Tag Archives: advice

Jun5

What Would Make You Fall Back In Love With Your Home Again?

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What Would Make You Fall Back In Love With Your Home Again?

As sad as it can seem, there are often times when we fall out of love with our homes. When we first buy them, it can feel really exciting. You may find that you’re so in love with the style, the space, and how it feels overall but, as with anything over time, that can fade. Homes need a lot of upkeep and maintenance in order to stay looking their best. But not only that, we can change too. This means that we may be looking for other options or focusing too much on the things we don’t like! If you want to fall back in love with your home again, here’s what might help you:

A Big Clear Out:

For starters, it’s always worth considering having a huge clear-out! You don’t always realize how much stuff you acquire over time. You may find that you end up with a lot of things you no longer want or need. Because of that, your home may look messy and overcrowded which is nothing a good decluttering session can’t solve. That way, you can donate unwanted goods to charity and you may find that having more space completely transforms how you feel about your home.

Getting Things Fixed:

Up next, you may want to look into repairing or replacing anything that needs it. Sometimes when things break we mean to fix them but never get around to it. This only adds to the overall effect! Taking the time to call in experts and spruce things up can really make a difference. Getting a new window installation to replace your old or broken windows can give your home an instant face lift. The same goes for repairing your old boiler or coffee machine, which will also add to your overall quality of life.

Help With Chores:

One of the reasons that you may have fallen out of love with your home is that it feels hard to maintain. If you’re the only one doing things and focusing on making it run like clockwork, you may be feeling tired. It can be exhausting and frustrating when everything falls on you to manage. Create a chore chart and rope your family members in or even hiring some home help could change your outlook here.

Updated Decor:

Of course, if your home hasn’t been decorated in years, it may also be getting to you. If things are looking tired, refreshing them can be a huge game changer. Take a look at some design inspiration to see what you like. Then, you can get started with some paint and new furniture pieces to breathe fresh life into each room. Sometimes your home just needs some love and care, and it will look brand new!

Refreshing your home with updated decor, repairs, and a good old fashioned deep clean can give you that brand new feel once more. Enjoy it!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun4

Everything You Need To Know About Refinancing Your Home

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Everything You Need To Know About Refinancing Your Home

At some point in your life, the time will probably arrive when you need to refinance your home. Refinancing means replacing your current mortgage with a new one, preferably on better terms. Most mortgages run anywhere between one and five years and need to be renewed after the contract period. Even though you’ll be paying a mortgage on your home for longer than that in most cases, you can adjust the terms to suit your purposes and reflect changing interest rates.

The three main types of refinance:

Refinancing income is in three main types, and they all have different purposes.

  1. The most common approach is to swap your current loan for a new one at a lower interest rate. This is standard in the mortgage market and allows you to adjust how much you repay based on your circumstances. In many cases, you’ll find that there are better deals out there than when you signed up, and interest rates have risen significantly during the intervening period.
  2. Another option is a cash-out refinance. This happens when your home grows in value, and you can borrow more money against it. You can then take the difference as cash and invest it somewhere else. Many real estate investors like doing this because it gives them the cash they need to put a deposit on a new property. It’s risky because it relies on general property values rising over time.
  3. The final option is a cash-in refinance. The idea here is to bring a lump sum of money to the closing table to pay down your principal balance. This is a method you can use to lower your monthly payments significantly on the property.

When does refinancing make sense?

Refinancing makes sense in several situations. It carries some upfront fees, but it can also advantage you financially. For example, it makes sense if your credit score is above 620. This tells lenders that you’re relatively low risk. It also makes sense when your home equity is currently at least 20%. If your home equity is less than this, it can increase the amount of interest you pay on your monthly repayments in the future, and it might not be economical.

You should also consider refinancing if you’ve got access to bridging loans at Squared Money. These are short-term loans that can provide you with the money you need in order to get the best possible refinance deal on your property when it becomes available.

How the refinancing process works:

The refinancing process is relatively simple:

  1. Go and shop around multiple vendors, preferably using a mortgage broker to help you get estimates from three to five of them.
  2. Look for the best one and submit your paperwork.
  3. Provide financial proof of your status, including your W-2, bank statements, and pay stubs.
  4. Show the lender that you’re able to repay the loan.

Once you close on the loan, make sure the estimated cost matches your initial estimate. You usually have a cooling-off period where you can change your refinancing agreement if needed.

