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5 questions to ask before becoming a carer

Thinking about becoming a caregiver? Deciding to step up and provide care for a loved one is a huge responsibility. Make sure you’re prepared and ask these five vital questions first. Do I need to hire help? Just because you’re taking on caregiving duties doesn’t mean you have to be super human. It’s perfectly okay to ask for help, whether it’s in the form of a cleaner or someone to take on tasks that you would prefer to outsource. According to Health.com, 40 per cent of caregivers say dealing with incontinence is one of their most difficult task, while 30 per cent say helping relatives bathe is hard as well. What is my Plan B? If something should happen to you and your schedule or demands change, it’s important to discuss a back-up plan. As the primary carer, a lot of responsibility will rest on you so make sure you have a Plan B before you need one. Should I be compensated? A survey found that 60 per cent of careers adjust their work schedule to look after others, which means either cutting back hours or taking a leave of absence. While you might not want to accept money to care for loved ones, it’s a good idea to have an open discussion with close friends and family about how the responsibilities might impact your life and earning capacity, so that all parties agree on a fair solution. What is Power of Attorney? If you are looking after someone with memory loss, you may need to look into a legal document called power of attorney. Talk to family about who should have this responsibilities, and how you will navigate legal issues that could arise. Who is my support group? Roughly one in three carers don’t receive any help. Having a strong support network of people you can turn to, even just for a chat, can make a huge difference. You might be surprised by how many people you know are also caregivers. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

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‘Girl math’ may not be smart financial advice, but it could help women feel more empowered with money

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ylva-baeckstrom-1463175">Ylva Baeckstrom</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/kings-college-london-1196">King's College London</a> If you’ve ever calculated cost per wear to justify the price of an expensive dress, or felt like you’ve made a profit after returning an ill-fitting pair of jeans, you might be an expert in <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/girl-maths-tiktok-trend-its-basically-free-b1100504.html">“girl math”</a>. With videos about the topic going viral on social media, girl math might seem like a silly (<a href="https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/girl-math-womens-spending-taken-seriously">or even sexist</a>) trend, but it actually tells us a lot about the relationship between gender, money and emotions. Girl math introduces a spend classification system: purchases below a certain value, or made in cash, don’t “count”. Psychologically, this makes low-value spending feel safe and emphasises the importance of the long-term value derived from more expensive items. For example, girl math tells us that buying an expensive dress is only “worth it” if you can wear it to multiple events. This approach has similarities to <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/modernportfoliotheory.asp">portfolio theory</a> – a method of choosing investments to maximise expected returns and minimise risk. By evaluating how each purchase contributes to the shopping portfolio, girl math shoppers essentially become shopping portfolio managers. <h2>Money and emotions</h2> People of all genders, rich or poor, feel anxious when dealing with their personal finances. Many people in the UK do not understand pensions or saving enough to <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/workplacepensions/articles/pensionparticipationatrecordhighbutcontributionsclusteratminimumlevels/2018-05-04">afford their retirement</a>. Without motivation to learn, people avoid dealing with money altogether. One way to find this motivation, as girl math shows, is by having an emotional and tangible connection to our finances. On the surface, it may seem that women are being ridiculed and encouraged to overspend by using girl math. From a different perspective, it hints at something critical: for a person to really care about something as seemingly abstract as personal finance, they need to feel that they can relate to it. Thinking about money in terms of the value of purchases can help create an <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/every-time-i-use-my-card-my-phone-buzzes-and-that-stops-me-shopping-ps0fjx6nj">emotional relationship</a> to finance, making it something people want to look after. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GPzA7B6dcxc?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>The girl math we need</h2> Women are a consumer force to be reckoned with, controlling <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bridgetbrennan/2015/01/21/top-10-things-everyone-should-know-about-women-consumers/#7679f9d6a8b4">up to 80%</a> of consumer spending globally. The girl math trend is a demonstration of women’s mastery at applying portfolio theory to their shopping, making them investment powerhouses whose potential is overlooked by the financial services industry. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/28/women-paid-less-than-men-over-careers-gender-pay-gap-report">Women are disadvantaged</a> when it comes to money and finance. Women in the UK earn on average £260,000 less than men during their careers and the retirement income of men is twice as high as women’s. As I’ve found in <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Gender-and-Finance-Addressing-Inequality-in-the-Financial-Services-Industry/Baeckstrom/p/book/9781032055572">my research</a> on gender and finance, women have lower financial self-efficacy (belief in their own abilities) compared to men. This is not helped by women feeling patronised when seeking financial advice. Because the world of finance was created by men for men, its language and culture are <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Gender-and-Finance-Addressing-Inequality-in-the-Financial-Services-Industry/Baeckstrom/p/book/9781032055572">intrinsically male</a>. Only in the mid-1970s did women in the UK gain the legal right to open a bank account without a male signature and it was not until 1980 that they could apply for credit independently. With the law now more (<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/03/02/pace-of-reform-toward-equal-rights-for-women-falls-to-20-year-low">but not fully</a>) gender equal, the financial services industry has failed to connect with women. Studies show that 49% of women are <a href="https://www.ellevest.com/magazine/disrupt-money/ellevest-financial-wellness-survey">anxious about their finances</a>. However they have not bought into patronising offers and <a href="https://www.fa-mag.com/news/gender-roles-block-female-financial-experience--ubs-says-73531.html">mansplaining by financial advisers</a>. This outdated approach suggests that it is women, rather than the malfunctioning financial system, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/16/women-are-not-financially-illiterate-they-need-more-than-condescending-advice">who need fixing</a>. Women continue to feel that they do not belong to or are able to trust the world of finance. And why would women trust an industry with a <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/genderpaygapintheuk/2019">gender pay gap</a> of up to 59% and a severe lack of women in senior positions? Girl math on its own isn’t necessarily good financial advice, but if it helps even a handful of women feel more empowered to manage and understand their finances, it should not be dismissed.  <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ylva-baeckstrom-1463175">Ylva Baeckstrom</a>, Senior Lecturer in Finance, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/kings-college-london-1196">King's College London</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/girl-math-may-not-be-smart-financial-advice-but-it-could-help-women-feel-more-empowered-with-money-211780">original article</a>. </div>

