I don’t have much time.  How often/how long do I need to workout to see results?

For people who are already in shape, plan to spend 30 minutes a day, 4-6x’s a week of moderate-intense activity. If you’re looking to lose weight or make dramatic changes, you’ll have to invest more time.

What are your favorite exercises that can be done at home without equipment?

The best exercises are the ones that involve multiple muscle groups. Push-ups, dips, planks, squats, lunges, supermans, and abdominal torso rotation are just a few.

What are the benefits of using a trainer versus going the fitness route alone?

There are plenty of 90-day programs out there, but if you were able to see a program like that through to the end you wouldn’t be reading this. Even if you could, a personal trainer could motivate you to do more and to go harder. That means better results…faster!

Are personal trainers affordable?

YES.  If you’re goal is to get in shape and you are unsure about how to start, hire a professional that knows what they’re doing. Would you hire a contractor to build a house, or would you YouTube it and figure it out for yourself? Your body and health is the foundation of life. When it comes to improving your quality of life and building a strong foundation for your future, it’s worth it.

I am intimidated by personal trainers—they seem mean!  How can I make sure I will enjoy my workouts?

I believe the correct term is “tough”. The job of a personal trainer is to prescribe appropriate workouts to their clients and motivate them to achieve personal goals successfully. Our job is more involved than just blowing a whistle and yelling profanity. That’s actually the easy part. Good personal trainers are tough because they want their clients to give maximum effort. When you’re able to squeeze into that little black dress or when you take your shirt off at the beach and all the women start to drool, you’ll thank them for it.

How do I choose a personal trainer?  What questions should I ask?

The best way to find a personal trainer is to ask people who are in great shape. Scope out the gym scene and observe the trainers while they’re doing their thing. If you like a trainer’s style, chances are, they’re right for you.

YuDu would like to thank Nancy Burnham, a personal trainer, running coach, and Crossfit L1 coach, for serving as the resource for this article.  If you would like to learn more about her services, you can email her at neburnham321@gmail.com.

How has the economy impacted the housing market?  Right now it is certainly what is known as a “buyer’s market.”  This simply means that there is more housing inventory than potential buyers, so this puts the potential buyers in an excellent position to negotiate.

Do I need to hire an attorney if I am purchasing real estate?  Yes, the laws of South Carolina require that attorneys manage and conduct real estate closings.

What does a real estate attorney do as part of a typical closing?  If you are purchasing a home, the attorney will typically examine the title to the property and determine that the title is insurable, they will prepare the required documents (including the deed), they will review the loan package and assist you in properly executing the loan documents.  After the closing, the attorney will record the necessary documents with the Register of Deeds, disburse funds in connection with the closing, follow through in meeting the requirements of the lender, title company and IRS.  Finally, they will send you your recorded documents and policy of title insurance (if one was purchased).

What is an REO?  An REO (Real Estate Owned) is property that is owned by the mortgage company.  This typically happens when there is an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.

How do you purchase a foreclosed property?  A property that has been foreclosed on can be purchased by being the successful bidder at a Master’s Sale (foreclosure auction).  If the successful bidder at the foreclosure auction was the mortgage company, many times the mortgage company will list the property with local real estate agents.  Most local agents have a list of REO’s and can assist you with locating them and submitting an offer.

How much do real estate lawyers charge?  This varies attorney by attorney and depends on the work that needs to be done.  Many attorneys will charge flat fees for closings, so you know how much you will pay from the start.  Some attorneys will bill by the hour instead of charging flat fees.  You will need to contact your attorney’s office to ask about their charging procedures.

At what point in the process should a buyer/seller seek the advice of a lawyer?  The best time to consult with an attorney is prior to signing a contract.  That being said, many people wait until the contract has been signed to retain counsel, however, at that point it is too late for the attorney to help you with obtaining financing and inspection contingencies, etc.

Life Leadership: Your Holiday Survival Kit!

By Laura M. Camacho, PhD

I remember so clearly the first year I felt dread (actually sick at my stomach!), instead of excitement, about the arrival of the holiday season. A time of year that had always been so much fun for me….was now so much work! On top of the Christmas flurry of activities, my middle child, born in December, had become old enough to have certain birthday-party expectations. If I were feeling exhausted already in early December, how would I make it through the 25^th?

