Mommy Has to Work

A Senior Living Community For Your Loved One

November 21, 2018 By Anne

Many older adults have worked all their life, raised their kids, and eventually retire. Their goal is to live on their own because most older adults value their independence. Older adults enjoy cooking for themselves, getting around alone, and interacting with their friends. Their dignity is very important to them and they don’t want to be a burden to friends and family members. In fact, most aging adults that have children understand that they’re raising a family with little time to care for their aging parents or loved one. Garman Builders 55+ communities, much like Pennsylvania custom home builders, are the perfect choice for active adults who enjoy being surrounded by like-minded, healthy people.

Breaking The Myth About Senior Facilities

Senior living is a great opportunity for aging adults or seniors with limited activities to find living arrangements. Many people are reluctant to find a housing solution for their older parents because of the rumors that circulate about senior facilities. They’re scared their parents or loved ones will resent them for the decision to place them in housing. In fact, some children believe their aging parents won’t get the care and attention they need. However, senior living is very different than a nursing home facility.

Senior Nursing Center Versus Senior Living

A senior nursing facility is personalized attention for your loved ones. A skilled nursing facility provides your friend or loved one with round the clock care with repetitive care in a clinical type setting. Your loved one receives medical care and meals as routine care, and they’re given a chance to participate in group activities at a care facility. However, senior living gives aging adults the freedom to live independently with support. They give aging adults the dignity of doing things for themselves on their own terms.

Why More People Are Choosing Senior Living

Your family member or loved one deserves to live in complete dignity as an aging adult. Senior living in a community run by Clover Group Inc. (or another similar provider) allows them to have the quality of life they deserve. Guests are supported in their daily tasks to live on their own. Guests get the care they need. Your loved one can enjoy senior living that feels like home. They want to support aging adults in their right to live independently with senior living. They can get assisted living, memory care, and memory care in an older adult housing community. Adults suffering from an illness or disability can also get the care they need.

Your care is their top priority with courteous and responsive technicians. Their housing complex is designed for older adults to live on their own. In fact, a senior community supports residents living on their own. Your aging loved one can enjoy their independence. Seniors get what they need to live a dignified and productive lifestyle. Senior living also gives older adults an opportunity to have a support system from other seniors living in the community. They make sure your healthcare decisions don’t have to be confusing to the families or the seniors.

Senior living ensures that their clients save money and don’t have to worry about their future. Senior living is an out-of-pocket expense that’s not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. You should know what senior living entails before you decide on a community. Their care is designed for aging adults 55 or older that can typically care for themselves in a housing community.

You should take a tour of the community before you make a decision. Check reviews by going online and see what other people have to say about the community. Get to know a few of the residents and see what other people have to say about where they live. Word of mouth is a great way to see what others think about a specific living community. If you’re a resident over 62, you may also have additional rights. In fact, senior living is on the rise and highly favored for their benefits. Best of all, you save money while getting your loved one decent living arrangements in an independent living environment.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

4 Kitchen Staples to Soothe the Stress of Making Family Meals

November 21, 2018 By Anne

As a working mom, you welcome shortcuts in the kitchen — anything to make it a little easier and faster to get a healthy meal on the table after a long day. Invest in the following kitchen staples to help you streamline your meal prep and simplify your time in the kitchen.

1. Quality Knives

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of all of the latest kitchen gadgets and gizmos, but a simple chef’s knife is by far the most important tool in the kitchen. There are very few meals that you can prepare without slicing, dicing or chopping at least one of the ingredients. Quality means everything when it comes to knives, so if there is one kitchen purchase that is well worth splurging on, it is a good knife set, or at the very least, one finely crafted chef’s knife.

The top brands of knives are German or Japanese, with brands like Zwilling, J.A. Henckels, Wusthof, Shun and Miyabi offering an assortment of reliable top-quality products. Most home cooks will find that an eight-inch chef’s knife is an ideal size to perform all of your daily chopping and dicing. But remember, it doesn’t matter how well-crafted your knife is if you don’t keep it properly sharpened, so be sure to sharpen it regularly with a sharpening stone.

