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Welcome to Paradise: Arriving at Sandals Royal Barbados Our Barbados adventure began with a smooth arrival at the airport. As we stepped off the plane, tropical air greeted us. The island's vibrant colors were visible even from the tarmac, hinting at the beauty that awaited us. After a brief wait at customs, we collected our luggage and made our way to the arrivals hall, where the excitement of the trip began to set in. As we stepped outside, we were welcomed by the warm sun and a gentle breeze that carried the scent of the ocean. The Sandals shuttle was waiting for us; its bright colors and friendly staff instantly made us feel at ease. Our driver shared interesting tidbits about the island's culture, enriching our journey with stories of local traditions and landmarks. We passed by charming villages and vibrant markets, which piqued our curiosity about the adventures that lay ahead. Exploring Sandals Royal Barbados Checking in was a breeze, a seamless experience that set the tone for our stay. The reception area was elegantly designed, with soft lighting and tasteful decor that immediately welcomed us. While we waited for our room to be prepared, we were delighted to be offered complimentary champagne and freshly baked cookies. This thoughtful touch added a layer of luxury to our arrival. Before long, we were informed that our room was ready, and the excitement began to build as we prepared to explore our accommodations. The initial experience of checking in, complemented by the delightful champagne and cookies, had already exceeded our expectations and left us eager to discover more of what the hotel offered during our stay. Resort Highlights: Lover's Lane: Its lively area features a bowling alley, ping pong tables, and a bar. Rooftop Pool & Restaurant:  Enjoy stunning island views from the rooftop. Beach Bliss:  Relax on the beautiful beach with ample space for sunbathing. Entertainment Galore:  Enjoy live music, nightly entertainment, and themed parties throughout the resort. We particularly enjoyed the beach bonfire and the steel drum performances. Dining Experiences: A Mixed Bag While the resort offers a variety of dining options, our experiences were mixed. Disappointments:  Chi and Greenhouse, while beautifully decorated, suffered from slow service and overcooked food. A Culinary Gem:  Bombay Restaurant stood out with delicious appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Local Flavor: I stopped by the Culinary Desk to ask the chef to make the national dish. We enjoyed trying local dishes like flying fish and "cuckoo" (cornmeal), but the latter was overly salty. Beyond the Resort: Exploring Barbados Harrison's Cave: Harrison's Cave is an incredible cave system that offers a thrilling tram ride, stunning formations, and a bird aviary. We also enjoyed watching the zip line activity above the cave. Oistins Fish Fry:  Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Oistins, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, live music, and street vendors. (Note: We visited on a weekday, so it was less crowded.) Souvenir Shopping The Best of Barbados:  Offers a wide selection of local artifacts and souvenirs. Ganzee Island Shop:  A great place to find authentic handmade souvenirs and support local artisans. St. Lawrence Gap:  Explore this lively area with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Atlantis Submarine Adventure:  Embark on an underwater adventure in a real submarine. Monkey Sanctuary:  (Incorporated from the video) - Visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and encounter monkeys, birds, and other animals in a natural setting. Tips for Your Barbados Trip Book excursions in advance:  This can save you money compared to booking through the resort. Consider a private taxi:  It's a safe and convenient way to get around the island. Don't miss Bombay Restaurant:  It's an excellent dining option at the resort. Embrace the local culture:  Visit Oistins Fish Fry and explore local markets. Pack for the weather:  Barbados has a tropical climate, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Final Thoughts Our Barbados adventure was memorable. While the dining experiences at the resort were somewhat inconsistent, the beautiful beaches, exciting excursions, and friendly locals made it a truly unforgettable trip. Have you been to Barbados? What were your favorite parts of the trip? Share your experiences in the comments below!

