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Starting Over After Loss of a Spouse or Divorce: Navigating Financial, Emotional, and Legal Challenges

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Who Pays the Attorney Fees in a Divorce?
Life can often take unexpected turns, more so after the loss of a spouse or a divorce, especially when the other partner was the primary breadwinner. This transition can be emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, often involving a complex web of financial, legal, and interpersonal challenges. Loss of spouse has multifaceted complexities. Starting over in such circumstances requires wisdom, support and will for one to successfully navigate this difficult part of our life journey.

The Emotional and Mental Struggle

The emotional and mental turmoil following the loss of a spouse or a divorce from a primary breadwinner can be overwhelming. In addition to dealing with grief, loneliness and anxiety about the future, financial struggles add an extra burden that can the surviving spouse to their edge. Depression is common experience during this emotionally tumultuous time. According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40-50% of married couples in the United States end up in divorce, highlighting the prevalence of this life-altering event.
Moreover, the trauma of losing a loved one or going through a painful divorce can trigger a wide range of psychological and emotional struggles. Feelings of rejection, anger, guilt, and low self-esteem are not uncommon. It is uncommon for the surviving spouse to blame themselves, wondering what they could have done to save the loved one who passed away. Although there is a certain degree of finality with death, with divorce there is some continuation of life of that pain as the divorced spouse may see themselves as failures, subsequently fearing to remarry.
It is helpful that we accept that death is a certain reality of living, and when it is divorce, that things don’t always work out the way we want no matter how hard we try to make them work. Accepting the things we cannot change, postures our minds to begin the journey of healing and restoration. It is essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek professional help if necessary.

Financial Challenges

The loss of a breadwinner often results in a significant financial setback. The surviving spouse may have to adjust to a reduced income or, in some cases, start from scratch. In the United States, for instance, studies by the Pew Research Center show that divorced women experience a substantial drop in their standard of living after divorce, with their income often halving or more. In South Africa it is not uncommon to hear of children who had to be taken out of expensive schools to more affordable ones, loss of cars and even houses due to non-payment of loans.
If downgrading is necessary, we must do it to save ourselves from more financial losses. Sadly, most people wait until it is too late to make the necessary financial adjustments. In cases where there has been lump sums of monies paid to you after a divorce settlement or insurance payments, it is wise to get credible financial counsel and have a plan to spend the money responsibly. A significant number of people make poor financial decisions and end up in a worse off situation financially, due to poor financial mindsets they were not even aware they have until they had lots of money. It is advisable that one wait 90 to 180 days before making any significant financial decisions once they receive a lump sum of money.

Legal Processes of Divorce and Estate Winding-Up

Navigating the legal processes of divorce or winding up an estate can add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. These processes involve dividing assets, settling debts, and addressing custody and support arrangements if there are children involved.
Delays in winding up the late estate can be particularly frustrating. In South Africa, for instance, an overwhelmed Master’s Court system can lead to significant delays of up to 12 months in distributing assets and settling financial matters. Such delays can negatively impact the surviving spouse’s financial stability and peace of mind. It is helpful to get professional help if you’re able to do so, to fast-track the process and avoid loss of assets due to non-payment. Professional legal intervention can help you negotiate with financial institutions, protecting you against avoidable foreclosures, help you to negotiate better terms with creditors amongst other complexities.

Changes in Family and Social Relationships

In addition to the personal and financial challenges, changes in family dynamics and social relationships can be profound. Relationships with in-laws may become strained, and mutual friends may take sides or drift away. This loss of social support can intensify feelings of isolation and loneliness.
It is crucial to understand that you’re not the only one affected by the trauma, family and friends are just as clueless as you on how to navigate this difficult time. To the best of your ability, be gracious and exercise restraint even as you draw your boundaries to protect against emotional abuse from others.

Seven Crucial Tips on Starting Over!

