Children’s Education Funds Reviews: 5 Flexible Opportunities for Working Moms
Across Canada, many parents are struggling to manage their work life and their families. The difficulties of juggling both responsibilities, for instance, lack of childcare or inflexible managers, continue to push women out of the workforce.
According to a CBC News Report, 15% of women who left their jobs in 2018 and are now out of the labour force did so for personal or family reasons.
While some working moms have decided to trade in their careers for more time with their children, others have found flexible schedules that allow them to be present for both roles. Alongside finding adequate childcare, a flexible work environment is a critical piece of the puzzle.
Since 1991, Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) has been assisting Canadian families with their children’s higher-education savings goals as a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) provider.
Children’s Education Funds Inc. also knows how important it is for working mothers to have flexibility built into their careers so that they can balance their responsibilities at home. A CEFI career means being in the business of helping families understand RESPs and which plans work best for their financial situation. It also means having the freedom to set your own schedule.
Since many moms are returning to the workforce after giving birth, let’s review some of the most flexible work circumstances for the busy parent.
Working remotely
An ideal situation for both moms and dads, working remotely allows parents to be available to their children and make money from a home office at the same time. Many companies are allowing employees this flexible option, which helps the modern parent conquer the work/life balance on their own schedule.
Co-working spaces that offer childcare
As more parents are able to work remotely, co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular. This is a space that a group of people rent together with the added bonus of built-in childcare. Instead of trying to work at home with your young kids or taking them to daycare, moms can leave their child with trusted caregivers as they get the job done.
Flexible positions
It’s not shocking that a career as a busy lawyer or doctor will unlikely offer flexibility in your day-to-day routine. There are a range of careers, however, that will.
For example, flexibility is built in to a career running your own business. Case in point, a CEFI Dealing Representative specifically helps Canadian families set up Registered Education Savings Plans or RESPs under the umbrella of CEFI. What that means is – setting your own goals, working hours that meet your lifestyle demands and developing your own clients and book of business with access to the full support and resources from the CEFI head office.
The job can also be rewarding to assist young students and their families realize their goal of a higher education, while at the same time having the flexibility to tend to your own family.
Flex schedules
Moms who are granted flex schedules at work can stagger their clock-in time, which can help make mornings less hectic. Starting work later in the morning is especially helpful for parents who need to make sure their children get on the school bus. A flex schedules can also mean an employee trades in their lunch break in lieu of an earlier release time.
4 day work weeks
Working moms are used to getting lots done in a small amount of time. Although the 5 o’clock quitting time isn’t likely to change, the length of a workweek can. When companies implement the 4 day work week, moms can reap major benefits from having an extra day off. Instead of spending the weekend catching up on chores and grocery shopping, they can focus more on family activities.
Offering flexibility on the job helps more than just moms. It is also enticing the younger population of workers who have a strong preference for flexible working arrangements. Tara Dragon, an Edmonton-based human resources expert, notes: “Flexibility is something of value to people regardless of where they are in their career.
Finding balance as a parent can be a challenge, but with a flexible work arrangement, moms can still put their talents to good use and take care of their families at the same time.
Five Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get Writing
Every writer, every creative, and every academic suffers from procrastination at some point in their careers. It’s by far the greatest enemy of any project, especially when it seems the more you try to focus on the task and stay motivated, the more you procrastinate. Everyone asks themselves at some point, “Should I just pay someone to do my online math class? Or finish my history project? Or write my english paper?” Before you go there, how do you break this cycle and stay committed to your project? The following are the top five ways you can stop putting off writing.
- Stop Punishing Yourself for Procrastinating
If you are unable to focus on a task and you keep feeling bad about it, you will be unable to get out of the vicious cycle that is procrastination. This is because the problem is often a psychological one rather than physical and it’s often caused by not feeling good enough to accomplish the task before you. So if you feel that you can’t do that task and you continue to beat yourself up about not being good enough to accomplish the task, you will likely never get around to doing it. Therefore, the first thing you should do is accept that you are procrastinating and realize that it has nothing to do with your ability to write.
