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5 types of ice cream for a hot summer’s day

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Barbecues are lighting up, the AC is buzzing again, and the Fourth of July is fast approaching — summer is officially here. It’s looking like a sunny one this year, but once those temperatures start rising, how warm is too warm? Summer 2021 in the US was the hottest ever recorded, so you may want to start thinking about some new ways to keep cool.

Fortunately, we know just the thing you need: ice cream. Homemade or store-bought, we’re all pretty familiar with the frozen favorite — but do you know about the different varieties that are enjoyed all over the world? There are lots of them, and they can all look pretty similar to the untrained eye — so with National Ice Cream Day on the horizon, it’s time we all got learning. Stick with us and we’ll tell you about five of the coolest types of ice cream you can try this summer.

Ice cream

Let’s start with the obvious: here in America, we know how to do ice cream. This frozen treat is made by mixing milk, cream and flavourings like sugar and vanilla (or extra ingredients like Cheetos if you’re that way inclined). This blend is then chilled and churned to fold air into the mix, creating that smooth, whipped consistency that we all know and love.

Standard ice cream has to meet specific technical requirements to be marketed as such — we take it pretty seriously. For example, to fulfil the criteria and be sold as ‘ice cream’, the US FDA stipulates that it must contain a minimum of 20% milk solids, of which there must be no less than 10% milkfat. This is due to its status as the nation’s most popular frozen dessert — consumers need to know what they’re buying when other countries use many different words for their versions of the product.

Gelato

Gelato is an Italian dessert with a thicker consistency than other types of ice cream. The density of the mix is determined by the ratio of milk and cream used, as well as the production technique. So what is done differently? The Italian food experts Pasta Evangelists explain: “Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream. It’s also churned at a much slower speed, incorporating less air and giving it a denser consistency.”

Because gelato contains less cream, it’s often a lower fat option, too. The Italians enjoy bold fruity flavors, or nuttier notes of hazelnut and pistachio. Gelato also often has a softer texture — served at a slightly warmer temperature than traditional ice cream.

Mochi

Mochi ice cream is a modern mix of its namesake traditional Japanese dessert and ice cream. Conventionally, mochi is a sweet dumpling of dough, made of pounded glutinous rice. In its modern iteration, mochi ice cream takes a layer of dough and wraps it around a delicate ice cream core. The fusion dessert was first introduced to the mass market back in the ‘90s, and has since gained global popularity, even enjoying a recent sales boost thanks to a viral TikTok trend.

Developing the mochi production process took time, as it can be challenging to wrap the ice cream in the delicate mochi skin. However, once perfected, mochi ice cream took off — and the dessert now features all the obvious flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, as well as internationally-inspired tastes like plum wine and matcha.

Sorbet

Sorbet is the one ice cream variation on our list that doesn’t typically contain any dairy products. Also known as ‘water ice’, its key ingredients are little more than sweetened water and a flavoring such as fruit juice, purée, or alcohol. This makes sorbet light and flavorful, and the perfect palate cleanser after a big meal. Sorbet can also be a great ice cream alternative for those following lactose-free and vegan diets, although egg-whites are occasionally added in to bind the mix together, so it’s best to check the ingredients if you’re unsure.

To develop its thick, creamy consistency, sorbet is traditionally churned as ice cream would be. However, it’s possible to make sorbet without an ice-cream maker, if you’re dedicated enough to freeze and hand-churn every few hours until you’re left with a firm and scoopable blend.

Frozen yogurt

Now we’re back to familiar territory — froyo is one of the nation’s favorite treats, with 46.4 million gallons of it produced last year. Made using some of the same basic ingredients as ice cream, this softer serve combines milk fats and solids with bacterial yogurt culture, which adds a tangy flavor.

