First, THANK YOU! I sincerely appreciate all of your encouraging comments on my last post, as well as the abundance of emails and messages I received. This community really amazes me, and I adore that we all bond over a passion for our homes and organization! It sounds like many of you are on a quest to simplify and reduce home clutter with me this year, which keeps me awake at night with excitement! Let's do this 2019!
I have always been a bit of a sentimentalist, and I really love giving gifts to friends and family throughout the year. Just as much as I find joy in the process of looking for something thoughtful to give, I also really enjoy the process of wrapping it all up! I have absolutely nothing against a gift box or bag, but sometimes it just feels a little more special to add a ribbon, embellishment, a handwritten note, an ornament, monogrammed tag, etc... And those extra touches don't have to take much time, but they really go along way. Five years ago I put together the ultimate gift wrapping station. It had extra of everything from twine, bows, bags, boxes, tissue and quite a few rolls of gift wrap. It was epic and went viral and I don't regret the project for a second. It served me quite well over the years, and it has taken me a long time to work my way through a lot of the supplies and cards. But it was a bit much. And over the years as the nearby counter became cluttered with toys and Lego builds, I would gather my supplies and take them to my office or the kitchen table to do my wrapping. In my quest to reduce and simplify this year, I decided that it was time to downsize this part of my life in a way that takes up less space and offers some portability. I actually put all of this together last month before Christmas, and it couldn't have worked out better. And because I can still use it year-round for anniversaries, birthdays, and just-because days, I decided I would share the tote-tastic idea with you! I began with the large KUGGIS bin found at IKEA. I have used smaller versions of these bins and I absolutely LOVE them. They really have become one of my "go-to" storage items as of late. However, this is my first time using this particular size, and I was ridiculously eager to try out the addition of the divided organizing tray that tucks away nicely inside. The top tray is really great for smaller embellishments and cards. It can also fit a smaller address book (if you are old-school like me and still use one of those during the holidays). If I am at a stationery store and spot a nice greeting card, I pick them up so I can be prepared ahead of time for special dates or for those celebrations that come up last minute. The larger areas of the tray are a really wonderful size to fit all of those greeting cards, thank you notes and envelopes. I also like to add tags, ornaments, bows, etc... and the smaller divided areas are a nice way to divide out the tapes, twine, and gift toppers. I also keep a few gift cards on hand to hand out randomly when the mood strikes (I just put a small amount on each and will give them to strangers or kind employees as a random act of kindness). There is more magic happening below the tray, which is completely removable. The nice thing about this bin is the amount of space/storage to keep everything all together. The base of the bin is a nice size for gift bags, boxes and larger sheets of tissue. I found some food storage containers at the dollar store to add a little extra division for the bows, tissue and smaller ribbon spools. They are light-weight and inexpensive and couldn't have worked out better. I used a small tension rod for my larger spools of ribbon, placed at the outer edge of the bin. It is easy to be removed if I need to swap out a roll but stays in place for grabbing a quick bit to add to a package. I use a small piece of masking/painters tape on each spool to keep the ribbon from loosening inside of the bin in-between uses. Above you can see the entire bin in action and how everything stacks in a compact and portable tote. I have also really condensed my gift wrap rolls down; I find it best to actually only purchase solid craft, black or a simple stripe/dot gift wrap that can be versatile year round. That allows the ribbon and toppers to shine and also keeps the number of rolls that I have to store to a minimum. I currently just keep them in a corner of my office closet until I can finish up with a little refresh of that space in the near future. I also looked into an under-bed bin that would allow me to store the rolls and cards/embellishments together, however, our bed frame doesn't allow for most of those bin sizes. But they are another great option for doing something similar. Here are a couple of those options: I was able to condense my large bookcase of packaging and gift wrap items down into a mobile gift wrap station and it couldn't have worked better this past Christmas. Also, I am totally sold on the amount of storage and functionality this KUGGIS bin offers! I have also seen the tray insert used inside of a drawer as a divider for tech and office gear and it was brilliant. So tell me, have you tried these bins and if so, how do you put them to use around your home?
