It’s not always possible to have the money you need to hand. The price of a car, home improvement project or holiday often outstrips the amount of cash we have available in our bank accounts. Indeed, it’s said that four in ten people don’t have as much as £500 squirreled away in savings.

For many of us, then, purchasing such big ticket items requires us to obtain finance and one of the most obvious ways to do so is through a personal loan. Before you take out a loan, however, it’s vital to have a good grasp of the pros and cons of doing so.

Pros of a personal loan

You can get as much as you need: Personal loans can allow you access to cash amounts in the tens of thousands, far above the sort of limit that you might receive on a credit card. This should allow you to borrow the full cost of a big money purchase.

It’s easy to know what you’re paying back: When you take out a loan, it’s likely that you’ll set out what you’re going to pay back every month for the duration of the contract. That means you can set aside that amount in your budget and have a direct debit in place to ensure you don’t miss any payments. The interest rate is usually one fixed figure too, making it easier to calculate this.

You can shop around: You can look for big loans paid back over a number or years or smaller amounts in a shorter time. This means that you can shop around for the product that best fits your circumstances.

It’s a competitive market: There’s something of a ‘price war’ under way at the moment – with many lenders offering personal loans with an interest rate below 3%.

Cons of a personal loan

The interest rate could be high: Despite the competitive market at the moment, you may well find a loan still costs more than other forms of borrowing especially, for smaller amounts such as £1,000.

It can be tempting to borrow more than you need: With a personal loan you’ll often find that the very best deals – such as the sub-3% ones mentioned above – only come when you borrow more money. It’s easy to be tempted to take a higher loan than you need to get a better interest rate.

You might not get the advertised rate: Be careful of the term ‘representative APR’. When this is advertised, it’s the rate that the majority (at least 51%) of people will pay. You might actually find yourself accepted for the loan, but at a higher rate.

Personal loans are, therefore, a good way to help you make a planned-out big ticket purchase that you will steadily pay back over a few years. If you’re after a smaller amount of finance, or can pay back over a shorter period, other products such as credit cards might be more suited to your needs.

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We live in the digital era, and we are lucky enough to have an app for everything nowadays. Some are fit to calculate enormous data volumes; others are created for sheer entertainment. They won’t be the focus of our article, though. But digital solutions tailored to make personal financial management as simple as cake, on the other hand, will.
Let’s proceed to our prominent list of financial lifesavers fit for everyone with at least one smart device.

Effectify

The https://effectify.com/ service, a handy platform for credit card management is great for picking up the best kind of plastic. Modern banks, in an ongoing competition over new as well as returning clients come up with dozens upon hundreds of plans, advertisements, and discounts. Not all of them are the right fit for you, though. The effectify will help pick the best card for shopping, online transfers, debt management or travel.
No longer will you have to go through tons of supportive documentation to put your finger on what exactly is the bank offering and what it will demand in return. Neat, right?

Use a voucher code

Try sites like dealsqueen to find that discount code for your favourite store – there is no excuse for paying full price for anything! Look hard enough and you can find a voucher code for pretty much anything you want to buy. Find more advice on how to find the perfect voucher code at dealsdaddy.

BillTracker

This app is available for iOS and serves as a fine tracker of bills. Several levels of personalized passcode protection grant safe and friendly experience, while advanced, functional mechanics grant an overall view over all of your transfers, their due dates, impending payments and whatnot.
All in all, with this app you get a centralized system for management of all outgoing transactions with bells and whistles you never knew you needed but can’t live without once you gave them a shot.

Shopkick

A whole variety of e-commerce platforms is gathered within one app. Browse through Macy’s, Target and Best Buy from a single place and get a hold of all the best deals and discounts. Compare rates afterward and choose from where to purchase a product based on knowledge and data, not just a hunch.
It may seem that saving a few bucks on shopping now and then will only chip the overall state of your credit debt, but you will be simply amazed at the results in the long run.

SnipSnap

This application is literal heaven for coupons in your Smartphone. You will have all sorts of deals and offers tucked neatly into your device to embrace the best shopping experience of a lifetime.
Not only that but you are also empowered to photograph and then digitalize analog (made of paper) coupons. You won’t need to carry them around anymore because they are stored in SnipSnap from now and forever.

