4D Ultrasound: Getting to Know Your Baby – Before it Arrives

Ultrasound technology was initially developed using an instrument created to detect potentially dangerous flaws in sea-going vessels during the manufacturing process. It was first adapted for use in the medical field in Glasgow, Scotland in 1956 by Ian Donald, and obstetrician, and Tom Brown, an engineer. It was routinely used in Scotland’s hospitals by the end of the 1950’s, in Britain by the 1970’s, and is now used all over the world.

There have been some vast improvements in the technology over the years. When it was first introduced, parents-to-be were thrilled just to be able to take home a polaroid of a 2-dimensional blurry grey outline in the shape of their baby. 3D ultrasound technology added dimension, and improved the quality of those photographs immensely. For the first time, parents were actually able to see the expressions on their babies faces. Now, they are able to view their babies with 4D technology.

In a recent article, some excited expectant parents described their 4D ultrasound experience as like being given the opportunity to be introduced to their eagerly awaited child before it was even born. Just as those of us already living in the outside world express our uniquely individual personalities through facial expressions and body language, so do babies, even before they’re born.

4D ultrasound technology has now made it possible to film real-time three-dimensional motion pictures of your baby while it’s still in the womb. Not only can parents see their baby’s’ facial expressions, but they can watch them change. They can also receive their first communications from their babies in the form of body language. Whether it’s a stretch, a yawn, a wave, or a thumbs up, these communications transcend spoken language.

 

The sheer amount of movement that babies are capable of, even is such a limited space, is proving to be remarkable. Equally remarkable is the extent to which unborn babies experience and respond to the outer world, including their mother’s emotions. In a 2010 study conducted by university research scientists in Japan, 10 pregnant volunteers using headphones were shown a happy clip from the famous musical The Sound of Music, then a neutral clip, then a sad clip from the movie The Champ.

The researchers counted the number of fetal movements in response to their pregnant mothers’ emotions. They found that the fetuses moved their arms much more during the happy clip than during a neutral clip, and significantly less during the sad clip. Their findings were published in The Journal of Physiological Sciences. It seems that when mothers-to-be feel like dancing, their babies enjoy dancing right along with them.

Dancing is just one form of the complex synchronicity of communication between mother and child. At Johns Hopkins University, researcher Janet Pietro and her team discovered that every time a fetus moves, it’s mother’s heartbeat grows faster, which means that her sympathetic nervous system, which plays an important role in parenting, is being stimulated by the baby’s movements. It’s long been known that a mother’s behavior affects her baby. It’s now believed that the reverse is also true. Babies’ movements may be a form of communication designed to help prepare mothers to pay attention to them even before they arrive.
Everyone knows that developing and maintaining good communication is the key to loving, and lasting, relationships. The relationship between parent and child is meant to last a lifetime. 4D ultrasound technology makes it possible for babies to communicate with their parents, and express their personalities, to a degree never before possible. One of the greatest gifts that a parent can give their child is understanding.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/twitter-epicninjadaboss/4d-ultrasound-getting-to-know-your-baby-before-it-arrives/

Building Your Business’s Web Presence

If you are running a brick and mortar shop, then you should think about expanding it to the online world as well. It doesn’t matter if things are going just fine the way they are; the reality is that they can go way better if you create a website for your business organization. If you are still uncertain about how having an online presence can help your business grow, then bear with me for a little longer.

A lot of people find this concept rather messy, and they cannot connect the dots that make being present online so vital. For those who have already experienced some growth with their brick and mortar stores, this is even more difficult. This is completely understandable, but then again, you should look at the other side of the coin. There are so many people who base their businesses strictly online, and they are able to achieve amazing results with this business model.

I’m not going to argue whether it’s better to focus on the online or on the physical world, but I can freely say that combining both is the best possible solution.

Create a foundation

The foundation of your online presence is, of course, a website, and a business website is one of the rare online assets that are completely yours. As opposed to social media profiles, you have complete control and you can customize it however you see fit. A website represents your online headquarters, and it’s the main platform where people can learn everything there is to know about your business, products, services, and your company’s policies.

Additionally, all of your sales, marketing, branding and profits are closely connected to your site. This is why it is essential that you start building it properly from the very start. People can contact you or order products from your site so, if you create a visually appealing and functional website, more of your visitors will decide to do business with you. Furthermore, all of your marketing efforts will be focused on your website, as their goal is to attract people to it.

SEO (search engine optimization) marketing

SEO is a marketing strategy which is performed for the purpose of improving your website’s ranking in searches. When someone types in keywords such as “kid’s clothes”, a website that’s best optimized for that phrase will be the first on the list, meaning that there is a higher chance that someone will visit your website while googling. This is called organic traffic, and it is still the most valuable type of traffic, as organic visitors are most likely to purchase something.

When building a website, you first need to choose a good URL name, which is unique and includes the keywords you want to pursue. It is also good for it to be meaningful and short, so that people can easily understand it. You must also make sure that you create quality content on your website and make it SEO optimized. A good option is to include a blog section and post fresh content whenever you can. Not only can you share important information through blog posts that can help your visitors, but you will also rank your website higher in searches.

Create social media profiles

This can be done by everyone and it is so easy. Of course, you won’t do it on a professional level, but with a bit of effort and thought put in, you can perform social media marketing all by yourself. Simply create professional business profiles with your logos, images and relevant information. Once you’ve done that, you can start adding or following people who might be interested in what you have to offer. When you’ve created a base of followers, it is good to start sharing information about your business and trying to engage people with your content.

This is how you will spark their interest and attract people to your website. Like I mentioned before, it’s all connected. When you attract people to your website, then it’s up to your site to make them buy something. Depending on your business, some social networks might be better than others. For example, if your business revolves around fashion or accessories, it is good to create an Instagram profile, and one on Pinterest, as these social networks are image-based.

These things are the foundation of your business’s web presence. Once you have created these things, start growing them slowly and don’t be too pushy with your promotion. After a while, you will learn more and find out which techniques can be useful for bringing your brand closer to people. There is so much an online presence can give to your business, and you should not let these valuable opportunities slip.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/nmanojlovic/building-your-businesss-web-presence/

The Art of Being Social: Social Media Marketing Tips You Need to Know

The landscape of marketing has been subjected to several major transformations since it became a “thing”. But, the one factor that has influenced marketing the most is the introduction of social media, which provides so many new opportunities for marketers. Many things that were hard to achieve before are so easily done now. In 2018, it is estimated that there will be around 2.7 billion social media users around the world.

