Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

A reverse mortgage is also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). This type of loan provides older homeowners with access to money they have built up in their homes over the years without having to sell it or leave it to their heirs. If you’re a homeowner who qualifies, you can choose whether or not to take an HECM, but most people choose to do so because of the benefits associated with them. Here are seven benefits that help make reverse mortgages worth considering if you’re a homeowner over 62 and want access to the equity in your home.

1) Allows you to stay in your home

If you apply for a reverse mortgage it allows you to stay in your home as you age. You don’t have to make any monthly payments, and the loan doesn’t come due until you sell your home or pass away. You can use the money from a reverse mortgage for anything you want including paying off debt, making home improvements, or supplementing your income.

2) Flexible repayment plans

A reverse mortgage gives you the opportunity to choose how you want to receive your loan funds – all at once in a lump sum, as a line of credit, or through monthly payments. You can also change your repayment plan if your needs change.

3) Access to cash as needed

A big benefit of a reverse mortgage is that you can access cash as needed. This can be helpful if you have an unexpected expense or want to supplement your income. You can get the money in lump sum, as a line of credit, or in monthly payments. And you don’t have to make any repayments until after you leave the house.

4) Reduces anxiety about outliving your assets

A reverse mortgage can reduce anxiety about outliving your assets. This type of loan allows you to access a portion of your home equity to supplement your retirement income, which can help ensure that you have the funds you need to cover expenses. Additionally, with a reverse mortgage, you retain ownership of your home and are not required to make monthly payments. The loan is only repaid when the last surviving borrower dies or sells the property.

5) Ability to help children or grandchildren who are struggling financially

One of the great benefits of a reverse mortgage is that it can help you financially support your children or grandchildren who may be struggling. With a reverse mortgage, you can access the equity in your home to give them the financial assistance they need. This can help them get back on their feet and avoid financial hardship. Additionally, this can also help you relieve some of the stress and burden that comes with seeing your loved ones struggle.

6) Lower property taxes due to reduced assessment

A reverse mortgage can help lower your property taxes in two ways. First, when you get a reverse mortgage, your home’s assessment value is reduced. This means that your property taxes will be lower because you’re being taxed on a lower value. Second, the reverse mortgage itself is not taxable, so it can further reduce your tax bill.

7) No hidden fees, costs, penalties, or prepayment penalties

There are no hidden fees, costs, penalties, or prepayment penalties associated with a reverse mortgage. This makes it an attractive option for seniors who want to stay in their homes but need some extra financial security.

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Most people love to watch the NFL for the drama and the excitement. Some like to witness the skill and the athletic prowess of the players. And others enjoy the chance to win big with online sports betting. Regardless of what drives you to follow the NFL, there is no doubt that it is one of the most established sports around. NFL clubs boast fans in the millions and can be valued at billions of dollars. Here are some of the most successful and popular NFL teams.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are a relatively ‘young’ team, being established in January 1960. However, they are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, consistently selling out stadiums and breaking ticket sale records. The success of the Cowboys comes from their incredible record. They won 105 regular-season games and two Super Bowls in the 1970s and are the only team to have won twenty consecutive seasons (1966 to 1985). In addition, they have won five Super Bowls and 10 conference titles. Their fanbase is an impressive 8.5 million and the team is currently valued at $6.5 billion.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots were established in November 1959 and represent six different states. The Patriots compete in the NFL as NFC East division members and have won six Super Bowl championships. The legendary quarterback-coach combination of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick was instrumental in securing six wins in nine Super Bowl appearances. The Patriots are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the record for the most number of Super Bowl victories and hold other records such as the most playoff wins (37), and the longest winning streak of playoff games (21 wins from 2003 to 2004).

