Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

4 Ways to Make Your Old Home Energy Efficient

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Regardless of age, it’s always a good thing to save money. This is true for people who own their own homes, and who may be wondering if there are ways to make improvements to their savings. This is especially a concern for older homes, which may leave a lot to be desired in terms of efficiency. The answer is that it’s possible to save by keeping your energy requirements reasonable. Have a look below to see some amazing ways in which you can make your old home more energy-efficient and save a good amount of money.

1. Seal Your Duct System

One of the areas in which you should invest some energy is in your home’s ductwork. Hot air can easily escape through the joints in the ductwork. This is supported by the fact that up to 30% of the energy consumption in your home may start from issues with your duct system. That said, it’s a good idea for you to have an inspection done on your ductwork so that you can seal all possible leaks. Alternatively, do the inspection yourself as long as there’s minimal risk in doing so, and apply healing-vent tape to all the joints that you come across. When you do this, you can be sure that you’ll lose less energy through the ductwork.

2. Switch to ENERGY STAR Kitchen Appliances

To make even more savings while keeping your home running efficiently, you may want to look into getting ENERGY STAR appliances that have great ratings for energy use. While 87% of homeowners add new decor as a part of their kitchen renovations, it’s important to dedicate more funds towards a more meaningful upgrade. If your appliances are old enough to warrant replacement, you should replace them with modern appliances that promise to give you great service while using up less energy. From dishwashers and refrigerators to freezers and induction cooktops, you can be sure that you’ll get a number of kitchen appliances to choose from. You’ll notice an improvement in your overall energy consumption when you switch to appliances that have a good energy rating.

3. Redesign Your Bathroom

Another space in your home that you can redesign to improve efficiency is the bathroom. That’s because there are a few possible sources of energy loss in this space. From making sure that the showers and toilets use water efficiently to getting more efficient water heaters and energy strips for appliances in the bathroom, there are a few things to look into. If your bathroom is among the 12.43% of bathrooms that have a modern design aesthetic, it’s important to proceed with this design aspect in mind. Make upgrades that will add to this rather than take away from it, such as picking taps in a certain finish that are also more efficient in controlling water flow.

4. Check the Doors and Windows

Last, but not least, it’s a good idea for you to ensure that there are no cracks between your doors and windows and their frames. These may seem minimal, but they can cause a lot of energy loss by forcing you to turn your AC higher and for a longer time to achieve a comfortable temperature in the house. That said, if your house has older windows and doors, you may want to look for new ones that will replace any old, drafty ones and lead to energy efficiency. If you can’t replace them right away, take the temporary measure of sealing any gaps you find with caulk from your local hardware store.

With these four methods, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and get the money you spend on energy to go further. By doing this, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable home through all seasons. Plan for these upgrades so that you can get them done in the best way possible and make considerable energy savings as a result.

Starting a Small Business? Read This!

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Starting your own business may feel like a lot of work. There’s a lot of information going around on things like permits, finances, and more, which may be confusing. While it takes a considerable amount of work to start a business the right way and run it well, the truth is that you need to figure out a good way to start and keep an open mind so that you can learn and adjust as you go. Read on to see some of the basic information that you need to keep in mind in order to start your small business the right way and set it up for success.

Stay Legally Informed

To be able to start your business well and run it the right way, it’s important to make sure that you follow all the necessary regulations. For this, you may need to hire a professional to point out the legal aspects to consider while planning your business. It’s also a good idea for you to do your own research and follow the law yourself in all other aspects. This involves avoiding things like drinking and driving, for which you risk many things, including a DUI. Note that a second DUI conviction in PA can result in jail time as well as between $300 and $2,500. This and other instances of breaking the law could also cost you your reputation besides issues with finances.

Hire the Right Team

The next thing that you should do is to hire the right people to help you. For reference, note that roughly 70% of small businesses hire tax professionals to help them with their IRS concerns and tax preparation. Given the complex nature of this field, it’s important to find someone who’s knowledgeable in the field to help you. When you do this, you’ll have your hands free to work on other business issues. As a result, you can do a lot more and avoid the consequences of failure to comply, since ignorance can’t be considered as a defense.

