Life Archives - Foreign policy

Top 9 Reasons to Get an Australian Citizenship in 2020

Published on September 25, 2020

Every year, many people across the globe try to become a citizen in Australia. If you live in this country, then you can enjoy many benefits. But many individuals are unaware of the advantages. They may feel that the application procedure can be challenging because a person needs to pass the exam. If you also want to perform well, then you can practice papers from citizenshiptestaustralia.com.au.

No doubt, the Australian government offers many benefits to its citizens. In the following write-up, we will discuss some top reasons you must know why you should get Australian citizenship. When you know its several advantages, then only you will apply for it and see the worth of moving there. It is the perfect time when you can apply for citizenship and move to a better country in the world.

1. Having an Australian Passport

When you become a permanent citizen of Australia, you will have the passport of that country. Now, the best part is that the Australian passport is considered the best across the globe. You can travel to more than 171 countries.

You do not need to get a visa in many places or have an option to take on arrival. When it comes to ranking, it lies in the 7th position, which is quite good. The Australian passport opens up many opportunities to travel to different countries without any stress.

2. Become a Permanent Resident

Citizenship means that you can become a permanent resident of the country. If you are applying for it, then it means that you will stay there forever. But you have to apply for the Return visa every five years if you travel a lot. This visa is used to re-enter the country if you travel to another country. You can live or leave forever according to your preference. It is crucial to have a certificate of citizenship and legal Australian passport.

3. Get Help from Consular

If you want to become a citizen only to travel to different countries, you have to be careful enough about this thing. Many people take citizenship for granted and misuse it. When you travel a lot, then your health suffers, and you can become a victim of many crimes.

You need to protect yourself in an unknown country. Therefore, you can take help from a consular in the local Australian embassy. You need to seek their help whenever you feel that you are troubled.

4. Getting Right to Vote

In every country, there is a right to vote if your age is above 18 years. Similarly, in Australia, if you get the citizenship, you own a right to vote and participate in all types of elections. You will become legal to vote and choose ministers of that country.

If you run or do not poll, you have to pay a penalty of around $180. Therefore, you have to take the benefit of the democratic process of the country. You can choose any representative that you think deserves the position and do good to citizens.

5. Be a Part of the Political World

If you are above 18 years and are a citizen of Australia, you can be a part of the political party. You can elect for the federal or state MP position. If you can influence the audience and do something good for the country and citizens, then the Australian government allows them to elect in different elections. It may not be your country from birth, but being a citizen, you can be a part of the democratic world.

6. Allowed to Do Jobs in the Government and Defense Sector

Many government departments are reserved for the citizens of Australia. If you become a permanent resident of the country, you can also apply for jobs in this sector. You can also enjoy the right working environment and salary like others if you have those skills to compete. There will be no visa restrictions when you are doing the job. No doubt that you will get many opportunities in various sectors, and you can be a part of it without any hassle.

7. Your Children will Become Citizens Automatically

If you are an Australia’s permanent citizen, then your kids born here will also become citizens by default. They do not need any citizenship, and will automatically become legal citizens without any issues. They will also enjoy the same rights as you are enjoying.

8. Get Loans

If you want to take a loan for education, home, or car, you can take it as a citizen. If we talk about the education system, it is hard for many people to afford education. They may take loans or try hard to get an education. Many people across the globe apply for the scholarship to study in reputed colleges in Australia. You can take a loan to educate your kids from great universities.

9. Get Authority to Move to New Zealand

Everyone is aware that New Zealand is the neighboring country of Australia. If any citizen wants to go there for any reason, even for the permanent residency, then they can easily apply for it and shift. The country offers a great education system, and many children go there to get an affordable and advanced education. The authorities allow Australian citizens to move to New Zealand permanently.

The Bottom Line

Becoming an Australian citizen is a dream for many people across the globe. The country offers many opportunities to its people, and therefore, it is quite beneficial to become a permanent resident of the country. If you need to apply for citizenship, you must pass the exam and get a legal passport to stay in Australia forever.

You can enjoy all the rights of the country that every citizen of the country does. It is necessary to go through all the reasons mentioned earlier that will convince us to get citizenship in the country. If you find it a better place to live, then you must switch as soon as possible.

