Since I moved to the UK, I've encountered many surprising things, but one has really caught my attention, which is why I'm talking about it in this post. In the UK, the cost of having a mortgage is quite high, and living here is expensive. It often feels like what you pay doesn't match what you get in return. This is my personal opinion.
People in the UK work hard and pay a lot of taxes. Some of that money goes into their retirement savings, while some is used to pay for their mortgages. However, as they get older and might become unwell, they can't take care of themselves, and they end up in a care home to get the help they need. Despite the fact that I have never worked in a care home, I have read and heard about them.
You make lifelong mortgage payments and continue to work until you are 55–65 years old, which is roughly the same age at which most people finish paying off their mortgage. Then you require care and are forced to sell your home to finance it.
I want to emphasize that the focus here is on those who have to sell their homes to pay for care after they have only completed the payment for it between the ages of 50 and 65. Don't misunderstand me; care services are vital for those in need of care. But my point is, if you've worked your whole life and paid off your mortgage, only to find yourself needing care when you are more than 55 and having to sell your home to cover these expenses, was buying a house truly a good financial plan?
It raises questions about whether taking a mortgage is the most effective path to a better life, considering the possibility of working tirelessly without securing financial stability in the end.
I'm genuinely interested in your thoughts on this topic.
67 comments
I consulted a UK dentist, initially considering private treatment over NHS. Yet, the £3200 price tag gave me pause, prompting me to explore other options as I had to relocate.
During a subsequent visit to a different dentist, the dreaded X-ray was on the agenda. I must admit, it's not for the faint-hearted, especially with a painful tooth. The first dentist was incredibly patient, but the second was efficient. She attempted the X-rays and informed me that she would have to reschedule us if she was unable to complete the procedure on the second attempt.
Although it was painful, I mustered the courage to proceed. The X-ray revealed what I already knew - the tooth had to come out, a standard procedure for a first-time dentist visit.
She administered anaesthesia, though it proved ineffective due to the infection. Prescribing antibiotics, she then directed me to the receptionist, who arranged an appointment for the 25th of October, despite my request for an earlier date due to the fact that the month was just beginning.
After picking up the prescribed medication from the pharmacy, I returned home, where the emotional weight of it all became overwhelming. Music and prayer provided solace during this difficult time
I started taking the antibiotics as prescribed, and things got a bit better, but I had to be on painkillers. I would take painkillers in the morning and at night before going to bed. Even though this was safe, I was worried because one can get addicted to painkillers.
On a fateful day, the 13th of this month, my phone rang, and to my surprise, it was the dentist on the line. With a sense of anticipation, she revealed that my appointment for a root canal treatment was scheduled for November 5, 2023. I agreed to the date, but as soon as we hung up, confusion set in. I couldn't shake the feeling that my tooth extraction appointment might have been shifted or mixed up with the root canal booking.
So, I decided to dial her number again and asked for clarification. To my astonishment, she told me they had no record of any appointments. I insisted, "But I have a booking set for the 25th of this month, and I even have the appointment card right here."
She replied that on her end, there were no traces of these dates. Annoyed and in pain, I pleaded for my appointment not to be postponed further, but her response was rather nonchalant. "Do you want to book the date or not?" she asked. I hesitated, trying to make sense of this scheduling mess, and the call abruptly ended.
In a bid to resolve the issue, I called her back once more. This time, she proposed another date, the 30th of this month. I agreed, though not without lingering dissatisfaction. The fact that she failed to apologize for their error made me feel bad.
As days passed, my toothache grew steadily worse. It lingered like a relentless shadow, and I resorted to stronger painkillers, which had an unusual side effect – hallucinations. Over three nights, I found myself in a surreal world of animals with bizarre shapes, even though I didn't own any pets. I remember seeing a big animal with spikes on its head and a big dog sitting next to me.
On Friday, desperate for relief, I took another painkiller, but the pain intensified drastically. I experimented with various home remedies, but they offered little solace. By Saturday, I was running a fever, weakened, and plagued by a relentless headache. Despite these struggles, I managed to eat, hoping for a miracle to alleviate my pain.
On Friday, desperate for relief, I took another painkiller, but the pain intensified drastically. I experimented with various home remedies, but they offered little solace. By Saturday, I was running a fever, weakened, and plagued by a relentless headache. Despite these struggles, I managed to eat, hoping for a miracle to alleviate my pain.
I have been procrastinating this post, and fall will soon be over, so I said to myself, Why not just post this outfit inspiration? And here we go. 
When we start saying goodbye to summer and you still want to wear those dresses that you like, add a trench coat. I got this trench coat last year from Primark, and it has been the most expensive item I have ever gotten from the brand. Even though I know that most of their products are not durable, I still went ahead and got it. I have enjoyed wearing this trench coat to work, church, and other places, and I must say it elevated my outfits.
