Are you planning a wedding on a tight budget? Perhaps you’re getting hitched in the middle of a pandemic? In either of these scenarios, keeping your guest list to a minimum is recommended. The more people you invite to your big day, the more expensive it is. Not to mention, too many people at your ceremony or reception increase the chances of spreading the coronavirus. If deciding who to invite to your wedding drives you insane, these tips on how to successfully narrow down your guest list are sure to make things easier. 

 

Talk to the Venue

Before sending out your wedding invites, reach out to your wedding venue. Find out what the requirements are for guests. A representative should be able to tell you how many people you can safely invite. If your wedding is being held outdoors or in a large indoor space, you may request more people than if you’ve chosen an intimate venue indoors. 

 

Healthy and Safety

Above all else, the health and safety of your friends and relatives is a priority. As the coronavirus spreads quickly, you want to do what you can to safeguard everyone. The best way to do this is to avoid inviting people that are most vulnerable. If you know that someone has an existing health condition or is over 60, asking them to attend is risky. You can instead allow them to watch your wedding from home through digital communication platforms. 

 

Reviewing Your Budget Can Help Narrow Down Your Guest List

If finances are the issue for you, then review your budget to discern how many people you can afford to host. At this point, you likely have an estimate from the caterer and reception hall on how much it will cost per person. Based on the money you’ve set aside for food and drinks, you can make a more informed decision on how many to invite. 

 

No Kids Allowed

Except for any children you’ve asked to be in your bridal party, excluding children from the reception can help you save money. As there have been increased reports of kids contracting the coronavirus, it may be safer for them to remain at home. If you’re going to select this option, be sure you include it on your invitations so your guests can make arrangements. 

 

High-Risk States

Some states are worse off than others amid the pandemic. If you planned on inviting guests from out of town, it’s best to prevent asking those in high-risk areas to attend. The chances of them having the virus are higher, and there are also travel restrictions that could require them to quarantine for weeks. Again, there’s always the option to let them watch your wedding online. 

 

Immediate Family Only

Traditionally, you might invite extended family, friends, co-workers, and others to your wedding. If you’re trying to keep the guest list to a minimum, you may need to rethink this. Instead, only send invitations to your immediate family and closest friends. 

 

Bridal Party Only

Some couples have decided to eliminate the guest list altogether by merely asking the bridal party to attend. A few bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and the happy couple’s parents are enough to make the moment special. You can then stream your wedding for everyone else or share photos on a wedding website. 

 

Elopement

Believe it or not, some couples have become so overwhelmed by planning a wedding during the pandemic that they decided to elope. Doing so not only saves you a bunch of money, but it keeps everyone safe. You and your partner are then free to have your wedding wherever you’d like and then get right to the honeymoon. And, you don’t have to worry about narrowing down the guest list. 

 

From limited budgets to health and safety concerns, the national health crisis has made planning a wedding anything but easy. When it comes to inviting guests to your special occasion, the above advice will help you do so in a way that saves you money and keeps everyone safe. 

Organizing our kitchens, including the foods we have stored and the culinary possessions we use each day, is an essential task of ours. This is especially true if we have families to take care of, because things can usually get messy fast when there are kids in the house. Furthermore, not every family has an abundance of space to work with. So – how do you better organize your kitchen? What tips and tricks can last the span of time? And, more importantly, what advice can be geared to a range of kitchens, no matter where in the world you are, and what cuisine you are most versed in? Those are worthwhile questions. Let’s think about how to better organize your kitchen.

Creative Food Storage

 Creative food storage can be a fantastic idea if you’re notorious for purchasing and storing too many ingredients. A large pantry can help you hold them in an organized capacity, to your liking. Hooks to hang cloves of garlic from can be a great idea. An open netted basket for holding eggs can also be a great idea. If you find your freezer is continually filling up, you might purchase a second option and place it in your garage. You may wish to fix your fridge with the parts necessary to ensure the lower levels are once again open for salad storage. All of this helps in the long run.

 Economize Space

 Economizing space can also be a worthwhile use of your time. For instance, you might decide upon installing corner drawers that pull out and give you more storage space. For many, that can prevent them from having too many ‘odds and ends’ drawers that seem customary in most kitchens. You may decide to install a spice rack shelf so you don’t have to store them up against the wall. Little storage areas and places you can divide out space for will help you keep your surface area clean.

