I have partnered with Dryel as an ambassador and am excited to share how Dryel works and how it can help you save money! I have received free products and compensation as part of this partnership.

Dresses Galore! (Yup, I’m the dress queen)

I have SO many dresses. Dresses for summer, for work, and for every other occasion. I just wore this one above to work, and then to a Hibachi restaurant for a lovely dinner date! 

So because I wear them so much, but am honestly so busy, I need a way to take care of all my delicate clothes and fabrics so they last but won’t take a lot of my time. So that means driving to the dry cleaners regularly is out!

Thankfully I have Dryel which is super easy to use and takes care of my clothes safely.

I’ve written before about Dryel, how it works and how it saves me time & money (yay!), but today I wanted to share how it also can clean most of your fabrics without shrinking, stretching or fading them!

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Keeping the home healthy and clean is a priority for every homeowner, as is adjusting their lifestyle in line with money saving tips that will grant more financial security for the family. If you’re looking for protective measures that you can take along these lines, have a look at the five tips below.

Make a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Eliminate Pests and Rodents

Get Your Home Tested

Fix Structural Issues

To make sure that you’re sitting on solid ground, fix any structural issues within your home. Things like plumbing, electrical, and even fixtures like doors and windows will not only look good but will also help with efficient energy use. It’s also a lot easier to clean immaculately when there are no broken and leaking systems in the house, so do the necessary repairs or hire a professional to do them. After this, you will find it easy to clean and get visible results instantly, which is something that will keep you going!

Test Alarms Throughout the Home

At some point, your children outgrow their small playing areas and need a bigger space for their activities. You then need to find solutions while keeping in mind a few money saving tips. Read on to see five such tips that will help you create a gaming room that your kids will rave about for years to come.

Decide On the Main Games You Will Set the Space Up For

Different games call for different setups. Although most games will involve similar play positions, some interactive games may need more room than others. You could choose to set up the space for the most popular game at the moment if your child does not have a defined favorite in mind. A game like Minecraft, for instance, has had more than 200 million copies sold as of May 2020. You could choose this as the basis of your setup because most games in the same period will probably follow similar setups.

Include Board Games

If you have children with different tastes, they may not all enjoy gaming on screens. If there is one child who prefers board games like puzzles, Monopoly, and Scrabble, they will be happy to be included in the setup. You can organize and space out different playing sections within the designated game room.

Set Up Good Lighting and Cable Management

Good lighting is important in enabling your children to find their way around controllers that may be lying on the floor away from their rightful place and prevent eye strain from occurring. The right lighting can also potentially save you a high energy bill, such as using LED snake lights as opposed to regular overhead bulbs which consume more power. In 2019, commercial buildings consumed a total of 18% of all the energy used in the United States. With all the gadgets in a game room, you can expect a similar rate of energy consumption unless you are proactive in keeping it low.

Get Affordable Furniture

Note that affordable furniture does not have to come at the cost of comfort. Good ergonomics will go a long way in helping your children stay in the proper positions, avoiding aches and discomfort even if they sit for a long time. Try thrift shopping to see if you will find someone getting rid of good seats and tables that you can take advantage of. One of the best money saving tips, this will help you get what may be the most important thing out of the way affordably.

Find Gaming Room Decor Ideas

If you want to get a gaming room with an edge, consider searching online for inspiration. Look through different setups and find one that you feel will work for your space and budget. Then, refine it to make it fully yours. With more than 51% of people using smartphones discovering a new company or product through researching on their smartphone, you have the power to do deep research with your own two hands!

If you are looking for money saving tips that don’t involve compromising on the quality of what you get for your kids’ gaming space, spend time doing research. Join gaming forums if you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people will be willing to guide you in areas where you need guidance because everyone was a novice at some point. Taking the time to research will save you time and money in the long run, and it’ll allow you to set up a space your kids love!

Your home has been giving you a place to live and securing your family and belongings for a while. However, you must also be responsible for ensuring that the property is in good shape all the time. Home renovation projects are quite a lot, but not all of them can help increase the return on investment. There are some improvements you can make and not realize any boost to your home’s resale value. Below, you will learn about the best improvement projects that can enhance your return on investment.

The Projects

When you hear about return on investment, you should understand that it simply means realizing your money’s worth after the home improvement projects are complete. It also means doing renovations and remodeling that will attract the best buyers. You would be surprised to learn that of all the people who want to buy a new home, 32% of them are first-time buyers. Therefore, the following are some of the best improvements you can make to your property to increase its value and return on investment.

