Author: Dave Funguy

Travel

Why You Should Rent a Canoe at Moraine Lake

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date September 15, 2023

Moraine Lake is one of the most striking bodies of water in all of North America. It consistently tops ‘most beautiful lists.’ It’s frequently used as a stock image on desktop and cell phone backgrounds. And it’s considered by many travellers to be one of the most impressive natural vistas in the world.

If you’ve been entranced by the bright blue waters of Moraine Lake — and you’re now eagerly planning a visit — you’ve no doubt been researching things to do in the area. Our top tip? Rent a canoe when you arrive! Read on to learn why (and for a few more top tips on getting there).

Getting to Moraine Lake

At the end of 2022, the road to Moraine Lake was closed to private vehicle traffic. Instead of taking their own cars, travellers can book tickets on a convenient Moraine Lake shuttle bus.

The decision to close the road was made in response to heavy congestion in the area: over 5,000 cars were turned away daily during the busy tourist season. This was disappointing thousands of visitors, and it wasn’t great for the environment, either.

By taking private cars off Moraine Lake Road:

Emissions have been reduced by approximately four tonnes of CO2 every day.
Wildlife can re-establish their natural, instinctive movements throughout the landscape.
Visitors who plan ahead carefully won’t be turned away and disappointed.

Now you know how to get to Moraine Lake, here are a few reasons why you should rent a canoe when you get there.

Why You Should Rent a Canoe

While many visitors plan to hike when they get to Moraine Lake, renting a canoe gives you different benefits. For one, it’s a nice change of pace if you’ve spent the rest of your trip hiking. There are other perks, too!

You’ll See the Lake from a Different Perspective

This glacier-fed lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks gets its dazzling blue shade from the sun bouncing off of rock dust suspended in the water — dust created by glaciers grinding against bedrock. Renting a canoe at Moraine Lake is an amazing way to see these unique waters up close and their surrounding scenery from an entirely different perspective, and one you wouldn’t see from any of the nearby viewpoints on one of the Moraine Lake hiking trails.

When you’re paddling across the tranquil waters of the lake, you’re completely immersed in the surrounding landscape — you’re at the base of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, offered an up-close view of its rock-strewn base, its towering sharp peaks, and the evergreen trees along the shoreline that are brimming with wildlife. Canoeing gives you an intimate insight into this relatively untouched landscape.

You’ll Come Back with the Best Photos

For those eager to get unique Insta-worthy pics while you’re on vacation, a canoe is the place to be! There’s no need to add filters when you’re at Moraine Lake. The natural vibrancy of the water and its surroundings do all the work for you.

It’s a Peaceful Activity

Paddling across Moraine Lake is also a great way to break from fellow sightseers. While other colourful canoes will paddle by, exploring via water is a quiet-paced activity.

The Bottom Line

Canoeing at Moraine Lake offers breathtaking views and top photo opportunities. If you’re planning a visit to Moraine Lake, add ‘renting a canoe’ to your vacation list. You won’t regret it!

Health Lifestyle

Things to Know Before Diving into Medical Cannabis

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date August 31, 2022

The world of medical cannabis is vast and getting larger. New studies are making new discoveries and buttressing ancient knowledge.

It’s an exciting time for researchers and even better for patients suffering from a range of physical and mental ailments. The diverse number of products and strains may surprise you.

However, before you get into this world, it’s helpful to know a few things first to ensure treatment is safe and effective as it can be.

Get the Dosage Level Right

Pills are easy to control the dosage of because the work is already pre-arranged. Medical cannabis comes in different forms, and whichever one you’re taking, getting the dosage level correct is essential.

Visit a medical cannabis dispensary and consult a cannabis-trained pharmacist to authorize the correct dosage level. They’ll also select the right strain and product for you based on your body and symptoms.

Not all Strains and Products Are the Same

There isn’t simply one product called “cannabis.” Each strain, or cultivar, has a different makeup that can impact medical treatment’s effectiveness. Plus, there are also different forms of cannabis.

For example, consuming a medical cannabis edible has a longer onset than dry leaf, concentrates, or oils. It also has a more potent and longer-lasting effect.

