8 Most Common Leak Locations

When you notice a minor water drop there is always the fear that something far worse has happened. Water leaks are any homeowners worst nightmare, since they can occur almost without you noticing it at all at first, and later they make a much bigger damage to your house. Unfortunately, big or small, water leaks can arise anywhere. From your basement or bathroom to the roof, they can be utterly destructive but also quite preventable as well. Get an insight into the most common leak location, what kind of damage can they cause on your house and even how to solve that issue and protect your home.

 

 

 

• 1. Chimney and flashings

 

Different weather conditions will produce leaks in various location. The tedious rain is usually the main cause of leak damage, and chimneys are the most common source. Firstly, your chimney must have perfectly sealed flashing in order to prevent the water coming in. Unless those flashings are not secured, you will have a major leak in your home. Additionally, the chimney’s brick mortar joints must be tightly sealed so that water can’t flow in. So, to mend this problem you have to check all the flashings for an even hair-lined crack and fix it appropriately. Professionals will use roof cement or completely repair and replace existing flashing instead of using any type of sealant.

 

 

 

• 2. Leaking pipes

 

When pipes leak they can cause endless problems to you and your house. There can be multiple cause of leaking pipes. Most common one are corrosion, high water pressure, foundation shifts, and even temperature changes. To prevent pipes from leaking, in the first place you have to monitor any changes, and if you see a stained wall not to ignore it. Leaky pipes can damage your house in so many ways: you can have poor water quality, warped and stained walls, black mold, and above all flood. Address this issue by immediately calling a plumber or any other professional help who would fix the drainage and stop the leaking.

 

 

• 3. Roof Top leaking

 

Each country experiences the similar problem when it comes to roof leaking. It can only depend on the type of roof that you have. For instance, homeowners in Australia tend to have rooftops with multiple step flashings, while British opt for houses with roof dormers. Rain and water can easily penetrate around those areas and cause severe damage. Specialists in Remedial waterproofing from Sydney resolve this type of leaking by professionally applying waterproof sheet membranes, liquid and cement based applications adaptable for any rooftops. By adding two or three layer torch waterproofing system you would have a more durable and sustainable rooftop which will secure your roof with higher performance and temperature tolerance.

 

 

 

• 4. Bathroom leaking

 

Certainly one of the most annoying leaking problem that any homeowner can experience is in the bathroom. The most frequent leak is caused by a tub or shower. The faulty seal tends to be the main reason for the leakage. Usually, we don’t detect the leak immediately because a bathroom is bound to get wet, however you can easily spot the mold growth around the tiles or on the floor. Similar can happen with the toilet if it leaks around the seal. Toilets that leak internally just make the water drain right into the sewer, so there is not much repair there except a big water bill. On the other hand, for the other bathroom leakages, you should contact the plumber to fix everything in time.

 

 

 

• 5. Wind-driven rain leaks

 

Windblown rain leaks can come in from above the roof, around the windows, between the corner boards and sidings. If you don’t have an alarm system to protect your house somebody can enter your through windows without a problem due to corrosion. Water can also enter through small crack and knotholes in sidings so you should patch that as soon as possible. You should replace any cracked, rotted or missing siding, just make sure that new piece overlaps the step flashing. Also, you can completely replace the window particularly if the damage is severe.

 

 

• 6. Leaking hoses

 

The washing machine and the dishwasher’s leakage is the hardest to detect. Hoses are usually placed behind and in that way that is hard to see and reach. That is why if your washing machine hoses burst or leak you won’t notice it until it is too late. The water in those hoses is always running so when a leak occurs it would be chaos. At once you have to plug the machine out and start collecting water in order to avoid it flooding the entire house. If your machines have a warranty, then you can easily replace the damaged hose. If not, then you should consult with the plumber and get a suitable new hose or just buy a new appliance.

 

 

 

• 7. Ice dam leaks

 

For those who live in the snow belt, this is an ongoing issue, but it can affect everybody else in the winter. Ice dam leaks can cause the worst case scenario because they can happen even if everything is perfectly okay with your house. What happens is that ice dam blocks the natural flow of water down the roof. Consequently, water begins to block and back up under flashings and shingles. To make matters worse, the water can be dripping into your house for days before noticing it. Clean the snow from the water drains in the first place, next install membranes under the roofing. That wouldn’t help much with the snow and ice, but it would effectively stop the leaks.