Roof Remodeling

The roof is one of the conspicuous parts of the property that potential buyers see first. Regular checkups are essential to help you identify any roofing issues before they get out of hand. Nonetheless, about one in four or 23% of homeowners say that they rarely have their roof inspected unless they realize an issue. This should not be the case because roof problems can cause more significant issues, which may cost more to repair or replace the broken parts. You should have all your roofs renovated, including the one covering wherever you park your car. The appearance of your garage’s or parking lot’s roof also plays an important role when selling your home.

Making your Home Smart

The advancement in technology has made life easier for many homeowners. Most buyers in today’s real estate market look for homes that have leveraged different technological systems. An increase in return on investment also entails being ahead of your competitors. Having a smart home increases your chances of selling your home quickly and at the best price. Think of installing thermostats, an HVAC system, sound-controlled lighting, and security cameras. All these will boost a potential buyer’s interest in the property and give you bargaining power.

Painting

Adding a coat of paint can transform your property in ways you have never imagined. However, if you are in a tight financial spot, you could consider just painting the exterior. Touching up the home’s exterior with a coat of paint can boost your return on investment by about 55%. You should note that if you are improving your home to sell, you should not paint it according to your tastes and preferences. You can talk to your local realtor who can advise you on the colors in high demand in the market.

Kitchen Renovation

Besides the home’s exterior, prospective buyers will also want to know the state of the interior parts, the kitchen being at the top of the list. Giving your kitchen touch-up can make your return on investment skyrocket. Potential clients will be turned away by a messy and not renovated kitchen because they will have to take on such projects when they move into the house. Experts advise that minor kitchen renovations can bring back about 78% of the investment costs, while upscale can help you realize 58% ROI.

Flooring

A home with a well-done floor is worth more. When it comes to floor improvements, you can think of installing wooden flooring or renovating the existing one, if your budget is tight. However, the money you recoup from either of the two projects depends on the property’s price range and the work that needs to be done.

There are so many benefits of conducting home improvement projects. Such benefits include boosting the home’s performance, making it safer for the occupants, and increasing the property’s value. However, the above-discussed renovations are the best that can help you significantly increase your return on investment.

Home remodeling can raise the value of your property, provide extra space, and give an older house a more modern look. However, sticking to a budget can be difficult, and if you don’t keep track of your expenses, you may end up draining your bank account. Adhering to a budget is one of the most difficult things to do, and most people fail at it. The following tips will help you stick to that budget you’ve set.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Making a plan and adhering to it is one of the things you’ll need to consider to cut costs during your home remodel. Changing the plan frequently results in delays, additional costs for materials, and additional labor time. Deviating from your plan will almost always have a substantial impact on your budget. In 2016, 46% of homeowners who had set a budget went over it.

So, once you’ve started the project, it’s important to stick to the original plan. Create a checklist of what you need and what you don’t, depending on your budget. Determine what you can eliminate or remove from the checklist and items that must remain on the checklist at any cost. Make an honest assessment of the amount you can spare for each level of the project.

Research

If you do your due diligence and research, this will help you estimate how much you should anticipate spending on the project as a whole. It will also offer you the flexibility to select where to economize and where to splurge; knowing this upfront will make it simpler to set a budget and keep to it. It’s critical to have a realistic home remodeling budget in place if you want to stay within the limits of whatever budget you will come up with.

You’ll need to look at the prices of supplies and products as well as the labor costs. This will enable you to estimate the cost of your renovation, allowing you to make an informed choice about whether or not this is something you can afford at this time. Also, if you do your research well, you might even consider home remodeling options like landscaping that can save you money in the long run. Spending as little as 5% of your home’s worth on landscaping might result in an ROI of up to 150%. So, you don’t only get to remodel your home within the limits of your budget, but you can also enjoy a return on your investment in the future.

Get Quotes From Different Contractors

To get a solid cost for your home remodeling, you’ll need a set of drawings and building quotes. Make an effort to obtain at least three different quotes from separate companies to compare. Because quotations can differ greatly, read them carefully, understand what is included, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Return to your builder if they give you a quote that is higher than you expected. Check to see if and where you can save money, such as by doing the work in stages or changing the design or specification. When you’re on a limited budget, it’s in your best interest to find dependable contractors who are affordable and good at what they do. Check each contractor’s references, ask to see their work, and do some online research on each company.

Go DIY On Some Remodeling Projects

Doing things yourself is unquestionably the most cost-effective strategy to save money on home renovations. Of course, you can do simple things yourself, such as painting, but depending on the service, it’s best to just admit you need help and hire a professional – especially for electrical and plumbing work.

Add a Buffer

If home remodeling can teach you anything, it’s that remodeling doesn’t always go as planned! Once you’ve calculated your budget, it’s a good idea to set aside 25% of the overall cost as a ‘buffer’ in case of any unforeseen events or additions. Even if things go awry, you’ll be able to keep inside your budget if you do this. You can even use this money to make your home not only trendy but more energy efficient. Over the past 20 years, energy use in the U.S. doubled, and going eco-friendly is the way to go. So, you may even consider affordable energy-efficiency appliances or fixtures that can save you money.