If the idea of bacteria culture in your dessert makes you queasy, you might be surprised to learn that lots of everyday foods undergo similar processes of fermentation: such as cheese, pickles, kombucha, and even beer. Fortunately, fermented goods contain some key probiotics, which are live bacteria associated with a number of health benefits, including improved digestion and immunity. As noted by No. 1 Living: “Scientists have recently established that this bacteria and friends, known colloquially as “the microbiome”, is a control centre of our health. It needs to be full of thriving, happy different types of bacteria to help make us healthy.” Factor in that froyo is usually made without added cream, it joins gelato as a lower-calorie option. So, while not strictly a healthy option, it might be the healthiest way to enjoy an ice-cold dessert.

Now that you’re up to speed on all the main types of ice cream, you can take your pick: which will you choose to get your frozen fix this summer?

If You Want a Dream Bathroom – These Tips Will Help

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We all have a general idea of what the bathroom of our dreams would look like, but unfortunately many of us don’t have the space and we definitely don’t have the budget to make it happen. We have to work with what we have and so with some consideration and some thinking outside the box, there is no reason why you can’t get close to the bathroom that you’ve always wanted but were too afraid to create. If you’re thinking of making changes to your bathroom right now then it’s highly likely that you moved into the property when the bathroom was already completed and you didn’t like it back then and you certainly still don’t like it now. It’s time for a change and you need to remember that this is one of the busiest rooms in the house, so anything that you want to have done needs to be done quickly and needs to be done properly.

We are always looking for new ideas like using black bathroom tapware instead of the typical chrome ones and it is thinking like this that can help you to create a bathroom like no other. Many people tend to look over important things like tapware when it is always the small details that make a big difference. The following are just some tips that will hopefully help you to create the bathroom of your dreams.

  • Plan the layout – Just don’t start removing some items and replacing them with others without first figuring out the whole bathroom layout and how you want everything to be at the end of all of the work. There may be pipes that are sticking out from the walls which is a common plumbing problem and so it might be a good idea to have these tucked away inside the walls to provide you with more space to work with. You need to consider whether or not there is enough room for a bath and if there isn’t, what kind of shower do you want to install. There are toilets and sinks specially made for smaller bathrooms, so consider these as well.
  • Consider the tiles – Hopefully you have decided to put tiles on the floor and on the walls and so this leaves you many different options to choose from with regards to size, colour, shape and patterns. Depending on the size of the space that you have to work with, certain tiles will work better than others. If it is a small space then it might be a good idea to have some bright colours in your tiles to give the room more scope and the illusion of space. Tiles are incredibly affordable and so take your time and make good choices.

This is a room that you and your family are going to be visiting every single day of the week and in many cases 3 to 4 times a day. You’re not going to get another chance to refurbish it for a number of years, so take all of the advice that you can get and use it whenever possible.

What Does It Mean When a Company Goes Public?

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When a company goes public, it means that the company is going to sell shares of its stock to the public. This can be done through an initial public offering (IPO) or by selling shares to a public market. There’s no guarantee that a company will be successful after going public. But for some investors, the potential rewards are worth the risk. Keep reading to learn more about what it means when a company goes public.

What does it mean when a company goes public?

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When a company goes public, it sells shares of its stock to the public for the first time. This means that the company is no longer privately owned by a few individuals or shareholders. Instead, anyone can purchase the company’s stock on the open market.

Going public allows a company to raise money by selling equity (shares of ownership in the company). The funds raised can be used for various purposes, such as expanding operations, funding research and development, or making acquisitions. Businesses use FinanceCharts for more information about selling equity and researching different stock options.

There are several benefits to going public. For one, it gives companies access to capital markets and allows them to raise money from investors. Going public also provides liquidity to shareholders, meaning they can sell their shares at any time if they need cash. And finally, the going public helps companies build credibility and attract talent.

What is an initial public offering (IPO)?

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An initial public offering (IPO) is the process by which a company sells its first shares of stock to the public. The company must weigh the benefits of going public against the costs and risks. A company must file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before selling shares to the public. The registration statement contains information about the company, its management, and the risks associated with investing in the company.

