With love from Lou

How I Found Out My Car Finance Was Mis-Sold (And What I Did About It)

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When I first signed my car finance agreement, I assumed everything was routine. The car seemed right for my needs, the monthly payments appeared manageable, and the process felt straightforward. Like many others, I did not question what I was signing or how the deal had been put together. But years later, I discovered my PCP agreement may have been mis-sold. That moment sparked a journey I had not anticipated.

In this article, I will explain how I came to realise something was wrong, what steps I took to confirm my suspicions, and how I started the process of pursuing a PCP refund. If you took out a PCP agreement between 2007 and 2021, it may be time to take a closer look at your own paperwork.

THE DEAL THAT SEEMED STRAIGHTFORWARD

At the time, I was attracted by the idea of affordable monthly payments and the flexibility to decide later whether to keep the car, return it, or upgrade. A Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offered that structure. It felt like a smart way to drive a newer vehicle without the long-term commitment of ownership.

What I didn’t realise was that this simplicity came at a cost. I was never told how the interest rate was determined, I was not offered alternative finance options, and I had no idea that the broker might have received a commission for recommending a particular product.

It was only later, when I heard others talking about PCP refunds, that I started to reconsider whether I had been given the full picture.

WHAT MADE ME QUESTION THE DEAL

Things changed when I came across a news story about mis-sold car finance. I began noticing more online posts from people who had entered PCP agreements and were now finding out their deals may have been unfair. A few key warning signs started to stand out:

  • The broker did not mention commission or explain how it influenced the deal
  • I was only offered one type of finance, without comparison
  • The interest rate seemed high but was never broken down clearly
  • The final payment details were vague
  • I felt rushed into signing without proper explanation

The more I read, the more I recognised my own experience. It did not just seem like a bad deal. It may have been one that lacked transparency altogether.

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK

I decided to go back through everything I had kept from the time I took out the agreement. That included:

  • The signed finance contract
  • Emails and other correspondence
  • Notes I had made during conversations with the dealership

From there, I started researching what counted as a mis-sold finance agreement. I discovered that between 2007 and 2021, thousands of PCP deals may have been mis-sold due to lack of disclosure, pressure tactics, and unclear terms.

That is when I began looking into the best PCP claims company to help evaluate my case.

TRYING A PCP REFUND CHECKER

During my research, I came across an online tool that offered to assess whether my agreement might be eligible for a refund. While I was initially hesitant, the process was simple. It asked questions like:

  • Did the broker explain whether they were earning commission?
  • Were alternative finance options provided?
  • Did I feel rushed into signing the agreement?

My responses matched many of the risk indicators. Although the tool did not guarantee a refund, it gave me the confidence to dig deeper and seek formal advice.

STARTING THE CLAIMS PROCESS

I got in touch with a company that specialised in mis-sold finance claims. I chose carefully, looking for one that was clear about its terms and had a solid reputation. The process began with a review of my documents and then moved on to a formal complaint being submitted to the finance provider.

Here is what I learned along the way:

  • You can submit a claim even if your finance agreement has ended
  • You do not need to have missed payments to be eligible
  • The key issue is whether the deal was fairly presented and transparently explained

Had I not looked into it, I would never have known I may have overpaid or been misled.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

If you are in a similar situation, here are some important tips based on my experience:

  • Ask about commission: If you are not told whether a broker is being paid for recommending a deal, that is a red flag
  • Compare finance options: Only being shown one product limits your ability to make an informed choice
  • Understand the final payment: A large balloon payment needs to be clearly explained upfront
  • Do not rush: Take time to read everything and ask questions before signing
  • Keep your records: Even old agreements and emails can help you assess your case later

FINAL THOUGHTS

Looking back, I had no idea that a car finance agreement I thought was ordinary could turn out to be mis-sold. But I am glad I listened to that doubt in the back of my mind and looked into it.

If you signed a PCP agreement between 2007 and 2021 and feel the deal was not clearly explained, you may also be entitled to a PCP refund. Taking the time to investigate could help you recover money and hold providers to a higher standard.

Choosing the best PCP claims company for your situation is important, but the most critical step is simply starting the process. You never know what you might uncover.

Are you thinking of making a claim for mis-sold car finance?
If so, let me know how you get on in the comments below.
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The Secret Ingredient to Making Your Kids’ Bedtime a Dream

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When children struggle to fall asleep or keep waking up in the night, we often think about screens or routines. But what they eat – and when they eat it – can also affect how well they sleep.

