photo: sea turtle
One aspect of homeownership that new and soon-to-be homeowners often ignore is the recurring and possibly steep cost of keeping that home in good shape.
According to a report by the University of Illinois Extension, homeowners need to budget 1% to 2% of the purchase price of their home, each year, to cover the costs of home maintenance and repairs. That’s $3,000 to $6,000 a year on a $300,000 home, and if it’s older or has appliances that will soon need to be replaced, you may need to set aside as much as twice that amount.
When it comes to the fine line between routine home maintenance costs and those that send you into a personal financial nightmare, the tipping point is your level of vigilance.
Here are some of the most common home maintenance issues and how you can keep a small problem from evolving into a hefty burden.
Water Drainage/Damage
While water damage is unavoidable if the foundation of your house is cracked, much of it is preventable. All you need to do is respond appropriately in weather conditions that are known to cause damage.
If you live in a cold climate, stay on top of the snowfall. David West, who owns Meadowview Construction, a remodeling and home renovations company in Georgetown, Mass., advises that homeowners clear the bottom few feet of snow from the roof, using a snow rake, as soon as possible after snowfall to prevent ice dams. These dams result in water creeping under the shingles, and eventually, leaking into your house. You’ll know them by that mysterious little drip on the ceiling or down around the window frames. On the surface, it may seem like a little burden that can be solved with the occasional bucket, but don’t be fooled. “It will cause some pretty serious water damage to the insulation and drywall,” says West.
Rain can also cause major issues that are avoidable. Kevin Leahy, the founder of a removable downspout system called “The Spout Off,” warns that non-working gutters aren’t just pointless, they’re harmful.
When rain is in the forecast, make certain that the gutter’s outlet (the hole in the gutter where the water flows out to the downspout) is clear of blockage. Failure to keep gutters working creates big costs like rotted boards, windowsills and water leaking into the foundation and basement.
Heating/Cooling Issues
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) reports that the most you can hope for out of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is 25 years. Furnaces and air conditioning units generally sputter at the 15-year mark. But they’ll hardly last even that long without proper maintenance.
West advises that gas/oil boilers and furnaces be cleaned and maintained each year. This service will cost you about $200, but is the “single most important thing you can do to ensure long life and efficiency” of these systems. At the time of service, you can also ask the technician to leave a copy of your system’s efficiency rating. Armed with this knowledge, you can anticipate how much “life” is left in your furnace and plan your future home finances accordingly.
Sometimes, the most minor of tasks can help to save a bundle. Ian Patrick, of Los Angeles-based design firm Ian Patrick Interiors, says that many of his clients fail to do the most basic (and cheapest) maintenance of all: changing the filters in their HVAC units. These can be bought at any hardware store for a few dollars, and pay for themselves almost instantly in utility bill savings. “A dirty filter makes the unit work harder, so changing it is a very affordable way to make it run better and longer and saves you a service call,” advises Patrick.
If you have and use a fireplace, maintenance is also essential. You may be tempted to cut back on expenses by skipping yearly chimney maintenance. Preventative flue cleaning will generally cost $100 to $200. Ignoring this necessary maintenance could result in the need to reline the flue completely, costing you $3,500. Get the point?
Roof Damage
Conditions like heavy snow, heavy rain and high winds, can severely impact roof quality. The material of the roof is also a determinant. An asphalt shingle roof will last about 20 years. Slate, copper and concrete roofs can last about 50 years.
You could also unknowingly be causing roof damage. Gordon Smith, owner of home inspection, remodeling and contracting company HomeSmith LLC, warns that walking on the roof to install holiday decorations or to clean gutters could crack roof materials, creating leaks. Replacing damaged shingles can cost as much as $4 per square foot.
Smith also cautions against using attics for storage, which can cause the roof to sag, or collapse the ceiling. It could “potentially cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in structural repairs, not to mention repairing or replacing anything that was under the ceiling when it came down,” he says.
Windows
While wooden windows last about ten years longer than their less costly aluminum counterparts, they require monitoring, and can be very costly to replace. (Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending the age and size of the window frame).
