UBCNews

Key Summary Funeral costs range from $8,000 to $12,000 on average, and that number continues to climb each year faster than inflation. Final expense insurance typically offers coverage between $5,000 and $25,000, which is meant to cover immediate end-of-life costs rather than long-term income replacement. Your ideal coverage amount depends on several factors including outstanding debts, medical bills, and the type of funeral service your family prefers. Many people underestimate their needs by thousands of dollars because they forget about hidden costs like probate fees, travel expenses for family, and outstanding utility bills. Getting quotes from multiple providers helps you compare options and find coverage that matches your budget . Here's a number that might surprise you: the average American family has less than $5,000 in emergency savings, and here's another one worth considering—the average funeral costs between $8,000 and $12,000. See the problem? When someone passes a...

Key Takeaways The first sign of perimenopause is typically irregular menstrual cycles, including changes in flow, duration, or timing that vary by seven or more days from your normal pattern. Up to 80% of women experience hot flashes during perimenopause, while brain fog affects 40-60% of midlife women, often appearing before physical symptoms become obvious. Natural approaches, including targeted exercise, dietary modifications, and mind-body practices, can significantly reduce symptom severity when combined with professional guidance. Early recognition and proactive management of perimenopausal symptoms empowers women to maintain their quality of life during this natural transition. Perimenopause marks a significant yet often misunderstood chapter in women's health. While this natural transition typically begins in the mid-40s, many women are caught off guard by symptoms that can start as early as the mid-30s and last an average of 4 years or more. Understanding the early warning...

Key Takeaways Direct bookings from vacation rental owners can save travelers up to 15%-20% by eliminating third-party platform fees Owners offer greater flexibility with cancellation policies, date modifications, and personalized perks like early check-in Last-minute negotiations and extended stay discounts become possible through direct communication Regional platforms provide alternatives to major booking sites while maintaining direct owner contact Hidden fees from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO can add hundreds of dollars to your total vacation costs Potential Savings of Hundreds on Your Next Vacation Rental The vacation rental industry has transformed how travelers experience destinations, but the rise of third-party booking platforms has created an expensive middleman problem. Smart travelers are finding that booking directly with property owners delivers substantial cost savings and enhanced flexibility that simply isn't available through major booking sites. One example sh...

Key Takeaways Standard pergola dimensions range from 8x8 feet for compact patios to 16x16 feet for expansive yards, with optimal heights between 8-13 feet for proper clearance and proportions. Rafter spacing should not exceed 16 inches on center to meet building codes, while posts require foundation depths that extend below the local frost line for stability. Proper planning includes measuring available space, considering furniture placement, and ensuring adequate movement areas around the structure. New Jersey municipalities have varying building code requirements and permit needs that must be researched before construction begins. Professional installation ensures compliance with local regulations and optimal structural integrity for Central NJ's weather conditions. Planning a pergola involves more than just picking a design that looks appealing. The success of your outdoor living space depends heavily on getting the dimensions and spacing right from the start. Whether you're...

Key Takeaways Commercial debt collection agencies typically charge contingency fees ranging from 15% to 50% of recovered amounts, with businesses paying nothing upfront and only when collections succeed. Collection costs depend heavily on debt age, account size, volume, and complexity, with newer debts commanding lower fees while older accounts require higher percentages. Hidden expenses like legal action fees, skip-tracing services ($0.05-$350+ per search), and process server costs ($40-$200) can surprise businesses beyond standard contingency rates. Contingency models minimize financial risk by aligning agency success with client recovery, making professional collections accessible regardless of company size or cash flow constraints. When commercial invoices remain unpaid despite internal collection efforts, business owners face a critical decision: continue chasing debts internally or engage professional collection services. Understanding the true cost structure of debt collection ...

Key Takeaways Delaying professional help allows pain to rewire your nervous system and become harder to treat Medication alone rarely works because it masks symptoms without fixing the underlying problem Poor posture throughout the day puts constant strain on muscles and joints, which prevents healing Quality sleep is essential for your body to reduce inflammation and process pain signals properly Nearly half of adults with ongoing pain never find real relief, but the reason usually isn't what you'd expect. The problem starts with how people handle their pain from day one, making mistakes that turn short-term discomfort into years of struggle. Here's what goes wrong and how to avoid these common traps , says a Toronto-based expert from ISOMATIC Integrative Health Center. Why Waiting Makes Everything Worse When pain first shows up, most people assume it'll fade on its own within a few weeks or months. However, this wait-and-see approach gives pain signals time to embed t...