Top 5 Aussie Souvenirs to Bring Home from Sydney in 2020

Published on September 21, 2020

Life/Travel

Australia is a wonderful place to live in and an even more interesting place to travel. What you can experience on this massive piece of land on planet Earth, is impossible to experience anywhere else. It is so big and diverse, you can see all kinds of different animals and even experience several different climates. But, traveling to Australia, especially if coming from the Americas or Europe, is quite rare considering the expensive airplane tickets. So, if you are visiting, make sure you grab a couple of Aussie souvenirs from Sydney.

However, picking a souvenir that is unique to Australia or Sydney is not that easy. When you enter a souvenir shop, there are all kinds of different things that you could easily find back home. What is the point of buying an item that you can find in your own country? That is right, there is no point in doing that.

This is why I wanted to write this article and share the most unique Aussie souvenirs to bring back home from Sydney in 2020.

Boomerang

I boomerang is something that you can purchase from probably every country on this planet, but the ones that you can find in Sydney are a little bit more unique. Boomerang is a very important symbol and part of the history of this massive piece of land.

If you have not seen a boomerang, it is quite an interesting object. It was very commonly used as a weapon and as a hunting tool in ancient times. Because of its unique curved shape, when properly thrown, it comes back to its user. It is made in this way to ensure that the hunter will be able to recover his/her tool after throwing it.

So, you are probably wondering what makes the boomerangs in Sydney so unique. Well, they surely are quite different than anything else you have seen because they are usually painted in a very specific and detailed way. This painting/drawing technique was very popular in ancient times and this is probably the only place where you will be able to find the use of that technique.

Vegemite

Sometimes, bringing home a souvenir does not always have to be some ancient or historical object that is in some way tied to the country or location. Sometimes, bringing food that is connected to the culture of the people in that country is also very unique. So, if you want to bring the most Aussie type of food back home, you should grab a jar of Vegemite.

This is a type of spread that is very heavily used by Australians. The taste of Vegemite is very specific and most people will not like it at first. It is salty and a bit better, but once you get used to it, it goes great with a piece of toast.

When you bring it back home, make sure you tell everyone that wants to try your Vegemite that it is salty and that it is not marmalade or jam. It looks a lot like a jam or marmalade in my blade, but it is the exact opposite.

It may not be the most interesting product you can bring back from Sydney, but it is definitely something very special to the city and the country.

Tim Tams

If you are a fan of bringing food back home then here is another option. Tim Tams is a very popular type of food in Sydney. It is a simple packet of chocolates/biscuits, but it is so tasty and it is quite cheap. For just 1.5 or 2 AUD, you can get one packet. So, why not stock up on several packets of Tim Tams bring them back home.

Unlike Vegemite, everyone will like this chocolate.

Kangaroo leather

What is the first animal that comes up in your mind when someone mentions Australia? It probably is a kangaroo. If it is not, you should probably change your mind about that and ensure that it is kangaroo the next time. They are indigenous to New Guinea and Australia.

The government believes that there are more than 40 million kangaroos living on that huge continent right now.

This is probably the reason why the kangaroo is the symbol of this country and can even be found on their currency bills. It is a very important piece of Aussie culture.

So, if you truly want to bring back and Aussie souvenir, you should definitely consider getting a kangaroo leather product. It can be anything you want. A lot of people enjoy buying kangaroo leather hats. But you also have the option of getting a belt, some boots, or even a jacket. Some souvenir shops sell plain kangaroo leather. But, before you decide to buy anything, you should probably do a little bit of research on souvenir shops as suggested by Kevsbest.com.au.

Ugg boots

Whenever roaming down the streets of Sydney or any other city in Australia, you will notice one thing about the residents of this country. Almost everyone is wearing Ugg boots. At first, they were just another piece of very comfortable footwear, but they are now a fashion statement. Ugg boots are now part of the Aussie culture.

So, if you truly want to bring in a souvenir back home, I would suggest you buy a few pairs of Ugg boots. Keep in mind, they might not look the best, but they are very comfortable and will keep your feet warm throughout the cold winter days.

A cricket bat

Cricket is a sport that will remind you of baseball, but it is nowhere near how baseball is played. The players use bats, similarly to baseball, but the rules are very different. This is also an important part of the Aussie culture. It is a sport that is primarily played in Australia, New Zealand, and India. You will not be able to find teams or cricket-related souvenirs outside of those countries.

So, why not grab a cricket bat when going home?

There are a lot more things you could buy as an Aussie souvenir from Sydney, but I believe that these five items are the most unique and interesting ones.

