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How Prioritizing Digital Advertising Can Save Your Business Money

Erin H.Leave a comment

In a digitally-driven world, optimizing operations and reducing costs are at the forefront for all businesses. Prioritizing digital advertising is an effective strategy to impact the bottom line. With the advent of advanced analytics tools and the widespread use of the internet, digital advertising is a viable option. This method creates a cost-effective and efficient reach to your target audience. This article will explore how prioritizing digital advertising can save your business money.

Maximizing Data Streams for Better Insights

Digital advertising allows stakeholders the ability to gather and analyze data. Information is power, and it can help businesses make informed decisions. For example, in GA4 (Google Analytics 4), a property can have up to 50 data streams. This data is especially helpful in refining your advertising strategies. You can optimize your ad campaigns and reduce wasted ad spend by harnessing this wealth of information. Ultimately, this saves your business money while increasing your marketing efforts’ effectiveness.

Improving Mobile Site Experience to Retain Customers

With smartphones and mobile browsing, the user experience on your business’s mobile site is paramount. Neglecting this aspect can lead to significant financial losses. According to a recent study, a staggering 57% of users won’t recommend a business if they have a poor mobile site experience. In addition, as many as 40% have even shifted to a competitor’s site after encountering these issues.

The importance of investing in responsive web design and mobile optimization is highlighted in their numbers. You can retain existing customers by ensuring that your mobile site is user-friendly and loads quickly. Even better, you can attract new ones. This saves your business from losing potential revenue and reduces the need for expensive reacquisition strategies.

Eliminating Document and Print-Related Inefficiencies

Many businesses still grapple with the inefficiencies of physical document management and printing. On average, businesses waste 14% of their revenue on document and print-related inefficiencies. Just imagine what those teams could accomplish with 14% (and more) of their revenue back. Prioritizing digital advertising can significantly reduce your reliance on printed materials. Instead, you can focus on cost-effective digital marketing channels. Think about avenues such as social media advertising and content marketing. By transitioning to digital, you can reduce printing and distribution costs while also minimizing your environmental footprint.

Targeted Advertising for Cost Efficiency

Traditional advertising methods, like TV or radio ads, often cast a wide net. While it can reach a broad audience, they aren’t always your target group. This scattered approach can be costly and ineffective. Digital advertising, on the other hand, allows for highly targeted campaigns. You can precisely target your most relevant audience by utilizing data-driven insights and leveraging tools like Google Ads and Facebook Ads. This means you’re spending your advertising budget where it matters most and reducing wastage.

Measurable ROI and Cost Control

Digital advertising has the ability to provide a clear and measurable return on investment (ROI). This is one of its most prevalent advantages. With the right tracking and analytics in place, you can easily monitor the performance of your ad campaigns in real-time. This level of transparency allows you to make just-in-time adjustments. You’ll be surprised at the positive impact on your budget. In contrast, traditional advertising methods often lack the same level of visibility into their effectiveness. With digital advertising, you can exercise precise cost control and adjust your budget to align with your business goals.

Prioritizing digital advertising is not just a modern marketing trend; it’s a savvy business move. By embracing the digital realm, businesses can optimize their spending. So, don’t wait any longer and make digital advertising a priority for your business, and watch your savings grow while your revenue soars.

4 Financial Tips for Creating a Will

Erin H.Leave a comment

Regardless of your estate size, or how young and healthy you are, it’s never too early to begin planning your will. Anything can happen to anyone at any time, and you don’t know when your last day may be near. Take the steps in protecting your heirs, so they receive what you wish upon your death. That’s why it’s important to understand the steps involved in writing a legal will. Read on for further insight on how to do so.

1. Think about Taxes

If you don’t plan carefully, taxes can easily eat away at the assets you leave for your loved ones. When it comes to estate taxes, any amount over $10,860,000 for married couples and $5,430,000 for single individuals, are subject to taxation that your heirs will have to pay. However, with the help of an estate planner, you can put assets into a trust. There are three types of trusts to consider that allow your heirs to avoid probate.

