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    What to Do if You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck

    If it seems like your paycheck is disappearing right before your eyes and you’re always anxiously awaiting your next payday, you’re familiar with the feeling of stretching a dollar to its limits. The anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck is unnerving. Unfortunately, many of us have been there, and sometimes, at no fault of our own. Living from paycheck to paycheck might leave you to think that you are spending unwisely, but you may just need to fine-tune your expenses, set a budget, and take a closer look at what’s coming out and going into your bank account each payday. You deserve to see the fruits of your hard-earned money, not watch it go by while living on pins and needles financially until your next payday rolls in. 
    There are no shortcuts or secrets on how to maintain a healthy relationship with your money to avoid living from paycheck to paycheck, but you can be better equipped to make your money last longer and work smarter for you. Here are a few tips you can use if you are struggling to make ends meet in between paydays.
     
    Evaluate your expenses 
    Your expenses are usually the biggest culprit as to why you might be living paycheck to paycheck. Expenses often include fixed bills like your rent or mortgage, car payments, utilities, and other living expenses that don’t fluctuate much month-by-month, and variable expenses like transportation costs, dining and eating out, your personal care expenses, and other costs that can easily increase or decrease, depending on your personal spending. 
    Take a closer look at all of your expenses, down to the dollar, to evaluate where your money is truly going—even after you’ve paid all of your bills. This will help you map out how little or how much money is being spent after every paycheck. What is being spent each paycheck on food, drinks, living expenses, and other personal items? Write down how much you’re spending on a daily basis after each paycheck has hit your bank account. 
    As you assess your expenses on a paycheck-by-paycheck basis, evaluate what’s being spent and how much is going out, especially if you’ve set up auto-pay on any of your bills. Are you finding that your cable bill or your online subscriptions are going up each month? If you have these services on auto-pay, don’t continue to set and forget them. Make sure to skim through the breakdown of your bills each month to make sure you aren’t paying more than you should. 
    Another part of your expenses is how much is being taken out of your paycheck each pay for taxes, health, dental insurance, and retirement. It’s important to keep track of your contributions and elections for each to see if you can save any extra dollars by modifying your deductions. It’s best to consult with your Human Resources team or personal finance advisor about ways you can save money being taken out of your paycheck. 
    Evaluating your expenses can be cringeworthy, making you take a hard, honest look at your finances and addressing how you’re spending your money, but it’ll help you gain more control over where your hard-earned money is going to help you better manage it. 

    Now Available: The Everygirl 2021 Planners!

    Use a budgeting app 
    There’s no shortage of budgeting tools and apps on the market that can help you track and control your spending so that you can stop living from paycheck to paycheck. There are a wide variety of budgeting apps to choose from that can fit your financial situation and personal preferences, from apps that track your daily spending straight from your linked bank account to ones that let you manually track your expenses yourself. Many of these apps also offer tips and ways you can help curb your spending by grouping your transactions into categories so that you can easily visualize how much you’re spending in each area of your life, from shopping to bills and utilities. 
    From the EveryDollar app to You Need A Budget (YNAB), these device-friendly apps are designed to keep you on top of your spending and expenses in an easily accessible way. Stop living from paycheck to paycheck by using a budgeting tool to monitor your expenses and track where your money ends up after getting paid. Look at it as your accountability partner, reminding you to give every dollar a job, spend more wisely, and prepare for those unexpected expenses before they siphon your paycheck. 

    Consider a side hustle 
    Sometimes, no matter how much you try to make your check stretch after payday, one job may not be enough to cover all of your expenses, especially if you’re facing a financial hardship. If your schedule permits, pick up a side gig, as increasing your income might help alleviate some of the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. 
    Assess your personal and work schedules to see if picking up another source of income can work for you. If you have a specific skill or are trained in a specific field or trade, find a side job that will accommodate what you already have knowledge or experience in and what might fit your schedule. From freelancing to customer service to project-based jobs, there are many ways to make money on the side to offset any loss of income. Make sure your side hustle fits your lifestyle and is budgeted into your already-existing expenses, and that it doesn’t tempt you into adding more expenses to your budget. 

