Spending Money To Save Money

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Spending Money To Save Money

Money is by far the most challenging area for modern people to handle in their life. With jobs paying less than they have for a long time, the world’s finances in tatters, and temptations around every corner, it can often feel impossible to save a little for when times are tougher. This leaves a lot of people feeling worried about their position. Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way, and a lot of people have the tools that they need to start saving right in front of them; they just need to spend a little first.

With the world in such bad shape with money, it can often feel like you have to work to save wherever you can. While this can be a good mentality to hold, it can also cause some damage, forcing people to avoid spending anything at all. In cases where quality, time, and value are all factors, this doesn’t always work out. Instead of saving a buck, you will have to go back and pay again, resulting in spending over double what you initially budgeted. This sort of issue only applies to certain things. In most cases, any professional service should be handled like this, and you can find some examples below to help you to do it correctly:

Accounting/Investing:

Given that money is so important, it doesn’t makes sense for you to manage every aspect of it yourself. When it comes to something like taxes, you will need to work hard to make payments correctly, and this can be a challenge without the right skills. Making a mistake here will often result in fines which are far larger than the costs of some support.

Investing is another great example of “spending money to make money”, but it can be hard to know where to start. For something like investing, reputation is everything so you need to find someone you trust for help. Resources like AAIG or even local investing clubs can help give you the tools you need to make smart investment decisions.

Moving Home:

When you decide to move to a new place, there are a couple of people ready to help you; estate agents and moving companies. The first will be able to find your new place for you, dealing with the complex and monotonous paperwork which comes with it. The second will be there to help you to pack, transport, and move all of your items into your new home without (hopefully!) breaking anything.

Construction:

There are loads of parts of the home which you need to be qualified to work on. Electrical, plumbing, and gas can all be very dangerous, and the work that you do on these areas will often be refused approval on the grounds that you don’t have the right credentials. This can result in having to pay for the same fees more than once, resulting in big bills which will be hard to pay.

Hopefully, there will be very few times in your life when you need help like this. For the regular jobs, you will often be able to find people willing to work on a subscription-like basis, saving loads of time when it comes to booking them. In some cases, you might need something bigger, though. In either situation, spending a little extra can save you a whole lot, especially when you’re dealing with high-value items.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Groovy Movies Pt. 2

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Groovy Movies Pt. 2

Howdy! As you know from yesterday’s post, Lil Red went hard at the five dollar movie section at Target. Due to such amazing savings and my desire to amp up my DVD collection, I just had to go back this weekend – this time, bringing along my dear old dad. I ended up with four new DVDs and I think my dad bought five for himself! It was a daddy/daughter bargain night out and we had a blast. Here are the four new selections that I purchased:

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I bought…

  1. Clueless: As if!! This movie speaks to me on a spiritual level and every human being should see it at least once.
  2. Bridesmaids: I snagged the last copy of this movie and I am so glad that I did! Melissa McCarthy is my hero.
  3. Lord Of The Rings 3 Film Collection: For all three LOTR movies, I paid ten bucks. You can’t beat that! Now, I just need to get The Hobbit flicks and I’ll be all set!
  4. The Interview: Classic Seth Rogen and James Franco – this movie is a trip. AND it was only FOUR BUCKS!!

I think I’m all done buying movies for a good long while, but this DVD haul was well worth it. Netflix is nice and all, but sometimes their selection is weak at best. This haul will definitely make Mushenheim Movie Night more fun for weekends to come – no trips to the library or video store included!