      1. Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to therapists, counselors, or support groups to help you cope with the emotional and mental challenges. There are numerous online platforms like Griefshare for example, that provide helpful tools and support.
      2. Financial Planning: Consult a financial advisor to create a budget, plan for the future, and avoid financial pitfalls. Update your will and estate plan.
      3. Legal Assistance: Engage a competent attorney to guide you through divorce proceedings and estate matters, ensuring your rights are protected. In South Africa, there are affordable monthly legal plans by various institutions that you can acquire. These can prove to be helpful at a good rate, to help you tackle many complex matters that you may or may not be aware of.
      4. Rebuild Your Social Network: Seek out new friends and activities that align with your interests. Reconnecting with old friends can also provide valuable emotional support. Watch out for parasites who are looking to take advantage of your vulnerable state. Some people may draw closer to you for dishonourable intentions, learn to build some boundaries and to articulate your discomforts clearly.
      Some people are only trying to help, but they won’t know that they’re not helping if you don’t tell them. Doings so can save some important relationships and prevent some potentially harmful ones.
      5. Emotional Regulation Techniques: Learn techniques to manage emotional triggers, such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Take breaks and be easy on yourself and others. Cry if you have and allow yourself to laugh if you feel like it. Laughing doesn’t mean betrayal of the deceased loved one or that you don’t care enough or aren’t hurting enough. Laughing when you can is a crucial aspect of moving on, don’t feel guilty.
      6. Avoid Financial Mistakes: Be cautious about making impulsive financial decisions. Make informed choices that align with your long-term goals. Delay big financial decisions and be careful of your spending habits when you’re emotional.
      7. Learn from Past Mistakes: Reflect on previous experiences, especially dysfunctional coping mechanisms, and use them as lessons to develop healthier ways of handling adversity. This kind of trauma is one of if not the worst, your coping mechanisms are likely to go into overdrive, learn new ways to deal with them as part of your starting over.
Conclusion
Starting over after the loss of a spouse or a divorce from a primary breadwinner is undoubtedly challenging, encompassing emotional, mental, financial, legal, and social aspects. It’s essential to acknowledge these challenges and seek help when needed. By following the crucial tips mentioned above and maintaining resilience, you can gradually rebuild your life, regain financial stability, and find a path toward emotional healing and a brighter future.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available to help you navigate this difficult journey.
Written by Jabu Zwane (Mindset Coach) 
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People & Lifestyle

What Ohm Is Best for Salt Nic Vape Juice?

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In the past few years, it has become increasingly common for pod-based vaping devices to work with coils of different resistances. Depending on the device, that’s done either by offering different pods that all work with the same device or by allowing you to remove the coil from the pod and install a different one. That’s great for vapers who are restless and like to try new things, but it can also be problematic if you’re looking for an experience that’s simple and straightforward – especially if you’re planning to use your device for salt nic vape juice.

As you might be aware, nicotine salt e-liquid is generally the most potent vape juice on the market. Available in strengths that usually top out at around 50 mg/ml, nicotine salt e-liquid is intended to deliver nicotine as efficiently as a tobacco cigarette. That’s exactly what you want if you’re new to vaping because it helps to ensure that you’ll be completely satisfied with the switch and won’t be tempted to revert to smoking. The high strength of salt nic vape juice can become a major drawback, though, if you inhale too much of it at a time – which is exactly what can happen if your vaping device is too powerful.

So, are you thinking about buying a new pod vape – or trying to buy new coils or pods for your existing device – and wondering what ohm is best for salt nic vape juice? We’ll start you out with a direct answer, and then we’ll explain the logic behind it.

The ideal coil resistance for nicotine salt vape juice is usually 0.5 ohm or higher.

To learn why that’s the case, you’ll have to read on! 

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What Do Ohms Mean in Vaping?

