Many people plan to pay off all their debt, reduce their expenses, save more and manage their money better. However, it requires determination and self-control to achieve this. 

Having very clear financial goals, knowing your monthly income and expenditure, cutting spending, paying off high-interest debt and diversifying income sources are some of the best ways to help you stay on top of your finances. 

1. Set clear financial goals

It is important to have specific, short, medium and long term goals. Define what you want to accomplish and how long it will take you to do so. This helps you to decide how much to put aside. For example, you may need to save a certain amount every month for a year to put down as a deposit on a car. 

If you are trying to save, it will help to automate your savings so a specified amount of money goes out of a check account and into a savings account on a periodic basis. 

2. Set up a budget

Examine income and expenses to find out how much is left at the end of a month, if anything. A number of free apps will help you to do so. It is impossible to accomplish any financial goals if you live from paycheck to paycheck and have no money left at the end of a month. 

If you are set on accomplishing your financial goals, you need to trim your expenses and look at ways of earning extra income. This is the only way to make sure you have money to spare at the end of the month. 

3. Cut your expenses

There are many ways to cut monthly expenses. For example, you may be able to negotiate lower rates on internet, cable and phone bills. 

Shopping around for a cheaper car, home, and insurance can save money. When it comes to finding the best deals on car insurance, Canadians do not have to do it alone. BrokerLink knows how overwhelming the process can be and has trained professionals that help you get the best price and walk away with the option that’s best for you. 

Canadians can use the Paytm app to earn rewards when they pay their monthly bills. Eating out less and making meals at home is another saving option. It is also possible to save on water and electricity bills with efficient use. 

It is possible to automate bill payments, to avoid late payment fees and damaging your credit record. You may even get discounts with automatic payment. 

4. Diversify your income sources

Once you have cut down your expenses, you can start trying to increase your income. You may decide to try and negotiate a pay raise or look for a better-paying job. It is also possible to seek out other sources of income to supplement your salary. Proofreading, transcribing, starting a blog or pet-sitting could all be useful extra sources of income. 

Many people establish a great income source by listing a spare bedroom on Airbnb. Teaching English online, putting your car to work to drive others around, or selling your skills on freelancing platforms are some other ways to supplement your income. This will help you to pay off debt, save and achieve financial independence. 

5. Pay off high-interest debt

Credit card debt is high-interest debt. Pay off credit card obligations as soon as possible because each day that goes by on the outstanding balance increases the debt. 

Only making the minimum payment means the debt goes on and one. In Canada, there are bad credit options you can check out if your financial reputation has suffered due to poor financial decisions you have made in the past. 

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a controversial psychological disorder. It is normal for children to have inappropriate behavior, but when their behavior starts causing problems, they could easily have ADHD. 

These are children that never sit still and cannot focus for long. They have poor concentration, short attention span and so extremely active that anyone taking care of such a child will feel drained. There are some things you can do to make caring for such a child easier. 

Less sugar 

One place to start with bringing about improvement is to remove some of the very sugary treats your child consumes. You will need to experiment a bit with your child’s diet to find out what works best. Bad fats and oils in chips and fried foods can all cause behavioral problems.  

It may be difficult but you need to look at cutting out fructose. World bodies consider fructose, such as high-fructose corn syrup, to be a major cause of ADHD. The body is unable to metabolize the sugar, and the concentration of sugar in the blood rises.  

ADHD is partly a sugar problem. Affected children have marked blood sugar swings, with hypoglycemia being a major factor contributing to behavioral problems. 

The stress of caregiving 

The ups- and down behavior of ADHD children can take its toll on parents and caregivers. With caregivers, it requires some kind of superhuman energy and patience to remain caring. No wonder so many parents resort to Spy Phone app.  

The Spy Phone app collects data made on the target device, transmitting it onto your control panel so that you can see what’s happening with your child. It’s able to monitor the activities of as many as five different phones from the same account. 

It can be hard for parents to know whether they can trust somebody from a recommendation, but spy phone is a parental control app, allowing you to stay updated on your kid’s activities. The app is free of charge and has many features to ensure your child is not being bullied or abused in any way by the caregiver.  

You can track someone in stealth mode without them knowing but you need to have actual access of the tracked Android device initially. Always check out the legalities of spy phone usage in your state. 

Discipline and structure 

The word ‘discipline’ has become unpopular in the 21st century but it is so important for kids with ADHD. Consistency with discipline is key. These kids need to know that they cannot just break the rules and behave as they like. The ADHD child needs consistency and structure. Their mealtimes, chores and bedtime need to be the same to create stability. 

Rules for these children need to be both understandable and achievable. Give instructions simply and one instruction at a time. Enforce the rules you give and suspend privileges for a day and not for an entire week for disobedience. It is important to make such a child actually suffer consistent consequences for inappropriate behavior without yielding to extreme or harsh punishment.  

Dietary Deficiencies 

ADHD behavior can be helped along with nutrient supplements, along with an excellent diet. Magnesium, selenium, vitamin B and essential fatty acids are particularly needed in these children. Children these days are not consuming these in their natural form and the child is deficient. Especially important are these anti-inflammatory omega 3 fish oils.  

Studies on ADHD suggest that children with ADHD can certainly benefit from supplementation with purified fish oils. Kids who consumed between 8 and 16 grams per day of EPA and DHA showed significant improvements in their behavior.  

Studies have shown that a good diet and supplementation positively influence children with attention, concentration and behavior issues. Associated problems with ADHD such as digestive problems, sleeping problems are often due to food sensitivities or allergies as well as nutrient deficiencies.

Getting a new pet is exciting but when you bring one into your home, you make a commitment to keep it safe and healthy. This involves more than just providing shelter, food and water. It also means protecting them from potential dangers. Everyday items and products, such as certain foods, plants and cleaning products, can be a danger to their health.

1. Take a look at household chemicals

There are a number of common household chemicals that could harm your pet. Ourfitpets.com has a comprehensive article about the top 10 harmful household chemicals. Making sure pets can’t get hold of household cleaners containing toxic chemicals can help to prevent sudden illnesses or health problems. 

Laundry detergent pods are just one of the items that can be harmful if pets bite into them or eat them as they contain a high concentration of chemicals. Mothballs are another example of a common household item that’s highly toxic for pets. 

2. Consider all dangerous chewable items

Everything that is potentially dangerous for a pet to put in his or her mouth (glue, scissors, wires, medicines) should be kept well out of reach in a drawer or closet. 

Puppies and kitties love to chew. If they chew electrical cords, they can receive a shock or a burn. Make sure all electrical cords are out of sight and it will help if they are encased in a cord organizer. 

3. Be aware of potentially toxic foods

If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, you need to take it straight to the vet. Chocolate contains theobromine which humans can metabolize easily but which dogs process way more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system. It can cause seizures, internal bleeding, muscle tremors and even heart attacks.

Macadamia nuts are also poisonous to dogs, and it’s easy to forget that they may be in the cookies or snacks you’re tempted to share. Other foods that are potentially toxic are grapes and raisins, which can cause acute renal failure. 

Raw eggs, candy, avocado and onions are also on the list. Puppies can get nicotine poisoning by chewing on cigarette butts so you shouldn’t leave an ashtray where they can get to them.

4. Get rid of toxic plants

Certain plants and flowers can be toxic to pets. Lilies, for example, are highly toxic when eaten by cats and even small amounts can cause kidney damage. Tulips contain toxins that can cause drooling, loss of appetite, convulsions and gastrointestinal irritation. Azaleas and Chrysanthemums can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.

All parts of the Oleander are poisonous and eating them can have serious effects, such as abnormal heart function and even death. Eating the roots of a Cyclamen plant can cause severe vomiting. English Ivy, Peace Lilies and Sago palms are also on the list of plants to avoid.

5. Don’t underestimate the danger of a backyard pool

If you bring home a new puppy, you will need to safety-proof your pool with a pool fence. If a young puppy ends up in the pool, it doesn’t have the strength to swim to safety or climb out of the pool. 

You can take pups for swimming lessons by gently carrying them into the water and then guiding them out again, with plenty of treats and praise when they manage to climb out. 

However, sometimes pups like the swimming lessons so much that they may find a way to get into the pool when you’re not around. In this case, a pool alarm can be a lifesaver. Many are available to choose from and in some states, they are required by law.