2. Make a Decision about Your Home

Assets such as real estate may be the biggest item to consider when creating a will or a trust. According to Comfy Living, more than 50% of homes in the US were built before 1980. Whether it’s an older or a newer home, you want to ensure that it goes into the hands of the right beneficiary. You should specify in your will or trust who will inherit control of the home after your death. If you divide it amongst more than one person, such as several children, specify the percentage each person will get in the event of a sale.

3. Specify Health Wishes

What if your health declines long before you die? You may be in a situation in which you may become incapacitated by a coma, a debilitating injury, dementia, or something else, and you won’t be able to make final decisions for yourself. You can give orders not to resuscitate if you go into cardiac arrest or into a coma. That’s why it’s important to name someone you trust as the power of attorney. The power of attorney is someone who can make or carry out your specified medical or financial decisions for you when you’re unable to do so.

4. Make Note of Valuables

When you look at your assets, does it include Swiss watches or an expensive art collection? Do you have vintage clothing and furs dating back to the 1950s? Do you own the first edition of some rare books? According to IBISWorld, the online antique sales and collectibles market grew 13.1% annually between 2018 and 2023. Whatever valuables you have, name people in your will or trust that will handle them upon your death. Decide if you grant permission to sell them or prefer the family to hold on to them as heirlooms. If you have valuables such as art, it’s a good idea to hire a professional appraiser to assess their value and note it in your will.

If you worked hard your whole life, you want to ensure that everything you’ve worked for such as your home, your money, your investments, and priceless art, all go to the people you love. It would be tragic if everything got caught up in probate or held in the state for years because you didn’t specify a division of assets. Don’t put your loved ones through that unnecessary stress and waiting period. Take the time to create a legal will or trust, so you’ll have peace that your loved ones are well cared for upon your death. If you have any questions about estate planning, contact an attorney near you.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Manage Stress After Alcohol Rehab

Erin H.Leave a comment

Recovery from addiction isn’t always easy. There are so many obstacles that you have to navigate to stay on the road to sobriety. You have to find a way to manage your stress. If you don’t have that much money, that won’t be so easy. However, there are cheaper ways to kill the stress. Here are a few ideas to relax you without blowing your budget.

Go for a Walk

Sometimes, you just need to get out of the house. You don’t have to go too far. Just taking a walk around your neighborhood or park will be enough. There are so many benefits to going outside and taking a walk. You get a little bit of exercise. There’s so much fresh air around you, and you might meet someone on the trail. Plus, you get to enjoy the view; after all, 95% of all Americans live within an hour’s drive of a navigable body of water, which are beautiful spots to walk!

Take Time for Yourself

You don’t have to be around people all of the time. Sometimes, being alone is all you need to calm down. There are many places where you can be alone in your home. As Houzz says, two in five homeowners admitted to using their bathroom to relax. There is no shame in that, as you have to do what you need to do to get yourself together. You don’t need to have your stress triggered for you to relapse. On top of that, you don’t have to break your budget if you don’t have to.

Talk to Someone

If you don’t want to be alone, you can talk to someone, as recovery doesn’t have to be a lonely process. You are going to need support to help keep you clean. On average, alcohol addiction patients receive treatment eight years after the age at which they develop their addiction. Some of them end up relapsing if they aren’t careful. Part of that is the things going on in their lives, so sit down and talk to someone when you are feeling down. If you can’t physically talk with them, try calling them on the phone. You even reach out over email and social media. Consider a group therapy setting as well for community while recovering.

Sleep

You sometimes just need to rest, and sleeping doesn’t cost anything. But what if you have sleep problems like you can’t get to sleep so easily? There are easy remedies that will not break the bank. You can look around online, but you have to be careful. Check what kind of ingredients are in these remedies. You don’t want to trigger a relapse or end up putting yourself in the hospital. If your problem is with where you are sleeping, you might need to change how you are sleeping. Check your mattress or what you are sleeping on. You can find something in your budget to change your bedding.