Grocery IQ

Staying on track among marketing-filled rows of a supermarket can be a challenge. Juicy treats taunt you on every step. All of them are cleverly displayed with but a single purpose – for you to buy!
With Grocery IQ you will remain on track, and all potential impulses for unconsidered shopping will be obliterated on the go.

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Winning the lottery is a life-changing event, but did you know many lotteries can actually help you increase your odds of winning? Some even bump-up their minimum jackpots and do additional draws at certain times of the year. Win big and win often is the mantra of these lotteries, and at Jackpot.com we offer our players access to 16 of the world’s best, so go on, Lady Luck may well be on your side! Here’s a round-up of the top 3 lottery draws with one little extra thrown in for good luck.

First, there’s EuroMillions, a lottery that features a minimum guaranteed jackpot of €17 million. This popular lotto even rolled over to an astonishing €190 million back in October 2014! EuroMillions features a monthly promotion called Mega Week which gives EuroMillions players another chance at winning fantastic prizes. This draw, which first appeared as a one-off promotion in December 2015, has been such a rip-roaring success it continues to be played to this day.

Also available on Jackpot.com is the Italian super-lotto aptly named SuperEnalotto. This is one of the most popular games in the world since its launch almost ten years ago. SuperEnalotto offers massive jackpots and three draws a week give players plenty of opportunity to win big. There is also a special draw known as the SiVince Tutto which runs alongside the SuperEnalotto. Translated to ‘you win everything,’ this draw works much in the same way as the SuperEnalotto game; however, the only difference is the jackpot doesn’t roll over if not won. Instead, the top prize is guaranteed to be paid on the night of the draw. If no player matches their numbers to the six numbers drawn, then the prize fund rolls down to the subsequent prize tiers and is split amongst the winners. ‘Viva Italia!’

Then we have the crème de la crème of lotteries, the US PowerBall – another game which can be played on Jackpot.com. This is the premier US lottery game and for one simple reason – a guaranteed minimum jackpot of $40 million which increases by a minimum $10 million with each rollover. This lottery offers huge jackpots – the biggest ever at $590 million for a single ticket holder.

A similar alternative to playing the lottery is betting on the Mega Millions draw. This is similar in concept to the PowerBall and also has eye-wateringly high jackpots. It is also one of the biggest US lotteries, with players in 46 jurisdictions in the US and a growing number joining in from all over the world.

Now that we have the three big ones out of the way, it’s time to turn to a less known lottery with an interesting twist. The Australian lottery has shaken up the traditional rollover model in it’s Monday and Wednesdays draws and instead hands out the fixed jackpot of $1M to any lucky winners. Here’s the twist – if up to 4 players win the draw, they still hand out $1M to each player! Although it’s a considerably lower jackpot, it’s definitely worth a try!

As always, Jackpot.com is the place to be when playing the biggest lotteries around the world. With 13 worldwide lotteries to choose from, UK players will be spoilt for choice. But remember, you need to be in it to win it!

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Deploying a nest box in your garden can provide an essential breeding spot for a whole host of different birds. It’s a fantastic way to provide your garden birds with a place to raise their young. Whilst many other species can hide their nest in grassy meadows and dense foliage, many common garden birds simply can’t. As Spring is such an important time for breeding birds, deploying a nest box in your garden will be sure to help them thrive.

nest box tips

Putting up a nest box

The past decade or so has been a particularly troubling time for nesting spots. An increase in many garden and home develops has meant the removal of many natural nest spots, including holes and trees and gardens. This is why bird food suppliers Kennedy Wild Bird Food are urging people to put up nest boxes, as this will give birds a great opportunity for survival. Not only this, but it’s a great way to teach children about nature.

Knowing where to put your nest box will definitely give your garden an advantage over others in terms of how many birds come to visit. Here are some top tips from the team at Kennedy Wild Bird Food.

