Tag Archives: just so you know

Oct3

Bigger Home, Smaller Spend: Expand Your Property For Less

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Bigger Home, Smaller Spend: Expand Your Property For Less

It’s pretty common to start wishing that your home had more space. Your family might start to grow or maybe you even pick up a hobby that starts to take over your home. Moving is one option, but you can also consider trying to work with what you’ve got. Perhaps you have some land, even if only a small amount around your house, that seems to be going to waste. Or you might already have indoor space that you might be able to put to better use by converting it. Expanding your home can be expensive, though. If you want to do it, it’s a good idea to find ways to do it for less. Take a look:

Convert An Existing Space:

By far the easiest way of getting more space in your home is to convert a space that you already have. While it’s not technically expanding your home, you can create more liveable space where it wasn’t before. For example, your attic, basement, or garage might currently be a storage space. A smart conversion could turn it into anything you want, from a spare bedroom to a workshop, a home theater, a bar, or a games room. Before you start decorating and bringing in furniture, you might need to think about some more basic things, such as insulation and plumbing.

If your home cannot afford to lose any of its existing rooms, then that is when you would want to think about an expansion. This could be as simple as adding a sunroom to give an extra space to chill out in. If you want to go the expansion route, enter a search for “Construction company in Asheville, NC” (or your local area) to begin researching professionals and getting quotes.

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#menatwork

Alternative Building Materials:

If you’ve decided that you want to build something, possibly separate from your existing property, things are likely to get more expensive. One of the ways that you can think about keeping costs down is by selecting the right building materials. You don’t need to construct a new building out of brick. Steel is a cheap option that can work for several purposes. Perhaps you want space for a workshop, a garage, or storage space. You can easily find out how to put up a steel building so you can ensure that your project goes smoothly. Steel buildings are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and cost effectiveness. The ease of assembly for barndominium kits makes it a huge game changer for those considering a steel option. Another material to consider could be wood or, perhaps, you might think about using concrete. Both materials are good options.

When you consult with a construction team like IMI (or a similar company in your local area), it is important to have a firm budget established as well as some extra wiggle room. With your budget in mind, they will be able to recommend the materials for your project to keep you in a range that you are comfortable with while ensuring a successful end result.

Use a Pre-Fab Design:

A pre-engineered design is a great way to save money on expanding your home. If you want to add a separate addition or even a cozy cabin to your property, prefab buildings make a lot of sense. Sometimes they can be built off-site and lifted in or you can bring in the different parts and put them together when they arrive. They make construction quicker, easier, and cheaper.

With the costs you cut by using prefab buildings, you have more wiggle room with the rest of your budget. These savings can be used for skid steer rentals to work around your property, new furniture, or additional helpers. Extra room in your budget will also be helpful in putting your own unique touches on a pre-designed unit.

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#menatworkAGAIN

Save On Construction:

You might also like to think about how you could save money on construction. It’s not just the materials and planning that can cost a lot of money. Some people like to try and save on construction by doing some of the work themselves or taking on the role of project manager. However, these are both difficult things to do if you don’t have any experience. You can also make sure to get quotes from different contractors to find the best price before saying yes to anything.

If you are taking a more active role in this project, you must be aware of your limits. If you do not have the proper skill set, you could get injured or make costly mistakes. This also includes being aware of things you aren’t comfortable with completing. For example, looking into a scaffolding rental service in Dallas, TX (or your local area) might not be the best option for your DIY if you are afraid of heights. Be sure you are budgeting accordingly so you can hire the help that you need.

If you want to add space to your home, it could be more affordable than you think. Consider your options before you make any decisions!

Featured Image By: Wikimedia

Oct2

Translating Your Love For Animals Into Action

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Translating Your Love For Animals Into Action

Mark Twain famously said: “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog”. While this might be a little harsh as a statement, there are a lot of people who could agree with Twain’s words. In fact, there are plenty of famous people who share Twain’s opinion from Marilyn Monroe, who found that only humans bit, to Elton John whose best man at his wedding was his dog. While preferring dogs to humans might seem a little off, there are clear advantages in developing a bond with animals. They are reliable, they don’t judge you, they don’t have any hidden motive, and, more practically, they provide friendly company. As an animal lover, you can make the world a better place for our furry, feathery and scaly friends by doing some (Or all!) of the below:

Change an animal’s life:

Do you know how many pets are abandoned every day? Rescue centers are filled with found, lost, and lonely pets who need a little help to find a better life. Some of them have been through horrendous situations such as abusive owners. There’s no denying that adopting an animal from a rescue center can make all of the difference. Of course, this isn’t a path for the faint-hearted, as some pets will need a lot of patience and support to trust another human being, so do make sure that you are informed about their backstory. But don’t despair, the effort is worth it! More often than not, animals with the worst stories are the kindest. They are quick to recognize your intentions and show their gratitude. If you want to start with an easier case, you could adopt an old pet as they tend to be peaceful, easy to manage, and just as cute.