You don’t have to blow your money just to relieve yourself from your stress. There are so many ways that you can relax and save your budget. All you have to do is continue your recovery from alcohol addiction. You don’t need finances to add to the stress that will you experiencing in your new life.

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The 7 Hidden Dangers of Oversaving

Jenny SmedraLeave a comment

The Hidden Dangers of Oversaving

Consistently saving money is one of the first and most fundamental financial lessons we must learn. But, is it possible to save too much? Come to find out, yes you can. And, it happens more often than you might think. While saving more money than you need seems like a good thing, there are hidden dangers of oversaving.

What is Oversaving?

In general terms, oversaving occurs when you are saving in excess. It happens a lot and can manifest at any stage of life. Sometimes it’s the result of not fully understanding your expenses. Other times, it happens if someone has an ingrained need to save.

From the perspective of retirement planning, oversaving becomes a problem if you are accumulating more than you need to support yourself throughout your golden years. It can affect your current quality of life and create an imbalance in your savings plan. However, smart financial planning can give you a blueprint to help you gain a more accurate picture of your future and avoid the hidden dangers of oversaving.

The 7 Hidden Dangers of Oversaving

Recognizing the patterns can help you avoid these 7 hidden dangers of oversaving.

1. Arbitrarily saving works against your financial goals.

Many people believe that saving alone is enough. Once they deposit the money into a checking or savings account, it sits in there, forgotten. While it’s good to have an emergency fund, blindly saving with no clear goal is counterproductive to your savings plan.

You should be doing more than just putting your money into an account. With the low-interest rates on these accounts, your money will actually depreciate in time. Therefore, it’s wise to find financial products that will increase your rate of savings. If you are oversaving, you need to learn how to plan for your long-term goals and put your money to work for you now.

2. Your retirement planning becomes too generalized.

Financial planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. You can’t rely on standard models and financial software to plan for the future. These tools have many built-in assumptions that don’t apply to everyone. So, you need the ability to customize your plan to help you prioritize what’s most important.

Online estimates and calculators can be extremely helpful for quick estimates. But, you shouldn’t rely on projections without specific context and a serious discussion with your financial advisor. Every financial is unique; your financial plan should be as well.

3. Looking for ways to cut corners in the budget could cost you.

It’s one thing to look for ways to save money. It’s another to force yourself to cheap out on things you need because you think they cost too much.

Although it may not seem like a big deal,  it can impact your finances in big ways. When you try to cut corners on important things like insurance coverage, it can have devastating consequences. It’s not a good idea to skimp out and choose basic plans to avoid higher premiums. Being underinsured could leave you more vulnerable and cost you more than you could ever imagine.

4. Overestimating your retirement expenses can put a strain on your current situation.

One of the most common hidden dangers of oversaving that people encounter is the strain it puts on your current situation. If you are always focused on saving for the future, it can make it difficult to afford the here and now.

This frequently happens when people don’t do a deep dive into their finances to determine how much they will really need in retirement. People often overestimate their replacement rate and fail to account for additional income for Social Security and pensions. This leads them to think they need to save more than they will actually need.

In extreme cases, prioritizing retirement savings may come at the risk of not being able to afford much else. While saving should be a high priority, you should have to sacrifice small things that improve your quality of life now.

5. It can add unnecessary financial stress.

If you are a chronic oversaver, you are probably creating unnecessary financial stress in your life. Living as if you are constantly struggling so that you can put everything away for retirement means that you never get to reap the benefits of all your efforts.

This tendency to always save for later creates a lot of financial pressure that may lead to a lifetime of resentment and regrets. If you are too focused on saving for the future, you can’t live in the present.

6. If it isn’t addressed, it could turn into a fear of spending.

There comes a point when oversaving crosses the line from frugal into a cause for concern. When someone becomes obsessive about saving or afraid that they are on the verge of financial ruin, it may be a sign of a deeper-seeded issue or phobia that require professional attention.

For example, you should never deny yourself basic items to save money. Nor should you feel guilty about buying things you need. If you or someone you care about are exhibiting these behaviors, it may be a good idea to talk to someone about their relationship with money.

7. Oversaving comes with the risk of regrets.

Financial planning is an important step toward a comfortable retirement. However, building wealth and saving for end-of-life expenses isn’t the end-all-be-all. If you plan ahead, you should be able to have enough resources to afford the life you want, both before and after retirement.

However, oversaving could leave you looking back with many regrets. If you are sacrificing things you enjoy, it’s time to reassess your financial plan. The best parts of life require you to take a break so you don’t overwork yourself and can enjoy it with the people you care about. When you are preoccupied with saving money, you miss out on important moments in life. Although it’s important, no amount of money will ever buy you more time.

Striking the Right Balance

So, what should you do if you are oversaving? The best course of action is to discuss it with your financial advisor to help you strike a balance with your savings.

The first step is to do the math to determine how much you will actually need. While the calculations aren’t exact, they will give you a more accurate picture of your future. If you are always focused on the future, it’s hard to enjoy today. Therefore, knowing the hidden dangers of oversaving can help you have a better quality of life after retirement and allow you to live better now.

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4 Ways to Survive in Your First Year of Business

Erin H.Leave a comment

Congratulations on starting your new business! The first year can be exciting and challenging, but with the right preparations, you can survive and thrive. One essential aspect to focus on is conducting necessary inspections and investing in your business’s infrastructure. Use this guide to help you through some of the essential steps you need to follow to have a successful first year.

1. Lease Renewal Negotiations

As a new business owner, money is likely one of your top concerns. Securing the right location for your business is crucial for success, and your lease terms can significantly impact your finances. Experts suggest that starting lease renewal negotiations 12 to 15 months in advance gives you plenty of time to create competition between landlords, ensuring you secure the best deal possible. The time buffer will also allow you to explore other options if you need to move.

By planning ahead and being proactive in negotiating lease renewals, you can save a substantial amount of money. In addition, you can ensure that your business has a stable home during its crucial first year. Perhaps most importantly, you get to live where you want!

2. Update Web Designs

In the digital age, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. 38.5% of web designers believe that old designs are the top reason why visitors bounce out of a website. If your website is not visually appealing and user-friendly, you could be losing customers before they even have a chance to learn about your products or services.

Investing in a professional, modern web design can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining customers. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and accurately represents your brand. The investment can help increase customer engagement and conversion rates, ultimately boosting your bottom line.

3. Data Center Temperature Control

If your business relies on data centers, it’s important to keep them running efficiently and effectively. One critical aspect of this is maintaining the correct temperature. Around 80% of data centers employ or want to install hot or cold aisle containment systems. The systems help to keep servers at the correct temperatures and reduce energy use.

Investing in temperature control measures for your data center can save you money on energy bills. It will also extend the lifespan of your equipment. This will not only help your business run more efficiently but also contribute to its overall sustainability.

4. Embrace Customer Feedback

Incorporating customer feedback into your business practices can make a significant difference in your first year. Listening to your customer’s needs, concerns, and suggestions can help you identify areas for improvement and adapt your strategies accordingly. By making an effort to gather feedback and act on it, you demonstrate to your customers that you value their opinions and are committed to delivering the best possible experience. This approach will ultimately lead to increased customer loyalty, repeat business, and a positive reputation that will serve as a strong foundation for your company’s future growth.

