Tag Archives: just so you know

Dec18

Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

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Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

You usually have two roads to travel down when you want to buy a car:

  • Buy it outright with your own money
  • Seek some sort of financing option

Most people can’t use 100% of their money to buy a car so they go down the financing route, though this also throws a fork in the road:

  • Buy your car using an auto loan
  • Buy your car with dealership financing

Both are very viable options, but which one is better from a personal finance standpoint? Let’s take a closer look at them and see how they compare:

Car Loans Explained:

A car loan is one of the most straightforward auto financing options available. You approach a lender, apply for a loan, and receive enough money to cover the full cost of your purchase. Deposits/down payments are required – and this is usually a secured loan, meaning the car itself is collateral. In essence, if you fail to repay the loan, the lender can repossess your vehicle.

A very simple idea that comes with some massive benefits:

  • You own 100% of the car straight away
  • Car loans tend to come with lower interest rates, making them less costly
  • You gain the flexibility to buy your car from any dealership or brand

There are only a couple of downsides to a car loan, particularly when compared with regular dealership financing. It normally requires more effort to find a suitable lender and apply for your loan – and lenders are strict when it comes to accepting applications. Still, if you’ve got a great credit history, then there’s no need to worry about approval.

Dealership Financing Explained:

With dealership financing, you normally approach a car dealer and buy a vehicle from them, using their financing product. You pay a deposit, and then the dealer charges monthly payments based on the vehicle’s value and how much you already paid. The interesting thing here is that you’re normally locked into a 1-4 year deal. When your term ends, you either pay a balloon payment to own the car or take out a new deal on a new vehicle.

Dealership financing is popular for a couple of key reasons:

  • It’s fast and easy to set up
  • You normally get better deals than buying a car outright with a loan
  • It’s easily accessible
  • You can cycle through brand-new cars every few years

However, the main downside is that you do not own your car. The dealer will retain a majority share of your vehicle unless you pay the balloon payment at the end. This means you lack any flexibility when it comes to modifying your vehicle – and you’re also often forced to go to specific garages for servicing.

Which Is The Better Option Financially?

Speaking from a strictly financial standpoint, car loans are the better choice. You have lower interest rates, gain ownership of the vehicle right away, and have a longer term to split your repayments, making them more manageable. Truthfully, dealership financing only makes sense if you like cars and want to buy a new one every few years.

If you’re on the market for a new car, explore your financial options carefully and don’t rush into a decision you’re not fully comfortable with!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec11

Can You Truly Be Prepared For A Financial Emergency?

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Can You Truly Be Prepared For A Financial Emergency?

Financial emergencies can strike any of us at any time. Whether it’s due to a personal injury, an incident on the road, or a sudden major household cost we can find ourselves scrambling to get our finances in order and to avoid falling into debt any more than we need to. Today we’re going to look at some of the preparations you can put in place to make sure that you’re better able to handle those emergency costs when they do arise:

Build An Emergency Fund:

The best way to prepare for an emergency is to make sure that you have some safeguards in place well in advance. First and foremost, put together a savings goal to establish an emergency fund. These should typically cover three to six months of essential expenses, including housing costs, groceries, transport, and other non-negotiables. That way, you can make sure that you have enough of a cushion to get through crises that are as major as even a job loss.

Buy The Insurance That You Need:

Insurance is often overlooked until a crisis hits, but having the right policies in place can prevent emergencies from becoming financial disasters. Make sure that you’re investing in the essential coverage, such as home or renters’ insurance, health insurance, and car insurance (that covers as much as you need), and consider additional coverage, such as income protection to ensure you’re protected even if you’re put out of work for a while. Keep an eye on your policies, checking them yearly to make sure they cover the most probable issues you might face.

Know When You Need A Lawyer:

Sometimes, a financial emergency may stem from an event that wasn’t your fault or responsibility. Whether it’s an injury at work or a car accident, having the number of a reputable lawyer can make a big difference. With a personal injury lawyer, for instance, you can make sure that the person responsible for your injury is also made responsible for your medical bills, as well as any money that you might lose as a result of being put out of work. A good lawyer can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate insurance claims more effectively, too.

