5 Cheltenham Festival Bankers

March 5, 2020

Even at a premier horse racing meeting like the Cheltenham Festival, some events are less competitive than others. There are some strong favourites to win over the four days from March 10 to 13.

Who are these banker horses fancied for Festival glory? Check out these Cheltenham horses to follow on the big stage.

Carefully Selected

Everything has seemingly fallen neatly into the lap of Willie Mullins’s Carefully Selected for the Grade 2 National Hunt Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase on the opening day of the Festival. The trip of three-and-three-quarter miles takes some getting used to, but ante-post rivals have fallen by the wayside.

Injury to Champagne Classic and Copperhead running in the RSA Chase on Ladies Day leaves this race at the mercy of this Mullins mount. Carefully Selected has been laid out for this after winning two Grade 3s in Ireland, so it’s no wonder he’s 13/8 in the betting on the Cheltenham Festival 2020 here.

Envoi Allen

Gordon Elliott’s Envoi Allen has won all previous eight career starts, including the Champion Bumper at the Festival last year. He has won two more Grade 1s after going over hurdles this season and is all the rage for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle that opens the Wednesday at Cheltenham.

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Envoi Allen sets a clear form standard for this two miles and five furlongs race. He should get the trip no problem after winning over two-and-a-half miles at Naas last time out and comes fresh. This is why the six-year-old is 5/4 favourite to extend his streak.

Tiger Roll

Dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll has also taken the Cross Country Chase in each of the last two years and is set to bid for a hat-trick at Cheltenham. This remarkable horse has won at four previous Festivals and loves the unique test of jumping a variety of obstacles on the Cross Country course.

The 10-year-old is sure to come on for a spin over hurdles at Navan last time out. Despite the presence of young French challenger Easysland, that rival hasn’t achieved anything like as much as the Aintree and Cheltenham legend, so Tiger Roll is an even-money favourite for Cross Country glory again.

Paisley Park

One of last year’s hot Cheltenham racing tips, Paisley Park, is back to defend his Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle crown on St Patrick’s Thursday. Like Envoi Allen, Emma Lavelle’s star sets a clear form standard and has won seven races in a row.

After being rapidly progressive last season, Paisley Park has continued to stamp his authority on the staying hurdle division. He has beaten pretty much all the competition, so is odds-on at 4/6 with the race sponsors to retain his title.

Appreciate It

Mullins loves the Champion Bumper, a National Hunt Flat race where no obstacles are jumped. Appreciate It was very impressive in winning a Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival and came third in the same Irish point-to-point race won by Envoi Allen before beginning his career under Rules.

The six-year-old has very strong form on his side and stays further which bodes well for Cheltenham. Appreciate It looks more mature than stable companion Ferny Hollow, who can be difficult to settle, so is 13/8 to land the Champion Bumper.

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How much life insurance do I need?

