We all hoped that life would return to normal as we ushered 2020 out the door. And we all hoped 2021 would be a far better experience. While that was partly true, 2021 was still extremely challenging for many Americans.

Fortunately, we have all learned important lessons from the difficult times we’ve gone through in the last two years. The money lessons we now have will help us as we move forward, whether 2022 is good, bad, or somewhere in the middle.

What are some of the lessons we’ve learned? Let’s take a look.

It Pays to Save

It’s always important to have a safety net financially, but 2021 taught us that the safety net is absolutely essential. So many people lost jobs during the lockdowns or left jobs in 2021 while looking for better opportunities, and they didn’t have much in savings to get by on.

That means the top money lesson of the year is to save where you can. The less you’re paying for ongoing bills, the more you can afford to change jobs or face a layoff. Also, when you’re spending less, you can set more money aside for a difficult time.

Consider looking at Freeway Insurance reviews and calling the company to get lower rates on car and renters insurance. The more you save, the more prepared you are!

Your Life Matters More Than Work

Speaking of being out of a job, 2021 was dubbed “The Great Resignation” as people quit low-paying jobs in droves. Even people who had a good salary left their job due to stress, burnout, and a toxic work environment.

We’ve been led to believe that a job is just a paycheck and that we should accept the money and deal with the negative parts of the work environment. People aren’t willing to do that anymore. They want jobs they care about at a livable wage with good benefits, and if a position doesn’t offer that, they’re willing to move on to greener pastures.

Don’t let your work environment drain the life out of you. Instead, put your goals and mental health first. There are jobs available that will treat you well!

We Don’t Have to Spend as Much as We Often Do

In 2020 and parts of 2021, we found out that we could live without a lot of the amenities and luxuries that we take for granted. We couldn’t eat out, travel as much, party at bars, or even go to the movies.

As a result, many of us found that we don’t have to spend so much money! If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and wondered, “Where did it all go?”, 2020 and 2021 were probably a nice reminder for you. You can stay fit, eat, and have shelter without bars, gyms, or restaurants.

Now that things are opening up more, be careful about returning to your old spending habits. Why not keep things simple? It’s also a great time to look at your debt and think about how to cut back and start paying things off. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll never go out to eat, but maybe you can form new habits around cooking, exercising at home, and more.

High-Interest Debt is Dangerous

Since 2008, Americans have lived in a period of historically low-interest rates. However, nothing can last forever, and the interest rates are starting to go up. There are ongoing signs that the Fed will continue to raise them over time, as well.

If you have high-interest debt, such as a credit card, a personal loan, or a short-term loan, keep in mind that these interest rate changes will make it much harder for you to pay off the balance. Many loans have a variable interest rate, which means the rate you’re charged changes as the Fed makes interest rate decisions.

Being in debt is hard, and having a high-interest rate on those loans is even worse. Do everything you can to pay down high-interest debt or refinance it at a lower fixed rate. Your wallet and your future self will thank you!

What Are Your Money Lessons?

These are some of the important money lessons we’ve learned in 2021. What have you learned? We’d love to hear from you. Put your lessons and ideas in the comments section, and also let us know which of these tips you plan to take action on before the new year.

Financial health matters. Take care of yours!

Marijuana pills in Utah: Image Source Pxfuel

The health benefits of marijuana are a subject of interest to researchers and patients alike. Utah legalized cannabis for medicinal use in 2018, and patients can now consume different cannabis products legally within the state.

To access medical cannabis in Utah, patients must have a qualifying condition. Several conditions qualify for marijuana treatment. They include conditions such as epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia, severe nausea, and chronic pain. The complete list of qualifying conditions can be found on the Utah Department of Health website.

Patients with qualifying conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card issued by the Department of Health. With this card, patients can purchase medicinal cannabis products from a licensed dispensary in Utah. It is illegal to buy cannabis from other sources or to order it from a different state.

The Department of Health in Utah has been generous enough to allow easy access to various cannabis products. So far, they allow cannabis consumption in the form of an unprocessed flower, concentrated oils, capsules and tablets, transdermal patches, vape cartridges, and waxes and resins. Cannabis edibles are prohibited in Utah other than in the form of gelatinous cubes. This article breaks down the different marijuana consumption methods that are allowed in Utah.

Marijuana Pills

Marijuana pills are a common way of consuming marijuana. Marijuana pills may come in the form of tablets or capsules (hard and soft-shelled). While tablets and hard-shelled capsules are made from compressed cannabis powder, capsules contain cannabis that is in oil form. You can easily find these pills in a Utah dispensary. Since the pills are swallowed and have to go through the digestive system before they hit the bloodstream, the effects are likely to be delayed.

