1. Wear sunscreen and reapply often – Sunscreen not only protects you from nasty sunburns but also skin cancer. Make sure you reapply every two hours (or as often as the instructions say on your particular brand). For ages 6 months and up, SPF 30 or more is recommended for the best protection. Children under 6 months should avoid sunscreen and instead, stay in the shade.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. – If you are thirsty, you are already starting to slip into dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water (note. WATER, not coffee, sports drinks, soda…you get the point). Water is the best way to hydrate. Fun fact. Your body will benefit more from drinking room-temperature water than ice-cold water because your body will absorb it quicker.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). – The sun is at it's strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to avoid being out for too long during those periods of time. There is plenty of sunlight in the early morning hours to enjoy without the fear of getting hit with those stronger sun rays.
4. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool. – Dark colors absorb the sun's rays and tight-fitting clothes don't let your skin breathe while out in the heat. Add some color to your summer wardrobe and leave the darker colors for the fall. Bonus points if you can find clothing that is rated for UV protection.
5. Put shoes on your pet – Yes. You read that right. Put shoes on your pet if you plan to take them outside on the hot pavement. A way to tell if the pavement is too hot for your furry friend is to put the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If you can't hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, it's too hot for your fur friend's paw pads and they need protection.
6. Use insect repellent to prevent bug bites. – Just like with sunscreen, make sure to read the instructions when applying and reapplying. It's suggested you only apply bud repellent to your clothes and exposed skin. Avoid your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as well as any areas that are irritated. And never apply near open flames or lit cigarettes.
7. Be cautious around bodies of water, and never swim alone.- Alone time is great, but when it comes to swimming, having a buddy nearby is best. If you plan to go into the water, have someone else around just in case something happens. Especially when swimming in bodies of water that have a current and can pull you away from the safety of the shoreline.
8. Keep food and beverages properly refrigerated to avoid food poisoning. – Summer picnics are a great way to spend time outdoors. Avoid food poisoning by keeping food at the right temperature. A good rule of thumb is whatever temperature it's bought at, it should be kept at. Cold foods should stay cold and hot foods hot. Always read your labels just in case something should be refrigerated after opening.
9. Stay informed about weather conditions and take appropriate precautions during extreme heat or storms. – Turn on your notifications for weather alerts and download a reliable weather service app.
10. Practice fire safety when grilling – Keep a spray bottle with water on hand to keep the smaller flames from getting too big and a fire extinguisher just in case anything gets out of hand.

No matter how you spend your summer, make sure to play it safe.

The post Top 10 Summer Safety Tips appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

1. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps: When you're feeling overwhelmed, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle a space all at once, break it into smaller pieces. For example, instead of trying to clean your entire kitchen, focus on washing the dishes first. 
2. Create a cleaning schedule: Having a set cleaning schedule can help you stay on track and feel more in control. Decide which tasks you want to accomplish each day, and create a schedule that works for you. Be gentle with yourself. If you can't complete all the tasks that you set aside for the day, be proud of yourself for the ones you were able to do. 
3. Enlist the help of a friend or family member: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and ask if they can come over and help you clean. This gets you a cleaner space and time with people who care about you.
4. Make cleaning fun: Try to make cleaning as enjoyable as possible. Turning cleaning into a fun activity can help you feel more motivated to get it done. Put on your favorite playlist and dance while you sweep. If you like ambient music, go to YouTube and search for "Medieval tavern" and pretend you are the owner of a popular tavern and you are cleaning it up at the end of a fun night.
5. Put on a favorite TV show or other short entertainment: Set a goal to clean one space until that episode is over. Making it something that you've seen before and won't be tempted to sit down and watch would be best.

Remember, it's okay to take breaks and prioritize your mental health over-cleaning. Be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. Keeping your living space clean can help improve your mood and overall well-being, but it's important to do it in a way that works for you.

The post How to Keep a Tidy Home When Your Brain Isn’t in the Mood appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

The Internet Is Full of Resources

One of the best resources for learning about money management is the Internet. There are countless websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to providing information and advice on personal finance. 

Some of the most popular sites include Mint, NerdWallet, and The Simple Dollar. These sites offer a wealth of information on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. Bonus! They often have interactive tools and calculators that can help users track their expenses, create a budget, and plan for their financial future.

Check Out Your Local Library

Another great resource for learning about money management is your local public library. Many libraries offer free access to personal finance books and magazines, as well as online resources such as financial databases and e-books. Some libraries even offer workshops and classes on topics such as budgeting, credit management, and retirement planning.

Community Programs For Hands-On Learning

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, there are many community-based organizations that offer free financial education programs. These programs are often led by financial professionals and cover a wide range of topics, from basic budgeting to more advanced investment strategies. 

Some examples include the Financial Planning Association, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education.

