We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines

Jarred

Benefits of Using Knee Wedge Pillow

by

Sleeping on your side without support can cause the spine to bend or twist. If this continues for the 8 hours you will spend sleeping; the joint may get strained. Usually, you will want to sleep for more than 8 hours. Sleeping all these hours without the proper support might be dangerous to your health. That is why you should think of the knee pillows for adequate support. The first thing you need to consider in buying the best knee pillow like Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow for Sleeping. Note that you can only benefit from these products when you have the best pillows in your bedroom. You get advantages by placing a pillow between your legs when sleeping on your side.

It provides comfort        

Overlapping the knees using the knee pillows provides comfort and security. They do this by adjusting your lower back and pelvic area. One of the things you will want is to sleep comfortably through the night. Sometimes you are a side sleeper; you will face problems most with your spine and legs. But by using these products, you can solve such issues. Getting good sleep is possible when you are comfortable from the beginning to the end.

Reduce stress   

One of the reasons you sleep is to relax your mind from the tough day you have had. In this case, you should know that sleeping without enough support can cause you pain in your legs and back. There is no way you will relax when experiencing such conditions while sleeping. This is why you need to use the knee pillows to provide enough support. These pillows or leg knee pillow relieve hip tension by preventing hip rotation and spinal misalignment.

Prevent and solves back pain condition   

Knee pillows are very effective for people with sciatica who have low back or leg pain. You mainly use these pillows to protect you from back, neck, and head pain. Most doctors are also recommending these pillows for people suffering from back pain, leg pain, and any other related condition. Sleeping sideways allows your thighs to roll forward and ride on the mattress. The sciatic nerve might be irritated by this twisting strain on the lower back.

Suitable for people with breathing problems  

Sleeping on one’s side is also beneficial for people who have breathing problems, such as sleep apnea. This is because your airways are more stable and less likely to obstruct airflow in this sleeping position. In addition, maintaining a healthy spine reduces neck and back pain, which reduces the risk of sleep apnea. As mentioned above, a knee pillow or leg knee pillow will protect you from neck and back pain, making them suitable for people with breast problems. Ensure you get the best pillows from the best stores around your locality.

Improves blood circulation   

It aids in the circulation of blood. For example, place the pillow between your feet, and your feet will rise slightly. This promotes blood flow through the vena cava, which carries blood to the heart and back. Generally, when using any cushion, you should improve blood circulation. Using the best knee pillow can help you get the above benefit. Therefore, you should be finding out how to get the best pillows according to your needs. This should start by looking for the best store where these products are sold. Also, consider finding more about the quality and the specifications of the pillow. Mentioned above will give you an idea of the pillow to use while sleeping.

 

Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer for a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

by

The number of lawsuits filed at some point increased nationwide, according to a report from 2021 KCIC. It is important to find an attorney who has experience with mesothelioma cases because the demand for proper legal representation will likely rise in the coming years.

How can you decide who to hire? A competent attorney usually has substantial knowledge, a solid track record, and the certifications to back their claims up. Just as well, considering the success rate for mesothelioma cases, about 95% of plaintiffs get their fair due.

A sound attorney can help you fast-track a case while a misinformed lawyer will backpedal it. How do you find sound legal representation? Not all legal experts are alike. To help you make the right choice, here are some factors you need to consider before hiring a lawyer to fight for your mesothelioma:

Experience

When looking for a lawyer, your list should always start with experience. Lawyers who’ve been in the industry long know about mesothelioma lawsuits. They can inform you about the progression of your case, including curveballs that you could face. Experienced lawyers can also advise you on how settlement cases in a mesothelioma lawsuit occur. The picture they draw for you helps you in preparing an adequate claim.

Lawsuits are financially and emotionally draining. They require a great sacrifice on your part, and only proper legal representation eases the process for you. Lawyers who are new to the field may cost you your lawsuit. If they’ve never worked a high-profile case before, their chances of messing up are exponentially high.

