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We Are Augustines

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Training a New Dog Owner: 5 Pawesome Tips to Become the Best Dog Parent

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If you’re a new dog owner, you need a bit of training yourself. Here are 5 great tips to become the best dog parent you can be.

Do you want a new dog for yourself or are surprising your kids with a doggy Christmas present?

There’s no better feeling in the world than taking home a new dog. You love seeing your dog happy in their new home, away from the shelter and settling in their forever home.

You have a new best friend and are excited for the memories you two will make.

But dog ownership is intimidating for new dog owners. Dogs are a lot of work; experienced dog owners are used to the care, but new dog owners don’t know what to expect.

Providing the right care will ensure your dog is happy for years to come.

If you’re a new dog owner, here are 5 tips for raising your new dog.

1. Secure Your Home

Think of dogs like they’re your children. Sure, dogs aren’t actually human children. But you need to take the same level of caution around dogs as you would for a human child.

Choking hazards are just as detrimental for dogs as they are for children. If a dog doesn’t know what something is, they will start chewing on it.

Even though you can leave a dog alone, this doesn’t mean the dog will be fine on its own. Invest in a cage, crate, or a security gate just to be on the safe side.

2. Buy the Supplies First

Before you take your dog home, make sure you have all necessary doggy supplies. This includes:

  • A collar or harness
  • Leash
  • Doggy bed
  • Grooming supplies
  • Toys
  • Cage or crate
  • Food and water dishes

This way, you don’t have to run to the pet store.

3. Create a Schedule

Even though dogs don’t look at a clock like humans, they have a biological clock they rely on. That’s why creating a schedule is essential for doggy care. A schedule also helps you know their walking and feeding times.

A schedule is also beneficial if more than one person in your household is caring for the dog, such as your spouse and your children.

4. Buy the Best Dog Food

It’s easy to want to buy the cheapest dog food and save money. But your dog deserves high-quality dog food. Would you feed your children fast food every day? Of course not. Your dog deserves the same healthy diet as a human.

Before heading to the store, research dog food and read reviews such as Freshpet reviews.

5. Choose Your Vet Wisely

Dogs need to visit the vet regularly. They require shots, flea and tick prevention, and other care to ensure they’re healthy. The best vet will ensure your dog is healthy and happy.

Unless the shelter says they recently visited the vet, take your dog into the vet shortly after you adopt it.

Be a Proud New Dog Owner

As a new dog owner, taking on the responsibility of a dog is rewarding but can be difficult. You know your dog needs food and needs to be walked. But there’s little-known information about dog ownership you may not know.

Use these tips and be the best dog parent!

For more pet advice and other helpful tips, continue reading our blog.

 

5 Ways To Have a Wonderful Christmas For Less

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Despite what you might think, it is possible to have a fantastic Christmas without breaking the bank. Here are 5 ways to have a wonderful Christmas for less.

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year for some, but when you’re struggling to get by, money worries can suck the fun out of the festivities. The average cost of Christmas in South Africa is on the rise despite the extremely high levels of household debt. Spending beyond your means at Christmas can leave you to foot the bill for the rest of the year and make it more difficult to service existing debts.

But despite what you might think, it is possible to have a fantastic Christmas without breaking the bank. All you need to do to is focus on the things that really matter, such as family and friends, and avoid spending money on those items you can really do without.

1. Agree on a spending limit and stick to it

Christmas might have become a capitalist extravaganza, but it doesn’t have to be like that. It’s your Christmas, so you make the rules. When it comes to buying gifts for grown-up family members, agree on a spending cap of R100 or R200. If you buy for your extended family then the cost can really add up. In some cases, at the risk of sounding like a Scrooge, it might make more sense to scrap those gifts entirely. Rather than buying gifts neither of you really want, agree to a present embargo so you can save your money for the things that really matter.

2. Be more imaginative with your gifts

The price does not maketh the gift. Having less money to spend means you have to put more thought and time into present buying, which can make for some really imaginative ideas. Here are some thrifty gift ideas courtesy of short-term lender Wonga. As a more general tip, it’s cheaper to buy online than it is on the high street, so that could be one way to make your money go further.

