Life & Success

The rise of online schools and universities has made education accessible to a lot of people. Even those who are working full-time now have the chance to pursue a different career or step things up. The problem is that some of these schools are unreliable.

Therefore, you might worry that if you pursue an online course, it won’t give you the results you hoped for. Before you turn down the idea of online learning, you need to understand that many people have succeeded in achieving their goals because they pursued an online degree.

Look for online schools with an actual campus

Some universities receive authority from the government to open an online school. Given their accreditation, you can rely on them to provide you with the quality of education you deserve. If the university has been around for years, you won’t have to worry about the certificate or degree that you receive. Employers will probably accept your degree in the same way that they do with people who finished their programs in a conventional school.

Check the ratings and accreditations

Different accrediting bodies check both conventional universities, online schools, and mixed programs. If the online program received accreditation from a reliable accrediting body, you can trust that it will be suitable for you. The ratings they receive from their current students are also crucial in determining if you can trust the school.

Ask the current students

If you’re unsure if the university or school can offer quality education, you can ask around. Talk to current students and ask them if they’re happy with the training they receive. If the feedback is generally positive, you can pursue the plan.

Check the detailed description of the program

Find out which online school can offer the program you want to pursue. For instance, if you wish to receive nursing certification online, you can find quality schools that offer this certificate. Read the detailed description of the programs provided to find out if it suits you. Don’t rely only on the title of a program since the name might vary from one school to another. As you delve into the descriptions, you can decide if a program is worth pursuing.

Give it a shot

As long as you can confirm that the university is legally operating, you can continue with your chosen course. You also need to talk with the program coordinators if you have any questions. You can also discuss with them your status. For instance, you’re working full-time, and you are a mother of three. They will then find a way to match the program to your needs so you can still finish it.

Online programs are flexible. As long as you choose the right school to pursue your degree, it will work for you.

Once the program is over, you can decide how to use it to your advantage. You can apply for a promotion or consider other careers to pursue.

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As an expat in the United Kingdom, you may already know that you can be eligible for receiving a state pension if you reside and work in the country and you make contributions to National Insurance through your employer. Ideally, you can acquire your pension once you retire or reach the state pension age, which is currently 65 (although this is set to increase in 2020 to 66 years of age). But what else should you know about how the pension system works in the United Kingdom, and what are the most important facts and factors you should keep in mind? The following are the essential facts you should know about UK pensions as an expat in the UK, so you are well-informed.

Will you receive a full pension?

If you would like to receive the full pension, you need to have a contribution period of 35 years, meaning you would need to have made NI contributions for 35 years or more. But even if you have only made contributions for ten years, you can still receive the state pension, although it will not be in full. This is referred to as the pro-rata amount, which is calculated based on the total amount of contributions you’ve made for those 10 years, or more.

If you haven’t continuously resided or worked in the United Kingdom, you will be happy to know that your eligibility for the UK state pension doesn’t have to follow ten consecutive years. For example, if you are living and working in the UK for three years, move abroad for the next two years, and then go back to the UK and work for another seven years, you can still be eligible for the state pension. Bear in mind, though, that if you have gaps in your NI contributions for a few years, then you should purchase voluntary contributions (class 3), so you can fill in the gaps. Once you do this, you should be able to claim a higher amount from your UK state pension.

What more can you expect as an expat?

As an expat or foreign individual residing and working in the country, there are different terms when it comes to your entitlement for a UK pension as well. Fortunately, as an expat, you should be able to claim the pension once you reach your age of retirement, as long as you have contributed for more than ten years. But if you want more options when it comes to pensions for expats (and a more comfortable retirement), you can also opt for private pension schemes or workplace pension schemes if you aren’t part of your company’s automatic enrolment.

What about retirement outside the United Kingdom?

If you would like to retire outside the United Kingdom, some taxes or restrictions may apply. You may have to contend with taxes, for instance, and the rates for tax will depend on the agreements between the country where you are planning to retire or reside and the UK. In certain cases, you may have to pay tax for both countries, for example. In this kind of situation, though, you have some options: you can leave your pension in the United Kingdom and then withdraw your pension from another country, or you can move your pensions to another country; you can also do a combination of each option. It’s important that you seek help and advice as the tax implications can make a significant dent in your pension entitlement.

