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Create the Ideal Home Office With These Cost-Savvy Tips

Posted on August 16, 2023 - 12:32 pm by

More people are working from home today than ever. There are even more who wish they could. In a poll conducted by Flex Jobs, over 60% of remote employees claimed that, given the option, they would quit their present jobs in favor of full-time remote jobs with the same compensation.

While working from home comes with luxuries that those who have to go to an actual office don’t enjoy, the one thing that’s standard is you need to have a workspace. Performing your duties from the comfort of your couch isn’t practical; you won’t get much done. Here are a few tips to help you create a home office affordably.

1. Use What You Have to Raise Extra Cash

Setting up your home office will definitely require an investment. Before dipping into your savings to fund your project, look around your home for things you no longer use. You’ll realize you have a lot of cash lying around. Forbes reports that 30.1% of Americans pawn electronics to get cash.

Consider doing the same. As long as a piece of electronic is in good shape, you can fetch a good amount. It’s important to note that selling your item means a change of ownership; you won’t get your item back. Pawn shops offer an effective way of raising money.

They’re almost always willing to buy electronics because they’re versatile, and there’s always a ready market for used electronics. Unlike high-end purses or watches, pawnshops find selling electronic devices much easier. The shipping fees are pretty affordable.

2. Install New Flooring

The ideal flooring for a home office works well with office furniture. If you spend most of your day receiving phone calls, you’ll want something that absorbs noise instead of transferring it through the structure. Go for something that combines great esthetics with durability, comfort, cost-effectiveness, and functionality.

Engineered wood floors meet all these characteristics. They take a shorter time to install, translating to lower installation costs, and don’t require much maintenance. Regular sanding and refinishing will preserve engineered wood’s visual appeal. These are just the tip of the iceberg of the benefits. No wonder in 2020, the market size for engineered flooring was valued to be worth around $22.1 billion, and by 2028, that market is predicted to grow to $41.3 billion, according to a report by Grand View Research.

3. Consider What You Can Do Yourself

Depending on the extent of your home office project, there are plenty of things you can do yourself if you can find the time. Jobs such as plastering, plumbing, and wiring are best left to the pros. However, you can easily do things like decorating, painting, and shopping for and buying furniture.

4. Introduce Some Natural Light

Another cost-savvy tip is to set up your home office in an area that receives constant natural light during the day. Doing this will lower your energy consumption as you won’t need to use artificial lighting as much. You’ll also feel more active and energized and get a steady supply of vitamin D, keeping you in a great mood and improving your sleep quality.

5. Add Personal Touches

Your home office will feel more like your workplace when you add personal touches. It’ll also boost your productivity. Keep a collection of personal items around you that uplift and motivate you. This will help set the right mood for work and give you the push you need to overcome the challenges of working from home.

6. Use the Furniture You Already Have

Furniture will likely be your highest cost when creating your ideal home office. The costs can quickly pile up, whether it’s chairs, desks, or storage areas. Before heading out shopping, check if you have furniture around your home that you can adapt for your office. For example, you could make a desk from an old entry table or use a dresser as your file cabinet. Creativity will go a long way, but always keep ergonomics in mind.

To still be productive while working from home, you must have a designated work area. Otherwise, you won’t be able to separate your business and work life. Use these cost-savvy tips to create your ideal home office.

Health Costs to Consider As You Age

Posted on August 8, 2023 - 7:37 am by

Your health is a prized gem that determines the quality of life you’ll live. For your health to thrive into your senior citizen years, you must factor in matters of finance in your plans. While you’ll be eligible to access senior citizen health care services and other benefits, you can do more to prepare for the days ahead.

1. Lifestyle Change Costs

According to a report by CBC, nearly two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are either obese or overweight. This need not be so for you. Keep routines that’ll help your body shed excess weight as you age. If your career is more sedentary, involving long hours of sitting, take a walk after every few hours. This helps with blood circulation and getting your joints in motion. The body will also have a chance to break a sweat and burn a few calories.

To remember the new walking routine, put a reminder in your smartphone walking app. You can start your fitness journey by setting short walking goals. Just a brisk walk around the block is a good start.

Over time, you will increase the distance to two blocks, then three. Eventually, you’ll be covering miles at a time. Walking will freshen up your brain while the body works off unnecessary weight. Walking needs nearly no specialized equipment or tools. All you need is a pair of comfortable walking shoes, tracksuits, a T-shirt, and a willing mind.