3. Have more fun with less

You might not think it’s possible to have too many presents, but when children have a never-ending conveyor belt of gifts they can fall into a malaise, with each present meaning less than the last. Instead, make more or fewer gifts by organising a treasure hunt involving lots of smaller presents. For example, according to this article, you can get a gymnastics mat for only $25. And who among your friends wouldn’t love to be, stay or get healthy? This makes the finding and opening as much fun as the gift itself and it helps to keep costs down.

4. Send e-cards

Rather than sending out hundreds of Christmas cards which only end up in someone’s bin, e-cards are a great way to save on the cost of cards, envelopes and stamps. There are hundreds of websites out there that allow you to send e-cards for a fraction of the price of the real thing. You can then send out just a handful of proper cards to your closest family and friends.

5. Make your travel arrangements early

If you’re planning to travel by plane, train or coach this Christmas then book your ticket as early as you can. The longer you leave it, the more the price will rise. If you’re going to drive, see if you have any friends or colleagues who need to travel in the same direction as sharing a trip is a great way to save money.

What are your top Christmas money saving tips? Please share your favourites with our readers in the comments below.

What is The Best Color For My Prom Dress

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Many girls spend hours, days, even weeks, researching their prom dresses long before the event. A question they all ask is what is the best color for prom dresses, and what colors are most popular.

We will fill you in on what was popular this year, and what we think will be on trend next year. Our top picks are Rich Reds, Jewel Tones, Classic Black and White combo, and beautiful Printed Floral.

Rich Red

Year after year, the deep red prom dress struts its stuff in the prom arena. And it’s always a head turner. Its sexy, sophisticated and modern. Another great feature of this shade is it suits every skin tone, whether you are porcelain, mocha, or caramel, red will look fab – no wonder girls are wearing it year after year. If you want to stand out at on your prom night, try a deep red or bright red prom dress.

Jewel Tones

If you’d like to try something a bit different to the traditional tones, why not try a jewel toned prom dress. Straight out of the Arabian Nights of Aladdin & Jasmine, you can choose a ruby, emerald, or sapphire coloured dress. We just love a princess cut, with a bell skirt full of volume, with some beaded sequin embellishments. Amherst purple is always a showstopper, its shiny, sexy, and feminine. Why not give these shades a try.

Classic Black & White Combo

We cant ignore the classic combo, black prom dresses, white prom dresses , or dresses in a combination of both colors. It could be a black prom dress with white lace embellishment, or a white dress with black embroidery or detailing. However, you decide to rock these colors, you know they will be a hit. It’s super easy to pair accessories and shoes with too. You can match them with creams, golds, or add a splash or richer colors like red by having a red clutch bag & shoes to contrast the dress. These are two of the most worn shades, and we love them as they are always on-trend.

Printed Florals

Flower back is certainly back. Trending summer dresses are full of floral-print, and the trend doesn’t stop there. Having floral-print on your prom dress is both unique and eye catching, we recommend going for a pastel shade to make the print more defined and noticeable. Having a floral element allows you to have multiple colours on your dress, so if you cant choose a favourite color, this is a great option. We would pair it with neutral colored shoes and accessories to give your outfit a clean and neat finish. Be forward thinking with fashion, and flaunt your individual personality with this distinctive look at on your prom night.

How a Sober Coach Can Help You Stay on the Path to a Healthier Life

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A sober coach is one of the best tools for staying sober. Read on to learn how a sober coach can help you stay on the path to a healthier life.

Many people have a difficult time dealing with the stresses of normal life after leaving rehab or recovering from addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous provides members with sponsors who help them stay sober.

Not everyone is afforded the luxury of a sponsor, though. It’s essential to have people in your life that understand how sobriety works and how difficult it can be to maintain. The unfortunate thing is that many people feel like they’re thrown to the wolves when they exit rehab.

This is where a sober coach can come into play.

Let’s take a look.

What is a Sober Coach and How Can They Help?

A sober coach, or a sober companion, is someone who can help you stay on track to being successfully sober. Hiring one will is sometimes a necessary step.

