affordable living Archives - Other CMS https://test25.louieambriz.com/tag/affordable-living/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:10:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 How To Save on Airline Tickets All Year Round https://test25.louieambriz.com/how-to-save-on-airline-tickets-all-year-round/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-save-on-airline-tickets-all-year-round Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:10:25 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1356 Taking a trip soon? Need a vacation? Check out these tips on how to save $$ on airline tickets all year round!

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How To Save on Airline Tickets All Year Round

While U.S. traffic remains heaviest around the fall-winter holidays, there is in truth no off-season for air travel in this country. Be it the depths of winter or the height of summer, airports and aircraft across the country are packed with people flying hither and you for work and/or pleasure.

Which means that more Americans than ever are actively working to score the best flights possible at the lowest fares available. To be sure, those goals are often in conflict with each other but that doesn’t mean savvy travelers can’t find the flights they want at a price that won’t break the budget. Here are a few strategies to consider the next time you’re deciding how best to get away from it all.

Time Is of The Essence: One glance at an airline website reveals how departure and arrival times significantly impact ticket prices, with midday flights tending to be more expensive than their early morning or red-eye counterparts. The reason, of course, is that most travelers don’t want to fly through the night or be at the airport before the crack of dawn. On the other hand, if you don’t mind travelling under those conditions, there are bargains galore to be found.

Day by Day: In that same spirit, the day you choose to travel greatly impacts your ticket cost. If your schedule is flexible, there is money to be saved traveling on nonpeak days. Also consider flying on actual holidays, when the planes and terminals are usually emptier, and prices can be as much 50% cheaper.

When To Book?: Veteran travelers for years have been bombarded with conflicting opinions regarding when airfares for a given trip will be at their lowest. Some experts suggest the early the better is best, while others say, no, wait until the last minute. This lack of clarity is nothing if not frustrating. The latest school of thought appears to split the difference by urging travelers to book domestic flights two to three weeks in advance but buy their tickets up to six months ahead of time for international travel.

Compare, Compare, Compare: It’s a no-brainer, for sure, but it’s always worth reiterating the importance of putting in the time to thoroughly research the whole range of airline and flight options available to you. Some details to consider are any potential additional fees the airline might slap you with and each flight’s on-board amenities, along with flight duration, number of stops and layover lengths. (No one relishes the prospect of running desperately through an airport to make a connection.)

Connectivity: Speaking of connections, if you are willing to sacrifice convenience for more cash in your wallet, consider connecting flights. These are traditionally cheaper than direct ones, although they often come with their own set of complications.

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    At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.



    The post How To Save on Airline Tickets All Year Round appeared first on Other CMS.

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    Tips for Throwing A Great Graduation Party https://test25.louieambriz.com/tips-for-throwing-a-great-graduation-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-for-throwing-a-great-graduation-party Fri, 10 May 2024 21:18:29 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1344 Do you have a grad to be in your life? Have you thought about the celebration after graduation? Here are a few tips to help guide you through the process.

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    Tips for Throwing A Great Graduation Party

    The coming of spring is always welcome after months of wintry temperatures and precipitation, but for high school and college seniors it is particularly anticipated, the season bringing with it the opportunity to don caps and gowns. Graduation ceremonies are important events in young people’s lives, serving to celebrate current achievements while pointing those seniors toward the future.

    That’s serious stuff, which helps explain why many proud parents across the country are planning to throw graduation parties this spring. If you find yourself among that number, here are some tips to keep in mind to make your bash is truly one to remember.

    Consult the Calendar: As with so many other aspects of life, it pays to get a jump on the party project rather than throw it together at the last minute. Pick the day, set the guest list and send out invitations as soon as you can to avoid any potential scheduling conflicts and ensure the best turnout.

