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After six years in steady decline, homelessness is once again on the rise in the United States. 

Homelessness can affect anyone, from the college-educated businessman who fell prey to addiction to a single mother who didn’t have a supportive home environment growing up.

Homelessness isn’t a reflection of your personal character, it is a consequence of circumstances that you were no longer able to control — whatever those circumstances were. 

We understand that you want to learn how to get out of homelessness and get your life back on track. 

This post is here to help. 

In it, we’ll give you advice on how to get off the streets, as well as tips on how to avoid becoming homeless if you’re currently in a high-risk situation. 

How to Avoid Being Homeless

When it comes to homelessness, prevention is often the best cure – though not always possible.

Start by taking a hard look at your budget, and being honest with yourself about the sacrifices you may need to make.

Can you move back to your parents’ house or in with a friend for the time being? Is finding a roommate an option? Should you put your house on the cash market to avoid foreclosure? 

While meaningless advice like “stop eating out” and “don’t buy so many clothes” won’t really help you to avoid homelessness, you should still aim to cut out as much unnecessary spending as is possible. 

Next, take a look at your debt. 

Can you restructure your loans or mortgage to make the payments more affordable? If you’re currently in debt over taxes, try these tips to ameliorate the situation. 

It may even be worth spending money on meeting with a financial counselor to get saving and budgeting advice. 

Finally, remember that, while there are certain charities designed to help the currently homeless, there are also nonprofits that can help people close to homelessness. 

Look for food pantries, charities that assist with affordable housing, give out emergency funds, and even churches that can provide free counseling. 

If You’re Currently Homeless 

Perhaps you tried all of the advice mentioned above and still wound up becoming homeless. 

Even if you’re currently employed, you may not make enough to pay rent, especially if you live in a city with an expensive housing market. 

We know you want to know how to not be homeless anymore. Let’s talk about your options for overcoming homelessness below. 

Get off the Streets

The first thing you should focus on is getting off of the streets. 

You may not be able to find a shelter that will accept you for a longer stay, but there are soup kitchens, programs, and even nonprofits that will give you a place to sleep for the night. Remember that most shelters give you a place to stay for a maximum of three months. 

You can also get in touch with a homeless service provider in your area, through the national HUD exchange. 

Depending on your unique circumstances, specialized housing may also be available. There are programs designed to help veterans, single parents, teenagers victims of domestic abuse, and much more. 

This page on the Salvation Army website will help you find out about group homes, emergency shelters, transitional living shelters, and more in your area. We also suggest that you look at this directory from the National Coalition for the Homeless. 

Use Public Spaces

If you’re unable to get a place in a shelter, or if you need additional resources that the shelter/group home can’t provide, you can also use public spaces to help you learn how to get out of homelessness. 

Public libraries have computers that you can use to research job opportunities, apply for WIC benefits, connect with nonprofits and food banks, and much more. Public spaces may also have phones available for you to use.

Nonprofits are an excellent place to look for job opportunities for homeless people looking to get back on their feet. 

Look into Free Classes

If you’re currently homeless and between jobs, you may want to explore different ways to build your skill set. 

There are lots of organizations that help you with free classes designed to do just that. 

Especially look for classes that help with resume building, provide a mock interview, and help you to learn how to build up your technical skills and job training. Many community centers will also have volunteers on hand to help you craft a perfect cover letter. 

These volunteers can also help you to apply for housing grants and other forms of financial assistance for the homeless. 

You should also look into your healthcare options when homeless, especially if you have a permanent health condition or are suffering from an addiction. There are treatment options out there for you, and free clinics that will ensure you get the care you need and deserve.

How to Get out of Homelessness: Wrapping Up

Understanding how to get out of homelessness is also a mental game. 

We know that there will be some days where you just feel completely helpless, forgotten about, unloved, and unworthy of assistance. You need to tap into the communities of support you’ve created for yourself during these times, or go out and actively seek them. 

Are you interested in learning more about how to help the homeless? If you’re currently homeless, would you like more advice about how to turn your life around? 

We believe in you, and we want to help. 

Keep checking back with our blog for more advice on how to end homelessness for yourself and others.  

It’s almost 100 degrees outside and not much cooler in the house. You’ve got the windows open, all the fans blowing, you’ve stripped down to only the bare essentials, with an ice cold drink in hand. But you’re still burning up.

Isn’t this scene terribly familiar to all of us who’ve experienced a poorly-timed broken AC? Not much is worse in the dead of summer.

Are you tired of having to get your old AC fixed? And usually right when you need it most? Your solution could be in a brand new one. Here are the best central air conditioners available in 2019.

1. Amana

The latest Amana AC is rated the best central air conditioner of 2019 by multiple sites and reviews! Amana, made by Goodman Manufacturing, is known for reliability and durability. But it’s efficiency and warranty is what holds it above all others.

The latest Amana’s energy performance is almost DOUBLE the U.S. Department of Energy’s requirement. This means it’ll undoubtedly save you an impressive amount of money on your energy bill. How’s THAT for value for cost?

Energy efficiency is good for your wallet and your environment. You can read more here about how efficiency benefits YOU.

This model offers the best value for price. Its impressive chlorine-free refrigerant will preserve your machine’s longevity and performance. Its own features help it to run better and for longer, no work needed from you.

