fbpx

The Free Financial Advisor

You are here: Home / Archives for Erin H.

Common Ways to Cut Costs as a New Business Owner

by Leave a Comment

Now that you have a new business, you’re probably amazed at the expenses you have. Don’t get discouraged, as there are several ways that you can cut costs as a new business owner. Read on for more insight on how you can have a healthy commercial budget.

Go Completely Digital

Technology is no longer inaccessible to the small business owner. Gone are the days when you needed large hard drives and floppy disks to store vital information. According to Forbes, going digital, such as using a cloud repository, can support a 100% paperless process. As of 2020, at least 1/3 of all data passes through the cloud, so you don’t need to keep bulky computers and a large tech team in-house. A few laptops and a VPN can work wonders for your business finances.

Refresh Office Furniture

While it may be tempting to invest in brand-new office furniture, you can save by refreshing the existing furniture that you own. You can use wood pens to fill in old scratches and adhesive remover, which comes in a 4oz bottle, to remove tough residues. A coat of paint can also refresh your furniture.

Outsource Services

It’s okay not to do everything yourself. Plus, everyone on your roster doesn’t need to work in-house. Even with experienced staff on deck, some services may be easier to hire out to outside contractors. As mentioned earlier, thanks to technology and cloud storage, you no longer have to keep a full IT team on staff. You can have an IT contractor available by emergency calls or e-mail whenever there’s a problem. Instead of keeping a large janitorial service, you can have a commercial maid service come as often as needed to sanitize the office.

Track Expenditure

Your business expenses can quickly get out of hand if you don’t keep track of them. Whether you’re buying office supplies, company lunches, or paying for conferences, you should keep everything penny documented. Go over your business expenditure every week or every month to see where you can cut things out or switch vendors. For example, if office supplies are becoming more expensive, you may want to look around for another vendor. You may also reconsider the conferences you go to if your company isn’t getting useful information or connections from them.

Go Green

Going green isn’t only a good savings option for your business finances, it’s also good for the environment. Make it an office policy to only use recycled paper or go paperless as much as possible. Instead of having water delivery in the break room, you can replace it with filtered faucets. You can even buy a small machine that carbonates water. Instead of paying for expensive parking spaces in the city, there are alternatives. You may encourage employees to take advantage of a shared biking program such as City Bikes, or the company can purchase transit passes.

Keeping track of finances is essential for commercial growth. While you can’t run a business without spending money, you can cut costs and come in under budget if you’re careful. Utilize this guide to your advantage as you start and grow your business. Over time, cutting costs will become second nature. Contact us today for more information about managing company expenses.

Common Mistakes Your Small Business Might Be Making

by Leave a Comment

Running a small business is challenging, and even the most experienced entrepreneurs make mistakes along the way. These missteps can have serious consequences for the growth and success of your business. Here are some common mistakes that small businesses often make and provide insights on how to avoid them.

Have a Business Succession Plan in Place

Many small businesses fail to have a business succession plan in place. According to a 2020 study by the Association for Talent Development, only 35% of companies had such a plan. A business succession plan outlines the process for transitioning ownership and leadership of the company in the event of retirement, disability, or unexpected circumstances.

Without one, the business may face significant challenges if the owner or key personnel suddenly depart. To avoid this mistake, small business owners should consider working with a lawyer or a business consultant to develop a comprehensive succession plan that ensures a smooth transition and continuity of operations.

Perform Proper Maintenance on All Equipment

Another mistake that small businesses often overlook is neglecting proper maintenance, especially on HVAC machines. According to Energy Saver, cleaning the area around the AC coil by removing any debris allows for sufficient airflow around the condenser. Failure to maintain the HVAC system can result in reduced efficiency, increased energy costs, and even system breakdowns, which can disrupt business operations.

Schedule Regular Inspections and Cleanings

Scheduling professional inspections and cleanings are a crucial part of office maintenance. By investing in these things, businesses can prevent potential problems and ensure a comfortable environment for employees and customers.

Protect Your Property Against Termite Damage

According to OneDesk, termites cause around $5 billion in property damage every year. Failure to address termite infestations can lead to structural damage, costly repairs, and potential safety hazards. You should be proactive in protecting your property by implementing preventive measures, such as regular inspections by pest control professionals and addressing any signs of termite activity promptly. By taking these precautions, you can avoid termite damage draining your finances.

Develop a Clear Marketing Strategy

A common pitfall many companies make is not having a clear marketing strategy. In today’s competitive market, it’s crucial to have a well-defined plan to reach and engage with target customers. Invest time in market research to identify their target customers and develop a tailored marketing strategy. This will help you maximize your marketing efforts and achieve better results within your budget.

Implement Proper Financial Management Tactics

Many small business owners lack a clear understanding of their finances, including cash flow, profit margins, and expenses. This can lead to poor decision-making, such as overspending, underpricing products or services, or failing to plan for future growth. To avoid this mistake, small business owners should invest in financial literacy by seeking guidance from financial professionals, attending workshops or webinars, or utilizing accounting software. By gaining a better understanding of their finances, small businesses can make informed decisions that contribute to their long-term success.

Never Overlook Customer Feedback

Customer feedback provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your products or services, helping you make necessary improvements and enhance customer satisfaction. You should establish effective feedback mechanisms such as surveys, online reviews, or direct communication channels to encourage customers to share their experiences. By leveraging customer feedback, you can make educated business decisions and develop a more intimate relationship with your customer base.

Running a small business comes with its own set of challenges, but avoiding common mistakes can greatly increase your chances of success. By addressing key areas of your organization, you can mitigate risks, improve operations and finances, and ultimately thrive in a competitive market.

Interested in Starting a Dog Park Business? Here’s What Every Park Will Need

by Leave a Comment

If you are a dog owner or lover, you understand the importance of dog parks. They are fun, casual, and green spaces for individuals in cities to bring their dogs to play and socialize with other furry friends. If you’re thinking of starting a dog park, you’ll be in charge of a valuable business that many people will use. Here are a few things you must include for your dog park in Colorado Springs to shine.

Trees and Shade

You can’t have any park without trees. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 trees remove over 50 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other contaminants annually. As you can see, trees are responsible for keeping the air clean from pollutants and ensuring everyone can breathe well.

Trees also are important for providing much-needed shade. While the hot summer months are great for the extra vitamin D, it can be hard being outside for too long when the sun gets too intense. With enough trees in the park, you can make sure owners and dogs alike have protection from UV rays and can chill outside for as long as they need to.

Porta Potties

Colorado Springs is a dog-friendly place containing several dog parks, at least nine of which are off-leash parks. While those parks are dog-friendly, they’re also people-friendly as well. The dog park grass allows the dogs to use the bathroom, as long as the owner cleans it up.

For anyone planning to be at a park for a few hours, it’s best to have facilities for dog owners to go to the bathroom, too. This is where rentable porta potties come in handy! This allows dog park users to avoid rushing home or having to find a local business to use the bathroom. Instead, porta potties provide convenience. Plus, if you rent from a high-quality company, employees will clean the porta potties frequently so those using the dog park have a reliable restroom to utilize.

Seating

Park benches are a must, as dog owners may want to sit as they watch their dogs play. Install enough comfortable benches for many people to have a place to sit. Remember, they may end up spending at least an hour there, so they want to be comfortable! Plus, having proper seating allows individuals to mingle, creating a social and safe space for dog owners throughout Colorado Springs.

Eco-Friendly Lawn Maintenance

The vegetation at a park goes beyond the trees: the grass matters, too! That’s why you must keep the grass as well-maintained as possible. For the fastest and most economical way of keeping your lawn and top shape, consider hiring a professional hydroseeding service.

Once hydroseeding has begun, it won’t take long to have a beautiful plot of green grass for your park. Grass will grow within one week, and you’ll have a whole new lawn in less than a month. This method also allows avoids the use of harsh chemical fertilizers, which not only damage the environment but may also affect the dogs if they eat the grass or roll around in it. Create a safe and healthy dog park for owners and dogs in Colorado Springs alike!

