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Preparing a spare room for a new-born

Planning for the arrival of your newborn can take months of detailed preparation, including the process of ensuring your nursery has everything it needs. Many families will need to give their neglected spare rooms a complete overhaul to kit them out with everything needed for their little ones.

Here are just a few ways that you can set your makeover in motion:

Choose a neutral colour for you walls

If you are waiting to find out about the sex of your baby until the big day, it’s a good idea to paint your spare room in neutral colors such as beige, white or mint green. When you are preparing the room, factor in the time that it will take to strip off existing wallpaper, fill in holes in the wall and the time it will take for paint to dry and the room to be fully aired out.

Make careful furniture choices

Having adequate storage space is key for housing all the items you will need for your new arrival, from baby grows and bibs to nappies and wipes. If your room is too small for a wardrobe, then a chest of drawers that has good storage depth is ideal.

When you are choosing your cot, you may want to find a model that can also convert to beds so that this item grows with your child. Investing in a comfortable chair could also ensure that mothers and babies are fully relaxed during feeding time.

Accesorise to make the most of your room

Use rugs, framed pictures, wooden letters and other accessories to really bring your room to life. You can also use transferrable wall stickers in animal patterns to jazz up plain walls.

Keeping your little one comfortable

Ideally, cots should be placed a short distance away from a radiator as the optimum nursery temperature to keep your baby comfortable is 16-21°C, with 18°C being ideal. You may also want to invest in black out blinds so that your newborn’s sleep is not disturbed during nap time.

If you are looking to provide peace of mind for both you and your family in the future, Advised Life Cover may be an option you wish to consider.

What to look for when buying a family home

For many people, settling down and starting a family with someone they love is a goal they strive to achieve.

Many of us tend to see it as the end goal. But as any parent will tell you, settling down with someone and starting a family is just the beginning.

The extra responsibilities and commitments can be a lot to deal with, not to mention the added financial pressures that a family bring.

The changes can start sooner than you think, as a family require the right home to live in. So, what should you look for if you’re planning on buying a family home?

Plenty of space

They may start out pretty small, but babies grow....quickly. You’ll be amazed how much space a child and all their items can take up, so make sure you look for somewhere with enough space to fit it all in.

It’s also worth remembering that there might be some new additions to the family along the way, so consider buying somewhere that has enough space for your young family to expand into.

A good kitchen

They say that a kitchen is the heart of any home, and that’s certainly true of family homes with young children.

While you may not have much time for cooking when you have a baby, they’ll be heading off to school before you know it. So, you’ll need a good kitchen to provide breakfast and dinner for the whole family.

Location

The location of your ideal family home is entirely subjective, with different people wanting different things from the location of a home. It helps to find out if other families are living close by, as that is a good indication of a family-friendly neighbourhood, and you might even be able to share babysitting duties.

If you have children or are starting a family, you could think about taking out a life insurance policy to offer your family protection when you are no longer around.

Brits cutting back on insurance to save money

The struggling UK economy might be forcing many of us to tighten our belts, but it seems some Brits are taking it a step further.

Research has revealed that three out of ten UK adults are uninsured against situations such as death, critical illness or redundancy.

More than 15 million people would be financially at risk if they were to lose their income, but research by financial advice website Unbiased has found that many are not covering themselves for this eventuality.

It was found that 15% don’t see income protection as a necessity, while another 15% said that they simply can’t afford it.

“Consumers looking to tighten their purse strings are now adding insurance policies to the ‘cancellation list', choosing to let go of their financial security in favour of some extra cash in their pockets,” said Karen Barrett, CEO of Unbiased.

“The ‘it won't happen to me' attitude seems to be at the forefront of people's minds as they fail to realise what this may cost them in the future,” she added.
The research found that almost one in ten people have cut back on a number of insurance policies in order to save money, but experts have called this a false economy.

“If you are worried that the cost of insurance is too much of a burden on your finances then speak to an IFA to decide where you are most at risk,” added Ms Barrett.