8 Money-Saving Tips to Help You Shop Smarter

Published on September 14, 2020

Life/Lifestyle

Whether you’ll be on a tight budget for the next few months or if you are simply looking for ways that will help you save some money, you’ll have to learn how to shop smarter. However, if you have no idea where to begin, you might be wondering – what are some tips that I should keep in mind?

Well, luckily for all of you looking for ways to save money at the end of the month, this article might be able to help you. The text below is going to feature a list of 8 money-saving tips that will help you with shopping smarter, hence, saving money. Let’s take a closer look at the list:

1. First Things First – Put Your Budget on Paper

One of the very first things that you’ll want to do is to create a detailed, monthly budget. Why? Well, it will ensure that you do not overspend and it will also allow you to know how much you can spend on certain things. Naturally, the first thing you’ll do is to deduct all of the bills and loans you have, then determine the variable expenses, as well as your savings. Additionally, if you want to save money for something, determine how much you’ll put aside.

2. Lists, Lists, Lists

Never, I repeat, never go shopping without a list. If you do not have a list to follow, you’ll easily overspend on things that you do not need. Hence, before going to the supermarket, look around in your cupboards and fridge, and determine which items you need. Also, if you need to buy new clothes and shoes, ensure that you make a different list for that as well. Writing down what you need to buy and sticking to it will ensure that you do not overspend on things that you do not need.

3. Shop Online And Wait For Sales

Online shopping won’t only allow you to save a lot of time on commuting, but, it will also help you with saving a lot of money, especially when there are sales! Hence, when you create lists for the things you need – no matter if it is clothes or groceries – browse various online stores in order to see where the best deals are, as well as if there are some sales that will allow you to purchase more for less cash.

4. Promo Codes And Coupons

There is a wide range of platforms such as this website that offer free coupons and promo codes, which means that you should get the advantage of those free coupons and codes! Why? Well, it will save your cash, which means that you can then use the rest of the money for purchasing something else or even better, you can put the money aside and save it until you meet your goal and purchase something from that list of things that you do not need, but want.

5. Out of Season Shopping is Quite Wise

If there are some seasonal things that you need – such as holiday cards or decoration – you might want to buy them when they are out of season. If you do so when they are in seasons, the prices will probably be twice as high as they are during the rest of the year. So, if you are able to find seasonal items before the season actually arrives, you’ll be able to avoid paying higher prices for the same item.

6. Say ‘Goodbye’ to Endless Browsing

You have your lists, so ensure that you stick to them! Wandering endlessly around a specific shop won’t only cause you to lose a lot of time, but, it might also cause you to purchase items that you do not need – which is especially true for individuals that do not have the willpower to avoid useless purchases. For example, if you need items such as toilet paper and fresh vegetables, go to those aisles and avoid wandering.

7. Consume it Before Buying Another One

I used to do a really bad thing that caused me to spend hundreds of dollars on something that I do not need at the moment. How? Well, for instance, when I notice that I half used my hand cream, I would immediately buy another one. This just leads to hoarding half-used products, which can cause you to lose a lot of money. Hence, before you actually buy something – no matter if it is food or other products – ensure that you spend the initial one first.

8. It is Always Better to Go Shopping Alone

You’ll want to avoid going to the store with your children or someone else. Besides avoiding your kids bugging you for some sweets and snacks that can cause you to overspend, you’ll also be able to finish shopping faster, which is extremely important when it comes to sticking to your budget, as well as list. So, if it is possible for you to go shopping alone, you’ll definitely want to do it, especially since you’ll save cash and time.

Bonus Tip – Does Spending Less Mean Saving More?

Just because you’ll follow all of the aforementioned tips, it does not mean that you’ll actually save some cash. Similarly, just because a specific shop has different sales such as ‘buy one and get one for free’ it does not mean that you should buy it – unless you actually need it. Hence, when you come across such sales, you’ll want to ask yourself whether or not you actually need it, is it high-quality, as well as can you place it in your house. If you answer all of the three questions with ‘no’ buy what you need and exit the store you are in.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide range of tips that can help you shop smarter, which will, in return, allow you to save money at the end of the month. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars, which means that you can then use it for something else, such as returning a loan or, perhaps, purchasing something new for yourself.

So, now that you are aware of all the tips you should keep in mind when shopping, you might not want to lose any more of your time. Instead, you should go back to the beginning of this article and begin with the first tip on the list, which is creating a detailed budget for the upcoming month.

