by Mrs C | Jan 21, 2020 | Blog
One of the most important elements of raising a healthy and secure family is ensuring that the finances are in solid standing. Here are three financial mistakes that you should avoid as a family.
Not Practicing Financial Security
Your finances should always be kept secure and protected. Keep in mind that identity theft can happen to anyone, so you should take steps to minimize your risk of identity theft. Monitoring your credit reports and other financial activity can help you to identify possible identity thefts before too much damage is done. You should also always try to use a credit card instead of a debit card when making online purchases. It is easier to recoup the charges on a credit card than a debit card should an identity thief get control of your information, and you won’t have to deal with facing a drained bank account.
Paying More Than You Have To
It is easy to pay more for goods and services than you need to if you are not careful with your budgeting. Knowing the best rates for products and services will keep you informed so that you do not spend more than you need to. Take advantage of sales and coupons in order to save money on the things that you purchase regularly. It is simple to compare prices when shopping online, ensuring that you always get the best deal. Be sure to shop around when pricing out services like internet, cable, and insurance. These prices can vary widely between vendors.
Setting a Poor Example
Kids are extremely impressionable, and their parents serve as their primary role models as they grow up and mature. One of the most common financial mistakes that many parents make is not setting a good example for their children about being responsible with money. Children who see their mom and dad living paycheck to paycheck and using their credit card as a bank account will tend to grow up thinking that this is a normal and acceptable situation. Instead, you want to model responsible budgeting for fiscal responsibility for your children so that they learn how to manage their own finances in the future.
Savvy family leaders understand the importance of putting the health of your finances at the forefront of priorities. Not only will you ensure the financial security of your family, but you will also set a good example for your children.
If you’re looking for more money-saving tips, check out this article: How to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home
by Mrs C | Jan 20, 2020 | Blog
While prepping your car for winter may seem easy, knowing what to focus on can sometimes be a mystery. From making sure your engine is in good condition to prepping your tires for snow and ice, there are a few specifics you need to focus on. Here are some items for you to keep in mind when preparing for cold weather.
Windshield
In between the months of the scorching summer sun and the freezing snow and ice, your windshield takes a beating. Particularly, in the winter, you need to make sure your windshield can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Replace your wiper blades with ones that can clear rain and snow. In addition, check for any cracks in your windshield that could buckle under the heavy weight of piled-up snow.
Check Your Tires
Depending on where you live and how much snow you get, you might want to opt for snow tires. This is especially important if you reside in an area known for heavy snowfall. It’s never a good idea to attempt driving on tires that lack tread. Newer tires offer deeper tread patterns that not only provide a smoother ride when the roads are dry but also make your tires more effective for driving through snow. You may also want to consider adding tire chains if you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and ice. You can always have them removed when winter is over.
Energize Your Battery
With temperatures often falling below freezing, it’s not uncommon for car batteries to die. In fact, even new car batteries can lose their charge more quickly in extreme cold. Make a point of checking how much of a charge your battery has on a regular basis. Your local mechanic can do this in less than five minutes. If found to be too low, they can charge it, ensuring you’re not left stranded.
Check the Undercarriage
You also need to look under your car and make sure that everything is intact. Low-lying mufflers and exhaust systems are prone to falling off when trying to drive over mounds of snow. If you’re car-savvy, have a look at the undercarriage, and look for any panels that need tightening as well.
Whether you’re knee-deep in snow already or still waiting for the first flake to fall, it’s never too early or late to prepare your car for winter. While it’s usually better to have seasonal maintenance performed before the winter begins, you should take the necessary precautions at any time. By doing this, you can ensure your safety while driving in those harsh, winter conditions.
For more safe driving tips, read on here!
by Mrs C | Jan 9, 2020 | Blog
Taking out a mortgage loan is a major endeavor. Whether your mortgage will be for a residence or for a business, the process can be complicated and involved. Careful research while choosing a loan and keeping on top of your mortgage policy during the lifetime of the loan are sensible strategies. The following are some steps you can take to keep your financial house in order.
Ask Questions
After you’ve done your research and narrowed down your list of mortgage lenders, it is important to stay in communication with the lending institution and the key personnel who will be managing the loan process. A home mortgage involves many prescribed actions for both legal requirements and standard financial lending policies. Asking questions during the process ensures that there are no surprises on signing day and that you are fully aware of all your obligations. Staying in frequent communication with your chosen lender also helps prepare you for any future details once it has been finalized.
Organize Your Finances
Your financial situation is a major factor during the mortgage process. There are federal requirements as to the amount of money you must provide as a down payment, and various types of mortgage loans have different policies regarding these amounts and percentages. The lender will also be examining your current financial situation and your past financial credit history. There may be changes you can make to improve the terms and conditions of your mortgage loan offer.
Comparison
Along with asking questions during the research and informational phase, it is also a good idea to continue to review the policies at the institutions. Things can change, including interest rates and any specials the banks may be offering. As a result, you may want to go in a different direction, choose another lender or select an alternate type of mortgage if another becomes more attractive. If you’re considering purchasing a house, you can use a calculating tool to compare mortgage rates.
Existing Mortgage
If you have an existing mortgage, you may want to investigate current mortgage conditions to see if you can refinance your mortgage and change your terms. You can compare your agreement as it now stands against other loans available at different financial institutions. You may be able to save substantial costs in future interest rates, even if you have to pay some upfront fees such as closing costs. Staying cognizant of your personal and business finances is always a good idea. Reviewing and revisiting your mortgage policy is one way to ensure that you are always informed about your current financial circumstances.
Looking into getting a new home? Be sure to stock up on cleaning supplies. For great deals click here!
by Mrs C | Jan 8, 2020 | Blog
Sometimes, a rustic getaway is what you need. Spending time in a cabin often challenges you in new ways, and if you’ve never stayed in a cabin, you may be unsure of what you need to bring. Here, we’ll go over some of the key things to bring along on your cabin stay.
Food and Drink
In many cabins, your ability to prepare food is somewhat limited. Unless the cabin is equipped with modern appliances, you’ll probably have a wood-burning stove. Many cabins also have small outdoor grills. As for water, many cabins depend on wells. According to Brown Well Pump, well water is typically delivered via one of two types of pumps. Before you go, check to see if the water is safe to drink—if it isn’t, you may need to boil it first.
What foods you bring depends largely on personal taste, but bringing food items that taste delicious and are easy to prepare is a good idea. Burgers and grilled vegetables are an easy and tasty choice, as is a classic bacon and egg breakfast. Brainstorm with your group to choose fun foods to bring along.
Activity Supplies
While a cabin is a great place to spend a getaway, you probably won’t want to spend all your time cooped up inside. Hiking is one of the most popular activities people do when staying at cabins. Make sure you bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a way to bring any food and water you may need on the trail.
If you’re staying somewhere near water, according to Reserve America, fishing and boating are two other activities you might want to pack for. And since many cabins are near road bike and mountain bike trails, bringing your bike may be a good idea. In winter, you might want to pack skiing or snowshoeing gear to let you explore the outdoors.
Fire and Safety Supplies
If you’re staying in a rustic or primitive cabin, according to Chalet Village, you’ll need a few extra supplies. If your cabin has a fireplace or wood stove, be sure to bring firewood. A few flashlights can be helpful when navigating at night. And since many cabins don’t have dish soap or towels, bring these. It’ll make washing dishes faster and easier.
A cabin getaway gives you a break from everyday life and lets you take time to recharge. By planning your visit and bringing everything you need, you’ll ensure that you have an enjoyable and relaxing time.
If you’re planning a vacation soon, here’s another article you might find helpful: What to Know About Renting a Boat on a Family Vacation
by Mrs C | Jan 8, 2020 | Blog
When it comes to running an energy- and budget-friendly home, what and how you use certain features makes all the difference. Families, more than ever, are aware of the harmful carbon footprint homes leave every single day. Along with that concern, they are also trying to save money in the process. So here are some of the best methods to cut your energy costs at home.