Windows that are not shaded by a porch, tree or a bush really take a beating, especially in desert regions. This can result in water damage, rot, and even heat loss. “Combined with moisture, the wood expands and contracts with such frequency that it can compromise the stability of the entire unit,” says Patrick. Check regularly for peeling paint, cracks and chips in glazing, and have them repaired immediately to avoid a heftier bill down the road.
The Case for Social Security Personal Accounts
Posted by Daniel J. Mitchell
There are two crises facing Social Security. First the program has a gigantic unfunded liability, largely caused by demographics. Second, the program is a very bad deal for younger workers, making them pay record amounts of tax in exchange for comparatively meager benefits. This video explains how personal accounts can solve both problems, and also notes that nations as varied as Australia, Chile, Sweden, and Hong Kong have implemented this pro-growth reform.
Social Security reform received a good bit of attention in the past two decades. President Clinton openly flirted with the idea, and President Bush explicitly endorsed the concept. But it has faded from the public square in recent years. But this may be about to change. Personal accounts are part of Congressman Paul Ryan's Roadmap proposal, and recent polls show continued strong support for letting younger workers shift some of their payroll taxes to individual accounts.
Equally important, the American people understand that Social Security's finances are unsustainable. They may not know specific numbers, but they know politicians have created a house of cards, which is why jokes about the system are so easily understandable.
President Obama thinks the answer is higher taxes, which is hardly a surprise. But making people pay more is hardly an attractive option, unless you're the type of person who thinks it's okay to give people a hamburger and charge them for a steak.
Other nations have figured out the right approach. Australia began to implement personal accounts back in the mid-1980s, and the results have been remarkable. The government's finances are stronger. National saving has increased. But most important, people now can look forward to a safer and more secure retirement. Another great example is Chile, which set up personal accounts in the early 1980s. This interview with Jose Pinera, who designed the Chilean system, is a great summary of why personal accounts are necessary. All told, about 30 nations around the world have set up some form of personal accounts. Even Sweden, which the left usually wants to mimic, has partially privatized its Social Security system.
It also should be noted that personal accounts would be good for growth and competitiveness. Reforming a tax-and-transfer entitlement scheme into a system of private savings will boost jobs by lowering the marginal tax rate on work. Personal accounts also will boost private savings. And Social Security reform will reduce the long-run burden of government spending, something that is desperately needed if we want to avoid the kind of fiscal crisis that is afflicting European welfare states such as Greece.
Last but not least, it is important to understand that personal retirement accounts are not a free lunch. Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, so if we let younger workers shift their payroll taxes to individual accounts, that means the money won't be there to pay benefits to current retirees. Fulfilling the government's promise to those retirees, as well as to older workers who wouldn't have time to benefit from the new system, will require a lot of money over the next couple of decades, probably more than $5 trillion.
That's a shocking number, but it's important to remember that it would be even more expensive to bail out the current system. As I explain at the conclusion of the video, we're in a deep hole, but it will be easier to climb out if we implement real reform.
benchcraft company scamLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
bench craft company reviews
photo: sea turtle
One aspect of homeownership that new and soon-to-be homeowners often ignore is the recurring and possibly steep cost of keeping that home in good shape.
According to a report by the University of Illinois Extension, homeowners need to budget 1% to 2% of the purchase price of their home, each year, to cover the costs of home maintenance and repairs. That’s $3,000 to $6,000 a year on a $300,000 home, and if it’s older or has appliances that will soon need to be replaced, you may need to set aside as much as twice that amount.
When it comes to the fine line between routine home maintenance costs and those that send you into a personal financial nightmare, the tipping point is your level of vigilance.
Here are some of the most common home maintenance issues and how you can keep a small problem from evolving into a hefty burden.
Water Drainage/Damage
While water damage is unavoidable if the foundation of your house is cracked, much of it is preventable. All you need to do is respond appropriately in weather conditions that are known to cause damage.
If you live in a cold climate, stay on top of the snowfall. David West, who owns Meadowview Construction, a remodeling and home renovations company in Georgetown, Mass., advises that homeowners clear the bottom few feet of snow from the roof, using a snow rake, as soon as possible after snowfall to prevent ice dams. These dams result in water creeping under the shingles, and eventually, leaking into your house. You’ll know them by that mysterious little drip on the ceiling or down around the window frames. On the surface, it may seem like a little burden that can be solved with the occasional bucket, but don’t be fooled. “It will cause some pretty serious water damage to the insulation and drywall,” says West.