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data-small-width="280" > August Smart Lock (3rd gen)
data-small-width="280" > Yale Deadbolt with Z-Wave
It may seem like a high-tech spy movie when you gain access to your home by scanning your fingerprint, but the future is here! We pushed through all the high-tech razzle-dazzle to find the best smart and electronic door locks for your home. We compared price, security ratings, ease of use, and customer reviews to pick the most secure electronic locks for your front (or back) door. Compare the Best Electronic Locks
Best Electronic Locks ReviewsSchlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen DeadboltFor top-notch protection, you can't beat the Schlage Connect. This smart lock is one of the most expensive on our list (averaging around $170), but it delivers on both convenience and security. This keyless lock comes with the highest security rating of any door lock we considered. The Schlage Connect boasts ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, which is the highest rating available. But even though you can connect this lock to a home automation hub with Z-Wave, there's no app you can use independent of a smart home hub. That means that if you want to control your lock remotely through your phone, you'll also need to invest in a smart home hub.
|
Product |
What We Love |
Downsides |
Where to Find It |
Sesame Smart Lock | Haven Connect Smart Lock |
Turns a regular lock into a smart lock Installs easily Features military-grade encryption | Supplements deadbolt security Offers hands-free entry Notifies you of tampering or attempted break-in |
Doesn't function as a lock on its own Comes with a high price tag | Requires additional purchases for full functionality |
Check Price at Candyhouse.com | Check Price at Havenlock.com |
How an Electric Door Lock Can Lead to a Smart Home
WARNING: Smart locks can lead to experimentation with other smart home technology. These automated door locks are often the gateway to more smart products.
An electronic door lock can be the first step toward a fully automated smart home. People who are skeptical or intimidated by home automation often find a smart lock easier to understand, which makes them more likely to give it a try.
Once they experience the benefits of a keyless lock, they just can't wait to make something else smart. It could be something as simple as a crock pot or something more advanced like smart lighting or a smart thermostat. Before you know it, they're seeking out smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa or Google Home so they can control all their smart devices with the sound of their voice.
If you find yourself sliding down the slippery slope of smart home automation, do it the right way. Use our other comprehensive guides to find the right smart home products for your lifestyle.
Related Blog Articles
- Review-6 Great Electric Door Locks for Your Home
- Going Keyless: A Review of the Yale Smart Lock
- 5 Door Locks That Can Help Boost Your Apartment's Security
- Keep Your Home Safe-and the Garage Closed-with Home Automation
Our Approach
To find the best electronic locks, we reviewed twenty locks for overall security, functionality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We considered national standards for lock security as well as expert ratings and customer reviews. More than twenty hours of independent research went into comparing and contrasting the benefits and downsides of each lock to determine our top five.
- 22 hours researched
- 20 products considered
- 2,500+ customer reviews consulted
- 368 ounces of coffee consumed
The post Best Electronic Door Locks appeared first on SafeWise.
Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Here's How Top Appraisers Assess the Water Shields of the House
1/15/2019
Gutters are the unsung heroes of real estate. They don't earn compliments like a property's gorgeous landscaping or the rustic tile selection of your master shower will. But without them, a home's structural integrity is at risk.
Every day 14,000 homeowners face water emergencies while 37% have claimed losses due to water issues. Meanwhile, homeowners insurance companies pay out $2.5 billion in water damage losses every year. Gutters serve the critical role of pushing water where it needs to be: away from the house to avoid foundation erosion and roof leaks.
“When I go out to appraise a property for a lender, they will almost never lend on a property that doesn't have gutters and downspouts that are functional,” said Jerin Harper, a home appraiser in Oregon with a decade of experience.
“In this instance, I would be required to provide a 'cost-to-cure,' which is an estimate to install or repair gutters and downspouts. The cost-to-cure figure can then be subtracted from the overall home value.”
So do gutters increase home value? Not exactly, because they're like the tires of a car: buyers expect a property to have them in good working condition, or they'll pay less for it. We'll help you get up to speed on homeownership and gutters with insights from top appraisers around the country who explain:
- How gutters shield the house from ice dams and foundation problems
- The numbers on dirty or damaged gutters and how they detract from your home's value
- Pro tips on gutter material selection, installation, and add-ons to maximize ROI
Gutters as guardians of the house: Protecting against ice damming and foundation erosion
Imagine you're sitting in your living room on a chilly winter day watching television, when suddenly you feel a drop of water on your head. And then another, and another. You look up to find a wet patch spreading out on your ceiling just above you.
Or, picture this: It's been a stormy few days with lots of rain. You go outside to clean up after the storm and to your horror, find that some of your foundation has washed away-but only in one spot that should have been difficult for the water to reach.
The culprit in both situations? In most cases, bad gutters. Properly constructed and clean gutters are essential to preventing water damage to your home.
The first scenario likely due to an issue called ice damming on the roof, where the water melting from a warmer part of your roof can't escape. This typically happens when gutters haven't been cleaned out properly, the water freezes, and then the ice accumulates under your shingles, melting and damaging the attic or ceiling in your home.
The second scenario could be thanks to a broken gutter or a missing downspout-the water is dumping down onto your foundation instead of getting pushed away from the house.
“You need to have gutters because you're going to start affecting your foundation significantly if you don't direct water away appropriately,” said Brett Young, a top-selling agent in Indianapolis. “It's not an option out here, honestly. If you're buying a house that doesn't have gutters on it, it's probably because it's a bank sale home and it's all beat up.”
Granted, some locations don't need gutters as much as others-like Arizona, for example, where Young used to live.
Some homes out there didn't have gutters and it wasn't a big deal, essentially because it's the desert and there's just not that much rain. But even in that situation, it's better to have them rather than not, just in case a storm comes through that is strong enough to damage your home.
No gutters (or gutters in poor condition) will detract value from your house
Not only will a lack of gutters or ones with issues hurt your home and affect the sale, it could also actively lower your home's value.
Whether you don't have any gutters or the ones you have are dirty, broken or improperly attached, you're compromising the longevity of the home by leaving it open to other problems. And those problems will have an effect on the appraisal when you're trying to sell.
Harper notes gutters in poor condition could detract between $500 and $1,000 from the value of an average-sized house with a straightforward installation by a professional.
“Gutters are part of the real estate, but there's not a specific adjustment line for gutters,” said Michael Keough, a 30-year residential home appraiser in New Jersey. “If the lack of gutters is ruining something, you'll detract from that item.”
In some cases, the missing or damaged gutters can even end a sale before it begins.
Good gutters will attract buyers but don't necessarily add value
All that being said, gutters themselves typically won't increase the value of your home. They're standard, especially in areas with a lot of rain, and having them isn't anything special.
“People don't just normally install gutters for the aesthetics of the gutters,” said Edmond (Buddy) Eslava, a nationally renowned appraiser with the Appraisal Consultant Group in the Mobile, Alabama. “If you needed them and didn't have them, it would detract value. But having them won't add value.”
You can, though, add overall perceived value to your home based on the gutters themselves. Our experts shared some tips on what to do to make your gutters work for your home sale.
Make sure your gutters are installed properly.
There are two important pieces to this equation. Proper gutter installation means making sure the water is being diverted far away enough from the house so no damage is sustained around the foundation or on the siding.
But you also have to make sure they're level-meaning no water is left to pool up in them with nowhere to drain. If that happens, they can start to draw an accumulation of mosquitos and other nasty bugs or cause ice damming.
Match your gutters to your home.
Just like any other part of your property, including outbuildings, shutters, garages, and even gazebos, you'll want to make sure the color and size of your gutters are appropriate for your home.
For the color, typically the gutters will be the same color as the outdoor trim. As far as sizing, Young notes that the standard size used to be four inches, but now it's up to six inches-so get the larger ones.
Eslava agrees, noting that eight-inch gutters are available too, and you should opt for those ones instead of the six-inch. But, if your house is a bit smaller and the large gutters would look out of place, then stay with a smaller size.
It's also critical to have enough downspouts. The general rule is one downspout for every 35 or so feet of gutter.
Stick with the standard gutter materials.
Seams are out. If you want gutters that will bring value to your home, skip them and go for a seamless option. It looks tidier and more professional. Typically, gutters are metal or aluminum; the actual material doesn't matter much as long as the gutters are sturdy, functional, and match your house. Each material does have pluses and minuses, though.
Aluminum:
These resist corrosion and are relatively inexpensive, plus they're lightweight and the standard material. But they can have strength problems and may break under pressure.
Metal, like copper or steel:
These types of gutters are heavy, expensive, and difficult to install. But they're stronger than aluminum and work well for matching a certain aesthetic on the outside of your home.
Vinyl or plastic:
These are generally the cheapest type of gutter and they're easily installed, but they come with several drawbacks. They can discolor easily, and they're the weakest of the top three options.
Get gutter guards:
Gutter guards are covers that go over your gutters to stop junk from building up inside them. These are your first line of defense if you live in a heavily wooded area or have a lot of trees near your house.
They'll stop leaves and sticks from getting in, and will keep squirrels and their seeds out-so you don't have to worry about looking up one day to see a patch of sunflowers sprouting from the edge of your roof. As a plus, Young says having gutter guards could add value to a home appraisal.
Skip the rain collection system:
Well, unless you really want one. Young says that he's never seen a rain barrel or rain collection system add to the actual value of the house-though some buyers may like having it. Some won't, though, so go with your personal preference on this one.
You've probably heard the saying “new year, new you”, but have you thought about the saying “new year, new yard”? The new year is a great time to take on new projects and to better yourself and space around you. Here are some steps for planning your new yard:
Gather Some Ideas
The first step to planning your new yard is to get a good idea of what you want for your space. You can do this by looking around for inspiration. Start with your friends and family; has anyone you know done any lawn makeovers recently? Was there anything specific that you liked or wanted to include in your space? You can also go online to look for inspiration. Look at websites, like Pinterest, and galleries of landscaping companies to pick ideas that you want to include in your space. It is a good idea to keep a compilation of your thoughts and photos or links to things that you may want to add. The more organized you are with this part of the process, the better off you will be when it comes to executing your landscaping.
Evaluate Your Wants and Needs
There are certain things that need to be included in your landscape- space for pets and children to play, adequate lighting, safe walkways, etc. There are also things that you want to be included in your space such as pools, water features, and gazebos. Write a list of all of your needs and a list of all of your reasonable wants, and start planning on what you can reasonably fit into your space. It is important to be practical and to understand that not everything will fit into your yard. You will need to prioritize what you think will most benefit you, your yard, and your family. Once you have a concrete list of what you do and do not want to be included, you can start planning.
Look into Local Landscapers
Once you have an idea of what you want for your yard and the different aspects that you want to include, it is time to look for a good landscaper. To do this, it is important to ask around for recommendations and to read online reviews. Reviews are a great way to get honest feedback and first-hand experiences about what people were happy and unhappy with in regards to their landscaping experience. Make sure to look for photos of past projects and to seek out workers with good reputations and beautiful work. The better the company you work with, the better overall experience you will have with creating a new yard for the new year.
Build a Timeline
Now that you have your ideas, your wants, your needs, and a trusted landscaper to work with, it is time to create a realistic timeline. Some landscaping projects are going to take longer than others. For instance, a pool installation will take much more time than adding some new foliage. Plan your timeline accordingly. If you want to enjoy your brand new patio for the summertime, make sure that you are making the plans to build it in the early months of spring. Having a timeline established will ensure that you get the absolute most out of your backyard remodel.
Fill Out Our Vision Planner
When you know what you want and when you want it, the next step is to fill out our Vision Planner. Your Vision Planner will help us to understand the details of your project and will help us get an idea of the total price of your remodel. The vision planner tool is thorough and effective and will help us to get on the same page as you so that we can begin your landscape transformation. You can fill out the Vision Planner here.
The new year is a time of new beginnings, and your yard should be no exception. 2019 is the year to get the landscape of your dreams, and we are here to help make that happen. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to call us at (440) 543-0500.
The post Planning Your Yard for the New Year appeared first on Cleveland Landscaping and Snow Removal.
“We are proud of the work we have done with Upstream to help them gain their footing and reach this next phase of their launch, and we are pleased that a new plan is being implemented that will propel them forward and help them become the tool we've always envisioned they would be for our members,” said NAR CEO Bob Goldberg.
“This project has been an amazing opportunity to drive innovation and conversation among our brokerage community and gain their input into building the tools they use every day in their business. As I've said since the beginning of my tenure as CEO, we are not in the business of inventing at NAR; we've supported Upstream to the extent that makes sense for both our strategic missions and now it is time for them to step out on their own.”
What's always made me mad about RPR isn't that it never should have existed in the first place.
It's the arrogance that gets me.
The quotes above, from this week's announcement that RPR is no longer Upstream's development partner, mark a multi-year, $13 million-dollar failure that's just the spoiled garnish on a plate of disaster.
RPR loses millions in member dues money and falls down on a commitment to brokers and NAR's CEO is “proud”?
This was an “amazing opportunity to drive innovation and conversation”?
Dude…
This is an affront to every hump-busting Realtor out there; every broker who bought into the vision of Upstream; everyone who believes, as I do, that there's more at stake here than face-saving.
