How To Avoid Money Worries After An Injury

January 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

A serious injury can change your life in a big way, especially if you are unable to work. It can have a big impact on your mental well being if you struggle to do things that you would normally take for granted. People often lose their sense of purpose when they are out of work as well, and that can lead to mental health issues. After a serious injury like this, it’s important that you focus on your recovery and get back to normal as soon as possible, and you take steps to manage your mental health along the way. But that is hard to do if you don’t manage your finances properly as well. 

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When you are suddenly unable to work, it can put a real strain on your finances and that causes a lot of stress. If you don’t have a clue how you’re going to pay any of your bills and you are constantly worried about money, that will make your recovery a lot more difficult and increase the likelihood of developing a mental health problem. 

 

If you are out of work for a long time, you may end up relying on credit cards to pay your bills and that will lead to a lot of unnecessary stress. But if you follow these simple tips, you can easily avoid that situation.   

 

Make A Compensation Claim 

 

If you think that somebody else was to blame for your injury, especially if you were injured at work, you should consider making a compensation claim. If you get in touch with somebody like alex hernandez lawyer and speak with them about your situation, they will be able to help you make your claim. It’s important that you do this right away because the more evidence you can gather, the more likely you will be to win a settlement. The process can take a long time, so the sooner you get started, the sooner you will benefit from the money. Having that extra financial help there will make life a lot easier for you while you recover from your injury and get back to normal. 

 

Keep Working If Possible 

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In some cases, your injury will be too severe for you to work at all and you will have to take time off until you are fully recovered. However, you may still be able to work in some capacity and that will make it easier to manage your finances. For example, you might not be able to do any heavy lifting but that doesn’t mean you can’t do admin work. You should speak with your employer and see whether you can continue working in some capacity. It’s easier than ever for people to work remotely, so you may be able to work from home instead of going into the office. 

 

If there is no way that you can continue working at your current job, you should look into your other options for working. There are a lot of freelance jobs that you can do from home like being a virtual assistant, for example. If you can find ways to earn a bit of extra income from home, you will find it a lot easier to manage your money while you recover. 

 

Cut Back Your Budget 

 

If you are not earning or you are only earning a fraction of what you normally would, you need to rethink your budget. If you continue spending at the same rate as normal, you will soon find yourself in financial difficulty. You need to cut back on your budget and get rid of some of the luxuries that you can’t afford right now. Draw up a list of all of your spending and look for things that you can easily cut out. The more you can cut down on your budget, the longer you will be able to survive without borrowing money. 

 

Speak With A Financial Advisor 

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If you do manage to win a settlement, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial advisor because they will help you to get the most out of it. If you just put it in the bank and start spending it, you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears. If your injury is going to have a long term impact, you need to start thinking ahead with your money. A financial adviser will be able to assess your finances with you and give you some good advice on how best to spend the money that you do have. They will be able to help you with investments if you have a lump sum so you can secure your finances in the long term. 

 

Borrow Sensibly 

 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of borrowing money when you are out of work, but you need to be very careful. If you start relying on credit cards too much, your financial situation will get worse and worse. However, there will be some situations where you need to borrow a little bit of money to make ends meet. That’s fine, as long as you do it sensibly and you don’t make a habit of it. You should only be borrowing money to pay urgent bills, not to spend on luxuries. When you do use a credit card, make sure to shop around and get the best deals, and avoid high interest payday loans at all costs. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to borrow money, you need to work out how you are going to pay it back. If you won’t be able to comfortably pay back the debt, you should think twice about borrowing. 

 

Once you have recovered from your injury and you are back at work, paying off your debts should be your first priority. The best way to do that is by using the debt snowball method. By prioritizing the smallest debt and clearing it as soon as possible, you free up more money to put towards the next debt on the list, and so on. The sooner you can clear all of your debts and get back to normal, the better. 

 

As long as you follow these simple rules, you can stay on top of your finances and focus all of your attention on making a recovery.

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Growing Your Property Portfolio in the Best Possible Way

December 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

Property is one of the safest markets to invest in if you have the money to do so. This is why so many people every year are looking at the ways in which they can invest in property or real estate, and start making serious money. But, if you are new to this process, it can seem pretty daunting, especially with the sums of money that are being talked about. 

 

Make sure you think about the different ideas you’ll need to consider if you want to get involved in the world of real estate. Growing your property portfolio is one of the key things you are going to need to consider, and this is something you can work on right now. These are some of the best things you can do to achieve that, and you should use these ideas to help grow your portfolio. 

 

Diversify

 

One of the key things we would recommend would be to make sure you aim to diversify as much as possible with your portfolio. There are a lot of things that play a part in the process, and this is going to help you when it comes to making the most of your property portfolio. This means looking to invest in things like mobile homes as well as traditional apartments and houses. This is a great way of attracting more people and giving you a more unique edge to your portfolio. 

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Rent Out for a While

 

When you are getting involved in the world of property investment, you will generally have two choices; you buy a property, fix it up, and sell for a profit, or you buy and then rent for a while before selling. Renting is a good way to build up your portfolio because it is providing you with passive income on a monthly basis, and this is important. Make sure you do what you can to make the most of this and try to rent out several properties at the same time, so you increase your cash flow. 

