Tag: advice

PDSA: Arctic blast warning

COLD WEATHER ADVICE FOR PETS

Winter can be a fun time for pets, but with forecasts of an ‘arctic blast’ on the way, PDSA experts are warning owners to keep our four-legged friends safe and warm in the wintry conditions. Pets can be at risk of hypothermia if they get too cold, but it’s also important to ensure they stay active during freezing temperatures. 

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, asked their Vet Nurse Nina Downing to put together her top tips on keeping our pets cosy and safe through the big freeze:

Dogs

  • Giving dogs their daily walks is important for their physical and mental health, even during the colder months. Try to do this during daylight hours if possible, and consider getting a good dog coat.
  • LED collars or high-vis leads are a good investment, to help keep both you and your pooch visible if you’re braving the dark nights and mornings.
  • If your dog gets wet while out, dry them off as soon as possible. If you drive your dogs to walks, then keeping a towel in the car is a good idea.
  • Check their paws after walks too, as snow can build up and form clumps on the fur between dogs’ toes, which can be painful. Salt and grit can also irritate their pads, so when they return from winter walks it’s a good idea to wash their paws in warm water. Keep the fur between their toes trimmed short, and you can even use some paw butter or pet-friendly skin cream which may prevent their pads becoming dry and sore.
  • Don’t leave dogs in cars – the inside temperature can quickly become as cold as the outside, even if you’ve just been driving with the heating on.
  • Never leave dogs locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
  • Watch out for ice, this can be slippery for them as well as us, and if it’s broken it can even cut their paws. Keep dogs off icy surfaces, and definitely keep them away from any frozen lakes and ponds.
  • If your dog is very young, elderly, skinny or poorly then they are at higher risk of hypothermia. They can’t control their body temperature well so need extra care to keep them warm. High risk pets should only go outside for short times in cold weather, and should be closely supervised. Give them extra bedding and consider getting a pet-safe heat mat.

Nina added: “It’s worth considering whether your dog would benefit from a good winter coat to keep them warm and dry.

“Pets that are young, old, unwell, or that have very thin fur, can all benefit from this extra protection. Make sure coats fit well and don’t restrict your dog’s movement.”

Cats

  • Make sure your cat has a warm, comfy bed, in a draught free area of the house. If possible, make sure this is raised off the floor – cats are often more comfortable when higher up and it will keep them out of the coldest draughts.
  • Never leave cats locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
  • If your cat prefers to stay indoors during very bad weather, help them stay active by providing toys and enrichment activities. This will ensure they don’t miss out on vital exercise. Also make sure they have a litter tray that’s kept clean, so they don’t have to go outside if they don’t want to.
  • If your cat prefers to spend time outside, make sure they can always come inside when they want to. Providing an alternative option, in case cat flaps get frozen shut or blocked by snow, is also a good idea.

Nina continued: “It’s really important that our pets stay active during the winter – don’t let them become a coach potato! This can be challenging when the weather is uninviting, but many dogs and cats still enjoy exploring the great outdoors even during the cold and the wet.”

She also has some advice for keeping smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets cosy in the cold weather:

Small pets

  • Bring hutches under shelter – a shed or car-free garage is ideal, to protect them from draughts, rain and snow. Pets that are used to living outdoors can find a centrally heated home a stark contrast, so a cooler room is better, if you bring them indoors. Make sure they have access to natural light and an exercise run.
  • Bulk up bedding – give small pets extra bedding during the winter, so they can snuggle right down to keep warm.
  • Provide protection – if there’s no option than to keep hutches outdoors, then drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the mesh door to keep out the worst of the weather. You could also use plastic sheeting, but make sure any covers don’t obstruct ventilation.
  • Don’t forget to check water bottles or bowls several times a day to make sure they’re not frozen.

For more advice from PDSA experts, go to PDSA’s website pdsa.org.uk/winterhealth

ROSPA: Drive with added caution amid looming cold weather

  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued urgent guidance to those travelling in cold and snowy weather
  • Disruptive conditions are set to hit many areas of the UK
  • Road experts warn of increased chance of collisions

With icy temperatures and ‘disruptive’ snow hitting large parts of Britain, and parts of the UK still grappling with flooding, leading road experts The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued some vital road safety advice.