Lisa Artis from The Sleep Charity shares her advice on how food links to sleep, and which foods might help or make things worse.

WHY FOOD MATTERS FOR SLEEP

Children need the right nutrients to make hormones that help them sleep. Melatonin tells the body it’s time to rest. Serotonin helps them feel calm. These come from what they eat.

Low levels of things like magnesium, vitamin B6 and tryptophan can make sleep harder. Foods that cause sugar highs and crashes can also wake children up in the night. And if they eat a big meal too late, their body is busy digesting when it should be settling down.

WHAT TO EAT FOR BETTER SLEEP

Some foods help the body relax and sleep more deeply. These are good to include in your child’s evening routine.

Arthis says, “You don’t have to give up some of your favourite foods, snacks or treats to get better sleep, but you do need to be mindful of when to eat them, especially if you want to increase your chances of feeling well rested in the morning.”

Here are some helpful options:

  • Oats: A warm bowl of oats (with no added sugar) can be calming before bed. Oats are a natural source of melatonin and slow-digesting carbs that help the body settle. 
  • Bananas: Bananas have magnesium and potassium, which help muscles relax. They also contain vitamin B6, which helps the body use tryptophan to make serotonin. 
  • Almonds: Almonds are rich in magnesium and can support deep sleep. A small handful before bed (if age-appropriate and allergy-safe) may also help keep blood sugar steady overnight. 
  • Kiwi: Kiwi is full of antioxidants and serotonin. Some studies show people fall asleep faster and sleep longer after eating it. It’s also low in sugar.

WHAT TO AVOID LATE IN THE DAY

Some foods can make it harder to fall or stay asleep. Arthis continues: ‘’Certain foods can tax the digestive system, leading to sleep disturbances. If your stomach often keeps you awake at night, limit eating the following foods or drinking too much water less than 3 hours before lights out.”

Avoid giving them these in the evening:

  • Caffeine: Caffeine can stay in the body for hours. It blocks adenosine, which helps us feel sleepy. That includes fizzy drinks, some teas, energy drinks and even chocolate. It’s best to stop caffeine after lunch.
  • Spicy foods: Spicy meals can raise body temperature and cause heartburn or indigestion, especially late in the day. If your child likes spice, serve it at lunchtime.
  • Heavy meals: Large or fatty meals late in the evening keep the body working when it should be relaxing. Try to eat dinner at least 2–3 hours before bed.

TIMING MATTERS TOO

It’s not just about what your child eats, but when. Eating too close to bedtime can cause digestion problems. But going to bed hungry isn’t helpful either.

Try this:
Keep their regular mealtimes during the day. Make sure they finish dinner a few hours before bedtime. If they’re hungry later, offer a light snack like a banana, a few almonds or some oats.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Getting better sleep doesn’t always mean a new hybrid mattress or blackout curtains. Sometimes, it’s about what and when you eat. Small changes to your food routine can help your body relax, fall asleep faster, and rest more deeply.

This isn’t a magic fix for all your bedtime woes. But if bedtime becomes a battle, it’s a good place to start.

Do you have any other ‘secret ingredients’ for ensuring your child gets a good nights sleep?
If so, be sure to share them in the comments below.
With love from Lou SignatureTwitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

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Stay Cool, Comfortable, and Stylish with the Best Shapewear Options

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As summer arrives, everybody wants to stay cool, confident and put-together. Yes, in the scorching heat, it doesn’t look like an easy task. So, what should we wear while the sun rises? During hot days, between the sun and sweat, all we want is to feel comfortable in our clothes. Nobody wants to feel restricted during the hot days.

So, what should we be wearing? Shapellx understands this and thus introduces smart shapewear for summer. From your summer plans to parties, these shapewear options can help you a lot. These are not like your old-school trends. In fact, they’re not so tight that you cannot breathe.

Shapellx offers lightweight, breathable and body-loving shapewear. These pieces can support you throughout the summer without making you melt.

Ready to beat the heat and still slay your summer style? Here are the best shapewear picks from Shapellx. These will surely keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish all season long.

01. BUILT-IN SHAPEWEAR DRESS – ONE STEP AND DONE

We all love summer dresses, but what if the heat doesn’t allow you to enjoy? Shapewear dresses can work here, as Shapellx made them super comfy and cool. You can breathe, enjoy and dance all day long without feeling the heat.