Share your opinions and be proud of them:

Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is to make your opinions clear and known —  respectfully, of course! You can talk to your friends about your beliefs about animals, for example, and maybe encourage them to follow your model. You could opt for a more passive conversion by wearing message tees to promote animal rights and animal pride — discover more fashionable alternatives over here. Sometimes nothing makes a stronger impact than a tee that says how much you love your dachshund. It’s fun, playful, and weirdly unforgettable and that’s what matters!

Become a wildlife’s hero:

If you want to turn your love for animals into something meaningful, you can join some of the wildlife actions for the protection and safety of all animals. You don’t need to be a multi-millionaire to make a difference. Adopting a wild animal through the WWF can help to fund wildlife protection. If you’ve got time, you can volunteer with zoos or organizations to help clean beaches and rescue animals. Buying responsibly also means that you can support companies that don’t pollute the environment and endanger wildlife. So what’s stopping you?

Being an animal lover is not just about watching kitten videos on YouTube. It’s a matter of doing your share to help animals and promote the cause. By adopting a dog in your neighborhood or choosing to donate to save tigers in the wild, you turn your love into a valuable action.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep30

Last Call For Mini Halloween Series Guest Bloggers

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Last Call For Mini Halloween Series Guest Bloggers

Hellooo everyone and happy weekend! I am still looking for a few more guest bloggers for my mini Halloween series while I am away for a couple of days in October. If you are interested in sharing some spook-tastic fun with my readers in a Halloween themed post of your choice, then please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com !! THANKS! ❤

Also, be sure to tune in tomorrow so that we can talk shop about the Marilyn Manson concert yesterday! Woooooooooooooooooo! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

Can I Trust My College With My Student Loans?

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Can I Trust My College With My Student Loans?

Congrats! You’re going to college. All of those years of studying hard and living at home have finally paid off. Within a couple of months, the bags and boxes will be full and you’ll be ready to meet your roommate. What a time to be alive (lol). Well, it is as long as you make it that far. If there is one thing that we know about higher education, it’s the price. According to The Economist, the average student loan debt is $37,172. It doesn’t matter how many weekend jobs you have because you ain’t going to save that money.

So, this is where the government comes in handy and finally pulls its weight and lends you the money. And, you gladly hand it over to the college of your choice without a second thought. Wait a minute, though. What if that was a mistake? These are the signs that you can trust a college with your student loan, because things can go south very quickly:

Retail Price:

Career coaches won’t tell you to do this, but what’s the point of being a teenager if you aren’t going to rebel (YOLO.)? Think of a college like property. Before you make an offer, the savvy thing to do is check the prices throughout the neighborhood. That way, no one gets conned over the price. Universities are the same because they will try and charge extra for a course which is no different to its competitors. They might have an “excuse”, but it has to be a good one. As a rule, the majority of the courses throughout the major colleges are the same, barring a feature or two. An establishment that is trying to milk you for as much as possible isn’t a trustworthy one.

The Paper Trail:

The foundations of a con doesn’t change from the bottom to the very top. Whether you’re dealing with a petty criminal or a rogue college, they all require trust. Not to be cynical, but keep your cards close to your chest. Again, not something a counselor would advocate, yet an important piece of advice, nonetheless. Fake unis and colleges attempting to improve their bottom line act like butter wouldn’t melt. So, the idea of education fraud doesn’t even appear on a potential student’s radar, not unless it’s on Call of Duty. However, it’s a problem which is impacting the school systems around the world. The good news, is that a receipt of payment is a simple fix. I know you wanted something a bit more James Bondish, but there are no fancy gadgets here. Nope, it’s just a piece of paper with the time, date, and a total amount.

Their Reputation:

Universities aren’t exempt from the rumor mill. Whether it’s Oxford and Harvard or a community college, campus gossip is something that you shouldn’t always take with a grain of salt. There will always be rumors and experiences from previous students. If you hear anything that sounds sketchy in the murky underworld that is higher education, don’t be afraid to investigate. A little piece of gossip can be the difference between tens of thousands of good debt, and a fraud case.