Advising on winter driving, Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England, said: “Snowy conditions can pose a real challenge for drivers so it’s worth knowing how to prepare yourself so your journey can be as smooth as possible.

“Before you set off, check the weather conditions to ensure you’re not caught out, and don’t forget to wipe off snow from the top and windows of your car. This will avoid snow falling onto your windscreen while driving and impacting your line of sight. In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.

“It’s also a good idea to leave more time than usual for your journey, and to check your tyres, fluid levels, lights and fuel or charge levels before you set off. If your journey is essential, packing some warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, some food and a drink can help you to be prepared if you do break down – and even a pair of sunglasses can stand you in good stead in case the sun comes out and reflects on the road ahead.

“If you can, try and move off in second gear and change to a higher gear as soon as possible once the car is moving. Ensure you accelerate gently and smoothly, using low revs. Ideally, stay in a steady gear and leave as much room in front of you as possible so you can maintain a constant speed – and don’t forget that stopping distance can be increased up to 10 times in snowy weather.”

Other factors to consider if driving in snow or ice:

  • Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
  • Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend is extremely dangerous. The centrifugal force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels will not grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin
  • Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to 10 times the distance for braking in good conditions
  • Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights

If you get stuck in snow:

  • If you get stuck in snow, revving your engine to try to power out of the rut will just make the rut worse. Instead, move your vehicle slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can
  • If this doesn’t work, you may have to ask a friendly passerby for a push or get your shovel out.

Rebecca went on to advise those encountering flood water: “The past few weeks have seen a concerning level of flooding in many areas of the UK. It is essential to have the latest information at hand to avoid roads or pathways that are submerged in water.

“Not only can a flooded car be costly, it can lead to drowning so it is important to never attempt to drive through a waterlogged area, especially If the road has been closed off.

“Before leaving the house, consider whether your vehicle really is in a roadworthy condition for extreme weather, and check its tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.

“If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, you are more likely to break down and get stranded. Therefore, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight. ”

If you’re in a flooded area, it is also worth considering the following when nearing an affected road:

  • Avoid the deepest water – which is usually near the kerb
  • Don’t attempt to cross if the water seems too deep
  • If you are not sure of the water’s depth, look for an alternative route
  • If you decide to risk it, drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling
  • Be aware of the bow wave from approaching vehicles – operate an informal ‘give way’ with approaching vehicles.

For more information, please visit our Winter Driving Tips page here.

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NFU Mutual: Five tax tips for self-assessment returns 

After HMRC revealed 5.7million people still need to submit their tax return before the January 31 deadline, NFU Mutual Chartered Financial Planner Sean McCann shares five top tips:

1. Don’t forget to claim higher rate tax relief on pension contributions

Sean said: “Millions more people are paying a higher rate of income tax thanks to the long-term freeze on the £50,270 threshold, and the Office for Budget Responsibility estimate six million paid higher or additional rate income tax in 2022/23.

“When you pay into your pension, for every £80 you pay in, your pension provider will get another £20 direct from HMRC. If you pay 40% or 45% income tax you’ll need to claim the extra 20% or 25% tax relief via your tax return.

“Many higher and additional rate taxpayers do not do this, potentially missing out on thousands of pounds in unclaimed tax relief. Those who crossed the 40% threshold for the first time in the last tax year may be unaware that they are entitled to a rebate.

“Additionally, if you haven’t claimed on previous year’s tax returns, you can go back up to four years and claim any higher rate relief due by contacting HMRC direct.”

You can claim it here

2. Get help with the cost of professional subscriptions

Sean said: “If you need to be a member of a professional organisation to do your job, and your employer hasn’t paid the subscription for you, you may be able to claim tax relief on the cost. There is a long list of approved professional organisations on HMRC’s website.”

Available here.

3. Watch out for the Child benefit tax trap

Sean said: “If you’re the highest earner in your household with an income of more than £50,000, and you or your partner claim child benefit, you’ll need to pay the child benefit tax charge. For every £100 of income you have over £50,000 you pay back one per cent of the child benefit. Once your income reaches £60,000 you repay the full amount.

“You can become subject to the charge if you moved in with someone who is claiming child benefit, even if they’re not your children. The good news is anything you’ve paid into your pension is knocked off your income before the charge is assessed. If it reduces your income below £50,000 you won’t need to pay the charge.  

“HMRC sent out more than 127,850 reminders in 2022/23 to people who needed to pay the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge. Ignoring these letters could land you with interest payments and a fine. HMRC has collected nearly £20m in fines from people who failed to pay this tax since its introduction in 2013.”

4. Charitable donations

Sean said: “If you’ve given to charity via gift aid and you pay higher rate tax, you can claim back additional tax relief through your tax return.

“For example, if you donate £100 via gift aid, the charity will claim an additional £25, to make the total gift £125. If you pay 40% tax, you can reclaim up to an extra £25 for yourself (£125 x 20%).

“Previous research has indicated that only 22% of higher and additional rate taxpayers who donate to charity claim this relief because the perceived effort involved puts many people off.

“However, it is relatively simple to do via a self-assessment tax return and could be worth a lot of money for those who donate significant sums.

“Because more people are being dragged into paying higher rate of income tax, the amount of charity tax relief claimed by higher rate taxpayers has rocketed 34.5% in the past two years from £550m in 2020/21 to £740m in 2022/23.”

5. Don’t forget any capital gains

Sean said: “If you sold or gave away shares in the 2022/23 tax year, you need to declare and pay any tax due on gains made.

“Many people don’t realise that they can face a Capital Gains Tax bill when they gift shares or property – other than their main home – to anyone other than their spouse or civil partner.

“It’s worthwhile checking if you have any losses available to offset any potential bill. Any shares or investment held within an ISA or Pension are normally exempt from Capital gains tax.”

Fans heading to Euro 2024 in Germany warned of new travel rules

As Euro 2024 approaches, excitement is building among UK football fans planning to visit Germany for the tournament. However, post-Brexit travel rules and potential additional costs are crucial considerations for UK travellers.

Travel experts from Football Ticket Pad, delve into the key aspects UK fans need to be aware of to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Passport Validity and Visas

Since Brexit, UK passports must meet specific criteria for travel within the Schengen Area, including Germany:

Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return.

Issue Date: Passports older than 10 years, even with validity remaining, might not be accepted.

For stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period, UK citizens do not require visas for tourism, including attending sports events. However, keep an eye on any changes in visa policy as the event draws closer.

ETIAS Requirement (Expected from 2024)

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be operational by 2024. UK citizens may need to apply for this pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA system. The process involves a small fee and is completed online.

Health and Travel Insurance

With the UK no longer part of the EU, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) issued in the UK are not valid. It’s vital to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes health coverage. Failure to have appropriate insurance might result in significant costs if medical care is needed.

Roaming Charges and Connectivity

Since Brexit, the guarantee of free roaming within the EU no longer applies to UK mobile users. Check with your provider for specific roaming policies and consider purchasing a local SIM card in Germany for cost-effective data and calls.

Driving in Germany

If you plan to drive:

International Driving Permit (IDP): Depending on the type of UK licence you have, you may need an IDP.

Vehicle Insurance: Ensure your vehicle insurance covers travel in Germany.

Emission Stickers: Some German cities require an emissions sticker to drive in certain areas.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Laws

Understanding local customs and laws can help avoid unintentional disrespect or fines:

Recycling Laws: Germany has strict recycling laws. Improper disposal of waste can result in fines.

Public Behaviour: Disorderly behaviour, especially in public spaces, is frowned upon and can attract penalties.

Managing Costs and Budgeting

Currency Exchange: Remember, Germany uses the Euro. Keep an eye on exchange rates and consider using travel cards to manage currency exchange fees.

