Deb Rhodes Chatham-Kent

Small But Effective Ways To Stick To A Budget

Creating a budget is one thing. Sticking to it is another, and it’s no easy task. Being able to successfully do it, however, is a great accomplishment and a victory, and gives you a sense of control over your finances. Sticking to a budget is crucial in reaching your financial goals because every goal requires planning. However, no matter how well you design your budget plan, you sometimes find yourself overspending or over-indulging on certain aspects. Don’t beat yourself up for it! Everybody does it every once in a while. What matters is you get back on track each time.

Sometimes, it is in the smallest of ways that we end up going over our budget. The small, seemingly harmless things we spend on cost us a lot when added up at the end of each month. The good news is it could also be in the smallest of ways that we can stick to our money plan. Here are a few tips to sticking to your budget and saving money:

DIY vs Hiring A Pro

When something needs to be fixed at home, it can sometimes be hard to decide if you can tackle it yourself or if you’ll need to get a professional in. This often depends on your skill-set but generally there are some jobs best left to the professionals. You also don’t want to waste money if it’s a job you can do yourself. Find out more in the infographic.

Paint Colours That Can Boost Your Home’s Value

If you’re planning to list your home on the market, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase its value is also one of the simplest: paint.

“It’s the least expensive investment for the biggest return,” says Jennie Norris, chairwoman of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals and her own Denver-based home staging business.

The Ultimate Checklist To Avoid Break-Ins

Most burglaries and break-ins are preventable, but some homeowners aren’t sure how to best protect their property. Home security is something that everyone should know about, and fortunately, it isn’t a complex topic. This guide will go over some tried-and-true methods for keeping homes and families safe from outside threats.

With a bit of research and dedication, anyone can make their home safer. The peace of mind that comes with certain home security can’t be overstated. Below are different areas of security to keep in mind as well as how to address common safety problems that plague homeowners.

For those who already have a security system in place, check to see if any wires or cords are lying about. Exposed wiring can be spotted by expert burglars, and they’ll just snip them if they see them. That could render your security system useless.

Hide and seek is a burglar’s favorite game, so try to eliminate as many hiding spots as possible. If there’s a nook or cranny that an intruder can sneak into to access the home, it’s a huge security threat. Also, try to make sure that surveillance cameras can get visuals on common hiding spots.

Eco-Friendly Ideas For Your Home

We might spend hours checking that our food is free-range and organic, and that our rubbish is separated for recycling, but many of us are still heavily reliant on harmful chemicals from plastic spray bottles to keep our houses or apartments clean.

Here are some ideas that involve everyday items, many of which you will already have to hand in your kitchen or bathroom. From making your own sweet-smelling room spray with baking soda and lemon, to clearing up pet hair, getting rid of carpet stains and removing the rings left by glasses and cups, read on for some seriously useful tips and hints. Tried and tested over the years, these ideas are all guaranteed to make you feel super clean and tidy… and of course totally smug at your new housekeeping prowess!

Ask These 4 Questions Before You Buy A House

Settling on a house to buy is a big decision. It’s one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. So when the time comes to make an offer, how do you know if you’re buying the right house? Below are four main considerations that can help you answer that question.

How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Home

Smart homes are no longer state-of – the-art. Many individuals around the globe are already using smart home phones and equipment. From the study up to now 30 billion individuals use smart home phones and around 80 billion of the world’s population would use smart devices by 2025.

With the recent technology, many new intelligent phones are emerging every day. People are already using so many more seamlessly programmed quicker equipment. You’re going to get virtual assistance and even if you’re not home you could control the equipment. Tech-friendly apps and devices make your life more comfortable and convenient.

Renovating Your Home Without Breaking The Bank

Home improvement can be costly. Renovating a space that is less than 1,000 square feet can cost up to $18,000. Improving an older home can cost even more, especially if the plumbing, wiring, and other features are not up to current standards. If you are moving around a certain budget for home improvement, careful research and planning, as well as creativity and resourcefulness can come in handy.

Roof Types And Average Life Span

How long does a roof last? The answer is heavily dependent on which roofing material you first choose, how it is installed, typical weather conditions in your area, and other factors.

The Environmental Impact Of Using Energy Efficient Appliances

Few of us ever imagine purchasing a major appliance when the current one is still running. But when you consider how your present refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine is impacting your life and the world in general, you may begin to have a different opinion.

Think of your current appliance as that toxic friend or partner who is dragging down your life in ways that you sense subconsciously but cannot quite define. When you re-frame the purchase of a new and more efficient appliance, not as an indulgence or a luxury, but as a highly practical solution to an urgent matter, everything seems to fall in place and make more sense.