With the right help, refinancing your home is a simple and financially beneficial process!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun2

4 Healthy Habits To Focus On Long-Term

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4 Healthy Habits To Focus On Long-Term

Everyone wants to be as healthy as possible, but most people think that means making large, dramatic changes. That doesn’t have to be the case! It’s just a matter of having a few healthy habits and snacks, and there shouldn’t be much to worry about. Four of these could end up being essential for your health as time goes on:

Taking an Exercise Break:

You’ll already know you should take breaks when you’re working, whether you’re in an office or working from home. This shouldn’t just be to grab a coffee or going to have lunch, though. It’s worth adding a bit of exercise to it, especially if you happen to sit at an office all day. The human body isn’t supposed to be seated constantly, after all. You could end up having health conditions because of it. By taking an exercise break you allow yourself the time to improve yourself while also boosting your mood for the rest of the day.

Cutting Out the Cigarettes:

Smoking is one of the most common habits around the world, despite how unhealthy it is. It increases your chances of developing various forms of cancer while impacting more than a few other parts of your life, too. That’s why it’s always worth quitting. You’ll end up noticing a large difference in your health as time goes on. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be as hard as you’d think. It could just be a matter of using the right products. Nicotine gum, patches, and similar products can help. Even vapes can be a great option to help cut down and quit, especially with the likes of IVG Pro 12 Refill vape pods.

Keeping Your Balance:

Most people don’t worry about their balance too much. At least, that’s the case until they start having problems with it. When you’re relatively young, this is the furthest thing from your mind. But, it could be more of a problem as you get older, and you could risk more than a few injuries. Preventing this doesn’t have to be too hard. Yoga and similar steps could be more than enough to help with your balance. And, you can work them into the exercise breaks mentioned above to make it even easier for yourself.

Being Mindful:

Your mental health is just as important to focus on with your health habits as your physical health is. And, there are more than a few habits that can help with this, with mindfulness being one of the more notable. It’ll help deal with your stress levels and anxiety quite a bit more than you would’ve thought. It can even improve your mood and help with mild pain, too. The trick is to put in consistent time and effort. You’ll see some benefits short-term, but these get a lot more pronounced as time goes on.

Living a healthy and happy life can be as simple as incorporating a few of the tips above into your daily routine!

Featured Image By: Aziz Acharki from Unsplash.

May27

What Car Owners Should Know Before Their Next Manufacturer Service

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What Car Owners Should Know Before Their Next Manufacturer Service

A manufacturer’s service is more than a basic check-up. It follows the service schedule set by the vehicle manufacturer and helps keep the car safe, reliable, and running as intended. Many drivers book their service only when a warning light appears or when the car starts making unusual noises. However, waiting for a problem to appear can lead to bigger repair costs later.

A proper logbook service helps maintain the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s requirements. It includes checks, replacements, adjustments, and inspections based on the car’s age, mileage, model, and service history. Before booking your next manufacturer service, it helps to understand what is usually involved, why timing matters, and how it can protect your car in the long run:

A Manufacturer Service Follows a Set Schedule:

Every car comes with a recommended service schedule. This schedule is usually based on time or mileage, whichever comes first. For example, a vehicle may need servicing every 10,000 miles, 15,000 miles, or once a year, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines. These intervals are not random. They are designed around how the vehicle’s parts, fluids, filters, and systems wear over time. Engine oil breaks down, filters become blocked, brake parts wear down, tires lose evenness, and fluids can become contaminated. If these items are not checked and replaced on time, they can affect performance and reliability.

It Helps Protect Your Warranty:

One of the biggest reasons drivers keep up with scheduled servicing is warranty protection. If your car is still under warranty, missing services or delaying them for too long can create problems if you need to make a claim. Manufacturers expect the vehicle to be maintained correctly. If a fault appears and the car has not been serviced as required, the manufacturer may question whether poor maintenance contributed to the issue. This can make the warranty process more difficult. A proper log book service gives you a clear record that the vehicle has been maintained according to the recommended schedule. It also shows what work was completed and when. This can be important not only for warranty claims, but also for future resale value.

Small Problems Can Be Found Early:

One of the main benefits of manufacturer servicing is early fault detection. A car may feel fine to drive, but hidden issues can still be developing. A mechanic may notice a coolant leak, worn brake pads, cracked belt, uneven tire wear, or a weak battery. Finding these issues early can save money. A small leak can be repaired before it causes overheating. Worn brake pads can be replaced before they damage the rotors. A weak battery can be changed before it leaves you stranded. Uneven tire wear can point to alignment or suspension issues before tires are ruined.

