12 Tips for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

It’s a fact – trying to figure out Social Security benefits is hard. But it doesn’t have to be! With just a little bit of strategy and a dash of know-how, you can ensure your golden years are just that – golden. Here are 12 tips for anyone out there who’s looking to squeeze every penny out of Social Security. You might be surprised at just how many ways you can save!

1. Delay, Delay, Delay

Think about claiming your Social Security benefits like a fine wine. The longer you let it age, the better it will finally taste. Claiming benefits before your full retirement age (FRA) means you’re leaving money on the table. Wait until you’re 70, and you’ll be rolling in an extra 8% per year. Who doesn’t love a good bonus?

2. Work a Little Longer

Likewise, sticking it out in the workforce for a couple more years can beef up your benefits. Social Security calculates your payout based on your 35 highest-earning years. So, if you’re earning more now than you did back in the disco era, working a bit longer can replace those lower-earning years. Cha-ching!

3. Get Spousal Savvy

If you and your better half are both eligible for Social Security, play the system like it should be played. One of you can claim benefits based on the other’s record for a while, then switch to your own higher benefit later. This way, you can get more money while also using both of your earnings.

4. Don’t Forget the Ex

However, if you’re divorced, don’t worry – an ex-spouse’s earnings record could be your secret weapon. If the marriage lasted at least ten years, you might get up to 50% of your ex’s benefit without them ever knowing. Talk about a parting gift! It really depends on how things ended, so speak to a lawyer to get things sorted out.

5. Avoid the Tax Trap

Believe it or not, Uncle Sam can tax up to 85% of your Social Security if you’re not careful. Keep your income in check, and perhaps try converting to a Roth IRA. You should also be careful when withdrawing from retirement accounts if you want to keep the taxman at bay. Of course, we don’t support breaking the law – only do what is legal!

6. Check for Errors

Your Social Security statement is not immune to the occasional mistake. To fight this, you need to regularly review your earnings so that you’re getting credit for every penny you’ve earned. Spot a mistake? Getting it corrected could mean a nicer chunk of change come retirement and far less of a headache.

7. Max Out the Family Benefits

If you have a few dependents, you might be able to increase your household’s Social Security take. Family benefits can top out at up to 180% of your full retirement benefit, so make sure all eligible family members get in on the action. Who knew having a big family could be so profitable?

8. Don’t Earn Too Much, Too Soon

For those still punching the clock and yet to reach their Full Retirement Age (FRA), there’s a cap on how much you can earn before it starts eating into your Social Security benefits. For every two dollars you earn over the threshold, the government withholds one dollar of your benefits is withheld. Keep this in mind if you’re looking to supplement your income before reaching FRA.

9. Coordinate With Your Boo

When it comes to Social Security, two heads are often better than one. Couples have the advantage of being able to plan when and how they claim their benefits to maximize their combined income in retirement. One of you could claim benefits early while the other waits, or you could delay claims to get a bigger payout. Seriously – it pays to be married! 

10. Consider Your Longevity

Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits means thinking about your health and family history of longevity. If you’re blessed with the potential for a longer-than-average life span, delaying your benefits can be a wise move. Waiting beyond your Full Retirement Age allows your monthly benefit amount to increase, which is essentially a larger safety net as you age. 

11. Invest Early Retirement Benefits Wisely

If you don’t need your Social Security benefits immediately upon early retirement, consider investing them instead of spending them. This can significantly increase their value over time, especially if you’re looking at a long-term horizon like ten years or more. You never know, you might drastically increase your financial security for your later years!

12. Seek Professional Help

Of course, the most important thing of all is to get a financial advisor to give you more clarity and direction over your Social Security Benefits. These professionals can offer personalized advice based on your financial situation. This way, you can receive the maximum benefit possible, tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Making the Most

There you have it – 12 smart tips to help you make the most of your Social Security benefits. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your retirement years are as comfortable and prosperous as they should be. Remember, you don’t want to just get by – you want to live it up. So go ahead and make your golden years shine!




