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How to Fit New Kitchen Cabinets Into Your Remodeling Budget

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kitchen cabinets
Image by Solomon Rodgers from Pixabay

Remodeling or renovating a home can cost an obscene amount or a reasonable one, depending on the planning and shopping savvy of the homeowner. Kitchens offer a challenge because people spend so much time in them that they want to go all out, yet this room includes some of the highest-cost items. Cabinets alone typically cost between $5,000 to $6,000, causing some homeowners to think they will need to finance their remodeling project.

Cabinets Cost a Lot, So Replace Them Judiciously

The majority of homeowners, 94%, partially or completely replace the kitchen cabinets during a renovation, according to Proline. In a partial replacement, the homeowner only replaces damaged cabinets to save money. Doing this can save thousands of dollars.

Kitchen Remodeling Pro Tips Can Help

Almost as many homeowners, 84%, hire a kitchen remodeling professional, according to Houzz. Ask the remodeling professional how to save money on the cabinets. Expect them to tout simplicity of style and a reasonably priced wood species.

Instead of purchasing cherry wood cabinets, choose a cheaper wood species and stain them cherry colored. Also, avoid busy wood carvings and column trim. Those types of customizations drive the prices up.

Choose standard-depth kitchen base cabinets measuring 24 inches. The standard depth of wall cabinets ranges from 12 to 24 inches, according to The Spruce, but choosing shelves instead of wall cabinets saves you big and provides the same storage space. Many cabinets designs feature shelf options, keeping everything in the same design family.

Choose fewer drawers and tons of cabinets. Drawers cost more than cabinets, and the savings quickly add up when drawers get eliminated. Also, avoid customized features, such as pullouts, soft-close drawers, and full-extension slides.

To really save big money on kitchen cabinets, choose laminate or Thermofoil, a plastic finish applied to engineered wood. Both options look like painted wood without the cost. Avoid these options when renovating a home in a moist, high-humidity environment because they damage easily from moisture. Use an all-plywood sink base when installing either laminate or Thermofoil cabinets. Add delamination heat shields around your range.

Refurbish Existing Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them

Sometimes, existing cabinets remain in stupendous condition but the homeowner wants a new look for the kitchen. In these cases, strip off the old varnish or paint and re-paint them. Skip glazing them, though, because it adds significantly to the cost. Add gold or silver trim and change the cabinet handles and drawer pulls.

Wood-burning designs offer another way to redo existing cabinets. Hire a kitchen remodeling crew that employs a wood-burning expert. Choose a stencil design and have the woodworking professional etch the design into the wood of each cabinet door. This option provides a truly unique cabinet design to your kitchen without too huge a cost.

Shopping for Materials

Skip shopping at major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot for cost savings. Instead, shop at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore to save up to 90% off on materials and help the non-profit behind the store provide free housing to low-income families. Other options include shopping online at Temu, Amazon, and Alibaba. Each of these shopping platforms hosts thousands of stores, many offering deep discounts on superb building materials and free shipping.

Renovating and Remodeling Kitchen Cabinets for Less

Identify why the cabinets need to change and find a way to address it through painting, varnishing, and wood-burning designs. For new builds and cabinets beyond refurbishing, choose fewer drawers, use only base cabinets, and install shelves above the counter. Doing these things adds up to big kitchen cabinet savings.

How to Plan a Summer Family Vacation on a Tight Budget

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camping family
Photo credit: Omar Lopez

Are you fantasizing about your perfect family trip? You can get the thought from your mind and make it real, even if your budget is tight. And no, you’re not limited to the usual cheap motel staycation. You can cut unnecessary costs with creativity, meticulous planning, and organization without losing out on the fun. Here are a few ideas you can implement for arranging a family excursion trip on a budget. Feel free to come up with extra ideas; the more savings, the better!