Top tips for putting up a nest box

  • Shelter – The front of the nest box needs to be angled slightly downwards to prevent rain drops entering the box. Also, make sure the nest box is sheltered from strong winds and sunlight.
  • Away from other nest boxes and feeders– To avoid aggressive behaviour between your garden neighbour’s, nest boxes of the same type should be spaced away from one another. Also try and keep it away from feeders as it may disturb a nesting pair.
  • Distance from ground – Nest Boxes need to be placed 1-3m above the ground on tree trunks. Avoid sites where foliage blocks the entrance of the nest box. If you happen to have no trees, then placing it on a wall or shed will do the job
  • Consider a squirrel blocker – Using a device such as a metal plate to deter squirrels gaining access through the hole can be purchased from any garden centre at a small cost. If you need some help with pests, you might want to visit pestkilled.com/how-to-get-rid-of-chipmunks/.
  • Keep away from cats – Ensure the box is high enough and hidden away from predators like cats and squirrels
  • Now is a great time – Birds begin to mate around now, so popping up a nest box will give you a good chance of attracting nesting birds. But it’s never too late, as many birds will use nest boxes to roost in winter.

When will I get birds in my nest box?

Patience is key, but after a couple of years and no birds it may be worth moving the box to a more suitable location. There can be a number of reasons why your nest box is not being used. Whether this is because there are other natural nest spots nearby, or because of territory boundaries. That’s why some boxes may be taken up immediately and others may remain empty for a while.

blue tit spring

Monitoring and cleaning your nest box

Once breeding season is in full swing, continue to monitor your box. You can spend some lazy weekends with your children watching the grown up birds darting around as they build their nest or feed hungry nestlings.

If your box is discovered by invasive species, then you may have to remove the nest. By doing this, you will encourage the bird to move to another location, whilst freeing up space for the wild garden birds who need it most.

Collaborative post. Images – elena moiseeva and Erni from shutterstock.

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If you are planning to hit the town tonight, why not stop in at one of Bristol’s best places to enjoy a meal? I’ve put together a list of Bristol’s best dining, from casual to special occasion.

Casamia

Dining Type: Special Occasion / High-End (Menu changes seasonally)

“The four seasons through your senses – taste, sight, hearing, smell, touch;” just as this statement lives on their website, Casamia delivers a full experience with a tasty menu and a gorgeous dining environment. Owned by the Sanchez Group and winner of some restaurant awards, you will not be disappointed with their carefully crafted menu including seafood delicacies and custom twists on classic dishes. Although their menu is set at £98 (a set menu that changes often – check their website for information!), we recommend that you give this spot a try for a tantalising experience.

Afendi Restaurant and Café

Dining Type: Casual, Lebanese 

Places to eat in Bristol

For a casual dining experience filled with delicious and authentic Lebanese food, head over to Afendi Restaurant and Café. They have an extensive menu with options that will please any palate, including vegetarian dishes. They also are known to make a great pizza pie, for those in your friend group that aren’t feeling the Lebanese cuisine. You don’t even have to leave your couch to enjoy food from here; Afendi’s has partnered with Hungry House in delivering their food to your door quickly.

No Man’s Grace

Dining Type: Special Occasion, Desserts, British/European

What started off with humble beginnings as a dessert shop has turned into a full menu hotspot in the dining district in Bristol.  With a flavourful dinner menu and a fixed price lunch, No Man’s Grace has become a trendy location for special occasions or a fancy dessert with your date.  They host a lovely wine selection and the staff will be more than happy to pair your drink with your meal. This location will never disappoint!

Souk Kitchen

Places to eat in Bristol

Dining Type: Casual, Middle Eastern + North African

If you are seeking a bold, non-traditional and somewhat exotic menu with great selection, Souk Kitchen has you covered. Their menu items feature an array of colours, spices, and oddly paired items that work well together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Their brunch menu is what makes Souk Kitchen such a hotspot, featuring your traditional dishes such as French toast and fritters, but also “ras el hanout salmon” and mushrooms on toast featuring duck egg. With some dishes starting at a low £3.50, dining here will be satisfying without breaking the bank.

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I’m a big fan of a window. (And a door obviously.)

I mean sure, everyone is, I know, you need them for light etc. But I really do love them. If you don’t believe me then check me out on Pinterest – I have not one but two boards dedicated entirely to windows. One is generally beautiful windows, the other is coloured windows.

As an example of my window love…

There is this row of houses that I always look forward to seeing when I drive into London. (This doesn’t happen often, so it really is a treat.) I’ve done some research and they were built as artists’ houses with huge, north facing windows to provide consistent good light throughout the day. They are huge and arched, with metal frames, and make the houses look like grand Victorian conservatories.

