Is Your Home Getting Old? Types of Repairs to Budget For

The average lifespan of a home is about 25 years. Many homeowners are forced to upgrade their homes with changing family members, outgrowing rooms, and declining home values.

But when you’re not sure what to do with your house, it may feel like you’re doing nothing more than throwing money away. Even with a modest budget, “old” homes need some repairs. Whether your home is 10 years old or 100 years old, you can do a few things to keep it in good condition.

Here’s a look at the different home repairs you can make to help keep your house safe and in good repair.

Fix Leaky Faucets and Plumbing Problems

If you have a leaky sink, bathtub, or toilet that doesn’t seem to be stopping any longer, you could find trouble behind them. A leaking pipe underneath the bathroom floor might mean having to rip up your floor to fix the problem and start over. 

Leaks from the water lines outside might also leave your exterior paint job ugly. You probably don’t want to deal with either of those two options. 

Fortunately for you, you can hire an experienced plumber to check out the source of the leaks before they become bigger problems.

Keep Your Roof in Top Shape

Roofing can be expensive, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing maintenance. Asphalt shingles can last around 20 years if cared for properly, but even wood shakes or tile roofs will require upkeep. 

If your roof is older than 15 years, you should seal it against the elements using waterproofing materials and then apply new asphalt shingles every 5 to 7 years. Call in professionals who know how to work with existing conditions, not just put on a fresh coat of shingles.

Maintain the Air Conditioning System

It’s no surprise that keeping your AC running all year round smoothly takes lots of effort. It requires cleaning filters regularly, replacing fans, and lubricating the unit itself (which can often get clogged). Don’t worry: most HVAC experts can handle this sort of thing, as long as you schedule regular appointments with them.

Check the Foundation

Foundation issues aren’t always visible to the naked eye. They can manifest themselves as cracked concrete slabs, buckled walls, or shifting floors. Most cities offer free inspections of foundations. Ask the city inspection department whether your town does so too. 

This may involve climbing ladders or crawling under the home to check certain areas, depending on where you live. This type of inspection is generally recommended once every five years or so.

Repair Cracks in Interior Surfaces

Cracks in plasterboard and drywall inside the home don’t necessarily mean major damage is occurring; however, until these are repaired. 

Cracks in drywall tend to occur when people move into a newly-built home and then realize the previous occupants had wallpapered over the holes. 

These cracks develop because wallpaper shrinks slightly as it dries out. Once the new drywall goes up, the wallpaper gets pulled off again, and the process starts over.

Repairing your house can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin. To simplify planning your DIY projects, try categorizing them according to type first. Then, go through each category and list your planned projects. 

Doing so will let you see which items are cheaper to replace versus fixing. While some repairs are easy and simple, others are time-consuming and complex. Take the time to plan accordingly.

How Much Do IR Night Vision Security Cameras Cost?

Night vision security cameras are excellent for added peace of mind. They are a fantastic way to monitor rental properties, safes, or your residence. 

However, there are a variety of different price ranges for these cameras. Make sure to consider your budget, the area you want to cover, and the priority of the surveillance before buying.

General Price Range

The general price range for infrared night vision security cameras is $100 to $400. In this price range, you can purchase a quality security camera with features for the average owner. 

If you are really on a budget, there are night vision security cameras for lower than $100, but these typically have very poor quality and lack many crucial features. For $100 to $400, you should expect a video quality of 1080p and audio recording. 

The general field of view capabilities for these cameras can go up to 160 degrees. Most of these security cameras could be installed by an owner with average technical skills.

Premium Price Range

If you have a higher budget and a long list of demands, consider the premium price range for IR night vision security cameras. These cameras will be in the $400 to $1,000 range. This higher price point should buy you a video quality of 4K and thermal night vision. 

Other premium features include facial recognition software and a 365-degree field of view. Another thing that pushes the price for these cameras up is that they often come as a set, so you are getting a system of multiple night vision security cameras. 

These require more extensive security camera system installation but will cover a much greater area. Additionally, premium cameras will have local storage up to several terabytes instead of cloud storage, which cheaper security cameras rely on because they typically have no local storage.

Cost of Installation

This cost will be variable. Security camera system installation will vary based on the system that you purchase. Some systems will require far more work to install, while others you could install yourself. 

The cost of security camera system installation also depends on how many cameras you have. However, the most essential factor in cost variation is if you are purchasing a wired or wireless security camera. Wired security cameras are far more expensive. 

