Erin, Author at Dinks Finance

Helpful Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Trip to China

Posted on September 21, 2023 - 11:08 am by Erin

If you plan a trip to China, you’re in for a unique and memorable experience. Its history and culture are part of every building. Americans planning to go to China must prepare more than their suitcases before going. A visit to China is like a trip into another dimension.

Tourist Information

The two most popular airports to use for a visit to China are Beijing, which is the capital, and Shanghai. Experienced tourists report the best way to get from Beijing Airport to the city’s center is by using the Airport Express Train. Please note you cannot rent a car in China with a foreign driver’s license. Public transportation will be the best travel method.

When to Visit

Travel experts agree that the best months to visit China are mid-April, September, and October. Air quality in China makes touring there uncomfortable, and allergy sufferers will want to avoid summer travel. June and July are the hottest months, and there are often typhoons.

Chinese Orchids

Orchid lovers may insist on visiting for the orchid festival in January, but China’s winters are icy. Despite the cold weather, the loveliness of Chinese orchids can be worth a visit. Many people are surprised that orchids are popular in China for their beauty and medicinal use; they are reported to ease sore throat and indigestion. According to Comfy Living, international sales of orchids total around $5 million.

English – Chinese Relations

When traveling in China, you may not find nearly as many people who speak English. Learn a few words or phrases in Mandarin, like ‘help,’ ‘bathroom,’ and ‘food.’ Download Google Translate to your phone to help with communication. One important thing to note is that in many cultures, people need more personal space than Americans and are not accustomed to greeting with hugs.

Finance and Identification

When paying for something in China, cash is preferred over credit cards. Most Chinese citizens use an app called Alipay, which is part of the WeChat messaging system. You can download Alipay and simplify your payment processes at every Chinese destination. Always carry your passport; you won’t be able to board public transportation without showing your passport.

Chinese Industries

China is home to many profitable industries, such as mattresses. Spring mattresses – one of the most popular mattress types – were first made in 1857, and Chinese factories still make them with quality craftsmanship. With so many industrial production facilities in China, you may be amazed at the large buildings you see during your trip.

History buffs may be interested to know the first pipes for transporting petroleum and natural gas were made in China, in 500 B.C. At the time, the pipes were made of bamboo.

Tourist Destinations

One of the most popular destinations in China is the Forbidden City. It’s also known as the Palace Museum, and its 9,000 rooms give visitors a breathtaking lesson in Chinese history. Millions of tourists per year also travel to the Great Wall of China. At almost 14,000 miles long, the Wall is one of the best-known structures in China.

Technical Considerations

To use your phone in China, you must download a good VPN. Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google are all banned in China, so you can’t use them when traveling there. To communicate with your friends in China, download their messaging system called WeChat. When packing your suitcase, be sure you have adapters for the outlets in China.

Restroom Facilities

American tourists should prepare themselves for the toilets in China. Most toilets are lower to the floor (‘squat toilets.’) You won’t find toilet paper, paper towels, or soap. Bring some toilet paper in your travel bag and some hand wipes when you go out for the day.

China’s culture and habits may differ, but your experiences there will be priceless. Use the above information to prepare yourself. Then, pack your bag and get set for your Chinese adventure!

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured On the Job

Posted on September 5, 2023 - 2:38 pm by Erin

If you suffer work-related injuries, the recovery experience can be traumatizing. Depending on your type of injury, you may spend days or months out of work, resulting in loss of wages. In addition, you may need help with high medical bills from weeks spent in the hospital.

Undoubtedly, filing for worker’s compensation will help cover the cost of medication as well as pain and suffering. However, the process can be long, and collecting the benefits can be challenging. But this doesn’t have to be the case if you know the immediate steps you can take when you sustain injuries while at work. Here’s what you need to do.

Report Your Injuries When They Happen

If you work in an occupation that puts you at high risk of a serious accident, your employer should have regulations to protect you from injuries. For instance, when working at heights, which is the case with professional tree trimmers, your employer should provide you with personal protective equipment. They should also ensure that before they send you for a job, you should be well trained on ways to evaluate the strength and condition of trees to be trimmed or cut.