It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Most other brands do not! In fact, the best you’ll find elsewhere is 10-12 years.

That’s almost too good to be true for a large AC unit! So say goodbye to those burning summer days with an unreliable AC!

2. Lennox

Lennox comes in a close second to Amana. It actually has the highest energy performance out there! It falls short of Amana because of expense, noise level, and a shorter warranty.

This model is the most efficient machine you’ll find. YOU can also increase its efficiency even more!

You can sync to your machine through your smartphone to control it when you’re not at home. That way, you can have your home nice and cool for your return, or turn it off from afar to save money.

Because it’s so efficient, Lennox costs a good amount of money. So weigh the pros and cons of both for YOUR home when deciding.

It can also be noisy compared to other 2019 models. It is outside your house, but noise level is a big factor for some people. Lennox also only offers a limited 10-year warranty, as opposed to a lifetime warranty offered by Amana.

Considering the modern, efficient, sustainable aspects of Lennox, it is a great number two. And good news is, you don’t have to do the work yourself! Learn more about your best option for HVAC installation and repair.

3. Day and Night

Day and Night may be less familiar to you than the other brand names. That’s because the same company makes Carrier, a popular HVAC brand.

Because they’re made by the same people, Day & Night and Carrier contain most of the same features and internal parts. They’re also generally made the same way. Day & Night is also considerably cheaper than Carrier.

So with the latest Day & Night AC, you’re getting Carrier-level look and performance for a more affordable price. Don’t just spend your money on popular brand names, be sure to look into what makes them tick!

Their latest model runs well and true. They’re known for being reliable.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find situations like this, where you can get almost the same value for way less money.

4. Trane

Up at number four is Trane. Their AC units are also highly efficient, just a few points below Lennox and Amana.

They’re designed to reduce and avoid humidity. Not all high-performance AC’s have this feature.

Trane also uses certain internal parts that don’t add toxins to the air, so the machines are environmentally friendly. That’s another feature not all AC’s can claim!

Like Lennox, Trane can be synced to your smartphone for away-from-home control. One downside, however, is that the sync requires a monthly subscription, which costs you. A Trane machine costs less than a Lennox, but do you want to pay a monthly subscription for your AC?

Trane is a sound, dependable number four. The cost to value ratio is good enough to be in the top five! The price, environmental credentials, and dependability might make that monthly subscription worth it to you.

5. American Standard

Last but not least is American Standard. The top model boasts high efficiency, equal to that of Trane.

You energy savers will love that it adjusts by small over time, instead of turning fully on and fully off when prompted. This method saves energy and can save you money.

This same feature helps reduce humidity, like Trane. Don’t overlook how important this feature is!

Down times between air cycles that last too long result in increased moisture build-up in the air. If you live somewhere already wet, sticky, and hot, you want an AC like this one.

American Standard only offers limited, conditional warranties that last up to 12 years. Not the worst, but certainly not the best. But if you feel like you don’t need a lifetime warranty, or if you don’t want to pay for one, American Standard’s warranty could suit you.

Know the Best Central Air Conditioners of 2019

So you’re fed up with unreliable AC’s that break right when you need them, huh? You’re ready to invest in something that’ll last forever AND not break the bank?

Well, you’re in luck! This in-depth guide to the best central air conditioners available in 2019 is here to serve you. Any one of these top five should work well, and the best of them should even save you money.

Remember to compare price to value. Take efficiency, longevity, and durability into consideration.

If you hate depending on faulty AC’s, don’t hesitate to fix such a fixable problem. To read more on the topic of appliances, home, and way of living, check out the articles under the Technology and Lifestyle tabs.

Power outages can be a huge disaster for many families and workplaces. In storm situations, it can sometimes be days before power returns to a home or office. It can be very difficult to live and function without this power, but these outages are getting more and more common.

That’s why so many people invest in generators. A generator can ensure that you get the power you need even when the grid is down. But when purchasing a generator, you’ll need to make a few big decisions. 

The biggest is likely deciding between a diesel vs gas generator. There are pros and cons to each model. But there will only be one that is right for you. Read on, and we’ll break down the difference between the two types of generators below. 

When It Comes To Efficiency… 

There are many different factors to consider when it comes to making the choice between a gas and diesel generator. If you’re a money-minded person, the fuel efficiency of a machine might be a big factor. 

Even if you’re not so focused on your budget, a more efficient generator can save you a lot of time and offer better convenience. When it comes to fuel efficiency, a diesel generator is probably the easy winner. 

Diesel generators often use less fuel than the gasoline-leaning variety. Why is this? In a diesel-based generator, compression is what actually ignites the fuel and allows the generator to work. That means that fuel and air are brought into the engine separate from one another. 

Only the air is compressed, which allows the engine to run more efficiently and require less fuel. Generators with gasoline engines must mix air and fuel together in a carburetor before compression takes place. That means a lot of fuel is used in just getting the generator to start working. 

A portable diesel generator will run longer for your home and family. That means you’ll have to worry less about running out of fuel during an emergency situation. Diesel generators also cost less to operate in the long run due to this better fuel efficiency. 

Is One Louder Or Noisier Than The Other? 

If you used to have a diesel generator when you were a kid, you might recall a less-than-pleasant sound. Older models of diesel generators were notorious for being noisy, distracting, and irritating. 

