by Mrs C | Apr 10, 2020 | Blog
Remodeling your home can be exciting. It’s time to break out the hammer and work your muscles knocking out walls and countertops. Even though you may be doing most of the work, a remodel can quickly get very pricey. The last thing you want is to run out of budget and live in a house that has been torn apart. The following are a few tips that will help you stay in budget.
Create a Plan and Stick to It
Before you start knocking holes in your wall, you need to plan things out. If you jump the gun, you may find yourself close to finishing before you realize that things aren’t working out properly. Take the time to consider carefully what you want to accomplish and measure everything. You don’t want to build new cabinets and then realize they don’t fit right in their place. If in the middle of the project you get inspired to make a change, don’t be hasty. An ill-considered change can be disastrous. It’s best to stick to the plan. The only way to change the plan should be with a new plan that is equally thought out. This will keep you from overspending on things that you are just going to tear down.
Don’t Buy Everything New
You’re going to be working hard on the remodel, don’t you want the best quality? You want the best quality craftsmanship, but that doesn’t mean your tools and fixtures need to be new. If you are installing a new kitchen appliance, check out a refurbished one. They are like new, but at the fraction of the cost.
Unless you are a professional contractor, you likely won’t be needing the best tools and equipment out there on the market. Although these things save time, there isn’t any point in a fancy gadget that you will only use once. You can utilize everyday household items in order to save money. Be creative. For example, instead of buying paint drop cloths to protect your floor, use some old sheets!
Set Money Aside for Hidden Costs
When budgeting for your remodel, don’t plan on using every dollar you have. There are many hidden costs that can crop up in a remodel. You might open up your walls and discover pests or mold. You might break some plumbing. You may have to rewire a few things. You’ll want to finish your remodel under-budget so make sure that you have a good amount set aside to cover any hidden costs.
It’s time to turn your house into the home of your dreams. Be smart, get creative, and work hard. Follow these tips and you’ll soon have the most elegant home on the block. Just be sure to plan ahead and budget wisely.
Here’s another article you might like: 3 Everyday Household Items You Probably Have on Hand That You Can Use to Clean
by Mrs C | Apr 8, 2020 | Blog
Many people use a change in seasons to take the time to deep clean their homes. Even if you are just practicing your regular cleaning habits, you may be wasting your money on expensive cleaning products. You might be surprised to learn that you have some of nature’s most effective cleaning essentials already in your house. Here are three everyday household items that you probably already have on hand that you can use to clean.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is the king of the all-natural cleaning products. This gentle cleanser is a good way to wash walls and remove stains and grime from a myriad of surfaces. Mixing the baking soda with ingredients such as ammonia or vinegar with warm water can boost its cleaning power. For example, try using a one-third cup of both baking soda and vinegar to help unclog your drain. There is an abundance of possibilities when baking soda is used as your base cleaning product.
Lemons
The strong acidity of a lemon combined with the oil in its skin is an effective combo when needing to cut grease and add shine to your home. Applying fresh lemon juice to your bathtub or shower will help to cut soap scum. Or, simply cut a lemon in half and rub it all over your sink faucets to achieve a shiny and sparkling sheen. As a bonus, the fresh scent of lemon will make your home smell cleaner as well. Throwing the leftover skin and rinds of a lemon or any other type of citrus fruit in your garbage disposal will deodorize this part of your kitchen and leave the entire room smelling fresh.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has a multitude of uses. This popular cooking oil can loosen grime and stains. Dipping a clean cloth in a little olive oil is an easy way to clean your stainless steel appliances. In the same way, you can clean leather chairs with this oil. Mixing one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil is the perfect way to shine your wood kitchen cabinets. You can also manage the tarnish on your silverware by rubbing it with a little olive oil.
You don’t have to spend loads of money in the cleaning aisle of your grocery store. Using the items that you already have around the house will save you money and deliver a clean area without the use of harmful irritants.
Here’s another article you might like: What You Can Do to Save Money on Everyday Household Items
by Mrs C | Apr 2, 2020 | Blog
As spring begins to set in across much of the country, many people are gearing up for the start of the grilling season. Before you fire up the grill, it is important that you have a plan in place to get everything ready. Here are three ways that you can prepare for the grilling season so that you are ready to go.
Make Your Space
The key to any good barbeque experience is an appropriate space to use and store your grill. You want to make sure that your grill is placed at a safe distance from the exterior of the house. It is also important to have an aesthetically pleasing space that makes you want to stay awhile. You can achieve this by power washing your deck or patio area and sprucing up the space with some spring flowers or other decorative items. A patio table and chairs are also essential pieces of furniture needed to create a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction.
Check Your Grill
Checking any fuel tanks and connections is a major key to grilling safety. This makes looking for gas leaks the first step that you should perform when preparing for the season. You also need to thoroughly clean the grill before you fire it up for the first time. A solid wire brush with sturdy bristles will work the best to get between all of the surfaces. Be sure to let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
Research Recipes
Once you have your space and your grill ready, it is time to start collecting all of the recipes for food that you want to prepare using your grill. Don’t limit yourself to just meat. You can use your grill to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables and fruits. Grilling pizza is a fun spin on this classic dish. When you think outside of the box, you will discover that your grill has far more uses than simply making hamburgers and hotdogs.
While it may seem like a lot of front-end work, the effort will be well worth it when you sniff the first aroma of your mouth-watering barbeque food. Having everything in your grilling area ready to go will ensure that you can use that first beautiful day to enjoy some tasty food in the comfort of your own backyard.
Looking to save on your grocery expenses? Get coupons here!
by Mrs C | Apr 1, 2020 | Blog
Taking a road trip with the family can be an awesome way to see more of this huge, diverse country we live in. Road tripping is also one of the best ways to vacation on a budget — if you’re smart about it. By planning ahead you can take your family on a fun road trip without breaking the bank. Here are three things to keep in mind so you can travel on the cheap.
Fuel
When you’re on a road trip, fuel will be a big part of your overall spending. It’s helpful to use an app to find cheap gas near you so you can save money any time you need to fill up at the pump. Have a safety check performed on your vehicle to reduce unexpected emergencies. Keep in mind that some roads you travel on may require you to pay a toll road fee. Check out your planned route ahead of time to be aware of any tolls that need to be paid.
Snacks and Meals
Traveling with kids can mean stopping a lot for meals and snacks. Be sure to pack a cooler with plenty of drinks for the family and keep it easily accessible. Keep a full snack bag with your kids’ favorite snacks and some fun surprises of snacks that they don’t normally get at home. Some good snack ideas include fruit gummies, juice boxes, yogurt tubes, jerky, applesauce pouches, crackers, and granola bars. If you really want to save you can pack sandwiches for a road trip picnic at an interesting park or another outdoor spot on the way.
Affordable Activities
Road tripping allows you to stop at a lot of different attractions. Whether you’re into history, outdoor fun, museums, or sports, being on a road trip with your kids means you can take in the sights of all the areas you pass along the way. Before you leave for your road trip get activity ideas from everyone in the family and use those to plan stops on the way. Be sure to leave time for impromptu stops if you see something unexpected.
A road trip with the family can be affordable and fun if you prepare ahead. Have your car checked for safety and be aware of tolls along the way. A well-packed snack bag and loose itinerary will give you the freedom to enjoy the trip without the stress of finding food and activities.
by Mrs C | Mar 31, 2020 | Blog
There are a variety of factors to consider when you are ready to sell your home. However, without a doubt, one of the most important things you have to keep in mind is setting the right price. This is very important: Too high and you won’t get any offers, but too low and you risk costing yourself thousands of dollars. What should you keep in mind when you put your home on the market? Here are three tips.
The Price Must Be Right
Keep in mind that homes lose and gain value over the years, so choosing the right price can be difficult. This is why discussing pricing strategy with a real estate agent is a good idea. A realtor will be able to show you comparable homes in your neighborhood and give you a better idea of the right level to set your price. Of course, there are other strategies, too. For example, if there’s a seller’s market, you can price higher. Alternatively, if you are in a rush, you can lowball your home and see how quickly you can move.
Set Money Aside for Repairs
Unless you are selling your home in “as is” condition, you’re going to have to make repairs in order to get your house ready for the market. Sometimes, you can get by with a fresh coat of paint. Other times, more extensive repairs are needed. Talk with a realtor to determine what you will actually need to repair, and budget accordingly from there.
Check About Your Escrow Account
Most homeowners have an escrow account. This account is where tax and homeowners insurance are deposited, then distributed by your mortgage company when it’s time to make a payment. The issue depends on timing. Depending on when it’s time for you to move, you may owe money to the escrow account, or be owed thousands of dollars. The answer truly depends on the billing cycle and when you move, so make sure you check out this information before you do move.
Each individual’s price point will be different, depending on a variety of factors. The best thing you can do is talk with financial and real estate professionals to determine the right decision for you. Remember, this is a major decision. Consulting with appropriate experts will help to ensure that you ultimately make the right one for you and your financial future.
Read more money-saving tips in this article: What You Can Do to Save Money on Everyday Household Items
by Mrs C | Mar 30, 2020 | Blog, Coupon Blog
When you urgently need money for a significant expense, you might be tempted to clear out a credit card or borrow from a shylock. But there are myriad finance options that you can explore without hurting your credit rating.
Collateral is something of value that helps secure a loan. This is what a lender uses to protect themselves when they agree to lend you cash. If you fail to repay the loan, they can sell the asset to recover their money. If you are considering taking on a secured loan, it’s essential to understand how collateral loans work.
Types of Collateral
The collateral required depends on the amount you want to borrow and the loan type. So, what can be used as collateral?
- Real estate: Using home equity as collateral when applying for a small loan is a standard feature. That commonality, primarily to lenders, trickles down to a few key aspects: Real estate assets are valuable, they retain value over time, and are widely available.
- Savings: Lenders also prefer savings as collateral. And you can easily understand why- a bundle of cash ensures that the shylock can regain losses while avoiding the hassle that comes with selling a real asset.
- Invoices: If you have loyal customers and they are slow to pay up, you’re bound to hit a snag when conducting daily business operations. Lenders can help you keep your business afloat through a collateral loan solely based on outstanding invoice balances.
Other Examples of Secured Loans
Other secured loans can include:
- Personal loans: They are used by consumers to service existing debts, finance everyday expenses or build credit rating.
- Auto loans and mortgages: These two are the most common types of collateral loans utilized by customers. Most lenders demand that these assets be estimated to gauge the real value of the collateral.
Repossession
If you don’t pay up the loan within the agreed period, the repossession company will use different repossession strategies to get the collateral returned. What you didn’t know is that repossession may leave a dent on your credit finance history. However, the impact lessens over time such that your delinquency can be erased seven years after loan defaulting.
There are a few repossession strategies that your lender is likely to employ. They can repossess the asset with or without court notice, based on terms outlined on the collateral agreement. Technically, they can shift to gear as soon as you miss making payment.
Borrowing Without Collateral
If you are not willing to pledge collateral, you may as well look for a lender that will render you cash based on your signature, or another person’s name. Options include online loans (the amount is limited), getting a co-guarantor to apply the loan for you, or merely going for unsecured loans like credit cards.
Ultimately, acquiring a collateral loan is a brilliant idea if you are sure that you’re going to pay it back. It’s a great way to get lower interest rates than unsecured debt can offer. Take advantage of it and you could save yourself a lot of money!
Low on money? We can help you cut down your expenses! Click here to check out coupons for great savings!