According to the U.S. Society of Consulting Arborists, California has the longest-living trees in the country. Even as a trained arborist, there are chances you may suffer injuries while at work. So, when it happens, and you want help with high medical bills, record the incident in your work accident book. You can do this yourself or request someone else to do it on your behalf.

The other alternative would be to write an email or a letter to your employer with a vivid description of how your accident happened. For instance, if you lose your teeth from a slip and fall accident, state the number of teeth you’ve lost and the injuries to your jaw. A surprising fact is that about 30% of adults aged 65 to 74 have no natural teeth, which partly could be due to work-related injuries.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seeking prompt medical attention is essential as it helps document your work injuries, which is crucial if you wish to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. When you visit a hospital immediately after the accident for a checkup, a medical professional can establish the correlation between the cause of your accident and your injury. The longer you wait, the more your medical issue could be assumed to be caused by something else.

In most cases, companies have policies in place regarding workplace injury. So be sure to follow them long before an accident can find you. It could be that your supervisor is supposed to determine where you should seek medical help, or your company has an in-house medical staff who evaluates work injuries before giving further guidance.

Collect the Necessary Evidence

If possible, you should return to the accident scene and collect evidence, including taking photos. You may want to consider hiring an attorney if you cannot do so due to your injuries. When you take time to collect evidence, someone can clean up the accident scene, making it challenging when seeking help with high medical bills. It’s also possible to forget some important details of the accident, so it’s crucial to write down what you can remember as soon as possible.

Some of the important details not to miss out include what you were doing at the time of the accident, the date, and the exact place where the accident happened. If you succumb to your injuries and the evidence you collect points to your employer’s negligence, your dependents can file for a wrongful death suit in a civil court.

Take Time Off Before You Return to Work

After being injured at work, the recovery time can sometimes be long. If you’re discharged from the hospital and requested to take enough rest before returning, don’t do anything contrary to your doctor’s orders. Additionally, ensure that you request your employer to make adjustments at your workplace, including changing your duties, if your doctor recommends it.

Most people injured at the workplace are not well informed on the steps to ensure quick recovery. If you stick to the advice in this guide, you’ll receive help with high medical bills and recover quickly from your accident injuries.

Here’s What to Know About Getting into the Recreational Marijuana Business

Posted on September 5, 2023 - 2:37 pm by Erin

If you’re considering getting into the recreational marijuana business, you shouldn’t second guess your thoughts. Over the past few years, many states have passed legislation that has made cannabis legal for medicinal and recreational use. While this is the case, you will have to follow strict regulations if you’re planning to venture into the marijuana business.

For instance, if you plan to cultivate cannabis, you need a huge upfront investment that may sometimes run into thousands of dollars and have horticultural know-how. In some states, business owners planning to cultivate or run a dispensary are required to be residents of the state for at least two years. If you want to get into the recreational marijuana business, here are a few things you should follow.

Ensure That You Do Your Due Diligence

Before starting any business, the first thing you should do is evaluate your finances and research to find the best opportunities within the industry. In the case of the cannabis business, there are different sectors you can get into. One of the most popular options is selling different cannabis strains in a dispensary.

You can also exclusively grow and sell marijuana to cannabis dispensary business owners. This may be a worthwhile venture because today, about 73% of people have a higher appreciation for flowers compared to back in 2009. Whichever option you choose, be sure to speak to people who already own the business and learn from them ways to structure your business.

Most business owners will advise that you consider diversifying your product line. Besides stocking marijuana flowers, you should consider options like tinctures, gums, topicals, and oils. If possible, some of your products should be CBN-infused. CBN is a non-psychoactive molecule derived from THC with mild and sedative effects.

Understand the Regulations in Your State

If you live in a state that has legalized cannabis for recreational use, ensure that you find out more information on the regulations regarding the growing or selling of marijuana. You should also know that cannabis regulations keep changing. Therefore, it’s crucial to be well-informed on any changes in policy. If you do so, you will not make mistakes that may eventually cause you to pay huge fines or close down your business.

Remember that some states have pending legislation decriminalizing marijuana for recreational use. If you reside in such a state, getting into the business soon after legalization puts you in a better position for quick financing. While all American citizens today enjoy the right to make important regulation decisions through the ballot, this wasn’t the case in the past. The right for African Americans to vote came into effect after the 13th and 14th Amendments were abolished.

Ensure That You Register Your Business

Cannabis is illegal at the federal level, meaning your business will only operate locally. While choosing your business option, ensure you pick the right model, as it will greatly impact your risk level and the taxes you’ll pay. You can start your business as a corporation or a limited liability company. Regardless of your preferred option, it would be best to learn more about their similarities and differences.

Get the Necessary Permits and Licenses

Different states have regulations for starting a cannabis business. So, it’s important to be conversant with the process before you can apply for your permits and licenses. If you’re confused about what to do, you should seek the help of a legal professional.

You may not have to go through this process if you live in a state with a portal specifically for licensing marijuana businesses. Remember that in addition to getting the permit, license, and registration, you still have to register your business with the state where you operate.

Starting a cannabis business isn’t as easy as most people would think. The regulations in the industry keep changing, and you need to update yourself on the new developments. This will ensure that you run your business efficiently with minimal disruptions.

4 Ideas for Home Updates That Benefit Couples Financially

Posted on August 15, 2023 - 8:26 am by Erin

Are you thinking of updating your home? Media website House Method reported that roughly 55% of homeowners remodeled at least part of their homes during the past year. Many couples need to finance their home updates, so it’s important to budget your spending carefully. Learning which renovations can best improve your property value is a good way to decide where you’ll update first.

1. Updating Your Kitchen

When a prospective buyer comes to look at your home, the rooms they’re likely to look at most carefully are the kitchen and the bathroom. People know they’ll spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so they’ll want to feel comfortable in that room. Statistics have shown an updated kitchen can bring more than an 85% return on your investment once your home is sold.

However, you should carefully plan which parts you’ll remodel. If your kitchen appliances are modern and in good working order, you may not have to replace them during the remodel. Updating your walls with a bright, invigorating color and refinishing the surfaces on the kitchen counters could be all the “facelift” your kitchen needs. By spending your remodeling dollars carefully, a moderate investment in an update can pay off significantly when your home is sold.

2. Updating Your Bathroom

During their tour of your home, people will want to see the bathroom. Although having a bathtub used to be a must-have, today’s prospective home buyers are more likely to look for a walk-in shower. However, if your home currently has only one bathroom, it would be better to invest in adding a second bathroom. That second bathroom is even more critical if your home has more than two bedrooms.

Just as the kitchen can be made more attractive for resale with only a “facelift,” so can the bathroom. If you don’t need a second bathroom or an updated shower, using new or improved tiles on the bathroom wall or floor can be the difference that your bathroom needs. If there are any problems with your plumbing, be sure you attend to those issues before placing your home on the market.

3. Increasing Your Curb Appeal

If someone’s looking for a new home, they often decide whether they like it before they walk inside. Please look at your home from the street and try to evaluate it from the point of view of a prospective buyer. Adding a front porch is one way to make your home more inviting. You might also consider installing siding to your home, as it can often add years to the outside of your home.

If you’re not fond of the appearance of vinyl or aluminum siding, you may prefer installing stone veneer. Those veneers are water-resistant and are also resistant to corrosion. Veneers also give your home a sturdy but stunning appearance. A home with a stone exterior will significantly boost your curb appeal.

4. Updating Your Driveway

Although prospective buyers are going to size up the interior and exterior of your home, they’ll also be looking at your driveway. If they’re looking at your home and thinking of buying it, they know they’ll be parking in that driveway. So, making the driveway look inviting is a good investment. Just as other improvements to your home will provide a satisfactory gain, according to apschipsealingpaving.com, resurfacing your driveway can increase your property value by approximately 10%.

If you invest in a new driveway, you might consider concrete as the material you’ll use. The home improvement website MoneyPit estimates that concrete driveways are likely to last between 20 to 50 years. Concrete is also water-resistant and provides a smooth driveway surface. So, it’s a great choice for a driveway.

Have you decided to remodel your home? If so, think carefully about which changes will be best for your home. If you follow the guidelines above, you’ll be able to consider the best home updates to make.

How Can I Make Money Off My Old Vehicle?