 

 

 

 

• 8. Basement Leaks
  

 

 

If you notice uneven floor surface, mold or fungi formation, musty smells, staining or discoloration of materials, and rotting carpets, then you have leakage from the basement. There are numerous pipes that go under your house, some are connected to sewage, many others for miscellaneous pipes. This type of problem can be fixed only with a detailed inspection from the professionals. If it had been leaking for a long period than perhaps they would have to dig under your house or even on the streets to find and resolve the issue. Whatever happens, make sure that you have the right phone numbers always at your side.

 

 

Keeping the house neat and safe is not an easy task, and it requires our full attention. Many problems can be fixed if you detect them on time.

 

 

How To Stop Money Problems From Ending In Divorce

In the list of Top 10 reasons for a marriage to end in divorce in the UK, money problems come in third. As observed by lawyers specialising in divorce law, money problems put a major strain on couples; so much so that in 2010 (the aftermath of the financial crisis) many decided to call it quits. It is difficult to keep the flame burning when bills continue to pile up, so if money’s too tight to mention, be aware of its potential to risk the stability or your relationship and take the necessary steps to ensure you and your better half are financially and personally stable.

Starting early

If you are newly married and you frequently argue about money with your partner, consider this a warning sign. Researchers have found that in the ‘honeymoon’ stage of relationships, “Arguments about money is by far the top predictor of divorce. It’s not children, sex, in-laws or anything else. It’s money — for both men and women.” When you argue with your partner frequently, it is difficult to feel responsive and loving towards them. Worst of all, when you are stressed, it can be hard to find the mental clarity you need to sit with your partner, analyze your finances, and make a few necessary changes. Sound financial planning is key for couples at all stages of their lives but especially when economic times are tough. By working on resolving your difference and reducing tension at home, you can work on a long-term strategy together.

Sharing costs

Research indicates that equality seems to promote stability – especially when it comes to finances. Couples who feel that they are part of a team in which everyone contributes money towards bills can feel that they are being treated more fairly, than those who feel overburdened by having to assume all expenses. The truth is that although modern couples don’t necessarily aim to be millionaires, they do perceive that living on a very small income can be highly stressful. This is especially true when they are struggling to pay the bills or do not have a savings account they can turn to on a rainy day. Sometimes, households simply cannot meet all their expenses unless both partners contribute.

Money can’t buy you love

While it is true that financial stress can hamper a couple’s happiness, wealth is not everything, which is something couples should keep in mind in hard times. Research shows that overly materialistic couples fare worse than more spiritually inclined couples when it comes to communication, conflict resolution, and responsiveness. Interestingly, researchers have noted that the way a couple perceives their finances is more important than the actual money they have. By keeping your focus on the value of your relationship rather than the wealth you are building up, keeping that loving feeling alive becomes easier. Sharing tasks is also important. Couples as a whole seek some sort of equity, so that if one spouse works from home while the other works in an office, home tasks such as cleaning and cooking should be fairly divided.

How can you talk about money without causing couple strife?

If money objectively does have the capacity to destroy marriages, what steps can you take to ensure this doesn’t happen to you? You essentially have three choices when times are tough financially: you can take steps to improve your situation, avoid facing the facts, or adapt to a tighter budget. The first strategy – informing yourself, making changes to your budget, and creating a strategy for the months ahead – is the most proactive and arguably the most useful in the long run. Creating a Plan B for your future will help you feel that financial worries are all temporary and surmountable.

What stops couples from moving forward during financial crises

Some of the biggest problems standing in the way of couples include lack of (or too much) information, poor communication between partners, and poor time management or lack of time to do the research. Try to work as a team, dividing tasks if need be until you talk to the right people or find interesting information online. If you have kids, try to teach them the basics of financial literacy early. As soon as they are able to, they should learn about concepts such as loans, interests, credit etc. so that as they enter into adulthood, they refrain from buying things that are simply above their means, or borrowing more than they can reasonably pay. Scientists note that today’s young couples want a big wedding, a home, cars etc. but it is sometimes important to take things in small steps, opting to spend less so as to enjoy financial stability later in their lives.

