Problem: Article: Your off-the-grid lifestyle will be more secure if you are able to pay for upgrades, repairs, or other things when you need them. To ensure you're able to do so, save as much as possible before going off the grid, and continue to save wherever possible after going off the grid. Since every off-the-grid person has different needs and expenses, it is impossible to know how much any particular person should save. A good general rule, though, is to have at least six months' worth of income saved. Even if you've started out your off-the-grid lifestyle with a large nest egg, you should work to buy only what you need and save as much money as possible. This means, for instance, finding alternative forms of recreation and entertainment. Instead of going to a concert or play, you could watch a film or read a book at home. Avoid buying alcohol, cigarettes, makeup, and other nonessential items. Once you're living off the grid, you'll be able to save lots of money that would normally go towards utility bills. This will allow you a prime opportunity to quit your job or cut back your hours at work. You could then turn your hobby into a moneymaking enterprise. For instance, if you're a seasoned cross-stitcher, you might want to sell your cross-stitched designs online or at a local farmer's market. If you've always enjoyed writing, you could devote yourself more fully to writing and start publishing a monetized blog or write articles for online publications. Many people are interested in living off the grid. If you wish, you could monetize a blog, produce videos, or write a book about your experience of living off the grid. You could also host others in a kind of off-the-grid exchange program.
Summary: Save up a large amount of money. Eliminate unnecessary expenses. Use your hobbies to make money. Turn your knowledge of off-the-grid living into financial opportunity.

Problem: Article: Just as with hiccups in humans, there is no clear way to stop hiccups in dogs. However, some people swear by total relaxation as a way to eliminate hiccups. Put your dog in a comfortable spot and pet it repeatedly until it is calm. Perhaps if it is relaxed enough the hiccups will end. While the underlying cause of hiccups is unknown, some argue that eating quickly, and thus taking in an excessive amount of air when you eat, can increase the likelihood of hiccups. If your dog has a tendency to eat too fast, you can purchase dog feeders designed to slow your dog's eating. There are special dog dishes that make your dog pick up their food one piece of kibble at a time. For example, the "green egg" design with solid plastic flat finger like projections is made specifically to slow a dog's eating down. If your dog drinks too fast, dishes have been designed with plastic projections that force the dog to lap their water slowly. Consider using a DIY solution. Find a large rock (baseball sized or larger) that you can scrub clean and place it in the center of your dog's dish to slow the dog's eating or drinking. Only do this if your dog won't take the rock out and play with it, as rocks can damage a dog's teeth. For the most part, some hiccuping sessions in dogs are unavoidable. Just remember that the hiccups will eventually run their course without causing any harm to your dog. Hiccups are especially prevalent in puppies. It is perfectly normal for your puppy to hiccup quite a bit. If you are worried about your dog's lung health, then get the dog checked out by a veterinarian. This way any respiratory illnesses, such as kennel cough or dog influenza, won't be exacerbated by the hiccuping sessions.
Summary: Relax your dog. Slow your dog's eating and drinking down. Accept that hiccuping occasionally is normal. Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date.

Problem: Article: One of the most important ways to learn to become respectful of other cultures is to spend some time reflecting on your own beliefs and biases. Each of us has what is known as a "filter". The filter impacts how we see other cultures. Your filter describes the way you view the world. Many different factors can affect your filter. Some factors that affect your view, or filter, are ethnic background, religion, and age. Your filter is also affected by your income level and your education level. Spend some time reflecting on your filter. Ask yourself questions such as, "How does my income affect the way I look at others?" or "Do I have any biases because of my religion?" Becoming more self-aware can help you realize new things about your own culture. This, in turn, can open your eyes to appreciating cultural differences. In order to respect other cultures, it is important to understand something about them. You can expand your knowledge by doing some research. Start by reading about the culture you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in Japanese culture, look for a book on the history of Japan. Background knowledge of the history can help you comprehend the culture. You can also try fiction. Reading a fictional account of a new culture can give you a more clear understanding of what life is like in that culture. Try reading Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" for an interesting story about life in Nigeria. Or consider reading Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" to learn about Italy, India, and Indonesia. Ask your local librarian for guidance. Ask for recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction works. Religion is an important part of many cultures. Learning more about a different religion can help you understand cultures other than your own. Take some steps to learn more about religion. Attend a different type of worship. If you are Catholic, you might have only experienced a traditional Catholic mass. Visit a different type of worship service. For example, visit a Jewish synagogue or go to a mosque. Make sure to inquire as to whether visitors are allowed at services. Also take care to ask about any guidelines for dress or behavior. Do your research. Read books and newspaper articles about different religions. For example, you could read about what it means to be a Buddhist. Furthering your education is a great way to learn to respect other cultures. You could take a traditional course at your local community college. For example, you could take a course on Russian literature. Colleges also offer classes in topics such as the history and religions of other cultures. Many of these types of classes are even available online, and some are free. Ask a friend to take a class with you. The two of you could have fun learning to speak beginning Spanish. Make an effort to have a conversation with someone from another culture. Meeting someone new, or having an in-depth talk with someone you know, will help you gain a more personal understanding of another culture.This can help deepen your respect. Try to place yourself in situations where your will be around people from many cultures. If you are in college, your campus might sponsor multi-cultural awareness events. Make it a point to attend. Make an effort to make new friends. Join a new sports team or spend time in a diverse neighborhood. Take time to talk to people. Listening to their stories and experiences is a great way to connect with a new culture.
Summary:
Practice self-awareness. Read a book. Study religion. Take a class. Talk to a new person.