Posted on July 4, 2023 - 7:49 am by Erin

If you have an old vehicle that you’re no longer using, you may be able to make some extra money from it even if it’s not in the best shape. While the most obvious solution may be to sell it directly to a buyer, there are a few other ways you can earn some extra cash.

Sell the Vehicle to a Used Car Dealership

You may be able to sell your old vehicle to a used car dealership if it’s in good enough shape. A dealership is also a great option because the business can help you finance the purchase of a new vehicle, and the money you make from the car you trade in can act as a down payment. However, before you sell or trade-in your vehicle, you’ll want to address any small repairs. Fix any dents or paint scratches. Parkerizaion is also a great way to increase steel’s ability to resist corrosion in the future.

When your vehicle’s ready, research its value using the Kelley Blue Book or a similar publication. These industry publications offer the typical sales price for used vehicles by make, model, year, and condition. Consider the realistic condition of your used vehicle, too. If it has a door missing or mismatched auto body panels, you’re better off using the next option – selling it for parts.

Recycle and Sell Used Parts

If your vehicle is a little worse for wear and isn’t likely to sell on the market or to a used dealership, sell your older used vehicle to a pull-a-part auto lot. Typically, recycling consists of three steps: collection, processing, and re-manufacturing. When you sell to a pull-a-part lot or a junkyard, you typically skip the collection step and deliver the vehicle to them yourself. In these cases, it won’t hurt your sale price to tow it to the lot.

Fix It Up and Sell It Yourself

Perhaps your vehicle remains in good condition, and the used auto lots didn’t offer an appropriate price. You can fix it up and sell it yourself. Address problems large and small to get the best price. For example, if the car vibrates from underneath when driven, that indicates a bad drive shaft. If you don’t know how to do auto repairs, have a mechanic friend help you and pay them a percentage of the sale price.

Donate It to Charity

Consider donating an older car that remains in good condition and runs well to charity. Organizations like the Salvation Army accept used vehicles. Although you don’t get payment at the time of the donation, at tax time, you get to take a hefty deduction for this donation.

Rent It Out

Use platforms like Get Around or Turo to rent your car to others. These alternatives to auto rental firms like Enterprise and Hertz allow you to make money from your extra vehicle without needing to drive it yourself, unlike Lyft or Uber. Your vehicle does need to be in good working order and look good, too.

Some of these platforms only allow rental vehicles aged 10 years or fewer. Others, like Turo, let individuals list older model vehicles as long as they remain in good condition. The older vehicle rentals typically comprise muscle cars or unique rentals.

Whether you sell, rent, or donate your older vehicle, you can make money from it. In most cases, you’ll need to spiff it up a bit before selling it or renting it. Selling it to a junkyard or pull-a-part salvage yard can save you from needing to repair or clean it.

4 Tips for Affording High Medical Bills

Posted on June 21, 2023 - 7:32 am by Erin

Good health is an important part of a good overall life. This is the reason why you should do your best to ensure that if you need medical treatment, you’re in a position to get it for yourself. This may be easier said than done since it’s no secret that health care and medical bills can leave your finances in trouble. Have a look below and get some ideas from the four practical tips outlined that can help you get help with high medical bills for yourself and your family.

1. Learn About Your Rights

One of the first things that you need to do is to polish your knowledge of your legal rights as far as healthcare goes. For instance, you may be due for compensation if you suffer an injury while at work. This can make it possible for you to afford proper treatment within the time that you need to get it. While learning about your rights, you’re sure to come across facts such as that 36 states and Washington, D.C. in America require businesses that have one or more employees to provide compensation coverage for their workers. This should alert you on what to look out for when seeking employment or weighing your options with your current employer.

2. Shop Around for Affordable Professionals

Next, there are a number of health care providers at every level of health care and in various fields. This means that you can expect to find different prices from various professionals for the same treatments and conditions. That said, if you need to get braces and become one of the 20% of patients who get braces every single year, it’s a good idea to look for an affordable place to get them. You should also note that some healthcare providers may accept payment plans while their counterparts don’t. In this case, be open with the healthcare provider you want to work with so that you can come to a reasonable agreement.

3. Check For Errors in Your Bill

Another way in which you can make health treatments more affordable is by checking the bills that you get for errors. This is something that happens because human error can never quite be ruled out. Even for something like dentistry, which is one of the 10 most ethical and trusted professions in the United States, it’s possible to be accidentally overcharged. For this reason, get into the habit of checking each medical bill that you receive for coding errors. These are very common and can see you paying a few times more than you need to pay if you miss them.

4. Seek Financial Assistance

The fourth way in which you can get help with high medical bills is to seek financial assistance. These may differ from one state to the next, especially government programs that you may qualify for. Find out about those in your area and check to see whether you qualify for them. You can also find a medical charity, and you can learn about these by checking online, as there are specific ones for certain illnesses and conditions. If you identify one that you feel you could get some help with high medical bills from, find out about how to apply for them so that you can send your applications as soon as possible. Whether it’s a chronic illness or an expensive prescription, you’re sure to come across something relevant when you do a search.

These four tips can help you afford to pay high medical bills and maintain great health. Be prepared to make an effort and do your due diligence to find out if you qualify for any kind of help with high medical bills. Over time, you may be able to get the best healthcare in an affordable way and share the knowledge you gather with your loved ones so they can also benefit from it.

Advantages of Owning a Home as a DINK Couple

Posted on June 6, 2023 - 1:10 pm by Erin

The DINK (dual income, no kids) lifestyle has become the envy of most people, especially those hoping to settle with their partners soon. Every time you use social media, there’s that child-free couple who seem to be traveling every weekend to some exotic destination. While kids can be fun, they also come with responsibilities that bind you financially. That’s why a DINK lifestyle feels appealing to most people. This lifestyle has many advantages. One of the areas those benefits manifest is in home ownership. Take a look at the advantages of owning a home as a DINK couple.

Better Finance Management

It’s no secret that kids come with many responsibilities, such as food, clothes, tuition fees, and healthcare. This can limit your finance and prevent you from taking on major home projects. DINK couples have fewer financial responsibilities, giving them more disposable income to own and maintain a home.

On average, a homeowner spends about 1 to 4% of the home’s value on financing annual repairs and maintenance. This number increases as the house ages. A home worth $200,000 translates to $2,000 in repairs. With kids, you have more responsibilities, so you might ignore certain repairs to meet the kids’ needs. A DINK couple is likely to have better finances, hence more income to take care of repairs and maintenance.

Freedom to Choose the Location They Love

When you have kids, some factors you’ll consider when buying a home include proximity to schools, daycare, etc. Sometimes, the best school district is far from your workplace, so you have to compromise for your kids. Without children, you don’t need to consider daycare, schools, and kid-related activities. You can buy a home close to friends, work, the airport, or any other activities you enjoy.

More Room for Other Activities

If you have kids, you need to make literal room for them in the house. A DINK couple has more space to accommodate other things. For instance, if you’re in a two- or three-bedroom house, the other bedrooms can serve as home offices or guest bedrooms. You can even convert one bedroom into a recreational room like a sunroom. According to Home Advisor, sunrooms have a 49% ROI, meaning they will increase your home’s value by almost half the cost of adding them. There are so many things you can do with the extra space you now have in your home.

Tax Savings

As a dual-income home with no kids, your income level is high, meaning you fall into a higher tax bracket. Plus, since you have no kids, you have fewer deductions. Owning a home comes with tax breaks. For instance, you can claim mortgage interest deductions, saving thousands of dollars. When paying a mortgage, interest charges contribute to a significant portion of the monthly payments, especially in the first few years. Fortunately, those interest payments also qualify you for mortgage interest deduction, saving you some money.

An Easier Estate Planning Process

With or without kids, estate planning is highly encouraged because you have to plan for the future. However, the process is much easier for a DINK couple. The three main steps involved in estate planning include preparing the right document, transferring assets, and setting up the power of attorney and advance directives. There’s no worry about which child to leave the house to or fear that it may spark sibling conflict.

Ease of Moving Homes

Moving homes has been categorized as one of the most stressful life events that can happen to anyone. With kids, it’s even worse because they may have to change schools and leave their friends behind. Without kids, it’s just two adults moving and maybe their pets. This makes the process less stressful. You won’t have to start looking for a new pediatrician or daycare. You’ll also have fewer items to move to the new house.

