The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal was a major issue and affected nearly a million people over several decades. For those who were affected by the toxic contamination at Camp Lejeune, or have a loved one who was affected, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a massive
A superior job role isn’t the only sign of a leader. Any member of a team can show the attributes that a good leader needs. First impressions count for any kind of job, but displaying a continued effort throughout your career is a way to become a true giant in
Property management in the United States grew by more than 4% in the last few years. It’s a service that bridges the gap between investors and renters, whether you’re dealing with residential or commercial properties. As an investor, you’ll be able to get a return on investment (ROI) from a
Buying and installing an air conditioner can be costly, and sometimes you may want to cut some corners in installation to reduce the costs. Unfortunately, cutting corners may cost you more in the long run than it would have if you had done it right in the first place. So,
Real estate investors are often restricted by the hefty property costs, primarily for commercial and rental assets. As the industry continues to evolve, so are the investment schemes in the real estate sector. These days, capitalists who can’t afford to purchase commercial properties on their own can turn to real
When you move house, you’re understandably concerned about how you can reduce the number of your belongings that end up in a landfill. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to do this when it comes to packing and moving your household items. You can work with leading moving companies
A mortgage is a loan specifically meant for property development or purchase. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off a loan and replacing it with a new one. The decision to refinance your mortgage will depend on many factors, including the loan duration, prevailing interest rates, the loan estimate, how long
Are you saving enough money? Much has been made of the fact that nearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 stashed in their bank accounts. The same principle applies to entrepreneurs running their businesses. The self-employed commonly find themselves on edge financially. Follow these tips for saving money while
A driveway is probably one of the things that few people think about when considering the costs of owning their own home. Yet, approximately two-thirds of people in the U.S. own their own homes, and while it is still considered to be the American dream, many people also recognize that
Buying a property is a significant milestone, and most people who are buying a home for the first time don’t know what to anticipate. The process is sometimes as scary as it is thrilling. High asking prices and increasing interest rates make buying a new house more of a gamble
The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal was a major issue and affected nearly a million people over several decades. For those who were affected by the toxic contamination at Camp Lejeune, or have a loved one who was affected, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a massive deal. To ensure you make the most of this act’s passage, here are some important updates and information to catch you up on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Passes Congress Congress has finally passed the Honoring Our PACT Act, which covers a massive range of cases where veterans and family members were exposed to toxic burn pits and other sources of toxic contamination. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was a key part of the larger PACT legislation and was created to oversee lawsuits regarding the toxic water contamination that occurred for decades at Camp Lejeune. Nearly a million people have been estimated to have suffered life-altering medical conditions due to the toxic exposure they experienced at Camp Lejeune during their residencies. Additionally, TruLaw has information on the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Are You Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Lawsuit? Under the text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anywho who “resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed” to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or longer (between August 1st, 1953 and December 31st, 1987) could be eligible to file a damages claim. Military members, their family members, non-military workers, civilian contractors, and other long-term residents who lived at Camp Lejeune are all eligible to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. For those uncertain about their eligibility status, talking to a knowledgeable attorney about Camp Lejeune lawsuit representation is highly recommended. Can the Family Members of Deceased Loved Ones File Lawsuits as Well? The text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows relatives (or legal representatives) to file claims on behalf of people both living and deceased, as long as they were exposed to the toxic, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune Justice during the qualifying period. In addition to legal representatives, the individuals that can file for living or deceased folk include an exposed individual’s child, spouse, parent, or sibling. What Illnesses are Linked to the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune? A large list of illnesses, many of them life-long or life-altering, have been connected to toxic exposure linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. These illnesses have been put together by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is a public health agency. More action is needed to keep similar water contamination issues from happening around the country. Other studies were combined with the ATSDR’s initial study to compile the following list of Camp Lejeune-connected illnesses: -Soft Tissue Cancer -Rectal Cancer -Pancreatic Cancer -Ovarian Cancer -Prostate Cancer -Lung Cancer -Liver Cancer -Multiple Myeloma –Breast Cancer -Bladder Cancer -Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma -Leukemia -Kidney Cancer -Esophageal Cancer -Brain Cancer -Cardiac Birth Defects -Neural Tube Defects -Fetal Death -Low Birth Weight -Female Infertility -Choanal Atresia -Miscarriage -Major Malformations -Oral Cleft Defects -Liver Cirrhosis -Scleroderma -Parkinson Disease -End-Stage Renal Disease Differences Between VA Disability Benefits and Lawsuits Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act There was already legislation passed to help those exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune gain VA benefits in 2012 – the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. The act provided needed health care benefits to veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, as well as their family members, as long as they suffered from any of these 15 health conditions: -Esophageal Cancer -Breast Cancer -Bladder Cancer -Lung Cancer -Kidney Cancer -Scleroderma -Leukemia -Miscarriage -Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma -Renal Toxicity -Myelodysplastic Syndromes -Hepatic Steatosis -Female Infertility -Neurobehavioral Effects -Multiple Myeloma The History of Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal is one of the most prominent in U.S. history. From the 1950s to the 1980s, two toxic wells contaminated all water on the base and led to health issues for an estimated 750,000+ people. The contamination occurred due to a large multitude of volatile organic compounds finding their way into the water: including benzene, vinyl chloride, tetrachloroethylene, and others. The toxic contamination originated from several sources, including industrial spills, underground storage tank leaks, waste disposal sites, and other mismanagement. When Should I File a Lawsuit Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act? Now that Congress has passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you should act immediately to file a lawsuit. Hundreds of millions of dollars are expected to be paid out in settlements in the first year of these lawsuits alone, so it is finally time for you to receive the restitution you deserve from the United States government.
A superior job role isn’t the only sign of a leader. Any member of a team can show the attributes that a good leader needs. First impressions count for any kind of job, but displaying a continued effort throughout your career is a way to become a true giant in any industry. Focus on Yourself Leadership at work begins with an individual’s actions. It is only your actions that are truly under your control in your life. First, look at yourself before you ask for a promotion or search for a management position. Are you displaying the traits and skills that make a good leader? Is it possible to develop them if you don’t already have them? Keep improving your current skills as well as learning new tools with CANI – a continuous and never-ending improvement process. Additionally, you can also take an online leadership training course. Doing so should give you the basic skills that you need to improve yourself as a leader. Develop Value Focus on the skills that will add the most value to your company when thinking about which ones to learn. What certifications or software knowledge do you need for your company? How effective would it be for you if you improved your email writing skills or became a great public speaker? As soon as promotion time comes, you’ll be noticed for exceeding expectations and demonstrating your potential. Embrace continuous learning and if you have the chance, complete an online MBA course to boost your hiring chance. Work on Emotional Fitness There is a certainty that can be brought into uncertain environments by extraordinary leaders. There aren’t all the answers, but you are confident you’ll find them and move forward. The key to emotional fitness is being ready for anything. People naturally turn to you in stressful situations when they see your creativity, humor, and curiosity. Practice Self-Awareness It isn’t just the business you work for that has a brand identity. Every employee represents themselves in a way that shows a brand of strengths and weaknesses that contributes to the company. It is vital that you are aware of your own brand to develop your leadership skills at work. The best leaders are self-aware and critical. Ask questions about your own performance and take personal feedback very seriously. A great way for self-assessment is talking to colleagues and managers around you to see what they have noticed about the way you work and what you can do to improve. Adopt a Growth Mindset The self-awareness that true leaders use adds a constant challenge to help personal growth. Criticisms and setbacks should not be viewed as an attack or something negative; they should be seen as a way to look back and see where you can improve in the future. Your skills should never be thought of as being the best or perfect. Improvement is always there to be had as your team and working environments change and develop with you. This kind of behavior is known as a growth mindset and is right up there with becoming a leader in the workplace. Support Others Being a true leader means you will support and facilitate the people around you. Encourage people to voice their opinions and feelings. Make it known to them and others when people are doing a good job. Look for greatness in your employees, encourage them when you notice hard work, and be prepared to listen rather than constantly voicing your own opinion. Disagreeing with your team is common as everyone will not have the same view, but if disagreements come, there should be no sign of dismissal. Being a true leader is an appraisal of people’s good work while also honoring a drive for people to become better. Be Resourceful A good leader will think strategically in achieving personal goals and the team’s goals that have been set. Having personal goals does not mean you should be doing more or less. Think resourcefully and try to be as goal-orientated as it’s possible to be. Recognize the potential in yourself and the people around you while also delivering the determination to achieve those goals. Delegation of strengths is a key aspect of thinking strategically. Adding value to your organization through planning and innovative thinking is one of the ultimate signs of leadership. Use Innovation Innovation is a hallmark of successful companies. Any organization that finds a way to differentiate itself with fresh ideas will succeed, regardless of whether it’s a tech startup or a pizza restaurant. You don’t need to look further than your own imagination to become a leader at work. By pushing the envelope, you can contribute creative ideas that raise your company’s bottom line. Take on More Responsibility When you have developed the skills mentioned above, such as communication, delegation, strategic thinking, and innovation, it is time to step your game up. If your team is working at the best of their ability with ultimate efficiency, you will have created more time for yourself to take on more responsibility. The sky’s the limit from here on in, and there is no place where your leadership skills cannot take you.