Keep Your Credit In Good Shape:

While you typically want to avoid having to borrow in order to deal with sudden expenses, sometimes you might have no other readily available option. Keeping your credit score high can offer a significant advantage, allowing you to utilize loans or credit cards with good interest rates, instead of having to rely on more unreliable sources of funding, like payday loans or secured loans that could lead to much worse financial outcomes and higher interest payments.

Emergency situations are an unfortunate part of life and the best thing you can do is be prepared to face them!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov25

Health Issues That Could Be Hindering Your Friendships

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Health Issues That Could Be Hindering Your Friendships

Friends are people who should always be there for you. They’re who you tell about your worries, and, if you ever get ill, you assume they’ll be by your side. But, did you know that there may also be elements of your health that could prove problematic to your friendships in a few key ways, or at least put you on the back foot of your friendship group if you aren’t careful? After all, certain health struggles can stop you from joining in and engaging with your friends as much as you might like. Worse, you might not even notice it happening! This can have an ongoing negative impact on your friendships over time. But what exactly are these health conditions, and what can you do about them? Keep on reading to find out:

Hard Hearing:

Hearing setbacks are easily missed at first, but they can have a major impact on how you interact with the world, including your friends. If you’re having trouble hearing for reasons including infection, earwax buildup, or hearing loss, then you may struggle to follow conversations or find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves.

This can be as frustrating to the people around you as it is to you, and you may even find yourself declining friend invites. That can significantly impact your relationships, and it’s something you can avoid by simply getting your ears checked. Professionals may recommend treatments including hearing aids, earwax removal, or even just antibiotics, all of which will see you socializing normally again!

Rocky Mental Health:

Mental health challenges impact around 1 in 5 adults in the US. Yet, when you’re experiencing problems like anxiety or depression, you may feel increasingly isolated and may, in turn, isolate yourself from your friends. These problems can also be embarrassing or difficult to talk about, meaning that you might hide the reality, and instead make excuses. In truth, though, friendship is key to improving your mental health, which is why you should always be honest. Friends are far more likely to understand that way, and may even play an important role in getting you the help you need.

Physical Challenges:

Physical problems like a bad back or painful knees can also prove problematic to your friendships, as you may start to avoid long outings or hold back when you are with friends. Equally, you may push yourself too much when trying to keep up with everyone else and experience an even longer-term issue. Again, just telling your friends will help here. That way, you can work together to make plans that leave room for plenty of breaks, or even have a more accessible option for you to use a wheelchair or other supports. That way, you can keep up without requiring your friends to change their existing plans!

Friends are with you through thick and thin, but if hidden health issues like these are creeping between you, it’s time to take action. Simply be honest, get help, and protect your friendships at all costs!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov20

6 Signs You’re Ready For Rejuvenation Therapies

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6 Signs You’re Ready For Rejuvenation Therapies

Rejuvenation therapies might sound futuristic, but they’re actually becoming more common over time. As technology advances, more possibilities are emerging. But what are the signs you’re ready for one of these treatments? How do you know if you should go ahead? That’s what we’ll look at in this post:

Your Biological Age Test Came Back Higher Than Expected:

If your biological age test came back higher than expected, then that could be a sign you’re ready for some sort of rejuvenating therapy. If you’re older than your chronological age, it suggests that something’s gone wrong with your lifestyle and you need to intervene. Pay special attention if the gap between the test and your real age is more than five years. Acting quickly can help prevent health issues from developing and creeping up on you in the future.

You Flinch At Unflattering Light:

Another sign you’re ready for rejuvenation is when you flinch every time you encounter bright, white light. You worry about how the shadows cast on your face will actually look to other people. This feeling is even worse if you have “Gen Z face.” You’re not even that old! If lighting is an issue for you, look at ways to improve your skin tone. Eating more yellow vegetables is usually the best and most effective option.

Your Hair Is Thinning Or Receding:

The older you get, the more your hair is prone to falling out, wreaking havoc on your self confidence. Fortunately, hair restoration is commonplace these days, and the techniques are far more advanced than ever before. Surgeons simply transplant hair from one part of your scalp to the other, giving you a fuller look.

You Started Budgeting For Supplements:

If you already started budgeting for supplements, you’re preparing yourself to spend a lot of money on pills you hope will keep you looking and feeling young and fresh. Some of the best supplements are things like NAD boosters and fucoidan. However, there are plenty of others worth exploring that you should consider investigating if you have the time.

