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Don t leave your loved ones with additional expenses and complications.
People who die without a valid will, or intestate, leave costs and worry to their loved ones and often gift lots of money to the Country in what may be avoidable Inheritance Tax (IHT).

The Law Society says that anyone with possessions and family or friends should make a will, no matter of their years. It is especially important if you are not married to your partner, because the law does not give partners the same rights automatically of inheritance as spouses.
Property that is owned jointly by unmarried partners on a joint tenancy basis would still pass automatically to the surviving partner under the rules of survivorship. Under the current intestacy rules, an unmarried partner has no rights to property that were not jointly owned (although the Law Commission has recently suggested to change this).

Forming a will is also essential if you have kids, as you can nominate guardians to look after them.

It is important to create a list of investments, property and debts and their approximate worth. Include your properties, investments, savings, insurance policies and pensions.
In addition, consider details of single bequests. Merely telling a beneficiary that an item will be his or hers one day could cause difficulty later.

You should take professional advice on estate planning as part of writing your will. Simple measures could save the beneficiaries of more prosperous homeowners thousands of £’s in tax.

An essential component of establishing a will is the appointment of executors to make sure that your will wishes are carried out.

You should also update your will every few years or so and whenever your circumstances are changed by a significant life event, such as wedding, split up or a birth or death in the close family. Another instance would be after a house purchase or move.

Whoever constructs up your will, make sure one copy is kept safe or deposit one with a probate registry.

Consilium Asset Management LTD offer inheritance tax planning advice in South Gloucestershire

There is one day in your child’s lifetime that you dread more than any other and they are most excited about; the day they get their license to drive. Almost everyone knows a teenager who has been involved in a motorcar accident. What can parents do to guard their offspring from these terrifying events?. It is vital to discuss motorcar safety. Also, parents can enroll their prospective teen driver in a drivers education course. This will result in lower automobile premiums and a better prepared driver.

Which road conditionsresult in to crashes?

Many teenagers drive older pre-owned vehicles; unfortunately, these cars are not always equipped with the latest safety equipment. Traveling on Friday or Saturday night with several passengers increases a young persons chance of being involved in a car crash. In addition, young person drivers are not experienced in driving on wet roads from fog, rain or sleet.

There is in fact a form of cheap car insurance for young drivers that discourages drivers from driving at more dangerous times of the day. Known as pay per drive insurance the driver charged for the miles they drive. For example the highest mileage rates will be charged for the most dangerous times such as the middle of the nght.

Which drivers are most likely to crash?

According to the latest research, individuals under the age of 25 are most likely to be involved in an motorcar accident. The research also reports that most accidents occur shortly after a driver becomes licensed. Gender plays a role too; as male drivers are twice as likely as female drivers to be involved in a car accident.

Why undertake driver education classes?

Getting a drivers license is a rite of passage and parents have to watch as their children grow up. Regrettably, many young people are critically injured and nearly 300 are killed while driving in the UK. But it doesnt have to end this way, young people who participate in supplemental drivers education experience significantly lower crash rates. Remember, youngsters who take these courses not only are safer but receive lower insurance ratings. So parents, before you push your little birds from the nest, enroll them in a driver education course for your peace of mind and peace of wallet.

In which places can you be taught accident avoidance techniques?

Drivers education can help a newly licensed driver gain the actual road experience he or she is lacking. Pass Plus is a new driver education course offered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). The Driving Academy at Mercedes-Benz World offers a driving experience class for soon-to-be new drivers. Safety driven driver training courses are available from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

How to Optimize Accessibility and Mobility in Your Home

1. When assistive devices are being used in the home there is sometimes a problem with doorways being too narrow. Some hardware stores have hinges that allow the door to open and drop back in line with the frame and provide an extra few inches for access.

2. Remove the trim around the inside edge of the door from the floor to the midway point of the frame. This will add an extra half inch to the door way and may be enough to allow a wheelchair or walker to pass through.

3. Remove the standard door and install a bypass door on overhead track.

4. Mount an adjustable mirror above the stove if you are in a wheelchair so you can see into the pots on the stove from your chair.

5. Take the hand rims off a wheelchair to make it just a bit narrower.,

6. Buy a reacher to use for turning burners off and on if they are located across the back of the stove. This is helpful for persons in a wheelchair as well as someone with restricted movement in their shoulders and arms.

