Life is full of surprises. You never know what’s going to happen next. This can be both exciting and terrifying, depending on the situation. It can cause negativity and seem like more and more bad things are compounding on top. One thing that is guaranteed in life, however, is that there will be times when things are out of your control. This can be confusing, frustrating, and downright crazy! Once you can accept this, you can have a more positive outlook on life, have a greater appreciation for what you can control, and you can be happier knowing what to focus on and control. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 things that are out of your control and how to handle them when they happen.
List Of Things You Can’t Control In Life
No matter who you are, there are just some things in life that you will not be able to control. The weather, for instance, is one of them. Today, I’m going to share a list of things that you just can’t control in life, in the hopes of changing your perspective when life doesn’t go quite as planned. Because after all, you can’t control everything.
10 Things That Are Out Of Your Control: How to Handle When Life Gets Crazy and Confusing
The Importance of Accepting Things That Are Out Of Your Control
We’ll start with the importance of accepting things that are out of your control. This can be a difficult pill to swallow, but once you do, it will make life much easier. It’s natural to want to be in control of everything, but the truth is, we’re not. There are plenty of things that happen every day that we have no control over. The weather, other people’s actions, the stock market…these are all things that we can’t control. And that’s okay!
When you start to accept the things that are out of your control, you’ll find that you’re less stressed and more at peace. In the long run, you’ll be able to focus on the things that you can control and not worry about the things that you can’t. This doesn’t mean that you should stop caring about what’s happening in the world around you, but it does mean that you shouldn’t spend your time and energy worrying about things that you have no control over.
How to Handle Negative Emotions When Life Gets Crazy and Confusing
Negative emotions are a part of life. People feel sad, angry, frustrated, and anxious. It’s normal to feel this way at times. When these emotions become overwhelming, it can be hard to stop worrying. The good news is that there are things you can do to learn to accept the parts of life that you can’t control. This will help you feel better and have more peace of mind. Problem-solving, coping skills, and refusing to accept the things you can’t control will help you handle when life gets crazy and confusing. These strategies will help you feel better and save time and energy.
10 Things That Are Out Of Your Control
Mental health is so important because people feel all sorts of emotions every day. From happiness and love to sadness and anger, it’s part of what makes us human. And it’s important to manage your emotions healthily.
But sometimes, life can get overwhelming and confusing, and it can be tough to know how to handle all the negative emotions that come with it. Here are 10 things that are out of your control, and how you can learn to accept them:
1. Natural disasters.
There’s nothing you can do about an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado except try to stay safe and ride it out. Worrying about it ahead of time won’t change anything, so just go with the flow and do the best you can.
2. The weather.
Just like natural disasters, you can’t control the weather. So if it’s raining on the day you had planned to go to the beach, there’s no use getting upset about it – just find something else to do instead.
3. Other people’s opinions.
You’re never going to please everyone, so stop worrying about what other people think of you and just focus on being yourself.
4. The past.
You can’t change what’s already happened, so don’t dwell on it too much. Just learn from your mistakes and move on.
5. The future.
Worrying about the future won’t change anything, so try to live in the present as much as possible.
6. Other people’s opinions and ideas about you.
Just like the weather, you can’t control what others think or say about you. So if someone has a negative opinion of you, don’t let it get to you – just brush it off and move on.
7. News and Politics.
It’s important to be informed, but there’s no need to get wrapped up in the latest news stories or political debates. Just stay informed enough to make voting decisions and then move on with your life.
8. Constant change.
Change is inevitable, so you might as well just go with it. Worrying about it won’t make it go away, so just accept it and move on.
9. Who you are related to.
You can’t choose your family, but you can choose how you react to them. If someone in your family is causing you stress, try to talk to them about it calmly and respectfully. You might not be able to change their behavior, but you can control how you respond to it.
10. Death.
Death is a part of life, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Just live your life to the fullest and enjoy the time you have.
By accepting the things that are out of your control, you’ll find that you’re able to focus on the things that matter most to you and that you can control. So next time something negative happens, remember these tips and try not to let it get to you. Life is too short to spend time worrying about things that you can’t control!