 

Maintenance & Upgrades are Key

 

Maintaining and upgrading your properties is also really important when looking at how you can grow your portfolio. Just because you own a property doesn’t mean you can overlook basic improvements. Saving money on home improvements is important, but you definitely need to make sure you maintain and upgrade the properties as much as you can. This can make a massive difference to making your portfolio more appealing to prospective buyers and tenants. 

 

Cash Flow!

 

Cash flow is one of the most important things to consider here because, without money, you can’t purchase property. As we suggested earlier, renting is a good way of bringing in some cash flow, but you need to consider other ideas as well, such as buying positive cash flow property and coming up with side-gigs to help you supplement your income. 

 

As you might imagine, creating a strong and diverse property portfolio is a challenge, and this is something you need to make sure you consider as much as possible. There are a lot of factors that play a part in helping you achieve success in the property market, and these are some ideas that will help you to get started as much as possible.

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Money Matters: How To Make 2020 The Year Of Reduced Waste

December 17, 2019 Leave a Comment

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The start of a new decade is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your lifestyle and adopt the changes needed to become a better person. Right now, the need to reduce our physical waste in a bid to save the planet is more prominent than ever. But what about saving your finances?

 

Living costs rise at a far faster rate than salaries. This is why your New Year’s Resolution should revolve on the concept of making your money work harder. Here are 15 ways to turn your 2020 vision into a reality.

 

#1. Quit Bad Habits

 

Let’s face it; quitting bad habits will always appear on the NYR lists. While you’ve previously given up within a few weeks, focusing on the financial elements could transform things for the better. Quitting cigarettes will save the average 20-a-day $50 per week. You could save half of the money while using the other half as a weekly reward for staying on track. It’s great news for the body, mind, and bank balance. This new approach will ensure that 2020 is the year you succeed.

 

#2. Analyze All Purchases

 

There’s nothing wrong with impulse buys that will actively enhance your life. However, wasting money on products that you will not use is a huge problem. It’s easy to be won over by fancy marketing gimmicks, but buying the latest tech gadget for the sake of joining the herd is often a bad move. Where possible, sleep on the decision. If you aren’t that fussed about having not bought the item when you wake up, it probably isn’t needed. You should see a decline in regrettable choices.

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#3. Lose The Need For Ownership

 

In addition to avoiding unnecessary purchases, 2020 can be the year where you embrace a healthier mindset. While society may suggest that you need to own everything, you don’t. There are many situations in which leasing a car may be better than buying one. Meanwhile, renting an outfit for an vent is often a smarter decision than wearing it once and letting it sit in the wardrobe collecting dust. The money saved by hiring goods can allow you to spend more money elsewhere.

 

#4. Trim The Fat On Bills

 

Overspending on monthly services is another very common problem. Here is a guide to cutting cellphone costs that can save hundreds of dollars each year. Similarly, energy bills, home insurance, and broadband packages can be trimmed down. Tailoring the package to your needs rather than what the company tries to sell you can make a big difference to monthly outgoings. Better still, you won’t see any difference to your daily life as the features you cut out aren’t being used anyway.

 

#5. Shop Around

 

We can all appreciate the benefits of browsing the market for a better deal. The introduction of price comparison sites made a huge impact on major purchases. However, you can now add tools to your browser that automatically search for vouchers and discounts on all purchases. Even if you save a few dollars during each online shopping session, the savings soon add up. They can be used to buy clothes, groceries, and gifts for loved ones during the festive season. The possibilities are endless.

 

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#6. Consider ‘Non-New’ Items

 

It seems madness to spend twice the price on an item that you could get cheaper simply because it has been used. There are plenty of items that you’ll want to buy brand new. Still, charity shops can be a great place to pick up furniture, clothing accessories, books, and more. Perhaps more tellingly, you can save thousands on kitchen remodels and big tasks by buying the ex-display models or end of the line stock. Not having the latest season’s trend isn’t a big issue unless you make it one.

 

#7. Change Work Habits

 

Your career is the primary source of revenue in your life. However, it can be a source of huge expense too. There are many ways to cut the costs. Working from home, even or one day per week can have a truly positive influence. Meanwhile, trading the morning trip to Starbuck for a homemade coffee could save over $1,000 per year. Those simple changes can actively aid your physical and mental health, as well as your career. Still, it’s the financial savings that stand out.

 

#8. Stop Trashing Perfectly Good Products

 

Most people are guilty of hoarding furniture, electronics, and collectibles. In most cases, they’ll eventually be thrown out during a clean spring. However, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Thanks to local online selling platforms, the opportunity to generate money from old goods has never been easier. This additionally serves as the perfect way to declutter your life at the start of a new decade. The fact it actually reduces waste pollution by recycling old items is merely a bonus.

 

#9. Ensure That Assets Sell At Their Full Potential

 

When selling the small household goods, any cash injection is a step in the right direction. However, valuable assets need to sell at the right price. Preparing the home for a quick and agreeable sale is vital for anyone hoping to relocate in 2020 or beyond. Meanwhile, expensive antiques should be independently valued. After all, you do not want to become one of those people that sells a vase for $50 at a garage sale only to see it sell for $1,000 in three months time.