Which movie do you think that everyone should see once? How many movies do you have in your collection? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Safe Home Is A Happy Home With These Tips

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A Safe Home Is A Happy Home With These Tips

The home is the most valuable asset you own and, more importantly, it also lays the foundation for your entire life. Therefore, keeping it in the best possible condition is crucial for a whole host of different reasons. After all, failure to achieve this goal will bring huge repercussions. If you’re going to protect the home, however, it’s imperative that you check every box. Focus on the five simple factors below, and you won’t go wrong:

#1. Home Security:

For most people, home security is the main concern for maintaining a safe property. Burglars are smarter than ever, but modern surveillance systems should keep them at bay. Moreover, the fact that those devices can be monitored from smartphones allows you to gain that peace of mind on a 24/7 basis. A good relationship with the neighbors can help too, but taking matters into your own hands should be the priority. Secured doors and windows should consequently gain huge attention, as well. And, finally, investing in a quality safe from a company like libertysafe.com can protect valuables and precious items like photographs and family heirlooms.

#2. Weatherproofing:

While burglars may be the main concern, reality suggests that weather damage is just as likely. On the one hand, all homeowners are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Nonetheless, several precautions can still be taken to reduce any damage. Prevention will always be the best form of protection, and knowing how to defend the home against storms is key info.

Likewise, flood barriers and similar products can be crucial investments for the future safety of the property. This is especially important if you live near water or an area with heavy rainfall. Flood barriers offer both protection and peace of mind when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

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Yikes!

#3.  Minimizing Damage:

Wear and tear is a natural thing that all homeowners will encounter at one stage or another. Many of those are fairly minor issues, but leaving them untreated can allow them to escalate. Calling a plumber to deal with your leaks or learning how to treat damp patches is crucial. Not only will this put your mind at ease, but it will also save money while keeping the home safe. On a separate note, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can protect the property as well as the family, too.

#4. Cleanliness:

Maintaining a safe home isn’t simply about preventing damage to the property. This is a place for your family to live and grow. To do this in the best manner, you’ll want to keep the home clean and tidy. Nobody wants to dedicate their lives to cleaning the home, which is why these simple tricks can have a huge impact. When coupled with the latest gadgets and appliances, you’ll remove the threat of picking up minor illnesses from germs in the home.

#5. Childproofing:

Whether we like to admit it or not, the biggest threats to our properties come from our own actions. This becomes increasingly apparent when kids are involved, which is why you must pay attention to the idea of childproofing. It’s impossible to keep your eyes on everything that the children do. From keeping consumables out of reach to covering electrical points, those small steps make a big impact. If you’ve completed the other tasks too, a safe and happy home is virtually assured.

Your home should be a peaceful getaway and the above steps will help it stay that way!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Monday Update: Groovy Movies Edition

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Monday Update: Groovy Movies Edition

Hey everyone and Happy Monday! I just wanted to make a friendly PSA that Target has the best five dollar movie selection that I have ever seen. I went on Friday to browse around and ended up with SEVEN brand new DVDs for thirty-five bucks. Now, normally I would never purchase movies because they usually range in the ten to teen dollar range and that’s too much for me. But, five dolla holla? I can definitely swing that! Take a look at my purchases and be sure to hit up Target for some five dollar movie fun:

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I bought…

  1. Edward Scissorhands: Such classic Johnny Depp. It doesn’t get much better than this.
  2. The Heat: One of my favorite comedies – my mom and I LOVE this movie and I swear I watch it every time it’s on TV.
  3. We’re The Millers: Lol, this movie kills me. My sister and I saw this when it came out in theaters and we were dying the entire time!
  4. Beetlejuice: Need I say more? This movie rocks.
  5. Napoleon Dynamite: I reference this movie frequently in my daily life, so buying it was a must.
  6. Horrible Bosses 2: I love the Horrible Bosses movies. I own the first one, so I might as well have bought the second!
  7. School Of Rock: This flick is one of my favorites. It’s hilarious, the music is great, and everyone in my family freaking loves it.

I feel so spoiled to have bought so many movies, but it was such an amazing deal that I just couldn’t pass it up. In fact, I plan on going back to Target again soon to snag some of the DVDs that I didn’t buy during my Friday trip. How can you say no to five dollars?!