How To Accept Things That Are Out Of Your Control
How to Deal With These Situations
We’ve all been there. You’re watching your favorite TV show when suddenly, the power goes out! Or you’re in the middle of a heated argument with a friend and they hang up on you. These are just a few examples of things that are out of our control. But don’t worry, there are ways to deal with these situations so you can maintain your peace of mind.
First, it’s important to stay grounded and learn to accept that there are parts of life that we can’t control. This can be difficult, but once you accept it, you’ll feel much better. Second, try to focus your time and energy on things that you can control. This will help you feel more in control of your life and less stressed. Lastly, remember that these situations are usually temporary and they will eventually end. So try to relax and enjoy the ride!
How To Stay Positive During Difficult Times
Life will inevitably throw us some curveballs. And when it does, it can be easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and negative. But there are some things you can do to help you deal with these tough situations in a more positive way. Here are 10 things that are out of your control – and how to handle them:
1. Expecting less.
If you go into a situation expecting the worst, you’re more likely to be disappointed. Instead, try to go in with no expectations and see what happens. You may be pleasantly surprised.
2. Letting go of the past.
Holding onto resentment and anger will only make you feel worse. Learn to forgive and move on.
3. Setting new goals.
When life gets crazy, it can be helpful to have something to focus on. Set yourself some new goals – both short-term and long-term – and start working towards them.
4. Stop worrying.
Worrying about things that haven’t happened yet is a waste of time and energy. If something does happen, deal with it then – but don’t spend your time in the present moment worrying about it until it does.
5. Learning coping skills.
Don’t bottle up your emotions – learn how to deal with them healthily. This could involve talking to a friend or therapist, journaling, or doing some form of exercise. These coping skills will not only benefit us here, but in various aspects of our lives.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the things that are out of your control. And who knows – maybe you’ll even find that some of those things weren’t as bad as you thought they were! Although you can’t control the items on this list, you can control your actions. So, choose to take action by applying these tips to your life and letting go of what you just can’t control.
What are some other tips you have for dealing with the things that are out of your control? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments below!
By accepting the things that are out of your control, you’ll find that you’re able to focus on the things that matter most to you and that you can control. So next time something negative happens, remember these tips and try not to let it get to you. Life is too short to spend time worrying about things that you can’t control!
Wondering what to wear in Arizona in winter? I’ve got you covered! As a native to cold weather climates, I didn’t think I would ever need a winter coat living in the desert. Owning and managing short term rentals has opened my eyes to a whole world of people asking me what to pack, how the weather is, where things are located, what the best place for food and drinks are, where to take their kids, and many more questions. This is one topic I love talking about because it ties all of the things I do together!
If you didn’t know, Arizona has a winter. And it snows and rains much like everywhere else in the world. We get down to freezing temps at night, and usually up in the 50s or 60s during the day. People come and swim in pools with heaters, ski up north, go hiking around the city, run without breaking too much of a sweat, and walk in peace. Our girls are in club swimming and they swim year round outside. Thus, a parka and winter boots are needed for early morning swim meets — things I NEVER thought I’d wear outside of the Midwest!
What To Wear In Arizona In Winter
Winter Temperatures in Arizona
The winters of Arizona are pleasant for most parts. The temperature during winter mostly ranges from 25-45 degrees Fahrenheit with an average maximum of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the elevation of the state ranges between 1400 to 5000 feet above sea level, which acts as a climatic control for this part of the country by cooling down summers. And not allowing the temperature to go up during winters. The elevations are the reason for the difference in temperature pattern of winter between Arizona and its neighboring states of California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico.
Snowfall is rarely seen in most parts of Arizona with exception of Flagstaff where it can reach 2 feet on average per season if not more. This is also the only place where winters can feel colder than in other parts of Arizona. However, in Tucson and Phoenix, the lowest temperature that has been recorded during winter is around -9 degrees Fahrenheit in all likelihood. And hence there is no need to take any special precautions for clothing in these two cities. It should be noted that in higher elevations like Flagstaff and Payson, the chances of getting significant amount of snowfall is high. And hence it becomes necessary to take precautions for proper winter clothing so as to be safe from the cold climate.