    Night Moves: As anyone who’s ever thrown a party knows, the Big Day brings not just guests but stress. You can alleviate this problem to a degree by taking care of as many details as possible the night before. Set up tables, chairs and decor, and clean your place so food and drinks are the only things you need to worry about the next day. If you have guests who aren’t physically coming to your home, think about how to provide the best video chat experience; set up the device in a room with natural lighting and a strong internet connection.

    Good Neighbor Policy: If you’re expecting a large group of people, do the right thing and let your neighbors next door and across the street know ahead of time. They will thank you for the heads up regarding potential noise and parking hassles and might even want to attend.

    Furnish Furniture: It’s tempting, particularly on a pleasant spring afternoon, to envision your graduation party as an informal backyard affair, with guests strolling around, chatting amiably among themselves, noshing off paper plates. Fight that temptation. The reality is that your guests no matter their age will eventually want to sit down. As host, make sure you have enough tables and chairs on hand to accommodate everyone.
     
    Set the Stage: You can make a statement as soon as guests walk through the door by setting up a special entrance table with your grad’s picture and other school memorabilia, as well as a wishes jar or guest book in which partygoers can jot down sweet notes and words of advice. The table also provides the perfect place to drop off gifts.

    Pick the Tunes: There was a lot of hassle in earning that tassel, so now it’s time to let loose. Program music to play in the background to set the party’s mood and make sure to clear an area for dancing.


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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post Tips for Throwing A Great Graduation Party appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Tips for Staging a Successful Garage Sale https://test25.louieambriz.com/tips-for-staging-a-successful-garage-sale/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-for-staging-a-successful-garage-sale Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:27:21 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1296 Are you considering condensing some of the clutter around your house? A garage sale is a great way to do so! Here are some tips for staging a successful garage sale.

      The post Tips for Staging a Successful Garage Sale appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Tips for Staging a Successful Garage Sale

      It seems there are few things more purely American than the weekend garage sale. Whether you’re heading out for your Saturday morning walk or are in the car running errands, chances are good you will come across more than a few entrepreneurial households dedicating their weekend time and energy into converting a selection of worldly possessions into cold, hard cash.

      And while it’s true that certain segments of the population love nothing more than cruising garage sales, that is no guarantee they’ll show up at your driveway. Here are few steps you can take to make sure your sale is a rousing success.

      Permit Me: Before you prep for your sale, check your city or county government website for permit requirements. If you do need a permit, most places make it super simple: You can easily apply online, and usually don’t have to pay a fee. And it’s definitely worth looking into a permit, as the fine you might receive could cancel out the money you made at the sale.

      Clean House: Let’s face facts – a garage sale provides the perfect excuse for decluttering your house. Now is the time to clean out that hallway closet you’ve been using simply to store stuff. And while you’re at it, dig through your garage, basement, attic, other closets, cabinets and under all the beds. If you don’t use it or wear it often, it probably needs to go. The result for you will be extra money and extra space.

      Start Sorting: Once you’ve collected your items, sort them into three basic categories: Keep, Sell and Trash. Your main goal in this step is to get rid of the junk that’s been cluttering your house and find a permanent home for those items you wish to keep. What’s left is what’s going on sale.

      Set the Date: Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings are usually the best time to hold a garage sale but here’s an insider tip: Consider scheduling your sale on the first weekend of the month, when people have just reloaded their personal spending and fun money. And here’s another tip: Don’t forget to check the forecast before you hang up signs around the neighborhood. Rainy days keep buyers away.

      Be Prepared: A successful garage sale can easily eat up the lion’s share of your weekend, so take steps to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. For example, make sure you have a table and chairs set up in the designated area to cash people out. (This will also help you stay comfortable.) You’ll need some space to show off all the one-of-a-kind items you’re selling, so set out tables, blankets, boxes and storage containers. Whatever you do, make sure breakable items are supported on a stable surface.

      Swipe Those Cards: It might seem odd to say this about a garage sale, but you are sure to increase sales if you accept digital payments. Download a free app like Venmo or PayPal to your smartphone or check out services like Square or Stax. It’s true, cash is always king, but taking other forms of payment can improve your bottom line.