Keep in mind that all colleges aren’t the beacon of morality of which they claim. Some are dishonest and unreliable, plain and simple. Do your research, because your student loans are going to impact you until you finally pay them off.

Featured Image By: Flickr via CafeCredit

Aug31

Protecting Your Home From A Hurricane: 3 Crucial Steps To Take

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Protecting Your Home From A Hurricane: 3 Crucial Steps To Take

I’m sure everyone has seen the devastating scenes from Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. It’s a truly tragic event that’s left so many homes destroyed and people on the streets. While this particular hurricane was a ‘100-year storm’ it does make us open our eyes and wonder if we’re prepared for any other hurricanes that might hit our homes. Trying to limit the damage to your home is crucial, and there are a few key steps that you can take to keep your property in the best shape possible when natural disasters hit your area:

Secure Your Roof:

Your roof is one of the parts of your house that suffers worse than most. When the heavy rains pelt down and the winds come roaring, it’s normally your roof that takes the brunt of the force. Not only that, but your roof can easily be damaged due to the way that it’s made. Roof tiles can be blown off or shattered, which will lead to severe leaks and a whole lot of property damage.

What you need to do is secure your roof properly. The first way to do this is by checking all of the tiles and ensuring that your roof is in good condition. If not, you should have dodgy tiles replaced or maybe a whole new roof fitted. As you can see with this roofing contractor, there are loads of different materials that you can build a roof out of. Pick one that you know is extremely durable and weather resistant. While you’re at it, get some hurricane straps, too, so you can keep your roof even more secure.

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Is your roof as secure as possible?

Block Any Gaps:

It’s very common for windows and doors to have tiny gaps in their sealant that can let in drafts of cold air or bits of rainwater. Normally, you don’t notice this, but you will when a storm hits. So, you must block any gaps and secure your windows and doors. Put a fresh layer of sealant around all of your windows to ensure that the wind doesn’t sneak in or rain doesn’t cause leaks. The same goes for your doors, too. You might also want to look into hurricane proof windows for further security and peace of mind if a hurricane hits. Any extra protection is priceless.

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Keep everything sealed tight!

Keep Your Front & Back Yards Bare:

Finally, it’s a good idea to limit what you have outside of your house. By this we mean; outdoor tables/chairs, a kid’s playhouse, garden tools, etc. This is because hurricane winds can blow them into your house and cause damage. When hurricane season hits, it’s best to move everything into indoor storage. Also, think about trimming down the trees that are in closest proximity to your home for extra security.

If you know that hurricanes are common in your area, follow these steps right away to get yourself prepared. And, as always, our thoughts are with everyone whose life has been turned upside down by Hurricane Harvey.

Featured Image By: Bit.ly

Aug31

Signs That It’s Time To Leave Your Job

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Signs That It’s Time To Leave Your Job

It’s easy for us to get used to our jobs and maybe even feel content with them, to the detriment of our future advancement. Just because a job is easy and it’s pleasant doesn’t mean that is is the right place for you to be. While there’s nothing wrong with staying at a job because it’s easy and we know what we’re doing, it can lead to complacency, and you might still be there ten years down the line when all of your colleagues have moved on to bigger and better things.

To avoid being trapped by complacency, here are some sure signs that it’s time to move on from your current job:

Your Life Is The Status Quo: If you’ve been doing the same job with the same routine every day for so long that you can’t even remember when it started, it might be time to look elsewhere to start really building a career. If promotions in your current place are hard to come by and you haven’t been considered despite being more than qualified, chances are you could definitely do better. And who doesn’t want to spice up their life a little>

You’re Never Given Feedback: Feedback, both positive and negative, is important for your development. If you don’t know what you’re doing right and which things could be improved upon, you’ll never be able to grow into the best professional that you can be.

Your Bosses Are Being Difficult: If after all of the hard work and dedication you’ve put into building their business, your bosses are so difficult that you have to see a workers compensation lawyer or they put you on probation because you had to take a few days out to look after a sick family member, take it as a clear nudge to get out. It’s rarely worth sticking with a company that doesn’t value you, especially when you’re only doing it because the work is easy or it’s a little more convenient for you.

There’s A Mass Exodus: If your long-term coworkers all start to abandon ship around the same time, it’s probably worth finding out why. If they’re experiencing problems in the workplace, it’s only a matter of time before you start experiencing the same issues, too. Or, if they’re leaving because they’ve found better opportunities elsewhere, you could, too!