Rain can also cause major issues that are avoidable. Kevin Leahy, the founder of a removable downspout system called “The Spout Off,” warns that non-working gutters aren’t just pointless, they’re harmful.
When rain is in the forecast, make certain that the gutter’s outlet (the hole in the gutter where the water flows out to the downspout) is clear of blockage. Failure to keep gutters working creates big costs like rotted boards, windowsills and water leaking into the foundation and basement.
Heating/Cooling Issues
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) reports that the most you can hope for out of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is 25 years. Furnaces and air conditioning units generally sputter at the 15-year mark. But they’ll hardly last even that long without proper maintenance.
West advises that gas/oil boilers and furnaces be cleaned and maintained each year. This service will cost you about $200, but is the “single most important thing you can do to ensure long life and efficiency” of these systems. At the time of service, you can also ask the technician to leave a copy of your system’s efficiency rating. Armed with this knowledge, you can anticipate how much “life” is left in your furnace and plan your future home finances accordingly.
Sometimes, the most minor of tasks can help to save a bundle. Ian Patrick, of Los Angeles-based design firm Ian Patrick Interiors, says that many of his clients fail to do the most basic (and cheapest) maintenance of all: changing the filters in their HVAC units. These can be bought at any hardware store for a few dollars, and pay for themselves almost instantly in utility bill savings. “A dirty filter makes the unit work harder, so changing it is a very affordable way to make it run better and longer and saves you a service call,” advises Patrick.
If you have and use a fireplace, maintenance is also essential. You may be tempted to cut back on expenses by skipping yearly chimney maintenance. Preventative flue cleaning will generally cost $100 to $200. Ignoring this necessary maintenance could result in the need to reline the flue completely, costing you $3,500. Get the point?
Roof Damage
Conditions like heavy snow, heavy rain and high winds, can severely impact roof quality. The material of the roof is also a determinant. An asphalt shingle roof will last about 20 years. Slate, copper and concrete roofs can last about 50 years.
You could also unknowingly be causing roof damage. Gordon Smith, owner of home inspection, remodeling and contracting company HomeSmith LLC, warns that walking on the roof to install holiday decorations or to clean gutters could crack roof materials, creating leaks. Replacing damaged shingles can cost as much as $4 per square foot.
Smith also cautions against using attics for storage, which can cause the roof to sag, or collapse the ceiling. It could “potentially cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in structural repairs, not to mention repairing or replacing anything that was under the ceiling when it came down,” he says.
Windows
While wooden windows last about ten years longer than their less costly aluminum counterparts, they require monitoring, and can be very costly to replace. (Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending the age and size of the window frame).
Windows that are not shaded by a porch, tree or a bush really take a beating, especially in desert regions. This can result in water damage, rot, and even heat loss. “Combined with moisture, the wood expands and contracts with such frequency that it can compromise the stability of the entire unit,” says Patrick. Check regularly for peeling paint, cracks and chips in glazing, and have them repaired immediately to avoid a heftier bill down the road.
The Case for Social Security Personal Accounts
Posted by Daniel J. Mitchell
There are two crises facing Social Security. First the program has a gigantic unfunded liability, largely caused by demographics. Second, the program is a very bad deal for younger workers, making them pay record amounts of tax in exchange for comparatively meager benefits. This video explains how personal accounts can solve both problems, and also notes that nations as varied as Australia, Chile, Sweden, and Hong Kong have implemented this pro-growth reform.
Social Security reform received a good bit of attention in the past two decades. President Clinton openly flirted with the idea, and President Bush explicitly endorsed the concept. But it has faded from the public square in recent years. But this may be about to change. Personal accounts are part of Congressman Paul Ryan's Roadmap proposal, and recent polls show continued strong support for letting younger workers shift some of their payroll taxes to individual accounts.
Equally important, the American people understand that Social Security's finances are unsustainable. They may not know specific numbers, but they know politicians have created a house of cards, which is why jokes about the system are so easily understandable.
President Obama thinks the answer is higher taxes, which is hardly a surprise. But making people pay more is hardly an attractive option, unless you're the type of person who thinks it's okay to give people a hamburger and charge them for a steak.
Other nations have figured out the right approach. Australia began to implement personal accounts back in the mid-1980s, and the results have been remarkable. The government's finances are stronger. National saving has increased. But most important, people now can look forward to a safer and more secure retirement. Another great example is Chile, which set up personal accounts in the early 1980s. This interview with Jose Pinera, who designed the Chilean system, is a great summary of why personal accounts are necessary. All told, about 30 nations around the world have set up some form of personal accounts. Even Sweden, which the left usually wants to mimic, has partially privatized its Social Security system.
It also should be noted that personal accounts would be good for growth and competitiveness. Reforming a tax-and-transfer entitlement scheme into a system of private savings will boost jobs by lowering the marginal tax rate on work. Personal accounts also will boost private savings. And Social Security reform will reduce the long-run burden of government spending, something that is desperately needed if we want to avoid the kind of fiscal crisis that is afflicting European welfare states such as Greece.
Last but not least, it is important to understand that personal retirement accounts are not a free lunch. Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, so if we let younger workers shift their payroll taxes to individual accounts, that means the money won't be there to pay benefits to current retirees. Fulfilling the government's promise to those retirees, as well as to older workers who wouldn't have time to benefit from the new system, will require a lot of money over the next couple of decades, probably more than $5 trillion.
That's a shocking number, but it's important to remember that it would be even more expensive to bail out the current system. As I explain at the conclusion of the video, we're in a deep hole, but it will be easier to climb out if we implement real reform.
bench craft company reviewsLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
benchcraft company scam[reefeed]
benchcraft company portland or
benchcraft company scamLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
benchcraft company portland or
photo: sea turtle
One aspect of homeownership that new and soon-to-be homeowners often ignore is the recurring and possibly steep cost of keeping that home in good shape.
According to a report by the University of Illinois Extension, homeowners need to budget 1% to 2% of the purchase price of their home, each year, to cover the costs of home maintenance and repairs. That’s $3,000 to $6,000 a year on a $300,000 home, and if it’s older or has appliances that will soon need to be replaced, you may need to set aside as much as twice that amount.
When it comes to the fine line between routine home maintenance costs and those that send you into a personal financial nightmare, the tipping point is your level of vigilance.
Here are some of the most common home maintenance issues and how you can keep a small problem from evolving into a hefty burden.
Water Drainage/Damage
While water damage is unavoidable if the foundation of your house is cracked, much of it is preventable. All you need to do is respond appropriately in weather conditions that are known to cause damage.
If you live in a cold climate, stay on top of the snowfall. David West, who owns Meadowview Construction, a remodeling and home renovations company in Georgetown, Mass., advises that homeowners clear the bottom few feet of snow from the roof, using a snow rake, as soon as possible after snowfall to prevent ice dams. These dams result in water creeping under the shingles, and eventually, leaking into your house. You’ll know them by that mysterious little drip on the ceiling or down around the window frames. On the surface, it may seem like a little burden that can be solved with the occasional bucket, but don’t be fooled. “It will cause some pretty serious water damage to the insulation and drywall,” says West.
Rain can also cause major issues that are avoidable. Kevin Leahy, the founder of a removable downspout system called “The Spout Off,” warns that non-working gutters aren’t just pointless, they’re harmful.
When rain is in the forecast, make certain that the gutter’s outlet (the hole in the gutter where the water flows out to the downspout) is clear of blockage. Failure to keep gutters working creates big costs like rotted boards, windowsills and water leaking into the foundation and basement.
Heating/Cooling Issues
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) reports that the most you can hope for out of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is 25 years. Furnaces and air conditioning units generally sputter at the 15-year mark. But they’ll hardly last even that long without proper maintenance.
West advises that gas/oil boilers and furnaces be cleaned and maintained each year. This service will cost you about $200, but is the “single most important thing you can do to ensure long life and efficiency” of these systems. At the time of service, you can also ask the technician to leave a copy of your system’s efficiency rating. Armed with this knowledge, you can anticipate how much “life” is left in your furnace and plan your future home finances accordingly.
Sometimes, the most minor of tasks can help to save a bundle. Ian Patrick, of Los Angeles-based design firm Ian Patrick Interiors, says that many of his clients fail to do the most basic (and cheapest) maintenance of all: changing the filters in their HVAC units. These can be bought at any hardware store for a few dollars, and pay for themselves almost instantly in utility bill savings. “A dirty filter makes the unit work harder, so changing it is a very affordable way to make it run better and longer and saves you a service call,” advises Patrick.
If you have and use a fireplace, maintenance is also essential. You may be tempted to cut back on expenses by skipping yearly chimney maintenance. Preventative flue cleaning will generally cost $100 to $200. Ignoring this necessary maintenance could result in the need to reline the flue completely, costing you $3,500. Get the point?
Roof Damage
Conditions like heavy snow, heavy rain and high winds, can severely impact roof quality. The material of the roof is also a determinant. An asphalt shingle roof will last about 20 years. Slate, copper and concrete roofs can last about 50 years.
You could also unknowingly be causing roof damage. Gordon Smith, owner of home inspection, remodeling and contracting company HomeSmith LLC, warns that walking on the roof to install holiday decorations or to clean gutters could crack roof materials, creating leaks. Replacing damaged shingles can cost as much as $4 per square foot.
Smith also cautions against using attics for storage, which can cause the roof to sag, or collapse the ceiling. It could “potentially cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in structural repairs, not to mention repairing or replacing anything that was under the ceiling when it came down,” he says.
Windows
While wooden windows last about ten years longer than their less costly aluminum counterparts, they require monitoring, and can be very costly to replace. (Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending the age and size of the window frame).
Windows that are not shaded by a porch, tree or a bush really take a beating, especially in desert regions. This can result in water damage, rot, and even heat loss. “Combined with moisture, the wood expands and contracts with such frequency that it can compromise the stability of the entire unit,” says Patrick. Check regularly for peeling paint, cracks and chips in glazing, and have them repaired immediately to avoid a heftier bill down the road.
The Case for Social Security Personal Accounts
Posted by Daniel J. Mitchell
There are two crises facing Social Security. First the program has a gigantic unfunded liability, largely caused by demographics. Second, the program is a very bad deal for younger workers, making them pay record amounts of tax in exchange for comparatively meager benefits. This video explains how personal accounts can solve both problems, and also notes that nations as varied as Australia, Chile, Sweden, and Hong Kong have implemented this pro-growth reform.
Social Security reform received a good bit of attention in the past two decades. President Clinton openly flirted with the idea, and President Bush explicitly endorsed the concept. But it has faded from the public square in recent years. But this may be about to change. Personal accounts are part of Congressman Paul Ryan's Roadmap proposal, and recent polls show continued strong support for letting younger workers shift some of their payroll taxes to individual accounts.
Equally important, the American people understand that Social Security's finances are unsustainable. They may not know specific numbers, but they know politicians have created a house of cards, which is why jokes about the system are so easily understandable.
President Obama thinks the answer is higher taxes, which is hardly a surprise. But making people pay more is hardly an attractive option, unless you're the type of person who thinks it's okay to give people a hamburger and charge them for a steak.
Other nations have figured out the right approach. Australia began to implement personal accounts back in the mid-1980s, and the results have been remarkable. The government's finances are stronger. National saving has increased. But most important, people now can look forward to a safer and more secure retirement. Another great example is Chile, which set up personal accounts in the early 1980s. This interview with Jose Pinera, who designed the Chilean system, is a great summary of why personal accounts are necessary. All told, about 30 nations around the world have set up some form of personal accounts. Even Sweden, which the left usually wants to mimic, has partially privatized its Social Security system.
It also should be noted that personal accounts would be good for growth and competitiveness. Reforming a tax-and-transfer entitlement scheme into a system of private savings will boost jobs by lowering the marginal tax rate on work. Personal accounts also will boost private savings. And Social Security reform will reduce the long-run burden of government spending, something that is desperately needed if we want to avoid the kind of fiscal crisis that is afflicting European welfare states such as Greece.
Last but not least, it is important to understand that personal retirement accounts are not a free lunch. Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, so if we let younger workers shift their payroll taxes to individual accounts, that means the money won't be there to pay benefits to current retirees. Fulfilling the government's promise to those retirees, as well as to older workers who wouldn't have time to benefit from the new system, will require a lot of money over the next couple of decades, probably more than $5 trillion.
That's a shocking number, but it's important to remember that it would be even more expensive to bail out the current system. As I explain at the conclusion of the video, we're in a deep hole, but it will be easier to climb out if we implement real reform.
benchcraft company portland or
benchcraft company scamLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
benchcraft company portland or
benchcraft company scamLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
bench craft company reviewsLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
bench craft company reviewsLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
how to lose weight fast bench craft company reviews bench craft company reviews
benchcraft company scam benchcraft company portland orLicorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
bench craft company reviews Many working moms wished they could quit their job and stay home with their child. I remember the first day my daughter went to day care when she was just six weeks old. I couldn't bear to take her, so I took the easy way out and had my husband drop her off! He felt just as bad as I did, but at the time, we were both working full-time and he was also going to college full-time. We simply could not afford to have either of us quit our job, and with him taking classes full-time, working full-time and doing loads of engineering homework until the wee hours of the night, it just wasn't feasible. After a few weeks of calling the day care to "check in", I finally felt comfortable enough to work without the worry that she wasn't being cared for like I would care for her, but it was still heart-wrenching to leave her there every morning.
Fast forward to baby number two and it was a completely different story. My husband graduated college in December 2004 with a Computer Engineering degree, and I was 8 months pregnant at the time. Ten days after graduation, we had a bouncing baby tax deduction and plans to move 400 miles away in one month! We got through this stressful time by the grace of God. But the transition from working mom to stay at home mom was not as easy as I thought it would be. I was working full-time with no paycheck to show for it! After about a year out of the work force, and another move across town into a permanent home, I began to look at what I could do to help our finances. The mortgage payments alone were half of my husband's take home for the entire month. Going back to work at this point didn't appeal to me because of the high day care costs in our area. Day care costs for two children would actually have put us further behind. What could I do to help make ends meet while still having time for my young children?
Surveys. The Perfect Job for a Stay at Home Mom.
My sister forwarded me a bunch of links to survey sites about a year and a half ago. She said they actually paid money for her opinions, so shouldn't I join and try to earn a little extra cash? I signed up for just about every free survey site out there. You should never have to pay to join a survey site, and you should steer clear of any survey sites that promise that you will make an exorbitant amount of money a day. You will reap nothing, except spam of course! In the past year and a half, I estimate I have earned $500 or more by doing surveys online. I have received products to test, which included a higher than normal honorarium. Many of the sites of which I am a panelist offer Amazon gift codes as an honorarium, Paypal or cash. Some offer points, which you can save up for items in a prize catalog or gift cards.
So now that I have caught your attention, you are wondering how hard can this be? I have devised a step-by-step guide for you to follow to make taking surveys for profit a painless process.
Step One: A dedicated survey email address.This is a must-have. Choose a free account that does not filter spam out precipitously. I have a Gmail account, which is a perfect choice for me. With Gmail, you are able to place labels on email and archive them. If you want to see which surveys you have done for whom, you can easily check. The labeling system will also work for incoming emails so that your surveys will be easily spotted amid the other emails in your inbox.
Step Two: Sign up for any legitimate survey companies that you can find on the web.By signing up as a panelist on a multitude of survey sites, you increase your chances of earning money because not only will you receive many survey invites, you also increase the likelihood that you will find many good fits for your lifestyle. You are more likely to fit someone's demographic if you sign up for multiple panels. My sister and I are very different demographically, and the survey companies that don't send me surveys are usually the ones filling her inbox! Remember, many survey companies send surveys out that are screening for a certain demographic to test products for name brand companies. Not only can you get paid for taking surveys, but also for product testing! In the past year alone, I have product tested shampoo, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, self-tanning products and feminine products. It is a great opportunity to try something new and get paid to do it.
Here is a list of survey companies to get you started.
www.greenfieldonline.com
www.surveyspot.com
www.acop.com
us.lightspeedpanel.com
www.harrispollonline.com
www.epoll.com
www.mysurvey.com
www.tuvozlatina.com (for Spanish Speakers)
www.esearch.com
www.buzzback.com
www.surveysavvy.com
www.your2cents.com
www.globaltestmarket.com
www.psbsurveys.com
www.brandinst.com
www.zoompanel.com
For a more comprehensive list of survey sites, please check out this site, www.surveypolice.com/rankings, which is a great resource in checking to see if a survey site is legitimate. Survey sites are rated. Not all survey sites are accepting panelists, particularly Pinecone, which is ranked number one. Weekly Reader and Kidz Eyes are superb survey sites for tweens and teens.
Before you sign up for survey sites, check two other reward sites, www.mypoints.com and www.freeride.com. Both are points based rewards sites where you earn points by clicking on their emails and also by shopping through their sites and taking surveys on site or by email invitation. Why stop here first, you ask? Simple, because both sites offer points for joining some of the above referenced survey sites. So this is a nice double play, join both sites and then sign up for survey sites. I receive email invitations to join many other survey sites, with which I am already a member.
Step Three: Take surveys!It may take a few days to receive your first survey, but you will see, within a month you will have many invitations. Take all surveys for the first three or four months and you will have a good idea of which survey companies are going to work best for you. You always have the option to unsubscribe to any survey site if you no longer wish to be a panelist. My sister was able to accumulate enough Amazon certificates to fund a large portion of her Christmas shopping last year by doing surveys. Each time she would receive or choose Amazon as her reward, she would bank that code in her Amazon account for future use.
So, now that I have explained the ins and outs of survey taking, you are wondering if there is anything else you can do to boost your income yet meet your familial obligations. Open an Ebay Seller account! At first, I was merely a buyer, buying things such as character clothing for my daughter, which I was unable to find in stores near me, buying things here or there, but never selling. Then I read an empowering book by Vickie L. Milazzo titled "Inside Every Woman." This book let me see that my fear of Ebay Selling was unwarranted and challenged me to set a goal and make a baby step each day toward that goal. One day, I just did it, I listed an item. It didn't sell, but that was ok, at least I got my feet wet! I have since gone on to successfully list and sell gently used children's clothing, books, and some of my neighbor's unwanted bric-a-brac. You don't need money to start up - just things to sell. Start small by selling things you don't need that you have lying around the house. Do your research and charge a reasonable shipping amount. I am confident that you will be successful and have a little change in your pocket.
Ebay Selling - What you need to know.
Anyone who has children knows that children grow faster than weeds in your flowerbeds! Clothing is a major expense, especially when children are under the age of 12. So what do you do with outgrown clothing? Sell it on Ebay! Selling gently used clothing on Ebay is not only smart, but ecofriendly. If you don't have someone to hand clothes down to, it is an excellent way to generate income to buy the next sizes for your children. Even selling your household "junk" can generate income for you. Ebay has been described as an online yard sale with good reason. What makes it a perfect vehicle for selling is that you can hold a sale when it is snowing outside in the middle of January and still make money. I know some people who actually shop the clearance racks for fashionable clothing, only to list it on Ebay for full-price and make a tidy profit. Below are some pearls of Ebay wisdom that you may not have known.
1. Ebay and Paypal are married. In order to sell on Ebay, you are going to need a Paypal Business account. If you have one for personal use, do yourself a favor and open up a business account. You cannot sell on Ebay unless you accept Paypal as a payment option. Unfortunately, this is a double edged sword, or should I say triple edged? First, you will accrue insertion fees. The insertion fee is based on your listing price. For instance, the insertion fee for .01 to .99 is only 20 cents. However, your bid increment is only going to be at .05 each time someone bids on your item. If you list your item at 1.00, your insertion fee is going to be 40 cents (double the cost), but your bid increment will be .50 per bid. The point being that you need to think carefully about your listing price and take into consideration that if your item is popular, listing it at .99 and getting 5 bids on it will only reap you a final sales price of $1.24, and listing your item at a starting price of $1.00 and getting 5 bids on it will reap you $3.50, still a higher profit even when you subtract the insertion fees.
2. Ebay charges a sales commission. Ebay not only reaps the insertion fee, but they also reap a commission, which is based on the final value of your auction. The fee structure is as follows:
Not sold - no fee
.01-$25.00 - 5.25% of final value ($1.31 on $25.00)
$25.00 - $1,000 - 5.25% of final value, plus 3.25% of the remaining closing final value
$1,000.01 and up - $5.25% of final value, plus 3.25% of the remaining up to $1,000 and then 1.50% on any remaining closing final value.
To view Ebay's fee structure and insertion fee schedule in greater detail, please visit http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/fees.html. Since Ebay's commissions are based on final value and not final value plus shipping, this is why so many listings have outrageous shipping charges. This way, the seller can get more for their sale, but not have to pay as much in commission.
3. Paypal takes a fee too. This is the third edge of the sword. You already know that you must accept Paypal as a payment option (though you can also accept personal checks, cashier checks and money orders for instance), but Paypal remains the most popular way to pay for auctions on Ebay. It is fast and instantaneous. Sellers do not have to wait for the Postman to deliver payment and you as a Buyer know that the seller received payment because you can pay through the link that is provided in the email from Ebay when you successfully win an auction. But here is where it gets expensive. The privilege of using Paypal (and receiving it) is not without its fees. The current rate is 2.9% of the amount, plus .30 USD for transactions up to $3,000. Paypal payment for auctions does include the shipping charge, so circumventing paying less sales commission to Ebay by inflating your shipping costs does not work when it comes to Paypal's fees.
4. Your item is listed and sold. Now what? After you have collected the funds from the sale, promptly mail out the auction item. Most buyers are gracious enough to leave you feedback, hopefully positive! If your item did not sell and you are a newbie to Ebay, make several small purchases and build up your feedback rating. Remember, Ebay is anonymous. Feedback is the only way a potential buyer can judge your trustworthiness. A Feedback score of 100% and at least 10 will make potential bidders feel more confident about placing a bid.
J-O-B is not a dirty word. Re-entering the work force may be a necessity depending on your financial situation. However, it can also be a great way to get out of the house, socialize with adults for a change and even if you aren't suffering financially, it can be an ingenious way to fund larger purchases.
In December of this year, one of my friends online mentioned that she worked as a card merchandiser for a well-known greeting card company. As it so happens, I bumped into an American Greetings card representative at a grocery store soon after, and I started asking questions like what are the hours like? How much is the pay? How do you get started? Do you like it? As it turns out, this merchandiser liked in particular the flexibility of the job. She came and went, within reason, according to her own schedule. There are times when business dictates you to be there at a certain time, but for the most part, the job sounded like a perfect fit for me. And I had asked for general information for my sister to check into such opportunities in her area!
I began my career as a card merchandiser in January of this year. The pay is above minimum wage, but the hours can be feast or famine. In my circumstances, merchandising for two stores in the area, I estimate I will earn approximately $1,000 this year. While this doesn't sound like much, with this surplus of money, we have been able to begin paying down some loans so that we can reach our financial goal of moving to a larger home in the next few years. The job is very flexible for the most part and I can do most of my merchandising at night or on the weekends when my husband is home to care for our children. Along with pay, I do feel much more like I am contributing to the household, and getting out of the house is a nice benefit as well.
If I can devise ways to make money from home while still maintaining my stay-at-home-mom status, you can too. Surveys, Ebay selling and even a part-time job are excellent ways to contribute to your household while remaining in control of how much you work so that your family obligations are still met. Even if your budget is not shoe-string tight, extra income can help take the bite out of the expense of Christmas, fund a vacation or major appliance. Or save up and open an IRA to plan for retirement. The possibilities of your newly found income are endless.
big seminar 14Licorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
big seminar 14Licorice may be a natural alternative to antibiotics on hog farms, plus more in this week's news.
Given that some economists still debate the root causes of the Great Depression, little wonder that a multitude of competing stories still vies for affirmation as explanation for the financial crisis of 2008.
Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder ...
big seminar 14