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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post Tips for Staging a Successful Garage Sale appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Tips for Happy Hiking for Seniors https://test25.louieambriz.com/tips-for-happy-hiking-for-seniors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-for-happy-hiking-for-seniors Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:34:30 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1293 Hiking is for everyone! Here are some tips for happy hiking seniors. There are lots of benefits that come with hiking, check them out!

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      Tips for Happy Hiking for Seniors

      Hiking has long been recognized as an ideal form of exercise for us as we get older. Getting out there and hitting the trail enables seniors to enjoy nature and revel in the scenery. It also packs plenty of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of falling and fracturing bones; lessening the chance of developing coronary heart disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure or diabetes; and improving muscle strength and stamina.

      In terms of mental health, hiking helps stave off depression and anxiety by supporting an enhanced sense of well-being. Just bear in mind, that while there is no such thing as being “too old” to hike, they’re a few factors senior hikers should consider before stepping out.

      Start Slowly: After clearing your new hobby with your doctor, make sure to take it slow. If you haven’t walked a lot recently, start taking daily strolls, making each one a little longer as you build up to your first hike. Stretch before embarking on your journey and begin with smaller trails before working your way up to something longer.

      Your Trail: It’s vitally important to choose trails that feel right for you. Never feel pressured to exert yourself or go beyond your comfort level — you don’t need to try to keep up with your friends. If you’re planning on hiking with someone else, do some research first and choose a trail that is comfortable for both of you. Never feel bad about taking breaks. Listen to your body.

      Watch the Skies: There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a rainstorm in the middle of a hike. Always check the weather before you leave home to avoid any unwelcome challenges. Also make sure to bring everything you need for the day. If the weather looks less than ideal, cancel the hike. Safety first!

      Communication Is Key: If hiking alone, it’s always a good idea to tell a friend or family member where you’ve parked your car and what trail you’re taking. Be as specific as possible and include your estimated start and end times. If hiking with others, be sure to include all their contact information.

      Be Prepared: Plan ahead by packing all the supplies you’ll need. These include such items as a hat, raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. Dressing in layers is also a good idea — when you’re hiking uphill, your body will heat up; walking downhill, it will likely cool a bit.

      Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This can’t be emphasized enough — pack more than enough water. Hydration is key for every type of exercise and hiking is no different. You don’t want to become dehydrated out there.

      Group Therapy: Going on a solo hike is fine but heading out in a group can be safer. It also fosters camaraderie and nothing will beat that feeling when you and your friends all reach your destination.

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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post Tips for Happy Hiking for Seniors appeared first on Other CMS.

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      How to Conduct Midyear Financial Checkup https://test25.louieambriz.com/how-to-conduct-midyear-financial-checkup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-conduct-midyear-financial-checkup Thu, 24 Aug 2023 23:11:45 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1276 Where does the money go? Are you saving for a rainy day, trying to cut debt, or both? Read on to find out how to conduct a midyear financial checkup.

      The post How to Conduct Midyear Financial Checkup appeared first on Other CMS.

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      How to Conduct Midyear Financial Checkup

      While summer is more readily associated with baseball, barbecues and beach parties, the season also provides the ideal opportunity to take stock of your saving and spending with a midyear financial checkup. As of July 1, the first half of the year is the rearview mirror, so reviewing the current state of your finances will enable you to determine whether you are on track to meet your annual goals.

      It also can prove invaluable come tax time, as the checkup can reveal whether you are earmarking enough money each month for state and federal taxes. Confirming this now – and making any needed adjustments – lessens the likelihood you’ll encounter any unwelcome tax season surprises. Here are a few steps you can take to help you accurately assess your midyear financial health.

      Is That 401(k) OK?: Retirement will be here before you know it, so double check to ensure you’re doing all you can to make it a happy and prosperous one. Make sure you’re contributing enough to your 401(k) to collect any employer match to which you are entitled; after all, who wants to leave free money on the table? Your goal is to max out your tax-favored retirement plan – 401(k), 403(b), IRA – to build that nest egg and access any potential current-year tax deductions.

      Cut the Debt: There is no escaping some debt, of course; think student loans and home mortgages. Credit cards, however, regularly come with double-digit interest rates that can wreak havoc on your budget and overall quality of life, particularly with the Fed prepared to raise rates at least one or two more times this year. The most effective debt-reduction strategy is to tackle the card with the highest rate first, while continuing to make minimum monthly payments on the others to avoid late fees. Once that first debt is eliminated, move on to the next highest rate card until you are debt-free. In the interim, make sure you don’t pay for any new purchases with plastic.

      Saving for A Rainy Day: Mid-year is also an opportune moment to ensure your emergency fund is up to snuff. Financial professionals recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses set aside in a liquid, interest bearing account, such as a money market fund or savings account, for life’s little emergencies. If you don’t have an emergency fund, there’s no time like the present to start one.

      Where Does the Money Go?: The National Foundation for Credit Counseling suggests consumers, regardless of their financial position, track their spending for at least 30 days annually to get a better sense of where their money is going and to establish better spending and saving habits. Write down every cent and put your spending into categories. Look for opportunities to liberate cash flow by cancelling memberships in clubs you don’t use, slashing your cable bill and swapping one trip per year for a staycation.

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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post How to Conduct Midyear Financial Checkup appeared first on Other CMS.

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      How to Handle Those Post-Vacation Blues https://test25.louieambriz.com/how-to-handle-those-post-vacation-blues/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-handle-those-post-vacation-blues Fri, 11 Aug 2023 22:49:54 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1271 Just returning from vacation and 'Back to Reality' has you feeling down? Check out these tips to ease yourself back into your every day routine.

      The post How to Handle Those Post-Vacation Blues appeared first on Other CMS.

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      How to Handle Those Post-Vacation Blues

      Your vacation should be highlight of your summer, those days and weeks when you trade the cares and woes of home and the workplace for the relaxation and exhilaration that accompany kicking back or taking to the road. Moreover, decades of research confirm how critical those breaks are in bolstering mental health and empowering people to take on the challenges the rest of the year is sure to present.

      That transition, however, can be difficult, and some people grapple with minor dread and depression at the prospect of returning to their “real” lives after a wonderful vacation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ease your way back into your routine without feeling overwhelmed and overworked.

      Take A Day: If your schedule allows, be sure to make the day after you arrive home a buffer day. That means no work, no plans and a full day dedicated to getting back into the swing of things. Unpack those bags, get the washer and dryer going, go through the mail and spend some quality time with those pets. Just 24 hours spent in this way will greatly facilitate your transition back to your regular life.

      You’ve Got Mail: There’s nothing worse than returning to a slew of angry emails from people wondering where you are and why you’re not responding to them. To avoid that, be sure to notify people ahead of time regarding the dates you won’t be available. If you still come home to a ton of messages in your inbox, remember that you don’t have to get everything done at once. Take a deep breath, arrange the messages into folders based on urgency and give yourself a couple of days to return them.

      Hit the Gym: Vacations often mean interruptions in our workout routines; after all, who wants to hit the gym in New Orleans when you could be hitting the bars? Returning as soon as possible to your established exercise regimen, however, will help you overcome the post-vacation blues. Going for a run, trying some yoga or even simply taking long walks releases the awesome feel-good endorphins you will need to overcome the obstacles that await you.

      Hit the Hay: Likewise, it’s not unusual for people to sacrifice sleep amid the excitement of vacation. As with your workout, reinstate your standard sleep schedule as soon as possible. Research shows that getting the proper amount of shut eye is essential to good physical and mental health, and your post-vacation situation is no exception.