Many people carry over this fear to modern diesel generators. Families feel as if they can’t purchase them for their suburban neighborhoods for fear of angering their neighbors. However, this is a false fear. 

Modern portable diesel generators run much more quietly than their ancestors of old. They can run and power your home or facility without keeping everyone in the vicinity awake all night.

Diesel generators are also frequently built smaller than gas generators in the modern era. That means they are more easily portable if you plan to move your generator around from location to location. It also means easier storage when the machine is not in use. 

Gasoline engines are also quite quiet. In the modern era, the noisiness of generators is not something you’ll need to worry too much about. It doesn’t have to be a big factor when it comes to making your decision. 

Maintenance Over The Years 

Another benefit of diesel power generators? They also require much less maintenance than gasoline generators. 

Diesel generators don’t contain carburetors or spark plugs, which often cause issues in gasoline generators as the years go by. A water-cooled diesel generator can run anywhere between ten and thirty thousand hours before it will need maintenance. 

This is a huge leap over gasoline generators, which typically need some sort of service after only five to ten thousand hours of use. This is because gasoline burns hotter than diesel. A shorter life span is the result of this great and sometimes destructive heat. 

How Is The Generator Cooled? 

Burning both diesel and gasoline can make a machine quite hot, as you might imagine. As such, all generators have some sort of cooling system built into their machines. Generators are either air-cooled or liquid-cooled depending on the model at hand. 

The liquid-cooled generators are often more expensive, regardless of whether a generator runs on gas or diesel. These liquid-cooled generators are quite good and are more typically used in larger areas or on big projects. Air-cooled generators are more common among homeowners. 

Most homeowners purchase a generator as an emergency tool. It’s used for short-term power outages and is otherwise kept off in the garage. As such, the air-cooled portable generators can be the perfect fit. 

It’s only job sites and other places that require extended power that will want to consider a liquid-cooled generator. In these cases, a liquid-cooled portable diesel generator will be the best tool to help get the job done. 

While the cooling system doesn’t directly affect the kind of generator you’ll want, this is a good time to remember that diesel generators are safer than the gasoline variety. Diesel burns less hot than gasoline, so you’ll need to rely less on a cooling system to help save the day. 

Gasoline also emits more carbon dioxide than diesel does, making it less suitable for clean air around your home and workspace. 

Diesel Vs Gas Generators 

It can be difficult deciding between diesel vs gas generators. Which one you’ll want to buy will depend on a number of factors related to your home or workspace.

Need more advice for your home life? Check out our blog for much more info.  

You’re fed up. The cable bill is too high, you have tons of channels you never watch, and you have to wait almost an hour just to talk to a real person.

The days of feeling like your cable company’s plaything are over. No more ridiculous upsells to squeeze you of every dollar. No more being herded like cattle from one gatekeeper to another just so you can talk to the customer support rep you need.

But what’s the alternative?

We’re going to take a look at the ever more popular option of cutting the cable. Read on to learn how you can save money, be more secure, and get more channels without the hassle.

Cutting The Cable

The first step you’ll need to take is to cut the cable cord. Call up your cable company and let them know that you want to end your “mutual relationship”.

Be warned; the cable company has heard all of this before. They have systems and plans in place to make sure that you stay. They may offer you a lower monthly payment, more channels, or those ever coveted movies you always wished for.

Don’t let them trap you. It’s not worth it and if you stay, you’ll probably wish you hadn’t. Cut the cable cord, sever all ties, and begin to look at your other options.

Alternate Services

Once you’re done cutting the cable, you’ll be able to access almost – if not all – of your previous past shows or channels through alternate services. Going with alternate services instead of cable is often so inexpensive that you can buy multiple services and still pay less than you used to.

With your extra cash, you can buy those movies you wanted to see, save for a vacation, or give a gift to one of your friends or family.

Here are some alternate services you could try.

Netflix

Netflix has taken over the world of on-demand television. They pack a ton of series, movies, and are always adding to their repertoire.

Pros

• Lots of series and movies
• Always adding more
• Produces lots of their own stuff

Cons

• Doesn’t always include shows or movies you want
• No option to get more or less content

Netflix is a solid pick for its wide range of shows and movies at a pretty good price.

Amazon Video

Amazon Video serves as Amazon’s response to the wild success of Netflix. It’s included with Prime and has a pretty good selection of shows and movies.

Pros

• Included with Prime
• Lots of content that Netflix doesn’t have
• High-quality productions of their own

Cons

• Not as wide a range as some other streaming options

Amazon Video is a choice that’s already accessible to you if you have Amazon Prime.

IPTV

IPTV is a relatively new technology that allows you to stream the channels you want. The best IPTV companies give you the channels you want when want them and only charge you for what you use.

Pros

• Lets you watch channels live when they broadcast
• Only pay for what you use
• Can be used anywhere in your home

Cons

• Purchasing each show individually may cost more than with bundle services like Amazon or Netflix

Have You Cut Your Cable?

Cutting the cable is easy, saves you money, and you lose nothing. If you’d like to read more about how to live the best life, check out our Lifestyle section of the site.

Stable careers are hard to come by these days. Technological innovations have disrupted a staggering number of industries in recent years. This is particularly true of the medical industry, which relies upon the latest technology to stay current and up-to-date with the latest trends.   

