Monday, December 25, 2017

4 Ways Your Family Can Save Cash on a Bathroom Remodel



A bathroom remodel can be a great home improvement project that will add beauty and value to any home. People might be daunted by the average cost of such a remodel, which can be around $10,000 for a mid-size bathroom. 

However, the cost can be brought down by the homeowner choosing less expensive options when possible and doing some or all of the work. 

There are many tutorial videos online and at home improvement stores that demonstrate just how to remodel a bathroom.

Demolition Time


This one can be a lot of fun. Many of the tasks involved in a bathroom remodel can be undertaken by the homeowner, even if they have had no experience with a previous similar project. 

Before the new fixtures, flooring and wall coverings can be installed, the old items and walls will need to be removed. With the right tools, anyone can tackle this job, but they will need to be careful about the wiring and plumbing.

Installation Options


After the demolition, some type of wallboards may need to be placed, with cuts for the outlets. The counters can be installed, along with the sinks and faucets. 





The shower or tub installation will be the most difficult part, but there are demonstration videos available. If this task is deemed too difficult, it can be hired out. Tiling and painting can be done fairly easily with the proper equipment.

Tile or Paint


There are many varieties of tile available for tiling the bathroom. Tile has a wide range of prices, but the more expensive tiles can be used as accents and the cheaper tiles for the main placements. 

Sometimes stores will have discontinued stock at lower prices. Also, the tile does not have to be used for the entire bathroom area. Tile can be placed solely around the shower/tub and floor, or if it is used in the vanity area on the walls, it can be used as an accent for just part of the wall. 

Paint can be used for the untiled areas and it is much cheaper than tile.

Find Sales on Materials


Many times people can save money on renovation supplies by opening a store card at the home construction store and placing their purchases on the card. The store will often offer this option as an additional percent off their storewide sale at the time. 

If the bathroom remodel is not pressing, homeowners can wait until the right sale comes along. Besides the chain stores, there may be discount construction stores in the local area, such as a Habitat for Humanity store. These discount stores can be a good source for materials.

A bathroom remodel can be a fun project that does not have to cost an astronomical amount. Homeowners can keep costs down by doing many of the tasks themselves, choosing cheaper options and researching local sales and discount stores. 

Having friends and family help can also be a good way to get the job done in a timely manner and strengthen relationships, as well.


Friday, December 22, 2017

3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Insurance without a Major Accident



Many drivers will unfortunately be involved in a couple of major accidents at various points throughout their lives, but these incidents may be spread out across many years or even decades in some cases. 

During this time in between major car accidents, you may pay your auto insurance premium regularly without getting substantial benefit from it. The reality is that you do not need to be involved in a major accident to take advantage of some of your coverage benefits. 

In fact, these are some of the car insurance perks that you may have access to and that you may not be using when the opportunity arises.

Towing Service


Most people think about using towing service reimbursement through their auto insurance policy when they are in an accident and their car can no longer be driven




However, towing service may be available through some policies for other needs as well. For example, depending o the wording in your coverage, you may be able to use towing service if your car breaks down and is no longer able to be driven because of a serious repair issue. 

The availability of this coverage varies, so you should read the fine print in your policy.

Roadside Assistance


Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance service as well. You may not think about turning to your auto insurance coverage when you need help changing a tire or when you need a jump for a dead battery. 


However, roadside assistance may be available to you around the clock in any location. More than that, it may be free of additional cost through your coverage, and it may be an easy solution to stressful situations that may be overlooked by many drivers.


Personal Property Coverage


Some drivers have paid for optional personal property coverage. This is coverage that reimburses you if items inside the vehicle are damaged or stolen. For example, if someone breaks into your car and steals your laptop and other expensive items, you can file a personal property insurance claim to be reimbursed for your loss. 


Some insurers like Crowel Agency, Inc. offer these coverages for home in addition to auto.

Getting reimbursed for expenses associated with a major car accident is one of the most common reasons why drivers file an auto insurance claim, but this is not the only reason to file a claim. 


Each insurance policy may have different types of coverage as well as varying limits, deductible amounts and more. By reviewing and understanding your coverage now, you can take advantage of its many benefits when the ability arises to do so.


Thursday, December 21, 2017

5 Financial Facts to Know Concerning Divorce



It may seem crass or calculating to focus on the financial aspects when you are getting a divorce. However, it is necessary because money matters become complicated when two people are married. 