In terms of dressing up, there is not much difference in what you may normally wear during winters anywhere else in the country since Arizona’s temperatures are pretty moderate.
The only thing that you need to take care of is the fact that the nights are much colder than the days in this region. So dress appropriately for your nighttime activities. Also, it should be noted that while wearing light colors like white during winter might keep you warm, it also makes you more susceptible to dust and other outdoor elements. So choose carefully what you wear.
For most parts of Arizona, the winter months are very comfortable and unless you are one of those people who gets cold very easily, there is hardly any requirement for residents to invest in winter clothing, such as jackets and sweaters etc. This does not mean that such items should never be bought because it will get cold at night.
I always recommend a light jacket or sweater for the night because when the sun goes down, there’s no heat. It’s important to remember this when you start packing, especially if you plan to travel to see what all of Arizona has to offer, like the Grand Canyon and many of the National Parks for hiking.
As always, there might be a link or two I might get commission from that helps keep this little dream alive, so I appreciate you when you click and shop on my favorite things! The few pennies I get helps in every way to keep me moving forward to find things to share with you <3!
What To Wear In Arizona In Winter
If you are looking for a place to stay for your trip to Arizona, no matter the time of year, check out our short-term rentals, which I’m always adding more and more each quarter! Now let’s get to outfits you can wear in Arizona and what to pack for your Arizona trip!
Casual Dresses
A casual dress is always a staple in the packing list because it can be worn in so many ways. You can wear it in the morning under a sweater or with a coat. And dress it up at night when you want to go out. I love to throw on a hat to help block the super bright sun during the day and also add a little to the look. If you want to pack only 1-2 pairs of shoes, you can pair your casual dress with a pair of hiking or combat boots and save room in your suitcase.
Make sure to pack long and short-sleeved dresses to wear throughout the day and night. You can mix a dress with a fleece jacket or a sweater because the temps allow in the morning and night. During the day, you can opt for a lighter option, or the dress alone.
Sunscreen
Hold up, don’t forget the sunscreen! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean those rays from the desert sun won’t find their way to your skin. So slap on some SPF and protect yourself from the sun’s sneaky tricks. Wear sunscreen often if you don’t want to end up looking like a lobster, trust me on this one.
Fleece Jacket with Tank Top and flip flops for day or hiking boots for the trail
A fleece jacket is always a staple for early mornings and late evenings. They are warm enough to cut the wind and cold. But light enough to get the job done when temps get into the 60s with sun during the day. And if you pair it with a short sleeve shirt or a tank top, it’s the right amount of warm and cool. You can even use this as a hiking outfit with leggings and boots or casual with flip flops or sneakers. Dress this outfit up by trading in the leggings for a pair of vegan leather joggers like the ones I’ve included in the photo. You will have a bit of texture and shine while keeping you comfy and chic for any event you attend! During the day, you can also ditch the fleece but keep it nearby for later in the evening!
Long sleeved tops and Joggers or Jeans for day time and also night layered with a coat
I don’t know about you, but I love to be comfy, no matter the time of day. The whole notion of Zoom meetings has brought on the ability to have a nice top on and have comfy pants, which I’m a fan of. So I love to wear a jogger or even jeans as a pant. And pair it with a nice white button-down, which looks very professional and presentable yet gives the comfort I’m looking for. You can mix and match these items with a fleece jacket or light coat for evening to dress it up or make it feel casual and warm. Grab a pair of sneakers to keep your feet warm when you are out and about. But for sure put on the slippers or flip flops when you are home! Here are my favorites from Wkndnation.com and they are so easy to wear!
Scarves and Beanies
Who says winter fashion in Arizona can’t be stylish? Add some pizzazz to your outfit with a stylish scarf and a cute beanie. Not only will they keep your neck and head cozy, but they can also add a pop of color or pattern to your overall ensemble. Plus, you can pretend you’re a chic desert explorer while sipping hot cocoa by the fire. Fashion and warmth? Sign me up!