With so many industries being unstable, it can be hard to know where to put one’s energy. How do you know which career is right for you if you’re not even sure that career will exist in five years?

Today, we’re going to be looking at pharmacy technicians, which is known to be a stable and well-paying career. We’ll talk a bit about what the job entails and then delve into how to become a pharmacy technician.

How To Become A Pharmacy Technician

Before we delve into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a look at what a pharmacy technician is and does.

What Is A Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician’s main responsibility is to assist the pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians work closely with the pharmacists to fill orders. They may even compound or mix certain medications as well as operating the automated machines that package them.   

Pharmacy technicians also assist pharmacists and physicians with common administrative tasks such as contacting primary care physicians to authorize refills or entering customer and patient information. They also organize all of the inventory and alert physicians when stock levels start getting low.

Pharmacy technicians handle a lot of the customer interactions of a pharmacy. Physicians tend to field questions related to a particular medication. Pharmacy techs more often answer questions relating to the administration of medications.

Pharmacy technicians orders over the phone and deal with customers at the counter. They serve as the face of the pharmacy, dispensing vital information to patients as well as physicians. This makes a pharmacy technician a good career choice for people looking for a social career as well as a technical one.

Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Work?

As a pharmacy technician, you’re not limited to working at a pharmacy of a drug store.

There are many different places where pharmacy techs can be found. They can work at hospitals or mail-order pharmacies. They can also work at big box retailers such as WalMart or Costco.

Chain and independent drugstores also employ pharmacy technicians.

Hospital Pharmacy Techs

Pharmacy techs working at hospitals tend to a lot of the IV medications. They also do a lot of the laboratory preparations to make sure that patients get the correct treatment. They also perform certain lab work, including sterilizing lab equipment.

Hospital pharmacy techs are often in charge of maintaining the medication machines, as one additional duty.

Retail Pharmacy Techs

Pharmacy technicians working in retail environments are the human face of the pharmacy. They deal with patients’ questions about medications or any additional advice they may need.

When a question exceeds the scope of a pharmacy tech’s expertise, they’ll seek out additional knowledge from the pharmacist.

Retail pharmacy techs are also responsible for maintaining the physical inventory, as well.

Mail-Order Pharmacy Tech

Mail-order pharmacy techs work in an environment more akin to an office. They fill mail-order prescriptions all day long, surrounded by other pharmacy techs.

A typical day of a mail-order pharmacy tech might begin with meetings with pharmacists and other technicians. From there, they might go on to preparing compounds and filling prescriptions. They may perform some clerical duties as well, from maintaining the database or the inventory.

Mail-order pharmacy techs deal with the public less than many other pharmacy technicians. This makes it a good choice for someone wanting to explore the industry but with a less social aspect.

Reasons To Become A Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians deal with people during some of the most delicate moments of their lives. It requires a mixture of social skills as well as an analytical mind. This makes it a good career choice for both right- as well as left-brained people.

Becoming a pharmacy technician is also a good opportunity to learn the pharmaceutical industry from the ground up. You’ll be working closely with both pharmacists as well as physicians from day one. This makes becoming a pharmacy technician an excellent choice for people who love to learn.

Being a pharmacy technician is also a stable and well-paying career that’s available with a limited amount of education. Pharmacy tech programs tend to cost far less than a two-year or four-year degree. You can often get your pharmacy tech certification in less than a year.

Well-paying jobs that don’t require a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree are hard to come by these days. Yet there are over 9,000 pharmacy tech jobs listed on GlassDoor currently. They pay between $17 and $33, on average.

The average salary for a pharmacy technician was $31,750 as of 2017.

The pharmacy market is still growing, as well. The average age of Americans is gradually rising. This means the projected career growth of the medical industry, as a whole, is also on the rise.

Pharmacy tech jobs are predicted to increase by 12% by 2026. If you’re looking for a career that’s on the rise, a pharmacy tech would be a good job to consider.

Now that we’ve discussed the merits of the industry, let’s learn how to get started in the career.

Becoming A Pharmacy Technician

If you’re going to become a pharmacy tech, you’re going to need a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. You’ll also need on-the-job training or receive post-secondary education in pharmacy technology. Most states require some sort of certification which you’ll need to complete either a training program or a formal education to procure.

Training And Education

Every employer has different requirements for their pharmacy techs. Some offer on-the-job training. All require a High School diploma or GED.

Some pharmacy techs complete vocational training to receive their certification. Most certification programs can be completed in one year or less. Some can take longer, even leading into a fully-fledged Associate’s Degree.

Pharmacy tech certification programs offer everything you’ll need to succeed in your career. You’ll learn all of the math skills required for everything from mixing medicine to basic accounting. You’ll also learn the latest medical trends, such as how to use cutting-edge laboratory equipment.

Finally, you’ll also learn about the philosophy of the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll take classes on the latest pharmaceutical laws and ethics to help steer and guide you throughout your career.

Most certification programs offer an opportunity for hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This makes them practical as well as academic.

1-Year Accreditation Programs

A 1-year accreditation program takes roughly 12 months to complete. The programs focus exclusively on information pharmacy technicians will need in their careers.

At the program’s conclusion, students often work in an externship. This gives the students a taste of the daily life of a pharmacy tech, as well as valuable hands-on experience.

