Beating Broke

4 Home Updates You Can Make This Spring

January 16, 2024 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Spring is a great time to make home updates, given the fact that the weather is friendly enough to work outdoors for extended hours. This is the main reason why most people choose this time to make home updates, and you should do the same. If you have this intention but can’t think of any updates to make this season, consider any of the four outlined below.

1. Adding a Patio

In 2021 in the United States, porches and patios were the most popular outdoor features that new single-family homes added, according to Statista. This should show you just what a popular space the patio is, which comes as no surprise as it can upgrade your lifestyle, making your home more appealing, functional, and valuable. If you can spare the budget, consider adding a porch or a patio to your own home and get more livable space. Look for creative designs on the internet, choosing one that can work well with your home’s layout and design so that you get the best outcome from this project.

2. Updating the Lighting

Another great project to work on in summer is to update your home’s lighting. This is for both the indoors and the outdoors, something that can give your home an amazing new look if done right. It can also help you make significant savings in terms of your energy expenses if you make the switch to LED lights.

You can also replace any old fixtures that might be unappealing and that make your house appear dated. Don’t forget that adding lights to your home’s outdoor area will improve security considerably. This can help you keep your property safer, including a motorcycle if you have one, of which there are more than 100,000 registered in Kentucky, according to the Kentucky State Police report.

3. Improving the Landscape

Making some updates to your home’s landscape is yet another amazing project to do this spring. Some of these projects are actually simple enough to DIY, and they include adding fresh mulch, planting flowers, pressure-washing the walkways and even pruning the shrubs and trees. These are all projects that can give your landscape a fresh and appealing look, upgrading your curb appeal in an impressive way. Some other landscape projects you can do are adding lighting and installing security cameras to the outdoors. For this, you may be interested to know that around the world, the total number of security cameras surpasses 770 million, according to Optics Mag.

4. Repainting Your Home

Last but not least, and for a project that can offer you amazing returns despite being one of the most affordable and easiest to do, you can repaint your home. If you have the necessary tools and some skills, you can do this project yourself. Alternatively, hire local painters to give your home a fresh coat of paint and renew it fast. They’re going to charge you an affordable price and do a good and fast job, so think about whether these are reasons that could motivate you to hire a painter rather than doing the project yourself. Another reason why it may be a good idea for you to hire a painter is that they can help you pick the color and shade for your home, something that should be easy for them to do well since they have the necessary experience.

Consider making any or all of these updates to your home this spring, and you can get the best outcome from them. In addition to enjoying a beautiful home, you may be able to improve your home’s value and therefore get amazing returns. Remember that the earlier you can start, the better the chances that you have of doing a good job for each project.

5 Steps I’m Taking to Lower My Grocery Budget in 2024

January 15, 2024 By MelissaB Leave a Comment

Grocery prices soared last year, and my budget took a hit. However, I paid more for groceries not just because of inflation but also because I got lax with my spending. When I added up how much our family of four spent on groceries in 2023, I was shocked. My laziness and lack of awareness had cost our family thousands of extra dollars! I decided to lower my grocery budget by 20 percent this year. Here are the steps I’m taking to do that:

5 Steps I’m Taking to Lower My Grocery Budget in 2024

Meal Prep

I used to meal prep, but in the last few years, I thought I was too busy to do it. Wow, was that a mistake! Starting on January 1, 2024, I began meal prepping again. This time, I invested in cute lunch containers. On Sundays, I make three meals that serve 4 to 6 people. I separate those meals into the containers, and for the next five days, my daughters and I reheat the meals when we’re ready to eat.

By meal prepping, I only have to buy ingredients for three meals, so we’re buying less. Plus, we only eat the same meal twice a week, so the food doesn’t get boring.

Shopping Different Stores

We have food intolerances and can’t eat gluten or dairy, so I shop weekly at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods for groceries. This year, I’m going to those stores once a month to buy the foods I can’t find anywhere else. The rest of the time, I shop at Walmart or Aldi for our produce.

Joining a CSA

I spent $750 this month to join a CSA. Beginning in early summer and running through 20 weeks, I will get my vegetables from the CSA each week. Most CSAs give you a certain amount of produce and choose what you get. However, this CSA lets you pick which veggies you want, and you can take as much as you and your family can use in a week, so I won’t have to supplement.