I realized then and there I had to take action or else spend the rest of my life dreading the winter holidays. Years later I would work with a coach and refine my system for not just surviving the holidays, but actually enjoying them. This material comes from material I teach in an online “Clarity + Confidence” e-course.

This mini-system is a virtual Holiday Survival Kit (or you might call it a “Holiday Thrival Kit”!)

1. Set an intention.

Intentions are similar to goals but go much deeper. A goal would be buying 25 gifts by December 11, an intention establishes how you want to experience the holidays.

 Examples:

• I wish to experience serenity and joy during the holiday season.
• I wish to deepen relationships with friends and family during this time.
• I wish to creatively celebrate the holidays in a way that refreshes me.

You can write out one statement or several; the idea is to decide in advance how you want to feel during this busy season. One way to think of these intentions is as setting psychic goals. This statement or short list will serve as your guide in deciding which holiday parties to attend, which gifts to buy, how much to decorate, and so forth.

2. Make a budget.

I know this sounds painful, but it’s really trading a short-term inconvenience for longer-term serenity. (Of course you accountants out there may think preparing a budget is great fun!)

How much, really, do you want to spend this month? Are you willing to get into debt (please say “no”!)

Example: You might consider taking Dave Ramsey’s suggestion and paying much of your holiday purchases with cash.

And trust me, your family’s experience of holiday joy is NOT a factor of how much you spend on them. They don’t need to know.

3. Up level your resourcefulness.

This is the natural progression from #2. If you decide to spend less money, you can decide to be more resourceful. Truly, “when there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Example: TJMaxx and Tuesday Morning are glorious places to find great quality, top brands and excellent prices.

You could take this time to pass down a family heirloom. Last year I gave my daughter something from my jewelry box: an emerald and diamond ring for her 16^th birthday (yes, that’s the one born in December!) For boys, an family hunting knife could be a real treasure.

4. Delegate!

Delegating will help you both save money and conserve your energy. Having someone take care of some or a big chunk of your holiday shopping can actually save you a boat load of cash. Someone who is paid to shop for you is not going to spend money on binge shopping, exhaustion shopping or be tempted by items in the check-out line.

Example: Let someone else do the legwork (and the gift wrapping!)

You can also delegate cooking, house cleaning, decorating. It saves you in the long term!

5. Set aside time for yourself.

Unless you carve out time for yourself this month, holiday activities will take over your every moment. Being exhausted or playing the martyr role is not going to make you the life of the party. If you have children in school, it’s probably better to take some time off during the work week. This is an opportune time for PTO, whether you’re employed by someone else or yourself.

Example:

Normally I don’t see clients or schedule meetings for Mondays. During December, I try to keep Friday’s free as well.

BONUS: A FREE 2-week subscription to Mixonian Magnificent Mindset Vitamins.

What the heck are mindset vitamins? These are short and to-the-point daily reminders to keep calm, stay positive and relaxed. These have been a huge hit with Mixonian readers in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. You’ll receive them in your email box early each morning, Monday through Friday for 2 weeks, beginning December 19 – just in time!

To get your FREE 2-week subscription to Mixonian Magnificent Mindset Vitamins, simply send a blank email to info@mixonian.com with your name on it. You’ll need to send this by December 16.

Cleaning the house does not usually come in at #1 on most people’s list of things they want (key word here—want—not have) to do this weekend.  In fact, I would venture to say it doesn’t even make the top 10!  It is hard to find a chunk of time big enough to get all the cleaning done in so it often gets done room by room, and it can be defeating to feel like you are constantly cleaning but never really achieving a “clean house.”  As if there aren’t already enough hurdles to tackle, how do you decide between the hundreds of cleaning products out there?  More and more products with household names have been cleaning up their acts so to speak.  The professionals at MaidPure offer their tips on the benefits of “green” cleaning, why going with a professional can make sense and how to find the right cleaning company below.

Why should someone use “green” cleaning products?  Are they as effective as regular products?

Why not? They are safer, cheaper and often times more effective. Plus, what’s best, they are safe for you, your loved ones and the environment. The products we use at MaidPure are 100% natural and clean 99.9% bacteria.