SM provides marketers the ability to reach many prospects and turn them into customers. But first, you will need to abandon the legacy marketing model and create a new marketing strategy. Here are some tips that will help you shape your advertising strategy.

Improve Your Tweets

Tweeter is a SM platform with great marketing potential. Still, after so many years, people are still making some very common mistakes. For instance, if you want your tweets to be seen by all of your followers, make sure you don’t start it with @handle. If you start your tweet with @handle, only the followers that are both following you and the persons you mentioned will be able to see that tweet. Make sure to start your tweet with some word, or if it is not possible, go with a simple “.”.

If you want to use your tweets to share some content in order to engage followers, you should consider providing useful content. The more value you add to your shared content, the bigger the chances to grow and retain followers. You also need to find people who are interested in your industry and start following them.

Streamlining your twitter strategy is also very important. These tools can help you quickly reply to important tweets, schedule re-shares of the same URL, make sure you tweet high-quality content on the weekends and find and tweet trending content.

Seize Many Opportunities on Facebook

The best way to advertise your new products or services on this social media platform is to boost your posts. Maybe you have already read some articles where marketing experts advise not to use this option, but you should be aware that is not that big of an investment. For just 20$, dollars you can show up on many news feed pages.

Another thing you should take under serious consideration is the timing of your Facebook posts. Before you know for sure what the perfect time to share your post is, you have to get to know your target audience. Find out at what time of the day their Facebook activity peaks. There are several studies that show that the best time to post for shares is around 1 pm, but if you want to get more clicks, the best time for a post is around 3 PM.

Also, don’t forget to add images to your Facebook posts. Posts that contain images receive 50 percent more likes and 80 percent more link click. Focus on sharing images of real people instead of a simple product. If you want your product to be seen, try to provide a lifestyle image that shows how people are using it.

Improve YouTube Marketing

The number of hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute has reached 300. It may be challenging to create a video that will attract the attention of potential customers. This is why you should forget about boring infomercials and focus on creating videos that tell an interesting and original story.

If you want to be able to reach a specific audience, you should research keywords for your video descriptions and ad targeting. Don’t stick to just one word, but try to consider phrases that are relevant to both your industry and the problems people experience when using specific products or services.

As you can see, social media is a very powerful tool for any business out there. With a properly designed marketing strategy, you will be able to penetrate new markets or attract more customers to the current one. Since this is a very popular type of marketing, there are dozens of articles to be found online that contain useful tips and advice. Feel free to read as much as you can, because the information you will get can help you bring diversity into your social media marketing strategy.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/aleksandarilic/the-art-of-being-social-social-media-marketing-tips-you-need-to-know/

Business Fundamentals 4 Tips on Making Your Employees Happy

Successfully starting a business is quite a challenge, but what is actually more challenging are the obstacles that come as you are running a business. The foundation of every business depends on the employees comprising the team. However, many business owners believe that the success of their company is actually theirs, forgetting the importance of the team that keeps the whole machine running. In order to ensure that your business is going to run smoothly, it is necessary to take some steps in order to keep your employees happy.

Team building

This is one of the best strategies to keep your employees happy and satisfied. Being on a team where you are not close to other team members is not only bad for productivity, but it also creates communication boundaries, which further create an unnatural atmosphere at work.

This can make employees dissatisfied, as they are going to feel like they are working with a bunch of strangers. Overcoming this issue should be one of the first things that you, as the business owner, should do. There are a bunch of team building activities that you can organize to help your employees get to know each other and become happier, as the atmosphere in the office becomes more pleasant. Plus, without any communication barriers, all team members will perform in unison easily.

Investment in education

We are living in an age where every employee is not in the workplace to simply get the job done. They are expecting further growth through their working experience, which will allow them to learn more. This is why it is very important to create an environment that will help your employees easily acquire new business-related knowledge. Luckily, achieving this goal is fairly easy, as there are plenty of business online courses that can broaden the knowledge of your employees.

There are numerous online platforms containing a variety of certified courses. Creating this type of environment will make your employees much happier, as they are going to feel that you actually want them to progress in your company. On the other hand, having employees with better skill sets will increase productivity within your company, reducing the need to outsource particular tasks.

Appreciation

People around the world like being appreciated, and it is one of the things that can make anyone happy, especially if it’s happening in the workplace. If you, as the business owner, take all the credit for a successful year or a successful quarter, chances are that your employees are not going to be happy about it.

If you want to create a business where each of your employees is going to give his best, it is important to show appreciation. This will motivate the employee, as he or she is going to feel more respected. There are different ways in which you can show appreciation; for example, the guys at Hopscratch have created a blog post featuring one of their previous employees who has greatly helped out their team. On the other hand, sometimes it is only enough to show appreciation in front of the rest of the team, or complementing the whole team verbally.

Whichever way you choose, it is impossible to make a mistake. Once people start feeling as an important part of the team, they are going to put in more effort, so make sure that you always show enough appreciation.

Higher salaries

There are numerous living expenses that all of us face every month. Underpaying your employees will make them leave their working post much sooner than you think. This is why it is very important to regularly check how well your business is doing and calculate additional bonuses on the salary every month.

This is going to motivate the workers additionally, but more importantly, they are going to feel happier, as they are not going to have to face financial stress. Being transparent when it comes to salaries is incredibly important, as it is going to build trust between you and your employees.

These are some of the best ways of keeping your employees satisfied in their workplace. Reach out to every single team member individually, as communication is the best way to understand their wants and their needs. Always focus on maintaining a positive atmosphere in the workplace. It will make it easier to go through both good and bad challenges.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/vladzivanovic/business-fundamentals-4-tips-on-making-your-employees-happy/

Do You Know What to Do in Medical Emergencies?

Emergencies can happen anywhere – on the street, at a coffee shop, at the grocery store, at a game, at home. Do you know what to do in case of a medical emergency? Do you know how to help someone before the paramedics arrive?

Knowing what to do in a medical emergency can save a life. This is exactly why everyone should learn about the most common emergencies that can happen and what they should do to help. You never know – maybe someday you will find yourself in a situation where someone’s life depends on you and on how you act.

Therefore, take a look at what you should do to help in case of the following medical emergencies.

Dizziness and Fainting

 

If someone tells you that they feel dizzy or weak, and they feel like they are going to faint, you should make sure they sit down first, so that they don’t fall and hurt themselves. The next thing you should do is dial your local emergency number, since dizziness and fainting can be caused by diabetes, a heart condition, heart attack, low blood sugar, pregnancy or it can happen that the person has been out in the heat for a long time.

