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The latest innovations in lower-toxic pest control

New methods of pest control are based on low-tox solutions that can be more sustainable and effective than harsh chemicals

In recent years, several critical factors have driven the pest control industry and business towards low-tox solutions.

Stringent legislation, such as the FDA Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) and the EU Biocidal Products Regulation, now regulates the use and development of new biocidal products, driving the innovation of low-tox alternatives.

Businesses, meanwhile, are reacting to rising expectations from consumers, many of whom are more aware of the effect of overuse of pesticides on the environment and health.

The pest control industry itself has also matured significantly. Like many other sectors, we are constantly researching and solutions that are more sustainable, effective and are better for the planet overall.

These are all compelling reasons why pest control is changing. What's also fascinating from an innovation perspective is that these driving forces are emerging at a time when advances in technology are also enabling low-tox solutions that are more targeted and effective than many of the chemical solutions that are still used today.

The advantages of connected technology and the Internet of Things

Many new developments are based on the automation of pest observation. Currently, for example, the pest control industry is embracing the Internet of Things to change the way facilities are monitored. We can now install connected traps and devices to carry out remote monitoring 24/7, so technicians don't have to physically visit a site to see if pests are present. When they do visit a site, technicians don't need to spend time checking traps. Instead they can focus on developing low-tox, preventative risk mitigation strategies instead.

In the agriculture space, we are also experimenting with bespoke monitoring solutions, such as drones  fitted with thermal imaging technology, that can survey large areas of crops. The technical capability of the thermal heat and hyperspectral imaging software fitted in these drones is so high that they can view microscopic details and find localised infestations. This enables us to treat small areas and pest problems with low-tox solutions before they spread.

Prevention through predictive analytics

Another major advantage of these new monitoring methods is that they provide us with new data, much of which was not available before. The drones mentioned above, for instance, can monitor the chlorophyll level in plants and predict the damage a plant will sustain before it happens.

We don't just collect data from these devices and use it in isolation. We can now overlay it with public data sources, such as weather records, to start predicting pest behaviour based on different variables. In turn, this is fuelling sophisticated predictive analytics that enables us to apply targeted, low-tox treatments in localised spots, rather than blanket treating facilities with chemicals.  In many cases, when you have the right support with innovative applications of technology, there is no need to use any harsh chemicals at all.

New developments in non-toxic heat treatments

Ironically, some of the recent innovations are enhancements of ideas that have been around for centuries. In the 18th Century, early settlers in Australia developed rudimentary ways to use heat to eliminate insects. Today, modern technology is now being applied to the idea to scale it up into a commercial model.

Rentokil's Entotherm, for example, is a new solution that eradicates bed bugs and cockroaches. Rather than using sprays, which often don't penetrate the hard outer shell, the heat delivered by the Entotherm system kills insects from the inside through dehydration and damage to essential physiological processes. This method avoids any risk of the insects developing resilience to spray chemicals and passing on resistant genes to future offspring.

Another benefit is that the heat effectively kills all the life stages of insects – egg, larva, pupa and adult – without needing go higher than 56-60 degrees Celsius. This temperature is high enough to kill pests rapidly, but it doesn't cause structural damage to buildings or objects.

New advances in biopesticides

It's not just hardware and data that is driving low-toxic innovation. Rentokil's Global Science Centre is also currently developing new organic-compound solutions that can repel or destroy pests. One solution we are currently developing, for example, uses fungal spores that attach to the external body surface of cockroaches. The spores then germinate and bore through the outer shell to reach the insects' body cavity, after which they multiply and kill the insect.

Solutions like these have zero mammalian toxicity and only low volumes are needed. Another significant benefit is that unlike chemicals, pests can't become resistant to the spores. This means that we're able to get closer to solving a long-standing problem with how insects learn to adapt to chemicals and pass on resistant genes.  It's a clear illustration that many of the innovative chemical-free solutions being developed today combine higher levels of efficacy with reduced environmental impact.

The future of low-tox innovation

A word about the future. What would happen if we could communicate with pests like mice, rather than just monitor them? This is something we are experimenting with at Rentokil now using ultrasound technology. It is an idea borne out of frustration with the fact that current ways of monitoring mice (e.g. connected traps, or fluorescent gels) only pick up activity when the mouse interacts with the solution and activates it. If the mouse is merely nearby, then no pest activity will be recorded.

We're currently developing a solution to this problem that can listen to mice by picking up the high frequencies they emit, which are higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. As we continue to develop and analyse the potential of this innovative solution, we will also be exploring the possibility of sending messages back to mice to repel them from the area.

Communicating with mice may sound like science fiction for now. But how often does today's science fiction become tomorrow's normal? What we can be sure of is that the need and demand for low-tox pest control is going to continue to increase – driven forward inexorably by rising consumer demand and increasing regulation. We can also be certain that new, continually evolving innovations will help to effectively meet those demands with safer, greener solutions for pest control.

The post The latest innovations in lower-toxic pest control appeared first on The Rentokil Blog.

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Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Here's How Top Appraisers Assess the Water Shields of the House

Gutters are the unsung heroes of real estate. They don't earn compliments like a property's gorgeous landscaping or the rustic tile selection of your master shower will. But without them, a home's structural integrity is at risk.

Every day 14,000 homeowners face water emergencies while 37% have claimed losses due to water issues. Meanwhile, homeowners insurance companies pay out $2.5 billion in water damage losses every year. Gutters serve the critical role of pushing water where it needs to be: away from the house to avoid foundation erosion and roof leaks.

“When I go out to appraise a property for a lender, they will almost never lend on a property that doesn't have gutters and downspouts that are functional,” said Jerin Harper, a home appraiser in Oregon with a decade of experience.

“In this instance, I would be required to provide a 'cost-to-cure,' which is an estimate to install or repair gutters and downspouts. The cost-to-cure figure can then be subtracted from the overall home value.”

So do gutters increase home value? Not exactly, because they're like the tires of a car: buyers expect a property to have them in good working condition, or they'll pay less for it. We'll help you get up to speed on homeownership and gutters with insights from top appraisers around the country who explain:

How gutters shield the house from ice dams and foundation problems

The numbers on dirty or damaged gutters and how they detract from your home's value

Pro tips on gutter material selection, installation, and add-ons to maximize ROI

Gutters as guardians of the house: Protecting against ice damming and foundation erosion

Imagine you're sitting in your living room on a chilly winter day watching television, when suddenly you feel a drop of water on your head. And then another, and another. You look up to find a wet patch spreading out on your ceiling just above you.

Or, picture this: It's been a stormy few days with lots of rain. You go outside to clean up after the storm and to your horror, find that some of your foundation has washed away-but only in one spot that should have been difficult for the water to reach.

The culprit in both situations? In most cases, bad gutters. Properly constructed and clean gutters are essential to preventing water damage to your home.

The first scenario likely due to an issue called ice damming on the roof, where the water melting from a warmer part of your roof can't escape. This typically happens when gutters haven't been cleaned out properly, the water freezes, and then the ice accumulates under your shingles, melting and damaging the attic or ceiling in your home.

The second scenario could be thanks to a broken gutter or a missing downspout-the water is dumping down onto your foundation instead of getting pushed away from the house.

