What To Consider When Acquiring A Home Safe

June 24, 2022 by Leave a Comment

house security

No one wants to return home to find all of their most prized possessions missing. Sadly, this is a reality faced by victims of the 2.5 million burglaries that happen in America each year, 66% of which are home break-ins. You can also lose your possessions to a fire, flood, earthquake, or other unexpected events. Fortunately, investing in a quality home safe is one of the best things you can do to safeguard your possessions from thefts and other perils. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding what safe will be best for you. Here’s what to think about before purchasing a home safe. 

  • Cost

Your budget will ultimately decide what kind of safe you can purchase, so it is prudent to keep costs in mind. Additional costs when buying safes can quickly add up, so you must set a price point before shopping. A standard model is unlikely to break the bank, but prepare to encounter upgrades like additional bolting and better steel quality. You may also want to pay slightly more for a safe with interior shelving. Additionally, some companies may offer warranties on their products, and you may need to pay to install this critical home security system.

  • Preferred lock type

Home safes typically have two lock options: digital and dial. Each has its unique pros and cons, so it is prudent to consider which option best suits your needs before purchasing. Dial locks are similar to what you will find on school lockers. You open these locks by rotating the dial right and left until you input your unique combination. Many safety-conscious homeowners regard this type of safe lock as the most reliable because it is not susceptible to electronic outages or failure. However, if you are locked out, you will need the help of a mobile locksmith to change the combination. Conversely, digital locks are the kind you will find on hotel safes. You open a digital lock by inputting a pin into a keypad. These locks are easier to open than their combination counterparts, allowing quicker access to your belongings. Still, you will need a locksmith’s help if you forget your password.

  •  Items to be stored

Many experts agree that you must take stock of your most prized possessions before deciding which type of safe to buy. These possessions are what you would be most upset to lose, assuming all your belongings are stolen, lost, or destroyed. Items that are quite difficult to replace, like birth records, passports, and legal paperwork like wills or deeds to your property, are classic examples of such possessions. Wall safes are best for keeping these possessions since they cannot support much weight. Also, it is best to acquire a floor safe if you are seeking to store external hard drives, expensive jewelry pieces, or precious metals. Finally, the 2021 National Firearms Survey indicates that 32% of Americans say they own a firearm. If you constitute this demographic, consider purchasing a dedicated weapon safe to store your guns. These specialty weapons safes are better suited for gun storage than the standard wall and floor safes.

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4 Refreshing Ways to Keep Your Kids Comfortable This Summer

June 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Everyone loves the carefree atmosphere and endless sunshine of the summer, especially your kids. They want to make the most of their time off school and spend as much as possible outdoors, soaking up the sun and running around with friends. But, as fun as summer is, there are also some dangers. The heat can cause problems for your child and make them uncomfortable or even ill. You don’t want this to happen, so here are four refreshing ways to keep your kids comfortable this summer. 

international travel with a baby

Keep The House Cool 

A muggy, humid home is no place to be during the summer. However, kids can’t spend all their time outside, especially if it’s too wet or dangerous to play. Even if they are inside, there are plenty of things to do to keep them entertained, but you must make sure the house is cool enough for everyone to feel comfortable. 

Opening the windows allows the air to circulate and will cool down the house, and you can enhance this with fans in the living room or bedroom. It’s also worth looking at AC repair before the summer season begins to make sure it works perfectly so you can flood your house with fresh and cool air. 

Keep Them Safe From the Sun 

When your kids finally get outside, you can expect them to run around without a care in the world. This is all good for helping them burn off energy, but it comes with hazards, too. Too much sun exposure can cause heat exhaustion and sunburn, which is not a pleasant experience no matter how old you are. 

Every parent should have a healthy supply of sunscreen and hats as well as shaded areas in the garden to give the kids some respite from the sun. 

Give Them Plenty to Drink 

You cannot underestimate the power of summer hydration for kids, especially as younger children don’t know their limits. Things can quickly take a turn for the worse if they don’t drink enough water, as they might suffer from headaches and feel lethargic. 

Make sure you supply them (and any other neighborhood kids) with plenty of cold water, popsicles, and a place to dunk their heads if they are going to spend all day outside. 

Avoid Peak Heat Hours 

As tempting as it is to spend all day outside, you can protect your kids and make sure they are comfortable by avoiding peak hours. These hours are the time of the day when the sun is highest and the temperatures are as hot as they are going to be. 