What is your favorite movie? Who else has shopped the five dollar DVD section at Target? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

March Funky Time Jams

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March Funky Time Jams

Helloooo everyone and happy weekend! With a new month upon us, let’s discuss some of the music that I’ve been playing on repeat while driving about and getting ready in the morning. It’s a bit of a hodge podge collection this month, but that kind of fits in with the haphazardness that was February. So, crank up your volume and let’s discuss:

(And, as always, I have no rights to any of these songs or videos!)

As you can see, I wasn’t lying when I said that it has been a little bit of this and a little bit of that on my playlist. I have been spending a lot of time switching between funky AF Prince to emo classic The Used and Led Zeppelin sound alike Greta Van Fleet. They are actually coming to Cleveland in July and tickets sold out SO quickly, so I wasn’t able to snag them. I have also been enjoying listening through U2’s latest album Songs Of Experience, so including Get Out Of Your Own Way on this list was a must!

Who is on your March playlist? What kind of music do you listen to to reflect your mood? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

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Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Howdy! Does anyone have an accessory that they wear every day? Maybe it’s your favorite bracelet, the earrings that you never take out, or the anklet that’s too difficult to bother taking off. I actually have four bracelets that I wear every day, compliments of my beloved mom and the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You.

Back in October, you might remember that I spent some time in New York City for the first annual Bloggers Conference between me and Kate. Once I was there, it was fabulous. But, I’ll tell ya what, getting there was a bit of a struggle. I had never traveled alone before and, needless to say, I was freaking the fuck out lol. But, in true mom fashion, my darling JANE always knew just what to say and do to calm me down. She let me pick out one of her pieces of jewelry so it was like she was with me on the trip. It was

SO SWEET

And I ended up selecting the following bracelet set from my mom:

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By the time I arrived home from my NYC extravaganza, I was too attached to the bracelets to give them back and asked my mom if I could keep them. Obviously, she said yes, because I have been wearing them every day since my trip. The bracelets are kind of falling apart now and beads are falling off. But, I plan on wearing them until every single bead is gone. ❤

These bracelets are old, blue, and technically borrowed – so what’s the new one? This here Alex and Ani bracelet from the beautiful Kate, of course:

bracelet1

This gorgeous Harry Potter themed bracelet was a Christmas surprise from Kate, and I have been wearing it every day since it arrived in the mail. This is my first Alex And Ani bracelet and it couldn’t be more perfect. The theme, the sentiment behind it, the element of surprise from a package in the mail from NYC. I get emotional just thinking about it!!! :*)

When these bracelets combine, I have something old, new, borrowed, and blue and my day wouldn’t feel complete without having them on my wrist. So special thanks to my mom and my darling Kate for gifting me with something that makes me smile every day. I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

Do you own anything that fits the old, new, borrowed, and blue guidelines? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear daily or don’t take off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

8 Ways To Keep Burglars Away From Your Home

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8 Ways To Keep Burglars Away From Your Home

Burglars choose their victims carefully. Certain features can make your home a difficult target and may be more likely to put off potential home invasions. Here are just a few deterrents to consider:

Add exterior lighting:

A burglar can enter your house relatively undetected if you don’t have exterior lighting. Motion sensing lighting is the best option – it will only turn on when there’s activity below, saving you power and offering you protection from someone sneaking around.

Reinforce windows and doors:

Windows and doors with loose hinges or weak frames could be easy to break through. You should make repairing and replacing these a priority, especially if these weaknesses are visible from the outside. Locks on the inside of your windows and doors can also help.

Install a camera:

Security camera installation is an effective way of scaring off burglars. No burglar wants to be caught on camera, and they may immediately move on to the next property. Make sure that the camera is placed in the best possible location – a burglar may try to exploit a blind spot. If you are interested in installing cameras on your property, it’s a good idea to work with a professional team. Not only will they be able to select the most effective spots for camera placement but they will be able to evaluate the way your electrical system functions so you never have to worry about an overload. To start researching your options, simply enter a search for “Electrical Services in Glendenning” (or your local area) and book an appointment to better protect your home.

