What Can You Do When Your Clients Don't Pay Their Bills on Time?

The success of your business depends upon both your company and your clients fulfilling your obligations to each other. While you can do your best to carefully screen clients to make sure that you only work with reputable people or companies, there are times when even that isn’t enough. 

There are many reasons why a client might not pay their bills on time, and knowing how to handle it protects your company’s bottom line.

Incentivize Paying on Time With Late Fees

The ideal way to handle late payments is to avoid having the problem in the first place. If your clients tend to pay late regularly, then it might be time to add some new policies to your business plan. 

Late fees help to encourage people to pay on time so that they don’t have negative impacts on their budget. Depending upon the severity of the problem, you can offer a warning first before late fees kick in.

Send Out Soft Calls and Reminder Letters

People who chronically pay late may have simply forgotten or gotten in a temporary bind. They may also think that you are just too nice or too small of a business to take the issue any further. 

There are services that can help you to send out reminder letters to your clients that let them know that you have the time and ability to make sure they pay their debt. 

This is often the gentler way to begin working with clients who are late without losing their business.

Stop Providing Services

Once someone is well past paying on time, you need to consider the risk of doing any further business with them. You may choose to suspend any ongoing services that they may need. 

You can also refuse to work with them on any further projects until they are paid up. This type of information can be included in the reminder letter to make sure that they understand why you are suspending their services.

Pursue Legal Action

After using softer methods, you may need to take your payment enforcement methods to the next level. Telling your clients that they could face legal consequences for not paying their debt could help them see the benefit of meeting their obligation for making a payment.

Debt collection services, like those offered by Leib Solutions, can also help with this part of the process. They can help pursue the collection of fees and can ensure that any communication that you have with a client is done legally and respectfully. If issues persist, they can give you advice for your next steps.

No one wants to have to take a client to a court or cut off services. However, there may be times that you have to do just that to protect your business and income. When it gets tough, letting the professionals handle it helps you to focus on doing what you do best.

Ways to Monitor Your Home for Leaks

Leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues a home can have. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that they have a leak until damage has already been done to their home. 

To try and circumvent this, here are a few ways you can monitor your house for any potential leaks and try to catch them early.

Check the Water Meter

One of the simplest things that you can do in order to see whether you have a leak is to check the water meter. Before you check the water meter, you should turn all the water off. 

Check the numbers and wait an hour. See if the numbers change after an hour. If the numbers change, then you most likely have a leak.

Listen for a Dripping Sound

A common sign of a leak is a dripping sound, though depending on the location of the leak this may not be true. Commonly, however, you will be able to hear if anything inside your house is dripping when it shouldn’t be. 

This can include faucets, toilets, or any pipes. Taking care of the dripping sound may also mean checking for cracks or checking to make sure valves and faucets are turned off. If you hear a dripping sound, then it is time for you to call plumbers.

Monitor Your Bill

A good way to tell if there is a leak in your home is to look at your water bill. Compare the bills that you have had over the past couple of months. 

Your water bill should only fluctuate by a few dollars from month to month, but if you notice a dramatic spike that could indicate a problem. If you notice a drastic change in how much you’re spending, then a leak may be to blame for this.

Musty Smells

Mold and mildew require darkness and moisture in order to grow. It only takes a small amount of unattended moisture to initiate an infestation, and depending on the location it could be hard to detect until it’s already too late. 

It would be a good idea to occasionally check all areas of your house, especially areas that are dark or easy breeding grounds for mold. A musty smell is a sign that you have mold and mildew. 

You may also notice black splotches in the areas where mold has grown. It’s important to take care of it as soon as you discover it, as mold can make you sick.

Use a Leak Detector

A leak detector will be able to immediately tell you that you have a leak in your home. However, you have to install the leak detector near the pipes and fixtures of your home. 

There are some fixtures that are more prone to leaking than others. For example, the water pipes that are outside are more likely to freeze and burst in the wintertime than the ones inside.

Leaks are a common issue that can ruin your home. The good news is that you can monitor them by checking your water bill and water meter. You should also listen out for a dripping sound. 

Musty smells are another indication that you have a leak. Additionally, you can use a leak detector in order to see whether there is a leak in your home.

Getting Old? How to Prep for Your Golden Years

With growing old comes the wisdom of many years lived and bolder difficulties to face at times. At your old age, you may need assistance to enjoy a fulfilling time in your golden years. 

One of the best ways to do that is by preparing for your future now. Setting yourself up presently may alleviate mental or physical issues and allows you to be more self-dependent in the future. 

Below are some tips on how to prep for your golden years.

Practice Healthy Eating

Old age leaves our bodies more susceptible to the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases. By eating healthy meals, one can equip their body to fight and prevent such conditions from occurring. 

Cutting on high-fat meals like fries can help lower your weight, lessening the risks associated with diabetes. Regularly eating white meat such as fish or chicken over red meat, including beef, makes for low-fat protein intake. 

To maintain low-blood pressure intake in meals high in omega-3 is essential. Such meals include salmon, sardines, walnuts, and canola oil. Remember, it's never too late to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle and prepping your body.

Retirement Planning

When employed and at your career's prime, it's easy to overlook growing old and impending retirement. The current responsibilities and desires may temporarily overshadow the future. 

While the everyday necessities are essential, planning for your retirement should be among the list of your priorities. Saving money is not all that counts for retirement planning. Here are some guidelines to help you plan for retirement better. 

Don't stack up on debts or loans. Clearing them away as soon as possible helps put pressure off during your relaxation years. Have a healthy emergency fund that can sustain your expenses for at least half a year. 

You may use the money in times of unforeseeable events such as late pensions. Plan for any health expenses that may help you when you are old. Broadly and comprehensively invest and grow your money

Plan, Write, and Update Your Will

Part of the reason some of you work as hard as you do is t provide for your loved ones. Growing our assets can help us secure futures for you and in case of your bereavement, your family, or friends. 

It is important to plan a will to state how your assets may be passed on to future legacies. Setting a will may require an attorney in the making process. 

The will states how your property may be shared, any beneficiaries, and your last wishes. You can easily create wills online in case you do not have plenty of assets.

Your heydays are a period of hard work and limelight that may make or break your future. As you enjoy and live the most out of the present, equipping yourself for your golden times is of utmost importance.

Need to Modify Your Loan? How to Do It Right the First Time

You should be thorough, savvy, and concise before making any significant financial decisions. A good example would be when you want to modify your loan when the going gets tough. Doing this can be a considerable challenge because you have to consider several details. Fortunately, there is a helpful guide you can use.

Find out If You Qualify for a Loan Modification

Not everyone who has challenges with mortgage payments can qualify for loan modifications. You must be facing imminent default, meaning there is a legitimate issue compromising your ability to make up for payments. Usually, challenges such as a developing health issue, the loss of a spouse, or a job are some common reasons.

Learn More About Loan Modification Programs

A significant number of lenders offer in-house loan modification programs. The modifications they make to your repayment plans can be temporary or permanent. You can learn about the modification programs your service offers by asking. 

While the state offered help with modifications through the Home Affordable Modification program, it's no longer functional these days. There is also a financial downside that can occur due to loan modifications. 

It's likely to hurt your average credit score. While the resulting compromise on your score won't be as bad as a foreclosure, it will hurt your ability to get financial help.

Consult With Your Loan Servicer

If you are facing a challenge with loan payments, get in touch with your servicer. They should provide you with all the available options to help solve the problem. You have to act fast, as procrastination will likely lead to more financial challenges. 

Usually, the process of applying for a loan medication varies between different lenders. They might have to determine whether your application is legitimate first. If the servicer denies your application, you can also file an appeal.

Consider Seeking Help From a Financial Consultant

A good financial consultant should provide you with excellent suggestions for loan modifications. While their services might come at a cost, they will help make getting such financial help easier. 

 If you are already hard up, you can also use the services of a HUD-approved housing counselor. They should help you in challenging the decision and gain better insight into the options available.

Applying for a modification loan using an informed approach will give your peace of mind. If you need help, don't shy away from getting it from a reputable servicer.

How Much Does Replacing Your Roof Cost?

Your roof is one of the most critical structures in the house. It helps to preserve the integrity of materials both outside and inside the home. 

Each type of roofing material has its own expected lifespan, and replacing a roof can be a significant expense for the owner. Here are some important facts about the cost of replacing your roof.

Points To Keep in Mind When Considering A Roof Replacement

Generally, your home’s roof will last from 20 to 30 years, barring any major storm damage or damage from falling trees, but some materials last even longer than that. 

