3 Kids and Us

Five household expenses worth investing in

by

When it comes to the home, it can seem like your list of jobs to do, and projects to fund is never-ending. While there are a few ways you can cut corners during a house refurb or update, there are some expenses that you don’t want to skimp on as investing in these purchases now may save you money in the future, make your house safer or add to the value should you choose to sell. To skimp on them now would be doing yourself a disservice.

Here are five household expenses you’d do well to invest in.

Double glazed windows

Installing double glazing in your home comes with a heavy price tag, but it also brings a host of benefits.

For one, you’ll see your utility bills drop dramatically once you’ve put in the extra panes, as your house will be far more energy efficient. Secondly, your home will be more secure as your doors and windows will be harder to penetrate from the outside. It is especially important if you’ve got a property on the ground floor. Another reason to invest in double glazing is the noise control. If you live in a busy neighborhood or near the main road, you’ll find much more peace and quiet with double paned glass.

Pest control

Now it’s not glamorous, or is it enjoyable to think about, but ensuring you pest control your home can save you big dollars in the long run. If left undetected, or untreated, pests such as ants, termites, roaches, wasps, and rodents can cause huge damage to your property. They can nibble away your building’s foundations and infrastructure, as well as cause harm to your family members. It’s certainly not worth taking the risk; if you suspect an infestation, get in touch with a specialist, like Go-Forth Pest Control of Raleigh, and get the problem sorted asap.

Landscaping your backyard

When summer rolls around, there’s nothing nicer than having a beautiful yard space to enjoy in the sunshine – the kids playing on the grass, long balmy evenings barbecuing with friends. Bliss!

However, have you ever considered the financial payoff of investing in your backyard? Hiring a landscape professional to spruce up your outdoor space can add significant value to the resale price of your property. A tidy garden will benefit you now, as well as in the future.

The Internet of Things

Wireless in-home sound systems, laundry machines that you can switch on when you’re out the house, tiny robots that clean up while you’re at work; yes, the Internet of Things is all the rage right now.

Beyond looking snazzy and futuristic, the greater control you’ll have over appliances in the home can save you money and make your home a little safer; if nothing else you’ll have fewer wires to trip over!

Don’t skimp! Save for the future

These are just some of the ways you can future-proof your home, adding security and saving (and earning) you money in the years to come.

Pay Off Your Debt Early in 6 Easy Steps

by

Debt is a common burden in today’s society, and one in which many people are even encouraged to take on in certain circumstances, such as mortgages, student loans, car payments, and even for credit card rewards. However, all debt must be repaid eventually, and if you do not pay close attention to your spending habits, such debt could quickly add up to a high amount, especially when interest comes into play. If you have accrued a lot of debt, do not worry – there are programs and companies that can help you manage and decrease your debt as quickly as possible. Here is a list of six things you can do to pay down your debt as quickly as possible.

  1. Consolidate Your Debts

There are companies that will give you a “debt consolidation loan,” which means they combine all of your debts into one loan so you only have to pay one amount every month. This makes the debt much easier to handle and pay off. This is a great option if you have a lot of different kinds of debt, so make sure to look into this option first. If you happen to live around Sydney, search for companies offering debt consolidation Sydney residents are hiring.

  1. Make Payments Higher than the Minimum Amount

If it is at all possible, try to make payments above the minimum amount every month, or at least as often as you can afford to. Oftentimes, the minimum payment goes mainly towards the interest on the loan, so it is difficult to pay off your actual balance by only paying the minimum amount. If you pay even a little bit more than absolutely necessary every month, you will pay off the principal amount much faster, which in turn will lower the debt much faster.

  1. Prevent More Debt

When you are trying to get out of debt, it is very important that you prevent more debt from occurring. If you cannot help but spend money with your credit card, cut it up. Do not buy other expensive items like new cars unless it is absolutely necessary. Once you take on more debt, it will become even more difficult to pay off your debts, so do whatever is necessary to not take on any more.

  1. Make a Budget and Stick to It

This is a very important step, because some people do not truly know where their money goes every month. Print out your bank statements for the past three months and write down exactly what each dollar was spent on. Then, create a budget – and stick to it! When you do this, you will have much more money to put towards your debts.

