But They Sure Are Worth It
Christmas is right around the corner and it’s time to start shopping before it’s too late. And if you are anything like me, you have no idea what to get some of your loved ones yet.
Are your friends or family members animal lovers?
Don’t worry we got you covered.
The perfect smile. It’s something everyone lusts after, but to get it, some of us need an extra helping hand. Enter Invisalign: the undetectable alternative to braces.
Since hitting the market in 1997, Invisalign has become a household name. Over 9 million smiles have been transformed using their clear aligners, and as adult braces become increasingly popular, that number is set to rise.
So whether you want to fix an overbite, reduce crowding, or just have generally straighter teeth, there’s an Invisalign solution that can makeover your smile. This post answers common questions, such as “how much does Invisalign cost” and “why should I choose Invisalign” so that you’re clued up ahead of your consultation.
Invisalign is a type of braces that uses custom-made clear aligners to move the position of your teeth. The aligners are made of a unique blend of plastic which is strong enough to move your teeth but comfortable enough for daily wear.
If you choose Invisalign, you’ll be sent a series of aligner trays that need to be worn in sequence. You change aligners roughly every one or two weeks so that your teeth can be shifted into place. Just make sure you wear them for at least 20 hours a day to see the best results!
Invisalign boasts many benefits over traditional and linear braces (which sit behind the teeth). Here is the main reason clients choose Invisalign:
The aligners are undetectable so your braces won’t be obvious to your colleagues and friends. For young people in particular, the thought of getting braces can be nerve-wracking. Invisalign offers a tried and tested method of tooth correction that’s incredibly subtle, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious about your braces.
One of the most frustrating things about permanent braces is the daily struggle to clean your teeth or keep your braces clean whilst eating. Forget sneaking off to the bathroom during meals out; with Invisalign, you can remove your aligners to eat and then pop them back in afterward!
Invisalign aligners fix more than uneven teeth. You can use them to fix issues like over and underbites and crowding. In particular, Invisalign overbite treatment is effective and may even be faster than using traditional braces.
The amount you pay for Invisalign treatment varies based on your oral health and where you’re based. Typical factors that affect the cost of Invisalign are:
Invisalign’s website advertises that their treatment ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. That can seem like a big difference, but remember that they treat a whole host of conditions. No two problems are the same!
According to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, the national average for Invisalign is $3,000–$5,000. This isn’t dissimilar to traditional braces, which cost between $2,000–$6,000 on average.
As with all medical and dental treatment, the final cost you pay will depend on your situation. Whether you choose traditional braces or aligners, extremely crooked teeth or heavy overbites will take more time to move into position than mildly, uneven teeth. So keep this in mind.
When comparing Invisalign prices, don’t forget to include aftercare. Like traditional braces, most clients will need to wear a retainer to keep their pearly whites in tip-top condition. Retainers cost between $100 to $500 but the good news is they don’t need to be replaced like your aligners!
The majority of adults and children who get braces won’t need to repeat their treatment if they use their retainer correctly. So to save yourself and your finances in the future, don’t skip this step!
If you need braces but are worried about the price of Invisalign, there are several options available to you that can help make the payments more manageable:
If you’re considering Invisalign for your child or teen, they may qualify for financial aid to support the cost of their treatment. Usually, if your child’s need for orthodontic treatment hinders their overall health or development, the work can be completely or partially covered.
Ask your dentist for more information on the funding available in your state.
It’s completely understandable if you can’t pay the cost of your entire treatment upfront. That’s why most dental practices offer structured monthly payment plans to help spread out your bill.
When you’re discussing your treatment options with your dentist, don’t forget to ask for the details of any payment plans their office offers. If they don’t, consider looking at private payment plans. Just watch out for hidden interest fees to make sure you don’t pay more in the long run.
If the overall cost of Invisalign treatment is out of your budget, being treated by a dental student can be a great way to access all the benefits, without facing the costs.
Research dental schools in your area to see if any offer their services at a discount. You’ll still be in safe hands (a board-certified dentist is required to monitor all treatments) but you will need to be prepared for your treatment to take slightly longer.
When you’re worrying about your smile, you’re not yourself. Boost your confidence by taking the plunge, and booking your first Invisalign consultation! We promise you won’t look back.
If this post has helped you answer questions like “how much does Invisalign cost” and “why choose Invisalign,” take a look at the rest of our blog for more health tips and advice!
The median home price in the US is over $225,000. Very few people can afford to just buy their house outright. Some people even have to save for years to be able to make a decent down payment.
That’s why most people turn to mortgage lenders when it comes time to buy their first house or even when they need to move again.
As your parents get older, you turn into the parent and start worrying about them day in and day out. Questions like, what are they doing, are they safe and sound, are they eating well, and more, run through your mind daily.
Senior safety is definitely no joke, and the numbers prove it. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 1 out of every 3 seniors falls every year. Not only that but every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
Baby showers. Some love them, some hate them. While I love buying things for little people, I dislike attending baby showers. Nothing against the expecting family, I really just hate everything about traditional baby shower games. I’m at the age where there is a stark increase in the amount of showers I get invited to, though.
Between the number of showers I’ve attended, and the ones I’ve been on the receiving end of, I feel like a bit of a baby shower expert, and I’m here to give you my opinion on the best, and wors,t baby shower gifts.
There are some baby gifts that are more useful than others. These are the ones that almost every new parent will appreciate.
First time parents will likely welcome large, expensive gifts that they have on their registry such as a stroller, crib, playpen, and rocking chair. These gifts are usually too expensive for one person to buy on their own, so feel free to chip in with other people and give a group gift.
When we were expecting our first, my co-workers went together and bought our stroller/car seat combo. I was so glad that we didn’t have to buy this ourselves because our money was tight then.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Some babies are only consoled when their parents hold them. This can lead to both tired arms and frustration. Getting anything done around the house is difficult when the baby fusses as soon as she’s put down. A baby carrier can be a fabulous gift because it gives parents the opportunity to keep the baby close AND get things done around the house.
No matter what kind of birth you have, the perfect natural drug free delivery or complicated c-section, no new mom, experienced or not, feels like cooking in those early days. Life is chaotic and having a gift certificate or two to fall back on is a huge help!
Too many people will show up with exclusively newborn clothes. Sure, they’re cute, but they’re also impractical. All three of my babies were nine to ten pounds at birth. They never fit in newborn clothes, and they only stayed in size 0-3 month clothes for about the first four weeks. Had I gotten many outfits in those sizes, they would have been wasted.
Having a few outfits/PJ’s in larger sizes the kid can grow into is always appreciated. Kids grow fast, so they’ll get into that cute outfit sooner than you think! They’ll likely stay in the larger size outfits longer, too.
Newborns make an insane amount of mess. They vomit and spit up everywhere, all of which requires being cleaned up. No mom can have enough burp pads/wipes/bibs for kids since they will go through about 25,721 per day. They also get stained beyond recognition and eventually tossed, so don’t spend too much money on them.
Kids need diapers in many sizes. Find out if the parents plan on using disposable or cloth before buying, though. Even if they get a lot of diapers, it is a gift always well appreciated.
And then there are the gifts that well meaning friends and family give you that are, honestly, worthless.
Unless you’re in the change room with the new mom, there is no way you’ll get this right. If you think it’s a gift mom would like and want though, get a gift certificate instead.
Photo by Luke Michael on Unsplash
Babies, especially newborns, are messy. They do not need fancy, expensive and fussy clothes! You are literally wasting money when you buy these clothes, no matter how cute. Same goes for newborn shoes. Unless the kid is walking (usually past 1 year), they don’t need shoes with proper soles. Even in the winter, small children don’t need them; most baby snowsuits will take care of foot coverage.
Likewise, avoid impractical baby clothes. When I was expecting my first baby, a co-worker bought me a towel and a baby bathrobe. Sure, the set was cute as can be, but how practical is struggling with a baby to put on a bathrobe only to dry the baby off and put on his clothes? I returned that gift before I even had the baby.
Find out when the kid (should) be born before buying seasonal clothes. If the child is born in December there’s a good chance they won’t still be in newborn size swimwear come July. Pay attention to sizes when buying such items.
If the parents did create a registry, look it up. Chances are they spent time to figure out what would work and what they need for their family. Sometimes, showers aren’t the best time to be reinventing the wheel, so-to-speak. If they took the time to research a monitor they liked, for example, don’t bother buying a different one because you liked it more; there’s a good chance it will end up getting exchanged.
It’s not to say new moms think of everything, though. As a mom myself, there were things I received from experienced friends and family that I never would have thought of and was so appreciative of. If you go this route, just make sure to include a gift receipt so they can return the item if it turns out not to be something they would want.
If you are invited to a baby shower, keep in mind some of the best baby shower gifts to give. I still remember which of my friends and family gave me the gifts I most appreciate and found most useful. Now, when I attend a baby shower, I try to do the same for new moms.
What is your favorite gift to give for a baby shower?
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Did you finally say yes to the love of your life, and you’re ready to walk down the aisle? Having the most magical wedding day is meant to be extraordinary. Yet, feeling stressed about how much it is going to cost can put a damper on your special day.
We all know how expensive weddings can be, but what if there was a way to have the wedding cake of your dreams and eat it too?
Having a backyard wedding on a budget is an excellent option for many couples who are looking to celebrate their special day but aren’t looking to spend a fortune.
Be sure to keep reading for our guide on how you can throw the most budget-friendly beautiful backyard wedding of your dreams.
The first step in figuring out how to plan a backyard wedding on a budget is designing the venue. You already know that you’re going to get married in the backyard, but do you know exactly where everything is going to go?
You’ll want to think about where you’re going to have seating for your guests. You’ll also need to think about where the food and beverages are going to go. There is a lot that goes into planning your venue, and it is something you will want to think about right away.
Be sure to keep in mind any areas in the backyard that have hills, rocks, or uneven terrain that could be difficult to navigate or dangerous for your guests. You will either want to resolve these issues or make sure that people avoid these areas during your wedding.
Now that you know where everything is going to go in your backyard on a budget wedding, you now need to figure out what everyone is going to sit on.
One way to get cheap ceremony seating is to find random chairs around your house, your neighbors’ house, or your family’s house. The mismatched look is something that people will find unique and attractive at your ceremony.
For the reception, you may want to spend a little bit of money on the tables and chairs for your guests. Yet, there are ways that you can do it on a budget and still save some money.
You can use a plastic table outside for seating during the reception, but by adding a table cloth and a beautiful centerpiece, your guests won’t even realize. You can even spruce up some plastic chairs by investing in some covers for them as well.
Doing these few simple tricks is a great way to save some money but still have a great looking reception.
When you’re planning a backyard wedding on a budget, you get the opportunity to get creative with the food and beverage that you want to severe your guests.
Some people might not want to have an entire meal at their backyard wedding on a budget. Instead, they might want to invest more money into a cocktail reception and have a cheese plate with tons of different finger foods.
Do you have a family member that loves cooking Mexican food? Then you might want to have a do-it-yourself taco bar!
If you’re the kind of couple that wants to serve pizza and beer at their wedding, then go for it! Finding the right food and beverage options for your budget is essential for your magical backyard wedding.
Many people who have backyard weddings on a budget are always looking for ways to cut costs. One thing that you shouldn’t skimp on is investing in the right photographer for you.
Matching with the perfect photographer for your wedding is crucial to getting wedding photos that you can cherish forever. Missing out on wedding photos is something that couples will regret doing.
Make sure to look at all the photographers in your area and find one that will work well with you and your budget.
Many highly skilled photographers work well doing outdoor weddings. They’re waiting for you to get in contact with them so they can work with you and capture all your special moments.
Beautiful backyard weddings on a budget need the magnificent decor to match.
What’s the best way to get wedding decor on a budget? Crafting it yourself, of course!
Making your wedding decor from items that you find on a budget is the best way to get beautiful pieces at your wedding.
If you’re looking for ideas of DIY decor pieces you can have at your wedding, then Google should be your number one source. There are tons of wedding decor ideas online that you can go off of to make some impressive pieces to have at your wedding.
Since you’re throwing an outdoor backyard wedding, then stick with a greenery theme. Lots of decor pieces can be DIYed into something marvelous by adding a winding vine.
For some couples, the wedding cake is a big part of their wedding day. Who doesn’t want to smash cake into their significant other’s face?
There are a few ways that you can get out of the hefty price that you pay for a wedding cake. One thing you can do is try to find a cake that isn’t meant for weddings. Bakeries tend to raise the price of wedding cakes because they know people will pay.
You could also talk with a friend or family member that knows how to bake delicious cakes. They won’t be as expensive as a professional bakery, and you’ll still get a great cake.
If you don’t like cake, then you might want to opt for something else. After all, it is your day!
Wedding cakes can be expensive, but a different type of dessert can satisfy you and your guests. It can also help your budget. Get whatever dessert you want at your wedding.
If you’d prefer cookies, build your own sundaes, cannolis, macaroons, or anything else that’s sweet, then go for it!
With the proper planning and budgeting, having the most magical night of your life is going to come true. A backyard wedding on a budget might not even seem like a backyard anymore if you take the time to transform it into a magnificent venue.
If you’re looking for more ways that you can save money throughout your life, then our blog is the place to be. Make sure that you bookmark our page so that you can keep coming back for more helpful tips and tricks.
Realizing the vast opportunity provided by the stock market, anyone can feel enthusiasm for joining the market. Nothing’s wrong with seeking an income from a field that yields millions of dollars from even a single trade. Before signing up for it, ask yourself the question, “Have you researched the source of income comprehensively and looked into it in depth?” If not, this article is for you. [Read more…]
Overspending at Christmas is easy to do and most parents are guilty of it most holidays. There are many parents out there who wonder what type of example and what type of stuff this is teaching children everywhere.
Whether you’re getting a short term loan, using your savings, or putting presents on your credit cards, you still need a holiday budget that you set and don’t exceed. Creating that budget and Christmas shopping can still be fun, and it can be a teaching moment for your children as well. In this blog, you’ll find a few tips for teaching your little ones about holiday budgeting.
This year, the gift list should be a list of people that your kids want to buy gifts for. Everyone they want to buy for should be included on that list. Of course, they’ll do their list for Santa as well, but this list is so you can teach them to budget during their holiday shopping. Once they’ve created their lists, it’s time to start teaching them how to budget to get something for everyone.
Now, ask your kids how much they want to spend on each person on their list. Don’t give them any limits on their spending at this point, let them assign the costs they want to assign to each person.
Once your kids have decided how much they want to spend on each gift, total up the spending and let them know the total. They’ll probably be quite surprised at the total you’ve come up with. Now that you’ve let them play around with a list, move onto the list you know they want to create.
Kids have a habit of wanting something so badly that they don’t worry about the cost. Instead of just having them put it on their wish list, have them create a list of three to five things they want and three to five things they need. Having them separate the lists is a great way to show them the pros and cons of just asking for whatever commercial comes up during the holiday season. Not only will both lists make great shopping lists for you, but they’ll also teach your little ones the importance of value as well.
Once you’ve created a list of people and gifts they want to shop for, give them a budget that they must stay within. While there are rules and etiquette for gift-giving among adults, it doesn’t quite work that way with kids. Give your child a set amount of money before you leave the house and let them know that’s all they’ll have to buy their gifts with. This teaches them to check prices and plan ahead for what they want to get everyone on their list.
In a world where most things are paid for with a credit or debit card, it’s easy to spend and not realize how much you’re spending. Many times, teaching children to pay with and count cash is also forgotten. Let your kids be a part of the purchasing process and give them cash to pay with. This will not only help with their math and counting skills, but it’ll also help them learn to budget their money as well.
These are just a few of the best tips out there for helping your kids learn to budget for gifts during the holiday season. Don’t forget to teach them the real reason for the season, because that’s what Christmas is all about.
Many second marriages now come with the bonus of additional children—step children. As a step parent, you’re expected to provide support and understanding for your “bonus children.” But what other responsibilities do you have? Namely, what are the financial responsibilities?
Your financial responsibility is largely determined by your step child’s situation. Did his other parent die? Are his parents divorced, but the other spouse is paying child support? Was he abandoned by his other parent and receives no visits or monetary help from that parent? Do you have your own kids that you bring to this marriage? If so, what is your financial situation with your ex?
All of these variables come into play when you decide what your financial responsibility is as a step parent.
One of the first questions before you tie the knot is to determine if you want to adopt your step children. Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone, especially if the step children’s other parent plays a role in their lives. However, if your step children have an absent parent or their parent has died, you may want to adopt them, especially if they are open to the idea.
There are many advantages to adopting step children. Most importantly, you will then be able to have a legal say in their lives. Likewise, if your new spouse becomes incapacitated, you are recognized by the law as your step children’s parent.
Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash
After you’ve made that crucial decision, the next is to consider talking to a financial planner. When merging a household, there are many financial decisions to make.
When it comes to taxes, will you file jointly with your new spouse? If so, will you be able to claim the children on your tax return, or will their other parent?
When it comes to money management, will you merge finances or keep them separate? If you decide to keep them separate, what will be your financial obligation to your step children?
Finally, analyze your life insurance beneficiaries. You, your spouse, and your step children are now a family, and as such, you want to make sure that they will be able to function financially should the unexpected happen.
Unfortunately, some people forget to change their beneficiaries, so as soon as you’re married, make sure to change the beneficiaries to your new family. Also evaluate whether you have enough life insurance after your new marriage. You may find you need to secure more.
Each relationship is unique. While there are no explicit rules about a step parent’s financial responsibility to her step children like there are with biological parents and children, you still want to make sure your new family is taken care of financially. You can do this by considering whether to adopt, consulting with a financial planner, and updating your life insurance.
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Winter is right around the corner, and that means watching pretty snowfall and the holiday season. But winter also means cold weather and having to bundle up to protect against it. Bundling up in the winter is especially important for babies and infants.
Fresh air helps babies get used to the seasons and the night and day cycle. Unless it’s dangerously cold, allow your baby outside during the winter is essential for their development. But that means you should follow safety precautions.
Here are five ways for how to keep a baby warm in winter months.
You can’t control the weather outside, but you can control the temperature in your home. Heat inside your lowers humidity, and that can mean problems for a baby’s delicate skin. Try to avoid cranking up the heat during the day.
Temperatures between 68°F and 72°F are best during the day. At night, temperatures between 65°F and 68°F can help reduce the risk of SIDS. Just be sure to dress your baby warmly before bed.
A staple of winter fashion is layering, and that doesn’t change when it comes to baby clothes. The bottom layer should be a snug option like a bodysuit or leggings. On top of that, your baby can wear pants or long sleeves.
When going outside, be sure to add a jacket, mittens, a hat, and booties to keep them warm. It’s also important to remember to take the coat off in the car, so the straps of the car seat fit snugly.
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you want to keep excess air off of your baby. Place their crib away from the windows, air vents, fans, or outside walls. Be sure to keep windows and doors closed to prevent cold air from entering the room.
Use stroller covers to keep the wind off a baby when they’re outside. And do your best to walk against the wind.
Parents swear by footmuffs. Using footmuffs can keep your baby warm and properly insulated in the winter months. Many parents in Scandinavian countries use these when letting their babies nap outside.
While you may not opt for outdoor sleeping, a footmuff will keep your baby warm when venturing outside the home.
You can also keep your baby warm with your own body heat. Wearing your baby in a carrier has many benefits besides the heat, including the physical intimacy of closeness. Your body can provide an extra cozy and warm place in the winter.
Just be sure to always cover your baby’s head and feet. And make sure their face is not pressed up in your chest or clothing so their airway isn’t blocked.
Because infants lose body heat faster than adults, it’s essential to prepare your baby for the lower temperatures. Babies don’t have the body fat to regulate their own heat, so these tips on how to keep a baby warm in winter months will help protect them.
Using some of these methods, you’ll be able to take your baby outside and allow them to get the fresh air needed for their development. The winter months and the holiday season can be a magical time.
Just take the precautions to protect your baby so that they can enjoy these exciting firsts.
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