Set Up an Online Presence

The fact that four out of five consumers shop on their smartphones should motivate you to not only create a solid online presence but to also make sure that it’s mobile-friendly. Find a good designer who can help you to design a website that will showcase your business in a flattering and professional light. You should also have a logo and other branding tools that will help you make an impact on the market. Tailor these details to appeal to your desired target market and you may find it easier to reach further. When people can access and interact with your business and leave fully satisfied with the experience, they’re quite likely to come back again and talk to others about your business.

Find the Right Business Insurance

Last, but not least, look for the right business insurance for your business. Good insurance can help you get your business back on its feet in case something happens. This may be an accident, a weather event, or even something malicious like vandalism or hacking. Take time and find as much information as you can about business insurance. Alternatively, hire someone to tell you the right insurance coverage to buy. With this, you can be more confident in building your business because you’ll know that you have backing in case something happens.

Take these steps when starting a small business to give it a good chance of growing. Keep an open mind as well, staying ready to learn a new thing or two at any time. This is the only way in which you can run a successful business that avoids a number of hurdles and emerges whole in the end.

Here’s How to Paint Your Home on a Budget This Spring!

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Spring has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to give your home a fresh wash. Thankfully, you don’t have to go broke trying to make your home look nice. Follow the tips in this article on how to paint your home on a budget this season. With a little planning and a decent amount of elbow grease, you can transform your home’s exterior in a way you never imagined.

Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior

The first step in the exterior painting process is to power wash all the surfaces completely. It’s important because it helps clean and remove dirt. The clean surface allows for a smooth and even paint application when you’re ready. Renting a power washer is fairly inexpensive. The cost will pay for itself by making your paint job look more professional.

Saving on Exterior Painting Services

Did you know that the average cost for exterior painting services is around $3,000? Don’t let that number scare you off. You can get friends and family to help, or you can just DIY the whole project and save money. In addition, before you panic, understand that there are other ways to lower the price, too.

Find the Best Deals

One of the easiest ways to save cash painting your residence is by hitting the pavement and shopping around for the best deals on products and materials. Look for sales and discounts at your local hardware store or online. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from store employees. They will often recommend the best supplies for what project you’re doing and how much you want to spend.

Choose the Right Paint

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest paint you can find, remember that you often get what you pay for with these kinds of things. Investing in a higher-quality paint will save you money because you won’t be touching it up in the same short time you would have to a lower-quality product. Painting the exterior of your home has the potential of getting you a 55% return on investment (ROI). So, spending a little more on quality paint is always the smarter choice financially.

Invest in the Proper Tools

It may cost a bit more upfront to purchase or rent high-quality brushes, rollers, and other supplies, but these tools are a crucial part of a good paint job. They’ll make the job easier and help you achieve a more professional-looking result. Plus, if you have well-maintained tools, you can reuse them for future projects.

Set a Realistic Timeline

Before you begin the process of painting your property, get a plan in place. In addition, set a realistic expectation for a timeline for completion. Think about factors like how big your house is, the predicted weather, and any other commitments that might get in the way. By setting a clear schedule, you can avoid costly mistakes or delays that could increase the cost of your project.

Don’t Forget About Prep Work

Prepping your home’s exterior surfaces before you start the painting work is essential if you want a successful finish. It may include things like scraping off old paint, caulking gaps, and filling in cracks or holes. By taking the time to prepare, you’ll help guarantee a smooth and even paint application and most likely save time, energy, and money on touch-ups later.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to painting your home on a budget this spring! Plan ahead, shop smart, and invest in the right tools and materials. If you do it right, you will transform your home’s exterior without emptying your wallet. Remember, it’s not just about saving money. You should also be able to take pride in your home and increase its value. With a fresh coat of paint, your home will look completely renewed, and you’ll fall in love with it all over again!