I really love VELUX windows too – like these – and lived in a house in Bristol where my bedroom and study were both in the attic and had VELUX windows. I used to love lying in bed at night and listening to the noise of the rain on the window, imagining I was camping somewhere exotic, or on a houseboat, or something fun like that.

I saw a picture in one of my (many) interiors books the other day (old school), which I took downstairs to show Belle. It was a big wooden kitchen window that had been painted green. Narrow shelves had been built into the window frame and painted the same colour. They were full of coloured glassware and plants, so that the light came through them and cast pretty colours around the room.

It was rather beautiful.

In a bid to get you to love windows as much as I do, I’ve picked out five of my favourites from my two (count them!) Pinterest boards.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored post. 

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I was finding it hard to concentrate this morning, so instead I thought I would have a brief daydream about built in furniture.

It might not seem like the sexiest of things to spend your time fantasising about, but there is something about the idea of built in furniture that seems so glamorous and grown up, that sometimes I just like to take a moment. Because I’ve never owned my own house it’s one of those things that other people do. My step-sister for example has these amazing built in drawers in her stairs. Each steps pulls out to reveal a huge drawer where they can keep things like shoes, hats and scarves – it’s amazing.

For me, built in bookcases have always been a bit of a dream. I like ones that fit into funny spaces and my absolute goal is bookcases built in around a door like this:

*swoons*

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Working in the health care field can very stressful. Caring for patients and engaging in biological research is often mentally and physically tiring. Nurses, doctors and all those involved in patient care often spend their days responding to the needs of others. In the process, they may neglect their own health.

All health care workers need to find ways to stay alert and remain energized to avoid their own health problems. This is the best way they can help their patients get the care they need and get better. As health care workers start their day and go through shifts that can stretch for hours it is imperative for them to find the energy they need to do their job and do it well. 

Get a Good Night’s Sleep 

One of the best ways to stay energized is to put enough time in the sack. Lack of sleep can cause all kinds of health problems including weight gain, high blood pressure and an inability to concentrate. If possible, stick to the same bedtime each night. Avoid eating and drinking within three hours of your planned bedtime as this can make it hard to get to bed.

Sleep in a darkened room that is as quiet as possible. Put inviting pillows and quilts that make the bed an inviting place. Do not watch television or eat in bed. Reserve it for sleep. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and happy if you get at least seven or eight hours in bed a night. 

Start with a Good Breakfast 

Breakfast is the meal that fuels the rest of the day. All those in the health care sector should make sure they have a great breakfast that helps them feel confident and prepared after running to the hospital to begin their day. Starting the day with a well-balanced breakfast plate containing protein, carbs and fiber is essential. Scrambled eggs with toast and a side helping of fresh fruit provide the best possible calories to power through a shift. 

Stay Hydrated 

Lack of water can lead to feelings of fatigue. All health care workers need to have enough water on hand no matter what they’re doing. Bring water in a water bottle or make sure you know where the water fountains are at work. You’ll feel better and your skin will show it. Look for flavored waters if you find plain water unappealing. 

Proper Support 

Many health care professionals are on their feet all day long. They need to have proper support to avoid tired feet. A comfortable and practical nursing shoe will be one with enough padding, as well as a heel that stretches across the entire shoe to help them reach items from high cabinets. Good shoes should be easy to clean and durable. The right shoes will also be shoes that are comfortable and fully move with the wearer as they go about their day. Look for shoes made from natural materials like rubber and leather. Rubber soles can help you keep your balance even in the event something spills. 

Get Some Exercise 

Staying fit is vitally important for health sector workers. Many health sector workers must do physically demanding work all day long including lifting patients, carrying items and handing things to others in the operating room. You need to be fit when you’re working in this industry. Even if you get plenty of exercise during the day, you may be neglecting other key muscles. Take the time during the day to work out. Lifting light weights can be highly beneficial, especially for women. If your facility has an onsite gym, take advantage of this benefit. Ten minutes on an exercise bike will help the rest of the shift flow more smoothly. 