As a first in the process of untangling the financial issues, you should immediately begin to monitor expenses and gather financial documents like account statements, deeds, titles and tax returns. 

Your divorce lawyer and the judge in the divorce proceedings will need this information.

Your Financial Situation Will Change


Going into the divorce process, you are not likely to anticipate all of the financial changes that will occur. You may have to plan on paying the full cost of rent, health insurance, utilities and a host of other expenses that you now share or leave to your spouse. 



The best course is to avoid making big changes in your financial life that are not immediately necessary. Keep a tight rein on expenses, and try to accumulate a cash reserve.

Tax Implications


When property is divided up in a divorce, there are generally no tax implications. Alimony is another matter. The spouse who pays alimony can deduct it on his or her taxes. For the recipient, alimony is taxable income. 


If you are awarded alimony payments, you must report them each quarter by filing an estimated tax return with the IRS. A divorce attorney from a firm like Kelm & Reuter, P.A. might be able to help you with this as well.

Retirement Account Issues


In some cases, the only thing you need to do with IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement accounts is change the beneficiary. 


However, a judge can order funds to be shifted to balance retirement savings between the spouses. In this situation, you should retain a qualified domestic relations officer to implement the court’s instructions.

The Financial Facts of Children and Divorce


Ultimately, the court decides issues of child custody and child support. However, you will strengthen your position on these issues if you provide complete records of current expenses related to caring for children. 


When assets like 529 college savings plans are an issue, you, your spouse and the court must decide who will administer fund accounts. It will also be necessary to determine which parent is entitled to claim children as dependents for tax purposes.

Estate Issues


Change in estate arrangements are necessary when a couple splits up. You should make a new will, and you may need to change the trustees and beneficiaries of life insurance policies and trusts. 


In addition, you should create a new living will and designate someone other than your spouse to hold your power of attorney.


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Important Tips for Buying New Driver Auto Insurance with No Hassles



Auto Insurance
Car insurance costs for teenagers and new drivers are the arguably the highest. The eagerness of finally being able to drive is somewhat dampened by high premiums. 

Teenagers getting their driving license are excited to get behind the wheel. A state issued card is one way of gaining attention in their circle. A driving license is a great way to enjoy a little more freedom right away. 

On the other hand, parents are rightly concerned over car insurance for a new driver in the family. Adults and grownups are worried over their children’s or near and dear one’s safety.

Online Insurance Quotes


Online resources help with free online quotes when you shop for new driver auto insurance policies. It is apparent that newly licensed drivers do not have any experience especially teenagers. 

Auto insurance companies have to be on guard with new driver customers they are taking on board for the first time. Even when full care is taken to mitigate losses, a driver making claims due to any reason whatsoever is never far from possibilities. 

New drivers and under 25 drivers have to bear the brunt, so to speak, for a major portion of the pay-out’s by insurers. 





Auto insurance companies and car insurance carriers want to be on the safe side. They charge higher premiums because they anticipate the likelihood of new teenage and other drivers getting into more accidents within the first year. 


It is also important to note that new drivers are more likely to cause damage to others’ property. Looking for very cheap car insurance for new drivers may seem quite an impossible target and a difficult task. 

Driving without insurance is out of question. Lowering car insurance costs is of prime concern to those with limited financial budgets. Drivers who find driving around necessary as well as important need to fit their insurance premiums in their monthly budget.


Online Competitive Market


Online resources help consumers connect with multiple service providers through a single online application form. Online competitive market place is a great way to explore possibilities of buying cheapest new driver car insurance without much hassle. 

Online competitive rates help consumers win and fit their auto insurance policies costs into their monthly budget. Online resources make shopping around easier than ever before.

On the other hand, drivers can bring down car insurance costs with conscious efforts. After buying a policy and beginning to enjoy the newfound freedom of driving around it is time for ensuring affordable premiums. 


Keep up those good grades without letting your freedom dent them. Insurers view a high grade point average favourably. Let your teenage drivers have a vehicle much cheaper and easier to drive around as compared to your family car. 

This will bring down the risks of theft especially if they are going to visit less safe areas. This is a good time to develop good driving habits. Having telematics, insurance coverage means insurers will encourage new drivers to have a clean driving record. 

Get more use full information and competitive quotes within minutes from MonthToMonthCarsInsurance.



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