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Showing posts from August, 2024

The Once-a-Year Home Maintenance Checklist (That Actually Matters)

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Let’s be honest. Most of us only think about home maintenance when something starts dripping, buzzing, or making a noise that sounds expensive. This is not that list. This is the once-a-year checklist that actually saves you money, stress, and surprise water features in your basement . You can do this in one afternoon. Maybe two, if you keep stopping for coffee and “just one more YouTube video.” Here we go. 1. Change your furnace filter (yes… really). If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, that’s your answer. A dirty filter: makes your furnace work harder lowers air quality and quietly increases your heating bill Pro tip: write the date on the new filter. Your future self will thank you. 2. Test your sump pump (before it becomes a personality test). Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it: turns on pumps out and turns off again If it doesn’t, your basement may soon become a very exclusive indoor pool — especially with our spring melt and heavy rain around King...

How to Fix Your Finances After Bankruptcy (And Not Lose Your Mind in the Process)

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So, you’ve declared bankruptcy. Oof. It’s like the financial equivalent of accidentally sending a text meant for your best friend to your boss. Awkward, but not the end of the world! Now that you’ve hit the big ol’ reset button on your finances, it’s time to channel your inner Phoenix and rise from the ashes of your credit score. Here’s a guide—served with a side of humor—to help you get back on track without losing your marbles. 1. Have a Good Cry, Then Get Over It Let’s be real: bankruptcy feels like getting dumped by your wallet. It’s okay to sulk for a bit. But once you’ve finished that tub of ice cream (no judgment), it’s time to move on. Accept what happened, learn from it, and start planning your comeback. After all, even superheroes have origin stories filled with failure. 2. Create a Budget (And Try Not to Fall Asleep) Budgets are about as exciting as watching paint dry, but they’re necessary. Think of your budget as a financial diet plan—except this one actually works. List o...

Navigating Property Division in Divorce: Common Approaches and Considerations

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Divorce is a challenging process that involves not just the emotional separation of a couple but also the division of assets accumulated during the marriage. One of the most significant assets that couples need to address is real estate, particularly the family home. Understanding the common ways to handle property division during divorce can help you make informed decisions and reduce the stress of this often complex process. 1. Selling the Property and Splitting the Proceeds One of the most straightforward ways to deal with real estate during a divorce is to sell the property and divide the proceeds between the two parties. This approach is particularly common when neither spouse can afford to keep the home on their own or when both parties want a clean break from the shared asset. Pros: Provides both parties with immediate liquidity. Avoids ongoing financial ties between ex-spouses. Simplifies the division of other assets. Cons: Emotional difficulty in selling the family home. Poten...