Save Money. Be Proactive.
June 29th 2009 19:32
Hat's Off to all the Handy folks! If you have a knack for home repairs, or vehicle repairs, you're well on the way to getting back to "getting by."
Tip for today's Blog:
Clean Things Work Better (please see list below) be proactive, but if a problem seems beyond your abilities -Get Referrals from neighbors/friends/co-workers, or at the very least, check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB.com) before contracting for repairs. Even something minor can turn into a grand expense if you decide to trust the wrong person/company.
Renters and those with vehicles still covered by warranty usually catch a break here. Even home owners smart enough to negotiate a warranty clause into their purchase contract are at an advantage,
but what about the rest of us here in the viper pit?
What about those of us who slog along, barely keeping our mortgage current (and sometimes not) on a home that seems to eerily sense when money is tight? What about those of us with less than new vehicles that seemingly keep chugging along on squinty hopes that they'll get us safely home? I'm sure we can all find someone, or something to blame for all the unfair carpy crap that we endure, BUT the blame game doesn't fix anything except your sights on the wrong target.
Clean Things Work Better.
Below is a list of preemptive measures that can be taken Before things get too financially difficult to cope with;
-Routine oil changes and fluid/tire inspections on your vehicle(s). They're not too pricey (mine was $19.99) and should be done at manufacturers suggested intervals. Especially for those of us with older vehicles.
-Clean the coils of your refrigerator (check manufactures guidelines). I usually clean mine every few months. I use the soft brush from my vacuum attachment. If it's been a while since you checked your coils, once cleaned, you should notice a change in unit efficiency and you'll be able to lower fridge/freezer thermostat settings.
-If you have a clothes dryer, a small investment in a lint trap cleaner is much cheaper than having to rerun damp clothes. Check online, or local shops. I bought my manual cleaner for $9.99 and I noticed a difference after the first cleaning. I also found a few things that looked like shredded money, sooooooo
-Always check your pockets before doing laundry. Not only can tissues, coins, pens, lighters, etc. damage your washer/dryer, they can also become lodged in washer drainage line. Nobody needs to pay a plumber $200.00 to hand them a wet wad of business cards wrapped around sticks of chewing gum.
-Clean off your roof and clean your gutters, but be careful. Excess tree limbs, leaves, Frisbees, and any other items that could end up on a roof, can cause damage to shingles/tiles over time. Excess debris in gutters can cause poor drainage and also damage roof & fascia. All you need is a ladder and really good balance. You may consider a harness for roof work (available online & shops).
-This may sound condescending, but I'm speaking from my own painful experience, keep your mouth clean. In my early twenties, I was a bit of a brushing slacker. I had formed good oral hygiene habits as a child and when I left the nest it was "one of those things" that wasn't all that important, usually after a late night of partying, studying, TV watching, etc. A few years later, after an emergency dental visit for a painful molar, I was presented with a repair estimate of over $5,000 for other wonky things going on in my mouth. Let's just say that 20 years later, I don't have all my teeth in my head, but I can still smile with confidence and eat a chewy steak (on one side). I now floss & brush twice daily and when finances allow, I have an occasional cleaning at the dentist.
-Take care of your electronics and small appliances. Televisions, stereos (even portables), computers/laptops, hair dryers, microwaves and anything else that uses vented cooling systems, or motor driven cooling systems needs to be able to breath. There are a gamut of items and specialized tools, but I prefer my trusty old vacuum (big bertha) and her soft brush attachment. Be safe and unplug first. Better efficiency and longer life are both only a few sucks away.
-Central air conditioners/heaters should (of course) have their filters changed regularly. It's also recommended that the unit be serviced before the onset of both summer and winter. I'm not going to pooh-pooh this notion, but I live in Florida and we typically only experience hot and hotter. Finances permitting, I usually schedule an annual check-up right before the hotter. The cost ranges from $50.00-$100.00 and they SHOULD inspect all aspects of your system. That includes the heat pump, the air handler, the thermostat(s) and your duct work. Make sure you ask for the detailed list of their inspection "points" before you schedule an appointment. Then get a recommendation and check with the BBB to find a reputable company.