 Logical Mise-En-Place

 Mise-en-place is the term chefs use for how your station is prepared, where your little trimmings are, what ingredients you have access to, and where and how you cook. You can use this principle, too. Where do you reach for things in your kitchen? How easy is your surface to clean? How far do you have to walk to get to the oven, or to grab spices, or to add some garnish to your foods? If you’re bending over double to find a mold each and every time, it could be that moving this to a closer area can help you. Sure you’re only creating a few meals and not 250, but this approach can certainly help.

With this advice, we hope you can organize your kitchen in the best manner possible.

Do you find yourself wanting to exercise but unable to stick to a consistent routine? Whether you always blame a busy schedule or you simply can’t convince yourself to get off the couch, exercising is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle that you can’t ignore forever. Getting your body up and moving plays a key role in maintaining good physical as well as mental health. Lack of exercise, combined with unhealthy eating habits, will make you susceptible to a myriad of health issues. In addition to adversely impacting your quality of life, you need more life insurance to deal with the repercussions of not working out. Instead of giving up after a few attempts, implement these tips to get your health and fitness back on track.

 

Set a Goal

A generic goal of ‘getting fit’ is only going to take you so far. Set specific and measurable goals that you can work towards every day. It could be anything from improving flexibility and balance to boosting endurance.

 

 Start Slow

Whether you’ve not exercised a day in your life or you’re getting back into fitness after a hiatus, it’s crucial to take things at a steady pace. Instead of immersing yourself in a routine that’s far beyond your current capabilities, start slow, and build your strength day by day.

 

Find Something You Enjoy

Some people can sweat it out in a gym without a problem, but others may find it too boring. But going to the gym is not your only option. There are a variety of fitness classes available. You can explore options like spinning classes, aerial yoga, boxing classes, dancing, and so much more.

 

Find a Workout Buddy

If you can’t make yourself go to a workout class, you need a Monica Geller to your Chandler Bing. Ask your partner or friend to be your workout buddy. You both can encourage each other as well as hold each other accountable.

 

Get a Personal Trainer

Sometimes a well-intended nudge from a friend is not enough to get you on your feet. If that’s the case, you should consider hiring a personal trainer.  In addition to teaching you the correct work out techniques, a personal trainer is also responsible for pushing and motivating you.

 

Minor Setbacks Are Okay

Whether you had an exhausting day at work or you’re too busy to make it to the gym, it’s okay! Don’t let minor setbacks discourage you. Even if you weren’t able to give your best or workout at all one day, you could always pick it up the next day.

 

Workout Apparel

Appropriate activewear helps with your performance and ensures you’re comfortable. Additionally, new workout apparel can make you feel excited to get up early and workout. So buy workout clothes that make you feel and look good!

 

Let Music Inspire You

A well-curated playlist can get your spirits high and help you power through a workout. Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming apps offer great selections of music for working out. 

 

Join an Online Community

 

In the age of social media, you can easily find a supportive community for your fitness journey. Whether you’re running for the first time or starting weightlifting, joining a fitness community of like-minded people can help you work hard and achieve your goals.

 

Take Breaks

Hustling every day is great, but your mind and body need rest as well. Breaks are necessary to help your body recover from a rigorous training session. Continuing without any breaks can make you feel burned out and even lead to injuries.

 

Celebrate Small Achievements

Were you able to complete a set without taking any breaks? Are you finally able to touch your toes? No achievement is too small to celebrate. Sometimes just the act of working out is reason to celebrate.

Eat Healthily

If you never have the energy to work out, then your unhealthy eating habits might be the culprit. Along with a fitness routine, you should also incorporate a nutritious and well-balanced diet.

 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to working out, you can be your own biggest cheerleader. No one’s fitness journey is linear, and some hiccups are bound to happen. It’s okay to take your time to find what works best for you. But the most important thing is to try!

 

 

If you’re looking for health insurance outside of the private market, you’ve probably heard of both Medicaid and Medicare. These are both government programs and it’s easy to get them confused. Public health insurance, such as Medicare and Medicaid, covers 34.4% of the American population. If you aren’t covered by private insurance from an employer or the health insurance marketplace, you might wonder if you qualify. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Here’s what you need to know.

Medicare: A Federal Program For Older and Disabled Americans

Medicare is a federal program created in 1965 that is designed to provide health insurance for older Americans during retirement. In addition, Medicare plans offer health coverage for those who are permanently disabled.

Eligibility

Generally, your age is what makes you eligible for Medicare benefits. If you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and 65 years of age or older, you’ll qualify.

If you have specific disabilities or end-stage kidney disease, you may also qualify. Medicare benefits may also be applied to someone on Social Security disability who is widowed and over 50, or a child of a person who worked a minimum amount of time for the government.

Benefits and Costs

The exact costs you’ll pay depends on how long you paid Medicare taxes. The basic level of coverage has two parts, Part A and Part B.

Part A is free for most Americans and covers hospitalization. It also includes skilled nursing care, hospice service, and home healthcare. Part B has a monthly premium and covers visits to the doctor, preventative care, and outpatient services.

Parts A and B together are called Original Medicare, but many seniors choose additional coverage options.

One of the biggest differences between Medicare vs Medicaid is that Medicare is a federal program, so the benefits and costs will not change no matter where you live. Your Medicare will help you in Florida the same way it does in Colorado.

Additional Medicare Coverage

If you want Medicare to help you pay for things like prescription drugs, vision, dental, or other services, you’ll need to choose extra coverage.

Medicare Part C is called Medicare Advantage. This program, run through private insurers, can help you manage the costs of Medicare deductibles and offer you additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one coverage plan, and the costs and benefits will vary depending on the insurer. Some plans are available without any additional monthly premium, while others will add to your monthly costs.

Make sure you understand the out-of-pocket costs with your specific plan. While many options allow you to save money compared to Original Medicare deductibles, some people will find it more expensive if they need a lot of medical care. This article on Healthstatus.com gives more information.

Medicare Part D is another common addition. You won’t need it if you have an Advantage plan, but if you choose Original Medicare adding Part D will help you pay for prescription medicines you need.

Medicaid: A State-Based Program for Lower-Income Individuals

If you’re under 65 and not disabled, you may wonder if you can still get help with health insurance. In many states, the answer is yes — through Medicaid. What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a state-based program that helps lower-income individuals and families get the health care they need.

Eligibility

Understanding eligibility for Medicaid can be a challenge because each state sets its own rules. You may qualify for coverage in one state but not another.

One of the biggest differences between states is whether or not they chose to extend eligibility during the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. 39 states adopted the Medicaid expansion, which made the coverage more available.

In states that adopted Medicaid expansion, you can qualify for coverage based on your income alone. Your household size, disability, or family status do not affect the decision. If your income is below the limit, you’ll qualify.

In other areas, you may only qualify if other standards apply, such as having children or living with a disability.

Benefits and Cost

Medicaid plans vary depending on the state you’re in. However, some benefits are available in every state. These include inpatient and outpatient care, family planning services, nursing facility services, lab and X-ray coverage, and health screenings and treatment for children.

To determine the specific benefits in your state, be sure to visit the Medicaid page on your state’s Health and Human Services website.

A big difference between Medicaid vs Medicare is that Medicaid recipients generally do not pay for services. There is no monthly premium, and most services are free of charge. For some services there may be a small copayment.

Dual Eligibility

Some people are eligible for both programs. If you’re older and have a lower income, you may be able to enroll in both Medicare and Medicaid.

In this case, Medicare covers most of your services. However, your Medicaid coverage will likely take care of the copayments and deductibles you’d normally owe for Medicare-covered services. Also, your Medicaid coverage will offer additional benefits, such as long-term care, that are not covered by Medicare.

If you want to use both programs, be sure to talk to your state Medicaid office for details.

What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

It’s challenging that the two public health insurance options have names that are so similar, but Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for two very different situations.

Now that you know the answer to “What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?” you know what to do. If you’re older or disabled, look at Medicare coverage. If you’re lower-income, look at your state’s Medicaid program.

In some cases you may qualify for both — in that instance, talk to your Medicaid office for details about using both coverages.

Interested in more information and advice from Grandma? Check out the other articles on this site!