It takes time to plan and save for your first home. But having your own home can be an excellent long-term investment. Few people truly understand the opportunity that homeownership provides. Fortunately, if you follow this step-by-step process, you can enjoy many of the benefits that come along with owning a house. … [Read more...]
What is the Difference Between Income and Wealth
A lot of people think of income and wealth as the same thing. If you have a high income, you must have a high wealth. Conversely, if you don't have a high income, you must have a low wealth. But these two things can be very different. Definition of Income and Wealth Income is a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor Wealth is abundance of valuable material possessions or resources So in … [Read more...]
The Best Ways to Use Your Student Discount
Ah, how being a student is a whirlwind of an experience. The highs and lows of student life are a right of passage for some. Student life in America has been glamorized somewhat by famous films such as American Pie, Legally Blonde, and Pitch Perfect. Still, life as a student in America is better than most college experiences worldwide. The frats, sports, and world-renowned levels of education make American colleges the most prestigious in the … [Read more...]
Should You Pay Extra on Your Mortgage
About a year ago, we refinanced our mortgage to take advantage of the extremely low interest rates. We now have a smaller mortgage payment than before. So should we still pay the same amount and pay extra on our mortgage? Why To Pay Extra On Your Mortgage As with most consumer debt (including credit cards), you are accruing interest charges the longer you wait to pay off your mortgage. If you pay it off sooner, you will ultimately pay less … [Read more...]
Money Saving Tips When Using Electric Baseboard Heaters
Does your home use electric baseboard heaters for heat in the winter? You may be wondering if you are using them efficiently or if you could be more eco friendly and perhaps save a bit of cash? Read on for some money saving tips when using electric baseboard heaters. What are electric baseboard heaters? Unlike forced air, electric baseboard heaters don't blow hot air around your house (and thus, also don't blow dust and dander). They're … [Read more...]
A Guide to Tackling a Home Remodel During a Pandemic
Sure, there is a pandemic ravaging the world, but as the song says, the show must go on. If your home is in desperate need of renovations, then it is something that you simply have to tackle, regardless of the global situation. However, since these are pretty unique circumstances, you are going to want to follow the guidelines mentioned below: … [Read more...]
How Much Does Breastfeeding Cost?
When I had a baby, people were curious as to whether or not I was breastfeeding, and one comment I heard regularly was "Well, breastfeeding is free, so that's a benefit." And... breastfeeding isn't quite free. Let's look at how much breastfeeding costs. Basic Breastfeeding Supplies While there are a lot of products out there, there are some basics that most nursing moms will want. Nursing bras - These make it much easier to feed a baby … [Read more...]
Cool Items Made From Coins and Bills
People make art out of many different things. Did you also know that includes coins and bills? And it's more than just bars pasting dollar bills onto their walls. Here are some cool items made from coins and bills. Is It Legal? Is it legal to make art from coins and bills? Isn't it illegal to deface currency? Technically, it is illegal. Under section 333 of the U.S. Criminal Code, “whoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or … [Read more...]
What Happens To Your Stuff When You Die?
Recently, we had a family member pass away unexpectedly. She was in her early 70's and not in the greatest of health, so it wasn't a total shock, but she hadn't been doing poorly and had been staying at home during the pandemic, so it certainly was a sad discovery. Of course, after the initial reactions, the next steps were figuring out what to do with her estate. Thankfully, she was prepared, but that isn't always the case. So what happens … [Read more...]