Having a talk once a year

Get together at least once a year with your partner to have a ‘reality check’. Talk about old and new financial goals – including saving for a family holiday, paying off credit, or taking out a private pension. During this talk, you can agree to discuss (non-defensively) any concerns you may be having. For instance, rising interest rates might mean one of you is paying off a higher amount on a loan, and this needs to be factored into your respective contributions if you have different accounts. This is also a good time to bring up hopes and dreams. Is there an experience or item that would make your life a lot more meaningful? Is there a caprice you would love to treat yourself to? You might be surprised to learn that your partner also sees value in what you do. It is important to support each other as much as possible, so long as any expense incurred is not unrealistic or above your means. Of course, in addition to this ‘big talk’, smaller discussions should take place throughout the year.

‘Give and take’ is key when it comes to staying together ‘through the good and bad’. Partners can agree to see their financial success as a team goal; one that both partners do their share to fulfil either in a paid or unpaid fashion. By being aware that financial instability is a stressor, and committing to tackling it proactively, couples can ensure that strife is temporary, and that stress does not take away the most important thing they have: each other.

 

7 Worst Things to Do On a Date

No matter which niche you’re dating in, including BBW dating, there are certain etiquette rules for a first date that we should all follow not only to ensure we get a second date, but simply to avoid acting like a total jerk. Below we discuss the top 7 worst things you can do on a first date that will make the other person run for their life.

#1: Forget Your Manners

Your date will pay more attention to how you treat other people around you than to how you treat them. Be nice and polite, smile, and show respect to everyone, from the waiters and other patrons at the restaurant, to the random people on the street. Obviously, don’t forget your ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when talking to your date.

#2: Not Let Your Date Talk

Allow your date to tell you their story, and don’t interrupt them when they’re talking. Don’t talk over them or for them. You want to make them feel like you care about their opinion. Also, be careful about the little things, such as ordering food for them. It’s best to let them speak for themselves throughout the evening, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

#3: Not Say Enough

The other person is interested in you and wants to get to know you. Unless you talk about yourself, your life, your opinions, beliefs, and all those things that come up on a date, you won’t give them a chance to find out what kind of a person you are. Don’t forget that often they might conclude that you’re not interested in them enough if you’re quiet all evening.

#4: Get Too Drunk

Having a drink or two is absolutely acceptable if you’re out on the town on a Saturday night, but know your limit and don’t cross it on a first date. Getting drunk with a group of friends who know you well is one thing, but putting yourself in a position to say things you don’t mean to share or do stuff you normally wouldn’t do should be avoided.

#5: Talk about Your Ex

Obviously, everyone has a past, but your past has no business being with you on a first date. Don’t even mention your ex, let alone talk about them because the person listening is likely to conclude the past is not the past, and there is not enough room in your life for someone new.

#6: Mention Marriage or Children

If there ever was an off-putting topic for a first date, marriage and kids has to be it. Nobody likes the idea of any kind of a clock ticking, pressure, and especially desperation. It’s worse than an overly zealous sales person desperately trying to sell you something to meet their quota.

#7: Be Cheap

The matter of who pays the bill at the end of a first date is still, for some reason, open for debate when it really shouldn’t be. It’s not written in stone that the man should pay, but that’s usually the way it goes. At the same time, the girl should absolutely offer to pay or at least split the bill and mean it. If there are multiple checks to be picked up, such as dinner and a movie, it’s perfectly OK for one person to pay for the dinner and the other for the movie. It’s only fair!

5 Things You Should Be Doing For Younger-Looking Skin

It doesn’t matter if you’re a young girl or a proud woman of the cougar dating niche, you probably want to stay young as long as possible. Aging is a natural process that can’t be stopped or reversed (except in the Curious Case of Benjamin Button), but it can be slowed down. One of the ways to achieve that is by having a younger-looking skin. So, without further ado, here are the 5 important things you should be doing if you want to have healthier and younger skin.

Drink Lots Of Water

As you probably know, the human body is 65% water, which means you need to hydrate yourself in order to stay healthy and have younger skin. Experts say that in order for your body to work properly, you need to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water every day. However, if you want your skin to look fabulous, you have to drink a bit more than that. It’s important to remember that other fluids like alcohol and sweetened sodas will only lead to breakouts and inflammation of the skin. Therefore, you have to stick with clean water. Drink 8-10 glasses of it every day and your skin will be grateful.

Change Your Sleeping Positions

Having a good night’s sleep is also one of the best ways to keep your skin young and flawless. However, sleeping in the same position every night for years can cause certain wrinkles and lines to appear on your face. So, if you want to prevent this from happening, you should change your sleeping positions every once in a while. Sleeping on your back is the safest option, but if you can’t fall asleep in that position, try to change sides every other night.