The thing that people don’t understand at first is that recovery is a life-long process, and different stages bring different challenges. Life’s larger stressors often trigger cravings. In fact, even the little things can be triggers.

Seeing an old drinking buddy or someone you used with, driving past an old apartment, or even hearing a song could trigger a craving. Those are things that are difficult to handle, and sometimes you need to call for help.

While sober coaches are sometimes associated with the rich and wealthy, there are people that will do the job for a reasonable wage.

Should You Get a Coach?

It’s up to you if you think you need a sober coach. Getting a sober coach is a relatively new idea, so not everyone knows that you even have the possibility to get one.

If you feel as though no one in your life understands you or your struggle to stay sober, that might be a good indication that you need a coach. While we shouldn’t blame anyone for not understanding sobriety, it does make living drug-free incredibly difficult when we don’t have people to relate to.

Not everyone knows the best way to help someone.

This is especially true if the people around you are drinking and using drugs. If someone around you, probably a counselor or parent, recommends a sober coach, you should certainly consider it.

If it isn’t you that’s experiencing addiction, learn ways to approach your loved one in a healthy way. Some approaches can actually serve to make the addiction worse.

What Will They Do for You?

A sober coach will be a person that you can call day or night for advice. They’ll recommend and push you to take on healthy habits that are conducive to recovery.

This person will also help to educate your family about ways that they can improve your recovery process. Family education is a central element to a successful road to sobriety. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from the fact that this person has been where you currently are.

Do What You Have to Do

Every person has a different experience trying to get sober. Some people will require a sober coach while others only need to spend time with family and friends.

Whether you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, it’s essential that you take immediate steps to improve the life of the person suffering. Visit our site for more information on when to start taking action.

 

Lesser Known Historical Sites in Seychelles You Didn’t Know Of

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Seychelles is one of those islands that not many people know for the historical side of it. With the kind of beauty that the place beholds, it is futile to visit the place and not visit the amazing historical sites that the islands are known for. Majority of these spots in there are not that hyped by can give you a quick tour of the amazing French colonial influence that the place has had in the past. If you are planning on visiting the place, make sure to get the flight tickets booked from Seychelles from Dubai or anywhere around the world for the cheapest and best deals.

In this article, we are going to be discussing the best historical sites in Seychelles that you possibly didn’t even know of.

The Bicentennial Monument

Located in the capital city of Seychelles, Victoria, The Bicentennial Monument is located exactly on Mahe Island. It is located at the junction of the 5th of June Avenue and the Avenue of Liberation. It is known as the monument with three wings representing how it looks. The monument was erected back in the year 1978 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the capital city of Seychelles. It is a significant representation of the inhabitants of various ethnicities from around Asia, Africa and more.

The Bel Air Cemetery

The Bel Air Cemetery is possibly the most historic place in the island of Seychelles which dates back to decades when people used this place to bury the dead. This place is home to the burial of a number of famous personalities who have resided in Seychelles like French Corsair Jean-François Hodoul and Pierre Louis Poiret.

Domaine de Val des Près Craft Village

This is one of the most amazing tourist spots in Seychelles that is known for the display of art and culture that the locals have. It serves as an exhibition site for the Creole arts, architecture and crafts. The main site of attraction here is the Gran Kaz, which is a colonial house that was built back in 1870. If you want to get a taste of the authentic cuisine of the area, visit the Vye Marmite restaurant to get your fair share of the tasty Creole dishes. You can even take back some local souvenirs from the place to gift to your friends and family.

Union Estate

Next in the list of historic places is the Union Estate. It is located in the La Digue Island and has a traditional coconut firm in there. With time, the place has been converted into an amusement park where you can simply indulge in riding horses, watching giant turtles and even see the entire process of how the coconut oil is extracted.

Seychelles is more than just being an archipelago for the beaches and islands, the place holds a rich history as well that dates back way in time. If you want to indulge in some of the best kind of knowledge about the initial days of when and how the island took shape, it is mandatory that you visit this place and visit the historical sites there.