Stretch Your Dollar By Retiring In Mexico: Here’s How

Published on September 9, 2020

Life

People are living much longer these days so retiring in your 60s means that your retirement savings may need to last a lot longer than in the past. Are you sure that you have enough money to live a comfortable lifestyle on your limited income?

This is a challenge many Americans are facing these days as the cost of living is rising all the time. Either you have to go very frugal and really tighten the belt, or you try to find a place where the cost of living is low.

While there are many places within the US where you can go and enjoy a lifestyle that suits you, if it is a low cost of living area, then chances are it isn’t as nice a place to live as you would want.

Which is why Mexico should be on your radar. You can retire there and enjoy excellent weather, delicious food and a laid back lifestyle for a fraction of what it would cost to do so in Florida, for example.

In this article, I will give you some of the things you need to know to be able to retire in Mexico.

1. Know your expenses

The cost of living is lower than in the US, but it does highly depend on where you plan to live, what your lifestyle is like and some other factors.

Do research to find the right area that is going to be cheap, safe and have the infrastructure that you need to live a good life there. You may find an area that is very economical, but the health care services are lacking or it isn’t safe to live.

There are websites that can give you the breakdown of the cost of everything you need in a particular city. This is a good starting point to understand if it is going to be within your budget.

Then, write down all of your expenses. Make sure you include health insurance as you will be paying out of pocket for health insurance in Mexico. You can shop around for the best prices on sites like Internationalinsurance.com, but it’s up to you to find a plan. Also, any expenses you will be bringing with you from abroad need to be accounted for. These items include subscriptions for things like Netflix or loans that are still open from the US like student loans.

2. Get a visa

Luckily, for retirees, Mexico makes it easy to come and live without having to jump through too many bureaucratic hoops. There are different visas, though, so you need to know the right one.

If you are planning to come down to do a sort of dry run to see if you would like living there, then a tourist visa is for you. It allows you to stay up to six months which is enough time to judge whether Mexico is actually the right fit or not.

If you do decide to live there, then you will need a temporary resident visa which lasts four years. Before you leave the US you should go to your local consulate to apply as there are some requirements to qualify. For instance, you will need to show a certain amount of income that comes from outside of Mexico. This can be income from a retirement fund or if you work remotely and have a steady income from that.

Once you have been there for four years, you can then apply for a permanent visa so you don’t have to keep reapplying for a temporary one every four years. Once again, you will need to show that you have a minimum amount of money coming in and a certain amount of savings to qualify. If you get accepted then you will have the right to work in Mexico so you can add to your income locally if you can find a job.

3. Learn the language

Though you technically can get by with only knowing English, your life will be much easier if you learn at least some basic Spanish. Relying on locals to speak English can cause some problems especially when you are dealing with paperwork. And hiring a translator can be costly.

If you can speak some Spanish then you can navigate much easier and even integrate in Mexico instead of only having ex-pat friends.

It can also be something that gives you something to do. Learning another language is something that keeps your mind sharp so you are less likely to have a deterioration of your facilities as you age. Learning keeps us young so there is an extra incentive to learn the language as a retirement challenge.

Get a side hustle

This is one that may be in a grey area when it comes to your visa. Make sure that you are allowed to work without any issues as some visas are strict about you not taking a job from a local.

Since you are now a local, you can do things like help tourists that are visiting the region. As you speak English and have insider knowledge, then you could find yourself doing well working a few hours per week leading some food tours or something similar.

If you are not allowed to do that, then you can always do it online. Start a Youtube channel that focuses on this area and have it link to your own website. Then sell e-books as guides for the area. Or, similarly, you can also charge for itineraries that can be downloaded and printed out by the visitor to your site.

Take advantage of living someplace that people want to visit and give them an experience like a local.

Conclusion

There are going to be challenges to retiring in a foreign country, but luckily, Mexico has a lot of American retirees so the path has already been forged for you. If you’re up to some challenges, the rewards are much greater than if you chose to stay back home.

Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Injury Cases in 2020

Published on September 2, 2020

Life

When the first news appeared at the end of December last year about a new, mysterious virus from China, few people paid attention to it. Even in China, they did not consider it a serious threat. By the end of January, Wuhan was in complete isolation, but this was still considered a local concern of China, where epidemics occur more frequently than elsewhere in the world. How we were all wrong. By mid-March, the whole world had stopped.

Perhaps for the first time in human history, the entire planet was quarantined. The number of people infected with the coronavirus was so large that hospitals had no room for patients with other problems. The whole world economy has stopped. It was important to maintain a constant supply of food and medicine and it was mostly successful. But all other businesses have been partially or completely shut down, leading to a global financial crisis.