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were established in July 1933 and are considered a highly-successful NFL franchise with a strong fanbase known as the ‘Steeler Nation’. The Steelers compete in the NFL as AFC North division members and have won six Super Bowl championships and eight AFC championships. They are tied with the Patriots for the record for the most number of Super Bowl victories. The Steelers rose to fame in the 1970s with their powerful defense strategy known as ‘the Steel Curtain’ which won them four Super Bowl championships. One of the star players in Steelers history is twice-voted Super Bowl MVP Terry Bradshaw, who was a quarterback on all four Super Bowl wins.

New York Giants

The New York Giants were established in August 1925 and were one of only five clubs that played in the NFL that year. They are the oldest NFL club in the Northeast and have won a total of four Super Bowls and four NFL championships. With 19 championship matches on their record, the Giants have played in more championship matches than any other team. They boast 29 Hall of Fame players including Mel Hein and Lawrence Taylor. Although the Giants share New York with the Jets, they dominate the fan following with 3.8 million fans.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were established in June 1944 and were named after the explorers who landed in the North California area during the 1849 Gold Rush. The 49ers compete in the NFL as NFC West division members and have won five Super Bowl championships. They are also very successful in the NFC with the most NFC championship appearances as well as seven championships. The 49ers have set several records including the most number of consecutive road games won (18) and the most number of field goals in a season (44). Joe Montana is one of their most famous players.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers was established in August 1919 and is one of the oldest football teams in the NFL. The Packers compete in the NFL as NFC North division members and have won four Super Bowl championships and eleven NFL championships—the most number of championships won by an NFL team. They are also the only NFL team ever to defeat the AFL. The Packers are notably a community-based non-profit with a stellar reputation. The Vince Lombardi Trophy was named after their coach and their star players include Aaron Rodgers and Bart Starr.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks was established in June 1974. The Seahawks compete in the NFL as NFC West division members. They may have won only one Super Bowl championship but they have won eleven division titles and three NFC championships. Because they are the only NFL team based in the Pacific Northwest, they have a dedicated supporter base that stretches from Montana to British Columbia. Seahawk fans are also known as ‘the 12s’ and they are notorious for being loud. The 12s have set the Guinness Book of World Records for the loudest roar at a sports stadium twice; the last record was an ear-splitting 137.6 decibels in December 2013.

Whether you support the popular big-name teams or choose to cheer for the lesser-known underdogs, NFL is an extremely enjoyable sport to watch. If you have not chosen a team to root for yet, be sure to do so before the season starts!

Who knew that you could use a social media platform like TikTok to apply for your next job? Well, you can, and it is easier than you think. TikTok has taken over social media with the younger generations and may be where the future of recruitment is going. 

https://pixabay.com/photos/tiktok-app-iphone-phone-5064078/

TikTok is a video-only platform, so that means your resume has to be an audio and visual representation of who you are and the skills that you can bring to the table. Follow these steps and tips to get started.

Make it Stand Out

The first and more important part before you begin is that you must not divulge any personal information such as your name, address, or list any contact information. The TikTok Resume platform will help with this, but more on that later. A TikTok resume is your chance to showcase who you really are and show the recruiter that you are someone everyone wants to work with.

You want your TikTok resume to be authentic but not too personal. Some things could add value to your video. For one, if you have pets, don’t be afraid to show them on screen. Have an array of reading books? Place them in the background of your video. You want to seem casual without being too friendly, but also showing that you are approachable. Don’t have any good décor or your room isn’t presentable? Insert a theme or background into your video, or find a neutral space to film your resume.  

Start Listing Your Skills and Attributes

Now, start talking about the skills and qualifications that match the position you are applying for. Don’t include hobbies like singing, or dancing, and definitely don’t do either of these in your video. For those who are too nervous to talk, you can just type your text on the screen and only show your face, but it is generally better to do both. 

List each one of your skills individually and provide some context such as your experience level in those areas. If you aren’t sure how to describe your skills or the best way to present yourself, speak to an expert. Some of the best resume writing services on this list can assist you by asking about your experience and then formulating a way to present your skills that are professional and sound sophisticated. 

