Hypervigilance

Today’s post is all about safety. As a woman whether single, married or otherwise, you are a prime target for crime. The statistics are staggering. According to a 2013 global review of available data by the UN, 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. It is scary to know that women are the primary targets of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, and many other forms of abuse and violence. Even scarier is that women make up a larger percentage of victims of serial killers.

In this day and age, hypervigilance is necessary in order to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim. Hypervigilance is defined as “an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect threats”. In laments terms, it is the state of being extremely aware of your surroundings accompanied by taking extreme actions to detect and avoid danger.

There are many actions you can take to avoid becoming a victim. I have compiled a list of a few important do and don’ts.

DO purchase and always carry a can of mace or pepper spray and make sure to learn how to use it. Mace or pepper spray can be purchased at sporting goods stores, hunting stores and from many online vendors.

DO take a self defense class. Many colleges and law enforcement agencies offer them at little to no cost.

DON’T jog or go running late at night without a running partner.

DON’T ever accept a a pre-made drink from a stranger.  If you didn’t see it being made-DO NOT drink it!

DON’T go on 1st, 2nd or 3rd dates in your dates vehicle. Always take your vehicle or meet them at the specified location(s). If the date doesn’t work out you can leave when you want and are not at your date’s mercy.

DON’T post your vacation plans, work or school schedule on social media.

DO invest in a security system for your home. Many security monitoring systems can be purchased and installed for a very reasonable price. Some monthly fees are less than a cell phone bill.

DO always park in a well lit area and always have your keys in your hand when headed to your vehicle. Digging in your purse or pocket for keys averts your attention from your surroundings and gives a potential victimizer just enough time to attack.

DON’T walk alone in secluded or dark areas.

DO always turn on your porch light when leaving the house for work or school. You never know what events may occur which will bring you home late at night.

These are just a few suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim. Primarily, just be aware of your surroundings, recognize potential dangers, and be prepared.

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Series: Money CAN Buy Happiness! Episode 2

So in Episode 1 of this series I talked to you about evaluating your spending habits and being open to change for your financial benefit. Today we are going to reduce your utility expenses.

Utility expenses include electricity, water, sewer, phone, and cable. Most people don’t even utilize a home phone anymore. I addressed how you can save money on your cell phone bill in Episode 1 of this series. However, one expense that is the easiest to reduce is your electricity bill. Some of the oldest known remedies are still the most valid today. For example, changing the temperature settings on your hot water heater can save up to and over $100 a month (depending on your utility service). There is never a need for scalding hot water. You always end up turning the cold water on to make the temperature bearable and comfortable.  By adjusting the thermostat(s) on your hot water heater you are not only saving electricity. Most utility companies who provide your electricity also provide your water and sewer services. They all charge by how many gallons go into the house via a water meter. Generally the sewer charge is also calculated by how many gallons go into the house. So by adjusting the temperature of your hot water heater, you can also save on your water and sewer charges because you don’t have to add as much cold water to make it comfortable. Check your water heater’s owners manual to locate and access the thermostat(s) and reduce the temperature setting by at least 10 degrees. You will barely notice the difference while showering but you will definitely see the difference on you next utility bill.

Another way to reduce your utility expenses is by replacing your a/c thermostat. Many homes and apartments come with a mercury thermostat installed. You know— the one with the little plastic levers you have to move around. Mercury thermostats are notoriously inaccurate. You are always having to adjust them because the temperature in the house in just never quite right. A digital thermostat can be purchased economically and is much more accurate. Energy Star estimates that you can save upwards of $200 each year on your energy bills just by having a digital thermostat installed. And all of them come with installation instructions. If you can read and follow directions installing one is easy.

Next is evaluation of your cable bill. Many people have optional premium channel packages added to their basic cable charges. Evaluate each premium channel package on it’s own merits. How much do you pay for each one? How often do you view the channels included in that optional package? If you don’t use – LOSE IT! If you pay $16.99 extra a month for a premium package that includes 4 channels and you only view 1 of those channels twice a month- drop it. You can now rent movies at Redbox for $1.50 a day. Hulu and other online services provide access to shows, series and movies at no charge. Why pay for it if you don’t have to?

As I’ve been trying to tell you- adjustments can always be made. Evaluate your spending and make the necessary adjustments. The money saved over time can buy a used car, be invested, or spent on that fabulous pair of shoes you’ve been wanting and couldn’t afford. There is always room for improvement.

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Series: Money CAN Buy Happiness! Episode 1

In this day and age, our world unfortunately revolves around money. The making, getting, and spending of money is how our economy works. Whether you are a wife managing joint finances, a single mother trying to stretch every dollar, or a single woman trying to make ends meet-it is hard to save money. Saving money in these difficult financial times seems impossible. But I have learned some very effective ways to save money. And I want to share my knowledge with you. This post is one of several in a planned series to educate you on very effective ways to save money and plan for your future.

One of the most beneficial ways of saving money is by evaluating your expenses and making adjustments  to your spending. Always look for the best deal for the money and be open to change. Do the research. It may take a little time from your schedule, but the benefits much outweigh the costs.

For example, let’s say you have had the same cellular provider for years. You pay $110 a month for cell phone service. Evaluate that expense. What kind of services do you get for that $110? Do you use all the services that you pay for? Does your provider allow you to change your plan or you eliminate services that you don’t use? Could you get the same or better services with another company for less money? Let’s say your plan gives you unlimited talk, text and data. But you only talk about a 1000 minutes a month, rarely text and never use the data. Contact your provider and change your plan to fit what you use. The savings can be tremendous. If you are locked into a contract-no biggie. Many providers will buy out your existing contract to get your business. And the up front costs of a new phone are offset by your monthly savings. Is your contract almost up? Look into prepaid no contract plans. Most cellular providers now offer prepaid plans that give you much more bang for the buck. Also, don’t be so set to purchase a phone that does everything. If you don’t use all the features, what’s the point?

Another important area in which you can evaluate and adjust spending is for your clothing. Do you spend $100 a month on new clothes? Guess what? You can get the same quality and brands of clothing at thrift stores and consignment shops for 50-75% less than retail. New doesn’t mean better. It just means you paid too much. It’s not like that blazer you bought comes with a 5 year/500 wears warranty.

My point is this- there is always room for improvement when it comes to your spending. Take the time to evaluate your spending habits. Do you really want your resistance to change to be the reason why you can’t afford a repair on your car or why you can’t retire comfortably ? The old adage is true – A penny saved is a penny earned. Every penny does count. How well are you counting yours?

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