^^^ Unsplash Image

You Have FOMO When Twitter Longevity Threads Drop:

You might also be ready for rejuvenation therapy if you fear missing out every time someone on Twitter drops a rejuvenation thread. If you’re reading it and wishing it was you in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, you’re not alone!

Your Joints Are Creaking:

Lastly, you might seriously want to look into various rejuvenation therapies if your joints are creaking and aching. These can make them far less likely to hurt in the future and help keep you fit and active.

The best therapies are things like peptides and plasma infusions. These get right to the source of the problem and help to rebuild any damage. You could also just look at improving your diet and still get good results!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov18

Survive Your Renovation With These Tips

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Survive Your Renovation With These Tips

There are countless reasons to renovate your home and it can provide a huge boost in property value and curb appeal. But, this often takes more time and effort than many homeowners realize, especially when it’s a live-in renovation. It’s easy to see why it can get stressful quickly. This doesn’t always have to be the case. Some of these tips have a lot more of an impact than others, which is why they’re always worth starting off with. Whether it’s your first home renovation or your fifth, let’s explore some of the best ways to make your reno a breeze:

Have a Checklist:

There’s often a lot more involved in a renovation than most people expect. You’ll need to consider demolition work, any systems that need to be replaced, the exact upgrades you’re making, finishing touches, and storage options. It’s difficult to keep track of all of this in your head. You’re much better off having a checklist that goes through exactly what needs to be done and when. It’ll help make sure you don’t forget about anything and prevent last minute frustrations.

Hire Expert Contractors:

You already know you’ll need a team to carry out your renovation work for you. But, that doesn’t mean just hiring anyone you come across. Make sure they’re experts in the exact kind of work you need, as it will make sure everything is done to a high standard. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, for example, a trustworthy kitchen remodeling expert is who you should go for. While that could mean spending a little more compared to a generalist, the added quality and craftsmanship you get with this is more than worth it.

Declutter Before Work Starts:

You’ll have plenty of belongings in any room you’re renovating and you should get these out of the way as early as possible. It gives your contractor the space they need to work, keeps your belongings safe, and just makes the whole process easier. Declutter as much as you can ahead of time. If you’re just renovating one room, you could move your belongings into another room to keep them safe. For whole-home renovations, you could need to rent a storage unit.

As much as you want your home renovation, you don’t want to deal with a lot of stress and hassle during the process. Thankfully, you don’t have to put up with that. The right renovation tips should be more than enough to avoid a lot of issues going forward!

Featured Image By: Immo Renovation from Unsplash

Nov8

Safety First

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Safety First

Howdy!! We are obviously living in some pretty crazy times and one of the best things that you can do is be safe. I had a situation on Monday that I think is worth offering a friendly reminder for. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe I watch too many true crime documentaries lol. However, this is a good tip to pass along if you should experience something similar…

When I got home from work on Monday, Johnny was heading out the door to meet his mom for dinner. After he left, I went into the kitchen to make myself something to eat. Grilled cheese and tomato soup for the win on a chilly fall day! Less than ten minutes later (Between five and seven, I would guesstimate), I got a knock on my door. I thought Johnny might have forgotten something but he always announces himself when he’s at the door and I’m by myself. From the kitchen, I could see that it was an older man who I didn’t recognize at all.

As we had no memos from our apartment community for maintenance checks, I knew that it was not someone who worked on the property. He left after a few minutes and there was no note at the door which confirmed it wasn’t someone who was employed where I live. I decided to call my downstairs neighbor and he didn’t have any visitors at his place and I thought that was odd. If this person was selling something, it would make sense that he knocked on my neighbor’s door next.

Once again, it could have been nothing but the reminder is: If you are home alone and not expecting anyone that it is okay to not open the door. If you have an off feeling, then listen to yourself. I definitely had a weird feeling when the person arrived so shortly after I was by myself and remained in the kitchen until the coast was clear. Should you answer the door and the person questions if there is anyone with you – lie. Your neighbor is about to stop by for coffee. Your partner is returning home from work. You are expecting a call from your boss. Anything to get that door shut again. Also, don’t open the screen door and keep one hand on your phone and your other hand on the knob so you can shut it quickly.