Accommodation and Travel: Book NOW, to secure better rates. Consider alternative accommodations like hostels or Airbnb.

Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience

Emergency Numbers: Familiarise yourself with local emergency contacts. In Germany, 112 is the emergency number.

Language: While many Germans speak English, learning basic German phrases can enhance your experience.

Event Tickets and Local Transport: Ensure your event tickets are booked in advance and research local transport options.

James O’Leary, from Football Ticket Pad says: “While the post-Brexit era has brought changes to travelling from the UK to EU countries like Germany, with adequate preparation and awareness of the new rules and potential costs, UK fans can look forward to an exciting and memorable experience at Euro 2024.

“Remember, the key to a smooth trip lies in planning ahead and staying informed!”

Age Scotland produce new Help with the Cost of Living Guide

AGE Scotland has produced a new guide to support older people through the #costofliving crisis.

It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, cost-effective recipes, and a directory on where to go for help:

The cost of living crisis is forcing many older people to make incredibly difficult financial choices between powering and heating their homes and the food they can afford to buy.

Age Scotland’s helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their energy bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are now at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

Their Big Survey 2023 really highlights the stark reality and toll the cost of living crisis has taken on older people’s financial and physical wellbeing.

Age Scotland has pulled together this guide to support older people as we believe nobody should face the ongoing cost of living crisis alone.

It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, recipes from top Scottish chefs, including Tom Kitchin and Tony Singh, and a directory on where to go for help.

We hope you find it useful. For further help and advice or to get a benefits check please call our free Helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

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Water safety charity issues warning as floods continue to pose a risk to life

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is issuing safety advice as people take risks as severe floods continue to cause disruption

As Storm Henk continues to affect large parts of the UK and causes ongoing severe weather conditions, there have been an increasing number of incidents reported involving driving through and entering flood water. 

The media has also reported incidents of people falling on slippery banks into open water, with these events sadly resulting in the loss of lives; including three male victims named in North Yorkshire and one woman in Scotland.

With the increase in number of weather-related accidents, there have also been hundreds of rescues as emergency services have been enlisted to help navigate the stormy conditions. 

And with harsh weather set to continue and more serious flood warnings expected, safety around floodwater could mean the difference between life and death. 

Due to the hazardous weather conditions, RLSS UK is urging people to use its water safety advice in a flood:

RLSS UK’s quick advice tips for staying safe during times of flooding:

  • Never try to walk or drive through floodwater – six inches of fast flowing water can knock an adult over and two feet of water will float a car. 
  • Never try to swim through fast flowing water or flood water – you may get swept away or be struck or caught up in an object in the water. If stuck, call 999 and wait for help. 
  • If you see someone in trouble in the water – do not go in yourself to attempt to rescue them – shout for help, call 999, and find a nearby rescue device such as a life buoy. If there is no water rescue equipment nearby – try and find something that floats and throw it to them if possible. 
  • Get to the highest level if trapped in a building – only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
  • Keep an eye on weather reports for flooding in your area. Do not travel in heavy rainstorms unless necessary. 
  • Once flood water has rescinded stay well clear of the water’s edge as it is likely to be extremely slippery and prone to erosion in places.

How young drivers can save in 2024

2023 was particularly harsh on young drivers, with premiums soaring by over 50% as the cost-of-living pressures took effect.

The sky-high cost of learning to drive combined with these higher insurance premiums and new emissions costs for older cars, are all making it a struggle for young drivers to get on the roads.

Data shows the average car insurance premium for young 18-year-old drivers increased to £1207 in 2023. 

The experts at Quotezone.co.uk  have revealed ten savings hacks to help young drivers give their finances a fresh start for the new year.

One of the most important things for young drivers is to be safe and avoid penalty points, a fifth of convicted drivers in the UK have been driving for a year or less – according to a sample of over 15,000 convicted drivers, analysed by Quotezone.co.uk. 

Penalty points on a licence may not only result in a steep fine but will also bump up the insurance costs. Drivers can expect premiums to rise by 5% for three points and 25% for six points if they’re starting from a clean licence.