“An IFA will be able to recommend protection products to match your individual needs as well as seek out policies which are more likely to suit your pocket.”

Reassuringly, the research found that life insurance still ranks highly amongst what people feel is important for them and their family, with 45% of respondents saying it was the most important insurance policy for their family’s long-term financial security.

2012 budget offers little relief for struggling families

Chancellor George Osborne has today offered two million Brits tax relief, as the government plans on increasing the income tax threshold to over £9,000.

This means that two million more Brits will not have to pay any tax as of April 2013. This is the largest increase in the income tax threshold for a number of years and now workers don’t have to pay any tax until they are earning £9,205. Higher earners were also given a tax break as the top 50p rate will be reduced to 45p.

In order to implement this, public spending will take a hit and whilst those on lower incomes can earn more, the Chancellor is considering slashing an extra £10billion from the welfare budget.

The Children’s Society believes this move “will make the future for some of this country’s poorest families even bleaker.”

“If the Chancellor wants to support low-income families, he should have invested money in the Universal Credit. Helping them with their increasing childcare costs would have gone a long way to making work pay,” the organisation said in a statement.

In addition to cutting public spending, the Chancellor said that child benefit will be phased out. The controversial plans to cut child benefit came under fire recently as households with one partner who was earning over the threshold would not be eligible for child benefit. However, households with two earners taking home less than the £50,000 would be entitled to claim.

In today’s Budget the Chancellor stated that child benefit will be phased out for someone in a household earning over £50,000 and it will fall by 1% for every £100 earned over £50,000. Those earning more than £60,000 will lose the entirety of the benefit.

Under the current economic climate, household finances are stretched to breaking point and a number of people rely on child benefits to make ends meet. As families face funding cuts, it could be worth taking measures into your own hands. As part of your planning, you may wish to consider Life insurance.

New parents not investing in life insurance

Becoming a parent for the first time is one of the most exciting experiences in a person’s life, and also one of the most daunting.

UK ‘parents-to-be’ spend a collective £425 million every year in preparation for their first baby, but the majority fail to take out life insurance to protect their family.

That is the finding from Aviva Insurance, which has found that only one in five expectant parents take out any kind of life cover.

This is despite the majority of parents saying that in hindsight they spent too much money on items that they either didn’t use or could have done without.

“Every parent wants to splash out to prepare for the exciting arrival of a baby, so it's no surprise that the costs can stack up,” said Louise Colley, head of protection marketing and sales for Aviva.

“But within the checklist of essential items, we'd urge parents to consider putting a small amount aside each month to protect their family's financial future, if something unexpected were to happen to either parent. It should be considered just as much an essential as a buggy or a cot.”

The research by Aviva found that parents-in-waiting spend more than £1,300 in preparation for their first child – spending big on essentials like clothes, pushchairs and home safety equipment including fire alarms and carbon monoxide monitors.

“We don't think twice about taking steps to protect our children physically within the home, but not enough action is taken to safeguard the financial wellbeing of our families,” added Ms Colley.

“While it's understandable that people want to save for their children's futures, parents need to ask themselves whether they would have enough money to meet their monthly outgoings if they were suddenly to lose an income.”

Life insurance policies are a good way of ensuring your family will be protected financially should the worst happen and your income is lost.

How can divorce affect my finances?

Going through a divorce can be a painful experience which may drain you emotionally and physically, but it can also have a huge strain on your finances.

Here are a few ways your finances will take a hit from divorce:

Legal fees

The average cost of a divorce in legal fees is around £13,000, however, in some cases this can rise to as much as £50,000! By being amicable and agreeing on matters between yourselves, you could save both time and money. You might be able to qualify for legal aid if you are unemployed or don’t earn a certain amount.

Divorce papers

The actual documentation and correct legal paperwork can run up hefty bills. However, you can reduce the £100-an-hour solicitor fee by purchasing the forms online. There are a number of websites which offer DIY divorce services from as little as £40.