Target Specific Companies

The biggest part about creating a TikTok resume is the recording. You don’t need anything longer than three minutes. Once you are happy with the final result it’s time to inject your resume into the right places. To do this, research the companies you want to work for and find their TikTok profile. 

Next, use the @ing function to share your resume on their profile. It is a good idea to have one video for each company or specific job so that you can reach a wider audience. When targeting these companies, link particular keywords into your video that are specific to their mission and vision statement to increase your chances of getting noticed.

The objective of a TikTok resume is to present yourself differently. You can let yourself speak, rather than a piece of paper. Other tips to follow are to always film vertically, ensure you have good lighting, dress the way you would for an interview, and always address the person you are sending your video to. 

 Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

For many people, going to therapy can seem intimidating. They fear that they’ll be judged or misunderstood by their therapist, or worse, they fear they’ll be told they need to change something about themselves that they don’t want to change. Even though it’s as simple as searching for Cincinnati marriage counselling online to get various options near you, some people still find it hard to get help because of all the stigma around it. Yet if you’re in a situation where you feel like you aren’t living the life you want to live and you don’t know how to make the changes yourself, therapy might be exactly what you need.

6 signs it’s time to get therapy 

1) You can’t control your emotions

You may feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster and you can’t control how you’re feeling. You may feel like you’re not good enough or that you’re not worthy of happiness. If you can’t seem to control your emotions, it may be time to seek help from a therapist. A therapist can teach you skills for dealing with stress and negative thoughts in order to have more positive feelings. It’s easy to find a therapist who can support your need, just search online for therapists in Cincinnati and look through the clinics and doctors near you. 

2) You are holding onto resentment

When you find yourself holding onto resentment towards someone, it may be a sign that you need to talk to a therapist. Resentment is a destructive emotion that can eat away at you and damage your relationships. A therapist can help you work through the feelings of resentment and release them.

3) Avoiding conflict

It can be difficult to tell when your coping mechanisms are no longer working. Maybe you’ve been avoiding conflict and burying your head in the sand. This may have worked in the past, but now you’re noticing that it’s taking a toll on your mental health. You may be feeling more anxious or depressed, and you may find yourself isolating yourself from others. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to seek professional help. 

4) Becoming more isolated from friends and family

When you start to spend a lot more time alone and realise that maybe it’s too much time it may be a sign that you need to seek help. Isolation can sometimes be due to inner feelings of overwhelm and sometimes because of stress in other areas of life. Talking to a therapist can help you navigate these emotions and understand why you choose to isolate yourself when dealing with it.

5) Finding yourself in relationships you don’t like

If you find yourself in relationships that are not what you want, it may be time to get some help. It could be that you’re attracted to the wrong type of person, or you’re not able to let go of past relationships. Maybe you have trouble communicating your needs, or you’re always the one giving more than you’re getting back. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to seek out therapy. Therapists can work with you on how to set boundaries and talk about difficult topics.

6) Having trouble falling asleep at night

If you’re struggling to fall asleep at night, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with some underlying issues. Maybe you can’t stop thinking about a recent argument with your partner or a looming work deadline. Or maybe you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming event. Whatever the case may be, if you’re having trouble sleeping for a long time, it’s worth considering whether therapy might help you address the issue. Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to talk through their thoughts and feelings in detail, explore potential solutions, and learn coping strategies for times when life is stressful.

One of the top attractions in Egypt is a great Nile River cruise. The Nile River is the longest river in the world, stretching for 18,000 miles through the Middle East, North Africa, and Northern Africa. The Nile River runs through the land of ancient Egypt, which is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It’s where ancient Egyptian kings and queens ruled, where great temples were built, and where the world’s first ever civilization thrived. Today, Cairo stands as the capital of Egypt, and it’s where the Nile River flows into the Mediterranean Sea. A Nile Cruise is the best way to explore the ancient sites of Egypt. It is guaranteed that the Nile Cruise trip is your unparalleled vacation ever.

