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Celebrating Armed Forces Day
What have you got planned to celebrate Armed Forces Day this year?
This year’s Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday, May 19th.
What is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is a holiday which celebrates the service and sacrifice of members of the military. Armed Forces Day is a common holiday celebrated in many countries throughout the world.
In the USA, Armed Forces Day is always held on the 3rd Saturday of the month of May.
It usually falls at the end of Armed Forces Week which occurs between the second Saturday and the third Sunday in May.
What sort of Events are Held?
The day is an official holiday and it is often celebrated with parades, open houses, air shows, festivals and other family-friendly events.
Often military members will give displays and performances for the public and there will be educational activities for children to learn about the armed forces.
Some locations around the USA will even have motorcycle rides with a “Support the Troops” theme.
Usually the weather is sunny and warm at this time of the year and many families will take a picnic and sit outside while they watch the parades and the festivities.
This day is also an opportunity for the military to showcase its state-of-the-art technology and equipment to the American people.
Most cities, towns and communities will have their own Armed Forces Day celebrations, so be sure to take a look at what is happening in your hometown on this special day.
What are the Historical Origins of Armed Forces Day?
This holiday was created in 1949 in order to honor the Americans who served in the five branches of the United States military; The Army, The Navy, The Air Force, The Marines, and the Coast Guard.
In the past, these five branches each had their own special day until President Truman created a single day when all military members could be celebrated.
It was established as an official holiday by President Kennedy in 1962.
This Armed Forces Day, find out what events are happening this year and get out there to join in the party.
Have a great Armed Forces Day this year and be sure to give thanks to the brave members of the military for their patriotic service.
Don’t Make These Financial Mistakes When Buying a Home
Owning a home is a very important milestone in life and for most people it is the largest purchase that they will ever make.
Many first time home buyers are so eager to move into their new property that they overlook the fine print and details and make some mistakes.
Buying a home is a complicated process and there are many things to keep in mind when you are making these important decisions.
Here are a few financial mistakes to avoid when buying your home:
Not Making a Large Down Payment
One of the first rules to buying a house is that you should pay as much of a down payment as you can possibly afford.
A popular strategy is to save up for a few years first and pay down as large of an amount down as you can afford. Many times the easiest approvals and lowest interest rates are offered if you can put at least 20% of the value of the home down.
This is an advantage because when you pay more money up front you will have a smaller mortgage and less interest to pay over the years.
Even a 5% increase in your down payment can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.
Buying Too Much House for Your Budget
Just because your mortgage lender has told you that you can afford a house of a certain amount, it doesn’t mean that you need to buy a home which is expensive.
If your house just barely fits within your budget, you will stretch yourself to make your payments every month and be under pressure to keep earning a lot of money.
If something happens, such as your hours get cut at work or you lose your job, those large payments get overwhelming very quickly.
It is better to choose a house which is very easily in your reach so that you can make smaller monthly payments with some breathing room just in case.
Failing to Make a Budget
The best way to find out what you really can and can’t afford is to take a close look at your finances by making a budget so that you know exactly what is coming in and out.
Take stock of all of your spending and earnings over the last few months by entering your expenses and income into a spreadsheet, and don’t forget to consider non-monthly expenses such as vacations, birthday and wedding gifts, and auto repair expenses.
This will help you see exactly where your money is going, what you can cut down on and how much you can realistically afford to spend on mortgage payments.
House on Fire! Easy Tips to Save You Money on Home Insurance
Earthquakes, windstorms, rain damage, flooding, falling trees, vandalism, burglary… there are many things which could possibly happen to cause damage to your home.
This is why homeowner’s insurance is important, so that you can be protected in these unfortunate events.
However, home insurance doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think.
There are a few ways that you can reduce the cost of this insurance and protect your home for less.
Take the Time to Shop Around
You don’t need to sign up for the first home insurance that you come across, as you will likely be able to find a better offer if you take a while to compare prices and packages.
You can also ask your friends and coworkers for recommendations, as well as looking at consumer guides and online quote comparison websites.
Reduce Safety Risks
There are certain measures that you can take to reduce the risk of theft and fire in your home which may lower your insurance premium.
For example, you can install a burglar alarm and modern locks, plant prickly bushes under your windows, put your lights on a self-timer, and join the Neighborhood Watch and much more.
You can also reduce your fire premiums by maintaining your smoke alarms and having your home inspected by a fire safety officer.
If you are in an area prone to earthquakes, you can make your home safer by reinforcing your roof and adding stronger materials to the structure.
Include the Value of the House, Not the Land
When you are deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy, you don’t need to include the land underneath your house.
That land is not at risk for theft, fire, rain and wind damage like your house will be, so the value of it doesn’t need to be included in your insurance policy and you will end up paying a higher premium if it is.
Instead, just pay according to the amount it would cost to rebuild your house on the land.
Ask for Other Discounts
Did you know that there are several types of discounts that you might be able to negotiate on your home insurance?
For example, if you are retired you are more likely to be at home and will spot a fire quicker and will be less likely to get burglarized.
You will also have more time to maintain your home.
Some companies will give up to 10% discount for policy holders who are older than 55 and retired. Be sure to ask your insurance representative about any discounts that you might qualify for.
Another popular discount is offered if you have multiple lines of insurance with the same provider. For instance, if you insure your home and your automobiles with the same insurer, then you very likely qualify for a significant discount.
These are just a few ways that you can save money on your home insurance so that your house is protected no matter what happens.
The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations in the USA
From jagged mountains to sandy beaches to farmland as flat as the horizon, the United States has a huge variety of landscapes within its borders.
There are many places in the USA which will cause your jaw to drop in awe when beholding a particularly stunning landscape.
Here are a few examples of truly gorgeous places in the USA:
Aspen, Colorado
This mountain town is surrounded by lofty peaks topped with a dusting of snow, verdant pine forests, and tranquil lakes, ensuring that you will have a stunning view in any direction.
Many people head to Aspen every summer to enjoy the excellent hiking, fishing rafting, mountain biking and camping.
In the winter, this town becomes a snowy paradise ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Sedona, Arizona
Whenever you see a stunning vista of red rock canyons in a Western, there is a good chance that the footage was filmed in beautiful Red Rock Country near Sedona, Arizona.
There have been at least one hundred movies and TV shows set within this beautiful landscape where deep canyons, majestic buttes and dramatic rock formations personify the freedom of the Wild West.
These colorful cliffs were once home to American Indians in ancient times and there are legends of their spiritual power.
Once you have watch the sun slowly sinking in the sky above this raw and rugged landscape, you will understand why.
Kalalau Valley, Hawaii
This lush tropical valley is one of the most beautiful areas on Kauai, one of the islands of Hawaii.
It is very remote, only accessible by kayak and it is almost entirely unspoiled by mankind.
High green cliffs tower over water that is unbelievably blue and the cacophonous calls of exotic birds fill the air.
This valley is very popular with hikers, campers and other outdoor lovers.
On your next holiday, why not travel one of these American destinations and marvel at the natural beauty of this land?
Looking Good? How to Find Your Personal Style
Have you ever felt like some people just look stylish and put together all of the time, whereas you never quite know what to wear to look good?
How do chic and fashionable people make themselves look so good every day when you feel so frumpy and awkward?
Whether you are male or female, if you are slightly fashion clueless don’t despair!
Style doesn’t come naturally to everyone but it is still possible to learn how to put outfits together so that you look on trend and polished.
Stylish people don’t wake up looking that good; they have put time and effort into thinking about their personal look and creating a certain effect.
The trick is to find your personal style and identify which colors, patterns and cuts look the best on your particular body.
When you know what these things are you can mix them up to create stylish outfits that are guaranteed to look good!
Identify Your Body Type and Color Scheme
The first step is to know what clothes will look good on your body.
For example, if you are a short man with a broad stature, a suit with very wide lapels and big shoulders will make you look even more broad and boxy.
You will want to look for a slim shape with vertical lines that will make you look slimmer and taller.
If you are a woman who is “pear shaped” which means that you are slightly heavier on your hips and stomach, you will want to avoid tight and clingy skirts and instead go for more flattering shapes such as an empire waistline.
You can also identify which colors look the best on you.
Hold up different colored clothing and fabric next to your face in the mirror. Which ones bring out the color in your hair and eyes, and which ones clash against your skin and make you look washed out?
For example, if you have very pale skin wearing the wrong shade of red can bring out the redness in your skin and make you look unhealthy.
Collect Inspiration
This is the fun part! It’s time to start collecting inspiration for your style!
Go through fashion magazines, advertisements, and photos online to find images that you find attractive. Collect them in a folder or clip them into a notebook and use them as a guide to building stylish outfits.
Most of all have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously. Refining your personal style should be fun and should make you feel confident and more self assured!
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