Get Flu Season Ready: How To Clean Almost Any Surface Of Your House

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Nobody enjoys cleaning their home, but unfortunately we all have to roll up our sleeves and embark on the household chores. If you want to reduce the amount of time spent on cleaning your home while also making sure that your home is hygienically clean for the flu season, this guide will help you to get the right choice of products to make cleaning all the surfaces of your home quicker, easier and more effective.

Acrylic And Glass Surfaces

While acrylic and glass are tricky to clean, they can be hygienic and free from bacteria if you use the right products. The key is to use a clean and damp cloth or chamois to eliminate friction so that dust won’t stick to the surfaces. Next, use a solution of mild detergent in water for acrylic or an ammonia and water solution on glass to produce optimal results. The result will be a shining and clean surface.

Cleaning Ceramics

Ceramic bathroom fixtures can be hard to clean. If you have a ceramic toilet bowl, bathtub or washbasin, you need to use an abrasive cleaning product to get rid of the bacteria and grime. Although abrasive cleaners aren’t good for use on every surface they’re great on your bathtub. Just apply onto the bathtub’s surface, rub gently before rinsing off. The results will be impressive.

Cleaning Your Bedding

Although we don’t like to think about it, our beds can be full of disgusting things. From flakes of old skin to bed bugs and dust mites, it’s no wonder that so many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep. Luckily, you can eliminate these problems by steam cleaning your bed linen. There are some excellent steam cleaners on the market which can not only effectively get rid of stains and marks through the power of heat and water, but also kill bed bugs and dust mites. Take a look at these products to find the right one for you.

Clean Your Laminate Floors

Laminate floors look really stylish but they can be hard to clean. Vacuuming regularly is essential to get rid of dirt and loose debris, however more thorough cleaning is essential to ensure that your laminate surfaces look their best. Mop your floors using a damp mop, not one which is wringing wet. You don’t want your floors to be saturated. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners like steel wool or scouring powders as these may scratch your surfaces. A steam cleaner is also very useful on a laminate floor since it will use only steam to kill bacteria while removing dirt effectively.

Cleaning Marble

Marble fireplaces, tables and floors all need to be cleaned carefully to avoid damage. Always dust them first using a clean and soft cloth before dusting them with a damp sponge. Always dry the surface afterwards with a separate cloth to keep your marble shining and clean.

Cleaning Painted Woodwork And Walls

If your home’s walls are painted, you’ll already be familiar with the problems which are linked to marks and stains. However, you can easily clean your painted walls with a non-abrasive cleaning product. Painted woodwork can also be cleaned with a solution of water and ammonia so that stains and dirt are a problem of the past.

Clean Your Carpets

Carpeted flooring is wonderfully luxurious on your feet and looks incredibly stylish however it isn’t always easy to keep clean and dirt free. Dirty carpets harbor all kinds of bacteria, and you could end up suffering from allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Vacuuming regularly will help to reduce the amount of dirt and grime on your floors, however there will still be dirt at the bottom of the carpet fibers. Use a steam cleaner on your carpets to keep your home completely free of harmful particles on your carpeted floors.

If you follow the helpful advice here, you’ll find that even in the middle of the flu season you’ll be well protected from catching illnesses. Bacteria and germs will be eradicated from your surfaces so that you can breathe more easily and feel your best all year round.

Happy cleaning!

What Are The Laws Regarding Pedestrians And Auto Accidents In San Francisco?

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When someone talks about an auto accident injury, typically people assume that only cars were involved. But auto accidents can involve more than just automobiles. There are times when motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are injured. These are all special types of cases, and the laws regarding liability are different. In San Francisco, pedestrians can be at fault for their own injuries if they were not following California pedestrian laws.

It is typically the case that the driver bears more responsibility to avoid injuring a pedestrian, which is why automobile drivers are almost always at fault. However, there are times when the actions of a pedestrian cannot be anticipated or compensated for, which makes them at least partially – if not completely – responsible for their own injuries.

