Finance Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Reviewing the SouthOrd PXS -14 Beginners Lock Pick Set

May 8, 2020 by Mandy

I‘ve always had something of a fascination with lock picking, I suppose it comes from all of those spun movies and novels which I consumed as a youngster. Owing to this I had always wanted my own lock pick set, for both practical and recreational reasons. I was very lucky then that a couple of months ago my very thoughtful girlfriend decided that I was responsible enough for a lock pick set and she bought me the SouthOrd PXS-14 Beginner lock pick set, I couldn’t wait to start learning.

I have really enjoyed this product so far which is I wanted to write a quick review about it for you guys.

Price

The price point on these is $24.99 which is actually amazing given the quality of the materials which are used and the multiple options which the pack gives you. The 14 piece set comes with a handy and convenient leather pouch where you can store all of your picks, again this is really great quality material which they have used. I read somewhere that as a rookie lock picker you need to have high quality equipment and that is exactly what I got with this pack, and it certainly helped me to get better quicker.

Picks

I felt that the number of picks were quite limited when I first opened up the packet but after a few months of trying all manner of different locks I can honestly say that there is enough of a range here to deal with any lock that you want to throw at it, the range and flexibility of the picks which are included is seriously impressive. The picks themselves are well cut, beautifully sanded and polished, and the finish on them makes it so easy to work with.

Range of Abilities

My uncle has been lock picking for a number of years and there isn’t much that he can’t unlock. I showed my uncle these and even he said that although it was a beginners kit, he would be happy to work with the picks and could definitely get some value from them. This is high praise from someone who has a far more extensive and wide range selection of picks, a further indication of the quality of these picks in particular. It is clear that these could be used for a beginner or perhaps even someone who is a little further on down the line.

General Feeling

I have found certain locks hard to pick since I got started with this new hobby, but none of that came about as a result of not having the right tools, but rather the lack of ability which I have. This is a well designed, high quality kit which has been the perfect companion to me as I have learned more and more about locks and how to pick them

All told I would recommend this product to anyone who has an interest in this hobby.

3 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Sending Your Kid to College

April 24, 2020 by Mandy

The day that your son or daughter is accepted to the university of their dreams is a proud day for you as a parent. Unfortunately, though, it is also the start of the stressful process of trying to find the funding required to send your kid to college. From rising tuition costs to room and board, there are so many things that contribute to the overall cost of attending a four-year university these days.

While at first glance, you might be wondering how you are going to afford to help your child earn their college degree, there are certainly plenty of options out there that can help reduce these costs. Here are three ways that you might be able to cut down the expenses associated with college.

1. Scholarships

Scholarships are probably the most popular route to take when it comes to finding funding for further education. There are a lot of different scholarships out there that range in the amount you can receive to cover part of your college funding or even the full cost of tuition. The key is to find the right scholarships for the university your child hopes to attend, and then apply to as many as possible.

For instance, if your child wishes to go to college in Ohio, you need to find scholarships in Ohio specifically. You can visit CampusReel to find out more about this. Some federal scholarships might be applicable to universities all over the country, while others will only be available for use locally. No matter which scholarships your child wants to apply for, make sure that they start applying early so that they can increase their chances of receiving as much additional funding as possible.

2. Shop Around

Some students dream of attending a particular university and are not willing to compromise that dream. While there is nothing wrong with this concept in general, it is important to highlight to your child that some universities are far more affordable than others.

Take into account the difference between attending college in your home state instead of going out of state. There is a significant difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition. If your child is willing to attend a university closer to home, then you could stand to save a significant amount if they continue to live at home.

Furthermore, the cost of attending a private university is far greater than that of a state school. While private schools can be more prestigious, an education from a state university can be just as valuable for a fraction of the cost.

3. Start Small

While attending a four-year university is the goal of most students, you and your child might consider the option of taking a year or two at a community college first and then transferring to a major university. There are core classes that all college students must complete in the pursuit of a degree. Often, these classes can be taken at a community college for a considerably lower cost compared to the tuition at a large university, and then those credits can transfer over to a university.

SIX UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR HER BIRTHDAY

April 22, 2020 by Mandy

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Experiencing love is the most beautiful feeling in the world. Some people spend lifetimes searching for their soul mate, while others have her right before their eyes and lose them in a heartbeat. A handful of these lucky lovers get to have their emotions reciprocated from the other end. Those who do, share that they feel like they’ve conquered the world and to lose their better half would be like having their soul ripped apart from the body. But let’s not go over the subject of losing love, shall we?

Guys who get to know the true meaning and pure essence of love can value their partners deservingly. They adore everything quirky and witty about their girl’s personality. Technically speaking, it isn’t too hard for them to find innocence in her tantrums, see the love behind her anger, and notice an odd touch of elegance in her blatant mannerisms. In a nutshell, they are head over heels for the love of their life, and there’s no curing them. At times, you can easily misunderstand the motives behind their over-protective attitude and the desire to look out for you. But even that doesn’t stop them from picking the thorns out of your flowers. And honestly, no girl deserves anything less from the guy of their dreams.

