The Glimpse Magazine - The Unique, The Different and The Cool

Buying Your First Home: What You Need to Know

Article Editor on July 26, 2021

What to expect when buying that first home

Thinking of buying a home for the first time is exciting and turbulent. Shalom Lamm believes each of us deserves one. Will you get that house you want? You have looked up what you can afford, run the figures past a real estate agent, and calculated for yourself. You have decided what you can’t afford. meaning you want money for living a bit more freely. You can’t bid higher.

Some things to consider:

Don’t buy a car just before looking for a home.

Watch your credit rating.

Don’t change jobs.

Don’t consolidate expenses.

Don’t increase your credit

If you mess up and find you have financial trouble, Shalom Lamm believes that failure will help you learn and understand and then go forward with even more knowledge than before.

That Is the Home

Inevitably a real estate broker, or even you by yourself, have found a house that is slightly over your budget. Now it will really depend on making a down payment high enough to cover the extra expense if you don’t make enough. Saving that down payment has been a priority for some time.

Remember, that there is mortgage insurance to pay until your investment reaches 20% of the cost. That insurance is expensive. Also, taxes go up and up and so does the mortgage payment, not a lot but enough if the budget is too tight.

What to Do

You have found the house. Get an appraisal. Yes, really. Get one. It will cost you and be worth it. Make an offer after the appraisal if the sale can wait. Sometimes other bidders will interrupt your best plans. Get a home inspection and inspect it yourself. Walk around looking at the foundation and look up at the roofing. Look for termites though you probably will not see the devils. Check if the house is in a flood plain, sometimes it isn’t that clear. Check the sheet the real estate agent will give you about a week before closing for details of other expenses and the expected payments. Other expenses will be about 3% of the house’s cost. These are taxes, insurance, agent fees. Things like that. Check to see if there are association fees if the home is in an area with general maintenance.

What to Buy

Now you have the house and finally, it is moving day. What do you need? You need a garbage can. Where else are you going to put all that extra packing material? You need cleaning supplies and a pail, gloves, sponges, chemicals. A broom.

Look at the windows. If you don’t have blinds so you can close them sometimes, you will need to get some curtains or blinds, something to cover those windows. Get a shower curtain if you don’t have an enclosed shower. If you are a coffee drinker, know where that machine is and keep it handy.

Stop and take a deep breath and relax. Everything is over. You’re finally a homeowner.

Infographic Provided by Marketplace Homes

Financial Security: F.H. Cann and Associates Inc. Shares Tips To Keep Your Financial Information Safe

Chris Turn on July 22, 2021

F.H. Cann and Associates Inc. understands that you have many pieces of financial information that can go in many places throughout the day. But they also know that you are always vulnerable to various threats when you send your information to other people.

You could be at risk of losing your money if you don’t handle your financial information the right way.

F.H. Cann and Associates Inc. wants to help you with these sensible details to help you keep your financial info safe.

Check Your Account Statements

Always look at how your account statements work and that you don’t find any suspicious activity. You can identify identity theft if you notice cases where someone might be spending money on things you didn’t approve.

It is easier to clean up identity theft and to keep it under control if you identify it soon enough.

Check all your account data, including:

Where you are spending money
How much you spend
When you spend those funds
Whether you’re engaging in transfers or other less common activities

Don’t forget to review your credit reports for details. You’ll receive a free check from each major credit bureau every year.

Be Smart With Your Passwords

We’ve noticed many people who lose their financial info often use weak passwords. Some of the problems people can get into with their passwords include:

Using the same password on many accounts
Using passwords that are too predictable
Sticking with a default password when applicable
Not using enough unique characters or other features that make your password harder to predict or guess

Be sure you produce more comprehensive and complex passwords for your accounts and that you don’t use the same passwords for multiple accounts. Don’t forget to also change those passwords every few weeks.

Shred Your Sensitive Documents

You’d be surprised at how often people engage in dumpster diving. People can find many documents with sensitive financial info on them in the trash. They can use these details to apply for credit cards and to use other things with your data.

Always shred whatever documents you discard if they have your financial data on them. Proper shredding ensures people cannot try and find your financial data through these documents.

Avoid Sharing on Social Media

The odds are you might share plenty of personal details about yourself while on social media. You could highlight things like a pet’s name, your middle name, or details on your history. Some data thieves could use those details to steal your identity and hack into your accounts.

Avoid sharing all those details on social media. Keep a low profile on all your accounts. Some of the things you can do include:

Keep your accounts private to where only authorized people can see what you post while online.
Think about what you will post before doing so. Avoid adding anything that might identify you in general.
Use different handle names while on social media. It is harder for people to track you down if you use multiple social media handles.

You can use all these points when managing your financial data. F.H. Cann and Associates Inc. wants to ensure your finances are kept safe and won’t be at risk of harm or loss.

How Much Coffee Should You Drink Per Day?

Article Editor on July 22, 2021

How Much Coffee Should You Drink Per Day?

Coffee is the most popular drink on the globe. Why does humankind crave it? Possibly it is the smell of the brew that wakes him like an alarm clock each morning that is so satisfying, or maybe it is the routine of that one last stop on the way to work that delays the inevitable 9-5 grind, or it is simply the love of the feeling that comes with sipping it on the porch over good conversation with a friend. No matter why they drink it, coffee has become an addiction for many. They cannot start their day without it and are never seen without a cup of the bitter liquid in their hand. It is an addiction that people brush off because, after all, it is natural, right? (Unless of course in order to tolerate it a person must add 5 pumps of this and 3 shots of that to their cup!) According to the International Coffee Organization, 1.4 billion cups are drunk of this black liquid every day. It has become an unnecessary necessity in today’s hipster and business world. Convincing someone to give up their daily coffee might be likened to asking them to donate a kidney to a stranger.

There has been widespread debate about whether coffee is good for the human body or bad for it. Alexander Djerassi knows that drinking too much on a daily basis can affect his health. Let’s take a look at some of the good and bad effects that it can have.

Some of the benefits that might occur from drinking the right amount of coffee daily are:

a longer life
better glucose processing
less likely to develop heart failure
less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease
a healthier liver
stronger DNA

Studies show that it is safe to drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day. Something to remember though is that a cup is only 8 oz. Many mugs used today are 12 to 16 oz. If someone is drinking 3 to 5 mugs of that size every day they are probably drinking too much. Some of the health issues from drinking too much coffee that Alexander Djerassi wants people to be aware of are:

insomnia
upset stomach
nausea
nervousness
increased heart rate
vomiting
restlessness
headache
anxiety
an irregular heartbeat
adrenal fatigue

There is a phrase that says it isn’t possible to have too much of a good thing, but in the case of drinking coffee, there is a limit to how much of it is good for the body. When that line is crossed the risk of experiencing one or several of these adverse side effects significantly rises. If a person is unable to start the day without coffee, or they are running to make a second or third pot in the afternoon just to make it through the day, it might be time to reevaluate how much coffee is being consumed and what alternatives are out there. Consuming too much coffee can definitely put one’s health in jeopardy!

Best States to Retire in the U.S.

Article Editor on July 21, 2021

Top 5 States To Retire In

When you’re ready to retire, you want to make sure you go to one of the best states to retire. There are 50 states across the US, but some are better to live in once you retire. Even Shalom Lamm knows how important it is to pick a great spot to retire in. Let’s discuss the top five most popular states to retire in.

A lot of people love retiring in Arizona, believe it or not. This may have you a little shocked, but Arizona is an amazing state, as well as offering beautiful scenery. It has the grand canyon in it, so of course it would make it on this list. Everyone deserves to see it when they retire. The weather in Arizona is fabulous, which makes for lots of going out, and having nature days, and enjoying the beautiful state.

Another great state to retire in would be no other than South Carolina. South Carolina is also beside the ocean, so you can retire in an ocean front city on the coastline, or you could just live in a regular city, and travel to the ocean whenever you want to have a beach day. This state has history, and culture, everywhere to explore, making it a great state to retire in.

Of course, Florida is an amazing place to retire, when you’re ready. Even Shalom Lamm thinks that Florida is a beautiful place to retire to. What’s not to love about Florida? It has everything to offer. Florida has year round sunshine, warm temps, ocean, beaches, palm trees, and even DisneyLand. It has plenty of places to travel, and see while being retired. This state has so much to offer for you to do, it’s like a retired person’s dream to live here. There are even swamps to fish in too, should you want to, just watch out for the alligators.

Idaho is another amazing state to live in once you’ve retired. You may be wondering why Idaho of all states. The cost of living is below average here. Buying a house, and maintaining it here, will save you more money than in other states. It’s also a beautiful state, so you can get outdoors, and travel it, but you will be saving enough money living in this state that maybe planning out of state trips will be in your budget.

Maine is number five on this list, but that doesn’t mean anything about the place. Maine is ranked the number one safest place to live, and has been repeatedly for years. That makes this state amazing to retire in. You will be able to retire, and live in peace, here in Maine. Maine is also a beautiful state, and has a lot to visit, do, and see. It will give you plenty of things to do while being retired. You won’t be bored here, that’s for sure. You will also know that you’re safe while you are out doing things, and won’t have to worry.

Health Benefits From Doing Yoga Every Day

Article Editor on July 19, 2021

Health Benefits of a Double Dose of Yoga

What is it about yoga anyway? Is it a religion? Is it an exercise? Maybe it’s a philosophy or perhaps some Far Eastern ideology. The truth is that yoga is a little of all of these. Yoga is far more than the twisting and contorting of the body; in fact, “yoga is not about the touching of the toes but it is about what’s learned on the way done.”

One of the six Hindu philosophical traditions of ancient India, yoga works with all aspects of human nature. Taken from a Sanskrit word that means unity, yoga works to bring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. How does it do it? By training a person to live without the toxic waste that life dumps on us daily. It brings peace and order by changing not how we see things but “by transforming the person who sees.”

Helen Lee Schifter, a student of Zen Buddhism and an avid yogi, has had a fascinating life and career. A blogger who also writes about health and wellness issues, she has been quick to share her faith and the benefits of yoga. While Schifter believes that career development and professional goals are important, health and wellness, she believes, should also be allowed a place in our growth and development. Buddhism and yoga have helped her escape the chaos of the daily rat race and have enabled her through meditation to think clearly and shut out the needless noises of a busy life.

Yoga can do a lot of things. It can reduce insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress. Heart rate and blood pressure have been lowered while doing yoga, and it has helped improve fitness, strength and flexibility. How does yoga do it? First of all the slow purposeful movements and stretches and deep breathing techniques of yoga increase blood flow and warm up muscles. This ultimately can improve circulatory and cardio health and improve muscle strength and tone. Because it is an exercise, yoga, by reducing the levels of the body’s stress hormones, stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain that serve as natural painkillers and mood elevators to the body.

On a spiritual level, Helen Lee Schifter believes that yoga does even more. It helps heal the spirit and the mind. Yoga is a mental practice that helps one focus. It improves concentration and helps move a person through psychological challenges and emotional stress. A consistent yoga practice makes a person more aware of the spirit and energy without and within him. Yoga pushes self discovery and evolution. “is a mirror that lets us look at ourselves from within.” Spiritually it opens our hearts and because of that it can work alongside any faith. It helps us become more aware of who we are and what’s going on around us.

People all around the world practice yoga because of what it offers physically and spiritually. Exercise, prayer, meditation, faith practiced on a regular basis always does a body good. Yoga has all of this and more wrapped in one powerful packet.

5 Ways To Make Your Business Stand Out

Web admin on July 18, 2021

With so much competition out there, it can be difficult to stand out from all of the other businesses you’re going against. Let’s face it, the pressure is on to be seen more than ever, so trying to figure out a way to be seen can be a challenge. Whether trying to grab people’s attention in the street or making an impression online, here are some of the best tips for making your business stand out to potential clients.

A Memorable Sign

If your business is located in an area where there are a lot of other businesses alongside it, it can be challenging to do anything but blend it. With so many different buildings blending together, it helps to pop visually. Consider advertising your business with a custom sign that stands out and catches people’s eyes. Getting noticed often starts with putting yourself into view, and a sign can be the most practical way to do that.

Business Cards

People are naturally drawn towards things that they see repeatedly. One of the best ways to stand out amongst the crowd is to make yourself repeatedly visible. Leaving your business cards anywhere that you can is a great way to stay top of mind. Consistently showing up visually is a fantastic way to establish yourself as the best choice for whatever products or services you offer. Whether it’s at the local coffee shop or book store, don’t be afraid to sprinkle your business cards all over town.

Get in The News

The local news is a great way to establish yourself and create a positive reputation for your brand. If not the news, perhaps there’s a local magazine that you can start to build a relationship with. Whether you’re having a sale, or you’re developing a new product in your business, consider asking for it to be written about in a local publication.

Create Shareable Content

Nowadays, having followers online isn’t enough to get a social media buzz going. Beyond just having followers, you should also have shareable, relatable, and buzzworthy content. If you can manage to create something original that leads people back to your page, then you’ll stand out from the competition and establish yourself as a big fish online.

Ask For Reviews

One of the first things that people do when they’re looking for a business is Google it. You want to make sure that whatever comes up about your business is favorable. One of the best ways to do that is to ask all of your customers to leave reviews if they are happy with your products or services. Getting great reviews will make Google love you and establish yourself as one of the best choices in your area for whatever it is that you’re selling.

Sustainable Materials You Should Know About

Article Editor on July 15, 2021

Sustainable Materials You Should Know About

When a consumer plans to switch over to green or sustainable materials, there are several essential things that a consumer will need to know about. From knowing what these materials are to buying them to make sure they are appropriately used, it can make a difference to the environment. Helen Lee Schifter wants to see more sustainable products used by more people.

Solar Light Bulbs: The most commonly found sustainable material is the sun. Solar light bulbs can be found in many areas, from their backyard to their city. Solar lights work by collecting energy from the rays of the sun and using it as lighting. These items can be found in a variety of different styles, from modern to traditional.

Organic Foods: Today, there are different types of organic foods on the market. This difference includes items like certified organic meats, milk and eggs, and whole grains. Some individuals are starting to have smaller, more local organic grocery items in their shopping baskets.

Recycled Items: Items that are in the process of recycling are called green items. Some popular ones include plastic bags and paper products. Items that are used once but never used again are called non-recycled items. Garbage is one type of green item that we have already, and recycling programs are starting to be adopted across the country.

Recycle Water Bottles: People are starting to recycle even more waste by reusing water bottles. These bottles can be put in a compost bin for the garden or used to make small biodegradable containers for plants and flowers. While it is best to leave the water bottles out in the open if they will still be drinkable in six months, small ones made from peat moss are perfect for collecting in their garden. Just remember not to use more than half of the bottle, as the rest must always be disposed of safely.

Recycle Light Bulbs: Most people have a light bulb somewhere in their homes. Although these may seem like no big deal, recycling light bulbs is a growing trend. They are most often recycled because they can be used again rather than thrown in the trash.

Sustainable Materials: Sustainable materials refer to those that do not cause harm to the environment in any way. Some of these are made of natural materials like coconut and wood. There are also many items such as plastic and aluminum that cannot be classified as sustainable materials. This classification is because the manufacturing process causes a great deal of harm to the environment. By using these items, a consumer helps to reduce the amount of damage done to the planet. Many people are also starting to use biodegradable products, which helps to protect the environment.
When shopping for sustainable materials, it can be unclear what items are good to use. This uncertainty is why a consumer should consider asking a professional for some advice. There are many advantages to using these items, including saving money and protecting the environment. A consumer can also help to make the world a better place for future generations. Just remember to ask the right questions before buying anything made from these or other sustainable materials. Helen Lee Schifter uses sustainable products in her lifestyle.

Requirements Needed To Become A Real Estate Agent

Article Editor on July 13, 2021

Requirements Needed To Become A Real Estate Agent

You may find yourself wondering what it takes to become a real estate agent? What are the requirements? Can just anyone willing become one? I mean, what does it take to become a real estate agent like Shalom Lamm? I’m going to explain the qualifications that are needed.

First of all, you must at least be 18 or 19 years old, depending on the state that you live in. Age is always a factor in jobs, but if you’re looking into becoming a real estate agent, I am sure that you’re at least old enough to do so. If you’re not, well now you know that there is an age requirement.

You must also be a legal citizen of the US. You will be required to verify that you are, but again, this is a requirement with most jobs.

You will have to pass your state’s required pre license education course. You will be enrolled into classes, learning about what it takes to be a real estate agent, as well as learning all of the information that you will need to know when you become one. You will learn the skills you need as you’re on the job, doing your day to day business. This might be challenging for some, but this puts you on the right path for success in your life.

After taking the education course, you will then apply to take the real estate exam. You have to comply and do everything by your state’s standards. You may have to submit a background check, fingerprints, as well as other things before you can test. Make sure you find out when you apply to test, so you get it all done, and completed within a timely manner. It can sometimes take a few weeks before you test, after you apply, to get everything completed, and in order.

Next would be passing the real estate exam, which is no feat. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pass it your first time. This is common. Try your best on each attempt, and make sure you study, and practice, plenty before taking the actual test. Show up to test with a positive mindset, that you WILL do great, and that day IS your day. Having a positive attitude can help much more than you think, too.

Passing the real estate exam has you on the path that you need to be on, but it doesn’t make you a qualified real estate agent like Shalom Lamm just yet. You will have to find a real estate broker now. A real estate agent can only be licensed to work on behalf of a broker, you do not act independently, or of your own accord. Finding a broker before you pass the exam is the best, or at least be on the lookout for one then. You and your broker will complete the final paperwork needed, together. Once it is finalized, then you will be a licensed agent, and able to work with the broker’s sponsorship of you.

Activities to do on a Rainy Day

Article Editor on July 12, 2021

Activities to do on a Rainy Day

A rainy day can dampen anyone’s mood or interfere with plans. Rainy days can carry a negative connotation in connection with outdoor activities. Things can get boring or become a nuisance when feeling confined to indoor options or to activities that withstand torrential downpours and lightning storms. However, picnics, pool days, beach excursions, and hiking aside there are many activities that Mother Nature cannot intrude upon. Andrew Napolitano, news analyst and syndicated columnist, has great pastimes that can weather any rainy day. For instance, he is the author of nine books on legal matters and politics. Reading and writing are an easily accessible rainy-day activity that can just the same transition into an any-day activity that many enjoy. Rain or shine, writing is one skill that can be honed during downtime. Even if the writing starts as a journal entry, diary notes, or brainstorming interests, it can lead to something worth publishing and sharing. It only takes small steps and a beginning to accomplish amazing things.

Napolitano is a Princeton University and Notre Dame Law School graduate who entered private practice, taught law, and sat on the New Jersey bench. When thinking about rainy day activities, law may not come to mind straightaway, or at all. Still, it is a great hobby to specifically seek out more knowledge on laws and rights. For example, what is the difference between a law and a right? What are some common federal laws? What is the Bill of Rights? If these questions cannot be easily answered, perhaps it could become a source of inspiration to internet search, seek out books, watch videos, listen to podcasts, or turn on the news during a rainy time. Knowledge is power and any excuse to acquire more of it surely can liven up a day indoors with the mild, or loud, background noise of a storm.
Besides the more hands-on approaches to a rainy-day Napolitano style, there is also the option of binge-watching court television. Court television can be some of the most entertaining, but also enlightening, programming. It can be exciting to watch non-stop coverage of different trials and the attached analysis. Court proceedings can be live and make it easier for viewers to keep up with high profile cases as well as lesser-known ones, and discover old trials. In unprecedented times such as in a global pandemic, Court television allows viewers to safely stay connected to courtroom trials without having to physically attend and potentially contract viruses or simply have exposure to the elements, such as rain. Correspondent’s assessments add to the professionalism of the content and provide elaboration on the legal process. All in all, do not hesitate, and the next time a rainy day blows in, consider adding an Andrew Napolitano flair to your activities. Find a book, write about a passion, or watch a show, and if it has a legal theme, all the better. Enrich rainy interludes with legal awareness that just might turn into a passion never imagined or discovered.

How Digital Marketing Can Help You Grow Your Small Business

Helper on July 7, 2021

The world of digital marketing is vastly different for smaller businesses when compared to large corporations. Growing a small business over time will take an investment in digital marketing. The truth is that you are going to have to continually invest in this especially as the company grows. You might have competitors that are slacking in terms of digital marketing but as you grow, your competitors will likely have efficient strategies. Take the time to assess how your digital marketing is going currently. The following are ways that digital marketing can help grow your small business.

Improve Website Conversions

Web design is going to play a very important role in conversions when selling products directly from the website. The checkout process for an eCommerce website is going to be very important. The process should be simple while maintaining security. A company of any size can lose a large portion of its clients due to a hack or other type of data leak. Placing importance on security is something that you need to do as a hack can cripple your growth as a company. Each section of the website should be designed with goals in mind.

Start Ranking In The Local Area

Ranking in the local area is going to be important for nearly all businesses. Local businesses that come up near the top of search results are going to get quite a bit of organic traffic and leads. A photographer is a great example as people rarely scroll through the top results if they find what they were looking for. Photographers might only want to work in the local area rather than traveling to do photoshoots. Building backlinks in the local area and claiming profiles on local sites is important.

Establish Your Business As A Thought Leader On A Topic

Establishing your business as a thought leader on a topic can generate a massive number of sales. A digital marketing company is a great example of this. There could be tactics that a company specializes in and have created quite a bit of content covering this subject. The topic could be something that is complex like that of building links for specific types of businesses. Podcasting can be an easy way to create longer pieces of content just by talking with authority on a topic. Investing the right guests can legitimize a small business almost immediately.

Track ROI On Every Dollar Spent

The beauty of digital marketing is that you can make decisions based on data rather than gut feelings. Tracking every dollar spent is far easier in digital marketing than it is with traditional marketing tactics. Seeing a huge return on your marketing spend can allow you to dedicate more budget to this. There will be a point of saturation where you are not seeing the same returns but this means you have marketed your business to the best of your ability.

Digital marketing can help grow a small business and help it become established in an industry. Do not underestimate the help that a digital marketing agency can offer as they likely already have connections that can be leveraged.