There is no sector that has not been affected by coronavirus-related events. Person injury cases are no different. First of all, it slowed them down a lot because hospitals and courts handled only emergencies. But people are still getting hurt and now that life is slowly returning to normal, everyone is wondering how to proceed with person injury cases. We will do our best to give you the answers in this article.

Delay of medical examinations

We all know that in order to receive compensation for a personal injury, it is required to have all the necessary documents from the doctor. Only in this way will you be able to prove the degree of injury and how much it has affected your life and work. Without it, you will not receive any compensation or it will be a very small amount of money. But as we have already said in the introduction, during the coronavirus pandemic, many hospitals that were otherwise available to us became COVID-only. This created huge crowds at other hospitals that received patients who were not contagious. If your injuries were not life-threatening, you may have decided to go home and to see a doctor later.

This is a big mistake because it is necessary for him to examine you soon after the injuries occur in order to get maximum compensation. Also, many do not want to go to the hospital at all, for fear of becoming infected with the coronavirus. This is of course your right, but your personal injury claim will then not be successful. Our advice is to go to the doctor, and follow all the advice of the World Health Organization, such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

Insurance companies are trying to reach a settlement as soon as possible

The financial crisis is also hitting insurance companies hard. Imagine how much money they had to pay to insured companies that suffered damage during a pandemic. Also, tourism has almost completely stopped, so the billions of people who pay for travel insurance every year have not done so now. And of course their shares on the stock market have lost significantly in value.

All this has brought insurance companies to the brink of bankruptcy. For this reason, they want to come to an agreement with you as soon as possible, in order to save money. They hope that you will jump to the first offer and that it will pay you significantly less than it is realistic. They also want to shorten the process as much as possible and not go to court at any cost. Don’t be naive and don’t fall for such attempts.

You need a lawyer more than ever

If you want your personal injury claim to be successful, you need a lawyer. And that’s always the case, but now during a pandemic it’s more important than ever. For the very reasons we mentioned earlier, which are the attempts of insurance companies to reach a settlement as soon as possible, you need an experienced lawyer in this field, in order for the whole process to end in your favor. Due to the situation, your face-to-face meetings may be difficult, but this will not be a problem due to the possibility of video call and email for sending complete documentation.

Visit cunninghamandmears.com to see which personal injury services are offered by lawyers specializing in this area of law. The lawyer has a lot of experience and will make sure to get the best amount possible for the settlement. And also the insurance company will know that since you have a lawyer, you are ready to go to court, which will deter them from trying to offer you an unrealistically low amount of money.

Mentally prepare for a long process

It is a long process anyway, and now it will be even longer. The courts operate at reduced capacity and generally handle urgent matters, such as bail orders and the like. So if you get to court, expect a lot of shifting and postponing the hearing and everything else. Now the hearings have started via video conference, so the situation is improving. Still, know that there is a long and exhausting process ahead of you even without litigation. It is up to you to gather all the documentation, hire a lawyer and wait.

Employment problems

Due to the situation with COVID-19, there is a recession all over the world. For this reason, millions of people lose their jobs, and it is almost impossible to find a new job during this period. This will serve the opposing side to offer you less money, as it will challenge the claim that you could not work as a result of the injury. They will state that this is not the main reason, but problems with the labor market and that they would certainly not be able to find a job. However, insist that you have lost significant money due to inability to work as a result of the injury.

Conclusion:

The most important thing is to stay calm and follow the whole procedure. It is clear to you that we are currently living in something called the “new normality” and that is why everything is different than we are used to. But if you persevere, you will succeed.

Shift To The Suburbs: How COVID-19 Changed Real Estate Trends

Published on August 31, 2020

Life

At the start of 2020, real estate experts had a notion of what was up next. They’d identified a set of cities primed for real estate investments and made projections regarding sales trends. Then, COVID-19 struck and everything went sideways. The economy crashed, unemployment rates skyrocketed, and cities and towns across the United States shut down in an attempt to contain disease spread. From a public health perspective, it was a nightmare, but through the lens of real estate, things were not as disastrous as they might have seemed – especially in the suburbs.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been several key factors that have come together to keep the real estate market moving – in particular, falling interest rates. That fact, in combination with the restrictive nature of living in a city during a pandemic, has served to fuel home sales and even bolster investments at a time when other businesses are struggling.