Unfortunately, you can’t take out the mundane elements from relationships that are well seated in people’s minds. Gifts, surprises, and presents are all as necessary for a healthy relationship as love itself. If it isn’t the girl that wants displays of affection in the form of expensive items and settings, then the guys do it from their end to exhibit how much they love them. As a result of it, birthdays become even more special than they already were. Whatever the reasons may be, the case rests with the outcome that people like to show how much their love means to them. And to achieve it, they go out of their way to find the most unique and distinctive gifts for their birthdays. But there are only so many options from which you get to choose.

However, here are six unique gift ideas that might help you decide what to get for her birthday.

1. JEWELRY

The go-to idea of a birthday gift for any guy to get her girl is of jewelry. It offers a diverse variety of options, it hardly goes out of fashion, and it suits every girl. Besides, the best part about getting jewelry items is that you can adjust the costs according to your budget. Gold is more coveted, but you can easily find equally beautiful silver earrings or necklaces by searching online. Put them together with a bunch of flowers and chocolates, and there you have it, a perfect gift for your girl.

2. TIME CAPSULES AND DATE JARS

The most attractive parts of a relationship are the many adventures and wild experiences that you get to have. They can be from your dates, parties, or just some random family functions where you invite your love to join you. An incredible gift idea for your girl would be time-capsules of lively incidents at these functions that you both can cherish when you are old.

Or, you can give her a date jar with all kinds of dates that you want to have with her. She gets to choose one every year on her birthday until you are out of years to live.

3. CARRY-ON COSMETIC KIT

The lady of your life might not be too conscious of how she looks, but it falls onto you to never let a makeup malfunction spoil her night. A handy cosmetic kit for her birthday is a great option. You can pull her out of an embarrassing situation even when you are not there. Also, take the liberty of throwing in a stain removal pen along with all those cosmetic essentials. That way, she can even handle wine spills and maintain her charming posture.

4. HYGIENE KIT

Only you know the many habits that your girl has. One of them could be over-sensitive care of hygiene that people around her fail to practice. You can expect her rubbing restaurant cutlery items or trying to avoid touching trolley handles and doorknobs. If she does this, then do her the favor of getting a hygiene kit on her birthday. It can include rubber gloves, face wipes, face masks, deodorants, alcohol wipes, and everything else that she could ask for to keep up with her habits.

5. SAFETY MANUALS/COURSES

The world turns out to be a darker place as time goes by, and it is hard to ensure the safety of your loved ones. If your girl feels the same but thinks that she is no match for a man, then you need to change this mindset. Encourage her to be self-confident and teach her how to take care of herself. Remind her that she’s no less than a man in any way. Enroll her in a self-defense course and get her a safety manual to study. If the need arises, keep a pepper spray in her bag to fend off the bad guys. Rest assured, she will be more independent than she thought in no time.

6. FRAMES/MUGS/PLAYLISTS

The best gifts are those that keep you connected through time and space. It can be a photo frame, couple mugs, or a playlist that you think suits your relationship. These items may seem insignificant, but they are timeless. And no, they are not only for the movies. So this birthday, try and do something that makes you guys eternal.

SUMMARY

These were the six most unique ideas that you can put to good use. You may find some of these old schools, and some not good enough to make it to the list, but that’s what keeps everything in balance. A complete mixture of every element to makes your love life a success.

COVID19: SEVEN BEST WORK FROM HOME GEAR

April 22, 2020 by Mandy

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The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. The epidemic has forced people to rethink their routine tasks and changed the course of their daily activities. The COVID-19 continues to spread at an alarming rate, and the situation is evolving by the day. The spread has had grave effects on the economy worldwide and compelled businesses to change their practices. Industries are struggling hard to cope up with the situation and have resumed working in some areas to have some semblance of normalcy.

Social distancing, travel bans, lockdown, and a ban on large gatherings have shifted traditional working to work-from-home. Firms have integrated technology to keep their businesses afloat. Businesses have turned to digital tools to pick up their work and generate revenue. Many employees do not have sufficient knowledge of technology and find themselves at a loss about how to perform their office work from home. Below we are listing down some gadgets that will make your transition to work-from-home smooth and seamless.

1. Robust Wi-Fi

A secure Wi-Fi connection is the foremost thing that you will need to work from your home. Weak Wi-Fi interrupts the flow and slows down your performance. Invest in a service provider that has a reputation for providing stable connection so that you will not have to suffer from the sudden slowdowns of the Internet. Businesses require you to stay connected to other employees, and a secure connection enables you to send and receive messages in an instant. Online meetings, monetary transactions, sending and receiving emails all need a stable connection to be productive.

2. Headphones

Every business runs on communication, and when there is a disruption, the company suffers. COVID-19 has changed the way employees used to meet and greet, now they are all confined in their homes. Headphones are vital for online communication as it helps in canceling the noise from the outside world so that listener can focus well. They improve the concentration span and enables listeners to focus on the task at hand. Earplugs are comfortable on skin and ears, wearing them for longer duration does not wear one down. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s challenging to visit a retail store to purchase one, so it’s better to opt for an online store to find quality online earplugs that will make your work easy. Earplugs are beneficial as they keep you hands-free since you can take notes while listening to the instructions online.

3. Desk and Chair

Most people find working from home difficult because of the absence of an office environment. While it is not possible to recreate the exact atmosphere but you can bring some appearance of office at home. Work-from-home means sitting in one spot for a longer duration. A comfortable chair and ergonomic desk will help in creating a small office in your home. A designated area with a chair and table can be your little workplace from home.

4. Web Camera

Video conference is accessible to anyone having a web camera. Employees need to discuss several matters together, and a web camera allows them to observe the facial expression and body language while sitting miles apart. Besides, switching on the web camera means dressing up in formal clothes, which helps in creating a mood of work.

5. Firewall

Information and privacy are of vital importance in the business world. The firewall network security system keeps the computer safe by preventing unauthorized access from unknown networks. Organizations generally have either a hardware or software or a combination of both to keep their data secure. While working from home, experts highly recommend a firewall installation so that you can work without putting your firm’s information at risk.

6. Mouse and Keyboard

Usually, people possess a laptop and feel they do not need to purchase a separate keyboard or a mouse. That may be true when you need to use your laptop only in your leisure time at home, but when you spend more than 8 hours straight working on it, chances are you will want to change your posture often. An external keyboard and mouse give you the flexibility to move around while doing your thing on a laptop. Besides, it increases productivity and enables you to work from a distance, which prevents straining your eyes.

7. Backup Internet Service

None of those previously mentioned gear will be of any use if your Internet crawls. The mode work-from-home has become possible because of the blessings of the Internet. The Internet may start crippling at times or comes to a complete halt, and when you are working, you cannot leave things to chance as it may lead to financial loss. A secondary Internet connection comes like a guardian angel in these situations. The corporate world has to go on, and it will not stop because your Internet was slow.. Having a backup Internet connection enables you to pick up right from where you left when your existing connection starts showing issues.

Conclusion

The outbreak of COVID-19 has shaken up the businesses and changed their behavior on a massive scale. The companies who have adapted to work-from-home are managing to survive in this epidemic. Advancement in technology has acted as a savior. This black swan has forced employees to work-from-home, and for that, they need certain items to perform their tasks. Computer and Internet connection are of vital importance, among others, to keep the workflow smooth.

What You Need to Know About Medicare if You’re Turning 65

April 17, 2020 by Mandy

While turning 65 means you’ll be eligible for a number of senior discounts, for most, it also means you’re finally eligible for Medicare. If you’re going to be turning 65 this year, it helps to familiarize yourself with Medicare so that when the time comes to apply, you know just what kind of coverage you need. The information below can help you decide what type of Medicare you need based on whether you already have insurance through a spouse or your employer and other factors.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Depending on which type of Medicare you have (Part A, B, C, or D), you’ll be covered for a number of services.

Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) covers inpatient and outpatient care, including hospital stays and at-home care, as well as medical tests, doctor’s visits, medical supplies, long-term preventative care, and X-rays. Parts A and B are often referred to as Original Medicare and are typically offered by the Social Security Administration.

Medicare Parts C and D are offered through private, Medicare-approved insurance companies. Part C is a combination of Parts A, B and typically D. Part C is often called a Medicare Advantage Plan and usually provides added benefits like transportation, fitness programs, hearing aids, and vision, and dental. Part D covers prescription drugs. If you take prescription medications regularly for a condition like high blood pressure, you’ll want to strongly consider getting Part C or Part D.

When Should You Apply

You can only apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a seven-month window during the following time periods:

The month you turn 65
Three months before you turn 65
Three months after you turn 65

How to Apply for Medicare Parts A and B

In order to apply for Medicare, you’ll need the following:

A copy of your W-2 from your employer
Your birth certificate (original)
Your Social Security card
Proof of citizenship or legal citizenship documentation

If you’re already getting Social Security benefits four months before you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Before your 65th birthday, the Social Security Administration usually sends you Medicare information and a Medicare card.

However, if you’re still working and you haven’t started receiving Social Security benefits, you can sign up for Medicare online or at your local Social Security office. If you’re doing it online, you can apply in as little as 10 minutes.

How to Apply for Parts C or D

If you decide you want to go ahead and get parts C or D, make sure you’ve already signed up for Parts A and B. But remember, Parts C and D are optional. You only need them if you want additional services like vision and dental, hearing aids, and prescription drugs.

To sign up for Parts C or D, you’ll have to sign up through a private insurance company. Before purchasing Parts C or D, compare plans for coverage and calculate your monthly and yearly costs so that you know exactly what you’re covered for and how much you can reasonably afford to spend (factoring in things like premiums, deductibles, and copays and coinsurance).

Finding the Right Coverage for You

Turning 65 means knowing your options when it comes to affordable medical care and researching your coverage options with trusted providers. If you need help, it doesn’t hurt to ask questions when you’re not sure about something. Getting all of the information you need ahead of time can help you feel more prepared and less anxious about making the right decision when the time comes. So, start early and you’ll be well on your way to getting the coverage you need to make taking care of your health during retirement as simple as possible.