The company’s underwriters will also conduct a due diligence process to assess the company’s financial condition and prospects. The company will then set a price for its shares and determine how many shares to sell. The shares will be sold on a stock exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the Nasdaq. When the shares begin trading, they will be assigned a stock ticker symbol. The company’s shares will be quoted on the over-the-counter (OTC) market if they are not listed on a stock exchange. The company’s shares will be subject to SEC regulations, and the company will be required to file periodic reports with the SEC. The company will also be subject to the rules and regulations of the stock exchange where its shares are listed.

An IPO can be costly and time-consuming, and there is no guarantee that the company’s shares will increase in value after they are issued. Many factors, such as the company’s financial condition and the state of the overall stock market, can affect the price of the company’s shares.

What are the risks of going public?

The risks of going public are many. First, the company may lose money if the stock price falls after the IPO. Second, a company that goes public is subject to additional regulations from government agencies. These regulations can be onerous and costly to comply with. Finally, being a publicly-traded company can put a lot of pressure on management to meet short-term financial goals, which may not be in the best interests of long-term shareholders.

Conclusion

Overall, going public is an important milestone for a company because it allows them to raise money by selling shares of its company to the public. This can help the company grow and expand, and it also provides liquidity to the company’s shareholders.

 

Money Management: 5 Tips to Adopt

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We might all be different in many ways, but we have a lot in common; we all have to budget our lifestyle to be in line with our income and as you would expect, some people are better at money management than others. You do need a degree of self-control in order to live within your means and if you are struggling to make ends meet, here are a few money management tips.

  1. Cash payments – While we are definitely heading for a cashless society, paying cash does have its pluses; you know how much you are spending when you use dollars and for some, paying with plastic doesn’t seem to register what you are actually spending. While some places insist you pay electronically, if you use good old cash when you can, you’ll have a better idea how much you’ve spent.
  2. Read up on personal finance – There are a million and one books to educate you about managing your personal finances; a simply Google search will bring up thousands of websites offering similar knowledge and the first thing to do is list all of your weekly expenses, essential and non-essential, then look at your weekly earnings and there should be enough left over to start saving. While we don’t advise you to borrow regularly, if you have an emergency, you can always get a Cashify loan to get by.
  3. Saving your coins – Get one of those huge glass jars and leave it in the hall and drill it into your mind to put all your coins in there when you arrive home. It might not seem like a lot of money, but as time passes, you will be surprised at how much that jar contains and whatever you do, resist the urge to dip into your piggy bank. The sooner you get into the habit of saving a portion of your salary, the better; some people set up a direct debit to their savings account, which is a great way to make sure you don’t spend your nest egg.
  4. Set saving goals – While many people complain that saving is impossible, most can put away a few dollars for the future and there’s one great thing about saving, you will never regret it! Start by listing your monthly outgoings in 2 columns; essential and non-essential, then look at the balance after all has been paid – that is the minimum figure you should be able to save and by cutting out a few non-essentials, you can increase that figure. Click here for information on how to get a free debit card.
  5. Reduce your shopping trips – Let’s be brutally honest here, it is only when we go shopping that we seem to spend money and by cutting down on the number of times you are around stores is bound to lead to a saving. The media hurls commercials at us from all directions, desperately trying to convince you to buy that new car or try the latest iPhone, so a degree of self-control is required sometimes.

Managing your personal finances is an integral aspect of adult life and this is to wealth generation and that leads to financial security. Good luck out there!

 

Why the Right Fencing of a Home Might be More Important Than You Think

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There are many things in life that we do not give as much credit to as they deserve. This has many negative implications. When something is not fully appreciated, we often run into problems that directly stem from not fully appreciating the thing in question. In other words, issues arise due to the gap created from an item not being utilised, or simply appreciated. What we have in mind for this article is the idea of fencing. Fencing is an age-old technique of land bordering and separation, and it has somewhat fallen out of use. We no longer fence our properties now as a lot of the time we buy land sites from developers. However, in the past, land would be passed down from generation to generation, and there was no land registry. Therefore, the only way that one person would know what they owned in comparison to what their neighbour owned would be from what was on his side of the fence. This is where the phrase ‘what side of the fence are you on’ comes from. This article is here to shine some light on this topic. We will discuss just why fencing may be of more importance than you or I may give credit.