2-Year Associate’s Degree

2-Year programs give aspiring pharmacy techs an actual degree when it’s all said and done. You’ll hold an Associate’s Degree (AA) that will help you stand out from other applicants.

You will also have a transcript of accredited courses that can be applied to a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree, should you choose to pursue further education. Even if you don’t go back to college, the additional education will help your career flourish. You’ll gain additional social and psychological training, as well as a deeper knowledge of contemporary medical practices.  

What To Look For In A Certification Program

With pharmacy technicians being such a burgeoning industry, it should come as no surprise that there’s no shortage of certification programs out there. That can make finding the one that will best suit your needs problematic.

To help you find the right certification program for you, start off by making sure it’s an accredited course. Check to make sure it’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Next, you’ll want to see if the certification program offers an externship. Even if you’re attending an online university, they can often help you secure an externship with a pharmaceutical company in your area. Ask the admissions counselor about this part of the program and how they tend to fill these positions.

Finally, you’ll want to look into the certification process itself. If possible, find other graduates and ask them about the test. You may also take that opportunity to ask them about their careers, and how their certification’s been serving them.

Pharmacy technicians are only going to keep growing in demand as the population continues to age. It’s also a rewarding career that lets you help people while also practice practical problem-solving and logical thinking. You’ll use all the best parts of yourself, and you will be well-paid for doing so.

Looking For More Financial Advice?

At WikiLeaks, we bring you everything you need to stay up-to-date on the latest current events. We help you stay on top of recent developments in a wide range of industries, from politics to news to lifestyle.

If you’re looking to take control of your finances, whether you’re wondering how to become a pharmacy technician or how to invest, we’ve got what you need to make informed, empowered decisions.

Browse our MoneyControl articles today and become the master of your money!

The best place to start caring for Earth is in your home.

Communities everywhere have begun making the switch to greener living and they’re encouraging their neighbors to do the same. You, too, can lead the way to a better future by taking action now. Here are 5 tips for how to live greener at home.

Compost at Home

Compost is organic material added to soil to aid plants’ growth. This means you can decrease the number of material in landfills while enriching your soil. The three basic ingredients for composting are:

• Browns
• Greens
• Water

Brown provides carbon, green provides nitrogen, and water breaks down the matter. Your pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens and alternate different sized organic materials throughout the layers. The EPA website has more information on how to compost at home.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Begin by reducing the clutter in your home and donating what you don’t need. Same goes for your pantry. If you’re not going to eat it, give it away.

Instead of using plastic, opt for reusables. You’ll be eliminating waste and saving space in landfills. Other materials and wood can also be reused for different projects.

You can recycle paper, plastic, technology, and even cars. This can benefit the environment and the economy by conserving valuable resources. All you have to do is remember and utilize the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Cut Down on Energy Usage

Lower your monthly bills and help the environment by cutting down on energy usage. You can unplug appliances that aren’t being used, wash clothes in cold water, and invest in solar paneling. In 2019, reducing your energy at home is easier than ever.

Practice Mindful Water Conservation

Many already practice mindful water conservation without realizing it. Your household can make a difference by taking shorter showers, brushing your teeth with the sink off, and watering your yard in the morning when it’s cooler. Small adjustments can make a monumental impact when enough people participate.

Eat More Plant-Based Foods

You don’t have to go vegan to make a difference, but you can help by eating more plant-based foods and less meat. Livestock accounts for between 14.5 – 18 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, worldwide. Focus on substituting meat, whenever possible.

How to Live Greener Outside the Home

Now that you know eco-friendly ways to change your lifestyle, learn how to live greener outside the home. You can participate in trail cleanups, use reusable water bottles, deny straws, and use a greener method of transportation.

Encourage your work to go green. You can pitch the idea of recycling bins, switching paperless billing, and adding filtered water systems to the public water fountains.

Spread the Word

It can be difficult to form new habits. By deciding to live more conscientious you’ve taken the first step to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Share the tips you learned today for how to live greener with your neighbors.

Join the discussion on greener living by visiting our contact page.

There’s no denying that our current political climate is ripe with opportunities for discussion and persuasion. 

Regardless of which side you’re on, it’s important to speak your mind and advocate for the change you want to see. 

As part of a democracy, we have the privilege of being able to access our policymakers without having to jump through hoops to bend their ears.

That said, they don’t have all day, and you aren’t the only meeting they’ve scheduled. How can you give a presentation that sparks their interest and encourages action?

Today, we’re sharing our top tips to help you give an impactful and inspiring talk that turns heads and gets your cause the attention it deserves.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. Find Your Focal Point

Scientists say we now have a shorter attention span than a goldfish. Even if all eyes are on you, it’s likely that all minds are not. 

Your listeners are checking their phone, making mental notes and wondering what’s for dinner. You have to get your point across from the onset.

That said, find out what your point is.

Rather than wax poetic about various sub-topics, narrow your focus down to a single point. For instance, it could be your stance on a current news topic, a policy you’d like to change, or a new program you want to implement. 

Then, build a convincing narrative around it. Grab their attention with a personal anecdote that will stick in their mind long after your 3:30 meeting is over.

2. Develop Your Argument

You have your core idea and narrative. Now, it’s time to fill in the gaps. 

As you create your presentation, pepper in arguments and examples that relate to it. Though they’re different in nature, they should all repeat a common mantra.