Once you have your security cameras selected you might want to consider additional accessories for it. The most important one being a microSD card for security cameras. This will ensure that your cameras are recording continuously as well as providing reliable storage options should the police need access to your footage. Be mindful of checking on your cameras regularly for the peace of mind that they are functioning as they should.

Make fencing less climbable:

A small fence that’s easy to scale could be an excellent entry point for a nimble burglar. Adding latticing to the top of your fence can make it harder to climb. You can also consider anti-climb paint. This is a special type of paint designed to stain the clothes of trespassers and make surfaces more slippery. If your current fence isn’t cutting it, you will want to team up with experts in Fence Installation to get the job done right. From there, you can choose from your options like height, material, and aesthetic for the perfect match for your yard.

Prevent burglars from window shopping:

You should be wary of onlookers being able to see through your window, particularly if you live on a busy street. Burglars may try to take a peek inside your home to see what valuables you may have. You can prevent them from being able to do this by using blinds or net curtains. Bushes outside a window or a high hedge aren’t recommended as these can have the adverse effect of being easy to hide behind, making it easy to break in undetected. If you have high hedges or lots of bushes outside your window, consider trimming these back.

Lock away expensive garden items:

Don’t leave out barbecues and lawnmowers where they can be seen by peeking into your garden. Lock these valuables away in a shed so that burglars don’t know you own them. Make sure your shed door is secure, as this can often be another weakness for burglars to exploit.

Use dummy deterrents:

You can often trick burglars into thinking you’re a difficult target. Dummy CCTV cameras can sometimes be enough to scare off thieves. A ‘beware of the dog’ sign, even if you don’t have a dog, could also make burglars think twice about breaking in. Other deterrents include leaving a light or TV on in your home when you’re not there.

Be careful what you put on social media:

Burglars are now using social media to find their victims. Posting up holiday snaps and updates can be risky as it could show that no one is home. If you are going to post photos and updates, you might be better off posting them once you get back.

Nothing is more important than the safety of the people inside of your house. Scaring away thieves before they even think of doing anything is optimum for your home security.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

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5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

When bad weather strikes, it can cause devastating amounts of damage to a home that hasn’t been suitably storm-proofed. Here are just a few ways that you can defend your home against the elements:

Seal up cracks:

Not only will rain get into a crack and cause water damage, strong winds could also get into the crack and possibly make it worse. Small cracks can be easily sealed up with caulk, whereas larger cracks may need professional intervention. Draft protectors, meanwhile, may be able to stop wind from getting into gaps beneath doors and windows.

Tending to any cracks now can prevent expensive future problems. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to bad weather or natural disasters. If you have extensive problems in your home’s foundation, a professional team like Victor Construction and Engineering (or a similar company in your local area) should come to do an assessment as soon as possible. A major issue in your foundation will only get worse and be hazardous to your family.

Reinforce windows and doors:

Old windows and doors could be ripped off of their hinges in bad weather. It may not necessarily be the door or window that is the problem – most commonly it’s the result of a broken frame or hinges. As for those living in flood-risk areas, it could be worth fitting a flood guard to the bottom of your door. These barriers may look ugly, but they could save you thousands in interior damage.

Get a backup generator installed:

Serious storms can often lead to power cuts. Investing in a backup generator could help provide you with an extra power source in the event of a blackout. There are companies out there that can do generator installations for you. You could alternatively invest in a sustainable backup solution such as solar panels, although these may be costlier to install.

Attend to outside dangers:

There could be many objects outside that pose a danger to your home during a storm. Loose garden items should be locked away in a shed the moment that you get a storm warning – you don’t want a garden table crashing through your patio doors. Trees may also be a danger, especially those that have been partially uprooted by a previous storm or seem to be dying. Investing in Tree Removal may involve getting planning permission and you may want to pay an arborist to do it for you.

In terms of trees, you really have to look at the ones in your yard from all angles. Are there branches hanging onto your neighbor’s property? How about over parked cars or dangerously close to your own roof? All it takes is one strong storm to cause a lot of damage on your own or someone else’s property. Do an inspection and enlist the help of Dunwoody Tree Service (or a similar company in your local area) to safely trim back any problem areas. This will give you peace of mind when a storm hits that you took the precautions to avoid any damage.