Installing a wired security camera will cost $100 to $200 per camera. Please note that this is only the cost of the installation and not the price of the camera itself. Hard-wired systems are more expensive because the worker will need to drill holes to run connecting cables. 

If you want a cheaper option, it may be wise to buy a wireless camera because installation for that system ranges from $80 to $150 per camera.

Maintenance Costs

Finally, it’s vital to factor in the cost of maintenance for your security cameras. Luckily, this is the cheapest cost. If you choose the right set-up and pick a quality night vision camera, it should easily last a few years without damage. 

Most night vision security cameras do not need replacement often. Instead, costs of maintenance come from secure storage. As previously stated, cheaper night vision cameras do not have local storage. Instead, they upload all footage to the cloud. 

This cloud storage is pretty convenient because it makes it easy for the owner to review the footage without touching the camera itself. 

However, it does cost money to store copious amounts of footage. The rate for cloud storage should go no higher than $15 a month and is often as low as $2.99.

For people who only want a security camera for one specific area of the house, there are plenty of fantastic cameras in the $100 to $300 range. However, if you have a more intricate system in mind, consider more premium options.

How Your Post-Retirement Lifestyle Affects Your Insurance Needs

Once you retire and begin living a vastly different lifestyle than you had while going to work day after day, many changes will come along concerning your financial picture.

Specifically, you need to take a closer look at your insurance needs. Since no two individuals have the exact same circumstances upon retirement, it is vital your insurance needs are tailored to help you and your family as much as possible. 

To formulate the best plan, keep these tips in mind.

Keep Your Life Insurance

Though it may be tempting to toss aside that life insurance policy you had for years, keeping it and making some changes may be a better option. 

For many retirees, life insurance policies are popular options for wealth transfer. Therefore, if you want to transfer wealth to your children or perhaps a favorite charity, you can now do so.

Maintain Your Health Insurance

Even if you are age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, seek advice from US Health Advisors and take a close look at your medical insurance once you retire. 

If you are like some retirees and decide to take on a new job, you may be eligible for health benefits through an employer plan. Since Medicare does not cover 100% of medical costs, it may benefit you to use your employer insurance in some cases. 

If you stay job-free, purchasing a Medicare supplemental plan may be necessary. Everyone’s situation is unique after retiring, so it’s important to consult an experienced professional for advice.

Changes to Your Home Insurance

First of all, always choose to maintain your homeowner's insurance once you retire. If you don't and then suffer a large loss, the money to overcome this will likely need to come from your savings. 

Also, think about increasing your liability limits, especially if you want to add a swimming pool or do more entertainment at home.

Will You Need Travel Insurance?

If like many retirees, you plan on traveling around the world, you may want to purchase travel insurance for added protection and peace of mind. 

If you purchase this specialized insurance, make sure it includes coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations, and also covers trip delays or cancellations.

Now that you are retired and ready to start enjoying life to its fullest, make it as easy as possible to do so by having the absolute best insurance coverage in place. 

From making sure your medical bills are covered to protecting yourself with extra liability limits in the event someone gets hurt while on your property, planning ahead will be a smart decision.

How Using Trading Apps Can Make Stock Trade a Breeze

The stock market is a huge and ever-growing stage where investors can make money. It’s an ideal place to invest, as stocks are always changing and can provide great returns if you know how to play the market right.

However, there are a few things you should be aware of before investing in stocks. The stock market is highly volatile and can go up or down quickly, sometimes quicker than you can react. 

You also need to be careful with how you trade stocks, as there are a lot of scams out there looking to take advantage of you. Here are some ways in which trading apps can make a stock trade a breeze.

Stock Market Apps Can Help You Trade Stocks Quickly

Many people who use the stock trading app look to trade stocks quickly. This is because they want to make quick money, and they want to do so without the risk of losing money. 

They also want their trades to be easy, as they don’t have much time to devote to trading. However, not all stock trading apps are perfect for beginners. There are a few that can help you make quick and easy trades.

Stock Trading Apps Can Help You Avoid Scams

Stock trading apps, something like E-Futures, can be very useful when trying to avoid getting scammed. This is because they give you a complete overview of the stocks you’re looking at and allow you to see how they’re performing. 

However, scammers want to steal your money, so you need to stay on top of things. It’s always best to research before investing in stocks, as the information is everywhere. However, some apps can help you stay safe while trading stocks.

