Accidents happen when we least expect them, and most people don't have the savings to face them if they occur. That's why it is important to consider life insurance, which works as a backup in case of an incident. Since these types of situations could be just around the corner, let's take a look at the top five most common accidents in the US. (more…)
According to the World Health Organization, over 20% of adults aged 60+ suffer from a mental or neurological disorder, and among the most common is depression, which is often caused by retirement and the loneliness that it entails. (more…)
We’re coming up on that time again. Love is in the air, and after the year we’ve just had, let’s face it, we all need to focus on love. But with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the worry about creating a lovely romantic evening with gifts and experiences creates a lot of pressure during an already stressful time. Then when we think about money, our worries deepen. From chocolates to dinner to jewelry, Canadians can put a dent in their bank accounts during this romantic month. But love doesnt always have to have a large price tag to mean something. Let’s take a look at 11 ideas for saving money this Valentine’s Day. (more…)
After a lifetime of working, retirement feels like a blessing.
It is a time to get rid of irrational fears and expectations, relax, and mainly enjoy the best things in life. From engaging in new hobbies to connecting with old friends, retirement is a phase that allows for rediscovering and reinventing oneself, without the pressures of the working life.
But there is another side to it that it is worth taking into account: how to get financially prepared for retiring.
While most people envision a steady source of income without the need to go to work each day, others worry that they won’t be able to meet all their needs. Further than that, many people need a sense of purpose and stimulation to keep mentally active, which leads them to search for part-time or freelance jobs.
If you fit into one of these last categories, you are surely wondering: How can I generate income after retirement?
Luckily for you, it has never been easier than now to generate income after retirement. Thanks to the new technologies, apps, and growth of remote working, it is now possible to find all sorts of side gigs on the internet - or even create a small, autonomous business.
If your goal for 2021 is to find a way to generate income after retirement, take a look at these nine ideas we have gathered for you:
Look around your house. You have been accumulating all sorts of things for a long, long time. Jackets you haven’t worn for ages, furniture that has no real use, collections of old books, electronics that you don't even know how to turn on, and endless gadgets and tools just sitting around in boxes… Don’t you think it is time to let these things go?
In a Mary Kondo style, look at all your possessions and sincerely ask: do I need all this?
If the answer is no (it will be no, we can assure you), consider selling the objects that no longer serve a purpose. You can join second-hand markets, use platforms like Facebook marketplace, or even handy Apps like Letgo, where you can list and sell your products as effortlessly as possible. Not only will you make some extra cash with these sellings, but also organize your belongings and uncover extra space in your house that wasn't there before.
Remember the proverb: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
The freelance world (also known as the gig economy) is booming, especially now that remote work became a widespread reality across the globe. This ‘new normal’ brings many job opportunities for those looking to make some extra cash and monetize their free time. For people with satisfactory computer skills, this is a great option to generate income after retirement.
But how can you take advantage of it? It is quite simple: just think about your talents and areas of expertise and put them to use! If you have a knack for spelling and grammar, you could make a great freelance proofreader. If, on the other hand, you have got experience improving businesses’ operations, profitability, and management, you can consider becoming a freelance consultant. The options are endless!
These days, many companies conduct legitimate online paid surveys, virtual focus groups, and various other forms of online marketing research. For people in retirement, these are great tools to make extra money effortlessly.
Focus groups can pay up to a few hundred dollars for a few hours of your time, while surveys tend to take up less time and pay less. Platforms such as Survey Junkie, Google User Research, and User Interviews can pay you up to $100 per survey or $75 per hour.
The extra space you have lying around in your home could become a very convenient way for you to make extra income with little effort. Nowadays, it is easy to rent a place (or even just a bedroom) online. You can either use social media to promote your space or rely on a popular tool such as Airbnb, HomeToGo, or Cottages in Canada.
The same goes for your car or other vehicles. Similar to Airbnb, there are many apps that can help you rent your vehicles periodically. Right now, Turo is the most popular platform for this end, allowing you to earn an average of $620 per month.