Money & Banking

Asking ChatGPT a health-related question? Better keep it simple

It’s tempting to <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/news/chatgpt-and-dr-google/">turn to search engines</a> to seek out health information, but with the rise of large language models, like ChatGPT, people are becoming more and more likely to depend on AI for answers too. <div class="copy"> Concerningly, an Australian study has now found that the more evidence given to <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/chatgpt-an-intimate-companion/">ChatGPT</a> when asked a health-related question, the less reliable it becomes. Large language models (LLM) and artificial intelligence use in health care is still developing, creating a a critical gap when providing incorrect answers can have serious consequences for people’s health. To address this, scientists from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and the University of Queensland (UQ) explored a hypothetical scenario: an average person asking ChatGPT if ‘X’ treatment has a positive effect on condition ‘Y’. They presented ChatGPT with 100 questions sourced from the <a href="https://trec-health-misinfo.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TREC Health Misinformation track</a> – ranging from ‘Can zinc help treat the common cold?’ to ‘Will drinking vinegar dissolve a stuck fish bone?’ Because queries to search engines are typically shorter, while prompts to a LLM can be far longer, they posed the questions in 2 different formats: the first as a simple question and the second as a question biased with supporting or contrary evidence. By comparing ChatGPT’s response to the known correct response based on existing medical knowledge, they found that ChatGPT was 80% accurate at giving accurate answers in a question-only format. However, when given an evidence-biased prompt, this accuracy reduced to 63%, which was reduced again to 28% when an “unsure” answer was allowed. “We’re not sure why this happens,” says CSIRO Principal Research Scientist and Associate Professor at UQ, Dr Bevan Koopman, who is co-author of the paper. “But given this occurs whether the evidence given is correct or not, perhaps the evidence adds too much noise, thus lowering accuracy.” Study co-author Guido Zuccon, Director of AI for the Queensland Digital Health Centre at UQ says that major search engines are now integrating LLMs and search technologies in a process called Retrieval Augmented Generation. “We demonstrate that the interaction between the LLM and the search component is still poorly understood, resulting in the generation of inaccurate health information,” says Zuccon. Given the widespread popularity of using LLMs online for answers on people’s health, Koopman adds, we need continued research to inform the public about risks and to help them optimise the accuracy of their answers. “While LLMs have the potential to greatly improve the way people access information, we need more research to understand where they are effective and where they are not.” Image credits: Getty Images <div> </div> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=301406&title=Asking+ChatGPT+a+health-related+question%3F+Better+keep+it+simple" width="1" height="1" loading="lazy" aria-label="Syndication Tracker" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/ai/asking-chatgpt-a-health-related-question-better-keep-it-simple/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/imma-perfetto/">Imma Perfetto</a>. </div>

Caring

90-year-old grandma's secrets, regrets and brutal "advice"

An amazingly sprightly 90-year-old grandmother has appeared on TikTok to share her deepest regrets in life, leaving viewers both amused and contemplative with her surprising take on being a nonagenarian. The video, which has garnered a whopping 70,000 views, features the wise words of wisdom from a woman who has seen it all, or at least enough to make her wish she hadn't seen quite so much. The nanna, who spilled the beans to her inquisitive granddaughter <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@racheljdillon?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rachel Dillon</a> – an online fitness coach – began by revealing what she wishes she did less of in her life. "Probably less of nothing," she admits. "I mean I never worked after I was married or anything like that. I wish I had probably done more mixing with people with that. More socialising." It's then that the truth bombs really start to drop. When Rachel asks, "Do you have any regrets", a cloud of laughter fills the room, before the answer comes. "Yes, I do regret marrying too young," she says emphatically. "I met my husband when I was 13 and he was 15. We got married at 17 and 19. I met him at the library. He used to ride me up on the bicycle when I was going to the library." Then, when asked about the secret to turning 90, Rachel's grandma confesses not only that there isn't one, but that she regrets having made it this far at all. "I didn't really want to get to 90," she declares with the nonchalance of someone choosing between tea and coffee. "I've had enough. I've had all I wanted out of the world. I am quite happy to go and meet my little puppy dog waiting there for me." When asked about her secret to looking so young, Rachel's grandma almost brushes the question aside, laying the blame simply in the quality of her genes for having "always been a fox", according to Rachel. The final question, and the final brutally honest response – which may have made Rachel regret asking about regrets – was simply: "Do you have any advice for us?" "Oh God no," comes the world-weary answer. "Not the way the world's going. No, I'm just glad I'll be gone. I don't want to be part of anything that I can see going on." TikTok users were quick to commend the grandmother, not just for her unexpected revelations but also for her timeless beauty. "She looks absolutely amazing," gushed one admirer, proving that age is just a number – albeit one that sometimes takes us by surprise. In the end, this nonagenarian nanna has become an unexpected sensation, leaving us all to ponder life's mysteries, library love stories, and the prospect of meeting puppy dogs in the great beyond. If her story has taught us anything, it's that life is unpredictable, love can blossom in the unlikeliest of places (like a library), and sometimes it's OK to regret that hasty decision to say "I do" before you even knew how to do your taxes. <div class="post_body_wrapper" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 0px 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #323338; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif;"> <div class="post-body-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="post-body-renderer-component post_body" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: top; position: relative; transition: max-height 0.14s ease 0s; overflow: hidden; color: var(--primary-text-color); max-height: none;"> <div class="post-body-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 630px; overflow: auto hidden;"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px 15px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative; overflow: auto; color: var(--primary-text-color); font-family: var(--font-family); line-height: 1.5; word-break: break-word;"> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7311465610821651720&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40racheljdillon%2Fvideo%2F7311465610821651720&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo49EYZFdsEDJhfBAiE2gfGE8l3IAR2qBQx14iB%3Fx-expires%3D1702681200%26x-signature%3DL%252FvO6dLXwqFOi09XENAbVmG4tgs%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>Images: TikTok / @racheljdillon</div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Retirement Life