Being cautious when you are by yourself at home and not expecting anyone at your door is smart. If you don’t have a safety plan in mind, I encourage you to make one so you don’t feel on the spot when you feel like something is off!

Do you have a safety plan in place for yourself? What is on your plan? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov3

How To Pest-Proof Your Lawn Before Winter

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How To Pest-Proof Your Lawn Before Winter

You ever notice how when the weather finally cools down, you’re excited for cozy sweaters and hot chocolate, but every bug in existence seems to get the same idea? Yeah, it’s not really a fun way to have a seasonal shift, right? Well, not just bugs (though it’s mostly bugs), but mice and other pests too. Unlike birds, pests don’t migrate south for the winter; they’re trying to get into your warm house instead. Your lawn is basically like a waiting room for pests until they can get into your home. Usually, this can be fairly preventable, but it starts with your lawn and utilizing these tips:

Your Lawn Might Need a Quick Glow-Up:

On the one hand, your lawn is nature and it needs nature to thrive (obviously). But at the same time, if you let Mother Nature set its course, or welcome Mother Nature a little too much, that means a bug infestation. Obviously, there needs to be a balance, because you can’t just expect to have literally zero pests in your lawn; that’s not possible or healthy. If your lawn is covered in leaves, sticks, and grass clippings, it’s basically saying, “Come on in”. Well, for a bug (or even mice), that’s what it seems like. So, is it autumn? Is it damp? Is there anything like leaves decomposing? That’s perfect for bugs and rodents trying to stay warm. You just need to clean it up, rake the leaves, compost (in a bin) the leaves, remove trash, cut the grass, it’s those sorts of things that make a big difference.

Your Lawn’s an Ecosystem:

This was already mentioned, but it helps to just say it again. People often forget that lawns are alive. Think of it like this: Too much moisture – that means grubs. Are there dead spots? You can say hello to ants. You get the picture. For the most part, a healthy lawn does fight back. And sure, it can be hard having to “perfect” this art, like aerating the soul, bug control, fertilizer, ect, and in that case, if you have the money for it, it could help to look into SolTerra Lawn & Pest since they can keep your lawn strong and keep the bugs outside (and not going into your house).

Fix the Tiny Stuff ASAP:

Here’s an example: you know that crack near the garden bed you’ve been ignoring for months? The bugs are using it. In general, those little gaps in the soil, patio, or fence line are where bugs crawl into to stay warm. So you will need to fill or patch these ASAP. The same goes for standing water, too, like puddles. Standing water can, of course, damage the lawn further and bring pests right to your front door.

Fixing problem areas in your lawn can help keep your home pest free for the winter. Start now while the weather is still warm(ish)!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct28

How To Handle Home Emergencies Like A Pro

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How To Handle Home Emergencies Like A Pro

No matter how organized you are, home emergencies have a way of showing up at the worst possible moment. IE: A burst pipe just before bed, a power cut on a cold evening, a leak in the roof when it’s pouring down, and so on – you know the kind of thing. The problem is that these things happen fast, and when they do, it’s easy to panic. A calm, practical response can make a big difference to the outcome, and knowing what to do in those first few minutes can save you money, reduce damage, and keep your home safe. Keep reading to find out more:

Start With Safety First:

Before anything else, make sure the situation isn’t putting anyone at risk. For example, if there’s water involved, switch off the electricity before going near the problem, and if there’s a fire or gas leak, leave the property immediately and call emergency services. Then, once you know everyone’s safe, you can turn your attention to limiting the damage.

Know Where To Turn Things Off:

A lot of emergencies are made worse because people don’t know where their stopcock or fuse box is, which is why it’s worth taking a few minutes as soon as you can to learn how to turn off your water, gas, and power quickly. This small bit of knowledge can stop a minor issue from turning into a disaster because doing something like turning off the main water supply right away can make a huge difference if a pipe bursts.

Act Fast To Contain The Problem:

Quick action often means less damage, so if water is leaking, use buckets or towels to stop it spreading, and if the roof is letting water in, a temporary cover can protect belongings until help arrives. Why do something at that point even if you’ve got help on the way? It’s because even a few simple steps in those first moments can save a lot of stress later on.

Call In The Right Help:

Some jobs are best left to professionals, especially when it comes to plumbing, electrics, or structural issues. If a burst pipe has caused flooding, getting water damage restoration experts in quickly can prevent mold, protect flooring, and stop further problems from developing. In other words, don’t wait until things get worse to pick up the phone – calling early usually means less disruption and lower repair costs.