Young drivers or those with penalty points may be able to get cheaper insurance by opting for a telematics policy, or black box insurance.

Black box insurance starts collecting data on their driving immediately, if they’re a safe driver, this can help the insurer see them as less of a risk and may result in a more competitive price.  Although, like all premiums this year, prices are on the rise, in 2023 telematics was still able to save young drivers an average of £75 annually. 

Age group 18-24NO telematicsYES telematics
2021£1199£938
2022£1047£1050
2023£1230£1155

Quotezone.co.uk CEO Greg Wilson said: “Young drivers had a tough 2023 with delays to driving tests and backlogs for lessons plus the rising cost of everything associated with motoring – insurance, repairs, fuel – we’re hoping 2024 is a much better and cheaper year for those new to the road.

“There are lots of things young drivers can do to help bring the cost of driving down, from knowing how to avoid even the most unusual fines and penalty points to installing a black box and keeping modifications and mileage to a minimum. 

“We’re researched the top 10 ways we think will help young drivers save in 2024 along with the essentials such as shopping around and comparing product details, annual payments if possible and reviewing when exactly is the best time to buy, normally three weeks before the policy is due for renewal is the most competitive.

“Passing your test and taking to the road for the first time is a rite of passage and it would be worrying if new drivers started to struggle to make driving a reality due to cost, hopefully our money saving tips go some way to making a more affordable 2024.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s Top ten hacks that could help young drivers save:

1.         Do check your mileage

When taking out insurance, you will be asked to estimate your annual mileage. The costs will rise in incremental bands so the more miles you drive, the more you pay so try to be accurate and realistic with your prediction.

2.         Do park in a safe place

Car owners that make use of their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking could make big savings on their car insurance – parking on driveways rather than on the road can save you over £140 on average every year and carports could save you even more, with £230 savings on average.

3.         Do consider switching to a smaller engine

Be sure to check your vehicle’s engine size and horsepower, both can impact the cost of your premium. Also, some small engines are turbocharged and that can give them more power than might be expected, which will likely cause the premium to increase.

4.         Do keep modifications to a minimum

It comes as no surprise that adding a custom exhaust or putting in lowered suspension might cause insurance premiums to rise, but even seemingly innocuous changes such as adding branding to a vehicle can affect the cost.

5.         Do consider a black box

A telematics policy, or black box insurance – starts collecting driving data immediately, this can help the insurer with their risk analysis, safer driving increases the chances of a competitive price for young drivers.

6.         Don’t over pack the vehicle

Packing items above the seat line will impair vision, while heavy loads are likely to affect a car’s handling and stopping distances.  Overloading a car past its capacity is a punishable offence, with a fine of up to £300 and 3 points. Driving without full visibility out all windows is also punishable and could result in a £50 fixed penalty.

7.         Don’t forget your sunglasses

Sunglasses are labelled with a ranking from zero to four in order to determine their strength and the time of day they can be worn. The average pair of sunglasses is categorised as a number two – these are recommended for daytime driving.  Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to other road users, leaving drivers unable to detect dangers.  Motorists could be hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points for driving without due care or attention. 

8.         Don’t use the wrong fuel

Misfuelling is one of the most expensive mistakes motorists make. Pumping diesel fuel into a petrol car can lead to engine failure, leaving motorists to pick up the maintenance costs.   Rule 97 of the Highway Code states before drivers set off, they should ensure they have ‘sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving’.  Careless or dangerous driving caused by low fuel will see motorists face fines of up to £100 and three points on their license. 

9.         Don’t leave the car switched on while waiting for friends

‘Idling’ or leaving the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road goes against Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act.  Drivers risk a £20 penalty notice that will double if not paid in full within 28 days.  According to research conducted by Quotezone.co.uk, almost 11% of drivers fail to turn off their engines while waiting.** 

10.       Don’t splash pedestrians

Splashing pedestrians is actually illegal under section three of the Road Traffic Act, 1988 – and is considered to be driving ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road’ – resulting in a fine of £100 and three penalty points on the licence, in some cases, fines can reach as much as £5,000 for driving without reasonable consideration for others on the road.