Pedestrian laws

Pedestrians and crosswalk laws

A driver must yield the right of way or stop if a pedestrian is crossing any roadway that is either marked or unmarked. The restrictions on the crosswalk laws are if the pedestrian enters into a crosswalk (either marked or unmarked) when there is heavy traffic or a hazard is obvious. Since the pedestrian has a duty of care to act as any reasonable person would in the same situation, if they enter into heavy traffic without any concern for their own safety, then that might make them liable for their own injuries.

Pedestrians and control signals

Across San Francisco, there are various pedestrian signs that indicate when a person can walk and when they can’t. Whether the sign is in the form of written directions like “walk” or “don’t walk” or in hand signs, the signs are there to protect the pedestrian, and the pedestrian has an obligation to follow the signs according to the law.

If the sign either depicts a person walking or it says “walk,” then the pedestrian may proceed to cross the roadway or the street. The signal must be facing in the direction that the pedestrian is walking and if it is flashing or signaling a pedestrian to walk, then they have the right of way. If they are hit or injured by a motorist, then the driver would be at fault for their injuries.

If the sign is signaling either “don’t walk” or there is a raised palm indicating that a pedestrian should not cross into the walkway, then the pedestrian cannot lawfully walk out into traffic. If they ignore the sign and are hit by oncoming traffic, then they might be held partially or completely liable and responsible for their injuries.

When crossing at places which are not designated crosswalks

If a pedestrian is crossing at any other place besides those crosswalks that are designated for them to walk, they have an obligation to yield to the drivers and to watch for oncoming traffic. If they fail to do so, then they might be held either partially or wholly liable for their injuries.

Pedestrians who are on roadways

If you are outside of a residential or business district and walk into oncoming traffic, you are breaking pedestrian law. It is not legal for a pedestrian to walk either upon or along any roadway that is not designated as a crosswalk. If they do so and are injured, then they might be held liable for any injuries that they sustain. The driver cannot anticipate that someone might be walking on a roadway, and therefore bears no responsibility for having an increased duty of care when driving.

If a pedestrian has to walk along a roadway that is not designed for walking, then they must travel on the left side of the road or completely on the shoulder of the roadway facing the flow of traffic in the opposite direction.

Pedestrians and sidewalk right of way

If a pedestrian is walking along the sidewalk, any motor vehicle must stop or yield for them. Failing to do so will put the driver at fault and liable and responsible for any injuries.

When you are out walking, you do have a duty of care to act as any reasonable person would to protect yourself from being injured. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in San Francisco, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer to ensure that you can recover for your injuries.

 

7 Factors That Influence Drug Possession Charges in Queens

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The news of marijuana legalization across various states was music to the ears of many US citizens. However, the issue of illegal drugs remains very prominent in American society.

The law is selectively strict on drug possession, and numerous factors can impact what the person will be charged with and even the extent of the final punishment. If you use these substances, even recreationally, it’s important to understand how one slip-up can affect your life.

What Is the Charge?

If the police catch you with an illegal drug on you, they will charge you with possession as they have physical evidence of ownership. Because the substances are illegal, that’s enough for a conviction if:

  • They can prove you were aware of having a controlled substance;
  • They can show you have control over the drug.

If they fail to prove that, then your Queens drug attorney can move to dismiss the possession charge. For instance, if the police searched your home and found heroin, you can have the charges dismissed if you argue the drug belonged to the roommate. So while the drug was in your home, you were unaware it was a controlled substance and had no control over it.

But, if they can prove you knew of and controlled an illegal substance, then the authorities will analyze a variety of other factors to determine the charge. These factors can also impact the final sentence, whether it’s a fine or years served.

Factors Impacting Charges and Sentences

1. State or Federal

A big factor that may impact your drug punishment is who arrested in the first place. If it’s a federal law enforcement body, the charge may be more severe, because they usually don’t arrest people carrying a few grams of cocaine.

2. State Law

The charges brought against you depend on the state where you were arrested. Some are rather lenient, while others have a strict 0-tolerance policy. Moreover, if the police determine that you’ve also crossed state lines, then your case is judged based on federal law, not the state-law where you were arrested.