Attention to Detail

When discussing your case with a lawyer, follow their train of thought to ensure sharing every detail of your case. A lawyer who ignores your information and chooses to dictate your case may set you up for failure. Suppose they talk over you and don’t consider your details. In that case, you may end up in a situation that only grazes the surface of your ailment.

On the other hand, a lawyer invested in your case will ask you questions and prepare notes which indicate high professional standards. Lawsuits are all about details. If the lawyer can procure all the relevant information, including your diagnosis dates and current health status, it can help your lawsuit. You’re not trying to build a simple case; instead, you want your case to stand confidently.

Success Rate

Lawyers with high success rates need to be in your corner. These rates translate into a reasonable settlement. Payouts following a mesothelioma lawsuit can get you anything from $1 million to a higher value. If you’re getting treated for mesothelioma, this money can make a significant difference for you.

These professionals with a steady success rate know the system well. They can help you build and submit a good case and put your mind at ease. The money enables you to access doctors and treatment routes that can help alleviate your symptoms.

So as long as you can get a lawyer who understands your lawsuit well, you’re looking at a good payout. So for a recovering patient, it is good to get a fair due. So pay attention to what success looks like for the legal representation you’re seeking.

Work With a Contingency Fee

The mesothelioma lawyer you’re choosing to work with must charge a contingency. This is a portion of the settlement you pay the lawyer once the case gets concluded. So as long as the case is going on, you won’t have to pay. Lawyers who charge upfront should never come under your radar.

These professionals may end up overcharging you and driving you into debt before your case reaches its conclusion. All mesothelioma lawyers charge a contingency. If the attorney is trying to pull a fast one on you, reel back in.

Before you hand over your case, make sure you discuss their contingency plan at length. This can help you set aside money when you settle. You also save yourself from going off budget and end up making a huge mistake with your finances.

Guide You Properly

Mesothelioma lawsuits follow one of three possible legal routes. You may go for a settlement, go to trial or file a claim to the trust fund. If the lawyer feels you could do better by going to trial, they’ll make sure you know why.

A lawyer can’t pursue an outcome unless they know all the parameters of your case. They will inform you what legal option is the most suitable for your case and the current value of your case. Knowing your options is essential for you.

You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to get your due because you didn’t know all your options. If you get both guidance and encouragement to study your options, you’re in good hands.

Carry Stellar Reviews

Law firms have a section of reviews online. When you have a lawyer in mind, you should visit their testimonials. These give you an insight into how clients found them. The legal professional you want needs to be flexible and adaptable.

Neutral and negative reviews should automatically strike them out. A professional needs to stand out, not blend with the background, especially handling a high-profile case. Unless you’re satisfied with the reviews you see, don’t consider hiring.

While statistically, it’s impossible to have a 100% positivity rate. A high rate with stellar reviews should be enough to convince you. After all, you want the best for your case.

Workaround Your Treatment

Mesothelioma will take a toll on your system. So while you’re working on your lawsuit, often, you’ll need to stop at the hospital to get treated. Your treatment may include rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, which means your legal consultation will have to wait. In such cases, your legal professional needs to be accommodating.

The treatment and recovery following the extensive therapy are inevitable. You may feel nauseous, sick, and even drained to attend a legal session. A lawyer needs to be aware of these circumstances and visit you or arrange an online video conference whenever possible.

Has a Plethora of Resources

A good lawyer should have substantial connections. These should include medical experts, a legal team, and resources on lawsuits that you can use. These resources will come in handy for you when you file for a case and while you’re seeking treatment.

Law firms and lawyers who are still settling into the industry may lack severely in cultivating connections. So, don’t risk your lawsuit and always choose those who can help you in more than one way.

Wrap Up

When looking for a legal professional, you need to know what you want. Mesothelioma lawsuits are expensive. There are multiple options a case can take before it gets settled. You can make the most of your claim when you have the proper legal representation in your corner.

So when shortlisting professionals, make sure their experience, attention to detail, payment plans, and reviews align with your interest. When you go for a free consultation, ensure that they understand the parameters of your case and help you make most of your lawsuit.

Legal issues are not easy to handle, but your lawsuit can get a proper conclusion with proper help.

