November – Fall Back

Your Home – Fall Maintenance

Now that we’re preparing for fall and winter, it’s a great time to make sure that you are performing the routine maintenance on your home before the winter weather sets in. By regularly performing these simple maintenance tips on your home, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. If you own a second home or vacation home, don’t forget that it can be even more important to perform this maintenance to avoid any water or heating damage from happening when you’re not there.

• Be sure to clean your windows and check your window seals to ensure they are free of dirt and debris. Dirty seals can cause drafts in your home and lead to higher energy bills.
• Make sure you inspect your furnace before the colder weather sets in. Make sure the filters are clean and replace them if necessary. If you have not had your heating unit inspected this year, you may want to hire a professional to come inspect your unit before you use it.
• If you are concerned with frost and colder weather, be sure to insulate your pipes.
• Inspect your rain gutters to ensure that they are free of debris (you should clean your gutters every spring and fall to avoid costly water damage).
• Check your smoke detector batteries while you’re at it to ensure they are working properly.

By performing these regular maintenance activities you can avoid costly water damage to your home and make the holiday season free of unanticipated stress.

Finances – Watch What You Eat

If you’ve been feeling like you dollar isn’t going as far as it used to at the grocery check out line, that’s not a coincidence. In the past couple of years, the rise in grocery prices has outpaced the rise in incomes by a wide margin. This rise in prices not only puts a strain on the pocket book, but it gives many families one less reason to enjoy a home cooked meal.

Did you know that you could put away an extra $1,000 this year if you started saving just $20 a week on your grocery budget? A $1,000 can go a long way towards your next vacation or towards starting that retirement fund. Even if you don’t feel like you can cut an extra cent from your grocery budget, try following some of these tips:

• Clip your coupons. Even though most grocery stores offer some sort of rewards card, they still accept coupons. You can easily save an extra $20 a week by simply taking the time to clip some coupons out of the paper this week. In fact, most rewards systems are in place solely so the stores can track your spending habits and figure out how to better market to you.
• Stock up when it counts. If something goes on sale, don’t hesitate to stock up, provided it is something you use on a regular basis. This can save you money in the long run.
• Compare stores. Don’t get stuck in a rut when it comes to your grocery stores. Try shopping around from time to time to see where your dollar goes the furthest. Some stores can cost you 10-20% more through the course of the year.
• Try the store brand. Odds are you can save money and won’t notice any difference in taste or quality.

Personal Interest – Remember the Season

With Thanksgiving approaching quickly, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the holiday season. Family members are coming and going, there’s cooking to tend to, shopping to be done, and crowds to brave at the local shopping malls. With so much going on, it’s easy to forget why we have these holidays in the first place. Don’t forget to take the time to enjoy the holidays and remember to remember those who are less fortunate this year. Right now, there are many who are struggling just to put food on the table and a simple act of kindness can mean a lot for those who are less fortunate. Giving this holiday season can be as simple as donating to a local food drive or even volunteering at a local outreach charity.