Tee shirts and jeans with flip flops and sneakers
The winter time of the year is still good to wear flip flops during the day and sneakers in morning and night. The perfect pairing is with a tee and some jeans. You can throw on a jacket or sweater on early mornings and cold nights to keep the chill away. As well as easily shedding layers when you go inside to warmer places. This outfit lends itself to easily running errands. Taking the kids or dog on a walk, or even heading to a casual lunch or dinner with a friend. Jeans are a must for any packing list when visiting Arizona. Because they are a staple in any winter wardrobe cold or warm. If you need some sneaker inspiration, check out this post of some of my favorite brands.
Alternatively, you could pop on a skirt and wear booties with a tee shirt for a warmer day. And keep a sweater or jacket close by. This is a great option especially if you are going to lunch or even a work meeting when you don’t have to be outside a lot and can change for the evening temperatures.
Faux Leather Leggings and tee or sweater
By far, my most worn outfit of all of winter, because it’s so versatile. Spanx and other brands of faux leather leggings can be dressed up with some heels. Or even made casual with hiking boots and sneakers to hike the red rocks. They get me from drop off to late nights of swim practice. And everything in between with a sweater and a t-shirt. I love how they hold me in but also how they actually can help keep you warm. Sometimes more-so than jeans. You could even wear them to go skiing up north because they are so well made. Start your day with leggings, a sweater, and some boots. Hit mid day and shed the sweater or jacket and switch for sneakers or flip flops. And then finish the day with another sweater or jacket, and some heels for dinner and drinks.
Hiking Shoes
If you plan on exploring Arizona’s beautiful landscapes and hitting up those hiking trails, a good pair of hiking shoes is a must. Trust me, your feet will thank you for the support and grip they provide. Plus, they’ll keep your tootsies safe from any prickly cacti you might encounter along the way!
Or in my case, a swim parka and warm boots!
This outfit makes it easy to look put together or get out the door asap with a few simple things. You could pack only faux leather leggings in your suitcase and wear them daily. And for going out and never have the same outfit. Make sure you own at least one pair of the Spanx leggings. They are worth EVERY penny! I own nearly every pair they make and love them all equally. And are the most worn pants in my closet. They also work for warmer days as well as cooler days depending on the top and shoe you choose to wear.
Snug Socks
Finally, don’t forget about your precious feet! Treat them right with some snug socks. Look for pairs made from cozy materials like wool or thermal blends. Not only will they keep your piggies warm and happy, but they’ll also make sure your feet are ready for any hiking adventures or walks through picturesque Arizona towns.
I hope this post helped you decide what to wear in Arizona in winter!
Arizona winters are a bit of a paradox. It’s cold but also warm. It’s sunny but also dry. And it’s a great time to visit Arizona’s many attractions, from the iconic Antelope Canyon to the beautiful Sedona. But what should you pack for Arizona winter? Here are a few suggestions:
First, Arizona winters can be chilly, so make sure to pack some warm clothing. A light jacket or sweater will do the trick. Secondly, Arizona is known for its hot summers, so don’t forget to pack your bathing suit! Even in winter, you may find yourself wanting to take a dip in one of Arizona’s many pools or lakes. And lastly, Arizona is a great place to hike and explore, so make sure to pack your hiking boots and some comfortable clothes. With these essential items, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything Arizona has to offer during wintertime!
Family traditions are common during the holiday season and more important for your family than you may realize. Check out how to start a holiday tradition this year and why your family needs them.
Usually, around the holidays, I hear people talking about family Christmas traditions, or different New Year’s Eve traditions that they do with their friends and family members.
What are holiday traditions…and are they really that important to do?
Family traditions are things you do year after year. They’re shared experiences that help to not only bond members together (and create identity) but also create lasting memories. In addition, traditions offer families a way to reconnect in our fast-paced world.
In fact, studies have shown that people are happier when they focus on experiences rather than on material objects.
And when it comes to the holiday season, well, holiday traditions make the season more memorable, more enjoyable, and provide something that friends and family members look forward to year after year.
I think it’s important to note that holiday traditions don’t need to be large sweeping events or grand gestures. Instead, they can be simple things that you do each year and every family member knows to expect it such as eating that special Christmas morning breakfast, a fun gift exchange, or listening to holiday music while decorating the house.