      Get in Touch with Your Feelings: For many, coming back from vacation is like coming down from a high, with all that means in terms of feeling low and blue. That is OK; indeed, it is to be expected. Acknowledge those feelings but then remind yourself that this mini-funk will soon pass. Remember that all vacations are temporary and that the future holds many more enjoyable excursions to come.

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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post How to Handle Those Post-Vacation Blues appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Make the Grade on College Move-In Day https://test25.louieambriz.com/make-the-grade-on-college-move-in-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=make-the-grade-on-college-move-in-day Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:43:24 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1262 Is your College Freshman heading to the dorm this year? Here are some tips to make the grade on college move-in day. Don't forget some snacks!

      The post Make the Grade on College Move-In Day appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Make the Grade on College Move-In Day

      With the 2023-24 academic year fast approaching, parents across the country are alternately dreading and looking forward to college move-in day, that milestone in the life of every family in which they travel to their child’s university of choice and help the newly minted freshman check in to the dorm. It is a moment fraught with occasion, as parents grapple with how swiftly the years have passed and children with a mix of excitement and daunting take their first steps into adult life.

      On a more practical note, move-in day can be accompanied by a range of logistical challenges. Here are a few strategies parents can employ to ensure their family aces this entrance exam.

      Plenty of Preparation: Given that you know where you teen in bound this fall, summer should be a season of preparation. Make sure you know how move-in day is expected to proceed by familiarizing yourself with all relevant university guidelines. Work with your incoming freshman to determine what items need to be transported and which can be picked up on campus.

      Limit Who Tags Along: Such is the importance of move-in day that your entire extended family might wish to be on hand for the occasion. Do your best to discourage this, as move-in day even at its most organized borders on chaos, with hordes of parents and children navigating cramped hallways and small dorm rooms. The fewer people involved the better for all concerned.

      Snack Time: Moving in might take far longer than you imagined, easily stretching past traditional mealtimes. That’s why it never hurts to bring along some favorite snacks to keep the wolf from the door. In addition, after going up and down the same staircase a dozen times, a cooler full of cold drinks will look like heaven.

      Don’t Pack Those Bags: For parents driving students to campus, duffle bags, or even large black garbage bags, are ideal for packing. There is no place to leave luggage in a small dorm room and garbage bags allow you to easily organize ahead of time into bedroom, bathroom, winter clothing and items your student will need right away. White garbage bags make great garment bags and allow you to move clothing from closet to car to closet without taking items off their hangers or getting them dirty.

      Take a Meeting: Depending on your student’s needs, you might want to set aside time to visit the offices of financial aid, disability services or even the freshman dean while you’re on campus. Plan ahead if you need to have any of these meetings and make sure to schedule an appointment to avoid long lines.

      Clean Up Time: Most universities make an effort to clean dorm rooms over the summer in anticipation of new residents but it’s wise to bring cleaning wipes or paper towels and soap in case you discover the room is dirty or the closets or drawers need wiping before they are filled. A small dustpan and brush can be useful as well but remember to pack these last so they can be unpacked first.
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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post Make the Grade on College Move-In Day appeared first on Other CMS.

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      How to Select the Perfect Retirement Location https://test25.louieambriz.com/how-to-select-the-perfect-retirement-location/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-select-the-perfect-retirement-location Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:08:35 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1256 Are you thinking about retirement? Check out these tips to pick the perfect retirement location!

      The post How to Select the Perfect Retirement Location appeared first on Other CMS.

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      How to Select the Perfect Retirement Location

      One of the chief benefits retirement offers is the opportunity to live wherever you want. No longer saddled with professional commitments that keep them tied to a specific area of the country, retirees can move just about anywhere their golden-years hearts desire. Head for the beach! Head for the country! Head for a lower cost of living!

      To be sure, more goes into the decision that just savings and scenery. Retirees would be wise to ponder a wide range of elements before coming to a final decision regarding where to spend their final years. Here are some important factors to weigh as you work to identify your ideal retirement destination.