When people talk about ohms in vaping, what they’re talking about is the electrical resistance of the heating coil that vaporizes the e-liquid. A vape coil is made from a material or alloy with a high resistance – usually kanthal or stainless steel – and the material becomes hot when electricity flows through it. The resistance of the coil describes how much it restricts the flow of electricity. A coil with a lower resistance is less restrictive to electrical current, which means that it’ll operate at a higher wattage for a given battery voltage. 

If all of this sounds confusing, here’s the most important thing that you need to know: A coil with a lower resistance usually produces more vapor than a higher-resistance coil. That’s why a coil with a resistance of about 0.5 ohm or higher is usually best for salt nic vape juice – because you don’t want to use a high-strength e-liquid with a device that produces huge clouds.

Before you assume that any vaping device with the right coil resistance is going to be good for nicotine salt, though, it’s crucial for you to understand the importance of your device’s airflow characteristics. We’ll discuss that next.

A Vape’s Airflow Is Almost as Important as Its Coil Resistance

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Before you buy any vaping device for nicotine salt e-liquid, you need to take a close look at its airflow characteristics. If you’re using salt nic, you’ll almost certainly want to use the mouth-to-lung inhaling technique because that’s the way you inhale when smoking a cigarette. In order to deliver a good experience for mouth-to-lung inhaling, a vaping device needs to have tight airflow.

The good news is that most of the pod systems and small vape pens on the market are designed for mouth-to-lung inhaling – so in most cases, you don’t need to worry too much about this. The airflow of vaping devices has become a bit more important for nicotine salt users in recent years, though, because it’s increasingly common these days to find powerful “pod mods” that are pod based but offer the vapor production of full-fledged vape mods. These devices are often designed for direct-to-lung inhaling and can potentially be extremely unpleasant to use with salt nic vape juice. 

So, how can you identify whether a pod vape or vape pen is designed for mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung inhaling? The easiest way to tell is by looking at the device. A mouth-to-lung vape will usually have these characteristics.

  • It’ll usually be very small. Most mouth-to-lung vapes are thin enough to carry comfortably in your pocket. It’ll probably also be small enough that you can easily conceal the entire device in your hand for discreet vaping.
  • It’ll either have a tiny airflow opening, or it’ll have a dial or tab that allows you to adjust the airflow. A tobacco cigarette has a tight draw, so adjustable airflow can be a very useful feature for a vaping device to have if you want to replicate the experience of smoking as closely as possible.
  • It’ll have a narrow mouthpiece. In order for a vaping device to have the same tightness as a cigarette, it makes sense that the mouthpiece should be about as narrow as a cigarette. If a device has a wide mouthpiece, it’s probably designed for direct-to-lung inhaling. Although direct-to-lung vapes often have adjustable airflow, it’s still hard to get a device with a wide mouthpiece to deliver a cigarette-like draw.

How to Know if You’re Getting Too Much Nicotine

Are you concerned that the vaping device you’re currently using might not be the right one for nicotine salt? If your device’s cloud production is too much for the nicotine strength you’re using, you’re going to get more nicotine than you need and won’t enjoy your experience. If you have trouble vaping because it irritates your throat or makes you cough – or if you find that vaping makes you feel jittery or overly buzzed – there’s a good chance that you’re consuming more nicotine than you need. In this case, you have three options:

  • You can try switching to a lower nicotine strength. Many nicotine salt e-liquids are available in two different strengths, and you may find that the lower strength provides a good experience with your device.
  • You can try switching to e-liquid with freebase nicotine. Freebase e-liquids are available in much lower strengths – usually 3 and 6 mg/ml – that are appropriate for more powerful vaping devices.
  • You can switch to a different vaping device. Pod systems and vape pens designed for mouth-to-lung inhaling are often quite inexpensive, so this shouldn’t cost too much.
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Infinix Unveils HOT 40 Series in Collaboration with Black Sherif and Vodafone Ghana

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 Infinix, a renowned smartphone brand, has teamed up with the current Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year, Black Sherif, and Vodafone Ghana, to unveil the HOT 40 Series. According to Infinix, this partnership symbolises a dynamic fusion of technology, music, and connectivity, and aims to inspire and empower the youth.

Summer Yao, HOT SERIES Product Director at Infinix, commented, “The partnership between Infinix and Black Sherif represents a perfect synergy of Infinix’s technological prowess and Black Sherif’s creative musical talents. This collaboration goes beyond the convergence of technology and music; it is about empowering today’s youth. Infinix and Black Sherif are dedicated to providing technology that reflects the aspirations of young generations. Moreover, this partnership holds significant cultural significance, symbolising the integration of technological innovation and cultural richness.”

David Umoh, Director of the Consumer Business Unit at Vodafone Ghana, remarked, “Our collaboration with Infinix is a key stride towards fulfilling Vodafone Ghana’s goal of democratising access to digital technology for everyone. We’re excited to be part of this pivotal movement in narrowing the digital gap.”

Each HOT 40 Series purchase is accompanied by a unique 30GB data package from Vodafone, allocated as 5GB monthly for six months. This package ensures that customers can fully enjoy their new devices without concerns about data consumption.

The HOT 40 Series, comprising the HOT 40 Pro, HOT 40, and HOT 40i, is engineered for the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience. These devices boast high performance, superior displays, and camera features, all at an affordable price. 

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The HOT 40 Pro is specifically tailored for gaming aficionados. It is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, a 120Hz touch sampling rate, and a robust 5000mAh battery supported by Power Marathon technology for prolonged usage. The HOT 40 Pro also sports a 108MP main camera and a 32MP front camera. The series is distinguished by its elegant crystal design, available in various colours, including the new Starfall Green.

The HOT 40 Series is available at Vodafone retail shops, Infinix-accredited stores and online platforms such as Xpark, Jumia, ElectroMart, and Franko Trading.

For more details, visit Infinix Mobility (http://www.infinixmobility.com/).

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Prince Bright returns leads Ghana to the Moon Festival

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Ghana to the mood slated for16th December at Bayview Village starting 3pm is an inaugural annual platform for emerging and established Ghanaian artists. The event is set to ignite the global music scene with its unique blend of talent discovery and international promotion. 

The event kicks off with a pool party, festival, and a concert. This initiative aims to not only uncover hidden gems but also propel established artists to new heights, showcasing the rich tapestry of Ghanaian music to the world. 

We have Legendary talent like Prince Bright from Buk Bak, energy rhymes Masta Kumerican Kofi Jamar, J Derobie, Soultry sounds by Veana Negasi, Up and coming viral sensation Aligate App, The Roots Collective featuring Offei. 

Music, Violin Boyfriend and AfroElectra to name a few.

A Platform for All

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Ghana to the Moon welcomes Ghanaian artists of all genres and backgrounds, providing a stage where creativity and passion can shine. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, this platform offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with a wider audience and elevate your career.

For Editors: 

About Ghana to the Moon

Born from a passion for music and a deep appreciation for Ghanaian culture, Ghana to the Moon is a collaborative effort between

American and Ghanaian music enthusiasts.

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With a mission to foster international connections, provide opportunities for emerging talent, and celebrate Ghana’s rich musical heritage, this platform is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene.

For media inquiries, please contact: Embark on a musical journey with Ghana to the Moon and discover the next generation of Ghanaian music stars. 

Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes access:

Instagram: @Ghanatothemoonfest

Ghana to the Moon: Your Passport to the Global Music Stage!

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Ghana to the Moon: A Stellar Musical Extravaganza

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Get ready for an unforgettable musical adventure as Ghana to the Moon, an inaugural annual platform for emerging and established Ghanaian artists, takes center stage on December 16th, 2023, at Bayview Village.

This electrifying event promises to ignite the global music scene with its unique blend of talent discovery and international promotion.

Unveiling Ghana’s Musical Gems
Ghana to the Moon is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of Ghana’s rich musical heritage and a platform for showcasing the country’s burgeoning talent. Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado or simply seeking an unforgettable entertainment experience, this event has something for everyone.
Musical Icons Taking the Stage

Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing performances of Ghana’s finest musical talents, including the legendary Prince Bright from Buk Bak, the energetic rhymes of Masta Kumerican, Kofi Jamar’s soulful sounds, the viral sensation Aligate App, J Derobie, Heartman Lali, The Roots Collective featuring Offei.Music, Violin Boyfriend, and AfroElectra, and many more.

A Musical Journey Awaits
Ghana to the Moon kicks off with a pool party, followed by a vibrant festival and a grand finale concert that will leave you spellbound.

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This event is more than just a concert; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Ghanaian music and culture.

Join the Movement
Embark on a musical journey with Ghana to the Moon and discover the next generation of Ghanaian music stars. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes access:
Instagram: @ghanatothemoonfest
More Info: info@freeinspiration.org
Ghana to the Moon: Your Passport to the Global Music Stage!

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Rapperholic Exhibition: Celebrating a Decade of Music, Culture and Creative Resilience

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Get ready to be serenaded by the melodies of greatness as we unveil an exhibition like no other – “The Rebirth: Rapperholic Exhibition.” Eagle Plug in partnership with The Mix Design Hub brings you the show of the decade.

 

In the enchanting realm of music, where beats tell stories and rhythms weave sagas, join us for a celebration that transcends time and space.

 

From December 10-16, 2023, you are invited to step into the “The Rebirth: Rapperholic Exhibition,” a gateway to the extraordinary life of the music and style legend, Sarkodie. From the pulsating heart of Koforidua and the communities of Tema to the grandeur of the global stage, this exhibition promises a journey through the very fabric of the iconic rapper’s existence.

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Picture stepping into rooms that breathe life into Sarkodie’s early days – a visual symphony depicting the roots of his rise, the nurturing embrace of family, and the pivotal moments that etched his name in the annals of music history. Each room, a micro-exhibition, takes you through the beats that shaped the artist we love and appreciate.

But this show isn’t merely a retrospective. It’s an immersive experience, a pilgrimage waiting to lead you through the beats of resilience, the crescendo of artistic mastery, and the harmony of evolution.

 

As you walk through the corridors, immerse yourself and discover more than just visuals. Immerse yourself in the unreleased tracks, where the notes resonate with untold stories.

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Feel the energy of the grand finale brunch, an intimate rendezvous with Sarkodie’s journey, and witness the climax – Rapperholic 2023, a culmination of a decade-long saga.

 

Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and let the world know – “The Rebirth: A Decade of Rapperholic” is not just an event; it’s a celebration of a cultural icon.

 

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The countdown has begun, and the stage is set for a brilliant spectacle that will echo in the corridors of musical history.

 

Visit http://www.themixdesignhub.com/s-projects-basic or call +233 544 334 006

 

Join us in the anticipation, and let the beats of Sarkodie’s legacy guide you.

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A symphony awaits you!

 

 

 

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Eagle Plug is a modern entertainment management and marketing company providing world-class solutions and products for the African entertainment ecosystem. They are a 360-service company with the key mission to connect, produce, and market African Creative Artists to the world through business services, advisory support and commercialisation opportunities.

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The Mix Design Hub stands as a leading, versatile space dedicated to fulfilling the creative needs of professionals, entrepreneurs, and consumers across various domains, including retail of office furniture, provision of co-working spaces, culinary, and event curation services. Its focus lies in fostering collaboration, innovation, and inspiration, creating a dynamic environment where individuals and businesses can flourish, bringing their creative visions to life.

 

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People & Lifestyle

Miss Malaika Ghana 2023 Winner Out doored HIV/AIDs Campaign Ambassador

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Miss Lady Nana Yaa Nsarko, the newly crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2023 Queen at the just ended grand finale has been appointed ambassador for the 2023/2024 HIV/AIDs Campaign by the Ghana AIDs Commission.  (more…)

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