There's An App For That

If your smartphone or tablet is more your style for learning, there are also many free mobile apps that can help people manage their money on the go. Some of the most popular apps include Mint, Acorns, and Personal Capital. These apps allow users to track their expenses, create a budget, and even invest their money from their smartphone or tablet.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Finally, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to money management. Everyone's financial situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to be patient and persistent when learning about money management and to seek out resources that are tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Whether you prefer to learn online, through books and workshops, or through mobile apps, there is something out there for everyone. So why not start today? Your financial future will thank you for it.

The post Accessible Ways To Learn How To Manage Your Money appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

1. Plan your meals ahead of time: Take some time each week to plan your meals and make a grocery list. This will help you avoid impulse buying and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need to cook healthy meals. 
2. Shop for seasonal produce: Seasonal produce is often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season produce. Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season and plan your meals around them. If there is nothing appealing to you that is in season, frozen is fine and just as healthy. 
3. Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. Look for bulk bins at your local grocery store or buy larger quantities of items that you use frequently but don't spoil as fast such as grains, beans, and nuts.
4. Use cheaper cuts of meat: Cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, and beef chuck are often more flavorful and tender than more expensive cuts. They're also great for slow cooking, which can save you time and money.
5. It's okay to use prepackaged meals: Cooking on a budget means working with what you've got. While cooking from scratch allows you more control over the ingredients, it's not always as budget-friendly as grabbing some Hamburger Helper or frozen lasagna. 
6. Make use of leftovers: Don't let leftovers go to waste! Use them to make new meals or take them for lunch the next day.
7. Use spices and herbs: Spices and herbs can add flavor to your meals without adding extra calories or cost. Keep a well-stocked spice rack and experiment with different flavor combinations.
8. Shop at discount stores: Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl can be great places to find healthy foods at a lower cost. Just be sure to check the expiration dates and quality of the products.
9. Look at the sales papers: It goes without saying that coupons are your friends. Go through the sale papers and see what is on sale that you could use to make healthy meals. Publix has excellent BOGOs every week, and while most of their food is a bit more expensive than say, Walmart, if you only shop the BOGO sales, you are still coming out ahead. Bonus! Many grocery stores will take competitor coupons or honor other store sales. Check with your grocery store for their policy. 
10. Look at the price tag: A lot of grocery stores will have the price in big letters and in smaller letters at the bottom, the price you are paying per unit. And sometimes, the larger quantity is not actually cheaper. For example: Bagel Bites are $3.15 for a pack of 9 and have a unit cost of $.35 per piece. The 18-count box, which you'd think is a better deal, is $7.59 with a unit cost of $.54 per piece. That's a big difference!

Eating healthy on a budget may require a little bit of extra effort, but it's worth it for your health and your wallet. With these tips, you can cook delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
 

The post 10 Healthy Budget-Friendly Meal Planning Tips appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

One-Hit Wonder Goals

One-hit-wonder goals are "one-and-done" goals. One writer on GeekMom.com said they did this because it made more sense for them. Sticking to one year-long goal intimidated them, so they never followed through because they were afraid to fail. So now, they pick a set number of things they want to do during the year and check them off as they go. A few things they decided to try to include learning to say "hi" in five languages, taking their lunch to work for a week, and having a family movie night.

30-Day Challenge

Challenge yourself to something new each month. The challenge can be as fundamental as reading a book you've been putting off or as complex as training for a marathon. Whatever it is, make it something you want to do and not feel you have to do. Some examples include: 30-day declutter challenge, creating a passive source of income in 30-days, and a 30-day yoga challenge. DaringToLiveFully.com has some great recommendations to get you started.

Make A Vision Board

Where do you see yourself at the end of the coming year? Is there anything you'd like to accomplish? Consider putting it on a vision board to help you stay focused. You can do it with clippings from magazines, images you've found on the internet, or words that inspire you. Make it physical or digital and carry it with you on your phone. The possibilities are only as endless as your imagination.

Pick A Word Of The Week/Month/Year

Word of the year is prominent in the journal/planning circles. You pick a word that resonates with you and focuses on doing something related each month. You can break this down into one word for the year or change it each week or month. There are a ton of resources online that can help you pick your word, do a quick Google search of "pick my word of the year" to find them.

Consider Doing A 365-day Project.

A 365-day project is something you do every day for the year. These tend to be more successful if you do something that only takes a few minutes. Examples include:

• Reading a cert number of pages each day.
• Spending 10 minutes in Duolingo learning a new language.
• Taking a selfie each day.
• Waking up at the same time each day.
• Reading a short story every day.

No matter how you tackle your goals this coming year, the important thing is to remember why you're doing it and make sure it's for the right reasons. Positive motivation will get you farther than guilt and negativity.

The post Five Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Concord Management Blog.