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Our Debt Free Family

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My Guilty Pleasure (Plus How Much I Spend on It Every Month)

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<p>Every girl has her “thing.” Some ladies like to get their nails done every week or every other week. Others like to have their hair professional cut and dyed. Me? I really just like books. Like every “guilty pleasure” though, it costs us money. So, I decided to sit down and see exactly how much I spend on books every month.</p>::Pexels

Every girl has her “thing.” Some ladies like to get their nails done every week or every other week. Others like to have their hair professional cut and dyed. Me? I really just like books. Like every “guilty pleasure” though, it costs us money. So, I decided to sit down and see exactly how much I spend on books every month.

My “Clever” Husband Noted My Books in a Recent Post

If you didn’t know, my husband is the Clever Dude. Recently, he posted a blog about how much hobbies cost and mentioned my “book habit.” Here’s what he had to say…

She’d happily run away with the beast from Beauty and the Beast just for a chance to get a minute in that library.

Folks, he’s not wrong. I really do love books. There is a line in my budget for Audible/Amazon/books. However, as with anyone trying to improve their finances, I read my husband’s post and decided to take a look at how much my book addiction costs me annually. Drew estimated the cost to be about $100 total, which would mean I’m spending $1,200 per year on books.

As great as that sounds, I don’t have a book collection surrounding me in my office right now. So, how much am I really spending on books?

So, How Much Does My Book Habit Really Cost?

Honestly, it varies from month to month so much. Sure, there have been months where I spent more than others. I’ll come home with a stack of books from the store one month and only use my Audible credit the next. When it comes to solid monthly costs I spend $25 monthly on Amazon book services (Audible and Kindle Unlimited). That equates to about $300 per year on digital books alone.

When it comes to physical books on my shelf, I have plenty. But, as Ariel from The Little Mermaid sang at the top of her lungs, I WANT MORE! Most of my collection is paperback, so they don’t cost as much as their hardcover counterparts. I also buy all of my books secondhand using ThriftBooks or the fantastic used bookstores around me. There are people that will buy a book new, read it once, and sell it back to the store. Most of the reads on my shelf cost between $3 and $25.

At the end of the day, my annual spending on books probably lands closer to $1,000 in total. Of course, I have others hobbies, but most of them are relatively frugal. I have a lot of plants in my home, but most were gifts and caring for them isn’t too expensive. Yoga, hiking, and kayaking are all things I’m passionate about too. Each of these things doesn’t cost a ton of money though.

When you combine all of those activities, I probably am spending about $900 annually. There are some folks in the debt-free community that wouldn’t spend a penny on new books until their debt is paid off. I think life is worth living, experiencing, and enjoying though. So, there will always be a line in my budget for my hobbies.

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Kitchen Staples: How to Stock Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank

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kitchen staples

If you read Monday’s blog post you know I’m no stranger to moving. In fact, I consider myself a bit of a moving professional at this point. That being said, there are some things that go overlooked when you are starting fresh in your new place. One of the biggest rooms that gets overlooked is the kitchen.

When you are getting ready to move most people focus on getting the place furnished. Not many people are concerned with their kitchen. Of course you can bring your old pots and pans, cooking utensils, etc. from the last place but you likely won’t be moving your food.

Repurchasing all of the food items that are normally in your kitchen can get costly though. So, I came up with a kitchen staples list and a few ideas on how to stock your pantry without breaking the bank.

Kitchen Staples

Kitchen staples is a term used for those items that are always in your pantry but you may take for granted at times. Think about that bag of flour that you know is in your kitchen right now or the spices you are certain are above your stove. All of those items are staples that normally stay behind when you move from one place to another. You don’t even realize how convenient having these kitchen staples is until you need them.

  • Bread Crumbs 
  • Broth
  • Canned Tomatoes – Diced, crushed, tomato paste, etc. can come in handy with some recipes!
  • Canned Beans
  • Dressing/Sauce – You’ll need to buy ketchup, mustard, mayo, any other regular condiments as well as cooking sauces (like soy).
  • Flour
  • Frozen Goods – Frozen veggies and quick meals are great kitchen staples to have at your fingertips.
  • Minced Garlic 
  • Nuts – Read about why I always buy my nuts in bulk.
  • Oils – Cooking oils (vegetable, peanut, etc)
  • Pasta and Pasta Sauce
  • Rice
  • Salsa 
  • Spices – Depending on how expansive your spice cabinet is you may want to consider moving this with you! Spices can be pretty expensive.
  • Sweeteners 
  • Wines – Cooking wines. Again, consider moving these with you (especially if they are unopened).