      Keep It Safe: Personal safety becomes an increasingly important concern as people grow older and feel more vulnerable. Toward that end, research the relevant crime and economic data for each location on your retirement shortlist. Bear in mind that crime rates can very dramatically in different sections of the same city.

      Dollars and Sense: Retirement usually comes with a fixed income so the cost of living must play a central role in deciding where you will to retire. In determining what you can afford, make sure to factor in as many specifics as possible from your anticipated living situation, such as whether you will buy or rent, or whether you will operate your own car or rely on public transportation.

      Sunny Days Ahead: It’s hardly news to note that many people choose to retire in warmer clients — just look at Florida and Arizona. And it is true that wintry weather conditions present a greater challenge as people age, whether it involves undue exertion shoveling snow or the danger of slipping on an icy surface. There are, however, other factors to consider, such as the fact older cities in chillier climates are usually more vibrant and provide more services. Retirees will want to weigh these pros and cons carefully.

      The Doctor Is In: Access to healthcare might not seem crucial early in retirement but that will change as the years pass. Indeed, the availability of good doctors, quality hospitals and decent, affordable assisted living facilities and nursing homes might well become deciding factors in your life. Investigate the services available in any potential retirement location.

      Fun, Fun, Fun: Retirement provides abundant time to pursue personal passions, so check to see whether your potential destination supports the things that you like to do. Think about such amenities as art house movie theaters, farmers’ markets or a church of your denomination. And what about the activities you plan to participate in as you enjoy retirement? If you play a musical instrument, find out if there are bands or orchestras you can join and opportunities to perform; if you enjoy fine dining, check out the local restaurant scene.

      Good Neighbor Policy: An engaging social life is one of the most important components of a happy retirement. If you prefer to socialize with other retirees, you may want to move to a 55+ active adult community or live in a city that has a larger senior population. If you prefer to socialize with people of various ages who have similar interests to yours, you can look into Meetup groups and read local publications to get a feel for what social opportunities are available.

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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.


      The post How to Select the Perfect Retirement Location appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Tips to Help Prevent the ‘Summer Slide’ https://test25.louieambriz.com/tips-to-help-prevent-the-summer-slide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-to-help-prevent-the-summer-slide https://test25.louieambriz.com/tips-to-help-prevent-the-summer-slide/#comments Fri, 07 Jul 2023 16:10:34 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1251 Summer time can be a wild and wonderous time for children, use these ideas to help keep their minds stimulated and help prevent the 'Summer Slide'.

      The post Tips to Help Prevent the ‘Summer Slide’ appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Tips to Help Prevent the ‘Summer Slide’

      As pleasant as it is for children to be home for the summer, the season typically presents more than a few challenges for parents, as moms and dads juggle vacation plans and additional childcare costs with personal and professional priorities. And then there’s the prospect of the “summer slide,” in which the lack of learning opportunities leads to a substantial regression in students’ skill levels before school resumes in the fall.

      Decades of research confirms the slide’s impact on academic performance, with the latest data suggesting that as much as a month of school-year learning is lost over the summer. The good news is there are steps every parent can take to minimize this loss to ensure your student is prepared to succeed when the school bell rings this autumn.

      Summer School Cool: Long gone is the stigma attached to summer school, that it is just for struggling students or those with behavior problems. Today, school districts across the country offer often-abbreviated summer sessions that enable students to keep their minds sharp and hang with their friends while not interfering with family vacation plans. There is in addition the benefit of potentially reducing your summer childcare costs.

      Book Some Time At the Library: Summer means lots of down time for children and there is no better or more constructive way to fill it than with reading. In order to maximize this cost-free, horizon-expanding pursuit, make reading a part of daily life, whether you and your children are reading a recipe together as you bake cookies, reading aloud signs during a neighborhood walk or simply ending the day with a bedtime story. Visit the public library with your children often to select new books and access its range of fun summer reading programs.

