Tuesday 29 September 2020

5 Ways to Save on Your Heating Bill This Winter

Autumn and winter bring many joys, but your home's heating bill is not one of them. While you may feel some relief at finally being able to give the air conditioner a break, soon enough the temperatures will start falling and you'll need to fire up the furnace. Luckily, you can save money on your heating bill without having to make major investments or improvements. Let's take a look at a few low-cost, or even free, strategies for lowering your heating bill this winter and keeping more of your money in your pocket.

Leave the Oven Door Open

People often focus on their kitchens as an area for improving functionality and efficiency. In fact, 14% of homeowners in 2018 planned to make improvements to their kitchens. While these improvements can transform a homeowner's kitchen into one they've always dreamed of, they often come with a hefty price. To lower your heating bill this winter, you don't have to spend any money in the kitchen and can instead make better use of an appliance you already use in there.

After you make dinner or bake holiday treats in the oven, try leaving the door open a crack. Your oven generates and holds a lot of heat. By letting it escape into the kitchen and warm it up, you're putting that heat to good use. Your kitchen and any surrounding rooms will make use of the oven's heat and your furnace will be able to run a little less.

Use Ceiling Fans for Circulation

You may only be used to running the ceiling fan to cool off in the warmer months, but keeping it on in the winter can help circulate warm air in your home. Try setting your ceiling fans on low and make sure they're rotating clockwise. This will force the warm air that rises and gets trapped near the ceiling downward, making your home feel a bit warmer.

Clean Heating Vents and Radiators

Your heating system can only perform its best when it's free of dust and debris. Just as one compromised part of an air conditioning system can force it to work harder, reduce energy efficiency levels, and increase energy bills, a clogged-up heating system will struggle more to efficiently heat your home. Get your heating system to work as efficiently as possible by frequently cleaning the built-up dust out of your radiators and baseboard heat vents.

If you're willing to spend a little money, you could call a heating professional to take a look at your system before winter comes in full force. While you will need to pay the professional, they will be able to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible to save you money in the long-run. They can also perform preventative maintenance to help ensure that your heating system doesn't give out during the cold winter months.

Lower the Thermostat

This is one of the easiest and most effective tricks to saving money on your heating bill. You can save up to 3% on your heating bill for each degree you lower your thermostat over a 24 hour period. If you don't have any pets at home, try to lower the thermostat every time you leave the house so that you aren't heating the home unnecessarily. You can also lower it at night when everyone is sleeping.

Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a flexible product that attaches around windows and doors with a self-adhesive. By installing weatherstripping around the tops, sides, and bottoms of windows and doors, you can lessen the amount of heated air that escapes from your home. It will also help prevent cold drafts from coming in. The concrete that makes up the floor of your garage or the steps outside of your front door may be the most used manmade material in the world, but it tends to hold on to frigid temperatures. You can keep the coldness from the concrete outside where it belongs with weatherstripping.

The cost of weatherstripping will vary depending on the type you use, but it is typically about $10 for a 10-foot roll. This small investment could lead to major savings on heating, especially if you live in an older home with large gaps around doors and windows. You can also install door sweeps, or door shoes, to further insulate your doors, but this will cost a bit more.

If you always find yourself dreading the high heating bills of winter, mitigate your fears with these money-saving strategies. Every small effort counts and will contribute to a significantly lower heating bill this winter.

How to Prep Your Home for Winter Travel

Winter is a great time to cash in on off-season bargains and enjoy exciting new destinations without having to fight peak-season crowds. Winter travel, however, may require a bit of extra planning on the front end. Before you escape the seasonal drudgery for those exotic tropical landscapes, be sure you give your home the extra care needed to ensure it’s in tip top shape when you return.

The following cold weather preparation doesn’t take a lot of work, but missing important parts of this weatherization process could result in huge headaches and even bigger repair bills.

Before You Start

Before you begin your travel preparations, be sure you’ve completed your routine annual winterization. Some things you may need to check off your list include:

  • Closing your pool for the winter.