Steam Up Your Bedroom

If you have a dry skin, you should definitely moisturize it every chance you get. However, this is not always that easy, especially because skin tends to be rather dry during the night when you sleep. So, in order to keep it moisturized, you should definitely use a humidifier during the night. You don’t have to do this on those hot summer nights, but cold winter air tends to dry out your skin, so make sure to use a humidifier during winter months.

Protect Yourself From UVA and UVB Rays

Being exposed to UVA “aging” rays on a daily basis can cause changes in your skin that eventually lead to wrinkles, sunspots, and dryness. So, it’s extremely important to wear a sunscreen every time you go out on a sunny day. SPF 30 sunscreen is enough to protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Wash Your Face Before Bed

If you’re a modern woman, you simply need to clean your face every night before you go to bed. This way, you’ll remove all the makeup, dirt, and sebum that stay on your face throughout the entire day. Cleaning your face with warm water before bed will help you prevent pimples, inflammation, and breakouts. In other words, you’ll have a clean, soft, and young-looking skin for many years to come.

Dating Sites Study: Women Are Pickier Than Men

It’s safe to say that online dating has revolutionized the general dating scene all around the world. Ever since it became one of the best matchmaking options for single people, most individuals have changed their routines and their attitudes when it comes to romance. For example, people nowadays don’t have to go out and search for the perfect date, they have it all in one place, just a few clicks away. If a guy wants to meet a mature hottie, for instance, he can simply visit a cougar dating website and find a perfect match. The same goes for women; they can now look for a perfect companion from the comfort of their own home. Even though these advantages sound rather nice, some studies show that online dating platforms have made women pickier than men. Let’s see how and why.

Ladies Are Very Specific In Their Searches

One of the main reasons why most women are pickier than men is the fact that ladies are rarely looking for one night stands and casual relationships. Moreover, most of them are searching for suitable partners with whom they’ll be able to start a serious relationship. This is why most single ladies are rather specific in their online searches. On the other hand, the majority of young single dudes who have profiles on dating sites are not that specific, simply because they’re ready to settle for less in order to have some fun.

Their Potential Date’s Education Is Very Important To Them

Women, no matter how young or restless, are always thinking about their future. This is why they will never settle for someone with whom they can’t fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals. This is why they consider the level of education to be one of the most important indicators when it comes to their potential match.

Namely, women associate education with intelligence and success, which means they will continue to search until they find a good-looking man with a college diploma. We can honestly say that most men don’t take this parameter too seriously, which also goes in favor of the claim that ladies are pickier than fellas.

Women Are Most Picky Between the Ages Of 18 and 30 – Here’s Why

According to an Australian study that was conducted by Dr. Stephen Whyte and later published in Psychological Science, women are at their pickiest between the ages of 18 and 30.  Whyte and his team came to this conclusion by analyzing the dating routines of 41,936 persons. But what are the possible reasons for that?

Well, the fact is that women are most fertile during those years, which means they’re simply looking for a man who will prove to be a suitable partner and a potential father of their children. Naturally, most women don’t want to start a family with just anyone. What is more, they’re looking for a perfect companion with many virtues and qualities that are in their opinion essential for establishing healthy marriage and happy family.  Given the reason for the pickiness in this case, we have to agree it’s fully justified.

8 Dating Hacks from Single Women

Skeptics will tell you there is no way you can have dating hacks, but we’re here to prove them wrong. Listed below are the top 8 hacks from single women of all ages and backgrounds that can help you find love online, and keep you sane in the process.

#1: Choose the Lowest Possible Distance

Using the distance filter at home or when traveling proves to be very useful on so many levels. There is no time wasted on someone who just lives too far away when you’re not at all interested in a long-distance relationship, plus planning a first date is far easier with someone who lives nearby. If there are no good prospects in the area, you can always increase the range little by little.

#2: Check them out on Social Media

One of the easiest ways to weed out the guys who don’t seem like a good match is to check them out on social media. Find them on Instagram or Twitter, and send them a friend request on Facebook. If they don’t reply to the request, they’ve probably got something to hide. Keeping in mind that most people put the best possible photos of themselves on display online, take the time to try and dig out something that may attest to the fact that person might not be such a good match.

#3: Only Use Apps in the Morning

If you only swipe in the morning, you’ll save yourself plenty of time at midday, plus you’ll see which users are up at a decent hour. If you swipe him right, and he doesn’t reply until 3 pm, what could that tell you? Among other things, that he works nights, which could involve dangerous situations or drugs and alcohol, just to name a few.

#4: Standards Can Be Flexible

Not everyone you meet will be marriage material, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be awesome for a (few) one-night stands. Maybe you don’t like what they do, the way they dress or they just seem they could be trouble down the road, but that doesn’t mean you have to be in a relationship with them. Maybe their smile is irresistible, and they’re a really good kisser. That’s a great candidate to have some fun with despite your high standards!

#5: Engage Your Dog to Help

Who says that a date has to take place on a Saturday night? How about a Sunday morning at your local off-leash dog park? You can get a better idea of what someone is like when you see them during the day than when they posh up for evening, plus it’s harder to put the moves on someone at 10am than at 10pm, which will give you a better picture of the kind of person you’re dealing with. Also, you can tell a lot about a person based on how they interact with animals!

#6: Dance

It’s true that not all guys out there would be thrilled to be seen on the dance floor, but if a cutie you’re chatting up on Tinder plans to seducing you right, he better start on the dance floor! Dancing can be extremely sensual, which isn’t necessarily what you have to go for, but it can tell you a lot about a person’s level of self-confidence.

#7: Let Him Woo You

It’s nice to be in control on your dates, and in many cases it’s also a turn on, but sometimes you just need to let go, and let your date court you old-school style. Allowing yourself to be wooed doesn’t make you any less of a feminist, and doesn’t mean you’re giving up the right to vote! Finally, if the guy is willing to invest his time and energy into the courtship process, that sets the stage for a fulfilling relationship down the road.

#8: Don’t Forget to be Yourself

There are plenty of people out there searching for the exact same things that you have to offer. Hate Sci-Fi? Love sports? Don’t be afraid to say that! We all like to travel and think we’re not difficult, but that’s not what makes you unique. Fly your flag openly and catch the right kind of fish, instead of the slippery one!

No Use in Fighting it or What I’ve Learned by Giving Someone a Chance

Down with insistence on how one can easily find love online. As hard as dating can be sometimes, many of us have good stories to tell thanks to the matchmaking abilities of our friends. Needless to say, kissing a few (or lots of) frogs in the process is pretty much a given, but at least it is all worth it in the end. This blind date story has a happy ending thanks to my friend D who set me up A out of the blue one early spring Saturday.

Blind dates are possibly even worse than job interviews because there are lots of interviews out there where you walk in knowing the interviewer or at least being acquainted with them. On a blind date, you don’t have the slightest idea who the person sitting across the table from you is. Sure, you’ve seen their photo and heard a short bio, but still.

In any case, I decided to give it a shot not really believing anything would come of it. I agreed to meet up with A one Thursday afternoon and go for a joint dog walk through the park, my Labradoodle Ben and his Weimaraner Romeo in tow. Side note: for a blind date pick, as neutral a ‘venue’ as possible, and if dinner seems too formal as it does to me, go ahead and take it down a notch. Since a dog walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how much fun you’re having, you’re going in with a bullet-proof exit strategy in case things turn out badly. And if they go well, you can tell all your friends (kids and grandkids included) that you’ve met by chance at a park walking your pooches!

I wasn’t taken aback by A immediately. It took me some time to really get his vibe so it’s not like this was love at first sight. He wasn’t really my type either. He had dark hair and dark eyes, and I’m a sucker for baby blue eyes, you know, like Cillian Murphy’s. Anyway, I was surprised how much we had in common and the more he talked the more I realized I really liked what he had to say. I was becoming more interested because I didn’t feel like he was trying to play me at all. He was just being himself, and pretty much everything he said was spot on. He took initiative, was smooth, and seemed to care just a touch about impressing me, which I found cute.

Then I realized he was cute! He had full lips and a beautiful set of pearly white teeth, something I never really pay attention to because I always look at the eyes. And his weren’t blue but they were just as deep. It usually takes a pair of pale blue eyes looking deep into mine for the butterflies in my stomach to start having a party, but this time it took a smile. Or several smiles, that is, one for every time I said something he was impressed with, like what my job was or which countries I’ve lived in.

