How To Achieve Financial Freedom In 2023

Each individuals dream is to achieve financial freedom. We do business and work day and night in order to make ends meet and save for the future. No one wants to work throughout his lifespan and at the end die poor. Here are some of the things one can adhere to in order to achieve financial freedom. 

1. Budgeting and expense tracking: Start by creating a budget that tracks your income and expenses and stick to it. 

2. Reduce debt: Focus on paying off high-interest debt like credit card balances, personal loans, etc.

3. Save and invest: Regularly save a portion of your income and invest in a diversified portfolio of assets such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. 

4. Increase income: Look for ways to increase your income through side hustles, career advancement, or asking for a raise. 

5. Avoid lifestyle inflation: Be mindful of how your spending habits change as your income grows and resist the urge to upgrade your lifestyle accordingly. 

6. Plan for the future: Make a plan for long-term financial goals such as retirement, saving for a down payment on a house, etc. 

7. Seek professional advice: Consider working with a financial advisor to help you make informed decisions about your finances and investments.

8. Stay disciplined: Financial freedom takes time and discipline. Avoid making impulsive financial decisions and stick to your long-term plan. 

9. Educate yourself: Stay informed about personal finance, investing, and economic trends. This will help you make better financial decisions and achieve your goals faster. 

10. Live within your means: Avoid overspending and live within your means. This will help you save more and reduce debt. 

11. Be mindful of taxes: Make sure you understand the tax implications of your financial decisions. This includes taking advantage of tax-advantaged investment accounts and knowing the tax consequences of withdrawing money early. 

12. Automate your finances: Automating your finances by setting up recurring transfers to savings and investment accounts can help you stay disciplined and reach your goals faster. 

13. Diversify your investments: Diversification is key to reducing risk in your investment portfolio. Consider investing in a mix of assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities. 

14. Re-evaluate your plan regularly: As your life changes, your financial goals and needs may change too. Regularly re-evaluate your plan and make adjustments as necessary.

15. Be mindful of fees: Be aware of the fees associated with investments, bank accounts, and financial products. High fees can eat away at your returns and slow down your progress towards financial freedom. 

16. Take calculated risks: While it's important to be cautious with your finances, taking calculated risks can also help you grow your wealth. Consider investments that have the potential for higher returns, but be sure to do your research and understand the risks involved. 

17. Practice mindfulness: Financial stress can be a major roadblock on the path to financial freedom. Practicing mindfulness and managing stress can help you make better financial decisions and stick to your plan. 

18. Seek help if needed: If you're struggling with debt or have complex financial questions, seek help from a professional. A financial advisor or credit counselor can provide guidance and support to help you reach your goals. Remember, financial freedom is not achieved overnight and requires consistent effort over time. Stay focused on your goals and make smart financial decisions to reach your desired level of financial security.

R.I.P Prof. George Magoha

Prof. George Albert Omore Magoha We are sorry to announce the death of Prof. George Magoha on 24/01/23 in the evening. It is reported that he suffered heart attack at his home and passed as he was been taken to the hospital. Background George Albert Omore Magoha was an educator, government official and surgeon. He was born on July 2, 1952 in Kisumu, Kenya; the son of Bernard Bonaface Magoha and Sarah Joan Aloo. Education