Your personal kitchen staples list may vary. For instance, if you have an allergy or dietary restrictions your list may have additional or removed items from the list. You may also consider some kitchen items to be “must haves” that others do not.

Stock Your Pantry For Less

Now that you have the preliminary list of kitchen staples you may be thinking, “there is no way I can afford to restock an entire kitchen.” Well, don’t worry! There is.

In my experience the best way to combat the cost of groceries and other kitchen items is to compare prices. It is likely that you’ll be able to find most of these items on sale in your area (and there may even be a coupon circulating). You can also try shopping at Aldi (something I recommend). By switching to shopping at Aldi many people have been able to cut their grocery bill down significantly so stocking your new kitchen with groceries from there should help cost as well.

If you have any items you think should be added to the kitchen staples list or how to stock up for less, please let us know! We’d love to hear from you. 

Photo: Vogue

The Easiest Ways Your Family Can Save On Vehicle Expenses

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There is no avoiding expenses when you own a vehicle. Not only do you need to purchase it to begin with, but you also need to keep it in good shape. You need to pay for maintenance, fuel, and other things. But there are ways to reduce these costs and make them more manageable. Here are some of the easiest ways your family can save on vehicle expenses.

Find a Trusted Mechanic

When it comes time to get repairs done on your car, you’ll need to hire a mechanic to do them for you. Unfortunately, some mechanics can overcharge you. If you want to save money on your repairs, you’ll need to find a reliable mechanic and stick with them. There are over 180,251 mechanics in the United States, so there are many to choose from. Take your time finding one. Look at reviews online or in-person from previous clients as well as their pricing. If you hire them and don’t like the experience, try someone else. If you can eventually find a good mechanic, sticking with them can help you save money in the future.

Get Good Insurance

Car insurance can mean the difference between paying huge amounts of money and paying nothing after an accident. It can cost you between $200 and $300 to replace your windshield without insurance, so make sure you get the best possible insurance for your family. Review it regularly and make sure that you let your company know about any changes to your situation that might improve your rates. Finally, don’t feel bad about shopping around for other policies. Sometimes you can get the same coverage for less money somewhere else.

Keep Track of Gas Prices

Gas prices can vary between different stations. If you keep track of what the prices look like in your community, you can save money by going to cheaper gas stations. Use apps that keep track of gas prices or write them down as you’re out in the community. Then you can keep an eye on different patterns and know what your best options will be when it’s time to buy gas.

As long as the distance that you travel doesn’t cancel out the savings, your family can spend less money on gas this way. However, don’t go overboard. If it will cost you too much gas to drive to a cheaper station out of your way, then it is not worth trying to save money that way.

Know When to Let Go

Eventually, you’ll need to say goodbye to the family car. When you reach a point where it is more expensive to repair it than it is to buy a new car, it will save you money to buy the new car. Be careful with your shopping and make sure that you’re buying something your family can afford.

You should look out for lemons. An estimated 150,000 cars made each year have repeated, unfixable problems and are called lemons. If you find yourself making the same repairs over and over, you should consider buying a new car. Even if it’s new and you want to try to keep your investment, a lemon will cost you a lot of money over the years.

Your family car will always cost you some money, but there are ways to make it less expensive. With a few easy plans and some careful research, you can save money on all different aspects of car purchasing and maintenance. Look to these tips to get you started. By making some easy changes, you can save a lot of money and make owning a car a more affordable investment for your family.

Can You Really Plan a Family?

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Plan a family

I grew up knowing that my sister and my pregnancies were not planned out. We grew up living paycheck-to-paycheck but we never needed anything we didn’t have. I also remember the first time I learned other people planned children. Planning a family is something that always interested me but can you really plan a family? If so, how do you do it?

Can You Plan a Family?

The answer to this question isn’t an easy yes or no. Personally, I don’t think I could ever be prepared enough for a family (children, at least), which is why I’m not planning to have one. However, other people have seemingly been able to plan out their family and do it fairly successfully.

There are things you won’t be able to plan for though. You’ll never be able to fully prepare and plan for emergencies or the unexpected. For example, if your child has health problems you may wind up in debt paying for hospital bills, etc. There is no way you could have known that they’d be sickly though, so you had no way to prepare for it.

You can plan a family in other ways though. You can save money and create a solid foundation for your spouse and kids but how do you go about planning a family?

How to ‘Plan’ a Family

As stated above, there will always be costs that you cannot plan for but there are ways to plan a family. Here are a few things you’ll want to ask yourself.

  • Will you need fertility treatment? If you need fertility treatment you are likely already planning a family, however, you will need to budget additional funds to pay for any fertility treatment you receive. This is not usually covered by insurance.
  • How much time will you need off work? Most mothers (and fathers) need some time off work around the birth of their child. It is an emotional and tiring time for everyone. You’ll want to plan for how much time you’ll need off and establish with your place of work whether or not it will be paid.
  • Do you plan on using daycare? Once you return to work (if you choose to do so) you may have to pay for daycare for your child. Many establishments will care for newborns at a higher cost. You’ll want to recreate your monthly budget and add daycare to the list of bills.
  • Do you have insurance? What is covered? Some insurance companies cover most of your child’s birth but not many companies cover everything involved in the delivery (including pain meds). You’ll want to see what is and isn’t covered so that you can save the difference.
  • Do you have enough space in your current living situation for a baby? Will you have to move? If so, that is a huge expense that you’ll need to plan for.
  • Will you have any help from family? If you’ve got family in the area you may not spend as much on some things. For example, if your mother watches your child you may save the cost of daycare.
  • Do you plan on having a baby shower? If you plan on having a baby shower you can also save quite a bit and get some items you need for you child.

Each of these questions (except the first) are things people with unplanned pregnancies usually have to figure out over the span of nine months. People who plan a family are able to control how much time they have to save the money necessary for the cost of having a child. The first few years of a child’s life can be some of the most expensive so saving money is crucial for planning a family.

Once you and your partner have established savings goals and reach them, you are ready to start your family! Or, like many others, you could plan it out in nine months. What do you think? Can you plan a family? 

Photo: Crypto

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How You and Your Family Can Better Support Small Businesses

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<p>Supporting small businesses is a great way to strengthen your local community. If the businesses within it are strong and healthy, they will be able to provide for the community’s needs and put money back into it. Since small businesses are so varied, there are many different ways to support them. If you want to encourage your whole family to support small businesses in your community, here are five ways to do so.</p>::Pexels

Supporting small businesses is a great way to strengthen your local community. If the businesses within it are strong and healthy, they will be able to provide for the community’s needs and put money back into it. Since small businesses are so varied, there are many different ways to support them. If you want to encourage your whole family to support small businesses in your community, here are five ways to do so.

 

Leave Good Reviews

If you love a business, give them a good review online. There are many review sites where you can post your experience and encourage others to give them a try. You can also do this on social media, posting for your followers about how much you enjoy this business. Small businesses often have limited marketing funds, so word of mouth can be a lifesaver for them.

 

 

Give Second Chances

If you have a bad experience with a local business, don’t go straight to leaving a negative review. Unlike big corporations, small businesses won’t have a lot of reviews. Your single one-star review could have consequences for them. Instead, give them another chance to give your family what you need. Many small businesses have to deal with internal problems. An accounting industry overview showed that 36% of small businesses have timeline issues. Meanwhile, others feel unprepared, with 32% saying they don’t have enough guidance, 29% feeling that their accountant didn’t provide advice, and 23.6% saying their accountant didn’t educate them. With problems like this, there are bound to be some negative experiences. But if your family wants to support small businesses, try to give them a second chance to make it right.

 

Shop Online

If you find a small business to support, but can’t get to their physical location, try shopping online instead. Not only will it be easier for you, it will also give them a good idea of what people need from them. Over the next 12 months, businesses will overpay for three-quarters of their IT purchases. If your local small business runs a strong online market, they will be able to recoup those costs. Meanwhile, your family can support them and make purchases without leaving the house.