After serving eight years in the military, receiving a 50% VA disability rating provided crucial financial support during my transition to civilian life. However, my service-connected conditions continued to worsen over time. What followed was a 13-year journey to reach 100% disability—a path made possible with professional assistance from REE Medical. My VA Disability Journey: From 50% to 100% P&T Compensation and Pension Exam Requesting a Disability Rating Increase How REE Medical Assisted with a Disability Compensation Increase VA Temporary Disability Rating Increase How a Temporary Disability Rating Changed to Permanent Benefits of a Permanent VA Disability Rating The Compensation and Pension Exam Trap My first encounter with the VA's disability review process caught me completely unprepared. I received an appointment for my TMJ dental disability evaluation, but did not understand what a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam entailed. During the appointment, my jaw dislocated (a common TMJ symptom), and the doctor quickly took measurements before ending the exam. Months later, I was shocked to discover my disability rating had been reduced from 50% to 30%, resulting in a $300 monthly income reduction. What the VA doesn't tell veterans:  Many disabilities are automatically re-evaluated after three years based on the assumption that they improve after military service. Despite continuing to struggle with eating, yawning, and sleeping due to TMJ pain, I had to begin the arduous process of proving my disability still existed. After securing medical evidence from my dentist over numerous appointments, the VA finally reversed their decision, restoring my 50% rating with back pay. See my feature in AARP 7 VA Benefits Often Overlooked by Veterans The Frustrating Process of Requesting a Rating Increase For years, I diligently: Attended countless medical appointments Underwent procedures to reduce nerve pain Participated in physical therapy Took prescribed pain medications Despite these efforts and properly documenting everything, including having my physician complete Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), the VA repeatedly denied my requests for an increased rating. Each denial meant more missed work, more lost income, and growing frustration. How REE Medical Transformed My VA Disability Claim After a decade of unsuccessful attempts, fellow veterans suggested I seek professional assistance. My online research led me to REE Medical , which had positive BBB ratings and success stories in veteran forums. The REE Medical Process Free Consultation:  During my initial call, a representative evaluated my situation and reviewed my disabilities, ratings, and medical documentation frequency. They assessed my potential for an increase before accepting me as a client. Strategic Claim Filing:   REE Medical  advised me to immediately submit a claim to establish an effective date for potential back pay. They helped me focus only on disabilities eligible for increases. Documentation Support:  They provided structured guidance for completing DBQs thoroughly and honestly, ensuring all my medical evidence aligned properly with VA requirements. Medical Evidence Preparation:   REE Medical  reviewed all my documentation and helped prepare my case for submission after additional medical visits. The Life-Changing Result: 100% Temporary Rating After months of waiting, I received the notification that my rating had increased to 100%. Most of my claims were approved, exceeding what was necessary for the maximum rating. However, the VA initially classified this as a temporary rating pending reevaluation in two years. Following advice from my Wounded Warriors Project case manager, I continued regular medical visits to document my ongoing conditions. See my feature in Military Families Magazine Veterans Build Debt-Free Life After the Military From Temporary to Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability When my reevaluation period passed, I nervously awaited the VA's decision. To my relief, they reviewed my consistent medical documentation and awarded me 100% Permanent and Total disability status. The Benefits of 100% P&T VA Disability Rating in Florida Receiving a permanent and total disability rating has provided numerous benefits: Education Benefits:  Free bachelor's degree for my children at Florida state universities Vehicle Benefits:  Disabled veteran tag for my primary vehicle Property Tax Exemption:  Complete elimination of property taxes (previously only a $5,000 exemption) Recreational Benefits:  Free access to state parks and a free fishing license Parking Benefits:  Free parking at airports and metered downtown locations There are many other benefits in Florida, but these are the ones I use most often. A comprehensive list of benefits for veterans available in your state can be found here . Related: VA Disability and Military Retirement COLA Increases for 2023. What You Need to Know? Could I Have Achieved 100% P&T Without REE Medical? While technically possible, my personal experience speaks volumes. After 12+ years of trying independently, REE Medical  helped me complete the process in just six months. This efficiency meant: No more missed compensation Reduced time away from work Peace of mind after years of struggle While I worked with both REE Medical  and the Wounded Warrior Project, every veteran's journey is unique. Research your options to determine if you can navigate the process alone or would benefit from professional assistance. VA Disability Resources for Veterans Want to learn how to save and budget your VA disability benefits? Contact me for a one-on-one consultation  about protecting your wealth and income. Official VA Resources File a VA Disability Claim Veteran Vocational Rehabilitation State Benefits for Veterans Veteran Service Organizations Disabled American Veterans Wounded Warrior Project Have questions about working with REE Medical  for your VA disability claim? Drop a comment below or contact me directly for personalized guidance.

Are you and your partner struggling with credit card debt? Feeling stressed about uneven income from your business or job? You're not alone. Many couples between 30-45 are juggling careers, possibly raising kids, and trying to get their finances in order—all at the same time. I recently worked with a couple facing these exact challenges, and I wanted to share some practical insights that might help you too. Why Money Gets Complicated for Couples When Your Income Isn't Steady If you or your partner runs a business or works freelance, you know the stress of inconsistent paychecks. This financial rollercoaster often leads to: Using credit cards to cover bills during slow months Putting off saving because "there's always next month" Arguments about spending when money is tight Feeling constantly worried about making ends meet When One Person Handles All the Money Many couples naturally divide responsibilities, with one person managing the finances. While this seems efficient, it can create problems: The other partner feels out of the loop Money conversations become awkward or tense One person feels all the financial pressure Different spending habits clash without regular check-ins First Steps to Financial Teamwork Setting Money Goals You Both Care About Before diving into budgets and spreadsheets, sit down together and talk about what matters to you both: What would financial success look like in one year? Which debts bother you the most? What lifestyle elements are non-negotiable for each of you? How can you support each other through this process? Remember: There are no wrong answers! The goal is to understand each other's priorities. Creating a Budget That Actually Works Forget complicated systems—start with the basics: Track where your money is going for at least two weeks List your fixed expenses (rent/mortgage, insurance, etc.) Identify areas where you're overspending Agree on spending limits for flexible categories Plan for irregular income by creating a "salary" system Pro tip: Try the free app You Need A Budget or a simple spreadsheet to track expenses. The important part is finding a system you'll actually use. Tackling Your Debt: Two Simple Approaches The Snowball Method (Best for Quick Wins) List all your debts from smallest to largest balance Make minimum payments on everything Put extra money toward the smallest debt When that's paid off, move to the next smallest Celebrate each debt you eliminate! The Avalanche Method (Best for Saving Money) List all your debts from highest to lowest interest rate Make minimum payments on everything Put extra money toward the highest-interest debt When that's paid off, move to the next highest Track how much interest you're saving Either method works—choose the one that feels most motivating to you both. Keeping Your Lifestyle While Cutting Debt Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank One of the biggest concerns I hear is: "Can we still eat healthy food on a budget?" Absolutely! Try these approaches: Meal planning around weekly sales Buying seasonal produce Cooking in batches to save time and money Finding one or two "splurge" items that matter most to you Gradually reducing restaurant meals rather than eliminating them Making Room for What Matters Your budget should reflect your values, not just restrict spending. Consider: Which activities bring you the most joy? What expenditures align with your health goals? Where can you cut back without feeling deprived? What free alternatives exist for expensive habits? Getting Help When You Need It What a Financial Coach Does Think of a financial coach as a personal trainer for your money. We: Help you create realistic plans based on your specific situation Provide accountability to keep you on track Teach practical money management skills Act as a neutral third party when couples disagree Celebrate your progress along the way The Cost vs. Value Question Professional financial coaching typically costs around $175 per session, with relationships lasting three to six months. Before dismissing this as "too expensive," consider: How much are you currently paying in credit card interest each month? What would it be worth to eliminate financial stress from your relationship? How would your lives change if you were debt-free in 12-24 months? Many clients find that the skills they learn save them thousands of dollars over time. Small Steps to Start Today Getting Comfortable with Money Conversations If money talks feel uncomfortable: Start with a "money date" over coffee or wine Share one financial goal you each have Discuss one area where you could cut back Agree to regular 15-minute check-ins Simple Systems Anyone Can Use You don't need an accounting degree to manage money well: Set calendar reminders for bill due dates Create a shared document for tracking expenses Use cash envelopes for categories where you tend to overspend Set up automatic transfers to savings, even if it's just $20 per paycheck Your Financial Partnership Starts Now Remember that financial success isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Every step you take together toward better money management strengthens both your finances and your relationship. The couple I worked with started with small changes: tracking expenses, having weekly money talks, and focusing on one debt at a time. Within three months, they paid off their smallest credit card and had a clear plan for the rest. You can do this too. The first step is deciding to face your finances together. This blog post is based on a financial coaching session with identifying details removed to protect client privacy. If you're interested in learning more about our beginner-friendly financial coaching services, reach out for a friendly consultation .

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