Your doctor or cannabis-trained pharmacist will proscribe the most suitable type of cannabis based on your body, lifestyle preferences, and medical needs. If you have an extremely high tolerance for cannabis, an edible may be best. However, this changes if you’re using cannabis to treat insomnia since edibles take a while to kick in.

Finally, medical cannabis also needs to factor in people’s dietary restrictions. Edible options today have expanded beyond the traditional cookie or brownie into things like beverages like teas and more.

Different Forms of Cannabis Like Edibles Have Unique Precautions

Getting the right cannabis strain and product also means specific precautions, especially concerning edibles. Because the effect of edibles is potent and onset takes longer to kick in, it’s best to limit consumption to one per day.

If you take a second edible before the first one has kicked in, the effects may become too strong, and you’ll feel uncomfortable. Should this happen, try to find somewhere calm to relax or even fall asleep. However, it’s better to avoid this situation by taking a single dose. If it turns out that that dose wasn’t large enough, you can always increase it the next day if your doctor or medical cannabis-trained pharmacist approves.

Also, just like with alcohol in the home, make sure you store any medical cannabis securely. The official, government-approved medical cannabis packaging has childproof features and won’t include any dangerous marketing designed to mislead kids into thinking there are candies.

Medical cannabis takes a surprising number of forms. As new products and strains hit the market, patients need to be well versed with the fundamentals so their medical journey is safe and effective. Keep the above tips in mind, but never take medical cannabis without strictly following the advice and authorizations of your healthcare practitioner or cannabis-trained pharmacist.

Home

Enhance Curb Appeal So Your Property Doesn’t Look Boring

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date March 16, 2021

drive way — credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/suburban-house-illustration_6690902.htm#page=1&query=house&position=33

If you’re feeling a bit bored during the pandemic, then why not work on your property’s curb appeal? A little bit of work can make your house the envy of the neighbourhood. What’s more, with greater curb appeal, not only will the value of your property rise, but so will the value of other properties in the area!

With greater curb appeal, you can sell your property for more money or ask for more rent. After all, curb appeal sets an excellent first and last impression on potential buyers and renters alike.

Here are some tips that can help you enhance your property’s curb appeal:

1. Refurbish the Driveway

You can instantly boost your property’s curb appeal by refurbishing the driveway. Contact a local and reputable company like Seal-A-Drive to repair or maintain your driveway. This company has been in the business for two decades, is known for excellent customer service, uses the best tools and products, and guarantees its work.

With the right services, your driveway will look better and last longer too. For example, it’s essential to quickly repair cracks in your driveway before they grow larger, especially if you live in a cold city. The regular freeze-thaw cycles can rapidly turn the gaps in your driveway into potholes.

Of course, potholes are dangerous for foot traffic, your vehicles, and your property. Water left in potholes can seep into your property, causing severe and expensive structural damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire an asphalt driveway care team before it’s too late.

2. Paint the House

You can ward off boredom by painting your house and improving curb appeal. If you don’t have the energy to paint the whole house, consider painting certain parts of the home like the doors, window sills, etc.

Aside from painting the house, you can try some other cost-effective measures to boost curb appeal:

Add attractive planters to the porch.
Spice up the porch further with seating and outdoor rugs.
Replace the light fixtures with modern ones.
Change the old mailbox or repaint it.
Paint the fence a welcoming colour.
Add an ornamental new gate.
Install colourful new window boxes.
Change the old gutters and downspouts.
Place some interesting outdoor art in your lawn.

3. Manicure the Lawn

A well-manicured lawn looks beautiful, enhances your home’s curb appeal, and can improve the air quality of your home. A professional landscaper can quickly transform the look of your property. Alternatively, you can do it yourself by following tips from the Internet.

Remember, you must correctly mow the lawn and feed it the right amount of fertilizer to keep it healthy. In addition, you must water it the correct amount. Water it too little, and your lawn will starve and turn an unsightly colour. Overwater it, and your grass will suffocate and die.

To make the task less tedious, you can install an automatic sprinkler system that uses a sensor to manage the watering on a rainy day.

By starting a home improvement project, you can find something interesting to do and make your property look more attractive.