Court Fees

Everything and anything can be accounted for when it comes to divorce so it’s not just a cast of selling the house and splitting the bills, even court fees come into play. To initially lodge a petition for divorce, before the process has even started, you will have to pay the standard fee of £300 and then an extra £40 to apply for your decree absolute.

Your marriage

Due to the expensive nature of the process, a number of Brits are struggling to pay for a divorce. Could this be the reason that UK divorce rates are currently at a 40-year low?

Research from a website for people seeking extra-marital affairs, illicitencounters.com, found that more than 31,000 married couples have been put off the idea of obtaining a divorce because they can’t afford to move out or pay the high legal fees.

So for the sake of saving the pennies, many unhappy couples are sticking together.

No matter how tight your funds may be, Instant Life Cover is a product which could act as a wise investment for many. It ensures that your family is not left with a financial burden should you die.

Taking out a mortgage – am I ready for the commitment?

Taking out a mortgage is one of life’s big moments. For many people, it symbolises finally growing up and taking on responsibilities.

A mortgage is a big responsibility, no matter what your age, and is a big decision to make. So it is not something to be taken lightly.

Despite the continued high cost of a deposit for a mortgage, it is still the aim of the majority of people to get the money together to take out a mortgage.

But are you ready for the commitment that a mortgage brings with it? It is a big step to take, and requires careful consideration before being undertaken.
The repayments on your mortgage are the biggest commitment that you’ll undertake. Unlike with rent payments, if you are unable to pay your mortgage each month you could end up losing your home.

You’ve also got to consider the fact that your circumstances may change, which are harder to deal with when you have a mortgage hanging over your head.

An option that many first-time buyers consider is mortgage life insurance. This type of insurance policy will ensure that your family are not left with the burden of mortgage repayments should the worst happen.

Mortgage life cover differs from regular life insurance policies as it is designed specifically to cover the cost of your mortgage repayments should you pass away or contract a critical illness.

It can be a cheaper option than standard life cover, as it is usually a fixed term policy. This means that it only lasts until your mortgage is paid off and there are no more outstanding payments should you pass away.

Another thing to remember is that mortgage life insurance matches your repayment commitment. This means that the payout you would receive will go down with every payment that you make.

Securing a mortgage is a big commitment, but with mortgage life insurance you can ensure that your loved ones will not be left out in the cold should the worst happen.

Top 4 unusual marriage proposals

Proposing to your partner should involve careful planning, immaculate timing and a large dose of consideration.

Everyone is different though and many like to take up the challenge in a unique way, from massive displays of public embarrassment to small intimate moments. If you are looking for inspiration, here are some of the more unusual ways to propose;

1. Asda

Breaking with tradition, Miss Karen Simmonds proposed to her partner Chris Harris with a doughnut ring in the aisles of an Asda supermarket store in Rugby recently.

Harris reportedly looked stunned as Miss Simmonds produced a doughnut from a heart shaped box and said the magic words.

Getting down on one knee in the middle of busy supermarket isn’t everyone’s idea of romance, but her partner could not be happier and agreed to be her husband on the spot. Several members of the Asda team were apparently in on the big secret and gave the couple some complementary doughnuts and a bottle of Champagne to celebrate.

2. Train

Have you ever dreamed of being serenaded on a train? Well, one woman was lucky enough to be subjected to a musical marriage proposal on a packed London train recently. Adam King enlisted the help of his choir, the Adam Street Singers, to sing Bill Withers’ Lovely Day to his girlfriend Lucy Rodgers. The YouTube video went viral and had over 500,000 hits within a matter of days in November last year.

3. Animals

Have you heard the one about the owl who helped one romantic Stoke-on-Trent man pop the question to his girlfriend? Jason Jenkins and Melissa Bowen were watching a flying display at a falconry centre when Zulu the owl swooped out of the sky and onto Jason’s arm with a diamond engagement ring secreted within a pink velvet bag attached to the bird’s leg.

4. Graffiti art

One graffiti artist decided the best way to pop the question was by spraying ‘Will you marry me?’ on the side of a youth centre wall. Stuart Barrie used his skills and spread his love for his girlfriend in metre-high letters on a wall in Tiverton, Devon.

Starting a life together as a couple can be exciting, but it is important to remember to be there for each other both emotionally and financially.

It could well be worth taking out Life Insurance, so that financial support is always available should anything happen.

Icons of the recent past; Celebrity superstars who have passed away

Celebrities are people too and sometimes they pass away just like us normal folk. Those who spend a lifetime in the spotlight are remembered for their greatest achievements.

For example, Frank Sinatra is remembered for his incredible voice in the same way Martin Luther King is remembered for his views. Icons like these will continue to be remembered for years to come.

Below, we have looked at a few of the more notable deaths in the celebrity world;

Whitney Houston

The iconic American singer and actress passed away under ‘unknown’ circumstances earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy of classic songs and inspiring a generation of singers. The singer’s talent was discovered at an early age after regularly joining her mother, a gospel singer, on stage in nightclubs. She launched her self-titled debut album in 1985, instantly shooting to fame.

The 48 year old was also an award-winning actress, probably best known for her role in The Bodyguard.

It was after this film that Whitney Houston quickly rose to global stardom, following a cover of country singer Dolly Parton’s ‘I will always love you.’ From the middle of the eighties to the late nineties, Whitney Houston was at the top of her game as one of the world’s best selling artists.

Steve Jobs

The man who revolutionised the world of computer technology passed away in October last year at the relatively young age of 56. Steve Jobs was a digital mastermind, and global superstar in the eyes of tech lovers, who shaped the way the world listened to music and used computers.

Over the last few decades, the iconic Applebrand has blossomed to become of the world’s most recognisable and distinguished brands. Not only was he a visionary for IT, but Jobs also liked his animated films. After investing in Pixar in the mid 1980s, he was credited as an Executive Producer in the first Toy Story film.

Liz Taylor

American/British starlet Liz Taylor died on 23rd March last year at the age of 79. She became one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, with a final total of 50 films under her belt. Liz Taylor was one of the world’s most famous film stars and also won two Oscars. Her personal life was littered with marriages and subsequent divorces. She left behind a fortune of £360 million and an extensive art collection.

Life insurance might not pay out £360 million, but it could help your loved ones in the event of your death.

Parental tips for new mums and dads

Becoming a parent is one of the biggest milestones which you can reach in a lifetime. A large amount of what we learn as parents is gleaned as we get older, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways in which we can prepare beforehand.

1. Encourage reading

According to CentreForum, all parents should read to their children for fifteen minutes per day. This routine will see children settle into a consistent pattern – something which is considered highly important – and will also help to stimulate their mind and support their cognitive development.

2. Keep timings consistent

To create stability and order within your home you will need to set clear timelines for certain events. Parenting.org suggest that children should be fed and put to bed at the same time to help establish a routine, giving them the support which they both need and crave.

3. Share responsibilities

One of the most important tips for any new parent is to make sure you share responsibilities. Information from Family Education explains that even feeding responsibilities should be shared, irrespective of whether the mother decides to breastfeed. This is important as it will develop a strong family unit and will give both parents time to bond with their child.

4. Be patient and encouraging

Something which all parents should consider, patience and encouragement are essential components to successful parenting. HelpGuide.org state the parents are the biggest influence on children with learning difficulties, but this is true for any youngster. Lead by example and use your positive skills to help your child grow and develop.

5. Make sure your finances are in order

Most parenting tips focus on the different techniques to use when raising a child, but this is not the only consideration which needs to be made. Raising a child can be very expensive and it is important that parents have their finances in order as early as possible. Setting up a savings account for the new addition to their family, reducing their debts and ensuring their life insurance policy is up to date are all things which need to be done.

CML claims favourable rates have boosted numbers

According to the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML), the number of mortgages purchased at the end of last year increased as customers took advantage of favourable rates.

November was highlighted as a key month for mortgage lending as the number of homeowners taking a fixed-rate deal reached the highest level for two years.

These fixed-rate mortgages were said to account for 65% of those taken by all borrowers, an increase of 3% from the previous month.

The overall number of mortgage loans also increased, with 47,000 being taken during the month. This was a 3% increase in terms of quantity with the value of the loans increasing by 5% - to £6.9billion.

Favourable rates were attributed as the central cause of the change, with the Bank of England’s 0.5% rate providing the perfect opportunity for borrowers.

This historic low has been maintained for some time and has seen mortgage providers slash their rates to compete in the current market, attracting the interest of customers.

Despite the news, the predicted future of the housing market remains uncertain as house prices are expected to fall by 5% over the coming months.

First time buyers (FTBs) were also said to have taken advantage of the opportunity, taking out more than 17,000 loans during November, the collective value of which was more than £2 billion.

This figure represented a 4% increase in the volume of loans which were taken, with the £2 billion figure being the product of a 5% increase in value.

Commenting on the situation, Paul Smee, the Director General of the CML, stated that a “further increase in first time buyer activity” could be expected over the coming months.

He explained that this would be due to customers’ eagerness to get their purchases finalised before the favourable stamp duty concession ends in March.

Yet, with the property market continuing to be largely unstable, many people may be worried about whether they can afford mortgages or loans in the coming years.

Investing in the right insurance products is, therefore, vital and all borrowers should make sure they have an up-to-date life insurance policy to prevent their loved ones being burdened with large mortgage repayments or additional hefty bills in the unfortunate event of their death.

Five detox food items to get 2012 off to a healthy start

With the New Year underway, now is the perfect time to put new practices into place, helping you to embrace a healthy start to 2012. With the Olympic Games set to hit our shores in a few months, some of us may feel that there will be enough physical exercise for the country to deal with. So, how else can you get into shape for 2012? These five detox food items could help:

1. Lemon water

Drinking a combination of lemon juice and water in the morning is said to be a great way to detox your body. The vitamin C found in lemons is said to help cleanse your body and is also said to aid digestion and burn fat.

2. Green vegetables

A number of common vegetables have been listed as ‘detox foods’ with broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, red cabbage and kale all making the grade. Eating more green vegetables and fresh fruit is, therefore, a great way to get your detox off to a fighting start.

3. Herbal teas

The detoxifying properties of herbal tea, and green tea in particular, are well established. Liquids are said to be one of the most important components of a detox and these product types are essential. Green tea is high in catechins, which are said to increase liver activity which results in more detoxification enzymes being produced.

4. Ginger

A spice which can be added to a number of dishes, ginger is a great ingredient known for its detoxifying properties. The spice is said to be ‘liver cleansing’ and can also help your body to burn fat.

5. Non-alcoholic drinks

Of course, with any detox there are certain items which you should avoid instead of embrace. Alcoholic drinks are top of the list here, with caffeine and dairy not being far behind. Drink plenty of water instead and avoid anything which is covered in sugar or sweeteners.

This will help to give you a healthy start to 2012, making a detox highly beneficial. Of course, protecting your body doesn’t just mean relying on eating and drinking the right things and you should make sure you have adequate life insurance cover in place as well. A healthier lifestyle could even affect the price of this – giving detoxifications another benefit.

Divorce and your money – what you need to know

With an estimated 150,000 divorces in the UK each year, understanding your rights in these situations is vitally important. Whilst some divorces may start out amicably, tensions might become strained when finances become involved.

Understanding your entitlements with regards to the law is, therefore, essential and you will need to consider a number of aspects relating to your finances.

Assets

The division of assets is perhaps one of the most common financial elements associated with divorce proceedings. The main asset is usually properties which are shared by the individuals. Income and any money which is stored in a shared bank account may also be classed as assets and these will usually be split equally between the two parties.

A number of important elements must be considered when doing this, however, and the age and employment status of the individuals will be considered, as will whether there are any dependents. In cases involving children, maintenance payments will be required. These costs are determined and controlled carefully and changes to how they were calculated were introduced in 2003.

A generalised view of maintenance payments is as follows:

Absent parents are required to pay 15% of their net income for a single child, 20% for two children and 25% for three or more children. The maximum income taken into account is capped at £2,000 net weekly income.

Fees

The other major financial issue during divorce proceedings is that of legal fees. It is advisable that both parties take independent advice from a solicitor before beginning proceedings. This will help you to understand your position more clearly and will ensure the divorce can be processed as quickly as possible. Usually, each party will be required to pay for their own legal costs during the case.

Personal finances

An individual’s personal finances are also taken into account during divorce proceedings, meaning that individual assets, bank accounts and other financial products will all be taken into account.

Any wills or other legal documents will also need to be amended in light of the change in marital status and important insurance policies will need to be considered.

This is because a change in marital status will affect a number of things, such as the relationship between you and your dependents. Investing in the correct life insurance product is essential in protecting the future finances of your family.

New Year, new you; how to get fit this January

It’s that time of year again when new beginnings are on the horizon, a chance to start afresh and make changes. Whilst the surge of New Year momentum typically only lasts for a few weeks, you can take advantage of it now with these simple steps.

Weight loss

Fighting the flab after the festive seasons is high on the list of many New Year’s resolutions according to price comparison website, Go compare.com. Their annual poll found that 46% of the nation is planning on getting fit and getting involved in more exercise. A further 45% of Brits confessed that they want to lose weight and 33% are hoping to eat more healthily and change their diet over the next 12 months.

Sensible dieting

Yo-Yo and crash diets could be effective in the short term. However, they could cause your body harm and render the whole process essentially useless. You can, however, get fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and embarking on regular exercise. Choose the right diet for you by looking at foods that provide both energy and high levels of fibre. This could give you a balanced energy release instead of high burning fats and sugars.

High fibre foods, for example, allow your body to use the energy more efficiently so less is available for fat storage.

Bad habits

Out with the old and in with the new. If you’re looking to get fit and healthy in the New Year, changing a few of your bad habits could make a real difference. The research found that 14% of people are planning on giving up smoking this year. Not only would it improve your health but it would also save you money and may even reduce life insurance premiums!

Swap your regular cheese for goat’s cheese as cow cheese is 40% higher in calories. With the cost of living soaring, why not ditch the car and take the bike or walk to your destination more often.

Tips for keeping your kids safe online

Technology has been advancing at a rapid rate over the past two decades. TVs have got bigger, computers have got smaller, and mobile phones have got thinner.

We have also seen what is widely considered the most important advance of all – the internet. The World Wide Web has taken over the planet and changed our lives forever.

For kids growing up in the 21st Century, the internet is just as much a part of life as going to school or watching television.

Many children now have a laptop in their room or own a 3G smartphone, meaning they can access the internet whenever they want.

But, as every parent knows, the internet can be a dangerous place for a child. Surfing the web can leave children exposed to adult material, and make them vulnerable to predators.

So it is important to make sure your children are safe and secure when they are accessing the web. Here are some tips for keeping your kids safe online.

Surfing rules

A simple way to keep your child safe is to impose rules about when and where they can surf the web. These could include no surfing late at night or no surfing if they are alone. You wouldn’t let your child go out on their own, so why let them browse the net on their own?

Education

It is easy for anyone to think they are safe online, and children are no different. So to keep them safe, teach your child that they should not give out personal information or details.

Blocking websites

Most internet browsers will have a feature that allows certain websites to be blocked. This is a good idea if your child is on the internet alone in their room.

Any website, or type of website, can be blocked so your child won’t accidently see adult content. And the website controls can be password protected, so your child won’t be able to turn them off even if they want to.

As well as protecting your children online, you may also want to protect them financially if anything unfortunate happens to you. If so, you could consider taking out life insurance.