4 Cost-Effective Winter Home Organization Tips to Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning

It is not uncommon to wait until the end of winter to start your spring cleaning, but you can make it easier on yourself by starting your spring cleaning early.

Why not start organizing your home in the winter? This way, you already have several tasks completed when it is time to start cleaning your home from top to bottom.

Getting started early will also help prevent unnecessary cleanup costs in the future. Use the following winter home organization tips to get ahead of your spring cleaning.

Start Decluttering Early

Why wait until after the new year to declutter your home when you can start now? There are plenty of organizations and thrift stores that are accepting donations for the holidays. 

This is a great time to donate clothes, appliances, books, toys, and other items that are in good condition but never used. It is easier to clean and organize your home when you lighten the load because you have fewer items in your way. 

Allowing your belongings to pile up too much may require you to hire a cleaning service if the mess becomes too much to handle alone.

Toss Unusable Items

There are items that are not salvageable or reusable at all, from stained clothes to damaged electronics. Damaged appliances can even lead to costly property damage if they are an electrical hazard. 

This also includes expired medication, toiletries, and cosmetics. It is time to get rid of these items to make room for items that are wearable or usable. 

One idea is to look into dumpster rental to avoid making several trips to a local dumpster. Renting a dumpster is also ideal if you are getting rid of heavy or bulky items, such as a broken washing machine.

Consider Storage Solutions

You also want to consider the storage solutions you are using in your home. Do you need shelf risers or a lazy Susan for your pantry? Are you looking to reorganize the bookcase in your living room? 

Maybe you want to invest in a storage cubby for your child's playroom, and do not forget about the storage solutions in your home office. 

It is easier to organize certain areas when you consider the storage solutions you have or need for your home.

Organize Main Areas

Finally, you may want to start organizing the main areas before the holidays. For example, you can divide your pantry into zones to make meal prep a breeze. 

Another example is separating everyone's toiletries into labeled containers for easier access. Of course, you should also organize the cabinet or closet of cleaning supplies. 

You can organize the areas that are not used often during your actual spring cleaning.

It never hurts to get a head start on your spring cleaning. If you keep the above tips in mind, you can cross several tasks off your to-do list before winter is even over.

How to Correctly Manage Your Bank Account

Controlling your finances is essential if you want to be ready for all the unexpected events life may throw at you, but doing it effectively is not as easy as it sounds.

Too many people go shopping without looking at the bigger picture while others might keep a savings account that’s too big, to the point where they’re unable to enjoy their daily lives.

Living with an obsession or being too carefree is equally counterproductive, and that’s why finding balance is important when you finally decide to manage your bank account effectively. 

Choosing the best checking account and being smart with your financial decisions is a good start, but that’s not all you can do.

Taking It Slow

When dealing with your finances, rushing things will only give you bad results. Your cash flow needs to be managed patiently over the course of months, even years if it’s necessary. 

Do not wait for something to happen before you start being active with your bank account. Following general guidelines and keeping essential tips in your mind will allow you to do everything patiently, so you can make the most of your situation.

Using Automation

Automating your finances will allow you to save time and have your money ready for all occasions. If it’s possible, try setting up a direct deposit with your employer so your paycheck is ready to be used when it’s time to receive it.

You can also set up your account in a way that monthly bills will get paid directly from it, so you won’t have to keep track of every due date and you won’t have to do it manually every month.

If you’re trying to save money, setting up automatic transfers to your savings account can help you avoid the temptation to go shopping or do something that will make you spend your entire paycheck.

Be Smart About Lawsuits

Accidents happen, and sooner or later, you’re going to find yourself dealing with a lawsuit because of someone else’s negligence. Everyone is afraid of dealing with legal issues because they can be expensive and many months can go by before seeing a settlement.

But there’s no need to empty your entire savings account while trying to deal with it. Patience is always repaid when trying to win a case, and that’s why asking for a pre-settlement loan is a smart choice for you and your bank account.

You won’t have to pay anything back if you lose your case, so there’s no risk to worry about. Always remember to ask for all the necessary information when taking out one of these loans, as they are regulated differently from state to state, and asking for one in Las Vegas will be different when compared to another area. Keep that in mind when you’re looking for pre-settlement funding in Nevada.

Fees

Account fees are often overlooked, but they can make a world of difference. Many banks charge maintenance fees, and the last thing you want to do is pay for the privilege of letting banks hold your money.

Do not choose the first bank available, but look for an online one that offers an account with low or no fees. Remember to avoid banks that make you pay an ATM fee, you shouldn’t have to pay just because you need to withdraw cash.

Doing What Works for You

Creating a routine that works for you is essential when managing your finances. Look at your cash flow and consider what you could be doing differently. Look at your old habits and close accounts that are too expensive to maintain. Remember to find the right balance and your money will always be in a good place.

Limited Pay Life Insurance – The Basics

Today let’s take a look at limited pay life insurance policies. What are they, how do they differ from other standard life insurance policies? What are the pros and cons, and where can one seek out such policies.

What does limited pay life insurance mean?

One of the concerns a lot of people have when considering taking out a life insurance policy is a worry that failure to pay a premium in the unpredictable future will result in the laps of the policy, in which case all benefits of the policy automatically fall away.

The limited pay life insurance product is an effective way to deal with this concern.

A limited pay whole life insurance policy is what it appears to be. Under such a policy, you are required to pay premiums for a prescribed limited period or until you reach a certain age. Once the period or the age has been reached, you are no longer required to pay premiums.

However, unlike with term insurance, you will still get the benefit of both the death benefit and the cash value component until the time of your death. In essence, the risk due to non-payment of a premium is shortened to a specific period or event

The main takeaways for limited pay life insurance policies

Three main takeaways here.

Firstly, you pay premiums to a specific date or event, after which you no longer have to pay the premiums for the insurance benefits to continue.

Secondly, there is a high cash growth rate early on, which may interest you financially.

Thirdly, the policy remains active until you die, meaning you provide for the beneficiaries long after paying your last premium.

So what is the catch?

It stands to reason that, since you are paying premiums for a limited period, not for your whole life until the day you die, the insurance cost will be more. And indeed, it is.

However, you can reduce the additional expense by electing to lower the amount of your death benefit, which will result in a lower premium.

You could also consider extending the period, reducing the monthly premium.

Important things to know

Typical payment terms are ten years, 20 years, or payment until you reach the age of 65.

Remember that the shorter the period of payment, the higher the premium, but on the other side of the coin, the faster the cash value accrues.

It is vital to shop around for the best rates from companies that offer limited pay life insurance.

Death benefits to your beneficiaries pass to them tax-free.

Some limited pay policies include dividend payouts – speak to your broker.

There are different options for premium payments. These range from monthly to semi-annually to annually, so you can make the right choice for your circumstances and needs.

The growth of the cash component of these policies is tax-deferred, providing you with another excellent tax advantage.

If you decide to consider taking out insurance, do your homework. There is a wealth of information on the internet. Then do yourself a favor and see a broker. They will answer any questions and put together a customized insurance product for you.

4 Tips to Buying a Home This Market Cycle

The current market cycle for residential housing is not being kind to buyers. Inventory is tight, and prices are rising dramatically. It might seem like a seller's market, but many potential sellers are sitting things out for fear of not finding their next home if they sell their current one. 

If you want to make anything good happen, you need effective tips for buying a home in this particular market cycle.

Be Ready to Pounce

The few homes hitting the market right now are sometimes being bought the very same day they go on the market. Even though this can be such a huge decision, you have to be ready to leap at any good opportunity and seize the moment. 

That's because such moments aren't happening very much right now, so be ready when yours presents itself to you.

Get Preapproved

Find a mortgage broker who can help you get a letter of preapproval. You'll be able to start looking for homes knowing how much you can actually borrow against your assets, credit, and income. 

That helps you avoid anything you won't be able to actually afford later. For that matter, many sellers prefer selling to someone with a preapproval since they won't be declined for their mortgage and see the deal fall apart.

Leave Wiggle Room

Even if you're preapproved for $500,000 for your mortgage, you might not want to start making offers on homes with that value. 

Many homes are getting hit with multiple offers that result in bidding wars. You'll need to leave yourself some room to run up your offer in such a case or you'll never wind up landing a competitive bid.

Focus on Potential

You want the perfect home. In fact, you deserve the perfect home for yourself and your family. However, you might not find it. What you need is to find what could be the perfect home. Emphasize location and potential. 

You'll have an easier time finding a home that you can make your own after home improvements than finding a home that's turnkey to your specific liking.

Things Are Tight But Not Dead

Limited inventory and skyrocketing prices might make the possibility of current homeownership seem remote. However, transactions are still taking place. 

These tips might just help you be one of the lucky few to buy a home, even in the midst of this hectic market cycle.