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A small space to spend your whole life should be explored to make it a more desirable place to live in. You need to use your creativity to make the best out of the given space you have. Maximising all parts of your residence is the key to make it look more attractive and functional.

Make your facade look inviting

Usually, people tend to judge the beauty and totality of a house by just looking at its outside appearance. What others say about how fair or good-looking your facade is a point to consider in making some changes. All you need is the proper placing of colours, designs, and structures to start with. Look for examples online or just in your neighbourhood of how small houses look big when some innovation and optimisation is applied.

Make an interior that is functional and remarkable

One way to satisfy yourself and other people with your home is through the beauty of the facade and what can be seen inside. You can have a fully functional house even with limited space. What it means is to establish a division as to where you will put your living area, dining area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Make every area distinct from the other and add the perfect furniture to add flavour to its ambience. Try to put some decorations or displays that will reflect your personality. And lastly, select the paint colour that will complement all the features of the interior.

Share your driveway with a mini garden

Maximise your space to the fullest by sharing your driveway with a mini garden. The water used in washing your car can be used for watering your plants too. You can plant flowers for aesthetics or vegetables if you want it to be more productive. Just put a divider or garden railings to protect your plants and make your garden recognisable.

Install a proper lighting system

Another aspect to consider that will enhance the beauty of your house and at the same time give an effect that your house interior looks larger is by installing proper lighting for every part of your dwelling. There are bulbs available in stores to choose from that vary in sizes, light effects, and energy-saver features.

Have a regular maintenance check of your house

A “good” house should not only look good but should also function well for the needs of its dwellers. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent any damage to your property and ensure the safety of your family. What to check regularly are the electricity and water connections and replacement of small and functional house materials, to name a few. You may also consider getting pest control services to get rid of domestic pests.

No matter how small or big your house is, try to make it a home where you can sit down, relax and share more memories with your loved ones.

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Shower pods are a good investment since they elevate your feeling when bathing. They make the bathroom look luxurious. You feel private and secure when you install one at home. Given how expensive they are, you need to ask the right questions to ensure that you are getting the perfect shower pod for your home.

How much space do you have? 

It is crucial to have enough space if you want a shower pod. It will be a problem if the bathroom is not of the right height or width as it could be challenging to fit the pod in. You could end up remodelling the place first because there is not enough space.

How much are you willing to spend?

Shower pods come in various sizes and styles. You can also opt for different door opening types. The factors could affect the amount you need to pay. Set a budget and stick to it. You could also look for discount stores and use vouchers. Some online stores could also post clearance sales and other forms of discounts.

Do you want other bathroom accessories? 

Apart from a shower pod, you could also invest in a bathtub and a steam shower. Placing all of them in your bathroom will make your experience even more exciting. They will also elevate the overall appearance of your place. They will be costly if you calculate the total cost, but they will be worth it. Your bathroom will never look the same again after having them installed.

Do you need frames?

Some shower cubicles do not require frames because some bathroom spaces are too small, and frames are not a practical idea. Therefore, you need to check if framed pods are possible; otherwise, you need to find a more suitable option.

Which store do you intend to buy the shower pod from?

You need to be cautious in determining where you intend to buy the shower pod. Stick with reliable companies offering top brands. Whether you want to buy in a local store or online, the goal is to select a quality bathroom accessory. Read reviews and compare all choices first before you finalise your decision.

Does it come with a warranty?

If you are buying the pod online, it comes with risk since you do not see the item before paying. It helps if you check its warranty so that you can return it if there is something wrong with it. You can also check the terms so that you can request a replacement or refund depending on what the company allows. With a good-quality shower pod, though, you have nothing to worry about since you are bringing home the best choice and it will last longer.

You want to spend money to improve your house and a shower pod is an excellent idea. It might be expensive, but you are going to maximise its use. You can head to the bathroom whenever you have free time, or you feel stressed out, and use the shower pod to relax.

Ending your lease and moving out of the apartment is a stressful situation to be in. There is a long list of things that you need to do, and it can get overwhelming when one task overlaps with another. There are critical to-dos that you’ll need to complete to make the transition as smooth as possible. To make sure that you end your lease on good terms with your landlord and that you get your security deposit back, below are steps you’ll need to follow.

Follow the 30-day notice

Most leases indicate the end of contract date. If you have a rolling contract lease, you’ll need to give the landlord at least one-month notice before the move out date. Giving your notice should be a priority as doing it too late may lead to a lease renewal or a penalty fee for breaking it. Worse, your property manager or landlord might withhold your deposit when you move out.

Transfer your utility bills

If you’ve subscribed to an energy or gas provider that’s not handled by the property manager, it’s your responsibility to sort it out and make sure to notify them that you’re moving out. There’s nothing worse than changing address but still having to pay your utility bill when someone else moves in just because you forgot to cut it off before leaving. Give your provider a ring to ask if you can transfer the service to your new address, if you want to, or how you can cut it off completely.

Do general cleaning

You’ll need to make sure that the property is spotless when you move out so you can get 100% of your deposit back. The usual wear and tear is normal and expected, but you’ll need to clean the unit thoroughly before leaving. If you don’t have the right equipment or the time to do it yourself, you can hire an end of tenancy cleaning London company offers to do the job for you. Carpets should be shampooed, everything scrubbed, and holes filled with plaster or putty before handing the keys back.

Change your address

It’s more convenient to change your billing address before moving out to make sure that any mail you’re expecting will go to your new address. You can do it at the post office so they can redirect any mail to your new home. You can also do it on the internet for your online accounts.

Make a final inspection

The final inspection will be easy if you have a checklist that you can refer to. It’ll be easier to see if you’re missing anything or if everything’s ready before leaving. Make time to be there when your landlord does the final inspection to discuss discrepancies or note any problems that are spotted during the walk-through.

Moving out is made easy when you do it systematically. As mentioned above, prioritise giving your landlord an early end of lease notice, and you can proceed with the other preparations from there.

As the social media generation, we’re used to people criticizing how to we choose to spend our spare time. We must have read dozens of different articles finding fault with the number of hours we ‘waste’ scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and although most of this is blown out of all proportion, most of us would like to spend a little less time on our phones.

Unfortunately, ending up glued to our screens is a habit that’s all too easy to fall into. We’ve all done it – we start out taking a quick glance and suddenly hours have passed and we’re stuck down some YouTube rabbit hole, with no real desire to find our way out.

The trick to combating this? You need to find some more enjoyable things to do instead. Here are three ideas to get you started.

Break out the board games

We can already hear you sighing, but sometimes retro entertainments exist for a reason. In the days before smartphones came along, people had to occupy themselves somehow, and it’s surprising how fun some vintage board games can be. Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo… there are so many of them to choose from that there has to be at least one you’ll enjoy, and the best part is that it’s an excuse to get your friends over. Send a message to your WhatsApp group, buy in some drinks and snacks, and get ready to break out the board games. By the end of the evening, we guarantee you’ll already have the next one planned.

Dice with fortune

So, you prefer to spend your evenings on your own and with the chance to unwind? That doesn’t mean you have to be bored. There are lots of solo entertainments to try, and if you’re stuck for something to do, you might want to think of giving them a go. We’re talking, of course, about online gaming, and there are numerous directory sites out there that can help you to find a reliable and reputable provider. From classic slots such as Lobstermania, which is popular all around the world, through to poker, sports betting, and more; there are dozens of different ways to test your luck and while away your time. You might even get lucky and win something.

Start a book club

We know it might sound a little bit nerdy, but if you’re a self-professed bookworm, have you ever thought about sharing your passion with others? Starting a book club is a great opportunity to talk about something you really enjoy, and it’s an ideal incentive for making more time for reading in general. There are lots of lists out there to help you with choosing suitable material, and they’re a good way to stumble across some new reads for yourself too. Pick out something that seems both enjoyable and thought-provoking, schedule in your first meet-up, and be sure to get wine and snacks in. Once you’ve hosted one, you’ll love it way too much to stop there.

Tell us, which of these options sounds like the most enjoyable way to spend your evening?

The kitchen space is mostly underrated when it comes to interior design. Since it’s mostly connected to the dining area, it’s commonly absorbed into the theme of that space. However, you can separate your dining and kitchen area by introducing various items that can reinforce a different yet complementary theme to the overall look of your home. If you’re someone who’s at a loss when it comes to figuring out how to pair which furniture with what flooring, here are some kitchen theme ideas that you can keep in mind the next time you refurbish your home.

Rustic kitchens

These kitchens require little more than just a few items to complete. There are multiple ways to add the rustic effect to a room, from installing gothic design windows to buying sets of tables and chairs that fit the wooden aesthetic. You can also add wooden utensils into the mix to highlight the antique feel in the room. Furniture comparison will give you a clear idea of prices, materials and their purpose for your new kitchen. It will give you a better notion of how much more you need to add to your kitchen.

Minimalist kitchens

If we’re talking about functionality over design, then minimalist kitchens have that in abundance. The design theme for minimalist kitchens includes making small yet subtle accents for design such as a backlighting effect for lamps or maximising the use of painted lines to increase depth in your otherwise compact room. A pale or pastel colour choice for your walls and furniture options will work great with utensils and silverware that are stylistically plain, which can make your room feel spacious and comfortable.

Metallic kitchens

If you’ve ever had the dream of being a professional chef, then you can keep on dreaming by having the same setup in your kitchen. You can mostly see this theme in five-star restaurants with stainless steel worktops paired up with metallic cabinets. To keep your theme consistent, have your silverware frequently polished to keep it in line with your room’s design. Plain white plates are common choices for these kitchens, but you can also use the reverse in terms of colour by matching it to your worktops or your flooring, depending on which shade you wish to pop out in the room.

Organic kitchens

With the mix of blending both modern and natural designs, organic kitchens look a lot like a blend of rustic and metallic design schemes. The look itself is convenient to recreate by installing the same flat kitchen cabinets similar to the metallic theme while having accents of nature here and there. These can be attached in multiple ways, from hanging garden pots to attaching a trellis on the wall for vine plants, to keeping small succulents to add a fresh aroma and presence of organic shapes to blend in with the sleek forms of utensils and furniture.

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House renovations have a reputation of burning a hole through your life’s savings. If you want to stay away from going into debt, here are a few reminders for homemakers to take note of to not splurge too much on their home improvement projects.

Keep a tight schedule

An extended home renovation project is the worst fear of any homemaker. Besides prolonging the ‘under construction’ look of your home, you won’t be able to do other activities such as safely inviting people over or simply taking time to yourself with all the buzzing and hammering that’s ringing throughout the entire house.

If you want to avoid having an extended renovation period, then it’s best that you keep a short list of the essential parts of the home that you need to be fixed paired with a timetable. The limited time for construction will enable you to keep your labor costs at a minimum when hiring outside help for the heavy lifting that you can’t do on your own such as plumbing and electric wiring.

Choosing the best materials

Shopping around for the ‘best’ materials doesn’t always have to mean that they’re the most expensive items in Home Depot. What you should always consider first and foremost is if the material you’re purchasing is the best to use depending on its application. For constructing greenhouses, is it the best choice for you to buy glass panels or install polycarbonate panels instead? For dealing with fencing, is it cheaper to install cement fences or metal grills?

Finding the right solution for the purpose that you’ll use it can make a big difference when it comes to maintenance and application. For example, luxury vinyl flooring is the best and cheapest option to use in contrast to buying genuine wood or marble. Since it’s made of composite materials, it’ll last considerably longer with an added benefit of being scratch and stain-proof. In the long term, you’ll be spending less on maintaining it than you would in purchasing the most expensive floorboards in the store.

Selling old items for extra income

Garage sales and house renovations should always go hand-in-hand. Looking for valuables that you no longer have a use for or finding old appliances that are in relatively good condition can earn you a few dollar bills all while you’re executing your home improvement plan. While selling unused items in your home generates a passive income, you get to have the extra space inside the house to be used for renovation purposes.

Shopping for bargains

Just because you’re running your garage sale doesn’t mean that you can’t go shopping on your own. Instead of looking at mall catalogs of furniture, you should make it a habit to know where the best secondhand stores are. These establishments are excellent places to find rare finds as they’re bound to sell furniture that might not be in top form but can be the perfect fit for your home’s theme. Older pieces of furniture are usually more durable compared to modern pieces that are sold in the market.

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