Starting a dog park is a great idea for a business. Many Americans love their dogs, which is why they are the most common pet among homeowners. Dogs need exercise, and local parks are just as useful for fur babies as they are for fellow humans. Follow the above steps to ensure your budding dog park has what it needs from day one. With enough seating, green grass, trees, and porta potties, you’ll have a comfortable environment for both humans and dogs to enjoy spending time in.

5 Reasons Why a Family Boat Is Worth the Cost

by Leave a Comment

If you live close to a body of water, whether an ocean, sea, or lake, you’re aware of the boating opportunities it offers. While you can always rent a boat, you should consider purchasing one if you have the funds. It may seem like too much of a leap, but here are five reasons spending on a family boat is worth the cost.

1. Boating Can Be a Lot of Fun

Boat owners spend most of their days at sea because it can be thrilling. If you haven’t spent time on the open water, you’ll have plenty of adventures to embark on with friends and family once you get a boat. For example, fishing from a boat is way better than doing it on land because you can go right to the areas with the best fish.

You can also host parties for your family and friends on your boat, where they can join you in the fun of being out on the open seas. It’s no surprise that over 87 million U.S. adults engage in recreational boating! If you’re looking for something to brighten your days, consider investing in a boat.

2. Boating Is a Great Way to Exercise

Most people fail to exercise because it’s not the most enjoyable activity. That’s why 67% of those with gym memberships never put them to use — but the trick is to make things enjoyable.

You can engage in several activities for fun on a boat, which also provides a great workout. These include swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Not to forget the joys of fishing. Whether you’re hoping to catch the big one or simply having fun with your casting rod, it’ll help you unwind and concentrate, and it can even end with a delicious supper.

3. Having a Boat Can Strengthen Your Family Relationship

Owning a boat offers a unique opportunity for everyone in the family to participate. As you increase your skill set, challenge your kids to do the same. Together, attend classes at the Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary, or watch YouTube tutorials on navigation, weather forecasting, or knots. Give your children routine tasks so they can feel part of the boating experience.

The best part is you can carry your boat when visiting different local water bodies. 95% of boats on the water in the United States (sailboats, personal watercraft, and powerboats) are tiny, with a length of less than 26 feet, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. This makes them easy to trail to nearby waterways.

4. Potential for a Return on Investment

Nobody can deny that maintaining a boat can get expensive. However, by renting out your vessel for a few weeks or months each year, you can significantly lower the overall cost of ownership. It just takes a few weeks of chartering every year for most yachts to break even.

After that, you can use your yacht for the rest of the year while writing off the expense of upkeep, repairs, depreciation, and even upgrades. Boats retain their value over time, allowing you to enjoy them for years without forking out a lot of money.

5. You’ll Learn New Skills

You’ll need to master new skills to safely operate your new boat, and learning new skills will keep your mind sharp. From anchoring to socking at a marina, navigation to knots, to knowing your stern from your bow and your starboard from your port, the more you know, the more you’ll appreciate your experience. Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary, road rules, the quirks of your gadgets, and the specifics of how to drive in all current, tidal, and wind conditions.

While it can be expensive, owning a boat will open you up to new opportunities and experiences. It’ll also be a great addition to the entire family. This read highlights why a boat is worth the investment.

Should You Invest in the Manufacturing Industry?

by Leave a Comment

In today’s world, there are many industries where you can invest your finances. However, not all investments are lucrative, and some can be unpredictable, so you should weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions. An industry you may have overlooked or not even considered is the manufacturing industry.

An Industry That Supports Productivity Rather Than Competition

The manufacturing industry does not have the same levels of competition as others. For one company to do well, another often has to take a loss. Since manufacturing typically supports and enhances productivity, it is less competitive.

Our Infrastructure Demands Are Changing

Our infrastructure demands have changed dramatically in recent years. Technological advancements have brought new consumer demands for everything from appliances, transportation, homes, materials, and many more. It is an exciting time to consider getting involved in manufacturing, as it will continue to grow and adapt.