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#10. Hire An Accountant

 

The idea of paying an expert to handle your taxes and other financial obligations may seem counterproductive. On the contrary, though, a personal tax accountant can save you money in the long run. Whether it’s handling small business accounts or individual taxes, their advanced knowledge will serve you well. Besides, time is money, and you can use the extra time to earn more money. When added to the emotional reassurance of making the right moves, success is assured.

 

#11. Seek Entitlements

 

You work hard, and put money into the system. As such, you should feel no guilt about seeking the financial support that you are entitled to. Whether you’re a parent, a worker in the public sector, or have a disability doesn’t matter. Even an extra few hundred dollars per year, through credits or discounts, can seriously enhance your life. Life can get tough from time to time, but helping hands are often available. Take the support that is actually designed for you, and big results will show.

 

#12. Improve The Home’s Energy Efficiency

 

If you can reduce financial waste while also reducing waste pollution, that’s perfect. This guide to creating a greener home will allow you to master both. The investments into better lighting and water efficiency will reduce monthly bills. Meanwhile, solar panels and other eco-friendly upgrades often show a positive ROI. The financial value of your property and monthly cash flow will each see positive outcomes. Best of all, the rewards will continue throughout 2020 and beyond.

 

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#13. Share Facilities

 

The idea of combining financial savings with reduced energy waste needn’t be limited to the home. Carpools are a particularly smart move to save money and resources. Meanwhile, if you have a good relationship with the neighbors, it may be possible to share items like the lawnmower. It seems a little pointless to buy and store products separately if you can half the costs and efforts. Of course, it’s not an option that’s open to all homeowners or workers. Still, it’s worth investigating.

 

#14. Move Bank Accounts

 

If you are currently losing money to interest rates on credit cards, switching to new banks can work wonders. They are fighting for your custom and will often offer 0% on transfers as well as a few months of zero interest. This gives you a chance to reduce the debt without suffering from high interest rates. In turn, this can support your bid to create a better financial situation. After all, your overall debts will shrink during that period of breathing space.

 

#15. Repair Things

 

How often do you trash a top because the zip broke, or replace furniture because it suffered minor damage? Get into the habit of repairing and upcycling items, and you’ll save vast sums of money over the course of a year. You can turn crates into garden furniture, save old garments, and breathe new life into unloved items. It’s a great way to save time and money while also providing a sense of satisfaction. When dealing with clothes, it’s an ideal way to gain a fresh and unique appearance too.

 

The Final Word

 

We can all benefit from reducing our financial waste, and 2020 is the year to make it happen. While it’s true that the first few weeks may seem difficult, your efforts will soon be rewarded. Once you see how much of an impact your efforts can bring, the incentive to stay on track will be huge.

 

Last but not least, you must remember that a setback along the way needn’t stop you from achieving the end goals. This is a lifelong transformation rather than a quick fix. Do not forget it.

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Top 4 Tips For First Time Buyers

December 11, 2019 Leave a Comment

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When you’re a first-time buyer, you might want to dive straight into the deep end and buy the first property you find. And although this might be tempting, there are certain things that you need to get in order before making the big move. 

 

Yes, it’s an exciting milestone – no matter what your age. But it’s vital that you are fully prepared for the decision in advance of moving day. To help ease this transition, here are the top four tips that you should follow:

Location, Location, Location 

 

This might seem like an obvious point to make, but it’s nonetheless important to mention. At the start of the journey, you need to consider where you want to live – do you want to live in your hometown? Or perhaps a new location that you’ve loved to visit? This will be dependent on your budget, where you work and your bespoke preferences. Key factors that many people take into consideration, is how far the property will be from family and friends, as well as how close it will be to amenities. 

 

If you’re moving in with a friend or a partner, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re on the same page and are both happy with the location in question.

Consider the Market 

 

Unfortunately, the market is ever-changing. And because of this, it’s perhaps harder now more than ever to find a home that is suitable for your budget and personal preferences. 

 

So when you’re starting to gather the funds for your first property, it’s important that you keep an eye on the real estate market, including the trends within the area you are wanting to purchase etc. It’s also invaluable to gage the advice of a realtor, who will help to indicate what you can realistically get and the areas/types of properties that you should avoid.

Decide on A Realistic Budget

 

You don’t want to have to contact a bankruptcy lawyer as you have overstretched yourself on purchasing or renting a home (or even because you’ve gone over the top with buying furniture which was way more than you could afford). So before you make the investment, you need to sit down and consider how much you can realistically spend. Houses are expensive – no matter where you’re located or the type of property you are looking for. 

 

It’s essential that you work out how you will acquire your deposit and how you will pay your mortgage each month. If you’re thinking about buying rather than renting, you’ll need a good amount of money that you can put towards the property at the start of the process. Whether this is acquired through an FHA loan or through the bank of mom and dad, it’s a key factor into purchasing your first home. 

When setting a budget, you might also want to consider the following:

 

  • Potential costs of any renovations you want to make. 
  • How much home insurance will cost.
  • Other costs associated with moving – e.g hiring a moving van. 

What Mortgage You Can Get

Mortgages might seem terrifying, but they don’t have to be. Although they signify that you’re now an adult that can no longer rely on living for free at your family home, they indicate the start of a new phase in your life. When you’ve found your dream home, the reality that comes with getting a mortgage is something that you’ll have to face. 