To Finish the Design

Let us start at the most fundamental level. Fencing can be a great way to finish off a house. Most people only think of what is inside a house when they are developing or building a new one. They may even give some thought to what the garden looks like, but this is not everyone. A house without a fence can look incredibly bare. It looks like it was left unfinished, even though the inhabitants think that it is finished. This is not good. Many firms provide fencing, like Think Fencing, who aim to offer modern and sophisticated fencing so that you can have a good-looking home. If you are a person who has a home with no fencing, check them out.

The Protection of Your Property

If you live somewhere where there are wild animals, then you are going to need to get fencing. Today, many people use PVC fencing. This is an extra strength fencing that protects the land of the owner. There are constant reports from around the world, especially in countries like Australia, of animals running gardens, breaking parts of a house or eating food from the bins. This can be very annoying, costly and time consuming if you are a homeowner having to put up with this. Well, thankfully, you do not have to put up with this. Buy a fence and protect your home today. Click here for more information on how you can build in a sustainable way.

Provided are some ways that you can use fencing to your advantage. Hopefully this information will help you improve your home life. For more information on the building of homes, look here. Always remember that if you embark on any building project to keep the environment and the fight against climate change in your mind.

 

The Basics of Sustainable Building

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Free Woman standing in room with unfinished walls Stock Photo

In the last few years, almost all industries have been looking at and implementing a more sustainable way of conducting business. One of the most surprising industries making some of the biggest and most positive impacts in the construction industry.

What Is Sustainability in the Construction Industry? 

One of the overarching goals of sustainable building and construction is to build projects that positively impact both the environment and society. A key feature of that is using recyclable and renewable energy resources.

Why Does Sustainability in Construction Matter?

As one of the biggest industries, the construction industry was a huge energy consumer in previous years and often left a lot of waste products. As well as using materials that couldn’t be repurposed or were harmful to health and the environment.

With sustainable principles in place, there is less waste, a reduction in the impact on the environment and a reduced impact over time. By implementing things like energy-efficient materials, sustainable engineering practices, better on-sitechoices, and training, the impact can be heavily reduced and the cost.

So What Are the Basics That Make a Project Sustainable?

Materials

One of the key basics of creating a sustainable building or construction project is ensuring that the materials selected are recycled from local sources. Recycled materials typically come with some assurances of where they are from and that they are approved.

Site Management

Construction sites can be a huge source of waste, which is why site management is one of the fundamentals of having a suitable building project. Dumping unused items, not disposing of materials correctly, and chemicals leaking into the area – or leaving the area via the bottoms of shoes or truck tires are also an issue.

A higher level of care and consideration for appropriate disposal of waste materials and worker safety can hugely reduce these issues.

As well as disposing of food wrappers and cigarette butts and using recycling containers for uneaten food reduce the site impact.

Prefabrications Materials

One of the biggest and most positive impacts of sustainable building has come from prefabricated parts and whole buildings in a controlled environment. Creating parts using exact measurements and delivering them to the site has decreased the large amount of waste typical to a construction site.

Due to how the parts are constructed, there is menial waste; it is more time-efficient and offers a healthier environment where dust and debris can be managed in a better way.

Waste Management

Using materials that are recyclable on site has seen one of the biggest decreases in one-site waste. Combined with more sophisticated recycling options within the industry and in most municipalities, recycling waste products has become easier – and cheaper.

Often materials like concrete can be crushed on-site when required and used in another area of the build.

Reduced Energy Consumption

A leaner construction mindset has to lead to some high impact changes within the construction industry. With the focus on reducing waste, other problem areas were highlighted.

Modifying tasks like shovelling, moving bricks, cleaning, and arranging tools make the project more efficient in terms of labour time. This, in turn, uses a significantly less amount of time to complete each part of the process.