Quotezone.co.uk can help if you’re looking for learner drivers or  young drivers insurance.  If you live in Northern Ireland, CompareNI.com can help.  

Seven Steps to help get you through Dry January

TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH IN 2024

PEOPLE embarking on Dry January need to wait at least 10 days before they see the full impact of ditching the booze, a top expert has explained. 

Counsellor and author Lynn Crilly said removing alcohol from your life for a month can bring “huge health benefits” that can set you on a path to a healthier and happier 2024.

Lynn said: “For moderate drinkers going alcohol free for a month can be challenging, but it is achievable and healthy. The same may not be the case for daily drinkers or those more dependent on alcohol and these people should seek professional advice and support before they do so.

“The first few days are likely to be the hardest as there may be some withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty in sleeping, and you are likely to also experience some hangover-like symptoms such as cloudy head, agitation, tiredness potentially this is due to lack of hydration. 

“By day five you may be craving sugar that the alcohol is no longer giving you, but on the plus side you should feel sharper and notice an improvement in your concentration. By day seven it gets even better because your sleep should improve significantly. By day ten you should be feeling less sluggish, more energised, and raring to go. The full benefits will kick in.

” In the long run it reduces the risk of diabetes, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and reduces levels of cancer related proteins in the blood.”

Outlining the main benefits of Dry January, Lynn says: 

Detox:

Taking a rest from drinking alcohol can give your liver a much-needed break and time to re heal itself from the festive overindulging.

Alcohol is known as diuretic, which means it causes you to wee more than if you just drink water, this makes it harder for the body to hydrate itself which leads to dry skin. Reducing the level of alcohol will give your skin a more refreshed look and make your eyes brighter.

Often more calories are consumed by food rather than drink, meaning a potentially higher vitamin intake, leading to your skin looking healthy and glowing.

Improved Sleep:

One of the first things that people notice when doing dry January is that their sleeping pattern improves drastically and they experience an increase in their energy levels. While alcohol can help people to fall asleep faster, the quality of the sleep is less restful and you spend less time in ‘real ‘sleep. On the other hand, days when you do not drink can lead to a much better sleep, making it far easier to wake up in the mornings.

Feeling less bloated or even drop a few pounds: Depending on how much you were drinking before you may find you shed a few pounds over the course of the month as alcohol is liquid calories which many do not replace with food, also the craved junky food at the end of a boozy evening will also be of the menu!

Save money:

If you have been regularly spending money on alcohol it can really add up and put a dent in your budget, so by not shelling out for it you could put that money by and give yourself a treat at the end of the month such as a massage or a new outfit!

TIPS ON HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Begin writing a journal:

At the beginning of the month write down the reasons you wanted to take a break from the drink, and the positive changes that are being made. Then if sometime during the month you are facing a particularly challenging time refer back to the journal to remember why you started. 

Start a new workout regime:

Since drinking can leave you feeling slow and sluggish, January may be the perfect time to start a new fitness regime. Having the new surge of energy will benefit you when exercising and release those positive endorphins.

Look at new ways to cope:

If a glass of wine was your way of winding down at the end of a day, it may be worth looking at other options such as yoga, reading, meditating, going for a walk or even a hot bath with lots of bubble bath can all help you to wind down.

Look for a replacement:

If drinking has become a habit, then it is a good idea to find a replacement to sip, sparkling water with lemon juice, or pour a can of flavoured tonic water into a wine glass and sip slowly, it is surprising how quickly one habit can be replaced with another especially when it makes you feel better. 

Team Up with a friend:

It is always easier to keep motivated if you are doing Dry January with a friend. Encourage friends and family to get involved, so that you are accountable and support each other or even raise some money for charity.

Keep Busy:

The first few days will be the hardest, so it is always a good idea to have things planned to keep you busy, do things that are fun and will help to take your mind off drinking, because the less time you must think about it the easier it will become. 