2. Stand Mixer

When it comes to small appliances, a stand mixer is a must-have. It makes baking projects a breeze and can even be used for making your our dough for bread or pizza. While stand mixers are heavy and require a little counter space for storage, they require much less effort to operate than hand-held mixers.

The gold standard in stand mixers is by Kitchen Aid. They make a variety of different models like the Artisan and Pro, available in a range of sizes and colors that all have a classic design aesthetic that looks great in any kitchen. Another advantage of choosing a Kitchen Aid stand mixer is that there are a variety of attachments that you can buy to expand the mixer’s functionality. Some attachment options include a food processor, a pasta maker, a food scale, a meat grinder, a spiralizer, a juicer, a grain mill and an ice cream maker.

3. Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is a mom’s best friend. Throw all of the ingredients for dinner into the slow cooker in the morning before work and then return to a warm meal that is ready to serve. While there are numerous options available at low price points, it’s worth splurging on a more expensive model to ensure even heating, a variety of settings and easy cleaning. The overall style of the design matters too; after all, it will be sitting on your countertop for eight hours nearly every time you use it.

4. Blender

Do not underestimate the value of a quality blender. From sauces and soups to smoothies, nut milk, juices and margaritas, you can use a blender to efficiently make so many different meals and treats. This is an investment piece that you’ll be using for years to come. Vitamix makes a real workhorse that is available in a few different sizes with a seven year manufacturer warranty.

When it comes to stocking your kitchen with the most useful staples, items that can be used to do a variety of tasks reign supreme. And as a working mom, you need all the help you can get to boost efficiency in the kitchen. By investing in quality knives, a stand mixer, a slow cooker and a powerful blender, you can make it easier to cook for your family.

Anne

It’s a Lie. Seven Myths That Will Cost You Tons of Money

November 21, 2018 By Anne

Credit score. This figure can be quite nerve-racking, especially if you fall in the lower category. Even more frustrating is when you try and improve your score. You clear your student loan, and your score remains stagnant. You lower your utilization ratio, and still nothing happens.

With such frustrations, it’s no surprise that there is a rise in misleading myths and misconceptions on how to improve or build your credit. You might have been a victim of this misguided pieces of information, but this article will debunk most of them.

Build Your Credit Score with Credit Card Balance

It will cost you quite an amount if a small balance is transferred from one month to the next. However, according to NerdWallet, 2 out of 5 Americans believe that credit card balance can improve their scores. Another 1 out of 5 people believes it’s harmful to your score. Though.

These thoughts can be traced to the misunderstood tip that advises people to use their credit to get impressive credit scores instead of not using the card. Credit card companies will report your card balance to the reporting agencies at least once every month.

It’s better to use up the credit on various utilities to enjoy the benefits of an improved score. Going into a new month with balances on your credit card will only cost you money since it accrues interest.

You Only Need Credit When You Want to Take Out a Loan

Getting a mortgage, a credit card or other type of loans depends on your credit score. The higher the score the better loan terms you’ll get. A good score can also get you a better cell phone service, your dream apartment, and even the type of car insurance you get.

NerdWallet conducted a survey and found out that 1 out of 4 Americans have no clue on how a poor credit can hinder someone from getting an apartment or limit their cell phone service options. Most of the time, people with a bad credit will have to contend with sky-high options. Need to figure out what to do with all that student debt? Check out SoFi.

In addition, another survey showed that at least 50 percent of Americans have no idea that their car insurance depends on their credit. With a bad credit, you will have to settle for the expensive terms on everything. Therefore, it’s important to get a hold of your credit report to know where you stand.

Everyone Starts with a Stellar Score

Did you know that at least 1 out of 10 Americans believe they start life with a stellar credit score? They also think that their failures are what brings down the scores. However, that is false. On the contrary, credit scores start from scratch. You have to build your score upwards.

How can one get a stellar credit? Five elements will go into constituting your score:

Your credit history
Credit utilization
Payment history
New credit
Types of credit

If you are trying to build a score or repair it, you need to pay attention to number 2 and 3 since they have the biggest impact.

Don’t Apply for a Credit Card

Many people have bought into the false and misleading myth that credit cards will work against you. They say that you’ll only pile up debt you can’t pay up. While it’s true some people don’t have the discipline to take care of their credit appetite, there’s a good number that can handle credit cards.

In fact, if you are responsible, you can use your credit card to build a stellar credit history. Debit and prepaid cards, however, have no effect on your credit history.

If you consider yourself responsible and disciplined, you can get a credit card to help you build or establish a credit history.

Don’t Get Too Many Credit Cards

Sometimes this is true, but only if you think you’ll forget about others, pile up too many debts, or you’ll get overwhelmed. If this is the case, then it’s better to stick with a single card.

On the other hand, if you are financially responsible and organized, then you can go for multiple cards. However, it’s recommended that you hunt for cards with favorable terms and those that suit your lifestyle.

Don’t Increase Your Credit Card Limit

If your lender offers you the same day cash loan to increase your limit, turn it down, run, and never look back. They are trying to get you into more debt. This is incorrect. The only person who should be worried about is the one with irresponsible financial behaviors.

One of the elements that contribute to your FICO score is credit utilization, which takes up about 30% of the overall score. More debts mean a lower score. An ideal ratio should be lower than 30%. Let’s take a look at a practical example:

If the limit is capped at $5,000 on your credit card and you have a debt of $2,000, your utilization ratio will stand at 40%.

If you increase your limit to $7,000 with your debt level remaining the same, at $2,000, the ratio will drop to 28% which is a good score.

My Credit Score Will Take a Hit If I Open a Credit Card

It will take a hit, but only by a few points, about 5. Let’s say you have a score above 700— you can see the score will remain in the safe zone.

If you fall between 500 to 600, double your efforts in building your score. Besides, you won’t qualify for a credit card with favorable terms.

Anne

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

November 18, 2018 By Marijean

It’s that time of year! Full steam ahead to the holidays! I’ve put together a collection of some of my favorite gifts for the holiday season. Check out all of these awesome gift ideas that your friends and family will surely love!

Gifts For You Now

If you are looking for a unique personalized gift, you must check out all of the holiday gifts from Giftsforyounow.com. They offer a variety of gifts including personalized ornaments, picture frames, T-shirts, pillows, flags, stockings and much more! I have many of their items and the quality is great, and the shipping is fast. Prices vary.

RoosterFin Games

Board games are always a hit at the holidays. RoosterFin Games offers many educational and fun family games that you cannot find in stores. My family and I enjoy these games for our weekly game night! Plus the site always offers free shipping. Prices vary. Use Code: MOMHASTOWORK for 25% off any purchase! First come first serve, expiration is 12/22/18. Link to auto add code to cart: https://roosterfin.com/discount/MOMHASTOWORK

Lauren Conrad Jewelry

If you are in need of a jewelry gift that won’t break the bank, I suggest Lauren Conrad’s Jewelry Collection from Kohl’s. I love her jewelry, so classy at affordable prices. Plus, you get Kohl’s cash with each purchase! Prices vary.

Oxyfresh

If you are looking for naturally safe and environmentally friendly dental hygiene products, look no further! Oxyfresh offers a Mouthwash and Toothpaste that are safe and free of harmful chemicals, dyes and harsh alcohol. Plus, the products taste great and don’t irritate my gums like most toothpastes and mouth wash does. They also offer wellness products for the whole family, and also pet products! $14.95 for the mouthwash and $14.95 for the toothpaste.

Bullsitoys

Bullsitoy offers many fun children’s items to stuff those stockings with! My favorites are the Squee-Zoo-Balls which are super soft and plush and come in a variety of cute animals, Squish Ums! Yummy Series 2 which are fun blind bags containing scented snack squishy type toys, and Goo Lab which is putty that glows in the dark and does not leave behind a sticky mess! These toys can be found at Target locations.

Radz

Kids always want candy in their stockings for the holidays! Check out the cool candy collection from Radz! Radz Twistz are a perfect holiday treat that come in cute holiday packaging and features exclusive holiday flavors. Radz Foamz come in a variety of characters (Unicorns, Emojis, DC Superheros) and they are not only blind bags, but each one is squishy and include candy! So fun! Prices range from $2.49-$4.99 and can be found at various retailers such as Target and Walmart.

Cry Babies Doll

Have a little one that loves baby dolls? Cry Babies are so fun! It cries when you take out the pacifier, BUT it also cries tears!! Perfect for any one that loves to play with dolls. 5 different style dolls to choose from! You can find this doll at Amazon for $29.99.

Gift Baskets for Men

Jerky Gift Boxes

Whether you are shopping for a child or adult, they are sure to love any of these gifts!

Happy Holidays!!

*I received some of the above items to review for the Holiday Gift Guide. All opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Sole Traders – How To Avoid An Urgent Cash Situation

November 9, 2018 By Anne

Striking out as a sole trader can be incredibly exciting. The world is your oyster, so to speak – you’ve got free reign over which clients you choose to take on, you’re the master of your business’s destiny, and you don’t have a boss breathing down your neck asking you incessantly about deadlines. You manage your own fate, and that can be thrilling and liberating in equal measure.

Thing is, though, sometimes being a sole trader isn’t all that. When the money worries start to pile up, the client base is looking a little thin, and the market you chose to enter isn’t doing so good, you can start to panic a little. It might look for a while as though that dream you embarked on wasn’t such a great idea after all. Well, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of ways to both avoid this and to tackle it if it does happen. Here are some ways you can avoid an urgent cash situation if you’re a sole trader.

Take on a guarantor loan

We’ve all been there; we might not have the most positive credit rating in the world, and we’re not able to secure a loan easily. Even if you’re the head of a successful sole trading empire or your very own business, this can still rear its ugly head at the worst possible moment. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to secure yourself a reliable guarantor. A guarantor could be anyone with a positive credit rating in your life, be they a family member, a close friend or anyone. Bear in mind that your guarantor is going to bear the brunt of your debt if you can’t pay, so it should be someone you trust, but it’s an excellent way to get hold of some cash in a pinch to help your sole trading career through a tight spot. Check out TrustTwo guarantor loans for a great place to get started.

Make and keep to a plan

Depending on the nature of your business, you should know when your high points and low points are going to come. If you make and sell handmade gifts and adornments, for example, you should know that your critical sales points will probably be around major holidays, while the summer might be a bit of a lull for you. With this in mind, you should prepare more for the moments where you’re going to be doing less business; if you’ve got excess funds during those months, then the sting of not doing quite as much business or pulling in quite as many clients won’t hurt as much. There are many ways to do this, and they’ll vary depending on the nature of your business, but there’s always a way to plan ahead.

Know your business inside and out

As a sole trader, you’re expected to keep track of every aspect of your business, from stock control to accounting to administration and everything in between. Nobody said striking out on your own was easy, right? You can save a surprising amount of money simply by knowing every aspect of your business inside-out. Take regular stock of your inventory, and don’t let yourself be caught out by orders you thought you could fulfil when you actually can’t. Complete tax self-assessment forms regularly and on time and you won’t be blindsided by an unexpected bill when you need it least. Keep a running tally of all the clients you take on and whether you’re owed money; it can sometimes be a point of contention for sole traders when clients don’t pay invoices, so make sure you’re collecting. All of these are small points, but they’ll add up and stop you from being surprised by forking out cash you shouldn’t have to fork out.

Think about your expenses

When you’re a sole trader, you need to make sure you look after every single penny. One of the best ways to do this is to tighten the purse strings when it comes to expenses, if you can. Let’s say you’re a peripatetic music teacher. If you’re running a car, perhaps it might be a good idea to see if you can switch to public transport. It might take longer to travel, and you’ll definitely be less comfortable, but the money you save in the process will be well worth the downgrade. If you’re a craftsperson, perhaps your materials are costing a little too much and you could source them from less costly places. If you’re a writer or blogger, you might be able to trade in your powerful laptop for something a little less flashy, making some money into the bargain. Look at where you can make money on your current assets and expenses and you’ll be onto a winner.