  • Shutting off your irrigation system.

  • Disconnecting and draining any outdoor hoses.

  • Closing exterior vents around the foundation of your home.

  • Securing or storing lawn furniture.

Once you’re sure your yearly tasks have been accomplished, it’s time to move on to getting your house ready for your absence. Here are some items to add to your pre-trip checklist that will give you confidence your home is safe and secure while you’re away:

Do Some Preliminary Cleaning

Before you leave, remove any old food from the refrigerator, throw some citrus peels down your garbage disposal, wash the dishes and be sure take out all the trash. A stinky house is not the welcome you want when you return to the realms of reality.

It can also be helpful to spend some time cleaning or replacing your cabinet shelving. Leaving crumbs and food particles around could be an invitation for rodents or insects to feast while you’re away. 

To lessen the stress of your return even more, consider washing your bedding and towels and doing a routine cleaning. It always feels good to come home to a clean house.

Unplug Electronic Devices and Small Appliances

Computers, microwaves, TVs and other electronic devices or small appliances continue to use energy even when not in use. Be sure to unplug unused equipment and anything with a digital display while you’re away. This will save energy when you’re gone and decrease the possibility of an electrical fire.

If you’re going to be gone for a while or if your house is easily seen from a road, install timers on your lights. A home that is dark for a long period might draw unwanted attention. Timers can be set to mimic your regular routine, making it appear as if someone is there.

Safeguard Your Water Pipes

Before you leave, turn off your water at the master shutoff valve and drain your pipes by running the faucets. This will protect your home from water damage if a pipe does burst despite the precautions.

If there won’t be any pets in the home, open your cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around the pipes. If you have a bathroom or other source of water in an unheated basement or garage, you may want to wrap the plumbing with an appropriate insulating material.

Lower the Thermostat

There’s no need to keep an empty house at 75 degrees. Lower your thermostat to about 55 degrees while you are gone. This saves energy but is still warm enough to keep your pipes from bursting.

If you’re leaving a pet at the house, you may need to adjust for that, especially if they are older or have health problems. You can also leave them a big fleece blanket near a register just in case they get cold.

If you have a fireplace, double check to make sure all flues and dampers are closed. You may want to lower the temperature on your water heater for added savings as well.

Recruit a House Sitter

A house sitter doesn’t have to move in while you’re gone. If you have a trusted neighbor or a friend who lives close by, ask them to pick up your mail and keep a general eye on the place. You may want to give them a bit of cash — or maybe you can return the favor the next time they go away.

Another option is if you have pets at home, ask the person you’ve hired to care for them if they would be willing to pick up your mail. Chances are they will be walking by the box at some time anyway, and they probably won’t mind picking it up.

Preparing for a long winter absence may be stressful and a bit overwhelming. However, with a methodical system and good checklist, you can spend your time enjoying the sunshine and those umbrella drinks instead of worrying about what’s happening at home.


Monday 28 September 2020

Mom's biggest fears about moving



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Featured Image

Alt-tag: A mom and a girl surrounded by moving boxes.

Whether you are looking for a bigger home or just a change of scenery, finding a new place to call your own can be an excellent step for your family. However, moving can be difficult and stressful at times, and even more so for moms. There are many more things to consider when moving with kids than there are for those relocating alone. In this article, we look at mom's biggest fears about moving and how to deal with them to have a successful transition.

Financial concerns

Moving can be costly, even more so if you are buying a home for the first time. Moms usually worry about finances, especially if they are going through this during the pandemic. If you want to avoid issues in this aspect, it would be good to know about the move as early as possible and start saving. It is a good idea to have something for a rainy day, which you can use during this time. Having emergency funds in case something unexpected comes up will give moms a valuable peace of mind.

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Caption: Money issues are one of mom’s biggest fears about moving.

Alt-tag: A woman making a moving checklist.

Not finding the right school is one of mom's biggest fear about moving

Many families move to different cities looking for excellent school districts. One of mom's biggest fears about moving is that schools will not provide an excellent education for her kids. Private schools are an option, but they are tremendously expensive. So, what should you do? Going online and visiting sites for school ranking in your intended city can make choosing a school district easier. Also, you can schedule a visit with your kids, and ask the staff whatever you want. This will mitigate your fear, but it will also help kids adapt to going back to school

Getting ready for the relocation on time

Moms usually handle packing for a move, trying to remember everything and avoid disasters such as broken items. To stay organized and focused, you can make a moving checklist and gather moving supplies as soon as possible. Ask family and friends to help if it gets too stressful. Also, your kids might not need each of their toys in the new home, so try to explain that it might be best to donate them to someone in need.

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Caption: Packing everything on time and being ready when the moving day comes is a significant concern for moms.

Alt-tag. Mom’s biggest fear about moving is not finding a great school for the kids

Worries about the neighborhood

When choosing the ideal neighborhood to live in, there is always a fear that it might not be suitable for your kids to grow up in. You may wonder if there are too much traffic and noise or whether the crime rate is high.

In most cases, these fears are unfounded, but you can still do some things to be certain of your choice. If you want to make sure you choose an area where you can encourage your kids to make friends, visit the neighborhood several times during different periods of the day. This way, you will have a clear picture of what your life and your kids' lives would look there.

Getting stuck with a bad  home

Once you have decided to move to another city or country, the nail-biting starts. You might have a growing family and need a bigger home, but is the house big enough? What if it has outdated wiring or bad plumbing? Can you decorate the house the way you always wanted to?

If these fears are troubling you, make sure to do thorough research before purchasing the home. Moreover, always hire an inspector to check the wiring and the plumbing and to make sure that your house is in good condition. On the other hand, you might be just homesick for your old house and neighborhood. Try to think about what you love about your new home, do the decorations you want, and soon you will feel right at home.

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Caption: In most cases, fears about moving are unfounded.

Alt-tag. A woman surrounded by moving boxes.

Leaving friends and family

This can also be one of mom's biggest fears about moving to another city or country, and probably the hardest thing to do. It is never easy to change your routine and connections with your friends, and your children probably feel the same. It will be very hard at the beginning, but it is essential to stay in touch with your loved ones as much as possible. However, you should accept the change and try to make the most of it. While you should keep the connection alive with your old friends, you should also be ready to make some new ones in your area. It is also extremely important to encourage your kids to join school activities that they love so that they can also build some long-lasting friendships.

When you are a mom, you have so many responsibilities, and still, you have to stay on track and keep everything in order. When it comes to moving with your family to another city or county, you fear and worry about almost everything. Here we talked about mom's biggest fears about moving and how to combat them. Hopefully, our article will help you go through the moving process with kids smoothly and without any worries or fears.

Photos used: 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-holding-white-plastic-bottle-4569325/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/glad-woman-writing-down-notes-during-while-packing-4506226/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-holding-pen-4569896/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-t-shirt-lying-on-brown-cardboard-box-4553285/


Friday 25 September 2020

Your Health and You: What Diseases Should You Be Wary of in Your 50s and Beyond?


People are living longer and staying healthier than ever before. But, there are diseases that can sneak up on the 50+ crowd and cause health problems and if not treated, earlier death. By taking better care of themselves, seniors can live healthier, longer lives. Some changes involve lifestyle improvements and eating a better diet. Another way to stay healthier as one age might involve taking proven health supplements.

What is Klotho Protein?

The human body produces many helpful substances to heal itself. One such substance is klotho protein. some people produce more and some people produce less of this protein. Those people who produce more klotho protein stay healthier and have better cognitive performance levels. Klotho is produced in the human kidney and protects against kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Can Klotho Supplements help?

But some people do not produce enough of this valuable protein and this may lead to decreased insulin production. These people may benefit from taking supplemental klotho protein.