Be Kind to yourself:

Drinking has become so ingrained in our culture and everyday life, whether you’re celebrating a wedding or mourning the loss of a friend, it can be difficult to abstain from alcohol for a whole month.

People are often their own worst critic and can get down on themselves – and give up on their dry month if they have one drink, but please remember the whole point of attempting a month without alcohol is not to feel bad about yourself.

The goal is to become more mindful of the role it plays in your life, if it leads to you drinking less than you normally would, then that must be a win even if you still enjoyed the odd glass of wine. 

Safety hazards to avoid for pets this New Year’s Eve

Expert shares top dangers that could ruin your pet’s perfect new year

New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration with friends and family, the last thing you want to stop the festivities is an unnecessary trip to the vets.

It is up to us to do right by our pets and limit any stressful or hazardous situations by taking the necessary precautions to make this New Year’s Eve memorable for all the right reasons. 

To ensure the new year starts off on the right foot, the UK’s leading raw pet food and wellness company, Bella & Duke has shared easy to follow tips to keep your pet safe from any stress or potentially toxic foods.

  1. Plan ahead – Knowing that fireworks will be going off, it’s important to adjust your pet’s schedule around this. If you’re used to a night-time walk, gradually take your dog out for their daily exercise earlier in the day so you don’t get caught in the middle of a firework show or display. Take extra time to plan out your decorations for the house, long streaming banners, tinsel and balloons can all be choking hazards, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep decorations out of reach.
  1. Fireworks – Over the festive period we know there will be an increase in fireworks being set off. While there may be some dogs that aren’t too bothered by them, each year fireworks traumatise pets across the country.  The best way to limit the stress caused by the loud bangs and flashes is playing calming sounds, reggae or classical music have proven to be most effective. 
  1. Toxic treats – Your dog doesn’t know what it can and can’t eat, if they see food lying in reach, they’ll take it. Chocolates, sweets, alcohol and some cheeses can lead to digestion problems and in more severe cases with alcohol it can cause poisoning. Be cautious of what foods are lying around, we know it’s hard to keep track of this during the commotion of a party so play it on the safe side and keep your pets entertained with a variety of species-appropriate treats they can have all for themselves.
  1. Create a safe haven – The hustle and bustle of a New Year’s Eve party can be a lot for our furry friends to take in. What was once their relaxing home is now loud and filled with strangers. Even if your dog loves being the centre of attention and socialising with new people, set up a quiet corner of the house with some of their favourite toys, chews, treats and comforts.  
  1. Cool, calm and collected – After building your safe haven for your furry friend, take the extra step to make it a true place of relaxation. Consider adding an old jumper that smells of you, and additionally add a few sprays of Bella & Duke’s calm and balmy spray. The comforting scents of lavender, valerian and passionflower will help soothe your dog when fireworks and the parties are kicking off. Another great way to keep your pet preoccupied is to give them a large chew to focus on instead of the fireworks. But the best way to keep your canine companion calm is to be calm yourself! Your pets feed off your energy, be the pillar they need, reinforcing that everything is going to be okay.

Mark Scott, CEO at Bella & Duke, added: “Take the time as a pet owner to make up a safe haven for your furry friend, a quiet corner of the house to have some time to themselves. Don’t feel the need to ditch decorations completely but make sure there aren’t any choking hazards in reach.

“Finally, be there for your dog, if they start showing signs of stress take them away from the stressor and sit with each other. Remain calm and your pet will reflect your energy.”

Expert reveals 7 tips to avoid online dating scams

Navigating the world of online dating can be tricky and it’s important not to lose sight of the potential dangers and scams that you may encounter whilst engaging with other potential matches.

That’s why security expert Nathan Daniels from VPNOverview.com has outlined 7 steps you can take to protect yourself when dating online to ensure you don’t have a negative experience.

Turn off location tracking

Many dating apps require that you turn on location tracking. This means you have to allow these apps to view your location. Dating apps use this information to get you into contact with people who are close to you geographically.