Lifestyle

3 Boredom-Fighting Activities That Are Safe for Pandemic

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date March 11, 2021

The best thing people in many regions can do right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home. This has been true for months, and while people continue to do the right thing and prioritize the public’s collective health, it’s understandable if boredom is beginning to creep in.

Kids should be freely playing outside with their friends, so the pandemic has been hard on them. Parents have had to juggle professional responsibilities and family tasks, a challenge they deserve all the credit in the world for managing.

If you’re looking for a fun way to keep indoors, take a look at the following activities.

Learn to Code

The only thing that’s more fun than playing video games is programming them yourself. Industry leaders like Real Programming 4 Kids teach children as young as seven how to code, even using coding programs that the professionals use.

Look for a company that has been in operation for years and has invested in technology to make their online sessions effective as in-person classes. Parents should sit-in during the first session to see what classes are about and help their child manage any technical issues that may arise.

After that, your child will have fun learning to code and building video games. They may have so much fun learning that they accidentally make themselves ready for the job market.

Take up a Musical Instrument

Do you have a dusty old out-of-tune guitar lying around the home? There’s never been a better time than now for kids to practice their chords!

Even a few minutes of practicing a day can loosen fingers and do wonders for a person’s playing. There are free online tutorials you can find on video-sharing websites and professional teachers you can hire.

Take your child’s needs, experience, and skill level into account before finding the right musical path. Playing music is fun and only becomes more fun as kids age and jam with friends and perform in concerts or gatherings.

Cook and Bake

Food culture is about a lot more than knowing how to order cuisine from around the world. Learning to cook and bake from a young age puts a child on the path towards a life of healthier and tastier food.

People all over have used this time in the pandemic to bake sourdough bread and try their hand at expanding their cooking repertoire. To make things more fun, show your kids how to make their favourite food, which, depending on their age and palette preferences, is more likely to be chicken fingers than French gastronomy.

Everyone who has chipped in to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying home should be proud of their efforts. You don’t need to be working in a hospital to be of significant help right now, and keeping your family safe and occupied is a challenging and important thing to do. Keep the above recommendations in mind if you need some fun activities, and let’s all continue to do our part until the pandemic is over.

Tech

How to Make a Profit Beating Boredom

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date February 22, 2021

With current times asking us to stay home, there is no doubt boredom has begun to strike. After trying to entertain ourselves indoors for what feels like months on end, it can be almost impossible to keep finding ways to beat boredom. Before you start binge watching another show to cure a case of “I’m bored blues”, there is a profitable way to keep yourself busy instead!

How to Turn Trash into Cold Hard Cash

As the old saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. In this case, we’re not talking about literal trash but all the junk you have laying around. For anyone unfamiliar with what their local scrap metal yard has to offer, you may be surprised to find out what you can get paid money for recycling. In other words, get ready to beat boredom by purging clutter around your house for profit!

Get Paid to Recycle Old Electronics

In most cases, there are sure to be some old or broken electronics gathering dust around your house. The next time you feel bored, start the hunt by going through your closets, junk drawers, attic and basement in search of no longer used electronics that can be recycled for profit, such as:

Televisions
Printers and scanners
VCRs and DVD players
Cameras
Calculators
Keyboards and computer mice
Phones and cell phones
Video game systems
Speakers and amplifiers
Modems, computer circuit boards and adapters
Clock radios
Answering machines, and more!

Chances are someone can now rest assured that saving those old printers and DVD players paid off after all. Boredom won’t stand a chance against the nostalgia from sorting through all your old electronics that are about to become your next pay day.

Recycle Scrap Metal for Money

Finding scrap metal to turn into money doesn’t mean taking apart your car for parts to sell. Chances are there is valuable metal junk right under your nose, waiting for you to be bored enough to find it. Before starting your search around home to add to your ‘recycle for profit pile’, you’ll want to know the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal.

Any scrap metal that contains iron is ferrous. To tell if something metal is ferrous do a magnet test. If a magnet sticks to a metal item that means, it’s ferrous. Beat boredom by checking places like your garage for scrap ferrous metal, such as:

Appliances and white goods
Baled tin
Cast iron
File cabinets
Microwaves
Chips and turnings
Structural steel

There’s no need to let old kitchen appliances take up storage space if scrap metal pickup will pay to clear it away. For other metal items, if a magnet doesn’t stick it’s likely non-ferrous. The more profitable of the two types, non-ferrous metal items that can be recycled for profit will be:

Aluminum
Brass
Copper
Lead
Tungsten, and
Zinc

Say so long to being bored by searching the house for old non-ferrous scrap metal like aluminum pots or copper pipes to recycle for a pretty penny!

Lifestyle

Bored During the Pandemic? Check Out These Apps

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date December 11, 2020

Apart from wearing a mask, remaining socially distant, and frequently washing your hands, the best thing ordinary people can do to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to stay at home. This many months into the pandemic, you’ve probably already watched all the good Netflix content.

It’s natural to look for engaging activities. The good news is there’s a whole world of entertainment right on your wrist. Check out these apps, which will help you fight boredom during the pandemic.

Fitness Apps on Your Phone

The modern world of technology is so dazzling that you can practically have a personal trainer right on your wrist. Pick the right fitness app for the Apple Watch for a difference-making fitness boost you can feel immediately.

Track your exercises, measure your progress, and even watch a personal trainer to get further inspiration and instruction. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you need to be on the couch. Most gyms are closed, but with the right app, you can still keep fit.

Mindfulness Apps

It’s easy to get sucked into the grind of work life. It’s important to remember to breathe, which isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Next-generation mindfulness apps combine meditation with therapeutic insights.

Look for apps developed by mindfulness experts to make your life less stressful, calmer, and more conscious. The pandemic is stressful for everyone: don’t forget to breathe.

Games on Your Phone

One of the most entertaining ways to spend your time is still old-fashioned games, but with a modern twist! Rather than trivia board games, now, apps on your phone like Quiz Run let you challenge friends to answer trivia questions as quickly as they can.

The app displays your opponents answering the questions in real-time, which gives you the feel of being in a real game show. You can also make bets in the app, which ramps up the stakes and the excitement!

Food Apps

Eating is fun and a physical requirement. Whatever your motivation to eat, some apps help you do it better, no matter how niche or specialized your taste in food.

There are apps you can get right on your phone that will help you find Quebec’s most famous food export — the legendary poutine. If somebody is cooking up fries, yummy cheese curds and sumptuous gravy, you’ll know about it!

You might already know the establishments in your own backyard, but such apps can be convenient when you’re exploring a new neighbourhood on a walk. There are also food apps that let you order a meal to your home, for when you don’t feel like stepping out.

Everybody has been affected by the pandemic in at least some capacity. Even though you may feel bored with being indoors for so long, nothing is more important than continuing to listen to local health experts. Hopefully, these apps for your phone will help make your life more enjoyable.

Lifestyle

Why Classic Engagement Rings are Safe But Never Boring

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date October 15, 2020

Even if you strive to be fashion-forward, there is something to be said for embracing timeless looks.

Current fashion trends can influence your wardrobe. That’s all well and good because clothes are (relatively) inexpensive and you can replace everything from one season to the next.

However, an engagement ring represents a bigger financial investment. You want to make sure that you’re going to love the look of it for years to come. This is why choosing something from this gallery of custom engagement rings will work in almost any situation.

Here’s why.

They Become Heirlooms

It can be hard to think more than a week or so ahead in this hectic world. But when shopping for an engagement ring, this is a great time to look into the future. Consider starting your own family tradition and creating your own family heirloom.

Wouldn’t it be great to have your granddaughter wear your engagement ring someday? And wouldn’t it be great if she didn’t cringe at the thought of it because she thinks your ring is dated?

Choose something that future generations will love by choosing a classic ring that will never go out of style.

They Are Incredibly Versatile

The good news is that classic engagement rings are often more on the simple and minimalist side of design.

Even if your current fashion style is more modern, a classic ring will look amazing no matter what you’re wearing.

If you’re trying to pick out the perfect ring for your partner, experts recommend taking note of what they already wear, or taking a peek in their jewellery box to see what’s inside. Do they already wear a lot of classic yellow gold? That is your best bet.

They Are Low-Risk/ High-Wow for Surprise Proposals

Anytime you’re looking to set the stage and blindside your partner with a surprise proposal, you’re always taking a number of risks. And taking a chance on the ring design is right at the top of that list.