In most cases, if you have no dependents and have enough money to pay your final expenses, you don’t need any life insurance. If you want to create an inheritance or make a charitable contribution, buy enough life insurance to achieve those goals. If you have dependents, buy enough life insurance so that, when combined with other sources of income, it will replace the income you now generate for them, plus enough to offset any additional expenses they will incur to replace services you provide (for a simple example, if you do your own taxes, the survivors might have to hire a professional tax preparer). Also, your family might need extra money to make some changes after you die. For example, they may want to relocate, or your spouse may need to go back to school to be in a better position to help support the family. You should also plan to replace “hidden income” that would be lost at death. Hidden income is income that you receive through your employment but that isn’t part of your gross wages. It includes things like your employer’s subsidy of your health insurance premium, the matching contribution to your 401(k) plan, and many other “perks,” large and small. This is an often-overlooked insurance need: the cost of replacing just your health insurance and retirement contributions could be the equivalent of $2,000 per month or more. Of course, you should also plan for expenses that arise at death. These include the funeral costs, taxes and administrative costs associated with “winding up” an estate and passing property to heirs. At a minimum, plan for $15,000. Other sources of income Most families have some sources of post-death income besides life insurance. The most common source is Social Security survivors’ benefits. Social Security survivors’ benefits can be substantial. For example, for a 35-year-old person who was earning a $36,000 salary at death, maximum Social Security survivors’ monthly income benefits for a spouse and two children under age 18 could be about $2,400 per month, and this amount would increase each year to match inflation. (It drops slightly when the survivors are a spouse and one child under 18, and stops completely when there are no children under 18. Also, the surviving spouse’s benefit would be reduced if he or she earns income over a certain limit.) Many also have life insurance through an employer plan, and some from another affiliation, such as through an association they belong to or a credit card. If you have a vested pension benefit, it might have a death component. Although these sources might provide a lot of income, they rarely provide enough. And it probably isn’t wise to count on death benefits that are connected with a particular job, since you might die after switching to a different job, or while you are unemployed. A multiple of salary? Many pundits recommend buying life insurance equal to a multiple of your salary. For example, one financial advice columnist recommends buying insurance equal to 20 times your salary before taxes. She chose 20 because, if the benefit is invested in bonds that pay 5 percent interest, it would produce an amount equal to your salary at death, so the survivors could live off the interest and wouldn’t have to “invade” the principal. However, this simplistic formula implicitly assumes no inflation and assumes that one could assemble a bond portfolio that, after expenses, would provide a 5 percent interest stream every year. But assuming inflation is 3 percent per year, the purchasing power of a gross income of $50,000 would drop to about $38,300 in the 10th year. To avoid this income drop-off, the survivors would have to “invade” the principal each year. And if they did, they would run out of money in the 16th year. The “multiple of salary” approach also ignores other sources of income, such as those mentioned previously. A simple example Suppose a surviving spouse didn’t work and had two children, ages 4 and 1, in her care. Suppose her deceased husband earned $36,000 at death and was covered by Social Security but had no other death benefits or life insurance. Assume the surviving spouse is 36. Assume that the deceased spent $6,000 from income on his own living expenses and the cost of working. Assume, for simplicity, that the deceased performed services for the family (such as property maintenance, income tax and other financial management, and occasional child care) for which the survivors will need to pay $6,000 per year. Assume that the survivors will have to buy health insurance to replace the coverage the deceased had at work, and that this will cost $12,000 per year. Taken together, the survivors will need to replace the equivalent of $48,000 of income, adjusted each year for an assumed 4 percent inflation. Thanks to Social Security, the survivors would need life insurance to replace only about $1,700 per month of lost wage income (adjusted for inflation) for 14 years until the older child reaches 18; Social Security would provide the rest. The survivors would need life insurance to replace about $2,100 per month (adjusted for inflation) for three more years when the non-working surviving spouse has only one child under 18 in her care. The life insurance amount needed today to provide the $1,700 and $2,100 monthly amounts is roughly $360,000. Adding $15,000 for funeral and other final expenses brings the minimum life insurance needed for the example to $375,000. What’s left out? The example leaves out some potentially significant unmet financial needs, such as The surviving spouse will have no income from Social Security from age 53 until 60 unless the deceased buys additional life insurance to cover this period. It could be assumed that the surviving spouse will obtain a job at or before this time, but she could also become disabled or otherwise unable to work. If life insurance were bought for this period, the additional amount of insurance needed would be about $335,000. Some people >>Read more
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General maintenance guide for timber windows

