About Agni Skafidas

Get ready for tax season

One of the beauties of Dubai is its tax-free nature. Unfortunately, some of us still have to file a tax return in our home countries. I’m lucky and only have to submit a “mini” tax return. The supporting documents, receipts and forms are already available and kept in one folder. It shouldn’t take my accountant too long to complete it. It’s not always this easy to get ready for tax season.

I’ve had my years where I scrapped for the receipts to get the most out of the different allowances and deductions. The stress of knowing that I had it but couldn’t find it drove me nuts. Until I changed to a system of collecting and sorting tax-relevant documents throughout the year, tax season always had a reputation. Please note this is not tax advice, just general information: Here are my tips to make tax season easier for you:

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Dealing with delays when travelling

This week, we had quite the excitement. My loved ones were delayed at an airport abroad for almost 14 hours and encountered multiple complications during the day. In the end, I booked them a new flight back home. Despite the hassle and their exhaustion, I counted my blessings that evening.

Have you been experienced any delays when flying? As annoying as it can be, what did you do? For us, it raised the question not only of how to deal with delayed air travel but also how to avoid them:

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Get it off the ground

When I looked for a title for this blog post, I had some ideas and googled for some inspiration. The Free Dictionary sealed the deal for me. It gave an example for getting things off the ground: “When we get this event off the ground, we can relax”. Isn’t relaxation what we want?! I took it as a sign and carried on!

If you are looking around your house, are you overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Do you feel relaxed? If not, win some ground by picking things up from the floor. It’s amazing how calming removing a few pieces will be. But why is this the case?

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Get on top of your emails

Another week has started and for those based in the Middle East, it’s already the second day of the working week. Yeah! The weekend is so close. I love it. What I don’t love, though, is coming back to work after the weekend and seeing my inbox filled with emails. How did this happen? Last week, I managed – drum roll, please – to reduce my inbox to a mere 49 emails. With my American and European team still working on Friday, emails were fired out and I’m back in the hundreds. Does this also happen to you?

Here are 8 tips to get on top of you emails again:

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No shopping for one month

I’ve read a number of articles where folks experimented how long they’d last not buying something. Often, shopping has a very calming effect. In the short-run, it gives you that pleasant feeling. Almost like a reward. You’ve made it through another tough day at work. Treat yourself to that nice handbag, that lipstick or that dress. You are worth it. It will make you feel so much better!

Yet, shortly afterwards, this positive feeling changes into guilty. Did I really need that handbag? How can I justify spending so much on a lipstick? Is that dress really looking that good on me?

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Clothes make the man

Have you ever tried out a new sport, all geared up to like the other athletes and yet, not having a clue what you needed to do? Did you look the part? Ready to participate, ready to play? It’s so easy to appear like the other sports people. Just buy the running shoes, the golf skirt or yoga pants and you’re in it.

But what happens when you know how to play but aren’t dressed accordingly? In certain sports, you may not be able to participate. Quickly put on the different gear in the changing room and off you go.

Yet, there are other areas in life, where you can’t quickly change.

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Be cool. Be grateful.

Simple MindsIt’s simple. I love my weekends and what better way to start it than by attending a concert with my friend? Simple Minds were playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Wow! The stadium was packed, the band put on a great show and we were just soaking up the fun surrounding us.

As I looked at the stars during one song, I realised again how lucky I am. It’s late January and we were outside (I admit the 21C/70F did feel cold though). It was a Thursday night, last day of our working week, and we were being entertained by a fabulous band from my childhood. I was spending the evening with one of my closest friends. I was simply grateful for what life gave me.

Gratitude which is defined as “being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.” can be such a cool thing. What are you grateful for?

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