    Source: Abigail Yonker

    Downsize your lifestyle 
    After evaluating your bills and expenses, it may be time to cut some of your spending and downsize where you can to give yourself more room in between paychecks. 
    A great place to start is your personal spending. Are you able to cut out a few trips to Starbucks or on online shopping? Are you able to save a few extra dollars by doing your own hair and nails or working out at home instead of paying for the gym? See where you can cut back on your personal spending in a few areas like food, drinks, personal care, and entertainment—a few spending categories most people end up overspending each month.  
    Next, try evaluating ways you can save a few extra dollars by downsizing your living if possible, cutting back on what you spend on wants vs. needs each paycheck. This could include your cable and internet services, subscriptions you barely use, and other various services you could possibly live without. Find ways to share these services with friends and family and split the cost of them to help free up some money for you. 

    Don’t skimp on saving
    Even though living from paycheck to paycheck can be daunting, no matter how tight your wallet gets, don’t forget to budget in money for savings. It might be tempting to forget or push off saving due to the stress of taking care of bills and other expenses, but saving is a very important tool to help you get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. 
    Set aside a few dollars each paycheck to go straight into your savings automatically before any spending. Saving first before spending helps you set aside your hard-earned money for emergencies or future expenses so that you’re not using your last dollar solely on paying bills with nothing to fall back on. Even if it’s only small amounts here and there, each payday, designate a portion of your check to yourself in a savings account. Paying yourself first is one of the most important steps in managing your money wisely. 

    How do you avoid living from paycheck-to-paycheck? More

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    The UAE plans to have 50 per cent of the population vaccinated by March

    With two COVID-19 vaccines now being administered in the UAE, plans have been announced to have 50 per cent of the nation’s population vaccinated in the first quarter of 2021, which could be as early as March.
    In a recent press briefing on COVID-19 in the UAE, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector outlined the plans for the COVID-19 vaccines in the UAE.

    Dr. Al Hosani explained that around eight per cent of the population, to date, has been vaccinated.
    “To date, 826,301 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, equivalent to 47,000 doses per day, and eight per cent of the country’s total population,” she said.

    “We aim to reach more than 50 per cent of the country’s population during the first quarter of this year. This will help us reduce cases in general, reduce critical cases in particular, and control the disease better in the next phase.”
    Sinophram vaccine
    At present, there are two vaccines available in the UAE. The first one that was approved to be administered was the Sinopharm vaccine.
    The vaccine underwent clinical trials in Abu Dhabi during summer last year and it was confirmed by health authorities saying that the “analysis [from the trial of 31,000 people] shows no serious safety concerns”.
    High-up government officials including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaab, the Minister of Culture and Youth and more have received the Sinopharm vaccine.
    Pfizer vaccine
    Then, less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    The vaccine has already started to be rolled out, with some government ministers already receiving their first doses. As of today, this now includes Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

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    Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are ‘to separate after 8 years together’

    Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are reportedly separating after more than eight years together – six of which they have been married.
    According to E! News, the pair – who first met back in 2002, but started dating in 2012 – are separating, but Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet.

    The beauty mogul and the rapper are effectively living separate lives and “haven’t spent time together as a married couple in months” and have only spent time together with their four children – North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, two, and 20-month-old Psalm.

    “Kim knows the marriage is over,” a source told E!. “She’s known for a while.”
    As to exactly why Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet, she just wants to be sure she’s “making the right decision for the kids”, according to the publication.
    And while the source added that she’ll “always care for Kanye… it’s over between them”.
    The couple reportedly spent the festive period separately, with West residing in Wyoming on their ranch, while Kardashian was with her family and their children in Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe.
    Difficulties in 2020
    Last year was a particularly difficult year for West’s mental health. In the latter half of 2020, West began posting a series of erratic Twitter posts regarding personal matters, his family and more.
    Following this, there were various reports that the couple’s marriage was strained but Kardashian was determined to make it work.