How to maintain timber windows Natural wood is one of the most flexible and beautiful materials used to create windows and doors. They can have different designs, from minimalist and practical to more sophisticated. In the Scott James company, you can order windows to fit perfectly with your mansion design. Particular attention should be paid to double-glazed windows installed in houses of historical value. The wood is not strong enough, so it must be carefully maintained. Maintenance includes regular cleaning, painting, and other works to preserve the aesthetic look and functional characteristics of wooden sashes. How to clean your timber The production of windows includes multiple production steps, and the final one is applying a layer of preservative and a primer, after which the window is painted with microporous paint. Such a coating lasts up to 8 years without additional maintenance. Painted windows should be cleaned from both the inside and the outside. Use the following guidelines to clean out dirt from the inside: wipe the dust from the windowsill and the edges of the glass near the frame; use glass cleaner solution; it must be sprayed onto the surface and wiped with a microfibre cloth; after it dries, take a newspaper, crumple it and wipe the glass to add extra shine; to remove stubborn stains that haven’t been affected by the detergent, mix two tablespoons of dishwashing gel into a bucket of warm water and remove any remaining dirt. The street side of windows should be washed on a cloudy day. When sunlight hits the surface of the freshly washed glass, moisture evaporates much faster, resulting in streaks. To wipe the glass, use a solution of water and dishwashing detergent. Start cleaning from the top sash, adjusting the frame height. Use a scraper to additionally clean the glass by making horizontal movements. After removing dirt, wipe the glass surface with a dry cloth. Next, use a sponge to clean the frame, remembering to dry its surface. The windows care shouldn’t be performed more than several times a year. Such measures will allow you to get rid of dust, insects, and dirt that damage the coating, as well as prevent fungus. The fabric for cleaning must be lint-free because it can cling to wooden parts. Thoroughly remove the residual detergent and dry the surface to prevent the frame from rotting. Remember to clean the ventilation holes too. How to check and lubricate the hardware Windows have fittings that allow the sashes to move. You can forget about them during maintenance, but it is very important to inspect hinges, joints, and cords, which must always remain in working order. Checking the hinges is necessary to avoid loosening the screws. If they get stuck when you open windows, use WD40 to soften it. Hinge lubrication is required once a year. It is also worth making sure that the cords are intact. If the cord becomes thinner or breaks, it’s easy to replace it yourself or contact professionals who can do it. There are latches in the windows, which are locking devices located on the vertical sash frame. They need to be regularly lubricated to facilitate the normal operation of the retainer. Don’t use a lot of oil on them. Don’t forget about the window openers, which also require maintenance. It is enough to wipe them with a soft cloth to ensure cleanliness and a neat look. Don’t use harsh abrasives to clean windows, they can deform or discolour the surfaces. Painting and draught-proofing Before treating wood window frames, find out which finish has been used before. They have varying lifetimes, so it is important to start work before the coating starts to deteriorate. If a three-layer white paint was applied to a wooden frame, it will last up to 6 years without additional painting. If the window is installed in highly humid places, this period may be reduced. A translucent coating lasts a little less, up to 4 years. Apply two layers of new paint. Read recommendations on the packaging regarding the works. Don’t forget to use a synthetic brush. Before painting, clean the wooden surface: use sandpaper to wipe the paint and help remove dirt and grease; when the surface is clean, examine it for deformations and damage; if the top layer is damaged, fix the problem with a putty. Any dirt should be cleaned with a damp cloth; let the window dry completely. You will see that the surface becomes very smooth. You can now apply paint, avoiding fittings and other moving parts. When it dries, apply another layer of paint. Choose best varnish for wood windows to complete the maintenance of your insulating glass unit. To sum up The measures taken will help significantly extend the service life of your windows. You shouldn’t forget about how to seal wooden window frames, this will help you get rid of drafts and reduce heat losses during the cold season. To keep windows in perfect condition, frames and fittings should be inspected monthly. The timely repair will eliminate existing problems. It will be much easier and cheaper to completely replace windows. Or you can contact a team of professionals who will inspect and restore the glass unit if necessary.
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TIPS FOR MEN TO BUY THE PERFECT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

For men, selecting the picture-perfect engagement ring signals the start of notable life changes. Inevitably, it is not something they want to get wrong. But inexperience in buying precious stones and jewelry may render most men confused about picking the right ring. This task can be especially challenging for those wondering how to buy an engagement ring for the first time. Gone are the days when all you needed to worry about was the budget. Now, there’s more than price, color, and type of cut to consider. So, to ensure you cover all your bases, here are some practical tips you can use to make this monumental purchase a success. Make a budget Traditional guides recommended that men spend about a month’s salary on the ring. This amount was hiked up to three months’ salary in more recent times. But these are just generalizations and not hard-and-fast rules one needs to follow. And while you need not adhere to these guidelines, they help you form a budget in mind. It is prudent to have a specific number or approximation in mind when you walk into a jewelry store. This will help you avoid over or under-spending. The trick is to craft a realistic budget, one that allows you to rest assured knowing you are about to buy a ring you can comfortably afford. Never rush Buying anything in a hurry almost always is a bad idea. And when it comes to critical purchases such as priceless rings, it is all the more essential to take your time. Time is a powerful tool that can teach you how to buy an engagement ring by comparing rings, designs, prices, and overall quality. It will also help you understand how some jewelers are superior in terms of service, customer management, and the quality of products they sell. For instance, a quality jeweler will exhibit patience and help you find the perfect ring rather than use coercive tactics and force you to purchase something you only like half-heartedly. Learn enough about diamonds Extensive research is still ongoing to find ways on how synthetic diamonds can be made more superior. That’s how vast the market is for these precious gems. And while it is entirely up to you whether you buy a natural diamond or a synthetic one, most men prefer the genuine stone. However, entering a store without any knowledge of diamonds is not wise. While you need not be an expert geologist, it still pays to know a bit about these stones. For starters, learn about the four Cs – color, cut, carat, and clarity. Knowledge of the four Cs can protect you from buying inferior diamonds at a sky-high price unwittingly. Consider unique, custom designs You may have heard of celebrities buying customized engagement rings for their beaus, making you think these are for the uber-wealthy class. But that is not true. Custom diamond engagement rings are pretty affordable, ensuring your beloved is the only one with such a unique design. You can look at patterns and designs the jeweler suggests or give them your own. If you are still unsure how to go about it, you can ask for your finance’s opinion on the matter. If a surprise proposal isn’t planned, this is the best way to go. Many men do this as they are not confident of their choice and wish to avoid buying something that may disappoint their partner.
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Ways to Deal with Your Hyperactive Child

It’s not easy having an extremely energetic child. As a parent, your patience will get tested all the time. There are instances when you would like to rest, but you can’t. Your child will keep on bothering you. Even at school, your child can be a source of problems. Although it seems like your child is a problem, having plenty of energy can be a good thing. You just need to view it through a different lens. If you can transform this energy into something good, you won’t have to worry anymore. These are some ways to manage your child’s behaviour. Have a walk Hyperactive children have to keep doing something, or they will bother someone else. It doesn’t have to be a physically draining activity. A simple walk would suffice. As long as you can allow them to use their energy, it’s good enough. While walking, you can teach them how to pronounce words correctly. You will come across certain unfamiliar things and expand their vocabulary. Evaluate the diet at home Diet may also worsen hyperactivity. Foods containing artificial flavouring, salt, and sugar can have a terrible effect. Your child already has a hard time calming down under normal circumstances. You might be making things worse because of bad food choices. Choose healthier meals and limit salt and sugar intake if possible. Never scream at your child When you feel frustrated, you might end up screaming at your child. Even if you feel tempted to do so, you have to control yourself. It’s not going to help in any way. It will become a screaming match, and no one will win. Don’t forget that you can’t outmatch your child’s energy. If you start this disciplinary tactic, you will end up getting exhausted. Install an indoor playground It would be great to have an indoor playground at home. Your child can play at any time. You can also use it as an opportunity to bond. As long as it’s safe and well-installed, you won’t have an issue with an indoor playground. It’s a terrific way to contain your child’s energy. Talk to an indoor play equipment supplier if you want one. Never pretend everything is okay Some parents tend to feel ashamed if their children have a behavioural problem. Instead of acknowledging the existence of this issue, they pretend like everything is okay. It’s the worst thing that you can do. Your child’s case isn’t hopeless. Plenty of children outgrow hyperactivity if given attention. They need your support. If you neglect the problem, it will only worsen things. Don’t hesitate to seek help from an expert if you’re running out of ways to deal with the issue. Acknowledging the existence of the problem is the first step. Regardless of how you feel, it will help if you create a loving atmosphere at home. Things will be better if you work on the problem. Try whatever strategy that works. If you think a solution isn’t helpful, you can do something else. The only thing you shouldn’t do is give up.
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What is auto insurance?

Understand your car insurance and what it covers Understanding auto insurance: the basics Who is covered by my auto insurance and under what circumstances? Is auto insurance coverage mandatory? What other types of auto insurance coverage are typical? What is gap insurance and do I need it? Basic personal auto insurance is mandated by countries and provides drivers with some financial protection in case of an accident. But is it enough? What are the options? Learn how car insurance works and what types of coverage are available. Understanding auto insurance: the basics Auto insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that protects you against financial loss in the event of an accident or theft. In exchange for your paying a premium, the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as outlined in your policy. Auto insurance provides coverage for: Property – such as damage to or theft of your car Liability – your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage Medical – the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses Basic personal auto insurance is mandated by most countries, though laws vary. Auto insurance coverages are priced individually (a la carte) to let you customize coverage amounts to suit your exact needs and budget. Policies are generally issued for six-month or one-year timeframes and are renewable. The insurance company sends a notice when it’s time to renew the policy and pay your premium. Who is covered by my auto insurance—and under what circumstances? Your auto policy will cover you and other family members on your policy, whether driving your car or someone else’s car (with their permission). Your policy also provides coverage if someone who is not on your policy is driving your car with your consent. Your personal auto policy only covers personal driving, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or taking a trip. It will not provide coverage if you use your car for commercial purposes—for instance, if you deliver pizzas. Personal auto insurance will also not provide coverage if you use your car to provide transportation to others through a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Some auto insurers, however, are now offering supplemental insurance products (at additional cost) that extend coverage for vehicle owners providing ride-sharing services. Is auto insurance coverage mandatory? Auto insurance requirements vary from state to state. If you’re financing a car, your lender may also have its own requirements. Nearly every state requires car owners to carry: Bodily injury liability – which covers costs associated with injuries or death that you or another driver causes while driving your car. Property damage liability – which reimburses others for damage that you or another driver operating your car causes to another vehicle or other property, such as a fence, building, or utility pole. In addition, many states require that you carry: Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP), which provides reimbursement for medical expenses for injuries to you or your passengers. It will also cover lost wages and other related expenses. Uninsured motorist coverage reimburses you when an accident is caused by a driver who does not have auto insurance—or in the case of a hit-and-run. You can also purchase underinsured motorist coverage, which will cover costs when another driver lacks adequate coverage to pay the costs of a serious accident. Even if PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are optional in your state, consider adding them to your policy for greater financial protection. What other types of auto insurance coverage are typical? While most basic, legally mandated auto insurance covers the damage your car causes, it does not cover damage to your own car. To cover your own car, you should consider these optional coverages: Collision reimburses you for damage to your car that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or other object—e.g., a tree or guardrail—when you’re at fault. While collision coverage will not reimburse you for mechanical failure or normal wear-and-tear on your car, it will cover damage from potholes or from rolling your car. Comprehensive provides coverage against theft and damage caused by an incident other than a collision, such as fire, flood, vandalism, hail, falling rocks or trees, and other hazards—even getting hit by an asteroid! Glass Coverage provides coverage from windshield damage, which is common. Some auto policies include no-deductible glass coverage, which also includes side windows, rear windows, and glass sunroofs. Or you can buy supplemental glass coverage. What is gap insurance and do I need it? Collision and comprehensive only cover the market value of your car, not what you paid for it—and new cars depreciate quickly. If your car is totaled or stolen, there may be a “gap” between what you owe on the vehicle and your insurance coverage. To cover this, you may want to look into purchasing gap insurance to pay the difference. Note that for leased vehicles, gap coverage is usually rolled into your lease payments.
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5 Cheltenham Festival Bankers

Carefully Selected

Envoi Allen

Tiger Roll

Paisley Park

Appreciate It

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