Of course, this is a very useful feature. Nevertheless, it’s understandable you might not want to share your exact location with a dating app, or with any service for that matter.

It is strongly recommended to turn off geo-tracking once you’re no longer actively using your dating app. That way, at the very least, you prevent the app from tracking you constantly.

Request a video chat (before your first date)

Another great safe online dating tip is to filter out fake dating profiles by requesting a video call. In fact, it can be a regular call as well, although video chatting is definitely better. Most people with fake profiles will be very reluctant to have a call, especially if a video is involved.

Obviously, it’s much easier for scammers to deceive their victims through text messages and sending someone else’s pictures. If they were to agree to a call, they would most likely just be discovered as fraudsters. As such, if someone refuses to have a (video) call, you might just be dealing with a fake profile.

Of course, you might be dealing with someone who is serious about meeting up at some point. In that case, a video call or a regular call is very useful as well. It will help you to gauge the other user’s intentions and character a little bit. This could help you avoid some dangerous scenarios.

Don’t connect your dating profiles to other social media or platforms

It might be tempting, for convenience reasons, to just log in on a dating app with your Facebook account or your main Google account. However, it is strongly recommend to not do this, as it’s a potential privacy hazard. Just think about it – you’re connecting a profile that’s intended for friends and family to a platform where you’ll be contacting tons of people you don’t know. Instead try using another way to log in, that can’t be traced back to you. One method, for instance, would be to create a Google account with random information that doesn’t contain any of your personal data.

Choose pictures you don’t use elsewhere

By using a reverse image search, someone can easily use your dating profile pictures against you. They can simply use this Google tool to find other pages where the images appear. This way, they’ll easily find out your personal information, even if you didn’t include it on your dating profile.

As such, it is recommended to only use pictures on your dating profile that you’re not using anywhere else. This also means it’s a bad idea to allow Tinder or other dating apps to simply pull pictures from Facebook or other social media accounts.

Report suspicious activity and inappropriate behaviour

Many dating apps have ways to report profiles and/or inappropriate behaviour. This comes in handy when you come across a (potentially) fake profile or behaviour that makes you uncomfortable. By reporting the profile involved, you will make your own and others’ dating experiences safer.

After you report an account, the respective dating app will generally launch an investigation. If someone’s profile is found to be fake or they are found guilty of inappropriate behaviour, their account will be deleted.

Types of suspicious or inappropriate activity you might encounter on dating apps include the following:

  • Fake profiles. Always be wary if you see a profile that’s unverified, offers little information, or seems too good to be true.
  • Money demands. If someone asks you for money, there’s a good chance they’re a catfish.
  • Requests for explicit pictures. The person requesting these pictures might plan on sextorting you.
  • Inappropriate messages, such as messages containing threats or sexual intimidation.
  • Unacceptable behaviour during a physical meeting exhibited by the people you meet.
  • Messages where people try to sell you something or get you to do something unrelated to dating (spam).
  • Rejection of video calls, even after chatting with someone for a long time. This might indicate you’re dealing with a fake account.

Many dating platforms also offer the possibility of blocking a specific user. This is a great option if someone is bothering you and you don’t want to have them contact you while you’re awaiting the results of the dating app’s investigation after reporting them.

Be wary of malicious files and pages

Some catfish operate by infecting their victims’ devices with malware. Rather than asking you for money, they might attempt to infect your system with a keylogger, in the hope. of getting their hands on your financial data.

That’s why it’s recommended to not download or click on any files that a new chat partner might send you. It’s best to wait until you know them a bit better and trust the,. The same goes for visiting links they send you – both can contain dangerous malware.

Apart from always being vigilant, we recommend getting a solid antivirus solution to protect yourself from malware.

Delete your account when you’re done dating

Have you finally met your soul mater? Or have you had your fill of casual dating fun? Either way, consider another valuable safe online dating tip, and make sure to delete your online dating account once you’re done dating.

Deleting your dating profile will erase (most of) your personal information on the dating platform in question. As a result, it will be much more difficult for others to abuse your personal information.