 

When Your Car Got Wrecked – 4 Things You Can Do

by

If you have recently had an accident in your vehicle and, as a result, it has been written off, you may be wondering what you will do with it. You might even be wondering if it has any value at all. Even when a car is damaged beyond economical repair, it still has value, so you will not want to give it away or dispose of it for free. You have a few options available for you that can make some money, so they are worth exploring if you need some extra cash. In this article, you will learn about a few options that may suit you and can give you some additional money in your pocket to buy a new car.

Breaking Up The Vehicle

If you know your way around a car and have the time and space, you can break the vehicle up yourself to sell the parts for cash. It can take a while to do this, and it will also create a mess, but if you are not in a rush for money, it may be the ideal option for you. You can use many car websites to sell the parts or use auction sites such as eBay, where you may get an excellent price for the parts you are selling.

Trade In Your Vehicle & Purchase A New One

Depending on the vehicle’s state, you may be able to trade it in and get a discount on a new vehicle. If your vehicle is scrap, you may not get a lot of money for it, but any discount you can get is better than none. It can also help you get back on the road again if you need a vehicle for your everyday needs, so you may want to consider this option. If the car dealer is willing to buy your vehicle, you may also find that they offer you more for it than you can get anywhere else.

Sell It To A Specialist Company

Some companies specialise in buying scrap vehicles and other vehicles that you can consider using to get some money for your scrapped car. You can use the internet to search for a company offering damaged car removals Sydney or your local area has and get some quick cash that you can put towards a new vehicle or save it for a rainy day. Using a service like this is simple and a lot less hassle for you, and it is ideal if you live a busy life and do not have much free time available.

Keep The Vehicle For A Restoration Project

You can also choose to keep the vehicle if you wish and restore it to its former glory. Whether you can do this will depend on how badly it is damaged and if the frame is twisted out of shape. If the car is too far gone, you may find that there is not a lot salvageable in the vehicle, so you need to consider whether it is worth the time, effort, and expense to restore. However, if it is a labour of love, you may not be bothered about the cost, and you are happy to have a new project to work on in your spare time.

8 Inexpensive Kitchen Cabinet Accessories You Can DIY

by

What’s your dream kitchen?

Our kitchens are a hub for many memorable activities for our family. That’s why we want it to be functional, comfy, homey, and bright.

In addition to some countertop and shiny appliances, it’s important to pay attention to your cabinets. As you know, your kitchen cabinets are the basis for the structural foundation of your kitchen, plus their functionality and design can make or break your kitchen design.

If you’re looking for ways to maximize your existing kitchen cabinets but on a budget, here are easy, cheap DIY kitchen cabinet add-ons you can try:

1. Rollout Trays on Your Cabinet Under the Sink

The space under your sink is usually unused because of some obstacles, such as your plumbing pipes. You can customize rollout trays that fit where you can store cleaning supplies, unused vases, trash bags, etc.

You only need basic carpentry tools and some simple materials you can buy from hardware stores at a low price. You can find free video tutorials online to guide you if you are a beginner.

2. Cutting Board Holder Inside Doors

The materials you need in this project are:

  • Screw
  • Wood glue
  • 4 Woodblocks
  • 2 Wood moldings or trims
  • Drill
  • Measuring tape

Start by making a cutting board holder from your wood moldings and wooden blocks for the height. Measure the length of your cabinet’s bottom to find out how long your moldings would be. After taking all your measurements, head to the hardware store and buy wood pieces necessary to fashion your holder.

Glue your wood moldings and blocks, and drill. Finally, mount the holders and form your cutting board’s cradle. You can dab some paint on the exposed screw heads to match the color of your cabinet.

3. Back-of-Cabinet Door Organizer

Turn the back of your kitchen cabinet door into a handy hanging space. If your cabinet door is not sturdy enough for the hardware, you can screw a piece of 3/4-inch thick plywood to the back of the door. For hollow-core doors, add construction adhesive.

Cut your plywood at least 3-4 inches smaller than the door edges to give space for the doorknob or hinges. You can mount as many hooks and magnets as you want.