10 Smart Estate Planning Steps To Take Before Retirement

As you edge closer to swapping your morning alarm for the calmness of retirement, it’s important to tidy up the less glamorous yet undeniably important aspects of our lives—estate planning. Estate planning might sound boring, but it’s a very important thing to do before you retire. Here are ten ways to hit to do it – and do it will!

1. Will Power

Think of your will as the greatest hits album of your life. It’s where you lay down the final tracklist of who gets what so that your treasured bass guitar doesn’t end up in hands that can’t carry a tune. If you get your will organized, you’ll be able to ensure that your legacy plays on, even if you’re not around for the encore.

2. Trust in Trusts

Another important step is to establish a trust. This way, your assets can skip the long lines of probate court and keep everything sailing smoothly after you’re gone. It’s a smart move if you want to ensure your estate doesn’t get stuck in legal limbo. After all, nobody wants to deal with that!

3. Power Play

Designating a power of attorney means giving a reliable individual the authority to manage crucial aspects of your life should you become unable to do so yourself. This includes financial affairs and healthcare decisions. Doing so means that every critical decision is in good hands and your personal affairs are managed well. 

4. Healthcare Headliner

An advance healthcare directive is an important document that shows your wishes for medical treatment in situations where you’re unable to express them. It acts as a guide for healthcare providers so that your healthcare preferences are known and respected. As such, doctors can keep your well-being front and center.

5. Beneficiary Bonanza

Updating your life insurance beneficiaries means that lawyers can pass on your financial legacy exactly as you intended. This process is straightforward yet necessary to ensure that your assets are given to the right people. It requires a lot of precision and care, but you seriously can’t overestimate its importance. 

6. Retirement Rollerover

If you move your retirement funds into an IRA or a comparable plan, you’ll be able to tidy up your finances and cut down on those pesky fees. Doing this will allow your nest egg to continue growing alongside you. It’ll be ready to hatch in sync with your dreams for retirement, giving you all the cash you need.

7. Digital Debut

One thing many people forget about is safeguarding online treasures. Whether it’s tweets, emails, or Bitcoin, you want to make your digital legacy work alongside your real-world goals. This way, you can secure your online identity and valuables with the same passion that you have for your physical assets.

8. Tax Tune-Up

We also strongly recommend speaking with a tax professional so you can fine-tune your estate for the best tax benefits. Doing so can help you change your estate to follow tax laws and lighten the financial load on your heirs. After all, don’t you want the inheritance process to be simple?

9. Philanthropic Feature

If you’re feeling particularly generous, you might want to integrate charitable contributions into your estate plan. This will allow you to leave a positive impact on the causes you care about and may also provide some tax benefits. Even after you’re gone, you can still make a lasting difference. 

10. Regular Review

Consistently reviewing and updating your estate plan is important so that it reflects your current wishes and life circumstances. No matter how your life changes, whether it’s through family relationships or financial situations, you should change your estate plan to reflect this. This means that it will continue to accurately reflect your future plans. 

A Serious Task

We get it – estate planning before retiring isn’t the most exhilarating task, but it’s certainly one of the most important. Without it, there’s no way you can retire peacefully and securely. Don’t you want to know you’ve given it all down to the very last detail? So, take these steps, fine-tune your estate plan, and then go ahead – enjoy your retirement!




The 10 Biggest Scams Happening Right Now and How to Avoid Them

Biggest Scams Happening Right Now and How to Avoid Them

In today’s digital age, scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technology and psychological tactics to deceive people. Here are the ten biggest scams currently making the rounds, along with comprehensive advice on how to protect yourself.

1. AI-Powered Scams

AI-Powered Scams

Scammers are now utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance traditional scams, making them more convincing and harder to detect. They employ AI to generate natural-sounding phishing emails and text messages, create deepfake videos of celebrities endorsing fraudulent schemes, and impersonate friends or relatives in distress, manipulating emotions to solicit money or personal information. The seamlessness with which AI can mimic reality makes these scams particularly dangerous. To safeguard against these, scrutinize digital communications for authenticity and verify through direct, secure channels before taking action.

2. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Amidst changing policies and widespread discussion about student loan forgiveness, scammers have found a prime opportunity to exploit those in debt. They use official-sounding calls or create fake websites to gather personal and banking information, often promising loan forgiveness in exchange for upfront fees or confidential information. The key to avoiding these scams is to remember that legitimate government programs never require payment for application or assistance, and all official correspondence will come from known government or educational institution emails.

3. Credit and Financial Aid Scams

Credit and Financial Aid Scams

These scams prey on individuals seeking financial relief through loans, credit repair, or scholarships. Scammers offer guaranteed loans or aid in exchange for a fee, steal personal information for identity theft, or provide worthless services that leave victims worse off. To avoid these scams, be wary of any service that requires payment upfront, guarantees success, or uses high-pressure tactics. Always research companies and offers thoroughly before engaging.

4. Virtual Celebrity Scams

Virtual Celebrity Scams

Taking advantage of the parasocial relationships fans have with celebrities, scammers impersonate stars or their representatives to solicit money, claiming the celebrity is in a financial bind. These scams often begin on social media or via direct messages, gradually building trust before making the ask. Fans should remember that real celebrities rarely, if ever, reach out to fans for personal financial help. Always verify the authenticity of such communications and never send money or personal information.

5. Sophisticated Grandparent Scams

Sophisticated Grandparent Scams

This longstanding scam has evolved, with perpetrators now setting up elaborate schemes, including fake call centers, to convince elderly individuals that a grandchild is in legal trouble and needs money for bail. They often follow up with a supposed attorney or law enforcement official to lend credibility. To protect loved ones, encourage them to always verify such claims directly with family members through known contact methods and to be skeptical of requests made with urgency or secrecy.

6. Social Media Scams

Social Media Scams

Social media platforms are hotbeds for various scams, including romance scams, where fake profiles woo victims into financial help, and account takeover fraud, where your account is hijacked to solicit your contacts or steal further information. Staying safe on social media requires a critical eye towards unexpected friend requests, too-good-to-be-true romantic advances, and unsolicited financial advice or opportunities. Always secure accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

7. Payday Loan Scams

Payday Loan Scams

In urgent need of cash, individuals may fall victim to payday loan scams, where fraudulent offers promise easy access to money with malicious intent. These scams often involve collecting application fees or personal information under the guise of securing a loan. It’s crucial to research lenders thoroughly, never share sensitive information impulsively, and remember that legitimate lenders will conduct credit checks and require loan agreements.

8. False Job Advertisements

False Job Advertisements

With the rise of remote work, fake job postings have become a standard method for scammers to collect personal information or money from job seekers. These postings or recruitment emails often mimic actual companies and offer attractive positions, requesting personal information or payment for training and supplies. Job seekers should verify job postings directly through the company’s official website or HR department and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

9. Child Identity Theft

Child Identity Theft

Children’s clean credit slates make them prime targets for identity theft, where scammers open accounts or commit fraud in a child’s name. This crime can go undetected for years, creating significant issues when the child comes of age. Parents should monitor their children’s credit reports, be cautious when sharing their Social Security numbers, and educate their children about the importance of privacy and security online.

10. Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App Scams

Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App Scams

The convenience of peer-to-peer payment apps also comes with risks, as scammers trick users into sending money under false pretenses, like overpayment scams or fake fraud alerts. Since these transactions are often irreversible, treating them with the same caution as cash transactions is crucial. Verify any requests for money through direct, personal communication, and never click on links in unsolicited messages claiming to be from these services.

Your Best Defense Against the Biggest Scams Happening Right Now

Your Best Defense Against the Biggest Scams Happening Right Now

In the end, the best defense against these scams is awareness and skepticism. Always verify the authenticity of requests for personal information or money, and educate yourself and your loved ones about the types of scams that are currently prevalent. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these ever-evolving schemes.




Financial Freedom Through Foliage: 8 Plants That Can Slash Your Grocery Bills

Financial Freedom Through Foliage

In the quest for financial freedom, many overlook the power that lies in their own backyards—or even on their windowsills. As grocery bills continue to climb, partly due to global supply chain issues and inflation, savvy individuals are turning to home gardening, not just as a hobby but as a strategic move towards greater economic independence. This approach not only reduces reliance on commercial food sources but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Here, we explore eight plants that are not only easy to grow but can also make a significant dent in your grocery expenses.

1. Herbs: The Flavorful Savers

Herbs The Flavorful Savers

Herbs like basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley are culinary staples that can be costly when bought fresh. Growing these at home is incredibly cost-effective, as they require minimal space and can easily thrive on a sunny windowsill. Incorporating fresh herbs into your meals enhances flavors without the need for expensive store-bought sauces and seasonings. Moreover, herbs are perennial in many climates, meaning you can enjoy their fresh flavors year-round with minimal investment.

2. Tomatoes: A Versatile Bounty

Tomatoes A Versatile Bounty

Tomatoes are a garden favorite due to their versatility in the kitchen. From salads and sandwiches to sauces and soups, they can be incorporated into a myriad of dishes. Growing tomatoes at home can drastically reduce your grocery bills, especially considering the price of organic or heirloom varieties in stores. With proper care, a single tomato plant can yield a substantial crop, providing you with a steady supply throughout the season.

3. Leafy Greens: Nutritional Powerhouses

Leafy Greens Nutritional Powerhouses

Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce, are packed with vitamins and minerals and are essential for a balanced diet. However, they can be pricey and perish quickly when purchased from a store. Growing these at home ensures you have a constant, fresh supply. These greens are also known for their fast growth and successive harvesting, meaning you can cut what you need and leave the plant to continue growing, maximizing your yield and reducing waste.

4. Bell Peppers: Colorful Cost-Cutters

Bell Peppers Colorful Cost-Cutters

Bell peppers are another high-yield plant that can add a splash of color and a boost of vitamins to any meal. While they can be expensive and often heavily sprayed with pesticides in stores, growing your own can provide you with a healthier, cheaper alternative. Bell peppers can be grown in pots or in the ground, and with proper care, each plant can produce multiple peppers throughout the growing season.

5. Zucchini: The Prolific Producer

Zucchini The Prolific Producer

Zucchini is known for its abundant yield, even for novice gardeners. This versatile vegetable can be used in everything from baked goods to savory dishes, making it an invaluable addition to your garden. Due to its prolific nature, you can save significantly on groceries during the growing season, with just a few plants providing ample produce.

6. Strawberries: Sweet Savings

Strawberries Sweet Savings

Strawberries are a delightful treat, but their cost can add up, especially for organic options. Growing strawberries at home can yield a sweet harvest that’s free from harmful chemicals. They can be grown in gardens, containers, or even hanging baskets, making them suitable for a variety of spaces. Plus, they perennially return, providing you with beautiful berries year after year.

7. Garlic: The Essential Bulb

Garlic The Essential Bulb

Garlic is an essential kitchen ingredient used in a multitude of cuisines around the world. It’s also incredibly easy to grow and stores well, allowing you to have a homemade supply at your fingertips. A single clove can produce a whole new bulb, offering significant savings over time. Garlic requires little space and can even be grown among other plants as a natural pest deterrent.

8. Potatoes: The Hearty Staple

Potatoes The Hearty Staple

Potatoes are a hearty staple that can be stored throughout the winter, providing a valuable resource for reducing grocery bills. They can be grown in the ground, in large pots, or even in specialized grow bags. With a small number of seed potatoes, you can harvest a significant yield of this versatile vegetable, perfect for a variety of dishes.

Embracing the Green Thumb for Financial Freedom

Embracing the Green Thumb for Financial Freedom

By incorporating these plants into your gardening endeavors, you can enjoy the dual benefits of reducing your grocery bills and moving closer to financial freedom. Not only does home gardening offer economic advantages, but it also promotes a healthier lifestyle and a deeper connection to the food you consume. As you harvest your own produce, you’ll savor the taste of financial savings and the rewards of self-sufficiency.

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Buying Seedlings: Getting Your Money’s Worth

 

Buying Seedlings Getting Your Money's Worth

I am exhausted to the bone. Normally, at this time of year, I get excited about seed starting. I take stock of my seed supplies, order seeds I’m missing, and start planning out my garden. This year, I’ve yet to do any of that. I’m too overwhelmed and tired, so I’ve decided to forego starting seeds indoors. Instead, I’m planning on buying seedlings. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But I just couldn’t burden myself with yet another task. I’ll still be gardening this year, just a little differently. I’ll stick to quick-growing crops for the most part, and I’ll be grabbing seedlings from my local nursery—here’s hoping they offer contactless delivery this spring!

I figured some people might be in the same boat as me. Tired. Unmotivated. There are also plenty of gardeners who don’t have room or time to start seedlings indoors. Buying seedlings is totally fine! Unfortunately, it can get expensive if you don’t plan correctly. Here are a few tips to getting the most out of your money when shopping for seedlings.

Shopping for Seedlings on a Budget

Here’s how to get the biggest bang for your buck when buying seedlings for your garden this year.

  • Set a budget. It’s really easy to go overboard when shopping for plants in the spring. The nursery is full of beautiful lush plants, and the temptation can be overwhelming. Have a budget in mind before you head out and be strict with keeping to it. You can always go back and get more plants if you need to!
  • Make a plan. Don’t go to your local nursery without a plan. Sketch out your garden and figure out what you plan to put where. Are you growing square-foot-style? Know how many varieties of each plant you need per square.
  • Stick to slow-growing plants. Unless you have the budget, stick to buying slow-growing plants like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Lettuce and other greens are easy to grow from seed, so don’t bother wasting money on those.
  • Cap the number of new-to-you plants. Don’t blow your budget on exotic plants or varieties you’ve never grown before. Buy one or two new options but overall, stick to tried-and-true stuff.
  • Avoid large plants. You’ll pay a premium for very large plants, but you don’t need to start with a giant tomato plant to get a decent crop. The advantage to buying an oversized plant is that you can harvest earlier, but that privilege will cost you.
  • Prepare in advance. Prep your garden before you head out to the nursery. Have everything ready so you can bring your plants home and transplant them straight away. Amend your beds with compost, get some mulch ready, and make sure the soil is moist. If it’s still early in the spring, prepare space for your new plants inside your home.

Don’t forget that you can also find seedlings for a steal around your neighborhood. Check Facebook Marketplace listings for gardeners who are selling (or giving away!) their extra seedlings. Ask gardener friends to share their extra seedlings with you. Inquire with local gardening clubs to find out if they have any upcoming seed swaps or seedling sales.

Or alternatively if you need to raise some extra money to buy seeds, you have lots of options. Seeds cost less than $10, so you can always sell some of your old stuff on Facebook Marketplace, Offer up Craigslist. Old toys, comic books stored in bins or tools you arent using usually do pretty well.




Surprising Benefits of Growing Your Own Food

There’s no doubt about the benefits of starting a garden. It’s a hobby that can help you improve many areas of your life. Here are some little-known benefits of growing your own food that could inspire you to start doing so if you haven’t already.

Gardening Counts as Exercise

Many people know that exercising on a regular basis is beneficial for them, but they may not know that gardening can count as exercise. This may be true for the over 60% of women in the United States who do not engage in the amount of physical activity that they’re recommended to do. If they could start a garden at home, no matter how small, it would help them to get some physical activity that they otherwise weren’t getting. You will also benefit from spending time outdoors in nature, so start small and you can scale up as you get more experience in gardening.

You Can Save Money

For every additional item that you don’t have to go to the store to buy, you can put a little money aside to save. This means that, over time, you may save money by growing your own food. You can effectively grow enough to sustain yourself and this will save you additional trips to the grocery store. Many people wouldn’t mind exchanging the time they spend in traffic for time working in their garden, weeding, or planting the next crop. Experiment with different plants to create a variety of options to harvest. You can still save money even if you have to supplement what you cannot grow since you’re reduced your food budget already.

You Have Easy Access to Healthier Food

Needless to say, growing more of your own food is a great way to start eating healthier meals. This is because you won’t have to make a trip to the store every single time you want to eat fresh food. The easier it is for you to get fresh food, the more compelled you may be to cook healthier recipes. Food products that have fatty acids and oil will go bad if they are improperly packaged, so it’s great to be able to access fresh food as it won’t come with such risks.

You Live More Sustainably

Growing your own food helps you leave a smaller carbon footprint on the environment. This is because you rely less on food that has to be processed, even if minimally. You also increase the amount of greenery in your environment, something that will benefit the planet and your overall well-being. When you start a garden, you will make your immediate environment a bit greener and possibly inspire others around you to do the same. This can accumulate into great positivity for the environment and it can also help you develop a tighter bond with your family.

You Worry Less About Food Safety

When you have a garden to grow your own food, you can be sure it’s grown in good conditions. You don’t have to spray it with potentially harmful pesticides and fertilizers, but will likely look for safer alternatives. This is because you know your continued health depends on eating healthy food. For the sake of your health and that of your entire family, you may enjoy growing your own food as it can promote peace of mind. You may also be more inspired to keep your home clean and organized if you have a garden. This is because you need to know where your gardening supplies are. With more than 50% of homeowners saying that their garage is their house’s most disorganized area, it may become easier to keep yours organized if you have to interact with it regularly while gardening. The garage is one of the best locations to store garden tools, bags of soil and mulch, and plants before they are ready to be planted.

Clearly, starting a garden can do a lot of good for you and your family. Don’t be intimidated by the terms you hear online and the requirements you may need to start a garden. You can start small and with plants that you’re comfortable growing, and over time, you could scale up and enjoy the entire process.




7 Financial Benefits of Backyard Gardening

7 Financial Benefits of Backyard Gardening

You probably started gardening as a hobby. However, you might have always wondered if you could use gardening to save money. You certainly can. In fact, you can actually garden to make money if you’re savvy about it. The financial benefits of backyard gardening go beyond just saving at the grocery store, too! Here are seven ways you can save/make money with your backyard garden:

1. Save Money on Food

Obviously, the first money-saving thing most people think about is eating from their garden. That’s definitely one of the financial benefits of backyard gardening. After all, there are so many vegetables and herbs that you can grow yourself at a cost that’s significantly lower than what you’d pay for the same quantity at the grocery store. Earth Easy shares that some of the most cost-effective vegetables to grow include lettuce, bell peppers, squash, tomatoes, and garlic.

2. Sell Your Extras

Many people grow more than they can ever possibly eat in one season. If you’re skilled enough to create such a bounty, then you can definitely profit off of it. You might set up a stand at the local farmer’s market. Perhaps you just want to set up a table in your own front yard on the weekends. Or maybe you just want to advertise on social media what you’re selling during your harvest period. Whatever method you choose, this is a great way to supply others in your area with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even flowers while also making some money.

Remember that you can also harvest your seeds and cuttings for sale to other backyard gardeners. Also, consider bartering with those gardeners. Trading what you have for what you need means that you don’t need to spend that extra money at the grocery store.

3. Plants as Gifts

You don’t have to spend money on extra gifts when you have plenty growing right in your own backyard. Head back there and pick a bouquet of fresh flowers. Make a basket of fruits and vegetables. Or collect herbs in a little envelope. These are special, personal, useful gifts that don’t cost you anything extra since you’re gardening anyway.


4. The Money You Save on Entertainment and Exercise

Debt Helper points out that working in the garden is exercise. Therefore, you save on gym memberships and exercise equipment. Similarly, many people enjoy garden time as a form of entertainment. Cancel your streaming television services and get outside to watch the plants grow instead. These financial benefits of backyard gardening might not be obvious. However, if done intentionally, you can save a lot of money by considering all your garden provides.

5. Health Benefits of Gardening

Gardening offers so many benefits. The exercise you get from it is just one of those benefits. You also get Vitamin D, reduce stress, and derive many other benefits from your garden. Improving your physical and mental health is good for how you feel. It’s also good for your bank account. You’ll save money by avoiding doctors, medication, and the downtime of ill health.

6. Rent Out Your Garden

US News notes that you can make extra money by renting out your garden. If you have a beautiful space, then you might rent it out for events. Photographers might like to photograph your garden and the items in it. Even with a small garden, you might rent it out for picnics, wine nights, or craft sessions. Try using Airbnb Experiences to advertise unique opportunities like this for extra income.

7. Offer Gardening Classes

You’ve already learned a lot in your own backyard garden. Therefore, you possess knowledge that you can share with others. Many people would be willing to pay for your knowledge. Host classes in your garden.

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5 Things To Consider When Recycling Soil

 

5 Things To Consider When Recycling Soil

It’s the end of the growing season, and you’ve tossed your spent container tomato plants in the compost. Can you reuse the soil next year? Here’s a soil recycling checklist to go through before repotting plants in old soil or using last year’s soil leftovers in the spring.

Pitfalls of Recycling Soil

Reusing soil is the perfect way for a frugal gardener to save money, but there are some risks involved in potting up new plants with old soil. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Diseases may be lurking. Soil may contain diseases like viruses or fungi that can infect newly planted plants. Don’t reuse soil from a pot with a plant that died of or showed signs of disease.
  • Food may be scarce. Recycled soil may be deficient in nutrients. Old soil will be depleted of nutrients. You’ll need to cut the soil with fertilizer or compost for the best results.

Soil Recycling Checklist

Here are a few things to keep in mind for your soil recycling checklist:

  • Check for diseases or pests. Was the previous plant showing signs of disease such as yellowed leaves, stunted growth, or general poor health? If the last plant that grew in that soil was diseased. Toss out the soil rather than recycle it or try to sterilize it.
  • Eliminate weeds. Are there weeds actively growing in the pot or container? Are there weed seeds hidden inside? Pull the weeds, sterilize the soil, or use it for something other than potting soil.
  • Fertilize. Old nutrient-depleted soils need to be revived with a fertilizer like compost. Mix some in to boost fertility before recycling the potting soil.
  • Do some testing. Get the soil tested to check for pH or nutrient imbalances that can affect nutrient uptake and plant health.

You can also use old soil for things other than potting up or planting new plants. Use soil to patch up holes in your lawn or add bulk to very large containers. You can also mix old soil into your compost.

How to Sterilize Soil

Let it sit in the sun to kill insects, weed seeds, and pathogens. Alternately, you can also use your oven to zap all the nasty things hiding in old soil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RNNQPxnUYE

Source:

https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/soil/how-to-reuse-potting-soil/




Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

For most people, buying a home is the biggest expense of their lifetime. On top of that, a home also comes with many additional fees, some unexpected. If you’re considering buying a home within the next year, make sure you know everything involved with homeownership. Listed below are a few things to consider.

Varying Interest Rates

You may have read an article that stated mortgage rates are very low and this prompted a call to action. However, what they don’t tell you is that, unless you have an exceptional credit rating, you won’t get these rates. Mortgage rates vary depending on several factors including your credit score, the amount of your down payment, and the location of the property. The higher the interest rate, the higher the mortgage payments.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Most traditional lenders use your credit score as their primary tool to reach approval. The lower your credit score, the more likely it is that you’ll receive a denial. Before applying for a loan, make sure that you review your credit score. The debt-to-income ratio is big with banks. Having four or five credit cards with high balances at or near the available credit will reduce your chances of getting a loan approval at the best rates. Thankfully, you can reduce your credit card debt prior to your application. You can pay extra on the cards until they reach below a third of your available credit. Or, if you want to eliminate them altogether, you can take out a consolidation loan to free up money that you can use to pay off other expenses.

The Down Payment

It only makes sense that, the more you put down on a home, the lower the monthly mortgage payments will be. Many people make the mistake of finding any means necessary to get into a home with little or no down payment. Unfortunately, if you have no savings, chances are the first time your home needs a repair, you won’t be able to fix it without taking out another loan. Before buying a home, you should have a sizeable down payment, factoring in at least 10% of the purchase price.

Affordability

If you purchase a house by exhausting all of your financial resources, you may set yourself up for failure. A home comes with many expenses. Besides the monthly mortgage, you’ll have homeowner’s insurance, school, and property taxes, and added Private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put less than 20% down. Like cars, homes also require regular maintenance, only they are much larger. Things like the furnace and HVAC systems require annual servicing, and you will need to look for roofing companies near me to conduct roof inspections in order to prevent major repairs. The same can be said for the plumbing in your home as well. Then there are the utility bills and garbage removal. Factor in all these fees associated with buying a home.

Ready to Stay in Location

When deciding to buy a home, consider your career path. Buying a home isn’t just about whether you can afford it. It also involves remaining in one location, possibly for many years. If you have your dream job and the home is near things like great schools, parks, shopping, and is private, it’s a win. However, if you have any doubts about where you may work in a year, hold off on buying a home until you are certain. The last thing you want is to get stuck with a two-hour commute every day. This will cause longer days, enormous stress, and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Are You Handy?

Homes, whether new or older, will require fixing things. In an older home, having the ability to make minor repairs on your own will save thousands of dollars in a single year. Newer homes often have little character. Many people get into these homes and add things like wall units, better flooring, and carpets. If you’re handy you’ll only pay the cost of supplies which can easily be covered with emergency cash loans and repaid overtime. However, remember that when it comes down to repairs concerning electrics or water pipes, it is often better to leave the work to the professionals, such as this handyman in Avon Lake (or someone offering similar services in your local area), as any damage caused as you attempt a quick and cheap fix can end up being expensive as well as dangerous.

Buying a home is a dream for many Americans. However, if you jump in without factoring in all costs, staying within your price range, and whether you’re ready to remain in this location, you may end up with regrets.




5 Houseplants That Won’t Waste Your Money

 

5 Houseplants That Won't Waste Your Money

Ever since the pandemic began, I slowly started buying houseplants. I’d scour my favorite online nurseries and pounce when they had a sale or coupon code up for grabs. Of course, I already had some plants before the COVID situation, but adding more made my home feel cozier, livelier.

When buying plants, I always opt for the smallest size because smaller plants are cheaper. I don’t mind starting with tiny nursery plants. I feel accomplished when they start to outgrow their small pots. Still, it’s a huge bummer when houseplants you’ve spent money on wilt and die.

I’ve been caring for a host of new plants this past year, and I can tell you which are worth your time and money. Here are 5 houseplants that won’t waste your money.

Snake Plant

When buying houseplants, I always look for ones that will fit my interior environment and my lifestyle. I have three types of lighting situations: two very sunny rooms, one partially shaded room, and another with very little light. When it comes to watering, I’m forgetful (but I have a handy app that reminds me when to care for my plants!) and prefer to fill my home with low-maintenance plants. Snake plants are the ultimate low-maintenance plants. They’re also supremely attractive and give off a tropical vibe without needing specialized care.

Prayer Plant

Prayer plants provide a huge visual impact. Their showy leaves come in a variety of colors. The plants are also pretty easy to maintain. They like a lot of moisture, so they need frequent watering. If you tend to overwater your plants, prayer plants are a great option because it’s tough to overwater them. They also don’t mind partial shade conditions.

Zebra Plant

Buying manageable houseplants doesn’t mean you’re stuck with visually boring specimens. I love the attractive stripey leaves on this plant. Zebra plants also require a lot of moisture, but the great thing about them is that they’ll tell you when they’re thirsty. The leaves immediately droop when it’s time for watering—a handy signal for the forgetful gardener.

Calathea

These come in a slew of varieties, and they’re all gorgeous. Calatheas can handle low light and have moderate watering needs. In my experience, they’re pretty tough to kill!

Sword fern

A lot of people have trouble with ferns. I’ve heard past wisdom that they’re fairly difficult to care for. I’ve had the opposite experience. As long as you provide them with plenty of water and keep the soil moist, they’re happy. They also don’t mind shade and actually prefer to be out of direct sunlight.

Quick plant care tips

I use an app that reminds me when it’s time to water each of my plants. Previously, I’d water them all on the same schedule, which is a no-no. It’s tough to remember each plant’s individual needs, though. I suggest creating a spreadsheet with a watering schedule to help you get used to each plant’s needs. Add reminders to your calendar, planner, or phone, so you don’t forget.

Always have a watering can—any cheap one will do!—on hand, so you can water at a moment’s notice.

I have two watering cans at the ready at all times. One is for watering, and the other contains liquid fertilizer. Having them both prepped and ready to go means I never skip out on plant care tasks.