5 Budgeting Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Purchasing a home means taking on a large financial responsibility. Any first-time homeowner should have made good use of a house payment calculator to determine what they can afford.

Budgeting is key when it comes to owning a house, and there are many ways to do it that will make the process feel like less of a burden.

1. Monitor utility bills and usage

As a homeowner, you will most likely be taking on new utility bills, or seeing a drastic change in utility bills you’re used to paying, especially if you’re moving to a larger space.

Be conscious of your utility usage throughout the month, and make adjustments where needed. Make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly to help with the heat in the winter, fix any leaky faucets, and be aware of how many lights you have on at any given time.

2. Build up an emergency fund

You never know what might come up in terms of costs having to do with your home. Having a nest egg to pull from means you can address a problem without taking on debt or stealing the funds from another priority, like retirement.

A broken appliance or leak in the basement will feel much less stressful knowing the monetary aspect of it is taken care of.

3. Determine disposable income

Extra and hidden costs that come with homeownership can affect how much money is left over each month after all bills are paid.

This may mean having less disposable income. Be sure to assess and differentiate your wants and needs on a monthly basis so you can adjust your overall spending plan accordingly.

If, however, you find you have more disposable income, think of reallocating some of it towards that emergency fund or putting it towards home maintenance savings.

4. Regularly check in

You can spend a lot of time setting forth a budget, but if you aren’t actually sticking to it what’s the point?

Review your home’s budget and expenses at least four times a year. This can bring to light how utility costs are affected seasonally, where you may have unnecessary spending, or where you might be able to consolidate payments.

This will also help monitor your savings accrual. Regular reviews will aid in avoiding overspending and taking on debt.

5. Don’t throw it all away on housewares

Buying a new home is exciting. It’s a fresh start and a clean slate – and this includes décor, both in and outside of the home.

New homeowners may feel inclined to purchase things like furniture, decorations, and other housewares as a way to further personalize their new abode.

They may have also just discarded a lot of items in the packing process, trying to streamline what needed to be boxed up and oved.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting new things for your new digs, be aware that these costs can add up quickly. You don’t have to buy all items brand new. Check out thrift shops, sales, and even free items friends offer up to furnish your new place.

Four Things to Know About Getting Your First Credit Card

You're probably enthusiastic about getting your first credit card. Your friends and family members using credit cards could have inspired you to start using one. Whatever the case, it's a good idea for you to be a credit card holder and to reap the benefits that you may receive. However, there are a few things that you should be aware of before you begin your credit card hunt. Here are four things to know about getting your first credit card.

Why Do You Need One?

Before you start the application process, think about why you need a credit card. When it comes to credit cards, you should be certain that you're applying for all the right reasons. Make a list of the reasons why you need a credit card. You could need one for emergency funding, building a good credit report, earning purchase rewards, managing a budget, online shopping safety, and fraud protection. You might also need a credit card because it's more convenient instead of carrying around cash.

Always Shop Around

Comparison shopping is key when you're on the hunt for a great credit card. Don't be quick to settle for the first credit card that you're offered. As a first-timer, you can shop around to learn about a variety of credit cards that are available and which ones fit your needs.

Pay On Time

Always pay your credit card bills on time. Your credit score is likely to increase when you pay your bills in full and on time. Keep in mind that your credit score can also drop if your payments are late. You could also be subjected to other penalties for late payments.

Do Your Research

Don't forget to learn as much as you can about getting a credit card and how to use it responsibly. You should also be aware that you can get a rejection when you apply for a credit card. Don't get too frustrated if you get a rejection from credit card issuers. Keep in mind that most credit card issuers will provide you with an explanation for the rejection. Some common reasons for your credit card application being denied may include your low income, unstable employment history, too much debt, no credit history, or too much credit card debt.

Health Alert: FDA Issues Warning for 26 Eye Drops Due to Risk of Infection, Blindness

Is it possible that the eye drops you’re using are contaminated? If you’ve been using eyedrops, you must be aware that you could be using a problematic eye care product that could potentially lead to an eye infection or even vision loss.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for Twenty-six over-the-counter eye drops that were removed from store shelves and websites due to their unsafe conditions. Popular retailers such as CVS, Target, Rite Aid, Leader, Rugby etc. have been pulling their eye care products.

Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms or signs of an eye infection from using these eye care products.

Eye Drop Recall 2023

Some of the Eye Drop Recalled products include the following:

CVS

Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)

Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)

Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)

Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)

Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml

Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml

Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)

Click here to view the entire list of eye drops that were recalled from major brand retailers

Read more on the Washington Post

Real Ways to Make Money From Home For Free - Dealing With Financial Stress

Some of us will eventually run into emergency situations at some point in our lives. There are times when you will need emergency cash for your car, repair a computer, pay rent or medical expenses. If you are on a budget, there is no need to worry because there is always a solution that you can use to eliminate your financial stress. Regardless of your circumstances, there are four real ways to make money from home for free.

Start a Yard Sale

Most people have items in their homes they no longer need. If your home is cluttered and untidy, selling your items to people is a good way to eliminate junk, to make fast cash, and to get your home more organized.

Babysitting

A family with young children will always need to hire a babysitter when they’re not home. By advertising for this position, you can make quick cash to look after kids.

Dog Walker

There are many dog owners who don’t have the time to give their pets the exercise they need, or will leave their pets unattended. As a dog walker, you’re providing a great service.

Freelance Writing Gigs

If you’re Internet savvy and have a talent for writing, there are people you can assist to complete projects. This is a very lucrative way for you to earn income working from home.

Benefits of Mindfulness Apps

Do you need a mindful app to live a longer and stress-free life? According to recent studies, 75% of Americans suffer from severe stress.