- Divide the Writing Task Into Manageable Tasks
Once you realize that you are genuinely scared of not being able to complete a perfect manuscript or writing task, the battle is half won. The next step is to cautiously approach the project or writing task by taking it one step at a time. Resolve to write at least 100 words a day or something similar and in a few days you’ll find your groove again and begin to enjoy your work.
- Remove any Distractions
In most cases, procrastination can be brought about or escalated by distractions. Social media is often the greatest culprit although visiting friends and family members may also be to blame. Most experts recommend turning off the internet when writing, unless you need it. The key takeaway here is that you want to limit your options for procrastination as much as possible.
- Use Procrastination to Your Advantage
We see it as the greatest threat to creativity, but when you simply can’t stop procrastinating, you may want to take the time to fill in any gaps in your story. It may be the best time to check in with your imagination and visualize your characters in their world. Finding the mood for your story using your imagination is a great way to snap yourself out of your procrastination.
- Make Your Writing a Solace
There are some distractions that you may not be able to simply brush aside. For example, when you are going through a particularly stressful period in your life like a loss in the family or other similar traumatic event, the last thing you want to think about is writing. But if you can make writing therapeutic by finding refuge in your writing, you are likely to find meaning in your work and even produce your best work which will in turn help you deal with your situation. Stephen King wrote “On Writing” while recovering from an accident that nearly killed him.
Staying Active at Your Desk Job
While the regular 9 to 5 workday is the norm, sitting at your desk all day doesn’t have to be! For those at a desk job, sitting has become a huge culprit in creating many long-term health problems.
Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for death worldwide, cited as a root cause for neck and back pain, arthritis, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Unfortunately, our desk jobs tend to contribute to these problems. Between hours of sitting in an office chair to crashing on the couch after a long day, we’ve become largely used to becoming sedentary creatures.
Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a list of five small changes that can help you stay active and alert on the job.
Small Changes to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Health
Rethink your Desk and Chair
From standing desks to yoga ball chairs, your workspace doesn’t have to give you back problems. In many corporate offices, companies have invested in standing desks and ergonomic Herman Miller chairs. For more casual environments, yoga balls have also been approved as a new chair, since it improves posture, strengthens your core, and promote orthopedic health. With all of the great options that exist, there’s bound to be some changes you can make to your cubicle that will allow you to be more active while working.
Take Hourly Breaks
For every one or two hours that you work, try getting up from the desk and move around for a couple of minutes. Even if it’s a walk to the bathroom or kitchenette, walking around will promote blood flow, activate muscles, and refocus your attention. You can also take these moments to relax and stop thinking about work projects. On days with busy workloads, make sure to set a timer to remind yourself. After all, your personal health is ultimately more important than your work, so make sure you prioritize your wellbeing.
Go on Short Walks During Lunch
Don’t stay at your desk during lunch breaks! Getting out of the office will refresh your mind and body. Lunch is a great time to catch up with coworkers, get some fresh air, and take a short walk. Some are even able to squeeze in a quick workout, which can boost your average performance level by 15%. If you don’t want to get too sweaty for the rest of the workday, a calming yoga class could be the perfect solution.
Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
Being active at the office is all about creativity. Simple changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator well keep you active at the office. If you work on the top floor of a high-rise building, even taking a few flights of stairs will make a difference in your daily routine. This journal study found that just a few minutes of stair climbing in intervals can boost cardiovascular health. So no excuses! Take the stairs instead of the elevator for a healthier alternative.
Staying Active at your Desk has Never Been Easier
Don’t be a desk potato. If finding the time to exercise used to be a struggle, try these easy strategies to stay active at your desk job. Best of all, these additions work in most office settings. Prevent long-term cardiovascular and orthopedic problems today by starting small.
First Look: 2019 Fly Racing MX Gear
When the seasons change and it’s time to get back on the track, real enthusiasts know it’s time to surf the web to find the best gear and motorcycle parts online. For 2019, Fly has a new line of motocross apparel that’s second to none.
Fly Racing has come out with an immense product line for the 2019 season, with literally hundreds of new apparel options. Here are a few standout features of their gear.