Peak hours and temperatures vary depending on where you live, but many people consider July the hottest time of the year for most places across the country. If you can keep your kids out of the sun at noon and beyond, you can minimize the discomfort they will experience from getting too excited. 

Refreshed 

Everyone deserves to enjoy as much of their summer as possible. If you have kids who love to be outside, whether playing in the neighborhood or on vacation, these tips guarantee a summer full of fun and laughter while still being safe and comfortable. 

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Unsure Economic Times Call for Smart Money Decisions

June 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to financial planning, it’s important to look both short- and long-term. It would help if you ensured that your immediate needs were met, but you also need to be prepared for future expenses. This can be especially difficult during uncertain economic times when job security is often tenuous, and the future seems unpredictable. However, there are some smart ways to plan for future expenses.

1. Investing Money

The best way to make money is to invest it. This may seem counterintuitive during times of economic uncertainty, but the truth is that investing is always a smart move. Investing your money allows you to grow your wealth while taking less risk than gambling or speculation.

There are many different ways to invest your money, but one of the best ways to get started is by investing in penny stocks. While penny stocks may be riskier than other investments, they also have the potential to generate a higher return. For example, the best Reddit penny stocks have outperformed the market by a wide margin over the past year. This can be a great way to protect your finances during economic instability.

Of course, you need to be careful with investing. You don’t want to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. You also need to be aware of the risks involved. But if you’re smart about it, investing can be a great way to safeguard your finances during uncertain economic times.

2. Saving Money

If you have extra cash, you should put it into savings. This will allow you to have a cushion in case of an emergency. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you have some money set aside just in case the economy takes a turn for the worse.

There are many different ways to save money. You can open a savings account at your local bank or credit union. Another way to save money is to invest in a retirement account such as a 401k or IRA. This way, you can watch your money grow over time while also getting tax breaks. Finally, make sure you have an emergency fund saved up in case something unexpected comes up. Having this cushion will help you avoid going into debt if something unexpected does happen.

3. Budgeting

One of the most important things you can do during uncertain economic times is to create a budget. This will help you make sure that you are spending within your means and not putting yourself in a position where you cannot pay your bills.

When creating a budget, include all of your necessary expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities. Once you have all of your necessary expenses accounted for, you can start to look at other areas where you may be able to cut back. For example, maybe you can eat out less often or go on fewer vacations. By creating a budget, you can make sure that your spending is under control and that you are not putting yourself at risk financially.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Credit Score

A credit score is a number that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness. A high credit score means you’re a low-risk borrower, leading to lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. A low credit score could lead to higher interest rates and less favorable terms.

You can get your free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Reviewing your credit report regularly can help you catch errors and identify any suspicious activity. By monitoring your credit score, you can make sure you’re in good financial shape in case you need to borrow money during uncertain economic times.

5. Plan for Future Expenses

This means setting aside money each month for things like groceries, utilities, and rent or mortgage payments. This will help you avoid getting into debt when unexpected expenses come up. Finally, invest in yourself. This could mean taking a class to improve your job skills or investing in a solid retirement plan. Whatever you choose, remember that investing in yourself is one of the best ways to secure your financial future.

You can weather any economic storm and come out on top financially by following these tips. So don’t let uncertainty get in the way of your financial success. Start implementing these tips today and take control of your financial future.

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How To Get Prepared For Your Next Camping Trip

June 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment

camping trip

Camping is one of the most enjoyable ways to have a day trip or a weekend outing, but there are many things that you need to do in order to make sure that you are really making the most of it, and that you are truly ready for it. The more prepared you are for your camping trip, the more likely it is that you are going to enjoy it, whether it’s your first such trip or your fiftieth. Let’s take a look at how you can ensure you are getting properly prepared for your next camping trip right now.

Stock Up On Gear

There are many pieces of gear that you might want to have in place before you go camping, either because they help you with keeping safe or because they are vital for ensuring that you are comfortable, or both. For instance, it is helpful to have a good quality flashlight, a decent backpack to store everything in, and a charging bank as well for your devices. You can get all those kinds of things at places like EcoGearFX.com, so it’s worth shopping for whatever you might need as soon as possible before the trip.

Pick A Spot

You will of course also need to work out where you are going to camp, and that can actually be more difficult than you might think, and might require that you spend quite a bit of time trying to work it out. You’ll want somewhere that you are keen to explore for its own sake, as well as being safe and not too far from home, if possible. You also need to consider the legality of where you would like to camp, and make sure you are not putting yourself at risk here. As long as you manage to pick a good spot, that will make a huge difference to how much you enjoy the trip.

Prepare Food & Water

Arguably, there is nothing quite as important as food and water when you are on a camping trip. If you are going to be staying at a campsite, then there will usually be running water that you can use – otherwise you will need to ensure that you are taking plenty with you. These days you can get hold of significantly large water bags which go into your rucksack and which can store a lot of water easily, so those are what you will want to make sure of here. Keeping yourself hydrated and well-fed will make the whole experience significantly more enjoyable.

Choose Your Tribe

You’ll also want to make sure that you are camping with people that you actually enjoy spending time with. That might sound obvious, but it’s something which you are going to need to think about, as it could be important for making sure you have the best possible time. So choose your camping tribe well and you will enjoy it all so much more, which is what you are hoping for here above all.

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Awesome Vacations You May Not Have Considered

June 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment

There are so many things that you can do when you are on vacation that the choices can feel overwhelming. Ideally, you are going to want to do as many things as you can before you can no longer travel, which means that you want to experience as much as you can. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the awesome vacations that you may not have considered, but should certainly do. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Road Trip

easy travel tips

The first idea that we are going to float is that of a road trip. For some people this is a regular occurrence, whereas for others this is something completely new and different. If you have never been on a road trip before then it’s certainly something that you should consider as it opens up a world of possibilities. You can either set a destination that you can go to, or you can just head out to where the wind takes you. 

You can head out with some of your best friends, or you can do this trip solo if you want to experience this on your own. There are so many options when it comes to going on a road trip, which is why it’s one of the best choices available to you. Just make sure that you have got some awesome music, and you get your car checked before you head off to stay safe.

Glamping

Have you ever heard of glamping? It’s like camping but it’s for those people who don’t want to sleep on the ground and don’t want to be surrounded by dirt all the time. Glamping is a fantastic option for those people who want to experience camping without the whole ‘wilderness’ aspect to it. For example, when it comes to glamping you will be sleeping inside rather than in a simple tent, and you will have a bed and a bathroom at the very least. It’s essentially a more luxurious style of camping.

You need to look at some of the best glamping spots before you head out. There are some that are nicer than others, and there are some that are closer to more exciting things for you to see and do. Just make sure that you do your research and things will be fine.

Theme Parks

If you are an adrenaline junkie, then theme park holidays might be something for you to consider. It’s really as simple as looking at the theme parks that are nearby and the ones that you are willing to travel to and deciding where to go. A lot of theme parks have hotels or resorts attached to them, so it’s a simple way to book and travel. Of course, if roller coasters aren’t your thing, then this is not going to be the best option for you.

Some people choose to go to one theme park for the duration of their holiday, or if there are multiple that you want to visit you can do this too. Just make sure that you look at the prices and make sure it’s affordable to do more than one at a time.

Hiking

The final thing that we are going to mention is heading out on a hiking holiday. If you are someone who loves to be up high, loves long walks and loves beautiful views, a hiking holiday could be the perfect choice for you. You can choose your location, or type into your search engine a question about where the best hikes in the world are and use this information to make a decision. 

Hiking is a lot of fun, but it’s a very physical vacation. If you want something that is more relaxing and chilled out then this is certainly not going to be the choice for you. Be sure that this is what you want before you book it, because if it’s not then you are going to have wasted a lot of money on something that you’re not even excited to do.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the awesome vacation ideas that you may not have considered, but would be amazing. Of course, it depends on the kind of things that you like and the kind of things that you want to do, but we encourage you to try something different. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to find something that you can enjoy.

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It’s An Age Old Issue: Crucial Questions To Ask Before Taking Your Baby Abroad

June 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment

 

The following is a guest post, and does not necessarily endorse the opinion of HaveSippyWillTravel nor myself.

