Home repairs are a major line item in many people’s budgets. On average, homeowners spend at least one percent of their home’s value on maintenance every year. But luckily you can save money by fixing things yourself instead of calling a contractor every time something breaks. Even if you’re not a handy person, you can learn how to do minor home repairs. Here are some
It’s no secret that housing prices are rising to nearly unaffordable levels. Home values have climbed by 118% since 1965, but the median income has only increased 15%. Instead of trying to afford a $1,200 apartment on an entry level salary, many millennials are opting out and living in alternative housing like Sprinter vans. For a few years I considered breaking the lease on my
Thinking about money can be stressful even in the best of times. So how do you handle finances when dealing with depression? Although your first instinct is probably to ignore your finances, doing so could make you even more stressed out. Watching debt and unpaid bills pile up will exacerbate your symptoms and make it harder to focus on healing. Although it’s tough to budget
There are various ways to sell a home, the common one being listing through a real estate agent. However, there are times where selling through an agent does not seem appealing, mostly due to the fees that come with hiring one. Usually, real estate agents take a 6% commission from the sale price. If you have the resources and time in your hands, it proves
We all care about sustainability and protecting the environment. But eco-friendly products can cost up to 50% more than regular ones, which isn’t within everyone’s budget. When I analyzed my finances, I realized how much money I was spending on organic produce and Rainforest Alliance certified products. Although being a good environmental steward is important to me, I don’t want my commitment to sustainability to
Dating is expensive. My partner and I didn’t realize how much money we were spending on dinner dates and movie nights until we moved in together and stopped going out. Although it would be cheaper not to date, it’s necessary to find your soulmate. If you’re still searching for your future spouse, how do you get to know potential partners without breaking the bank? Here
These days, it seems like everyone participates in hustle culture and dreams of climbing to the top of the career ladder. But what if your goal is to work less so you can devote more time to hobbies, family, and friends? Although our culture prizes busyness, it is possible to escape the grind and create a life you love. Here are 4 ways to live
If you don’t have enough room in your budget to go away this summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great vacation. Staycations are an alternative to regular trips that allow you to save money while still having tons of fun with your family. Believe it or not, I actually prefer staycations to going away. When I take time off from work, I use
My partner and I have finally set a date for our wedding. We’re planning to get married in October of this year and couldn’t be more excited. But instead of having the customary big celebration, we’ve decided to exchange vows in a park. Here’s why we’re opting for a small, low-cost gathering instead of a huge party at a banquet hall. Weddings Cost a Ton
Dollar bills go through vending machines, sit in wallets, and change hands many times throughout their circulation. This can cause them to lose their crisp appearance and get creased, worn, and folded. On average, a dollar bill only lasts for about 21 months before it needs to be retired. If you have some crumpled-up cash that looks like it’s seen better days, you may be
