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Design the Perfect Nursery on a Budget

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If you have a baby on the way, it’s a good idea for you to plan well for them before they actually get here. By doing this, you’ll increase the chances of having an easier time when you take them home. It’s also going to be more efficient to get everything to do with their nursery out of the way before they’re actually there. The best part about this is that you don’t have to spend an excessive amount of money to get the perfect nursery. Use the tips below to stay within budget while getting the best nursery.

Repaint the Walls

The first project that you should take on when thinking about how to design the perfect nursery on a budget is to repaint the walls. That’s because a repainting project is one of the most affordable projects that you may ever do, and yet it’s going to have a very big impact on the space in question. With this in mind, pick the right color, which should be calm and neutral, leaning towards pastel shades and hues. When you do this, it should be easier for you to decorate the space and set it up to be the ideal nursery.

Keep Things Simple

Another important design tip to use is to keep things as simple as possible. While it may be tempting to go for all the frills so that the nursery looks picture-perfect, this is not a necessity. You can always change the details as time goes by and the baby grows, which is going to make more financial sense. A good example of how you can keep things simple is by picking plain or neutral fabrics for the bedding and other soft furnishing that you need for your baby. Decorated pieces may cost more than plain ones, so this is one of the ways in which you can save. Just remember to shop for quality in this case, noting that you could buy hypoallergenic fabrics, which are typically breathable, promoting a cool environment in which bacteria and mold can’t grow.

Choose the Right Window Treatments

As mentioned, window treatments are part of what you need to shop for to complete the perfect nursery. In this case, keep in mind that the extra backing of blackout curtains can actually block 99.9% of light, and so these are a must-have if the nursery has windows facing bright streetlights or the rising sun. These curtains are going to make it easier for your child to fall and stay asleep a lot longer, since some babies are actually sensitive to light.

Buy Thrifted Items

Another way in which you can save money while you get the perfect nursery is by shopping for thrifted items. As long as they’re in good shape and actually cost less than their new counterparts would, this is going to be a great call to make. This is a great option to pick for things such as storage cabinets and furniture in general. You can also buy some clothing second-hand, since babies grow up quite fast, which means that there’s a good chance that you’ll get some nearly-new pieces which your baby won’t even spend a lot of time in.

It’s important to try and keep your expenses low at this time because there are many costs to think about, especially if you’re using the services of a surrogate. In this case, the cost can vary a lot depending on various factors, including whether you also need the assistance of an egg donor, the individual expenses of your surrogate, whether you’re expecting multiples, and the medical circumstances that occur over the duration of the pregnancy. With this in mind, you stand to benefit if you can save money in various areas, since these savings are bound to add up.

4 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Value Before Moving in 2024

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Your home should be comfortable, functional, and appealing in order to ensure that it’s inviting enough for you and your family to enjoy. To make sure that this is the case all through, there are measures that you can take in the form of improvement projects. While these are going to see you spend money, they’re going to offer you value in return and assure you of a home that’s worth looking forward to getting back to at the end of a long day. Here are four of the ways in which you can improve the value of your home before moving.

1. Thoroughly Declutter

The first and most important thing that you need to do is to declutter thoroughly. This may take you some time to do, but it’s going to ensure that you start off on a clean slate. To ease the process, you may want to rent a dumpster. With one, it won’t be hard for you to figure out where to keep the things that you move around the house, and you can do a faster job as a result.

You may even be able to find a place to offload the items that you’re trying to get rid of, especially if they’re useful and in good condition. On this note, about 35.5 million Americans move every single year. You can be sure that a good number of them have things that they need to dispose of, and with a number of people aware of this, it should be relatively easy to find people to sell or donate these items to.

2. Replace the Roof

The roof is one of the most expansive elements of any property, and it also plays a very important role. This makes it a good idea to replace the roof before you move if it’s severely damaged, or it has simply reached the end of its lifespan. On this note, keep in mind that the overall North American roofing market is largely made up of roofing replacements, which form more than 90% of the market’s value and volume. Clearly, many people understand the value that a great roof can have for their home. To get the best returns from this process, you should think about the roof that you get, choosing one that’s durable and that’s going to offer you a number of other benefits. Professionals can help you choose the best material for your new roof.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

A home that’s energy-efficient is bound to be a lot more comfortable and valuable, and that’s why achieving this before you move should be one of your goals. Putting this measure in place is going to help you not only spend less money on energy each month, but it’s also going to make your home considerably more sustainable. This is based on the fact that buildings and homes are responsible for 30% of all the greenhouse emissions in America, according to the EPA. Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient can give you amazing returns over time, paying well for the investment you put into it. Plus, prospective buyers will appreciate such efforts.

4. Repaint the House

Last but not least, you should consider repainting the house before you move in. This is one of the most affordable projects that you could ever do, and it’s also one that can have a major impact on your home’s interior and exterior. It will also be a fast project that won’t take a lot of time to complete. Choose a calm and neutral color!

With these four methods, you can boost the value of your home considerably before you move. Hire the right people to get the projects done so that they don’t have to be redone in a short time. This is going to make your move less of a hassle than it could potentially be.

How Can a Lawyer Save You Money During Your Upcoming Merger?

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You’re in the right place for all you business-savvy leaders who are gearing up for a merger. A big financial matchup can either make it rain or leave your pockets feeling a bit light. Your trusty lawyer can be the hero of your merger. Hunter Fowler, the attorney, tells us there is a sea of 1,315,561 lawyers in the U.S. This means that finding the right legal navigator can be your secret weapon to saving serious money during your upcoming merger. Let’s break it down in the language of dollars and cents!

1. Dodging Legal Landmines: The Costly Art of Avoidance

In the legal realm, a little bit of effort to prevent a large headache later on is well worth your time. Mergers are intricate dances that can easily step on legal landmines. Of all the executives that MarketSplash surveyed, 90% of them state that they believe that mergers and acquisitions have become increasingly intricate and fraught with risk. Lawyers can spot potential issues before they become financial sinkholes. By dodging these legal bullets, you’re essentially saving your finances from a costly fallout.

2. Ironclad Contracts: Fortifying Your Financial Fortunes

Contracts tend to fly around quickly when you’re in the midst of a merger. It’s possible that someone will miss something important. Chaos is not good for business. Armed with their legal prowess, a lawyer can draft ironclad contracts that ensure everyone understands all the details. This harmony isn’t just good for morale; it’s fantastic for your finances. No misunderstandings means no costly disputes.

3. Fraud-Fighting Heroes: Shielding Your Finances

Did you know that according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), businesses lose about 5% of revenue yearly to fraud? That’s like having a leak in your financial boat. Lawyers, equipped with their fraud-fighting abilities, can implement measures to safeguard your finances during a merger. From scrutinizing financial records to implementing robust internal controls, they’re the financial go-to to keep your business afloat.

4. Due Diligence: The Investigation for Solid Finance

Before you dive headfirst into a merger, you need the financial lowdown. Enter due diligence, where your lawyer delves into the financial nitty-gritty of the business. They uncover skeletons in the financial closet, ensuring you don’t inherit any nasty surprises post-merger. It’s like financial spring cleaning. With a little effort now, your finances will breathe easy later.

5. Negotiation Wizards: Striking the Financial Gold

Negotiations during a merger are like a high-stakes poker game. You want to walk away with the financial pot, not an empty wallet. With their negotiation skills, lawyers know when to hold and when to. They can secure favorable terms, whether pricing, payment structures, or post-merger obligations. In the game of finances, having a legal ace up your sleeve is priceless.

6. Regulatory Roadmap: Navigating Financial Compliance

Regulations are the not-so-glamorous side of business. Ignoring them can cost you big time. Lawyers, with their regulatory knowledge, ensure that your merger adheres to all the financial rules. From tax implications to compliance checks, they make sure you’re on the right side of the law, saving you from potential financial penalties and headaches.

7. Post-Merger Bliss: Ensuring Financial Integration

Once the honeymoon phase of your merger begins, it’s time for financial integration. Lawyers play a pivotal role in seamlessly merging systems, contracts, and finances. This isn’t just about a smooth transition; it’s about saving you from the financial chaos that can arise when things don’t mesh well.

There you have it, a crash course on how a lawyer can be your money-saver during a merger. In a world where mergers can be tricky, having a legal guide is like having the cheat codes for financial success. It’s time to make that legal call and ensure your merger isn’t just a dance but a financial masterpiece!