While waiting for the paramedics, you should check the person’s alertness and the level of orientation by asking them if they know where they are, for instance. You should also give them water or any fluids you can find. If they fainted or if they are unresponsive, you need to check for pulse and check their breathing.

If the person does not have a pulse and is not breathing, you need to perform CPR. Don’t be hesitant or scared if you’ve never done it before; the crucial thing is to stay calm and do anything you can to help. It’s way better than doing nothing.

Note: Before you start doing CPR, you must position the person’s head with their chin up in order to open their airway and then start doing chest compressions.

Choking

Many people will tell you to hit someone on their back if they’re coughing or choking. However, you should never do that, because you can only make the situation worse, as the food they are likely choking on can go back into the windpipe.

If someone dining next to you starts coughing, do nothing whatsoever, because there is air movement. If they stop making any airway noise, while getting red in the face, that is when the situation becomes an emergency.

The only thing you can do to help then is perform the Heimlich maneuver, so make sure you learn how to do it.

Chest Pain

If someone near you says their chest hurts or if you see them grabbing their chest in pain, you should immediately dial your local emergency number, since chest pain is a serious medical emergency that almost always turns out to be a heart attack.

The next steps you should take is check the person’s breathing and circulation. If they don’t have a pulse and they are not breathing, you need to perform CPR.

Seizure

If someone next to you is having a seizure, it can be due to epilepsy, a stroke or a high fever in children. The first and most important thing is to call for paramedics, but making sure the person doesn’t fall and hurt themselves is just as important.

Make sure the person having a seizure is lying down on their side, because lying on their back can close their airway and cause choking. After that, don’t hold or move them, since that can cause injury. Just wait for paramedics and pay attention to how long the seizure lasts, since that can be of great help to the doctors.

Bleeding

 

If someone next to you cuts their finger, for instance, and starts bleeding, you can help by putting direct pressure on the source of the bleeding. If it’s a minor and non-serious cut, the bleeding will stop quickly.

If it’s a deeper cut that needs to be closed with sutures, you need to either call for paramedics or take the person to the hospital. If you don’t have a gauze to put pressure with, use any kind of cloth you can get your hands on and keep it tight.

If a person near you is having a nosebleed, the only thing they should do is sit up straight and lean their head forward until the bleeding stops. Tilting their head back will only make them swallow the blood, so that should never be done.

FinalWords

Learning what to do if you ever find yourself in these common medical emergency situations can be of immense help, so make sure you are prepared, just in case. You can also try and get the ACLS certification, since that way you can gain additional skills and knowledge for emergency interventions.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/ivandseo/do-you-know-what-to-do-in-medical-emergencies/

6 Ways Your Small Business Could Be More Organized

Disorganization can tear down a small business, and if your business doesn’t have clear organization, it will be almost impossible to get off the ground running. The purpose of a business is to solve problems, and companies often get so caught up in developing solutions for their customers that they often forget to take care of themselves.

But companies who ignore the importance of organization experience consequences. In fact, according to statistics, organization is vital for success. Their survey showed that 83 percent of survey respondents believe an organized office is directly related to profitability and productivity. Seventy-five percent of those respondents said that disorganization in the workplace directly hurts employees.

Productivity begins to dip and companies have a harder time staying on their feet when the office experiences chaos. It’s past time to evaluate your business and make some changes, but first you have to diagnose your problem.

Here are some of the top reasons why companies struggle with organization.

1. Your employees have unclear guidelines

Every company needs to have a clear employee manual that outlines policies and procedures. This improves collaboration, communication, and company morale. When expectations are clearly outlined for employees, companies can avoid misunderstandings and errors.

Mistakes will start to diminish because employees will better understand their responsibilities. Additionally, they’ll recognize the consequences for failing to carry out their duties, resulting in higher quality of work across the board.

2. You’ve taken decision-making power away from your teams

When people are granted the power to make decisions within the corporation, they’re more interested in keeping things running smoothly. Additionally, it takes much of the pressure off management. Big decisions shouldn’t be made by a single person – they should have team input. This speeds up the decision making process, as well as instills a sense of ownership throughout the entire team.

3. There’s no solid business strategy

It seems obvious that every business should begin with a solid plan, but not all businesses make this a priority. Businesses often make a loose plan in the beginning, but fail to carry it through as time goes on. The rules become more like suggestions, and employees struggle to stay on the same page.

Clearly outline your business strategy and make sure everyone has the appropriate material. Make goals clear and ask for input about achieving milestones. Also, continually update the strategy, in order to keep it relevant.

4. You’re still using paper and filing cabinets

Paper is finally petering out of the business industry. Instead, cloud storage is on the forefront. You can save client information, financial data, and other records on the web – all without a need for paper. Emails can also be sent rather than paper documents, and file cabinets can and should be eliminated. You’ll save money and your office will eradicate a lot of needless clutter.

5. Clutter is taking over the office

Employees work better when their desks are well organized and neat. It’s easier to focus and be productive when there’s no clutter. In fact, research from Princeton University shows that productivity is directly correlated with one’s working environment. Study participants who worked in a messy office had a harder time focusing on the task at hand than those who worked in a clean environment.

If you can’t remember the last time your desk was free of debris, it’s time to mandate clutter removal in the office. File and discard papers, organize drawers, and disinfect the surface for a smooth finish.

6. Your software is out of date (or missing)

Do you use all of the software available to you? Is the software you’re using up to date? Oftentimes, offices make do with less efficient processes because they’re unaware of software solutions that can make procedures easier.

Additionally, it’s easy to forget to update your existing software. When software isn’t updated, it can open the door to significant security threats.  Software companies often release patches and updates that fix glitches, improve security, and develop the function of the software. Regularly check for updates to make sure things are running smoothly.

Never underestimate the power of organization in a business. If disorganization reigns in the office, productivity and efficiency will not. Practicing decluttering and developing organizational policies in the office can make all the difference.

 

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/alexf/6-ways-your-small-business-could-be-more-organized/

5 Inspiring Ways to Make Passive Income (and What to Do With It)

Passive income, on paper, seems too good to be true. The idea is to literally make money without doing anything. Obviously, this isn’t exactly true (or everybody would be doing it). Even though you won’t be working for the money in the conventional sense, you will be putting in time one way or another. But passive income is a very real possibility for those willing to seek it—you just need to know where to look.