Be More Efficient
One of the easiest and fastest ways to start cutting down on energy costs is to be more efficient. You can accomplish this goal by purchasing more energy-efficient appliances, devices and much more. If you can figure out how much energy an appliance will use, you can easily figure out how much it will cost to run, which allows you to evaluate whether or not you can afford it. One of the most popular and easiest areas to fix today is your light bulbs. Switching from traditional bulbs to more green versions can provide you with lower yearly costs on your light bill. Although these do cost a little more, they also last you a lot longer.
Use Renewable Energy
You might have heard about this before on the news or from your neighbors. The power of the sun is the energy of the future. When people say sun power, they mean solar panel technology. Although this energy tech has been around for many years, only now has it become affordable to the everyday person. Yes, many of the panels on the market are still what consumers would consider to be expensive, but they are not out of reach. In fact, there are many financial benefits to purchasing solar panels for your home. There are many tax credits for solar panels to incentivize you to go in that direction.
Insulate Your Home Properly
A common frustration among homeowners emerges after they’ve done everything right. They’ve installed solar panels, changed their lighting choices and turned off any unnecessary lights around the house. Yet they still can’t manage to bring down their monthly energy costs. What could be the problem? Often, the answer to this issue is insulation. A lack of insulation can prevent you from reaping the rewards of being energy efficient. Therefore, it is incredibly important for homeowners to hire professionals and determine what areas of their properties need to be insulated.
Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to cut down on your energy costs. However, in order to lay down a strong foundation for other options you might be considering, it is recommended to follow the tips listed above.
Here’s another article you might like: Ways to Involve Your Children in Common Household Tasks and Responsibilities
by Mrs C | Jan 8, 2020 | Blog
It’s something you knew was coming but were never really prepared for: the day you begin to teach your teen how to drive. Understandably, this can be one of the most exciting yet challenging times in both of your lives, so it’s necessary to get things right. As you begin the process of teaching your teenager how to drive, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Rules of the Road
When your teenager is about to learn how to drive or has already gotten their driver’s permit, there are a few ground rules that you mist established first. First, you must establish the rules in order to avoid any conflict during the actual driving lesson. Laying these out before leaving the driveway can provide them with expectations and little to no surprises. According to Brauns Law, in preparation for your teen learning to drive, they should study the driving materials. You can quiz your child to ensure they know the proper rules of the road before they go out driving for the first time. Some of these can include asking them a question such as, “Should you use your phone to change a song?” or, “Can you turn left on a red light?”
Vehicle Privileges
Most teenagers don’t own their own car and often will use their family’s car instead. However, even if they do own their own car, you should still make sure that driving is not a right but a privilege. You can instill this into your teen by setting up some rules. One is that you, the parent, always have control of the car keys. This means they must always ask you to borrow the car when they want to use it. Secondly, they should also adhere to certain rules that may not be illegal but can help you establish your authority. These may include always having an adult present, not driving on high-speed roads and nor driving through bad weather. Also, make sure they know never to allow one of their friends to drive the car without permission from you.
Set the Example
Teenagers are very observant about everything they see around them. This is why they often get into trouble. When a parent tells them not to do something but then they see that parent doing that very thing, it provides the teen with an excuse to break the rules. Therefore, when you are driving with your teenager, it is important to always follow your own rules, according to Top Driver. This means not answering that work call and remembering to wait until a stoplight to change the music. These moments are crucial and should be taken seriously the next time your teenage driver is present with you.
Teaching your teenager how to drive for the first time is a very challenging experience for both parties involved. Not only is there the possibility of conflict, but all the important topics you want to cover may simply go in one ear and out the other. This is why it is imperative to research what you’re going to say and do prior to getting into your car.
Here’s another article you might like: Ways to Involve Your Children in Common Household Tasks and Responsibilities
