think green

Why Saving Is Not Just For Rainy Days

Lots of us try to maintain a fund for emergencies, for when something goes wrong.

This is, of course, eminently sensible, but there are lots of positive reasons to be saving as well.

Having a "sunny day" fund means that you can make the most of the opportunities that life throws up. It means that you can be spontaneous and live life to the fullest, because you have the resources to do so. Most importantly it means that that you can give yourself the things and experiences that you want without getting into debt.

Bargains

Every now and again you will run into the bargain of a lifetime. You will run across something being sold for the most ridiculously knocked down price. A sunny day fund will mean that you are able to swoop and bag that bargain for yourself. This could mean saving huge amounts of money, or being able to have things that there is no way you would be able to afford otherwise.

Having the cash to hand for when a bargain crops up means that you can use the bad economic climate to your advantage. Perhaps you can stock up on items in a going out of business sale, or get a great deal on a car from somebody who is emigrating and needs a quick sale. 

 Happy news

How many times have you found out that an old friend or a relative living far away is getting married and wished you could have gone to the wedding? If this hasn't happened to you at all you must be young, give it time and sooner or later you will get to that time when everybody seems to be getting hitched and the summer months have a wedding every other weekend.

If you have money set aside for happy contingencies the fact that your cousins wedding is in Australia won't have to hold you back. You will be able to get yourself there to get a slice of the cake, no problem.

Tiny feet

To a lot of people the news that they are about to become a parent can come as something of a shock. This is normal, as is worrying about the money side of things once the initial shock worn off.

Anyone with kids will tell you, having a family is an even bigger drain on your finances than running a car or funding a gambling habit. Knowing there a little money put aside will help you relax a bit more and enjoy the good news if it comes along. 

There are as many reasons to have money put away in a savings account for a happy day as there are grains of sand on the beach.

Possibly the beach you are able to lie on after you have been able to snap up that last minute heavily discounted trip to the Bahamas!

 

The5thFloor presents HAME

A cycle documentary about 2 friends riding from Glasgow towards Gonachan Cottage.

It is a famous climb.

As a side note, Dave & James are riding together for the last time (at least for 18 months). Dave is going to the US of A - NYC is calling him.

So, a nicely brushed footage was almost a must do.

 

To know more or discover The5thFloor check the site.

Should Wearing a Helmet be Compulsory for Cyclists?

As the prices of petrol and the cost of motoring are ever increasing, more and more people are turning to cycling for both as a form of recreation and as a practical means of transport.

At present the wearing of a protective cycling helmet is only a personal choice but there are an increasing number of voices calling for it to be made compulsory.

Politicians on their bikes

The image of politicians, especially, London Major, Boris Johnson happily cycling across the capital is an often seen one. However, could the compulsory wearing of crash helmets be sending out the wrong message and end up having an adverse effect on the drive to increase the country’s cyclists?

Recently released information in the British Medical Journal suggested that the majority of doctors surveyed thought mandatory helmet wearing would imply that cycling is dangerous and would lead to a drop in people taking healthy exercise from this pursuit.

The survey asked 1,439 people; of which 65% were doctors, the question regarding the wearing of cycling helmets, the majority didn’t believe that helmets made a great deal of difference to cycling and were more likely to have an adverse effect.

Cycling healthier

The figures also show that on average cyclists live longer than those who do not cycle and that there is no conclusive evidence that bike accidents without a helmet lead to an increase in brain damaging injuries.

Studies in Australia, where the wearing of a helmet has been compulsory since 1991,  felt that the reduction in cycling head injuries were just as much down to improved cycling provision and safety campaigns as to wearing helmets. There is also a call for it to be reprieved, as there seems to have been a 30% decline in cycling over this period.

Helmets offer a safer ride

Official government figures for 2009 (the latest available) show that during that period there was a 6.5% rise in cyclist accidents that were admitted to Emergency wards. Of these it suggests that 40% suffered from head injuries and it is claimed that the wearing of a helmet reduces the chance of serious injury by 85%.

The figures from the Department of Transport also show that there is a gradual, voluntary increase in the use of protective helmets with the 2008 figure suggesting that 34% of those riding a bike used a helmet.

Whether or not the figures justify making it essential for cyclists to wear protective headwear there can be no doubt that crashing on a bike and landing on an unprotected head is more likely to lead to a life threatening injury.

With severe head injuries making up a serious number in the types of accidents reported, it would seem that people are legislating themselves as the number of voluntary, helmet wearing cyclists steadily increases.

Perhaps legislation is not always the necessary cause of action but solid, practical and realistic information, which allows people to make informed decisions for themselves.

 

Cycles of life [infographic]

Bike messenger from around the globe

Benny Zenga's latest documentary Line of Sight, about filmmaker Lucas Brunelle (who has been shooting alleycat fixed-gear bike races for over a decade) will be released on DVD 1st July 2012.

Adrenaline rush, just by watching the teaser.

A great view, perspective and vision of this demanding job.

 

Which Mortgage is Right for You?

Taking on a mortgage is a real commitment, so take the time to make sure that you are choosing the right home loan for your needs.

If you are at the stage in life where you are ready to buy a home, you are probably thinking about taking out a mortgage to finance it. For most people, a home is the largest purchase that they will ever make and the mortgage that they choose will take between 10 and 30 years to pay off.

For a financial decision of that magnitude, it makes a lot of sense to do your research and make sure that you know all of the facts.

You might think that when it comes to mortgages it is one size fits all, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, no two mortgages are exactly the same and there are many factors that determine how much you will end up paying. It can be difficult to compare different mortgages, especially with all of the jargon of the marketplace, but with a little knowledge you can make an informed decision and select a mortgage with an excellent rate.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you are selecting a mortgage:

How Long Should the Mortgage Term Be?

Most mortgages are offered in 5, 10, 15 and 30 year loan terms. The longer loan terms will offer you lower monthly payments, but the interest will add up to significantly more over the years.

The shorter terms will have higher monthly payments, but you will end up paying less in interest over the length of the loan and you will own your own home sooner.

Think about how long you see yourself living in the home and what you can reasonably afford for a monthly payment. To save yourself money you will want to choose a mortgage that is as short as possible, but if you make your monthly payments too high and your income changes then you could find yourself in trouble.

How Much Can You Save For A Down Payment?

Another question to ask yourself when choosing a mortgage is what you will be able to pay as a down payment. Ideally, you should be able to make a down payment of at least 20% of the value of the home, which will reduce the amount of the mortgage and decrease your overall interest. However, if you are not able to pay this amount you might want to consider a mortgage which allows you to purchase with a smaller down payment.

However, keep in mind that the less you pay for your down payment the higher the principal of the loan will be which means more money that you are paying interest on year after year.

Are There Any Penalties for Paying Early?

Paying your mortgage early is a great way to save money on interest and so if your financial situation allows you to pay extra this is a great idea. However, some mortgages actually charge you a fee if you want to pay off your loan early so this is another factor to watch out for when choosing a mortgage.

Your financial situation is unique to you, so don’t just take any generic mortgage without comparing your choices. It is worth taking the time to find a mortgage that is right for you.

 

Interior grass at the Cathedral

900 guests attending the York Minster Rose Dinner, saw something unique and different.

York Minster Cathedral (14th Century) went through a "make over".

Wow!Grass! likes to grassify venues and various things with real grass.

This specific dinner was being held to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and to raise money for the York Minster Fund.

A great occasion!

Always look ahead

A sport is normally good fun, but never think that protection is not necessary.

When cycling, a helmet should be compulsory.

But some cyclists still believe it is too "expensive" or "ridiculous" to have a headgear.

Many years ago cars had no seat belts and drivers were not willing to use it when implemented to new cars.

After some studies and statistics it appeared to be a useful accessory to save lives.

Check the video below seen on the5thfloor.co.uk:

 

A prime example!

An entertaining activity which could have gone badly wrong if the racers didn't have the adequate equipment...and all that in no time.

More and more people commute to  work on wheels and for the ones in London it will certainly increase during the Summer and the mighty Olympics.

So, it would be silly to forget the essential to avoid a brain injury compensation or even a trip to hospital. Sometimes you need to waste time to gain time and safety.

Cycling is a healthy but expensive activity but your life is priceless.

There were tragic accidents during the Tour de France too, and these are qualified riders.

It is neither a gadget nor money wasted to buy decent cycling gloves and helmets. If you are uncertain of what to do after a road accident,  legal advice is available and this is something to think of in order to get help and support.

The trauma can be physcial but also emotional.

As the Tour de France is happening soon you can check what the professionals are wearing, so you get an idea.