Ideas for Passive Income

There are several ways to make passive income—and you might be able to come up with some ideas on your own—but these are some of the most popular and easiest to approach:

1. Rental Properties. Rental properties are a somewhat straightforward investment, at least in theory. You’ll buy a house or an apartment complex capable of hosting multiple tenants, and you’ll charge those tenants rent to stay at your property—enough to cover any mortgage or loan you have, plus some extra. This may seem like a prohibitive investment option, ruling out anyone without substantial access to capital, but as Green Residential illustrates, you don’t need to be a millionaire to make money on property investment: “Even people who are not that well off can make a fortune in real estate if they select the right avenues and use their money wisely.”

2. Dividend Stocks and Index Funds. The stock market may seem like a risky venture, but some stocks are safer than others. Stocks of big-name, decades-old companies with a strong future are generally reliable long-term investments that have a low probability of burning you; these are often called “blue chip” stocks, and they typically come with a quarterly or annual dividend, where investors make a bit of money per share of the company they own. You can invest in dividend stocks individually as you see fit, or go with an overall dividend stock-based index fund, which will allow you to hedge your bets all in one place.

3. Develop an eBook (or Similar Content). Content is hot. People constantly crave new information and new material to consume, and if it’s good enough, they’ll be willing to pay for it. If you have expertise in any area where the general population doesn’t (but still needs that information), it’s a prime opportunity to write an eBook as a guide, tutorial, or other handbook. You could technically write an eBook about anything, but practical ones tend to perform best. From there, you can put your book on Amazon and other services, and make a few bucks every time someone downloads your work.

4. Become a Mirco-preneur. “Micro-preneurship” is a term that’s come to define someone who engages in an independent business-like venture without taking the full reins of entrepreneurship. Good examples here include individuals who rent out sections of their homes to travelers via Airbnb, or drivers who make extra money through services like Uber and Lyft. You can pick up these gigs easily, applying or signing up in less than an hour, and depending on the service you choose, you could theoretically make money just by letting other people occupy your property.

5. Invent or Make a Product. If you’re fascinated with engineering, or have tremendous business acumen, or if you just have a creative spirit, you can try inventing a product. If it’s a hit, you can list it on Amazon and other third-party services (or create a website of your own) and watch the money come in. If you aren’t interested in the “inventing” portion of things, you could also create items—like crafts and art projects—though, obviously, this approach would take more effort and might deviate from the definition of “passive” income.

What to Do With Your New Income Streams

Once you have access to a new line of revenue, the sky’s the limit with what you can do. If you want to treat yourself, you can use it to go on vacation or fund a new hobby. If you end up making enough of an income stream, you may be able to quit your current job and live off your passive investments for the foreseeable future. But the arguably wisest move is to keep your main source of income (i.e., your job), and use your passive income streams to invest in even more opportunities. The more capital you invest in income-generating sources, the more eventual money you’ll be able to generate.v

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/nmanojlovic/5-inspiring-ways-to-make-passive-income-and-what-to-do-with-it/

WordPress 4.6 Update is Here. So, what is New?

Seeing how WordPress is a weapon of choice for most bloggers, there is a good chance that updates may change the game entirely. This is why those who consider blogging to be their livelihood must closely read the notes about all the changes in the features of this platform. Seeing how WordPress 4.6 update has just arrived, it was about time that we learned what kind of change this brings. Here are few pointers we recognized during the beta.

1.   Broken Links Detection

To start off with something truly huge, WordPress 4.6 detects broken links in the editor. As this is something bloggers all over the world were troubled with, it may make life in the blogosphere much easier. This detector can recognize broken URLs and notify you about them on time. Whenever you add a bad link, the editor will make a tooltip with a warning to check the link before you proceed. However, some point out that the drawback of this feature is that it recognizes only the links that are truly broken. For example, pages with a 404 error will not be classified as bad. To make the long story short, this broken link detector is mostly there to prevent copying mistakes, which basically makes it a spell checker for URLs.

2.   Standardizing Metadata Registration

All the additional data that comes attached to posts, users and comments is jointly called metadata. In the 4.5 version, there were a lot of complaints about the absence of the method for of registering the meta key’s public state. Luckily, in the 4.6 version, this was finally changed and now it is more accessible to the code (both core and extending). This will allow the code to make better decisions on what to do and how to behave around metadata. However, the work of WordPress developers is still far from over and this is something we can expect to be improved in the near future.

3.   Shiny Updates

During the installation, update or deletion of various plugins or themes for WordPress, what you got so far were elaborate details of these processes which, as a user, you clearly did not benefit from. Luckily, in this update, we have another thing to look forward to – the Shiny Updates feature. The way it works is quite simple: Instead of the confusing and disruptive update lines, Shiny Update notifies you only about some major things that occur. In this way, what you get to see are only the most important results. From the technical side, this may not be a significant upgrade, but it more than improves the overall user experience.

4.   Return to the Native System Fonts

In order to gain its unique look that came to be its trademark, WordPress used Open Sans font in the admin area. However, this visual aspect of the platform affected its performance quite negatively, since it forced WP to rely on the external third party source. In turn, it mildly affected the speed of the admin area. The good news is that this will no longer be tolerated since WordPress decided to revert back to use its native system fonts. Still, it must be notified that this change affects only the admin area of the WP and not your content, which will remain in the font you intended for it.

5.   Is It a New CMS Now?

Well, no actually, and this is the best part of it. The main reason behind WP’s popularity is its simplicity, which allows its users to build a site easily. All these new features are meant to do is enhance the way WP functions at the moment and not change it in its essence. Installation, changing theme and uploading content have remained completely as they were. For this reason, apart from these few positive upgrades, most people won’t even notice that there were any changes made. Just as it was supposed to be.

Conclusion:

What we can see from all these changes is that, while being heavily focused on resolving technical issues, improving the overall user experience is still a paramount for a WordPress team. While some unjustly feared that all of these changes might make WordPress more complicated to use, now we can see that this is not the case. New features, like the one with the broken link detection, just go on to show us that with each update, WP is becoming more and more user-friendly.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/marcusjensen/wordpress-4-6-update-is-here-so-what-is-new/

The 6 Best Cars For City Driving

It’s no secret that driving around in a big city can be quite the challenge. Complicated signage, heavy traffic and a cramped parking situation are just a few of the situations that plague drivers in big cities such as Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City. Which is why people who do most of their driving in such places tend to be very picky when it comes to their vehicles of choice. Their ideal car needs to be fast and responsive enough to navigate through crowded streets, while also being comfortable enough to weather the difficulties inherent in such heavy-duty city use. Luckily, there are some vehicles out there that fit the bill, with the following six cars being especially suited for life in the big city:

1. Toyota Prius C Hybrid

The dependability of Toyota’s hybrid line of cars is well-known, with more and more people going with this environmentally-conscious option each day. But the C Hybrid takes things to the next level, with its compact size and reduced price tag that’s aimed to entice customers in big cities to finally make the switch to hybrids. Despite its smaller size, however, the car still has plenty of room inside for both passengers and cargo, and a fairly appealing exterior to boot.