Hard Headed
One of the biggest innovations Fly has introduced is the “conehead” safety design of helmet padding. The Formula Adaptive Impact System touts six crumple zones to absorb impact and intricate padding that helps to cushion and protect.
With over sixty style and color options to choose from, Fly is taking the production of their motorcycle helmets seriously. And looking to their product line, it’s easy to see that the company is taking a new focus on their female customers.
Women’s World
Many equipment manufacturers aim their market towards a predominantly male audience. If there are any offerings towards women, they usually consist of jackets, tops and bodysuits that are recolored in “feminine hues.”
Fly Racing has taken a new stance, crafting an entirely new line formulated specifically for the female form. Working with April Zastrow, they’ve come up with Women’s Lite Gear with designs meant to fit the female form and provide better comfort and protection overall.
Three’s Company
Fly Racing separates their main product line into three major categories: Racewear, Offroad, and Riding. This lets customers choose if they want style over affordability or a blend of the two, all while providing some of the best motorcycle protective gear in the industry.
The Racewear line is geared towards those looking to excel on the track, while offroad offers better protection from unforeseen spills, while the Rider branding brings up the rear with budget-friendly options. Whether getting your gear and motorcycle parts online or in person, you can’t go wrong with Fly Racing’s 2019 selection!
Financial Preparation Services Company Awarded For Customer Service
The American economy has seen some challenging downturns over the last decade or so, and that has affected thousands of Americans looking to obtain gainful employment. More and more people decided to get an education as a means of securing themselves sustainable employment in the future. What many graduates didn’t anticipate was the challenge of entering the work force with the heavy burden of student debt. Due to the rise in demand for education, tuition rates and interest rates rose, making it even more expensive to get an education. Coupled with the challenge that many found trying to find work in their chosen industry, the amount of people struggling to pay down their debt or having their loans falling into default is higher than ever before. Fortunately, there are companies such as Financial Preparation Services whose job is to advocate on behalf of borrowers to help pay down their student debt.
Why Financial Preparation Services?
While there are numerous financial-assistance companies in the industry to choose from, not all provide the same level of service. Financial Preparation Services is known to work with their clients from the initial phone call right through to the end of finding them a solution. Whether that solution is loan forgiveness, deferral, or simply creating a more manageable and sustainable loan repayment schedule, your Financial Preparation Services representative will be a valuable advocate for you throughout your financial journey.
Financial Analysis
The first service Financial Preparation Services will provide is to conduct a comprehensive financial analysis to determine the status of your student loans, your overall financial health, and establish some financial goals for the future. This one-on-one budgetary consultation is the basis of the Financial Preparation Services customized approach they are known for. Every borrower’s circumstances and financial obligations are different, and that is why conducting a comprehensive financial analysis with each and every client is such an integral part of the Financial Preparation Services process.
Documents Preparation and Processing
Coordinating loan repayment schedules and application deadlines can be overwhelming, and let’s face it, no one likes paperwork. One of the most helpful services your Financial Preparation Services agent will provide for you is to take over this daunting aspect of financial management so you can focus on understanding your student loan situation and establishing some manageable financial goals.
Yearly Recertification
Your Financial Preparation Services agent will work with you from that first financial consultation and right through to your yearly recertification. Having an agent work with your throughout the entire process is advantageous as they have a firm grasp of your student loan situation, overall financial health, and future financial goals.
Loan Programs
Many borrowers are unaware of the loan programs and resources available to them. It is part of the job of your Financial Preparation Services agent to know all of the government assistance debt relief programs that are available, and they will help determine which, if any, you are eligible for. There are also other options such as loan consolidation, deferral, and even loan forgiveness in some circumstances, and your Financial Preparation Services agent will ensure that you apply for any helpful programs you might qualify for.
If you are struggling with your student debt and feel that it is holding you back from enjoying life and achieving your financial goals, consider contacting Financial Preparation Services to see what kind of help and programs are available to you. Through helping you find the right loan program to preparing and processing your loan documents for you and conducting a comprehensive financial analysis, your Financial Preparation Services agent will help you throughout the entire process.