Have a Friend or Family Member Watch Your Pets

According to Forbes, 67% of U.S. families, 87.9 million homes, have pets. Pooches are the most prevalent pet in the US, with more than 66.1 million U.S. households having a dog or two. Cats are next in line, with 47.5 million homes having different cat species. It’s possible to take your pet on vacation, but traveling with an animal can be as expensive as leaving it with a sitter or kennel.

MetLife Pet Insurance reports that kennels and pet boarding services cost between $84 and $250 daily. That’s a lot of money you don’t have to spend if you leave your pet at a friend’s or family member’s home. You’ll be sure they’re loved and cared for while away on your trip without spending anything.

Take a Road Trip to a Nearby City

Another great way to have a vacation on a tight budget is to make a road trip to a nearby city you’ve probably never been to. You can use your car and avoid plane tickets and expensive car hire. However, ensure your car is in good condition before beginning your journey. A car breakdown would be such a bummer! The Armory Life asserts that a parkerized finish increases a component of steel’s resistance to scratches, nicks, and corrosion.

High humidity can cause damage to the metal parts of your car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) prescribes checking the levels of your car engine oil, transmission fluids, and windshield washer fluid to see if they need topping up before embarking on a long drive. Needing to fix your car while on vacation can cost a lot, so you’d rather take all the precautionary measures to avoid car trouble.

Go Camping

Go camping! Camping is a versatile idea you can customize to your family’s tastes and preferences. It’s fun, engaging, and affordable. You can do countless activities, such as bird watching, campfire stories, hiking, swimming, canoeing or kayaking, photographing nature, cave tours, organizing a scavenger hunt, riding bikes, fishing, and tasting smores. And guess what? All these activities are free. You don’t have to pay anyone or buy a ticket to enjoy peace and quiet.

Have you ever visited the emergency room while on vacation? Well, it happens a lot! People on a trip get sick for various reasons; food poisoning and allergic reactions are the most common ailments. Although camping is a brilliant alternative to paying hundreds of dollars to sleep in hotel rooms, being ‘outside’ can trigger your allergies and cause immense discomfort. You’ll probably have to spend money on seeing a doctor and purchasing medication.

The CDC reports that 25% of Americans have seasonal allergies. Since you’re all about saving money, adopt the ‘prevention is better than cure’ philosophy. Carry your allergy medication if you plan to spend time outdoors, hiking, fishing, swimming, or simply being outdoors. And don’t forget to carry some garbage bags to put the trash in after you’re done camping. It’s always decent to leave the campsite as clean as you found it, if not cleaner.

While cleaning, put recyclable waste separately. According to Reader’s Digest, paper is among one of the most recycled materials. So, segregate and drop the garbage in appropriate recycling bins. Going on a family trip is a great way to break away from the monotony of life. If you’ve been worrying about affording it, list how to make a trip without breaking the bank. Start with the above ideas, and then add your own. Enjoy your trip! It’s coming soon.

Home Investments That Will Save You Money Every Year

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home maintenance

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, but it also offers opportunities to make smart investments that will save you money. Check out how these cost-effective home investments will help you save cash each year. Making these small changes allows you to enjoy a more comfortable and efficient living space while keeping more money in your pocket to spend on other important things.

Fix Leaks

Did you know that fixing the easy-to-fix leaks in your home can save you about 10% on your water bill? Most leaks are simple to repair and can significantly affect your monthly expenses. Easy-to-fix leaks include dripping faucets and worn toilet flappers. By taking care of these issues, you’ll save money on your water bill and contribute to water conservation efforts at the same time. Double win!

Change Air Filters

Another way to improve your home’s efficiency and save some cash is by regularly changing your air filters. According to Loving Air, you can improve your energy consumption by up to 15-20% monthly when changing your filter regularly. Clean filters enable your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to work more efficiently, lowering energy bills. Moreover, periodically changing your air filters also improves the overall air quality in your home, making it a healthier place to live.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Roof

Upgrading to an energy-efficient roof is another smart investment that can save you money every year. These roofs are designed to reflect most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, lowering the roof surface temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This, in turn, cools the entire home, saving on home heating costs. In fact, cool roofs can reduce peak cooling demand by 10%-15% through better insulation from the heat.