  1. Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

When trying to get out of debt, cut down on eating out, going to movies, buying concert tickets, and everything else that is not food, lodging, and other essentials.

  1. Earn Extra Money

Consider picking up a part-time job or side hustle to earn a little extra income. Then, use that extra income to go ONLY towards your debts. This will quickly make a difference in the amount you owe!

Hopefully, this list will help you get out of debt as quickly as possible so you can begin to spend your money more wisely and save up towards the things you want. Debt consolidation is a great option, so find out more information today.

5 Things That Will Make Your Life a Lot Easier

by

Let’s face it: no matter how much older generations say that the new generations have it easier, in reality, we are dealing with a lot more on our plate, and expectations that always seem to be out of reach. But we do have one advantage in the welcoming arms of technology and its ability to make our lives so much easier. So let’s look at some things that will help you save those precious minutes that get eaten up during the day:

 Slow cooker

Who ever invented the slow cooker should very clearly get a medal. It is so simple to use and yields fantastic results every time. For those who still aren’t familiar with this machine: it’s a large pot that slowly heats and cooks the food for a long time, giving you some of the tenderest textures you’ve ever eaten in your life. Gather a few recipes you like, throw everything in the pot in the morning and forget about it until dinner. If you haven’t had the time – no worries! There is also a high temperature setting that can halve the cooking time.

 Robotic cleaner

Sure, we know we should do a quick sweep-up every day, but sometimes we simply don’t have the time or energy. In situations like these, what you need is a little help from our good friend, the roomba. Just turn it on and let it roll. It will sweep the floors for you, and if you get one that’s quiet enough, you’ll barely notice it. It’s not enough to cover the top-to-bottom cleanings, but it will take the load off on a daily basis. You can also get a robotic window cleaner, that you simply turn on and let it do its magic – without any climbing on chairs to reach the top of the window!

 Home services

We simply don’t have the time to run around town running errands. Luckily, you can have nearly everything delivered right to your doorstep: from groceries that you order online, to a professional mechanic that will come to your door and fix up your car. Use these services whenever you can, especially if the alternative is going to the other side of town or having to pay someone to take care of your children while you’re gone. Research local shops and service providers and note which ones offer home visits that you can make use of.

 Multi-purpose wipes

There is always a mess to clean up, especially if you have kids. Whether it’s spilled food on the floor, muddy shoe prints or a crafts project gone wrong, you don’t have the time to dig through the closet in search for the exact right product for that mess. What you need is an all-purpose wipe that can quickly mop up a spill, clean a floor, table or hands. You can buy them or make them yourself with natural ingredients like soap and vinegar. Make an on-the-go pack as well, so you’re not left stranded in any situation.

 Bullet journal

You might have heard of this sensation that has taken the world by storm in the past two years: bullet journaling. It’s a creative mix of planning, keeping a diary and organizing your life. In one place, you’ll have all the info you need at a single glance, and you can customize it in a million ways to make sure it’s the perfect thing for you. You can find different trackers, like cleaning schedules, meal planners and daily checklists, that will help you not lose control of your life, while at the same time giving you the creative outlet you might not have time for otherwise. You can also find bullet journal support groups online where thousands of people can help you find the best way to track what you need.

No home is impossible to handle, and the only thing you need to learn is how to organize, delegate and save time where you can. When we take a realistic look at our 24 hours, we can see that there is actually a lot more that we can fit in there than we might think, without sacrificing any sleep or that oh-so-important time for ourselves. Hopefully these things will help you feel like you are on top of things, no matter the situation.

Fix Your Finances After A Workplace Injury

by

Source

Workplace injuries are a common emergency situation many people find themselves in, even if you’re living a nomadic remote working lifestyle. It’s estimated that roughly 374 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses occur in the workplace every year. These can result in expensive medical bills, disability, and the inability to work. If you have a family, your priority is to look after them, but this can prove stressful, especially if you’re no longer earning a fixed income.

Luckily, there are many things you can do! Here’s a rundown of some of the most helpful tips so that you don’t have to worry about finances while you’re recovering from your injury.

Apply For Worker’s Compensation

In Australia, you can apply for worker’s compensation if you’re injured at work. According to the Worksafe website, an injury is defined as a personal injury that arises out of, or in the course of, employment if the employment is a significant factor to the injury.

You’ll be covered for things such as lost wages, hospital expenses, and rehabilitation treatments to help you get back on your feet.

What If You Can’t Go Back To Work?

It might happen that you’re not able to return to work, such as if you lost your arm and won’t be able to do your work without it. You could find yourself without a job, and your worker’s compensation will eventually run out. This is a stressful prospect, but it doesn’t have to make you feel helpless. There are still things you can do.

A) Contact Your Insurance Company

Does your insurance policy state that your bills would be covered if you were injured and unable to work, or that your income would be replaced? Check it out! For instance, Income Protection will replace some of your income if you can’t work. According to MoneySmart.gov.au, there are different Income Protection policies that offer benefits, but you’re likely to get cover for up to 75 percent of your gross income for a maximum time period stipulated, such as two or more years.

If you’re disabled after the accident, Total And Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance can cover various costs related to your disability, such as rehabilitation costs as well as debt repayments or the cost of living. Insurance policies can therefore be a huge help after a work-related injury.

B) Consult With An Attorney

According to attorneys Tait and Hall, anyone who’s experienced a personal injury can gain justice for it. An attorney can help you in various ways, such as if your insurance claim is denied or your employer isn’t communicating with you during this stressful time. Sadly, some employers try to get out of taking responsibility for injuries or illnesses that occur to their employees at work, which is why it’s essential to get a professional who can help you navigate this scary and foreign territory.

C)  Consult With Your Employer

If you could still do some aspects of your job in spite of your disability or illness, speak to your employer about your employment options. For instance, if your job requires you to write or do accounting work, you could do this anywhere as long as you have a laptop and internet connection. These jobs enable you to work remotely, which is especially beneficial if you can’t drive anymore due to your injury. Working from home would ensure you continue to earn an income in spite of your illness or injury.

When you get injured or ill due to work, it can be devastating and lead to a great deal of financial stress. By gaining control of your finances and achieving some financial support, you can help yourself and your family through this trying time.

Borrowing Money When You Have Bad Credit

by

If you are having financial problems, you are going to want to tread very carefully. There is an opportunity to get yourself into even more trouble. There is a chance that you can go even further down the rabbit hole and find yourself in a situation where you are going to need to find a way to get money.

Maybe getting that money will mean that you are able to pay off your debt, the problem is that if you have bad credit, you might not be able to get that loan. The good news is that there are loan options you can get that will be willing to allow you to borrow money with a low credit score. The drawback for some is that the low credit score means your interest rate is going to be higher than you might see from a bank. However, looking for a personal loan for bad credit is an option on the table worth considering when few others exist.

You’re going to need to keep close tabs on what you owe and you should absolutely make sure that if you take out this kind of loan, the goal should be paying it off as soon as possible. The good news is that the companies who give out these kinds of loans tend to understand that cash flow is a problem. That means that the companies tend to give you loans that will allow you to not have to pay off at one time more than you can afford.

When you want to borrow with a low credit score and not have to pay higher interest rates, there is another way around. You can go get a cosigner that will boast a better credit score that can help you out. You will be able to get some money that will help you pay off what you owe and you won’t have to worry about paying the money back sooner than you would like.

These kinds of loans can be used to help you pay off your mortgage. They can be used to help you pay off your utility bill. The good thing about these kinds of loans is that there isn’t a standard reason for why you need it. You can take out one of these loans and go buy Christmas presents if that’s how you want to use it. Or, they can be used to cover the costs of an emergency repair job. There is very little doubt that you can use that money however you need it.

It’s important to know that you should use this money in a way which does not result in more debt. That’s just good practice no matter what kind of loan you are taking out because you don’t want to end up exacerbating your problems by going into deeper debt in the long run.

Most of these companies understand that they are going to be giving money to people who only need a bit of a financial boost. You should be looking at this as a kind of extra boost for a short period of time, but you should never start looking at these kinds of loans as a long-term solution. You need to get yourself moving in the right direction financially eventually. These short-term loans can help you get pointed in the right direction, but at some point, you need to get yourself moving in that right direction all by yourself.

Recent Posts

Write For Us

Like What You See?

We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!