4. Back-of-Cabinet Door Storage Bins

This is perfect for your cabinet under your sink, where you can store sponges, cleaning supplies, plastic bags, etc. All you need is to cut a plastic storage tub in half with a utility knife. With the plastic lip at the top of the tub, screw it to the inside of the cabinet door.

Make sure to position it correctly so that you can close the cabinet door even if the storage bin is full of supplies.

5. Rack for Gloves at the Back of Cabinet Doors

Use this rack to hang your hats and gloves. String clothespins on aluminum wire (since it doesn’t rust), and stretch it between screw eyes on the back of your cabinet door.

6. Pull Out Towel Rack at the Back of Cabinet Doors

If you have a cramped bathroom and your kitchen cabinets have extra space, why don’t you mount pull-out towel racks? You can buy cheap swivel towel bars at your local hardware store. Wood pieces that you can shape and turn into a wood towel rack can also do the job.

7. Pegboard Hang-Up for Kitchen Utensils

Pegboards are excellent for organizing kitchen cabinets. Just rout a groove in a 1 x 2 frame with a rabbet bit, attach the pegboard using glue and brads, and mount it to the back of the cabinet door. The frame provides support to the edges of the pegboard, and at the same time, creates a half-inch space behind the boards so the pegs can be inserted.

8. Pockets for Cords and Chargers

Let’s admit it. We experience rummaging through our drawers, searching for chargers and cords of our gadgets because we forgot where we last kept them. A clear hanging pocket organizer can solve this problem, which you can mount at the back of your cabinet’s door. Remember to label each pocket.

Remember

Whatever you choose to store in your kitchen cabinets, make sure to clean regularly and keep the inside dry. Molds in kitchens and other high-moisture areas are common since they thrive with moisture, little ventilation, and humidity. Food particles and wet items in your cabinets can provide a perfect environment for molds to grow.

Pay attention to the cabinets under your sink, dishwasher, and near your exhaust vent as these are the most common areas that retain heat and moisture. If you spot a small area of mold growth, make sure to clean it right away with cleaners you can find in your home: vinegar, lemon, bleach, and even hydrogen peroxide. Just be sure not to mix these solutions.

Here’s an easy step-by-step process on how to remove molds in your kitchen.

 

Essential tips when buying your first home

by

There are few things in life as exciting as buying your first home. Unfortunately, first-time buyers often get carried away in the process and make unnecessary mistakes. Below are essential tips to follow when buying your first home.

Know what you want

It sounds obvious, but it’s difficult to keep a clear view of what you want with so many options and opinions from well-meaning friends and family. Make a comprehensive list of must-haves before starting your property journey.

There is a big difference between what you want in a property and what you need. Why not create a wants versus needs checklist, considering:

  • Type of home
  • Amenities in the area
  • Location and Neighborhood
  • Size of property
  • Features – home office, walk-in wardrobe, etc.
  • Outdoor space
  • Energy efficiency

Having a clear list of must-haves will keep you focused. Carefully consider how long you want to live in your first property. What is most important to me? Is this where I will raise my family? Do I want this property to be an investment opportunity? Am I willing to take on renovation works?

Even though you will require plenty of expert advice along the way, you need to educate yourself as much as possible before embarking on your homeowner’s journey. By preparing and educating yourself as much as possible, you will become an empowered home buyer. You should view this process as a project and yourself as the project manager.

Secure your finances

Do not start looking at properties before you have secured your finances. A big mistake a lot of first-time buyers make is falling in love with their dream home without first getting approval for what it will cost. You may have a rough idea of what you can afford or what you would like to afford, but this can often be far from reality. By securing your home loan before you even start looking, you will save yourself a world of pain and frustration. The first step in your property journey is to choose the right mortgage adviser and get pre-approval of your loan. An experienced mortgage adviser can give you a complete picture of loan type, interest rates, down payments, and additional costs, giving you an accurate bottom-line figure. Many of these services have now moved online, and sites like this can quickly review offers and provide you with the results in one format.

