Questions to ask when buying an engagement ring

by  in Marriage & Family
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a diamond ring

Purchasing an engagement ring is a first-time experience for most of us and it’s no doubt a high-end item that we don’t commonly come across daily.

When it comes to a costly purchase like a diamond ring, you will want to make sure you’re making the proper choice before parting with your cash. Are you uncertain of the questions you should ask before purchasing a promise ring?

If not, read on.

Can it be modified?

It’s a good idea to inquire about the ease with which a ring can be adjusted, amended, or enhanced. You may not want to choose a style that is costly and difficult to modify if your companion leads an active lifestyle. Alternatively, you might want to start with a simple diamond ring with the goal of upgrading later. Check with the jeweler on how simple it will be to replace the stone or fuse on a new band.

Are there warranties?

Check to see if the ring includes a maintenance contract that will support future adjustments, and be sure you understand the agreements; Don’t forget that you will probably need to fix something on your band at a certain stage.

When purchasing a diamond engagement ring, request a copy of the stone’s certificate to check its validity. It’s also preferable if the ring has a return policy because you never know how well a ring will fit until you’ve worn it for a few days. Don’t forget to inquire about any additional warranties that may apply to your ring or its gems.

What’s your ring budget?
engagement ring budget

Image Credits: eshowmagazine.com

Because of the wide range of engagement rings available at varying prices, you must first decide how much you want to commit before shopping for a diamond ring. The cost of a diamond engagement ring can range from $1,000 to $30,000, with the typical cost being around $5,000.

Your exact budget should be determined before you look for an engagement ring to help you limit your search for the right piece of jewelry. Simply put, the type of ring style you can purchase is confined by your funds. For instance, common sense dictates that the larger the diamond, the higher the price, and vice versa.

One of the most pricey buys you will ever make is your engagement ring. When it comes to ring purchasing, there’s a certain amount of pressure that comes with it. You want to purchase the perfect ring or one that makes you as satisfied as possible. Knowing what questions to ask before selecting an engagement ring is crucial. You can significantly minimize your options to a ring that’s ideal for both you and your partner by using the basic questions listed above.

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Health Benefits of Chocolates

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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Here at Money Digest, we shared a variety of deals on chocolate. Its goodness does not stop there!

Did you know that the history of chocolate dates back to 2000BC? At the time, Mayans were the first to discover cacao fruit. They made chocolate out of it and drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices of wine. It was readily available to all Mayan households.

To this day, chocolate is enjoyed as a dessert and a beverage all over the world.

#1: PROTECTS YOU FROM SUN DAMAGE

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. The bioactive compounds found in dark chocolate may be great for your skin. You see, flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow, and increase skin density and hydration.

#2: GOOD SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Dark chocolate has a high ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. It reflects the measurement of the antioxidant activity in food. Dark chocolate is loaded with compounds such as polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. All these are great antioxidants, which are crucial in assisting proper brain functioning.

#3: MINIMIZES HEART DISEASE RISK

According to research, compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In the long run, it can help reduce cholesterol clogging arteries in the body.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Cocoa was found to minimize the risk of death from heart disease by 50% over 15 years, according to a study of 470 elderly men. Another study showed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%.

#4: BOOSTS MOOD

If you are looking for a mood booster, search no further than chocolates. Thanks to their flavanol, chocolates are known to help improve mood. Cocoa has been linked to feelings of calmness and contentment. Moreover, dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the feel-good chemical endorphins.

#5: ELEVATES YOUR ENERGY

Apart from being mood boosters, chocolates can elevate your energy to help you fulfill your daily tasks. As an energy-rich food, it contains about 550 calories per 100 grams. Be sure to carry a bar of chocolates when you do physical activity!

Sources:1 & 2

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How to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer

by  in Career and Enterprising
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two ladies conversing and smiling

You will almost certainly agree that salaries and benefits are the most important factors to consider when contemplating job offers.

Salary negotiating, like price-bargaining, necessitates a fundamentally different approach. Instead of accepting the initial wage offer made, you should learn certain strategies and techniques to help you enhance the offer.

So without further ado, let’s get started on how to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer.

Start high

One basic tenet of pay bargaining is to offer the company a number that is somewhat greater than your target. This way, even if they lower their offer, you will still have a wage offer you can embrace. If you provide a wage range, the company will almost certainly skew toward the lower end of the scale, so be sure the lowest value you submit is still a good number you can settle for.

Consider your value
an Asian man in an interview

Image Credits: freepik.com

Your contribution to the organization may be greater than the post for which you are seeking. For example, if you interview for the role of Senior Business Development Manager and have 10 years of experience, you can expect a certain range of pay. But if you qualify for the same position with the standard expertise, plus the benefits of financial background or even content-creating skills, you will be bringing additional core competencies and significance to the salary discussion.

Understand the restrictions

Even if your potential employer likes you and believes you should get all you want, they might not grant it to you. This is because they may be bound by certain restrictions, such as salary ceilings, that no measure of the debate can change. It’s your responsibility to discover where they’re willing to compromise and where they’re not.

However, start dates, holiday entitlements, and performance bonuses can be variables. If you’re dealing with a smaller firm that has never recruited someone in your position before, you may have some leeway with the initial wage offer or job description, but not with anything else. The clearer you grasp the restrictions, the better you will be at directing the negotiation conversation.

When an employer issues an offer letter, they will normally present you with a pay and benefits package, together with a projected salary. You may choose to bargain for more compensation if you do not believe the salary matches your qualifications, level of expertise, and accomplishments. Knowing how to negotiate pay proposals is a critical skill that will help you get paid appropriately for future work. To accomplish this, nonetheless, demands prep and practice, just like any other skill. As you rejoice in a new job opportunity presented, keep the aforementioned suggestions in mind.

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How to Create Investment Goals

by  in Investments
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When it comes to investing, goal-setting is a vital step toward achieving financial success. Achievable goals can help you narrow your focus, stay motivated, and create a plan. In this article, you will learn the importance of goals and the steps to take.

#1: DETERMINE YOUR GOALS

Start by determining exactly what you want to achieve. Common investing goals include saving up for child’s education, retirement, and a house. Good investment goals need to be SMART. SMART stands for the following:

Specific: Setting a specific financial goal requires laying out the purpose for why you want to save.

Measurable: Financial goals need to be easily measured to help you assess your progress.

Achievable: Setting goals that are not achievable can diminish your motivation and steer you away from your path.

Relevant: A good investment goal should align with your values and beliefs.

Time-Bound: Calculate how much you need to save monthly or weekly to achieve your investment goal by providing a sense of urgency.

#2: SELECT YOUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), there are different types of goals such as short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Short-term goals can be achieved in less than three years and may be suited to liquid investments such as cash and money market accounts. Mid-term goals that can take up to ten years can be allocated to balancing your portfolio, fixed-income investments, and stocks.

Lastly, long-term goals that can last more than ten years can take a more aggressive approach such as investing in stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds.

#3: TAKE SMALL STEPS

New investors and those who are more risk-averse can start small to get a better understanding of the process. Adjustment to the investor’s approach can make goals more realistic and achievable.

#4: SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Countless social media pages and credible blogs provide financial advice about investing and other topics. Many investing platforms have educational resources on their website. It is up to you to do your research and seek professional support when needed.

BOTTOM LINE

Assess your investment goals as early as possible to avoid difficulties and complications. Planning and execution of your investment processes require a level of discipline and commitment. Start small if the process feels overwhelming and watch your nest grow.

Sources: 1 & 2

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What to do when your child won’t sit still while eating

by  in Marriage & Family
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kids who can't sit still

If your child refuses to sit in their highchair or child seat, appears restless, wants to eat while sitting on your lap, or you constantly feel compelled to hunt them about with a spoon in your hand because they never come to a stop, you need tips to rebalance the situation.

There are several reasons why children should always remain seated while eating. The most essential reason is that it significantly reduces their risk of choking. It also establishes a habit and standard that we eat in distinct locations with specific behaviors. Sitting stationary can help your child concentrate on their food and connect with their appetite levels, which is crucial.

Stay on this page if you’re looking for suggestions on what to do when your child won’t sit still while eating.

Check the time

Toddlers should be fed every two to three hours, with only water between feedings. If your child is nibbling on a snack after an hour after the main meal, he or she may be less willing to sit down and finish up the next full meal. Eating can then become a true battle of wills if you don’t get the meal times correct.

Use a visual timer

A visible clock is a pleasant visual approach for your toddler to comprehend how long you require them to remain at the table. For instance, a sand timer is a superb solution for younger kids who can’t tell time yet, and at the same time, seeing the sand flow makes it an intriguing observation experience for them. Overall, this method gives them structure and makes them more conscious of what is anticipated of them at the dinner table.

Get them strapped
a child eating on his own

Image Credits: strong4life.com

If your child is under the age of three, a belted high chair, if they still fit, is strongly recommended. You will be waging a war until you can commence the feeding session in a buckled posture because most toddlers don’t have the focus and concentration in eating long enough to sit quietly. Already forgotten about child seats? Make every effort to retrieve them, even if it involves purchasing a new model. We assure you it’s going to be a worthy investment in this feeding phase.

Prepare sensory activities

Pre-meal sensory activities can be incredibly beneficial since they relax and order our minds, allowing us to concentrate on our tasks, which is eating in this context for your child. There are numerous sensory exercises available, ranging from sand play to balancing beams and more.

If you’re not sure which form of sensory stimulation your child will prefer, we recommend experimenting with both energetic and calm, relaxing sensory experiences. And the reaction you should be watching for is if they become more concentrated and sit quietly for longer periods during meal time. It may require some experimentation as well as commitment to achieve this.

For a multitude of reasons, your kid must remain seated throughout meals. A wiggly toddler who gets up and down from the table during mealtime is sidetracked and, like other diversions, will eat lesser altogether. Allowing your child to nibble their way through a meal while wandering can lead to power battles, fussy eating problems, and undisciplined and disruptive family meals. Nip the problem in the bud by heeding some of our abovementioned tips to see if it works for you.

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