According to the CDC, the manufacturing sector is crucial to our world’s development agenda and contributes directly and indirectly to many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Your investments in the industry would help initiate, sustain, and transform manufacturing operations to cope with our ever-changing world.

These investments will have many exciting outcomes, such as improving the availability of manufactured products, accelerating the development of the manufacturing sector, and creating more responsible production and consumption. Therefore, it’s an exciting sector to be involved in, and unlike other investments, you’ll be able to see change and improvement because of the money you invested.

The Demand for Automotive Software

Manufacturing incorporates many sectors and growing industries, such as automotive software. There is a huge demand for connected cars with advanced driver assistance systems. The days when a ‘check engine’ light was our sole indicator that there was something wrong with our vehicles are numbered. Newer models can tell you which tire needs air, what part of the car needs serviced, who is and isn’t wearing service belts, how close you are to other drivers, and if you’re not driving in your lane.

The global automotive software market will grow exponentially over the next few years. In 2019, it was valued at $18.5 billion and is projected to reach $43.5 billion by 2027. The software will become more accurate and intelligent, and soon, all drivers will be reliant upon it.

The Growing Window and Door Market

Another sector is the window and door market. It’s currently valued at $153 billion, according to a report by Global Market Insights. Demand for windows and doors is growing and driven by things such as growth, increased construction activity, and urbanization.

There is also a push to find more energy-efficient and sustainable building materials. Many of the building materials we used to rely on have been proven to be harmful to the environment or inefficient, meaning that many windows and doors will be replaced in the coming years.

Growth Doesn’t Mitigate Risk

While there are many advantages to investing in the manufacturing industry, it doesn’t come without risk. It’s impossible for every product the industry produces to be perfect, and if something breaks or hurts someone, manufacturers will often be held liable. Therefore, before you jump into this investment, weigh out the risks.

Manufacturers can be sued for product liability if their products have manufacturing defects. If automotive software tells a driver that nobody is in the lane next to them, but when the driver turns, they hit another vehicle, the manufacturer may be held responsible. In an industry responsible for so much of our infrastructure, there will inevitably be complications at some point.

Investing in the manufacturing industry requires careful planning and research. However, this ever-growing and changing sector offers an excellent opportunity to watch your investment change the everyday functioning of the world around you.

Budgeting Tips for When You’re Between Jobs

by Leave a Comment

Most people take a job they hate quickly because they need to start making money immediately, but that’s not the best idea. If you’re between jobs, you should be able to take your time, apply to several places, and try to find an environment that truly works for your needs. Therefore, you must learn how to budget correctly. Let’s find out more!

1. Define Your Bills

The first part of budgeting is determining how much you spend each month on average. First, you should look at the priorities such as groceries, utility bills, mortgages, and insurance. You can create a spreadsheet on your computer to track a few things. Figure out the minimum amount of money you need each month and try to lower everything else as much as possible. You might have to make some sacrifices, but that’s part of handling your finances correctly.

However, you should always have some money in case of emergencies. According to the National Flooring Safety Institute (NFSI), around one million slip-and-fall accidents end up in emergency rooms across the country. You never know what could happen, so you must factor in that extra expense just in case.

2. Go by the 50, 30, 20 Rule

If you don’t know where to start, you can always follow the 50, 30, 20 rule. Fifty percent of your income should be placed on bills and necessities, as those are your fixed costs. Thirty percent should typically account for varying expenses like entertainment and food. You’ll have to cut most of this out when you’re in between jobs.

Finally, you should save 20 percent of your budget. You’ll have to force yourself not to touch that money and continue saving as much as possible while trying to find employment. Your savings account might be there for emergencies, but only use it if you need to repair necessary things like plumbing. One in ten homes in America has leaks that can waste around 90 gallons of water daily. That increases your bills, so always stay on top of your home to prevent things from worsening when you’re trying to save between jobs.

3. Find Other Sources of Income

A household shouldn’t depend on one job for its entire survival, although that’s sometimes inevitable. Most people start collecting welfare or insurance benefits after being laid off. Some other programs might help with your finances while you search for other employment. You could also try to find side hustles and gigs that will still bring money so you don’t exhaust your savings. Nowadays, people can find jobs online that don’t take so much of their time. Working from home is even better than trying to find other temporary employment.

Marketing is vital online; you could get a great opportunity even if you don’t know much. You can learn little facts, like how clients remember things only when they see or hear them at least ten times.

4. Cut Down on Unnecessary Expenses

After defining your bills, you might have noticed optional expenses. People usually cut things like their cable or extra channels between jobs. Getting a Netflix or another streaming site subscription could be the perfect solution. It’s much cheaper and more efficient since you already pay for the internet. In today’s world, the internet is considered a necessity. You’ll need it for side hustles, job searching, interviews, and more.

5. Hunt for Deals

You’ll probably have more time when you’re in between jobs, so you should try finding all the deals online and coupons in newspapers that you can use. Anything that can reduce your bills by even a fraction can be a huge relief. These discounts will probably only help with your food and hygiene products, which are part of your fixed expenses.

If you follow this advice, you can take your time and look for the right kind of job. Otherwise, you might quit your new workplace and have to start searching and budgeting again. Take care of your finances well, so you won’t be rushed into something you hate.

Why You Should Hire a Financial Advisor and an Estate Planner in 2023

by Leave a Comment

Financial planning sounds like a thing for the rich. However, working with a financial advisor is the best decision if you wish to achieve your financial goals. Estate planning is equally important because you can decide who will receive your wealth once you pass on. Even if you have financial knowledge, there are numerous benefits to hiring a financial advisor. Let’s examine the top six.

1. To Get Help With Financial Planning

With so much information online, you can manage your finances independently. However, financial advisors and estate planners add expert knowledge. They help you set realistic savings, retirement, or your child’s education goals. The experts help you create a plan to achieve the goals and prepare for emergencies such as health costs.

2. To Make Better Investment Decisions

The market is awash with numerous investment options, and choosing the most viable can be daunting. The good news is that a financial advisor can weigh the options, help you understand the risks, and recommend suitable investments. The finance professionals consider your financial goals and risk appetite and choose an investment option that suits your dreams.

3. To Prepare Adequately for the Unexpected

While many people think only the wealthiest need financial and estate planning, it is beneficial to have a plan in case the unexpected happens. About 77% of American adults believe estate planning is for everyone, regardless of wealth. That’s good news, and you should be part of this percentage. An estate planner makes sound investment decisions in your best interest in case you become incapacitated or pass away. They ensure the investments go to family members or the rightful heirs.

4. To Follow Financial Laws and Regulations

Laws and regulations keep changing constantly. You risk jail or fines if you unknowingly fail to abide by new rules. A financial advisor will help you understand how these changes will affect you. They help reduce tax liability and ensure your estates are distributed according to set laws when you are gone.

5. To Help You Stick to Your Goals

We all have an emotional attachment to our finances and can be tempted not to stick to our goals. It takes work to stick to the plan. Financial advisors are a voice of reason and will always motivate and remind you to stick to the program. Remember, financial goals can change with time. If you have financial goals that you wish to meet, then working with a financial advisor is worth it. In fact, according to a study done by MagnifyMoney, 95% of people who work with financial advisors believe it is worth the money.

6. To Prepare Essential Real Estate Documents

Detailed estate planning typically involves three documents. These documents are the power of attorney, a healthcare directive, and a living trust or last will. A real estate advisor will guide you in preparing relevant documents on how you wish your assets, debts, and medical needs to be managed. During estate planning, you will need to follow three main steps.

  • Prepare Essential Documents – Documenting all your assets and debts helps you determine how much you will leave your loved ones.
  • Transfer Your Assets – A will communicates how you will distribute your assets when you die. If your children are minors, you must appoint a preferred guardian.
  • Set up a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive – Creating a power of attorney is crucial. You must choose a trustworthy attorney because they will handle your property’s decisions while you are alive, ill, or incapacitated.