A Good Time To Buy

One of the most common steps the Federal Reserve takes when the economy is struggling is to decrease interest rates. This encourages lending and, as a result, spending that can boost consumer confidence and trigger a recovery. It’s no surprise, then, that when the pandemic began, the Fed actually pushed interest rates down to historic lows, with the result being a spike in suburban mortgage applications. Anyone familiar with the housing market knew they wouldn’t see rates like this again any time soon.

Of course, lowered interest rates can’t necessarily counter job losses, which is one reason why some people have been surprised by the real estate industry’s success at this time. For example, Houston has seen some of the most significant joblessness numbers in the country. This issue has primarily impacted renters, however, allowing people with secure jobs and sufficient income to take the leap and become homeowners, particularly by moving to the suburbs.

Greener Pastures

It’s not just low interest rates that have driven the increase in homeownership. After a decline in sales during the first few months of the pandemic, suburban purchases spiked as city dwellers – tired of being cooped up in overpriced, crowded apartments – decided it was time to decamp to greener pastures. In particular, urbanites with children felt like it was untenable to remain in the cities and, for those who weren’t so wealthy as to have vacation homes to retreat to, a move was the only option.

The likelihood that people would be working from home for the foreseeable future, and that children of all ages, including college students, could be attending school from home has also played a role in these relocations. Most apartments don’t have room for a home office – and certainly not multiple home offices. Buying property was a way of making room for a new way of life.

Katy: A Case Study

Many suburbs have seen a spike in home sales, but some have had a particularly sharp increase, Katy, Texas among them. Area experts cite several key reasons for this. First, even relative to other suburbs, Katy has an abundance of green spaces and outdoor amenities that make it possible for people to exercise, explore, and even socialize with minimal risk. The city is also close enough to Houston for people working in the city to commute post-pandemic, but Katy is comparatively affordable, whereas Houston is one of the most expensive cities in the US.

Another reason that Katy has done well as a relocation destination is that it had a rapidly growing job market pre-pandemic. Many of these jobs are in manufacturing, healthcare, and other stable industries, and a number of companies have signed commercial real estate contracts there, even since the start of the pandemic.

Job prospects in Katy may be good enough, taken in combination with low mortgage rates, to encourage investors to purchase residential properties in the area. Though this isn’t a great time for rental properties in general – many landlords are struggling to fill their vacancies – larger, suburban rentals do still have an advantage. In terms of space, these rentals are much more affordable, which could attract middle income tenants who aren’t ready to buy, without forcing them to spend more money.

Finally, investors can even ensure the stability of their properties by working with a property management company. According to Green Residential, which works with Katy-area owners, they provide rent default insurance to protect owners’ income, preventing financial shortfalls. Taken together, these trends suggest that, at least in the right areas, the pandemic can still create opportunities for homeownership and real estate investment.

The Big Picture View

Some suburbs may be thriving in the midst of the pandemic, but it’s important for anyone looking at real estate during this time to carefully research their chosen area, as pre-pandemic conditions, along with other local traits, are an important factor. Areas with lagging job markets pre-pandemic make poor investments, no matter how far home prices fall. And in some areas, suburban home prices aren’t falling – they’re actually rising.

Given the complexity of current economic and public health conditions, it may be helpful to reframe homeowners’ suburban flight as less the result of the pandemic proper, and more closely tied to homeowners’ reconsidering what they value. Cities have always been a status symbol and, for some, they always will be. For others, though, cities were little more than an expensive default, and the pandemic has allowed them to consider other options. Suddenly, open space seems more valuable than museums, room to stretch out more valuable than public transit.

We won’t fully understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate market and overall residency trends for several years, at least until the economy finds its new normal. As more people face the reality that they’ll be working remotely at least part time for many years to come, though, the suburbs are likely to remain appealing. While some will always cling to cities, some former city dwellers now have a clearer view of what life could be like. And if that’s a choice between a small apartment in a city where disease can spread unchecked with great speed and a suburb where they can enjoy their family’s company – well, that’s not a choice at all.

What you Should do During the Social Distancing Time

Published on August 25, 2020

Life

Social distancing is one of the most important precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19. At this point of time, gatherings and going outside for leisure purposes are prohibited in almost all parts of the world. We didn’t expect that the time will come when we’re not allowed to meet our friends, conduct parties and events, or simply eat outside with our loved ones.