Property management in the United States grew by more than 4% in the last few years. It’s a service that bridges the gap between investors and renters, whether you’re dealing with residential or commercial properties. As an investor, you’ll be able to get a return on investment (ROI) from a property without having to be as hands-on. If you’re a Modesto investor looking to beef up your portfolio, it pays to learn which pros are the best around. We’re happy to help. Keep reading to learn all about the most skilled property management Modesto can offer. G3 Real Estate G3 Real Estate is a family-owned property management business that serves the Modesto area. They have more than five decades of logistics experience, and also specialize in real estate matters of all kinds. The company regularly updates its property listings to help people find the best opportunities on the market. When managing property, they handle matters like office spaces, warehouses, retail, raw land, and agriculture. It’s a customer-focused company that values agility, teamwork, and trustworthiness. Ziprent When you need property management in Modesto, Ziprent is another excellent option. The company was founded in 2018, and already has nearly 2,000 properties that they manage. They are an excellent resource if you’re thinking of getting into rental property investments and need a quality manager. Aside from the fact that they manage property in Modesto, Ziprent also serves more than 230 other cities. Because of this, you can count on their wide range of experience, and the fact that they have seen a little bit of everything that the industry brings. Countryside Property Management This is yet another Modesto property management company that you can lean on. The company has more than a decade of experience serving clients and provides full service to the central valley area. Some of the services that Countryside Property Management provides include: Repair and maintenance for rental properties Advertising vacant rental properties In-depth financial reporting for rentals Inspections for move-ins and move-outs Executing rental agreements and collecting rent They have strong leadership and can provide the branding and presence that you need for your rental properties. Valley Oak Property Management Finally, Valley Oak has some of the best Modesto property managers that you’ll find. This is a company that stresses trust for its client, and they offer a wide range of services that can help you out. They have plenty of experience helping clients in the local area and are skilled, knowledgeable, and available. You can conduct business using their 24-hour online portal and can count on quick replies for all of your needs and concerns. The Best Property Management Modesto Has to Offer If you’re looking into the best property management Modesto can provide, the four above offer an excellent starting point. You’ll feel cared for knowing that you have a top-notch company watching your back, and your tenants will also be in good hands. G3 Real Estate would be happy to hear from you! Use our website to get in touch or call 800-321-8747.
Buying and installing an air conditioner can be costly, and sometimes you may want to cut some corners in installation to reduce the costs. Unfortunately, cutting corners may cost you more in the long run than it would have if you had done it right in the first place. So, if you want to install an AC unit in a new home or replace an old one, you have to ensure you get it right the first time for safety and efficiency reasons. Below are some dangerous air conditioning installation mistakes and how to avoid them. Choosing the Wrong Size AC Installation mistakes start right from choosing the size of your AC. This is often a problem associated with not consulting an expert when buying a unit or using the price as the determining factor of what unit you buy. The size of AC has nothing to do with the dimensions of a unit but everything to do with its output measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). The right size AC depends on the size of the area in your home to be heated or cooled and the region. When the size of your unit is too small, it will result in overworking the unit, which could significantly affect its service life. DIY Installation You probably have studied your old AC unit for years and thought, “I could do this.” DIY AC installation is not a good idea unless you have technical HVAC knowledge. Installing a unit on your own can mean making mistakes that could be hazardous to you and your family. Also, it could mean wasting a lot of material which can mean spending more on materials than you would have had your air conditioning installation done by an HVAC expert. Many more things could go wrong with a DIY installation or having a sloppy technician install your unit. Luckily, air conditioning installation by ARS, a leading HVAC company in the US, can help ensure that you get everything right the first time. Failing to Check For Leakages after Installation The best rule of thumb is checking refrigerant leaks immediately after installation and running a newly installed AC for the first time. The most efficient way of checking leaks is using an electronic leak detector. Leaks in your AC cause two main problems. First, it reduces the efficiency of your system, thus increasing your utility bills. Secondly, coolants can be poisonous when inhaled and lead to health complications in your homestead. Improper Drainage An AC unit produces water as it cools the home. Every unit comes with a condensate pan where this water is collected. With proper installation of the condensate pan, it is highly unlikely that the condensate will leak. Poor installation can mean having the condensate leaking and causing structural damage to your home. While one condensate pan is enough, you could ask the installation technician to install a backup plan if the first one overflows. Improper Electrical Connection Improper electrical connections are common with using inexperienced technicians to install your AC. However, it can also happen even when an experienced technician installs your unit but fails to do a safety check before powering it. At best, sloppy connections can result in spoiled units and electrocutions or fires in worst cases scenarios. To avoid problems with poor electrical connections, ensure you counter check all connections before powering the unit for the first time. Final Words Air conditioning is critical for ensuring that a home feels like a place it is meant to be. Therefore, it is important to get the installation right by avoiding the mistakes that can pose a risk to your homestead or result in hefty utility bills.
Real estate investors are often restricted by the hefty property costs, primarily for commercial and rental assets. As the industry continues to evolve, so are the investment schemes in the real estate sector. These days, capitalists who can’t afford to purchase commercial properties on their own can turn to real estate syndication. As an investor, it pays to do your homework and find out the what, hows, and whys of real estate syndication before diving in. With that being said, we’ve created this article to answer your burning questions. What Is Real Estate Syndication? Real estate syndication is a model where investors pool their resources together to purchase large-scale properties. In essence, it works like crowdfunding, but for real estate projects. If you want to know more about this model, click here for in-depth discussions about real estate syndication. Additionally, this investment scheme has two significant players: the syndicator or sponsor and the investor. A syndicator will perform the heavy lifting, from selecting a potentially lucrative project to identifying potential investors and ensuring that the property stays profitable. Usually, the sponsor likewise hires property managers and establishes smooth investor relations. On the other hand, investors provide the equity and receive specific and predetermined return rates. There’s no one-size-fits-all distribution rate for revenue sharing, but it’s common for investors to receive 75% of the share and syndicators to earn 25% for doing most of the work. Why Invest In Real Estate Syndication By being one of the syndication partners, you can start investing in profitable assets at affordable costs, even if you’re a newbie. These are the most compelling reasons to invest in syndication. Less Capital for Large-Scale Projects In the past, investors couldn’t purchase a commercial asset without owning several million for capital money. However, syndication investors don’t need to shell out this insane amount of cash to start earning. That’s because they can pool their resources alongside other partners. For instance, a five-million-dollar property may accommodate several syndication partners willing to invest USD$50,000 at the minimum. That said, syndication makes it easier for prospects to set aside investment costs for lucrative properties such as malls, hotels, condominiums, and other commercial assets. Enjoy Robust Returns While investments by nature carry certain risks, commercial and rental properties have shown consistently robust performance for many years, driven by huge demand. According to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), current rent growth rates for apartments, industrial and retail spaces are at their highest since the pandemic. Conversely, office rental growth rates have yet to recover from their pre-pandemic levels. While returns from these types of assets vary widely depending on the market movements, property type, and location, industry estimates place investment returns at around 6 to 12% yearly. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that putting your money on commercial real estate properties, whether through syndication or traditional methods, is a wise move. Diversifying Your Portfolio Beginners and seasoned investors must ensure they’re not ‘putting all the eggs in one basket.’ This means investors ought to diversify their portfolios to minimize the risks involved in investing. For instance, if you’ve placed all your money on the stock market and it crashed, there’s nothing to cushion you from the losses. Because you don’t need millions to start investing in syndication, you have other investment opportunities elsewhere. For instance, if you managed to set aside USD$200,000 as capital, you can invest in one commercial asset and look for other similarly profitable opportunities. Additionally, you may consider taking on multiple real estate syndication offers to spread your revenues. It’s A Great Inflation Hedge Commercial real estate investments or CRE is a good hedge against inflation. To the uninitiated, an inflation hedge is an investment that safeguards against a currency’s decreased purchasing power due to inflation. Research done by real estate services company Cushman & Wakefield has revealed that real estate investors’ returns increase by 1.1% for every one percent hike in inflation. Since these property assets are meant to increase or maintain their value over time and typically increase during economic downturns, your syndication investment is protected from losses. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average annual growth rate of the real estate sector has steadied at six percent since 1968, despite several economic disruptions. A Perfect Way To Earn Passive Income Because the sponsor or syndicator does the heavy work, investors don’t have to do anything after signing the syndication agreement. Unlike stock investing, you don’t have to monitor and be updated on the latest market movements and fluctuations in asset values. Of course, this doesn’t relieve potential equity finders of exercising due diligence, such as inspecting the asset, checking the sponsor’s background, and ensuring that the papers are in order before injecting capital. Conclusion Real estate investments are generally considered profitable investments, especially commercial assets. With the current housing and accommodation deficiencies worldwide, rental properties offer the best solution to having a roof on one’s head, resulting in a steady and high demand. As an investor, you can turn to real estate syndication to minimize investment risks while enjoying robust benefits, as discussed above.
When you move house, you’re understandably concerned about how you can reduce the number of your belongings that end up in a landfill. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to do this when it comes to packing and moving your household items. You can work with leading moving companies near me at Moving Feedback and check their steps towards lesser carbon emissions and hire them to reduce carbon footprints. Keep reading to find out how to reduce your carbon footprint when relocating a house. Why is it important Reducing your carbon footprint is important for several reasons. For one, it’s good for the environment. Additionally, it can save you money on your energy bills, and it’s a great way to be more sustainable. Here are a few tips for reducing your carbon footprint when moving house – Move locally whenever possible. – Take short trips in a fuel-efficient vehicle instead of driving long distances in an SUV or truck. – Keep boxes closed tightly and shrink wrap plastic bags so that they can’t open while being transported by car or plane. – If you’re packing food in boxes, remember to pack frozen items like ice cream last so that they don’t melt before getting where they need to go! – Make sure all electronic devices are off and unplugged during transport. – Turn down the thermostat if you won’t be home while the place is being packed up. – Remember to recycle everything possible including cardboard, paper, cans, bottles, and plastics! It might seem tedious at first but over time it will become second nature. – Pack eco-friendly cleaning products and disposable plates, cups, and utensils to cut back on waste. – Rent moving equipment rather than using a big truck or van – this will make the trip easier as well as less expensive. Where should you start looking for alternative energy? If you’re looking for alternative energy sources, the best place to start is with your utility company. Many utilities offer green power programs that allow customers to support renewable energy sources. You can also look into installing solar panels or wind turbines. There are also several tax incentives and rebates available for homeowners who install renewable energy systems. For example, if you purchase an electric vehicle and use it as your primary mode of transportation, there are federal and state rebates on the purchase price. However, if you live in an apartment complex or rental house where there’s no room for installation or ownership of these items (or enough electricity), one way to reduce your carbon footprint is by investing in a low-carbon home service like HomeHero. What are your moving options? So, you might be worried about how to reduce carbon footprints on your own. Right? You can always work with green moving companies which are growing at a rapid rate due to aware customer demands. There are a few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint when moving house: – See if you can downsize to a smaller home. This will require less energy to heat and cool, and you’ll likely have less stuff to move. – If you’re moving long-distance, try to consolidate your belongings into as few trips as possible. The more trips you make, the more emissions you’ll produce. – Ship your belongings instead of driving them. Are you ready for an alternative energy solution during relocation? When you’re planning a move, it’s important to consider your carbon footprint. One of the best ways to reduce your impact is to switch to an alternative energy solution, like solar power. Solar panels can help offset the emissions from your move, and they’ll also save you money on your energy bills in the long run. If you’re not ready for a complete switch, there are still plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint when moving house. Conclusion When you’re moving house, there are a few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. First, try to move during the off-peak season. Second, pack lightly and use reusable packing materials. Third, hire a green moving company. And fourth, donate or recycle unwanted items. By following these tips, you can help make your move a little bit more eco-friendly.