Surviving your first year of business can be challenging, but by focusing on essential inspections and investing in crucial aspects of your infrastructure, you can set yourself up to reach your goals. Be proactive in lease renewal negotiations, ensuring that you have the best possible terms for your business location. Prioritize a modern, user-friendly web design to attract and retain customers. If your business relies on data centers, invest in temperature control systems for efficiency and longevity. Finally, take customer feedback seriously, and you’ll soon be on your way to running the successful company you’ve always wanted. Best of luck as you continue your journey!

How to Spring Clean Your House to Save Money

Erin H.Leave a comment

Spring is officially here, and cleaning your home can do more for you than just lift your mood. Spring cleaning your home can also help you save money and materials around your house. If you’d like to learn how exactly you should spring clean your house to save money, have a look at the helpful tips below.

Clean Surfaces With Sanitizing Wipes

To make sure that your home’s surfaces are literally clean enough to eat off of, wipe them with sanitizing wipes. Doing this will help you get rid of illness-causing germs and bacteria and make your home safe and comfortable. You’ll have lowered the chances of something like the flu spreading in your home, which according to a survey by the National Health Interview, is solely responsible for 200 million days of lowered productivity as well as 75 million days of absence from work. To save money (and PTO), be sure to kick germs to the curb when cleaning your home.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Households in the U.S. have, on average, 300,000 things in them. When you’re decluttering and reducing the number of items in your home this spring, be sure to consider how you can reuse these items to save money. For example, glass containers can be reused to hold other household items such as Q-tips or cotton balls.

Replace the Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors

Another way you can save money during spring cleaning is by protecting your belongings by ensuring their security. There are approximately 29,705 fire departments across the United States, and unfortunately, many firefighters note that homeowners and renters often don’t have working smoke detectors. This can lead to life-threatening situations and property damage if not the complete loss of your home. That said, to protect your investments (and your family!) during spring cleaning, be sure to make replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors a key part of your spring cleaning journey.

Clean and Test Your Security Systems

The rest of the security systems in your home can also benefit from thorough cleaning and testing to make sure that they’re functioning as they should. These include security cameras around your home which can act as an effective deterrent to burglary all by themselves. Do this bearing in mind the fact that there are an average of about 2.5 million break-ins every single year, with more than 65% of these break-ins being home burglaries. Protect your investments and your family by keeping these systems clean and functional this spring.

Change Your HVAC Filter

Last but not least, remember to change the filter in your HVAC system, so that you have clean air flowing through your home. This is a measure that can also make your home a safe haven for anyone who suffers from allergies. By changing the filters, you can also make amazing savings on the energy you use in your home. This will work well alongside other changes and improvements like dialing down your thermostat. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% every single year on your heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat back by seven to 10 degrees for just eight hours a day.

These tips should help you end up with a clean, safe home in which you and your family enjoy spending time. Throughout the year, you should keep up with the required cleaning schedule so as to form these habits and make them your second nature. Doing this can enable you to keep an enviable clean home and also show your children the best way to live when they move to their own homes.

How Plumbing Maintenance Saves You Money

Erin H.Leave a comment

Maintaining your home helps you make sure that it looks amazing and works well. One of the elements that you need to maintain is your home’s plumbing. This is because, with good maintenance, your home’s plumbing can save you a lot of money. You’ll also make your home more sustainable and help conserve water as you won’t waste water and spend money on water that you’re not even using. Read on to see just how plumbing maintenance can save you money and you may get motivated to maintain your plumbing.

You’ll Avoid Unpredictable Breakdowns

Few things can be as troublesome and inconvenient as breakdowns in your plumbing. This is because these breakdowns can impact the quality of water in your home as well as the pressure and other such details. When you have a breakdown in your plumbing, you may not even be aware of the specific point of trouble or the magnitude of the breakdown. This makes it a good idea to have your plumbing maintained frequently in order to lower the odds of such an issue. This is because if a potential issue is found, it will be easy to fix it. Modern piping has come a long way from what it used to be in the past. For instance, the first hydrocarbon water pipelines that can be found in recorded history were found in China in 500 BC. These were made from bamboo, as opposed to modern ones which are typically made of long-lasting materials.