How to Start a Holiday Tradition
Want to start a holiday tradition with your family? It’s easier than you probably think!
When it comes to family traditions, it’s not about how many you do – it’s about the quality of the traditions. And they can be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or seasonal basis – or be tied to holidays.
Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Choose Activities
If you want to start creating some family traditions around the holidays, all you have to do is choose a few activities that your family enjoys or that align with your family’s values and repeat them intentionally and consistently.
Pro Tip: as you pick which family traditions you want to do, be sure to consider both the adult perspective and the child’s perspective. In our family, we’ve found that there are things we do that seem silly or mundane to us but the kids love it and talk about it all year long.
Which activities do you already do (or want to do) year after year? Pick some that are kid-friendly so everyone can participate, but it’s also okay to have a few that only you and your partner do together.
I bet you already have a couple and didn’t realize it!
Get the Family Involved
Let every member of the family have input into what experiences they would like to call family traditions. Not only will it help everyone to feel as though they’re a part of the process, but it’ll also help clue you in on what’s really special to your partner or your kiddos.
Start Small
This isn’t a sprint, but rather a marathon (in the best possible way). If you want to start a holiday tradition of making Christmas cookies, begin by making one or two types instead of going big with 10 varieties right out of the gate.
Maybe make sugar cookies and let the kids decorate them. Then over time, if you want to add on a variety or two that’s great. It will likely evolve naturally over time, and that’s totally ok.
Remember, traditions are meant to be enjoyed – they shouldn’t be a chore that you dread each holiday season!
Holiday Tradition Ideas to Inspire You
Not sure what constitutes a family tradition? Here are some ideas to inspire you as you consider how to begin.
Put Up Decorations
Hanging the holiday lights and decorating the Christmas tree is a festive activity that many families (including mine) enjoy doing together. Each year we love pulling out the ornaments and reminiscing about each one.
Maybe your family would enjoy going to the forest and cutting down a fresh Christmas tree or going to the tree farm to find that perfect tree for your house. Or maybe your family likes putting up Christmas lights and oversized decorative candy canes around the outside of your home, either way, decorations are a great holiday tradition for your family to take part in.
Let your creativity soar and enjoy more than a laugh or two as you make and decorate gingerbread houses. You could even turn this one into a fun contest and give a small prize to the winner! You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make them, and you could even have this be a tradition for the night before Christmas.
Cook the Holiday Meals Together
There’s no reason for one person to do all the cooking – it’s a huge job! Many hands make light work, as they say, and cooking together is a very bonding experience.
Drive Around to Look at Holiday Lights
My kids start begging to do this before Thanksgiving even passes. We drive around neighborhoods and look at the displays as we play Christmas music on the radio. It’s so much fun for the whole family – especially when we find a house that has light displays synchronized with music!
Do an Advent Calendar
Each year we have an advent calendar and each child takes turns being the one to do at night before bed. They can keep track of whose turn it is better than I can!
Matching Family Pajamas
One cute idea is to get new matching pjs each year that the kids get to unwrap on Christmas Eve and then everyone spends Christmas morning unwrapping presents (and taking pictures) in their matching pjs.
Give to Others
The holiday season is about giving, right? You can give your time, your talents, or your money. Maybe you donate food to your local food bank, adopt a family and buy and wrap presents for them, craft holiday cards for your friends and family, or simply give your neighbor a DIY ornament or a tin of homemade cookies.
Start a Holiday Tradition for Any Holiday
Family traditions don’t need to just apply to the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can have holiday traditions that your family does for other holidays such as:
eating heart-shaped pancakes on Valentine’s Day
wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day
hunting for Easter eggs on Easter
sharing stories of gratitude on Thanksgiving
The key to family traditions isn’t really what you do but rather that you do them – together.
If you’re wondering how to start a holiday tradition with your family this holiday season, I hope this post showed you that it’s easier to do than you think and gave you some inspiration to just go do it!
Christmas is not just about hosting fancy Christmas dinners and gifting, it’s also about spending and cherishing magical moments with your loved ones. It’s a season of merriness and togetherness.