    At the beginning of August, the reality star even took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
    “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
    She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
    The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
    “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some,” she said. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
    She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
    Kardashian and West are yet to make a public statement about their reported split.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More

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    Dubai has announced the introduction of a reduced quarantine time

    The Dubai Health Authority has announced a new quarantine timeline for some COVID-19 patients and those who have been in close contact.
    In a series of posts made via the Dubai Media Office, it was announced that the isolation period has been reduced to 10 days for certain cases, four days less than the original 14-day quarantine guidelines.

    The #Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced that the isolation period for certain COVID-19 patients and close contact cases has been reduced to 10 days from the initial 14-day period. https://t.co/oldZ4Ae7ea pic.twitter.com/bjueoEbrw9
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

    In a statement issued by the DHA, it was stated that the “shortened isolation period is applicable to COVID-19 patients who did not develop any symptoms since testing positive”.
    Similarly, these rules also apply to those COVID-19 patients who have fully recovered from their symptoms.
    In more severe cases for those who were hospitalised, they will only be able to be discharged once they have tested negative in a PCR test two consecutive times that are 24 hours (or more) apart.

    Individuals who have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case but did not develop any symptoms should also abide by the new quarantine period of 10 days, starting from the day they were exposed to the confirmed case.
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

    COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai
    Less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
    At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
    People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
    Whos is not eligible to have the Pfizer vaccine?
    There are certain categories which aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine as per the DHA including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, people with immunodeficiency diseases and more.

    At present, individuals receiving the vaccine require to have two doses spaced three weeks apart.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    Dubai Media Office head Mona Al Marri receives COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine

    Less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    The vaccine has already started to be rolled out, with some government ministers already receiving their first doses. As of today, this now includes Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri.

    Her Excellency and her mother received her first dose of the vaccine at Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) Zabeel Healthcare Centre.
    Discussing the approval to administer the vaccine free of charge to both UAE citizens and residents, Her Excellency explained it’s a reflection of the leadership in the emirate whilst also sharing her gratitude to the DHA and those on the frontlines.

    As per the Dubai Media Office, she explained that it shows “their keenness to ensure the highest level of safety for all members of the community”.

    Mona Ghanem AlMarri, Director-General of the @DXBMediaOffice, and her mother receive the 1st shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine as part of #Dubai Health Authority’s (@DHA_Dubai) free vaccination drive against Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/XuXSCalAB1
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

    Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
    People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
    Whos is not eligible to have the Pfizer vaccine?
    There are certain categories which aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine as per the DHA including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, people with immunodeficiency diseases and more.

    At present, individuals receiving the vaccine require to have two doses spaced three weeks apart.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Dubai Media Office More

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    The world’s tallest tower celebrates 11 years of achieving the impossible

    For over a decade, the Burj Khalifa has become the icon of Dubai.
    This landmark began construction on January 6, 2004 to become an 828-metre skyscraper which went on to become the tallest building in the world. Serving as a key landmark for the country, which can even be seen from space, the iconic structure will continue to be a pride for the nation.

    The almost one-kilometre tall building has stunning views of Dubai’s skyline with one of the largest fireworks display in the world on New Year’s Eve, also making it the 16th most Instagrammed location in the world.