Before you close, be sure to give the listener a take-home solution. In this way, presentations are like mini-movies. After they’ve invested their time in watching you, your audience wants (and deserves) a neat ending rather than an open-ended one. 

You may not have the solution to your issue, and that’s OK. Still, you should offer at least one action that listeners can take to further your cause. Teach them something they don’t know and encourage them to move. 

3. Add Your Visuals

Wondering how to give a good presentation? Don’t count on your slides, handouts, PDF links or tri-fold to carry it. Instead, determine what you’re going to say first, and then create the surrounding visuals. 

Let them serve as complements to your speech, helping your audience picture more clearly the story you’re weaving. 

Keep text minimal, resist the urge to use elaborate graphics or transitions, and make sure all visuals have a consistent look and feel. Use a slideshow maker to help you organize your ideas into a sequence that fits your message. 

4. Project Confidence

You’ve developed your materials and spent weeks preparing. Now, the big day is here. 

Above all else, project as much confidence as possible from the second you step foot in the room. If you aren’t sure of your speech, no one else will be, either. 

Make eye contact, move around (if your microphone is portable), and keep the tone serious. When you’re done, open the floor up to audience participation, if appropriate. 

This can be a great opportunity to encourage interaction and build a rallying community around your cause. Listen to all viewpoints, even those that differ from yours. Remember, conversations of all kinds can spur change.

Give a Presentation That Speaks for Itself

Do you feel passionate enough about a policy issue that you’re ready to speak out?

When you put time and effort in your case, you want to make sure people are listening. That’s why it’s important to give a presentation that’s as on fire as you are. With these tips, you can get your point across, captivate your audience and spur real action. 

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest political happenings, technology updates, and lifestyle news? We’ve got you covered.

Now that you know how to give a presentation that delivers, you need a talking point. Check out our post on the top political issues of 2018 to get started. How will you use your voice for good?

16 million people are smokers in the United States, making smoking the leading preventable cause of death. 

Fortunately, many people are recognizing the harm that smoking does to their health, and are finding ways to quit that work for them.

If you’re considering quitting this year, read on to learn the best ways to quit smoking in 2019. 

Ready? Let’s get started. 

Why Quit Smoking?

While you’re probably aware of some of the main reasons to quit smoking, like saving money, avoiding lung disease, and more. But there are some that you may not be aware of. The more determined you are to quit, and the more reasons you have, the higher your chances of success. 

Here are some top reasons to quit smoking:

Smoking Causes Mental Decline

When you’re young and healthy, it’s easy to ignore the idea of aging. But when you do become elderly, you’re five times more likely to face mental decline if you smoke compared to if you don’t. 

You’re also more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

Smokers Smell Like Smoke

It may seem obvious, but if you smoke, you’ll constantly smell like cigarette smoke. And this isn’t a smell most people enjoy.

While you may eventually not notice the smell, you’ll be carrying the smell of smoke in your hair, in your mouth, and on your clothes. Smokers who are dating will often find that this smell is a turn-off for the opposite sex. 

Loss of Taste and Smell

Not only will you smell like an ashtray if you’re a smoker, but you won’t be able to smell it- since smoking dulls your senses. This is particularly true for taste and smell, which are intrinsically linked.

If you quit smoking, you’ll often find that all of a sudden you can taste foods much more intensely than you could while you were smoking.

Premature Aging

Even if you ignore all the ways smoking impacts your health (more on those later), you’ll see your habit on your face when you look in the mirror. Your skin will become leathery, and you can expect to see deep wrinkling- especially around your mouth. 

Smoking speeds up the aging process since it deprives your skin of oxygen as your blood vessels constrict. That means blood can’t get to your organs (and skin) as easily. 

Social Marginalization

Non-smokers are well aware of the impact of passive smoking on their own health. This means that smokers are increasingly becoming marginalized, as new laws make it more difficult to smoke in public places. 

Impotence

Bet you didn’t see this one coming. But smoking greatly increases the chance of men becoming impotent since it affects the blood vessels. 

Increased Sicknesses

You’re probably well aware of the increased risk of lung disease, throat and mouth cancers, and other diseases associated with smoking. But did you know that you’re also more likely to get colds and the flu?

We have tiny hairs in our respiratory tract which protect us from sicknesses and infections going around. These are called cilia, and they push them bacteria and viruses away from our lungs. 

When you smoke, you’re paralyzing your cilia. This is one of the big reasons why many smokers seem to be constantly sick. 

The Best Ways to Quit Smoking

Convinced that quitting smoking is a good idea? Great. Here are the best ways to successfully quit this year:

1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

It’s the nicotine in cigarettes that makes them so addictive. That’s why it’s often so difficult to quit cold turkey. 

Consider talking to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy. There are a number of options available, so you’re likely to find one that suits you. If you’re a heavy smoker, you may find it best to start with a prescription product- nicotine in an inhaler or nasal spray. 

There are over-the-counter patches which contain nicotine, including lozenges, gum, and patches. These are great for overcoming sudden, intense cravings. You can also get medication created specifically for smokers who want to quit. These include Chantix and Zyban, and while they don’t contain nicotine, they’re safe to use with over-the-counter solutions. 

2. Hypnotism 

Hyptnomism is becoming more and more popular as a method for people to quit bad habits such as overeating, self-sabotage, and of course, smoking. 

Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness. While there’s a lot of debate around how hypnosis works, many people believe that this altered state allows you to more easily listen to suggestions. 

There’s no doubt that withdrawal from nicotine is uncomfortable. But much of the reason people continue to smoke is due to the mental addiction. It’s your subconscious that triggers your craving for a cigarette. 

This mental battle is also why some people find it so difficult to quit- even when using nicotine replacement therapies. While these therapies tackle the physical cravings, the mental, subconscious cravings are still there. 

Hypnotherapists will often replace the subconscious cravings for cigarettes with a more positive suggestion. They can also completely reframe the idea of smoking. For example, some hypnotherapists may suggest that smoking is like inhaling exhaust, the smoke smells like burning plastic, or your mouth will end up as dry as a desert. 

Often, hypnotherapy works best when combined with other non-smoking techniques. One study found that of the smokers who used hypnosis to quit, 50% were still smoke-free at 26 weeks. This is compared to less than 16% of the NRT group. Patients who combined both of these also had a 50% success rate. 

3. Vaping

You’ve probably seen people vaping, but did you know it’s a great way to help you quit smoking? 

One study found that 18% of smokers that used vaping as part of their plan to quit had stopped smoking after a year, compared to 10% of those who used NRT. 

If you’re going to use vaping, consider how much nicotine you’re taking in, and aim to gradually reduce this amount. You can get vaping equipment and JUUL pods online, including everything you need to get started. 

While studies may show an increase in the likelihood that you’ll quit smoking, many people believe the accessibility of vaping makes it more likely that you’ll simply switch habits. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a long-term plan to quit nicotine for good. 

4. Trigger Avoidance

We all have certain situations that trigger our bad habits. For people who tend to drink too much, this is often a party where alcohol is present. For ex-smokers, being around people who are currently smoking can do it. 

You may find yourself reaching for a cigarette whenever you have a drink in your hand, or after a particularly difficult day at work. 

The best thing you can do is avoid the behaviors and activities that trigger you into reaching for a cigarette- at least in the short-term when you’re finding it the most difficult. 

Make a list of the times where you’re most at risk of smoking. That way, you can plan for them and be prepared. It could be that you like to smoke while driving, using the phone, right after a meal, while drinking coffee, or at social events. Be prepared for these situations with gum or something else to distract yourself. 

5. Behavioral Therapy 

This can be an excellent way to increase your chances of successful quitting. It’s particularly successful when combined with one or more of the above tips. 

Behavioral therapy is often used for people who have a mental health disorder, and it involves talking with a professional therapist.

You’ll work with your therapist, who’ll guide you through the quitting process. This can be hugely helpful, especially if you have friends who smoke. Some people are hesitant to tell people they’re quitting in case they fail. When you’re having behavioral therapy, you have an understanding cheerleader in your corner. 

You and your therapist will work together to create a detailed plan to help you quit. This may take longer than quitting cold turkey. But since a behavioral therapist is a professional and has done this many times before, your chances of successfully quitting are much higher. 

There are also other options for professional support. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around, so there’s no shame in asking for help. Many states have free helplines for smokers, which can allow you to access resources and support over the phone. Your doctor may also be able to help you with these types of resources. 

There are also thousands of websites and forums devoted to a smoke-free life. That means that even if you’re quitting alone, there are many other people going through it with you.

Wrapping up

The above are some of the best ways to quit smoking. But it’s important to remember that even if you’re not successful with your first attempt to quit smoking, the more times you try, the higher your likelihood of success. 

Even if you find yourself reaching for a cigarette, don’t finish the packet, simply move on. 

Looking for some other great posts to help improve your life? Check out some of our articles today.

What is real estate crowdfunding? 

Crowdfunding is combining money from a group of investors to make an investment in one of the hundreds of available real estate transactions. Crowdfunding companies have lists of pre-curated investments. 

By the year 2025, the total crowdfunding industry will be worth $93 billion, according to a prediction by the World Bank. 

Do you want to get in the hot property market but are lacking in funds? Crowdfunding real estate sites can make it happen. Here is how they work. 

What You Need to Know About Crowdfunding Real Estate Sites

There are rules on participation in crowdfunding real estate sites, different ways to invest, varying fees on the investment, and several different sites from which to choose. You’ll want to compare before making your final decision. 

What are the Rules?

You must have $1 million in assets not including your primary residence. If you don’t have that amount in assets, you need to have a $200,000 salary. 

Types of Investment Projects

Debt-based projects are those in which you are providing money in the way of a loan that is secured by the property. 

Another debt-based project is that which you’re investing in a third-party note that is related to the performance of a real estate investment. 

Equity-based projects are tied to REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts. In this case, you are investing in a fund that is holding property and you can expect cash flow and some money from the appreciation of the property. 

Minimum Investment and Fees

Many crowdfunding companies require a minimum $5000 investment, though the minimum investment varies from company to company. 

A fee of up to 3% is charged and is taken out of any payout prior to you receiving the money. 

Making Money

New crowdfunding real estate investment sites are literally launching every day.

Which ones are going to give you a return on your investment? Rich Uncles vs Fundrise? RealtyMogul vs Peerstreet? The list goes on. 