Keep in mind you may be approved for more than you might expect, but be careful. What you are approved for and what you can comfortably afford might be two different things. Calculate what you can comfortably afford to pay each month, considering all the added expenses that come with owning our own home, such as maintenance, taxes, utilities. Normally it should not exceed 28% of your monthly income.

Get your paperwork prepared before speaking with a broker, proof of income, identification, bank records, etc. Being prepared in advance helps reduce stress and means you can get your mortgage approval fast. Don’t ever sign documentation you are unclear about. Discuss any doubts or questions with your mortgage broker. They have all the expert knowledge and can easily answer questions you have.

Find a good real estate agent

Don’t just go with the first agent you find or the one listed on your property of choice. It is essential to have an agent who will keep your best interest in mind. Research what the best agencies in your area are. The important thing is to find an agent with who you communicate well and are known for being helpful and having a high quality of customer service. Be very clear with your agent that you want to stick to your loan approval amount and that they only show you properties within your price range. Your real estate agent will also help you with your home appraisal once you have found your dream property. A property appraisal is primarily for your mortgage lender to determine your final loan amount, but it is also essential for you. You are purchasing your property for an accurate and fair price, or even better, that you might get a deal.

An agent has at hand all the market research and information on the best neighborhoods and potential investment properties. When negotiating, deliberate every offer and counteroffer, don’t be rushed to any decision.

Lastly, always listen to your gut! Don’t let anyone else make your final decision for you. Remember this will be your home, the place where you raise your family and enjoy your life.

 

What Should You Check When Buying Wholesale Plain T-Shirts?

by

The T-shirt is an essential clothing item for men, women, and kids. T-shirts come in different sizes, styles, and colors. They are affordable and can be paired with denim, cargo pants, half-pants, skirts, etc.

Plain t-shirts in attractive colors are suitable for any casual occasion. Whether you’re looking for a promotional clothing item, uniform for your employees, or for your softball team, you must consider looking for the best wholesale t-shirts store online. This way, you can buy cheap t-shirts for a wholesale price and have things such as names, company logos, sponsor names, etc.

However, before you go ahead and purchase plain t-shirts from an online store, you must remember to check the following:

Fabric

Plain t-shirts are made of 100% cotton or maybe mixed with synthetic fibers. Cotton t-shirts are an excellent choice for the hot weather. If you intend to spend time in a cooler environment, you may choose t-shirts made from polyester or other synthetic fibers. Cotton feels better for the skin and can absorb sweat easily.

Ring-spun cotton is soft, light in weight, and highly durable. Synthetic fibers like rayon (tri-blend t-shirts) feel soft. They last longer, shrink less after washing, and are easy to maintain. The choice of fabric is mainly dependent on the place and purpose of your attire.

Fit

T-shirt sizes are generally classified as small, medium, large, and extra-large. Some brands offer additional variations such as extra-small and plus-sizes. If you are walking into a store to buy a plain t-shirt, try on the garment before making a size choice.

If you are buying t-shirts online, check the sizing chart before you pick a size. The chart explains the length and width of a t-shirt in inches. Look for additional measurements such as sleeve length, neck size, etc., to get a clear picture of the fit.

Style and Color

While investing in wholesale t-shirts, be sure to check the style of the t-shirt. There are short and long-sleeved t-shirts. Then, there are t-shirts with plunging necklines, v-necks, or closed neck styles.

Plain t-shirts come in different colors. The most basic colors include black, white, and blue. Once you have covered these primary hues, you can explore other colors like pastel shades, pinks, and deep reds.

Quality

Plain t-shirts look best when they are stitched perfectly. One of the most critical factors that determine the quality is the positioning of the seams. When you wear a t-shirt, the shoulder and side seams must not move forward. When the seams shift, the t-shirt does not look good, and the fitting is not perfect either.

Another essential factor that decides the quality is the perfection of stitching. T-shirts with missing stitches, unaligned seams in the underarm region and the sides, and incorrect SPI (stitch per inch) can bring down the aesthetic value of the t-shirt.