Magoha studied at Jina Primary School from 1960 to 1963. In 1964, he entered Dr. Livingstone Primary School and graduated it in two years. He undertook his secondary education at Starehe Boys Centre in 1967-1970. Then in 1971, he joined Strathmore College. Two years later Magoha began his studies at College of Medicine of the University of Lagos and received a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 1978. He later joined Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and graduated in 1985. Later on, George graduated from Royal College of Surgeons in 1980 and Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital in 1983. Magoha studied at School of Business of Stanford University. Career Magoha began his career as an intern at Lagos University Teaching Hospital in 1978. Ay ear later he took a position of a resident in surgery at the same hospital, where he worked until 1981. In 1980, George was a senior house officer at Royal College of Surgeons. Also he worked as a senior resident and clinical lecturer in surgery at Lagos University Teaching Hospital from 1981 to 1985. In 1986, George became a consultant surgeon and urologist to the First Foundation and Shoreman Medical Centres, the Motayo Clinic and The Duro-Soleye Hospital. Then in 1988, he was appointed a lecturer in surgery at the University of Nairobi. A year later Magoha held a position of a senior lecturer in surgery at the department of surgery of the University of Nairobi. In 1996, he became an associate professor of surgery at the same university. From 2000 George was a professor of surgery at the University of Nairobi. Also he served as a chairman of the Academic Department of Surgery at College of Health Sciences of the University of Nairobi from 1999 to 2000. In 2000, Magoha held a position of a dean of the Faculty of Medicine at College of Health Sciences of the University of Nairobi. A year later he was appointed a principal of that college. Then in 2002, George became a deputy vice-chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Nairobi. In 2005, he took a position of a professor of urology and vice chancellor at the same college. Since 2015 George has been a professor of urology at that university. In addition, to his teaching career, he has been a chairman of Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board of Kenya since 2009 and African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions since 2010. In March 1, 2019 Magoha was appointed by the former president He. Uhuru Kanyatta as the Education Cabinet Secretary. A position he held until September 2022. Marriage Magoha is married to a gynaecologist, Dr Barbara Odudu who is a Nigerian. The couple are blessed with one son, Dr Michael Augustus Magoha.

Prof. Magoha passed at the age of 71 years. The late Magoha will be remembered for streamlining the education sector and spearheading the introduction of CBC programme into the education system. He will be remebered as the nononsense education CS who never tolerated non performance in the education system. He will missed ny many as the CS who rarely smiled or got amused easily. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

11 Parenting Mistakes That May Ruin Your Child’s Growth

All parents have their own – unique – way of bringing up their kids. They do their best to raise them, but nobody's perfect. That's why, when they look back, they all want to fix some of the mistakes they made in the past. Here are some of the things they regret, so you can avoid making the same mistakes. 

1. They scolded their children too often Reprimanding a child for something they did wrong is totally normal. But sometimes parents go overboard and it turns into nit-picking. Some parents believe that the higher their expectations are for their children, the more successful the kids will be in the future. But it surely doesn't work this way. Scolding a child for every little mistake can lead to behavioural problems. Punishments for bad grades are also harmful. They can kill off the desire for learning in any child. And, of course, being too strict can have another huge downside – a poor relationship with your child. That's why you should only punish your kids for things that actually matter. A broken cup shouldn’t be on that list. 

2. They missed out on the most important moments in their children's lives. Of course, every parent has a lot of commitments, and juggling all of them is no easy feat. But children desperately need parents to be there for them. Some occasions that might not seem that important for an adult, really mean a lot for kids. Children need to have someone close to them at moments like these. Even if you think you have a good reason to miss your child's school play, do your best to be present. Find time to visit grandma, go to the theatre, decorate your house for the holidays. Because your bond with your children gets stronger by creating memories together. Otherwise, in the future, you'll feel bad about how many great moments passed you by. 

3. They didn’t play enough creative games. Of course, simply playing creative games with your kids won’t necessarily make them great artists or musicians in the future. But, hey, there’s always a chance. Doing this has a lot of other advantages as well. Any kind of activity, like drawing or playing with playdough, has a positive effect on developing their intelligence, imagination, and increasing their vocabulary. Also, if your kid is engaged in a lot of different activities, it makes it easier for you to find out what they have an interest in and what they’re good at. This is important since they can show promising abilities even at a young age and develop them later. 

4. They didn’t take enough photos and videos. Obviously, Not taking photos won’t have any bad impact on your kids’ lives. But it’s the best way to capture amazing moments that you don’t want to forget. When your kids grow up and leave home, the pictures will be there to remind you what a long way they’ve come. Besides, looking through those pictures together with your grown-up kids lets you relive all their milestones and those beautiful memories together. That’s why not using a camera often enough is one of the regrets many parents can relate to. And even though we live in a digital era, having a classic photo album can be a nice family tradition. 

