Is It Worth Using A Mortgage Broker For Your First Home?

This post is collaborative but all opinions are my own

If you’re in the market for a property or are just looking to finally get your own place, then the idea of searching around for a mortgage can be daunting. Most people can’t really pay for a house in its entirety which is why it’s common to take out a loan such as a mortgage. However, there are so many different terms and conditions, rates, and other considerations to keep in mind that it can get extremely overwhelming.

Photo by HiveBoxx

But there’s an easy way to simplify things: speak with a mortgage broker. While it might sound a little worrying to put your mortgage in somebody else’s hands, some fantastic benefits will help you secure a mortgage with good rates.

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is essentially a professional that helps people secure mortgages. They assist you by navigating the legal landscape around mortgages, and they’ll help to find the best deals that are available to someone in your financial circumstances. They’ll take other considerations in mind as well such as your income, your marital status, and your credit history.

Benefits of using a mortgage broker

Using a mortgage broker can help in several different ways

You could save a lot of money because a mortgage broker will help you find the best deals. Instead of going with a mortgage that has bad rates, a broker will help you perform searches, speaking with multiple lenders about your situation to help you find the lowest rates.
You may get better interest rates thanks to your broker negotiating with the lenders. This can help you save a lot of money over time.
It can speed up the mortgage process. You’re more likely to get approved faster when you work with a mortgage broker even if you have a bad credit score or low income. They’ll find lenders that are willing to work with you so that you have a high chance of being accepted the first time around.
They’ll help you with all of the legal responsibilities. This includes doing all the paperwork and helping you understand things you haven't come across before.

How do you find a mortgage broker?

Finding a mortgage broker usually involves asking around. Your friends and family members will likely have some recommendations if they’ve worked with a mortgage broker before. However, if they haven’t, you can always check to see if there are local mortgage brokers near you. Make sure you check that they’re experienced mortgage brokers with happy past clients. If they don’t seem trustworthy, then it’s best to avoid them.

Remember that once you’ve found a mortgage broker, you’ll need to provide them with some information about your financial situation. This can include your debts to ensure you’ve started repaying your loans, details about your assets, and other financial documents. This is to help ensure that you can find the best mortgage deal for your needs, but also give you a high chance of being accepted by those lenders.

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, by Love, Em

Productivity & Organisation

Creating A Modern & Productive Home Office

This post is collaborative, but all opinions are my own

It is important to make sure that your office reflects modern times, both in terms of function and aesthetics. A more modern-looking workspace can be beneficial for productivity, motivation, and morale. Fortunately, making a few small changes to your office can give it a much-needed update without having to perform expensive renovations. This article will discuss some ideas for how you can modernise your office on a budget.

Photo by Hutomo Abrianto

Create A Statement Wall

One easy way to add personality and interest to an office is by creating a statement wall with artwork or photographs of personal meaning. This could include family photos, motivational quotes, landscape scenes—whatever speaks authentically to you. You can also freshen up the walls with new paint in a bright, contemporary colour.

Bring In Some Greenery

Adding plants to your office is a great way to create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Plants bring life into the room but also act as eco-friendly air purifiers. It’s easy to find low-maintenance houseplants for your workspace, such as succulents or potted herbs, that don’t require too much effort to keep alive.

Revamp Your Staircase

If your office has a staircase, consider giving it an upgrade. For example, you can use steel balustrades for a modern, sophisticated look. This also adds an extra layer of safety in the office as steel balustrades are strong, durable, and support weight much better than other materials. If steel is too industrial for your office aesthetics, you can opt for wood, glass, or a combination.

Invest In Stylish Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements in any room, and it’s no different for an office. Investing in stylish lighting fixtures can give your office the modern touch that it needs. For example, try replacing outdated fluorescent tube lights with sleek lamps or sconces. You could also install LED strip lights behind shelves or desks to create a warm ambience in the room.

Upgrade Your Furniture

Furniture can make a huge difference to a modern-looking office space. While it might be tempting to buy new furniture, you can save money by giving your current pieces a facelift instead. Start by removing unnecessary items and arranging items into functional clusters to open up more space. Then add colourful throw pillows, curtains, and other textiles to give the room a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Keep It Organised

Make sure that your office is well-organised and clutter-free. This can be done by investing in storage solutions such as shelving units and filing cabinets. You could add decorative baskets to store items like stationery, electronics, or knickknacks. Staying organised will give you control over your workspace and help keep it neat.

Small changes can go a long way when it comes to making an office look more modern. From statement walls to stylish lighting fixtures and upgraded furniture, these ideas will help you create the contemporary workspace you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.

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, by Love, Em

Cohabitation Agreements & Why You Might Need One

Ad / This post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own

Moving in with your partner is an exciting time. I have just moved in with my boyfriend, and life seems like a dream. But sometimes, issues occur, and relationships break down. It’s not something we want to happen, but it is something we can plan for. If you’ve moved in with someone recently, here is everything you need to know about cohabitation agreements and why you might want to consider one.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding document for unmarried couples or people living together. It sets out what happens to your finances, the house and your belongings if you split up or have a falling out and no longer live together. For example, it helps you divide up joint bank accounts/savings accounts, gifts and more. You can arrange these agreements with a solicitor at any point. I recommend doing one before or as you start to live together. I’ve been told it is better to arrange them when you’re on good terms and want the best for each other rather than after things start to turn. Cohabitation agreements are protection for your personal assets. They list that the things you came into the agreement with are things you’re coming out with. I recommend having one, even if you are in love and will be together forever. No one wants a relationship to end, but sometimes things happen. It may be for the best. You can also add a clause so that once married, the agreement can be terminated.

Related: The best money habits for young adults

Why Cohabitation Agreements Can Be Useful

With everything, there are ups and downs. It can be expensive, unromantic and time-consuming, but they do have your best interests at heart. Cohabiting finances can be complicated, and with an increasing number of unmarried couples living together, these agreements are something to consider to clear the air. Here are some of the benefits of having these agreements drawn up. I’m not a legal professional, so it’s always best to speak to experienced family law solicitors like Atkins Dellow to discuss your options, as there are many benefits to having a cohabitation agreement:

If one partner has more assets than the other, it can protect both of you
It can help you to talk about finances
You know what is happening to your assets in the event something happens
There is more financial security for you both
Ensures that you are both treated fair if your relationship breaks down
They can help you improve your communication with your partner

Things You Should Know Before Arranging One

They take a lot of thought – No one wants to think worst-case scenario. But in the unfortunate event, you split up with your partner, you want to be protected. This means a lot of thought needs to be put into your agreement. For example, it might cover which fixtures and fittings you get to keep, how quickly you have to notify your partner about leaving the agreement and what happens to the house. There are many things to consider and different scenarios you might want to cover. This means it can also take a lot of time. Be prepared for the back and forth between your solicitor!

It can be expensive – Depending on who you’re going with, your cohabitation agreement can be quite expensive, and each party will need their own solicitor. The same firm can't act for both of you. The cost can quickly add up. That being said, I think it’s worth the investment because if your relationship does break down, you are both protected. I think that’s invaluable.

It can be overwhelming – When moving out, you have so much going on. There is a lot to do, like fitting blinds, sorting utilities and planning where to put everything. It’s a long process, and it can be emotional to decide all these things. Take the time to speak to your roommates/partner about what you both want from the agreement and decide things together. Knowing you aren’t in the process alone can make it not so overwhelming.

A cohabitation agreement isn’t something to take lightly, but it’s also not something to skip when you’re moving out for the first time. The initial cost may be expensive, but it can be worthwhile if things turn sour. I know many people who have these agreements in place to protect themselves in the worst-case scenario. It’s something to consider if you’re moving out for the first time! What are your thoughts on cohabitation agreements? I’d love to hear if you have one, what your experience was and if you’d recommend having one.

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, by Love, Em

Blogging

Everything You Need To Know About Freelancing

This post is collaborative but all opinions are my own

Being a freelancer can be both incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging. It takes focus, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. With so many different aspects, it can be hard to know where to start and how best to set yourself up for success. But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to do. It’s all about being prepared, doing your research, and ensuring the drive and dedication it takes to pull it all together. Here are my tips for becoming a freelancer and the things you need to know before starting!

Photo by 91 Magazine

Set Goals

The first step in achieving any goal is setting one. Taking the time to think about what you want to accomplish and how you want your freelance career to progress will help guide you toward success. As with any goal, set yourself measurable goals so that you can track your progress and ensure that you are on the right path. Whether you want to double your income or write an article for a major publication, make sure your goals are achievable but also challenging enough that they push you out of your comfort zone.

Have Discipline

One of the biggest challenges of working as a freelancer is staying motivated when there isn’t someone else telling you what work needs to be done. Having discipline is key. Establish daily routines that prioritize productivity over procrastination and stick to them. Creating structure in your day-to-day operations will help keep things running smoothly and ensure that deadlines are met on time.

Network

Networking is essential for any business owner or freelancer. It’s the key ingredient in developing relationships with potential clients or partners who could help grow your business down the line. Make sure to attend events related to your industry, join networking groups online, or simply reach out by email or phone if someone catches your eye—you never know who might be interested in working together.

Build Your Brand

Growing your brand is essential for any business owner, but especially so for freelancers since this is often their only source of income (for now). Establishing an online presence through social media accounts and a website or blog gives potential customers direct access to who you are as a person and professional. This will only add credibility to your business when pitching work opportunities or selling products and services directly from these platforms. Additionally, use content marketing strategies such as writing blog posts related to topics within your industry or creating videos introducing yourself and what services and products you offer. This will show potential customers that they can trust you with their business endeavours based on the quality of content provided through these channels.

Invest in Yourself

As a freelancer, investments come in many forms. From purchasing new software or equipment that may help increase productivity levels to signing up for courses and webinars related directly or indirectly to work being provided such as phishing training to protect your business or a digital marketing course to help you grow. All these investments will pay off long-term even if they seem costly upfront.

Manage Your Finances

When it comes down to it, money matters. Understanding cash flow basics like budgeting expenses vs income earned each month along with tracking all payments made (and received) will be crucial to keeping finances stable throughout the journey as a freelance entrepreneur. Additionally, create separate bank accounts dedicated solely towards tax payments and other miscellaneous fees associated with being a self-employed individual. This way money stays organized and easily accessible when needed most.

Set Up Systems

Working as a freelancer can be extremely rewarding and lucrative, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Having systems in place and remaining organized are key components of success. The structure is important for staying on top of your workload and meeting deadlines, or in other words, running a successful business. From maintaining records for accounting to having a scheduling calendar that both you and your clients can access, having systems in place will allow each job you take on to run more smoothly. Furthermore, creating organisational methods when it comes to writing invoices and budgeting outlines helps set expectations regarding payment terms between both parties which can prevent financial disputes down the road.

Hire Some Help

As a freelancer, having help by your side can be essential to completing projects in a timely and efficient manner. Hiring a virtual assistant, editor, or graphic designer can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with taking on too many tasks at once. They can provide valuable assistance with creating content, designing promotional material, or managing emails and calendar appointments. Hiring these professionals may be overwhelming at first, but that bit of extra help may prove to be highly beneficial in helping you stay organized and maximize your productivity during your working hours.

Diversify Your Income Streams

Don’t put all of your eggs into one basket. Diversifying sources of income helps protect against fluctuations that may occur due to unexpected changes within certain markets. For example, offering additional services outside core specialisations such as web design and copywriting combo packages could potentially lead to more clients seeking an “all-in-one solutions provider” instead of having to hire separate individuals to do each task individually.

Know Your Worth

It’s also important not to sell yourself short by undercharging clients just because feel intimidated by the competition. Always remember the value you bring to the table and strive to price accordingly. Showcasing your unique skillset differentiates you from others doing the same type of work, while still remaining competitively priced. In the end, it’s always important to stand your ground confidently knowing you’re worth every penny!

Becoming a successful freelancer takes hard work and dedication. But following these tips should get you started on the right track toward reaching whatever goals have set out to achieve. Remember to stay disciplined and manage your finances wisely while investing in yourself. What are your top tips when getting into freelance work? I'd love to hear how you've found yourself becoming self-employed!

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, by Love, Em

Small Business Tips

How To Create Video Content For Your Small Business

This post is collaborative but all opinions are my own

Creating a marketing video for your small business can be an effective way to reach potential customers and promote your products or services. Video marketing has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people consume content on their mobile devices and social media platforms. However, many small business owners are intimidated by the process of creating a video and may not know where to start. Here's how to create great visual content to promote your small business!

Photo by Malte Helmhold

Define Your Audience And Goals

Before you start creating a video, it is essential to define your target audience and goals. Who are you trying to reach with your video, and what do you want them to do after watching it? Your goals may include increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or generating leads. Understand your audience and goals. It can help you tailor your video more effectively.

Develop A Concept And Script

Once you have defined your audience and goals, it's time to develop a concept for your video. What story do you want to tell, and how can you engage your audience? Start by creating a script that outlines the key messages you want to convey in your video. Your voiceover should be concise, engaging, and easy to understand. It should also include a call to action at the end of the video, such as encouraging viewers to visit your website or purchase from you.

Choose A Video Format And Style

There are different video formats and styles depending on your goals and budget. For example, you may want to create an animated explainer video to showcase your product features or a customer testimonial video to build social proof. Here are some types of content you could use for your small business:

Day in the life video
Introduce yourself & your business
Meet the team video
Animated video
Pack your order with me
Success/failure stories
Restock video
Bad customer experiences
Product how-to (show how to use your product like a makeup look if you sell beauty items)
Timelapse of you making/working
Host a giveaway

Plan Your Video Shoot

If you plan to shoot live-action footage for your video, you should plan your shoot in advance. Consider the location, lighting, and sound quality. You will also need equipment, such as a camera, tripod, and microphone. You may also want to plan for additional b-roll footage to add visual interest to your video. If you have a YouTube channel for your blog or small business, you might want to add this footage over your voice to create exciting content. For your video, you can use your mobile phone to shoot content. As a small business, you may not have lots of money to spend on expensive filming equipment. Many smartphones can create high-quality videos, whether you're creating social media content or a marketing campaign.

Edit Your Video

Once you have captured your footage, it's time to edit your video. This involves selecting the best clips, adding transitions, voice over and music, and incorporating additional b-roll footage. Your video should engage your audience and tell a compelling story. Consider using captions or subtitles to make your video more accessible to viewers. When creating a YouTube video, you might want to add captions to make the video more accessible. On TikTok or Instagram, add subtitles or a script in the caption. You might also want to add music to the background to make the video more engaging. You may also want to create thumbnails using Canva, depending on where your video is going.

Promote Your Video

Finally, it's time to promote your video and get it in front of your target audience. Share your video on your website, social media channels, and email newsletter. You may also consider using paid advertising to promote your video to a larger audience. Most social media platforms will let you promote your posts at a cost. If you're trying to grow your small business, here are some other posts that might help you!

Making Your Etsy Shop Stand Out From Other Sellers

7 Ways To Grow Your Online Business

How To Grow Your Business With Social Media

Creating a marketing video for your small business may seem daunting at first, but it can help to reach potential customers and promote your brand. With the right strategy and execution, a marketing video can help your small business stand out in a crowded market and drive more sales. What types of videos do you find work best with your small business? I'd love to hear how you use visual content to promote your brand and how social media has helped blow up your business!

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, by Love, Em

Love, Em

Is It Worth Using A Mortgage Broker For Your First Home?

What is a mortgage broker?

Benefits of using a mortgage broker

How do you find a mortgage broker?

Creating A Modern & Productive Home Office

Create A Statement Wall

Bring In Some Greenery

Revamp Your Staircase

Invest In Stylish Lighting

Upgrade Your Furniture

Keep It Organised

Cohabitation Agreements & Why You Might Need One

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

Related: The best money habits for young adults

Why Cohabitation Agreements Can Be Useful

Things You Should Know Before Arranging One

Everything You Need To Know About Freelancing

Set Goals

Have Discipline

Network

Build Your Brand

Invest in Yourself

Manage Your Finances

Set Up Systems

Hire Some Help

Diversify Your Income Streams

Know Your Worth

How To Create Video Content For Your Small Business

Define Your Audience And Goals

Develop A Concept And Script

Choose A Video Format And Style

Plan Your Video Shoot

Edit Your Video

Promote Your Video

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