“You need to have gutters because you're going to start affecting your foundation significantly if you don't direct water away appropriately,” said Brett Young, a top-selling agent in Indianapolis. “It's not an option out here, honestly. If you're buying a house that doesn't have gutters on it, it's probably because it's a bank sale home and it's all beat up.”

Granted, some locations don't need gutters as much as others-like Arizona, for example, where Young used to live.

Some homes out there didn't have gutters and it wasn't a big deal, essentially because it's the desert and there's just not that much rain. But even in that situation, it's better to have them rather than not, just in case a storm comes through that is strong enough to damage your home.

No gutters (or gutters in poor condition) will detract value from your house

Not only will a lack of gutters or ones with issues hurt your home and affect the sale, it could also actively lower your home's value.

Whether you don't have any gutters or the ones you have are dirty, broken or improperly attached, you're compromising the longevity of the home by leaving it open to other problems. And those problems will have an effect on the appraisal when you're trying to sell.

Harper notes gutters in poor condition could detract between $500 and $1,000 from the value of an average-sized house with a straightforward installation by a professional.

“Gutters are part of the real estate, but there's not a specific adjustment line for gutters,” said Michael Keough, a 30-year residential home appraiser in New Jersey. “If the lack of gutters is ruining something, you'll detract from that item.”

In some cases, the missing or damaged gutters can even end a sale before it begins.

Good gutters will attract buyers but don't necessarily add value

All that being said, gutters themselves typically won't increase the value of your home. They're standard, especially in areas with a lot of rain, and having them isn't anything special.

“People don't just normally install gutters for the aesthetics of the gutters,” said Edmond (Buddy) Eslava, a nationally renowned appraiser with the Appraisal Consultant Group in the Mobile, Alabama. “If you needed them and didn't have them, it would detract value. But having them won't add value.”

You can, though, add overall perceived value to your home based on the gutters themselves. Our experts shared some tips on what to do to make your gutters work for your home sale.

Make sure your gutters are installed properly.

There are two important pieces to this equation. Proper gutter installation means making sure the water is being diverted far away enough from the house so no damage is sustained around the foundation or on the siding.

But you also have to make sure they're level-meaning no water is left to pool up in them with nowhere to drain. If that happens, they can start to draw an accumulation of mosquitos and other nasty bugs or cause ice damming.

Match your gutters to your home.

Just like any other part of your property, including outbuildings, shutters, garages, and even gazebos, you'll want to make sure the color and size of your gutters are appropriate for your home.

For the color, typically the gutters will be the same color as the outdoor trim. As far as sizing, Young notes that the standard size used to be four inches, but now it's up to six inches-so get the larger ones.

Eslava agrees, noting that eight-inch gutters are available too, and you should opt for those ones instead of the six-inch. But, if your house is a bit smaller and the large gutters would look out of place, then stay with a smaller size.

It's also critical to have enough downspouts. The general rule is one downspout for every 35 or so feet of gutter.

Stick with the standard gutter materials.

Seams are out. If you want gutters that will bring value to your home, skip them and go for a seamless option. It looks tidier and more professional. Typically, gutters are metal or aluminum; the actual material doesn't matter much as long as the gutters are sturdy, functional, and match your house. Each material does have pluses and minuses, though.

Aluminum: These resist corrosion and are relatively inexpensive, plus they're lightweight and the standard material. But they can have strength problems and may break under pressure.

Metal, like copper or steel: These types of gutters are heavy, expensive, and difficult to install. But they're stronger than aluminum and work well for matching a certain aesthetic on the outside of your home.

Vinyl or plastic: These are generally the cheapest type of gutter and they're easily installed, but they come with several drawbacks. They can discolor easily, and they're the weakest of the top three options.

Get gutter guards: Gutter guards are covers that go over your gutters to stop junk from building up inside them. These are your first line of defense if you live in a heavily wooded area or have a lot of trees near your house.

They'll stop leaves and sticks from getting in, and will keep squirrels and their seeds out-so you don't have to worry about looking up one day to see a patch of sunflowers sprouting from the edge of your roof. As a plus, Young says having gutter guards could add value to a home appraisal.

Skip the rain collection system: Well, unless you really want one. Young says that he's never seen a rain barrel or rain collection system add to the actual value of the house-though some buyers may like having it. Some won't, though, so go with your personal preference on this one.

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How I Traveled for Free: A Weekend in Massachusetts Using SPG Points

This points collector booked a pair of rooms in Cambridge for her sister and herself so they could attend Family Weekend at Harvard. The cardholder Name: Andrea Rotondo Age: 49 Occupation: Editor and small business owner Home: Amelia Island, Florida Credit Card: The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express The stay Hotel: Le Meridien...

Rosemarie Clancy is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: travel@nerdwallet.com.

The article How I Traveled for Free: A Weekend in Massachusetts Using SPG Points originally appeared on NerdWallet.

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Drill a Well and Hardwood Floor Scratches

This is a typical mobile well-drilling rig. The giant tower folds down parallel with the ground as it travels on roadways. (C) Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Drill a Well

QUESTION #1: Tim the Builder, I've got a question for you. I live in a big city and am tired of the chlorinated and polluted water that flows through the city water mains. Is it possible to have my own well water as people out in the country have? How does water get into wells and what are the downsides to having your own well, if there are any? Connie M., City Anytown USA

I grew up in a big city in Ohio whose primary water supply was the Ohio River. Any number of chemical factories and giant sewage treatment plants were upstream from my city. The outflow from the sewage treatment plants is disgorged daily into the Ohio River and flowed towards the water plant intake pipes of my hometown.

Growing up I had no idea about all of this and grew accustomed to the taste and smell of the chlorine in the water. I do have a memory of a raging debate many years ago when it was announced that fluoride would be added to the city water supply.

Ten years ago, I moved from that city to a rural part of New Hampshire where I have my own water well. Each house for miles around me has their own private water well. We have natural springs in several towns near me with water spouts and filling platforms. People bring giant ten-gallon containers and fill them with this natural pure water. When I got back to my old city to visit friends, I take my own water with me to drink because the chlorinated water coming from the faucets is now revolting to me.

The simple answer to Connie's question, and you may have wondered if you can have your own well, is yes. Yes, you probably can drill your own well on your property. You, of course, would have to contact your local building department to see if there are any regulations that must be followed. Some states and cities may still charge you for the water that's pulled from your land, but that's a debate for another day.

Water is under the surface of the ground in almost all locations on the planet Earth. My college degree is in geology and I had a focus on hydrogeology - the study of groundwater. The bedrock that's under the soil cover almost always has cracks and seams in it. Gravity pulls rainwater into this network of interconnected cracks.

It's important to realize that some locations and valleys are filled with hundreds of feet of sandy gravel. These underground deposits are like giant underground lakes filled with delicious pure water, so pure that bottled water companies locate their plants above these gravel deposits and suck the water out of the ground and put it into bottles that you pay a hefty price for. A water-bottling plant is located just fifteen miles from my current house and it extracts tens of thousands of gallons of water from the bedrock each day.

The issue is it's not all unicorns and rainbows when it comes to drilled wells in a densely populated area like where you or Connie may live. Industrial pollution from years before could have introduced toxic chemicals that still linger in the groundwater.

Nearby property owners may routinely treat their lawns with toxic weedkillers and unnatural chemicals to have the perfect green lawn. Common sense dictates that these chemicals may leach down into the groundwater. If this happens, your well water could be dangerous to drink. Drilling a water well can also be expensive. Well drillers commonly charge by the foot and they need to drill down far enough until the well produces a minimum of three to five gallons of water per minute is achieved. Ten or fifteen gallons is preferred. If you're lucky like my daughter, you'll get 80 gallons per minute.

The trouble is that in many locations well drilling is mostly chance. I'm reminded of the scenes in the famous 1948 Cary Grant movie Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream Home where the honest well driller couldn't get enough water flow after drilling many, many feet into the bedrock. He then moved his rig just a few feet away and hit a massive amount of water in no time at all. If you're lucky and strike a plentiful supply of naturally pure water on your land, you'll marvel at the taste of the clear elixir!

Hardwood Floor Scratches

QUESTION #2: Tim, I'm in a bind. I won't name names to protect the guilty, but my gorgeous hardwood floor got scratched. Some of the scratches are just in the clear finish but are visible. Other scratches are deep and extend into the hardwood. I can't fathom removing all the furniture to have the floors refinished. Can these scratches be repaired and if so, how? Allen W., Wichita, KS

I've got good news for you if you share the same exact problem as Allen. Scratches in hardwood floors can be repaired. You don't have to refinish the floors to restore them to their former luster and shine.

There are numerous DIY methods for disguising shallow scratches that are in the clear coat finish. The method I've had the most success with is shoe polish of all things! You can get the paste shoe polish in different colors. One of the colors may be a perfect match or you may have to blend colors to get the exact color you need.

I use a cotton swab and just try to put a tiny spot of the polish on the scratch. Always start with a color that's lighter than your current floor color. It's easy to go darker, but tough to reverse the process. Once you get the perfect match, then allow the polish to dry and use other cotton swabs to apply a protective coat of clear urethane over the shoe polish. Be sure to match the same sheen as you currently have on your floor. Deep scratches require the services of a professional. In almost all cities and large towns, you can discover true artisans that do furniture repair. The top furniture sellers in a city or town use these people all the time. The craftsmen have a magic box they bring to your home with a tiny alcohol lamp, hard lacquers, and other colored materials. They can fill the deep scratches in your hardwood floor, create matching grain and puff onto the floor an aerosol mist such that you'll never know the floor was ever scratched.

Column 1283

The post Drill a Well and Hardwood Floor Scratches appeared first on Ask the Builder.

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Modern's Experts Explain How Winter Affects Pests

Farmers' Almanac Predicts a Cold & White Winter for New England

The Farmers' Almanac, that time-tested and generation-approved compendium of knowledge, has a rough prediction for the 2018-2019 New England winter: teeth-chattering cold lies ahead.

“Contrary to the stories storming the web, our time-tested, long-range formula is pointing toward a very long, cold, and snow-filled winter. We stand by our forecast and formula, which accurately predicted the many storms last winter, as well as this summer's steamy, hot conditions.” Farmers' Almanac Editor Peter Geiger said.

Have mice already started to take refuge in your home? Call Modern Pest today at 1-800-323-PEST or click here to schedule service before you're infested!

And he's right. Last winter the Geiger team predicted nearly every major storm we had.

“We're actually calling for teeth-chattering cold,” said Geiger managing editor Sandi Duncan. “It's going to be cold and it's going to be snowy. We're summarizing it as 'cold and wet' and the interesting thing is, it looks like winter might start a little bit early. We have some winter storms predicted early on.”

Modern's Expert Opinions

The Farmer's Almanac is the go-to resource for weather. And Modern Pest's team of Associate Certified Entomologists (A.C.E) are who you ask when pests are the issue. We spoke with Modern's Training Manager Mike Peaslee, A.C.E., and Training Specialists Paul Lavallee, A.C.E. and Joe Hyland, A.C.E. to get their opinions on how winter affects pest pressures.

How Does Winter Weather Affect Pests?

They all agree that the main factor is the combination of weather. That will determine pest pressures more than any one thing.

“There are variables that will affect how the winter will impact pests that we deal with. A cold snowy winter isn't necessarily a bad thing for insects,” Mike Peaslee said. “A lot depends on how quickly it gets cold, when we get the snow, etc.”

“When we think in terms of winter killing off pests, you have cold and snow. Snow does not necessarily prevent rodents, especially mice, from entering a home. There is a lot of historical evidence of mice tunneling under a snowpack in someone's yard,” Joe Hyland said.

“Rodents and insect pests will look to come inside if it's 32 degrees or -10 degrees,” Paul Lavallee added.

“The biggest impact I have seen from winter weather is when we get extreme variations in temperatures in a very short time,” Mike Peaslee said.

When winter is extremely cold, but not snowy

When it's very cold with temperatures below zero for long periods of time and there isn't much snow, the cold can start to kill off some eggs and hibernating adult arthropods (such as ticks, mosquitoes, and ants).

“Ideally, a very cold winter, with little snow, will have some impact on the numbers of pests that survive to hatch or 'wake up' in the spring,” Joe Hyland said.

“If we have a light snow year and cold temps, more ticks will die from exposure,” Paul Lavallee added.

Don't want insects and rodents for roommates this winter? Click here to schedule service with Modern Pest today!

When winter is extremely cold, AND snowy

When it's extremely cold and very snowy, the snow can insulate ticks and other pests from the brutal air temperatures. It acts as a protective blanket.

“The Almanac prediction will probably benefit pests,” Joe Hyland said. “Additionally, a heavy snow cover, as it melts in spring, provides a lot of moisture for some of these pests to thrive. I always viewed a big snow melt, followed by a warm spring and summer, as a bumper crop for ants and other insects.”

A snowy winter that results in a wet spring can also provide a large crop of grasses and seeds that rodents feed upon while mating. This can lead to increased rodent activity the following autumn.

When winter is not that cold, but snowy

As stated before, snow can act as a protective blanket for pests. When it's very snowy but not that cold, pests and their overwintering sites will be insulated by the snow. This will increase the number of pests that will survive the winter.

“A cold, snowy winter can actually be beneficial to insects as long as it doesn't become brutally cold, with temps below zero for extended periods of time prior to snowfall,” Mike Peaslee said.

The Modern Solution

No matter what winter brings, Modern Pest is here to help. Our Homecare Green program protects against over 50 common household pests, including mice, Asian lady beetles, and western conifer seed bugs that might be trying to spend winter in your warm home. Call Modern today at 1-800-323-PEST to get a free quote or schedule service. And stay warm out there!

The post Modern's Experts Explain How Winter Affects Pests appeared first on Modern Pest.

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3 Ways To Tackle Adult Acne for Good

Freaking acne. We thought we split ways with you after high school graduation. But when you continued to rear your ugly white head well into adulthood, in the most awkward times and places we might add, it makes us want to cry.

A nice red bulb at the tip of the nose is anything but merry and we get it Rudolph-we get it. Waking up on the day of an important meeting to mounds that rival a gopher's playground is not cool. And we won't even talk about what cropped up all over our back right before that big beach trip. Acne, you're killing us!

Acne isnt' just a puberty thing. Sadly, acne can plague adults well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s.