It’s an important aspect of your remodeling planning and management to make sure you keep on track and don’t end up with a negative balance at the end. A budget is a tool that can help you keep track of your project and meet your financial goals. So, remodel your home based on these solid money-saving tips.

Although saving money while trying to purchase a home may seem difficult, it is achievable. Here are some money-saving tips that will help you buy your dream house without breaking your bank.

Use a Skilled Local Real Estate Agent

Their experience in the home buying process and real estate is crucial for receiving the best deal for a house. Using a good realtor will also save you a lot of money, time, and stress and the process is likely to go a lot smoother. The real estate agent’s job is to negotiate a fair price, walk through the legal aspects of closing and save you money. Research shows that 78% of new homeowners thought their realtor was a source of valuable advice. The realtor generally receives a 3% commission but there are ways to cut down on your expenditure here. You can avoid standard commission by using services that refund the buyer a percentage of the purchase price at closing. Since you are expected to have a realtor, you can receive recommendations for a good realtor from friends or family members.

Find Loan Quotes from Various Lenders

The interest rate for mortgage businesses differs so you are advised to get quotations from four or five of them. With approximately 35.5 million Americans moving annually, it is quite simple to find referrals to different lending companies others have used. There are many other fees that you are charged for the processing of a mortgage, like loan application fee and loan origination fee. So, comparing quotations will allow you to choose the cheapest and the option you are most comfortable with.

Keep 20% Saved for the Down Payment

Having money saved up for the down payment is a form of assurance to the lending company. It assures them that they will be able to recover the balance due on the loan in the case that you are unable to finish paying. So, if you do not have the 20% down payment you will be left with no other option but to pay for mortgage insurance. This will probably cost you 0.5 – 1% of the total loan amount annually. If the houses you’re looking at are making it hard for you to raise the 20%, you may want to consider looking for lower-priced homes. The mortgage insurance allows the lender to be reimbursed in the case that you fail to follow through with your payments.

Raise Your Credit Score

Lender fees and interest rates are closely connected to your credit rating. This is because it shows your creditworthiness based on your credit history, which shows the number of open accounts, repayment history, and other factors. So, if you have a high credit score, your loan will be more affordable. To improve your credit score fast, you should avoid applying for new loans which make up 10% of your credit score and try to keep your credit card balances below 15% of your credit limit.

Look for a Fixer-Upper

Although it is more desirable to look for a house that doesn’t need any work, it is likely to be more expensive. This is because there is no additional work to be done. Finding yourself a fixer-upper will save you a lot of money, but make sure you take on a renovation project you can handle well. You can also renovate slowly, which allows you to control your costs. One project you can do yourself is painting walls, which is quite affordable as one gallon of paint can coat around 25 and 44 square yards. This allows you to make your home more personalized while saving you lots of money.

Whether you’re working on a limited or unlimited budget, being cautious when buying a home is a good idea to save money. These money saving tips are aimed to help you do so without much stress.

As a brand ambassador for OxiClean Stain Remover Pen, I received products and compensation in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Ok so I’m probably the clumsiest of all moms. Probably because like many, I’m always multi-tasking!

For example, I always have to carry everything possible to or from my car at once (including my coffee, of course)! 

And more than a few times I’ve spilled a bit of my coffee on my blouse, like this one below during a fun weekend in Stillwater! 

And then of course I’m carrying shopping bags and my purse and putting my mask on when I go in a store, etc.

So of course, in my purse I have an on-the-go stain remover. This way I can treat stains immediately – whether I’m home or traveling or at work or anywhere else!!!

And I love OxiClean Stain Remover Pen!

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Moving into a new home is an exciting experience, one that will require you to take steps to cut back on expenses and give yourself a gorgeous new home. However, it can be challenging to understand what kind of steps are best for you, as many suggested.

These simple money-saving tips will help make your house more appealing, cut back on many expenses, and give you the high-quality home that you want and deserve. Let’s take a look at a handful of these ideas to provide you with a better idea of what to expect when upgrading your home in these ways.

Upgrade Your Windows

Did you know that aluminum blinds are one of the longest-lasting options for windows and that they require little maintenance compared to other types? If not, you should seriously consider adding aluminum windows to your home. Doing so is wise for many reasons.

First, aluminum is relatively inexpensive and very high-quality. And it can help protect the environment in many ways. Much aluminum is recycled, just like steel, with 86% of all steel being recycled and two-thirds of all new steel coming from old sources.