 

Switch Where You Can

While you might not be able to fulfill all your needs through small businesses, you might be surprised at what you can do. Small businesses are much more than just stores. In fact, 80% of the 322,488 clinical laboratories in the US are operated as small businesses. Look at what your family needs, then consider if a local small business can provide it for you.

 

Leave Tips

If you and your family go to a small business and have a wonderful experience, be generous with your tips. This is especially true for restaurants, where the waitstaff is nearly entirely reliant on tips in order to make money. While the standard for tipping is generally 20%, you might be able to offer more occasionally. These tips are good for both the small business’s financial health and as a morale boost. So, while it isn’t necessary to leave huge tips every time you’re out, make sure that you’re budgeting it into your plans as often as possible.

Small businesses face a lot of challenges, so it is important to support them in your community. There are many ways for your whole family to do this, no matter what kind of budget you have. So take a look at the businesses in your area and decide how you want to support them. Then apply these five tips. You might be surprised at the difference that your family can make.

 

Is Your Outlook Holding You Back?

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<p>Most people look at me stunned when I say my husband and I have a debt freedom goal. One of my best friends literally lives on credit cards, while others scrounge paycheck to paycheck just to be able to go out to eat and live above their means. What I’ve found is that it isn’t your financial situation that sets you back from reaching debt freedom. In most cases, it is your outlook that makes the difference.</p>::Pexels

Most people look at me stunned when I say my husband and I have a debt freedom goal. One of my best friends literally lives on credit cards, while others scrounge paycheck to paycheck just to be able to go out to eat and live above their means. What I’ve found is that it isn’t your financial situation that sets you back from reaching debt freedom. In most cases, it is your outlook that makes the difference.

I’m Overly Optimistic

I must admit, I am an overly optimistic person, especially when it comes to the future. After all, it can be whatever you want to make it, right?

This can be both good and bad. Sometimes I do fail to see what could go wrong or when things just aren’t possible. I refuse to accept “can’t.” My husband, on the other hand, is someone who thinks of everything that could possibly go wrong and finds a solution for each of those problems before they even happen. We balance each other well that way.

However, my positive outlook has been beneficial in many areas of our lives. From our debt free journey (we are $20K+ down in a year) to our fitness journeys, positivity has been key!

How a Positive Outlook Has Helped Me With Weight Loss

If you don’t already know, I have been on a weight loss journey alongside my debt freedom journey. Over the past three years, I’ve lost about 132 pounds. My husband has lost 70.

<p>If you don’t already know, I have been on a weight loss journey alongside my debt freedom journey. Over the past three years, I’ve lost about 132 pounds. My husband has lost 70.</p>::Pexels

One thing losing weight and paying off debt have in common is that they are both difficult. Extremely difficult. I have to look for inspiration daily to keep on track with both of these goals. Whether I find a new inspirational person to follow on Instagram, read some inspirational article or book, or simply have a dose of daily affirmation, positivity keeps me moving forward.

Positivity and Paying Off Debt

They say there are characteristics most debt-free people have. One of these, for us, is a positive attitude.

We took a look at our finances a couple of weeks ago so that I could provide a debt update here on the blog. When we tallied everything up, we’d paid off $22,565 over the span of a year, bringing our $65,000 debt down to around $40,000.

There are plenty of days we both want to quit and run a credit card for something or take a break from payments to go on a trip. We are both able to keep a positive mindset when it comes to paying off our debt because we know how great it will feel once we reach our goal. We already know what it feels like to hit goals in our weight loss journey and can’t wait to feel what it feels like being debt free!

All in all, a negative outlook could really harm your chances of meeting any of your goals. If you don’t think you can do it, you won’t. Clear your mind from negativity and move towards your newly painted future, whether it be health, finances, or other goals you have in mind.

What do you think? Has a negative outlook ever impacted your ability to meet goals? 

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Postpartum Anxiety: The Thing No One Warns You About

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<p>When you have a baby everyone warns you about the “baby blues” and postpartum depression (PPD). However, not enough moms are also educated about other ways your postpartum recovery can impact your mental health and, ultimately, other parts of your life. If you have followed the blog for a while, you know I am no stranger to discussing mental health and its impact on your finances and other parts of your life. Being aware of your own mental health is a key component of living a financially successful life. More importantly, it is key to living a happy life. That’s why I decided to open up here about postpartum anxiety.</p>::Pexels

When you have a baby everyone warns you about the “baby blues” and postpartum depression (PPD). However, not enough moms are also educated about other ways your postpartum recovery can impact your mental health and, ultimately, other parts of your life. If you have followed the blog for a while, you know I am no stranger to discussing mental health and its impact on your finances and other parts of your life. Being aware of your own mental health is a key component of living a financially successful life. More importantly, it is key to living a happy life. That’s why I decided to open up here about postpartum anxiety.

What is Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety affects between 10 and 15 percent of new moms. To put it simply, PPA is a constant generalized and irrational sense of fear and worry. New moms have a lot put on their shoulders, but moms with PPA are worrying all day everyday about, well, everything. It is fairly similar to regular anxiety but the increase in anxious feelings are linked to having a new baby. PPA symptoms can vary, but many moms experiencing anxiety have some (or all) of the following symptoms.

  • General sense of dread or danger
  • Racing thoughts – all day long
  • Constantly feeling on edge
  • Persistent worry about the baby (health, safety, development)
  • Overwhelming sense of burden and concern about being a good parent
  • Feeling jittery and agitated
  • Trouble falling asleep even if you’re exhausted
  • Changes in heart rate
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pains and panic attacks
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Shaking
  • Chills and hot flashes

Why Don’t People Talk About PPA More?

Just about everyone I know has heard of postpartum depression, but no one talks about new moms with PPA. In fact, I didn’t even know it was a thing until I found out I was suffering from it. I walked around for a few months thinking I was just going crazy or overreacting to the new pressures of being a mom. Silently, I told myself to stop being dramatic and suck it up.

That didn’t stop things from continuing to be heavy. It didn’t stop my blood pressure from spiking at every small thing. It did not stop the eventual panic attack that lead me to re-evaluate my mental health.

Like the “baby blues,” some level of worry and anxiety is normal as a new parent. Constant worry everyday, on the other hand, is not. The problem is, despite the postpartum packets they give you at the hospital and all the educational materials out there, moms are made to feel like they can do it all. Don’t get me wrong, they can do it all. They shouldn’t have to though, and when family members and friends see they are struggling, they should step up.

How Educating Yourself About Mental Health Will Improve Your Life

I’m working on managing my PPA. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and making time to just be myself again are all helping me. But that doesn’t work for everyone. Some new moms with PPA, PPD, or postpartum psychosis will need additional help from doctors to find a balance again. The way forward lies in better education about the effects of pregnancy on your mental health.

Even if you aren’t expecting or recovering, educating yourself about mental health problems can make a huge difference in your own life. You can recognize when you are feeling anxious or depressed, making you more self aware. It can also help you avoid making poor financial decisions or life decisions based on the way you’re feeling in that moment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still reading and have a new mom friend, check in on her. Mommin’ ain’t easy and, most of the time, she feels like she is alone. Let her know she isn’t, even if you only come over to watch her little one while she showers. Just having a moment to breathe can lift a huge burden off her shoulders.

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How to Entertain on a Shoestring Budget

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<p>Throwing parties is one of my favorite things to do. The planning that goes into it is something I truly enjoy. After moving into my new place (finally) I've been thinking about throwing a housewarming party but have a tighter budget than I used to.</p>::Pexels
Throwing parties is one of my favorite things to do. The planning that goes into it is something I truly enjoy. After moving into my new place (finally) I’ve been thinking about throwing a housewarming party but have a tighter budget than I used to.

An easy fix to this issue would simply be to not throw any parties or have one nice get-together a year. However, I enjoy entertaining too much to completely cut it out of the budget all together, which lead me to come up with a few tips on how to entertain on a shoestring budget.