Whether this is your first or fourth kid, the struggles of the newborn stage and the fact that you weren’t able to fly for the last few months of your pregnancy (or at least not without some concerns for overseas labor), means that you’re probably gasping for a vacation. Heck, you may even spend those late-night feeds researching accommodation and letting your cursor hover over that tempting ‘book now’ button. Only, you can’t quite bring yourself to commit because you can’t shake one pressing question – is your baby old enough for international travel?

international travel with a baby

After all, looking after a fresh baby can be hard enough at home, let alone when you’re factoring for things like flights, unfamiliar accommodation, and more. Admittedly, many parents claim that around 3-6 months is a great time for a baby’s first flight (certainly compared with the toddler years), but experts like Lonely Planet co-founder Maureen Wheeler recommend waiting until at least the age of three. 

Realistically, though, no one can know the ‘right’ time better than you. So, instead of getting stuck in a constant back and forth about your first trip as an entire family, consider the following crucial elements that can highlight once and for all whether you’re all ready for traveling long-haul. 

What would you need to take?

The days of slinging a few sandals and bikinis into a tote bag and jetting off are long behind you, but the amount of luggage you’ll need to take will still be dictated a great deal by the age of your youngest child. For instance, if you’re traveling when your baby is younger than a year, you’ll need to consider everything from sterilizers to bottles, travel cots, and of course, a single or double stroller (depending on how many children you’re taking along for the ride). All of this is cumbersome, and not exactly suitable for your hand luggage, meaning that you’ll likely need to check multiple items into the bag hold, often on a specialized basis. Not to mention that it’ll be much harder to get anywhere when you reach the airport at the other end. This can get pricey, not to mention stressful, but it’s something that you can significantly reduce by waiting even a year or, as Wheeler recommends, until the age of three when things like bottles, strollers, and cot sleeping will be well in your past. 

Will the heat be a problem?

Heat should also always factor in your decision about whether or not travel is a good idea for a particularly young baby. After all, while people can and do manage in even extreme heat, it isn’t always fair or safe to impose this on a tiny baby. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding taking a baby outside in a heat index greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ignoring this suggestion and going somewhere that’s continually hotter than this could result in an incredibly restless, unhappy baby, as well as opening the doors for worrying health conditions like heat stroke and sunburn. The good news is that these risks iron themselves out as babies learn to regulate their body heat through sweat, etc. by around 1.5 – 2 years old. Until then, though, heading somewhere hot could well end up being a horrible experience for everyone.

Will your child realistically remember the trip?

Especially if you’re paying extra to haul all of their stuff to your chosen destination, it’s also worth considering whether your child is going to remember/truly benefit from this experience. Of course, on the one hand, you’re also heading abroad for the sake of your sanity, but there’s little point in spending a small fortune on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Barbados if there’s not even the slightest chance that your child is going to notice they’re anywhere different. In fact, until your baby begins to develop their awareness/form memories between the ages of two to three, you would be far better off getting an affordable vacation fix closer to home. Then, when your youngest is old enough to benefit from the experience, you’ll have a whole lot more money in the bank for everything from hiking trips to Nepal to a round-the-world trip to Europe that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable for everyone involved.

Putting travel aside for any period can be tough, especially if you’re dealing with the emotions and pressures of having a newborn. Unfortunately, jetting away isn’t always the answer, as you’ll see for yourself if you take the time to address these questions before you go. 

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4 Easy Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While You Travel

May 31, 2022 by Leave a Comment

You love to travel. But your frequent business trips and other extended leaves present a dilemma: how do you keep your home safe when you’re traveling so often? If you frequently travel for work or pleasure, it can be hard to leave behind your comfy home. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to keep your home safe while you’re away.

Find Trustworthy House Sitters

If you’re going to be away on vacation, or you’re just going to be out of town for a couple of days, house sitters are a great option. Make sure to choose someone you trust so that you know your home and belongings are in good hands. If you’re unsure of leaving your home with a professional house sitter that you don’t know, consider asking your family or friends to either stay at your home while you’re away or drop in every once in a while to make sure that everything looks normal. This way, you can be sure that your home is safe while you’re away.

keep your house safe

Store Your Belongings Safely

We all have those items that mean more to us than anything else. Keep those belongings safe by putting them in public storage units. Storage units offer an incredibly secure place to keep your things, meaning that you can be sure nothing will happen to them while you’re away. Storage units are also a great way to store unnecessary items that you still want to keep around, like large pieces of furniture that don’t fit in your home. With the enhanced safety of a public storage unit, you won’t have to stress about your belongings while you’re traveling.

