Andy McKell - Author’s Post

As the summer months roll in, it’s essential to ensure your home remains clean and safe. Increased outdoor activities, travel, and social gatherings can bring more germs into your living space. Here are seven practical tips to keep your home as germ-free as possible this summer. https://lnkd.in/er58_jeR  

Navigating the Cost of Living in Germany: Essential Insights for Indians 🇩🇪🌟 Greetings, LinkedIn community! Living in a new country comes with its own set of financial challenges and adjustments. For many Indians moving to or residing in Germany, understanding and managing the cost of living is crucial to ensure a comfortable lifestyle. To assist with this, we at German Sherpa have crafted a comprehensive YouTube video titled "Your Cost of Living in Germany (And How To Reduce It)." In this video, I delve deep into what it realistically costs to live in Germany, breaking down the monthly expenses from the most significant to the minor ones. Here’s what you can expect to learn: Introduction to Cost of Living: Quick insights into the general expenses. Fixed Monthly Expenses: From television fees and internet costs to gym contracts and transportation. Education Costs: Detailed breakdowns of expenses related to school, university, and kindergarten. Home Utilities: Insights into heating, electricity, and how to optimize these costs. Daily Necessities: We discuss the costs of groceries and the essential insurances every expat should consider. Housing Costs: Understand rental expenses and learn strategic ways to save on rent. Leisure Expenses: What you might spend on dining out and other leisure activities. The video is not just about outlining costs but also provides strategic tips on how to effectively reduce these expenses without compromising on quality of life. Whether you're new to Germany or have been here for a while, these insights are designed to help you make informed financial decisions. This resource is part of our ongoing effort to support the Indian expat community in Germany, making the transition smoother and more manageable. If you're planning your finances or looking to optimize your current expenses, this video is a must-watch. Check out the video on our YouTube channel, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical, insightful content tailored specifically for expats in Germany. Your financial well-being starts with being informed—let us help you on this journey. https://lnkd.in/eiSvmdtb Thank you for your attention, and let’s keep the conversation going. What other topics would you like us to cover? Drop your suggestions in the comments below! #CostOfLiving #ExpatsInGermany #IndianExpats #FinancialPlanning #GermanSherpa #LivingInGermany #ExpatLife

🌍 Aging Gracefully in France: Real Stories and Key Insights Bonjour, future Francophiles! I’m Pierre Guillery, your French Property Coach, here to explore a question many ask: What’s it really like to age in France? From retired teachers in Dordogne to a Californian thriving in the Loire Valley, the stories are as diverse as the landscapes. Margaret and David love how their pensions stretch further, but it's the local market and slower pace that truly charm them. Barbara embraced flexibility by renting and dove into French life with yoga and community clubs. Meanwhile, Linda, in her 70s, enjoys independence in a résidence services seniors, where everything from groceries to social outings is seamlessly managed. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Janet and Peter, for example, adore their Brittany home but faced challenges with winter heating costs and tradespeople. Their takeaway? Planning makes all the difference. So, what should you consider before making your move? 1️⃣ Healthcare: France’s system is excellent but requires planning, especially during the transition. 2️⃣ Language & Integration: French lessons and community involvement transform your experience. 3️⃣ Family Connections: Think about travel costs and accessibility to loved ones. 4️⃣ Administrative Requirements: Budget for professional help with visas and taxes. 5️⃣ Location Matters: Beyond property prices, assess healthcare access, transport, and local activities. With lower costs than the U.S. or UK and a focus on quality of life, France offers seniors affordability, excellent healthcare, and vibrant communities. Yes, there are challenges—bureaucracy, rural care—but with preparation, you can enjoy a life rich in culture, connection, and that irresistible joie de vivre. Ready to begin your journey? Let’s talk! 🥖🍷 Listen to the podcast: https://lnkd.in/dcYb8zwT

THE WRONG MESSAGE FOR THE RIGHT CAUSE CAN BE A DISASTER!   If you’ve been reading the news, you’ll have seen ‘anti-tourist’ protest in Tenerife. Or have you?   I think the stats are 40% of the population work in tourism on the island and it accounts for 60% of the annual income.   So why do we appear to have a situation of turkeys voting for Christmas? The WRONG MESSAGE for the RIGHT CAUSE.   The protest which is set to be a disaster for the island, it’s people and the economy because of the messaging.   Workers in one of the richest local authorities in the world, are being forced to sleep outside, in cars, on beaches because they cannot afford to pay rent and for utilities.   Yet they see the increasing wealth going into the economy, (there is a proliferation of 5 star hotels in Tenerife at the moment).   The campaign was intended to rouse the support of tourists, and provoke the government to act.   The mangled message has turned into ‘Tourists go home’.   Neither side is prepared to address the issue, workers hoping the WRONG message will get their point across and the government, business, hoping that the ‘self-sabotage’ will bring cooler heads.   It is a mess. However, the issue is not as simple for tourists of going somewhere else. The problem is real and across places like Spain, Greece and parts of Italy.   In Ibiza, it is estimated that 4 in 10 police officers are forced to sleep in their cars, because they cannot afford rents.   This is where the EU can be a voice for good and reconciliation. This is where the European Union could play a constructive role, encouraging dialogue between all stakeholders – protesters, local governments, businesses, and the tourism industry – to find sustainable solutions that balance economic growth with the needs of local communities.   Aside from the intricacies of this issue, I wanted to highlight how CLEAR MESSAGING, TARGETTED DEMANDS and CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE are key to addressing MOST complex issue effectively. #CommunicationMatters #ConstructiveDialogue #ClearMessaging

Thoughts? Queensland day is a day that is unknown to many. After a few discussions over a couple of beers with my mate Billy, we thought that it only makes sense that we should attempt to lift the profile of this day up to its natural position of one of the most important days of the year. Your probably thinking, Hep another public holiday, are you serious? Small businesses have it hard enough as it is!Yes I am, but let’s no recreate one, let’s move them around… Billy and I have a long history of being QLD publicans. Hospitality is slapped with some the biggest wage hikes for public holidays throughout the work force. This industry was absolutely destroyed through COVID time, and those that survived (the ones with no gaming) are doing it really bloody tough! A couple of year ago, Easter Saturday became a public holiday out of thin air, sandwiched between 3 other public holidays. I’m not saying we recreate one, but I do think a Queensland public holiday would boost our economy in one of the slowest weeks of the calendar year for hospitality (a large majority of small businesses in QLD). A long weekend away to catch up with mates in Queensland for Queenslanders. A chance to commiserate how great our state is🍻 A little bit of controversy, but i’m all for it! https://lnkd.in/gZvb6qg4

As Spain prepares to celebrate the upcoming Constitution Day on December 6th and the Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, it's a perfect time to reflect on both gratitude and opportunity. These holidays remind us to cherish the present while thoughtfully planning for the future. Just as Spain’s rich history offers lessons in resilience, the financial markets offer opportunities for those who invest wisely and early. Whether you’re looking to protect wealth or explore new opportunities, now is an excellent moment to ensure your financial plan is aligned with your goals. Enjoy the festivities, and if you’re ready to discuss how investing today can set the stage for future success, let’s connect. Together, we can make your financial journey as bright as the holiday season ahead. #HappyHolidays #WealthManagement #InvestmentPlanning #FinancialSuccess

No matter how far your travels take you, we provide a welcoming place to rest and recharge. Our housing feels like home, giving you a peaceful retreat wherever life leads you. 🌐 www.uspremier.net 📞 (503) 444-9919 #CorporateHousing #FurnishedLiving #BusinessTravel #RelocationMadeEasy #ShortTermStay #WorkAndRelax #EmployeeHousing #GovernmentHousing #TurnkeySolutions #TravelComfort #MoveInReady #ProfessionalLiving #HousingSolutions #BusinessRelocation #StressFreeMove

Interesting read on the Blue Zones - including something that you may already know, and something that may come as a surprise to you, like it did to me. We may all know that "even in the very first blue zone, in eastern Sardinia, some municipalities no longer show exceptional longevity", and "to blame is the Western lifestyle, which is encroaching. As the traditional ways of life are lost, the reasoning goes, people exchange walking for driving, balanced diets for ultraprocessed food, and old rural communities for life in cities." And then. What I didn't know, was that "as a result of the breakup of the original co-workers Michael Poulain and Dan Buettner, today there are two “official” blue zones sites: one owned by Blue Zones LLC, heavily influenced by Dan Buettner’s views, and the other managed by Poulain. The two camps agree on four blue zones—Sardinia, Okinawa, Nicoya, and Ikaria—but there are some differences. Poulain has never considered Loma Linda in California a blue zone, seeing it only as a religious community. Buettner admits that he added Loma Linda to the 2005 National Geographic piece because his editor wanted a place in the U.S., and says “I never bothered to delist it.” In addition that, Poulain is skeptical of the recent addition of Singapore as an “engineered longevity hot spot” or a “blue zone 2.0”, and thinks Buettner has been “obliged to find a new story”, when he added Singapore as the “sixth blue zone.” What's your take on the Blue Zones, the two differing lists, and disappearance of the traditional ways of life? #health #longevity #ageing #lifestylemedicine #bluezones #singapore https://lnkd.in/dQABEmVd

Vacation Home Dreams? Hold on! Before you dive in, consider these key factors: Location: High demand, tourism, & future potential! Property Type: Your style + rental appeal! Financial Feasibility: Can you handle the ongoing costs? #vacationhome #investmentplanning #informeddecisions

Imagine this: You’re a property owner or manager, working tirelessly to create the perfect guest experience. But behind the scenes, you’re navigating a maze of regulations, rising costs, and local restrictions. It’s a tough landscape, and sometimes, it feels like you’re facing it alone. We’ve been there, too. We understand the challenges you face because we’re right there with you, every step of the way. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some exciting news: We’ve officially joined the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA)!🎉 For those who may not know, EHHA is more than just an organization—it’s a champion for the short-term rental industry across Europe. Since 2013, they’ve been the voice for property owners, managers, and online platforms, standing up for our collective rights and ensuring that the industry thrives. So, what does this mean for you? 🔗 Advocacy and Representation: We’ll be actively participating in discussions with European policymakers, influencing legislation that directly impacts you. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of the Package Travel Directive or tackling local restrictions, we’re in your corner. 💼 Regulatory Support: Rising energy costs? Taxation hurdles? We’re here to help you face these challenges head-on, ensuring regulations are fair and manageable. 🌟 Economic Benefits: Together with EHHA, we're championing the economic vitality of local communities. By promoting the STR sector, we're helping to support local businesses and boost tourism. But it’s not just about regulations and advocacy. Being part of EHHA gives us access to invaluable industry insights—ensuring we stay ahead of trends and changes that matter to you. This partnership is about more than just affiliation. It’s about amplifying our collective voice, making sure that, together, we have a greater impact on the future of the STR industry. At the end of the day, our mission is clear: To help you not just survive, but thrive in an ever-changing landscape. And with EHHA by our side, we’re more committed than ever to making that happen. #hospitality #shorttermrental #propertymanagement #EHHA #STR #community