Friends and family members come together to have an enjoyable and memorable time – which of course calls for family Christmas traditions that are not only fun but also frugal, and economical so they do not cause you financial stress and disappointment in the end. So, if you have run out of ideas, or have been following boring and expensive Christmas traditions, it’s time to make a change. In fact, I’ve got a list of interesting and frugal Christmas traditions you can try this year.
15 fun and frugal Christmas traditions to start this year
1. Have a special Holiday Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but on Christmas, it has to be extra special. You can make some tempting Christmas tree waffles or Santa-hat-shaped cupcakes – basically, any lip-smacking food that goes with the Christmas theme.
2. Witness the beauty of Holiday lights
Probably the most beautiful part of Christmas is the lights. It’s a beautiful vista to see the streets decked up with sparkling Christmas lights. So, if your city happens to have a tree lighting ceremony too, go for a walk with your family to be mesmerized by the décor.
As a family, we always go to this one neighborhood where every house decorates. It’s not a secret because from Thanksgiving on until Christmas, you can usually find a line of cars, and more people walking to see the beautiful lights. The girls love going, and Steve and I enjoy looking at the amazing things people come up with.
3. Do Baking sessions together
Not only is it fun to eat those yummy baked dishes, but it is equally fun to prepare them. Thus, baking Christmas delicacies can be a great tradition to do with the family. It’s a great opportunity to bond and share some laughs.
Every year, the girls’ GiGi (Great Grandma) bakes a ton of different cookies to give to people (and to leave out for Santa Claus). I always ask her to let the girls help because it’s a great memory, and I also secretly hope she gives me all of her recipes someday!
4. Get crafty together
From Christmas decorations to holiday cards, Christmas can bring out that crafty side of you on the horizon. Thus, it might not be a bad idea to do some crafts together to create your own Christmas essentials. Try making some homemade Christmas cards, fun and artsy letters to Santa, an Advent calendar, or even stocking stuffer Christmas gifts!
5. Sing Christmas Carols
What’s Christmas without carols, right? Besides, it’s always fun to sing your favorite Christmas songs with family and friends. If you happen to have an instrument player among you, it can be a cherry on top.
6. Do Bonfires
The magic of warm bonfires on a cold wintery Christmas night! That’s pure joy, isn’t it? If you agree, then you can consider having a bonfire session with your family. You can sing, dance, and share some laughs and marshmallows over it.
7. Do something kind for the needy
You might have a fun and joyous Christmas because you’re privileged. But not everyone is. Thus, you can consider sharing your joy with others (Because Christmas is all about it). Give something out – from food to blankets, to anything that can do to spread a smile on a few faces.
Growing up, I was one of the needy families. We always got gifts delivered from the Fire Station and sometimes food. I remember during Thanksgiving and Christmas time, the local radio station would run a giveaway where you had to be the certain caller after the sound and pick the right “door” for a turkey or a Christmas tree. My Mom would always call in because we couldn’t afford the turkey or tree, yet most years, we always had them because she had won.
8. Practice Christmas affirmations
If you happen to witness the magic of affirmations and are happy with how it has changed your outlook and life, don’t hesitate to practice affirmations on Christmas as well.
Here are some you can practice
– “I am a light that shines in the darkness, and I will not be hidden.”
– “Today I choose peace over anxiety, joy over fear.”
9. Enjoy a Poker night
If you’re a poker fan, Christmas is the time to hang out with your gang over a game. You can order Pizza or make something Christmas-themed to make the night special.
10. Have a Movie night
If you and your loved ones happen to be movie buffs – what better way is there to enjoy the night? Pick out a bag of popcorn, and play a Christmas-themed movie for a magical Christmas Eve. You don’t have to wait for Christmas Eve on this one. Once the Christmas movie night gets going, that’s what we typically watch on the weekends as a family. We love National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and Home Alone, and always try to watch A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning. Another thing we watch is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Rose Parade – they seem to kick off and end the holiday season so well.
11. Do a Secret Santa
Picking gifts for everybody might be financially challenging. To escape the trouble, you can play a game of Secret Santa. In Secret Santa, every person picks a gift for one person in the group. In some instances, the identity of the gift giver stays unknown and the receiver has to guess it. Secret Santas tend to have a low price limit as well. Gifts like Christmas books for children, or even a fancy box of hot cocoa would work!