5. They didn’t take their child’s opinion into account. “You’re too young to decide”, “Adults know better” are probably phrases you heard quite often when you were a kid. It was irritating, right? But this kind of attitude from parents can have a serious impact on a kid’s future. If children feel like their opinion is often neglected, they may grow up to be insecure. And it’s logical if you think about it. How can you know what you want from life or set your own goals to achieve if there was always someone who made decisions for you? 

Ofcourse, as a parent, you can’t go along with your kid’s every wish or desire. I mean, your kid really can’t bring home every stray dog they meet. That’s your wife’s job. Really! But instead of simply refusing, explain to the child why it’s a bad idea. In some other cases, you can discuss their opinion and meet them half-way. 

6. They didn’t enjoy communicating with their child. Communication between parents and kids is probably the most important thing in upbringing. So if you don’t put aside enough time for it, one day you’ll wake up and realize that your child has grown up already and is living their own life. Of course, it’s totally okay to do things around the house when your kid is playing alone. But try not to turn it into a habit. Because children need not only your physical presence, but emotional involvement as well, to feel they’re loved and cared about. There’s no turning time back, so let yourself enjoy the moments you spend together. 

7. They didn’t educate them about money. For some reason, some parents avoid the topic of money with their kids. Of course, these children don’t believe that money grows on a tree, but they might think it just magically appears in the ATM. Without education on personal finance and responsible spending, children don’t understand the real worth of money. And when they grow up, they find it hard to manage their own income. Giving your kid some pocket money will teach them how to save up and spend wisely. Besides, you can let your teen earn their own money. They can mow the lawn of a neighbor or babysit. Every time you go shopping together, tell your kids how much money they can spend this time to limit their wishes. All these tips will provide your children with opportunities to learn about things like budgeting, saving, and being more responsible. 

8. They didn’t make their child happy enough. Good memories from our childhood are a real treasure for most of us. We like to go back in our mind to that time when we were carefree, and quite often every day was filled with doing something for the first time. Every child should have a lot of new experiences and live in a healthy atmosphere. That’s what makes them happy. And when kids are happy, they develop more actively, which means they’ll find it easier to adapt to adult life and start new relationships in the future. So, go to an amusement park, ride ponies, and sail a boat with your kid. Try to do something exciting at least once a day together to make sure your child has as many happy moments in their life as possible.

9. They didn’t hug their children often enough. Hugs are not only a perfect way to show affection, but also scientifically proven to be goodfor our health, because they help protect against stress. Besides, it’s simply nice to hug your own child. Unfortunately, sometimes parents don’t do it as often as they should. Some of them think that being too affectionate with a child can make them less obedient. Others – especially if we talk about babies believe that holding and hugging a baby all the time means that they’ll demand it too much in the future. But the truth is, the older a child gets, the less they want to be hugged. So, enjoy the hugs with your kids while you can. 

10. They weren’t consistent. Consistency might just be one of the biggest challenges in upbringing. For example, you usually don’t let your kids eat unhealthily food. But suddenly you get too caught up with work and give them pizza for lunch. Next thing you know they’re demanding it for every meal. It may feel next-to-impossible to maintain the exact same standards for your children daily, but not trying to do so often leads to major regrets for parents. Kids get confused about what’s allowed and what’s not. Without clear boundaries, they probably won’t behave the way you want them to, and obedience issues become inevitable. Also, don’t forget that you should follow your own rules to set an example. No phone during family dinner means no phone for everyone. 

11. They often followed someone else’s advice. There are people who just can’t help but give advice, even if nobody asks for it. And sometimes young, inexperienced parents feel like it’s better to listen to them. Such “experts” have tons of information about the way you should feed, dress, and raise your children. Of course, some of it may be useful and sensible, but never forget that YOU are the parent, so it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your kids. Also, don’t let strangers scold your child for misbehaving. A child needs to feel there’s always someone who will support and protect them. So, let them know they can always count on you. What’s your favorite childhood memory? Let me know down in the comments! If you learned something new today, then give this article a like, comment and share it with a friend.

10 Lucrative Agriculture Business Ideas Right Now – With No Farmland Required

10 Lucrative agriculture business ideas right now with no farmland required you don't have to acquire land and start cultivating to profit from the agriculture industry in fact people that make the most profit from agriculture are not necessarily farm owners in other words there are many opportunities to make a lot of money in the agric industry for anyone with enough interest, the agric industry has huge lucrative business and career opportunities if you have an interest in agriculture or are open to learn about business ideas and agriculture, this article is for you. 

I'm going to share with you 10 lucrative agriculture business ideas that do not require owning a farm or doing the farming. Hopefully at least one of these ideas will interest you. 

 1. Agriculture consulting.  Majority of farmers in developing regions like the knowledge to maximize their farm yield but with the right expert knowledge they can produce more from the same investment in space agriculture consulting provides the research backbone of the agricultural industry as an agreed consultant you'll be involved in advising and training farmers on farming best practices you will advise on the use of high-yield seedlings for fingerlings soil management and other modern farming techniques and also help to supplement the traditional knowledge of farmers with new technologies and tools to increase yields and produce healthier products. Consultants are in demand both as city and state workers. Private industry hires and independent contractors. 

 2. Farm-produce processing and packaging.  From rice to cassava to plantain, food processing is an important and lucrative part of value chain in the agriculture industry if you take a walk into the grocery store or supermarket you will easily find collections of processed and well-packaged farm produce. With the expansion of the middle class and urbanization there is an increasing demand for processed, branded and packaged food. 

Consumers are also becoming more health-conscious adding to the need for nutritious pre-packaged food. The food processing and packaging market in Kenya for example is estimated at about 545 million dollars this presents huge opportunities for entrepreneurs to benefit from this niche of their agric sector. 

3. Farm produce marketing.  There's still a wide gap between farmers in developing regions in the market. 

A lot of farmers struggle to find buyers that will be willing to pay reasonably to compensate for their effort. Where as some farmers lose substantial part of their produce before it gets to the market due to prolonged storage and inadequate access to market. In addition to that, there has been an increase in agriculture activities in recent times likely due to the ongoing sensitization on the opportunities in the sector. 

These new farmers will need to sell their farm produce and this is where you come in as the middle man mediating between farmers, buyers and off takers. Internet marketing technology has made the marketing process a lot simpler. There is the option of building e-commerce services to help farmers lease their products for buyers to find them you can also reach out to companies that need raw Materials from the farm-like restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, processing and manufacturing companies, you’ll literally create a market for those who don't have the access. 

4. Farm transportation. Transportation can present major challenges for small farmers looking to move products to the market limited access to transportation can affect how a farmer moves products into the supply chain. With a strong business model providing access to transportation for farmers can prove to be a profitable venture. Entrepreneurs can provide the materials for transport including trucks trailers and other equipment that are designed for livestock and produce. 

5. Agri-tourism. In recent years more people in urban areas are interested in finding out more about where their food comes from and how it's produced. People have seen the dining side of farm to table now they want to see the farm. 

The recent emergence of agri-tourism as an industry is showing a lot of promise for entrepreneurs. Traditionally farm tourism will belargely relegated to the individual farmer who will host small tours of their operation for interested visitors. An industry of agri-tourism consultants have also cropped up to help guide farmers who may not have the experience in customer relations, liability marketing and advanced coordination. Innovative business can also partner with farmers to organize tourism events in their farms. 

6. Technology solutions for farmers. There are a growing number of mobile applications that help farmers to be more effective and efficient with their farming process. These applications perform functions for weather forecasting, crop and soil testing, training data on disease management, security surveillance and many other information that can improve planting, cultivating and harvesting. 

There are also apps that expose farmers to financial services such as loans payments insurance and general banking and accounting services. There are apps that help farmers access a larger market to sell their products. There is also the need for drone services for different purposes. 

7. Equipment leasing. The uber model. Uber is one of the most valuable modern day companies with a global presence due to its unprecedented success, their business model has replicated in different industries all over the world. Uber's business model of renting cabs on demand has inspired countless businesses around the world including in agriculture. 

There are services making it easy for farmers to rent and share farming equipment saving money and time. Small holder farmers contribute to the majority of agricultural produce from Africa. The smallholder farmers will benefit most from the uber model of farming since it is more expensive to own farming equipment and machinery than to lease them. The opportunities here include designing and building applications that bring farmers and equipment owners under one platform of buying and leasing this equipment. 

8. Agri- business training. As people are discovering the opportunities of creating wealth from the agriculture Industry, they need training to learn the rudiments in the business of farming. There are lucrative opportunities in teaching people how to farm different livestock and crops and the business of agriculture. If you are confident in your skill you can share your knowledge with young farmers who will pay for your classes. 

You can start an online farming class as well as farm visitation sessions. This is a good option for older experienced farmers who are looking for retirement option. Also as a young farmer if you are skilled and you have the ability to impart knowledge you can also start training people about farming this can be very profitable for people who don't just want to work on the field but have the passion to share their knowledge with the next generation of farmers. 

9. Export of aggregate products. You can start a farm of product exploitation business if you have the international contract. You then have to work with a number of local farmers to take off their harvest and export to your international buyers. If you understand the expectation procedures in your country and have an innovative business model there's a lot of money for you to make exporting farm products. 

10. Invest in agriculture. If you don't want to have a direct contact with the upstream and downstream of the a agric industry but have idle money you can invest your money and have other people do the job. There are many a great crowdfunding platform out there offering up to 15% return on investment in six months. Make sure to do proper research and due diligence before giving anyone your money. 

If you invest with the right people, you can easily have your money work for you. You'll have a source of passive income while keeping your job for business. Overall, the agric industry has a wide value chain and its enormous opportunities are open to anyone who has interest. You just need to identify which part of the value chain best suits you and start exploring the opportunities

OVERHEATING ENGINE???

A car engine gets hot due to its internal workings. That’s normal. And there are radiators and coolants to keep its temperature regulated. 

 But if you find the temperature gauge hitting the red mark, that’s cause for concern because the engine can heat enough to melt itself! 

 Here’s what you can do to cool your car’s engine: 

Check the coolant: Adding a fresh batch of coolant to your car should be all you would need to do if everything else in the engine bay is not faulty. 

Make sure to replace coolant every 48000 kms or three years, whichever comes first.

Check the radiator: The radiator consists of a fan and some pipes. The coolant flows through the pipes while the fan cools the liquid and, in turn, the engine. Sometimes the radiator fan fails and sometimes it just runs out of water. 

You may refill it, and if the fan is not working, then seek advise from your mechanic. 

Thermostat Not Working: A thermostat lets coolant inside the water jacket to cool down an overheated engine. If the thermostat breaks down, the engine will obviously heat up.

If this happens often, get the thermostat checked. 

 Damaged Water Pump: A water pump is what helps in the flow of water and coolant to the engine and back to the radiator. 

A damaged water pump will not pump and hence this will lead to overheating. A thorough cooling system check will reveal this problem. 

Bad Hoses: Hoses are pipes that take the coolant and water from the radiator to the engine and vice-versa. A cracked hose or a leaking hose could be the cause of your engine overheating. It will be a good idea to check these and replace them.

The "silent killer" ulcers drug.

If you have ever experienced gastro-intestinal ulcers or living with the condition then you must have come across the term “ommeprozole” which is chemical component of the drugs prescribed by physicians for the management of obdonimal discomfort brout about by ulcers. Prolonged use of these drugs has been established to have a number of major side effects to the user. 

 Common side effects of omeprazole include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, and drowsiness. Rare side effects include allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away. Long-term use of omeprazole may also be associated with an increased risk of certain types of infections, bone fractures, and other side effects. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Other side effects that have been reported with omeprazole include: 

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Insomnia 

• Depression 

• Anxiety 

• Confusion 

• Tremors/parkisons disease. 

• Rashes 

• Itching 

• Swelling of the hands or feet 

• Joint pain 

• Back pain 

• Decreased appetite 

• Dry mouth

 • Changes in taste 

• Abdominal bloating 

• Abdominal distension 

• Stomach discomfort

 It is important to note that not everyone who takes omeprazole will experience side effects. If you do experience side effects, they may be mild or severe and may go away on their own or may require medical attention.

 If you have any concerns or questions about the side effects of omeprazole, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider.

It's also worth noting that omeprazole can interact with certain medications, so it's important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with omeprazole. 

Some examples of potential interactions include: 

• Warfarin (Coumadin) 

• Clopidogrel (Plavix) 

• Cilostazol (Pletal) 

• Diazepam (Valium) 

• Phenytoin (Dilantin) 

• Iron supplements 

• Vitamin B12 supplements 

• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) 

• Tacrolimus (Prograf) 

 

Long-term use of omeprazole may also have effects on the absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and magnesium. 

This is why it is important to monitor your nutrient levels if you are taking omeprazole for long-term use. It is also important to follow the directions on the label, and not to take more or less omeprazole than prescribed or for longer than recommended by your healthcare provider. Finally its important to note that prolonged use of any drug can have adverse effect on your body.

Is it wrong to bathe after having that sumptuous meal? Find out why you should not worry.

There is a myth that one should not shower immediately after having a meal. The belief is that doing so can cause indigestion and other digestive issues. 

However there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact there are several benefits to bathing after eating, such as helping to relax the body and reduce stress, which can aid in digestion. It's also a great way to cleanse the skin and remove any food particles that may be stuck to the skin. 

It's also ok to bath before meal and in fact some people have habit of taking bath before meal as a form of refreshing the body. It's generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal before bathing, to allow the body time to begin the digestion process. 

But this is not a rule but one can bath as per his/her comfortability, If one feels comfortable taking a bath immediately after eating, it should not cause any harm. Additionally, the timing of a meal in relation to a bath is not as important as the overall health of an individual. 

For example, if a person has a medical condition that affects their digestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux, they may need to take extra precautions when it comes to bathing after eating. In such cases, it would be best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.

It's also worth noting that if you are taking a very hot bath, that can be a contributing factor to digestion issues because the hot water can cause blood vessels to dilate and cause blood flow to shift away from the digestive system. This is not the case with a normal temperature bath, luke worm bath is most suitable after a meal. 

 Generally, it's important to listen to your body and pay attention to how it feels after a meal. If you experience discomfort or indigestion after bathing immediately after meals, it may be best to wait a bit longer before taking a bath. 

But if you feel comfortable and relaxing after taking a bath then it's fine to continue with the same. It's also worth noting that the type of food consumed and the amount of food consumed can also affect whether or not it's safe to bathe immediately after eating. Consuming a heavy or high-fat meal may make an individual feel more uncomfortable after bathing as compared to consuming a light or low-fat meal. 

So if you are planning to take a bath after a heavy meal, it's best to wait for some time to allow the body to start the digestion process and for the food to move down to the stomach.

Another important factor to consider when it comes to bathing after eating is the water temperature. As mentioned earlier, a hot bath can cause dilation of blood vessels and shift blood flow away from the digestive system, which can negatively impact digestion. In contrast, a lukewarm or warm bath can be relaxing and help to promote digestion. 

So, if you are planning to take a bath after a meal, it's best to stick to lukewarm water to avoid any negative impacts on digestion. In summary, bathing after a meal is not a problem and there is no harm in it. It is a myth. 

While it is generally recommended to wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating before bathing, the timing ultimately depends on the individual and their comfort level. And, it's also important to consider the type of food consumed, the amount of food consumed, and the water temperature before taking a bath.