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4 home renovation mistakes that should be avoided

4 home renovation mistakes that should be avoided

People renovate their homes to improve the functionality of the space. Some people also renovate to change the aesthetic of their house and give it a new look. In either case, home renovations can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It is a lengthy process that requires your utmost attention. That being said, things can go wrong; home renovation mistakes can cost you your time, money, and effort, and therefore, should be avoided.

Deciding on an unrealistic budget
One of the biggest errors that many homeowners make during renovation is not deciding and sticking to a fixed budget. When you are renovating your home, it’s easy to go over and above the budget that you have decided. What you need to do when deciding on a budget before you start your renovations is to make sure that you have some leeway. This way, even if you go overboard on your initial budget, you will not have to spend out of pocket. Experts usually suggest having an extra 20% added to your budget to tackle any additional renovations or hidden costs that may come up.

Signing on the first contractor
Many people choose to work with the first contractor they come across instead of comparing different options and quotes. To avoid this home renovation mistake, talk to multiple contractors. This step is crucial because it allows you to understand the cost of different products and services cost. A little due diligence can save you a world of trouble. Take notes each time you talk to a contractor and compare them before you decide to settle on one. Don’t forget to ask questions about licenses, insurance, experience, and even customer satisfaction. These aspects will also aid in your decision-making process.

Using poor-quality materials
Home renovations are not a frequent occurrence. They are expensive as well as tedious for those living in the space. This makes it essential to use quality materials and products. This way you won’t have to undertake renovations for years on end and you will be able to have peace of mind.

Sticking to the latest trends
Many people spend a lot of time and money making this home renovation mistake. While it’s completely okay to make all the latest and trending renovations to your place, remember that trends keep changing. If you decide to refurbish your home only based on trends, it may soon be out of vogue. What you instead need to do is find the right combination of what’s trending and what’s classic to enhance the look of your home.

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5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

Purchasing insurance can be an excellent financial decision. When you buy insurance, you make small payments called premiums to an insurance company so that you and your loved ones are protected during a financial emergency. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying an insurance plan. And more often than not, people make mistakes during the process, which cost them a lot more than they would otherwise pay. Opting for low premiums People often opt for a plan with a lower premium because it is easier on the pocket. However, such plans usually provide a smaller claim amount during an emergency. So, try to find a balance between the premiums you pay and how much money you get during a claim. Not trying other insurance providers Staying with the same insurer might make the documentation process easier when renewing the policy or buying a new one. However, it can cost you more in the long haul. The provider may not always offer the best price for a preferred plan. So, if your situation changes—for example, if you get married, buy a car, or move to a new state—compare different insurance companies before choosing one. Not reading the fine print Every insurance plan comes with terms and conditions.
5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

Purchasing insurance can be an excellent financial decision. When you buy insurance, you make small payments called premiums to an insurance company so that you and your loved ones are protected during a financial emergency. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying an insurance plan. And more often than not, people make mistakes during the process, which cost them a lot more than they would otherwise pay. Opting for low premiums People often opt for a plan with a lower premium because it is easier on the pocket. However, such plans usually provide a smaller claim amount during an emergency. So, try to find a balance between the premiums you pay and how much money you get during a claim. Not trying other insurance providers Staying with the same insurer might make the documentation process easier when renewing the policy or buying a new one. However, it can cost you more in the long haul. The provider may not always offer the best price for a preferred plan. So, if your situation changes—for example, if you get married, buy a car, or move to a new state—compare different insurance companies before choosing one. Not reading the fine print Every insurance plan comes with terms and conditions.
4 services Medicare does not cover

4 services Medicare does not cover

Medicare is a health insurance program issued by the government. The program covers people aged 65 or older, certain people with disabilities, and patients with end-stage renal diseases. It encompasses several plans and is divided into four parts with certain services – A, B, C, and D. Out of these, Part A is free for those who’ve paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years, but the others have to pay a premium. Even though the program is helpful for many, some Medicare plans are complicated in terms of coverage. This makes it difficult to understand. They might cover various aspects of health care, but many conditions are not covered as well, some of which include: Dental care Medicare plans may cover basic health care services and X-rays, but they have a limit of $1,500 annually. Medicare plans may not cover routine dental checkups and treatment of certain dental services. They also do not cover dentures and fillings. However, in the case of emergency hospitalization, patients can use Part A to pay off certain dental services. Long-term hospitalization Usually, all Medicare plans cover up to 90 days of hospitalization. The benefit period begins on the first inpatient day at a hospital or nursing facility and ends when inpatient care isn’t received for more than 60 days.
A look at some of the best free investment advisors

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.

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