What causes adult acne?

Chances are, if you had acne as a teen, you will most likely have it as an adult too. It's the universe's way of conspiring against you. Not really. You might just be one of the millions of people with oily skin.

Oily skin+bacteria on the skin=clogged pores and breakouts.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by poor hygiene. There are several factors quite frankly out of your control. They include: fluctuating hormones, stress, and pollution. There are however, some factors you can control. Using the wrong products and get this-cleansing too frequently and too vigorously can also cause acne.

Hormonal acne often appears as deep, painful cystic acne around the jawline, neck and back. Freaking hormones. Stress acne happens whenever your stress levels get so high they activate your adrenal gland to create the hormone cortisol, which also lets a little testosterone leak through (yes, women have it too).  It's that blasted testosterone who's to blame for increased oil production. Freaking testosterone.

Okay, so how do I tackle it?

It's one thing to research effective ways to treat acne, and it's another thing to chat with your girlfriends about what really works. Testimonials always trump research in our book. Here are the three most-talked-about ways to tackle adult acne for good.

1. Cleanse and Prevent

One cleanse a day is enough to effectively wash away excess oil and bacteria from your skin's surface. Use warm, not hot water. We all know what happens to an oily pan when it hits hot water versus cooler water. Hot water wipes out all oils and you don't want that. If your skin doesn't have enough oil to nourish it, it will simply signal your body's oil glands to secrete more, making your problem a hundred times worse.

Similarly, don't scour your face with harsh scrubbing. Gently exfoliate with a cleanser like this one raved about by thousands of women on our Facebook page. Don't let makeup buildup overnight to cause pore blockages and in turn, breakouts. Even when you're tired, cleanse that face girl!

2. Brush Your Face

Facial brushes are a fairly new phenomenon and one might wonder, is it really necessary to brush my face? Well, you brush your hair to make it shiny and vibrant, right? Same goes for your face, if done right.

Dry facial brushing detoxifies your skin of built-up toxins and exfoliates dead skin cells that create blockages. So how do you do it? First snag a facial brush with good reviews. This one is a top rated one, but if you're on a tighter budget, lots of people love THIS ONE. After you've washed your face, dry off any excess water and begin brushing under the chin and move upward. Use gentle, upward motions until you get to the forehead. Go ahead and give your neck a little love too. Finish with your favorite moisturizer.

3. The Miracle Mask Everyone Swears by

When I heard my besties raving about this miracle clay, I'll admit, it piqued my interest. If you've never heard of bentonite clay, it is actually ash made from volcanos here in the United States. Naturalists claim it has amazing healing powers, especially with acne-laden skin. You can buy it in powder form and make your own natural facial mask, or you can buy this one that has incredible reviews (over 12,000!). This clay mask also has fantastic reviews. Men and women who've struggled with acne their whole lives swear by this Indian Healing Clay.

You can't help the hormones traversing your body but you don't have to settle for adult acne. Try these three strategies and see if they make a difference. It's always worth a conversation with your doctor or dermatologist as well. And we're dying to know what works for you…feel free to comment below!

Photo credit: Savannah Poulsen

Looking for more beauty hacks to try? Check out these fun ideas you can do at home today:

Coconut Oil for Hair Moisture Treatment: Hair Health and Growth

The Busy Gal's 6 Quick Tricks to Better Skin

How To Brighten Up a Tired Face

The post 3 Ways To Tackle Adult Acne for Good appeared first on How Does She.

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Best home technologies that make your home smart

Just because you live in an older home doesn't mean you can't enjoy a “smart” home. With the advent of wireless technology and voice recognition, you don't have to pine for a “new” home anymore. Virtually all the latest technology is wireless so you don't have to rip out drywall and add wires. With the touch of a button, a tap on your smartphone or the sound of your voice, you can instantly transform your home into a high tech haven.

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Houses For Sale in Pecan Gap, TX

Tbd Fm Highway 64, Pecan Gap, TX, Pecan Gap, TX

GREAT ROW CROP FARM!! Here you will find a place that has an excellent cropping history for the growing of wheat, corn, soybeans, or cotton. Most all...

Address Not Disclosed, Pecan Gap, TX, Pecan Gap, TX

GREAT ROW CROP FARM!! Here you will find a place that has an excellent cropping history for the growing of wheat, corn, soybeans, or cotton. Most all...

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2019 New Year Goals and Resolutions

Hey Everyone! The first week of 2019 is already over, did you make some New Year Resolutions? I love the New Year because we can start off with a clean slate and forget about last year. Actually, I did pretty well in 2018 and accomplished most of my goals. I only missed a few and I'm okay with that.

This year, I'm going to keep it simple and have fewer goals. I'll keep them under 10. Read on to see what an early retiree's New Year goals look like.

Setting goals

In previous years, I had moderate expectations and set goals accordingly. This worked well because I was able to accomplish most of the things on my list. I find that setting high expectations doesn't work for me because I can't achieve them and then I become discouraged. My style is to go at a slow and steady pace. Shooting for the moon is probably better for younger folks, though.

Here is my approach to setting New Year Goals.

Set achievable goals – Don't shoot for the moon unless you have a sterling record of high achievement. Most of us will just become discouraged and give up.

Make the goals specific and measurable – New Year goals need to be very specific. Don't make vague goals like losing weight or saving more. You can't keep track of it and you'll forget about them by March. A better goal would be to lose 10 pounds or maxing out your 401(k)this year. You also need to figure out a way to get there. How will you lose 10 lbs? Will you increase your 401(k) contribution right away? You need a plan.

Write them down and track your progress– Write down your goals and put them where you will see them. The refrigerator door is a good spot for many people. Personally, I put my goals here on Retire by 40 and update the status every month. This has been working very well over the last 8 years. I have a public audience and you give me the motivation to improve. I made tremendous progress with our finances and personal life since I started blogging. It's been terrific. I recommend starting a blog if you don't already have one. It really helped me and it might help you, too.

Academic scale – On some goals, I'm grading myself on the academic scale. For example, I plan to save and invest $100,000 in 2019. Even if we fall short and saved $90,000, I'll get an A-. That's not bad.

Ok, let's get on to the goal sheet.

2019 Goals

Check out my goal sheet below. It's simple and helpful. I can see my progress at a glance and it's easy to update every month.

I try to schedule most goals in the first half of the year because I usually don't get much done in the 2nd half. Summer is always tough because RB40Jr will be out of school. I'll try to get 3-4 things done by June. I plan to visit Chiang Mai in July and it'll be tough to accomplish much then.

Financial Goals

Increase our Passive Income > $60,000

We spent about $60,000 in 2018. That's a bit higher than I'd like, but it's still a pretty good level. In 2019, I'll try to increase our Passive Income above $60,000. This is going to be somewhat tricky because there are a lot of changes in 2019.

We'll sell our rental properties so our rental income will disappear in early 2019. I'll use the money to invest in dividend stock and real estate crowdfunding. I'm not sure if the income from these two will be able to replace the rental income. We'll have to wait and see.

Here is our Passive Income spreadsheet.

I'll grade this on an academic scale because there are too many changes in 2019. I think everything will settle down in 2020 and it'll be easier to predict what our passive income will look like. It might take a couple of years to push our passive income above $60,000.

FI Ratio > 100%

Unfortunately, we took a step back in 2019. Our expense was higher than normal and our FI Ratio* dropped to 95%. That's not bad, but I need to get this to 100% before Mrs. RB40 retires. There are many changes in 2019 so I'm not sure if we'll achieve this goal. I think our expense will drop after we move, but I'm not sure. Hopefully, we can increase our Passive Income to $60,000 and reduce our annual expense at the same time. That's a tall order, though. You can see how I'm doing with passive income so far here.

*FI Ratio = passive income / expense

Save and Invest > $100,000

In 2019, we saved and invested $102,817! That was fantastic! However, the primary reason why we could save that much was due to a banner year with my blog income. I saved a ton in my solo 401k account last year, over $40,000. I seriously doubt I we could replicate it this year.

The starting points for saving and investing have always been our tax-advantaged accounts. The contribution limits have all increased for 2019. Here is what we plan to save.

$38,000 in our 401k accounts. That's $19,000 each.

$12,000 in our Roth IRAs. That's $6,000 each.

$4,000 in RB40Jr's 529 college savings account.

$11,000 as employer contributions in my solo 401k. This one depends on how much money the blog makes in 2019.

Add these up and it's already $65,000. That's a good starting point. We'll have to figure out how to save more as we go. Oh, I almost forgot. We should receive some money from selling our rentals. We could invest that and it will help push us over $100,000. Is that cheating?

Blog Goal

Update Retire by 40

Retire by 40 still needs a facelift. In 2018, I changed to https, got a new logo, and made a few minor updates. This year, I'll hire someone to install a new theme. Hopefully, it will work out. I'm always scared of hiring people because I rarely get the result I want.

Personal Goals

Travel Hack 100,000 points

This is the same goal I had last year. I paid less than $700 for 3 tickets to Thailand in December. The credit card points helped a lot. Accumulating credit card points is not too difficult for me because I have to pay estimated tax. Those tax payments were enough to push me over most credit card signup requirements. We'll travel to Thailand again in 2019 so the credit card points will come in handy again.

***I just signed up for the Capital One Savor and got $500 cash bonus. Sign up before the bonus expires if you want the same deal. Click through the banner below to find the right card for you.

Consolidate down to 1 property

We're planning to sell our 2 condos then move into our rental home. This will simplify our lives a lot. Our tenants are moving out in February so everything is lining up. I hope we can sell our condos quickly and then move. We lived at our condo for 11 years and we really enjoyed it. However, the HOA fee and property tax had increased considerably. It's time to move on. I'm pretty sure our housing cost will be lower after we move into a house. Mrs. RB40 also doesn't want to be a landlord. She was very disgruntled when I left her to handle the tenants on this 5 weeks trip to Thailand.

Drop weight to 125 pounds

I rarely make this kind of goal because it never worked before. However, I think I can do it this year. Last year, I got my weight down to 128 pounds. That's really good! The key was intermittent fasting* and regular exercise. However, I'm probably up to 13x pounds now. I'm eating a ton of food in Thailand. My relatives keep pressuring us to eat more. It's a way to show affection here. Also, Thai food is so cheap and delicious. Who can resist? We don't get this kind of Thai food in the US. I'll weigh myself when I get home and then work on getting down to 125 pounds before summer.

*Here is how I do intermittent fasting. I eat only from noon until 8 pm on the weekdays. This cut down on the calories and I don't miss breakfast much. I'm busy getting RB40Jr off to school on the weekdays anyway. Try intermittent fasting if you want to lose weight. It really works. If you can't do it by yourself, I recommend Martin's Fasting Course. He calls it – What's for dinner? How you can get jacked by fasting. He's pretty helpful for a wrestler/blogger.

Fun Goals

Keep my happiness level at 8 or above

This one is a tricky one. The 2nd half of 2018 was tough for our family because my mom was diagnosed with dementia. She had hallucinations and she was having a really hard time in Portland. The situation was stressful and it dropped my happiness level from 9 to 8. We decided to move my mom back to Thailand and it's been very successful so far. She is much happier here and her symptoms are greatly reduced. She rarely gets hallucinations anymore and that makes a huge difference.  Life in Portland should be less stressful once we get back. Hopefully, I can raise my happiness level back to 9 this year. It should be okay as long as there are no new problems. (Why are there so many problems in our 40s? Lots of my friends are having all sort of issues. It's a tough decade.)

Visit Chiang Mai for 6-10 weeks

I'm typing this post in a nice little coffee shop in Chiang Mai. It's pretty nice here for digital nomads. Chiang Mai changed a lot over the last 10 years. Now, there are nice gyms, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and all sort of nice places for everyone to enjoy. I wouldn't mind living here for a few years. However, Mrs. RB40 and Junior aren't ready to move yet so I'll have to put it off until later.

I'll come back in the summer to check on my mom and see how she's doing. Hopefully, she will be stable for a few years so we don't need to move her again. On the next trip, I plan to have a more structured routine. I'll get a gym membership so I can continue my exercise program. We'll also rent a place instead of staying with my dad. I can't get anything done with my parent around. It'll be a good opportunity to enroll RB40Jr in a Thai language program. He can only say “sawad dee krub” and “kob khun krub” right now. (Hello and thank you.) We'll also try to take a week off to visit Vietnam. It should be a fun trip.

So those are my goals in 2019. I'll give a status update every month so keep checking back to see my progress.

What about you? Do you have any New Year resolutions for 2019? Remember, the key is to track your progress. If you don't, then you'll forget about your goals and won't accomplish them. Also, get them done early if you can. Let's do it!

The post 2019 New Year Goals and Resolutions appeared first on Retire by 40.

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

modern mountain style

I recently discovered Alder & Tweed and fell in love with how they style. A lot of layers, textures, but not a ton of color. Just my cup of tea.

Shop my picks to get this style: A cozy down filled neutral pillow

A plaid wool pillow for that extra coziness

Faux taxidermy

A sheepskin rug

Leather furniture like these gorgeous dining chairs

Accessories with metal

Metal storage bins

Moroccan rugs

A wool plaid throw

Statement lighting

Deep seating

Black and white art

I predict we will be seeing a lot more of this look, which I am calling the modern mountain style.

What do you think of it?

xoxo

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

German Cockroaches May Be Brought Into Your Office by Unsuspecting Employees

German Cockroaches May Be Brought Into Your Office by Unsuspecting Employees

Many may utter the word “cockroach” and shudder. Do you? If you aren't a fan of uninvited clients coming to a food facility or office near you, then you might want to contact our local NJ pest control team as soon as possible. German cockroaches love food, hanging out on employee clothing, and hitching rides on any belongings. What can you do to stop it? The key is isolation.

Keeping the Cockroaches Away

What can you do to prevent unsuspecting employees from bringing bacteria-spreading German cockroaches near food products or food preparation areas in your facility? Here are a few simple steps to prevent an accidental cockroach invasion:

– Ensure employees put on their uniforms on site.

– Install an employee locker room, separate and away from daily operations.

– Keep cockroach monitors near vending machines, in locker rooms, and sources of water such as sinks.

– Set clear guidelines that ensure employees know not to bring open containers into the facilities. They are quick transportation devices for enterprising cockroaches.

– Teach employee awareness. Stress the importance of following guidelines that discourage pests from entering your facility.

Our NJ pest control team of experts love to inform, investigate, eradicate and take care of any pest concerns you have. Your livelihood may be at stake and we understand the importance of that. Contact us today and we'll be quick to help you safeguard your business and the health of your clientele!

The post German Cockroaches May Be Brought Into Your Office by Unsuspecting Employees appeared first on Sterns Chatter.

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

January Money Challenge: Establish Your Financial Foundation

In 2019, we're bringing back monthly financial challenges on Two Cents (you can see 2017's version here). Each is meant to help us focus on a different aspect of our money, and, ideally, develop small changes into measurable differences in our financial lives.

Read more...

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

how we are ditching baseboard heaters

We ripped off the construction band-aid and have been demo-ing our little hearts out over at our #samuelfamilyfixer and sharing loads of progress as we go via Instagram stories. I've put a bunch in my highlights if you've missed anything and I'll be sharing more updates here now that things are really rolling. Along the way I've gotten a ton of questions over what we are doing with the baseboard heaters, if anything, and I tried to answer as best I could in a few short frames but really this is a full blog post kind of answer so here we go!

We love all the modern lines and unique features in the house but what we didn't love was the look of the radiant baseboard heaters. They do the job ok, but boy are they a big bummer to have to design around. No matter how you slice it, they make a space feel dated. So I did a deep dive into researching alternative heating systems and the good news is we got to rip those babies out of there, and will be replacing them with radiant heated floors which will be nicely tucked away under the finished flooring.

Through all my digging I found a company called Warmboard, and their pretty green panels are the answer to our prayers. According to their site… As a whole-home heating system Warmboard is the premier radiant heating solution in the US. Their panels outperform all the competitive systems with faster response times, easier installations, AND lower energy use.

Tubing, that will eventually carry hot water, runs through those grooves in the panels and their patented design spreads the heat from the tubing throughout the surface of the entire floor, so there are no hot/cold spots and the water can run at a lower temperature which means its more efficient. What is really exciting from my point of view is that since these panels have a more even surface temperature than a lot of other radiant systems, the flooring possibilities are wide open. From what I gathered some radiant systems aren't compatible with carpet or hardwood because the heat doesn't make it thought the carpet efficiently and hardwood isn't good with the temperature fluctuation, but with Warmboard you can use thick carpets, laminate, tile, hardwood… all fair game and I am using a mix of almost all of the above. WOOT!

Once I locked in on the Warmboard system it opened up my design choices for the flooring. Tile in the sitting room, tile in the kitchen, bathrooms and even tile in the bedroom! I'm doing it. Without the radiant heated floors there would be no way I would install tile in the bedroom in this cold climate, but I was set on keeping the wood ceilings as is and I didn't want wood on both the ceilings and the floors, so with the Warmboard to keep the tile from feeling too cold and giving me the look I wanted, it was a win, win. We are doing carpet in the kids bedrooms and the large fireplace living room to keep those spaces extra cozy, laminate in the dining room, pantries and closets (I was originally planning on tiling those rooms too but when we got the labor estimates back for tile install we had to make some cut backs), and tile everywhere else. A peek at some of the finishes we've narrowed in on above!

Another way we are saving some pennies (like $5000 worth of pennies, because we are covering A LOT of square footage) is by installing all the panels ourselves. This whole renovation is a mix of DIY and hired out work through our contractor, to get the most out of our budget (and so I can splurge on certain things like terrazzo floors in the main living space) and the Warmboard installation is a perfect illustration of that. We install the panels and then licensed heating & cooling professionals come in to run all the tubing, install a new boiler (ours is on its last leg) and does all the plumbing and mechanical portion of the install.

We just started installation and Rupe got a new power tool… so he's happy. It's an auto-feed drill that allows you to stay standing while screwing in all 16 screws per panel. We did the math based on how many panels we have to install and needed 5,000 screws! Rupe's knees are very thankful for the screw-loading stand up drill. Pop Pop and Rupe are on panels, me mostly on the sidelines this time, with the kids but jumping in and throwing my 2 cents in whether or not it is appreciated, and Mimi is sweeping up the floors as they go to make sure there's no princess and the pea situation under the panels. Warmboard supplies an install kit and a detailed custom design plan to follow which makes it a little like a putting together a giant scale, but fairly simple, puzzle. There was a bit of a learning curve at the beginning but once we got into a groove (pun intended) things started to move. I'll let you know how we do on the rest of the house! Wish us luck. x

Oh and p.s. I got the question a lot on IG if this will be our only heat source and the answer is yes! I've heard that some radiant systems may require supplemental heating, but not Warmboard! It is supposed to heat better than forced air, especially when it comes to heating rooms like ours, that are very large and have tall ceilings (ours are 20 feet tall at the peak!). But don't worry, this girl has been in California for way too long… so it better do the job, I will be the true test and report back.

The post how we are ditching baseboard heaters appeared first on Sarah Sherman Samuel.

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

reducing weeds: a 101 on soil solarization, with sonja birthisel

AN ARTICLE about soil solarization for weed control, the practice of covering beds or fields with plastic to keep down [read more…]

The post reducing weeds: a 101 on soil solarization, with sonja birthisel appeared first on A Way To Garden.

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD

We went out last night to pick up a tree. The kids were bundled and the packing blanket was in the back to protect the roof. This is the first year both of the kids are super jazzed about the holidays. Curran (4.5) is excited for new toys and allllll the colorful, tacky decor. I am told every day that the white lights we have on the house are NOT festive AT ALL. Cleo is excited about whatever Curran is excited about lately, so anytime we see lights (trees, wreaths, fake reindeer, whatever) squealing ensues. It was cute at first, and now it's just… loud. But truly, I love it. The first few years of parenting are so much work, with few of those personal connections where you actually get to see your children as a people. The more I get to know them, the more I like them. Even the complicated, emotional parts. Anyway, their excitement is infectious, and their Scrouge McWhite-Christmas-Light-Preferring mother is even considering putting rainbow lights up somewhere… like inside their room ;)

Anyway, the tree. I had this romantic idea about the tradition of picking out a tree and how we would pick up dinner after and decorate it, fireside, with classic Christmas tunes. As it turns out, it was not the romantic vision I anticipated in my head. There was a time this would have wildly disappointed me, but kids have lowered my expectations for the better. We ended up at Costco which I love for many reasons, but rustic tree buying experiences is not one of them. I mean you can't even see the trees, they are all wrapped in twine in bins and you just take a wild guess. Curran seems to be recovering from a minor concussion so complains and whines frequently, and I get that he doesn't feel well, but, again, with the Cleo doing everything he does. Our dinner was underwhelming and by the time we got home, people needed to go straight to bed. They both screamed at the reality of needing to take a warm shower (how dare me!), and tucked away they went. There was no decorating, no songs, no fire.

I am not disappointed, this is life. When I think back about getting a tree and decorating it with my family, it was not some Norman Rockwell scene every time. Traditions and memories in their imperfect state are just as nostalgic for me as the ones where everything went 'right.' Fighting over whose year it was to put the angel on top, holding the twine down through the windows of the mini van to make sure the tree didn't fly off, how all the limbs starting breaking off the clay wisemen in the manger scene and no one bothered to glue them back on, or the year a votive candle lit a garland on fire. I would maybe argue that the messy parts, the imperfect parts, are actually more interesting. I don't think I even remember the moments that went as planned, if there were any. So Mr. Frankie, the bare, unlit, lopsided tree, is sitting in the living room, reminding me that all I want for this month is just to soak in the holidays and stay flexible. Mayyyyybe we'll even put rainbow lights on him this weekend.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD

Makes 18

Recipe adapted from Real Simple

I made these a touch sweeter than the written recipe because well, it's a holiday cookie. You could sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top while the chocolate drizzle is still soft and that should act as glue for the candies. If you have tried Dorie Greenspan's World Peace Cookies , they are basically shortbread with a bit of baking soda to help them rise a bit. I've tried it here, but don't think it changes them wildly, so it depends how dense or light you prefer your cookie. Add 1/2 tsp. if you want to try. These are snappy day one, and start to become more tender as they sit. Taste great either way, texture changes, just a fyi.

Ingredients

1/2 cup/1 stick plus 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature 1/3 cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp. natural cane sugar 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup all-purpose flour

3.5 oz. bar of dark chocolate 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract

flaky salt, for garnish, optional

Instructions

In a stand mixer with paddle attachment or with an electric mixer, beat the butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add the salt, vanilla, peppermint and beat those in to combine. Add the cocoa, flour and beat until just combined, do not over mix. Roll the dough into a log about 2” across (this is kind of hard, just do your best), wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour, or overnight. Alternatively, you can roll it out and use cookie cutters to make shapes.

Preheat the oven to 325' and line a baking sheet with parchment (maybe two, or work in batches). Slice the cookie log into 1/2” coins and arrange them on your baking sheet. They won't spread much, but give them an inch between for safety. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just dry on the edges. They will look raw in the center but that's ok! Pull them, and let them cool.

While they cool, melt the chocolate either in the microwave or in a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir in the remaining peppermint extract. Drizzle it on top of the cookies, sprinkle flaky salt or peppermint candies, if using, and let the chocolate set. Enjoy! Cookies will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Sara Forte 2018-12-04

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD

18

A pepperminty, chocolate shortbread cookie with a chocolate drizzle because it's the holidays.

1/2 cup/1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature1/3 cup light brown sugar2 Tbsp. natural cane sugar1/2 tsp. sea salt1/4 tsp. vanilla extract1/2 tsp. peppermint extract1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 cup all-purpose flour

3.5 oz. bar of dark chocolate1/4 tsp. peppermint extract

flaky salt, for garnish, optional

49 calories5 grams fat1 grams carbohydrate0 grams protein

In a stand mixer with paddle attachment or with an electric mixer, beat the butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add the salt, vanilla, peppermint and beat those in to combine. Add the cocoa, flour and beat until just combined, do not over mix. Roll the dough into a log about 2” across (this is kind of hard, just do your best), wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour, or overnight. Alternatively, you can roll it out and use cookie cutters to make shapes. Preheat the oven to 325' and line a baking sheet with parchment (maybe two, or work in batches). Slice the cookie log into 1/2” coins and arrange them on your baking sheet. They won't spread much, but give them an inch between for safety. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just dry on the edges. They will look raw in the center but that's ok! Pull them, and let them cool. While they cool, melt the chocolate either in the microwave or in a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Drizzle it on top of the cookies, sprinkle flaky salt or peppermint candies, if using, and let the chocolate set. Enjoy! Cookies will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

PT1H10M

PT12M

PT1H22M

american

Dessert

cookie, holiday, chocolate, treat, dessert

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

7 Simple Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Family For The Whole Year

Already feeling like you need more organization in your life? Here are some simple things you can do to help get ahead.

The past few weeks have been a welcome break.

Later bedtimes, later wake times, and less deadlines.

But now it's the new year and now it's time to get going. Everywhere I turn people are posting about their goals, resolutions, and specific dreams for this year. While I love seeing others' enthusiasm… it's also made me stressed.

It's made me feel anxious I'm already behind on this year and it's barely begun. 

So in an effort to feel like this upcoming year is under my control, I made a list of simple things to do and have been knocking them off one-by-one.

And you know what?

It feels amazing.

7 Simple Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Family For The Whole Year

If you want to feel more settled, ordered, and organized for the new year then take a few hours over the next week or two and knock these out one by one.

You'll already feel less anxious and stressed about what the year holds.

Get A Planner & Add Important Dates

I love getting my new planner organized for the New Year.

If you've recently purchased a planner then now's the time to add in all the dates you can. Just having a paper planner is a lifesaver. If you are a digital planner than get out your calendar online and fill in those important dates as well.

When I add in an important date, I may also go back a few weeks and put a reminder to buy a present or book a reservation, etc.

I buy my planner from the Brilliant Life Shop, but there are some Amazon ones listed below as well.

Dates to Add In:

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Holidays you celebrate

When you need to begin preparing for something (i.e. 2 weeks out from Thanksgiving, etc.)

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Make Yearly Appointments For All Family Members

It's much easier to remember to go to an appointment than it is to make it. Choose a month of the year to do certain appointments (i.e. dentist appointments every January and June) and book those out in advance.

You can add them into the planner you purchased above or into your digital calendar and set reminders. I'm not great at remembering to make appointments off the cuff, but doing it in advance ensures it gets done.

Appointments To Make

Check-ups

Dental cleanings (at least once, preferably twice a year)

Female check-ups for mom

Appointments with specialists (allergies, etc.)

Follow-ups for all previous diagnoses, procedures, etc.

Add School Calendar And Standing Events In Planner

If your children at in school, you can easily access the school's yearly calendar by going to the county website. They'll have a PDF version available for you with most events for the remainder of the year.

Add in things to your planner so you'll be prepared. Again, you can put in reminders a week or two in advance if you need to do anything beforehand.

Events to Add

School starting and closing dates

School holidays

Spring Break and Winter Break

Tryouts and sport season information

Standardized testing dates

Get Thank You Notes & Stamp Them

One of the best things I've done recently is to pre-stamp my thank you card envelopes. (Note: I used pre-stamped thank you notes all last year and loved it!)

I've just purchased some regular cards and will pre-stamp those as well. This means when it crosses your mind to write a note, jot down a thanks, or say a simple “I'm thinking of you” then you can do it in a few minutes and get it done.

Busy moms have the best of intentions, but a shortcut like this will mean you get the thoughts out of your head and into the mailbox without the mental barriers.

Reference Info For Notes And Stamps

You can buy stamps online

I buy our thank you cards and personalized cards from Vistaprint (half the price of Shutterfly or Minted)

Shutterfly

Minted (high quality)

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Add Vacations In Calendar And Book What You Can

Two years ago, I booked the entire year's worth of vacations in one sitting.

It was exhilarating to know it was all done and as each trip came nearer, all we had to do was pay the balance minus deposits and make some to do lists.

If you know you want to go somewhere for spring break, Memorial Day weekend, or Thanksgiving, look ahead and if you're able, go ahead and book.

The vacation rental by owner sites usually require 50% at the time of booking, but hotels will often reserve your spot with a credit card but no money down.

Vacation Sites

AirBnB

VRBO

Travelocity

National Parks

Trivago (get the cheapest rate at your desired hotel)

CheapAir

Update (Or Create) Your Household Binder

If you like the idea of a central command zone where most of the pertinent household information is located, get a homemaking binder. You can  get a 3 ring binder from your local store and then fill it with the essentials.

Photocopies of driver's licenses, passport information. Copies of bills so each adult in the house can locate the necessary phone and account numbers if they need to take care of business.

From budgeting info to favorite recipes, a household binder will help you feel immediately more organized and in control of the household administrative duties.

Grab It: Print Your Household Binder Here (currently at 30% off)

Revisit Budget & Tweak What Didn't Work

Look at your budget again. If you are like me then the monthly budget is much the same from month to month. Before you roll it all over without another thought, check it out again.

Look at your line items.

Are there any things you can take off you don't use anymore? Any you'd like to add so the budget is slightly more conservative, ensuring you don't go over?

Check Out These Line Items

Subscriptions (Netflix, Sirius, cable, etc.)

Groceries

Gas

Spending $

Retirement

Fun $

Want Some Accountability To Get Your Year Started Right?

The week of January 4th we're going to do a New Year Fresh Start Bootcamp. Together we'll spend 4 days getting ourselves ready for the New Year and offer you practical strategies, accountability, and more!

Stay tuned!

::

The post 7 Simple Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Family For The Whole Year appeared first on A Mother Far from Home.

[zulmaabroxton1988-blog]

From Poverty to Owning an Accounting Firm: Here's How She Did It

In 2014, I graduated from college and spent 15 months traveling the world. I'd often stop traveling for a few months to work side jobs and earn enough to travel more. Whenever possible, these jobs were in theater, my dream career.

I came home to get married, but my husband and I promptly moved again so he could start pursuing his Ph.D. Unfortunately, we moved to a rural state without enough paying theaters to keep me employed full time.

Instead, I worked 60 to 80 hours per week at whatever jobs I could find. I was hospitality staff at a golf club. I assisted a wedding planner. I was an office manager. I worked summer camps. I worked after-school programs. I tutored. I continued to take whatever theater jobs came my way.

Undeterred, I decided take my art part-time and began looking for a second career. I scored zero interviews in almost a year of job searching.

By 2016, I was depressed, worn out and lucky to make $300 a week. I was slowly realizing a hard truth: I knew nothing about money. I felt if I could figure that out, then life would get better.

That's when I started reading The Penny Hoarder and learned about work-from-home opportunities like Ben Robinson's Bookkeeper Business Launch program.

Not only did I complete Ben's program, but by 2017, I owned a global accounting firm for creative entrepreneurs. I attended business conferences with the likes of Kyle Taylor, founder of The Penny Hoarder, who hugged me when I told him how his website changed my life.

While learning about money and specialized bookkeeping helped start my business, there are few key personal realizations that actually made it grow.

Money Doesn't Have to Trap You

I'm not alone in desiring nontraditional employment. The rise of the gig economy shows that many are choosing to work outside the classic 9-to-5 schedule. If done well, the opportunities to grow your income are staggering.

Yet so many entrepreneurs fail. Many side hustles never pay off. How did I avoid this?

Well, I almost didn't.  

I finished Ben's bookkeeping program in 2016. By the time I shared a celebratory hug with Kyle in 2017, I had clients all over the world, and I wasn't just doing bookkeeping anymore. My team also offered tax services, financial strategy and consulting.

But for the first eight months I was “in business,” I didn't have a single client. All that incredible growth was crammed into four whirlwind months.

What changed in month eight?

When I “quit” theater to pursue bookkeeping, I thought I needed a certain type of client to support myself. There was clearly no money in art, so I had to pursue lawyers, dentists and other traditional business owners to make a living.

Except I didn't fit in very well with traditional business. Of course, they didn't hire me!

The people I actually wanted to help were people like me - creatives who owned a business because they simply loved the work. My new financial skills, and past theatrical experience helped these people the most.

Ironically, I had trapped myself in a dead-end job of my own creation. I thought the money was best in one area, so that's where I tried to work.

Fortunately, no one hired me, and I was forced to examine my values - who I wanted to help, and why I was the right person to help them. Once I aligned my work to that purpose, I enjoyed it more and I made more money.

If you're going to start a business, remember you can't sell something you don't love.

Sometimes We Need to Borrow Willpower

Although my story has a happy ending, those eight clientless months were unbelievably hard.

My husband and I spent the first year of our marriage below the poverty threshold. Even working 80 hours per week, we lived on less than half the average American salary.

We were already exhausted and stressed, and I thought it was a good idea to invest some of our scant, precious dollars into building a business. Then, I quit my jobs because I didn't have enough time to grow that business.

And I didn't have a single client.

I'd like to claim that I'm brave, but the truth is, I borrowed strength from the people around me. I had no idea if I would be successful, but spending time with positive people always gave me little bursts of productivity. So I was very selective about spending time with certain friends during those hard months.

I also did everything possible to be around other successful business owners.  I went to conferences. I bought into expensive masterminds. My intention was never to make sales but rather to lean on the experience and mindset of successful people while I didn't have very much of my own.

And it worked! Not only did I build an incredible support network of people who understood what I was going through, but these business friends also became my first referral partners. They are the reason I have clients all over the world, and they are the reason my income has never stopped growing.

Good Financial Habits Will Save You

If you read that I bought into expensive masterminds and thought I was spending recklessly, think again. The difficulties in my young adulthood taught me to be frugal, and I was very intentional about what I invested in my business.

So much so that I continued to shrink our debt. I never missed a bill. I budgeted like crazy, and I prioritized our emergency fund.

That's the only reason we survived eight clientless months. I wasn't digging myself further into a financial hole, but rather, I continued to solidify my family's financial foundation, even if it was only a few dollars at a time.

These good habits allowed me to feel like an overnight success. When the money started rolling in, I had already cleaned up many of our financial messes. I had resources like The Penny Hoarder teaching me good habits, and I could focus solely on growing my business.

Quality of Life Matters

With “success” came a whole new slew of challenges. There is a lot of pressure on businesses to perpetually grow. In the business world, the message is “more clients, more money, more markets, more opportunity, more everything”.

Added to this pressure were the bad habits I developed in my early adulthood. Because I was used to a 60-plus-hours-a-week schedule, I worked too hard and suffered periods of intense burnout. I doubled, and then tripled, my salary. But my fears of becoming poor again meant the pressure for more money never went away.

I needed to learn when I had enough. I needed to separate my success from a dollar amount.

And in order to do that, I needed to measure my quality of life: Where did I want to live? What did I enjoy doing? How did I want to fill my time - morning, noon, night and on the weekends? How much income would this life require?

These lifestyle goals are much more attainable and much more fulfilling, than any income goal I've ever set. Obtaining them makes me feel powerful and successful. In turn, I am a better business owner - even if I'm not obsessed with “growth.”

It is perhaps strange to attribute so much of my success to a lifestyle, but that's what it took. I needed to be honest about the kind of work I loved doing. I needed friends who could help me experience the life I wanted. And I needed to shape my habits, and mindset, to fit my dream life.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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