How is klotho protein administered to patients? Klotho is delivered by injection or by pill form. Lifestyle and diet changes can also increase a person's production of klotho. Exercise and vitamin D supplements may help increase klotho levels at least temporarily. People need to seek their primary physician's advice and testing to determine if taking a supplement to increase klotho will improve their health. Testing is not complete as to the many benefits of this supplement, but there are many diseases associated with aging that may respond to this supplement.

Diseases to Watch for If A Person is 50 Or Older

As people age, they need to have regular health checkups and follow a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a balanced diet. As a person ages, it is important to give up bad habits such as smoking and overindulgence in alcohol and other unhealthy substances. These health conditions may cause problems.

1. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bones, making them weaker and less dense. A doctor can administer a bone density test or DEXA scan.

2. An older person may develop age-related vision problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Getting regular vision checkups can avoid these problems or catch them in time for effective treatment.

3. Almost 43 % of older Americans have some extent of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests can catch hearing loss and treat it. Hearing aids can help.

4. Cognitive impairment or memory loss related to aging can be a real concern. The more serious form is Alzheimer’s disease which is a progressive and irreversible brain disease with no cure at this time. Prevention is an important consideration.

5. Diabetes is a disease whose risk gets greater as we age. Diabetes is a disease where a person's blood sugar or glucose is at too high levels and causes damage to many parts of the body. This is a condition that can be controlled.

6. Heart disease happens when an older body and an aging heart must work harder to move blood around the body. Heart attacks and strokes can also happen. Regular health checkups can detect heart problems and the doctor can prescribe medications to control it.

7. chronic pain and arthritis can make life uncomfortable. Joints can wear out with the fluid and cartilage in joints disappearing so bone scrapes on the bone. There are medications and treatments to control this condition.

8. There are other issues such as inner ear problems or medications causing problems with balance or dizziness. A doctor can help with this problem. Other problems that need attention could be incontinence and trouble sleeping or insomnia.

Living a healthier lifestyle and getting regular medical checkups can go a long way toward living longer and healthier lives. The good news is that there are things each person can do to live a healthier life as they age. Food supplements, a good diet, and exercise are all things that help the body stay healthier and function better.

Thursday 24 September 2020

Parents Must Use This Extra Time and Teach Their Kids How Money Works

 

In many parts of the country, kids are spending much more time at home. The time spent commuting to and from school has been cutout for those still learning from home, and many extracurricular activities are still canceled. Instead of letting your children play Fortnite all day, this newfound time each day creates an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their kids about money. 

 

Sadly, personal finance classes are non-existent in today’s academic curriculum. Children learn to add and subtract, but they don’t learn basic financial literacy. They aren’t shown critical money concepts like how to make their money grow, how to avoid debt and how to become financially stable adults. The result: widespread financial illiteracy and a society that continues to struggle with money. The worst part is it doesn’t have to be this way. We can’t rely on our education system to teach these important lessons, so it’s up to parents to teach their children. Now is the time. 

 

American consumer debt is nearly $14 trillion! This includes mortgages, car loans, credit card and student loan debt. While some of this debt is necessary (we all need a roof over our heads and a way to get around), the majority of it is a result of foolish spending, carelessness, thinking we can pay it off eventually, believing you have your whole life ahead of you to pay the debt down and other delusional reasons. Parents, remember this: all debt starts out small, and before you know it, once you add on interest and just getting by making the minimum payments, you have quickly dug yourself a really deep financial grave. 

 

If you are a parent, carve out 30 to 60 minutes each week and start teaching your kids how money works. Even if you haven’t been extremely successful with money yourself, you still owe it to your kids to better prepare them. Who knows, you may even learn something yourself. 

 

If you don’t know where to start, there are so many amazing resources from books and videos to online articles and games. One of the best ways to help your kids understand money is to tie their allowance to chores. This teaches them to connect money to value and teaches them to think, “How can I create value in exchange for money?”  

 

Some other basic principles to focus on: 

 

·       Teach your kids about money from objective reality.  It’s a nice thought to say everyone, regardless of financial status, has access to all the good things in life.  It’s also naïve and untrue.  