Your Service History Matters:

A complete service history can make a big difference when selling or trading in your car. Buyers often look for proof that the car has been serviced regularly. A stamped log book and detailed invoices show that the vehicle has been maintained properly over time. A missing or incomplete service history can make buyers cautious. They may worry that the car has hidden problems or that important maintenance was skipped. This can reduce the vehicle’s value or make it harder to sell.

The Right Workshop Can Still Complete Manufacturer Servicing:

Some drivers think they must always return to the dealership for a manufacturer’s service. In many cases, qualified independent workshops can complete manufacturer-scheduled servicing as long as the work follows the required standards and uses suitable parts and fluids. This can give drivers more choice. A trusted workshop can follow the manufacturer’s schedule, stamp the log book, complete the required checks, and explain any issues clearly. The key is choosing a workshop with experience, proper equipment, and an understanding of your vehicle type.

Warning Lights Should Not Be Ignored:

If a warning light appears before your scheduled service, do not wait until the booking date without checking it. Warning lights can relate to engine faults, brake issues, battery charging problems, oil pressure, coolant temperature, airbags, ABS, or other important systems. Some warnings may be minor, but others can become serious if ignored. A diagnostic scan can help identify the cause and prevent further damage. If the car feels rough, overheats, loses power, makes unusual noises, or shows fluid leaks, it should be inspected as soon as possible.

How to Prepare Before Your Service:

Before taking your car in, check your service book, note any concerns, and tell the mechanic about changes you have noticed. This may include unusual noises, rough starting, poor fuel economy, warning lights, vibrations, pulling to one side, brake squealing, or air conditioning issues. It also helps to remove personal items from the car, especially if the mechanic needs access to the trunk, glove box, cabin filter area, or spare wheel. If you have previous repair invoices, keep them available so the workshop can understand the vehicle’s maintenance history.

Regular servicing may feel like a routine cost, but it is one of the simplest ways to protect your car and avoid bigger problems on the road!

May26

How Bluetooth Is Enabling Healthier Lifestyles

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How Bluetooth Is Enabling Healthier Lifestyles

Bluetooth technology transformed the phone market several years ago by allowing people to connect more devices to their smartphones wirelessly. It’s now entering the health sector and creating powerful changes there as well. Here’s what’s happening:

Seamlessly synchronizing biometrics 24/7:

One of the most underrated impacts of Bluetooth and its effect on enabling healthier lifestyles is how it’s seamlessly synchronising biometrics for people 24/7. Anyone who is wearing a device or going for workouts now knows that they can log all of their data on a simple app, all powered by Bluetooth.

Smartwatches, fitness bands, and other types of wearables use this technology for things like continuous oxygen-level monitoring and heart rate variability. The amount of data that can now be gleaned by the combination of sensors and Bluetooth is extraordinary, and brands are combining it with intelligent AI software to provide integrated dashboards to consumers.

Upgrading home care preventative health measures:

Another way Bluetooth is enabling healthier lifestyles is by bridging the gap between home wellness and clinical medicine. For example, it’s now possible to connect vital measurements like blood pressure, weight, and temperature to phones and cloud software. 

In addition to this, Bluetooth hearing aids are being equipped with emergency fall alert technology. These features are particularly helpful for older people who may be living at home and at risk of falling.

What’s interesting about these latest technologies is that they don’t rely on single data points taken once a year at a doctor’s office. Instead, Bluetooth technology allows trends to be tracked over many weeks and months, building a fuller picture of a person’s state of overall health.

Improving chronic condition management:

The effects of connected Bluetooth technology on chronic condition management are nothing short of extraordinary. The rise of continuous glucose monitors for people with diabetes means they can now get alerts on their phones for when they should take insulin or when they’ve eaten a meal with too much sugar in it. There are also smart inhalers that track usage patterns and geographic triggers. These can help patients figure out what might be causing their asthma attacks and provide them with more information on when they should take their inhalers to open up their airways.

Making hearing health more accessible:

Another change you might have noticed is the improvements in hearing health. Bluetooth is making hearing health gadgets more accessible and changing how people interact with their environments. For example, it’s now possible for individuals to stream audio from public screens in airports and railway stations. This streaming eliminates the need to interpret sounds through the microphone first, making sounds clearer and easier to perceive.

This is also being used to create more smart environments. Healthy living isn’t just about moving bodies. It’s also about the air people breathe and the environment that they live in. Bluetooth air quality monitoring can track CO2 levels, volatile organic compounds, and allergens. It can also implement automated fixes to HVAC systems and smart ventilation technologies.

Are you synced up to Bluetooth to monitor your health? It can only help!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May26

Your “Cheap” Plumber Just Made The Problem Worse – Here’s What Happens Next

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Your “Cheap” Plumber Just Made The Problem Worse – Here’s What Happens Next

A cheap plumbing quote can look attractive, especially when the problem seems simple. A leaking tap, slow drain, running toilet, or small pipe repair may not feel like something worth spending much on. But plumbing work has a way of punishing shortcuts. If the job is done badly, the original problem may return, spread, or create damage that costs far more than the money saved. Many homeowners only realize this after the cheap repair fails. The leak comes back, the drain blocks again, the hot water fault worsens, or the same plumber stops answering calls. At that point, the next repair is no longer just about fixing the first issue. It may involve undoing poor work, finding hidden damage, and restoring trust in the system:

Why Cheap Work Often Costs More Later:

A low price is not always a problem on its own. Some jobs are simple, and some plumbers price fairly. The warning sign is when the quote is unusually cheap, vague, or rushed. If a price seems far lower than others, something may be missing. Cheap work often skips proper diagnosis. The plumber may patch the visible issue without checking why it happened. A leak may be stopped temporarily instead of being repaired properly. A blocked drain may be plunged instead of being inspected. A hot water issue may be reset without checking the underlying fault.

Common Problems After Poor Plumbing Work:

One of the most common issues is repeated leaking. A loose-fitting seal, wrong washer, or rushed pipe repair may hold briefly before failing again. Water can then spread into cupboards, flooring, skirting, plaster, and adjoining rooms. Blocked drains are another common example. If the drain is cleared only enough to let water pass, the main buildup may remain. Without proper cleaning or inspection, the blockage can return quickly. Toilet repairs can also go wrong when parts are mismatched or installed incorrectly. The toilet may keep running, leak at the base, flush poorly, or waste water. Hot water repairs can become risky if electrical, gas, valve, or pressure issues are not handled correctly.

The Hidden Damage Is Often Worse Than the Visible Fault:

Poor plumbing work can cause damage that is not obvious straight away. A small leak inside a vanity may seem minor until the cabinet swells. A pipe behind a wall may drip slowly for weeks before stains appear. A bad drain repair may allow wastewater to escape underground, affecting the soil and creating odors. Water damage can also create mold risks. Damp areas behind cabinets, under floors, or inside walls can stay hidden until the smell, staining, or surface damage becomes obvious.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters:

Good plumbing is not just about replacing parts. It’s about understanding why the problem occurred. A leaking tap may be caused by worn washers, high water pressure, damaged seats, or ageing fixtures. A blocked drain may be caused by grease, roots, cracked pipes, or poor pipe fall. Professional plumbers in Adelaide (or your local area) that homeowners rely on should include a clear diagnosis, not guesswork. The plumber should explain what they found, what needs to be fixed, and what could happen if the issue is ignored.

What to Do If the Repair Has Failed:

If a cheap repair has failed, avoid trying to hide or patch the problem again. Turn off the water if there is an active leak. Stop using affected fixtures if wastewater is backing up. Keep records of invoices, messages, photos, and dates. Call a qualified plumber to inspect the issue properly. Be honest about what work was done before. This helps them identify whether the failure comes from the original problem, poor workmanship, unsuitable parts, or hidden damage.

How to Avoid the Same Mistake Again:

When choosing a plumber, look for licensing, insurance, clear communication, and proper quoting. A professional plumber should be able to explain the job in plain language and provide a reasonable breakdown of what is included. Be cautious with cash-only offers, vague prices, no written details, or pressure to approve work immediately when the situation is not urgent. Also, be wary of anyone who dismisses inspection and says they can fix everything quickly without checking properly.

When Paying More Makes Sense:

Paying more can make sense when the plumber provides a proper diagnosis, uses suitable materials, follows safe work practices, and gives clear advice. This is not about paying the highest price, it’s about paying for work that solves the problem instead of creating a new one. Good plumbing work can protect your home from water damage, repeat call outs, and emergency repairs. It can also give you better long-term value because the repair is based on the real cause, not just the visible symptom.

If a recent plumbing repair has failed, do not keep patching it. Book a proper inspection and get clear advice before the problem spreads further through your home!