Water Efficiency 

Water conservation and water efficiency are two significant factors in sustainable building. Water conservation means using less water each day on the site, and the efficiency is to use the water in the most efficient way to reduce water waste.

This is both within the construction project and in the building once completed. Effective plumbing design and careful planning for the duration of the construction project are two key drivers in reducing water usage.

With the improvement and implementation of technology in the construction industry like VR, AR, drones, and AI running multiple options to increase sustainability in the next few years of the construction industry, we are likely to see some interesting and exciting sustainability changes.

 

Get a Free Debit Card: 7 Steps to Follow

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Signing up for a free debit card is amazingly simple, with few exceptions. The only things you’ll need to provide are your name, some contact information, and an email address or a phone number. Depending on what type of an account you’re signing up for, you may be asked to provide your social security number, birthday, address, and employer information to set up “direct deposit.”

But just because signing up is a no-brainer, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things to consider.

1 How will you use the card?

Different cards have different purposes. Some cards offer price protection, whereas others offer rebates or discounts on gas. Maybe the card has a cash-back program on internet purchases at certain retailers. Know the purpose of the card before signing up for it.

2 Know the interest rate.

Most debit cards also allow you to use them as credit cards. Some draw from the bank account regardless of whether you select credit or debit. Others are designed to charge you interest for your purchases if you don’t pay the money back immediately. Know which type of card for which you’re signing up.

A debit card’s interest rate can benefit you, too. How? If you’ve signed up for a card that doubles as a savings account, your money in the account can work for you by earning you interest.

3 Know where the card’s free ATMs are.

When you sign up for a debit card, it’s best to check where the card’s ATMs are. It’s somewhat useless to sign up for a card that the ATMs are places you rarely or never visit.

In a similar vein of thought, know where you can load cash onto the card. Having a prepaid card does you no good if you can’t reload it.

The more places you can use free ATMs and cash loading sites, the better off you’ll be.

4 Know what fees you’re paying

  • Some cards cost money to activate; other debit cards are free to use.
  • Some cards get fees for checking account balances. Others ask for a nominal fee, somewhere between $0.50 – $5.00 per time.
  • Some cards offer a free card if it’s lost; others have to pay a fee for each new card issued, but the value you had on it is accessible with the new card.
  • Some charge you a fee per purchase. Others you pay by the month
  • Some require you to use them once a month or get an inactivity fee for nonuse. Others don’t care.
  • Some make you pay extra when you’re out of the country. Others don’t charge any additional fees for foreign transactions.
  • Most prepaid bank cards charge a paper statement fee.
  • Some cards will charge a fee for declining a purchase.
  • “Bill payment fee” is a fee for using bills, typically things like phone, gas, or lights.

When deciding on which free debit card to sign up for, choose the card that has the least number of fees possible. Also, the fees that are charged should be nominal. If you’re fortunate, you might find a bank card that doesn’t charge fees at all, but this is exceedingly rare.

5 Know all the different ways you can use the card

Some cards have a “chip” and require you to insert it into the machine. Others are “swipe only.” Some cards have protections that disallow internet transactions above a specific dollar amount or will monitor the card’s location, thus making it impossible to purchase on a computer with an active VPN. Others allow you to connect the card to phone apps, like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Cash App. Most prepaid cards come with an app that you can download to check the balance and move money around or use to pay bills.

6 Know what protections the card offers

Reputable cards are FDIC insured against unauthorized purchases.

Some cards have an additional layer of security by sending out alerts regarding purchases and the ability to lock and unlock the card using their app.

7 Know the card’s terms and restrictions

Any time you sign up for a card, there are several pages of terms and restrictions – things you’re allowed to do and things that will break the card’s terms of service (TOS) agreement. Even though it’s mostly the same from card to card, it’s still a good idea to skim through it before signing. There may be services you want from a card that the card doesn’t provide. Conversely, there may be things you regularly do the TOS agreement disallows.

The Yotta Card

Sign up for the Yotta Card. It’s a free debit card insured by the FDIC, with the extra benefit of having 55,000 in-network ATMs and 90,000 places where you can load money onto the card. Unlike other cards, you can win money simply by using the card. Sign up for yours today!

 

Guide to Finding the Best Restaurants in Boston

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There’s an endless amount of things that could bring someone to Boston and when anyone plans a trip to come visit, it’s typically for more than one reason. Their main draw might be the history, or maybe it’s seeing that Red Sox, or Bruins, game they’ve always dreamed about.

For others, it’ll be the history that draws them like nothing else. There’s even more than those things that are putting eyes on Boston – and another one of those major players is the food. Oh, you didn’t know how big the food scene was here? Well, nothing to worry about as you’ve found yourself the perfect guide to getting the most out of your meals in the city.

Sofra

This Mediterranean gem is known as quite the spot for lunch throughout the city but the reputation it gained isn’t only thanks to its smaller fair and casual eats. The menu contains plenty of Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese fare but what has this on the list is the fact that Sofra is one of the best dessert places in Boston.

That might have been what’s brought guests in the first place but the real treat is the dessert, no pun intended. Take in each sip of your Turkish coffee and let the entirety of the dessert menu wash over you. From macaroons to baklava and chocolate cookies, there’s something for you no matter which sweet treat is typically your favorite.

Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood

While a little preparation can help to prevent this, it’s always possible you didn’t plan your trip quite as well as you think you did. If you know anything about the culinary scene in Boston, the name Mooncusser is going to mean something to you. Remember, you also aren’t going to be the only one that means something to. Depending on the time of year, and the day of the week, you are trying to go there, getting a table might not be the easy work it seems like.

If getting in there can’t fit into the rest of your schedule, you’ll be happy to learn about Cusser’s Roast Beef & Seafood as it is Mooncusser’s takeout operation. While the menu isn’t going to be all the same, the quality is going to be there nonetheless. This could even be the perfect opportunity to get a taste of that New England seafood you’ve been hearing about for all these years.

Cafe Sushi

If you are keen to take in the local spots, you’ll have a clear understanding that means you might have to leave the frills behind. Cafe Sushi stands as the perfect example of this. While the entrance to the building is something you could miss and not think anything of, the food itself is something Bostonians can’t seem to forget about.

Cafe Sushi is largely considered one of the best places throughout the city, proven by the fact that the place is packed from the moment the doors are open to the moment they are closed. If Boston is somewhere you’ll be time and time again, the menu changes daily so never feel like you’ve seen this place once so had all there is on offer.

Things to Inspect Before Renting an Apartment

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Before renting an apartment, it is vital to thoroughly check the building’s appliances. This includes washing machines and dishwashers and should open and close easily. Additionally, it is essential to take note of any cracks in the walls or baseboards, as these can be indications of water damage. There are also a variety of pests that can live in an apartment, and you should be aware of the possibility of having to deal with them.

As much as possible, you should visit the apartment in person before signing a lease. While you will be excited and happy to move in, you shouldn’t let your excitement take over your judgment. There may be hidden issues that are not visible to the naked eye or are even illegal. By conducting a thorough check before renting an apartment, you will be able to avoid potential problems and avoid a hefty rental bill.

HOA rules and regulations

When going towards apartments for rent, there are often HOA rules and regulations to keep in mind. Although HOA rules may seem restrictive at first, they are generally designed to benefit both the community as a whole and individual homeowners. By implementing these policies, residents can maintain the values of their homes and the community’s atmosphere. Read the rules carefully and comply with them to ensure that you are renting an apartment in compliance with HOA regulations.

First, renters are subject to the same HOA rules as owners. Owners of rental properties must communicate the rules and regulations to renters. If tenants don’t follow them, penalties may occur. In some cases, landlords must take legal action to recover fees. HOA rules and regulations are often outlined in governing documents. Once a renter fails to follow these rules, the landlord is liable for any fines.