So, with the built-in shapewear dress, you can enjoy two major benefits. What are these? Cute dress on the outside, smoothing shapewear on the inside. So, you don’t need to wear extra layers over your shapewear dress. You will be free from tugging and ‘is anything showing?’ worries.

You just slip it on – and boom- your whole look comes together in seconds.

Why it’s perfect for summer:

  • Lightweight and breathable fabric
  • Built-in tummy control and booty lift
  • Zero VPL (visible panty lines)
  • Flattering and comfy, even in the heat

From brunch to a rooftop dinner, this dress does it all – while keeping you feeling fresh and confident.

02. SHAPING SWIMWEAR – SMOOTHING POWER IN THE WATER

We’ve all been there. We do remember the moment when we try on our swimsuits and all we can feel is ‘meh’. Summer is here and to enjoy it at the pool should be worry-free. So, what can we do about that?

The shaping swimwear at Shapellx can give you real fun and practical ease. With this, you can shape your curves and smooth your waist.You will feel more confident while swimming or even sunbathing. In fact, these allow you to double your styles as bodysuits. So, explore your swimwear options at Shapellx and make your summer worth having fun.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Hidden tummy control that actually works
  • Supportive bust design – no wires needed
  • Snatches your waist and lifts your shape
  • Stylish, flattering cuts that work for everybody

From enjoying the pool to posing for your social media, shaping swimwear is the real companion.

03. ASSES PANTIES – INVISIBLE, COMFORTABLE, LIFTED

Yes, the name makes you look twice. But once you try them, you’ll be obsessed.

Asses panties are all about giving you that sleek, smooth shape under anything you wear. There won’t be any showing or slipping. They’re light. They’re breathable. They’re practically invisible under your clothes. And they give your booty a natural-looking boost (thank you very much).

Why do they belong in your drawer?

  • Sits flat under thin summer fabrics
  • No lines, no rolling, no adjusting
  • Breathes easily even on hot days
  • Adds a subtle lift that makes your outfits pop

Throw them on under your shorts, skirts, or dresses, and forget they’re even there.

WHY SUMMER SHAPEWEAR SHOULDN’T SUCK

Let’s clear this up: shapewear is not supposed to feel like punishment. Especially in summer.

Shapellx designs pieces with breathable, flexible fabrics. So, these can move with your body and work with your style. So you’re not stuck sweating in a body cage – you’re supported, smoothed. What’s more interesting? You are still free to dance, walk, sit, eat, and live your life.

Plus, good shapewear helps your clothes fit better. There won’t be any weird lines and tugging. All you will get are clean, confident outfits.

OUTFIT IDEAS TO KEEP YOU COOL AND SNATCHED

Need some inspiration? Here’s how to style your shapewear this season:

  • Built-in dress + white sneakers = effortless everyday look
  • Swimwear + linen shorts = beach-to-lunch combo
  • Asses panties + maxi dress = smooth & breezy
  • Swimwear as a bodysuit + wide-leg jeans = hot girl comfort
  • Built-in dress + strappy sandals + denim jacket = date night done

With each piece, you can mix, match and make your summer styling easy and fun.

A FEW QUICK TIPS BEFORE YOU SHOP

01. Know your size Don’t guess. Check the size guide, read reviews, and get what fits. Shapewear only works if it sits right.

02. Think about your lifestyle: Always wearing dresses? Start with the built-in one. Love going out? Go for shaping panties. Big beach plans? Grab that shaping swimsuit.

03. Care for your pieces Hand wash or use a lingerie bag. Skip the dryer. It keeps the fabric flexible and lasting longer.

04. Read real reviews Shapellx customers are super honest about fit, feel, and function. Take their word for it!

FEEL GOOD & LOOK GREAT. YOU DO

Shapewear isn’t about hiding your body. It’s about feeling amazing in your clothes. It’s about walking into a room and knowing you look as good as you feel.

You can lounge, party, travel or just vibe through your day. Shapellx shapewear helps you feel supported – not restricted.

It’s comfortable. It’s confidence. It’s your new summer must-have.

READY TO STAY COOL AND SLAY ALL DAY?

Now’s the perfect time to level up your shapewear game. Whether you’re updating your basics or trying something totally new – these picks are it.

So go ahead, stay cool and stay confident. Stay you – just a little more snatched. Because summer’s better when you feel amazing in your clothes.

Are you read to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish with the best shapewear options this summer?
Be sure to let me know in the comments below!
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Information On How To Find Quality Beauty Freebies

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Since the time that Estee lauder gave out their very 1st ‘free’ sample with their cosmetic products, what is more commonly recognised today as the ‘gift with purchase’ in the beauty industries, women across the globe who love their cosmetics are always on the lookout for the best beauty freebies.

Below are a few of the beauty freebies on offer that you may not be aware of:

TWOFERS

It may be that you don’t need the special when they on offer, but it is a good idea to pay attention when at grocery store in the hair care and shampoo aisles. In many cases you will find a “two for one” products and even shampoo bottles joined together with a hair conditioner. This is a fantastic way to save money on a product you use on a regular basis.

BIRTHDAY CLUBS

The brand known as Sephora is one of the more popular when it comes to offering birthday freebies. All you need to is sign-up for the points program they have on offer and when it is your birthday just visit a store to claim your free gift. Some of the previous participants have included popular brands such as Marc Jacobs and Fresh Cosmetics.

IN STORE SAMPLES

Similar to the free offers that Sephora offers, in many stores you are able to try out just about any product in a store for free. All you need to do is find a consultant and ask for sample on the product you may be interested in. The types of products include skincare, fragrances or any other product that can be spritzed or squeezed into sample containers.

PROMOTIONS

The Ultra stores that feature 21 Days of Beauty promotions often offer specials such as 50% off on items such as their Urban Decay lipsticks. To ensure you never miss out on these sales sign-up for the newsletter that Ultra offers and you will always be notified online in advance about their upcoming in-store deals.

JUST ASK

When visiting even the top rated cosmetic counters you can be guaranteed that they will always have samples on offer. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask if they have sample on offer as it is a clever business practice for businesses to offer sampling opportunities so that their customers can try out the brand.

READ THE LATEST WOMEN’S MAGAZINES

Most of famous women’s magazines particularly the types dedicated to cosmetics and skin care products will often use samples attached to the magazine for the purposes of advertising specific brands. These samples are more common in giant fall and early spring issues.

CHECK ON COUPONS

You may not be aware that in some cases a few of the cosmetic brands provide full-size free products when you present the right coupon to a retailer. This is typically not a common occurrence so look out for brands that you usually do not use as there is a variety of freebies on offer.

CHECK ONLINE

When online search for terms such as ‘gifts with purchase’ or ‘beauty freebies’ and you will often find entire blogs and websites dedicated to the world of freebies including freestuffspot.co.uk.

AVOID SWAPPING

There are sites that are dedicated to cosmetic swaps but it is advisable to resist this temptation. The reason for this is you may not know if the person you are swapping with has used the product or if the person has a skin issue. In addition, most of the makeup products are a breeding ground for bacteria and exchanging these bacteria with a complete stranger is really not such a great idea.

Do you like getting freebies?
Be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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How To Dress Modestly This Summer

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It’s hard not to notice that when the sun starts shining the amount of clothing that most people wear gradually starts to get smaller and smaller. It’s perfectly understandable for people to want to swap their usual attire for shorts and vest tops when the temperature rises. However, if you are someone who has decided to dress in a modest way, reducing the size and coverage of your clothing may not be an option.

Dressing modestly in hot weather can bring a variety of challenges. After all, it’s essential to strike a balance between protecting your modesty and ensuring that you don’t feel overheated and uncomfortable in the process. With this in mind, here are some of the ways that you can dress modestly over the summer while also ensuring that you stay feeling cool and comfortable:

CHOOSE FABRICS CAREFULLY

When shopping for modest clothing, you may spot abayas and hijabs is beautifully bright colours that are ideal for summer. However, before you rush to buy them, it’s wise to check the label and find out what they are made from. Heavier materials can make you feel incredibly hot over the summer and make you feel uncomfortable and weighed down in the hot weather. Instead, it’s best to look for lightweight fabrics to keep you cool.

Selecting a hijab for summer that’s made from lightweight cotton or chiffon is a helpful way to stop your head and neck from becoming overheated in summer. Choosing the same fabric options for your entire outfit will help you create an airy, floaty look that feels light and breathable against your skin while still looking modest.

OPT FOR LAYERS

It can be tempting to wear fewer garments in the summer, especially during a heat wave. However, this can lead you to become concerned about coverage and struggling to protect your modesty. A better option is to dress in layers of lightweight fabric. These lightweight layers will allow air to circulate between the fabric, helping you to stay feeling cool while also keeping you covered up.

CHOOSE COOL COLOURS

The choice of colours you select for your clothing can make a surprisingly big difference when you’re attempting to stay cool throughout the warmer weather. Selecting lighter coloured fabrics is often the best option and can help you to avoid feeling intensely warm when staying covered up during the hotter temperatures.

The reason that lighter coloured fabrics are such a good option is that they don’t absorb as much heat as darker colours. Black fabrics in particular tend to absorb the sun’s rays, making them feel hotter to touch and, in turn, making you feel much warmer when wearing them. So lighter colours are definitely a better option, especially for the hottest days of summer as they will reflect the heat away, rather than absorb it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Staying cool while dressing modestly can seem challenging during the summer months. However, following the above tips should help you to stay comfortably cool throughout the entire summer.

Do you have any other tips for keeping cool while dressing modestly this summer?
If so, be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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Are You Ready To Dive Into The Wonderful World Of Freebies?

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Do you know anyone who does not like a good freebie? People will do just about anything to get some freebies: from waiting in a 2-hour line to get a free Krispy Kreme doughnuts or doing the unimaginable for a lifetime supply of chicken nuggets, people will go to extremes for freebies. If you are planning on making it big in the freebie club, you have to know the rules of the game. If you have already played the game, stick around, you may learn a couple of tricks!

Listen to that old adage if it sounds too good to be true …

It happens to the best of us, we hear something so incredible for free our good sense goes out the window. There is the thought that all transactions have an upside and a downside, with the exception of freebies, we consider no downside. When we hear the word free, it creates such a strong emotional response, we just consider it much more valuable than it actually is. What happens is we simply forget about our common sense in pursuit of a good freebie. There are many companies that are willing to sell your first born in exchange for a tiny sample, you need to have some protection in place. It is important that you make sure the freebie is truly genuine an that you have fully read the terms and conditions of the offer before you sign on the dotted line, so to speak.

Lower Your Expectations

It is rare that you are ever going to get a full-size sample, it is always best to expect a tiny package or envelope. The main goal a company has in offering a same is to see if you are going to like the product to make a future purchase, not stockpiling your kitchen! You also never want to wait at the mailbox for every freebie you sign up for. We estimate that you actually get about 70% of all freebies you sign up for. As a reminder it takes some time for the freebies to come rolling in, so keep applying and before long your trip to the mailbox will be a heck of a lot more fun. Before you fill out a form, read the terms to see how many free samples are actually being given out to ensure it is worth your time.

Speak Up

You are never going to know if a company offers free samples if you do not ask, don’t be afraid to take the initiative and ask for samples. It is not uncommon for a company to simply send out a big box of samples of coupons by simply asking or letting them know how much you enjoy their products. Remember, sometimes it is just as important to let them know when you don’t like something. Many companies are more than willing to send out replacements with freebies and coupons if you are less than satisfied.

Avoid the Guilt

I know some people feel bad for asking for freebies from their favourite companies, as though they are taking a financial loss. However, they are benefiting from sending out samples more than you would realise. In fact, with every sample that they send out, they may be making one or more customers. In the end, if you get a product you really enjoy you will more than likely buy it in the future, as well as tell others about it.

Prepare With a New Email

This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of starting a freebie hobby. You do not want to be spammed with emails, this is why it is so important to create secondary social media accounts, emails, even a phone number which will allow you to claim freebies in peace. Trust us, you will be glad you did.

Are you the sort of person who loves a good freebie?
If so, be sure to let me know in the comments below!
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How to Choose Sustainable Knitwear for Every Season?

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Sustainable fashion is now more than a trend. It’s a thoughtful and intended way of life. Of all clothing types, knitwear has a special place in our hearts. It’s soft, cozy and stylish. But how can you find knitwear that is attractive and good for the earth? Let’s look at how you can find sustainable knitwear for any season.

WHAT SUSTAINABLE KNITWEAR MEANS?

Sustainable knitwear is designed with mindful material methods. The garments are produced using eco-friendly materials. Those garments are often made to reduce waste and energy. The end goal is pretty much two-fold: less harm to the planet, and you have clothes that are made to last!

Many brands are focusing on creating clothes that last! They are using natural fibres, including organic cotton, wool and bamboo; these materials are much more eco-friendly than synthetic materials.

You may ask why? Because these materials decompose and don’t cause harm to the earth!

WHY BUY FROM ETHICAL BRANDS?

It is crucial to choose the right brand. Favour brands that are transparent and share their ethics. Look for brands using eco-friendly fabrics. Are they treating workers well? Are products made locally or in small batches? Any of these factors are indicators of a high-quality, sustainable brand.

For example, shaktishop.co.uk offers knitwear made with natural materials. Their collection showcases the beauty of slow fashion. You will find all kinds of products that are stylish, durable, and considerate of our planet.

PICK THE RIGHT FABRIC FOR EACH SEASON

This guide is designed to help you pick the right knitwear styles (in terms of weight) based on the current season:

  • Spring means lightweight knits made of cotton or bamboo. Cotton and bamboo knits are soft, breathable, and perfect for those cool spring mornings and warm afternoons.

  • Summer means loose, open-knit tops that are made of linen or organic cotton. These will keep you cool while having the comfort of a knit.

  • When fall comes around, it’s time to switch to medium to heavy knits. In terms of your selection, merino wool or recycled wool sweaters are great. They are warm, but without the added weight!

  • In winter, you want heavy-weight wool or alpaca knits, which will trap heat and provide greater comfort on those extra-cold days!

CHOOSE TIMELESS DESIGNS

Trends come and go. But timeless styles stay forever. Pick solid colors or classic patterns. A good neutral sweater can work in any season. You can wear it in many ways, with jeans, skirts, or even over a dress.

Simple designs are easier to style and reuse. This means you’ll need fewer clothes overall. That’s great for both your wardrobe and the planet.

CARE FOR YOUR KNITWEAR PROPERLY

Even sustainable knitwear won’t last long without care. Always read the label. Wash it gently preferably by hand or in cold water. Avoid harsh soaps. Dry flat instead of hanging to keep its shape.

Proper care means your clothes last longer. That saves money and reduces waste.

CONCLUSION

Choosing sustainable knitwear is a smart way to care for the planet and yourself. With the right fabric, brand, and care, your knitwear can last for years.

So, next time you shop for clothes, choose wisely. Go for eco-friendly fabrics, timeless designs, and trusted brands. Your wardrobe – and the world – will thank you.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments below.
And thank you for reading.
With love from Lou Signature
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5 Experts You Need When Getting into Property Investment

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When you’re thinking about investing in properties, this is never a solo venture! Even if you’re looking to go into business alone, there will be a range of people that you need to work with in order to get this done. When you start the process of getting your first property in the portfolio, it helps to know who you need support from for things to go smoothly. Here are five experts who will help.

01. MORTGAGE ADVISOR

To begin with, you need to focus on the very start of your journey, which is all about the financial side of things. Now, there can be many people that you might want to turn to here, including a financial advisor or tax accountant. But you will certainly want to begin with a mortgage advisor so you’re able to work out how much you can afford to spend on an investment property.

02. ESTATE AGENT

When you have your mortgage sorted, you will then need to find an estate agent you trust. Here, make sure you search for a local firm that will know the market well and be able to provide you with the right support on finding suitable properties. If you are able to build a good relationship with a team, you’ll find that they can reach out to you whenever they have properties coming on the market that you might be interested in.

03. SOLICITOR AND LEGAL SUPPORT

Alongside your agent, you also need a good property lawyer. If you are looking to work on a number of properties, you will find that building up a good relationship can also make a difference here. You will want them to be able to do a great job and get things through quickly. So be sure to seek out someone who can make this work.

04. BUILDERS AND TRADESMEN

When it comes to getting properties ready to let out, you absolutely need to make sure that you have the right team to get the work done. Unless you’re a builder or tradesman yourself, you’ll find that you need to bring in people to help you here. Of course, you may want to do some light DIY on your properties to get them up to scratch – but you may find that things are easier and more effective by getting experts in to do the job.

05. MANAGEMENT TEAM

Lastly, you’re also going to want to make sure that you know who is going to be looking after the properties you own. If this is something you want to do yourself, then you can skip this step. However, if you’re looking to get into property investment so that it is more passive, you will want to bring in a team to help you. Finding a management team to oversee the running of your properties and deal with tenants can save you time and mean you need to have little to no involvement. You just need to ensure that you find a team you trust at a price that works for you.

Are you looking at getting into property investment?
If so, I hope you found this post helpful.
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Peace Of Mind At Home Starts With The Small Stuff

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Feeling at ease in your own home isn’t always (or even often) about big changes – it’s actually more about the smaller, quiet, background things (the ones we barely notice when they’re working properly) that help us feel calm and in control.

The fact is, we all want our homes to be places where we can relax, but it’s easy to take that feeling of comfort for granted until something stops working. That’s when we realise jjust how much the small stuff actually matters. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to have peace of mind at home.

A WELL-RUN HOME IS A COMFORTABLE ONE

Things like heating, hot water, and electricity are easy to forget about when everything’s running smoothly, but when the boiler suddenly cuts out or the lights start flickering for no clear reason, it can really throw things off. It’s those everyday essentials that make us feel safe and settled, so we’ve got to take good care of them.

When everything’s working the way it should, you can focus on the day-to-day stuff without stressing out – the heating’s going to come on when it’s meant to, the shower’s nice and hot, and you don’t have to worry about calling out any emergency help either. Now if that’s not peace of mind, what is?

THE VALUE OF STAYING AHEAD

One way to keep things running smoothly is by staying on top of regular maintenance – and that’s not something that has to be complicated, even if it sounds like it might be. Sometimes, you just need to be prepared. For example, taking care of things like your boiler helps stop it breaking down at the worst things, and that’s definitely going to give you peace on mind.

So you could get good boiler service cover that gives you all the reassurance you could need that you’ll have support should something go horribly wrong. When you’ve got regular servicing included in the package, you can just call on the experts you trust to sort things out when it’s necessary. Since that can work so well for boilers, it’s worth seeing what other appliances you could get regular services for, and if you get everything dealt with, you’re sure to have good peace of mind.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

Peace of mind at home often just comes from knowing for sure that all the basics are properly covered – that might mean testing your smoke alarms, fixing the dripping tap that’s annoying but easy to ignore, or finally sorting out little fixes that take moments to handle in the end.

These jobs don’t always feel very urgent, which might be why you’ve been putting them off, but the fact is that when they’re done, your home just feels so much nicer, and it’s easier to live in it. Plus, you’ll have less worry in the back of your mind and more space to enjoy your home and your life, and when you think about it, isn’t that what peace of mind really is?

Thanks for reading.
With love from Lou SignatureTwitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

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Ways to upgrade your garden in 2025

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Upgrades to your garden are a lot of fun and something you can invest many hours in, especially as there are so many changes that you can make – a lot of the changes will come down to your budget. The greater your budget, the more upgrades you will likely be able to make.

In 2025, different trends have occurred, with different types of upgrades that you can make. For the lower budget, you can simply repay your fencing and shed to bring it back to life (this has an instant effect). For a medium budget, you could look into glass balustrades as these will improve safety whilst adding a premium effect and then you have the upper end of your budget which could be having a hot tub installed – these are great for relaxing and entertaining guests.

Keep on reading to learn more about ways to upgrade your garden in 2025.

REDECORATING YOUR GARDEN

To start with, a quick win would be to redecorate your garden to bring it back to life. By respraying your fences, your decking and your shed, you can remove all the dirt and make them look brand new again. When redecorating your garden, this is the perfect opportunity to update the colour and switch to something different. Why not paint your fences dark green instead of the standard wood colour?

HAVE DECKING PUT IN

More recently, a lot of people are turning to decking to improve their garden and home. Decking can quickly transform the look of your garden, as it gives you a focal point. A lot of people will have their deck chairs on their decking as well as a dedicated BBQ section. Decking would be considered a medium-cost purchase as it can be expensive but also be done very affordable. If you have the creativity, you could put some decking down yourself. There are plenty of YouTube videos that you can watch as well as Instagram stories to follow.

INSTALL A HOT TUB

Who doesn’t love a hot tub? Hot tubs are considered a premium purchase and they will cost a lot, but the benefits will outweigh the cons. There is nothing better than relaxing in your hot tub with a mojito in one hand and a tasty snack in the other. Hot tubs are ideal when having guests around and you can use them all year round by yourself – even when it’s raining. The best thing to do is visit your local hot tub shop and see if you can try a couple out in the showroom to see if you like them.

We hope our guide has given you some useful pointers on ways to upgrade your garden in 2025. What upgrades are you going to make to your garden and why? Which of the above upgrades would you recommend doing first? Is there anything missing in our guide that you think we should be adding? Let us know in the comment box below, we look forward to hearing from you.

With love from Lou SignatureTwitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

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