Combine your new walking habit with a new diet habit for maximum rewards. Instead of snacking often, time your mealtimes to ensure you only eat when hungry. Another tip is to eat just enough food to feel satisfied. Don’t eat more than you need, especially if you don’t intend to burn those calories later. CDC recommends achieving a healthy body weight to control cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

2. Medical Insurance Costs

Start shopping for a good medical cover that’ll support you after retirement. Medical insurance premiums increase as you age, meaning you’ll incur more costs to get good health coverage. Also, expect your other out-of-pocket expenses to keep going up, such as the need for home support, special meals, and medications.

Although Medicare will support part of your health care costs, such as hospital visits, it certainly doesn’t cover all your costs. Start planning how to cover your healthcare costs for yourself beyond what the government offers you.

Check the relevant health insurance websites to see the available products and which will work for you. Healthcare is not cheap in America, whether you’re young or aged. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that nearly 8.3% of adults aged 18 and above couldn’t access medical care due to the high costs. But things are looking up in the health sector, with the number of Americans who could not access medical care posting a decline compared to the previous decade.

3. Nursing Home Costs

As your senior citizen days approach, you’ll need a community that understands and meets your needs with compassionate care. Although there’s no particular age when people should move to nursing homes, admission to nursing care is usually for those aged 75 years and above. Activities and other programs in nursing homes are tailored to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Nursing homes are a pricey option. A Place For Mom estimates the average cost of a semi-private shared room in a New Jersey nursing home to be approximately $11,000 monthly. Although only 4% of seniors end up in nursing homes, you shouldn’t rule it out.

Before choosing a nursing home, research and do due diligence to determine what services they offer and at what cost. Also, read the reviews from former and current customers online. This will give you an idea of what to expect, the questions to ask, and how to start the process of registering interest with a nursing home.

Your senior years may or may not be here yet. Use your time to modify your home to accommodate a senior citizen’s special needs. Find a community with similar interests as you. Finally, you are the one who will determine the quality of life you live!

Budget-Friendly Ways to Create a Comfortable Space for a Family Member With Alzheimer’s

Posted on June 7, 2023 - 2:20 am by

Living with Alzheimer’s is challenging, and if you have a family member with this disease, there are several ways to make life easier for them. Every house has unique furniture, colors, decorations, and other elements that make it a home. These things can affect your mindset and mood, and changing them can make a person with Alzheimer’s life a little bit better and more comfortable.

According to Family Elder Law, over 5.8 million older adults in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s Disease. As such, many people need to find a way to finance changes and adaptions to make their loved ones’ lives easier. In this article, we’ll discuss a few budget-friendly ways to make sure their space is comfortable and lends itself to making living with Alzheimer’s a little bit easier.

Incorporate Colors That Make a Difference

It’s best to avoid using or having energetic and bright colors like red, purple, and orange in the rooms where the family member with Alzheimer’s spends most of their time. These colors can be overly stimulating and you should choose colors that are calming, like blue, brown, and pale yellow. You can still have vibrant hues in rooms, just make sure they’re not a big part of your color scheme.

Change the Lighting

You should opt for more natural lighting, as much as you possibly can. The lighting should match the cycle of natural day and night to ensure that your family member’s circadian rhythm is balanced. This will help improve their sleep patterns, which can also boost their mental and physical health. During the day, have curtains open to allow in natural light.

Use Wall Décor to Improve Mood and Stimulate Memory

People living with Alzheimer’s need visual stimulation, and you can decorate your walls to provide this stimulation. Ideally, you should create a space filled with memories, so mementos from past experiences and photos are awesome decorations to hang on your walls. Having items that will remind your family member of their life experiences is a really good idea.

Update Your Furniture

Furniture is something you can’t do without, but it plays an important role, especially in the life of someone who lives with Alzheimer’s. The most important factors are safety and comfort, so change your furniture to avoid injuries and problems. Depth perception can decrease for Alzheimer’s patients, so square or rectangular tables should be replaced with round ones, for example. Kitchen and dining room chairs should be padded. Try not to rearrange furniture too much because doing so can lead to confusion.

Remove Mirrors

It might be best to avoid having mirrors in areas outside the bathroom. It’s possible that a person with Alzheimer’s can fail to recognize themselves due to impaired memory, and they can become frightened and confused. Fortunately, removing mirrors is a very cheap way to avoid any tricky or confusing situations.

Improve Your Garden

Gardening is a fun hobby for everyone, and up to 42% of folks who spend their time at home gardening feel healthier and happier. So, if you have a family member living with Alzheimer’s, consider getting them outside in the garden as often as possible. Make sure it’s a safe space with no clutter, sharp items, or poisonous or toxic items lying around.

Invest in High-Quality Bedding

Getting a good night’s sleep is often difficult, but a bed that has sheets with fresh scents helps up to 75% of people get a more comfortable rest. Having freshly-washed linen is a good idea to make a person with Alzheimer’s life easier.

Final Ideas

Here are a few other ways to make your home a comfortable space for your family member who has Alzheimer’s Disease:

    • Keep a list of important phone numbers somewhere visible
    • Tape down area rugs
    • Remove other tripping hazards
    • Clearly label important items like light switches
    • Make a bulletin board with daily routines
    • Have a designated area for important items like keys and glasses

Understanding how to finance a comfortable life for your loved one living with Alzheimer’s isn’t always straightforward or easy, but it’s not impossible. The advice shared in this article will guide you in the right direction and help you learn how to come up with affordable ways to create a safe and secure space for anyone that has Alzheimer’s.

Health Insurance and Addiction: What’s the Best Option for Your Spouse in Recovery?

Posted on May 15, 2023 - 8:13 am by

Addiction isn’t just a physical health problem but a severe emotional issue. It can also cause finance problems when trying to get your loved one adequately treated. As a result, it’s critical to pay attention to your health insurance and how well it covers drug rehabilitation and recovery. The following steps should help you better plan treatment and give your loved one the help that they need.

Understand the Severity of Your Loved One’s Addiction

Before gauging your insurance needs, knowing the addiction severity is essential. This can vary based on each person but is often connected to things like family history. After all, according to Freedom Recovery, the heritability of addiction is around 40% to 60%, including severity and abuse risk.

Furthermore, some people may work well with different treatment types. While inpatient therapy is the most effective and widely used option on the market, your loved one may need the freedom of outpatient care. Choose wisely and work with your policy from there.

Choose a Treatment That Your Insurance Will Cover

After the sweeping insurance changes in the late 2000s, addiction treatment has become mandatory on most policies. That said, some may have limitations on coverage that you must understand. For instance, some may only cover care in specific networks or individual types.

As a result, you must sit down with your insurance provider and discuss any policy limitations. Then, they’ll sit down and explain things like what care they cover, what extra payments you need to make, and any other important factors. This way, you’ll get the help you need to pay for your stay.

Find a Policy That Covers a Full Stay

Recovering from drug addiction will require a longer treatment period. Ensure your insurance policy doesn’t cut off your coverage at a certain point. For instance, some might cover one month of rehab and force you to pay for the rest of the treatment after those 30 days.

That’s because rehabilitation will take far more than you might think. First of all, a beneficial detox program can take between seven and 10 days to prepare your loved one for treatment. The rehab stay may take longer, including up to three months, for the most effective treatment.

Pay Attention to Premiums and Other Payments

It’s important to plan around premiums, co-payments, and other insurance costs when finding a policy. Often, they provide this information in your policy documents but may make it hard to understand. Contact your agent if you’re uncertain; they’ll help you better plan your coverage.

Understanding these issues can ensure that you find the policy you need. Thankfully, insurance has become more common in recent years as, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, uninsured rates among Americans 18 to 64 went from 14.5% in 2020 to 11.8% in 2022.

Work With the Addiction Treatment Facility

Lastly, it’s crucial to understand how the addiction treatment facility processes and accepts insurance and other financial support. Verify your policy with them before you send your loved one to visit them. Doing so can ensure you don’t get hit with a high bill or disappointed that it’s unavailable.

Typically, most addiction treatment companies advertise their accepted insurance to ensure consumers know what to expect. Call them directly to learn more if you can’t find out what they take. An intake professional can give you the knowledge you need to make an intelligent choice.

By taking these critical steps, you can ensure your loved one gets the addiction treatment they deserve. Talk to your financial planner about these steps and gauge what insurance policy makes the most sense. Doing so can ensure that you can afford to help your loved one recover effectively.

For more on this consider reading our article on ‘How many life insurance policies do you need‘, really?

Caring for a Puppy on a Budget

Posted on April 11, 2023 - 11:07 am by

A puppy is a wonderful addition to any home. However, the first thing on many new pet owners’ minds is finance. While you might want to spoil your latest furry family member, it isn’t necessary. Here are tips for caring for a puppy on a budget.

Getting Your Puppy on a Schedule

When you first bring your puppy home, it’ll probably be sleepy and disoriented. While it adjusts to its new space and owner, you’ll want to get it on a schedule immediately. Build your routine around walks, feeding times of two to three times a day, and play. After all, it will need all three. In the early days, it won’t be allowed outside unless it’s had its shots, which means you’ll be stuck inside.

Keeping Your Floors Clean

Unfortunately, your flooring will take a hit in the days before you can go outside with your furry friend and when it is still potty training. Even a fully-grown dog will pee or poop inside the house occasionally. Therefore, maintaining your floors is a must.

Cleanliness for Your Puppy’s Health

There’s a reason you can’t take your puppy outside until it’s had its shots. Its immune system is far weaker than other dogs’, leaving it vulnerable to illness. Since you will spend so much time inside the house together, eliminating potential irritants is a must.

No matter how clean and often you vacuum, your carpet might still store dust, dirt, and pet dander. Brandon Gaille states the need to care for carpets through cleaning is very clear. Over 43 million tons of dust fall in the U.S. annually, and indoor air receives two-thirds of that.

Here’s a fact that will make your skin crawl: that amount of dust means up to 2,000 dust mites can live on one ounce of carpet dust, and the last thing you want is for those particles to enter your fur baby’s lungs. As you prepare your home for your new arrival and bring it home, make sure you prioritize keeping your carpet clean. Not only will it benefit the puppy but also you and your family!

Affordable Options for Your Pet’s Needs

Worrying about finance can make purchasing the essentials stressful. There are affordable options for most things, from your pet’s food, bowls, collar, and leash, to toys, bedding, and clothing. However, additional research will be necessary to ensure you’re not skimping on quality.

You’ll need to start on high-quality food. Remember, it’s just stopped weaning, and its body will be looking for food to provide the nourishment it once got from its mother. Look for food high in fat and protein to support your puppy’s development in its early years. According to the American Kennel Club, you should feed your puppy a diet that contains at least 22% protein and 8% fat.

Letting Your Puppy Out to Play

Once your new family member is comfortable in your home, it will become curious and probably get into some trouble. Some mischief is standard and will keep you amused, but you don’t want to let it get out of control. Puppies need stimulation. Time outdoors can work wonders, even if you just put it in a fenced area with a toy or two for a few hours.

Before you let them off-leash outside, you need reliable fencing. If you’re worried about money, this might seem daunting. Aluminum fencing is a great, affordable option, requiring minimal maintenance compared to other fencing materials. Unlike wood or vinyl, it won’t rust or rot and won’t be susceptible to frustrating termite damage. Also, unlike different types of fencing, it’s easy to install.

You’ll fall in love when you meet your puppy and want to give it the best of everything. However, that feeling goes much further than anything of monetary value. Give your fur baby your time and love, and set a budget for everything else.

It’s Time to Improve Your Home’s Plumbing – Here’s Why

Posted on March 20, 2023 - 8:26 am by

From the standpoint of finance management, faulty plumbing can be a real issue. You could be missing out on big savings because you’re neglecting your plumbing. The reasons detailed below better illustrate why you should seek to upgrade your home’s plumbing system.

Your Plumbing System Is Wasting a Valuable Resource

Water is an incredibly valuable resource. Depending on where you live in the country, conserving water may be critical for your household. Old plumbing systems that leak water constantly don’t help with those conservation efforts.

It’s one thing if you only have a single leak causing problems. Many households have more than just one leak. One in 10 homes in the U.S. has small plumbing system leaks that collectively waste at least 90 gallons of water daily. If you suspect that your plumbing system is riddled with those small leaks, you need to improve it sooner rather than later.

You Want to Prevent a Waste Disposal Disaster

According to the EPA, more than 20% of households in the U.S. depend on septic systems for waste management. Is your household included in that group? If so, it may be time for you to check on your plumbing.

Old plumbing can jeopardize the functionality of your septic system. The moment those pipes burst, you could have sewage back up into your home and you don’t want any part of that. Make it a point to check on the pipes that lead to your septic tank regularly because they are likely to age faster. Replace them if needed to prevent a wastewater disaster.

You Need to Accommodate an In-Law

Once upon a time, your single bathroom was enough for you and your spouse. If an in-law moves in, you need an extra bathroom so everyone’s needs are accommodated. Of course, you need to do more than just build a new bathroom. In all likelihood, you will have to rework your plumbing as well.

Consult with professionals so they can pinpoint the ideal spot for your new bathroom. You can also ask them to install the new pieces of hardware necessary to accommodate the latest addition to your household. This would also be a good time for you to add bathroom fixtures that you’ve always wanted.

You Can Save Money By Improving Your Plumbing

Improving your plumbing helps save you money. You can effectively lower your water bill by replacing your faulty pipes and removing existing leaks. That’s not the only way a plumbing upgrade can help you save.

While working on the finance aspect of your household, consider upgrading to a tankless or demand water heater so you can lower your gas or energy bills. Households that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily can improve their energy efficiency by 24% to 34% by switching to a demand water heater. Just remember to install the new hardware necessary for your tankless water heater so it can do its job without any issues.

You Wish to Increase Your Home’s Value Ahead of a Sale

Lastly, you should strongly consider improving your home’s plumbing system before you put it on the market. The housing market is almost always competitive and you may have a hard time making your home stand out. By paying for plumbing upgrades beforehand, you can use that as your main selling point.

Sell potential buyers on the fact that they won’t have to worry about their plumbing for a long time. Point out that your plumbing system is compatible with the latest fixtures. Let them visualize the quality of life they can enjoy in your household so they will agree to a favorable deal.

Sound finance management for any household should involve adequate planning for plumbing upgrades. Those upgrades will be necessary at some point so prepare for them as soon as possible.

Tips for Remodeling a Small Bathroom on a Budget

Posted on October 17, 2022 - 11:56 am by

Remodeling any part of your home may feel like an expensive and time-intensive task, which isn’t something that anyone conscious of their finances looks forward to. That said, there are steps you can take to lower the cost of your remodel. In the case of remodeling a small bathroom, you may be eager to find out how to do so on a budget.

Shop Around

When doing a remodel, it’s a good idea to shop around for the best fixtures and finishes. Do this with the aim of saving money with deals. If you shop around rather than buy the first items in the first place you stop, you may end up with savings that you didn’t know you could make. This means that it’s a good idea for you to shop around for anything that you need to buy for the remodel, both online and physically.

Be patient throughout this process, as you never know when a hardware store in your area will hold an impromptu sale. Alternatively, plan for your remodel to fall in the season when most stores are known to hold clearance sales. You’ll be surprised what a big difference this small step can make. If your bathroom is among the 14.81% that has a compact size, you could finish the project a lot more easily and affordably with good planning.

Refinish Instead of Replacing

When your bathroom finishes and fixtures get worn out and need some work done to them, it’s a great idea to refinish rather than replace them. These include your bathtub and bathroom cabinets, which will wear out naturally over time. You should also do a major yet affordable fix like repainting the walls. When you repaint your bathroom, you can be sure that it will look brand new without breaking the bank. Note that painting the bathroom periwinkle blue or powder blue is an effective way to raise the overall value of the home by as much as $5,000. When compared with an off-white or white bathroom, lightly colored bathrooms are more appealing and thus add more value to your home!

Rethink the Materials

While you may be keen on getting a certain look for your bathroom by using certain materials, note that doing this could cost you more. To avoid this, you should consider cheaper look-alike materials for your bathroom which may have the same effect that you want at a fraction of the cost. This may be doable for specific things such as doors, walls, and even windows. If your windows have been in your home for 15 to 30 years, which is the average lifespan for them, you may need to think about replacements carefully. Note that well-maintained ones may make it past the 20-year-mark, but you should start thinking of replacing them once they start to approach two decades.

DIY

Finally, consider DIYing as the final means to do a remodel on a budget. If you can do something well and safely on your own, consider this a plus for your finance. Just take care not to pick a complex project like redoing the flooring or one with high risk such as anything electrical. When you DIY successfully, you can add this to your list of life skills and thus know that you can do it regularly for yourself whenever it needs to be done. Some of the best fixes to DIY include changing the fixtures and painting the walls. If you’re feeling up for it, give it a go and it may be the best thing you did for your bathroom and yourself.