Cost-Effective Ways to Naturally Treat Chronic Pain

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People have turned for centuries to herbs, oils, and alternative medicine to help pain. Some people prefer natural remedies because they lack artificial chemicals, but others prefer them because they often save money. There are sufficient devotees of natural remedies that there are college courses that can provide a doctorate in naturopathic medicine.

How Does Pain Occur?

To understand pain relief, it can be helpful to understand how pain occurs. When a body part is injured, the body tissue in that area releases chemicals near the injured leg. Those chemicals will irritate the end of the pain nerves. Next, the nerves send a pain message to the spinal cord and then to the brain.

When the body tissue heals, the chemicals stop flowing, and the pain signals are contained. It may interest you that the body’s response to a trauma – like an auto crash – will send a burst of adrenaline through the body. That adrenaline influx can temporarily decrease pain symptoms. Natural remedies seek to invoke relief in a similarly natural way.

Natural Herbs Taken by Mouth

One cost-effective spice many people use for pain relief is clove oil. Cloves have a spicy smell and are known for relief tooth and gum pain. Ginger is another piquant spice often made into tea and used to ease muscle aches from arthritis. One more spice that has been gaining in popularity for pain control and inflammation relief is turmeric. Turmeric is often placed in capsules or mixed into tea.

Willow bark is taken directly from white willow trees, as its name implies. Willow bark is a salicylate – which means it acts similarly to aspirin. Boswellia is a resin (also called Indian frankincense) that effectively relieves muscle aches from arthritis. A dietary element shown to reduce pain is the cost-effective use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (like sunflower and corn oils, as well as fish oils).

Natural Topicals and Inhalations

Essential oils, like rosemary and peppermint oils, have been shown to relieve inflammation and pain by manual application to the pain site. Peppermint oil is often applied to the forehead and temples to penetrate the sinuses and provide relief for headaches. Capsaicin has also been increasing in popularity for arthritis relief. Capsaicin gel originates from chili peppers; the same heat you experience when you eat chili will penetrate your muscles to relieve pain.

One of the most well-known substances to inhale for natural pain relief is marijuana. There has been a recent increase in the legal uses of medical marijuana. For example, Florida is home to 800,000 users of medical marijuana. One less controversial and very inexpensive plant used for inhalation is eucalyptus, the main ingredient in a popular menthol inhalation rubbed on the chest.

Other Natural Pain Relief Methods

If the pain involves an injury to your muscles, you should consider consulting a chiropractor to help with pain relief. 35 million Americans visit chiropractors yearly. Chiropractors utilize natural methods, including massage, cold compresses, and spinal adjustment. Another popular natural method is acupuncture, which uses tiny needles placed strategically on specific points in the body.

Many other people find pain relief by practicing yoga – or other methods of contemplative movement like tai chi. These practices use breath control and meditation to stretch their muscles and relieve tension and pain gently. The breathing and meditative movements will allow dissipation of pain signals, leading to pain relief.

An internet search can help you discover other types of natural pain relief. Many people who feel challenged by today’s high medication costs have embraced the use of herbal and alternative medicines. If you try the above suggestions, you will soon find a reduction in both your pain and your medication costs.

5 Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding on a Budget

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Planning your dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when opting for an outdoor celebration. With smart planning and savvy choices, you can craft an unforgettable outdoor wedding that’s both charming and budget-friendly. Select a venue that gives you more bang for your buck, keep the decor simple yet charming, and choose cost-effective catering options. This way, you get to save cash while still making sure your big day is magical.

1. Select a Budget-Friendly Outdoor Venue

Outdoor weddings offer a variety of charming and cost-effective venue options. There’s no shortage of stunning outdoor locations to set the stage for your big day. From public green spaces and sun-kissed beaches to secret gardens or even a family-owned spot, you will surely find an idyllic setting perfectly fitting your dream wedding theme. Explore affordable yet beautiful outdoor venues that align with your wedding theme. You can splurge on food and decorations by opting for a cost-effective outdoor spot.