Your Water Well Will Work Optimally

If your home is one of those that rely on water wells for your water supply, you can benefit immensely from regular maintenance of your plumbing. A professional will know the necessary checks that they need to make in order to ensure that your well is in great shape. Keep in mind that almost 500,000 new water wells get installed every single year, according to the Groundwater Association. This means that there’s likely a large number of professionals that you can approach for help in keeping your water well in the best shape throughout. Find one and you can have them perform frequent maintenance on your water wells, helping you get amazing returns from them.

You Won’t Lose Water Due to Leaks

Another instance of how plumbing maintenance saves you money is in terms of the fact that you won’t lose any water as a result of leaks in your plumbing. An amazing one out of 10 homes in the United States have leaks in their plumbing, according to the Statistics Database. This is a large number of homes and the water in question adds up. Remove yourself from this wasteful equation by ensuring that your own plumbing is free of leaks. By so doing, you’ll only pay for the water that you actually use in your home and not more.

Your Appliances Will Be Less Wasteful

Last but not least, plumbing maintenance can help you keep your appliances in good working order. You’ll be able to tell if you need to make any repairs or replacements based on the amount of water that you use in your home. As such, you’ll cut down on unnecessary water wastage in your home via the appliances you use, from your dishwasher to your washing machine. If you need to replace any appliances, make sure to do research so you can find the best appliances that will serve as an upgrade.

In these ways, plumbing maintenance saves you a good amount of money over time. As a result, you’ll be sure of the fact that your money doesn’t go dripping down the drains, literally. You can make the plumbing improvements that you need, one at a time until you have a solid plumbing system that you’ll keep in a good state with regular preventative maintenance.

Grocery Shopping on a Budget

Susan PaigeLeave a comment

You just scheduled your move with Black Tie Moving, and now it’s time to head to the grocery store. As you have just spent a considerable amount of money on your new home, you’re wondering how you can cut back spending in other areas of your life.

 Cutting back your spending on groceries can save you a ton of money in the long run. Here are some tips if you’re grocery shopping on a budget.

 Create a Budget

 We’ve all left the grocery store shocked at just how much money we spent. It’s easy to overspend on groceries when we don’t show up to the store prepared. If you’re wanting to cut back on your food spending, it’s important that you first set up a budget.

 Creating a grocery store budget doesn’t have to be complicated. You should start with saving receipts from your grocery hauls for a few weeks to keep track of how much you’re spending and on what. After you’ve analyzed where your money is going, it will be much easier to create a budget for your weekly trips to the store.

 Plan Ahead

 Grocery lists are underrated. You don’t often see people pulling out a piece of paper and checking things off their list as they walk down through the produce section. However, creating a list is key when you’re shopping on a budget. Whether you want to keep the list on your phone or write it down, find what works best for you.

 In order to create your grocery list, you’re going to need to plan your meals out ahead of time. You want to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any snack items that you like to have on hand. Try and pick meals where you can make them in bulk – like chicken and vegetables!

 Start Couponing

 Coupons are a necessity when it comes to saving money at the grocery store. You may be used to receiving grocery store flyers in the mail and tossing them in the recycling. Not anymore! You’d be surprised with just how much money you could save by using coupons at the checkout.

 You’ll also find coupons in places you wouldn’t expect like local doctor’s offices or on the back of restaurant receipts. You want to use coupons to your advantage. After all, it’s saving you money on products you’d be purchasing anyway. It’s worth the few minutes it takes to cut them out and scan them at the store.

 Shopping Apps

 Did you know that there are some mobile apps that give you money back on grocery items? That’s right, there are currently hundreds of apps that pay you to shop for your food. Some apps are more user-friendly than others, but most of them are simple to navigate once you get the hang of it.