We didn’t stay too long. After about an hour and a half, we said good-bye and went our separate ways. The next morning, he gave D, my matchmaking friend, a ride to my place because she needed to pick something up from me. Did I think this was just a ploy to see me again? Sure. Did I think it was lame? Not a chance because for a full 24 hours after our ‘date’ I was still drunk on the whole thing without having a drop of alcohol.

A few days later, he sent me his first text, and that was more than a year ago. He still makes me weak in the knees despite the fact we moved in together a few months back. I don’t know where D kept him all this time, but I know our encounter was definitely not by chance. I was meant to meet him and realize that you absolutely never know where or who is going to sweep you off your feet.

Looking For Love Online: A Guide To Finding Love Later In Life

If you are over 65 and you have recently become divorced, when time has passed and you begin to feel ready again, the sound of starting over might appeal. If you have a small social circle and you don’t know where to start, online dating may be a good idea. A new study by Pew Research found that a majority of people believe online dating is a great way to meet people. Moreover, around 12% of mature daters reported using an online site at some point in their lives compared with only 6% in 2013. The fast pace of life in urban areas means that it can be difficult to meet new people with shared interests. The Golden Rules of Online Dating will enlighten you on the essentials of finding the perfect date while being honest and optimistic and enjoying the journey towards your new life.

Who can you meet online?

People from all walks of life sign up to dating sites to find the person of their dreams. If you thought you would never find someone who matches your interests, experiences, and abilities, think again! The fact is that ‘grey divorce’ – divorce in over 50s – is more common than ever before so there are many more interesting singles on the market than just a few decades ago. As noted by the Office of National Statistics, “In England and Wales, divorce is in decline – our most recent 10 years of data show a 28% fall in the number of divorces between 2005 and 2015. But older people are bucking the trend. In the same period, the number of men divorcing aged 65 and over went up by 23% and the number of women of the same age divorcing increased by 38%.” There are several reasons why people are getting divorced older. One is that life expectancy has increased considerably; people who turn 50 or 60 realise they have many decades left to enjoy life and wish to do so with someone who is compatible with them. Another important reason is the fact that second or third marriages tend to last shorter. This phenomenon leads to a higher percentage of single seniors.

What about non-age-limited dating sites?

What if you are over 50 but wish to not be defined by age? Some people can feel that limiting themselves to ‘mature dating sites’ can be limiting. After all, who is to say that the love of your life won’t belong to a different age bracket? The good news is that sites like Plenty of Fish have millions of active daily users. You can use an age filter when you are searching for a partner if you choose, making your search as wide or limited as you like. Ultimately, joining a site with a large percentage of active users is key, since it means your experience will be dynamic and that you will be getting messages and Likes/winks from day one.

What sites should you try?

Mature Dating UK is aimed at singles over 40 and 50. It does have a charge (ranging from a free three-day trial to £11.99 for six months?. The site has pretty cool features, including the fact that it allows you to upload many pictures and videos to your profile. You can flirt with users by sending them a ‘wink’, chat on the online forum, and send each other emails and instant messages. When you sign up, you will be asked to fill out a personality and lifestyle test. This will steer you in the right direction when it comes to finding compatible singles. Another popular site is Dating Over 50s. It encourages mature users to sign up and get to know other people with shared interests or hobbies. The site is free to join but you can also pay a small fee and enjoy membership privileges – such as sending and receiving private messages, chatting online with instant messenger, seeing who has viewed your profile, creating and reading dating diaries, and adding multiple photos to your profile.

How do seniors feel about online dating?

Research carried out by scientists at Swinburne University shows that older adults have taken to online dating like a house on fire. Some of the reasons that make this system so appealing include the difficulty of meeting other available singles in day-to-day life; the ability to find matches that are compatible in terms of interests and locality; and the excitement of meeting various prospective partners. The study showed that unlike younger online daters (who tend to date online for a brief period), seniors like taking it nice and easy, dating people for months before deciding to settle down.

Making the most of online dating

If you don’t find love as quickly as you’d like, stay positive and focus on increasing the size and quality of your network. The great thing about online sites is that they also allow you to meet friends on features such as online chats and forums. This in itself can lead to meetings that can indirectly open your circle and lead you to people who may not actually be members of the online dating site you are using. Some people find love surprisingly quickly; others wish to take it slower. Because your choice of partners is arguably one of the most important things in your life, being certain before making a commitment is key.

How to present yourself?

There is no point in using an old photo or presenting yourself as something you are not. The reality show Catfish shows how deeply painful and disconcerting it can be to be lied to by someone. Because your aim is to find someone that truly loves you, it is important to be honest from day one. List your real interests and hobbies; if you are a homebody, say so instead of trying to impress. You may be surprised to find that there are many people out there who appreciate the things you do – even if your ideal night involves snuggling by the fireplace and catching a great film on TV.

If you have just got divorced, online dating may be a good place to start once you are ready to meet someone new. Think about whether or not you would like to limit your search by age, and pick the appropriate site. Sign up on sites with many active users, and consider any membership fee an investment that will enable you to get to know others at a deeper level before agreeing to meet in person.

6 Unromantic Financial Things To Do After Your Honeymoon

Money talk is probably the last thing on your mind right after you get back from your honeymoon.

You might be thinking – you just got back from a romantic getaway with your spouse after your successful wedding that’s thoughtfully planned and splurged on. You’re not even done unboxing all of your wedding gifts. And now you’re going to talk about financial paperwork?

Well, sorry to say, but it’s got to be done. After all, money is one of the leading causes of divorce. Financial issues, no matter how daunting, should be discussed before they become bigger and more damaging in the relationship.

A blissful marriage isn’t measured on the number of date nights, romantic vacations, and lavish anniversary gifts. Couples who face financial hurdles together and overcome them together come out stronger than ever.

So if you’re ready to do some daunting financial tasks after the wedding, here are top 6 things you should do as a couple.

1. Manage your bank accounts

Have you decided to have a joint banking account and merge all of your finances for household spending? Or you want to keep your personal account? Or perhaps do both by having a shared account and a separate account for personal spending at the same time?

Whatever that is, make sure you’re both on the same track about this matter and do all the paperwork together.

Once you’re married, you should have each other’s names on all of your accounts. It’s also important to change your beneficiary information for those accounts: If it’s your first marriage your beneficiaries are likely your parents. If you’ve been married before, it’d be your ex.

Make sure to update it ASAP to avoid bigger and more expensive problems should anything bad happen to you.

2. Lay down your debts

“Til death do us part” or “Til debt do us part”?

Debt should be openly discussed and addressed as early as possible to avoid it to cause further damage to the relationship.

Get out the paperwork, provide copies of your own credit reports, look for the real bottom line, and deal with it. Debt catches up eventually – whether it’s the tax collector, your university, or creditor. One day, the terrifying details of the past will come creeping out when you’re trying to get a mortgage and other loans.

3. Discuss your assets

Not all money talk is bad. Some prudent men and women enter marriage with trust funds, investment accounts, real estate properties, and other significant assets. Your spouse should know what you have and what you can share unless you have a prenuptial agreement that excludes the spouse from any benefit. Again, beneficiary names should be updated.

4. Assess expenses and work on a detailed budget

Now that you’re married, looking at your paychecks and other income sources is just a right thing to do. You’re a team here, remember?

It’s crucial to determine your combined monthly income and how it’ll affect your spending and savings.

Make a detailed budget out of the combined list of all your monthly expenses: housing, utilities, internet, cable, phone, groceries, car payments, leisure, and other routine costs. Plan for payments on debts too. Last but not least, make sure to have a budget for unexpected expenses that may come up, like home repair and medical bills.

5. Start saving money as a couple

Odds are that, you’ve splurged on your wedding and your honeymoon. YYour first year together is the perfect time to recoup those losses and continue saving up for the future.

Don’t forget to feed your savings account – together. We can all agree that having a financial cushion for emergencies and retirement is a must.

You can fuel your savings by finding ways to be frugal. You may limit nights out and put your focus on groceries and rent. Be wise when going on vacations. Set limits for internet, cable, and electricity use. It’s more fun to celebrate your first year of marriage without overindulging.

6. Set financial goals together

Communication is key to a successful marriage, especially in terms of money. Couples who discuss money matters, set financial goals and help each other achieve them tend to be happier and healthier than those who don’t.

Take the time to sit down with your spouse to talk about money – your short-term and long-term goals and your plans to make these goals a reality. Discuss where you want to be in five years. Are you planning to build a business? Will you buy stocks or other investment vehicles? Will one or both of you work abroad? Do you have a plan to level up on your career?

Talk about money handling practices and expectations. Are you guilty of poor spending habits? Do you plan to quit certain expensive vices? How often do you plan to go on vacations?

Talk about future expenses that will eventually arrive, including children’s education, buying your first home, your first car, and the emergency and retirement funds.

I know these things may be too much to talk about, especially if you’re just starting your life together. However, it’s great to be open about these things and to know that you and your partner are on the same track.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for The Relationship Room, a couples psychology institution specializing in relationship counseling and therapies for couples and families. She may be hopeless romantic but she’s got some straightforward pieces of advice about love, dating, and relationships

5 Fun-Filled Dates on a Budget

First dates can be a stressful experience, especially if you do not have a lot of money to impress the object of your affection. The best way to overcome this stress is to have lots of fun, which often does not require much money at all.

Here are some inexpensive and fun-filled ideas for dates as well as some important dating tips:

1. Perform Karaoke

First dates are notorious for creating lots of tension and nervousness. So, why not do something that will almost surely relieve this tension and your nervousness: perform karaoke.

Lots of bars and pubs these days have karaoke machines, and most of these places are not expensive. Before you go, check what songs they have and select a few. You might even want to practice singing them before your date, either at the bar or in the comfort of your own home. Then, at the beginning your date, bravely take the stage.

Understand that it does not matter if your singing skills are not the best. In fact, getting your date to laugh just may be the best reaction to get. But don’t worry about the reaction. Just go up there and have fun, which can be very contagious. No matter how well or poorly you perform; you will certainly break the ice and show your date that you are adventurous.

Then, try to entice your date to take the stage as well. This can be tricky, so if this person is hesitant, suggest a duet. Something you two will always be able to remember. Even if your date is still hesitant, you can still have fun that night laughing at everyone else.

2. Go to an Arcade

Do you remember how much fun arcades were when you were kids? Well, guess what, they are just as much fun when you are adult, especially on dates. What’s more, they provide lots of inexpensive entertainment that will make both of you feel young again.

First, find out what kind of games your date likes to play, and let them know what you like. This can be a great icebreaker, as you can learn all sorts of things about each other and what you each enjoy. Then, play all the games both you and your date love. You can even make it a competition, though you probably want to make certain that your date wins at least 50% of the time, if not more.

Also, try to find games that you can play against each other, such as air hockey. As your minds will naturally focus on the game, they won’t be able to focus on how nervous you both are, which can open all sorts of possibilities for conversation.

Some arcades even allow you to win prizes, which can be a great keepsake for your first date together.

3. Go Geocaching

There is nothing more fun than going on a treasure hunt, and this is basically what geocaching is. The way it works is that you use your mobile devices to find “treasures,” which have been hidden in places all over the world. Not only is this a fun way to spend a date, but it will cost you almost nothing.

All you need in addition to a mobile device is the free Geocaching app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, and a pen or pencil. Armed with these basic tools, you and your date, search for buried treasure while exploring your town or city on foot. The treasure hunting aspect of your journey is a great conversation starter, and you will have lots of time to get to know each other, especially if you stop for a drink or snacks along the way.

The object of geocaching is not only to find buried treasure, but also to log what you have found it. This is why you need a pen or pencil. As an added benefit, this leaves a permanent record of your first date, which you could one day possibly relive. Maybe even with your children or grandchildren.

4. Visit a Zoo

The great thing about taking your date to a zoo is that you are certain to have a good time with all those cute animals to entertain you. Another certainly is that you will not have to spend a lot of money.

You can learn an awful lot about your date during a trip to the zoo. You can not only learn what animals they like, but you can also exchange pet and other animal stories from your past while you explore the grounds. The animals and their antics will also help take away your jitters, and they will make you feel comfortable.

Similarly, an aquarium or other places that feature wildlife can be a great option as well.

5. Cook Together

There is no rule that says that your first date must be in a restaurant or in a bar. It can be in your own home. While you could just cook for this other person, it is much more fun to cook together, and unless you’re cooking something crazy like lobsters it should be very affordable.

First, discover your date’s favorite food. Then, invite them over to cook together. You can learn lots about this person while you are doing this, and you can have lots of fun together while you make all sorts of messes. You can also find out just how well you function as a team.

The great thing about this kind of date is that it has a proven track record of success. Famously, Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle while they were cooking roast chicken together.

In conclusion, there is no reason to let a small budget limit the fun of your first date. Simply follow the dating tips contained here and you will escape the friend zone, and perhaps you will even take that first step toward finding the love of your life.