You’ve Been Contacted By Headhunters: If you’ve been contacted by headhunters who’ve gone out of their way to try and poach you, you’d be foolish not to at least consider it. If a company really wants you, it’s usually because they’re impressed by your work and are willing to pay for the experience that you bring to the table. You may be able to negotiate a better salary and more workplace benefits with them than you could in your current position. And, once again, who doesn’t want that?

You’ve Already Been Considering It: If you’ve been thinking about leaving, even if they’ve only been idle thoughts, it could be a sign that you’ve grown weary of your job, even if you don’t fully realize it yourself. Don’t dismiss these thoughts and look into your options, because everyone has them.

Leaving a steady job can be scary, but sometimes it’s the only way to move forward to bigger and better things in your life.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Aug31

Mostly Bloodless Medical Jobs For The Squeamish

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Mostly Bloodless Medical Jobs For The Squeamish

A lot of people fancy a career in the medical sector. But when they sit down and really think about what it involves – cutting people open and having their guts spew out – suddenly it doesn’t seem so appealing. But the good news, is that not everybody in healthcare is ripping open chest cavities and reattaching severed limbs. In fact, there are plenty of positions which don’t involve any blood at all, like the following:

Don’t let your squeamishness put you off from getting a job in this sector. The jobs listed below will definitely not require a radiation suit or assisting with surgeries as well as minimal blood! Perfect for those who would like to work in the medical field without all of the yuck that potentially comes with it. Let’s get started:

Respiratory Therapist: One of the best ways to become valuable as a healthcare worker is to drill down and focus on a single area of expertise. Respiratory therapists do just that, focusing on helping people who have trouble breathing and doing tests to get to the bottom of their condition. The good thing about becoming a respiratory therapist is that there is comparatively little blood involved. You will have to insert tubes into patients’ windpipes, but if you can get over that hurdle, you’re almost home and dry.

Like other jobs in healthcare, experts believe that the demand for respiratory therapists will remain strong over the next five years, at least. Respiratory therapists are likely to be in high demand thanks to the increasing prevalence of lung-related disorders, such as asthma and COPD. Salaries are competitive. For just a couple of year’s training to get an associate degree, a trained respiratory therapist can take home $60,000 per year.

Nutritionist: Chronic diseases and obesity are currently the major cause of disability in Western countries like the US. Yes, people need heroic medicine if they break their leg, and they need antibiotics when they get an infection, but the vast majority of illness is the result of diet and lifestyle. Your job as a nutritionist is to help people modify their diets, change their habits and chip away at the underlying causes of their illnesses.

A cool thing about being a nutritionist is that by working closely enough with patients, you can help them not only manage their chronic diseases but reverse them, too. The medical literature is full of studies in which people with conditions like heart disease, angina, and diabetes get better, all by shifting their diets to healthier options.

The obesity crisis isn’t going anywhere, and so dietitians are likely to remain on the front lines for a long time to come, helping to motivate people to choose healthier behaviors and options. Pay averages around $57,000 per year, though it’s possible to make more by getting high profile private clients, selling books, and blogging.

Radiologist: Radiologists are doctors with relatively few actual contact hours with patients. They spend most of their time reading up on both the latest diagnostic technology and the best lab improvement software such as NovoPath 360, helping them to better collaborate with other staff such as lab techs and find out how to deliver the right treatment to their patients. Radiology is currently an exciting field: scanning technologies are progressing at an exponential rate and before long, radiologists will be able to view every cell in the body at sub-micron resolutions, allowing them to pinpoint the exact source of a person’s illness.

As a radiologist, you’re also liable to work with technology in the future, specifically artificial intelligence, perhaps the single most important advance in the medical sector for decades. With the help of AI, radiologists seek and identify diseases in their patients and offer treatment options. According to http://www.wikiprofessional.org/index.php?title=Radiologist_Salary the average salary for a radiologist is $130,000 per year. However, the top 10 percent earn more than $187,000.

Radiation Therapist: The job of a radiation therapist is to administer cancer treatment to patients. Their purpose is to not only operate the equipment itself but explain to patients their treatment options. According to https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/medical-imaging-and-radiotherapy/, you need an accredited degree or postgraduate program to become a radiation therapist. You’ll need all of the training that you can get to adequately monitor the progress of the patient during treatment.

Radiotherapy is expected to increase as the population ages. Currently, around 39 percent of Americans get cancer at some point in their lives. This is projected to rise to 50 percent over the next twenty years. Thus, unless technology changes, the number of radiation therapy jobs is expected to boom by more than 25 percent until 2022. That’s pushing wages up, too. A radiation therapist can earn more than $83,000 per year. What’s more, there’s no blood involved.