Advantages of Marijuana Pills

• Easy to consume
• Do not require any gadgets to consume
• The effects may last for a longer duration
• Offer discretion
• Pills are easy to fit into one’s routine

Disadvantages of Marijuana Pills

• Delayed onset of action
• Reduced bioavailability

Concentrated Marijuana Tinctures

Cannabinoids and terpenes that have been extracted from cannabis can be concentrated into a tincture. Tinctures need to be stored in dark-colored bottles and away from direct sunlight. Tinctures should be consumed sublingually to increase their efficiency. The region beneath the tongue (sublingual) is highly vascularized. This means that the cannabinoids and terpenes will be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The tincture will come in a dropper bottle to allow the patient to place a few drops beneath the tongue. However, some people may prefer to swallow the tincture and enable it to follow the digestive process. In this case, the effects may take a longer time to set in, but they may stick around much longer once they do.

Advantages of Marijuana Tinctures

• One of the easiest ways to consume cannabis
• The effects are almost immediate when the tincture is ingested sublingually
• It is easy to measure out dosages and titrate to suit one’s needs
• It offers a discreet way to consume cannabis
• Cannabinoids and terpenes are included in some formulations
• It does not require any special equipment

Disadvantages of Marijuana Tinctures

• The onset may be slow, and bioavailability is limited if the tincture is swallowed

How to use Marijuana Tinctures

• Place one to two drops of the tincture beneath the tongue
• Hold the tincture for 15 seconds before you swallow
• You should begin feeling the effects in about 15 minutes

Marijuana Vape cartridges

Vape cartridges allow patients to enjoy immediate effects while avoiding some of the risks associated with smoking cannabis. In other words, vaping is considered a safer alternative to smoking cannabis because it involves less combustion. While the effects may set in almost immediately, they are likely to last for between one to three hours.

To enjoy cannabis in this way, patients will need to purchase a vape pen and cartridge that contains cannabinoids. The vape pen has an atomizer that, when powered on, heats the cannabis oil and activates the cannabinoids present. Through inhalation, the cannabinoids are immediately taken up to the lungs and into the bloodstream. Vaping cannabis offers the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Vaping Marijuana

• It has a fast onset that is almost immediate
• It is convenient and straightforward to use
• It is easy to titrate dosage and monitor effects
• Less harmful than smoking cannabis because it involves minimal combustion
• It is an incredible way to consume cannabis

Disadvantages of Vaping Marijuana

• Vape cartridges may vary from one producer to another. This may create a variance in the cannabinoid and terpene concentration. In some cases, the concentration may be lower than expected.
• Cheap vape cartridges can easily malfunction
• Some vapes may be contaminated, posing a dangerous threat to consumers
• It is not ideal for children

How to Vape Marijuana

Even if you have never used a vape cartridge before, you may find it easy to get started vaping medical marijuana. Once you confirm that the battery is charged, you should attach the cartridge and allow the cannabis oil to be heated up. Proceed to inhale the cannabinoids and terpenes and hold the smoke for three seconds before you exhale. You can repeat this process of inhaling, holding, and exhaling as you determine the most appropriate dosage to meet your needs. Always store your vape kit away from direct sunlight and heat.

Marijuana Transdermal Patches

Marijuana transdermal patch: Image Source Wikimedia

Transdermal patches are becoming a popular way of consuming cannabis for therapeutic benefits. The skin, which is the largest organ in the body, is richly supplied with endocannabinoid receptors. When marijuana is applied to the skin using transdermal patches, the cannabinoids and terpenes are quickly taken up across the dermal layers, where they interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Marijuana transdermal patches are ideal for tackling skin irritation or inflammation.

Advantages of Marijuana Transdermal Patches

• Easy to use
• Limited side effects
• Effective for skin irritation or inflammation
• Quick onset of action

Disadvantages of Marijuana Transdermal Patches

• Limited benefits outside the skin

How to Use Marijuana Transdermal Patches

Rub in—Wash hands after use. Apply directly to the affected area. Apply a small amount of ointment, salve, cream, or lotion to clean dry skin, avoiding mucous membranes.

Conclusion

Cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work together to provide maximum medical marijuana health benefits. This is referred to as cannabis synergy or entourage effect. When selecting how to consume medical marijuana, it is essential to prioritize methods that preserve these bioactive compounds. Avoid practices that may destroy these compounds through excessive heating. Additionally, you should choose a method that is best suited for your condition and enhances your lifestyle.

 

Hang on to your clients using these top-notch techniques!

This article presents a comprehensive overview of actions you can take to retain customers and ensure customer loyalty for your business.

• Customer is always right: Use open-minded customer support.

Customer satisfaction should be your top priority. Set out to get things right first time—it can be much cheaper and effective than remedying issues at a later date. In the unfortunate event that things don’t quite go according to plan, greet any criticism with an open mind and actively try to address your customers’ concerns in a polite, calm, and receptive manner.

Many companies, like Amazon, have earned a reputation for delivering excellent customer support services. Excellent customer service extends way beyond simply offering discounts and offers; it also entails being available when customers need you, making the customer feel like you genuinely care about them, being responsive to issues, and generally going that extra mile to earn the business.

• Feedback and reviews: Always ask your customers to leave a review

When customers buy your products or services, always follow up at a later date with an email to request feedback on their experiences and any recommendations they may have for how your business can be improved in the future. If customers give you glowing feedback, ask them to share their words on social media or on business review platforms. This will help you to establish a name for yourself as a high-quality provider that people can trust.

• Interacting with Customers: Ask for improvement and suggestions

Asking your customers for ideas on how your business can be improved can help your customers to feel important and valued. If you take positive action based on their feedback or suggestion, the customer is more likely to purchase further products or services from your company in the future.

In some situations, it may be useful to ask the customer to take part in a survey on your website in return for some gift vouchers or free products as rewards. You could also consider using polls and surveys as a method for eliciting customer feedback. The numbers on the polls will determine how attractive and popular your product is.

• Be open to criticism and negative feedback

It is a well-known fact that people are much more likely to share details of their experiences with others when they are dissatisfied than when they are satisfied. As such, you should always make the effort to get in touch with your customers to ask them about their experiences. In the event your product or services haven’t quite lived up to expectation, this will give you an opportunity to try and put things right. Be open to criticism, apologize to the customer for the inconvenience, and offer compensation if needed.

You can also distribute samples of new products, which will enable the customer to use the product for a while and give ab honest review. This way, the customers can also criticize the product and provide suggestions for improvement. As a business, you must see those suggestions as a solution to get your product on track.

• Always ask your customer to refer other clients

The referral technique is well-known in the customer satisfaction industry. It works as a protection and a useful asset for a company. Asking the customer to refer your company/product to their friends and family is a very productive technique and has always been a charismatic method for more sales.

Furthermore, another great technique that the business can adopt is rewarding the customer for his referral. For example, if a customer refers your business or services to a friend or family member, you can offer a gift voucher to the referee when the new customer completes his first purchase. The same reward can also be offered to the new customer as a welcome gesture.

• Use your online presence

Another great idea for customer retention is making the best use of your online presence. Successful companies use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for Social Media Marketing for their products. Using social media presence also alerts the customers regarding some updates in your product and contributes to attracting some new customers as well. Moreover, engaging with followers on social media creates a very positive impact, and the customers feel heard. It is especially useful to promptly respond to negative feedback or complaints and offer quick solutions in order to win back the trust of angry customers.

• Deliver high quality, adequate quantity

The seller also has to make sure that the product or the service they are providing is of high quality and is available in adequate quantity. Even if the quantity lags, if the quality is good, more and more customers will come after it, and then the next step will be to focus on the quantity. Remember, if you can create one product, you can also create thousands of them.

• Apologise when necessary

Regarding criticism and complaints from the customer, the most important point is to apologize and make the customer feel that their opinion is highly valued. Customer support services are vital in this case. They should be strictly trained to apologize to the client right away if they become angry or are not satisfied with the product. Make promises to make necessary amendments, take their feedback seriously. Then, fulfil that promise.

So, in conclusion, if the above methods and strategies are followed, then there will not be any room for a negative customer relationship.

Being a business owner, you need to think about how to minimise the impact of financial insecurities on your business. Consider getting business insurance or professional liability insurance to protect yourself from such risks.

Infographic created by Clover

Network, a POS System provider

When you do anything for the first time, it is natural to make mistakes. If you’re buying your first home however, you don’t want to make ones that are too costly.

First time buyers tend to come across the same issues. 40% of first time buyers even said buying their first home was one of the most stressful things they’ve ever done. Here is a list of just a few, so that hopefully you can avoid them!

Figure out how much you can afford

One of the most common mistakes first time buyers make is not figuring out their finances before looking at properties. Most buyers look at aspirational properties that are way out of their price range and then they are disappointed by the properties that they can actually afford.

The goal for any first time buyer is to get a loan with a monthly payment that won’t keep you up at night. It’s usually better to aim low. Use a mortgage calculator before you look, to know exactly what your price range is.

Some buyers will also underestimate how much of a down payment they should make. One of the most common regrets that millennial homeowners have is not waiting until they had more money for a deposit. The bigger the deposit they make, the less they will have to pay back each month. Make sure the deposit you make will bring down your monthly costs.

Not having enough money saved

Buying a pre-owned property almost always comes with the caveat that it needs work. A lot of first time buyers will empty their savings paying the deposit on their house and not have any cash left over for work that needs to be done.

Make sure you have enough behind you to be able to call out a tradesman, even after the down payment is made. If you find yourself needing roofing done in Sunderland, consider Findley Roofing and Building.

Applying for credit before the sale is final

Once you have applied for a mortgage, it takes a couple of weeks before the deal is final. This time period is crucial. So many first time buyers make the mistake of buying furniture on credit or taking out a new car on finance. You need to leave your credit alone as much as you can, because a lender’s mortgage decision will be made on your debt-to-income ratio.

This mindful attitude needs to carry on for a couple of weeks after the deal has closed. A lender will continue to monitor your credit, to make sure your credit score hasn’t fallen. If it has, you could face an increased interest rate or fees on the mortgage. In extreme instances, it could even result in a cancelled mortgage.

In summary, buying your first home is not a decision that can be rushed into. Take some time to really consider your financial situation. That way, there’s no chance you’ll make any of these common first time buyer mistakes.