      Take My Word: Consistent vocabulary development strengthens student literacy and playing word games is among the most enjoyable ways to achieve that. Whether online or in print, crossword puzzles, word searches, Scrabble or any other games that challenge your child’s spelling skills will go a long way toward helping them avoid the summer slide.

      Numbers Game: The latest data confirms that during the summer students’ most dramatic learning losses are in mathematical computation, which involves remembering facts and procedures. Online games and apps that require the use of addition, subtraction, multiplication, geometry, algebra and other kinds of mathematical problem-solving skills can help your child stay sharp.

      Hit the Road: Travel has long been recognized as intellectually stimulating as it exposes us to people, language and cultures we have not previously experienced. For both parents and children, this exposure can lead to a greater appreciation for important human issues: How are all people alike? Where does a person fit in a larger global world? You can mirror this impact in your own travels by having children research the history and culture of your destination, even if it is just the evolution of the flora and fauna to be found at your favorite mountain lake. Closer to home, consider taking day trips to historic sites near you or visiting museums dedicated to the study of a particular region, industry or culture. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post Tips to Help Prevent the ‘Summer Slide’ appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Show Your True Colors with a July 4 Party https://test25.louieambriz.com/show-your-true-colors-with-a-july-4-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=show-your-true-colors-with-a-july-4-party Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:07:29 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=1248 What plans do you have to celebrate the Fourth of July? Check out these pointers to throwing a successful Independence Day bash! Have a Happy and Safe Fourth!

      The post Show Your True Colors with a July 4 Party appeared first on Other CMS.

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      Show Your True Colors with a July 4 Party

      Given the seminal position it occupies in our nation’s history, it’s odd that more Americans don’t host Independence Day parties. There is much to recommend doing so – July 4 falls in the middle of the year, making outdoor gatherings possible; and the event’s dominant color scheme has already been picked out for you. Throw in family, friends and fireworks and you’re looking at a surefire patriotic celebration.

      That said, you should do your homework before busting out the red, white and blue. Here is a beginner’s guide to throwing a successful Independence Day bash.

      Gotta Get Guests: As with all parties, don’t invite more people than you can handle; think quality over quantity. To get people excited about the event, send out an invitation in the weeks before, the more eye-catching (and patriotic) the better.

      Group Effort: One underappreciated advantage of Fourth of July parties is that the setting and weather naturally lend themselves to potluck, which each guest bringing a dish of their choice. Likewise, these summer events are perfect for grilling out, a relatively inexpensive way to feed a group of people. Make it easier for all concerned by limiting the choices to hot dogs and hamburgers; what could be more American?

      (Don’t) Have a Drink on Me: It’s vitally important to include on your invitation the potluck nature of the event and, even more to the point, that it is a BYOB bash. This will enable guests to imbibe their favorite libation, contribute to the party’s overall communal feel and save you some money. Remember to stock plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages.

      Take a Seat: It’s easy to forget that no matter how casual the July 4 party, your guests will want to sit somewhere while consuming food, drink and conversation. Given the event’s laid-back vibe, it’s fine to utilize plastic chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and whatever other casual seating you can find around the house. Depending on the size of the crowd, you can always ask guests to bring their own chairs.

      Let the Games Being: Thanks to July’s typically sunny weather, there are tons of outdoor games you can play to stir up everyone’s competitive spirits and get them mingling. Of course, it likely will be hot so consider stocking a cooler full of water guns or water balloons for refreshing shenanigans. It’s also a good idea to have some background music going.

      Light Up the Sky: Depending on where you live, it may not or may not be legal to purchase and shoot off fireworks. Make sure to research local options and give anyone who might want to watch the pyrotechnics a heads up ahead of time. If you happen to live somewhere you can shoot off your own fireworks, don’t get crazy with them.  
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      At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

      The post Show Your True Colors with a July 4 Party appeared first on Other CMS.

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