Middle school presents numerous students with difficulties. Academically, it is more difficult than elementary education, with an increased workload and expectations. Even the act of switching courses, which begins in middle school for the majority of students, can induce stress. Socially, it can be difficult for students to find community and companions in the face of intense peer pressure. Additionally, certain students begin experimenting with substances and sexuality during this time, which can be overwhelming even if only indirectly observed through the perspectives of their peers.
What then should parents do? The subsequent recommendations will assist your middle schooler in navigating these unfamiliar waters.
Support with academics and socializing
Ensure that they remain focused and organized. Managing assignments and exams while attending multiple courses requires some adjustment. Encourage your child to make use of a daily or weekly planner (whether paper or electronic). Assist them in devising a timetable that accommodates completed study assignments alongside opportunities for physical activity and other pursuits. Resist the impulse to micromanage; the goal is to assist your child in developing skills, and true skill development requires making mistakes.
Be cognizant of the consequences of social media and screen time. Screen time can squander valuable time on activities such as sleep, assignments, and other commitments. In addition to being a source of distraction, social media can induce anxiety in middle school students. On social media, everyone and everything appears flawless, despite the fact that they are not. It is easy to feel inferior or excluded. Establish ground rules regarding device usage, such as charging the phone outside the bedroom at night and prohibiting its use during meals or assignment time.
Familiarize yourself with the faculty and school environment. Attend the autumn open house. Register for any conferences or additional resources that are provided to parents. Participate in volunteer work or join the PTO to the extent that you are able to do so in lieu of your own obligations. It can connect you with other parents and provide you with valuable context.
Encourage healthful practises
Maintain wholesome practises in mind. Essential are a nutritious diet, consistent exercise, and a good night's sleep. Consider planning in advance on the weekend some nutritious munchies, lunches, or dinners if your schedule is especially hectic. Engaging in physical activity can be as straightforward as going for a stroll—perhaps even to class or with the dog.
Promote engagement for your child, but refrain from overscheduling them. Participating in a school-sponsored club, sport, or other activity is an excellent way to make new acquaintances and develop personally. Nonetheless, we all require leisure. Ensure that respite is incorporated into the schedule alongside extracurricular activities. Family time during that period of downtime should include activities that your child appreciates, such as going out for ice cream or watching a movie.
Support with academics and socializing
Ensure that they remain focused and organized. Managing assignments and exams while attending multiple courses requires some adjustment. Encourage your child to make use of a daily or weekly planner (whether paper or electronic). Assist them in devising a timetable that accommodates completed study assignments alongside opportunities for physical activity and other pursuits. Resist the impulse to micromanage; the goal is to assist your child in developing skills, and true skill development requires making mistakes.
Be cognizant of the consequences of social media and screen time. Screen time can squander valuable time on activities such as sleep, assignments, and other commitments. In addition to being a source of distraction, social media can induce anxiety in middle school students. On social media, everyone and everything appears flawless, despite the fact that they are not. It is easy to feel inferior or excluded. Establish ground rules regarding device usage, such as charging the phone outside the bedroom at night and prohibiting its use during meals or assignment time.
Familiarize yourself with the faculty and school environment. Attend the autumn open house. Register for any conferences or additional resources that are provided to parents. Participate in volunteer work or join the PTO to the extent that you are able to do so in lieu of your own obligations. It can connect you with other parents and provide you with valuable context.
Encourage healthful practises
Maintain wholesome practises in mind. Essential are a nutritious diet, consistent exercise, and a good night's sleep. Consider planning in advance on the weekend some nutritious munchies, lunches, or dinners if your schedule is especially hectic. Engaging in physical activity can be as straightforward as going for a stroll—perhaps even to class or with the dog.
Promote engagement for your child, but refrain from overscheduling them. Participating in a school-sponsored club, sport, or other activity is an excellent way to make new acquaintances and develop personally. Nonetheless, we all require leisure. Ensure that respite is incorporated into the schedule alongside extracurricular activities. Family time during that period of downtime should include activities that your child appreciates, such as going out for ice cream or watching a movie.
During his speech to the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, the prime minister said that the government will be introducing a plan to phase out the sale of cigarettes for the next generation. This would be a significant step forward for the UK's overall health.
In addition, the PM promised to take stronger action against youngsters being sold disposable vapes, stating that more needs to be done to limit access to those under the age of 18.
During his address, Mr. Sunak stated that four out of five people who smoke began before the age of twenty. Most of them attempt to stop smoking later on, but many of them fail because they are addicted and regret starting the habit in the first place.
"We would be close to eradicating the leading cause of avoidable illness and death in our nation if we could interrupt that loop and halt the beginning.
"I suggest that going forward, the smoking age be raised yearly by one year. This implies that a 14-year-old can grow up smoke-free and that they will never be able to lawfully purchase cigarettes.
After the prime minister's statement, let's examine the British smoking regulations as they stand now and potential changes:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)