Expanding Our Garden

Last year, we had a small garden that gave us fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and beets. This year, we plan to expand it to store some for the winter to reduce our produce costs when the CSA ends.

Ordering ½ Side of Beef

Finally, we ordered a half side of beef at a discount. We will get the meat sent to us every three months, so we don’t need to have room to store the entire ½ side. Instead, we get a quarter of it every three months. This will be our primary meat supply, but we’ll still buy chicken and fish.

Final Thoughts

I’m hoping these steps will help to lower my grocery bill significantly. I plan to keep you updated as the months go on. If I’m successful, our family could save hundreds of dollars to allocate to other needs, such as our college fund for our children.

The Benefits of Buying Only Necessary Groceries Each Week

How to Keep Your Car Looking and Feeling New

January 15, 2024 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Ever wondered how to keep that four-wheeled beauty of yours gleaming and purring like it just rolled off the lot? We’ve got the lowdown on how to keep your car looking and feeling new without breaking the bank.

TLC at the Car Wash

Give your ride a good scrub. A regular date with the car wash isn’t just for show; it’s a lifestyle choice! Dirt and grime are like enemies plotting against your car’s swanky appearance. A sudsy session is the secret sauce to keep it looking fresh and clean.

Waxing is a game-changer for your car’s exterior. A good wax job not only adds a glossy shine but also acts like armor against the elements. It’s like giving your car a superhero cape to fend off dirt, rain, and the harsh sun.

Interior Love

The inside matters just as much as the outside. Grab that vacuum and show your interior some love. Crumbs, dust bunnies, and forgotten french fries. They all have to go. A tidy interior not only feels good but also adds to the overall new car vibe. Get those nooks and crannies; your car will thank you for it.

Armor All Magic

Your tires deserve some attention, too. Grab that bottle of Armor All because it’s like magic in a bottle for your tires. Not only does it add shine, but it also protects against the aging effects of the sun. Keep those tires looking sharp, and you’ll be rolling down the road in style.

Scratches are the enemy of that flawless finish. Arm yourself with touch-up paint for those inevitable battle scars. It’s like giving your car a superhero shield against the perils of parking lots and tight spaces. Guard against nicks, and your ride will remain the envy of the neighborhood.

Crystal Clear Views

Ever driven with a windshield that’s seen better days? It’s like navigating through a foggy dream. Keep it crystal clear with regular cleaning. Invest in a good glass cleaner, tackle those bug splatters, and voila, you’ll have a front-row seat to the world without the fuzzy filter.

Shield Against Wear and Tear

Your car’s seats take a beating, from coffee spills to accidental ketchup mishaps. Invest in seat covers to shield against wear and tear. It’s like putting your seats in a protective bubble, ensuring they stay as fresh as the day you drove off the lot.

Drive Smart, Drive Safe, and Avoid Those Bumps

A lifestyle choice that’s not just about looks is driving smart. According to The Levin Firm, a whopping 95% of car accident claims are settled pretrial. Avoid those fender-benders by keeping your eyes on the road, obeying traffic rules, and steering clear of potential trouble.

High-Tech Guardian

In the modern age, it’s not just about appearances; it’s about having a tech-savvy lifestyle. Install a dash cam, as it’s like having a silent witness on board. In 2000, only 11%, about 3,400, of state police vehicles had in-car cameras; today, it’s estimated that about 72% use these systems, as per the Department of Justice.

Dirt Bike Cool

Here’s a lifestyle tidbit that’s not about your car but adds to the overall vibe: dirt bikes! According to Global Market Insights, the dirt bikes market hit a whopping $4 billion in 2022. If you’re about the adventurous lifestyle, consider hopping on the dirt bike trend. It’s not just a lifestyle choice; it’s a statement!

Keeping your car looking and feeling new is more than just a checklist; it’s a lifestyle. From regular baths to interior tidying, tech upgrades, and even joining the dirt bike cool crowd, it’s all about creating a vibe that resonates with your road-loving spirit. Rev up those engines, adopt the lifestyle, and roll down the road with the freshness of a car that’s forever young!