By: GetAssist Business Network Member
Amanda Lily, Plant-based Health Coach
With the weather getting warmer, and gardens being planted, we tend to think more about eating fresh fruits and vegetables. And with the recent classification by the WHO of many animal products as being carcinogenic, many people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet while improving their health through eating more plant-based foods.
Getting little ones on-board with eating more plant-based foods doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Seriously. There is a way to get kids, of all ages, eating more plant-based foods that involves very little time, money, or culinary skill.
It’s that time of year again… good ol’ tax season is here, and as always, many people have unanswered questions as to how they should be doing their taxes and if there’s any information they should know.
Is it to find old friends, keep up with extended family, be in the know about community organizations and events… enhance your sense of belonging?
Does social media make you feel more connected?
When putting an offer on a home, there are a few things that can make you start thinking that you’ve made a bad decision. The main cause of home buyer’s remorse is talking to other people. Once you’ve put in an offer to purchase, it’s only natural to let everyone close to you know. Everyone is going to have an opinion, and even though family & friends mean well, it can make you start to second guess your decision.
I always advise my clients to wait until the condition period is over before they start spreading the news that they have bought a place. A lot can happen in that couple of weeks, and statistically, only 80% of deals go firm. That’s not to say that you can’t let people know that you have put in an offer on a place, however, I would not get into details & features about the home. Remember, you are buying the place for you, not your friends or family. They don’t get to live there! The second reason is that people feel compelled to continue looking for a property even though they have an offer in on another place. Big mistake! There will always be another home that will suit your needs. Looking at other houses at this time introduces doubt into the process, leaving you stressed, and more than likely, it will now take much longer to get you into your home.
A few things you can do to mitigate those feelings of remorse is to review your wants and needs. You more than likely put an offer in on a house because it hit a lot of points that you want in a home. What features of the property stood out for you? Did you find many houses that met your needs? If you backed out of this contract, is it realistic to think you will find a better home? Also, have a conversation with your agent. He will be able to review the reasons that made you decide to submit an offer to purchase.
Remember that the feeling of remorse can happen. Take steps to make sure you take the uncertainty out of buying.
It is important to look for an agent that empowers the home buyer in their decision making. In my business, I make sure that my clients are coming to a decision on their own. I allow them to take as long as they need. I find that most do find the place that is right for them and they are happy with their choice. Make sure your agent educates you about the process, so you end up comfortable with your choices.
Wesley Morrow of REMAX Realty Professionals is a Real Estate Professional and a REALTOR® in Calgary. Join his Real Estate Community, Real Estate Corner – a community on the GetAssist Business Network for those interested in discussing and learning about the Real Estate Market in Canada, for more.
Fresh air, good music, and great company—what more do you need? It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like; there’s a festival for you. Whether you’re going to your first music festival or you’re a music-loving pro, this list will help you get the most out of your experience.
December 31: It’s New Year’s Eve, and you’re looking as much like a disco ball as possible! You’re kicking off the New Year with a flash of sparkle and some sequins. You could walk onto the floor of Saturday Night Fever and win just for showing up. You’re popping bubbly and toasting to the end of one incredible year while cheering on the next. You begin affirming resolutions, determined to turn a new page in your life.
We all know that volunteering is a vital part of healthy communities. Volunteering helps organizations provide services that would otherwise be impossible to deliver in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Volunteering fosters a sense of community responsibility. Volunteering brings different segments of the community together and helps them understand each other better. But is there any benefit for the volunteer? The answer is yes—and in more ways than you might think. GetAssist investigates!
Physical Health
People who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who don’t, and that benefit increases with age. In addition, volunteering has been shown to reduce symptoms of chronic pain and heart disease.
Mental Health
People who volunteer have lower rates of depression than those who don’t. Volunteering leads to both higher self-esteem (from giving back to the community) and an increased sense of accomplishment (from improving or developing skills). In fact, a London School of Economics study of American adults found that happiness increased as time spent volunteering increased. When compared to people who didn’t volunteer at all, respondents who volunteered once a week were seven percent more likely to rate themselves as “very happy,” and those who volunteered twice a month or more were 12 percent more likely to rate themselves as “very happy.”
Work/Life Balance
Surprisingly, volunteering also seems to act as a time-machine, in that people who volunteer feel like they have more free time—even if they don’t. A Swiss study of 746 full- and part-time workers revealed that those who volunteered experienced a higher level of work/life satisfaction than those who didn’t, even when controlling for factors like actual time and resources. And, in a 2012 report in Psychological Science, volunteers reported a greater sense of “time affluence” than people who spent that same amount of time doing something for themselves.
Professional Success
Volunteering can also deliver tremendous professional benefits. In addition to enhancing important career skills, volunteering can help you grow your network and come in contact with community leaders you may otherwise have no opportunity to meet, especially if you reinforce the connection through GetAssist. Volunteering can also give you a risk-free opportunity to try out new career options.
Without a doubt, giving back to the community is important. But there are very real benefits for volunteers that are too important to ignore. Before you take the plunge, spend some time identifying the volunteer opportunities that best fit you and your life on GetAssist. Think about the things that are important to you. What are you passionate about? What makes you happy? And, on a practical note, how much time do you have? How far do you want to travel? What type of volunteering will best help you reach your personal and career goals?
If you’re ready to start identifying some volunteer opportunities, look no further than GetAssist. With GetAssist you can join volunteer communities to keep up with postings and opportunities near you. Pre-register for GetAssist today!