What Facilities are available on the Nile River Cruise?

A cruise on the Nile River is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places in the world. There are many facilities available on the ship, including:

• a spa
• Restaurants
• Lounges
• Cafes
• bedrooms

Far from facilities, take your time at sea and enjoy the cruise. A cruise offers a relaxing way to spend a day away from the daily grind. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people and make new connections. The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable you’ll feel onboard the ship and in the city, and the more likely you’ll enjoy your time in Luxor. While it’s possible to experience a lot in a short time, the best thing you can do is just relax, enjoy yourself, and let time pass.

How Can a Tourist Book a Nile Cruise

The Nile River is one of the most famous rivers in the world. It has a history that dates back thousands of years, and it’s a place where you can see some of the most ancient monuments and cities in the world.

If you want to get a taste of this incredible river, you should book a Nile cruise. The Nile cruise is a type of boat tour on the Nile that takes you along the river for several days. You will visit several different places, including temples, ruins, and other historical sites.

Booking a Nile cruise is easy. All you have to do is go online and search for a company that offers Nile cruises.

However, consulting your travel agency to help you find the best cruise line, as their team conducted a comprehensive review of all the top cruise companies operating in Egypt. The Nile is home to many wonderful towns, including Luxor, Qena, and Aswan, but not all cruises cover the entire length of the river. Having a local travel agency identifying the best cruise companies offering Egypt cruises by region, based on the services they offer, the itineraries on offer, and the pricing for each trip is also a great choice to consider.

When to Book Your Nile Cruise Trip?

The best time to plan an Egyptian Nile river cruise would be at least a year before as this is typically the busiest season. Cruises are booked months in advance but those in their planning stage should contact the cruise line as soon as possible, as many places sell out quickly. Booking ahead is the single most important step when planning an Egyptian Nile cruise as all of the cruises on offer change frequently.

The best time to book Egypt Nile River cruises 2022 is between May and October. The Nile River cruise season in Egypt is the warmest in summer. This is due to the higher temperatures and shorter days during the summer. So, if you want to experience Egypt’s history and enjoy some outdoor activities while doing it, the Egypt Nile river cruise is the best option.

How to Choose the Best Nile Cruise in Egypt

The Nile cruise is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt. The trip on the Nile is considered one of the most pleasant experiences that tourists can ever have in Egypt.

There are different types of Nile cruises that you can choose from. You can choose between a private cruise, a luxury cruise, and a small cruise. These are the three most common types of Nile cruises in Egypt. However, there are other types of Nile cruises that you can choose from as well.

The price of the cruise varies depending on the size of the boat, the duration of the cruise, and the type of accommodation you opt for.

What are the Types of the Nile Cruises?

There are three main types of Cruises on the Nile, The standard Nile cruise, the special Nile cruise, and the private Nile cruise. All of these have their advantages and disadvantages as below:

The standard Nile cruise

The standard Nile cruise goes up the river to the first cataract, which is located at Aswan. After this, you get off the boat and walk around Aswan. Then, you go back to the boat and continue up the river to Luxor. Next, you get off the boat again and walk around Luxor. Then, you get back on the boat and head back to Cairo. From there, you fly back home.

The special Nile cruise

The special Nile cruise goes directly to the first cataract without stopping in Aswan. Next, you get off the boat and walk around Aswan. Then, you head back to the boat and continue up the river to Luxor. Next, you get off the boat again and walk around Luxor. Then, you get back on the boat and head back to Cairo. From there, you fly back home.

A private Nile cruise

A private Nile cruise goes from Luxor to Aswan. After this, you get off the boat and walk around Aswan. Next, you go back to the boat and continue up the river to Luxor. Next, you get off the boat again and walk around Luxor. Then, you get back on the boat and head back to Cairo. From there, you fly back home.