2. Hyundai Elantra GT

Speaking of exterior design, it simply doesn’t get much better than the Hyundai Elantra GT. This stylish vehicle offers a spacious interior, great handling and superior fuel economy all rolled into one. And with a design inspired by cutting-edge European trends, the Elantra GT stands out amidst all rival vehicles. In 2016, Hyundai even released a refreshed version of the car that features an all-new grille as well as new 17-inch wheels, thus improving on its already gorgeous design and pushing the model to even greater heights. What’s more, the refreshed model also incorporates Apple’s Siri AI, which can be used to provide you with valuable information throughout your journeys.

3. BMW 7

As BMW’s flagship car, the BMW 7 has been produced by the German company since 1977, and is now currently in its sixth generation. Despite its considerable age, the model is still one of the most flexible and inspired vehicle choices for our times. The BMW 7 prizes agility and refinement above all, being the kind of car that can house a large family while also looking incredibly stylish on the road.

4. Fiat 500c 1957 Edition

If you’re in the mood for a retro-styled automobile that’s easy on the eyes as well as urban-friendly, you’ll find plenty to like about Fiat’s recent 1957 model. With good handling and compact size, the vehicle is ideal for parking in the kinds of cramped spots that are often all a big city can spare. With its impressive design and great mileage, the Fiat 500c 1957 Edition has all the tools to satisfy your commuting needs and become a perennial favorite in the process.

5. BMW X5

Despite being quite bulky, the BMW X5 is an agile vehicle for its class. It boasts a potent engine along with a comfortable interior filled with the best that technology has to offer. What’s more, the vehicle is designed with fuel economy in mind, an essential aspect when considering the many stops and starts that typify the big city driving experience. The X5 also has a massive trunk that’s perfect for carrying your belongings throughout town, as well as plenty of passenger space in the backseat.

6. Smart ForTwo

In contrast with our previous entry, Smart cars are known for their compact sizes that were designed to function best in a crowded urban environment. With this kind of car, it’s easy to maneuver and find parking spots even in the tiniest of spaces. Despite its limited appeal as a family car, the Smart ForTwo still packs a strong visual punch, and is an overall excellent choice for individuals who want to minimize the hassle of driving in a big city.

As you can see, drivers have more than a few options at their disposal when it comes to satiating their big city vehicle demands. But, as the science behind cars grows ever more advanced, new and innovative technologies for cars are sure to be introduced at a steady pace, with the ultimate goal of making life easier for the person sitting behind the wheel.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/michaelsanduso/the-6-best-cars-for-city-driving/

Benefits to business: Health and Safety Training in the Workplace

There are almost 3 million workplace injuries reported by the private industry in 2014 alone, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, nearly 5,000 of workplace accidents ended fatally in the same year. These figures are alarming and should inspire employers both in the private and public sectors to take greater measures to ensure their workforce is safe and secure at all times. This is where health and safety training programs come in. Despite the benefits of these programs, many employers remain stubborn about implementing it in their respective workplaces.

In many countries, such as Australia, health and safety managers are revered as assets to any company. Their efforts help ensure smooth business flow and for that, they are compensated with a handsome salary, somewhere around AUD$230,000. Here are five reasons to convince you why health and safety training programs are worth the investment.

Worker Safety

Business owners and employers are driven by profits. But while chasing the paychecks and bonuses, remind yourself of your moral obligation to take care of the people you hire. They clock in anywhere between 8 to 12 hours of their time per day just to keep your business growing and churning profits. The least you can do for them is to make sure they are safe from injury and illness. You’ll be able to think and work better every day knowing that you’ve done everything you could to guarantee your workforce’s well-being.

Enhanced Productivity

Tardiness and absences in the office can zap productivity levels. Staff members who suffer from back, hand or leg problems may lack the confidence or awareness to tell someone about their suffering and instead keep it to themselves. This results in them working slower to manage the discomfort. Employees who are trained in proper health and safety practices will be in a position to reduce the risk of illness and ensuing absences. Knowledge of good working temperatures and work schedule shifting will allow your workplace to thrive and be more productive.

Improved Reputation

A staff member could get sick because of poor workplace conditions. He/she goes out with family members or friends and the word spill out that there is no heating/cooling in the office or that they are being forced to work an unfair number of hours. Then, their family spreads the information to their friends and neighbors, each time denting your company’s reputation bit by bit. If you train your staff in a health and safety program, you empower them with the knowledge and skills to make decisions that affect their well-being. You are also put in a better position to make positive changes to the workplace environment.

Lower Insurance Premiums

Having health and safety managers on board and providing regular training to your employees with regards to health and safety all culminate to lower monthly premiums on your business insurance plan. Ongoing training will also ensure that the premiums remain low since there are few to no claims made. Any business that employs more than five people is bound by law to exercise everything in their power to protect the health and well-being of their staff members. If you refuse to take heed and remain negligent, you can be held accountable for injuries and illnesses that transpire in the workplace. This ends up with you being fined and doing prison time, which is bad for your business’ solvency and your reputation as a business owner and CEO.

Lower Turnover Rate

It costs money to train new staff members thus it’s only pragmatic to try and keep your turnover numbers at a low. One way to do so is by showing your employees that you care for their well-being through health and safety training.

Health and safety are often forgone for maximum productivity and efficiency. In the end, however, the hands and brains behind every task and operation in your business lie within the very employees and staff members designated to perform them.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/twitter-epicninjadaboss/benefits-to-business-health-and-safety-training-in-the-workplace/

6 Best Online Survey Services

Online surveys are a great way for a company to gather valuable data – they are more efficient than phone surveys, definitely less uncomfortable and time-consuming. When it comes to surveyors, however, they can benefit greatly from online surveys – many rewards and discounts are more than likely to be available, while there is no personal conversation they might find unpleasant. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best online survey services available out there.