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric is usually mentioned in ounces. If the fabric weight is between 0.3 oz and 5 oz, it is considered a lightweight fabric. Lightweight t-shirts are more breathable and softer. However, they may shrink more than heavier ones, so be mindful of that.

Buying Online

Plain t-shirts are readily available online. When you shop online, you have plenty of colors, styles, and size choices. Inspecting the fabric or seam quality is impossible while buying a t-shirt online. Nevertheless, you may want to focus on the following factors while buying t-shirts online.

  • Fabric type
  • Fabric weight
  • Size measurements – Complete sizing chart
  • And other key product features such as neck size, sleeve length, etc.

You may also check for customer reviews before you make the final choice.

Finished Edges

You bought a 100% preshrunk cotton t-shirt that fits you perfectly. You washed it after the first use, and there was no shrinkage or loss of color. Can the t-shirt be labeled as the best quality? Not yet, there is another essential factor to consider –the edges of the garment.

If you observe frayed edges after the first or second wash, the fabric and construction are of inferior quality. A good quality t-shirt will retain its even and neat edges after multiple washes.

Price

Price is a personal consideration. But remember, t-shirts are very affordable. Also, if you choose to buy t-shirts in bulk quantities, the price tends to lower further. Glance through the bulk pricing guide of your retailer before you place your order.

Plain t-shirts always stay in trend. They are readily available in different sizes and colors. They are styled easily, and they let you get creative too. However, you must examine the above factors to ensure you get the best wholesale t-shirts at the best rates.

A Week in Houston on a $65,000 Salary

by

Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.

Today: a head hunter who makes $65,000

Occupation: head hunter

Age: 30

Location: Houston, TX

Salary: $65,000 (approx. $1,731 per pay period)

Day One

img

Recently, my best friend, J., had a rude awakening when his HVAC system went out just as the cold season (as cold as Houston really gets) started, just due to normal wear and tear. After watching him go through that, I decided to do some preventive maintenance in my own place. I started by having technicians come to check out my air conditioner, heating system, and other home systems, just for a little peace of mind. Then, I started researching home warranty companies in Texas. I’ll be getting a bonus soon and am excited to invest in a home warranty with some of those funds—and I’ll be encouraging J. to do the same! After the tech leaves, I go pick up dinner from my favorite Indian restaurant.

Total: $450

Day Two

img

One of Texas’s biggest companies is currently looking for a director of marketing, and they‘ve entrusted me with that mission. So, I’m spending my day calling a few potential recruits and booking them rooms in the best downtown Austin hotels available. After all, we want them to fall in love with the city and Texas more broadly. That’s a lot easier when they have a cozy place to stay! After work, I meet a friend for drinks.

Total: $16.50

Day Three

img

I start my day with a stop at the local drug store, grabbing some aspirin and a sports drink—I’ve got to remember that I’m not 22 anymore and shouldn’t be drinking on an empty stomach! I grab a coffee next, then make my way to work, where I’m primarily following up with yesterday’s leads.

Total: $18

Day Four

img

Today’s another average workday, filled with lots of emails and phone calls. I meet some friends for lunch, then have a few Zoom meetings in the afternoon. I have leftovers from lunchtime to eat for dinner, so I spend that same time starting a book series that I keep hearing recommended. It’s pretty good so far! After a few chapters, I scroll through social media for a while before bed.

Total: $14

Day Five

img

My work week ends in the best way, with a few of those top leads from earlier this week agreeing to come to Texas and learn more about the job opportunity. We might just have some new Texans in the making! I make sure to eat a decent lunch (a sandwich and chips) because my friends and I will be celebrating tonight.

Total: $29.50

Day Six

img

I forgot to pay my credit card earlier this week, so I’m starting off my weekend with an irritating fee. That leads me to the local dollar store, where I pick up a budget planner and some bill envelopes. I spend the afternoon hyperfocusing on my finances, planning out my bills, and making a plan for how to improve my personal financial situation a little more. With my planner filled out, a few new apps downloaded, and a budgeting book in my Amazon cart, I’m feeling a little more confident by the day’s end.