Upside is a popular app that’s designed for both grocery shopping and fueling up your vehicle. It’s incredibly easy to use for the consumer. All you have to do is open the app, check in where you are, select your method of payment, and the app does the rest. You can get up to 14% cash back on your entire grocery bill. The top users make around five-hundred dollars a year by checking in on Upside.

 

 

7 Things to Consider as Newlyweds Purchasing a Home

Erin H.Leave a comment
Bride and groom are sitting inside the retro car

As a newlywed couple, purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make together. In the U.S. and other Western countries, over 90% of people get married before age 50, which means that many newlyweds will be in the market for a new home. However, the process of buying a home can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. Here are some things to consider as you navigate the world of homeownership as a newlywed couple, from money to location to house size.

1. Location

The location of your home is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a property. Think about your lifestyle and what you need in terms of proximity to work, schools, and amenities. Do you want to live in a bustling city or a quiet suburban area? Are you looking for a home with a big yard or something with a small patio? Consider what you are looking for in a neighborhood and what you are willing to compromise on.

2. Size

The size of the home is also an important consideration. As a newlywed couple, you may be starting a family soon and will want to make sure that you have enough space for your growing family. On the other hand, you may be more interested in a smaller, more manageable home that is easy to maintain. Consider how much space you need and how much you can afford.

3. Age and Condition

When purchasing a home, it’s also important to consider the age and condition of the property. An older home may have more character, but it may also come with more repairs and maintenance issues. A newer home may be in better condition but may also be more expensive. Consider what you are willing to deal with in terms of repairs and maintenance and choose a home that best fits your needs.

4. Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of a home, and it’s important to consider the condition of the roof when purchasing a property.  90% of asphalt roofs are installed with fiberglass shingles, which have a lifespan of 20-30 years. If the home you are interested in has an older roof, you may need to budget for a new one soon. Be sure to have a professional inspect the roof before you close on the home.

5. Kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and is one of the most important rooms to consider when purchasing a property. Kitchen remodeling has increased by 23% in the last year, which means that many homeowners are investing in their kitchens. Consider the layout and condition of the kitchen and think about how you would like to use the space. If the kitchen needs a lot of work, you may need to budget for a remodel.

6. Potential for Future Expansions

As a newlywed couple, you may be starting a family soon and will want to make sure that you have enough space for your growing family. Consider the potential for future expansions when purchasing a home. Look for a home that has a lot of potential for expansion such as a large lot or a home that is built on a crawl space or a basement.

7. Finances

Finances are one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a home. Be sure to have a budget in place and make sure that you can afford the home that you are interested in. Be sure to factor in things like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. It’s also important to consider the long-term financial implications of purchasing a home, such as the potential for appreciation in value over time.

In conclusion, purchasing a home as a newlywed couple is a big decision that requires careful thinking. Be sure to weigh all your options before you finalize your purchase. Use these tips to help you pick the best home for you!

5 Ways to Save on the Costs of PC Repairs

Jenny SmedraLeave a comment

Saving on the Costs of PC Repair

I will be the first to admit that I am technologically challenged. Even though I lived through the birth of the internet, it took me a long time to embrace new tech. Since I never had much interest in it, I never took any IT classes in high school or college. Perhaps my lack of exposure made me averse to it. However, I soon learned that if I didn’t keep up, I’d be overlooked in the job market. Furthermore, my ignorance left me vulnerable to overspending when I needed new devices and repairs. Here’s how my online education is helping me stay relevant and save on the costs of PC repairs.

5 Ways to Save on the Costs of PC Repairs

Whenever I approach a new challenge, I begin by reading. I try to learn as much as I can, especially before making a big purchase. Knowledge really is powerful. And, it can be a useful tool in helping you to save on the cost of PC repairs.

 1. Know What You’re Buying

The most immediate financial benefit is that you become a more informed buyer. It is much harder for someone to take advantage of you if you’ve done your homework. Once you know more about the different components and which specs matter most in your PC, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need. Additionally, you’ll know which questions to ask. Furthermore, you also learn which manufacturers and models to avoid.

