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5 Ways To Pad Your Retirement Fund When You’re Self-Employed

When you’re self-employed, there are days that retirement sounds like a dream come true. Others, it feels like a pipe dream. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at the thought of dropping your income and living solely off a savings account. Whether you’re the sole provider for your family or you bring in the secondary income, you can prepare to retire the way you want by starting now.

5 Ways To Pad Your Retirement Fund When You’re Self-Employed

Contribute To A Roth IRA

If you’re self-employed and run a small business, it’s highly likely that you don’t have a 401(k) that you’re able to contribute to each month. You’re also not getting the company match because, well, you are the company. There is a strong alternative to a 401(k) in a Roth IRA. [Read more…]

Good Coffee Equals Happy Mom

Mom pages, blogs, and forums come with quintessential quotes about coffee and wine. For many, caffeine starts the day and keeps it going, providing the energy to keep up with the little ones and everything else on their plates.

Good Coffee Equals Happy Mom

Not any brew will suffice, though. So, instead of replacing your water intake with endless cups of sugary, milky drinks, why not discover ways to make the most of this magical drink? 

Caffeine for Super-Moms

If you want to be the mom who does it all, coffee is the trick up your sleeve. Benefits include:

  • Health. This drink packs quite a punch in the health department, helping you burn fat and reducing the risk of diabetes.
  • Energy. Caffeine is a life-saver after a long night of teething.
  • Alone time. A cup of Joe calling your name gives you an excuse to slow down for a moment.

Mornings and Afternoons Made Easier

Coffee is a fantastic way to kickstart your day with a ritual that feels good, giving you a moment of embracing the quiet.

Get the brew going while you brush your teeth, and have a tall glass of water and a quick bite as it cools. Give yourself half an hour before waking the kids to get in a positive mood for when the munchkins get up. 

You might be itching for a second dose as early as 10 am, but wait until lunch. That way, you’ll speed up digestion, avoid the afternoon slump, and supply some extra vigor to push through the pm. Sip on it while helping your kids with homework or catch up with your partner over a cup.

Whatever ritual you choose, the timing you opt for determines how much it energizes you, but that’s only one of its roles. Seeing this simple drink as a routine that you maintain for yourself amps up your mood and helps you feel fantastic about life.

Preparation Matters

Most people who believe they don’t enjoy coffee only ever tried the regular black brew. So, they use snacks and energy drinks whenever they get drowsy, which harms their health and adds unnecessary calories to their days.

With the proper brewing method, this beverage can taste however you desire.

Invest in high-quality beans – you can read about blends on Good Fika – and a machine that brews the ideal drink every time with little to no effort on your end.

  • Espresso. If you’re in a rush, a short espresso is your best bet, providing you with a quick energy boost.
  • Drip. These devices ask you only to add some filtered water and beans to the machine.
  • French press. Enthusiasts could try the French version for a richer taste.

Try these options as the base, and start experimenting with cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas the next time you’re feeling adventurous.

Coffee Considerations

Finally, remember that there’s a thin line between enjoying your java and overdoing it. Keep the following in mind:

  • Amount. Stick to up to three cups a day.
  • Sugar. Vanilla toppings and caramel foam taste like magic. Still, stay mindful of your sugar intake.
  • Timing. Don’t have a cup too close to bedtime to avoid a restless night.
  • Nutrition and hydration. Coffee might suppress your appetite, but don’t forget to treat your body with healthy meals and fresh, plain water.

Get Energized and Enjoy Life

Overall, coffee can maximize the enjoyment you get from your day-to-day life and help you tackle chores head-on. Use these tips to determine your preferences for the perfect brew and find comfort in this yummy drink.

6 Ways To Get Better Sleep

If you get seven to eight hours of sleep each night and still wake up exhausted, your sleep quality may be suffering. Whether you realize it or not, you may be waking up multiple times a night, which can disrupt REM sleep. This part of your sleep cycle is essential to helping your body and mind recover so you can wake up feeling refreshed. Subsequently, poor sleep can leave you exhausted and even more tired than the day before. 

6 Ways To Get Better Sleep

Luckily, there are a few ways to get better sleep so you aren’t battling chronic fatigue.  [Read more…]

4 DIY & Art Projects Everyone Needs To Try At Least Once

Underneath all our logic, everyone has a creative instinct. It’s what we tapped into when we were kids, but as we get older, we often start to suppress our creativity. We often make the mistake of thinking only trained artists can make amazing things, but what if you could unleash your creativity with some fun and simple projects of your own? 

4 DIY & Art Projects Everyone Needs To Try At Least Once

The world of DIY and art is actually so easy to navigate with the help of tutorials. You don’t need to sculpt a museum-worthy piece to be considered an artist. One of the coolest things you can do is create things that enhance your home and make it more reflective of your personal style. Here are some amazing and simple projects you can do at home. 
[Read more…]