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Few household maintenance routines pay off better than checking out your central air conditioning unit before the hot weather sets in. Preparing the unit for heavy duty now will not only save on energy costs, but will up your chances of staying cool all summer and avoiding an emergency service call.Air conditioning experts suggest these routine tips for ensuring trouble-free performance:Turn off power to the unit. Turn off the switch and unplug the unit to allow for safe handling.Clean or replace the filter. Most likely located behind the air return grille on the wall or ceiling in a central part of the house, the air filter can accumulate dirt, dust and allergen particles over the winter months. This makes the system work harder than it needs to, and costs in terms of efficiency and utility dollars. If the filter is disposable, replace it, and keep a couple more on hand for replacement every two months during use. If the filter is reusable, clean it in a large container filled with warm water and dish soap. Then spray it with a garden hose to remove any remaining particles and let it dry before replacing it.Clean the coils. Remove the front cover of the A/C unit outdoors. Spray some air conditioner cleaner onto the coils and allow it to work per product instructions. Then spray with a garden hose to rinse off the cleaner and use a soft rag to dry the coils.Check the coil fins. Inspect the coils for any damage, and use a fin comb or gentle manipulation to straighten out any coils that may be bent. Be careful, because the fins are delicate and can be easily damaged if too much pressure is applied.Replace the grille and plug in the power. Turn on the switch and get ready to enjoy a summer of trouble-free cooling.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Here are a few key characteristics that are often found in a stylish, contemporary kitchen.Matte FinishesThe smooth, flat texture absorbs light and is better at hiding smudges than other common alternatives.Monochromatic Color SchemeFor a sophisticated ambiance, all-black or all-white are both popular.Sleek LightingLights add a stunning design element while properly illuminating your kitchen.Concealed AppliancesCustomizing the panels on your refrigerator and dishwasher to match the cabinetry lends a modern and integrated look.Striking CountertopsMarble, wood or stainless steel countertops are popular statement pieces.Clean LinesSharp vertical and horizontal angles will contribute to an aesthetic thats effortlessly minimalist.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Keeping your car running smoothly can take a bit of work. And if you dont stay on top of regular maintenance, it can get expensive, too.However, there are some car maintenance tasks drivers adhere to that are predicated on myths.A few of the most common include:Buying premium gasUnless your car manufacturer requires it, filling your tank with premium gas thats more expensive than regular gas is a waste of money. Even though some carmakers recommend premium gas for high performance, you can safely use regular gas in most automobiles.Higher-grade gasoline contains higher levels of octane, which can help reduce any pinging or knocking sounds coming from a cars engine. If your car is experiencing this type of problem, a mechanic can help you determine what type of gas is best for your particular car.Changing your oil every 3,000 milesWhether youve been behind the wheel for years"or are just starting out"youve most likely heard that its recommended to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. While this may be sound advice, theres a good chance that your car doesnt need its oil changed as often as you think.Your best bet is to check the owners manual to determine just how often the oil and filter should be replaced. Many new cars can go 5,000 miles before needing to be serviced.Servicing your car at the dealership to keep the warranty validNothing says you have to go to the dealership where you purchased your car when its due for service in order to keep the warranty valid. While the folks who work at the dealership may know your car very well, more often than not, dealerships charge much more than independent repair shops.If you want to keep your car in tip-top shape, be sure to have it serviced according to the maintenance schedule recommended in the owners manual"and keep any and all receipts. In the event that something goes wrong and you need the warranty to cover a repair, you can (and should) bring the receipts to the dealership. And know that the federal government says its illegal for a dealer to deny warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Published with permission from RISMedia.
No matter what you’re saving for, having some extra breathing room in your budget is important. Whether you’re putting money away for a down payment or a new car"or looking to build an emergency fund that can get you out of a financial jam"we could all use a little extra cash in our pocket.While saving a chunk of change can seem daunting if you’re just getting started, setting money aside can make life easier. Here are some simple ways to get some extra money for whatever your savings goal is:Get a side job. Working 10 hours a week at a nearby coffee shop, department store or delivery service can earn you a few hundred dollars a month to get your emergency fund going. Or, it can help pay a child’s expenses at college"or make retiring in a few years easier. Walk dogs, drive for a ridesharing company or search for other jobs where you can set your own hours.Host a garage sale. There are probably too many things around your home that you don’t use that someone else would gladly pay you for. Have a garage sale and get rid of that extra lamp that’s collecting dust in a back bedroom, or sell your old books, clothes, jewelry and furniture.Jump on the short-term rentals train. Airbnb and other short-term rental sites can help you rent out a room in your home to earn some extra money. If you’ve never done it before, try it for a weekend when you’ll be around so that you can get your feet wet without being out of pocket. If it’s successful, you might consider renting out a spare room for a few nights a week or renting out your entire home when you’re away on vacation.Cut expenses. Shopping for insurance, cable TV, internet service and other things can save you a fair amount of money each month. The problem is, you won’t see that savings in your checking account unless you take the money saved and directly deposit it into a savings account. For example, if a new auto insurer saves you $100 per month, set up an automatic transfer for $100 each month from your checking account to a savings account.Refinance loans. This can take a little time and some research, but you may be able to find better interest rates on your credit cards and personal loans. Shop at banks and make sure the lower rates aren’t negated by possible transfer fees. Then, just like with cutting expenses, figure out the amount saved each month and transfer it to a savings account.This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Here are a few beloved lawn games the whole family can enjoy!Bocce BallThough commonly played on the lawn, bocce is traditionally played on a court that can give an elegant look to any yard.CroquetA manicured lawn set up with croquet wickets might look formal, but in reality, its a laid-back game for the whole family.ShuffleboardHaving surged in popularity in recent years, homeowners who have the space are putting shuffleboard courts in their backyards.BadmintonA great activity for the family to enjoy together, badminton is easy to put away when not in use.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Here are the most lavish amenities in apartment buildings today.Wellness CenterWell-being is a top priority among high-end homebuyers and the latest buildings deliver the highest of standards in this regard.Bars and RestaurantsTheres nothing like having an excellent restaurant (or two) right in your building.Activity SpacesFrom full-sized movie theaters to golf simulators, billiard rooms and lounge areas, more and more buildings are being designed with elaborate activity spaces.Work SpaceWell-appointed conference rooms that are equipped with cutting-edge technology have become the norm in exclusive buildings.Concierge ServicesResidents need not sweat the small stuff, as such services often include dog grooming, restaurant bookings, event planning, and more.Published with permission from RISMedia.
If youre like most college graduates, odds are you left school with more than a degree and fond memories: You probably racked up student loan debt.For many Americans, this debt totals tens of thousands of dollars and often feels like a huge financial weight. Furthermore, repaying student loans can take some borrowers over 20 years. To help alleviate that burden and pay off your student loans faster, here are six strategies to consider:Go Beyond the MinimumAlthough a minimum payment is the least amount you have to pay each month, theres no penalty for paying extra. In fact, making monthly payments higher than your minimum is one of the simplest and most effective ways to tackle student loan debt. Because the extra money usually goes straight toward reducing your principal, youll likely owe less interest and eliminate the loan balance faster.If you can only afford to pay $20 or $100 above the minimum, thats fine. Every little bit helps. To simplify the process and stay on track, sign up for automatic monthly payments that include the extra amount. You could always decide to add even more to your payments later.Split Monthly PaymentsIf you need an easy way to trick yourself into paying more on your loans, split your monthly payments in half and pay that amount every two weeks instead. This simple strategy, which works particularly well for people who get biweekly paychecks, will result in your making an extra full months payment each year.RefinanceRefinancing might allow you to consolidate multiple student loans into a new, single loan with a lower interest rate, thus helping you pay off your debt faster. However, loan terms and eligibility requirements vary, so consult a professional before making any changes and shop around for lenders.Apply Cash WindfallsEven if you cant afford to increase your monthly payments, try paying more toward your loans whenever possible. If you suddenly find yourself with extra money, such as a tax refund, lottery winnings, a pay raise or another type of cash windfall, resist the urge to spend it all on a nicer car or lavish vacation. Devote a chunk of the money to paying off your student loans, then save or enjoy the rest.Earn Extra IncomeIf you have the time, consider getting a side gig and putting all the supplemental income toward your student loans. You could get a part-time job, freelance, rent out a spare bedroom or take advantage of online services, whether it be driving for Uber or selling unwanted items on eBay. Regardless of how you earn the extra money, consider putting it in a separate bank account dedicated to paying off your loans; that way, you wont be tempted to spend the cash on other items.Cut ExpensesIf you cant boost your income, try trimming your monthly expenses. For example, you might save big by canceling your cable TV, getting a cheaper cellphone plan or eating in instead of going out to restaurants. When it comes to household savings, get creative and make cuts where you can. Using that extra cash to pay off your student loans faster could be worth the sacrifice.This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.Published with permission from RISMedia.
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