Keep A Basic Emergency Kit:

You don’t need to turn your house into a survival bunker, but having a few basics ready can make emergencies easier to manage. Your kit could include a flashlight, spare batteries, a few tools, sandbags or sealant, and a copy of emergency contacts can all help you act fast. Even if you never end up needing to use your kit, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have one ready anyways.

Home emergencies are stressful, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Keeping a calm head, a bit of preparation, and knowing when to bring in professional help can make all the difference!

Featured Image By: Slyzyy

Jul16

Car Care: Pay Attention To These Areas

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Car Care: Pay Attention To These Areas

Are you a car owner? If so, then you will no doubt be aware of the constant struggle to take care of your vehicle. To do this, you need to make sure that you understand the key areas that will always require your attention with your vehicle. There are lots of elements that you need to think about here, so let’s dive in:

Clean It Regularly:

First, you should make sure to clean it properly. In doing so, you can avoid a build up of dirt and grime. Believe it or not, this is more than enough to damage your vehicle and it’s why it’s always important to clean your car thoroughly. Make sure that you use the right cleaning liquids too. If they are the wrong choices, then they could ultimately end up damaging the paintwork and this could also eventually lead to issues with rust in key areas of the vehicle.

Dirt and grime may also cause issues with key areas of your vehicle like the brakes. If there is a problem with the brakes, then it could diminish your stopping distance and this will ultimately lead to a collision or a severe crash on the road. That means that you’ll need to pay a fortune to get your car repaired at some point in the future.

MOT And Service Regularly:

In most countries it is a legal requirement to book your car in for a regular MOT and service. This informs you that your car is safe to drive and roadworthy, the last thing you want to be doing is driving around on faulty breaks. You will be given a certificate when you book into an MOT or service and this stays with your car. If you prefer, you can go to the correct dealership for your services. If you have a Mercedes then you will need to book Mercedes service to find out more.

Keep Your Eye On How It Drives:

Finally, if you are trying to look after your car then it can tell you a lot about what is going on by the way it is driving. For example, if your car is jumping or juddering then this could signify an issue with the gearbox. Make sure you listen for any and all unusual noises and get it booked into a garage. You don’t want a simple issue to grow due to you ignoring it. A garage and mechanic will be able to hoist it up on the ramp with the diagnostic tool. This will give you a full workup of what could potentially be wrong with your car.

We hope this helps you understand some of the key areas that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your car remains in great working order in the future. In doing so, you can guarantee that your car retains as much value as possible and doesn’t let you down when you are on the road!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May22

Black & White OOTD Bonus Pictures

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Black & White OOTD Bonus Pictures

Howdy everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Black & White OOTD! As any content creator will tell you, some shoots are just better than others. I’ve shot countless OOTDs where I was only satisfied with three or so pictures and others where the options are seemingly endless. I most definitely prefer the latter and was blessed with it when taking these outfit pics. After a little OOTD hiatus, it was the best way to get back into it – a great look, perfect lighting, and a fun day to wear said outfit to!

Can we just talk about how amazing technology is? Lol, random I know – but let me tell you a little story. All along the stairwell leading up to my apartment are bird nests. There is constant activity and almost every time I leave home, a bird flies right in front of my face and it scares me Every. Single. Time. I am always wide awake for wherever I am going afterwards, though! As you can imagine, with all of these birds means a lot of poo poo on the premises. And, I didn’t realize that there was a lot of poo poo that was showing up in these pictures! *Facepalm*

As I was going over the pictures after the fact, I was trying to find a solution to editing out the poo poo problem. And, let me tell you, my mind was simply BLOWN over the “clean up” function on the iPhone! With a simple swipe, the bird crap was a mere memory and the novelty didn’t fade. I’m pretty sure I said “oh WOW” every time I removed one of the offenses. In fact, I was so amazed that I showed Johnny and he couldn’t believe it either!! This just goes to show that there is always a solution to shit and that I should probably get to know my iPhone a bit better because this is a game changer!! 😀

I might be a little late to the party on this iPhone function but I couldn’t have become hip at a better time. The more you know!

What is your favorite app? What is your favorite iPhone function? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah