Paul Watson, Author at meekscutoff.com

In Finance

Easy Money-Saving Tips that Are Also Environmentally-Friendly

July 18, 2020 No Comments

Trying to save money when you have a family sounds like a nightmare. There are multiple people in your home, all of whom have different wants and needs, to consider. However, it is possible to not only lower your spending but also teach your children to care for the planet. Here are some tips that you should start following at home.

Repair What is Broken

Too many people nowadays choose to toss an item that is malfunctioning or broken and buy a new one. If it can be repaired, it will save you money and prevent another electronic item from ending up in a landfill.

Call a local appliance repairman if your air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, etc. stops working properly.

Your household appliances have a negative environmental impact. Unless you are using clean energy sources, these electronic devices get power from the grid, which emits tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The U.S. still mostly relies on energy sources that are not considered environmentally-friendly.

Moreover, your electronics use rare metals that need to be mined from the earth, which has numerous consequences, and only a small portion of electronics that are thrown away actually get recycled. Repairing what is broken, therefore, will save you money and save the plant.

Stop Buying Food and Beverages Outside

A sandwich will cost less if you make it at home from scratch versus buying it from a store. Your cup of coffee in the morning is way overpriced. Eating takeout instead of a packed lunch is preventing you from saving money at the end of the day.

These purchases might seem small, but they quickly add up. If you spend $5 for a latte, for example, every morning before work, at the end of the month, you would have spent $100 on coffee alone.

Making your food at home may require a lot of work, but it will save you so much money. A bag of beans does not cost much. Brewing your coffee at home is easy and quick, too.

For meals, you do not have to wake up extra early every day. Learn how to meal prep, a practice in which you create meals in advance, and then you put it in a refrigerator to be microwaved when it is time to eat. Some meal preppers spend an entire afternoon to cook meals that they would eat for the rest of the week.

Not only does making your food and beverages at home save you money, but you also cut unnecessary waste. Takeout usually comes with excessive plastic packaging, which you should have learned by now is bad for the environment. Even your to-go paper coffee cups are lined with plastic. Start bringing food whenever you go to work or school.

Buy Second-Hand

There are tons of items out there that are pre-loved but are still in great condition. You do not have to buy a new item every time you need or want something. You can go to thrift stores or use apps to find absolutely anything under the sun.

Thrifting, thankfully, has become not just acceptable but popular among young people. On YouTube or Instagram, you see social media celebrities wearing clothes they purchased from Salvation Army or Depop. Buying second hand is a source of pride because you save money and the environment at the same time!

These are only three tips that will save your family money and instill a love for the environment among your kids. Following these tips, hopefully, will change your lifestyle for the better.

In Tech

Gadgets from Fiction You Can Use in Real Life

July 18, 2020 No Comments

From movies and television to books and comics, so many works of fiction have made use of technological advancements from the corners of different creators’ imaginations to feed the story and build a world filled with adventure and intriguing plots that keep moving forward. Some of these gadgets and tools have become a reality, though, and are already available for different uses today. Read on for some interesting devices that have been previously seen in the annals of fiction.

MSAT Satellite

You may have watched Jodie Foster sift through alien radio signals in Contact or played through the mystery game Firewatch. You may have even marveled at the possibilities that could lie with just a satellite walkie talkie but thought that the capabilities they’ve displayed in those stories were stretched for convenience to the stories. However, today there are MSAT satellite radios that make use of 23,000-foot towers to allow fleets to communicate with each other from the edges of the world. This technology uses push-to-talk functionality that works on land and sea and does not rely on the internet to function 24/7.

That makes it one of the interesting infrastructures currently being used in various trades that straddle the line of the old and new by using existent tech that has merely been upgraded to a more powerful and unprecedented version to be used more effectively.

Hoverboard

Sure, these aren’t quite as commercially available as the Back to The Future franchise may have led us to believe, but they exist now. They are constantly being upgraded and improved to make those easy-cruising dreams come true eventually. Many variations from companies are trying different approaches to achieve both the visual and practical goals that have been created by Sci-Fi’s presentation of the hoverboard. Some of the most promising ones make use of quantum mechanics and magnetic fields. Though this has seen limited hover time, it’s hit closest to the mark and marks a promising move toward what the future might look like for hobbyists and transportation with enough research and further funding.