7 tips for matching wine with food

Food and wine matching is the perfect way to enhance the flavours of your meal, and while the people who get paid to do if for a living would have you think it’s a complex science, it’s actually not too hard to do. Here’s a simple seven-step guide to get you started as a food/wine-matching expert! 1. Sweet with heat – Wines that have a little bit of residual sugar (like a German Riesling) combine really well with spicy foods. This is because as the residual sugar enters your mouth it actually cools down spice in your food and creates a balance that allows you to savour the flavour. 2. Smoke with oak – When cooking foods that have been grilled or charred, you really want to be looking for a wine that has been aged in oak barrels. Oaked wines tend to be a little more intense, so they need to be matched with grilled/charred foods that can match and bring out the fruit flavours. 3. Match flavours and textures – Similar flavours and textures go well together, as you’d imagine. Just as rich foods suit rich wines, mild foods go well with mild wines and as a general rule when food and wine possess similar qualities they can complement each other and enhance common flavours. 4. Fats with acid and tannins – Wines that are high in acid (Sauvignon Blanc) or tannin (Cabernet Sauvignon) go well with fried or fatty foods and help round out the flavours in your mouth. It also acts as a palate cleanser and creates balance between the rich/oily foods and the wine. 5. Sweet with salt – As anyone who’s ever combined blue cheese with port would agree. The combination will bring out the fruity taste in sweet wine and the savoury taste in salty foods. So yeah, you’re completely justified with your pairing of a bottle of Moscato with a packet of Cheezels. 6. Sweet with sweet – But as anyone who’s had ice cream served with another variety of ice cream would agree two sweet things can make a very sweet thing. Sweet wines can help bring out the flavours in the food. Just take care to make sure the wine is sweeter than the food is. 7. If it grows together, it goes together – Hey, there’s a reason why you generally don’t have stein of lager with a bowl of risotto. Foods and wines of a particular ethnicity or region usually work together like clockwork and naturally have flavours and textures that work well in combination. Image credits: Getty Images

Food & Wine

No more brown leaves: sage advice from a gardening expert

We’ve all been there before. We’re watering our seemingly healthy houseplant when suddenly there it is: a tinge of brown on the plant’s leaf. Yikes. But what do brown tips on leaves mean for your plant, and what can you do to make them go away? Read on to find out. Lack of water or humidity If your plant is sporting crispy, dark, or brown tips on its leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement. Lack of humidity could also be the cause. Tropical plants prefer higher humidity levels than we have in our homes. When we turn on the heat in winter, there’s even less moisture in the air. Group plants together so that as one loses moisture through its leaves, the neighbours benefit. Or place plants on saucers or trays filled with pebbles and water. Set a pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant, where it is needed. Lack of nutrients A lack of key nutrients may be behind the brown tips on leaves of your plant. Burned-looking leaf tips, or old leaves with dark green or reddish-purplish colouring, may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. With a potassium deficiency, you may see yellow or brown along older leaf tips and edges, yellowing between veins, curling leaves, or spotting. For potted plants, add a slow-release type of fertiliser to the soil mix before planting. Every time you water, a little fertiliser is released, providing a steady flow of nutrients. But depending on the growing conditions and number of plants in the container, a midseason boost may be needed. Stay on top of your fertiliser applications by making notes on a calendar. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/why-does-my-plant-have-brown-tips-on-the-leaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Wacky pet laws that will make you laugh

There are laws to protect people from harm, animals from cruelty and to keep the animal-human relationship harmonious. But then there are those wacky laws that will make you scratch your head and wonder how they became laws in the first place. 1. In some areas of Oklahoma dogs must have a permit signed by the mayor in order to congregate in groups of three or more on private property. 2. In Chicago, you cannot bring your French poodle to the opera. 3. In Berea, Ohio, any pet that goes out after dark must wear a tail light. 4. In Creskill, New York, all outside cats must wear three bells to warn birds of their approach. 5. In Madison, Wisconsin dogs are forbidden from harassing squirrels in the public park next to the capital. 6. In Denver Colorado an animal control officer must notify dogs of any impending impounds three days before it’s due to happen. They do this by posting notices on trees in the public parks and along the road running next to the park. 7. In Memphis, Tennessee, if a frog's croaking keeps you awake at night, you can have that frog arrested. 8. In Turin, Italy owners can be fined up to $650 for not walking their dog at least three times a day. 9. In Reed City, Michigan, you cannot own a pet cat and bird simultaneously. 10. In French Lick Springs, Indiana, all black cats must wear bells on Friday the 13th. 11. In certain areas of Oklahoma it is against the law to make “ugly” or “mean” faces at a dog. 12. In Honolulu, Hawaii, it’s unlawful to annoy birds at any public park. Image credit: Shutterstock