Total: $83

Day Seven

img

Today, I’m chatting with J. over FaceTime while we eat our lunches (takeout in our respective cities) and spend some time at home. That’s the sort of friendship we’ve always had—we don’t have to really do something in order to spend time together. Before we sign off, we end our hours-long call exchanging silly YouTube videos.

Total: $17

Total for the week: $628

4 Reasons Your Investment Portfolio Should Include Real Estate with Eugene Bernshtam

by

Most investors know that realistic returns can be generated from diversified portfolios. However, many investors are still apprehensive about the idea of including real estate as part of their investment plan. According to investor Eugene Bernshtam, this is unfortunate because there are several compelling reasons to consider investing in real estate – especially within a well-diversified portfolio.

Real Estate Has More Upside Potential Than Any Other Asset Class

Depending on market conditions, it has been possible to achieve returns of up to 50% or more in real estate. For example, during 1997 – 2007, when the U.S. stock market was essentially flat, real estate was already showing a strong price appreciation of over 130%. This means that someone who invested $100,000 in real estate in 1997 would have seen the value of their real estate holdings increase to over $230,000 by 2007.

On the other hand, during this same period, a steady and disciplined investor fully invested in the S&P 500 would have only seen their investment double from $100,000 to $200,000. This is a $100,000 difference in returns – and this is just one example.

Over the past four years (2017 – 2021), we have seen similar strong real estate price appreciation as prices continue to catch up after the 2008 market correction. It is important to remember that real-estate markets and economies go through natural cycles of booms and busts, and the fact is that real estate will always recover.

Real Estate Can Be A Solid Hedge Against Inflation

Over time, inflation has a compounding effect on the price of almost everything. For example, if in 2008 an investor bought a home with a down payment of 20%, their mortgage would have been approximately $390,000 at 4% interest. However, if their property was financed for 30 years, the total amount they would have paid over this period is $1,412,322, or an increase of 129%.

However, if the investor had instead made yearly payments of $20,000 on their mortgage principal – which included the monthly payment at 4% and the principal’s yearly payment at 10%- they would have paid over $1,020,000 in total, an increase of only 53%. This is because, during years of inflation, monthly payments are fixed, but paying down the principal each year with extra funds will offset the effects of inflation.

As a result of this compounding effect, the real estate value has an upward trend due to inflationary pressures.

Real Estate Can Be A Hedge Against Natural Disasters And Other Acts Of God

Natural disasters – such as earthquakes or hurricanes – can be devastating. For example, consider what happened during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when over a thousand people died and caused damages worth approximately $135 billion.

Although no one can predict the unpredictable, investing in real estate can help offset some of this risk. This is because real estate offers an opportunity to diversify across different geographical regions – so if something happens to one region, there may be other areas that are not negatively impacted by it.

Real Estate Can Offer A Vehicle To Boost Cash Flow And Generate Additional Income

Many investors purchase real estate for the potential cash flow that they can receive each month. The key thing to remember is that cash-flow investing relies on buying property at a lower price than what it can be resold for, so this means that investors should look for properties that are below market value. Keep in mind that there is a big difference between the price and the value of a property.

8 Signs of Parkinson’s Disease You Should Immediately See Your Doctor About with Joon Faii Ong

by

Dr. Joon Faii Ong is a recognized authority in the field of Parkinson’s Disease research and treatment. In this article, Dr. Ong gives signs of Parkinson’s Disease that you should immediately see your doctor about.

1. Tremors in the hands and fingers

A tremor in Parkinson’s Disease is typically a shaking of the hand and fingers when at rest, particularly in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Sometimes tremors can even affect your chin or lips. People with advanced-stage Parkinson’s may also have difficulty holding objects such as a coffee cup due to the tremor.

2. Loss of Smell

Loss of smell is another early sign that can occur before any other symptoms appear. The loss of sense of smell associated with Parkinson’s Disease is usually bilateral (affecting both sides). People with PD may find that their food does not taste as good as it used to, and they also lose their sense of smell.