2. Opt for Creative Transportation Alternatives

Transportation costs can quickly increase, especially when considering specialized vehicles for bridal parties and guests. With 40% of the revenues generated by the limousine industry, according to Rockford Rides, due to parties, high school events, and weddings, it’s crucial to explore cost-effective transportation alternatives. Consider utilizing your personal vehicles or family and friends’ vehicles for transportation. Think about scoping out local ride services that give good deals, or maybe even consider setting up a shuttle service for your guests.

3. Prioritize Cost-Effective Restroom Solutions

While often overlooked, restroom facilities are essential to any outdoor wedding. Looking into renting portable bathrooms can be a smart and cost-effective way to make sure your guests are comfy and well-taken care of. IBISWorld states that the market size of the portable toilet rental industry was valued at $2.1 billion in 2022. As a result, numerous affordable and well-maintained options can cater to your specific guest count and wedding location. Keep in mind it’s essential to budget for quality bathroom services. This ensures your guests have a clean, working spot to freshen up during the festivities.

4. Embrace DIY Decor and Personalized Touches

One of the most effective ways to save money on your outdoor wedding is by incorporating do-it-yourself (DIY) decor and personalized touches. Alright, check this out. Most folks, over 90% in the States and other Western countries tie the knot before hitting 50, according to Pew Research Center data. When it comes to wedding prep, DIY decor is a major money-saver for your outdoor ceremony. It not only cuts costs but also adds a personal touch. Consider creating your decorations to add a unique spin to your party and save some cash simultaneously. This could be anything from DIY centerpieces and signs to personalized wedding favors or table arrangements. Not only does it give your celebration its charm, but it also adds that personal touch everyone loves.

5. Simplify Catering Options and Menu Selections

Catering costs can quickly escalate, especially for outdoor weddings. Go for a simple menu that uses fresh, local stuff from the season. It’s a surefire way to keep costs low and tastes high. Opt for family-style or buffet-style dining, which can be more cost-effective than plated meals. Consider hiring a local catering company or food truck that offers affordable yet delicious menu options. Keeping things simple and affordable with your food choices can still make a big splash at your event. You don’t need to blow your budget to serve up unforgettable grub.

Planning an outdoor wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart, well-considered decisions and a dash of creativity, you can pull off a spectacular event that will be remembered for years without overspending. Remember, the key to a successful outdoor wedding is not how much money you spend but how creatively and thoughtfully you allocate your resources to create a memorable and heartfelt celebration of your love.

How to Get the Most From Your Car Accident Settlement

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Surviving a car crash can shake you up, leaving physical scars and causing deep emotional wounds. Crashstats states that millions of people are injured on U.S. highways annually. Navigating the aftermath, including the financial implications, can be overwhelming. But knowing how to get the most out of your car accident settlement can help lighten the load. There are fundamental steps to nail down when dealing with a car accident claim. Sticking to these can ensure you get what’s rightfully yours and help keep your wallet healthy during this tough time.

Seek Legal Guidance from Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

Did you know that there are approximately 60,670 personal injury lawyers in the United States as of 2022, as stated by IBISWorld? Getting a solid lawyer on your side is super important. They’ll guide you through all the legal mumbo-jumbo and fight for your rights. Getting a top-notch personal injury lawyer on your side can give you killer advice and strong support while navigating the settlement process. A skilled lawyer negotiates with insurance companies and assesses the full extent of your damages. They ensure you’re treated fairly and get what you deserve for your hurt and losses.

Document and Evaluate All Damages

After a car accident, it’s essential to document and evaluate all damages meticulously. This includes not only physical injuries but also property damage. Don’t forget to jot down every penny spent on medical stuff and any missed work cash. You should have the details of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and related expenses incurred due to the accident.

Don’t forget to note how the crash ruined your daily routine and peace of mind. This is when you want to highlight emotional distress, pain, and suffering. Getting all your loss info together is super important. It’s the key to scoring a settlement that makes up for everything you’ve been through.

Understand the Dynamics of Insurance Claims and Market Trends

Delving into insurance claims and market trends starts with understanding basic concepts, such as policy terms and claim processes, before advancing to the more complex dynamics of market trends. GlobalNewswire tells us that turbochargers are blowing up in a big way. Between 2022 and 2030, we will see serious growth globally in the turbocharger market. This points to major advancements and trends in-car tech. When hashing out a car accident settlement deal, you must understand how this can shape your game plan. Ensure you get a good grip on your insurance policy’s ins and outs.