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Health.mil Image

Does the sight of blood make you cringe? Do you still want a job in the medical field? Then, some of the above job options might be for you!

Featured Image By: Wikimedia Commons

Aug28

Monday Update: Falling For Fall Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

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Monday Update: Falling For Fall Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

Hi everyone and happy Monday! This week and the next are going to be very exciting here on lifewithlilred, because my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series premieres tomorrow. Every day you can tune in here at 1 PM for posts from amazing bloggers from all over the world as they tell you how they welcome fall through their travel, beauty, DIY, style, and so much more. It’s safe to say that this series has been one of my favorites yet and I’m really excited to share it with all of you. The lineup will be as follows:

Tomorrow my Falling For Fall series will kickstart for some nonstop fun on lifewithlilred and I just know that all of you are going to love it! How was everyone’s weekend? Are some of your favorite bloggers featured on my lineup? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug25

Sick :(

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Sick :(

Hi everyone and TGIF! Lil Red has come down with a really unfortunate summer cold this past week and, rest assured, I am absolutely miserable. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me this weekend because I need to get some rest and I also have a lot to catch up on from my sick days. But please tune in for next week’s Monday Update, because I will be announcing the lineup for my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series, which premieres on the 29th!

How do you beat a summer cold? What are some of your home remedies for when you’re feeling unwell? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

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Understanding Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage is a way to increase the money that you have during your retirement by accessing part of your home’s value in the form of actual money. You can borrow up to a certain percentage of the value of your home, and you won’t have to pay it back in the same way that you would a regular home loan. The only monthly installments involved will be the ones that the lender pays to you, unless you request to borrow a large amount at once. You can pay back a reverse loan whenever you want, as long as you don’t move away.

As soon as you leave, the lender can exercise their right to call in the loan, and they can also sell the home to get their money. But, as long as you plan to stay in your house for a while, a reverse mortgage can provide a much needed financial boost in times of trouble.

Who qualifies for a reverse mortgage? There are certain requirements in order to qualify for a reverse mortgage. An individual must own their home outright. If there is still a mortgage balance owed, it must be low enough that it can be paid off at closing. The homeowner is still required to pay property taxes and insurance, so they must have the finances to do so. The individual must be at least 62 years old or, if there are multiple owners, the youngest must be at least 62 years old.

When does a reverse mortgage become due? The reverse mortgage becomes due when the homeowner sells the house, moves out of the property, or becomes deceased. If there are multiple owners, the mortgage does not become due as long as at least one of them still remains in the home as a primary residence. Once the reverse mortgage is due, the balance of the loan must be paid back within six months. If you are nearing retirement, for instance, then you may want to think about how else you can pay your mortgage. You will want to find out the latest RIO mortgage rates from the Halifax Building Society, or a similar company, as you decide if this option is feasible or not for you and your family. You never want this to overextend your budget.

What happens with the estate? In the event that the homeowner or owners are deceased, beneficiaries of the estate can choose to place the property for sale. If the estate sells for more than the amount of the reverse mortgage, the proceeds become the property of the beneficiaries. Should the house sell for less than the total amount of the reverse mortgage, the lender must take the loss. The debt cannot be passed along to the heirs of the estate.

The estate beneficiaries may, instead, choose to pay back the reverse mortgage in order to retain ownership of the property. In this event, they must pay back any balance remaining on the mortgage. This can be done either by using financial assets or by refinancing the mortgage.

What if I change my mind? If a senior citizen obtains a reverse mortgage and then reconsiders, they have the option of paying back the loan early. Prior to September of 2012, lenders could charge a penalty for repaying the loan prior to term. Since then, penalties for prepayments are illegal. However, lenders may charge other administrative fees for processing the early discharge of the loan.

Reverse mortgage counseling: Deciding if a reverse mortgage is right for you depends on many factors, and consumers need to understand all of the pros and cons. An impartial reverse mortgage counselor can fully explain exactly what the loan entails. They will also be able to inform you of other mortgage solutions that you can consider. This is a big decision and you must know all of the facts before making your choice. This counseling is mandatory in order to protect consumers. Counseling may be done face-to-face or over the phone. After providing counseling, the counselor must sign an HECM Counseling Certificate and mail a copy to the homeowner. The copy is presented to the lender along with the reverse mortgage application.

Let’s be honest, any type of financing when it comes to your home can be confusing. It is always best to handle your affairs with the utmost care and to consider how each of your options, like a reverse mortgage, fits into your current lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Flickr