Snack Intelligently 

A fast snack can give you the calories you need to ward off that afternoon slump. You need to find a snack that won’t make you feel bloated or add to your sense of fatigue. Look for snacks in the cafeteria that have a great bang for the caloric buck. A handful of almonds and a bit of dark chocolate can be the sweetness and fiber you need. If you don’t see what you like in the cafeteria, consider bringing your own from home. You can put small snacks like carrot sticks and hummus with crackers in a bag and bring them to work to eat on your break. 

Nap with a Purpose 

Many hospitals and other health care facilities allow workers access to a bed where they can rest for a few minutes or even longer during a shift. A nap can be the perfect way to emerge ready to tackle the rest of your time at work. Science has shown that a quick nap can help increase your alertness at work and help you be more productive. Twenty minute naps are a perfect way to get more energy. Longer naps can also help with sleepiness, particularly when you’re in the middle of a long shift. 

By taking some of the above tips on board next time you enter a long shift, you’ll find yourself with a lot more energy and motivation to get through the day.

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When you have children there are several benefits you can claim to help you with the costs. Some come with requirements and some may be more beneficial to you than others, depending on your specific situation.

At this point in your life your thoughts will be on how you are going to get by financially right now. Raising children isn’t cheap – in fact the average cost, for just one child up until the age of 21 is a whopping £230,000!

Meanwhile, your pension, which you are still many years from claiming will, perhaps, be at the back on your mind. However, it is important to be considering it or you could come to regret it in the long run.

What exactly is your state pension?

The basic State Pension is a regular payment you will receive from the government when you reach State Pension age. To get it you must have paid or been credited with National Insurance contributions. The most you can currently get is £119.30 a week.

This increases each year by whichever of the following is highest:

  • Earnings
  • Prices
  • 2.5%

There are ways you can increase your basic State Pension – but you won’t get it automatically, you will have to claim it.

And, what are Child Benefits?

There are many benefits you can claim when you are pregnant or have children to help you with the costs including Child Benefits. This is a regular payment from the government which is available to anyone responsible for a child under

16 – or under 20 if they are in training or education.

The rates for the 2016-17 tax year are:

  • £20.70 per week for the eldest or only child
  • £13.70 per week for each additional child

You can claim this by downloading the relevant form from the government website, however if you or your partner earn over £50,000 a year, you will have to pay back some or all of this in the form of extra Income Tax.

So, the big question – is your state pension at risk if you do not claim child benefits?

In short, yes. New mothers are being warned to register for child benefit even if they are not entitled to it. Why? Because not doing it could leave them with a far smaller state pension than they are expecting.

Changes to the child benefit system, introduced in 2013, could see new mothers lose more than half a billion pounds in state pension.

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So you have the keys to the front door, and you’re finally in the home! It’s a great and exciting time for you, and you’re eager to mix things up and create that perfect pad. But before you whip out the paintbrush here’s eight tips to consider for getting everything right.

Do… have a plan

What will your home look like? Will it feature one, constant theme, or will each room have its own distinct character? Will the colours be bright and vibrant, calm and considered, or a blend of both? How will it be laid out? What furniture will I need? Before steaming in and buying a glut of DUY items, think of your future. Some of your plans might work, and some might not, but you’ve got a better chance of success with a little forethought.

Don’t… rush the process

You may be absolutely desperate to get your property into a shape ready for a housewarming party, and that’s fine. But a ‘rush job’ of quickly buying furniture that you don’t really like, or painting walls and fittings quickly in a slapdash fashion, will not serve you well down the line. If you have to, concentrate on decorating one or two rooms at a time – and decorating these well – and then open these up to your friends.

Do… get your paintbrush out

Once you’ve decided on your them, it makes perfect sense to get the walls painted or wallpapered as soon as possible – and definitely before you’ve moved major furniture into the room. Covering chairs and tables in plastic sheets, or scraping paint off with a knife is a drain on time that you don’t need when there’s so much to do.

Don’t…. forget lighting

Whatever style of rooms you plump for, consider the quality and type of light and how that will affect the look. Think of colour, and mood, and the amount of sunlight – a lack of light can destroy the cosiness and warmth of a room with dark furniture. If you have the means, consider getting a new window or skylight installed, or perhaps different doors, through a company such as Ken’s Yard.