Most people think financial and real estate planning is for the wealthy. The truth is, planning your finances will help you achieve your financial goals faster. Estate planning, on the other hand, will give you peace of mind knowing that you have documented your financial affairs.

How to Choose the Right Dental Insurance Plan

by Leave a Comment

Dental insurance is important when it comes to making sure that your teeth are in great shape. However, looking for the right dental insurance plan can be intimidating. To help make your insurance journey a little easier, here are a few key things to remember to help you choose the right plan.

How Many Cavities Do You Have?

According to estimations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.9% of American adults aged 20 to 44 have untreated cavities. Regular dental checkups are crucial in identifying and treating cavities before they worsen. However, fillings can also be expensive. If you already know that you have a high number of cavities that you need filled, it’s a good idea to consider the cost of those fillings when looking at different dental insurance plans. Aim for the plan that covers the most when it comes to preventative care.

Will You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

If you don’t have any cavities but you need orthodontic treatment, it’s important to consider dental insurance plans that offer the most coverage for the type of treatment plan you need. About 25% of orthodontic patients are aged 21 and older, and the second most common reason for braces is to fix a bite issue. The average length of time a person will need to wear braces to fix these kinds of orthodontic issues is about two years, but it may be longer depending on the extent of treatment needed. Braces typically cost up to $6,000 in total, so keep that in mind when you’re looking at the annual coverage amount that your dental insurance plans may offer for orthodontic care.

Are You Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be the solution. About 25% of adults who responded to the Harris Poll’s online survey about attitudes toward smiling said they don’t show their teeth. Several procedures, including teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and gum reshaping, can be used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not every dental insurance plan covers cosmetic dentistry, and there’s a chance that you may be paying out of pocket for your procedures. If you need standard preventative dental care and you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, consider taking a look at plans that offer coverage in that area to make paying for those treatments a little easier.

Make Sure the Plan You Choose Meets Your Dental Needs

Before choosing a dental insurance plan, consider your dental needs. You may want a more comprehensive plan if you have a history of dental issues or frequent dental visits. However, a basic plan may be sufficient if you only need routine checkups and cleanings. It’s important to choose a plan that meets your specific dental needs.

It’s important to understand the coverage included in your dental insurance plan. Some plans may only cover preventive care, while others may cover a wider range of services, such as fillings, root canals, and orthodontics. Make sure to review the plan’s coverage and limitations before making a decision.

Although selecting the ideal dental insurance plan can be challenging, it is essential for preserving good oral health. Prioritizing your needs will help you find a plan that meets your needs at a price you can afford. To avoid surprises when filing a claim, review what the policy covers.

Actions That Lead to People Paying Higher Costs

by Leave a Comment

Many people want to be able to learn how to make their finances do whatever they want them to do. This means that you’re working hard and keeping an eye open for ways in which you can save and make sound financial decisions. That said, there are actions that can lead to you paying higher costs over time. This may make your hard work end up being in vain since you won’t be able to keep a hold of your finances in the best possible way. Have a look below to see some of these actions so that you can stop them in their tracks and maximize your finances.

Breaking the Law

The first thing that may see you losing a chunk of your finances is breaking the law. Rules and regulations exist for a reason, and this is to ensure that everything is done with order. They also help make sure that citizens stay safe from various things that could go wrong if care isn’t taken. This is why breaking the law calls for jail terms and fines.

Something like DUI may be one of the more serious instances of breaking the law as a driver. On top of placing fellow road users at risk, DUI also puts the driver under the influence at serious risk of fatality. This is why when you’re caught and charged for DUI, you’ll typically have to pay massive fines on top of other consequences. According to the Law Office of Jason Skala, LLC, the nighttime hours when alcohol-impaired driving takes its toll around 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. the most often in 2018. Regardless of the day or hour, it’s never worth it to engage in such a risky activity.

Vehicle Issues

Another action that may cause you to pay a good sum of money that you may have saved is letting vehicle issues pile up. One of these is letting your vehicle go for a long time without service and thus predisposing it to the risk of unexpected breakdowns. This makes it important for you to keep up with your car’s recommended service schedule.

Another troublesome and expensive car issue is parking, which you may not even know costs you good money. According to INRIX, searching for a parking spot in the United States costs motorists $73 billion on average every single year in terms of wasted time and fuel. This is clearly enough money to motivate you to search for a long-lasting solution, such as moving to a place that’s closer to your place of work so that you don’t have to deal with the issues associated with commuting.

Health and Medical Matters

The final action that might lead to you paying higher costs is delaying dealing with health issues and medical matters. This could see the issue get worse and call for more money to fix than it would have called for if you addressed it early enough. This is not even considering the fact that it may get more painful and uncomfortable to have to endure.

You also need to go to the doctor for regular health checkups in order to make sure that there are no issues waiting to act up. According to Care Station Medical Group, you should visit a doctor at least once every year. Try your best to keep up with this and you may save money in terms of health costs for you and your family.

Keep an eye on these actions to lower the chances of having to pay higher costs. When you do, you may find it easy to live a more fulfilling life that doesn’t leave you with unnecessary expenses. This is one of the best ways to maintain control of your finances and live a happy yet cost-effective life.

3 Things You Should Do When Tackling Debt

by Leave a Comment

You can find yourself in debt for various reasons. It may be that you recently went through a divorce. Perhaps you were in an accident, or it could be that your expenses are more than what you can handle. Whatever the case is, now you’re trying to tackle that debt and get out of the red. Follow these suggestions, and soon you will see your bank account balance returning to something more comfortable for you and your family.

1. Take Your Accident to Court

If you were injured in a situation that was no fault of your own but didn’t do anything about it, now is the time to start thinking about getting what you’re owed. Almost all personal injury cases, 95% to 96%, are settled before they get to the courtroom. So, if you avoided going through the proceedings because you simply didn’t want to deal with it, now is when you should speak to an attorney.

The money you get from a case like this will help pay for lost work hours and alleviate the medical bills that are likely a decent portion of your debt. In addition, some lawyers can win additional compensation for pain and suffering, so you can use that money to pay for any other bills you may have fallen behind on because of your accident.

2. Review Your Alimony

Reviewing your alimony payments is essential when getting out of debt. According to Statista, in 2019, there were approximately 750,000 divorces registered in the United States, so rest assured you’re not alone in this. Alimony payments are a significant financial obligation for many people post-divorce. If your money situation has changed since your divorce, you may be able to renegotiate the terms and lower your monthly payments. This, in turn, will free up money that you can use to pay off your debts.

Additionally, say you have been paying alimony for a while. In that case, it’s a good idea to check if your agreement has a review clause that allows you to revisit the terms after a set period. It’s also important to remember that alimony payments are tax-deductible, so reducing your costs could result in a higher taxable income, further impacting your financial situation. Working with a financial advisor or attorney is critical to help you navigate this complex process.

3. Consider Updating to Solar

Installing solar panels is an intelligent choice for anyone looking to get out of debt. Not only does it help the environment, but it also reduces your monthly energy bill. Unfortunately, the energy cost continues to rise yearly, but by investing in solar panels, you can lock in lower prices for decades. It’s estimated that you will benefit from the savings related to solar for at least 40 years, with solar panels included adequately in your infrastructure.

Reducing your monthly utility bills frees up more cash to pay off debt. Solar panels can also increase the value of your home, so it’s a wise investment that pays off in multiple ways. By installing solar panels, you’ll take control of your finances, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more energy efficient. It’s a win in more ways than one!

In conclusion, there are several ways to get out of debt, including taking your accident to court, reviewing your alimony payments, and updating to solar panels. Legal action for a personal injury case will help you get compensation for lost work hours and medical bills while renegotiating alimony payments frees up money for debt repayment. Updating to solar panels reduces monthly energy bills so that you will have less money going out regularly. These suggestions effectively tackle debt and bring your bank account balance back to a more comfortable level. However, working with an advisor is essential when taking control of your finances and making positive steps toward a debt-free future.