3. Weakness in one or both limbs, particularly on one side of the body

Weakness and slow movement are some of the earliest signs before any other symptoms such as tremors appear. The two most common types of weakness are “lead-pipe,” where all your muscles throughout your body feel weak, and “resting,” where you experience weakness only when resting, particularly in one limb.

4. Gait disturbance or freezing of gait

People with Parkinson’s Disease tend to start walking slower than usual due to stiffness of the limbs, which makes them appear as if they are taking small steps. As the disease progresses, people also tend to shuffle their feet due to the stiffness and trembling of the limbs.

5. Speech problems such as soft voice, slurred speech, or difficulty speaking

This is usually one of the first symptoms that you notice in Parkinson’s Disease. There are a variety of symptoms associated with speech, including trouble saying words, pausing when talking, and having a soft voice. Some may also speak in a monotone and slur their words. Also, many people with Parkinson’s Disease tend to lose their ability to express themselves through facial expressions such as smiling and blinking eyes.

6. Cognitive or thinking problems such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or language difficulties

As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, some people may notice difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or finding the right words to say. However, they may also appear to be in their world.

7. Loss of automatic movements, which is caused by dopamine deficiency in Parkinson’s Disease

One example of this is drooling while sleeping; this occurs because there is no muscle tone to prevent the saliva from drooling down your cheek. Other examples include hyper-flexible joints, excessive blinking, and pronation of the feet.

8. Mood problems such as depression or apathy

Many people with Parkinson’s Disease will suffer from depression because they cannot do things that were previously easy for them. In addition, most people suffering from this disease have difficulty coping with the changes to their bodies and losing control of their bodily functions.

The Future of Big Tech Focused Education – Northwestern Polytechnic University

by

It’s no secret that there is a growing need for a workforce with the right technical skills.

Today’s high-tech companies have successfully created new job opportunities, often requiring specialized knowledge and skillsets that are highly sought after by graduates from colleges and universities worldwide.

Universities such as Stanford and Northwestern Polytechnic University have been at the forefront of innovation when creating new programs that align with the skillsets needed by many employers, especially those in Silicon Valley.

Molding Tech’s Future Leaders

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, ’employment in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math-related occupations is projected to grow by 17.0 percent from 2012 to 2022′.

This means that if students graduate with degrees related to these fields, they will have a greater chance of being employed immediately after graduation.

It’s also important to note that many students are choosing to return to school to gain an education that can allow them to earn higher wages.

By combining computational thinking with the world of engineering, Northwestern Polytechnic University has created a curriculum that helps prepare students for the workforce and allows them entry into top graduate schools around the world.

This is a university with a professional rather than academic approach to higher education, aimed at students interested in becoming part of the tech industry.

Other universities, such as Stanford, have begun to take a similar approach in offering students an education that is classroom-focused and hands-on.

Stanford’s New Approach to Education

Stanford has been a leader in tech innovation and entrepreneurship, with many of its graduates going on to create some of the top tech startups around today. To broaden the scope of how students are taught, Stanford has developed new online courses that allow students to develop new skills without being physically on campus.

Starting in 2014, this university is one of the first higher education institutions to offer an online Master’s degree program for computer science engineering.

While many universities around the world are continuing to look at online education as the future, Stanford’s approach allows it to meet its students’ needs.

What Silicon Valley Needs

It’s no secret that Silicon Valley is continuing to grow. As a result, many of our jobs today will be affected by some form of technology, with the latest jobs board data showing some of the most in-demand job titles around include software architects and developers.

These are not college graduate roles but roles that require technical education and work experience.

As technology continues to advance over the coming years, it’s predicted that there will be a growing need for individuals with strong technical skillsets to maintain and generate new ideas. This trend is only set to continue as we look at how education can develop in line with change within the tech sector.

Final Thoughts

Many universities worldwide are beginning to realize that business, as usual, is no longer an option. Institutions such as Northwestern Polytechnic University and Stanford’s pioneering approach to higher education show it understands the future of education lies in meeting industry demands.