Do most cleaning companies tackle one-time cleaning projects (party prep, moving in/out, etc) or is it necessary to have them come in on a regular basis?

Absolutely not! MaidPure is all about pampering our clients whether that be on a regular basis or for a one-time cleaning…but trust me, you’ll be addicted after one cleaning!

What should someone look for/what questions should they ask when choosing a cleaning company?

Choosing a cleaning company is a daunting task! It’s almost as important as choosing a nanny or dog sitter. Trust is a big issue which is why we were honored to have been named “Charleston’s Most Trusted” cleaning company. Other factors to consider when choosing a cleaning company:  Are they licensed? Is their staff contracted out or are they employees of the company? Do they perform background checks? How does the company maintain consistency? MaidPure is licensed, bonded and insured and uses people we would trust in our own homes. Our staff is considered employees of our company and work directly for us.  They are NOT 1099.  Most of our clients enjoy seeing the same smiling faces each cleaning, but if we need to make changes, we notify our clients before their cleaning. What’s more, EVERY job is checked to ensure the utmost quality and perfection.

What are the advantages of using a cleaning company versus doing it yourself?

Using a cleaning company frees up time for you to spend doing other things…think about it this way….how much is your free time worth?

Do you have any cleaning tricks using common products found around the home that you could share?  

There are lots of tricks!  Here are just a few that come to mind:

*Lemon or orange peels in disposal – cleans and give wonderful fragrance

*Cotton balls with essential oils in your vacuum for a wonderful aroma around the house.

*Club soda on windows

*Olive oil on furniture…use sparingly!

*Dryer sheets in your pockets to ward off mosquitoes!

There are so many great tips to share….follow us on Twitter and we’ll give you a tip a day!

YuDu would like to thank the professionals at MaidPure for serving as the resource for this article.  For more information or to schedule a cleaning, check out their website or give them a call at 843-284-8272.

To some people, the idea of redecorating the living room or remodeling their kitchen gets their creative juices flowing with the thousands of possibilities that the space could take on.  For the rest of us, these types of projects can be overwhelming because of all the choices that exist or because we lack the vision needed to picture the end result.  Perhaps you have a particular style you like but don’t know how to implement the look in a cost-effective or practical way, or maybe you just don’t have the time to spend scouring the stores and internet in search of the perfect pieces to complete the room.  Regardless of your design dilemma, it might make sense to bring in an interior design professional.  A professional can use their vast resources and experience to ensure you explore all of the options (and stay within budget!) so that you end up with a room you love for years to come.  Need help deciding whether to approach an interior designer in the first place?  Read on for some great advice on when to seek the help of a professional.

1. What kind of redecorating projects should someone tackle on their own and which are best left to a professional?

Any type of project that requires interior architecture, built-ins, and other fixed elements are best left to an interior designer.  A good example would be rooms like kitchens and baths that require a lot of design features.  Those rooms require cabinetry, wall coverings, fixtures, and countertops that once chosen are not easily changed like an accent pillow or lamp.  A design professional can help make these kinds of selections so that everything falls into place seamlessly without a less than satisfied outcome.  An interior designer is able to see the individual elements together as a whole; how they will relate and coordinate with other aspects in the room, which is often hard for people to visualize.

Projects that present a difficult design solution are also best left to a professional.  If someone is stuck or confused on how to decorate a space due to strange architectural details, a multipurpose space that needs to be utilized in the most functional way, or there are certain elements already established that are making it difficult to find a solution, an interior designer is a good person to bring in for help.  It’s a challenge, but a fun one, when a designer has multiple variables and goals to accomplish in a design project.  It is our job to take all requests and requirements into account and make them a reality.

2. What information or ideas should people have with them when they first sit down with an interior designer?

Explain what type of project it is, i.e. kitchen or bath renovation, updating a bedroom, or redecorating the first floor of the house.  There are three key points that a potential client should be ready to discuss with an interior designer.

First, explain what activities need to take place in the space, how the space needs to function, and who will use the space once completed.

Second, give an idea of the overall feel and look desired in end.  What type of design style, color scheme, and existing pieces are to be reused in the space?