    After finally being inaugurated on January 4, 2010, a lavish ceremony with over 10,000 fireworks welcomed this popular structure. From displaying flags to being featured in documentaries, this landmark has visitors from around the world who specially come to visit the tallest building across the globe. In fact, it’s also referred to as a vertical city, which can hold around 10,000 people in it at a given point including both residents and guests.
    The building’s lavish restaurant – the world’s highest – At.mosphere also features a critically acclaimed menu, located on the 122 level of Burj Khalifa, guests can also enjoy an array of gastronomical wonders with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: The Address Skyview More

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    Taking part in Veganuary? Here’s the best Dubai-based cafes with vegan menus

    As we start 2021, the first month of the year also marks Veganuary – an initiative encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January, which also encourages an overall healthier lifestyle.
    While many might have pre-conceived notions about vegan dishes, there is a wide range of cafés around Dubai that focus on both health and taste with an array of plant-based items on their menus.
    FLOW

    If you wish to go vegan this month, Dubai’s healthy-eating club is an ideal place to start, with its rollout of dedicated vegan meal plans and healthy meals in outlets located both in Jumeriah Emirates Towers and Dubai Internet City. Starting at Dhs499 for five days, these bespoke meals have healthy options all based on your preferences.

    For more information visit flowdubai.com
    The Coffee Club

    With a new year, new you mantra across 27 cafés in the UAE, there’s an exclusive vegan special edition menu launched offering mouth-watering flexitarian meals including Açai bowls, plant-based burgers and coconut cashew burgers, there’s more than enough to try on this menu.
    For more information visit thecoffeeclubme.com
    Wild & The Moon

    Inspired by the seasons, this chic café has an alchemy of flavours all bursting with vital energy making it a healthy alternative to the urban crowd. From cold-pressed juices to dishes prepped with the best superfoods, each ingredient is ethically sourced. Located in Alserkal Avenue and DIFC, it’s open daily from 9am to 8pm.
    For more information visit wildandthemoon.ae
    SEVA Experience

    This creative destiny was born with a mission to promote wellness, real food and a magical garden which is an escape for Dubai’s city views. With an emphasis on vibrant organic living good and proudly sourced seasonal ingredients, the dishes are sure to nourish your taste buds. Located on Jumeirah Road, the café is open daily from 10am to 8pm while being closed on Tuesdays.
    For more information visit sevaexperience.com
    Soul Sante Café

    From their star eggless omelette to a gluten-free meal, you can devour their list of delectable delights without compromising on taste. Located at Dubai Marina, this café is the perfect haven for health enthusiasts in the emirate which is open from 7am to 9:30pm.
    For more information visit soulsantecafe.com
    Comptoir 102

    This award-winning ethical concept is tucked away on Jumeirah road offering conscious choices with ingredients sourced from local organic farms, serving delicious food while promoting sustainability. From home-made nut milks to its famous smoothies, there’s enough and more for everyone who visits. This eatery is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit comptoir102.com
    Ronda Locatelli

    Starring Michelin chef Giorgio Locatelli, the restaurant is proud to serve more than 50 gluten-free dishes while adding a classic vegan twist to its well-known desserts, making it completely irresistible. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, the restaurant is open from 12pm to 3pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 6pm to 11pm on all days except Wednesday.
    For more information visit atlantis.com 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @comptoir102 More

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    Bella Hadid unveils a whole new look for 2021

    There’s nothing like starting a new year with a refresh. Whether that be a spring clean of your home, a huge closet clear out or a change in routine.
    For supermodel Bella Hadid, she’s opted for a whole new look going into 2021.

    The 24-year-old unveiled her new hairstyle on Instagram just a couple of days ago, and it seems the model has taken some inspiration from an iconic girl band member – Geri Haliwell, previously known as Ginger Spice in the Spice Girls.
    Opting for ginger and orange streaks framing her face, Hadid showed off her new hairdo in a mirror selfie to her 37.2 million followers on Instagram.

    Hadid is normally seen rocking her signature brunette locks, but she appears to be truly embracing the ’90s hair trend which is everywhere right now.

    The trendy hairstyle has been making the rounds on popular social media platform recently. Many variations of the trend have emerged including platinum blonde streaks, bright prink streaks, bright blue and more.
    And now Hadid has jumped on the trend, we’re hedging our bets it’s about to become even more popular.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More