The Crystal River Nile Cruise

The Crystal River Cruise was built in England in 1960. It went on several cruises around Europe and Asia. The boat was purchased by the company and was turned into a riverboat for use on the Nile River in Egypt. It is the only riverboat in the world that offers an authentic Egyptian experience.

 The Cruise is also a very unique river cruise and offers a lot of exciting experiences. For instance, you’ll be able to visit Luxor and see the ancient sites. The ship also has a bar called the Nefertiti Lounge where you can relax and enjoy the drinks. Another good thing about this cruise is that it offers all the activities that you would want to do. For instance, you can visit the local markets, go shopping, enjoy a show or take a cooking class. There is even a pool on the ship where you can swim. You should make sure that you come on this cruise because it will be a wonderful experience. You’ll appreciate it and you’ll learn a lot about Egypt. Book your Egypt tours today.

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If you are moving abroad, it is natural for you to worry about what you should do with all of the possessions you’ve accumulated over the years. How does the process work? How do you downsize for a move overseas?

These are probably among the many questions floating around in your mind right now. And it is not just about the items and objects. It is the emotional aspect of having to let some things go while you are also being uprooted from a place you have known and been accustomed to for a long time.

Change is difficult, but with it comes new possibilities and opportunities. So get ready to embrace the change and keep on reading to learn about the correct approach to downsizing your worldly possessions before moving overseas.

Start Adding Up the Numbers

Before even deciding what to do with your belongings, you need to open up a spreadsheet and do some necessary calculations. It might not be obvious, but depending on the country of your destination, buying new things may wind up far cheaper than shipping your existing items, especially if you have to temporarily put some stuff into storage as well. 

Do your homework on what is available in the country and city you are moving to and at what cost. By doing this, you will get a better understanding of what is worth bringing with you and what is not a worthwhile use of your resources and your budget. The last thing you want is to invest in shipping your stuff only to find out that you could have replaced them with better things for much less at the other end of your relocation.

Shipment will be the main cost of your move to your new home overseas, and its rate will depend on multiple factors: the distance between the origin and the destination, quantity of items, transport route, and the method of transportation. 

Naturally, there is a direct correlation between transport costs and distance. Shipments are calculated by weight and volume as well, so the price tends to rise as the number of your items increases. As for the route and method, common routes are cheaper due to the increased competition, and air freight is the most expensive while sea freight is the least expensive method.

All in all, small moves are smart moves. Try to sell or get rid of everything except for a small selection of necessary and personal items. Then, use the money for the sold items and the shipping cost you saved to buy better replacements.

Organize a yard sale

If, like so many other Americans, you have a four-bedroom house with an attic and a garage packed with stuff, the big first move is to get rid of as many things as you can through a yard sale. Moving is expensive, more so if its destination is another country. Don’t rush downsizing because a lot of your possessions still have value. 

To organize the yard sale, you should first take a look at the weather forecast and plan it for a good day. Also, make sure to check with your town to see if a yard sale requires a permit. Next, advertise by making some signs and putting them in the neighborhood. Use the power of social media to give the event more exposure. Put your most desirable items out front and center when arranging your things for sale. And last but not least, price your stuff fairly and be willing to negotiate. Your front yard shouldn’t still be filled with most of your things at the end of the day.

Donate What You Can

If your sale goes well, but you still have too many things left, you can extend it for another day or two. Eventually, though, there are bound to be things that won’t sell, things that may still have value or use to others. This is the perfect opportunity to make donations to those who are less unfortunate than you. There is no shortage of charity centers and organizations that eagerly await generous contributions from those who want to make a change.

With many, you can schedule a free donation pickup and not worry about anything else. In addition to the gift of helping others you give to yourself, donations have other benefits such as tax deductions. Just be sure to keep your donation receipts!