If you’re a DINK couple considering home ownership, these are the benefits you stand to enjoy. While there’s nothing wrong with nurturing kids, the truth is that they come with some responsibilities that not everyone can handle, making the DINK lifestyle attractive.

6 Tips to Save Money While Planning an Outdoor Party

Posted on June 1, 2023 - 12:07 pm by Erin

Planning an outdoor party can be fun and exciting. However, it doesn’t take long before it becomes expensive. However, there are some budget-friendly approaches you can take to planning your part. The tips provided here help you have a great party without breaking the bank.

1. Pick Your Location

When you are trying to finance a party, you want it to be as affordable as possible. One of the most affordable locations you can pick is your backyard. As long as you have enough space for the number of people you want to invite, it’s a great option. In fact, as many as 40% of homeowners use their outdoor space for entertaining. If your backyard isn’t large enough, you could ask a friend if you could use their backyard. You can also host your party at a public park. Often, public parks have a specific picnic area that already has tables and grills.

2. Consider the Party Date

While it’s fun to have a party during the holidays, they tend to be more expensive. Instead, you can choose to have your party during the week or a time that isn’t around a holiday. During a less busy time, you can often find a location at a discounted price. Many rental services and caterers increase their prices during the holidays, which is another reason why you might want to avoid that time.

3. Prepare Decorations

Depending on the type of party you’re having, you may want to splurge on decorations. However, since the party is outside, you can use your surroundings to your advantage. Use the flowers and potted plants around you as decorations. You can get paper lanterns and inexpensive string lights to enhance your decorations and space. You can use seasonal fruit as centerpieces. It will give your space pops of color, and your guests can eat the fruit. This allows you to combine the cost of decorations and food.

4. Think About Food

When you are determining how to finance a backyard party, most of your budget goes toward food and drinks. They are an important aspect of your party. You can hire a professional. This is an expensive option. Another option is to have a potluck, and each guest brings a food or drink item. A potluck option helps save you money and provides a variety of foods.

If you aren’t excited about a potluck, you can prepare all of the food yourself. However, if you keep it simple, it can be budget-friendly. Your best bet is to pick food that you can make in large amounts and prepare in advance. When determining which drinks to serve, consider homemade iced tea, water that’s fruit-infused, and lemonade. These drinks are friendly to your budget.

5. Reserve Your Porta Potties

If you are planning a large event, you should consider setting aside part of your budget to finance portable restrooms. Phoenix, AZ is Arizona’s capital and the fifth-largest city in the United States with more than 1.4 million residents, and continues to grow. As a result, you should consider contacting several porta potty companies to get the best deal.

6. Borrow Equipment

You may need more seating and tables depending on the number of guests you have. In 2021, 58% of homeowners planned to buy at least one new piece of furniture or accessories for their outdoor living, according to PR Newswire. When you decide to purchase outdoor furniture that you can use all year long instead of renting, it can be a more cost-effective way to get more seating. You could ask your friends and family to borrow equipment and furniture.

Here are six tips to help you protect your budget when planning the best outdoor party. If you keep these tips in mind, you can plan affordable parties, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more often. Consider these tips before you plan your next party.

How to Reduce Your Utility Bills This Summer

Posted on May 30, 2023 - 12:07 pm by Erin

While the summer brings sunshine and longer days, it also brings heat and humidity. You may find that your utility bills quickly become out of control. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your energy usage in order to protect your budget and finance plan.

Insulate Your Windows

You may be surprised to know how much your windows cost you each season. Not just in the winter but in summer, too. You can lose as much as 25% to 30% of your inside air through a drafty window, according to the Department of Energy. There are a number of ways you can insulate your windows. A great option is a draft stopper. These are cloth tubes that are filled with a material that prevents cool air from leaking out and hot air from getting in. A draft stopper doesn’t block the window or stop you from opening it. It’s also an affordable option that doesn’t negatively impact your budget.

If you notice there are cracks around the seal of your window, a draft stopper may not completely stop cool air from leaking. You may need to reseal your windows with caulk or a sealant to fill in the crack.