Thanks for reading and please check back for future Money Mistress Blogs.
Tip for today's Blog:
Clean Things Work Better (please see list below) be proactive, but if a problem seems beyond your abilities -Get Referrals from neighbors/friends/co-workers, or at the very least, check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB.com) before contracting for repairs. Even something minor can turn into a grand expense if you decide to trust the wrong person/company.
Renters and those with vehicles still covered by warranty usually catch a break here. Even home owners smart enough to negotiate a warranty clause into their purchase contract are at an advantage,
but what about the rest of us here in the viper pit?
What about those of us who slog along, barely keeping our mortgage current (and sometimes not) on a home that seems to eerily sense when money is tight? What about those of us with less than new vehicles that seemingly keep chugging along on squinty hopes that they'll get us safely home? I'm sure we can all find someone, or something to blame for all the unfair carpy crap that we endure, BUT the blame game doesn't fix anything except your sights on the wrong target.
Clean Things Work Better.
Below is a list of preemptive measures that can be taken Before things get too financially difficult to cope with;
-Routine oil changes and fluid/tire inspections on your vehicle(s). They're not too pricey (mine was $19.99) and should be done at manufacturers suggested intervals. Especially for those of us with older vehicles.
-Clean the coils of your refrigerator (check manufactures guidelines). I usually clean mine every few months. I use the soft brush from my vacuum attachment. If it's been a while since you checked your coils, once cleaned, you should notice a change in unit efficiency and you'll be able to lower fridge/freezer thermostat settings.
-If you have a clothes dryer, a small investment in a lint trap cleaner is much cheaper than having to rerun damp clothes. Check online, or local shops. I bought my manual cleaner for $9.99 and I noticed a difference after the first cleaning. I also found a few things that looked like shredded money, sooooooo
-Always check your pockets before doing laundry. Not only can tissues, coins, pens, lighters, etc. damage your washer/dryer, they can also become lodged in washer drainage line. Nobody needs to pay a plumber $200.00 to hand them a wet wad of business cards wrapped around sticks of chewing gum.
-Clean off your roof and clean your gutters, but be careful. Excess tree limbs, leaves, Frisbees, and any other items that could end up on a roof, can cause damage to shingles/tiles over time. Excess debris in gutters can cause poor drainage and also damage roof & fascia. All you need is a ladder and really good balance. You may consider a harness for roof work (available online & shops).
-This may sound condescending, but I'm speaking from my own painful experience, keep your mouth clean. In my early twenties, I was a bit of a brushing slacker. I had formed good oral hygiene habits as a child and when I left the nest it was "one of those things" that wasn't all that important, usually after a late night of partying, studying, TV watching, etc. A few years later, after an emergency dental visit for a painful molar, I was presented with a repair estimate of over $5,000 for other wonky things going on in my mouth. Let's just say that 20 years later, I don't have all my teeth in my head, but I can still smile with confidence and eat a chewy steak (on one side). I now floss & brush twice daily and when finances allow, I have an occasional cleaning at the dentist.
-Take care of your electronics and small appliances. Televisions, stereos (even portables), computers/laptops, hair dryers, microwaves and anything else that uses vented cooling systems, or motor driven cooling systems needs to be able to breath. There are a gamut of items and specialized tools, but I prefer my trusty old vacuum (big bertha) and her soft brush attachment. Be safe and unplug first. Better efficiency and longer life are both only a few sucks away.
-Central air conditioners/heaters should (of course) have their filters changed regularly. It's also recommended that the unit be serviced before the onset of both summer and winter. I'm not going to pooh-pooh this notion, but I live in Florida and we typically only experience hot and hotter. Finances permitting, I usually schedule an annual check-up right before the hotter. The cost ranges from $50.00-$100.00 and they SHOULD inspect all aspects of your system. That includes the heat pump, the air handler, the thermostat(s) and your duct work. Make sure you ask for the detailed list of their inspection "points" before you schedule an appointment. Then get a recommendation and check with the BBB to find a reputable company.
Thanks for reading and please check back for future Money Mistress Blogs.
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