At the end of the day, the best thing to do is to stay within your budget, be patient but don’t let a good deal slip through your fingers, and soon enough you will find the home you are looking for. 

Take advantage of your realtor if you are using one. Yes, they get a commission, but they are working for you nonetheless.

How Much Should You Budget For Seasonal Pest Control?

Suppose you've looked around your home or business and seen a few too many ants, spiders, mosquitoes, or other pests that can cause inconveniences and even health problems. In that case, you may be thinking it's time to call in professional pest control experts. 

While they can likely solve your problem, you'll also have to pay for their services. If you're wondering how much to budget for seasonal pest control, here are some factors to keep in mind.

How Often Do You Need Pest Control Treatments?

First of all, you'll need to decide how frequently your home or business will need pest control treatments. For example, suppose your problem can be taken care of in one visit. In that case, you should budget between $300-$500 since a technician must spend time investigating and diagnosing the problem and providing treatment. 

Whether you’ve had past issues or want to prevent problems in the first place, regular pest control is essential for protecting your home and family. But knowing when to do it is just as important. 

Size of Your Property

If you have a smaller home or building for your business, you usually expect to pay less for pest control services. 

In most cases, an effective pest control management plan involves treating areas inside a home or business and around its outside perimeter. You can visit a site like https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/aptive/iowa/ to connect with pest control experts who can create a comprehensive strategy tailored to your property's needs.

Should you opt for monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly pest control treatment, expect to pay as little as $40 for monthly treatments to possibly $100 or more for quarterly treatments.

What Types of Pests Are Involved?

Since different pests call for different types of treatments, this will factor into how much you spend. If mosquitoes are your biggest problem, a reasonable amount of money you can expect to pay for these services can range from $100-$500, depending on your problem's extent and the type of treatment plan you select. 

Scorpions, for example, tend to be more expensive and require additional work for pest control companies to handle so consider reaching out to your local pest control pros for details. 

Pros like Skeeter Beater, for example, can share their prices and often bundle different types of pests. Whatever company you go through, consider asking for discounts with annual contracts.

The Type of Treatment Used

As the pest control industry has evolved over the years, much more emphasis is placed on using pest control treatment products that are more environmentally friendly and safe around children and pets. 

Since you will likely want these used in your home or business, you should budget a bit more to pay for these treatments since, in most cases, they cost more than traditional pest control methods.

While you may have to adjust your budget slightly to pay for pest control services, most are affordable to almost anyone. Whether its ants, mosquitoes, or wasps that just won't go away, calling on experts to provide seasonal pest control will soon have your home or business pest-free.

Should You Install a Home Security System?

Many people today are more concerned with home security than ever. In addition to getting a dog or adding more outdoor lighting for protection, some are investing in a home security system.

Here are some of the benefits of installing technical security devices where you live.

Keep Intruders Away

Posting security program signs in your yard and windows is often enough to deter a break-in. Thieves and other miscreants are looking for an easy target. 

They will go out of their way to avoid a home that has professional surveillance, alarms, and notification to authorities of suspicious activity around the home. 

Post the signs and warnings where they can easily be seen by someone who may be planning to break into your home.

Added Protection

Even if you have a dog that will bark at unusual noises or people outside your home, a security system reinforces the protection you already have. 

If someone does try to break in, they will likely be scared away by the loud alarm and knowing that local police are being alerted to their presence. 

Not knowing exactly how the alarm system works, whether by motion or sound, for example, may help to discourage potential criminals from trying to enter your home.

Homeowner Insurance Discount

Many insurers offer a home insurance discount for professional security systems. A system that can deter or quickly catch someone trying to get into your home to damage or loot the contents helps to prevent criminal activity and insurance losses. 

Ask your insurer if installed security devices can lower your home insurance policy premiums. Some premium reductions may depend on whether the alarm connects to a live monitoring station or direct reports to the local police station for immediate emergency response.

Peace of Mind

For your own peace of mind in protecting your loved ones and your belongings, a home security system can help you feel more comfortable about traveling away from home. 

Video feeds on some systems can show you who is at your front door even when you are not home. You can speak to anyone who is there, and that person will not know if you are home or not. 

When you are at home, you have the comfort of knowing your house is protected by a sensitive alarm system that can frighten a burglar away and help to keep you safe.

If you are concerned about possible property damage or robberies in your area, consider getting a security system that can help to keep trouble away.