An energy-efficient roof will reduce heating and cooling bills and increase your home’s overall value. In addition, energy-efficient roofs tend to be more durable and require less maintenance. That means even greater savings on otherwise costly repairs.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Upgrading your appliances to more energy-efficient options is an excellent and kind of fun way to lower your energy consumption. Old and outdated appliances use more energy, leading to higher utility bills. Switch to energy-efficient appliances, like more updated refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. You’ll enjoy the greater functionality and the reduced electricity and gas bills.

Energy-efficient appliances often come with the Energy Star label, which indicates that they meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While these appliances may have a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term savings on energy bills make them a wise investment for any homeowner.

Switch to LED Lighting

Switching to LED lighting is another simple yet impactful way to lower your budget annually. Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan compared to LED bulbs. LED lights, on the other hand, are known for their energy efficiency and long-lasting performance. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with LED lights will lower your electricity consumption and energy bills.

LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. It might seem like a bit of a hassle at first, but when you’ve swapped them all out, you’ll be glad you took the time and energy to complete this home improvement task.

By focusing on fixing easy-to-fix leaks, regularly changing air filters, investing in an energy-efficient roof, upgrading your appliances, and switching to LED lighting, you will make your home more efficient and save money every year. These investments may require some initial costs, but the long-term savings are well worth it. Remember, taking the time to make these changes will lead to monetary savings and a more comfortable, healthier, and eco-friendly living space.

Buy & Sell Kids Stuff at Kid A in Minneapolis

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Twin Cities families! Have you heard of Kid A in Minneapolis?

Kid A is a Minneapolis business that sells and buy used baby/kid gear, and I checked it out and met Matt, the owner! They have a variety of good, quality used baby and kids items for way cheaper than new.

Here’s how it works:

If you have baby or kid gear to get rid of, either drop off or set up a free pickup time (if you’re in their pickup zone). You can do all of this online which is easy. Then they’ll pay you for everything that they’ll sell, and donate the rest for you.

kid a minneapolis storefront

I think one of the biggest struggles I have as a parent is trying to figure out what to do with all their stuff after they’ve outgrown it. I could donate it all, but a lot of it is practically new. I’ve sold items on Facebook marketplace and at consignment sales, and it’s great to make money from those things, but it takes time. And I don’t always have a lot of time.  

[Read more…]

Budgeting for Major Expenses

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stress woman

Some of the best money-saving tips revolve around budgeting for major expenses. Knowing when you need to save money is key, so it’s important to plan your finances around certain expenses that are predictable. An example of a major expense may be an upcoming vacation, a new car, or even the purchase of a house. Before you buy anything major, here are some tips so you can budget for major expenses.

Limit Outings

Weddings have become more expensive to plan for than ever. According to Renaissance Miami, spending for cocktail hours at weddings has risen from 69% of the budget to 76% since 2010. To save money for an upcoming major expense, limit the amount of outings you go on. Have your friends come to your house for dinner or host a potluck. You’ll be able to save money and still get quality time with your friends.

In addition, plan your meals. Meal planning can save you time and money. By creating a weekly menu, you’ll know what groceries to buy and how much you’re spending on food each week.

Fix Problems in Your Home That Lead to Waste

According to the EPA, one out of ten United States households have leaks in their plumbing that can waste up to 90 gallons of water per day. Water waste comes with a hefty price tag and can be easily avoided. Make sure to fix any leaks as soon as they’re noticed and contact a professional to ensure there are no others.

In addition to leaks, adjust the thermostat a few degrees higher in the summertime and lower in the winter. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. Be proactive with your home to avoid unnecessary spending and stop problems before they snowball out of your control.