Install a Video Doorbell

If you’re going to be gone for a couple of days, you can still monitor who is coming and going from your home by installing a video doorbell. You can watch and hear whoever is at your front door from your smartphone, so you’ll always know who is there. If you’re gone for an extended period, a video doorbell can help you feel more secure that no one is accessing your home. You’ll also be able to see if anyone leaves packages by your front door, and monitor them to make sure they aren’t stolen. A video doorbell is a great way to provide some extra peace of mind while you’re traveling.

Consider a Smart Home

A smart home is one that is filled with electronic devices that make your life easier. They can also make your home safer! You can set lights to turn on and off automatically at certain times of the day to make it look like there’s someone in your home. You can remotely open and close blinds, set the air conditioning temperature, and more! You can make sure all of your appliances are turned off, or monitor when your power goes off so that you know if the food in your refrigerator has gone bad.

You shouldn’t give up traveling just because you’re worried about your home. Thankfully, there are ways you can ease your worries with these simple tips to keep your home and your personal belongings safe and secure.

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The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Children Excited About Camping

May 26, 2022 by 1 Comment

A family outing to go camping is just one of those natural events that every child (and family) absolutely should experience! Getting to be one with nature and learning all about the ecosystem is simply marvelous. But, what if this is something your little one has no interest in whatsoever? Are you wanting to have a camping trip come up? Camping is a great way for children to learn independence and independence is one of the most important skills they will need in life.

camping with kids

The best way to get your children excited about camping is by getting them involved in the process from the beginning and making it a family activity that all the members can enjoy together. It is not easy to get children excited about camping. In fact, a lot of parents struggle to get their children excited about camping. But here is everything you’ll need to know about getting your little one excited for it!

How Do You Prepare For A Camping Trip With Your Kids?

Preparing for a camping trip with kids is a lot of work. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need and that your kids are prepared as well. These are some packing tips that you may find handy for the whole family.

-Pack light and in layers – It will help you pack faster and more efficiently.

-Wear layers that can be removed if the weather changes drastically.

-Pack one outfit per day – This will help save space in your bag, but also allow you to change clothes easily when needed.

-Bring your own food – This is important for many reasons. It prevents food waste, helps avoid the risk of getting sick from eating bad food, and helps save money on expensive meals at campgrounds or restaurants. Preferably canned foods (with a can opener), trail mix, plenty of water, and something with electrolytes.

-Bug repellant- mosquitos and ticks can be annoying.

-First aid kit- you must always bring this when camping, or even just hiking.

Overall, just packing the right things will make the experience go a lot better which will definitely help your child enjoy the hiking trip.

How Do You Pick Out the Perfect Camping Gear For Your Child?

When you are in the market for a new camping gear list, it can be difficult to figure out what items your child needs. First, you should decide whether or not you will be going on an overnight trip. If so, then you need to think about how long it will last and what type of climate your child will be experiencing. Next, decide if your child is going to be camping by themselves or with other children. If they are going to be camping by themselves then they need their own sleeping bag and tent. You can always ask the camping experts about this because knowing what to pack, especially for children can be tricky.

You might also want to consider buying a few extra things like a compass and first aid kit. If they are going with other children then they should have their own sleeping bags and tents as well as one extra tent for each group of children in order to accommodate. Of course, all of this depends on whether you’re going on a family trip, or if this is a camping trip for school, club, or something like Scouts.

What Kinds of Activities Should You Do During A Family-Friendly Backpacking Trip?

One of the best ways to have an amazing family-friendly backpacking trip is to plan activities that keep it fun but educational. This doesn’t instantly need to make it boring just because it’s educational. Here are some suggested activities that you can do during your backpacking and/or camping trip:

  1. Bird watching, don’t forget the binoculars
  2. Activities involving water such as fishing, swimming, or kayaking
  3. Learn about the local wildlife
  4. Go hiking and see scenic views

The entire point of going out camping is just to be out in nature and to just enjoy the experience, so, this is something that can easily be achieved. But it also doesn’t hurt to communicate with your kid and just simply ask them what they’re after for this camping experience.

As parents, of course, you’re wanting to give our children the best time possible and prepare them for the adventure of a lifetime. But what does that mean? Just let them make some of their own decisions for camping. If you force it, there is less of a chance that they will enjoy it. 

 

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