Adjusting to the “new normal”

For most countries around the globe, COVID-19 infection rates are becoming rampant. Although scientists are rushing to develop vaccines and medications, there’s no guarantee that we can finally go back to our normal lives in the coming months. One thing for sure is we must learn how to live safely by adopting new measures.

Here are 10 things you can do to reduce stress during this time

Indeed, it seems like the world has stopped with all the things happening around us. However, we must always think on the positive side and look for ways on how to be more productive while we’re in this situation.

Can’t think of anything? Here are some safe and fresh ideas you can try:

1. Create a new routine that works best for you

COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our daily lives. There’s nothing we can do about it but to adapt to this unfortunate situation while ensuring our safety. This big shift in our daily routine can make us feel uneasy for sure. That’s why you should develop a new routine that will help you cope with these drastic changes.

2. Keep your mental health in check

Now that everyone’s stuck at home, this sudden shift can be depressing and stressful for most of us, especially for those who are always outside due to work or leisure activities with friends. Not to mention that many people have lost their jobs and are now struggling to search for a new source of income. This adds to our fear and anxiety as we face a future that is full of uncertainties.

If your mental health is unstable or you feel hopeless, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are also free online seminars conducted by licensed psychologists. These initiatives can help you focus on how you can properly take care of your mental health.

3. Reach out to your loved ones regularly

There’s nothing more comforting than being together with our loved ones. Due to our limited movement, meeting with our friends and relatives might not be possible right now. Instead, we can take advantage of video calls, chats, and social media platforms to make us feel as if we’re beside them. Just a simple “Hi” or “How are you?” can uplift one’s mood and make a person happy.

4. Pick up an old or new hobby

Is there a hobby that you’ve always wanted to try but doesn’t have the chance to do so? Now is the perfect time to start it! We can see a lot of people on social media trying out something new to overcome boredom. Some of them are also even going back to their old hobbies. Try to redeem your passion for reading books, playing board games, learning a new music instrument, or other activities you once loved.

5. Get started with online dating

With people stuck at their homes, does it mean we’re not also allowed to find new love or meet potential partners? Definitely no! Thanks to communications technology, we can now reach out to other people no matter how far they are. Many love seekers are now using dating apps with hopes of finding a partner amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Use the dating platform that is perfect for your needs

Most individuals thought that installing and using multiple dating platforms will make their love search easier and faster. The truth is you simply need to have 1 or 2 apps containing all the features that suit your preferences.

If you’re new to online dating or you don’t want to go through these platforms one by one, Click Cupid provides you with highly detailed and honest reviews about various dating apps.

7. Learn new skills

We can acquire new skills even if we’re just at home. In fact, we have more time now to explore training opportunities. There are various ways to improve our current skill set and make ourselves more knowledgeable.

Almost everyone is working from home, so no one is stuck in traffic or spending extra hours in the office. We can take advantage of this situation for our own benefit by allocating more time to our personal development and career advancement.

8. Enroll in an online course

There are many online courses available from trusted institutions and professionals. Some are free or require payment for you to get a certificate of completion. Do you want to learn more about personal finances, graphic designing, writing, and many more? Consider what fields or areas you are interested in and start browsing the long list of learning opportunities that await you!

9. Reflect on your inner self and develop new goals

Despite all the restrictions imposed upon us, we can turn this moment into an opportunity to get to know ourselves better and empower ourselves to reach new heights. Probably, you can invest your time in reading books about self-esteem and personal development then apply all the things you learned from these resources.

10. Keep your body healthy

This seems a no-brainer answer, but keeping our body in shape is the most important thing we should do right now. Gyms are closed and going outside is limited. However, these things shouldn’t stop us from getting the exercise we need. You can do a lot of basic activities inside your home with your families, such as lifting weights and sit-ups. If possible, you can also get equipment like a stationary bike that will make your exercise sessions more fun.

Let’s make this social distancing time worthwhile

We don’t know when we can go back to our normal lives and have the freedom once again to do all the things we want outside of our home. Nevertheless, what we can do at this time is to turn this situation into our advantage and enjoy the most out of it while we ensure our safety.

How Can 9/11 Victims Seek Assistance For Healthcare?

Published on August 25, 2020

Life

The survivors and first responders of the vicious 9/11 terrorist attack face lingering complications to this day.

While the attack happened almost two decades ago, the dangerous plume enveloping the surrounding area contained many carcinogens and harmful compounds. As a result, survivors and first responders developed various aerodigestive conditions and cancers.

In response to the needs of 9/11 survivors, the state of New York and support groups have created various resources like the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) to meet them. This gives 9/11 victims funds for or direct access to healthcare.