Use these tips and you may be able to remodel your small bathroom on a budget. You’ll be surprised just what a big difference some small tips can make. You can carry through these tips for remodeling the rest of your home, too!

5 Things to Avoid When You Start a Small Business

Posted on May 16, 2022 - 12:26 pm by

Starting a small business is an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with many challenges. From figuring out financing to putting together a marketing plan, there’s a lot to think about. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success, there are some things to avoid if you want your business to thrive. This article shares five things to avoid when you start a small business.

1. Unnecessary Debt

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when starting a small business is taking on too much debt. While it may be tempting to finance your entire operation with a loan, this can put your business in a precarious position. If you’re not careful, you could default on your loan and damage your credit score. Instead of borrowing money to finance your business, try to use other funding sources, such as personal savings or investments from angel investors or venture capitalists.

2. Bad Contracts

Another thing to avoid when starting a small business is signing bad contracts. Whether it’s a lease agreement for an office space or a contract with a vendor, be sure to read the fine print before you sign anything. Make sure you understand the terms of the contract and that you’re comfortable with them. Remember, bad contracts can put your business in a bind, so it’s important to be careful when signing any agreement. If there’s something you’re not sure about, ask a lawyer to look it over.

3. Bankruptcy

One of the worst things that can happen to a small business is bankruptcy. This legal process can be very costly, and it can damage your reputation. If you’re struggling to keep up with your debts, it’s important to take action before things get too out of hand. You may need to consider downsizing your business or selling some of your assets.

If you’re facing bankruptcy, it’s important to seek professional help. An experienced bankruptcy lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your interests. They can also help you choose the right type of bankruptcy for your business. For example, medical debts, credit card balances, personal loans, and overpayments can all be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. As a result, you’ll have more freedom as you move forward with your business. Chapter 11 bankruptcy, on the other hand, might be a better option if you want to keep your business afloat. This type of bankruptcy allows you to reorganize your debts and develop a repayment plan.

4. Inadequate Cybersecurity Measures

In today’s world, data security is more important than ever. With so many cyberattacks happening, it’s essential to have strong security measures in place. If you don’t, you could put your business at risk.

There are a few things you can do to improve your data security. First, make sure that all of your devices are password protected. You should also have a firewall to protect your network from external threats. Additionally, you should encrypt all your data to prevent hackers from accessing it.

Another important step is to train your employees on data security best practices. They should know how to spot a phishing email and what to do if they receive one. They should also know how to handle sensitive information properly. Ensure all the members of your cybersecurity team have the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). According to the DoD, this accreditation remains a main priority for the department, as it protects the organization from cyber theft losses that cost the U.S. $100 billion each year and $600 billion worldwide, or 1% of global GDP.

5. Negative First Impressions (Online and Offline)

First impressions are important, both online and offline. It can be hard to recover if you make a bad first impression. Luckily, you can do a few things to make sure you make a good first impression online. First, make sure your website is up-to-date and easy to navigate. Second, create social media accounts for your business and ensure everything you post is professional.

You can also make a good impression offline by ensuring that your physical storefront is well-maintained and inviting. Starting with your front doors, ensure they are suitable for your type of business. And given that the commercial doors market is expected to reach $61 billion in value by 2025, it means you can always find doors that not only make a great first impression but also improve your business’s security. Also, ensure that you have proper signage that is visible and easy to read.

As a small business owner, always remember one mistake can cost you everything. So, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid these mistakes. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Here’s How You Can Afford Adult Braces

Posted on April 1, 2022 - 12:54 pm by

Braces can have an amazing impact on your oral health and self-confidence by extension. If you’ve been thinking of getting them but feel that they will be too expensive, read on. You will see some helpful ways in which you can afford to get adult braces and improve your smile without breaking the bank.

Shop Around

The first thing you need to do is to shop around before you make your decision. Different practices will often have different prices, and while this difference may be negligible, you can work with a professional who will offer you the most flexible option. With one out of three orthodontic patients being adults, you will be sure to find a large number of orthodontists who are familiar with your specific needs. In this case, read their reviews and make sure that they’re knowledgeable and experienced. You don’t want to end up with an affordable treatment that leaves you with less than ideal results.

Look for a Dental School Clinic

If there’s a dental school in your area, find out whether they have a clinic as well. Since this is where dentists go for their residence and training to become certified orthodontists, you may be able to get quality services at a fraction of the price that a qualified practitioner would charge. You will get supervised services and only pay for the materials and equipment used, or a subsidized cost, which is a bargain when you consider the full cost you would have had to pay in an office. Keep in mind that they’re not full dental practices, however, so they may not always be able to provide treatment to everyone that seeks their services.

Request a Payment Plan

If you find a professional who you feel will meet your needs and feel that their cost is fair enough to you, find out if they can offer you a payment plan. Many practices offer payment plans for patients who don’t have insurance. This is possible as most of them partner with financing companies that provide flexible payment options that are cheaper than traditional credit financing. When you’re investing in braces, these payment plans can offer you great savings and make the treatment attainable.

Seek Financing for Your Braces

Alternatively, you can use regular credit finance to get your braces. This includes credit cards and personal loans. Even though the interest is going to be higher for this method than for others, you can negotiate with your bank to spread the repayments over as long a period as is possible. When you do this, you will be able to plan for your treatment and pay for it without excessive hassle on your side. Make sure to follow any advice you get from your orthodontist to ensure that you get the full benefits of your treatment. This includes using mouth rinses and toothpaste with fluoride, which, when used alongside proper flossing and brushing, can reduce tooth decay by up to 40%. This way, you will get the most value for your money.

Look Into Dental Assistance Programs

The final option you have is to look into dental assistance programs. These are available in many states and can help low-income individuals get the oral health care that they need. Sometimes, you could also get help from not-for-profit organizations or free clinics run by dental and medical volunteers. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for any of these and get some assistance in financing your orthodontic treatment.

When you realize that you need to get braces to improve your oral health, it’s advisable to start the conversation with your orthodontist. They can help you find an effective and affordable way to get braces as an adult.

How to Upgrade Your Garage On a Budget

Posted on March 16, 2022 - 11:47 am by

You stand to gain a lot from an upgraded garage, from more room for storage to a more welcoming area in which you can either work on a hobby or do something recreational. Read on to see some of the ways in which you can upgrade your garage without breaking the bank.

Add Shelves

It’s important to have room inside the garage to keep away some items in your home while also leaving enough room for your vehicle or vehicles. With 25% of people who have two-car garages not having the room to park cars inside them and 32% having room for just one vehicle, it’s important to add storage. This storage can come in the form of shelves or cabinetry, which will take up less space while allowing you to keep your car in the garage as well. Take time to organize it so that it looks tidy and has the necessary room to remain functional.

Install Security Cameras

To ensure that you can store important items in the garage without fearing for their safety, it’s a good idea to install some security cameras in and around the garage. When you do this, you will have more peace of mind knowing that all your items are safe at all times. The cameras you get don’t have to be the most expensive ones on the market. Just make sure you read reviews before making a purchase so as to get a quality camera that will serve its intended purpose.

Paint it Afresh

If your garage is starting to look and feel old and drab, it’s possible to give it a new lease of life with a fresh coat of paint. If you’re feeling up to it, you can paint it yourself and give it a gorgeous new look. Keep in mind that you can cover between 25 and 44 square yards with a single gallon of paint, depending on the specific color and type of paint. You can, therefore, approximate the amount of paint you will need and proceed to get it, following online tips and tricks on how to do it well and effectively. Once finished, you will have the gratification of knowing that you worked on it yourself!

Add Motion Sensor Lights

Another way to improve the security of your garage is to add motion sensor lights. These will also consume less energy as they will only turn on if they sense any motion within a given proximity to them. They will remain off the rest of the time and therefore help you leave a smaller carbon footprint by using less energy and thus having a longer period pass before you need to change the bulbs. You can go a step further and use LED bulbs, which will use up even less energy and last for a longer time as well.

Refresh the Floor

Finally, you can either seal your existing garage floor or install a new floor altogether. Follow the instructions of the finish that your floor has, whether it’s concrete, epoxy, or even tile. For instance, depending on the site conditions and size of the floor, you can complete the installation of polyaspartic coatings and have it cured fully in a single day. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions when you start to install or refresh your floor so that you stay safe and also get the best results. This way, you will have made good use of your finance.

Follow the tips above to upgrade your garage on a budget and get the most out of it. You will be happy to get the new, fresh space and your whole family will also be glad you took the steps to improve the garage when they can use it in new ways they previously couldn’t.

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