Do… choose a bed early

A persistent lack of sleep can lead to illness and weight gain at best, and depression, heart disease and cognitive dysfunction. So don’t spend too much time sleeping on the floor or couch. Indeed, choosing a bed is one of the more exciting aspects of building a home. Go for something that fits in with the intended style of the room, and don’t skimp on a good mattress.

Don’t… be afraid to experiment

This is your home. There are no parents or landlords to stop you any more, and that means the shackles are off. A bathroom decorated entirely in pink or purple? Fine. A front room styled entirely on the films of Quentin Tarantino? Great. A garden that’s completely paved over and garnished with statues from eastern mythology? Go for it – these people all did, albeit with a lot of cash behind them.

Do… fight the temptation that only matching furniture will do

As much as you may wish to live in a symmetrical, uniform home, where all the lamps and chairs and tables and carpets and other furnishings match up, a little randomness and quirkiness here and there isn’t a terrible thing. You don’t want your home to look like a set of showrooms or something akin to a catalogue home, do you? Trying to find items that perfectly fit in with their surroundings can lead to over-complication, or perhaps worse, a drastic let of space.

Don’t… buy everything at once

Not only will it cripple you financially, there’s a good chance that you’ll miss out on good deals or offers. Prioritising what needs to be done first – ie the bedroom – gives you time to plan out the home, and also measure up exactly what would fit well in any given space as you move along. You might move existing furniture around and realise that you can swap some items into rooms rather than buying new.

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It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, which means it’s time for a little flashback to the Love Log.

Do you remember the Love Log?

I think it was the funniest thing anyone has ever written to me about. Please go and have a read if you haven’t already, or even if you have. It warrants a second visit.

Back now? Good.

Because you really DO NOT want to buy your loved one a Love Log, (unless you are doing it as a way to get out of being in a relationship with them), and because you want something better than a teddy bear holding a satin heart saying ‘Be Mine’, – whatever is your reason, I’m sure it all comes down to finding a non-crap valentines day gift for your loved one. Lucky you for getting in here as I already did a fine job for you.–…I’ve picked out a few…

Champagne flutes

This range of LSA glass is my very favourite ever. I have the tumblers, wine glasses and these champagne flutes and I have given various sets as gifts. They are really affordable (only £29 for four at Red Candy) but they look more expensive than that, which is a key consideration when choosing a gift. Give with a bottle of champagne for extra loveliness.

LSA champagne flutes View Post

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online dating trends

In a world where we can shop, order food, communicate and do pretty much everything else online; it seems strange that there is still something of a stigma attached to online dating. Across the five most well known online dating services; more than 22 million users are active in the UK alone – it can’t be so bad if such a large number of people are actively seeking a relationship online.

The stigma of online dating is now very positive, and with websites that compare the features of the top dating sites in the UK. After a little research it appears that things aren’t quite as rosy online as it seems. 2016 has seen several online dating trends that really need to be left behind as we start 2017 – there are some positives too!

Tinder Left Behind
Perhaps one of the better known online dating apps; Tinder allowed users to make a decision on a prospective partner based on appearance alone (and a short bio). This superficial approach has put a lot of users off and the internet regularly mocks the app’s concept as a haven for casual liaisons rather than meaningful relationships.

Thankfully, the heinous app appears to be failing against its competitors and will likely be committed to the archives of the App Store.

Elite Singles Tops User Lists
With over 13 million active accounts, Elite Singles has easily the largest customer base. The likes of Zoosk, Match and eHarmony can’t compete with these numbers which shows a clear allegiance across the population towards the upper echelons of society.

Not everyone who uses Elite Singles has a yacht as the advert may suggest but it would appear that one of the newer names to come into the forefront of the public eye is dominating thanks to its ‘Elite’ status.

POF Limiting Options
As an app/online dating site that started out as a free service with VIP options for a fee, POF was very popular throughout 2016 but its user base are becoming progressively more limited in what they can see and what they can post on the site/app.

These limitations are a direct ploy to encourage the user to pay for their membership and users appear to be heading, instead, to paid sites such as eHarmony, Zoosk and Match to ensure they are getting value for money.

2016 was yet another year that saw the concepts of speed dating, blind dates and chance meetings fall by the wayside. Online dating’s stigma is now very positive thanks to the bulk of users abandoning the seedier side of the internet and moving towards the paid, trusted matchmakers.

Image – Stokkete from shutterstock.

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