More broadly, it's this type of stuff that makes one think that NAR is wholly unprepared to reckon with not just the future, but its own present.
And that's a problem you can't smooth over with a press release.
…
Of course, the question on everyone's mind is who is Upstream's new mystery partner? I don't know, but my guess is Moxiworks. They're broker-owned, free from significant MLS industry conflicts and know the space well.
…
If you want to see Apple-quality stagecraft in real estate, watch this video of a recent Compass event. Whether you love or loathe this company, it's a master class in knowing your audience. The pacing, sequence and modulation of emotion is tuned perfectly.
…
Homebot won the Realogy FWD startup pitch event a few weeks ago. I like this company a lot. They produce very detailed, very smart property analyses that real estate agents and loan officers send to homeowners. This includes what you might expect (a value estimate, estimated equity, etc.) but also much more (refi scenarios, a mortgage prepayment analysis – even estimated Airbnb rental earnings). It's all done very smoothly. Lots of data is tied together under the surface. And it's well designed.
Products like this have existed for a long time (CoreLogic's ePropertyWatch is the most widely used) but Homebot has surpassed them.
I have always said that whoever masters loyalty in real estate wins. This is a good tool to use if you agree with me.
…
I am starting to think that ibuyers are a hack to the real estate industry's peculiar structure, not a replacement. Because the incumbent business model is so durable, so diffuse and embedded, these new companies have needed to create a structure that doesn't eliminate it, but sits slightly above it like an elevated freeway spans a chaotic, congested cityscape.
People on the streets below flow on and off this new structure (agents help sell ibuyer listings, or refer out sellers to ibuyers) and user experience is generally improved (people get to where they want to go faster with less wear and tear).
Opendoor's recent adjustment to include agents in their listing process illustrates this.
This isn't without consequence for agents and brokers, of course. They stand, in some cases, like main street merchants, to make less money because of the freeway's existence. But I am not seeing this as a zero-sum sort of story.
This picture should get much clearer in the coming year.
Enjoy the weekend.
The post Friday Flash: Dude… appeared first on 1000watt.
This points collector booked a pair of rooms in Cambridge for her sister and herself so they could attend Family Weekend at Harvard. The cardholder Name: Andrea Rotondo Age: 49 Occupation: Editor and small business owner Home: Amelia Island, Florida Credit Card: The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express The stay Hotel: Le Meridien...
The article How I Traveled for Free: A Weekend in Massachusetts Using SPG Points originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Coffee is a staple that can be found in nearly all office buildings. Unfortunately, numerous people walking around with their coveted cups of Joe are bound to leave behind coffee rings on tables, stains on carpet and spills on upholstery. Coffee stains are pretty much inevitable, so you need to know how to handle these common office mishaps.
When Phoebe and Chris Bell found themselves trekking between the vibrant scene of Melbourne, Australia, and the more slow-paced, rural towns on the outskirts of the city, they realized that leading a suburban life in between the two areas that they loved wasn't how they wanted to wind down. When the couple eventually began planning a family and had their son Jude, opting to move to the leafy town of Warrandyte felt like a step in the right direction.
Phoebe and Chris' new country home, a two-story house with strong original 1970s vibes, allows the couple to return home to what feels like a remote bush retreat at the end of each day. “It's a retreat in every sense of the word and as soon as I walk through the door, I'm immediately more grounded and calm,” Phoebe explains. “It has big windows and a very strong connection to the sprawling bush that surrounds it, making it an incredibly nurturing home.”
Over the past five years, after deciding that a career as a lawyer wasn't for her, Phoebe has built her colorful and bohemian homewares brand, Sage x Clare (@sageandclare). In addition to carefully planning her homeware collections, she has fully embraced the process of sourcing vintage furniture and decor for her family's home. “Moving in here has taught me patience. It's not the sort of home you want to fill with mass-produced or new pieces. It needs vintage, soulful pieces and they can't always be found exactly when you want them,” she reflects. On top of selecting pieces that look good, everything should stand up to the demands of family life, ensuring that the home is not only filled with beautiful items but rich with memories and full of life.
Since moving into the house six months ago, the headcount in Phoebe and Chris' home has doubled, as they recently welcomed Phoebe's twin sister Jemma, her husband Paul and their six-week-old daughter Nelly to live with them. “Jemma and Paul have called Jaipur, India home for many years and decided it was time to come home for a year or so to have their baby and enjoy the support of family. We're loving having such a full house!” Phoebe shares. Both families seem to agree that the house in the bush has a special, welcoming energy. It has quickly turned into a hub for friends and family - and Phoebe and Chris wouldn't have it any other way. -Sofia
Photography by Phoebe Bell / @sageandclare
Image above: Phoebe remembers the first time she stood at the living room windows and stared in awe at the view over the bushy landscape. “It's spectacular and forever changing with the light and the weather. We're so lucky to have an aspect like this,” she says. The strong 1970s bones of the house have informed the family's design choices, which range from unique vintage pieces to bohemian details in line with the aesthetic of Phoebe's home decor brand Sage x Clare.
With 2019 just around the corner, you may have a resolution to fix your finances. If 2018 left you in debt, stressed out, maxed out, freaked out or just ready for a change, read on.
You would be AMAZED at what you can change in a year. The person you are today, does NOT need to be the person you are 12 months from now.
There are so many ways to go about doing this: loans, refinancing, a second job, starting a blog or becoming a freelance writer, transferring credit card balances, seeing a financial counselor, etc., etc., ETC.! But those aren't particularly easy and they certainly are not a way to get quick cash.
That's why I've created this list of 7 stupid easy ways to change your finances. Each option is a simple and fast way to start on the path to financial health.
Survey Says- Make Some Extra Cash
You can pinch pennies aplenty, but if you're not making a lot to begin with, you'll find it's challenging to get ahead. If you can squeeze in some extra time in nights and weekends, earning a few extra bucks can be a game changer. Enter, the survey side hustle.
Online surveys are an easy and convenient way to earn a few bucks from the comfort of your couch. Keep in mind, though, that they do require you to pay attention and actually read each and every question. The company can tell if you just fibbed your way through the survey and will not pay you for it. They may even remove you from their program.
While there are numerous survey sites you could try, they're not all created equal. Some rarely have surveys for you to take or make it extremely difficult to cash out. Luckily for you, we've sifted through all the survey companies and have come up with a list of programs where you can *actually* earn some money. They include:
Examine Your Credit
If you are suffering from low or even no credit, it's important to keep an eye on your credit score. Not only will this allow you to see your progress, it can also help you catch any errors or inconsistencies.
While you are entitled to a free credit report from each credit reporting company (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), Credit Sesame is my preferred monitoring program. Not only is it free, but you can check your credit report and score as often as you like. Pretty snazzy, ey?
It be totally scary to look at your credit score, I get it. But knowing what's negatively impacting you NOW can help you in a year's time when you go to make a big purchase. Follow these steps to earn some money and trim expenses, but also make sure you understand your score and how to improve it!
Trim and Sift It
Money-saving apps and programs are a dime a dozen these days. I've even written about some in the past. But as of December of 2018, my two favorites are Trim and Sift. Using apps on your phone to simplify and optimize your spending habits is a great way to save without breaking a sweat!
Trim
Trim is an online, desktop based program that automates ways to save you money. After you securely connect your accounts, Trim will inspect each one to determine if there are any potential money saving options. Specifically, Trim excels at examining and notifying you of your recurring subscriptions, discovers if you can save money on your cable, and allows you to automate your savings. You can even request account alerts via text for things like overdrafts, low-funds, or large purchases. Best of all, it is free.
Trim takes security very seriously and therefore they have implemented 256-bit SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and read-only access. Your account info is not stored of their servers. To learn more about Trim or to sign up, pop on over here.
Sift
Sift is an app that focuses on your credit cards and their purchases. Named as one of Google Play's Best Apps of 2018, it maximizes your cashback and rewards, while tracking all the benefits available for each of your cards. It will automatically update you on any perks that may be available to you due to using a specific card. For example, theft and damage and warranties, time left to return, and price protection. The latter is my favorite perk, as it will help you save money on previous purchases if you used certain cards when buying an item that has decreased in price.
As for Sift's security, information is transmitted securely via SSL (TLS 1.2) bank grade encryption. All of their servers and databases have very strict access control and all data transmitted and stored is anonymized. To give Sift a try, check it out here.
Save and Earn
When was the last time you evaluated your savings accounts? Do you know what kind of interest you are earning on your funds? If you use a big bank, with lots of brick and mortar locations, it is likely you aren't getting as much as you could. Solve that problem by considering an online bank. My favorite is Capital One 360. Not only will you receive up to a $100 bonus when you open an account, but because they don't have any physical locations, you get a higher yield interest rate. They have a large network of ATMs and offer mobile deposit, allowing you to get most of the benefits of a typical bank with less fees and a higher rate on your savings.
Surf's Up
As mentioned above, online surveys are a nice way to change your finances by earning some quick cash. But the internet has more to offer than that. For example, Swagbucks is an easy way to earn gift cards. Swagbucks offer the typical surveys, but they also reward you for watching videos, shopping online, and more. It's totally free and you can redeem your points earned for pretty much any gift card out there, including MasterCard.
If you want to earn some major cashback on your online purchases, you've got to give Ebates a try. Depending on which merchant you buy from, you can get up to 50% back. As a good example, when I switched from AT&T to Verizon for my mobile service, I got $75 cashback just for shopping through Ebates. That was a pretty outstanding month, but I typically reel in at least $20 a month just for shopping at online stores I already planned to buy from using Ebates.
(Re)Build Your Budget
You can't change your finances for the better if you aren't sticking to a healthy budget. I talk a lot about budgeting here at Frugal Beautiful, but my post How to Fall in Love with Your Budget is particularly useful.
Alternatively, there are several books on the subject that have helped me, and others like me, to create a budget and not deviate from that plan. A few of my favorite include:
- The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
- How to Manage Your Money When You Don't Have Any
- All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan
- The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money
- Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love (I absolutely love the authors, who run the fabulous finance blog Club Thrifty.)
Once you've read up on the subject, consider an online budgeting software like Mint or Personal Capital. It is easier than using pen and paper, especially on the go.
I use both of these apps. I love that Mint has a little doughnut chart that shows me how much I'm spending in each category (sometimes it's horrifying!) and that Personal Capital shows me the overall picture of how I'm doing to track my net worth. It's super motivating!
Hustle Hard
My personal favorite way to improve one's personal finances is to find a side hustle. I've written extensively on my most profitable side hustle: Airbnb. Seriously, without the money I make hosting travelers on Airbnb, I'd be in a world of hurt. Owning a home has been a much more expensive endeavor than expected, specifically due to a major increase in taxes and numerous repairs not found before closing. Airbnb has helped me stay on track with my budgeting and retirement goals.
As of this writing in late 2018, I'm earning over $750 a month just renting out my spare room with minimal work as an Airbnb host.
Another quick and easy option is to drive for Uber or Lyft. It's simple and fast to get started with either company and can bring in some significant cash quickly. Cha-ching!
Start Saving With Just $1
One of my most popular posts is the Mason Jar Money Method . If you're a fan of the envelope system from Dave Ramsey or have cash on hand, this is for you. You start with a giant mason jar, and start with $1.
Each week your savings grow from there and you begin to build better habits to make those bigger weeks work- you have about $1300 by year's end. What could you do with $1300 more dollars in the bank? Maybe put it towards next year's Christmas gifts and travel? New tires? A vacation? You will be $1300 ahead by this time next year.
So, what are you waiting for? It's never too late to get a handle on your financial life. Hop to it, friend, and best of luck!
Additional Reading:
- Top Ten Articles to Read When You Want To Invest
- How to Balance Debt Repayment with Holiday Expenses
- What You Need to Know Before Going Car Shopping
- 7 Things to Do at Work to Help Pay Off Your Loans
- 4 Ways To Detox From Overspending
- How I've Lived On An $800 Monthly Budget In The City
With the holiday season winding down, it's time to start thinking about your post-holiday season pack-up.
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be draining, which makes it easier to take a few shortcuts by packing things away quickly and storing them anywhere.
Sure, that gets the job done quicker now, but it only makes the task of finding and unpacking all of your disorganized holiday decorations more time-consuming later.
Have a smart holiday decoration storage plan
By putting a little extra thought into how and where your holiday decorations will be stored, you can save yourself from some future headaches.
Garages are ideal for a lot of your holiday decoration storage needs, whether you're storing decorations for Christmas, Halloween, birthday parties, or holidays like the Fourth of July or Canada Day.
The garage has to be used the right way when storing your holiday decorations, however, in order the maintain the functionality of the space.
Use overhead racks for your holiday decoration storage
For the most effective use of your garage as a holiday decoration storage space, add some overhead storage racks.
Ceiling-mounted overhead racks take advantage of the vertical storage space in your garage's upper reaches that is typically underutilized.
In addition to maximizing your garage's storage space, overhead racks are also ideal for storing bulky items and things that are infrequently used…which describes unneeded holiday decorations pretty much perfectly!
Everything from storage bins filled with tree ornaments to artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands to holiday lights to holiday lawn inflatables can be stashed up high.
Your daily routine can even run a little smoother simply by using this out-of-the-way storage space for your holiday decorations. There won't be bulky storage bins taking up valuable garage floor space, which makes parking more difficult.
And less floor clutter means extra space for keeping tools, sports equipment, and other items you use regularly more efficiently stored and easier to access.
Use plastic storage bins
Whether you're storing your holiday decorations in the garage or elsewhere in your home, always use plastic storage bins and containers instead of cardboard boxes.
Plastic storage bins are sturdier, stack easier and more safely, are easier to move around, and provide superior moisture protection compared to cardboard boxes. They're also not a fire hazard.
Some people prefer using clear plastic storage bins because it helps them to identify stored items quickly. That may sound practical, but it's probably a better idea to use non-clear, solid color containers with labels.
Holiday ornaments and lights, especially ones you're keeping for many years, can lose their color faster if they're exposed to too much light when stored.
Fabric bags specifically made for storing holiday decorations should be stored indoors if possible, due to the higher moisture levels garages commonly have.
Avoid storing these holiday decorations in the garage
While the garage is a perfect spot for many of your holiday decoration storage requirements, it's not the best storage area for certain items unless it's climate-controlled.
The extreme temperature fluctuations and excess moisture found in many garage environments makes them less than ideal for storing these holiday decorations:
- fabric-based festive decorations and adornments (examples: tablecloths, Christmas stockings and hats, tree skirts)
- candles (store them somewhere cool)
- very delicate glass, crystal, and antique ornaments
- food-based decorations
If you absolutely have to keep some fabric-based decorative items stored in the garage for any reason, make sure they're sealed tight in a plastic container. Wrapping items in acid-free paper or using silica packets to absorb moisture can help preserve the storage bin's contents.
Another reason to avoid storing fabric-based and food-based decorations in the garage is that they can attract pests.
Label your holiday decoration storage items
Try to keep all your stored holiday decorations together in order to make everything easier to find.
Many organization experts recommend using color-coded storage containers or container lids to simplify things (such as green for Christmas decorations or orange for Halloween decorations).
And even if you're being diligent and using color-coded containers, always be sure that everything is labelled.
Labelled containers eliminate the time-consuming guesswork that inevitably occurs when it's time to unpack your decorations and find what you need when decorating your home next holiday season.
Storing an artificial Christmas tree in the garage
Because of its bulkiness, an artificial Christmas tree's go-to storage spot in most homes will probably be the garage.
Don't leave an artificial Christmas tree uncovered in the garage because it'll naturally gather a lot of dust over the course of a year. Why add an artificial tree cleaning to your busy holiday to-do list 11 months (or so) from now?
When storing an artificial Christmas tree in the garage, definitely ditch the cardboard box it came in and invest in a proper plastic tree storage bin. Look for a container with wheels so it's easier to transport.
Tree storage bags are also popular, although they're less suited for a garage environment. Also note that white artificial trees or trees with those snow dusting treatments are prone to yellowing and shorter lifespans if temperature and humidity storage conditions aren't optimal.
Additional holiday decoration storage tips
When preparing your holiday decorations for storage, here are a few final tips you might find useful:
- use bubble wrap or decoration storage containers (avoid wrapping decorations in newspaper, as the ink rubs off)
- prevent string light tangles by using string light reels or even wrapping them around discarded wrapping paper tubes
- declutter holiday decorations you haven't used for a few years (donate any items that are still in good condition)
- make a list of what broken holiday decorations need to be replaced for next year
Get organized to start the new year
If you have a New Year's resolution that includes tidying up your home, start by storing your holiday decorations in an organized manner and somewhere that's out of your way.
We can help you create more storage space for your holiday decorations and anything else you need to store in the garage, in addition to making the space look much nicer.
Schedule a free in-home design consultation with Garage Living today.
Please share this post if you found it useful.
See also:
- 7 Garage Overhead Storage Tips That Help You Use Your Space Wisely
- 7 Awesome Automotive Gift Ideas for the Holidays
- 7 Proven Garage Improvement Strategies to Utilize in 2018
The post How to Use a Garage More Effectively for Holiday Decoration Storage appeared first on Garage Living Blog.
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