Third, be thinking of a budget that you are comfortable with.  It can be hard to estimate exactly what a project will cost, but it’s helpful tostart out with a ballpark figure.  Evaluate the amount you would like to spend and be upfront from the beginning.  An interior designer can help determine if the project is feasible due to the budget and if not give ideas and solutions for ways to make it happen.

3. How can someone be sure they are selecting an interior designer that they will work well with and that will carry out their vision? (i.e. what questions should they ask when interviewing)

Do your research.  Ask for referrals.  Once you have a few in mind, check out a designers website, look at their portfolio and type of work, and see if they are listed in any local design magazines.

You want to find a designer that meshes will with your personality.  The interview is not just a time for you to learn about their expertise, but also a time to feel them out and see if they work well with you.

Some questions to ask are:

Is the project doable with the allotted space?

How long will it take to complete the project?

What is the next step after our initial consultation?

4. I have a small decorating budget, should I even consider getting the help of an interior designer?  Is there such thing as too small a project?

Yes, you should consider using an interior designer even if your budget is small.  At Ink Interiors no project is too small or too big.  Many people think that hiring a designer is going to cost more because of design fees, but if you are upfront with a designer from the start, they should be able to accommodate your budget.  Interior Design fees are different among designers, so where one might be to high for a small, price conscious budget, another may be able to do it because of a different fee structure.

An interior designer can help facilitate a small budget because we know where to best source furnishings and fixtures.  Our wealth of knowledge and abundant resources can help guide a client to get the best bang for their buck.

5. How do you tell an interior designer you don’t like what they’ve picked out for you without hurting their feelings?

You just have to be up front.  Interior Designers try really hard to get to know the client and their personal taste.  We want the space to reflect the client when finished, not the interior designer.  There are instances, however, when a client may not like something simply because they don’t, and the designer has no way of really knowing.  If this is the case, speak up.  It’s your space and you should love every part of it.

It’s important to let a designer know if you do not like something, but also important to listen as to why they selected it. It might play a big roll on the overall look of the space.  If it’s something you really don’t like, then it should be replaced, but often times once the designer gives an explanation it might make more sense.

6. If I don’t have a whole room or house to re-do does it make sense to consult an interior designer?  What if I only need a few pieces of furniture spread across several different rooms in the house?

Not all design projects have to include decorating an entire house.  Addressing one room or space at a time is perfectly doable.  If you want a professional opinion and someone with a trained eye, then you should consider consulting an interior designer.  No project is too small or insignificant.

YuDu would like to thank Jesse Phipps of ink Architecture LLC for serving as the resource for this article.  For more information, visit their website or call 843.882.7810.

Ok, I hope by now you’ve realized the many advantages of delegating and have an idea of what tasks in general you could use help with.  Now it is time to put pen to paper and figure out when delegation makes the most sense for you.

To determine when delegation will be most useful, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this a task that will recur, in a similar form, in the future?
• Is this a task that someone else can do, or is it critical that you do it yourself?
• Does the task provide an opportunity to grow and develop another person’s skills?
• Do you have enough time to delegate the job effectively? Time must be available for adequate training, for questions and answers, and opportunities to check progress.

If you answered “yes” to several of the above questions, then you should consider delegating the task.  If cost is the concern, calculate your hourly value. This is a little easier if you are running your own business and charge by the hour.  If you don’t have an hourly rate, take what you would like your annual salary to be and divide it by 261 working days (accounting for vacation and weekends), then divide by 8.  Then consider not only how much you would have to pay someone to do the job, but how long it would take you to do it and whether or not you would enjoy the work at all.  All of these factors are valid considerations when deciding whether to outsource to someone else.  If the holdup is your belief that it will take you longer to explain it to someone than to do it yourself, start by delegating recurring projects or tasks so that you can justify the upfront “cost” of your time.

The purpose of the above exercise is to help you overcome your initial fears surrounding delegating.  Outsourcing tasks that you are “perfectly capable of doing yourself” is hard.  It is important to accept that you have time limitations and both strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes.  Delegation can be liberating, but you have to learn to step back and let others help you.  Use your new-found time and energy to focus on the parts of your life or business you enjoy most and bring the most value to.

There is no doubt that caring for aging family members can take an emotional and mental toll on everyone involved. Most people feel more comfortable in their own homes, and when feasible, arranging for in-home care of the elderly is a wonderful option that can help a person feel more in control of their life and circumstances. Regardless of whether you are an out-of-town relative who is looking for full-time in-home help for a loved one or a local family who plan to be extremely involved in the day-to-day care, choosing an in-home eldercare service can be a daunting task.  The following informative tips from the professionals at Home Care Plus can help get you started with this difficult process.

How and why should someone make the difficult choice of using an in-home eldercare service versus caring for their loved ones themselves?

It is not always realistic for someone to take on sole responsibility for caring for an elderly family member. Jobs and other family obligations make it difficult to dedicate as much time as one would like. Families who want to help aging parents live life as fully and safely as possible in the comfort of their own home, but who might not have the knowledge, skills or time to do the job alone can benefit from an eldercare service.  In addition, long distance caregivers who need a local liaison to oversee care and notify them of problems will find these services extremely valuable.

Can people who want to remain actively involved in caring for their loved ones use an in-home eldercare service for certain functions only or on a “part-time” basis?

This is certainly an option.  A good eldercare service provides a solution for everything from personal care and homemaking to companionship and transportation.  The family members involved can determine which services to utilize based on the kind of time and support the family can provide on a routine basis.

Which tasks do you recommend people seek expert help with versus handling themselves?

This is a very personal decision that every family must make.  A registered nurse can provide an individualized plan of care based on the unique needs of the client, a task that may not be possible for someone without training or medical expertise. Caregivers that are experienced and have specialized disease training, terminal and palliative specialized sensitivity training, and enhanced training on health and safety tips (i.e. Fall Prevention, nutrition, safe lifting techniques, etc.) offer a level of care and attention that can help the client maintain a safe and comfortable way of life at home.  That being said, close involvement of friends and family in the care of the elderly makes a world of difference, and the value of offering companionship, helping around the house with chores and meals, or simply providing transportation to appointments cannot be overlooked.

What certifications, qualifications, service offerings, etc should people look for when considering an in-home eldercare service?

It is important to look at how much experience the staff of the eldercare service has in in-home care, as well as the type of training they receive. Ask how long a company has been in business and if the staff is bonded and insured.  Are they available to answer any questions or concerns you have and is there someone on call 24 hours a day should an emergency arise? It is always a good idea to ask for references.

YuDu would like to thank Suzy Kuppens, RN BSN, from Home Care Plus for serving as the resource for this article. Please visit their website or call 843.628.3642 for more information.

Despite the obvious benefits of good bookkeeping, if the thought of torture is more appealing to you, you should consider yourself the perfect candidate for delegating this task to a professional!  Even if you are a whiz with numbers, bookkeeping is a time-consuming task that requires diligent, error-proof attention, which, quite frankly, most small business owners have little of to spare. While you don’t have to outsource all aspects of your company’s bookkeeping, it makes sense to weigh the pros and cons of keeping some or all of it in-house versus seeking the help of a professional. Read on for some great tips on bookkeeping from the professionals at Gage Bookkeeping.

What advice do you have for small business owners attempting to do their own bookkeeping?

First things first—take a basic bookkeeping course. It also makes sense to have a professional bookkeeper come in and determine what your bookkeeping needs are. The bookkeeper can then set up your bookkeeping system based on the specific needs of your business and train you or a staff member on the bookkeeping system. The hardest part is dedicating time to bookkeeping on a regular basis. Be sure to block time daily or weekly to post every financial transaction your company performs in your bookkeeping system.

What are the benefits of outsourcing to a professional bookkeeper?

There are many advantages to outsourcing bookkeeping aside from saving your sanity! It can help you save money. You pay a trained professional who provides accurate financial data for only the services you need. You save on full time salaries, benefits and accounting fees. It also allows you to keep your focus—as a business owner, you know your business best, and building your business should be your top priority. Ever wonder why you are not making a profit? Having your books in order allows you to clearly see where improvement is needed, which can help improve cash flow. There may come a time come when you need a loan, and it’s crucial to have accurate financial data. Filing taxes is a breeze when you have a bookkeeper maintain your books year round. It also offers peace of mind—giving you security that you know the financial status of your business at all times and that your records are in order for the bank and IRS.

Can I keep some of the bookkeeping in house and outsource the rest?

Many businesses outsource only a part of their bookkeeping. For the do-it-yourselfer, consider keeping the following as in-house bookkeeping operations: paying bills, invoicing clients, and making deposits. Leave the bank and credit card reconciliations to the bookkeeper, as they will have an objective eye to determine any discrepancies. Request that the bookkeeper generate financial statements to determine your financial position for a given time period (monthly, quarterly, year to date) to help you plan your cash flow.

YuDu would like to thank Deborah Gage from Gage Bookkeeping LLC for serving as the resource for this article. For more information, check out her website at

www.gagebookkeeping.com or email her at dgagebooks@gmail.com.

Spring is in the air, and the beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures have almost everyone itching to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature.  One of the first places people head is their backyard—for cookouts with friends and family, a game of catch with the kids or with a chair and a good book for some relaxation.  A yard is a gathering place as well as the “first impression” people get of your home, and spring is the perfect time to get it in shape for the rest of the year. Whether you have a green thumb or get the hives when you step into a garden shop, the following pointers from the professionals at AAA Lawncare will inspire you to get out and garden (or bring in a professional to do it for you!).

What are some tips for getting your lawn and landscape ready for Spring?

It’s time to “spring clean” your lawn—pick up all leaves, trim the shrubs, mulch all plant beds, tune your landscape equipment and apply spring pre-emergent before March to help prevent grassy weeds from seeding and coming into the turf grass.  After March, apply fertilizer and weed control to encourage growth as well as to fight any weeds that the pre-emergent didn’t get under control.

What value would a professional bring to the table?

As with most jobs around the house, keeping your lawn looking good is time-consuming. Aside from giving you more free time to focus on projects you might enjoy more, a professional comes on a regular schedule.  Many do-it-yourselfers have trouble finding the time to mow the lawn, much less trim hedges, weed gardens, and weed eat.  Regular maintenance keeps projects manageable and the lawn healthy and looking great. Professionals bring expert and factual knowledge of grasses and shrubs and the ability to foresee things that need to be done when something is going wrong, which can save time and money by catching potential problems early on. Professionals typically guarantee their work, whereas when a homeowner does the work themselves and it is not done right, they have exhausted a lot of time and money for a project not finished or done correctly.

I want to landscape my yard, but I have no idea where to begin!

Drive around your neighborhood and check out lawn and garden magazines to get ideas of the look you want to achieve.  Keep in mind that not all vegetation will thrive in the Lowcountry, and a professional can help you choose plants that are easy to maintain and hardy.  Some great turf options are Centipede, St. Augustine and Bermuda, while Azaleas, Oleanders, Gardenias, and Crepe Myrtles are flowering shrubs that bloom at different times of the year and can be used to create a colorful landscape.  Boxwoods and palmetto trees and shrubs are good choices for lining driveways and walkways.  Most of these plants require minimal maintenance. It is important to manage your expectations with a landscaping project—it takes time for turf grasses and shrubs to grow.  When using a professional, be sure to walk the property and have them map out what they plan to do.  Communication is key to ensuring you get the result you desire!

YuDu would like to thank Joshua Bannister from AAA Lawn Care Specialists LLC for serving as the resource for this article.  For more information, call 843.819.0612 or email Joshua at aaalawnguy@gmail.com.

In terms of deciding what to delegate, you should start by creating a list of what you do everyday. Separate that list into things you do daily, weekly, monthly, and the as needed ones.  Now mark your priorities, and then circle those that truly require YOU (and only you) to do.  Be honest with yourself, and you will have your starting point for what to delegate. I strongly suggest that entrepreneurs delegate bookkeeping, legal, some HR, and some marketing to professionals (unless, of course, this is your business or niche!). Even if you remain hands-on and involved, these are very time-consuming tasks that take your focus away from what you are truly good at and what actually makes you money.  So go ahead, start thinking about what should be the first job you outsource and who the perfect person for the job is.  Use your friends, family and colleagues as a resource to get recommendations for trusted professionals.  Talk to and get quotes from at least 2-3 different people before you decide who to work with.