There are two ways to make money investing in any one of these companies: 

• Appreciation of the asset
• Income from the asset 

When a property appreciates, there is equity in the property, and that translates into money for the investors. 

Income from an investment property comes from rent collected. 

What are Some of the More Popular Companies?

Do your research and read the fine print before investing. Here are some of the popular and top-rated companies. 

1. Fundrise

The minimum investment is $1000 and the fees are 0-3%. They are very particular on the projects accepted, choosing only about 5% of projects. 

2. PeerStreet

Their minimum investment is also $1000 and fees are in the range of 0.25%-1.00%. They allow experienced private lenders only. 

3. RoofStock 

Have you always wanted to own single family rentals? RoofStock allows you to invest in already-occupied rentals. Investments start at $5000. 

Are You Ready to Invest? 

Now you’ve learned all about crowdfunding real estate sites and how they work, are you ready to get started in investing?

If you don’t have the money just yet, we can help you with that too. Visit us for tips on saving money as well as many other topics. 

Almost 60 percent of Americans have a credit score that sits above the 700 mark. Most of these people have absolutely no problem qualifying for mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and more.

But about 30 percent of Americans have a credit score that falls below the 650 mark. These people have “Fair” or “Poor” credit and usually have a tough time taking out loans without facing high-interest rates. It can put them at a real disadvantage in life.

If you fall into the second category of people, you should make an attempt to learn how to fix your credit so that you can feel better about your financial future. By taking a few simple steps, you can improve your credit score dramatically and start qualifying for loans with low-interest rates attached to them.

Here’s how to fix your credit in 7 simple steps.

1. Check Your Credit Score

If you’re interested in trying to learn how to fix your credit, there’s a good chance you know what your credit score is. But you might be surprised to find out how many people have no idea where their credit score stands.

Studies have shown that about 30 percent of people are clueless when it comes to their credit score. They haven’t taken the time to figure out what their credit score is in a while.

That should be your very first step before you start trying to fix your credit. Look up your credit score and see whether it’s considered “Excellent,” “Very Good,” “Good,” “Fair,” or “Poor.” Your goal is going to be to attempt to move it up the ranks as quickly as you can.

2. Inspect Your Credit Report Carefully

Once you know what your credit score is, your next course of action should be to take a good look through your credit report. It will include all of the debts that you’ve racked up over time as well as information on missed payments, debts that may have been sent to collections, and more.

Inspect each debt listed on your credit report and make sure that you’re responsible for the debt. A Federal Trade Commission study conducted a few years ago actually revealed that about 20 percent of people have errors on their credit reports and don’t even realize it.

If you happen to come across an error, you’re encouraged to dispute it right away. Doing this will eliminate the errors and could provide you with an almost immediate boost to your credit score.

3. Catch Up on Missed Payments

Have you fallen behind on making payments to a creditor in recent months? This could take a much bigger toll on your credit report than you might think. It can drag your credit score down and make it hard for you to recover.

If you have missed payments, find a way to catch up on them as quickly as you can. This might mean taking on a second job and saving up some extra money so that you can bring your payments current. It might also mean contacting your creditors directly to work out a repayment plan.

Whatever you do, don’t continue to miss payments moving forward! It’s going to lead to you digging yourself into an even deeper hole.

4. Consider Consolidating Debt

One of the ways that you can get current on all your debt payments and make your debt more manageable is by consolidating your debt. When you do this, you’ll essentially take out one large loan to pay down all your debts at once and then repay that loan over time.

There are personal loans no credit check available to those who don’t have the best credit in the world. These loans can really come in handy if you’ve accumulated a lot of debt on a handful of different credit cards.

5. Keep Credit Accounts Open

Once you pay down a bunch of debt, you might be tempted to close some of your credit card accounts so that you don’t rack up more debt in the future.

This isn’t the worst idea in the world. But your credit card accounts will do a lot of good for your credit if you keep them open without using them.

After you’ve paid down your credit card debt completely, it’ll open up tons of available credit to you. This available credit will send you credit score soaring and make you look like a more attractive candidate to lenders.

If you really have a problem with debt and know you’re not going to be able to resist using your credit cards, cut them up and throw them out while still keeping them open. This will prevent you from using your cards while allowing you to take advantage of still technically having them.

6. Avoid Taking on New Debt

While you’re in the process of trying to rebuild credit, avoid taking on any debt at all costs. Don’t buy a house, don’t buy a car, and don’t apply for any more credit cards.

After you’ve remedied your credit issues, you can ease up on the restrictions. But for the time being, it’s best to steer clear of new debt. It’ll help you build up your credit score instead of bringing it back down.

7. Check Your Credit Score Again

About six months after you start making a push to improve your credit, go and check your credit score again.

You should have a huge smile across your face after you see what your score is now. If you don’t, it just means you’re going to need to continue to work hard to pay down debt before you see the bump in your credit score that you’re chasing.

Know How to Fix Your Credit and Do It

Now that you’ve learned how to fix your credit, you should see how simple it can be to do it. But in order to bring your credit score up, you need to stay disciplined and work to eliminate your debts.

By doing this, you’ll improve your credit score and put yourself on the right financial path. You won’t be worried every time you go to check your credit score to see where it stands anymore.

Improving your credit score is one way to save money throughout the course of your life. Read our blog to see some other money saving tips for 2019.