Spread Out Your Upgrades

When you’re upgrading your home to make it more appealing, you should take only a handful of steps at a time to save money. For example, you can focus on safety concerns first, move on to structural difficulties, and then move to your more high-quality upgrades. Money saving tips like these help you out by creating a schedule for upgrades that won’t’ cost you as much money as you’d spend otherwise.

Upgrade or Clean Your Appliances

Did you know that many of your appliances are probably old and are no longer as efficient as they were in the past? This problem occurs when people don’t take the time to upgrade their belongings. But appliance changes are as significant and regular as updating your estate plan: doing so every five years should protect you from most problems.

If you aren’t quite ready to upgrade your appliances or don’t have the money to pay for some, you can start cleaning them out instead. By this, we mean you can wash items like condenser coils, remove dirt, stains, and mold from their operative items, and much more. Taking these steps will help to keep your appliances running even more smoothly.

Enhance Your Security

Your home is only as safe as you make it, and installing new security upgrades will ensure that you are as protected as possible. You can take several steps to keep yourself safe in this situation, each of which needs to be carefully understood before you begin. They include how you can:

• Change your locks and upgrade them with more substantial types
• Put security alarms on your windows to avoid break-in attempts
• Install cameras outside your home to watch for burglars
• Add high-quality lights that activate whenever somebody walks past your home

These simple security additions will help make your home safer and make it the kind of place you want to live. Just as significantly, such steps also enhance your home’s value and make it easier to sell if you’re interested in getting a new home any time in the future ahead.

Get Your Home Ready to Go

All of these money saving tips are things that most homeowners should be able to handle with minimal difficulty. They are designed to be easy to execute and as inexpensive as possible. Some will cost you a little money to implement, of course, so keep that in mind when planning your home’s design.

Just as importantly, make sure that you don’t overspend, or you might cost yourself a little too much money. Instead, it would help if you plan your renovations in a way that makes sense, staggering your upgrades and preventing financial difficulties by doing them when you’ve saved up enough money.

If you are planning on doing any type of home renovations you will soon find the costs can get out of control quickly.

Keep Renovations Within Code

You are required to undergo regular fire inspections, testing for both vision and functionality. These tests are to meet the NFPA25 Code. Both tests need to prove they have up-to-date designs and are operating correctly. Tests need to be performed at various intervals–monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. Some code tests are done at spans of 5 and 10 years.

How Long Will a Driveway Typically Lasts?

With correct care, a driveway may last up to and in excess of 20 years. Yet, this life expectancy is dependent on regular maintenance, climate, and how much daily traffic travels on it. Other factors, such as soil base under the driveway, and how water drains are determinants of a driveway’s life expectancy.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Home Improvements

When a person buys a home, they also purchase homeowners insurance to protect their asset. You want to get the most out of a homeowners insurance policy. In order to keep the rates down, and deductibles low, preventative measures need to be taken.

Taking preventative measures to prevent damage to your home, such as

• Ensure to install effective smoke detectors in every room
• Be aware of fire hazards within the home
• Avoid leaving heaters on when not in use
• Deter from using kitchen appliances for heat
• Set up a plan for safety the whole family is aware of
• Maintain all heating equipment

Taking appropriate measures to prevent house fires and maintaining the condition of your driveway are ways to protect your asset.

A Well Maintained Home Improves Its Value

As Benjamin Franklin once advised: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure..” This saying holds a lot of truth in regards to how maintaining your home advances its overall monetary value.

In order to safeguard your home’s value taking proactive maintenance can prevent literally thousands of dollars in repair costs. A tube of caulking to repair cracks around windows can prevent a costly repair that a leaking window creates.

If a home’s condition is allowed to dimension due to lack of preventative maintenance, the appraised value can decline by 10% or more. For example, an estate worth $10,860,000 would take $1,086.000 loss.

Property appraised at $10,860,000 for a married couple makes them accountable to pay estate taxes. The limit for individuals is $5,430,000. This is a lot of money in assets that need protection.

Strategies for Proactive Maintenance

Now that you know the importance of proactive maintenance, there are many strategies available. When planning, proactive maintenance, you need to keep a small issue from becoming a major problem. The best way to do this is to schedule periodic inspections. These inspections are meant to keep the homeowner apprised of anything that may be needing repair or maintenance. Besides routine inspections, a homeowner should start an emergency repair fund. This assures sufficient funds available for routine upkeep. Guarding against costly repairs so as to not put the family budget in financial upheaval.

By following these money saving tips on home repairs, you will ensure many happy years in your home. You will be able to guard the most important asset of your life. Ensuring the equity on your home continues to rise and not decline. Proving once again the best defense for home maintenance is a good offensive strategy.