 

But how do you know which type of mortgage is suitable? It’s a good idea to compare and contrast various mortgages, paying attention to the following:

 

  • What type of rate do they offer you? Do they offer a variable or fixed rate?
  • How much they cost each month.
  • The repayment terms – e.g 25 or 35 years.

If it has other fees – e.g valuation fees, advisory fees and arrangement fees.

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How to Sell Your Home Fast

December 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

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There are lots of reasons to want to sell your home fast. Maybe you need to move for work or perhaps you found the home of your dreams, put in an offer and now need the money to complete the sale. 

 

Selling your home fast can be simple if you know the right tricks and keep an open mind. If you are living in a fast market, you might even be able to find a buyer within a few days! But there are always a few house selling tips that will come in handy. 

Know Who to Sell To

The first thing to keep in mind is who you are selling to. If you are selling to the general market, you will have to be more patient than if you are selling to a company like Gem Homes, which can offer you the close day of your choice. Equally, if you are selling on a more select market, you may have to wait a bit longer. 

 

You can help yourself by making sure that your home is appealing to the right target audience. So, if you are looking for a family to buy your home, make sure the bedrooms are all made up and child-friendly. Similarly, if you want to sell to a young couple, you might want to show off your home as a starter property and might even put out some leaflets detailing the local amenities, including bars and entertainment.

Prepare Your Home for Sale

Preparing your home for sale is a really important part of the sales process. You need to show buyers that your home could work perfectly for them. So, put your junk into storage, clean everywhere and do a few touch-ups around the house so that it is neutral.

 

You need to make sure that your home is a blank canvas that anyone could live in but you should also add some homey touches. So, while you should paint your walls in neutral colors, you might light to add some scatter cushions to your sofa, light a scented candle and put some flowers in a vase. 

Be Ready to Move

If you aren’t ready to move, you won’t be going anywhere fast! Put the things you don’t use every day into boxes and hire some storage space to keep them safe. Make sure that any valuable personal items are also stored away safely. 

 

You should also plan your budget for the move. As soon as your house sells, you will need to be able to move quickly so you should gather your packing materials together and start searching for a moving company to help you out. You might also like to prime your friends and family so that they can come and help you. 

 

Selling your home quickly is all very well but you must be ready to move once your home is sold. Getting everything ready to go is essential if you want to show your buyers that you are serious about a fast sale. The more you can do to prepare, the easier it will be to move.  

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How You Can Get Through A Wonderful Holiday On A Budget

September 18, 2019 Leave a Comment

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When you think about heading on vacation to a gorgeous destination, your mind immediately rushes to the idea of staying at a luxurious area and sipping cocktails in the sun. Now, for most of us, that is literally the definition of paradise. Not all of us get to go through with that kind of bliss, however. The majority, it will be, for the most part, a distant fantasy in our imaginations. 

 

That’s not a completely heart-breaking thing, though. Vacations are only as good as you make them. You could stay in a five-star hotel with the sun beaming down on you; it doesn’t mean you’re going to have a good time! You will probably enjoy it, but if you’re minds not in the right place, then the vacation won’t rank in your list of all-time greats. Likewise, you can head to a sub-standard spot with pretty average weather and have the greatest week of your life. 

 

Are you heading out on a pretty low-budget vacation soon due to your financial situation? Good for you. Getting away from your usual, mundane nine-to-five, and experiencing new things is what this life is all about – no matter how emphatic the trip might seem. If you’re thinking it’s going to be an anti-climax or a let-down, then don’t panic. It’s probably all in your head. Here’s how you can get through a holiday on a budget while enjoying each and every moment: 

 

Eating Out Isn’t Necessary!

 

Going on vacation traditionally means scanning the area every evening and choosing the best restaurant to eat at. This can take quite the hit on your bank account. Now, obviously it’s nice to eat somewhere else and not cook for yourself, but preparing your own meals isn’t the worst thing in the world. You are on vacation, after all, so you can make pretty much whatever you want – you’re allowed! 

 

Limit Your Ability To Splash Out

 

When you have the money available, it can become very easy to spend it – the temptation can get the better of a lot of people. This becomes especially more of a temptation when you’re on vacation and when you’re in a better mood. You feel as though you’re away from your ‘normal’ life; so you can act a little differently. It happens all of the time! Perhaps you should load a limited amount of money onto a prepaid account so that you have those funds and those funds only to play with. If that sounds like a good idea, then you can go online and look at things like Green Dot Prepaid Card reviews, as well as many other options. Leaving a debit card at home and using a limited about would be a great idea if you’re worried about throwing money away and tainting your vacation somewhat!

 

Value The Experience More

The whole point of doing the vacation in the first place is to enjoy the moments it gives you. We’re a material bunch, whether we like it or not, and we’ve been taught to enjoy the amazing, luxurious aspects of life. We don’t need them, however. The world naturally gives us great moments. Just enjoy the area you visit for what it is!

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Tips On Installing A Ramp In Your Home

September 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

Making your home more accessible can add value to your home and not to mention being useful for any friends and family members who have access requirements. Here are some tips on installing a ramp in your home.

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Your Budget

The budget is always an important factor when it comes to installing accessible equipment, particularly for ramps, as they are not cheap to install. To get a proper one in place, you want to be willing to spend a bit of money, whether you opt for a mobile one or one that’s permanently installed. Think about the budget you have available and what you can reasonably afford. There are certain installations that might be able to do payment plans, so work out what’s best for you beforehand.

 

The Type Of Ramp

It’s good to get an idea firstly of what type of ramp you are after and more importantly, where you want this ramp to go. The type of ramp can vary depending on the size to cater for specific wheelchair users and whether it includes any sort of handle or lift mechanism for higher-level floors. Handicap ramps can be really beneficial to install and so if you’re looking into the types that are on offer, it’s worth doing some research. Ideally, you want it to cater for most wheel-chair and access required users, but you also don’t want it looking too different to the rest of your property.

 

Typically, the width of most ramps should be a minimum of 36 inches. This is because most wheelchairs end up starting at this size and go upwards.

 

Materials To Use 

There are a variety of ramp styles to choose from, but it’s also worth considering the materials that you’ll use depending on your area’s weather conditions. The more durable the material, the longer it will last, but if you live in a hotter climate, you may want to opt for wooden, rather than metal which will end up getting hot and expanding. Make sure you factor this in when deciding on the materials you want to use because these may end up making a huge difference to how functional the ramp is.

 

Where To Place It

When it comes to placing the ramp, you have a number of options. Depending on where your front or main door sits is the ideal spot for the ramp to go but you need to make sure that it fits and leaves space for everyone else to be able to walk past freely. It might be that you have the ramp within your home and so more space will want to be factored in for this. If you’re going to have a ramp that does more than just sit there, then you want to think about electrical points and how to keep it dry.

Getting a ramp for your home is certainly useful, and if you have a bit of a disposable income going, then it’s definitely worth getting in order to help make your home more accessible and wheelchair-friendly.

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Six Ways to Profit From Your Land

August 29, 2019 Leave a Comment

If you live in a rural area and have plenty of extra land available that you’re not using, then it’s possible to turn it into a form of passive income that is surprisingly lucrative. If it’s land you no longer have time to look after or land that’s in a very desirable area, then here are six ways that you could potentially profit from your land.

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  1. Renting your land as garden plots

 

There are a lot of people that wish they had a larger garden. If you’ve got a lot of land lying around with no real use then there are probably a lot of people that envy you right now. One way you could profit from your land is to simply rent out sections of it as a garden plot where others can use it to grow crops, flowers or anything they want.

 

  1. Contact large businesses

 

There are actually many ways to profit from your land through other businesses. For instance, you may want to contact a cell tower attorney if a company has approached you regarding building a cell tower on your land. Even if there’s currently a cell tower near your home, it could be possible to renegotiate your contract for more money.

 

  1. Offer storage

 

Whether you build a large shed and give locals the option to store their belongings inside or even just outdoor storage such as parking spaces, storage can be a great way to profit from your land. You’ll need to check for local pricing for storage if you want to maximize profits.

 

  1. Raise animals and set up a petting zoo

 

This is quite a lot of effort but ultimately a fun and interesting way to make money if you have a passion for raising animals. It could be cows, goats, chickens or pigs–if you’re willing to keep these animals healthy and raise them, then it could be turned into a lucrative venture.

 

  1. Building up a local playground

 

If you want to do something nice and give back to the community, then it’s possible to set up a local playground for kids and families. You won’t get any money from this immediately, but you could use it as an attraction for other services like your produce or by hosting events and charging organizers a small fee.

 

  1. Let campers onto your land for a fee

 

If you own a large open space near a lot of other nature attractions such as rivers, lakes and forests, then giving campers the option to set up on your land for a price is a great way to make a bit of money. Set up some toilets and you have a fully-functional and attractive camping location.

Your land is your own and you’re free to do whatever you want with it, but it’s worth considering these ideas if you’re ever in need of a bit of extra income for a minimal amount of work.

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BlindSpotz Cold Sensor & Giveaway!!

February 15, 2018 12 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Review Wire Media for BlindSpotz.

Winter is such an exciting time for my household! I love the cold; being able to wear my pretty sweaters and scarfs, fixing hot cocoa with marshmallows for the little ones, sitting around the fire, and sitting around watching Netflix. However with winter comes a lot of expenses such as Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries which makes the colder months also more expensive. We try to find ways we can save money. We pinch pennies every chance we can get.

One of the highest expenditures is our electricity bill. Our house is a little older and we planned to have it insulated but it’s so expensive for insulation and we didn’t want to have to fix every nook and cranny. When I heard about BlindSpotz I had to check it out. They are little stickers you place by vulnerable areas in your house that you believe your warm air is leaking out. I tried putting in by my back door, in my kitchen, and my front dining room. I learned that hot air was, in fact, leaking out and already made plans to get it fixed. For $9.99 you can get a little package of Blind Spotz. Blind Spotz is a great DIY product, or for trying to just improve your home and put a little extra cash in your pocket from your electricity bill.

Being able to focus on the areas that needed fixing saved more money and allowed us to focus on specific fixes which otherwise would’ve have taken a full home makeover. More money is always a good thing. The time and effort it also saved is invaluable since we are a do it yourself household. If you believe certain areas are cause you to lose your warm air due to a crack or leak, I’d highly suggest picking up some Blind Spotz, they are worth the investment.

These are simple to use, put the diagnostic sensors everywhere you have an opening that may have air coming in, like outlets, doors, and windows. Then wait 48 hours to read the results by taking a picture of the sensor and emailing it to fixthecold@blindspotz.com or you could use their app.

 

Now for the fun part here are the details for the giveaway:

– The giveaway is for 3 packages of BlindSpotz to 3 different winners. Retail Value $9.99 each
– Please note in Post:  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again.
– Winners address must be reported by March 4th 
– FYI: Shipment makes take 4-6 weeks.
– Prizing provided by BlindSpotz
U.S. Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Money Savvy Soccer Ball #MoneySavvySoccerBall

July 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

The Money Savvy Soccer Ball is the perfect way to teach your little one how to save money. First off I want to share with you, this piggy bank is a soccer ball!! How cool is that? The soccer ball is clear where the white would be on a regular soccer ball so you are able to see how much money you have saved up! I love the idea of a clear piggy bank because it makes my son feel like he has achieved something with saving his money. “Almost there mommy” is what he always tells me when one of the slots are almost full. The clear soccer ball has four slots separating the ball into four different sections. In each of the sections, there is a spot to put a sticker (which they provide).

 

Above the sticker spots, they have four words listed, INVEST, SAVE, SPEND, and DONATE. In the INVEST slot, my son decided to put a picture of the orange globe so we can travel to Disney World when he is older. In the SAVE slot he put the green graduation sticker, so we can start to save for college. In the SPEND slot, we put the purple hamburger sticker to represent spending money on the food he wants to get (candies, ice cream, sweets, etc.). Lastly, we have the DONATE slot where we put the purple church to teach him to donate to our church. This piggy bank is designed to help kids get smarter about saving money.

It is a learning tool a child can take with them the rest of their lives. Helping kids learn how to budget and save for things in their life. This is the perfect gift for a little one. I highly recommend this piggy bank.

This is a sponsored ad, however, all the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Budget, Children Tagged With: , , ,

Retiring Into Old Age Successfully

June 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

File

 

We don’t realize it, but retirement is a game. And, like all games, there is a winner and a loser. Now, no one likes to lose because winning is fun and addictive. But, no one wants to lose at retirement because a loss can have a major impact on the rest of your life.

 

There is no doubt that you don’t want this to happen. After all, our golden years are supposed to be the time when we enjoy the fruits of decades of hard labor. Still, it happens to people all of the time, and it happens because they are ill prepared.

 

As such, you have to be ready if you want to win. And, to do that, you have to know the tricks of the retirement trade. So, here is everything that you need to know to retire into successful bliss.

 

Good luck.

 

Be Mentally Prepared

 

The biggest mistake everyone makes is to assume that retirement isn’t a big deal. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it is a huge deal because your life is about to change forever. Yes, the idea of slowing down and pottering around the garden is appealing, yet it is still a transition. Indeed, when was the last time you took the time to relax? Exactly, and now you’re going to do it for the rest of your life, which can be intimidating. To avoid any scares, you should try and get used to the idea. Then, there is no need to wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. People often focus on the physical, yet the mental aspect of retiring is just as important.

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Continue To Work

 

‘What?! I’m never going to work again!’ Okay, you have every right to think this way, particularly after 40 years of hard work. However, not to be critical, but it is a little short-sighted. Although working hasn’t always been enjoyable, it has given your life structure. And, sweeping that structure from under your feet is a recipe for disaster. It is no secret that the golden generation suffers from boredom, and working is one way to relieve the monotony of life. Plus, it adds value because it gives you something to look forward to every week. Of course, it is your decision how much to take on because you are not fully employed. Still, one or two days should break up the week nicely.

 

Stay Physically Active

 

Again, ‘letting yourself go’ is another benefit of quitting work and getting old. But, again, it isn’t a good idea if you want to win the war as well as the battle. Staying healthy is the key to a long and happy life, and that never changes. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how many dues you have paid in the past. Your body still needs maintaining, and exercise is the only method that works. Now, there is no reason to get down with the kids because that is too much. But, there are ways to get the blood pumping without encouraging a heart attack. Walking is the ultimate example, as is gardening. Try and opt for activities that are active but not too strenuous.

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Get Your Finances In Order

 

Anyone that doesn’t work full-time has to be financially savvy or else retirement could be more of a nightmare than a dream. One thing you have to understand is that your earning potential has limits. As a result, it’s imperative to use what you have to your advantage. To do that, you need a working total of all your assets, and you need to write them down. Next, work out your expenses and how much you pay out every month. The total that is left is your overall budget and the trick is to stick to it as much as possible. Sure, there will be some expenses that are bigger than others, yet these are the anomalies. On average, your monthly payments must hit a certain figure. If the number is too low, consider cutting back. It isn’t nice, but it is necessary.

 

Consider Living Arrangements

 

An example of cutting back is moving out of your home. Let’s face it – a house is expensive and may be too big for your needs. The logical thing to do is to downsize or consider the alternatives. For example, living with one of your children may be on the cards if they have the room. Or, moving into a residence with in-home care facilities is also a popular choice. Whatever you decide, it’s essential to be logical and analytical if possible. No one likes the idea of leaving their home, especially if it has sentimental value. However, sometimes it is the only option if your finances are not in order. Hopefully, you’ll be able to keep your independence for the foreseeable future, but you shouldn’t assume that to be the case.

 

Talk It Through

 

The important aspect of a successful retirement is making an informed decision. Usually, this can’t happen without having a conversation with the people you love. Quite simply, your life and theirs are intertwined, so your actions impact their lives. As a result, you need to sit down and inform them that you plan on retiring. That way, everyone can bounce positives and negatives off one another and cover all of the issues. It may be that you’re not ready to quit work for financial reasons, or you’re only doing it because you think it is right. At least when you have a discussion, you will realize if it is the right move or a mistake. Don’t forget that people do make retirement mistakes all of the time, and you don’t want to be another statistic.

 

Finally, don’t do it too early. The idea of retiring and emigrating to somewhere hot is always appealing. However, it also means you have a lot of time to sit around and do nothing. Even if you work part-time and look after the grandkids, it is still a long time.

Filed Under: Budget Tagged With: , , ,

Pampers Printable Coupon #PampersCoupons

June 22, 2017 Leave a Comment

Printable Coupon $1.50 off Pampers!!

From newborn to an active toddler Pampers have always been my favorite go to diapers! They have been the number one diaper for OVER 50 years! You cannot beat the quality and the absorbency of Pampers.  Not only are they the softest but they are also super stretchy. Pampers are also the number one recommended diaper from most moms. I never had an issue with leaks, rashes or them coming apart and I used them with three different, very active children!

I remember bringing my first son home from the hospital and the nurses sending a pack of Pampers. I knew then if they trusted Pampers then I did too! From the beginning, I loved how they would keep the “wet” away from his body and allowing him a good night sleep.

The Pampers Swaddlers were by far my favorite Pampers diaper, they fit and moved better for my active kids! They absorbed more than the other diapers I tried and I never had a leak or wet crib in the morning.

Pampers is super absorbent, it has up to 12 hours of all night leak proof protection.

I cannot thank Pampers enough for causing my little to stay dry. You might be wondering what makes this product so leak resisdent. Well, it has three absorbent layers verses two in the other leading national brands to lock away wetness. Also, another reason this product is so resisdent to leakage is that it fits better around your little one’s legs.

Diapers can be expensive so we are offering a “Print at home” coupon code!

#PampersCoupons #ad

Also just in time for Summer is an awesome $1.50 off Pampers Swim Diapers!!

“This post was made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.”

Filed Under: Baby, Children Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips For A Budget-Friendly Summer

June 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

Summer has a way of making us feel carefree; we happily spend more money on treats, family outings, or activities for the kids, only to check our balance in September and realise that we might have taken too much out of the savings account. While it’s true that you can’t put a price on the memories you make with your family, you do still need to have enough put away to make more memories in the future. If you’d like to have your cake and eat it too, here are a few tips so you can have the best summer ever on the lowest budget possible.

Cheap vacations

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It’s tempting to opt for a staycation each summer because this is when flights are usually their most expensive, and you don’t often know if there’s enough in the budget to book in advance. Fortunately, you can still take the family somewhere exotic with a few money-saving hacks. Flights tend to be more expensive from Friday to Sunday because most people want to make the most of the weekend in a foreign country. Since you have the whole summer holiday to choose from, try to book a flight that leaves in the middle of the week to save a few dollars. You can also save if you aim to travel the week before the kids go back to school, as this is when prices might start to drop. Websites such as Skyscanner can help you compare flight prices across a whole month so you’ll know the cheapest days to fly, saving you a potential packet. Going all-inclusive can save you more money, especially if you take full advantage of the breakfast buffets and the hotel swimming pool. Spanish destinations such as Majorca and Tenerife, or Algarve in Portugal, are always a hit with families, so these are good places to start looking for an all-inclusive vacation.

Camping

The great outdoors can be just as engaging as a games console, and it’s usually free. Although some campsite will charge you to pitch your tent, there’s no cost for sleeping in the back garden with your younger kids, or out in the woods with more mature children. Brush up on some simple survival skills and teach them how to survive in the wild, introduce them to the simple thrill of climbing trees, see who can spot the most species of birds, and in the evening you can show them how to make perfect s’mores over the campfire. Not only does this experience get everyone out of their comfort zone and encourage the kids to work together to put up the tent and start a fire, but it will help them appreciate the things they take for granted at home; hot showers and indoor plumbing seems like a luxury after a weekend in the woods. Most importantly, however, spending time outdoors will teach children how to respect nature and the environment.

Rent out your house

You don’t need to have a second home or spare room to make money from a lodger. If you’re planning on spending a few weeks away, and you live in a popular area, you could make some extra money by renting out your house to other holidaymakers. You can sign up to be a host on Airbnb, put out feelers with friends, or by making a website advertising your house to people looking for nice accommodation for their vacation.

Packing for vacations

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Hard as it may be to admit, your little ones aren’t as little as they were last year, and all their clothes from the previous summer no longer fit. Before you start packing for your vacation, you need to make sure you have enough summer clothes that fit them comfortably, not to mention all the other summer essentials you need to buy like sunscreen, allergy medication, and travel sized toiletries. To make sure you still have enough left for vacation spending money, you can go to the stores armed with discounts from Coupon Sherpa and make substantial savings on clothes and other items. It might require you to do a little legwork and shopping at several different stores, but it’s worth it just to save a few dollars.

Active family

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If you’ve been trying to find a way to motivate yourself to do more exercise, there is no bigger encouragement than your children; not just because you want to be healthy, but because they will drive you crazy when they start climbing the walls with boredom and the only solution is to get everyone out of the house. If you have fairly young children, take them to the park and actually play with them; run around to catch them on the slide, push them on the swings, or try getting involved in their game of tag. With slightly older kids, you could get everyone on their bikes and ride down the coast, whip out the water pistols and having an all-out war, or check your local area and see if there are any events that will get them walking. If you show your children the value of getting out of the house and having a good time, they may never catch on that you’re doing this for the exercise.

Rainy day fun

Despite all your best efforts to get the kids away from the electronic devices and out into the fresh air, sometimes the weather will conspire against you. Fortunately, you can still find ways to keep the kids busy without the lure of technology. One way to keep the kids occupied is by teaching them how to cook. Your options are endless; you can have them help you make the family’s favourite dinner, you can choose a new recipe to try together, or you can teach them how to make a really easy dish so they can begin building their cooking skills. If you have them help you with dinner, be sure to compliment them on their contribution and watch their little faces light up with pride.

Filed Under: Cheap, Children Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The Single Most Effective Steps Of Cutting Your Energy Costs

June 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

Frugal living is all about being smart enough to spot the opportunities for change that are going to save you the most money. It doesn’t always have to mean that you stop purchasing the luxuries of a better life. In fact, sometimes, it might even mean spending a little money. Nowhere is that truer than in your own home. If you can’t quite afford to make the switch to solar power, there are still plenty of little purchases that can make big differences in your energy bill. Here are three of the most effective steps worth taking.

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Seal the outside

The best changes are made to the house itself. One of the easiest ways to waste energy is to neglect how you control the environment of the home. The air conditioning and the heating are used to control that environment, but what does it matter when said environment is easily influenced by the outside? Sealing the home begins from there. Finding and sealing air leaks is going to make it a lot more cost effective to control the temperature of the home. Particularly with the roof, where a missing or cracked tile could have all the heat in the house escaping and could also prove as a very serious risk of damp and mold.

Seal the inside

But without the proper padding, there’s still a lot of heat that can move in and out of the house, freely. If you don’t have it installed already, insulation services might give your energy bills their biggest blow yet. Primarily positioned inside the roof of the home, it’s possible to get insulation fitted all over depending on how much you’re willing to invest. You can also save yourself the money you spend on heating your water, as well. Insulating your boiler and pipes helps them retain heat a lot better, meaning they don’t need to be reheated as often to maintain their temperature. Insulating them also decreases the risk that they’re going to burst due to extreme lows in temperature.

Audit those appliances

Now you’ve prepared the home so that you can control your environment with much less effort and stop the outdoors from influencing it too much, what comes next? A wise step might be to look at the appliances that do all the work for you. Getting an energy audit of your air conditioner, your heating, and other appliances throughout the home can identify which of them use the most energy. It can also help identify which of them are using more energy than they should, which could be a sign of a malfunction that, when fixed, could make a significant impact on your bills.

From the stage where you have the above three in place, it’s all about managing your habits. Let the thermostat down a few degrees when you feel you could comfortably do so. Make a habit of turning off appliances you won’t be using in the next thirty minutes instead of putting them on standby. Use a lamp at night instead of the house lights. Every little change in how you live is an extra bit of money saved.

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It’s a Family Thing #wowsummit #blogher17

June 3, 2017 1 Comment

I have blogged part-time, on and off, for the last 6 years. My first site was Reviewing For You. It crashed when e-rice closed. I was ready for a change anyway and decided to start my new site in November 2014.

My sister Terri @ http://shabbychicboho.com/ has blogged full-time for over 10 years, she was my inspiration. So when I sold my business last year, I decided to blog full-time and I haven’t looked back since!!

Recently, we have enlisted our mom to help be our VA and have since introduced Terri’s daughter Tiffany @ http://www.itstotallytiffany.com/ and my daughter Hannah @ http://beachylady.com to the blogging world.

I love it, I love meeting new people, promoting my page and still get excited when I receive emails about working with a new company. Of course, I didn’t really expect to make money doing it, I was mostly doing it because I have to stay active. The main perk was receiving cool stuff for my three amazing grandsons.

This last month, I decided I would start tracking my income and was surprised at the amount my site is making. I wanted to get a little more organized since we decided to go to two blogging conferences this year #blogher17 and #wowsummit.

Hopefully, I will learn even more at the conferences and plan to do a monthly budget and set goals. I know most people do this to make money, I just wanted something to do to stay busy and find some amazing products, the making money part is just a plus.

I love the flexibility blogging offers me. I can help my daughter to build her blog site and spend time with my grandsons. Mostly I love working by the pool. If you are wondering if you can make money blogging, the answer it yes. If you have patience, work a lot of hours and don’t expect to be rich over night. You have to have a passion for it and enjoy what you do to be successful in anything.

 

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