Know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to use it effectively. Stay in the loop about how market trends can mess with your car’s worth and how much fixing it might cost you. Armed with this understanding, you’ll have the upper hand in bargaining. It lets you make smart calls about your payout, rooted in facts.

Be Patient and Diligent Throughout the Process

Securing the most finances from your car accident settlement often requires patience and diligence. Although it might feel overwhelming and take a while, staying driven and keeping your eyes on the prize is vital. Don’t let any setbacks throw you off course. Respond promptly to any requests from your legal representative or insurance company, and stay actively involved in the negotiation process. Keep the communication line open with everyone who’s part of this deal.

Navigating a car crash settlement can be like finding your way in a maze. But don’t sweat it; by sticking to these steps, you’ll not only master the intricacies but also get the reimbursement that’s rightfully yours. Truly understanding insurance claims plus market shifts can tip the scales in your favor.

Looking after your health and protecting your finances is key. Don’t shy away from getting help from seasoned experts or diving deep into the nitty-gritty of procedures—it can hugely sway the result of your car accident claim. Be proactive, be informed—your outcome depends on it.

4 Key Indicators You’ve Found a Private School Worth Your Money

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More and more people are realizing that a private school is the best option for their children. This is based on the continued better performance of children in private schools than their public counterparts. As a result they’re willing to make the financial sacrifice that it takes to put their children through private school. That said, not all private schools are created equal, so how do you know you’ve found one that’s worth your money? Here are four key indicators.

1. It Places an Emphasis on Sustainable Efforts

The first indication that you’ve found a good private school is that it places an emphasis on sustainability. With the state of the environment becoming a matter of concern with increasing urgency and more people making an effort to go green, this is an important consideration. That said, you can find out whether the private school in question teaches about environmental sustainability. To this end, they could teach younger students that the three Rs are reduce, reuse, and recycle, according to National Geographic. Based on this, you may know that the school in question intends to produce citizens who are capable of living sustainable lives.

2. It Offers a Recognized Curriculum

Something else that could show you that you’ve found a private school that’s worth your money is the curriculum it offers. Private schools are typically independent in terms of their funding, academic calendars, and even the curriculum. This means that there are going to be many variations in terms of the curricula offered from one private school to another. In this case, some of the curricula may not be recognized by other institutions of learning. This can pose a serious issue when it’s time for a child to graduate and go to college if they come from a school with an obscure curriculum.

3. It Has a Low Teacher-Student Ratio

The best private school should also have a low teacher-student ratio. When this is the case, you can be sure that each student will receive more individual attention from their educators. As a result of this, students are more likely to keep up with their academics and thrive because their teachers won’t let them fall behind.

Note that a mere 25% of all schools in America are private schools. With that being the case, their tuition and other details may make it hard for a large part of the population to afford to put their children in private schools. This is the main reason for the typical low teacher-student ratios common in private schools.

4. It Has a Clean and Safe Environment

Finally, the right private school will have an environment that’s safe and clean. In such a case, it’s going to be harder for issues like sickness and diseases to spread among the student population. On this note, keep in mind that carpet can last for anywhere from five to 15 years. This depends on the carpet fibers, carpet cushion, carpet type, and how much foot traffic the carpet experiences, according to Angi. Since finances are not much of an issue for private schools, it tends to be easier for them to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

If the private school that you want to enroll your child in meets these four qualities, then it’s worth your money without a doubt. Don’t hesitate to keep searching until you find a private school that fits the bill for you. Your efforts will be validated by the amazing performance of your child at the end of their academics.

How to Budget for Your Next Home Renovation

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Renovating their homes has become a way of life for US homeowners. They constantly want to improve their abodes and add to their amenities. Of the homeowners who completed home renovations in the past 12 months, 75% plan to renovate the following year, too. That cycle of constant improvement partially stems from great budgeting advice from home improvement experts.

Know When Major Home Features Require Replacement

Every major feature of the typical modern home eventually requires replacement. For example, an asphalt shingle roof lasts about 15 years. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system lasts about 15 to 25 years, says home improvement guru Bob Vila. When you learn the expiration date of each major home feature, you empower yourself to budget for their replacement. If you purchased a home with a five-year-old HVAC system check hvac contract, calculate the cost of a new one 10 years from now, including inflation, and save one-tenth of the cost each year. When the HVAC system breaks down or begins wearing out, you will have the money ready to replace it.

Prioritize Your Renovations

Perhaps you dream of new crown molding in every room and a new deck. Your foundation starts sagging and a support beam splits. Although the wraparound deck sounds the most fun, it comes last on the priorities list, while the support beam fix tops the list. Always put safety first and spend your renovation funds on what ensures your home will last longer. Exterior work and foundation work come first because both require outdoor work and good weather; without them, your house falls down.

Save small, indoor renovation projects for winter months. You can hang crown molding or wallpaper in any weather. Indoor painting and flooring projects also offer cold-weather opportunities. These smaller projects cost less but offer a sense of accomplishment when finished.

Increase Curb Appeal with Outdoor Projects

Instead of trying to accomplish the entire renovation at once, divide the projects by season. Tackle your deck and outdoor projects in the spring and summer. Decks, patios, and other hardscapes vary in cost, ranging from $2,500 to more than $100,000, according to The Backyard Way. Obtain quotes for the next season’s projects while you complete the current season’s projects to help you plan ahead.

More About Organizing Projects by Season

Determine the average cost of the types of projects you want to do in your state or city using home improvement websites. Once you know the general amounts, build a rough budget for the entire renovation. Divide the projects by season to dole them out throughout the year, scheduling indoor projects for winter.

Research the slow times of year for each type of contractor you’ll need to use. If you wait until June to hire a deck builder, you’ll find them all booked. Only warm weather states would provide suitable weather for deck building during winter though. For some types of work, you can’t schedule during the slow time for that type of contractor, but you can obtain quotes then and schedule their work for the earliest possible time.

Create a Home Maintenance and Improvement Fund

Many individuals find it easier to save for a project when they create a separate bank account to do so. Consider setting up an automatic deposit to this savings account so you can contribute the same amount each month. This process helps you build savings, increase your net worth, and prepare you for home emergencies that might require spending a large amount of money at once.

Budget for Constant Home Improvement

It’s a fact of homeownership that you’ll need to conduct annual maintenance. You’ll also need to repair and replace certain items. You’ll probably find things you want to upgrade or change, so create a budget for the things you know you’ll have to address and a savings account for emergency repairs.

5 Financial Considerations to Think About Before Marriage

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Getting married is a major rite of passage for most people. One of the major things that couples have to discuss before and during their marriage is their finances. Here are some financial considerations to consider before marriage.

1. Debt

Couples should have an honest discussion about any existing debt. If you attended college, you may have some student loans like most American students do. Be honest about how much you may owe for student loans, car loans, and credit cards. When you unify as a couple, not only will your income be bound together, but your debt can affect you as well.

2. Taxes

As a married couple, your tax situation will now change. When you go from filing as a single person to a married person, there are some benefits and exemptions you’ll get. You also must think about your overall estate planning and how that can affect your future taxes. Any estates over $10,860,000 for married couples and $5,430,000 for single individuals, any amount in excess will be subject to estate taxes.

3. Wedding Costs

Let’s not forget about the big day itself, the wedding day. While you want your wedding day to be special, remember that you’ll still need money long after the wedding is over. According to IBIS World, the majority of American couples spend as much as 30% of their savings on their wedding day. As you plan your wedding, see if there are certain things that you can save on. Think about the time of year you’ll be getting married. For example, summer is the most expensive time to get married, since that’s when most other couples are also taking that step. Also, consider how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you’ll have. When it comes to your guest list, you don’t have to invite every single person you know. Try to keep the number down within an affordable amount that you can comfortably feed and seat without breaking the bank.

4. Accommodations

Maybe you and your spouse are already living together before the wedding or still planning to buy your first home together. According to the National Association of Realtors, almost 50% of recent buyers started the home purchasing process by looking online at properties for sale, while 18% of buyers first contacted a real estate agent. Think about the type of home you want to live in, the location, and chances of future upgrades. After all, there’s a difference between living in a big city like New York versus a more rural area. Plus, the amount of money you’ll spend upfront and later save can change based on whether you decide to rent an apartment or pay for a single-family home. If you don’t want to manage a single-family home, you may prefer to have a condo, especially if you decide to remain child-free.