A mortgage is a loan specifically meant for property development or purchase. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off a loan and replacing it with a new one. The decision to refinance your mortgage will depend on many factors, including the loan duration, prevailing interest rates, the loan estimate, how long you plan to live in the property, e.t.c. It is difficult to know whether refinancing a mortgage is a good idea as it will ultimately come down to the reasons for financing. The following are situations when refinancing a mortgage might be worth it: To Secure A Lower Interest Rate An excellent reason to refinance a mortgage is to get a lower interest rate, which is a good idea when you consider you will be paying the loan for decades. You should particularly refinance your mortgage when market interest rates drop after an announcement by the Federal Reserve. Most experts say you should refinance your mortgage if you can reduce it by 2%. You should hence understand your APR and visit loandepot.com for the best mortgage rates. It helps to have an excellent credit score when refinancing your mortgage to get the best interest rates. Reducing your interest rate will not only save you money but will increase the rate of equity buildup in your property. To Consolidate Debt Many people are drowning in debt and will refinance their mortgage to consolidate their debt. Debt consolidation is one of the main strategies to reduce your debts. Though it does not erase your debts, it makes it easier for you to pay them. Replacing high-interest debt with a low-interest mortgage is a good idea and reduces the amount you have to pay. However, it requires financial responsibility, and you should only do it if you are sure you will not spend the money once the refinancing frees you from debt. To Access Your Home’s Equity Homeowners will often access the equity in their homes to cover significant expenses like paying for life insurance, college education, or renovating their homes. They will justify the additional debt, for example, to remodel as it will increase the property’s value. The interest on the new loan may also be lower than the interest on the previous mortgage, which helps save money. Cash refinancing is especially popular among modern homeowners. You can access your home’s equity through a cash-out refinance if you will have at least 20% equity after completing the transaction. Cash refinancing rates are often higher than rate-and-term refinance rates, but it is still one of the cheapest ways to borrow money. To Shorten The Loan’s Term When interest rates drop, you can refinance your mortgage, not to get lower interest rates but to shorten the loan’s duration. Even though the interest rate and monthly payments might rise, for example, when refinancing a 20-year mortgage to a 10-year mortgage, you will pay less interest over time. The amount you save on a shorter loan term due to fewer interest payments will be particularly beneficial if you do not include the mortgage interest deduction on your tax return. To Change An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) to A Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM) ARMs typically offer lower interest rates than FRMs in the beginning. However, with time as interest rates rise, a fixed-rate mortgage may become more appealing than an adjustable-rate mortgage. You can refinance your mortgage to take advantage of the lower interest rates in the FRM. Conversely, if prevailing interest rates fall, you can switch from an FRM to an ARM to take advantage of the opportunity by refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage is worth it if it shortens the duration of your loan, gives you a lower interest rate, helps consolidate your debt, builds up your home equity, and reduces your monthly payments. However, it would be best if you were financially prudent when refinancing your mortgage. Otherwise, you will be in a worse financial situation than before the refinancing.
Are you saving enough money? Much has been made of the fact that nearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 stashed in their bank accounts. The same principle applies to entrepreneurs running their businesses. The self-employed commonly find themselves on edge financially. Follow these tips for saving money while you’re self-employed. Most of these tips can be applied to your personal and business finances. The first step to saving money while self-employed is to know where you stand in the first place. Everyone should have both a household and business budget. A budget is simple enough to create. You list your monthly outgoings to get a benchmark for how much you need to survive every month. Add your monthly income to determine whether you’re in the red or the black. Your budget shows you whether you are earning enough or spending too much. It demonstrates whether you need to make spending cuts and where you need to make them. Refer back and update your budget at least once per month. You’re likely paying hundreds of dollars every month for your insurance. Everything from liability policies to health insurance will come with monthly premiums you have to pay. The self-employed also need to think about their business insurance policies, such as malpractice and self-employed insurance. Everyone needs sufficient insurance coverage to protect themselves and their assets if something goes wrong. There’s little benefit to being loyal to one insurance company over another in most cases. Get into the habit of shopping around and comparing annually. Many insurers will even price match if you find the same policy at a lower price with one of their competitors. Anything can happen at home or in business. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to dig into your retirement or investment fund if something goes wrong. A downturn in business or an unexpected medical expense could cause serious problems. Your initial focus should be to build up an emergency fund for your household and your business. Most experts recommend maintaining a minimum of six months in expenses to keep everything running if you lose the bulk of your come. If you’re ambitious, you should aim for twelve months. If this seems unrealistic, it might be worth looking at side hustles you can do to help you build that post. Look at your skills and how you can apply, search online for money-making opportunities such as looking to sell feet pictures or other photography, or take up a delivery job, for example. This will help you boost your emergency fund or give you extra cash to live on. Technology has allowed us all to automate much of our daily lives. Why pay for a coworking space when you can simply use video conferencing software to collaborate instead? Why pay for an office space filled with filing cabinets and watercoolers when you can function just as well in a home office, which you can also take a tax deduction on? There are so many ways in which technology can cut your costs in every aspect of life. With so much competition among tech providers, you might be surprised at how much money you can save by further digitizing your life. How many times have you let a premium newsletter subscription keep running when you don’t make use of it? Cutting those big expenses is easy because they take a big chunk out of your budget every month. Yet smaller expenses open you up to being constantly nickel-and-dimed. If you’ve got subscriptions to three different streaming services, think about which one you really need and cut the rest. Track every transaction at home and in business. Review whether that expense was really necessary and cut what you don’t need. If you want some help with your current finances, then Swissmoney are a great option. Tax credits and deductions are there to support hard-working Americans in business and at home. These tax credits can add up to thousands of dollars in tax savings every year. It has meant that 57% of Americans paid no federal income tax in 2021. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are also paying more than they should in taxes because they’re failing to claim the credits and deductions they’re eligible for on their taxes. Hire a tax accountant to manage your tax affairs rather than attempting to file yourself. Not only will they be able to figure out what you can claim, but they will also ensure you remain tax compliant at all times. On a side note, you may also want to consider filing quarterly taxes to reduce the one-time burden come tax filing season. Like when you create a budget, you should also be planning for retirement. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because you’re young, this is a problem for later. Approximately one in four Americans have saved nothing for their retirement. Your nest egg includes everything from money in a savings account to a Roth IRA or SEP. Make sure you consult an investment advisor to support you in planning your retirement. But how much should you have saved for your retirement? Firstly, Social Security will only replace roughly 40% of your pre-retirement income, so you have a lot more to cover. Aim for the following guidelines when saving for retirement. Here’s what you should have saved: Obviously, the more you can save, the better. Remember, the sooner you start saving, the less lost ground you’ll have to make up. If you leave it until later, your monthly contributions will need to be much higher to make up for lost time. Conclusion Saving is a matter of slashing your expenses and committing to saving more of your income. Shopping around, streamlining your operations, and being smart with your taxes will all contribute toward putting more money in the bank. Go out of your way to keep accurate documentation and hire a professional to handle everything. By being attentive to your finances, you’ll be able to confront any financial scenario. What are
A driveway is probably one of the things that few people think about when considering the costs of owning their own home. Yet, approximately two-thirds of people in the U.S. own their own homes, and while it is still considered to be the American dream, many people also recognize that it is a huge responsibility and know that there are a lot of hidden costs. The good news is that there are some cost-effective ways to remodel your driveway. The average driveway costs about $4,500 to build, and the price per square foot ranges between $2 and $15 for materials and labor. Obviously, the greatest factor in determining the cost is the size. Still, you also need to consider the type of materials, labor cost, driveway design, site prep work, permits, and miscellaneous items like culverts. First, we’ll take a look at the different types of driveways. Then, we will focus on six cost-effective driveway remodeling tips. Types of Driveways There are several types of driveways with various costs per square foot. The following types are the most common. · Gravel driveways cost about $1 to $2 per square foot, making them considerably less expensive than other options, but they aren’t allowed in some cities. In addition, they last about 100 years with very little maintenance. · Chip seal driveways cost about $5 to $10 per square foot and are popular with homeowners who want to look like asphalt without the expense. This is also called tar and chip and will last about ten years. · Asphalt driveways cost about $7 to $13 per square foot and last about half as long as concrete but will handle temperature extremes better. · Concrete driveways cost about $8-$18 per square foot and are the most popular and require very little maintenance. In addition, they can last up to about 40 years. · Paver driveways cost about $10 to $50 per square foot because of the amount of labor needed to install them. Cost-Effective and Durable Concrete Driveways You can get a simple paved concrete driveway that will look good and last for several decades. However, you might also want to choose something a little fancier when you go with concrete because all concrete driveways tend to look the same after a while. Concrete is a versatile building material, and if you feel inspired, you have many options for creativity with concrete. 1. Colored concrete One option to make your plain concrete driveway stand out is to stain it a different color. This can be done by adding the color into the concrete mix, giving you an integral color that permeates through the entire concrete, or it can be achieved by adding stone dust to the top of the concrete, which colors just the top layer. If you already have a concrete driveway, you can have it stained and sealed at a fraction of the cost of installing a new driveway. 2. Concrete tiles Concrete tiles are poured, cured, and then laid in place. They can be stained in a variety of colors and sealed. The results are quite unique and elegant. 3. Designs in concrete You can also choose to break up the monotony of a plain concrete driveway with some designs using inlaid stone. Stenciled concrete is another method used to create designs that look like paved tiles. This is done after the concrete sets but before it completely hardens. Concrete is the best option if you are looking for a durable product at a good price. Because it is such a versatile product, you can achieve almost any desired result. K. Graber Construction is a concrete contractor in Howard County, IN, with over 30 years of experience providing quality concrete work for driveways. If you want to remodel your concrete driveway, getting help from an experienced professional can save you thousands of dollars. Getting Creative with Cheap Materials If concrete is outside of your budget and you don’t have to meet the requirements of an HOA, you might be able to use some cheaper materials. Depending on how long your driveway is and what the requirements are in your locality, you can get creative with some cheaper driveways made out of alternative materials. 4. Recycled Crushed Concrete Old concrete is sometimes recycled into crushed road aggregate. It can be inexpensive to get a gravel-type road because it usually costs about half as much as gravel, and it has a similar look. With pavers or concrete edging, you can achieve an elegant look that will compliment your landscaping and house and stay well within your budget. 5. Asphalt Topped with Pebbles Another idea is to top an asphalt driveway with a pretty pebble aggregate. Again, using edging or a line of pavers, you can make it look very elegant. You might also be able to find pebble aggregate in a color that compliments your home’s exterior. 6. Wood Chips A few cheap materials are not ideal but are certainly better than nothing. One idea is to use wood chips, especially if you live in a rural area. Sometimes, wood chips can even be obtained for nothing but the cost of hauling. If you are willing to do the labor of spreading them, you can get a cheap driveway for next to nothing. Remember that many HOAs may not let you use wood chips on your driveway.
Buying a property is a significant milestone, and most people who are buying a home for the first time don’t know what to anticipate. The process is sometimes as scary as it is thrilling. High asking prices and increasing interest rates make buying a new house more of a gamble than ever, but here is your help guide. As per the reports of the first half of 2022, the median home price in the United States was $428,700. From 2020 to 2022, home prices in the United States rose by 30 percent. 1. Check Your Credit Report Examining your credit record is the first step to buying your new home. Your credit score determines how likely you are to be approved for a loan, the sort of loan you may be offered, and the interest rate you may be charged on that loan. It’s natural to question what sort of credit score is required to close on a house purchase. It’s crucial to check your credit report to see which sorts of mortgage loans you might be eligible for (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and Jumbo). 2. See How Much You Can Afford After you’ve reviewed your credit report, the next stage in the buying process is to set your budget. Online mortgage calculators are the quickest method to get a feel of your budget. A mortgage calculator will help estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI. A home affordability calculator can help you determine your maximum mortgage payment. Another essential item to include in your budget is closing charges, typically 2%-5% of the purchase price. 3. Get Approved in Advance You will want to secure a mortgage pre-approval when investigating how to buy a house. Getting pre-approved commences the mortgage process with a lender and helps you understand how much you can borrow. It also allows you to make a quick decision when you’re ready to make an offer. Instead of going with the first mortgage lender you find or even your present bank, it’s in your best interest to compare rates from several different lenders. Finding the best mortgage rate depends on researching the various mortgage alternatives and rates offered by various lenders. 4. Look For a Real Estate Professional Choosing the appropriate real estate agent can be the key to locating the ideal new house and receiving the best deal. Before deciding on a real estate agent to help you buy a home, it’s wise to do some background reading and formulate a list of questions for potential candidates. 5. Check Out Available Real Estate Listings The next step when buying a new homeis to start browsing properties for sale in your region. Make sure your desired list guides your property search. As a result, when looking for houses on the MLS, you can zero in on those that meet your exact criteria regarding cost, architectural style, geographic area, and the like. There is no need for a first-time home buyer to feel overwhelmed by the process if they are prepared with the correct information and tools. By adhering to the guidelines in this article and teaming up with a reliable real estate agent, you may gain insight into the home-buying process and control the situation. By following the suggestions given above, you’ll have more time to do what’s most important: relax in your new abode. With thoughtful planning and execution of the “A place called home” phenomenon, help you find the abode of your choice.