Legal

Advice on dealing with tricky in-laws

From heated discussions to awkward family dinners, your relationship with your in-laws can have a big impact on family time. Here’s how to navigate this sometimes tricky dynamic. There’s nothing worse than heading to a family engagement when you have a son-in-law (or your daughter’s parents-in-law) that you just don’t get along with. Whether there's been a fight that you haven’t been able to move on from, or you simply don’t get along, if you find your in-laws draining or annoying, you may need to change the boundaries. Do you know the old saying, “good fences make good neighbours”? Think of your in-laws like your neighbours – there needs to be really good fences (aka boundaries) in place for the relationship to run smoothly. The best way to go about this is in such a way that you don’t make anyone feel as though you're closing them out, but rather comes off that you are simply focussing on yourself and things you have going on. Once you’ve set boundaries, don’t be afraid to talk to your family and in-laws about them, they’re not as fragile as you think. But do choose your words carefully and keep the focus on you and what your needs are, rather than making any judgements or comments about them or their behaviour. Still not sure how to deal with your son, daughter, sister or brother in-law? Here are some top tips for setting boundaries and dealing with awkward situations: <ol> <li>The person with the primary relationship (for example your daughter, not your son-in-law) should be the one to step in and help fix a problem if it arises. You should never be the messenger or go straight to an in-law. Gently raise the issue or concern with your immediate family member. </li> <li>Decide with your partner, or in your own time if you are single or widowed, what type of role you want your in-law/s to play in your life. If you don’t get along and spending time with them just seems to cause issues, then you might want to limit catch-ups to birthdays and big events. This is ok. Just be gentle if asked to explain. And keep your explanation brief and about you. Something along the lines of, my schedule is quite busy at the moment or I don’t feel up to going out too much, but I am looking forward to the next family get together. </li> <li>Never criticise your family for their relationship with his or her spouse/your in-laws, nor comment on your in-law to your immediate family member – for example don’t criticise your son-in-law to your daughter/his wife. This tends to only lead to complications and awkwardness. And remember, you only know what your daughter tells you and if they come to you everytime they’re upset or angry with their partner or their partner’s extended family, you’re only hearing the problems when your daughter is frustrated and upset. You might not hear all the good things and about when they make up. Don’t take these things on board and stay out of it by reserving any judgement or comments. </li> <li>Don’t get involved. Easier said than done, right? You have to trust that you have brought your children up right and they are responsible enough to navigate their own relationships, treat others respectfully and can stand up for themselves if need be. As such, you should not get involved in their issues, arguments and general day-to-day dealings with their other relationships. Stay on the peripheral, be there for some light guidance if need be, but ultimately you should just help them come to their own opinions, decisions and judgements on things rather than sharing your ones with them. </li> <li>Don’t get pulled into arguments by your child and in-law. You can be supportive and still let the couple handle their own problems. Take a step back and trust that you have raised an adult who has the vision and the courage to resolve the problems that concern his/her own family. Couples need to set boundaries for their own relationships and this can, as I am sure you know, take some time to find the right ones. </li> <li>Think of yourself as a guest. When spending time with family in big groups, and especially when you’re at someone else’s home, it is best to think of yourself as a guest and act accordingly. For example you may not like the way you son’s wife is doing things in her home (child rearing, cooking, cleaning etc), but unfortunately it is not really any of your business. This is between your son and his wife. A good checkpoint is to ask yourself if you have a sense of entitlement and expectancy that is inappropriate. If there are issues that you just can’t stand but can’t let go, then you may need to consider not visiting them.</li> </ol> Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

How to leave a legacy to look after those you love

It can be difficult getting on top of your own finances, and knowing how to prepare for the transition to the next generation, but with these tips from financial expert Jacqui Clarke, it has never been easier to manage your money, “so it doesn’t manage you”. Leaving a legacy involves more than just material wealth. It encompasses the values, memories, and support you provide to your loved ones even after you're gone. A legacy is the enduring impact and influence you leave behind, shaping the lives of others and the world around them. To be honest, in the context of family and looking after those that you love, it’s something that’s being created from the moment your children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews are born. Legacy can simply be the way you do things and ensuring your descendants know this. For others it might be a lifelong passion project that you want to continue supporting after your lifetime. To ensure your way, your wishes and your wealth are successfully transitioned to the next generation and create an enduring legacy there are 3 crucial steps to consider. Let’s delve into the significance of these elements and explore practical steps you can take to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit those you care about the most. 1. Understanding Estate Planning Estate planning is the process of organising and distributing your assets after you pass away. It allows you to have control over who receives your property and ensures your wishes are carried out effectively. By engaging in estate planning, you not only protect your loved ones from potential legal disputes and unnecessary financial burdens but also provide them with a clear roadmap for the future. Start by taking inventory of your assets, including your savings, investments, real estate, and personal belongings. Next, consult with a qualified estate planning lawyer who can guide you through the creation of essential documents such as wills, power of attorney and possibly testamentary trusts. These legal instruments will help safeguard your assets, minimise tax liabilities, and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes, forming a solid foundation for your lasting legacy. 2. Communicating Your Intentions Effective communication is essential when it comes to leaving a legacy. Clearly expressing your intentions and discussing your estate plan with your loved ones can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts down the line. Initiate an open and honest conversation about your plans, and explain the reasons behind your decisions. This will help your family understand your intentions and provide them with peace of mind during a potentially challenging time. While discussing your estate plan, it's vital to listen to your loved ones' concerns and consider their perspectives. Encourage dialogue and address any questions or uncertainties they may have. Engaging in these conversations demonstrates respect for their opinions and fosters a collaborative approach to legacy planning. By effectively communicating your intentions, you lay the groundwork for a legacy that encompasses not only financial assets but also the values, memories, and guidance you wish to pass on to future generations. 3. Incorporating Non-Financial Aspects Leaving a legacy isn't limited to financial matters and serious hiccups can occur if you miss this one. Consider the non-financial aspects that make up your legacy, such as your values, traditions, and life lessons. Take the time to document your family history, personal anecdotes, and insights that can guide future generations. This could be in the form of a written memoir, video recordings, or audio messages. As an example, my parents loved touring Australia, so I asked them to provide me with all their road trip planning documents, another example are collating the recipes from my grandmother and wanting to ensure these weren’t lost. Family gatherings are a brilliant opportunity to promote a sense of openness about your planning. It’s a good time to chat about family heirlooms and meaningful possessions with your family members, not just your sentimental items but asking them if you hold something that carries sentimental value to them. You might be surprised by the reaction you get. Seemingly everyday “things” may serve as a special reminder of your love and the unique bonds you share. Your legacy encompasses not only the tangible assets you leave behind but also the intangible gifts of wisdom, love, and values that shape the lives of your loved ones. By incorporating these non-financial aspects into your estate plan and actively transmitting them, you ensure that your legacy extends beyond material possessions and leaves a profound impact on those you cherish. Leaving a legacy is about more than just divvying up your net worth. Through estate planning, effective communication, and the incorporation of non-financial aspects, you can shape the future and ensure that your loved ones are well taken care of. Jacqui Clarke FCA, FTI, GAICD, JP, author of Stop Worrying About Money (Wiley, $29.95), is a trusted advisor, board member, executor and veteran business executive. As a personal wealth and money management expert and over three decades of experience, 25 years at Deloitte and PWC helping high-net-worth families, individuals and business owners to build, manage and preserve their wealth. Her message is simple: with careful planning and effort, you can manage your money, so it doesn’t manage you.<a href="https://www.jacquiclarke.me/"> https://www.jacquiclarke.me/</a> Images: Getty

Retirement Life

5 make-up mistakes making you look tired

When applied correctly, a good make-up job can be a Godsend – taking you from tired and washed-out to invigorated and glowing. Unfortunately, it can work the other way as well with incorrect application making you look even more exhausted than you actually are! Fortunately it’s easy to avoid these make-you-look-tired traps. Here are the five common mistakes many women make (and how to avoid them). 1. Overdoing the powder – Dull skin is synonymous with tired skin and an overly powdered complexion often emphasises that. Try skipping the matte foundation and powder combo and try either an illuminating liquid foundation or even a BB cream or tinted moisturiser which will highlight instead of camouflaging. 2. Going beige – Skipping colour on your face may seem the best way to detract attention away from a tired complexion but by embracing beige, you’re actually doing yourself a disservice. A completely neutral face looks lacklustre and a little bit flat. Try adding some definition and pop with a darker toned lippie or rosy hued blush to lift your face and add some colour. 3. Using the wrong concealer – Concealer is there to conceal. Unfortunately, the wrong shade can actually highlight that which you’re trying to cover. Try a creamy formula no more than one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. And always try out your shade in natural light as artificial light can disguise the true match. 4. Layering on the liner – While a smoky eye may be a classic look, if you’re looking less than fresh, it can come across as harsh and unflattering. Try skipping the black and grey shades in favour of navy or even dark brown, as they’ll help lift your eyes and add definition without darkness. 5. Forgetting to curl – Curling your lashes is one of the best ways to open up your whole eye area and help you look awake and alert. Unfortunately, it’s often the first thing we forget to do when tired. Try curling your lashes first, before applying the rest of your makeup and if you really want to amp up the result, use a heated eyelash curler. Images: Getty

Beauty & Style

Use these 10 passwords at your own peril

With cyberattacks increasing by the month, it’s crucial to have a strong grasp or what is - or isn’t - a strong enough password to hopefully deter hackers. And with the cybercriminals capable of unveiling 921 passwords each second, people all over have become easy targets with their choices - whether that’s from including easy-to-guess terms like the word “password” itself or common sequences like “123456” and “qwerty” - as reported by 9News. And as analysis by CyberNews has revealed, just 13 per cent of leaked passwords - from a review of almost 15 billion - were actually unique. According to them, two of the most popular names to appear in the selection were “Eva” and “Alex”, with a total of seven million respective uses. “Food” and “pie” were regulars, as well as the season “summer”. While these might be easy for users to remember, and appealing for that, My Business general manager Phil Parisis had a clear warning in store when he explained that “if it’s easy for you to remember, chances are it’s also easy for cybercriminals to guess. “That's not only putting you at risk but also exposing the businesses and corporations that you work for. "Another common inclusion is a year - often their birth year or another significant year in their life." Having the right information and advice at your disposal is crucial when it comes to protecting yourself, so with all of this in mind, the 10 passwords that you should avoid at all costs the next time you’re asked to come to up with one are the following: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 123456 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 123456789 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> qwerty </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> password </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 12345 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> qwerty123 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1q2w3e </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 12345678 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 111111 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1234567890 </li> </ul> To further protect yourself, it can be of great benefit to mix your upper and lowercase letters in your passwords, as well as throwing in a range of symbols and numbers to further disguise your intended terms. For example, and as 9News noted, the likes of “password123” is considered a weak password, while something like “MySecurePa$$word785!” is considered much stronger, and much more protected. And the Australian Cyber Security Centre have further suggested that internet users consider using passphrases - a number of random words put together in a string -, as they’re “harder to guess but easier to remember” than common passwords. But most of all, they recommend avoiding obvious, significant, and easy-to-guess words, like the names of children and beloved family pets. Images: 9News

Technology

6 trusted tips for finding love

Whether you are newly single or have been playing the dating game for a while, it can be tough to find someone that you have a real connection with. There are some guidelines that you can follow that can help you, by simply asking yourself a few questions. 1. What are you looking for? Do you want someone to grow old with, someone to take to a movie now and then, or something more casual? Knowing what you want and being fairly upfront about it can help you filter out the options. 2. Are you ready to show your hand? Finding someone special means you will need to be open about who you are and be ready to invest time and effort into someone else. Are you ready for this step? If you’ve recently been hurt or are grieving it may not be the right time to search for a long term partner. 3. Do you know your assets? Work out what you have to bring to the table as a partner, as this will help you know what to say if you have to describe yourself quickly (think online dating or speed dating). 4. Would you consider yourself interesting? It can be helpful to try something new – take an art class, take a camping trip, do some volunteer work. Not only can you meet new people, it’s also nice to have something to talk about when you meet them. 5. Can you show your funny side? Funny people tend to be liked, so it can pay to ensure you are using the right sort of humour. Too much sarcasm or negativity can turn people off, so ensure you are keeping things light and witty. 6. Would your friends be able to help? When you’re looking for love, it can be helpful to ask your friends if they have anyone that might be suitable. They can offer a casual introduction at a social event, or set up a dinner to introduce you to some new people without too much pressure. Images: Shutterstock

Relationships

Why do cats knead? An explanation of this weird habit

First off, not all cats knead, and they don’t all knead in the same way. Most cats use only their front paws, but some use all four, or even just their back legs. Some kitties bring their claws out, while others don’t. A cat kneading at your lap might hurt, but your kitty probably doesn’t have any bad intentions; it just likes how you sound when you squeak. (You know, like a mouse.) In all seriousness, if your cat kneads, you’ve probably noticed how relaxed it seems when doing so – almost as if it’s in a trance. A kneading cat is a happy cat. But why do cats knead when the action doesn’t accomplish anything? After all, “making biscuits” doesn’t actually lead to fresh baked goods. Does it last their lifetime? Even when they’re too young for their eyes to open, cute kittens need to knead, says Katy Nelson, DVM, a veterinarian with Chewy. Nursing kitties push on their mother’s abdomen when suckling to help their mother’s glands release more milk. No one is totally sure why the habit lasts through adulthood, but there are a few theories as to why cats knead. For one thing, your cat might find it soothing. Felines grow up associating kneading with the comfort of their mama, and though they most likely don’t think about food when they’re kneading as adults, they still find it relaxing, as evidenced by the purrs you’ll probably hear as they’re doing it. “Like a kid sucking a thumb, it’s a calming thing,” says Dr Nelson. “A lot of cats have their eyes closed and look like they’re completely zenned out.” Maybe this is why cats sleep so much. If you’re wondering what it means when a cat makes biscuits on you, know this: It’s a good sign. Kneading indicates a cat feels safe and happy around you – or maybe even considers you a mother figure! It's a territorial thing Another theory is that cats knead to mark their territory. Here’s a cool cat fact: Cats have scent glands on both their faces and their paws. When felines rub their faces against the furniture or go to town on a scratching post, they’re not just letting off steam or exploring the couch. They’re also leaving behind their scent. The same happens when your cat kneads. Paws are the only places where cats sweat, which means rubbing them against something leaves behind their smell, says Dr Nelson. Other experts think kneading could be traced back to our sweet, domesticated house cats’ ancestors. Those wild cats didn’t have the soft blanket or fancy cat bed that your family pet got for its birthday, so they had to work a little to make the ground as comfy as possible, says Dr Nelson. Pushing at the grass, leaves, or dirt might have helped soften it up to “get their bed just right,” she says. It's a sign of happiness, too If you’re a cat owner who also owns furniture, you may spend less time wondering “Why do cats knead?” and more time asking “how can I get my cat to stop kneading?” Innocent as the habit is, it’s easy to get annoyed when your kneading cat digs its claws into your lap or furniture. Kneading makes cats happy, says Dr Nelson, so you should never stop your pet from doing its thing; just keep its claws short. “Keep the nails trimmed so it’s not painful and not messing up your blanket or your couch,” she says. Another option would be to get yourself a cat-proof couch that can withstand all the scratching. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/pets/why-do-cats-knead-an-explanation-of-this-weird-habit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Family & Pets

6 travel myths that aren’t true

There are many myths out there regarding travel.And while some are grounded in truth, that doesn’t mean they’re completely factual.We’re going to take a look at six travel myths that simply aren’t true. If you haven’t been away for a while, this might just be your prompt to do so. 1. Myth – Travel has to be expensive Nothing in the world is free, but travelling doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Budget travel alternatives are becoming increasingly popular and there are plenty of ways you can get out there and experience the world without having to break the bank. 2. Myth – Booking well in advance will save me money and is the best way to go While this is rooted in truth and some attractions are best booked before you leave, there is something to be said for the flexibility of booking on the fly. While you may have to pay a little more in some instances, it’s worth it to be able to be impulsive. 3. Myth – Haggling is expected in most countries In many tourist locations you can expect the initial asking price to be as much as four times what something is worth. But when you’re travelling through an impoverished country, sometimes you have to ask yourself whether haggling is really worth it. 4. Myth – Tours don’t make for an authentic travel experience Some people may look down on their nose at your for booking a tour, but there’s something to be said for having an expert guide to take you around an area and point out little things that you may have missed otherwise if you’re directing yourself. 5. Myth – People more or less understand English While English is becoming increasingly popular and the global economy is dominated by English-speaking nations, it’s a travel myth to believe that everyone speaks. Many places in the world that retain a strong national identity and refuse to speak in English. 6. Myth – There’ll be plenty of time to see anything Unfortunately this is not true. With threats like global warming, civil unrest and overcrowding, many amazing tourist locations are becoming more difficult to visit. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/tips-for-handling-flight-delays/">5 tips for dealing with flight delays</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/photo-shows-german-shepherd-enjoying-flight/">German Shepherd really enjoys plane ride</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/tips-for-travelling-with-people-that-get-on-your-nerves/">Tips for travelling with people that get on your nerves</a> Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

93-year-old grandma shares her blunt dating advice with the world

A 93-year-old woman from the United States has reached viral heights on social media with her frank dating advice for singles around the world - particularly when it comes to which men she thinks it best to avoid. In a series she calls ‘Red Flags for Guys’, Lillian Droniak has educated - and entertained - her audiences, warning them off of everyone from those who won’t open doors to those who won’t provide regular compliments, don’t have soup on hand, and don’t like bingo. In a later entry, she expanded on her own list, declaring that those who lie about their height, those who are water signs, anyone with a name starting with the letter J, plays golf, and don’t like cats are major red flags in the romantic department. “If he doesn't like bingo, I don't date him because I love bingo,” she explained. “If he doesn't keep enough soup for me in the refrigerator. I always like soup and eat soup … if he doesn't call me pretty all the time, I don't want anything to do with him.” <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620.262px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7187092528930327850&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40grandma_droniak%2Fvideo%2F7187092528930327850%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F0185552c26ef45e9a4155e25fdc88e95_1673375409%3Fx-expires%3D1680606000%26x-signature%3D2Bbvh8va4bNkeTSlql8fJ3xRfnU%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> As Lillian told Good Morning America of her decision to launch her account, she gives her advice because she’s already been through it, and that the next generation “are maybe too young to think about it. “I was bashful when I was young. And now I’m too much trouble sometimes.” And while Lillian is happy to dish out her advice, it isn’t without some personal experience. The grandmother has also been open with her followers about her own journey back into the realm of dating, even sharing a clip of her preparing for an upcoming date after 25 years without embarking on one. “My first date in 25 years and he's going to pick me up in 20 minutes,” she said. “I'm getting nervous now. I met him at bingo and that's the way it goes. “He's really handsome and I couldn't say no ... I might kiss him, you never know but I'm going to still put lipstick on just in case.” "If he doesn't like it, he could leave,” she explained, after showcasing her outfit for the camera, “all I want is a free dinner. “I'm not even going to bring my wallet or my purse. I'll let you know how it goes.” <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620.262px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7197847511887858986&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40grandma_droniak%2Fvideo%2F7197847511887858986%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F3958e1d1760c44539a23ef404b267a18_1675879484%3Fx-expires%3D1680606000%26x-signature%3DkHJqxjdpR2WgDEE6KGU%252FWFxlSWw%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Unfortunately, it wasn’t destined to work out for Lillian and her would-be partner, as she later returned to inform everyone that she “just got back from my date and it was no good. “He didn't even look at my outfit and say that it looks pretty. He was rude to the waiter, he was just a rude person. He didn't even hold the door for me like a gentleman should. “Bottom line he wasn't a gentleman, not my type. And he was shorter than me.” Images: TikTok

Relationships

Fergie reveals Queen’s tender personal advice before passing

Sarah Ferguson has shared that she is reminded of Queen Elizabeth II’s advice when she walks the late monarch’s infamous corgis. Sarah, the Duchess of York, 63, appeared on The One Show to promote her latest book, A Most Intriguing Lady, and she has revealed that the dogs make her think about the “values” upheld by her late mother-in-law. “One thing I really love when I'm with them actually, cause I really think about HM and I just really think about the value system that she supported in this country,” the duchess told presenters Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas. “And I remember she used to say, "Sarah there needs to be more kindness in the world, which would disarm malice".” The Duchess feels that everyone should “stop to remember those words with respect and affection for a great leader, who has now passed it to another great leader in her son”. “It's so funny to say that...straight off the corgis,” she continued. "But when I look at them I think "yes come on”.” She also mentioned she believes that the late Queen’s message can, and should be followed more broadly across the country. “And I think - so important - for the whole country to unite and uphold the values that for 72 years the monarch gave us all, really.” Sarah also admitted to feeling frightened that something could happen to the dogs as she walks them. “Because they're national treasures I'm terrified when they go out running," she told The One Show. “They chase everything. Straight into tress, bang, like that! I go "no, no, no, the nation loves you, stop, stop, stop chasing the squirrels”.” Image credit: Getty

Family & Pets

Some skincare rules were made to be broken

Beauty influencer Natalie O’Neill has gained quite the following on TikTok with her honest beauty advice, and has now shared her three least favourite - and most overrated - pieces of skincare advice. As anyone with sensitive skin knows, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, though it doesn’t stop us from trying every new hack and ‘groundbreaking’ product to hit the market. But according to Natalie, that in itself can be causing half the trouble. Her answer? Focus on the basics - cleansing, toning, and moisturising - and stop following these three popular but probably doomed-to-failed ‘rules’. <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Exfoliating </li> </ol> “The first one is exfoliation,” she said. “Ask any dermatologist, they will tell you you don’t need to exfoliate every day. Skin care brands have exfoliating products that they want to sell to you, and you will use them up quicker if you exfoliate every day. “The only thing is, your skin doesn’t need to be exfoliated every day. And if you do that you probably will have worse skin. We are conditioned to feel like skin needs exfoliation, but it actually exfoliates itself. It has its own natural turnover, it doesn’t need you to interact with it all the time.” Natalie suggested instead just protecting skin, keeping it hydrated, and exfoliating maybe once every one to two weeks at most. <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Vitamin C </li> </ol> “In at number two is vitamin C,” Natalie continued. “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, several dermatologists that I follow don’t use vitamin C. It’s not that necessary, and it can actually be one of the most irritating ‘actives’ available.” After going on to list some popular online dermatologists that she knows don’t consider it important either, Natalie said that “again, it’s the brands telling you that you need to use it every day. And actually, you don’t. “And you might find that if you stop using it you would have much calmer skin. That’s what I found.” <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Skin cycling </li> </ol> Skin cycling is a skincare routine that calls for ‘rest days’, where the skin is given time to ‘repair’ itself after using products. Supposedly, this has the added benefit of preventing the likes of irritation and inflammation. “I know that the person who invented it is on this app [TikTok], I know that, I respect her,” Natalie began for her third take. “In a way, skin cycling has helped lots of people, and that’s a good thing. “But let me ask you this - if those people weren’t using chemical exfoliants and retinoids prior to doing skin cycling, it would therefore make sense that they are now experiencing good results after using chemical exfoliants and retinoids. “On one hand I do understand why people do skin cycling, because it makes a complicated subject a lot easier to absorb and implement in your daily life. But on the other hand, it’s not really anything new.” Her answer? “Use your retinoid or your chemical exfoliant more consistently” to see better results. <div class="mol-embed" style="margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; min-height: 1px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; text-align: center; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> <blockquote id="v40902513402405736" class="tiktok-embed" style="margin: 18px auto; padding: 0px; min-height: 1px; letter-spacing: -0.01em; position: relative; width: 605px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.15; overflow: hidden; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: proxima-regular, PingFangSC, sans-serif; max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@natalie_oneillll/video/7199658807738371333" data-video-id="7199658807738371333" data-embed-from="oembed"><iframe style="letter-spacing: -0.01em; border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 605px; height: 758px; display: block; visibility: unset; max-height: 758px;" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7199658807738371333?lang=en-GB&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Ffemail%2Fbeauty%2Farticle-11856147%2FBeauty-buff-Natalie-ONeill-transformed-skin-shares-three-overrated-bits-skincare-advice.html&embedFrom=oembed" name="__tt_embed__v40902513402405736" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin"></iframe></blockquote> </div> Images: TikTok

Beauty & Style

Five vital questions to ask yourself before booking your next cruise

When it comes to booking your next holiday on the seas, there are a few vital questions to consider before setting sail. It isn't uncommon to be lured in by a seemingly great sale fare, but taking a minute to contemplate the best arrangement for you could stop you making an expensive mistake. Who you go with, where you go, and when you set sail can all greatly impact the quality of your holiday, so ask yourself these questions before you pack your bags. Who am I travelling with? Picking your travel companions can make or break your holiday, as who you decide to set sail with can drastically change where and when you go. For example if you're travelling with young children, that will rule out most expeditions to Antarctica, as most cruise lines recommend children be at least eight years of age to head to the icy South Pole. If the holiday is a venture for the whole family, most cruise lines advertise which journeys are more kid-friendly, with entertainment onboard for people of all ages. Where am I going? While there are many spectacular destinations on every cruise lover's bucket list, there are others that require a little more consideration. Do you prefer something tropical featuring a beach-heavy itinerary or fancy something cool climate with plenty of adventure? What was the last holiday you truly enjoyed and what did you love about it? What are you keen to avoid (bustling cities, plenty of days at sea etc)? Once you narrow down what kind of holiday you’re looking for, it’s time to shortlist potential destinations that will tick your every box. How much is it going to cost me? The first thing every traveller must do before making holiday plans is figuring out how much money you have, and what you are willing to spend. Writing down a budget and designating certain costs is a sure fire way to keep on top of your spending, such as allocating set figures for transport, accommodation, daily spending and luxuries. While you're working out your budget, it's also a good idea to research the cost of meals, drinks, activities and transport at the ports the cruise will be visiting. What do I want to spend my time onboard doing? Whether you're into golf, felines, death metal, food or general nudity, you can rest assured there's a cruise for you out there. Many cruise lines have started operating themed cruises to match the very niche interests of every traveller, while still giving holidaymakers the chance to see the world with like minded people. Simply Google 'cruise' and your particular interest and prepare to be amazed at what's out there. Is cruising the best holiday for me? If you've never cruised before, you might be feeling uncertain if you're the kind of person who'll enjoy a cruise. While there's certainly a cruise for every person, whether that be river cruising through Europe or adventures in the Arctic Circle, it's probably not the best idea to book in for a 24-day voyage if you're unsure you'll enjoy it. Image credits: Getty Images

Cruising

Best relationship advice from married couples

Be together for the right reasons Select a partner that you’re compatible with and truly want to be with, don’t get married for the below reasons! <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Pressure from friends and family </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Feeling lonely or self-conscious that you’re single </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Select a partner just for image or because it looks good on paper </li> </ul> “Don’t ever be with someone because someone else pressured you to. I got married the first time because I was raised Catholic and that’s what you were supposed to do.” - Greg Realistic expectations <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Don’t expect your partner to do everything for you </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Don’t select a partner based purely on looks or money </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Make sure you’re selecting a partner that you would get on with as friends as well as a romantic relationship </li> </ul> “There will be days, or weeks, or maybe even longer, when you aren’t all mushy-gushy in-love. You’re even going to wake up some morning and think, “Ugh, you’re still here….” That’s normal! And more importantly, sticking it out is totally worth it, because . . . in a day, or a week, or maybe even longer, you’ll look at that person and a giant wave of love will inundate you, and you’ll love them so much you think your heart can’t possibly hold it all and is going to burst. Because a love that’s alive is also constantly evolving.” - Paula Talk openly and be honest with each other <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> If something is bothering you tell your partner and communicate clearly </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Be vulnerable with your partner, don’t put up a ball </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Respect your partner and their emotions </li> </ul> “There can be no secrets. Secrets divide you. Always.” - Tracey Image credit: Shutterstock

Relationships

Expert advice for finding the hobby that’s best for your body, mind, and soul

While some activities can seem more appealing - and some time periods more convenient - than others, there is never any shortage of evidence highlighting the benefits - both physical and mental - of picking up a brand new hobby. From reducing stress to improving social connections, assisting with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhancing wellbeing, there has never been a better time than now to start. Choosing a hobby - and sticking to it - can be hard work, but thankfully, experts have chimed in with their tips and tricks for finding something you’ll love, and that you’ll want to keep coming back to. Find like-minded souls David Helmers, Executive Officer of the community-based not-for-profit organisation Men’s Shed, believes in the value of hobbies bringing people together, saying that “hobbies are very closely related to social interaction. It can be the most bizarre hobby in the world, but through them you generally form an affiliation with like-minded people.”  Enjoy it - then and now While finding a hobby can be a surefire way to connect with people with similar interests, it can also be something that’s just for you. And commonly, the hobbies we turn to can be something we enjoyed earlier in our lives, but couldn’t keep up with for one reason or another. For example, parenthood can see many adults letting their usual activities fall to the wayside due to time constraints and other commitments - or, in a lot of cases, exhaustion. “I can speak from my own experience here,” Helmers said, “since I became a father, I don't think I ever went surfing again.” MindStep’s senior mental health coach Inouk Mackay believes that “going back to an old hobby you previously enjoyed” can be a great way to break back into the cycle, adding that “experimenting with how it feels” can help with the task of re-engaging. “If it’s right for you then your brain will kick into gear and remind you ‘yes, this was something I used to enjoy and will do again’,” she said. And for those who’d prefer to start over, “different is good, challenging yourself is good. But make sure you experiment with a few ideas before you make up your mind. If you don’t try, how can you possibly know if it’s a good fit for you?” Shaking off the nerves Starting something new can feel daunting at the best of times, but coupled with doing it alongside a brand new group of people, it can be downright frightening. However, David Helmers had some good news for those feeling the intimidation factor, speaking on behalf of his group, and those all across Australia, by declaring them to be “very open”, and agreeing that the hardest part of the process can be - and more often than not is - step one. “The hardest thing we have with Men's Sheds is getting the men to walk in the door in the first instance,” he explained. “Sometimes, people need a bit of pushing.”  Inouk Mackay was in agreement, sharing in David’s advice that initial butterflies shouldn’t keep you from something worthwhile. “It might involve taking a bite of that ‘courage pill’,” she said, “especially if you’re joining a group-based activity. But we know that if anxiety or fear is present, it will dissipate over time if you just allow yourself to stay there and do your best to engage.” Commit to what matters Mackay made a point to stress the importance of committing to any new activity, and how scheduling it in a “diary as you would an important appointment” can help guide you towards maintaining your participation. After all, as Mackay said, “we know that if we commit to something on paper, we are much more likely to follow through.” “We all need to make some time for ourselves,” David agreed, before adding, “personally, I'm terrible at it, I know. But I’ve learned that it’s very important, and that if you want to have healthy, productive time for all the other significant things in your life, then you also need to make healthy time for yourself too.” Images: Getty

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