How to Entertain on a Shoestring Budget

The truth is that many people are on tighter budgets than they used to be. Potluck dinners, BYOBs and budget-friendly parties are becoming more and more common. If you’re looking to entertain on a smaller-than-usual budget, here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Hold a potluck: Ask your friends to bring a side dish, dessert, beverage or even plates, napkins, etc. to lessen your financial burden. This will allow everyone to contribute and it will allow you to stick to your party budget.
  • BYOB: If you’re trying to entertain on a shoestring budget you’ve probably already announced your party is BYOB. Alcohol is expensive and, although it used to be considered taboo, BYOB parties are becoming more common as booze prices rise.
  • Don’t buy brand name: When you purchasing items for your party (ingredients, snacks, etc) shop the cheaper, generic brands. Chances are no one will be able to tell the difference and it’ll allow you to stick to your budget.
  • Borrow instead of renting: Many people rent tables and chairs for their parties. Instead of spending the money renting, check with friends to see if they will lend you items.
  • Buy labels to avoid waste: Get permanent markers or stickers to mark cups at your party. This will prevent you from throwing away drinks and cups because of confusion.
  • Cheap entertainment everyone enjoys: Get a deck of cards or a fun group game (I recommend Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity). These can provide entertainment at the party for a low price.
  • Hold a “rent party”: It is becoming more common to see people charging admission to their parties. These are oftentimes called “rent parties” because people use them to raise the money for rent at the end of the month. It isn’t unheard of for hosts to ask their guests to chip in (especially if they are footing the bill for everything).
  • Don’t be afraid to end the party: Lastly, don’t be afraid to tell people to go home. You may spend more money than you intended if the party lasts longer than you thought it would. If people stay longer they’ll eat and drink more. Don’t be afraid to include an “end time” on your invitation.

There are plenty of other great ways to entertain on a shoestring budget out there as well, including making your appetizers from scratch. If you’ve got something you think we should add to the list, let us know.

Photo: Italian Made

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Simple Household Updates That Will Save you Money in the Long Run

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When thinking of making updates to your household, it’s good to think along the lines of which ones will be the most important and yield the best results for you. Read on to see some of the updates you can make that will be both simple and money-saving for you in the long run.

Get Good Window Treatments

One simple household update that can save you money is getting good window treatments. These should enable you to improve your privacy as well as energy-efficiency and thus enjoy a more functional home. One of the longest lasting options for window treatments you can get that will also be low maintenance is aluminium blinds, which are available for all sizes of windows. Find a color that will work well with the rest of your home and have them installed. The difference they make will be a noticeable one and it will give your family a more comfortable time indoors.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you’re still using old appliances in your home, you should consider upgrading to energy-efficient ones, which will make you good savings in terms of the energy you use over time. Shop for appliances with a good energy star rating to ensure you get the best use of energy within your home. From the washer and dryer you use to your thermostat and other items in your home, there are many items you can upgrade to get better energy-saving abilities.

Keep Your Estate Plans Updated

Experts recommend that you should update your estate plan at least once every five years. This should be done barring any major life events such as moving states and marriage as these can have a big impact on your time and resources and other general plans. With this in mind, ensure you have an expert close by who will help you keep your estate plans current and updated so that, in case of anything, you know that your family’s future is secured.

Seal Your Ducts

The ducts that you rely on to ferry treated air in and out of your home should be in a good state at all times. To ensure that they’re not leaking and costing you more energy, have them sealed. You could hire an expert to do this for you or do it yourself if you’re able. When you’re not losing treated air meant for use in your home and your heating and cooling is working efficiently, you can save a sizeable amount on your energy bills over time.

Take Regular Care of Your Lawn

Finally, your lawn is responsible for your home’s curb appeal, at least in part. Take good care of it to make sure it’s in the best possible state and won’t have your home looking old and neglected. With most lawns found to require at least one inch of water a week, you need to ensure that you water your lawn as often as is necessary after mowing it so it stays in good shape for a long time. Alternatively, get a xeriscape instead of grass, as it will need less water to thrive. The native plants that you will get should also be drought-resistant in order to give you the best results. You will be able to spend less time monitoring and babying your lawn doing something else that you enjoy.

With these simple updates, you can get a home that will look as good as it feels for your whole family. Take the time to make the updates suggested and you will get good returns in the form of saved time and money as well as improved value of your home.