Category Archives: For Your Information

Rent VS Own: Comparing The Costs

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Rent VS Own: Comparing The Costs

Some people can spend a long time wondering whether it’s better to rent or own your home. While many people have a strong opinion one way or the other, others think that different things are right for different people. It’s ultimately a personal decision whether you think renting or owning is best. Many people change their minds at different points in their lives. Renting can be more flexible, but owning can be more secure. Some people see renting as throwing money away, but if you get a mortgage, the property doesn’t exactly belong to you, either. Working out costs can help you decide which is the best choice for you.

Rent VS Mortgage: The major living expense for most people is the cost of their rent or their mortgage payments. The cost of renting can vary widely, depending on where you live. Some people can spend a third or even half of their income on rent, but others will pay much less. Working out how much you might spend on your own home is easy to do. If you use a house loan calculator, you can work out how much your payments might be. Some people might discover that mortgage payments could end up being less than what they pay in rent in the long run. If you are finding that owning a home might be the way to go, it is important to work with a credible and experienced team for your mortgage. Explore different services like those offered by Jubilee Finance (or a similar business in your local area) and shop around until you find the right fit for you.

Bills & Insurance: Whether you are looking for an apartment to rent nearby or even on the hunt for new homes in Lakeland FL, one thing is for certain: You still have to pay bills. However, if you rent a room or property, your bills could be included in your rent. If you buy a home, you will always be responsible for your bills. This does mean that you have more control over them, though. It’s easier for you to change energy suppliers, for example. Another cost to consider is insurance. As a homeowner, you need to insure the property and its contents. But as a renter, it’s still a good idea to have renter’s insurance. Although the expenses are similar, the amount you pay could be very different.

Having renter’s insurance is more often than not a requirement when renting a property. Services like PandaGuarantee (or a similar one in your local area) offers renter’s insurance as well as security deposit and rent guarantor insurance too. Having a company and policy in mind as you hunt for a rental can take one less thing off of your plate so it’s a good idea to research while you house search!

Property Maintenance: As a tenant, maintenance of the property is usually the responsibility of your landlord. There might be some things that you’re required to do to keep it looking good, but major work isn’t normally up to you. But, as a homeowner, you need to pay for anything that needs to be fixed. And if you belong to an HOA, that could mean a lot of maintenance. Property maintenance is one of the things that can potentially make owning your home more expensive than renting.

Regardless of if you’re in an apartment or home, property maintenance can be a source of stress. This is especially true if you are in an apartment and the maintenance staff can’t get to you immediately. If you are considering renting an apartment, you might want to use a website like StreetSmart to run an apartment background check. From there, you can uncover common complaints and building issues to verify that the apartment you are looking at is where you truly want to be.

The Cost of Moving: Another thing to consider is the costs of moving home. If you own your home, you’re likely to move less often. It’s up to you when you move, unless you can no longer afford to keep your home. But if you do decide to sell and move, it could be very expensive. Of course, moving as a renter costs money, too. You might have to pay a security deposit, first month’s rent, agency fees, and moving fees, plus you could move a lot more often.

Owning a home is often more expensive than renting, but many people prefer it. If you’re trying to decide which is right for you, look at the pros and cons of each and make the choice most suited to your current lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

See You Next Week!

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See You Next Week!

Hello everyone and happy weekend!! I sure hope that all of you are feeling a lot better than I am today. I am in a bit of a rut so I will be on a lifewithlilred hiatus this weekend. BUT, rest assured that I will be back this Monday to bring you all of the latest and greatest. OR maybe even this afternoon or tomorrow if I feel so inclined – you never know!

Tell me good things. What are you up to this weekend? How do you stay positive during a rough patch? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Exciting News!!

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Exciting News!!

Helloooo everyone and TGIF! So earlier this week, I got contacted by one of my former teachers inquiring about a consultation with yours truly for her humor based memoir. We had our first meeting today and it went absolutely swimmingly. I will be helping her out as far as editing/prompting/and adding on goes and it’s such a joy to learn more about someone who I considered one of my “favorites” in high school.

Because lifewithlilred is a platform for all voices, not just mine, some excerpts from her short stories will be featured on my page for your viewing pleasure. Feedback is an important part of the writing process, so it only makes sense to showcase her work to my darling readers so we can hear all of your thoughts! I am SO excited for what promises to be a fantastic partnership and am looking forward to sharing some of the works in progress with all of you! ❤

Who else has some exciting news to share? What are you up to this weekend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Birthday Freebies

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Birthday Freebies

Hellooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Okay, so for those of you who don’t know, my 23rd birthday is tomorrow! Yikes. I can’t say that I’m thrilled about this but, I have to say, I am hyped about the plethora of freebies that I have received so far for my big day. As you guys know, your girl is constantly ballin on a budget so whether it be a free travel sized lotion to a percentage off a purchase, I’m all about that sale bout that sale SO FRUGAL (Sung to the tune of All About That Bass. Thank you, thank you I’ll be here all week.) ANYWAYS, take a look at my Birthday Freebies so far and let’s discuss:

  • One free small smoothie from Robek’s
  • One free beverage of any size from Dunkin’ Donuts
  • A ten dollar gift card from Victoria’s Secret for being an Angel Card holder
  • One free burrito from Moe’s
  • One free beverage of any size from Starbucks

Ayyyy! So, obviously I’m getting the birthday hookup and I freaking love it. There is nothing better than going out for a coffee or for dinner with friends and not having to pay a dime for it. Thanks to apps and rewards programs, getting extra bang for your buck on your birthday has never been easier. The beauty of some of these rewards is that I never even go to these places anymore, but because my account is open, I still get to reap the birthday benefits.

Like Moe’s and Dunkin’? Literally haven’t been to either in close to a year. BUT I have the Moe’s app and the Dunkin’ rewards program card (which works like a gift card but I haven’t uploaded money on it for years), so my birthday is in their registry. And Robek’s? It’s a rarity that I go there, but I have the app so my smoothie will be on them for my next visit! Of course, ten dollars at Victoria’s Secret doesn’t get you very far, but still. That’s a free panty or lip gloss and we all know by now how much I love free.

Being a savvy shopper whether that be with restaurants, coffee shops, or clothing stores is all about playing along with their promotions. Sign up for the emails, let their app take up a bit of extra space on your devices, give the loyalty program a try, apply for the credit card if you shop there frequently enough. Before you answer with a solid “no” to the salesperson telling you about these things, hear them out. You’ll be glad you did once you score some free birthday swag.

So there you have it, my Birthday Freebies (so far!)! What other restaurants/stores offer freebies on birthdays? What restaurants/stores offer the best every day promotions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making Sure That Your Home Is A Safe Environment

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Making Sure That Your Home Is A Safe Environment

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. So it’s not surprising that we all want to protect our homes from any possible harm that may come their way. Most problems can be easily avoided, so here are some of the main issues that pose a risk to the safety of your home and the best ways to deal with them:

Burglary: Any home is a target for burglars. Regardless of the place that you choose to live, your home could be broken into if you are not careful. But there are several precautions that can be taken to put would-be burglars off. Some precautions are common sense: making sure that all doors are locked and that windows are closed when there is nobody in the room to supervise them. There are also some extra steps that you can take to put your mind at ease. Always pull curtains closed at night. This means that potential thieves won’t be able to take a look in and scout out certain prize items that they might like to take.

You can also install motion sensor lighting around the perimeters of your home. These will be activated by the slightest movements, alerting you to anyone’s presence in the vicinity of your home’s grounds. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also install CCTV cameras near access points into your home, such as windows and doors. To protect your home from the inside, you might like to consider investing in a home security system. This will alert you to intruders downstairs when you are upstairs asleep.

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Not today, burglar. Not today.

Accidental Damage: Despite our best efforts, there will always be some form of accidental damage in the home. A little one might kick a ball indoors and send a TV set falling from its wall mount. Or perhaps a pet will walk along your mantelpiece, knocking off precious ornaments and crockery. Regardless of the cause of accidental damage, it is important that you are prepared for it. This is where home insurance comes into play. Make sure that you have a generous policy that states it will repair or replace anything that is accidentally damaged in your home. Remember though: prevention is better than cure. Lay down some house rules with your family and visitors to minimize the chances of accidents occurring in the first place.

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 Yikes!

Faulty Goods: In a similar vein to accidental damage lies faulty goods. Sometimes stores will unknowingly sell you an item that just isn’t quite up to scratch. Faulty goods can often break before you have gained much use from them. At best, you are left with a worthless item lying about your house in need of repairs or replacement. At worst, faulty goods could pose serious risks, such as fires or electrical hazards.

Your products should always live up to your expectations. Good quality products most often will. This is why you should always invest in items with a good warranty. A long lasting warranty displays the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. What’s even better? If something does go wrong, you will be able to have the faulty item replaced free of charge. Check out some of the best warranties on the market at https://warrantyguides.com/best-home-warranty-companies. This site will show you the most promising guarantees on the market.

Many home warranty companies will allow you to customize a plan that makes sense for your home, lifestyle, and budget. Do a walk through of your home and make a list of the items that you think should fall under the warranty and ones that you have questions about. Then, enter a search for “home warranty companies in Arizona” (or your local area) for a consultation. Should any problems arise, you will be so glad that you took this step.

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 Lol, why is there a game controller in the fridge?

Fire: Fire can destroy homes in a matter of minutes, so they are to be avoided at all costs. This mainly takes a little common sense. Don’t leave candles burning unsupervised. Unplug items that are not being used. Make sure that you turn the oven off as soon as you have finished cooking with it. If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking in the house. Stub out your cigarette ends and dispose of them safely in an ashtray.

However, sometimes accidents can occur. You should be prepared for these, even if they are unlikely. Regularly check that your smoke alarms are working properly. You should also have basic fire safety equipment in your home, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen. Make sure that you have a plan in place for the unfortunate event of a fire. Know your exits and the fastest routes out of your home.

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Check your batteries often!

Child Proofing: Even if you don’t have any children, your home should always be child-friendly. This means that if visitors arrive with children, that your home is immediately ready to accommodate them. There are certain key elements when it comes to making sure that little ones are safe and sound in your living space. Make sure that blind cords are rolled up and out of the way. Children can easily become tangled in them, which could prove fatal. Cover plug sockets, as little fingers will often stray into them and this could result in a nasty shock. For the same reasons, make sure that there aren’t any exposed wires lying about. Remove any piles of objects balanced on top of each other, as they can topple and knock a small child down.

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Garden Safety: The garden can often be overlooked when looking at a home’s overall safety. But it is just as important of an area as the rest, especially in the summer months when people will be tempted to spend more time outdoors. Make sure that any tools are stored away in a locked shed when they are not being used. Loose tools scattered around the garden pose a serious trip hazard or could be stood on, resulting in twisted ankles or injuries from sharp edges or points.

The same goes for bicycles or garden toys. Keeping belongings in a shed is also beneficial for deterring potential burglars, who are likely to take desirable items such as lawn mowers or bicycles from gardens at night. Make sure that any ponds or water features are clearly visible and marked to avoid people falling in. You should also check the perimeters of your garden every so often. Broken or splintered fences can catch on clothes and skin as you brush by.

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Lock your shed at night!

Creating a safe living environment means creating a happy one that is free from injuries and unneeded stress. Follow these tips to ensure that your home is as safe as can be!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Money Management For Summer Fun

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Money Management For Summer Fun

The summer season is unquestionably the greatest time of the year. It offers the opportunity for non-stop fun through a wide array of activities. Sadly, though, those ventures can hit your wallet hard. So, needless to say, finding the right balance between amazing summer adventures and not breaking the bank is essential.

Summer is the perfect time to start generating savings at home because with vacas and day trips, you won’t be there as often. However, you will still be there sometimes, which is why you need to have some entertainment features on hand. You could probably cut down your TV package without noticing the difference, I’m sure there’s countless channels that go unused! Try downloading the Cinemabox movie app for access to the latest films and shows. Not only does it save money, but it also gives you the option to watch from the back yard hammock or on the move.

Speaking of the back yard, that could be one of your greatest assets throughout this part of the year, too. Nothing beats relaxing on the patio with rattan furniture. Whether it’s a relaxed evening with a book or spending family time together in the evening doesn’t matter. Those joys are better than anything offered during the colder months. Best of all, enjoying the garden is virtually free. Your lush back yard could even become your new place for social activities. Invite friends over for a summer BBQ or garden party, and it’ll be far cheaper than heading out to the local bar. And, let’s be honest, this option sounds like a lot more fun!

There are many other ways to save money at home during the summer. This is the ideal opportunity to complete various home upgrade tasks for long-term rewards. Increasing the home insulation will work wonders that will truly pay dividends in the winter. Meanwhile, looking for cheaper energy quotes can help decrease the bills even further. Growing food and generally living a greener life should bring ample rewards, too. Of course, it might be a bit late in the year to start with certain fruits and veggies. But that’s okay! Do your research and learn what types of produce grow best for this time of year and in your area and you’ll be well on your way to delicious summer salads in no time!

You will still inevitably go out on various occasions – it is summer, after all. The key is to make smarter choices. Leave the expensive internal activities for the autumn through spring. The summer months should be filled with hikes, sports, and exploration. I’m sure we’ll all be longing for those opportunities once the weather gets worse.

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Pretty!