In some cases, a roofing repair will be enough to hold you over for a few more years, but eventually, you will have to have the materials replaced entirely to protect the structural integrity of your home. 

A new roof will increase the value of your home and is a desirable feature when you put your property onto the real estate market. Replacement roof pricing is generally done by “square,” which is a 10-foot by 10-foot measurement.

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt roofing is the most economical and is found throughout the United States. Homeowners will pay about $150-$200 per “square” for a replacement. This price includes both the asphalt tiles and roof underlayment material. This type of roof will last about 25 years.

Clay Tile Roofs

Residential roofing using clay tiles is most often found in the southern areas of the United States. It is a durable and attractive material for home construction. It is available in both flat and curved tiles. 

The average cost is for a roof replacement with clay tiles is $500-$800 per square. This type of material is more expensive, but it will also last longer than an asphalt roof, with most lasting about 50 years.

Slate Roofs

Slate is also used for home roofing. It provides a luxurious appearance and will last for over 100 years. You can expect to pay about $600-$1500 per square, or sometimes more in some areas of the country.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing has become a popular option for the home. Steel roofing panels can be painted to match the house and can be repaired easily. You can expect to pay $300-$800 per square for a steel roof. However, copper roofing is more expensive at $1,500 per square.

As in any major home repair project, it’s always best to get a number of quotes from reputable contractors before signing on the dotted line. A good company with references in your area will complete the job in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable price.

Should You Invest In Stock Options?

Generally, stock options are considered to be the experienced traders’ forte. But, it can be a helpful tool for individual investors too. In fact, experts say that when carefully chosen, stock options can be equally beneficial for investment purposes, and not just day trading.

Knowing how do stock options work, will help you decide whether to put your money in it or not.

Stock options have been around for quite some time now, but they have only recently started getting the deserved attention. Investors mostly avoid stock options as they do not have a clear idea about them. 

They think it to be sophisticated, hence challenging to understand the investment. Brokers and investors must be offered proper training on the right ways to use stock options. Only then will it get the worth that it deserves.

Due to the lack of understanding, negative words like “risky” and “dangerous” are associated with the overall financial markets and their various components. The stock option is no different in this case. 

However, as an investor, you must investigate the model before making any decisions about the option value. But believe it or not, there are some sheer advantages of investing in stock options too.

Let us find out what advantages stock options can offer.

Cost-efficiency

Options come with great leveraging power, similar to the stock position, but in a cost-saving way. For example, if you want to buy 200 shares of $80 stock, you would need to invest $1600. 

But if you purchase two $20 calls, where each contract would represent 100 shares, then you would only have to pay $400. You will be able to use the additional $200 at your discretion. 

However, things are not as easy as it seems. You would have to make the right call to mimic the position of the stock properly.

Less Risky

Depending on the situation, buying options can sometimes be riskier than owning equities. But there will be times when options are used for reducing the risks. It mostly depends on your usage pattern.

Options are a dependable form of a hedge, and that makes them safer than stocks. While an investor is purchasing stocks, a stop-loss order is usually released to protect the stock’s position. 

This order helps to stop losses below a predetermined position which you will identify as an investor. However, the problems with these orders lie in the order itself. 

The stop order will only be executed when the stock trade goes at or below the predetermined margin by the investor indicated in the order.

It is essential to remember that the stop-loss order only works when the market is open. It does not apply at night. So if a given stock opens below your predetermined margin when the market opens, you will have to make the first trade with that amount. It means that the stop-loss order will not work in your favor when you need it the most.

In such cases, the put option offers some excellent protection. They are operative round the clock and will not stop as the market closes. They will be your 24*7 insurer, which is why most investors consider this their dependable form of hedging.

Higher potential returns

Every investor invests their money intending to get higher returns, and stock options increase that chance. With this investment model, you will spend less but get almost an equal profit, which means the percentage of income would be higher. It is one of the main benefits that attract a lot of investors towards options.

More strategic alternatives

The options offer more strategic investment alternatives. They are pretty flexible, and there are many other ways to use options to recreate other positions. These positions are popularly known as synthetics.

The primary aim of synthetics is to present investors with different ways to achieve the same investment goal. The option helps investors to trade in stock movements along with the passage of time and volatility movement. 

As an investor, you would notice that most of the stocks do not have significant moves most of the time, and you can take advantage of this stagnation as it can decide if you have reached your financial goals.