7. Buy a roll of that “waffle” or non skid shelf liner at the hardware or kitchen store and cut into circles that fit over jar lids. It makes opening jars and bottles easier.

8. Speciality stores sell cutlery with large handles for people with arthritis or impaired use due to stroke. They are expensive. Try wrapping your own kitchen utensils with foam pipe wrap from the hardware store.

9. Another option is to buy a long handled parfait spoon and bend the handle into a loop. This allows the user to wrap their fingers around the loop and does not require them to grip as tightly.

10. Buttons on heavy winter coats can be a problem for arthritic or cold hands. Try using elastic thread on the buttons. That bit of extra give makes them easier to do up.

11. As we age our eyes take longer to adjust to the darkness. Use night lights to make nocturnal visits to the fridge or bathroom safer. Use a plastic drink glass for next to the bed or in the bathroom to eliminate the chance of cuts.

12. Make sure phones have oversize lit key pads so they can be easily seen and used in an emergency . DO NOT program 911 into the auto dial on the phone. If it is touched in error a call will go out and waste valuable emergency services time and resources.

13. Phones that must be turned on or off by pushing a button are a good choice. Do not place the bedroom phone on the floor next to the bed or on a soft piece of furniture such as a chair or footstool. This may sound logical but many a relative has been frantic when they could not reach Granny for hours, only to drive 50 miles and find the phone off the hook.

14. Mount battery operated lights in closets or cupboards that do not have lights in them. Put scarves, hats and gloves in baskets that can be easily reached to avoid stretching to reach the top shelf.

15. There are all sorts of gadgets out there to automate lights indoors and out. Don’t forget the exterior of your home. Be safe. Have lights on near the entrance and from the driveway to the door. Decrease the chance of tripping. If you arrive home with a car full of parcels wait until daylight to unload them.

16. If turning lights off or on is a problem because of stiff fingers or reaching across a table or chair is required to locate the switch, try one of the many items now available. There are peddles that can be stepped on to activate lamps and lamp bases that only need to be touched to turn on the light.

17. A tennis ball cut and slipped over a door knob also makes it easier to grip and turn.

18. Keys with large round tops are also easier to manage. If possible get new keys made with these tops. Some have rubberized, colour rims on them for easier grip and identification on a full key chain.

20. If zippers are hard to manage add a tassel, large loop or cord so stiff fingers don’t have to work so hard.

21. Mattresses and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed regularly. Dust mites live in ALL carpets and furniture, even in a clean home. They can aggravate breathing problems and allergies if not kept under control. Everyone’s tolerance is different.

22. Put a chair or bench close to the entrance so there is a place to sit and remove or put on shoes. Bending over or standing up too quickly can cause dizziness.

23. Rearrange furniture such as foot stools and side tables to allow for wider walkways and easier access with canes or walkers.

Written by Deborah Baker at http://www.silvercross-stair-lifts.com

If you need to buy your eyeglasses in the near future, you may be shocked at how much they cost. With improvements in technology, there are more alternatives to choose from and obviously, these come at an increased price. Specs are the only feasible way to bring sight to many visually impaired. Spectacles are corrective lenses mounted in frames that help those with vision problems see clearly.

However, you can save a lot of money by simply taking the same amount of time to select your spectacles as before, but instead of parting with a lot of money at the opticians, you can then take your prescription - that you paid for - and then go home to your computer and buy your second glasses online: There aren’t any genuine problems with performing purchases this way. You should take time when choosing your online optician, you will get the same quality product that you most likely would have received from your street based optician, but at a far lower price! Eyeglasses are a necessary supplement that millions of people need to wear everyday. There are a good deal of online spectacle shops to choose from and you need to find one that you can trust. This may be trickier than when you actually meet a person face to face, but it isn’t impossible. Look at their website and find out who is behind the venture and decide whether or not they are the kind of people you want to work with. Once you have found a trustworthy person to sell your spectacles, use them to buy your spectacles. If you are keen on your spectacles, then tell your friends about them too.

Moving to Portugal

much has been written about this subject already. So why do I spend my time and write another one? Well, one of the reasons I have in doing so, is that I do know Portugal well and feel that I can write with some authority on this very subject.