Fix Dripping Sinks

About 10% of all homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, according to the EPA. If you are living with a dripping sink, you are pouring money down the drain. When you fix a small leak early, you can save about 10% on your energy bill, according to ComfyLiving. Consider reaching out to your local plumber to have the problem fixed. If you’re unable to afford a plumber at the time that you notice the leak, a hose clamp may be able to provide some wiggle room until you can hire a professional.

Unplug Electronics When Not in Use

If you have a home office, you may be used to keeping your electronics plugged in. Employees alone print up to 10,000 pages a year on average. However, if you’re leaving your printer, desktop, laptop, and smartphone plugged in throughout the day when these items aren’t in use, you could be wasting electricity. Electricity continues to feed into a charger even when it isn’t in use, creating “energy vampires” around your home. That said, make sure that you unplug any devices when they’re not in use in order to cut costs.

Reduce Cooling

It may be a surprise to you to learn that your air conditioner is responsible for more than 15% of your electric use. If you increase the temperature setting on your air conditioner by a couple of degrees, you could save as much as 10% on your energy bills. In addition, if you live in an area where the nights are cooler, you can open your windows and use fans to pull in the cool air.

When working from home, you only need to cool the room where you’re working. You can use a fan to help lower the temperature. You can increase the temperature in all the rooms to help reduce utility costs. To ensure your air conditioner works optimally, you should clean or replace the air filters to help it work effectively and circulate air properly.

These tips can help reduce the amount you pay each month for your utility bills. When you lower these costs, you can stick to your finance and budget plan.

How Health Insurance Helps With Financial Security

Posted on May 15, 2023 - 7:52 am by Erin

Having health insurance is an obstacle that can be challenging for some. However, obtaining health insurance is a way to protect your own financial security in the long run. By making the investment of finance into health insurance on your own, you can ensure you have the health coverage you require when you need it most.

If you do not currently have health insurance and you are disabled, you may be considering the option of applying for SSDI, or Social Security Disability benefits. However, it’s important to note that according to expert estimations, upwards of 70% of all SSDI applications are rejected upon their first submission. This means you may be waiting upwards of one to three years for another opportunity to receive SSDI. In the meantime, having health insurance will allow you to seek out the physicians and specialists that are right for you.

1. Regular Medical and Dental Checkups

The right healthcare package or plan will allow you to not only see your general practitioner, but also a dentist of your choice or within your network. Did you know that approximately 47% of all adults over the age of 30 currently have some form of periodontal disease? By visiting the doctor and dentist regularly, minimize your risk while protecting your teeth as much as possible. Preventative care is often key to minimizing major surgeries, treatments, or remedies that can quickly add up in cost.

2. Prescription Medication Coverage

Whether you require an inhaler or a prescription medication that you must take multiple times each day, having health insurance will help to cover the cost. Without health insurance, you will be responsible to pay for any medication or treatment you require out-of-pocket. This can quickly add up in cost, especially if you require more than one medication each day or if you are treating a special condition or ailment. Ensuring you have health insurance will protect you whenever you are in need of new medication in most cases.

3. Emergency Medical Coverage

At times in life, you may require emergency medical care. When you are an individual who does not have health insurance, this can leave you with a staggering bill running up in the thousands of dollars. If you are covered by insurance, you will not need to worry about an emergency care bill once your deductible has been met. Before choosing a healthcare plan that is right for you, be sure to compare deductibles and coverage options to find a solution that is just right for your needs as well as your current budget.

4. Medical Procedures and Surgeries

Along the same lines of providing coverage for emergency services, health insurance will also help to cover your medical surgeries and procedures. In 2020, disability benefits were paid out to more than 9.5 million individuals across the United States alone. If you are in need of a life-threatening procedure or if you are interested in cosmetic solutions, in some cases, depending on your insurance, the procedure may be covered in its entirety. As with any health insurance policy or plan, it’s advisable to review all of the included treatments, surgeries, and medications that are covered in your chosen plan to ensure that your health insurance meets your needs.

Obtaining health insurance is essential if you want to ensure financial security in your own life and you want to finance the insurance on your own. Whether you are looking to finance your health insurance independently and on your own or through your workplace, having health insurance is a way to help with financial security while also allowing you to maintain your peace of mind at all times.

For more on the topic of insurance, consider reading our article on how many life insurance policies do you need?

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