Vacations are another crucial part of the summer. Most families have their big trip of the year during this time. Be sure to follow these ideas for a non-budget breaking holiday so that you can score the best deals during your big vaca. Money shouldn’t dictate every decision that you make in life. But maintaining a greater sense of control over your finances will enhance the summer and the rest of your year. If you can generate those savings without sacrificing your enjoyment, then you’re in for a fabulous summer, for sure!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Avoiding The Legal Headaches Of The Business World

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Avoiding The Legal Headaches Of The Business World

Running your own small business is like every other aspect of your life, as you need to be cognizant of the law. Just as you will know when you are at home how loud you can play music and that you need planning permission to make any changes to your house. And while you are in public, you will acknowledge the importance of not behaving in certain ways, you should also be aware of the things that you have to do in the business world when it comes to your legal obligations and limits.

A lot of laws are ostensibly superfluous because the things that they prohibit are already governed by a sort of tacitly agreed social contract. Many people do not do certain things because they would not want to do them in any case, irrespective of whether there is a law in place that tells them that they shouldn’t. However, with some things, the law imposes obligations on you that you may find to be quite restrictive or expensive. The reality is, that you still need to attend to these things because they often have the benefits of your employees or society as a whole in mind. Failing to do so can result in legal difficulties which can feasibly end the viability of your business. Here are a few things that you should consider to make sure that your business is compliant:

Some things are rather obvious, like the importance of running an office or other business venues in such a way that reduces the potential risk of fire. These measures are sensible not only because they can help prevent horrific injury or death, but also because a fire can be disastrous for business. Taking out business insurance is always a good idea. It is not just for pessimists; in the event that your office does burn down, you will realize that it is for realists. However, there are also lots of fire codes, which you need to know and submit to. They are often detailed and complex and rather than reading, understanding, and implementing them yourself, you may want to hire a fire safety franchise to come into your business and make sure that everything is as it should be. It will ensure that your business is not closed down by government inspectors, as well as keeping you and your employees safe.

Not all of the threats to your business are so impersonal as something like fire, though. The people that you hire can also prove to be a disadvantage to you. Research conducted by the Ponemon Institute in Tucson, Arizona, found that 60% of employees who quit a job or who are asked to leave steal from that company. 65% of those same people took email lists, while 35% took employee records. Remarkably, 16% had the temerity to take financial information. This is illegal and can present a major threat to your business. If that person takes that data to one of your competitors, you may not be able to compete as effectively as you’d like. However, if that data is leaked, it could hurt your reputation and leave you vulnerable to being sued. Encrypting your data and implementing clearance levels and non-disclosure agreements is a good idea. You should also have an excellent lawyer on standby for consumer complaints, defamation, and employee disputes. To get started, simply enter a search for “litigation lawyers melbourne” (or your local area). Whomever you choose should know your business and its employees inside and out to provide the best help possible.

Finally, it is so important for your business to ensure that everything is above board and perfect in terms of taxes. An issue with the IRS can be absolutely detrimental to yourself and those under your employment. The person in charge of the company’s finances must be well versed in all aspects of tax law and it is wise to have regular audits and inspections. You should also have a tax lawyer like Hughes Noff Tax Law, a Maryland tax law firm (or a similar practice in your local area) on standby should any issues ever occur.

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Pexels Image

Featured Image By: Pexels

Monday Update: Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

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Monday Update: Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

Hello everyone and happy Monday! This week is a fun one because tomorrow is the beginning of my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series! With the change of the seasons, I love inviting my fellow bloggers to join me on my page to celebrate their favorite parts of that time of year. It’s a joy to see the tips, fashion, beauty, and hang outs from all over the world, thanks to the wonderful ladies that bravely volunteer to write an article for lifewithlilred. Chit chatting over email with all of my girls always makes my day and each of them have come up with a wonderful and unique article to share with all of you. So let’s get to the lineup:

Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers:

As you can see, I have a fabulous lineup in place for this guest bloggers series and I cannot wait for it to start tomorrow with a gorgeous OOTD compliments of K.M.! Thank you to all of my amazing guest bloggers for participating in my Salute To Summer series – I so loved working with all of you. And, of course, you are welcome back on lifewithlilred any time!

What is your favorite part of summer? What is the summer weather like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Decisive Blogger

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The Decisive Blogger

If you’re starting a blog, you have a lot of work ahead of you. Though you may not have realized it when you started, it’ll soon become evident that starting a blog is a lot like starting a business. Only, instead of a product, you have yourself and your content. And, instead of customers, you can gain some wonderful followers and friends. But, the logistics are the same. As with a business enterprise, there are a lot of decisions to make. Bear in mind, that you don’t have to get everything right on the first go around. Some bloggers take years to be happy with their following. Here a few of the things that you might need to consider, and a look at how to make choices that work for you:

What’s Your Topic?