Medical doctors also confirm that a large percentage of health issues are stress-related. In today’s stressful and hectic society, it is necessary to devote quality time to practice mindfulness. Excessive stress interferes with your social life, it zaps your energy levels and minimizes your physical and mental health. It is important to find the best ways to safely manage your stress levels.

Why Should you get a Mindful App?

This article explores top benefits why busy professionals need this essential app.

Stress Reduction

As previously stated, most people share the commonality of suffering from excessive stress. Your busy career should not prevent you from practicing daily mindfulness. To retain your health and wellness, it is important to use mindfulness apps.

More Happiness

There is substantial proof that daily meditation can dramatically transform your life. Practicing mindfulness will increase your happiness. If you’re struggling with a specific area in your life, meditation is a solution that helps you to overcome your difficult challenges. Mindfulness gives you the advantage to experience happiness and joy. This helps you to have an easier time adjusting to painful experiences.

Improved Relationships

If you’re overwhelmed and emotional, the relationships you have with people will decline. When you practice mindfulness or daily meditation, you feel calmer, you will have an easier time building good relationships and you also have better control of your emotions. Use mindfulness apps to learn how to develop emotional awareness and to obtain mental clarity.

Every busy professional needs a special moment of daily inspiration, so they can feel reenergized and more positive. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life delivers positivity to the mind and improves your overall health.

How to Save on Your Fourth of July BBQ

Would you like to learn how to save on your Fourth of July BBQ holiday? Are you planning a large, enticing cookout? The Fourth of July provides a great opportunity for you to spend quality time with your friends and family members and be outdoors enjoying the warm weather for hours. You could be in the process of planning a backyard BBQ, watching exciting fireworks, and other special activities that your loved ones enjoy each year. You must also make sure that you have budget-friendly holiday activities. Here's how you can avoid overspending on your Fourth of July BBQ.

To start your barbeque on a budget, consider your meat selection. This may consist of hotdogs, veggie burgers, chicken thighs, steak, and other delicious meats you want to cook on the grill. To make sure you save the most money, be sure to compare the prices of the foods you want to buy on your grocery list. You will need to shop around at different supermarkets to learn about discount prices. On the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, you will be sure to discover deals on certain food items. If you hate the idea of barbequing this year, you can also invite your loved ones to July fourth restaurant specials and deals for 2023.

Next step, barbeque on a budget by finding deals on your barbeque equipment. Save money and time buying a grill by making a list of the features, sizes, and preferred prices you’re looking for. You can research online to learn about the various types of grills that fit your budget. Some of these options may include electric, natural gas, smokers, and charcoal grills. You must also consider buying a grill according to your cooking style, personal needs, and backyard space. Don’t forget to read online grill reviews and ratings to make it easier for you to determine the grill that’s right for you. It is also helpful for you to save money by buying a used, quality grill.

Finally, use cost-effective techniques to decorate your backyard for your Fourth of July BBQ. You don’t have to use expensive decor to make your outdoors look fancy for your guests. You can buy cheap decorations from your local dollar store and thrift store and perform DIY projects. Decorate your outdoors with red, white, and blue by incorporating stylish outdoor pillows on your seating furniture, adding pops of red to your porch, and hanging patriotic flags on your doors or windows to make your home stand out.

How to Make Healthier Food Choices While You’re Out

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while you’re on the go can be a challenge, especially if the majority of accessible choices is fast food. Whether you’re working a nine to five job, or you spend a significant amount of your time flying around the world on business, this doesn’t mean that you must fall off the health wagon. With the proper planning and implementation of the following tips, you can ensure that healthier choices always takes precedence in your life.

Review the nutritional information of the menu. Many restaurants including fast food chains have incorporated the calorie count for items on their menu. With such information, you’ll be able to determine what meals are beneficial for maintaining your healthy lifestyle. You can also grab a copy of the menu for future reference in case you decide to have lunch or dinner at that restaurant again. Circling the healthier menu items can cut down the time you spend scanning through the menu. Select meals that are low in calories.

While the fried items on the menu may be a tempting treat, such food does not fit into your healthy food options. Eating healthy doesn’t mean having a salad-only lifestyle. You can still enjoy delectable items such a grilled chicken on a sandwich, baked potato, salmon, vegetable wraps or other items with a low calorie count. Other healthy food options include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While you may not be able to find such options in abundance on a restaurant menu, you can always have one or more of these items at a later point in your day. Limit your portion size by eating slowly. Chew your food slowly, so that you can enjoy each mouthful and truly savor the variety of flavors. By doing so, you’ll consume less than you would have normally done, if you were to eat without chewing as much. Eating slowly will satisfy your appetite faster, since it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to determine that you’re full. Adopting this method of food consumption can significantly reduce your chances of overeating. Avoid using high fat condiments, dressings, dips, and toppings. If you’re having salad as an appetizer, you may want to dress it up with salad dressing and the like. While such additions help add flavor to the salad, it can also pack on a few inches around the waist if you consume it on a regular basis.

Instead of covering your salad with salad dressing, ask for substitutes like olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice. Carry snacks. Pack snacks such as fruits, nuts, pretzels, and protein bars in your carry on luggage or work bag. If you ever develop a craving for something to eat and you’re unable to find a healthy spot to have a meal, one of these snacks can help hold you over until you’re able to locate a healthy food option. Consume lots of water. Instead of choosing those super-sized sugary drinks full of calories, choose water. You’ll save money, while eliminating the chances of going over your daily calorie intake. About the author:
Written by The Park Club; a family owned gym in Chiswick London.