Toluna

This site works on behalf of leading companies, gathering opinions about certain products, services and ideas. What’s in it for you, as a surveyor? Well, many Amazon vouchers, prize draws and even free products. If you gather about 80,000 points (you get 3,000 to 6,000 per survey), you get a £15 voucher. Set aside at least a bit of your time for trying this service out – it might be worth it!

OnePoll

OnePoll might not excel at the number of rewards, but they are great, when it comes to concrete rewards – you either earn cash or PayPal payments. The best part of this survey service is the fact that it is widely known for the shortness of their surveys and a wide variety of topics. You can expect 10p-£1 per survey, so, if you have some free time on your hands and are somewhat of a procrastinator, give this one a go – surveys are really fun to answer!

Opinion Outpost

Fast payments and generally fun surveys are the backbone of Opinion Outpost’s popularity, which makes this service on the very top of paid surveys list. The rewards to expect here are cash and ever-popular Amazon Vouchers. They pay 50p per survey, with a minimum reward threshold of £2.50. Each survey takes 10-15 minutes and you only need to complete 5 to be due a payout.

OpinionPanel

If you are a student looking to get some pocket money quickly, OpinionPanel might be a great choice – you get £10 just for signing up and can earn way more for diligently filling out surveys. OpinionPanel is by-and-large the greatest research panel for students and graduates in the UK. The rewards comprise Amazon and high-street, Bonusbond vouchers, so you can hope to earn £1-2 per survey, or even £30 – £70 for online focus groups. The minimum reward thresholds is £25 for students only!

PopulusLive

This service provides statistics to the press and current affairs programmes, and it offers only cash as rewards. You are looking to get paid an approximate amount of £2 per survey, with a minimum reward threshold of 50 points, which makes for approximate £50. The decent payouts that this service offers have made it somewhat popular and you can expect to earn £1 for every 5 minutes of filling out the questionnaires. Keep in mind, however, that you should be extremely careful with your answers, as they have quality checks put into place to whisker the cheaters away – the information truly matters to PopulusLive.

Ipsos

If you are a participant to a larger number of surveys, Ipsos may prove for a valid income. With this service, you are looking to get paid £10+ a month in rewards, such as High-street and Amazon vouchers, as well as prize draws for all members. An approximate of £1 per survey is to be expected, with a minimum reward threshold of £10. It should be also mentioned that Ipsos is a well-trusted panel.

Filling surveys is a great way to get paid online, while making a valid contribution to your favourite brand. All 6 online survey services are well-trusted and you should keep in mind that the majority is equipped with anti-cheat systems – don’t go out filling out the questionnaires just like that – provide valuable information instead.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/marcusjensen/6-best-online-survey-services/

Group or Solo Studying? How to Tell Which Study Method is Best for You

If you’ve got an upcoming quiz, exam, midterm, or final, you may be feeling like it is time to sit down and do some studying. While studying is essential for being a successful student at any education level, considering whether to study alone or in a group is a question you should ponder.

While both have benefits and downfalls, finding the study method that suits your particular needs is very important. After all, time may not always be on your side, so you want to make sure to maximize every one of those crucial minutes of studying.

Studying alone
For some students, having time to shut out all distractions in order to study is beneficial — but others may find they simply cannot retain all of the valuable information they should be. Here are some pros of studying alone:

Pace
Arguably the biggest benefit to studying alone is that you are able to move at a pace that is helpful for just you and how you learn. If you need extra time to review flashcards or skim a section in your textbook, you most certainly can do that. Prioritizing topics you know less about is easy to do when studying alone.

Quiet
If peace and quiet are necessities for your study routine, studying in a serene place by yourself can provide you with just that. There is no need to spark up conversations or discuss topics with others — just simply put your headphones in and hit the books.

Ease
Studying alone is simple. Whenever your schedule allows for a cram session, you can fit one in — no need to rely on others, here. Plus, you can pick up those class notes and give them a read literally anywhere. Heading to the gym? Bring the audio recording of your class lectures. Long bus ride? Flip through those vocabulary notecards one last time. Studying alone is easy because it fully revolves around you.

Studying in groups
Studying with a group can be largely beneficial for many students, especially those who may be lacking an understanding of the coursework or for those who find value in having discussions about the topics on an upcoming exam. However, some students may find they simply cannot concentrate in a group setting. The following are benefits of studying in groups:

Discussion
Group study sessions are the perfect opportunity to discuss all of the potential topics on the upcoming test and have each group member contribute his or her insight on such topics. Each individual may have a different interpretation of the course materials and it can be exponentially valuable for other students to hear and learn from varying perspectives. For classes that are opinion-based or theory-heavy, hearing other opinions can help broaden your thoughts and expose you to a different way of thinking.

Fill in gaps
Let’s face it — school can be challenging at times. It may be tough to fully comprehend every single topic that your teacher wants to you master. Studying in groups allows students to put their brains together and fill in those knowledge gaps. Putting your notes and level of understanding together can be valuable for all.

Staying focused
While group sessions can go awry, you may also find that you can count on these group study sessions to fit in some solid studying time (no excuses allowed!). What better way to get motivated than to be surrounded by a group of people who are in similar shoes as you? Remember to let being surrounded by others work in your favor, not soak up your valuable time.

Studying in groups and studying alone both have benefits, but be sure to always keep your needs in mind. You know yourself best, so make sure to choose the option that allows you to study hard and study well.
Jenny Modlisz is a contributing writer for Varsity Tutors, a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/varsitytutors/group-or-solo-studying-how-to-tell-which-study-method-is-best-for-you/

6 Useful Tips on How to Improve the Management of Your Finances

Many people do not take the task of money management seriously until it’s already too late. So, it would be best to avoid such a scenario. Start managing your finances as soon as you get the job. If you don’t have any experience in this area, then you should follow the tips presented in this article. Here, you’ll be able to find some very useful suggestions, and money saving tactics that will ensure a financially stable future. So, here are six useful tips on how to improve your money management.

Track your spendings with great precision

Just like the good old saying goes: “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” So, if you are to be efficient at this task, you’ll need to track your expenses closely. Whenever someone asks you about your expenses, you probably respond with bills and food. However, almost everyone is surprised when they go through their spending history.

There are always some unexpected expenses, of course, but we fail to notice every little thing we purchase, and at the end of the month, these small purchases drain most of our budget. So, always write down or monitor how you spend money for a more thorough overview.

Create a monthly spending plan you can follow

Once you receive your paycheck, you need to calculate how much money you need to pay the bills, and how much you will have left. Once you divide the leftover sum with 30, you’ll get your daily budget. However, it’s never a good idea to live from one paycheck to another, so adjust the budget in accordance to a daily spending plan that you can follow. If you want to start saving, see if you can reduce the amount of money you are paying for the bills, and be more diligent with your electricity and heating.

Use apps to help you out

You can also use apps to help you manage your expenses. There is an app called Betterment, and it can easily calculate and solve your budget management problems. Another way in which apps can help you is to use them to earn money.

You can use an app called GrabPoints, to earn points by voting or leaving reviews and you can then cash in all the points you’ve earned. Finally, you can use those websites that allow you to do surveys in order to either earn money or get discounts. All it takes is 20 minutes a day, and you’ll earn a decent amount of extra cash.

Pay the bills on time

It’s important to pay your bills on time; otherwise, they will only cost you more, and you won’t get discounts for being a diligent citizen. This is why you need to immediately set aside the money for those expenses and why you must remember to pay them immediately after they arrive.

Take advantage of discounts and coupons

You have no idea just how much discounts and customer-based incentives are out there, which is why it is always better to shop over the internet. There are so many ecommerce websites and you can easily find the item you want at a lower price. You can also collect coupons to lower the prices of the mundane items you purchase, so make sure you are always up to date with these things because you’ll end up saving a lot of money without any trouble at all.

Use techniques that can help you save money

Finally, you need to know how to save money efficiently. There are some really easy tactics for this as well. You can put all your change in a jar or a piggy bank – the oldest trick in the book, and it really works. You can create a weekly challenge.

Basically, you put aside a sum at the end of each week and double the amount at the end of the next one, and you do this until the end of the month ($1,$2,$4,$8). Lastly, you can start working as a freelance writer, since a lot of writing jobs can be found online, which is another way to get some extra cash and save up for a rainy day.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/nmanojlovic/6-useful-tips-on-how-to-improve-the-management-of-your-finances/

When Wanderlust Hits Hard: 5 Cheap Travelling Options to Consider

It’s been a month since you’ve last felt the pebbles in your shoes, and the familiar wanderlust has already started to itch. The world is yet again open and there is so much to see, taste and experience, but the problem you have is quite a common one – globe-trotting requires a full wallet, and yours is currently empty. Here are our top 5 options for traveling cheap (or free, if the luck serves you well).

1. Swapping & Sitting

 

In case you haven’t already heard, house-swapping is a real thing, and there is a number of acclaimed and verified websites that can provide you with this option. However spectacular and cost-effective, this option does come with a couple of catches. Firstly, if the location of your house is not a particularly attractive one, you might have a hard time finding a person willing to swap their cozy accommodation for yours, thus swapping locations along the way.

Even if you do live somewhere fancy enough, most of these websites require a registration fee, but then again, it’s a quite negligible one in comparison to what you get in return. House-swapping is a viable option for those looking for a bit more than an empty hotel room, if you are able to provide the same level of coziness in exchange. As always, be careful to do an extra safety check on both the website and the potential swapper.

When compared to this variant, house-sitting certainly seems like a less risky option, which is why it is usually quite harder to find. If lucky, you’ll have to take care of a stranger’s home for a period of time, water the plants, walk the dog and be sure to leave the premises in the exact same conditions as you first found them.

2. Volunteering To Make a Difference

 

If roaming around isn’t your only goal, but you actually want to make some difference in the world you’ve been so devotedly exploring over the years, then volunteering for a job, fundraising or a charity organization is an option made just for you. Numerous independent organizations are interested in hiring young and willing people to support their cause on the spot, and most of them are ready to cover your travel and accommodation expenses.

However, they usually demand a lot of your free time and require somewhat strict preferences and skills, but if helping others is your primary concern, than you probably already have what it takes. As an interesting combo of two options, trading labor for hostel accommodation is a good way of paying for a room while living in one.

You can advertise your offer online, research online providers that are experienced in these kinds of services, or simply connect with a number of hostel managers and pitch them your proposal directly. The same applies to other types of short-term jobs, like au pair or fruit picking for instance, which are just as advantageous as hostel work.

3. Hiking & Surfing

 

Slightly risky indeed, but quite safe for responsible adventurers, hitchhiking is one of the most popular ways of traveling with only a bit of many to offer for gas and other expenses (which most of the drivers will refuse to take anyway). In some countries, however, this practice is prohibited by law, which is why carpooling is a way better and safer manner of commuting. This is another option available for arranging online, and unlike hitchhiking, it allows you the opportunity of meeting with your fellow traveler beforehand.

When combined with carpooling, couch-surfing makes an unforgettable experience. Even if not looking forward to the idea of staying with a stranger, remember that meeting foreigners is the whole essence of traveling far and the only authentic way of experiencing new countries and their cultures. In case you’re determined to stay a lone ranger, we have a couple of options more to suggest to your travel-loving heart.

4. Being Fast Is Being Smart

 

Although not free, booking in advance is the smartest way of traveling cheap, and this option applies both to commute and accommodation costs. Budget airlines are a big thing in Europe, which is why joining flights in the Old Continent even if going elsewhere is always a clever move.

These airlines, as well as other means of transportation like bus and ship drives come with a variety of options, and since the market is so saturated, there’s always at least one provider offering special deals, travel coupons and last minute tickets. Be sure to research them all ahead of time – the sooner you book, the cheaper you’ll travel.

5. Educate or Dare

 

UNESCO Study Abroad Guide is the single most priceless perk good students are entitled to (except knowledge itself, of course), and there’s a similar scholarship program offered at almost every campus as well. The requirements for applying vary from place to place, but if you’re keen enough to read on the bus, learn new languages or improve your expertise on the intercontinental level, don’t be lazy enough to let this opportunity pass you by.

In case you’ve been busy with rambling around during your college years and your grades are simply not good enough for you to leverage them, you’ll have to “settle” for a little more daring option. Charity organizations across the world provide an opportunity, at least once a year, for adventurers to travel as far as they can get in order to raise awareness for a specific cause.

You’ll probably need to be ready to pitch the idea to sponsors yourself, but that’s not the only catch – your travel will have to be an expedition of some kind, and you’ll most likely have to take a less comfortable route like climbing Mount Everest or cruising through India. If going where no one has yet been thrills your wondering spirit, then this option is definitely for you.