Full wall TV

Ray Bradbury created many of the most iconic works in science fiction that are lauded today as predicting many of our modern-day knick-knacks, social habits, and gadgets. Among his many imagined tech pieces is the flat-screen television that essentially encompasses a whole wall. It produces a much clearer picture than a projector would and boasts all the capabilities consumers look for in their TVs today. The product that meets Bradbury’s descriptions is Samsung’s offering, “The Wall.” With MicroLED technology, the screen spans 292 inches and is capable of 8k resolution. This entry is a stunning luxury display that is a hallmark of society’s ever-growing fascination for consuming digital media and having tools to make it an intrinsic part of the 21st century’s daily lifestyle.

More and more innovations continue to pour out of inventors and major tech companies that cater to both the common public and massive industries that keep society running. With the way things are going, it seems like anything fiction can be made a reality by tomorrow.

In Business

Why You Should Get Help to Register for a California Seller’s Permit

July 9, 2020 No Comments

Do you operate a business in the state of California and plan on selling your products at a fair, farmer’s market, or someplace else? If so, you’ll need to register for a California seller’s permit. This can be an overwhelming process if you do it all on your own. That’s why it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a professional who can guide you and do the heavy work for you.

Reasons for Getting a California Seller’s Permit

Do you need convincing to register for a California seller’s permit? It’s definitely a good idea if you are selling tangible goods and in fact, it’s required by state law. This is also known by the terms resale license, wholesale license, and sales permit. If there will be sales tax on these items you do need to have your seller’s permit. This is necessary regardless of the type of business you have, even if your corporate office is not in California.

What Do You Need to Provide to Register for a California Seller’s Permit?

In order to get a resale permit from a company, you should have the following:

Business name
Entity type
Social security number of the business owner
A driver’s license number for the operator or owner
Business phone number and address for it
The projected monthly sales

Display Your California Wholesale License

Once you get your seller’s permit, you’ll need to display it where you’re selling items. If this is at a brick-and-mortar store, you must prominently display it for instance on the door or a front window. This will prevent any misunderstandings or potential legal issues if you’re selling products and someone official notices you don’t have your permit readily on hand.

Note that you will have to file business taxes if you have a seller’s permit in California.

Obtaining Your Resale License

It’s easy to register for a seller’s permit in California when you have the help of a trusted company to be your go-between in the process. You even can go online and fill out a form to get all the information at once and in one spot to file for it. No more hassle of having to wait in lines or go back and forth with a government office if you aren’t prepared from the beginning. You don’t need to stress and can put your focus on other important matters when you have this help on your side. It’s in your best interest to conduct this quickly so you can be in business the way you want and have all legalities out of the way.

In Home Improvement

Things To Keep In Mind While Doing The Roofing Repair Project

July 3, 2020 No Comments

Roofing projects are trickier than you know, be it repairs or replacements. Though repairs can be done by yourself most of the time, hiring a reliable contractor is important for replacement issues. There are trusted companies and contractors that offer quality service and workmanship for customers. Proper maintenance and repair work is necessary for roofing of the houses. Sometimes, you might have to deal with the whole structure, or you just have to take care of the patches. Doing such projects without preparation only makes things more complex.

Planning should be carefully done, avoiding pitfalls, and you must be prepared for all kinds of contingencies. Roof repairs are one of the most important home investments you’ll make. Professional contractors often advise that you need to keep some basic things in mind while doing the roofing projects.

‘Preventive Repair’ is better than ‘Reactive Repair’

In preventive repair plans, problems are sought out and addressed before they become a repair or something worse. This is advantageous than reactive repair plans, which are about letting the repairs come and then trying to correct them. For example, Leaks in roofs tend to become worse and grow in just a matter of weeks, so it’s better to think and address them when they’re smaller and relatively cheaper to get the repair done.

All roof repairs are not expensive

It is highly likely that most homeowners delay repairs as they think it might be too costly and break their bank savings. However, this is not true because most of the repairs are cost-effective when they are taken care of in the early stages. They also depend on the extent of the damage and the size of the roof. Maintaining your roof regularly makes sure the costs don’t become too much to handle.

Hire a professional roofing contractor

As tempting as it is to do repair projects on your own, it is always a smart and better option to hire a roofing contractor. Professionals make things economical too, and it is about investing in their expertise and quality service. Gold Coast roof restorations give one of such services.

Check the Contract Thoroughly

Reliable roofing contractors like Gold coast roof restorationsmake a clear contract of their services to you, so it is advised that you read every word of the agreement thoroughly would advise you to read every word in your written agreement before signing. This way, you can make sure that it is to protect your best interests because signed contracts outweigh verbal understandings in any court or other issues.

Inspection & Estimation

An in-depth inspection of your roof before beginning the project is important regarding its repairs as it is easy to miss some critical repairs which don’t come with warning signs on the roof surface. Professionals make sure they find all problems, minute to the biggest. The overall condition should be diagnosed properly to bring hidden issues out. For example, cracks are not just a surface problem as they might have already caused leaks underneath. Vague estimates can inflate the costs, so determining the specifics of roof repairs early can avoid having allowances.

Think about the weather and set a schedule

Fair and comfortable weather is important for roofing works. So, the forecast should be considered while setting the project schedule. In adverse conditions like rain or snow, the crew needs to stop the work anyway for safety and workmanship-quality purposes. Make sure you schedule the project on a sunny or temperate day.

Set Your Budgets

After the final round of inspection on your roof, you’ll have to set your budget. Plan the budget based on the quotes, examinations, and other things that you need to be prioritized on your repair project. Consider materials, their long-term benefits, and then add them to the budget accordingly. Check if there are any Contingency Funds. You should also be ready to fund some extra expenses if required.

In Education

How To Clear NEET In First Attempt

July 1, 2020 No Comments

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe” – Abraham Lincoln seems to perfectly justify the situation. Strategizing before executing is the success mantra to crack NEET as well. A preparation strategy is inevitable if you aim at cracking NEET in the very first attempt. Candidates appearing for the exam must be well aware of the fact that the syllabus for NEET is vast, often seems challenging to master all the chapters, and hence seems quite intimidating. However, the feat of clearing NEET in your first attempt can be achieved if the very first requirement of vigilant strategizing is fulfilled.

Preparing for board exams as well as NEET can seem intimidating, but aspirants over the years apparently have found the secret to maintaining a balance between both and achieving success. Toppers over the years believe that escalating levels of preparation in the smartest way just after appearing for the board exams seamlessly to crack NEET in the first attempt must be the go-to.

Let’s face it, we all have had the pre-exam jitters, especially when it is about participating in the country’s biggest medical entrance exams, given the reputation it has in addition to facing the cut-throat competition. But, let me make it loud and clear, cracking NEET in the first attempt is absolutely doable, it has been done in the past. The only qualities required are perseverance and undying determination to stay on the path only to achieve it. Right from registering, filling up the NEET UG Admit Card, preparation to finally appearing for NEET, students must be well-grounded and focussed.

With that in mind, let us get to the nitty-gritty of it. Let us understand how we go about achieving this feat in the very first attempt.

1. Strategize and aim high

This has to be the first step in your endeavour of cracking NEET in the first attempt. Strategizing provides a sense of direction and helps outline measurable goals. This way, you are in a position to predict the outcomes to an extent. Not only that, but it also helps one come up with possible solutions to deal with adverse outcomes. Devise a plan, with the remaining days left before the upcoming test. As it is said, “You get what you aim for. Aim for the highest possible and settle not for less”.

2. Smart work over hard work

“It is not the load that breaks you down; it is the way you carry it” – aptly conveys how your course of action should be. What gives you an edge over the 15 lakh+ candidates appearing for the test is smart work. We all know the syllabus for NEET, but what differentiates the toppers and ones clearing them to the ones failing to clear NEET is how tactfully they approach NEET. Prefer working smartly over hard work.

3. Frame a timetable

Divide your day into feasible time slots to plan topic wise, subject wise. Time table must be followed diligently. Set daily, weekly, monthly goals that are realistic and can be achieved. It renders a clear picture to schedule upcoming days. Set deadlines, shorter goals, and achieve them.

4. Study material

NCERT must be the holy grail for all NEET aspirants. Apart from these, relevant sources must be referred to. There is no dearth of books at all for NEET. You can carefully pick the reference books after you have done your research based on previous papers, experience of NEET toppers, suggestions from experts, etc.

5. Ditch rote memorization, gain conceptual clarity

One of the mistakes students commit is failing to understand the purpose behind NEET. NEET does not aim to assess your memorization skills, rather it aims at assessing your understanding of topics. Hence questions are asked indirectly, to assess your knowledge of the topic. Prioritize understanding concepts, seek assistance to get your concepts cleared, this is pivotal.

6. Practice and Revise

Importance of practising from previous year’s questions papers, taking mock tests, solving 150-200 questions every day, exhaustive revisions must be something that should be done on a daily basis.

Follow these simple steps and you are sure to crack NEET in the very first attempt. It is an uphill task but surely achievable.

For more such engaging content, subscribe to BYJU’S YouTube Channel.

Paul Watson