3. Previous Offenses

If you already have a criminal record, you may get a harsher sentence, even if the other crimes aren’t related to drugs.

4. Added Offenses

If the police stop your car, determine you are under the effects of drugs and find the illegal substance on you, then you can face multiple charges at the same time (possession and driving under the influence, in this case).

5. The Place of the Arrest

It may seem like a strange factor to determine a charge, but some areas influence the drug-related punishment. For instance, in many states, if you are found with illegal drugs in your possession in a school zone, that may warrant a harsher sentence.

6. The Type of Drug

In a way, some drugs are considered “more illegal” than others, by law. The type of drug found in your possession warrant different sentences, depending on the state.

7. The Amount of Drug

If the police find small quantities of drugs on you, then they’ll most likely charge you with possession. However, larger amounts of illegal drugs may indicate the substance is not just for personal use, and authorities can add ‘:intent to distribute” to the charge.

Conclusion

In the end, it’s extremely difficult to anticipate what the drug charge will be. The police and prosecutors may push for a particular charge after analyzing the particularities of the case, but a lawyer may also have a lot to say in what the final sentence will be.

That is why it’s crucial not to dismiss any drug charge, no matter how small, and hire an attorney to represent you in a drug-related legal problem. They will conduct their analysis of the evidence on hand and argue on your behalf to lower or even dismiss the charge altogether.

4 Reasons Why Every Business Could Benefit By Switching to a VoIP Phone System

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Are you thinking of switching to a VoIP phone system, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Read on to learn how every business could benefit from this switch.

As a business owner, you’ve likely already heard the statistic that your employees waste about 5 hours of company time each week on their smartphones.

But the types of phones that are really costing your company time and money — and causing your employees and clients frustration — aren’t actually smartphones at all.

Instead, the problem is your outdated or inefficient business phone system.

Have dropped calls, the necessity of keeping lines clear, and a general lack of the phone features you need become your new normal?

If so, now is the time to change — and to increase your profits as a result. Get rid of that ancient landline or poorly-performing business phone, and make the switch to a VoIP phone system instead.

But why are VoIP phone services so valuable?

Keep on reading this post to find out.

1. You’ll Save Money

Let’s face it: the best way to convince you to switch to a VoIP phone system is to talk about how it will improve your bottom line.

Because you’re making calls over the Internet, you’ll be able to save serious cash on international and long-distance calls.

Plus, because you’ll now have multiple phone lines freed up, your team members can make more calls more often. No more “negotiating” when it comes to who can use a phone line when. Instead, everyone can be as productive as possible.

With the majority of VoIP phones, you’ll pay a flat rate every month, which can mean excellent savings. Plus, when phone lines go down, whether due to a storm or to construction, you’ll still be able to make calls.

2. You’ll Have More Flexibility

You need to make it to your anniversary dinner — but you also need to wait for that important business call to come through.

If you’re using an outdated landline or another form of old-school phone communication, your only option is to stay chained to your desk and wait for the phone call to come in.

This doesn’t just mess with your work-life balance in an era where people already spend 1/3 of their lives at the office. It could also seriously impact your relationship. Your phone system just shouldn’t have this much control over your life, period.

Employee burnout (and the frequently resulting substance abuse) is a very real threat to your business. Now is the time to stop it.

When you switch to VoIP phone services, you can make and receive calls from almost anywhere. This is because the system is able to forward your work calls to your personal smartphone, your home phone, or anywhere else you choose.

VoIP services also make it easy to install multiple phone lines within your office. This way, you won’t have to worry about keeping lines clear. This will lower stress levels and seriously increase productivity.

3. The Best VoIP Phone Systems Offer Excellent Features

When you’re choosing between potential VoIP phone systems, make sure that you take a look at the available features.

You can get features like call and voicemail transcripts, automatic call distribution, and even voice recognition. You can also opt for features that are specifically geared towards conference call use. For example, the right system will be able to send reminders to conference call participants.

This way, you won’t have to hear anyone’s excuses when it comes “forgetting” about a conference call ever again.