·       Right or wrong, wealth offers privileges, and the sooner kids know it, the more likely they are to do something about it. 

·       Teach your kids how to make their money work for them.  Teach them that money is a dynamic medium of exchange for goods and services that should circulate and grow.  

·       Teach kids that money is something to look forward to and to look at it from a consciousness of freedom, possibility and abundance, not something to dread or be frightened of.  

·       Having money won’t make you a better person; it just gives you more opportunities.

 

Financial illiteracy is the number-one economic crisis in the world, impacting more than five billion people across the planet. Don’t let your children become part of this statistic. Be a responsible parent and teach your kids how to avoid the cycle of endless debt, unnecessary spending and financial cluelessness. Teach them to take control of their financial future. The earlier they are when they learn about money, the more prepared they’ll be and the more success they will have with money. With this extra time on their hands, there’s never been a better time than right now to do it. 


By Steve Siebold 

 

Steve Siebold is a Certified Financial Educator (CFEd) and author of the book ‘How Money Works: Stop Being a Sucker.” www.howmoneyworks.com

7 Places to Encourage Your Parents to Retire

 


Retirement should be a time of rest, relaxation and enjoyment. The commutes have been driven, the projects completed and the checks cashed. It's time for a new adventure to begin.

Retirement provides the opportunity to move to a new area or begin traveling. Regardless of your parents' reasons for retiring, they will likely have more time and freedom on their hands. They should consider their retirement goals and objectives to choose an area that suits their needs.

There are many factors to consider when moving to a new location. Does the area have a high quality of life and low housing costs? Will it be an accessible travel destination when family comes to visit? What's the environment like, and are there any appealing activities?

Keep reading to discover seven unique cities that are great for retirement.

1. Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers is a charming midsized town in southwest Florida. The Caloosahatchee River runs through the city and into the Gulf of Mexico. There's a variety of relaxing activities, including extensive dining and shops.

It's a popular retirement area with an older population, which offers a sense of community and a calm atmosphere. The weather is warm year-round, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, golfing or resting at the beach.

2. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is home to beautiful award-winning beaches and a flourishing art scene. This town is only about an hour away from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, which means trips to the airport are a breeze. This growing metropolitan city offers shops and restaurants to keep tourists, families and retirees busy.

It also has extensive outdoor opportunities like nearby parks and golf courses. Like most places in Florida, the temperature is above the national average, so your parents can enjoy fresh produce and warm weather all year. Sarasota is an affordable option for anyone looking to retire by the beach.

3. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster offers the best of city and county living. Scenic farmland is a short drive away from downtown entertainment, and the Susquehanna River provides outdoor recreation and beauty throughout the year. Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, which means your parents can enjoy a range of weather and temperatures in their new home.

Living expenses in Lancaster generally follow the national average, but the exceptional health care makes this city stand out. It scored a 9.3 out of 10 on the Healthcare Quality Index, and it provides convenient resources. It's less than two hours away from cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, allowing residents to enjoy big-city perks without the outrageous prices.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

If your parents want to experience retirement surrounded by stunning views and a hip vibe, Asheville is ideal.

The Pisgah and Nantahala national forests surround the mountain town, which sits along the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Great Smoky Mountain region in western North Carolina. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, biking and exploring the natural vistas. If your parents love fly fishing, they can enjoy guided expeditions.

The downtown offers plenty of shops and handcrafted wares. You will frequently see buskers playing in the street in this trendy city. Other noteworthy activities include touring the Biltmore Estate and discovering the buzzworthy food scene. In many ways, this down-to-earth place is the full-package for retirees.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is famous for its music scene and is the perfect retirement home for anyone with an appreciation for country tunes. It's renowned for the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, where you can go to see live performances.

Additionally, this state capital is also considered a massive college town. Some people may think this a downside, but for others, it will keep them feeling fresh and young. Your parents can easily catch local professional sports teams like the Titans or Predator if that's their passion.

Nashville has an international airport, which makes traveling during retirement easy.

6. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is just east of Lake Michigan — you can be at the water's edge in less than an hour by car. This city is known for its art scene and has multiple museums. Once a year, it becomes a living art gallery drawing crowds from around the world.

Grand Rapids has something for everyone, with shopping malls, historic sites, golfing and beach fun. The city is also known for its craft breweries and culinary scene. In addition, this friendly region has a substantial LGBT community and hosts an annual pride event.

7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

As they say, everything's bigger in Texas — including the job opportunities in Dallas-Fort Worth. Maybe you're wondering why job opportunities should be a factor in retirement. The reason is twofold. If you want to live near your folks, this area offers terrific opportunities and affordable housing costs. Also, 55% of employees plan to work during retirement, so business growth may be a factor when choosing a new home.

This area is considered a metroplex that encompasses numerous counties. Located in the north of Texas, it's roughly a three-hour drive to Austin or Oklahoma City. The city offers a mix of cowboy and metropolitan vibes and has a growing young professional population. However, it's still ideal for retirement because of the friendly atmosphere and nonexistent income tax.

Start Exploring

This is the beginning of an incredible new chapter in your parents' lives. Start right by analyzing financial factors before helping them choose a new place to call home. Make a list of the cities that stood out to them and what characteristics were the best.

Remember, the world is your oyster, and nothing is stopping you or your parents from exploring it.

Wednesday 23 September 2020

How to Save Money on Your Next Family Home

 

Is it time to pack up and move the old homestead? Whether you are growing your family or merely need a change of scenery, you have many decisions to make. Considering that a home is the most significant financial decision many people make, expect to base judgments on economic factors. 

How can you save money on your next family home? The following eight tips can leave you with more cash in your wallet and less stress when you tuck yourself in at night.


1. Downsize

There are no two ways around it — the more space you have, the more your home will cost. This principle extends far beyond the initial purchase price. It costs anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 more a year to heat every additional 1,000 square feet of footage. That figure doesn’t include water or other maintenance. 

It makes sense to buy the smallest comfortable abode if money drives your decision-making. If you feel cramped, look for acreage. They aren’t making more land, which means you won’t lose money on the investment — and you can build an addition or she-shed later. 


2.  Go Modular

Today’s modular homes offer considerable advantages over traditional site-built models, and the finished version is indistinguishable from the latter. Manufacturers assemble components in the factory, meaning that weather will not delay construction and increase costs. 

Unlike mobile homes, modular homes increase in value at the same rate as traditional builds — you won’t lose on your investment over time. You will get a speedier move-in date and greater energy efficiency, further decreasing costs. 


3. Location, Location, Location 

You probably know that finding a new home in New York or San Francisco will come with a hefty price tag. In general, you pay less per square foot the further you travel away from a metro center. This situation presents a non-dilemma if you work from home and prefer the serenity of the country. 

However, if you live for the hustle and bustle or have to commute, consider those factors. What’s the point of splurging on a McMansion that you never see because you spend all your time driving to and from work? 


4. Identify Your Priorities

Before you so much as type “Zillow” into your web browser’s address bar, sit down and write a list of needs and wants. Needs are those things that bear little compromise. If you always wanted hardwood flooring to make kitty-vomit cleanup a breeze, that’s your prerogative! 

Many homebuyers value features such as Energy Star appliances throughout —  you can save a bundle on utility bills. Outdoor living areas and garage storage are other must-haves for many purchasers. 


5. Then, Choose Quality 

Once you determine what you will not live without, save yourself money on your next family home by investing in quality. While doing so may cost you more upfront, it will save you considerable cash over the long haul. 

For example, you will pay $60 per square foot on average for marble countertops if you upgrade later. If you are building a new home, you may find that you can include them as an option and save yourself considerable cash. Whip out your calculator and see what you can save by wrapping desired features into your mortgage. 


6. Spruce Up Your Old Pad

As much as you don’t want to spend money on the old homestead when you plan to move, some details could result in more cash when you sell. Finishing your basement can have a return on investment (ROI) of 69% in some regions. 

You should touch up your exterior and interior paint at a minimum — it costs little but makes your home look newer. Stone veneers, garage doors and steel entryways also add to your property value. They might help your real estate agent add the “sold” sign to your listing more quickly. 


7. Consider a Fixer-Upper

If you are the handy sort, why not consider a fixer-upper? Maybe you hesitate because you have heard too many fix-and-flip horror stories. However, there’s a world of difference between real estate speculation and saving money on your next family home. 

Even if you worked construction for years, get a professional home inspection before signing. Maybe you can tackle an indoor plumbing overhaul, but fixing a cracked septic tank is beyond your skillset. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew to have it cost thousands —realistically assess your abilities. 


8. Research Financial Aid Programs 

If you are buying your first home, your state may have programs offering anything from downpayment assistance to financial counseling. Look into these resources. 

Additionally, if you served in the military — thank you for your service — you can qualify for a VA loan. These instruments require zero money down. Some areas likewise provide incentives for professionals like teachers and police officers to move into disadvantaged neighborhoods.


Save Money on Your Next Family Home With These Tips 

When it comes time to buy your next family home, you want to save as much money as possible. The eight tips above can help you save ample cash for throwing a fabulous housewarming party. 

Tuesday 22 September 2020

Protect your children in a crash with these car seat safety tips


Being a parent means putting the welfare and the safety of your children first. This applies in every area of their lives, from cutting their food up so they don’t choke, to warning them of stranger danger and of course whilst you’re traveling in the family car. 

Of course, you may be a cautious and wary driver, however, that won't always prevent you from being in a car accident. And if the accident resulted in severe injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, you should visit robertslawfirm.net/newport-beach-personal-injury-lawyer/car-accident/ to hire a car accident lawyer who can help you secure compensation for all the damage you beared. How much is my Georgia car accident claim worth? Click the link to speak to a personal injury lawyer, now. 

However, there are ways you can keep your child safe whilst you're driving and increase their chances of survival and walking away from the accident injury-free. And that is where their car seat comes in. Having a good quality, and properly fitted car seat will ensure your child stands a better chance of being unscathed. 

Here I’ve gathered some simple car seat safety tips that will help you protect your child. Read on to find out more. 

Never use a damaged seat

Is the car seat in good condition? If you have an old car seat or one that was previously involved in a crash, then you should consider investing in a new one. Car seats have many mechanisms and components that work together to keep your child protected. However, if these parts become damaged, then the integrity of the seat could be questionable, and it may not work the way it is supposed to in the event of a crash. This damage may be obvious, or it may not be visible, either way if your current seat is damaged replace it immediately.  

Say no to second hand

Having kids is expensive, so it makes sense to try and save money where you can. Hand me downs and second-hand baby items are a great way to save on the essentials. However, one area where you shouldn’t consider buying second hand is the car seat. Older models may no longer meet current safety standards, they could have been recalled for safety issues or again, or they could be damaged. You can still pick up a reliable and safe car seat at a budget-friendly price, just make sure you shop around. 

Arrange a fitting

If you’re buying a new car seat, then purchase it from a company that also provides a free fitting service. This fitting demonstration will ensure you’re comfortable with fitting the seat yourself and it’s done correctly from the moment it’s purchased. If you forget how to fit the seat or you’re worried you’ve done it wrong, you can always take it back to the store for a refresher.

And finally, always fasten them in!

Did you know that the majority of car accidents happen within 5 miles of home? So, whether you’re driving to Grandma’s or just popping to the store for some milk, always ensure your child is correctly fastened into their car seat. It’s the best way to ensure their safety in the event of a crash.

Monday 21 September 2020

10 Seafood Recipes Your Kids Will Love

 


Kids know what they like, and most don't want to try new things, so it's a struggle to make something different for lunch or dinner. While they could eat boxed mac and cheese or hot dogs endlessly, you know they need more nutrients from natural foods. Seafood is an excellent source of nutrition, but how can you get children to eat it?

Check out these 10 seafood recipes your kids will love. They don't require much time or money, so the entire family can try new meals on any budget.

1. Crispy Cod Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a staple food for kids. They love getting them fresh in the drive-thru or on their tray during school lunches. Transition them to seafood without giving them something completely new by making crispy cod nuggets at home.

Cut fresh cod into nugget-sized pieces, then bread and fry them. Serve with a yummy side like sweet potato fries and have fun experimenting with various spices to personalize the recipe.

2. Low-Calorie Shrimp Alfredo

Alfredo pasta is essentially the grown-up version of mac and cheese, so you may already serve it at home occasionally. When you want this classic meal without all the calories, you can serve low-calorie shrimp alfredo.

Kids will love this healthy alternative seafood dish, especially if you find pasta in unique shapes. Give it in a pasta pot for a little heat with cajun seasoning or add it to your bowl after serving the rest of the family.

3. Grilled Fish Wraps

Whether it's a hot summer night or a holiday celebration, grilled fish wraps are the perfect seafood alternative to burgers. Your children will love this hands-on food and all the tangy goodness inside. They can even help you make the salsa and fold the wraps so everyone has fun with this new recipe.

4. Breaded Fish Sticks

Four ingredients are all you need to make your kids fall in love with breaded fish sticks. They have all the fun of chicken tenders. Bake them in the oven or put them in your air fryer before challenging the kids to dunk them in new flavors, like tartar sauce.

5. Cod and Pea Bites

Fighting with your kids to make them eat their veggies is about to become a thing of the past. Cod and pea bites are fried mouthfuls of goodness that hide the peas behind a wall of flavor. Add a bowl of buttery pasta or serve them on a bed of fresh salad to round out this healthy meal.

6. Seared Salt Block Tuna Steaks

You can make seared salt-block tuna to turn your kitchen into the next biggest seafood restaurant. This summer dish features a chile and citrus flavor profile that impresses even the family's youngest members. Cooking with a Himalayan salt block is easy and is sure to fascinate the pickiest eaters.

7. Lobster Mac and Cheese

Kids rarely turn down a bowl full of steaming mac and cheese, so toss some lobster into the pot, too. You can even make this casserole dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven when you have a busy night. Amp up the protein with a mix of lobster, crab and shrimp for a flavorful bowl of the ultimate comfort food.

8. Simple Fish Tacos

You're about to flip Taco Tuesday upside down. Get any fish you like at your local grocery store and marinate it before baking. Shred it with forks and serve with your kids' favorite taco fillings. The added corn slaw makes the perfect side dish for this colorful summer recipe.

9. Easy Tuna Pâté

When you find a stack of tuna cans in the back of your pantry and don't know what to do with them, make easy tuna pâté. The cheesy flavor balances out the taste of fish, so kids who usually shy away from tuna sandwiches won't mind it. It's also the perfect base for more flavorful experiments, like mixing in chili or hot sauce.

Depending on the night, you could make this a finger-food meal by serving it with crackers for dipping. It can also double as a sandwich filling between two slices of your family's favorite bread. You can toast or grill the sandwiches to take this recipe to the next level.

10. Homemade Seafood Pizza

Skip the delivery fees for your next pizza night and make homemade seafood pizza. This is a made-from-scratch recipe, including the dough. Indulge your inner baker and top the crust with plenty of cheese and bite-sized pieces of shrimp, scallops or anchovies. After just 10 minutes in the oven, you'll have a complementary dish for your family movie or game night.

Merge Their Favorite Foods

Although your children may not get excited at the thought of oysters or salmon-wrapped artichoke hearts, you can still introduce them to seafood by merging their favorite foods with new recipes. Try tuna steaks, seafood pizza, or lobster mac and cheese to show them that seafood can be fun and delicious.