May25

5 Reasons Why A Loft Conversion Is Worth Your Time And Money

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5 Reasons Why A Loft Conversion Is Worth Your Time And Money

When homeowners start running out of space, the first instinct is often to move. But between estate agent fees, legal costs, packing, and the stress of uprooting your life, moving house can quickly become far more expensive than expected. That’s why loft conversions continue gaining popularity, especially for families who want more space without sacrificing the character or location they already love. While the upfront cost may feel intimidating at first, the long-term benefits often make it one of the smartest renovation projects you can invest in:

1. You avoid the huge cost of moving house:

One of the biggest financial advantages of a loft conversion is avoiding the moving tax. Selling a property and buying another comes with endless costs that don’t actually improve your lifestyle or increase your wealth. A loft conversion allows you to stay in the neighborhood you already enjoy while putting your money directly back into your own property instead of handing it over to third parties. For families who love their area but simply need more room, moving upward often makes far more sense than moving away.

2. Loft conversions offer impressive return on investment:

Not every renovation dramatically increases property value, but loft conversions consistently perform well. Transforming an unused attic into a functional bedroom, office, or en-suite suite can significantly boost your home’s market appeal. This becomes especially valuable when renovating an old home where original layouts may no longer suit modern lifestyles. Adding an extra bedroom or flexible top-floor retreat instantly makes the property more attractive to future buyers.

3. Most projects are faster than people expect:

Many homeowners assume major renovations automatically mean endless paperwork and delays. Fortunately, loft conversions are often more straightforward than large extensions. Standard loft projects can fall under permitted development rules, meaning full planning permission may not always be necessary. That can save months of waiting and significantly reduce stress before work even begins. Construction itself also tends to be less disruptive because much of the work happens externally through scaffolding rather than directly through the center of the home.

4. You gain space without losing your garden:

Rear extensions may add square footage, but they often come at the cost of valuable outdoor space. A loft conversion solves that problem by utilizing space that already exists above your ceiling. You gain an entirely new room without shrinking your patio, driveway, or garden. That balance matters more than ever today, especially as homeowners increasingly prioritize both indoor comfort and outdoor living areas. Modern designs featuring reliable options like Tuffx roof windows also help maximize natural light, transforming previously dark attic spaces into bright, airy rooms that feel fully integrated into the home.

5. It creates a peaceful retreat away from the noise:

One underrated advantage of loft conversions is the separation they create. As open-plan homes become busier and louder, having a quiet top-floor sanctuary can completely change how a house feels day to day. Whether it becomes a master suite, creative workspace, reading room, or guest retreat, the extra level naturally feels calmer and more private.

In the end, a loft conversion isn’t just about adding square footage. It’s about creating a smarter, more functional home that continues working for your lifestyle long into the future!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May25

How To Handle The Emotions Of Hearing Loss

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How To Handle The Emotions Of Hearing Loss

There is no doubt that any kind of hearing loss can have a big impact on your life. But it is not only the day-to-day practical side of life that it affects, it also takes its toll emotionally as well. A sense of helplessness and depression is common. Let’s look closer at a few of the ways that you can put yourself in a better position to handle the emotional side of hearing loss:

Don’t Hide Your Feelings:

Whether your hearing loss is sudden or gradual, there is certainly a sense of mourning involved. To support yourself through this grieving process, turn to your friends and family for support. Rely on the people who are closest to you in your life and express to them what you are going through as clearly as you can. You may also find that it is helpful to talk your feelings through with a therapist.

Make Communication Simpler:

Of course, you are never going to get used to hearing loss instantly. Older people, in particular, tend to wait longer than they should to get treatment as they find it difficult to accept the loss. Hearing loss tends to have an isolating effect as people find social situations so much more challenging than they once did. Whenever you are speaking to people, you can help the situation by turning down background noise like the television or radio. You can also ask people to speak slowly and clearly, and face them at all times so that you can see their mouth and gestures. Essentially, do everything you can to make your life that little bit easier.

Understand Your Options:

The more that you learn about the process of hearing loss, the more you can ease your anxiety and start to feel better. There are plenty of resources that you can use and advice that you can follow from an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor. Find out about the common treatment options that are out there with a local hearing exam, the support groups in your area, and what sort of medical checkups you need to have on a regular basis.

Stay Realistic:

Even though hearing devices are so much more advanced than they once were, they are not instant cures. It takes a while before your brain adjusts to the sound coming through them, and in many ways, the process involves learning to listen all over again. Stay realistic in the challenge you have in front of you and be prepared to exercise some patience.

There is no pretending that hearing loss is going to be an easy thing to go through, but these are just a few of the ways that you can better handle the emotional side of it so that you can live a life that remains as rich and fulfilling as possible.      

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr3

Simple Ways To Look After Your Home

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Simple Ways To Look After Your Home

Whether you’re renting or you own your home, you surely want to keep it looking good and to take care of it as much as possible. Your environment plays a big role in how you feel and in your overall health and your home is the best place to start. There is nothing better than returning after a long day at work to a space that is clean and fresh. Here are a few easy ways that you can better maintain it as you start your spring cleaning:

Keep On Top Of Everyday Tidying:

One great way to care for your home is to tidy regularly. This is not going to take long because there won’t be time for it to get too messy again. We’re talking about simple things like putting items back where they belong, wiping surfaces, dealing with small messes before they get bigger, and so on – it can all make a massive difference.

Check Things Before They Become Problems:

Another helpful thing to do is spot minor issues around the home early. Things like a loose handle here, a dripping tap there, or perhaps a squeaky door or a slightly blocked drain. These can turn into bigger problems if you ignore them because they don’t seem like they’re causing too much harm. The fact is, spending a few minutes checking (and ideally fixing) little things is going to save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Look After Outdoor Areas:

Outdoor spaces are part of your home too, and keeping them tidy improves the overall feel. That’s why doing things like sweeping paths, trimming plants, and clearing leaves can all help. Of course, not everyone has the time, patience, or skills to improve their gardens to the level they might want. If you want to go a little further than a quick tidy up, it’s worth speaking to landscaping experts who can give you advice and come up with a plan before getting on with the work themselves.

Keep A Simple Routine:

Having an easy routine (easy to do and easy to remember) can make maintenance feel a lot more manageable, so it’s a good idea to take a little time to create one. Once it’s done, you just have to follow it and everything becomes easier, quicker, and less stressful. For example, you could choose one small task to do every day, or set some time aside each week to do your home maintenance checks. Having a routine in place means the work gets spread out and stops everything from piling up at once, which usually means nothing actually gets done!

Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to clean. Keep your home sparkling with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Anete Lusina

Mar31

Uber Safety

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Uber Safety

Hello! My sister, Kristen, and I experienced some travel turmoil when we were in New Orleans because our flight home got cancelled. However, that wasn’t the only incident of the day as we had an incredibly not okay Uber ride when we wanted to go to the Garden District. When we first arrived in NOLA, we opted for the “women driver only” option on Uber and that made us feel a lot more secure in a brand new city. However, I didn’t remind my sister to select that option again when we went to the Garden District as I thought it was an automatic setting. We ended up having a driver that made some highly inappropriate comments and drove like an absolute mad man. We’re talking swerving, we’re talking speeding, we’re talking running over curbs/sidewalks, and almost getting into several accidents. It was VERY scary.

After this experience, we were left with literal heart palpitations as we made our way through the Garden District and then the punches kept coming shortly after with the cancellation of our flight. We were blessedly able to catch a plane home the following day after many, many delays! That morning we, of course, selected the women driver only option and had the coolest lady ever get us to the airport. We talked to her about our ride from the previous day and she shared some very good advice that I wanted to pass on to all of you. This is information that you never want to need but it’s so important to have a safety plan no matter the situation:

When we told her about our ride, we mentioned that we honestly didn’t know what to say to get ourselves out of the car and were too scared to say pull over. And, in the moment, our minds were blank to come up with anything at all. So, she gave us an alternative. Our driver said if we find ourselves in a situation like that, start bringing up food, drink, and bathrooms. IE: Oh is that a Wendy’s? Can you actually drop us off here? I’m feeling a little nauseous. Or: A gas station! I could use some Gatorade, I feel queasy after all the walking we did. These are perfectly valid, common statements and no one wants someone getting sick in their car. AND you will be in a public area where people will have eyes on you. As soon as the coast is clear – report, report, report the driver.

Our driver then went on to say that she has a safety plan in place for herself too. If she ever feels uncomfortable when providing rides, she pulls over to the most public area she sees first. She then gets out of the car and begins to walk towards a crowd of people. Eventually, the person she is driving figures it out and exits the vehicle. And, should they have anything to say, she is surrounded by people. Once again, as soon as the coast is clear – report, report, report the rider.

I am SO appreciative to our driver for sharing this advice because it was so smart and simple enough to stay with you. If you use Uber often, have a safety plan and a backup one too because you really just never know.

What are some of your rideshare or travel safety tips? Have you had an experience similar to ours before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah