Mailing a Package? Check the US Postal Regulations First

I was waiting in line at the post office when a man came in with a large parcel. It was carefully taped and the address was clear. But when his turn came at the window the postal employee took out his tape measure and calculated the size of the parcel. “This is too big to ship,” he explained. “You’ll have to go to UPS.”

The man left with a disappointed expression on his face. You can prevent similar customer disappointment by checking postal regulations before you mail a parcel.

US Postal Regulations are on the Internet, but they are boggling. One website, for example, lists 401 physical standards for shipment and 402 “Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece” regulations. Out of curiosity, I printed out both sets of regulations — five pages of dense type. Who has time to read these?

R. Havey Bravman, owner of Advanced Digital Replication, Inc., discusses regulations in his article, “Guide to New United States Postal Service Regulations.” He thinks automation is the main cause of price increases. In the past, the postal service charged a letter rate for parcels that weren’t compatible with automated equipment. “However, the game has changed, making the selection of an experienced replication, printing and fulfillment company able to navigate the complexity of the new US Postal Regulations absolutely critical,” he writes.

Knowing a few key regulations can save you time and money. First, you need to know the post office divides parcels into three groups: machinable, irregular, and outside. Machinable means the parcel can go through automated equipment. Irregular parcels — poster tubes, product samples, etc. — can’t be processed by this equipment. Outside parcels are too big for the machines. Some other regulations to keep in mind:

* Your parcel can’t weigh more than 70 pounds.

* Oversized parcels will be rejected.

* Soft goods (items in paper or plastic bags) may be shipped if they meet postal standards.

* Do not wrap your package with paper or tie it with twine.

* Never shrink-wrap a package.

* All printing on grocery store boxes must be obliterated.

* As handy as liquor boxes with dividers are, a parcel with liquor advertising on the outside will be rejected.

Being familiar with these regulations didn’t keep me out of trouble. Yesterday I packed two boxes of goodies for my twin grandchildren, who attend different colleges. Instead of buying boxes, I got two free ones from the grocery store. I taped them closed and crossed out all of the lettering.

But when my husband tried to mail the packages they were rejected because the words were still visible. He brought the packages home and obscured the lettering with house paint. Before he returned to the post office he made sure the paint was dry and no words, or parts of words, showed. The post office accepted the parcels.

Sell or Let Your Home Using Estate Agents

If you are looking for estate agents to sell or let your house, the capital offers a huge and varied selection from which to choose.

This is great on the one hand; but on the other it can be perplexing. The main questions that you need to ask yourself are how do you know which estate agent is right for you and will they sell or let your home quickly?

The ultimate aim that any seller or landlord wants to accomplish is a smooth sale or let of their home so it is vital not to be swayed by agents that offer extremely low fees or unrealistically high ideas of what you might achieve.

Neither of these marketing tools will have an effect on how efficiently your house is sold or let so try not to be too tempted by these techniques without prior knowledge of what to expect beforehand.

Always conduct thorough research when choosing estates agent by monitoring how frequently they sell and let properties in your locality that are similar to yours in size and features.

Once you have found an agent that is selling and letting similar properties, it is often worth visiting their offices to meet them in situ and to see how happy you would be using them to market your property.

When you are talking to them, ask yourself whether they seem able to openly and honestly discuss the current condition of the housing market in your area. Do they actually know what prices were achieved, not just the asking prices?

Can they explain the difference? Do they have potential buyers already looking with them who would be looking at your property straight away?

Furthermore, it is important to think about whether they seem willing to take the time to listen to you properly because forging a good relationship with your agent is crucial to selling and letting your house.

On enquiring about the services they provide, you should expect them to carry out effective promotion of your property through different media channels and in their office windows

A free property market appraisal evaluation, the assurance that all viewings will be accompanied by them and free marketing should also be included in their services as standard.

It is also worth checking that your Agent is a member of the Property Ombudsman scheme and if you are letting your property, that they are Members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

There are hundreds of estate agents to choose from but by following this advice and approaching agents only when you are prepared and have done your research is the way to go.

Only opt for reputable estate agents that you are confident will sell or let your house in a timeframe and most importantly at a price you are very happy with.

Choosing a Home Based Care Provider – What to Look For

When choosing a home-based care provider, you will be entrusting your own care, or the care of a child or family member, to someone else. This can be a very difficult decision, so it is important that you find someone from an organisation you can trust.

There are hundreds of different home-based support organisations throughout the country. So, how do you know where to start looking? Here are some points for you to consider:

What type of care do you require?

When choosing a home-based care provider, you will need to figure out which type of support you require. It may be home support, childcare, maternity care, aged care, disability support, palliative, post surgical or rehabilitation. Different providers specialise in different areas, so start by looking for a provider who will meet your particular needs.

Are they a trusted organisation?

Look for a company with a good reputation. Organisations such as the Educational Review Office (ERO), Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), or Disability Support Services (DSS,) will often have a list of recommended home-based care providers.

Also, check if your chosen home-based support provider is accredited by organisations such as the Health and Disability Association New Zealand (HDANZ) and the New Zealand Home Health Association (NZHHA). This accreditation means, that the service they provide complies with the Home and Community Sector Standards.

Funding Options

You may have the option to seek private or public care. Discuss your funding options with the home-based support provider you contact; you may be eligible for publicly funded assistance through the District Health Boards (DHBs), DSS or ACC.

Alternatively, you can choose to pay privately, or if you have medical insurance, your insurer may fund your home-based support.

Discuss your requirements

It is important to sit down and have a discussion with your chosen home-based care provider. Ask them to put together a care plan for yourself, your child or family member, and discuss what needs to be done and how often.

Ask about the caregiver’s qualifications and experience to reassure yourself about leaving your loved one in their capable hands. It is often an emotional time and process, so having all the assurances that your loved one will receive the specific healthcare and attention they need in their own home will put your mind at ease.

With a bit of research you will find a home-based care provider who is compassionate, professional and trustworthy. When you do, be sure to get in contact with one of the company’s friendly staff, who will be able to talk you through your home-based support options.

Geneva Homecare is a specialist division of Geneva Health International, which provides a wide range of staffing solutions to the Health industry. Geneva Homecare offers a team of committed, caring, qualified and efficient carers are available for home help and nursing care. They believe in providing quality care and staff that promotes independence and well-being in a holistic, inclusive and respectful way, while meeting specific health needs. Geneva Health is accredited by the Health & Disability Association, are an ACC contracted preferred provider, and a member of the NZ Home Help Association.

Things to think about when considering to buy a Pool Table

Pool tables are a good way to have a day of fun at your home and your family. It is good when it rains and a good way to spend more time with your child, especially if you have children who will be going to college. If they are like most children, they would not stay at home as often as parents want.

Price has to be the only reason why you should have to buy one of these because it is also important to bring your family closer together than you may have already. When you take your child to help you select what they want, make sure you do not let them take advantage of you and you have found one of the most expensive that a person may not be in your budget.

Some people may not find the time to go shopping in different stores or may not be able to take your kids to have to go online shopping or walking in the garage sales than you have in mind. It would be easy to begin looking while in school, and you might even want to surprise their children with them to get home and have one waiting for them.

It can be dangerous for you and your family if you end up buying one that ends up crashing down while you are playing, especially if it was you or someone in your family. You may want to buy a new one online from a certain store that you may get a discount on the Internet. You should feel a lot more certain that it is in the best conditions If you buy one that is brand new.

Even if you have a power you want to make sure that it is one you can afford. Is not a necessity and your family eat and make sure they have everything they need as well as making sure all your bills are paid for by out of the streets is more important than anything.

Unfortunately you may not be calculated from the right and you can return it. This is a reason to make sure your calculations over the entire correctly before you buy one so you will not risk the thought of returning it or selling any of these things you can pay for it. You may need to check a different price if you know for sure things do not add up right.

You might want to set up a family activity once a week or who have family get together, especially if it was rainy the whole day and all you feel like staying inside the house playing a game. Do you have at least one day a week would be a great start in your family have the bond of family might never have before.

By playing on the pool table is not about competing with your family, but it is mainly about finding more information about your children. Asked questions about the school is a good way to break the ice and start a conversation while enjoying a friendly game.

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Tips About Financing the Adoption of a Child

Couples considering adoption will face inevitable complications navigating legal, financial and other issues surrounding the adoption process. Having a connection to an experienced adoption agency or other advisor can be critical to making the best arrangements. And handling the financial strains will certainly be a top consideration for any family. Fortunately, there are more forms of assistance available than most people imaging. Below are listed several tips and sources to be considered.

1. A good place to start is with an adoption agency or organization, assuming you have already chosen one to work with you.

2. Federal Adoption Benefits

Through 2011, the dollar limitation on (1) the tax credit for adoption expenses; and (2) the tax exclusion for employer-provided adoption assistance has increased to $13,170.

This credit is refundable.

The income limit on the adoption credit or exclusion is based on your modified adjusted gross income (modified AGI). If your modified AGI is below the beginning phase-out amount for the year, the income limit will not affect your credit or exclusion. If your modified AGI is more than the beginning phase-out amount for the year, your credit or exclusion will be reduced. If your modified AGI is above the maximum phase-out amount for the year, your credit or exclusion will be eliminated..

Please check with your tax professional for more information.

3. Federal Child Tax Credit

With the Child Tax Credit, you may be able to reduce the federal income tax you owe by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child under the age of 17. The credit is limited if your modified AGI is above a certain amount. The amount at which this phase-out begins varies depending on your filing status:

o Married Filing Jointly is $110,000

o Married Filing Separately is $55,000

o All Others are $75,000

4. Military Adoption Benefit

Eligible Soldiers serving on active duty may be reimbursed a maximum of $2,000 per child for qualifying expenses related to the adoption of children under the age of 18, up to a maximum of $5,000 per calendar year for multiple adoptions.

5. State Tax Credit

Some states will also offer state level tax assistance for adoption. Be sure to check with your tax professional since tax laws change.

6. Employer Assistance

Hundreds of employers of every size and industry offer adoption benefits for employees. Employees may be eligible for paid leave and reimbursement. Be sure to check with your human resources department to see what your employer offers.

7. National Adoption Foundation (NAF)

NAF offers aid to families for expenses associated with the adoption and raising of children through direct grants that range from $500 – $2,500, the NAF adoption credit card, 529 college savings plans and unsecured loans.

NAF also offers adoption disruption insurance designed to protect Adoptive Parents in the event the Birthparent(s) change their minds and decides not to place the child for adoption.

8. Gift of Adoption Fund (GOAF)

GOAF is a national charitable organization. Any US citizen adopting from anywhere in the world who has an approved home study from a licensed agency or social worker is eligible to apply for a grant. Financial need and personal commitment toward financing a significant portion of the adoption cost must be demonstrated. Grants range from $1,000 – $7,500.

9. HelpUsAdopt.org

HelpUsAdopt.org is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) financial assistance grant program. To apply, you must be a US citizen residing in the US and you must have a complete certified home study that has been approved by a qualified agency or licensed professional in the state in which you reside. Grants range from $500 – $15,000 depending on individual situations.

Families Learning Together During Job Loss

If we learn something during such a difficult time as job loss, it must be worth sharing! Have a few days off to catch your breath and then:

* Continue a routine of getting up at a reasonable time each day during the week, even if your children don’t need you to get them off to school and go to bed at a reasonable time as you did when you were working. Don’t think of it as time off.

* Have the right mind-set. This isn’t a time when you are unemployed, with nothing to do, but rather in between jobs when you are reassessing and investing into your future. Make this a time to read some self-help books or The Bible where you can focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for what you do have, rather than what you lack- and look after it!

* Broaden your outlook and reassess whether you want to stay in the same profession as before or try something new. You might need to take some new qualifications, in which case you will need to decide and look around to see whether you will be going for a job where you can train at the same time as working or take time out to train.

* Find one or two websites where you feel comfortable to look for a new job each day and buy your weekly local paper to also apply, if you find anything suitable.

* Keep communicating with your family, to keep them in the picture so that they can support you and go through this with you as a team. Tell them about the new things you are learning. Refuse to lay blame at anyone’s feet or to speak negatively about your situation to your family without a positive plan. They will then be ready to celebrate with you when you find something new.

* Keep track of your feelings, ensuring that you don’t take them out on your family. This could be a good time to try boxing, running or some other sport where you can release any feelings of frustration, anger or failure and benefit from the positive energy that sport gives you. Meditation and prayer are also helpful to bring a sense of peace and calm, especially when fear and panic are lurking at the door.

* Push yourself to get out into the community amongst people, where you are more likely to find open doors, inspiration and opportunities. Maybe your son’s football team could do with your help or the local charity shop. Voluntary work is always a good way to enhance your CV as well.

* Spend some time bringing your CV up to scratch, looking for tips and help to make it better than before.

* Don’t be put down by well-meaning suggestions to try this or that when you know that it isn’t what you are looking for. Understand how hard it is for other people to know how to react in this situation and just appreciate their concern and support.

* Think outside of the box and be prepared to get to where you want to go professionally by a different route to what you might have expected. The world is changing and sometimes by changing with it we find our niche.

* Don’t be tempted to believe that you will happier doing nothing, but maintain a love for work with the creativity and passion that this means. Set an example to your children, that you can run after your passion and dreams when they don’t fall in your lap and show them that you know that hard work and sacrifice bring great rewards. They will certainly be watching and learning from you and will take the lessons they learn with them.

* Allow this time to develop your patience, perseverance and hope for a great future.

Christine Hulme loves writing about ways in which we can “live well” in a difficult world. She believes in creating a safe place in a healthy family environment, from which she believes we can go out and accomplish great things. She has an NVQ3 In Early Years Care & Education, is a Party Plan Consultant and loves cooking, arts & crafts, music, guitar, singing, walking, swimming and sharing these things with others.

First-Aid Kit Necessities

Sometimes all of us all can overlook some very important necessities in our home and one, unfortunately, is a first-aid kit. Each and every household should have a basic kid of some type in case of an emergency. There are many benefits to having a well-stocked first-aid kit because we never know if or when it will be needed.

Sometimes we all can overlook some necessities in our home and one, unfortunately, is a first-aid kit. There are many benefits to having a well-stocked first-aid kit because we never know if or when it will be needed. Keeping a kit saves time when there is some type of emergency. I keep a first-aid kit in my car as well as my home and it has come in handy on several occasions!

You can purchase a first aid kit at a drugstore, at your local hardware store, online at a popular website such as the Red Cross, or you can easily make one of your own. Should you chose to create one yourself, be certain to select a container which is durable, easy to carry and roomy. I happen to prefer a plastic container normally used for storing art supplies, and you can find those and all types most anywhere you shop regularly. Just ensure your box-of-choice has enough room and is deep enough to hold all of your needs!

When assembling your kit, it is best that you try to include a first-aid manual as they are handy for everyone in the family to use and refer to, if needed. Sometimes if you are treating an injury in a rush, you can forget the specified or required procedure needed, and a first-aid manual is your handy guide.

Here are some basic essential items you will need to include in your personalized first-aid kit:

1. Sterile Gauze Pads (several different sizes)

2. Adhesive Tape

3. Adhesive Bandages (several sizes)

4. Elastic Bandage (like an Ace Bandage)

5. Antiseptic Wipes

6. Antibiotic Ointment

7. Antibacterial soap

8. Antiseptic Solution (i.e. hydrogen peroxide)

9. Alcohol Wipes

10. Hydro-cortisone Cream

11. A Splint

12. Scissors

13. Tweezers

14. Ibuprofen

15. Instant Cold Packs

16. Calamine Lotion

17. Non-latex Gloves

18. All Purpose Eye Drops

19. Antihistamine Tablets

20. First-Aid Manual

As with all medications, antiseptics and products, it is recommended to check your first aid kits on a regular basis to ensure nothing is out of date or expired. If you or a member of your family has specific health needs, please do not forget to add that item to your kit!

Moving And Storing Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

Moving can seem like a daunting task. Living in one place for multiple years can accumulate many items. For most, just the thought of packing up years worth of clothing, furniture and other household items can be overwhelming, but there is a way to make moving and storage a simple process.

The first order of business should be to amass moving supplies. Boxes will be needed, but do not overlook other important necessary items. Markers are necessary to label boxes so you will know exactly what is in them. Bubble wrap is necessary for fragile items like glassware, and artwork. Packing tape to secure your boxes should be bought in abundance.

Throw away stuff that is not needed. This can be difficult, but do an inventory of items and determine what is unnecessary. Clothing that has not been worn in awhile can be donated to various charities. If there is a large amount of books, these can be given to local libraries. Get rid of old furniture if planning to buy new furniture for the new place. Another great tip is to start packing early. Pack the items that are used less often first, this makes the task of packing take less time later on.

Important documents need to be kept safe. Before relocating, place all important documents in a safe place that is easy to get to. Things like Birth certificates, social security cards, medical record information, and insurance paperwork need to be kept separate from all other items so they can be easily found when needed, and so they will not get lost in the move. Do not forget to turn off utilities in the old place, and arrange for them to be turned on in the new one.

A change of address form is important. Important information needs to find you, so visit your local post office to obtain this form and make sure to turn it in before the move. This way your bills and friends and family who keep in touch with you via mail will be able to reach you until you update everyone with the new address.

If planning to use a moving company, do the research. Find the company that suits your needs and fits your schedule. Make the appointment well in advance so you do not have to worry about not being able to find an available mover when the time comes. Movers offer a variety of services. Some offer full services, which is where they pack your entire house for you, or you can do this yourself and they will simply load the boxes and furniture, and transport the things to the new place. Some movers even offer storage options for a short period if this is needed.

If you are not relocating into your new place right away, a storage facility can house your items until you are ready to use them. Find one in your area that offers a climate controlled environment, so you do not have to worry about things like leaking in rainy weather, or mold growing on your valuables. If you have boats or RVs storage facility can also store these items as well. Make sure to insure your items in case lost or stolen.

Moving to a new place can be exciting, but the act of moving takes a lot of time and effort. Following these tips for moving and storage can make the day easy and less time consuming.

Thank You! Why Are These Words Becoming So Rare?

Thank you! So simple. I have noticed that thank you’s and thank you cards are not ‘in style’ anymore. I have been invited to a number of weddings, and showers over the last few years, and the number of thank you’s I’ve received has been minimal! At first I was insulted, I have come to realize that not everyone is into sending out a thank you.

Growing up my mother always made sure that we at least said thank you when we received something, or had a nice gesture done for us ( eg. having a door opened for us). Gifts from Grandparents especially had a thank you note sent. When I got married, that was paramount to me…sending thank you’s for shower and wedding gifts/cards. I made sure that they were out as soon as I could possibly manage. Now, when I give a gift I am not giving it just to receive a card in the mail, but an acknowledgment would at least be nice.

Is it that we as a society are getting lazy? are we expecting too much? are the times just simply changing? I really don’t know. I guess if giving a thank you card is ‘old school’, then that is how my children will grow up, old school.

At my place of work education is an important aspect and in fact a requirement of staying certified. The doctor in charge of our department is very giving and has set up an education fund for anyone to use from his and his wifes personal account. I have received education money from them and asked my mom “should I give a thank you card to them?” My mother responded with “Well, I don’t think a thank you is ever out of place” So I left a card in his pile of mail, the next day he said “Marla! Thank you so much for the card and the acknowledgement… in all the years we have been offering this education money you are the first to tell us thank you!” I was floored!

I don’t know the reason for the lack of thank you cards, but i do believe that is rests in our hands, parents hands. We must be the ones to teach our children that it is appropriate to let others know you appreciate them thinking of you. It does not need to be extravagant, a simple thank you goes a long way!