Fix Your HVAC System

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of all homes in the United States have air conditioners. Air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system can save you a lot of money in the long run. For instance, regular filter changes will increase the lifespan of your system and also reduce energy costs. In addition, schedule annual tune-ups to make sure everything is running properly or have a professional inspect it for any issues before the summer months when your air conditioner runs most often.

Save Money on Utilities

Utilities such as water, power and gas can account for a large portion of your monthly expenses. To save money, turn off lights when you’re not using them and take shorter showers. If you have the option to switch to renewable energy, that may be a good option. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also be saving money on your power bill.

In addition to adjusting your utility usage, there are some other ways to save money. Research different service providers and compare their rates periodically. You may also be able to lower your bill by bundling services together.

Put Money into Savings

The most important tip for budgeting is to save money before you spend it. Start by setting aside a certain amount of disposable income each month into a savings or investment account and stick to it. This will help you pay off any major expenses and prepare for the future. You can ask your employer to transfer a portion of your paycheck directly into the savings account each month. Finally, use cash for purchases instead of credit cards or debit cards. This will help you stay within your budget and save more money.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to budget for any upcoming major expense and never worry about going into debt. Whether it’s a vacation, a new car, or even a wedding, proper budgeting can make all the difference. Take time to create your budget today to avoid costs piling up on you.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Cutting Costs at Home

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Every family will often prioritize financial stability and security. It determines the comfort and quality of life they will experience in the long run. Yet, as a homeowner, you will face considerable expenses to run and maintain your home, from energy and lawn care costs to water and beautification. The following insights will help you reduce these expenses in the long run.

vegetables kitchen

Focus on Groceries and Nutrition

Nutrition is central to your family’s health and growth. While you must prioritize quality and nutritious foods, getting them at a fair price can be relatively costly. For this reason, you must devise ways to minimize costs while getting the utmost nutritional value.

Suppose you have school-going children. In that case, you can enroll them in Catholic schools, as it allows them easy access to highly-nutritious foods. According to USCCB, 45 out of 100 Catholic schools in the US participate in the Federal Nutrition Programs, providing children with over 270000 free meals daily. Having your child in this program will help lower food costs significantly.

You can also minimize your expenditure on groceries in different ways. For instance, you can use coupons, pay with a grocery reward card, join a wholesale club, avoid processed foods, and stick to your grocery shopping list. You could also use a rebate app to help reduce your expenditure in the long run.

Regulate Energy Use

Enhanced energy efficiency is the first step toward saving a chunk of your household expenses. This option requires having energy-efficient appliances and a sense of self-discipline when dealing with electricity.

You can invest in smart home automation, a technology that allows you to control your home appliances remotely. This technology will ensure that everything uses electricity only when necessary, minimizing energy wastage. In the long run, you will ensure minimal expenditure on power.

You can also carry out various repair services in the home. Start by sealing leaky ductwork, as such ductwork could increase power consumption, particularly in the HVAC system. You must also use LED lightbulbs, smart power strips, energy-efficient appliances, and high-quality showerheads. A reliable thermostat will also help regulate indoor temperature and humidity.

Window treatment is essential in saving you from expensive electricity bills. These treatments help regulate the room’s light and air circulation, minimizing the need for an HVAC system.

Planting trees around your home could significantly impact your energy usage. According to the Center for Urban Forest Research’s Dr. E. Greg McPherson, planting a tree on the west side of your property could help save your energy bills by 3% in the first five years. This amount increases to 12% in 15 years.

Track Your Spending Habits

Financial constraints often stem from poor spending habits. You must understand your spending habits, from your subscriptions and rent to insurance. The idea is to get maximum value yet spend so little.

First, create a comprehensive budget, highlighting your income and expenditure. This budget will help you separate your needs, wants, and goals. Yet, you do not need to complicate it that you find no value in sticking to it.

Budgeting requires three primary considerations: determining your average income, determining fixed monthly bills, and establishing your needs. Once you cover all these, the remaining amount can be allowed for discretionary spending.

