Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

8 Ways to Take Care of Your Aging Back Without Breaking the Bank

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Our health changes throughout our bodies as we age, especially in our backs. Fortunately, taking care of your aging back doesn’t have to drain your bank account, and there are several simple and affordable ways to maintain a healthy back. Here are 8 tips to help you take care of your back without breaking the bank.

1. Maintain a Good Posture

An effective way to prevent back pain is by maintaining good posture. Slouching or hunching over strains your back muscles, resulting in pain and discomfort. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, you should always be aware of your posture, and even if you’re not currently experiencing pain, consider using a cushion to support the natural curve of your spine.

2. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy back. Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help strengthen the muscles that support your back and improve flexibility. Don’t worry if you don’t have a gym membership, as there are simple exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine that will be just as effective.

3. Stretch Regularly

Stretching is a crucial aspect of back care. It helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and relieve tension. Touching your toes, doing knee-to-chest stretches, or practicing yoga are simple stretches that can be done at home without any special equipment. Look for free online resources or community classes to learn different stretching routines, as there are likely many resources available to you. Engaged audiences spend 76 times more on advertised products and services (according to High Rock Studios), meaning that there should be many effective options that you can access.

4. Invest in a Supportive Mattress

A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and back care. Spring mattresses, which have been popular since 1857, can still provide adequate support for your aging back. Look for a mattress that offers proper spinal alignment and distributes your body weight evenly. While some mattresses can be costly, there are affordable options available that offer both comfort and support.

5. Use Ergonomic Furniture

Make sure your workspace is ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your back. Adjust your chair height, use a cushioned seat, and position your computer monitor at eye level to maintain a neutral spine position. If you’re worried about money, there are inexpensive alternatives such as pillows or rolled-up towels to provide lumbar support.

6. Practice Mindful Lifting

Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can lead to back injuries. Whenever you need to lift something, remember to bend your knees, engage your core muscles, and always lift with your legs and not your back. This technique helps evenly distribute weight and reduce the strain on your back muscles.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put additional stress on your back, leading to increased pain and discomfort. When you maintain a healthy weight, you can reduce back strain and improve your overall back health. Opt for nutritious, affordable foods and seek out free or low-cost exercise options to support your weight management goals.

8. Practice Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate back pain and muscle tension, and you should incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily life, whether you’re home, with friends, running errands, or at the gym. If your daily activities are strenuous, take breaks when you can and avoid overextending yourself, as these things will catch up to you as you age. For example, 62% of dancer employees are between 20 and 30 years old, whereas only 4% are over the age of 40. Therefore, you need to balance out how physical and emotional stress affects your body.

By incorporating these simple and affordable strategies into your routine, you’ll be able to care for your back without incurring excessive expenses. Take proactive steps today to ensure a pain-free and active lifestyle as you age.

6 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer

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If you’re familiar with the phrase, ‘having a roof over your head,’ you know just how important this truly is. It’s your first line of defense against the elements and falling debris. If a roof is leaky or unstable, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the house is; it’s hard to live in. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 129,000 roofers in the United States. Finding a great roofer in such a massive pool requires tact. You have to ask the right questions. Here are some you can’t afford to leave out.

1. Do They Have Insurance?

Even if your home is already insured, as a homeowner, you don’t want to end up footing medical bills or paying for accidental damages to other parts of the house during the roof repair or replacement process. Therefore, the roofer you end up with must show they’ve got an active workers’ compensation and a general liability cover that absolves you of any liability your current home insurance doesn’t cover.

2. How Was Their Previous Clients’ Experience?

Asking to see previous projects or to speak with previous clients is not the same as going on a witch hunt. Buying or replacing a roof is a big decision, and you should carefully research the roofer’s work history. Be objective and address any concerns that come up straight on. Ensure their previous work aligns with the outcome you desire for your home.

3. What Credentials Does the Roofing Company Have?

Determine the credentials and licenses your local authorities require roofers to hold. Once you have this information, ask your potential roofer to show you their licenses and certifications. This way, you can weed out roofing companies trying to cut corners. If something goes wrong in the engagement, you’ll have a better chance for recourse if you deal with a legally sound roofer.

4. What Materials Do They Use?

Roofing materials aren’t all equal. They vary in price and quality. Your roof should serve you for decades without leaking or caving. So, the materials should support long-term use. For instance, if you install new asphalt shingles, according to Select Construction Company Inc., you will enjoy an impressive ROI of about 62%, whereas aluminum roofing, though much more affordable, has a lower ROI.

5. What Sizes of Projects Have They Handled Before?

The American Roofers Guild reports that the average residential roof in America is around 1,600 square feet. Granted, an experienced roofer may have handled projects in their tens or hundreds. Still, their scale may have been smaller than the work you want to contract them to do. Conversely, they may be experts at massive projects and must become familiar with the nuances of working on a much smaller-scale project.

6. Can the Roofer Give You a Work Plan?

Before you agree to anything, the roofer should provide you with a work plan that includes timelines, working hours, budget, payment terms, communication plan, contact persons, and other vital details that place you at the heart of the project. You shouldn’t be caught off-guard by anything, so try your best to read between the lines of any document offered to you. If a roofer doesn’t have a work plan, don’t hire them. With professional roofers, you won’t have to ask; a work plan is part of their project routine.

Roofing is a complex job, but these questions should set you on the path to a smooth engagement with your roofer. Build rapport with the company you choose to work with so you can ask for clarification at any stage of your roofing project. If you’re unsatisfied with a response to an issue that’s important to you, that’s a red flag. Keep looking until you find a roofer who’s willing to answer any question you may have, and before you put ink on paper, visit the internet for online reviews and comments about a particular roofer. The proof of roofing is in completed projects and satisfied clients.

7 Affordable Ways to Stay Active This Summer

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Are you ready to give your Netflix a break and get off the couch? With summer on the way, it’s time to plan for the best activities to do. If you enjoy an active lifestyle or want to start one, read on for all the ways to enjoy the extra sunny days on a budget. The air-conditioning equipment market is expected to grow to $281.59 billion by 2027. If you’re looking to get out of the AC and soak up the sun, read on to learn more

1. Go Hiking

There are so many benefits to hiking. In addition to being free, you can enjoy amazing views of a mountain or forest landscape. Look out for sightings of wildlife like deer, foxes, and various species of birds. If you love photography, bring a camera to take pictures as you work up a sweat. As more people are interested in the benefits of hiking, it’s easy to find hiking groups in any city. Just remember to have comfortable footwear with good traction, sunscreen, water, and a healthy snack to keep you energized.

2. Find a Bike Trail

It’s hard to find a road without designated bike trails now. You can enhance a hike by bringing a bike and riding through the wilderness for part of the journey. If you don’t own a bike, you can find cost-effective rentals in many cities. Take advantage of the City Bike rental program nationwide instead of driving to and from work or other errands. Keep in mind that 857 bicyclists died in bicycle accidents in 2018, and exercise the proper precautions for your ride.

3. Volunteer to Work with Kids

Kids are an endless supply of energy. If you enjoy spending time with them, summertime is the perfect time to indulge in that joy. Look into volunteering or working at a camp or other youth-based activities. You can show your ball handling, running, swimming, or tennis skills by coaching eager young people in those sports.

4. Become a Dog Walker

Do you like dogs? It’s no secret that dogs are just as active, if not more so, as children. Canines love to play and run. So why not sign up to be a dog walker or dog sitter and have fun with the furbabies all day? Not only is it affordable, but you can also earn money or possibly reside in a swanky home for the summer while you pet sit.

5. Join a Recreational Sports Team

Who says you have to be LeBron James to play on a team? There are recreational sports teams in cities year-round, but summer is high time. Whether you love softball, baseball, volleyball, or bowling, you can find something that suits your needs. Make new friends and enjoy low-pressure competition as you play at least once a week. Consider joining a golf league! The busiest time on a golf course is between 10 AM and 1 PM. If you’re looking to make friends, this might be the best time to go.

6. Find a Cheap Gym

You can always save your hardcore activity for the gym. There are cheap gyms like Planet Fitness that have memberships for as low as $10 monthly. If you prefer alternatives, other gyms may have summer or new-person sign-up discounts you can benefit from. If your friend already has a gym membership, you can go for free for at least a week or more when you join them under a Guest Pass.

7. Buy a Yoga Mat

Even if you’re not into the yoga lifestyle, buying a yoga mat for your home can pay for itself. You can get one for as little as $15 on sites like Amazon. You can roll out the mat to do stretches, calisthenics, yoga, or pilates. Turn on YouTube and find one of the many instructional fitness videos on the site. From kickboxing to aerobics, you can get a free workout lesson at home, thanks to social media.

Summer is a great time to indulge in an active lifestyle. You can join a local team or a cheap gym. Go hiking or biking alone or with friends. There are many ways to stay active while not breaking the break, and this list is a good way to start. If you want more insight into summer fitness, contact our local team today for more information.