec 31, 2019 | Blog
Travel to Catalina Island will mean you’ll need to leave your car behind. While there are bicycle tours, walking tours and golf carts for rent, car access is deliberately limited on the island.
Climate
The weather on Catalina is both consistent and pleasant. You’ll enjoy warm ocean temperatures of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and it drops to 60 degrees in the winter. Daytime temps on the island vary little and run between 50 degrees during cool winter mornings and 73 degrees on the warmest summer day. Your trip to Catalina can include a simple wardrobe of casual garments with the chance to layer as it will cool while the sun sets. Your golf cart tour along the streets of Avalon or up the mountains surrounding the city may require you to bring a light jacket or a sweater.
Well-Maintained
The rental golf carts on Catalina Island are plentiful. Before you finalize your rental, it’s a good idea to check out the cart. All golf carts, whether gas-powered or electric, need maintenance products such as oil and other lubricants. If you can smell any petroleum products on or around the cart, check with the owner or the person who rented you the cart. In addition, it should steer straight ahead naturally. Should your cart pull to the left or right, there may be issues with the tires. Tires require regular maintenance in order to avoid blowouts and other disasters. If you notice a tire is wobbly in transit, a pull to one side or the other in the steering wheel, or a tire with a bump, talk to the rental company about trading for another vehicle.
Plan Your Trip
Your trip to Catalina Island can be as luxurious or as rustic as you choose. You can stroll through Avalon or find a hiking trail into the mountains. You can stay in a luxury hotel or condo rental, or you can pack in tents and rough it at one of the many campgrounds on the island. Bring an inflatable kayak and some good hiking shoes for an amazing trip!
Catalina Island offers travelers of all ages a great chance to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. You can vary your time between relaxing on the beach and getting in a good hike in the mountains. Rent a golf cart and take a picnic to a scenic spot. Enjoy your visit!
Here is an article that you may enjoy: How To Ensure Your Nanny Is Just Right For You and Your Child
by Mrs C | Dec 30, 2019 | Blog
Your teenager is learning to drive, and you want to make sure she uses good sense and adheres to the laws. Whether she takes driving lessons from a teacher or you, she has already been learning every time she gets in the car with you. Children learn some of the most important lessons watching their parents in day-to-day life.
Stay Calm
Other drivers can pose some of the biggest risks when out on the road. It can be easy to lose your temper when you get cut off or if someone is following too closely behind you. Be sure not to make reckless driving habits or become impatient while driving, as this can set a bad example for your teen. Bad habits can be passed on to your child when he sees how you respond to other drivers. Get in the habit of keeping your temper under control whether you’re alone or with passengers. Your child will see how you handle frustrating situations and be more apt to do the same.
Obey Laws
If your child sees you obeying laws when you drive, there is a better chance she will see how important it is and follow them when she drives. It does matter if you roll through that stop sign. It does matter if you go over the speed limit just a little bit. Theoretically, it is possible to do either safely and without being stopped and given a ticket. But if you bend the rules, it is more likely that your teenager will think it is okay for him to do, too.
No Cell Phone
One of the biggest causes of accidents is being on a cell phone either talking or texting while driving. Show your child that you can do without your cell phone while driving. It might help to keep it in your glove compartment or purse, so you won’t be tempted to just peek. It only takes a second of glancing away from the road for a life to change.
When your teenager is learning to drive, it can be challenging for both of you. Be patient and try to remember when you were in the driver’s seat for the first time. You can make a big difference in the driver your teenager becomes when you show by example how to be a courteous and responsible driver.
Here is another article you might like: Ways To Decorate Your Living Room When You’re On A Budget
by Mrs C | Dec 19, 2019 | Blog
Picking the right nanny is not always an easy job. Even if a person looks good on paper, they may not be the best fit for your family. You want a caregiver that loves and takes care of your child without overstepping their boundaries. Leaving your child behind is not as complicated when you know they’re in good hands. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a nanny.
Start With an Interview
The interview is a critical part of the nanny selection process. If the first part of the interview goes well, then it’s beneficial to have the children meet the candidate. Pay close attention to how they interact, as it’s essential for there to be some bonding. A good caregiver will have the child mesmerized in a matter of minutes. Watch how they act with the child and how the child reciprocates.
Keep an Eye Out
Once you’ve hired the perfect nanny, it doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Child safety is a common concern. Always keep a watchful eye on your home and the actions of your children. According to Zavodnick Law, you have a right to put a nanny cam in your home to keep an eye on things, but be careful! You can only place the camera in certain areas where it’s reasonable to expect to be recorded, and in many states such as California or Hawaii, you have to get consent when ANY voice recording might be used, including nanny cams. A camera can give you peace of mind when you’re away from home as long as it’s used legally.
Keep Open Lines of Communication
Children will naturally bond with their caregivers. Many parents, especially mothers, might feel a bit threatened by their relationship. The nanny and mother must work together, so there is no confusion in the child’s mind. It’s often hard to keep emotions in check when a parent is away for so many hours during the day. Consequently, it’s essential to keep open lines of communication and to address any conflicts as soon as they arise. Most parents would love to stay home with their children; however, they need to continue their career to pay the bills. Having a nanny is a logical choice when it comes to childcare. Make sure to conduct a thorough background check and a full interview. According to Park Slope Parents, once you find the right person, you should keep your guard up. Install security cameras or other monitoring devices to ensure your child is safe. Finally, keep the lines of communication open and address any conflicts head-on.
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by Mrs C | Dec 17, 2019 | Blog
No matter how close you are to retirement, it’s almost impossible to save too much. Not only is this money tax-deferred, but making an investment now is the best way to make sure your savings keep up with inflation.
When to Start
When possible, you should have started saving yesterday. If not, start now. If your employer offers a 401(k), your max contribution if you’re under 50 is $19,000. For those who are paid twice a month, this means that you can stash almost $800 of your gross income per check into your retirement account. It’s possible that you may not be able to afford that or want to give up that much gross income, but the tax savings can be significant if you can manage at least part of it. This income is tax-deferred. That means this money comes out of your gross income before your income taxes are calculated. Later, when you’re retired and probably making less money, you will need to pay taxes when you pull money out of your account.
Investing Your Capital
Your 401(k) deductions will be directed into a plan that includes investment in the stock market. Generally, these investments go into mutual funds, index funds, or bonds. Experts recommend diversifying your investments across several funds to lessen your risk of loss in the event of market upheaval. Be honest with yourself and your risk tolerance. You might consider putting your contribution into safer vehicles and putting your employer’s contribution into more volatile investments. You could also invest your after-tax income in real estate. According to Parker Buys Houses, investing in real estate can be profitable as long as the property accrues value, and it can generate passive revenue as long as you have a tenant that pays well.
Investing in Yourself
If you think your retirement funds will be low, start investing in yourself now. Build a side hustle to protect against a small social security check. Get and stay in shape to lower your medical bills. Take a cooking class so that you can turn ordinary groceries into gourmet meals and avoid paying restaurant prices while dining in style. Protect your brain plasticity with a regular exercise program and your library card. You can do a lot to boost your love of life by dedicating yourself to constant learning.
The idea of outliving your money is concerning for many of us. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of that happening. You can live well in retirement when you know the right way to budget for it now.
Check out our other money-saving tips and advice here!