Finally, if you have an empty garage, parking spot, or warehouse, you could also consider renting these spaces. If you are not using your extra storage space, make it available for people in need and earn some extra monthly income! According to Neighbor’s site, you can make around $800/year for renting out your garage, for instance.
You don’t need experience as a tour guide to find yourself a little gig in this area. In fact, you just need to have the right type of personality (outgoing, communicative, and so on) and passion for your region’s architecture, history, or nature. Gathering these little ingredients, there is no question that you can land on a part-time tour guide position - both independently or within a private tour company.
If there is an area in which you consider yourself an expert, that is a good place to start. Gather all the knowledge, work on a nice and interesting script, and make yourself a website with information on routes and prices. Then, you just need to promote your services (social media, for instance, a great way to do so) and find curious tourists!
After decades of trying to climb the corporate ladder, most people regard retirement as an opportunity to do something relaxing and that brings them joy. That is why arts and crafts are very popular amongst retirees. But what about taking it to the next level and trying to sell these handmade products online?
Perhaps you love to make luxurious handmade creams and soaps. Or maybe you have a special talent for ceramics, sewing, or painting. No matter your hobby, you can easily turn it into a source of income after retirement. Sites like Etsy or Shopify are an excellent option for small creators, as they allow you to set up an online store and sell your products in a hassle-free way. These platforms also offer great tutorials, marketing support and access to a community of like-minded sellers that can help you grow your business and even make friends.
If you feel like you still have to sharpen your skills before starting a business, you can use sites like Craftsy to access an endless array of projects and tips. From embroidery to knitting, on this website, you will find a great source of inspiration!
For those that want to feel useful and make a difference, tutoring can be a great option. Depending on your circumstances, you can do it both in person or online.
The online world has the advantage of enabling you to connect with clients from all around the globe, and educate people of all ages on many different subjects, including languages, writing, accounting, maths, and more. Besides, online tutoring allows you to work from the comfort of your home, which is ideal if you want to avoid a stressful commute.
You can either use websites like FlexJobs to find companies and people requesting online tutors, or simply use social media platforms to advertise your tutoring services. From elementary school students to adults, the online world allows you to find and share your knowledge and make some extra income in the process!
Taking care of kids requires many valuable skills, time, and patience. But if this is something you feel prepared to handle, babysitting can be an excellent part-time job for you!
Many parents question whether younger nannies are responsible enough to look after their children - and that is why many prefer to have an older person doing it. If you think you are up for the challenge, you just need to promote your services and (ideally) get some people to recommend them. In today’s world, having good feedback on your skills and reliability is a must for this sort of job.
Similarly, if you have a great love for animals and pet care, whether it’s dog walking, or pet sitting for friends, this could be a great idea to generate income after retirement.
After a certain age, most people start thinking about getting a life insurance policy, especially if they worry about final expenses and outstanding debts. If this is your case and you are interested in applying for a life insurance policy, there is a little component you should take into account if you want to make some extra money: cash value.
Whole life insurance, also known as permanent life insurance, offers a death benefit and also accumulates cash value you can borrow against or use for other purposes.
Cash value grows at different rates for different insurers and with different types of life insurance policies. So before choosing a policy, ask about this component and clear all your doubts. Depending on your goals, you may find that it is more appropriate for you to choose a universal life insurance policy or a whole life insurance plan, for instance.
Since personal situations are unique, and the details of accessing cash value funds are intricate, we strongly recommend you to talk with an advisor to understand how you can make the most of this component.
Besides worrying about generating income after retirement, most people also try to find an insurance plan to keep their families financially safe in the face of adversity.
At Insurance Supermarket International, we know how hard it is for most people to find the perfect insurance policy without struggling with endless requirements and paperwork. From face-to-face meetings to medical exams, many factors can make getting insured long and stressful, especially for older people. That is why we decided to make things differently and simply the process as much as possible.
For that purpose, we offer simplified plans that don’t require medical exams, in-person meetings with advisors, or complicated paperwork to fill out. You can go through the whole application from the comfort of your home and get your plan in as little as 24 hours.
If you wonder how our life insurance plans could benefit you and your family, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We will be happy to show you what our products can do for you and the people you care about the most.
On the other hand, if you want to apply for our plans, complete this quick form to get a free quote. Our friendly advisors will be delighted to walk you through your options and find the perfect solution.
Written by Diane Taes
We’ve all been through a lot this year. It seems as though from month to month, there was always something new to worry about throughout 2020. Now, as we enter the holiday season and approach the end of the year, we all are sharing the same thought, “How can I spend time with my family this holiday during the COVID-19 pandemic?”
There are restrictions in place across the world, and they are there for all of our safety, but these make connecting with family and celebrating the holidays more difficult than in previous years. But we are very fortunate to live in a time when connectivity is everywhere, and there are a number of ways we can still be together without physically being together. Here are some ways to virtually spend time with your family this holiday season. (more…)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: In this article you will find 7 tips to prevent cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared in 2018 that there were 17 million new cancer cases and 9.5 million cancer deaths worldwide. With the increase in autoimmune diseases and the decreasing quality of life, researchers predict a dramatic rise in health problems and cancers. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of cancer by improving your lifestyle. Research has also shown that it's possible to prevent half of the cancer cases by using our knowledge about proper diets and the body's biochemical functioning.
So how to avoid cancer? Every day you make choices that affect your health. The question is how to make smarter choices to help your body stay healthy and prevent cancer. Choices about your diet, choices about physical activity. Follow our 7 steps to lower your risk of developing cancer. Tip number 6 will surprise you. And if you know someone who has had cancer in their family, share this article with them. It might help them a lot!
Did you know that smoking is the cause of about 90% of lung cancers? Here are the other cancers that smoking provokes:
- Lung cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Throat cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Oral cancer
- Esophageal cancer
In addition to these cancers, smoking causes vision problems and bone fractures.
Quitting smoking is also protecting your loved ones since tobacco damages the health of non-smokers. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 chemical compounds that can also cause lung cancer and respiratory ailments in the people around us.
Smoking increases the number of nicotine receptors in your brain. When you stop smoking, these receptors still want nicotine, and when they don't get it, they start to adjust. This process of adjustment and upgrading the biochemistry of the brain causes cravings and relapses.
It takes at least three months for your brain chemistry to return to normal after you quit smoking.
Get help from a therapist if needed: Hypnotherapy is very efficient for some people. This technique will help you find the emotional or mental reason for your smoking.
And bonus: quitting cigarettes will lower your life insurance premiums!
Repeated exposure to the sun damages your skin, and can cause the most common form of cancer, skin cancer. The skin is the largest organ, and we often forget it. Still, it is fragile and sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
How to avoid skin cancer?
- Never use tanning equipment.
- Apply at least index 30 sunscreens, and if necessary, all year round.
- Avoid exposure to the sun between 11 am and 3 pm.
Beware of the sun's reflective effect: water, glass or even bitumen. Some materials, even opaque, still reflect the sun's rays!
- Wear long-sleeved clothing when the UV index in your area is above 3.
- Hydrate frequently and in the morning with water
- If you get sunburned, use aloe vera or another healing solution to help your skin. Aloe vera is said to have the superpower of inhibiting inflammatory reactions, according to a study from the Arak University of Medical Sciences published in 2013.
Food and oxygen are the raw materials that a cell needs to function. To reduce your risk of cancer, be careful about what you eat. According to multiple studies published in 2016, proper diet can help prevent cancer and even shrink tumors. Dr. Lewis Cantley Director of the Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine that published these studies declared: "As we learn more and more about cancer metabolism, we understand that individual cancers are addicted to particular things. In a lot of cancers, that's insulin—and sugar."
So, lower the sugar to starve any tumors potentially present in your body and prevent cancerous cells from forming. The cells will have no choice but to feed on fat and protein instead.
To support your body and prevent cancer risks, choose to eat fruits, fresh vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Limit processed foods like ready meals or certain transformed meats.
Here are four foods to eat right now on your weekly menu to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Pineapple: Researchers at the Queensland Medical Research Institute in Australia discovered in 2016 an anti-cancer agent in the molecules of the fruit. This anti agent is the bromelain molecule.
Broccoli: Researchers at Harvard University of Medicine identified a compound in 2019 that could prevent certain cancers and even serve as a treatment by blocking cancer cells' growth. You will find this compound in broccoli, brussels sprouts, arugula, cabbage, kale and cauliflower.
Garlic: Allicin is an ingredient in garlic that is released when the clove is chopped or crushed. Allicin has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect and anti-tumour effect for lung cancer, colon cancer and bowel cancer. The online journal Cancer Prevention Research published an article on this subject in 2015. You should eat 5g of garlic per day to prevent cancer, like alcohol, sugar, red meats, salt, and fat.
Aloe vera: researchers of all around the world study this plant for its many benefits. Aloe vera is famous for the fantastic effect on the skin. But it also inhibits inflammatory reactions, including the toxic impact of benzopyrene. This chemical comes from cigarette smoke and pollution. Benzopyrene causes tumors in the respiratory tract but also in the digestive tract.
But if you are careful with your diet, take the time to study the package leaflets for certain medications.
Antibiotics, photosensitizing drugs can have unpleasant surprises in store for you in case of abuse. Take the time to discuss this with your doctor.
Antibiotics hurt the intestinal flora: these drugs destroy the number and diversity of bacteria and reduce resistance to infections. A study published in 2017 by Gut, a specialist medical journal dependent on the British Medical Journal (BMJ), proved that people who consume antibiotics regularly between 20 and 60 developed lesions of the intestinal wall and polyps. These symptoms are the first signs of future cancer.
So to prevent the risk of cancer of your digestive system, take care of your microbiota.
Sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer is good, but sometimes the sun itself isn't the problem.
Some drugs have a molecule that reacts to UV rays. The medicine circulates in your blood under your skin throughout your body. The damages to skin cells can be the same as a sunburn: burning sensation, pain, the skin turns red and hot. And just like a sunburn, it can cause skin cancer.
Photosensitizing drugs can be:
- Anti-allergic drugs
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Medicines used in cardiology
- Drugs used in neuropsychiatry
- Medicines used in dermatology
So remember to talk to your doctor and read the instructions carefully.
In 2019 an international study proved that physical exercise is associated with a lower risk of developing cancer. Physical activity helps to:
- Regulate the production of certain hormones and growth factors such as insulin, leptin and adiponectin, which plays a role in tumor growth,
- Physical activity stimulates the immune system, your best ally in helping your body eliminate cancer cells,
- It enables intestinal transit and reduces the digestive system's time by carcinogenic agents that we ingest in our food.
Inactivity induces problems with blood circulation, poor oxygenation of the body, a risk of being overweight. So to prevent cancer risks, exercise to stimulate your body's natural defences. Physical exercise is understood as a practice causing a marked increase in energy expenditure and can be:
- Walking
- Gardening
- Household chores
- Or any other sporting activity
This study recommends at least thirty minutes per day for proven effectiveness in reducing cancer risk. So grab your shopping basket, broom or sneakers now!
Some cancers reappear from generation to generation. "Ha, it's genetic" very often sounds like fate. As if there was nothing that could be changed. However, a scientific study published in 2011 showed that genes could adapt to protect the body from cancer.
Nutrition, first of all, can modify epigenetic mechanisms through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants found naturally in these foods are powerful cancer protection. If, on the contrary, you do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, your DNA suffers from a deterioration, which will increase with age.
Your mental health is the second damaging factor you can control. Stress shortens the telomeres, which are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. This length of telomeres determines the body's longevity and good health. When the telomere is too small, the cell dies and becomes pro-inflammatory, leading to cancer risk. However, stress and depression can help reduce the length of these telomeres.
Other activities can help you lower your risk of cancer. In 2017, a scientific study published in the Journal Frontiers in Immunology demonstrated that mind-body activities (Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, Qi Gong etc.) could suppress the expression of genes and genetic pathways that promote inflammation, metabolism and aging of cells.
Ivana Buric, one of the study's authors, explains: "These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. Put simply, MBIs cause the brain to steer our DNA processes along a path which improves our well-being."
Meditation, in particular, because it reduces stress and increases the production of hormones of well-being, helps maintain the telomeres' length.
So, choose a healthy lifestyle each day to help keep your genetics healthy and reduce your risk of cancer.
Your immune system is one of the primary defense mechanisms against cancer because it recognizes cancer cells and destroys them. However, it happens that some cells escape and spread, creating tumor growths.
And like any superhero, there are times when he or she has weaknesses and needs help. You can help your immune system by strengthening it with certain foods:
Your microbiota is intimately linked to your brain but also your immune system. 70% of immune cells are in the intestine. So take care of your diet to heal your immune system headquarters. From time to time, you can also take a course on probiotics. Here are the foods that will help you recreate your intestinal flora and strengthen your immune cells:
So, are you rethinking how you take care of yourself now? We believe that taking care of yourself is essential to maintaining your health, but we also believe that protecting your loved ones’ futures is vital.
At Insurance Supermarket International, we have chosen to specialize in life insurance. It is genuinely the immune system of your finances because this protection plan covers all eventualities: medical expenses not covered, debts, funeral expenses etc.
We will be happy to assist you by offering protection plans tailored to your circumstances to help you achieve complete financial security. To be contacted by an advisor, we invite you to complete our short free quote form.
Ressources
US National Library of Medicine - Garlic and onions: Their cancer prevention properties
Psychology Today - Meditation Has The Power to Influence Your Genes
American Cancer Society - Exercise is medicine in oncology
US National Library of Medicine - Can Meditation Slow Rate of Cellular Aging
Medical Xpress - Increasing evidence of a strong connection between sugar and cancer
Malek Hosseini A, Ghaffarzadegan R, Alizadeh SA, Ghaffarzadegan R, Haji Agaei R, Ahmadlou M. Effect of aloe vera gel, compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine cream on second-degree burn wound healing. Universite d’Arak des Sciences médicales
US National Library of Medicine - Epigenetics and lifestyle
Written by Diane Taes
Is there a perfect formula to stop worrying about money and be sure you always have savings to deal with the unexpected? How to properly manage your budget and personal finances? Ensuring your financial security comes with a solid foundation - and those foundations start with solid budget management. The key to successfully managing your personal finances is simple. It's a bit like a house: you need to create a solid foundation, build the upper floors, and of course, have a roof to be always protected no matter what happens above your head. Life insurance plans and annuities for retirement offer this kind of security. Then, once you built that financial security, you can set aside money for holiday spendings, education and your dream home.
And if you thought a family budget worksheet was enough for sound personal finance management, read this article carefully till the end. Likewise, if you know someone who has trouble managing their personal finances, please share this article to help them. This financial education article will teach you how to handle a personal budget and handle a budget surplus. Or more precisely, how to invest it. But first, let's talk about your financial goals.
Have you ever been turned down by a life insurance company? Or you’ve probably heard of insurance denials and wondered why an insurance company would refuse to insure people? There are many reasons for the denial of life insurance coverage. Insurers will use your profile, your age and your health history to determine if you are insurable or not. So if you want to buy a life insurance plan, you should prepare from now and stack all the odds in your favor to be insured. As you read this, do you know someone who has been denied life insurance and would like to qualify for life insurance? Share this article with this person to help her!
It's easy to get life insurance at age 30, but much more challenging after 50 years old or during retirement. What to do if you are denied life insurance? You must prove that you are in good health and not at risk for any illnesses and diseases. So read these tips carefully to take care of your health and increase your chances of getting a life insurance plan. Tip number 7 will surprise you!