Utility costs

When renting an apartment, there are many factors to consider regarding utility costs. These costs depend on several factors, including the size of the apartment, the region you live in, and which utility provider you choose. You should also take into consideration how much water and electricity you use in a given month. For example, if you live in the Midwest, your water bill will likely be higher than if you live in a warmer area. You should also consider replacing an old water heater and replacing the air filter in your furnace or air conditioning system every three months. Lastly, you should be aware that using a smaller showerhead or brushing your teeth in a colder temperature can save you money on your utility bills as well.

Although you won’t know exactly how much you’ll be spending on utilities when you rent an apartment, it’s a good idea to ask your landlord for past utility bills. You can also call utility companies directly to get an idea of how much they average per month for that unit. Using an online calculator can help you estimate the cost of living in a new place before signing the lease. Utility costs can be high, but you don’t need to pay more than you can afford to spend.

Living with a roommate

There are a number of benefits to living with a roommate. Rent is usually cheaper if two people share a room, and they can split the costs of furniture, groceries, and utilities. However, roommate relationships are not without snags. The relationship may end up being strained over issues such as housekeeping, noise, and bill payment. Luckily, there are some tips for choosing a roommate that will work for everyone.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a roommate is compatibility. The roommate should share common interests, like hobbies or similar interests. It is also important to decide on communication methods. The roommate should agree on a set of rules for summer and winter temperatures, as well as a way to coordinate and communicate with each other. If there is a history of conflicts, roommate problems can be avoided.

 

GUIDE TO TAKING OUT YOUR FIRST COMMERCIAL LEASE

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Taking on a commercial lease is a daunting prospect. There are so many factors to consider – legal, financial, structural – and so much small print that no matter how careful and meticulous you think you are, you risk missing something important.

Commercial rents tend to be calculated on a price per square foot basis. Many office buildings are divided up, and you may want to be able to negotiate a smaller initial space and expand further as you grow. Don’t forget, since the pandemic many businesses have either closed or downsized their commercial offices after introducing a post pandemic hybrid way of working. This means that there is a significant amount of empty office space waiting for new tenants. You are in a position of power, so make sure that you negotiate accordingly.

Other areas of leasing or renting office space that you need to be aware of include:

Employ the services of a professional

As mentioned earlier, the world of commercial property is complex on many levels and is prone to an ever changing landscape. Using a professional agent or lawyer who understands this world will save you thousands in terms of wasted time on the wrong properties, and highlighting hidden clauses that might have tripped you up further down the line.

Get your security in place over and above what is advised

Before you even sign the lease, invite a security firm in the give you a detailed overview of the site and what needs to be done to keep it safe and secure. Make sure you cover all aspects of security – points of access, signage, lighting, keyholding, alarm response, patrols. This can be used when the time is right in negotiating your insurance premiums.

Don’t just leave the legal stuff up to the lawyer

Get into the habit of checking and double-checking everything yourself as well as your commercial lawyer to ensure you build your knowledge and be in a better position to negotiate. When it comes to the terms of the lease, is there a clause for early termination (on both sides), a right of assignment, or a right to sublet. Is there a renewal option, are the incentives on offer really of benefit to you, or just be a sting in the tail at a later stage? Are all costs and charges highlighted and transparent? – you don’t want to be hit with any additional costs out of the blue.

What responsibilities does your landlord hold? Do they have a good local reputation? Do they work uniquely through agents or are they more hands on? Who is responsible for the maintenance? Will you need to hire a property manager? What condition is the property in? Are you able to negotiate in any changes and/or improvements prior to moving in as part of the overall package?

Is there a ‘permitted use’ clause. Consider it in view of your long-term plans. Should you need to pivot the business will this still be covered by the permitted use.

Are there enough parking spaces? Are they allocated spaces, or a free for all shared with other businesses in the area? Is there an option to ‘buy in’ more parking spaces as the business grows?

What are the local business rates? Have you negotiated in a 5% cap on future rental increases? Are there any maintenance fees to pay?

Your individual business circumstances will throw up a raft of different questions you will need to ask, but this guide should help you start to think in the right direction in terms of the type of questions you need to ask.