In addition, you must re-evaluate your subscriptions. Here, eliminate what you do not need. Ask yourself whether you can live without it and how much you are likely to use it. If the response tends towards the negative, feel free to discard it. Otherwise, you could end up stressed. As shocking as it may seem, 75-90% of doctor visits are stress-related.

Additional Income Generation

Suppose you have an additional room that you could lease or rent. In that case, you can do so to generate extra income. You can offer the space for vacation rentals, preferably using various online marketplaces.

Financial discipline is central to financial stability. Once you devise ways to save money, ensure that you stick to them. The money-saving tips above will offer you a perfect headstart on this journey.

Family Tips for Spending Quality Time Together While Staying Frugal

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family water fight

Spending time together as a family is essential to creating strong family bonds. However, many people think they can’t do these things without spending a lot of money. If you want to spend quality time with your family without breaking the bank, here are some money saving tips to help you do so frugally.

Buy Used or Rent for Big Activities

You can still get your family amazing experiences for a cheaper price. One of the biggest money saving tips is to buy things used in order to save money. If you’re only going to use it a few times, renting can save you money. If you’re going to use it regularly, look for a used version. So don’t feel you have to give up a fun boating trip in order to be frugal. Instead, consider how renting or buying a pre-owned boat would help. If you rent, you don’t need to worry about repairs in the future. An outboard motor has three parts. If any of them break, you could end up spending too much money to repair something you won’t use often. But if you’re just renting, you can have the experience without the stress of ownership.

Go to Your Local Library

Most communities have a library, so take advantage of yours. An afternoon at the library can be a great way to explore new interests or join in a community activity together. Many people think that the library is just about books, but there is much more to it. You can rent all kinds of materials to bring home. Or you can join clubs or take in cultural events. Libraries put out calendars of all of their events, so pick one up and bring it home. Then decide which would be fun to do as a family. No matter what you do at your local library, it is most likely going to be free. So take advantage of it.

Listen to the Radio or Podcasts

Listening to the radio used to be a family activity. Bring this feeling of togetherness back by listening to radio shows or podcasts together. You might even consider creating a radio show. However, this can be expensive. The high-end multi-band processor that most radio stations use for their main on-air signal costs over ten thousand dollars. Nonetheless, podcasts are popular, meaning there is a wider range of topics to explore. So look for podcasts that the whole family can listen to, then enjoy them together.

Go Camping

Going away can be expensive, but often worth it for the time your family spends together. However, going camping instead of visiting a resort is one of the best money saving tips to make these trips more frugal. There are several types of camping and many ways you can do it. You might go to the middle of the woods and enjoy nature together. Or you may prefer to go to a campsite that has certain amenities.

Some of these places are like a more affordable resort, giving you that vacation feeling for less. You might even see golf carts on the road in some of them. Though, according to Golf News Net, most jurisdictions that allow golf carts on the road require them to stay under 35 miles per hour. These campsites are a great option to get away on a budget.

If you want to spend quality time together as a family, it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are fun activities you can do together on any budget. If you’re looking for money saving tips, start with these fun family-oriented ideas. You’ll be able to create an unforgettable experience without spending too much money on it.

5 Money Saving Tips for Frugal Car Owners

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speedometer

If you love finding new tips to save money, and consider yourself a frugal car owner, then you will love these money saving tips. Why should you spend more than you have to, to own and operate a vehicle? Follow these money saving tips to start saving now.

1. Shop for Insurance

Every state requires drivers to have auto insurance. It is okay to be frugal when it comes to auto insurance, but you never want to sacrifice quality coverage to pay a low premium. There are over 5 million auto accidents in the US each year. According to the NYS Department of Transportation, the average cost of an auto accident ranges between 30,000-40,000. WalletHub also reports that the cost of replacing a windshield can be between $200-$300 without glass coverage on your insurance. You get the idea, that not having good insurance can be far more costly than paying a few extra bucks a month in premiums.

When you are comparing auto insurance, one of the best money saving tips is to consider the value of the policy instead of the cost of the premiums. If you have to pay a few dollars extra for better coverage, it is a better choice.

2. Learn How to DIY Auto Maintenance

The average cost of an oil change and service can be as high as $125. The materials are about $50. One of the most important money saving tips when it comes to saving money on auto operations and ownership is to learn how to DIY the basic care yourself. You could potentially save up to $500 a year by doing your own oil changes, changing your own windshield wipers, and doing other basic maintenance yourself.

As a bonus, you do not need to go out and spend a ton of money on expensive tools, most auto stores have a free rental program. You just have to pay for the materials.

3. Improve Your Fuel Mileage

Fuel is skyrocketing. The Department of Transportation said that all the vehicles in the U.S. collectively travel trillions of miles every month. Big oil is making big bucks. If you want to stop contributing to the big oil companies, there are ways you can get better gas mileage with these money saving tips.

Check your tire inflation. Proper tire inflation is essential to getting the best mileage from your vehicle. According to the EPA, plastic parts can help your gas mileage as well. Plastic parts can be 30% lighter than fiberglass parts, which can contribute to better fuel mileage. Stay on top of your maintenance, and be sure to change your air filters.

Download a gas app to help find the cheapest gas in your area. Roll down your windows instead of turning on the AC. Air conditioning can reduce gas mileage by 4%. Make sure that you plan your trips to get the most done along the way so you are not doing a lot of back and forth driving.

4. Make Repairs As Needed

If you notice a strange noise, funny smell, or a performance issue, it is best to invest in repairs early on. One of the money saving tips that everyone should follow is to get repairs done as soon as possible. Making repairs as soon as they are necessary can help to minimize damage and costs.

5. Refinance Your Car Loan for a Lower Rate

Money saving tips that apply to any type of loan also apply to your car loan. If you can get a better rate by refinancing, go for it. Why pay more interest than you have to? You can save a lot by refinancing your auto loan. Find more money saving tips to make owning and operating your car less expensive today.

How to Save Money on Your Energy Bill This Summer

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house rainy

There are several ways you can keep your house cool this summer without overusing electricity. The summer heat can get unbearable, and staying indoors with the air conditioner turned on is tempting. To enjoy the benefits of your air conditioner, you are expected to pay a high price because they use electricity. Therefore, the bill can increase relatively. It can be challenging to save energy bills during the summer, but with the high cost of living, you can make it mandatory to figure out ways of reducing energy bills to prevent you from going bankrupt. Below is a list of ways to cut off unnecessary energy bills this summer.

Smart Thermostat

A thermostat is used to detect temperature changes in your house to maintain the constant temperature of a room. On occasions when no one is at home during the day, you can set the thermostats from 7 to 10 degrees higher for eight hours to save up to approximately 11% of power bills. Another trick to reduce bills is setting the AC fan speed high only on hot days; on cold days, you can set a low fan speed. This is because the slower the speed, the faster the moisture is removed, thus enhancing the comfortability of your house. You can also decide to use a programmable thermostat which is convenient and can save house owners up to $180 annually. You can fix one as soon as possible because it’s among the money-saving tips. It is also essential to place the programmable thermostat on the interior walls away from direct sun and avoid blocking the AC vents with furniture or curtains for its efficiency.

Install a New HVAC System

An HVAC system is equipped with the technology that heats, cools, and ventilates a home. The types of equipment included in the HVAC system are air conditioners, heat pumps, and other air quality products. The most crucial role of the HVAC system is moving war air in and out of the house. When the HVAC system is installed wrong, it can affect your heating and cooling charges. According to the DOE, poor installation can reduce efficiency by approximately 30%, so be keen when choosing a professional for heating and air conditioning installations.

Plant Trees Around the Compound

When the house is overheated during summer, it’s usually because of the direct sunlight shining on the roof, which creates excess heat. The natural solution to cutting up air conditioning costs during the day is planting big trees. Trees provide fresh air and ensure the temperature around is cool. The shady trees can block direct sunlight from resting on the roof and provide a cooling effect on the house. The best tactic of having shady trees is planting them on the south side of your home, while the broad trees can be planted on the west and east to allow easy control of the sun’s rays.

Outdoor Painting

The outdoor painting affects the heat temperatures of your house in a significant way. Houses painted with dull and dark colors absorb more heat and heat the house, while bright and light colors absorb little heat, thus creating a cooler house. It would help if you chose more relaxed house paints as they block the radiation and lead to a naturally relaxed home environment. This is among the significant ways homeowners save on energy bills.

Covering Windows

According to the DOE, about 76% of sunlight enters through the windows through heat. You can use solar screens, window films, and other types of window treatments to intercept the heat before it gets into the house. You should install them on the outside for them to easily harness the heat before it penetrates. Window films are compelling as they reflect heat before it gets transmitted via the glass. Solar screens can be placed out in the sun, but windows must be shut for window films to function.

Shifting to high-efficiency air conditioners and applying other ways to ensure your home is cooler can reduce energy use for air conditioning by 20% to 50%. With the mentioned money-saving tips, you can survive within your budget. Applying the tips can be challenging, but with consistency, you can lower your energy bills.

5 Ways You Can Improve Your Personal Finances at Home This Year

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computer user

If you want to protect your family and your home from hardship, it is very important that you take care of your personal finances. While it is normal to have some struggles with money, you should take steps to ensure that you are living a financially healthy life. If this is one of your goals for this year, here are some steps you can take at home to improve your personal finances.

Pay Off Debt

If you have debt, you should be working toward paying it off. Debt usually comes with interest, meaning the longer you take to pay it off, the more you’ll end up paying. Make a plan to tackle your debt. There are many different approaches you can take and some may work better for your family than others. Regardless of the approach you take, bringing down your debt levels will improve your financial health overall.

Replace Your Roof

While you’ll have to spend money upfront for this, replacing your roof can help you save money in the long run. An old, leaky roof can cause water damage and threaten the structural integrity of your home. It is worth spending the money to replace it when necessary. Otherwise, you might spend even more on fixing the damage it causes. Roof replacements make up 90% of the overall roofing market’s volume and value in North America. So you’ll have options to choose from as you decide how to replace the roof.

Make Your Home Energy-Efficient

Taking steps to make your home greener can also help you improve your personal finances. Much of your monthly budget goes toward your energy bill. Finding ways to trim that down will give you more money to work with, putting it toward things like debt reduction. Look through your home and consider the ways you can make it greener. These don’t have to be complicated projects, but remodels can also save you money in the long run. Room additions and interior alterations are expected to account for 15.4% of the remodeling industry’s 2022 revenue. So consider ways you could renovate your home or alter your habits.

Consider Downsizing

If you’re struggling to pay your monthly bills, you might need to take some serious steps in order to improve your personal finances. One possibility is moving to a more affordable home. While this is a stressful, complicated option to choose, it can really help in the long run. By moving to a home with a smaller mortgage, you won’t have to struggle as hard to make ends meet. If this is you, look seriously at downsizing. Consider how much money you could get for your current home. If you’ve put on a new roof, it can earn back over 85% of its cost when you sell the house. This could help you buy a house that’s better for your situation.

Set a Budget

If you don’t have a budget already, make one. If you want to have healthy personal finances, you need to know how much money you’re bringing in and what it is going toward. So take the time to look at all of your income and expenses, then determine what needs to go where. While this might seem restrictive, it can actually be very freeing. You know how much money you have to spend, so you can put it toward the things that serve you, your family, and your home best.

Personal finances are important to your quality of life. If they need improvements, you should make that a priority this year. Look into the options here and see which ones apply to your current situation.