12. Do a white elephant
The white elephant is a fun gift-exchange game played within a group – wherein everybody has to bring a gift. All the gifts are then collected, and players have to sit in circles. The first player then has to open the gift, while the next player has the option either to open a new gift or steal the one that has already been opened by a person. Here are all the rules of the game.
Fun fact — White Elephant will always hold a special place in our family because Steve proposed to me at the end of our White Elephant game in 2014 with all the family around us! It was so special and unexpected!
13. Make a Snowman
If you happen to fall in love with snow every winter, snowman-making is another fun and free Christmas tradition you can indulge in, especially with your kids. You can make a snowman together, and dress it like Santa to match the Christmas vibes.
14. Do camping in the backyard
You don’t have to go to faraway forests to camp when you can do it in your yard. It will be much more hygienic than traditional camping – if hygiene has always been your concern.
15. Have a barbeque night
What’s not to love about Barbeque nights? You can jam to some Christmas music, dance your heart out, and let it be a barbeque night you won’t be able to forget. Well, I’m done, but with these many fun and frugal options, I hope your Christmas becomes a memorable one.
Which ones would you pick to do with your loved ones?
Managing a property can be a rewarding investment, but it also demands significant time, effort, and expertise. From dealing with vacant units and screening tenants to overseeing maintenance and maximizing profitability, the responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you own multiple properties. While hiring a property manager may come with a cost, knowing the right time to bring in professional help can greatly benefit your business. In this post, we will guide you through the signs indicating when it’s time to hire a property manager, the reasons to consider, and how to find the right one for your investment property.
When To Hire A Property Manager
1. You have too many properties
As your real estate portfolio grows, managing all the properties on your own becomes increasingly challenging. Handling the day-to-day tasks for multiple listings, such as advertising, tenant screening, rent collection, and addressing maintenance issues, can drain your energy and hinder your ability to focus on strategic growth. Hiring a property manager can ensure each property receives the attention it deserves, while you have more time to expand your business and explore new investment opportunities.
2. You don’t live near the property
If your investment property is located far away from your primary residence, the logistical difficulties can make effective management difficult. Being physically present for routine inspections, maintenance, and responding promptly to tenant needs becomes impractical. A professional property manager who is local to the area can act as your eyes and ears, handling all on-site responsibilities, and providing peace of mind knowing that your property is in capable hands.
3. Limited experience in managing properties
Managing rental properties requires knowledge of landlord-tenant laws, market trends, and effective property management practices. Without sufficient experience, you may encounter challenges in setting the right rental rates, finding reliable tenants, and handling legal matters. A property manager brings their expertise to the table, ensuring you navigate the complexities of rental management successfully while avoiding costly mistakes.
4. Business slowing down or expanding
If you notice your business slowing down or experiencing significant growth, it might be time to consider hiring a property manager. A slowdown may indicate that you’re unable to dedicate enough time to your properties, leading to increased vacancy rates and reduced cash flow. Conversely, rapid expansion can quickly overwhelm your capacity to handle day-to-day operations. A property manager can optimize your rental management processes, stabilize your business during slower periods, and efficiently scale your operations during growth phases.
One of the primary roles of a property manager is to handle tenant-related matters. From finding the right tenants through effective screening and background checks to addressing their concerns promptly, property managers ensure a smooth tenant experience. Their expertise in managing tenant relationships helps minimize tenant turnover and maximize occupancy rates, ultimately boosting your rental income.
2. Setting the right rental rates
Determining appropriate rental rates is crucial for attracting tenants while maximizing profitability. Property managers have a deep understanding of the local market and can conduct thorough market analyses to set competitive rental prices. By optimizing your rental rates, they can help you attract quality tenants, minimize vacancies, and maximize your return on investment.
3. Timely rent collection
Collecting rent on time is vital for maintaining a positive cash flow and minimizing financial strain. Property managers have established systems and procedures in place to ensure rent is collected promptly, reducing the risk of late or missed payments. Their efficient rent collection practices contribute to consistent cash flow, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your investment.