One other reason I have, is that by reading what has been said and written about moving to Portugal does not reflect the whole spectrum.

There are two different and principle issues concerning this topic. A. moving to Portugal for retirement, and B. moving to Portugal whilst still in need of employment and the need to make a living.

Too much emphasis in the articles I have read is put on the sun, the beaches and the wonderful life in a country where the pace of life is slower, the environment healthier and life in general is wonderful and easy. Well you may not like what I have to say, but I believe that such views are slightly removed from reality.

Let me tell you, that I am an extremely optimistic person and to look at life in a pessimistic way is not part of my make up but I very much dislike that people who are seriously thinking about moving to Portugal are getting sold only half the story.

I have a sneaky suspicion, that some of the authors have had a very personal and vested interest in painting a very colourful and glowing picture.

Let my get more specific about it all and cover the retirement angle first.

To retire in a country with better climate and hopefully with a lower cost of living is a positive step which more and more people take. After a lifetime of work and with a pension to secure this new chapter in their life’s there are very little risks in moving away from your home country. After all Portugal is less than 3 hours away. Faro International airport has excellent connections to the UK in particular, with many operators offering low cost fairs.

The vast majority of retired couples will keep their home in their respective country and spend a few months at a time in the sun, returning to their home country whenever they feel like. Others do live abroad all year round. Both these groups have one thing in common. A regular income.

With a secure and steady form of income from whatever source, you truly can enjoy the country, its people, the sun, and the beaches, the food, in short a great way of life. That’s wonderful. You deserve it.

Now let me turn to the second group of people who are looking to move to Portugal but are in need of a job and income.

I have met and spoken over the past 20 years with many clients and given my views and advice on moving to a different country. I have also met and spoken to many people after they have moved and heard their stories and learned of their problems.

In almost every case where problems developed, it was due to the fact that they relied on information they were given and not taken the precaution to double check, if what they have been told was indeed correct.

Coming to Portugal today, believing that it will not be a problem finding well paid employment can not be further from the truth. It will be tough and that is the reality. I have seen many foreigners come and go, not being able to make ends meet. Not speaking the language does not help and will always be a major obstacle which is not easy to overcome.

If one would like to have a serious desire to succeed in working in Portugal, or even starting a business here the language is priority.

Not speaking the language will narrow your opportunities, and you will be restricted to working within your own ex pat community. Another reason I have identified over the years being responsible for failure and early return to the country they left with so much hope and expectations was the inability to adapt to a very different way of life. If children are involved in a move abroad, and depending on their ages, the education issues can add additional pressure. Not everyone has the money to pay for the education in private schools of their own nationality. Many parents have to send their kids to Portuguese schools which can prove difficult for the children. But that really depends on their ages. The younger they are the better it is, and the less problems parents will encounter.

So when we are talking about younger people coming to live in Portugal, the key issue is without any doubt whatsoever financial stability and the capacity to earn money in a new country. An amazing amount of people underestimating the differences in the way things work in Portugal. Even people with good skills in their respective professions need to learn how to apply their skills within a new, and at the beginning strange environment.

Starting a business in the sun is the dream of many, but unfortunately quite often not enough time is spend on research, evaluating potential markets and opportunities. I don’t like to say it, but the dream of buying a bar or restaurant is mostly short lived. Very few foreigners, having bought a bar or restaurant earn enough money to keep a family. I deliberately said foreigners. The Portuguese bars and restaurants are different and a foreigner will in most cases not be able to compete. When I decided to write this article, I promised myself to be honest and to portray things as they really are.

Please don’t misunderstand I am not saying that you can’t earn money in Portugal. What I say is this: Don’t repeat the mistakes countless others have made before you. Take advice from qualified sources and act upon that advice. Portugal in my belief has a lot of opportunities to offer if you can see them and know how to exploit them and make them work for you.

If you come with the attitude to do your “thing” in the same way you have always done it you have a great chance of “not making it”. Don’t let that happen.

Our site will give you an overview what” sell and buy direct” is all about. Don’t let our name fool you. We are much more than a property advertising and marketing company. visit our site: www.sellandbuydirect.com

Once the fear has been triggered the physical reaction can lead to a cycle of distress. The body responds to any naturally stressful situation by tensing up. This helps the person perform better. However if the reaction is misinterpreted and excessive this can lead to unnecessarily high levels of tension.

Although a sufferer may realise that the muscular pain and breathing difficulties they are experiencing are merely a response to stress if the bodily reaction is extreme enough it may give rise to a fear of the symptoms of phobia: a fear of the fear. Anticipation of this discomfort, the fear of chest pain or hyperventilation can produce the stress that triggers these symptoms.

Some of the physical symptoms of phobia include:

shaking/trembling

sweating excessively

nausea

dizziness

hyperventilation

chest pain

freezing

As fear levels increase, the mental processes intensify and distort. A phobic person will overestimate the danger they are in and underestimate their ability to cope. For example someone with a fear of driving will overestimate the dangers of road travel while underestimating their own driving ability. In this way they may lose all sense of perspective. They expect disaster to be the only outcome. This is called catastrophising.

Some of the common mental processes associated with phobia include:

catastrophising

ignoring the positive

exaggerating

over generalizing

looking for disaster

thinking in all or nothing terms.

As for psychological treatment, among the most effective are CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and CGBT (Cognitive Group Behavioural Therapy). In supportive environments, social phobics can learn to address their fears and can steadily overcome them.

With the help of a therapist, they can develop strategies for coping and find a more constructive way of viewing their fears. The advantage of group therapy is that they can meet and interact with fellow sufferers, which will help them to realise that they are not facing their problems alone.

Once youve chosen your ideal property and found a Spanish mortgage how do you go about completing the purchase?

Buying property in Spain is highly regulated. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your money is to hire an English-speaking lawyer or legal counsel to help you during the purchase and negotiation. You will want to make sure that the Spanish property you are purchasing is free of restrictive clauses and debts.

There are two different categories in the Spanish legal processes for the purchase of property. First you have the preliminary contract, or Contrato privado de compraventa, and then you have the completion contract, or Escritura de compraventa.

Once both parties have agreed to the price, then a preliminary private sales contract should be signed. Before the Contrato privado de compraventa is signed, the vendor must show proof of ownership, and also proof that there are no liens or judgements against the property. It is Spanish law to charge all outstanding debts to the actual property, and any remaining debt would be the new owner’s responsibility. Nota Simple tells about outstanding debts.

The completion date, overall price, and property description will all be elaborated in the preliminary sales contract. A 5% to 15% deposit of the final purchase price will be required. This money shall be held in escrow for your benefit. You can sign the private preliminary sales contract and not put down a deposit but it is not advised.

The ultimate stage is the decond stage only as it will decide the future of the contract. It is also known as Escritura de compraventa stage. On the completion date, the balance of the price of purchase and all fees need to be paid by the purchaser. Next, the seller and buyer meet and sign a contract, which is essentially a claim to the property. Also known in Spain as the escritura, the purchaser will received this deed which is usually in front of a Notary Public. A photocopy of the deed will be provided to the tax official and property registrat to ensure everything is legitimate. If you are in Spain, a Notary Public will be required as a witness on you deed of sale. Don’t just rely in that, though. You will want to have your own lawyer to keep your best interests foremost throughout the proceeeding. Part of the fees for purchasing include property tax, and legal fees for your Notary Public.

Pushchairs are purchased by parents keeping in mind their utility and comfort. A good pushchair is one that is lightweight, strong, and has sufficient security mechanisms for the child.

Parents like pushchairs that are comfortable to handle and operate, have additional facilities like cover from natural elements and insects, and sufficient storage space. Only after parents have decided on these features, they start looking at the style or design of the pushchair. This is an important factor because pushchairs have nowadays become a status symbol, and parents want to make a style statement with them.

Colour choice greatly contributes to the overall styling and look of the pushchair. Pink pushchairs, for example are preferred by parents for baby girls. This is because pink is supposed to be a feminine colour, and it reflects not only the baby’s style but also the style of the mother. In addition to that, pink is a beautiful and bright colour and helps keep the baby cheerful. However, in the name of colour and style, no compromise should be made with quality of the pushchair and comfort of your baby. You must consider both quality and style before choosing a pushchair. There are many pink pushchairs, which are good both in style and in quality. A few of the famous models are X-Adventure Rover Pushchair in Pink, Bugaboo Bee Pink and Quinny Zapp Bright Pink Stroller.

If you have an emerging job interview, these top hints will serve you prepare better

1. Think, an interview isn’t an oral examination. This is your chance to learn about the company in addition to being their opportunity to find out about you. Putting enquiries not only will aid you decide if you desire the post if they propose it to you, it also exhibits that youre really curious in the company.
2. Take the time to do some research about the department”check into their web site for their mission, leadership, etc. You will be able to ask wise queries and show that youve done your homework.
3. Make sure you are at your best for the interview. Get a good nights sleep but Do not sleep too late, and eat a good breakfast and (if your interview is in the afternoon) lunch. Then brush your teeth.
4. Keep in mind the importance of a first impression. Ensure you are dressed appropriately.
5. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. Dont show up half an hour in advance, but Dont come hurrying in at the last minute. And coming in late is the kiss of death for any interview”if you are two minutes late for one important meeting, how does the interviewer know you wont be fifteen minutes late to work every day?
6. Bring an extra copy of your resume, and your references. Find something neat to carry them in (Dont carry your backpack!).
7. Use your foremost business manners”give a firm handshake and wait to be asked to take a seat. Once youre seated, sit up straight and Do not fidget or wiggle (if you have an opportunity, a Mock or Practice Interview could be a lot of help). AVOID: scratching, pulling up your socks or hose, adjusting any part of your clothing (do that before you come in), touching your face or mouth, playing with your hair or anything remotely like that.
8. Make lots of eye contact to transmit honesty and confidence”but remember its not a staring contest.
9. Ooze professionalism. Pay attention to the interviewer, be self-confident (if you Do not toot your own horn, theres no brass section behind you to fill in), polite, and articulate.
10. Follow up is pivotal. Post a thank you note to the interviewer by a means appropriate to the job (if its computer-centered, e-mail may be acceptable; for other kinds of job, go with nice stationary or notecards).

An assortment of holidays are celebrated every year by people world-wide. A set of decorations will be used for each holiday season. Included among the decorations will be a particular set of table linens made up of a holiday tablecloth, place mats, table skirting, chair covers and table napkins. The linens are used once a year for that holiday.

A perfect example of a holiday season is Thanksgiving. Everything is focused on the third Thursday of November and that big traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving tablecloths are, for the most part, designed with the autumn season in mind. One might use Thanksgiving tablecloths with a theme print such as Autumn Leaves, Falling Leaves or Fall Festival. Solid colored linen napkins and place mats that complement the pattern on the holiday tablecloths can be used to finish the look. The solid colors chosen for the table linens are most likely going to be orange, brown or yellow.

Christmas is the #1 holiday that people decorate their home for. In most cases, decorations are proudly displayed both inside and outside of the house. Many people use traditional Christmas tablecloths in either solid red or green while others may choose holiday tablecloths that have been imprinted with a Christmas theme. You are certain to bring back childhood memories of Christmas gone by if you use old fashioned holiday tablecloths with a print such as Santa, Christmas Music or Christmas Ornaments. Do you want to celebrate in a more formal manner? Holiday tablecloths with a print like Seasons Greetings are a great choice for such an affair. A pattern of poinsettias, Christmas bells, holly and berries have been woven into a damask material to make this tablecloth’s print. Use linen chair covers, napkins and table skirts to step things up a notch.

During summertime in the United States we celebrate our independence as a nation with the Fourth of July. Many people across the land celebrate with cook outs and fireworks. This is one holiday where most people will be dining outside. Medium weight vinyl tablecloths are an ideal option for this venue. The vinyl is laminated to a heavy-duty polyester backing making it your best bet in terms of protecting outdoor furniture. Maybe just as importantly, a sloppy barbeque spill can be easy to wipe clean off of a vinyl tablecloth. Select vinyl tablecloths in white, navy blue or red and adorn the table tops with a festive centerpiece that marks the occasion.

Since you will most likely be using your holiday tablecloths for years to come, you’ll want to choose one that accentuates your home’s interior. Take time. Shop around. If you can’t find what you are looking for from a local store then purchase your holiday tablecloths online. Linen tablecloths, whether they be solid colored or theme printed, will certainly make your holiday decorations stand out.