Research Customs Regulations and Procedures

Although customs clearance is never easy, you can certainly take steps to make it as easy as possible. Start by checking in with the embassy or immigration office of the country you are moving to and learn thoroughly about customs regulations such as prohibited or restricted goods, cash controls, excise duties, VAT on goods, etc.

You are guaranteed to have heavy paperwork involved, documenting everything you bring into a country. The officials use this information to calculate customs duties and monitor anything suspicious. And by bringing as little as you can, you will avoid many potential issues with duties and taxes.

According to a study of pet policies in over 100 institutions across the country, around 96% of colleges don’t allow pets on their campuses. Nevertheless, a few US schools still permit some sort of animal companionship on-campus. However, keeping pets comes with lots of regulations and guidelines. Today’s article explores everything a student needs to know before owning a pet on campus.

Service animals and emotional supports are legal

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pet owners can keep service animals on-campus and in dorm rooms. It includes dogs and miniature horses, specially trained to provide services to a disabled person. In this case, the college may ask for proof of a person’s disability, a demonstration, and proper training documentation for the particular service animal. 

According to another act called The Fair Housing Act (FHA), students can keep emotional support animals in campus housing facilities in both private and public universities. For example, emotional support animals can alleviate the symptoms of an individual’s disability, such as anxiety disorders and panic attacks. 

Particular breeds

A few institutions may limit the breed of service animals under ADA. As a result, certain fierce dog breeds are excluded from the service animals’ list. Additionally, some colleges impose restrictions on the dog’s weight. For example, a fully grown dog must weigh under 40 pounds to be permitted. On the other hand, FHA doesn’t limit the breed of service animals. However, any damage to the household caused by the animal is considered a payable penalty for the pet owner.

No trouble to others

Keeping pets can be difficult on-campus, as universities can immediately remove them from campus if they are found guilty of disrupting educational and administrative operations within the school property. So, it is imperative to honor others’ boundaries and respect their rights to personal space.

Pet policies in US colleges

Here is a compilation of essential pointers on pet policies from over 1000 leading US colleges, including Ivy League institutions. Typically, a majority of academic organizations in the US allow amphibians such as frogs, reptiles like lizards and non-venomous snakes, and small caged pets like hamsters and chinchillas. Only a few permit cats or dogs. Each college has its separate guidelines regarding pets, which do not fall into the category of service or assistance animals.

Let’s explore some standard rules in the US colleges:

• Registration: In some cases, the pet owner may need to register the pet with the housing office.
• Pet deposit: Some colleges require a pet deposit to allow the students to keep their animal friends.
• Written permission from roommates: To keep a pet in a shared dorm room, the student may need to take the roommates’ consent.
• Single room pet owners: Some institutions let residents keep pets only if they live in a single room without roommates.
• Vaccination and other formalities: Most colleges require the pets to be housebroken and up-to-date on their vaccinations. For dogs and cats, pet owners may have to spray their companions. Additionally, the size of the pet’s cage or tank may be restricted.
• Prohibited animals: Particular dog breeds which exhibit aggressive or territorial behavior may be banned in colleges. Apart from that, carnivorous fishes, poisonous snakes, and bugs are also forbidden.

Even if the college doesn’t allow pets in dorm rooms, students always have the option to rent an apartment and keep their pets without concerns.

Ensuring safety and protection for your little companions

You can opt for pet insurance and get your pet’s veterinary bills covered. Like other insurance programs, pet insurance will cover expensive veterinary procedures partly or entirely. On average you will have to pay a premium of $46 per month to ensure the medical expenses for your loved pets. Pet insurances transfer the economic risk of having to pay all medical fees in exchange for spending on a monthly premium. As a result, in medical emergencies, you can significantly reduce the veterinary bills and save some money.

Final thoughts

As of now, more than 30 colleges allow quadrupeds like dogs and cats on their campuses. These animals do not necessarily have to be service animals or offer emotional support to their owner. On the contrary, other colleges restrict on-campus pets to selected species of fishes, amphibians, lizards, and small caged mammals.