Looking to learn a bit more about the kinds of features that might be available to you when you make the switch to a VoIP phone service? One Ring Networks can help you to figure out which features you can’t do without, and which ones you can add on later as your business grows.

The scalability of a VoIP phone system is, after all, one of the most valuable things about it. No more paying for features you don’t need or won’t use.

4. Calls Are Clearer with VoIP

You’re on the phone with one of your biggest clients, halfway through what’s easily one of your most important pitches of the year. So far, you think things are going pretty well.

You’re just about to begin the closing process, when all of a sudden, you hear static feedback over your line. Then, the phone starts clicking, and before you know it, you’ve lost your connection with your client.

You try to get them on the phone again — but they don’t answer.

Your outdated phone service didn’t just cost you time. It also caused you to lose a deal, and likely made one of your biggest clients question your company’s professionalism.

Avoid this costly and seriously frustrating experience by switching to a VoIP phone system.

You’ll enjoy not just clearer and static-free communication, but also a much lower overall rate of dropped calls.

Ready to Make the Switch to a VoIP Phone System?

Whether you’re tired of losing business due to dropped calls, or if you just want to find ways to increase your bottom line, making the switch to a VoIP phone system is always the right call.

We also hope that you’ve learned about the features and benefits that the best VoIP phone systems can offer you.

Of course, the truth is that finding the right phone system is far from the only step you need to take to increase employee productivity and close bigger deals.

You’ll also need to think about how your office space encourages productivity, ideas for employee recognition, and even how your digital marketing strategy can win you more customers.

We’re here to help you figure all that out — and more.

Bookmark our blog so that you never miss a piece of our invaluable advice.

 

Estate Planning Tips for your Loved Ones

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Family
 A man lives and works for his family and loved ones for his entire life. Family is a universal reality and people regard it as one of the most important part of their lives. As they say, “The family is the test of the freedom; because family is the only thing that the free man makes for himself and by himself.”  You work for day and night to provide a good life to your family which includes good food, education and clothing so that you live equally by the standards of society. You build a beautiful house that caters all the needs of your family. It doesn’t matter whether you do a job or run a business. The ultimate goal is to provide them  with all the necessities of life as you age so that they can stand on their feet and the cycle continues.

Planning for Family
Like life, death is a universal truth, too. So a wise person thinks accordingly and makes proper arrangements in his life for his loved ones ahead of his death. They usually create a will or prepare deeds legally in transferring inheritance to their loved ones so that after death the family won’t have to face the financial crossroads let alone the departure of the loved one. There are many legal and social aspects to the transfer of property. However, this works differently for different people according to the circumstances they have. Imagine an eighty-year old woman whose spouse has recently passed away. That woman is now the only owner listed on the deed to her home. Her only asset is her home. She has children, but they are living the typical American lifestyle of “spend first, save later” and have mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debt—with little money saved. The woman would like to give her homestead to one of her children when she passes away – the one who has assisted her the most in her old age, but  also wants to make sure she can continue living in her home until that time comes. Until recently in California, the woman had several options to achieve this transfer, but none of them allowed her to retain full interest in the property until her death, at little or no cost to the woman or her family. Some of her options would cost money up front, but she would be able to retain full interest in her property until death. Other options would cost the woman little to no money, but would transfer an interest in the property to her child immediately. The woman’s final option, transferring the property in her will, would likely only cost the amount her attorney charges for such a document, but her property would have to be sent into the probate process to effectuate the transfer. In recent years, California gave this woman a new option, the transfer on death deed.

Death Deed
 A Transfer on Death Deed (“TOD Deed”), or also commonly referred to as a beneficiary deed, is a form used in the world of estate planning to avoid the need to enter into probate when an individual has minimal assets.
With all the procedural framework and proper legislative work, this process has become way easier than before and has got the following important advantages:

Probate avoidance
Retained control of wealth during one’s lifetime.
Continuity of ownership within the family.
Federal income tax is not imposed on death deeds.
With the process becoming more hassle free, legal work has been minimized and much of legal fee can now be saved.

Because as they say, “Love begins at home and your family is your strength.” Now you can make sure they always stay strong.