4. Effective marketing and advertising
To minimize vacancy periods, your property needs to be marketed effectively. Property managers have extensive experience in creating compelling property listings, utilizing various advertising channels, and showcasing your investment property’s best features. Their expertise in marketing and advertising attracts a wider pool of potential tenants, reducing vacancy rates and ensuring a steady stream of rental income.
How To Hire A Property Manager
1. Learn the basics of property management
Before hiring a property manager, educate yourself about the fundamentals of property management. Understanding key terms, industry standards, and legal obligations will help you make informed decisions and effectively communicate with potential property managers.
2. Join local real estate associations
Engaging with local real estate associations can provide valuable networking opportunities and access to a pool of experienced property managers. Attend industry events, participate in workshops, and seek recommendations from other landlords to find reliable professionals.
3. Ask for references and check qualifications
When considering property management candidates, request references from their previous clients and follow up with those references to gauge their satisfaction levels. Additionally, verify the property manager’s qualifications, certifications, and licenses to ensure they meet the necessary industry standards.
4. List your expectations
Clearly define your expectations and requirements for a property manager. This includes the services you expect them to handle, communication preferences, financial reporting, and any specific expertise you require. Outlining your expectations from the beginning will help you find a property manager who aligns with your goals.
5. Ask questions during the interview
During the interview process, ask relevant questions to assess the property manager’s experience, knowledge, and approach to property management. Inquire about their tenant screening process, strategies for handling maintenance issues, and their method for maximizing profitability. Asking insightful questions will help you evaluate their suitability for managing your investment property.
Managing a rental property can be a demanding and time-consuming endeavor, especially when you own multiple properties or lack proximity to your investments. By hiring a professional property manager, you can delegate the day-to-day responsibilities, ensure effective tenant management, set appropriate rental rates, and benefit from their expertise in marketing and advertising. Remember to learn the basics of property management, seek recommendations, thoroughly check qualifications, and communicate your expectations clearly when selecting a property manager. Investing in a reliable property manager can ultimately save you time, money, and energy while allowing your investment properties to thrive.
swallow, but once you do, it will make life much easier. It’s natural to want to be in control of everything, but the truth is, we’re not. There are plenty of things that happen every day that we have no control over. The weather, other people’s actions, the stock market…these are all things that we can’t control. And that’s okay!
safe and ride it out. Worrying about it ahead of time won’t change anything, so just go with the flow and do the best you can.
enjoy the time you have.
negative. But there are some things you can do to help you deal with these tough situations in a more positive way. Here are 10 things that are out of your control – and how to handle them:
A casual dress is always a staple in the packing list because it can be worn in so many ways. You can wear it in the morning under a sweater or with a coat. And dress it up at night when you want to go out. I love to throw on a hat to help block the super bright sun during the day and also add a little to the look. If you want to pack only 1-2 pairs of shoes, you can pair your casual dress with a pair of hiking or combat boots and save room in your suitcase.
easily running errands. Taking the kids or dog on a walk, or even heading to a casual lunch or dinner with a friend. Jeans are a must for any packing list when visiting Arizona. Because they are a staple in any winter wardrobe cold or warm. If you need some sneaker inspiration, check out 
happen to have an instrument player among you, it can be a cherry on top.
the Rose Parade – they seem to kick off and end the holiday season so well.
All the gifts are then collected, and players have to sit in circles. The first player then has to open the gift, while the next player has the option either to open a new gift or steal the one that has already been opened by a person. Here are all the rules of the game.
listings, such as advertising, tenant screening, rent collection, and addressing maintenance issues, can drain your energy and hinder your ability to focus on strategic growth. Hiring a property manager can ensure each property receives the attention it deserves, while you have more time to expand your business and explore new investment opportunities.
background checks to addressing their concerns promptly, property managers ensure a smooth tenant experience. Their expertise in managing tenant relationships helps minimize tenant turnover and maximize occupancy rates, ultimately boosting your rental income.
a wider pool of potential tenants, reducing vacancy rates and ensuring a steady stream of rental income.
preferences, financial reporting, and any specific expertise you require. Outlining your expectations from the beginning will help you find a property manager who aligns with your goals.
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