Jewellery may not be your forte and you may not be sure what she will want. More importantly, you may not know what she will hate. This is a purchase that you won’t want to regret.

If you’re lucky, she may have dropped a hint or two already. Women are sometimes less-than-subtle in hinting at what types of engagement rings they like. This could take the form of comments she’s made about other people’s engagement rings. So, if one of your friends pops the question, pay special attention to what she says about the ring after the fact.

A good solution for this tricky problem is to customize the engagement ring together. Custom jewellers will help you design the ring so that everything is to your fiancée’s liking. If you don’t mind spoiling the surprise, then a romantic date at the jeweller’s is the best way to go.

This is a big decision. Whatever you choose, it will be in your life for years to come. So, choose wisely!

Entertainment

Old Doesn’t Mean Boring. How to Stay Exciting as You Age

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date September 14, 2020

There is no rule that says you become less interesting with every birthday. Getting older doesn’t mean getting boring.

If you’re worried about turning stale, you should read these three basic tips for keeping things exciting well into your golden years:

Be Social

Sometimes, retirement can feel isolating. You’re no longer going into a workplace for most of the week. Old friends have moved away, and communication has dwindled. Your kids have left the nest. It’s easy to slip into a comfortable routine and not socialize.

If that’s the case, you should think about moving into a retirement community. Being surrounded by peers will help you fight boredom and isolation. There won’t be a dull moment because your schedule will always be full of lunches, game nights, classes and events with friends.

Socializing with other people will push your boundaries. They’ll encourage you to broaden your horizons and try new things. A solid community will nudge you out of your comfort zone.

If you need more motivation, being socially active is just one of the secrets to living longer and healthier. It could be in your best interest to move into a tight-knit senior community and join in on the fun.

Learn New Things

There’s a popular saying: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” People often say it to dismiss learning anything new in their golden years. The saying isn’t true at all. It may take a little more practice to learn a new skill, but it’s nowhere near impossible.

If anything, a zest for learning is healthy. Researchers have found that learning new things is good for you because it helps your brain develop and staves off symptoms of dementia.

What can you do? Pick a different language to learn. Join a book club and read novels that you’ve never picked up before. Jump into a creative hobby. As long as you’re challenging your mind every day, you’ll make sure that you’re never boring or bored.

Let Go of Your Inhibitions

People tend to blend in because it feels safer. They won’t get judged or questioned by others if they don’t stand out. But sometimes, blending in is boring.

Ask yourself if you’re holding back because you’re worried about what other people will think. What will make you happy? What have you always wanted to do?

Maybe you’ve always wanted to dye your hair blue. Well, take a look at these older women who dyed their hair crazy colours like pink, blue and purple. They didn’t let all of the teenagers have fun with wild hair-dye. Don’t be afraid to cover your grays with bright and unexpected colours. If you don’t like it, you can always change it back.

Maybe you want to give school another try. There are lots of seniors who go back to school to earn general degrees and specialized certificates. If you’re shy about jumping into classes again, you can always sign up for part-time courses online. You can take it slow.

Don’t listen to your inhibitions. Be brave and do the thing that scares you.

Being social, trying new things and following your heart are three things that will make you really happy. They will also make sure that you’re anything but boring, no matter what age you are.

Home

Add Value to Your Home with These Renovation Ideas

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date August 17, 2020

Whether you’re interested in selling your home or wondering how to improve it for you and the family, most homes could benefit from a little tender loving care. Home improvement and renovations might sound intimidating, but with some planning and the right ideas, your home could be looking brand new in no time.

The trick is to know which projects to tackle to optimize your home’s beauty and increase its value. Of course, each house is different and requires unique renovations, but there are also a few standard enhancements that most homes could benefit from. Let’s take a look at some creative renovation ideas that you can apply to your home’s improvement.

Replace Old Windows

Replacing old windows is an investment that will boost your home’s resale value and dramatically improve its curb appeal. New windows are bigger, cleaner, and brighter, increasing the amount of natural light in your home. Most modern windows are energy-efficient, which helps decrease how much you spend on utility bills and reduce your negative environmental impact.