Your primary purpose for the computer will also determine how much you’ll need to spend. Shopping around and talking to people can help you determine which computer best suits your needs and budget. Sites like Laptop vs Laptop can give you a summary and side-by-side comparison of specs and price points as well.

2. Prevent Overspending

Another reason I do my research is to prevent myself from overspending. When I bought my first laptop, I completely relied on the advice of an acquaintance. Not only did he talk me into buying a higher-end gaming computer I didn’t need, but he also tried selling me expensive warranties. As a college student, I could barely afford to eat, let alone pay for costly add-ons.

Furthermore, when I asked for recommendations, he would send me to his friends or associates where he would earn a commission. Had I done an online search instead for more affordable repair shops, I could have saved tons of money.

3. Tutorials for Troubleshooting

The most significant way that I have saved on the costs of PC repairs was by learning to do my own troubleshooting. Sure, turning your computer off and then back on again will solve many issues. However, there are times when you will need a little more finesse and in-depth knowledge to find the fix.

Although I could spend $50 at a PC repair shop to run a diagnostic for me, I prefer to try it myself first. A Google search of the problem will usually direct you to sites that show you how to troubleshoot it. You can also find step-by-step tech tutorials and YouTube videos that can walk you through common issues. If I had to estimate, I have been able to solve my own issues about 75% of the time.

Unfortunately, if a virus corrupts your files or you experience a serious hardware malfunction, there’s no way to fix it yourself. In these cases, it’s best to seek expert advice.

4. Bring Dinosaurs Back to Life

Another way I’ve used this knowledge for my financial benefit was by salvaging computers deemed outdated or beyond repair. Learning how to run my own diagnostic scans and optimize the startup menu has helped me bring some tech dinosaurs out of the graveyard.

While it doesn’t work every time, it has saved us thousands of dollars over the years. For example, my husband invested in a really nice computer during college. However, it was riddled with viruses and malware. He set it aside and forgot about it for several years until we came across it while cleaning out the office. By running a few scans, cleanups, and installing a new antivirus, I was able to revive it and pass it on to my niece. Not only did we get more use out of the initial investment, but it also saved someone else from buying a new laptop.

5. Ask for Recommendations

Although I was ignorant in the beginning, I have learned a lot about basic PC maintenance and repair. While online tech libraries provided a wealth of information, I learned even more by talking to people and asking friends for help. I embraced the fact that I was a novice, and stopped worrying about asking stupid questions.

Most people were happy to answer them and talk shop. They directed me to the best resources, advised me on programs worth investing in, and offered second opinions on complex computer problems. Their recommendations have likely saved me thousands of dollars in unnecessary purchases and PC repair costs.

However, when I needed a professional, they also offered recommendations for PC repair shops in my area with a good reputation. On their suggestions, I have found competent techs who know what their doing, explain the process, and won’t rip you off. And really, you can’t put a price tag on finding a service provider you can trust.

Helpful Sites for Learning about PCs

For those who are starting out from the very beginning like I was, here are a few sites that helped me along the way.

  • YouTube – This was the first place I went for troubleshooting tutorials. If you type in your specific issue, you can usually find a video that will walk you through the process step by step. It’s a free resource, but you could spend hours watching videos to find what you need.
  • Bleeping Computer – I really like this site because it caters to users at any level. The layout is very organized and user-friendly, providing easy access to the glossary of terms, articles, tutorials, and forums. It also offers discounts for online courses through its site.
  • edX – I have used this site to take several college-level courses for free. they have offerings from universities around the world. You can choose general or specialized courses, and learn at your own pace. Best of all, it’s free unless you want to pay for the certification.

While it can be overwhelming to learn something new, it can also be liberating. You don’t have to become an expert, but a little information can go a long way towards saving you on the costs of PC repairs.

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