Stock Trading Apps Can Help You Find Better Deals

The stock market is a huge and ever-changing place, so it’s hard to know what you should be paying attention to. Some of the best stock trading apps can help you find better deals on stocks, as well as tell you about new developments in the market. It’s impossible to keep up with everything going on, so you must have apps to help you out.

Stock Trading Apps Can Help You Create Your List

If you have a lot of stocks to trade and don’t want to spend a lot of time looking at them all, then having a trading app is essential. The best stock trading apps can create lists for you, which means that they can organize the information for you. You can then look at the lists instead of scrolling through everything.

In conclusion, the best stock trading apps can aid you in your trading and help you get the most out of it. However, you must do all of your research before investing in stocks and using any of these apps. That way you can do everything in your power to avoid getting scammed and have the best chance at making a profit as a stock trader.

5 Things Auto Insurance Typically Covers

When you have auto insurance, you usually pay your premiums and think little about what your insurance actually covers. However, once you have an accident or other circumstances, it will be crucial that you know exactly what your policy covers.

To make sure you don't get surprised when the time arises that you need your auto insurance the most, here are five things most policies typically cover.

Liability

Mandatory in most states, liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage. If you cause an accident or damage another person's property while behind the wheel, your insurance will pay the costs.

Medical Payments

When you, family members, or other passengers are driving your insured vehicle and are injured in an accident, your auto insurance will be responsible for paying the medical costs associated with your injuries. 

As for what are considered to be covered costs, these include x-rays, surgeries, hospital and doctor's office visits, physical therapy, and other related services and costs.

Collision

Usually, optional coverage, collision coverage from an insurance company will give you the coverage you need if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle. 

Along with this, it also covers you if you are driving and hit a fence or other structure. If you aren’t sure what collision coverage would cover, consider contacting a company like the Lofrumento Agency, Inc. to get answers to your questions. 

When you have this type of coverage, it will pay to repair or possibly replace your car. If your car needs to be replaced, remember that this will be up to its current cash value, minus your policy's deductible.

Theft or Vandalism

If your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, it will be covered thanks to your auto insurance policy's comprehensive coverage. This can also provide coverage if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in a fire, or if it sustains storm damage after a hail storm. 

Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, up to its cash value. However, you will also need to meet your deductible, so keep this in mind.

Towing and Labor Costs

Found in more and more auto insurance policies, towing and labor costs coverage will pay if your vehicle suffers a breakdown and needs to be towed. This coverage can also pay for jump starts, tire changes, gas delivery, or getting lockout assistance from a locksmith.

When purchasing auto insurance, always make sure you understand exactly what it covers. Thus, should your vehicle sustain damage or you find yourself involved in an accident, you'll know exactly what to expect when you contact your insurance company to file a claim.

What to Consider When Choosing a Budget Before Searching for a New Home

Choosing a budget prior to looking for your new home is a crucial step in the process, and it's one you need to take seriously. There's more involved to owning a home than just making enough numbers line up to match the price tag of a home you want.

You need to stay within certain guidelines. Otherwise, your home may own you more than you own it.

Start With the 28/36 Rule

NerdWallet argues in favor of starting with the 28/36 rule in terms of home affordability. Factor 28% of your gross income every month towards housing-related costs, but stay within 36% of your total debts. 

This rule doesn't actually apply to everyone and every situation, but it's a good rule of thumb to start with.

Work With a Mortgage Lending Service

Doing your own initial budget is a great start, but it helps to have an industry professional take a second look. Not only can they confirm the accuracy of your budget, but they can also give you an objective look regarding your finances. 

Whether you work with Fairway PNW in Silverdale, WA, or another service closer to where you are looking for a home, working with a mortgage professional increases your odds of balancing buying the most home you can without breaking your budget in the process.

Make the Biggest Down Payment You Can

The larger your down payment is, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. In many cases, you might be able to buy a home without the standard 20% down. 

However, if you can afford that or more, then you might be able to avoid private mortgage insurance and the monthly costs that will entail.

Financing Upkeep

Regardless of the age, condition, or size of your next home, it's going to need upkeep and maintenance. Repairs will creep up on you eventually, too, and you'll likely have many ideas about home improvements. 

As a general rule of thumb, you should set aside 1% of the home value every year for such matters. It's better to do 2% for older homes.

Buying a home is a tremendous accomplishment in life. However, if you don't choose your budget right before searching for your next home, then you might wind up overburdened and with a quality of life that you don't enjoy in that home. 

Even worse, you might get in over your head and risk losing the home you worked so hard to get your hands on.