Have you noticed difficulty opening and closing your windows? Are there leaky holes from decaying frames? Depending on the weather and the quality of your current product, you should replace windows every 15 years or so.

If you live in an old house and haven’t yet replaced the windows, you might want to consider a renovation project. Unlike earlier window models, new energy-efficient windows will increase the soundproofing in your home by effectively absorbing sound waves from the outdoors.

Replacing new windows isn’t a do-it-yourself kind of job — get professional to do the installation and hire a manufacturing and installation company to walk you through the process.

Upgrade the Gardens with Landscaping

The front yard is the first thing people notice about your house. Interested buyers want to see a manicured lawn, beautiful flowers and plants, and a welcoming front porch. If you have weeds everywhere or brown, dried-up grass, potential buyers will quickly move on to another, more inviting house.

If you have the budget for it, consider hiring a professional landscaping company to turn your front area into a horticulture dream. Laying fresh sod is always a good idea because people love to see deep-green grass. You can also tackle the landscaping without professional help — it just takes a little bit of legwork and time. The important thing is to do it. To properly sell your home a beautiful yard is essential.

A New Front Door

In addition to a beautifully manicured garden, replace your front door with a brand new, sophisticated one. A new door that’s stylish, practical, and built with a resilient material such as fibreglass will catch the attention of potential homebuyers.

People want safety and protection from intruders, harsh climate conditions, and pests like animals and bugs. The front door needs to be durable and strong, as well as eye-catching.

Consider an elegant panel embossing or painting it a favourite, striking colour such as red or forest green.

Your home is your castle. Make the most of it and enhance its value by giving it a makeover with these renovation suggestions!

Finance

Get Started on an Emergency Fund Right Now

Post author By Dave Funguy
Post date July 31, 2020

A little bit of precaution can go a long way, especially when it comes to your finances. An emergency fund is the perfect tool to help you handle any expensive repairs, bills, and other surprises. You don’t have to panic about the costs, wondering if you’ll need to take out a loan or beg your friend for an IOU. You can just dip into your fund and solve the problem right away.

How to Make an Emergency Fund:

The good news is that building an emergency fund is easy. You just need to cut some costs in your budget and add the savings to an account, adding a little bit more every week. Over time, you’ll build a comfortable fund that you can use whenever trouble strikes.

Here are some of the ways that you can add more wiggle room to your budget:

Use the library to read new books
Make energy-saving changes around the house to trim down bills
Cancel unused subscriptions
Focus on homecooked meals over takeout
Avoid impulse buys and shopping for fun

How to Build a Fund When You’re Paying Off Debt:

It can be difficult to know how much to budget over the next 5 years for your emergency fund when you’re struggling to pay off debt. If that’s the case, you should seek out a licensed insolvency trustee and sign up for credit counselling. Credit counselling can help you improve your debt management, credit use and budgeting so that you can achieve your financial goals. You can get a better handle of your debt and your emergency fund efforts at the same time.

Don’t dismiss an emergency fund as a distraction from your debt repayment. You’ll want to have some interest-free funds set aside to deal with surprise expenses. You won’t have to take out a loan, max out a credit card or skip payments to cover the costs. With this fund, you won’t be compelled to dig yourself into deeper debt to solve a problem.

How Much Should You Have in Your Emergency Fund?

To start, you should have enough to cover small situations like a flat tire, a plumbing repair, or a dentist visit. Having approximately $1000 in your account will be enough to deal with these circumstances. As you continue saving, you should aspire to have between three to six months’ worth of expenses inside of your fund. This will help with serious situations like job loss or illness.

Emergency Funds Are Rare

Don’t feel too guilty about not having an emergency fund on hand. You’re not the only one who has skipped out on this financial safety net. According to a poll by Manulife Bank, 24% of respondents didn’t know how much they had saved in their emergency fund, and 9% had $1000 or less. A whopping 14% of respondents admitted to having no emergency funds whatsoever, leaving them vulnerable to any expense outside of their monthly budget.

It’s understandable that so many people skip out on these savings. They’re too focused on organizing their budget for their weekly needs, paying down their debts and planning for other future goals like post-secondary education or retirement.

There’s no telling when you’ll get hit with an expensive surprise. You might as well start protecting yourself now and work on an emergency fund.