5. Family Planning

Do you and your spouse plan to have children? Children make up a huge chunk of any married couple’s finances. From the time they’re babies until out of the house for college, you must pay for their healthcare, food, clothing, and educational costs. Do you plan on only having one child or a sibling for them or a big family? Sit down and discuss these things, as the amount of children you have, when you have them, and how far apart you have them can play a big role in your overall expenses.

You and your future spouse should enjoy planning your wedding and looking forward to a future together. However, make sure you’re honest about things such as your financial state. Managing and discussing your current expenses, your mentality regarding money, and future planning can play a big role in reducing stress and disappointment in your marriage. Sit down and talk about your finances before you walk down the aisle.

7 Ways to Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums This Fall

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If you own a car, you must have insurance to drive it. Insurance costs can get pretty hefty, especially when you finance your vehicle. However, you can take some steps to reduce your premiums each month. Here are some tips to reduce your insurance rates this fall.

1. Work On Your Credit Score

One way you can reduce your insurance cost is by working toward raising your credit score. Credit scores directly affect insurance rates these days, and you can relieve yourself of some of the burdens by paying your bills on time, disputing inaccurately reported accounts, and reducing the number of inquiries you make. That should make your credit score rise, which will, in turn, decrease your insurance rates. You should notice a premium decrease when it comes time for you to renew your insurance if you have a better credit score.

2. Add Safety Features

Many insurance companies give their policyholders discounts for having safety features on their cars. Examples of qualifying safety features include anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, etc. You may qualify for a discount if you install a seat belt pre-tensioner, too. If an accident occurs, a pre-tensioner will keep you firmly planted in your seatbelt.

Research to see what you can add to your car to give yourself a more reasonable insurance rate. Just make sure you choose aluminum instead of heavy steel for parts. The U.S. Department of Energy says that using aluminum instead of heavy steel components can reduce the weight of your vehicle by between 10 and 60%. Putting in an aluminum driveshaft instead of steel can eliminate up to 20 pounds. Reducing the car’s weight can take some of the burdens off the engine and ultimately lead to a longer motor life.

3. Raise Your Deductible

Another thing you can do to decrease your monthly automobile insurance expense is raise your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you must submit before the insurance policy kicks in and pays some of the expenses to repair your vehicle. They can range from as little as $250 to several thousand dollars. Your deductible amount directly affects the premium, so you can play with it a little to make your monthly payment more comfortable. However, don’t make it so high that you can’t afford it.

4. Keep Your Vehicle Covered

Another way to reduce your insurance premiums is to keep your vehicle protected. In 2020 alone, there were over $40 billion in insured losses due to storm damage. If your vehicle suffers damage because it wasn’t covered by your garage or other safety features and you file damage claims regularly, chances are your premiums will go up.

5. Change Providers

Checking other providers and comparing is a good idea if you’d like to reduce your monthly insurance costs. You can save hundreds of dollars by switching companies or getting a promotion from being a new customer. It’s wise to keep your eyes open for excellent deals. You never know when you might catch a break.

6. Use Your Memberships

You can also use personal memberships to get a nice discount on your car insurance premium. For example, you can get a percentage off your bill by being a member of certain credit union. Sometimes, being affiliated with a specific employer can also get you a discount. You might have to investigate to figure out which one of your memberships can work out for you in that way.

7. Change Vehicles

Finally, if your vehicle isn’t in the best condition or the model is no longer working for you and your family, it may be a good idea to change vehicles entirely. According to Zippia, in 2021, 9.2 million U.S. vehicles were produced, and many of them are safe choices for a new car. Certain types of vehicles may result in higher insurance premiums, such as Dodge, Tesla, and BMWs. Switching the type of car you drive can bring your premiums down.

You’re now armed with some practical tactics to reduce your monthly auto insurance premium. Try some of these methods to see what discounts you can get on your automotive coverage. You might be pleasantly surprised by your future bills.

Filed Under: Car