Taking out the trash, although not particularly pleasant, is an essential and fairly simple chore. However, the task can quickly become messy if the waste is not handled properly. So, using the right trash bags and waste bins in the right way is important to avoid leakage and odor in the home. So, to make the chore seamless, one may want to avoid the following mistakes while using trash bags at home: 1. Choosing the wrong size Opting for trash bags that are the same size as the garbage can might seem like the obvious choice, but it can be a mistake. For starters, if there is too much waste in the bag, the contents will slip out of the bag and accumulate at the bottom of the can. So, one should always choose a bag that is slightly larger than the can, so that it can be easily folded along the edges of the can. 2. Not securing the bag Even if one uses a large-sized trash bag, it can still slip off the edge of the can if one throws trash with force into the bag or if there is too much garbage in the bag. With the bag slipping off the edge, it will make a mess when one tries to take the trash out. To avoid this, one should secure the trash bag properly to the edge of the can using hooks, rubber bands, or duct tape. 3. Forgetting to check the bag Trash bags can easily develop tears and holes, either due to a manufacturing defect or mishandling during packaging. Alternatively, dumping sharp objects such as broken glass, pencils, or tools like scissors in the trash can also tear the bag, resulting in the trash spilling out of the bag. So, one should always inspect the bag while putting it in the can as well as when taking it out to minimize mess.

Investing in precious metals is a smart addition to diversifying an investment portfolio. Precious metals are a popular commodity and a less volatile market when compared to stocks. With multiple regulatory authorities and trading platforms, investing in precious metals hassle-free has also become easy today. But there are many points one must consider and be well-informed before investing. Here are some key things to know before investing in precious metals. Understand the types of precious metals Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are popular precious metals with unique characteristics, market demand, and investing dynamics. Invest only after a thorough comparison. Diversification Precious metals can be an effective way to diversify any investment portfolio. They often have a low association with other assets like bonds and stocks, which can help reduce overall portfolio risk. Storage and security Physical ownership of precious metals necessitates the need to invest in home security. Options include home safes, bank safety deposit boxes, or third-party storage facilities. Be sure to consider the associated costs and security measures before buying assets. Physical vs. paper investments There are two ways to invest in precious metals: purchase physical bullion (coins or bars) or invest through paper investments like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), online futures contracts, or online mining stocks. Market volatility Market risk is inherent, and external considerations impact the sale and purchase of precious metals. Prices can significantly fluctuate in response to economic and geopolitical events. Be prepared for this volatility and have a clear investment strategy in place. Long-term vs. short-term investment Determine investment goals before investing. Is it simply a short-term hedge against inflation and market instability, or is the investment long-term for growth in the portfolio? Investment goals will directly influence precious metals choices. Market research Stay informed about the factors that affect precious metal prices, such as inflation rates, central bank policies, geopolitical tensions, and currency movements.

There is no telling when home appliances will malfunction, or systems will unexpectedly falter. This makes having a safety net for these appliances a necessity. This is where home warranty plans come into play. These plans are designed to provide financial security to homeowners. They offer a buffer against the inevitable wear and tear on property. The average coverage cost of the home warranty plans can amount to $250 to $600 annually. What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a contract of residential services that covers the cost of maintaining appliances and household items for a specific period of time. It is important to note that a home warranty plan or home appliance warranty plan is different from a homeowner’s insurance or structural warranty plan. It is often advised to buy a home warranty plan when purchasing an old property, especially when there is little information available about the appliances. How does it work? As the name suggests, a home appliance warranty covers damaged appliances and system repairs. The warranty company works with a network of home service providers. Once a claim has been received, the warranty company sends one of the providers to assess the damage. This partner provides a report to the company. What is covered? The report received by the warrantor helps determine the potential cause of the damage and the extent to which it has affected the appliance. The company will then confirm whether or not its contract provides coverage for the kind of damage suffered by the system or appliance. If the claim is approved, the warrantor sends back its partner professional for the repair and replacement. Most home warranties provide coverage for stoves, water heaters, and refrigerators. They may also cover systems like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Before signing up, one should check the plan to see if it also covers garage door openers.

Whether you want to add smart decor to your home or upgrade the existing technology, smart home devices are the perfect modern pieces. These gadgets can help you ensure safety and effortlessly perform daily activities. The Black Friday sales serve as the perfect time to make these new additions and elevate your gadget game. So here are the top 10 smart devices that you can add to your space during this holiday season: Nest Audio The first on the list of smart home devices is Google’s smart speaker, which offers crisp sounds, lets you enjoy music, and connect with friends and family. It also has built-in privacy features that let you customize settings such as the search history. During the Black Friday sale, you can expect to get the device at a discount of $40. Nest Doorbell This device is also offered by Google. It is a battery-operated two-way video doorbell that provides intelligent alerts, high-definition resolution, and a 145-degree field view. It does not require any wires and can be installed without any external help. The product is also expected to be available at a discount of $50 during the holiday sales. Amazon Echo (4 th gen) The Alexa-enabled speaker system offers a rich and clear sound that automatically adapts to the size of the room. It also works as a smart home hub that lets you control compatible lights, bulbs, and more devices. The intelligent device is expected to be available at a discount of $40 during the Black Friday sale. Blink Mini Security Camera This plug-in security camera can be used indoors and provides 1080HD video quality. It is compatible with Alexa and lets you hear and see people visiting your home and speak with them. This device also offers motion detection and live streaming through the app.

House sitting allows individuals to live in different locales while helping homeowners secure their properties during absences. However, as enticing as this arrangement can be, it also comes with its share of responsibilities and potential pitfalls. For that reason, the house sitter needs to know a few tips to help them avoid common house-sitting disasters. This ensures that both the sitter and the homeowner are comfortable with the arrangement. 1. Vetting the property before committing to the job Before committing to a house-sitting assignment, thoroughly research the opportunity. This includes reading reviews of the homeowner, if available, and having a detailed discussion about expectations. Ask for references or previous housesitters’ contacts to better understand their experience and what the job entails. 2. Deciding the terms and conditions and clarifying doubts Clarify all responsibilities and expectations in writing before the house-sitting begins. This agreement should include pet care, plant watering, and routine maintenance. Having everything documented can prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties are on the same page. 3. Preparing for emergencies The house sitter must ensure they have all necessary emergency contact information, including the phone numbers of the homeowner, local emergency services, a trusted neighbor, and vets if pets are involved. Knowing whom to contact and how to handle unexpected situations can drastically reduce the potential for disasters. 4. Getting familiar with the home and neighborhood Upon arrival, the sitter should ask the homeowner to tour the house and point out any oddities or necessary maintenance tasks. They should familiarize themselves with the local area, including the nearest hospital, supermarket, and other essential services. This preparation can help them feel more comfortable and respond effectively to any issues. 5. Securing a communication plan Maintain regular communication with the homeowner to update them on how things are going and to verify any uncertainties.

Despite the advent of cutting-edge security systems, jewelry theft remains a prevalent issue across the country. Therefore, homeowners should exercise caution while storing jewelry at home. Although these security systems allow for efficient prevention and detection of such crimes, failure of these systems increases one’s susceptibility to jewelry theft. Consequently, one should not only be alert at all times but also avoid hiding their jewelry at specific spots that thieves almost always remember to check: Toilet tank Although the toilet tank was once considered a good jewelry hiding spot, it has become a popular location due to its portrayal in movies and TV shows. Unfortunately, this makes it an obvious target for thieves. Moreover, there is an added risk of one’s jewelry getting tarnished due to excess moisture in the tank. Drawers Drawers are among the most obvious places to hide jewelry; therefore, robbers are sure to rummage through drawers when trying to steal one’s valuables. Hence, one should avoid hiding jewelry in drawers, even if it is kept inside boxes or sub-lockers. Freezer It is estimated that over one in four individuals hide their jewelry in the freezer. Hence, it has emerged as a common place for homeowners to hide jewelry and one of the spots that seasoned burglars typically do not miss checking. CD and DVD cases Burglars usually check drawers and shelves thoroughly upon breaking into a house. Hence, CD and DVD cases are likely to be scrutinized by them and are not good places to hide jewelry. Under the mattress While mattresses conceal the items hidden underneath them quite well, they have become common places to hide jewelry. Thieves who understand this tactic would surely check under mattresses for hidden ornaments. The jewelry box Although, as the name suggests, a jewelry box is meant to store jewelry, it is ironically one of the most obvious places robbers would check first.

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows. The home equity requirement varies from one borrower to another and is based on your individual situation. If you are younger and the only titleholder to the property, the home equity required may be more than 50%. We recommend using a reverse mortgage calculator to understand the requirement. Counseling Meeting with a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department-approved counselor is mandatory. The counselor will help you understand all about a reverse mortgage and all the associated expenses. This is to ensure you completely understand the terms and conditions and are familiar prior to applying for the mortgage.

A vacation home, if rented out when not in use, can be a great source of income for homeowners. It can help them pay the mortgage with the rental money, and they can share the experience of their relaxing home with others. Renting out a vacation home comes with many challenges and can cost owners money if certain legalities and processes are improperly handled. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when renting out a vacation home: 1. Poor communication A mistake that all vacation homeowners must avoid is not communicating properly with potential guests. Discussing expectations regarding living arrangements with the guests and managing their expectations with an open communication line or by ensuring a message flow becomes easier. It can be frustrating for guests if a vacation or rental property owner is not readily available to sort out their issues regarding their stay. This can increase the property owner’s chances of being left with negative reviews. 2. Lack of maintenance When property owners ignore the importance of regular maintenance, they add to the long-term consequences they might have to deal with. It is important to take care of any repairs and maintenance needs promptly, as leaving them unattended can call for bigger repair bills. Lack of maintenance can also cause the property to decrease in value and increase the number of guests who leave with unsatisfactory experiences. 3. Lack of detailed rules When guests come in to use the property, one of the crucial things is to lay down a set of clear house rules. In fact, it is imperative for homeowners to have an iron-clad rental agreement in place. Putting forth detailed rules and comprehensive guidelines can bring about a better experience for both the guests and the owner. The lack of guidelines can leave space for conflicts and misunderstandings and even cause potential damage to the property.

Veterans are distinguished individuals who have previously served in the military, naval, or air services. Consequently, they have earned a range of benefits to support them in leading civilian lives. These benefits could come in handy in the long run by helping with finances. However, not everyone may be aware of the available benefits that they are entitled to receive, thereby missing out on essential support. So, here are a few lesser-known veteran benefits: 1. Life insurance Securing life insurance is an essential step that assures financial stability for loved ones. Veterans can get life insurance from the Department of Veteran Affairs or VA. A few options include the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). 2. Mortgage assistance Veterans can avail of the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Benefit. Although provided by private lenders, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows lenders to offer veterans more favorable terms for the loan. This benefit can be reused for purchases of primary residences and even for refinancing existing home loans. 3. Free tax preparation As a veteran, one has access to certain resources that could simplify the tax preparation process and help them maximize their returns free of charge. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS initiative that offers free tax help to eligible people, which often includes veterans. 4. Educational assistance Veterans can get education assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers more than just traditional four-year degree programs. The coverage extends to vocational and technical training programs, apprenticeships, flight training, correspondence training, and entrepreneurship training to help veterans find jobs. 5. Long-term care Veterans are eligible for long-term care benefits from the VA. Those who qualify may receive perks such as adult day health care, home health care, respite care, hospice care, and nursing home care.

Burial insurance, also called final expense insurance, is a type of life insurance policy that covers final expenses, including burial and funeral costs. Major advantages of this policy are that premiums do not increase and death benefits do not diminish after securing the policy or reaching a certain age. A burial insurance plan can be comforting for those worried about funeral costs. Here are a few other things to know before buying burial insurance: 1. Cost Burial insurance is much more affordable than regular life insurance policies. To put things in perspective, for coverage of $10,000 (average cost of funeral being $7,000–$8,000), the monthly premium can be anywhere between $50–$200, which is much lower than other policies. Further, the premium amount is unlikely to increase at any point in time, making it a stable financial cover even if the income reduces after retirement.  2. Age determines the premium cost The policyholder’s age is among the main factors influencing the premium amount. So, it is better to buy the policy at an early age to avoid paying a high premium amount. 3. Types of burial insurance It is important to choose the right type of policy based on individual needs. Burial insurance is broadly classified into the following three types: Simplified issue burial insurance: Here, insurers evaluate the policyholder’s health status based on his/her health history. Sometimes, the policy may be denied due to certain pre-existing health conditions or risky activities. Guaranteed issue burial insurance: In this type of policy, insurers cannot deny coverage to individuals even if they are dealing with health conditions. Pre-need insurance: These policies are offered by funeral homes, so one may approach a funeral home where they would like to have their last rites performed and contract with the home for the services one would like to avail of.

Taking care of a newborn child is a full-time responsibility, right from when they wake up till bedtime. The good news is there are a number of innovative products designed for the baby’s comfort, safety, and even entertainment. So, parents don’t have to constantly worry about their child’s well-being. However, despite positive reviews about must-have baby products, here are five commonly used ones to avoid at all costs and for a good reason. Sleep positioners Babies struggle to maintain proper posture and can roll over into an uncomfortable position while sleeping in the crib. Sleep positioners prevent babies from rolling onto their stomachs and are also used to elevate the head and back of babies. However, if a baby rolls into their crib bedding or presses their faces against a sleep positioner, they risk suffocating. Crib bumpers and bedding Crib bumpers are bedding accessories to prevent the toddler from sliding and hitting the crib slats or rails. However, there is a potential risk of suffocation if the infant rolls over and presses his/her face into the crib bumper padding. It is also not advisable for parents to use excessive bedding inside the crib to cradle the child’s position properly. All the extra layers add to the rollover problems. Baby walkers These plastic seats on wheels provide support as the baby tries to take its first steps. However, buying a walker is not a good idea living in a multistoried home. There is always the risk of babies walking right up to the edge of the stairs, losing their balance, and tumbling down. Many recent studies have also proven that walkers delay the baby’s natural cognitive and physical development. Bedside sleepers Babies need nursing several times during the day. But repeatedly carrying and placing the baby in and out of the crib can be tiresome.

Home maintenance is often one of the most expensive elements when accounting for home budgeting. Raw materials are expensive, and you may have to contract a professional for the job. However, if you know the basics of electrical, plumbing, and woodwork, you could carry out certain repairs yourself, helping save significant maintenance costs. Here are seven DIY home repair tips that could save you from hiring a professional to get the job done. Drain pipes A leaky kitchen or bathroom drain pipe (not concealed inside a wall) is one issue that you can most likely fix by yourself. It may require something as simple as tightening a slip-nut near the P-Trap. A leak from a hole in the drain could be resolved with a flexible coupling with hose clamps. Handing wallpaper Wallpaper is easy to install or replace too. You will need someone to help get it on the wall and match the patterns correctly. If bubbling appears, you might have to remove the paper and install a new strip. But remember that removing wallpaper might require you to order more, possibly exceeding the budget, so avoid doing the job in haste. Clogged garbage disposal Disposal units might seem tough to fix. But, all you may require is a small specialty wrench that fits into a hexagonal opening on the underside of the powered-down disposal. If that does not work, you may need to call a professional. Broken faucet A leaky center-set faucet that isn’t complex and free of various connections on the underside could be resolved with a simple DIY method. And this involves replacing the faucet by following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and taking your time! Running toilets Running toilets can lead to severe water wastage but are usually easy to fix. You will need a DIY toilet rebuild kit available online or at a local hardware store.