4 Needed Reserves, For Less Stressful Home Ownership

The better prepared, and ready, a homeowner, the less stressful, and more satisfying, the experience of home ownership, becomes. In order to prepare, one must recognize, and consider, and examine, 4 needed financial reserves, in order, to avoid unnecessary stresses, etc. While these aren't the only challenges, they are the most common, and, thus, creating these reserves, and committing to all the necessities, and discipline, the happier, and easier the overall experience. Here are a few of the approaches, and possibilities.

1. Monthly costs/ predictable: The predictable costs of home ownership, are those, you are fully aware of, from the onset! The wise homeowner, creates a reserve, of from 4 to 8 months, so, as to be prepared, for any negative contingencies, etc. These costs include the mortgage principal, and interest, escrow for real estate taxes, insurance, etc. Remember, while the principal and interest, might remain the same, real estate taxes often increase, annually, as do insurance premiums, etc. In addition, there is often, insufficient funding of the escrow, and it is recalculated, after the first year, or so.

2. Repairs/ unexpected and unanticipated: Along with owning a house, comes those unexpected, but necessary repairs! While some of these might be minor, the ever - increasing costs of hiring a plumber, electrician, roofer, etc, makes being prepared, a wise move. Funding this reserve, with an additional 6 months, or so, of reserves, is a wise approach, although requires commitment and discipline!

3. Maintenance - regular: Performing regularly scheduled maintenance, often, minimizes, further exposure, caused by being inattentive, or unprepared! Consider the possibilities, which includes seasonal maintenance, fixing minor issues (before they become major, etc), is a smart approach, but how one pays for these, is a necessary consideration!

4. Renovations - future needs, updating/ upgrading: When we first, purchase a home, of our own, our needs, may be somewhat different than they become, in the future! While, unlike the first three scenarios, can and should not, be delayed or put off, we can delay renovations, but, to enjoy, fully, where we live, we often need, to renovate and update/ upgrade. Only by planning, and disciplining ourselves, to have reserves, etc, will this be achieved, without undue stress!

The better prepared one is, the happier the home ownership, experience! Will you discipline yourself, so you are your own, best friend?

Stop Fighting The Same Battles Over Again

Many individuals continue to bring up old events and occurrences, to defend present points of view, and actions. Not only is that unproductive, but it is also unhealthy and unwise. Individuals who take this course of action constantly rehash old "stuff," and seem to be constantly "re-fighting old battles." These individuals should learn and understand that one's perception of events is generally not the same as someone else's, and that circumstances, situations, and people change and adapt constantly. Often the event occurred because of a differing point of view or perspective, and that one's opinion of another might also change over time.

Especially with people under twenty-five, old memories of someone or something else could have been greatly impacted by exceptional circumstances that either party experienced at that point in time. Often, one individual "matures" sooner than another, or one's tolerance of a particular behavior might change over time. It is also possible that one or both individuals might have changed over the course of time. If that were not the fact, we would all have many of the same friends throughout our lives, yet most of us do not.

The high percentage of divorces is another evidence of how circumstances and perspectives change over time. People grow apart, points of views change, and many individuals are far less than tolerant about changes

It is important that people learn the importance of "letting it go." It is not constructive to permit things, events, or people continue to impact and bother you. Rather than taking satisfaction from 'holding a grudge," and begrudging others imperfections, and what you perceive as improprieties, or what many of today's generation refer to as a "Dis," it is far more constructive to "move on." One need not once again become friends with the other individual, but continuous anger is often an unhealthy situation. It is far better to merely accept that most people have imperfections, and one will rarely like everything someone else says, or does, so just "let it go." The concept of a "Dis," which is short for disrespect or disrespectful behavior or action, is often far more perception related than actual.

My best advice is simply strive to be the best individual you can be, and to concern yourself less with other's behavior, which are beyond your control. This is often a difficult thing to do, but is almost always healthier for you, and for getting anything accomplished, than "harping" on the past. There is no magic formula for regaining peace and calm from a stressful situation, but "moving on" is generally the best course of action.

Too many people worry about being friends or being liked. It is my belief that the only one that you truly have any control over, in the long run and the big picture, is you. Try it, and you will notice that it is a workable, more relaxing and productive course of action.

Natural Alternatives For Stress Relief

For close to two decades, I was either in management, development, marketing or training of the use of natural health products as an alternative to conventional techniques. I have appeared on over 200 radio and television programs, and written a book published by Safe Goods Publishing in 1995, "Natural Alternatives To Stress Relief."

Stress is a natural occurrence in everyday life. More prescription drugs are sold in the United States for stress and depression- related problems than for anything else. However, there is another approach for handling everyday stress, that does not require drugs. One of the definitions of stress offered by Dictionary.com is "physical, mental or emotional strain or tension." There are quite a number of "natural" approaches to stress that have been proven to be quite effective is assisting with coping, especially in mild to moderate cases. Some of these include:

(1) Relaxation exercises - - these exercises help to clear "stressed minds," relax stressed muscles, calm one's breathing, and slow down racing heartbeats.
(2) Music therapy - - for many individuals, there is nothing as relaxing as listening to music. Music can be calming in a number of ways. Music can serve as a "temporary escape," and help one to refocus away from whatever is the cause of the stress.
(3) Rest - - sometimes all that's needed. Very often, when someone has not slept well or had enough sleep (whatever is enough for them), it stresses them.
(4) Breathing exercises - - there are a variety of exercises that have been proven to be quite relaxing.
(5) Self- talk - - using techniques such as Affirmation Lists, Positive Mental Attitude, and other self-talk techniques, can often be extremely relaxing and stress- reducing. I have previously published Associated Content articles on Affirmation Lists and Positive Mental Attitude.
(6) Natural remedies, including:
(a) Massage therapy- often reduces stress by reducing muscle tension, and slowing one down, thus relaxing them.
(b) Aromatherapy - many have found using this therapy to effectively reduce stress.
(c) Accupuncture/ accupressure - often removes negative "energies," or "chis," thus reducing aches, pain and anxiety.
(d) The Bach Flower Remedies - - I have extensively written about these in my book, Natural Alternatives for Stress Relief (published by Safe Goods in 1995, as well as in several published magazine articles. These remedies were discovered around 1930 by the British physician, Dr. Edward Bach, who found 38 wildflowers that, when made into essences, were extremely helpful in handling a variety of different emotional upsets. Dr. Bach also created a five- flower combination for stress relief that he called his Rescue Remedy. This five-flower combination is now manufactured under a variety of brand names. In my book, I go through a thorough discussion on the use of Dr. Bach's essences, as well as a variety of other natural stress relieving alternatives.

There is no one way to relieve stress. When the stress is acute enough, it is important to immediately contact a competent, trusted health professional. When stress is chronic, treatment should be dictated by degree of functionality or dysfunctionality. Each individual must determine for himself which approach is best for his situation. However, I feel it is important for people do realize that drugs are not always the only solution!