Respected law group, Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, note that “qualifying members can have access to compassionate and high-quality treatment and care without having to pay any out-of-pocket expenses, including copayments or deductibles.”

As you can imagine, this provides physical and emotional relief to those who need it most. Fortunately, 9/11 victims have additional resources they can seek, which we’ll outline below.

World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)

The first resource is the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

The WTCHP exists to give the survivors of 9/11 an avenue for free medical treatment and monitoring. There are seven clinics throughout New York and New Jersey.

If you are located elsewhere, you can use the National Provider Network to seek free care at included clinics found all around the country.

Considering how expensive medical services are, the WTCHP is an excellent alternative for 9/11 survivors. The only catch is that you must satisfy the criteria for eligibility, which simply entails being a direct 9/11 survivor, 9/11 first responder, or 9/11 clean-up worker.

Once you have proved your eligibility to the WTCHP, you are registered for life. This will entitle you to their benefits, which include medical services directly aimed at 9/11-related cancers, aerodigestive conditions, and mental health disorders.

You do not need to have an active illness to register for the WTCHP and you are encouraged to register regardless to ensure coverage should any health complications related to 9/11 arise in the future.

September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF)

Another critical source of assistance is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF).

Many 9/11 victims are already aware of the WTCHP, but far fewer are taking advantage of the 9/11 VCF. This is a fund designated to compensate those impacted by the fateful attacks of September 11th.

For many survivors, 9/11 resulted in health conditions that affected their quality of life and ability to work. This created both economic and non-economic losses.

Non-economic losses are apparent in the form of the pain and suffering that 9/11 victims undeniably experienced. On the other hand, economic losses are the financial repercussions of the attack, namely medical bills and lost income.

The payouts from the 9/11 VCF can make a major difference for a survivor. Depending on the extent of your situation, you can receive several thousand or even millions in more severe cases.

Recently, the deadline for registering with the 9/11 VCF was extended to July 29th, 2021. Similar to the WTCHP, you do not need to have an active illness to register for the fund.

One thing to keep in mind is that registering for the 9/11 VCF is not the same as filing a claim with the 9/11 VCF. You can register and wait until a 9/11-related illness occurs before filing a claim. The deadline for filing a claim with the 9/11 VCF is in 2090.

Non-Profit Organizations

Various non-profit organizations can also be beneficial for 9/11 survivors.

Thousands of people were affected by September 11th and many organizations were created to help those that were impacted. These organizations vary in how they offer assistance, with some providing free healthcare to others offering financial assistance.

One of the most noteworthy non-profits for first responders is the Feal Good Foundation (FGF). The FGF helps increase awareness of 9/11-related illnesses, puts survivors in contact with health professionals, provides free healthcare, and even offers financial assistance.

There are also several scholarships available for the family members of 9/11 victims that have passed away. The financial impact of 9/11 persists for their children, who miss out on assistance by having a deceased parent.

In response to this, scholarships are available to help cover a significant expense and provide the opportunity to create a better future.

Many different non-profit organizations, scholarships, and help groups are available for the survivors of 9/11. Some have specific victims they intend to help, but there are surely many non-profit resources that you can benefit from regardless of how you were affected by 9/11.

Workers’ Compensation

Specifically for the volunteers and clean-up workers of 9/11, government help through workers’ compensation is also available.

The destruction of 9/11 was severe and required nearly a year to fully finish clean-up. The cleaning effort required countless hours of manpower and hard effort. Unfortunately, the area around Ground Zero was extremely toxic and this made many clean-up workers sick.

Considering that clean-up workers were affected while they were laboring, this entitles them to workers’ compensation. This is significant because workers’ compensation can help cover lost wages and medical expenses.

A final thing to note is that clean-up volunteers are eligible for workers’ compensation. While they were not technically employed, they were working for free and deserve the same benefits as someone who was being paid.

Closing Thoughts

9/11 victims will never forget the horrors of September 11th. It can be incredibly difficult to put the past behind you, especially when 9/11 resulted in several serious health conditions that affect survivors to this day.

While you may still be affected by 9/11, there are many resources you can turn to for help. This includes the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (9/11 VCF), non-profit organizations like the Feal Good Foundation, and workers’ compensation.

You certainly didn’t deserve the outcome of 9/11, but you can make your life better by seeking the resources created specifically to help you. Take advantage of the groups mentioned above to receive some much-needed relief!

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