“To travel is to live” is the most beautiful fairytale Andersen has endowed us with. To those who understand it, traveling with no money at all will always be an open road.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/aleksandarilic/when-wanderlust-hits-hard-5-cheap-travelling-options-to-consider/

10 Things That Every Woman Must Own

When it comes to clothing and accessories, women differ vastly in terms of taste and preferences. Some have a large wardrobe filled with items they’ve only worn once, while others take a much more frugal approach to dressing up. Nevertheless, there are certain things that every woman should own in order to make the most of any situation that comes her way. The following wardrobe staples have become mainstays of female fashion for a reason, and you should definitely consider investing in them if you haven’t already:

Your favorite jewellery

All women, even those who prefer wearing relatively little jewellery, have a few favorites pieces in their collection. From earrings to necklaces to bracelets, jewellery comes in a lot of forms, so choose the ones that best fit your style and personality and keep them somewhere safe. As most pieces of jewellery (except rings) don’t need to be tried on, online jewellery shopping is a great way to bulk up your collection and find great value pieces.

A trusty timepiece

A truly great watch is a lifetime piece, something that’s worth saving enough money for. And women’s watches can be just as elegant and stylish as men’s watches, if not moreso. Stainless steel or leather are popular materials for bracelets, while medium-sized round dials will work best for most women.

A forever bag

Every woman needs a handbag or a shoulder bag in which they can hold their belongings. While women generally have plenty of options at their disposal, it’s important to own at least one bag that you know is large enough to hold everything you’d like to store in it, yet small enough to look elegant alongside you.

A pair of black pumps

Even if you aren’t the kind of girl that goes for pumps on most occasions, there will still be certain situations where old-fashioned elegance is a must. For those times, a sturdy pair of black pumps will do just fine. They work well with everything from dresses to skirts and even trousers, and look best unadorned or decorated with a simple pattern.

Your fragrance of choice

Many girls have a keen sense of smell and delight in the various fragrances that surround them. Whether it’s a perfume, a body lotion or a cream, look for the scent that you feel best encapsulates you as a person and find a way to integrate it into your daily routine.

A sensual evening dress

Evening dresses are typically associated with special events where a more sophisticated style is necessary. Choose one simple dress that’s easy to maintain and goes well with almost any accessory. If possible, pick something with a V-neck and a fitted waist that accentuates your figure, while still being appropriate enough to wear at a more conservative event.

A black suit

In the business world, casual dresses and pants sometimes just won’t do, and when it comes to important job interviews or corporate events, a black suit may be the best way to go. Luckily, the modern business suit ensemble for women is fairly comfortable and can be found in all price ranges. Remember, however, that you get what you pay for, so it might be worth paying a bit more in the beginning in order to purchase a quality suit that won’t fail you later on.

Your go-to lipstick

Few things make a woman more memorable than her smile. So keep on smiling with your favorite colour on hand to give your lips that fresh and full look that everyone loves. Whether you opt for gloss or matte lipsticks, make sure that your choice properly conveys your style and personality while also complementing your outfit as a whole.

A pair of metallic strappy sandals

Sandals aren’t merely reserved for those sultry summer months. In fact, they can prove to be a great footwear choice whenever the weather allows it. Opt for pair that’s equal parts comfortable and alluring, with regular size high heels and a slight platform for added comfort.

A winter coat

Speaking of weather, outside temperature should always factor in your choice of outfits, and any woman should own a comfortable winter coat that will provide much-needed warmth throughout those chilly days and evenings. As far as colours go, choose something with a neutral hue like brown or beige, both of which work well with almost anything.

As you can see, there are some items out there that no woman should ever be without. With the aforementioned essentials on hand at all times, however, you’ll always know what to reach for, making your life that bit easier.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/twitter-epicninjadaboss/10-things-that-every-woman-must-own/

How to Get Your Finances in Order in 60 Minutes

This article is going to be very straightforward, because we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to get your finances in order within an hour. When these 60 minutes have passed, you will have a complete overview of your finances and you’ll be able to set clear goals. So, set aside an hour of your time and let’s get started.

Gather Everything in One Place

Take a piece of paper and a pen, write down all of your debts and separate them with an individual amount written beside each of them. Also, write down all of your investments and banking account information with the value or amount for each one.

Check Your Credit

In this step, you need to go visit AnnualCreditReport.com, to pull one free report of a credit bureau you choose, and once you get your report, look through it for discrepancies. If you by any chance have revolving credit card debt, you will need to switch to cash. Credit cards can in this case be a great tool, but you should not think about anything rewarding until you are out of debt.

Start Planning Your Budget

Take a piece of paper and write down your entire net income, after you pay your taxes of course, and make sure to include all sources. After that, write down every category you are spending your money on; for example, clothing, groceries, etc. Then, write down a n estimate of how much you think you can limit each one of those categories each month, and spend the next month tracking your every purchase to get a clear idea on those amounts.

Come Up with a Debt Payment Plan

Do not instantly think that you need to hire a professional debt relief company. If you are facing so much debt that you do not know where to start from and you are facing some legal problems, you need to consult a lawyer, because going to a debt relief company will not do anything for you that you cannot already do on your own.

So, figure out the amount of debt you owe. It will be easy if you have already done the steps above. If some of your debt has high interest rates, you can consider a balance transfer and save on the interest that way. There are two ways to start paying off your debt: the debt snowball and the debt avalanche, so choose one that suits you best and start working on this fast.

Do a Calculation on Your Emergency Fund

Come up with a plan to save $1000 as soon as possible, by getting into an investing game and using one of the leading robo-advisors, or by taking up a temporary side job. Try to figure out how much money you are going to need to cover your living expenses for one half of the year and think about having an emergency fund, if an emergency struck. Decide what amount you are going to save each month and save until you have fully funded your emergency fund.

Plan for Your Retirement

First, you need to check if your 401 k or any equitable fund matches or at least contributes enough to get a decent retirement, and for other retirement investing options, you need to decide whether the plan of your company or your own plan will be more efficient. Once you make your decision, you need to set a goal for contributing; of course, once you have paid off your debt. If you are considering to invest into your retirement plan on your own, make sure to educate yourself properly.

After you have gone through all of this, live within your means and return to this plan once every year, because if you do, you will be many steps ahead of the majority. With so many free online guides on how to invest, save money, plan a budget and pay off your debt, nothing can stop you. But, if your finances are not in order, you need to get them in order today, and if they are, remember the steps you did to get them there, and nothing will be able to stop you.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/aleksandarilic/how-to-get-your-finances-in-order-in-60-minutes/