Without a topic, you can’t get your blog off of the ground. The chances are that you already have something in mind. You wouldn’t have started this journey otherwise. But, you may be afraid that your topic won’t work. Or, you might worry that you won’t have enough content. For the most part, a blog does need an angle. Your audience needs to know what they can expect from you. But, the topic may not be as rigid as you think. Say, you want to be a beauty blogger but are worried about running out of beauty tips. That’s okay. Give it a go and see where you get. You may find, once you have an audience, that the occasional blog that isn’t beauty related will still get good feedback.

Just be sure not to limit yourself. Step out of your comfort zone or topic niche and try something new. You never know where it might take you!

To Photo, Or Not To Photo?

Blog posts need photos. It’s a good way to break up the text and make things more visually appealing. At the end of the day, none of us internet trawlers like big chunks of text. We want easy to read, accessible posts. And, something about the inclusion of photos enhances that. So, this isn’t a debate about whether to use photos at all. In short; you should. This is more of a debate about whether to use photos you’ve taken, or stock photos. This comes down to personal taste. Both have their benefits and downfalls. If you take your pictures, you know that they’re unique to you. You can tailor them to your image. But, if you’re not skilled with the camera, your posts could end up looking unprofessional. Stock photos have the bonus of giving you options. But, there’s also a risk that a lot of other bloggers are using them. Why not try both and see which you prefer? Play around and experiment and you are sure to find or create an image that works for you.

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Okay, book, camera, and glasses: Say cheese!

Get Guest Bloggers On Board?

Some bloggers decide to publish guest posts from other successful blog owners. There’s nothing wrong with this, as long as you disclose the fact to your audience. In truth, this could be a fantastic way to share readers with the other blogger. You could also write a post on their site. Again, though, this is a personal decision, which you need to make. Do you want to keep your blog for your posts only or are you willing to let other people in? I personally love having guest bloggers on my site. With every season, I try to offer a new guest bloggers series – like my Salute To Summer series, coming soon at the end of the month!

Blogging can be an amazing hobby/career/online journal. It’s up to you to how much or little you put into it but be aware of the decisions that you are making and how they can affect your overall blog image.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Don’t Delay Dealing With These Top Household Emergencies

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Don’t Delay Dealing With These Top Household Emergencies

When an emergency hits our home, it can throw many of us into a state of panic. If something happens at our work or when we are out on the street, then we can live safely in the knowledge that once we get home, we are safe. After all, it’s not like any of us willingly live in homes that have any threat constantly present (unless you’re a total daredevil, that is). But if something occurs in your home that qualifies as an emergency, it is vital that you are prepared.

Your home shouldn’t be somewhere that you should have to leave for an extended period, especially if you have young children in tow. Leaving due to an incident beyond your control can be incredibly frustrating, and as kids depend on routine, you could find it a very challenging and emotional time. That is why it is in everyone’s best interests to get any household emergency sorted out as soon as possible, so you can all get back to normal life within a day or so. Here are some examples of the most common household disasters, and what you can do to solve them in record time:

Wild Animal Invasion: You may think that because you live in the city, that you are not at risk of an animal or pest invasion. It’s not exactly like there are wild deer or bears casually stalking your home every time you look out the window. But, it may come as a surprise to find out that animals and pests can be just as common within the city as they are in some rural areas – the animals are just good at hiding, that’s all! Common perpetrators include badgers and raccoons, who like to hang around trash cans, and insects such as woodworms. If you get a large animal in your home, try not to panic. Isolate it in a room to stop it from harming yourself or others and give it an escape route, if you can. Never try to tackle it yourself or let your dog or cat near it – you could end up with an even messier situation on your hands.

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Hello!

A Burst Pipe: As far at home-based mishaps go, few are more damaging than a burst pipe. This incident can cause a spectacular amount of damage in a matter of minutes, so it is vital that you act fast. Pipes can burst for reasons, such as a blockage or the fact that the pipe may be frozen. The most important thing to do is to seek help from a professional such as the people available from www.plumbingforce.co.uk. If your leak is particularly bad, turn off the main water supply and clean up any major spills as soon as possible – before your home turns into an indoor water park!

Internal Fire: House fires are typically every homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can easily get out of control even if they start small, which is why it’s very important to know how to deal with them. If the fire is in your oven, the worst thing that you can do is to open the door. Keep it shut, and eventually, the fire should burn itself out. If it is an open fire elsewhere, use an extinguisher or a fire blanket to try and tackle it, and then call the emergency services.

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Yikes!

Household emergencies can be scary and stressful – but knowing how to deal with them can help save you from even more panic/pulling your hair out.