Another danger to be aware of is old guttering. This can be particularly dangerous in winter, as water in the gutter can freeze up, effectively turning the whole thing into a giant ice block. If this is loose or broken, a strong wind may have the power to rip it off and cause damage to your home. If you think this could be a problem, consider hiring a professional to see to repairing your guttering.

Get insured:

Getting insured won’t prevent storm damage from occurring, but it could help pay compensation for home repairs. Not all insurance companies for your home new hampshire (or your local area) will cover storm damage, especially if you live in an area prone to storms and flooding, in which case you may need to seek out a specialist storm insurance or flood insurance company.

Insurance rates vary from each provider, so it’s worth spending some time shopping around for the best deal. To get started, take a look at the websites for insurance providers near you like Caruso Insurance. Take note of the companies with excellent reviews and don’t be afraid to schedule a couple of different consultations for the best coverage and deal for you. Insurance is like an umbrella – you will always be happy you have it when you need it.

Taking measures to make your home safer when inclement weather strikes is important for you and all who live in your home. And, as always, it’s better safe than sorry.

Featured Image By: Maxpixel

Hello, Spring!

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Hello, Spring!

Hi everyone!! A few days ago when I was walking my pups, I noticed some lovely little flowers poking out from underneath the layer of leaves that are still damp with melted snow. It was such a sight for sore eyes, especially because the sun was shining and it was FIFTY DEGREES at the end of February. Oh my goodness, guys, it was amazing.

To walk outside with a light jacket on, with my pups keeping up pace beside me and the sun shining on my face was such a treat after a long and grey winter. And, then, to make things even more glorious, I look down and see bright yellow crocuses and another yellow flower that I’m not sure what it is popping out to say hello:

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Of course, it’s not quite lovely spring time yet. But, on that day, it felt that way and I could literally feel the crippling weight of seasonal depression on top of normal old depression being lifted from my shoulders. I was so happy to be breathing in fresh, clean air and looking up to no clouds in the sky. And seeing the first promises of spring flowers in tiny yellow buds peeking out just added to the delight. It was a great day.

Are any flowers popping up in your neck of the woods? What is the weather like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Versatile Blogger Award #3

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Versatile Blogger Award #3

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful week on lifewithlilred! Yours truly just got nominated for my third Versatile Blogger Award by my sweet friend over at Liss Journal. Thank you SO much for the nomination, darling! Do be sure to peep through the window into this blogger’s world, because her page definitely does not disappoint. Here are the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Show the award on my blog.
  • Thank the person who nominated me.
  • Share 7 things about myself.
  • Nominate 10 blogs.

Fun Facts:

  1. My favorite thing in the world is shopping! TJMaxx is my jam, and I feel like I end up there at least every other weekend with my beloved mama. It’s a curse!
  2. I love doing these blogging awards, so many thanks to those who continue to nominate lifewithlilred for them. It means a lot. ❤
  3. I have enjoyed three movies from this year’s Oscar season including I, Tonya, The Shape Of Water, and Three Billboards On The Side Of Ebbing, Missouri. All of them were fantastic and I look forward to seeing some of the other nominees soon.
  4. Speaking of the Oscars – it is my favorite award show to watch. I love movies and getting new ideas for films to watch.
  5. And speaking of movies – I love scary ones. I am hoping to see the remake of The Strangers in theaters when it comes out on March 9th.
  6. I have tons of favorite TV shoes including Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Wentworth, My 600 Lb. Life, Botched, Hoarders, Intervention, and Orange Is The New Black. I could continue naming more, though!
  7. I love, love, love sour candy – Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Shockers, etc. Sour candy is the best to eat while watching movies and really at any time.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Again, extra special shout out to Liss Journal for the nomination! What are some fun facts about yourself? How important is versatility on a blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah