Erin H, Author at Beating Broke

4 Tips for Taking Care of a Dog When You’re Broke

January 9, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that taking care of a dog involves money. For some pet owners, money might be tight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a responsible dog parent. With 85 million American homes having a pet, there are bound to be ways to make it work even when you’re on a budget! Here are some tips for taking care of a dog when your budget is limited.

1. Make Your Own Pet Treats

Making your own doggie treats can help you save money while also giving your pup something extra special. There are plenty of easy recipes that you can whip up with ingredients from your pantry. For instance, try making your pup their own peanut butter and banana treats or some pumpkin and apple ones.

There are lots of recipes online you can use to feed your pup. In addition, you might also be able to use your dog’s kibble to make some tasty treats. While you might need to split your dog’s feeding schedule between two to three times a day, you can use your pet’s kibble as a tasty treat. For instance, wetting your pet’s kibble and putting it into a Kong, then freezing it, is a great way to keep your pup entertained.

2. Shop for Pet Supplies at Thrift Stores and Secondhand Sites

If you’re looking for items like leashes, collars, pet carriers, or even clothes for your pup, you might want to consider shopping at thrift stores or secondhand sites. This can help you save money since these items are usually much cheaper than buying them brand new.

Plus, they usually have a great selection of pet items that you can choose from. Also, if you have friends with pets, ask them if they’re looking to get rid of any items. Chances are, they might have some that you can use for free! However, you will need to make sure to thoroughly clean and inspect the items before using them.

3. Make Grooming at Home a Habit

When it comes to your pet’s grooming needs, you don’t have to go to a professional groomer. You can do most of their grooming needs at home such as brushing, nail trimming, and cleaning behind their ears. Not only will you save money, but it’s also a great bonding experience for both of you!

To start your pet’s grooming routine, first, make sure you have the right tools. Make sure to get a good brush and do some research on how to properly groom your pet. There are plenty of YouTube videos and tutorials that you can use to get started. Also, shop for a removable shower head, which makes it easier to give your pup a bath at home. Investing in the right tools will make grooming at home much easier and is cheaper than taking your dog to the groomer every couple of weeks.

4. Use Reward-Based Training Methods

Training your pup doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can use reward-based training methods that involve positive reinforcement and treats. With this method, you use treats to motivate your pup to learn new behaviors and tricks. In addition, you can use verbal praise or petting as a reward too.

Reward-based training is an effective way to bond with your pup and teach them good manners. Plus, it doesn’t require any special equipment or lots of money. All you need is some tasty treats and lots of patience!

Many people review their estate plan regularly when they review their financial plan. Just like people review their estate plans, it’s never too late to review your pet’s care plan. Taking the time to look into ways that you can maximize your budget when it comes to taking care of your pet is always worth it! With the above tips, you can ensure that your pet has a happy and healthy life even when money is tight.

The Financial Benefits of Regular Car Maintenance

January 5, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

The financial benefits of regular car maintenance are often overlooked, but they can be significant. By taking care of your car, you can extend its lifespan, improve its performance, and save money on costly repairs down the road. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.

The Reason for Maintenance

Each year, 3 million people are injured in car accidents on U.S. roads. While some accidents are simply unavoidable, regular maintenance can help to prevent many of them. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated and aligned can help to improve your car’s handling and stability, which can reduce the risk of accidents caused by loss of control. Similarly, regularly replacing your brakes and other safety-critical components can help to keep your car running smoothly and safely.

Financial Issues

In addition to the safety benefits, regular car maintenance can also save you money in the long run. For example, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that about 40 million tons of road salt are used annually to de-ice roads in the winter. This salt can be corrosive and can cause rust and other damage to your car if it’s not removed regularly. By washing your car and waxing it, you can protect it from the damaging effects of road salt and other environmental contaminants.

Another financial benefit of regular car maintenance is that it can help you to identify and fix small problems before they become big ones. For example, if you notice that your car is consuming more oil than usual, it could be a sign of a problem with your engine. By taking your car in for maintenance, a mechanic can diagnose the problem and fix it before it causes more serious damage. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as major repairs can be very expensive.

Find a Mechanic

There are more than 180,251 auto mechanics currently employed in the U.S., so it’s easy to find someone who can help you with your car maintenance needs. Whether you need to change your oil, replace your brakes, or fix a more serious problem, a skilled mechanic can get the job done. The cost of regular maintenance may seem like a burden at first, but it’s a small price to pay to keep your car running smoothly and safely.

Overall, the financial benefits of regular car maintenance are clear. By taking care of your car, you can extend its lifespan, improve its performance, and save money on costly repairs down the road. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a mechanic, the time and money you invest in regular maintenance will be well worth it.

Other Considerations

Another financial benefit of regular car maintenance is the resale value of your vehicle. When you take good care of your car, it is more likely to be in good condition when you go to sell it. This can increase the price that you are able to get for it, which can be a significant financial benefit.

Additionally, regular car maintenance can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. When your car is running smoothly, it will use less fuel, which can save you money on gas. This is especially important given the rising cost of fuel. By investing in regular maintenance, you can help to keep your fuel costs low and save money over time.

One way to save money on car maintenance is to do some of the work yourself. There are many simple maintenance tasks that you can do on your own, such as changing the oil and replacing the air filter. By taking on these tasks yourself, you can save money on labor costs. However, it’s important to be careful and make sure that you are following proper procedures to avoid causing any damage to your car.

8 Safety Tips for When You’re Doing Your Own Home Renovations

December 28, 2022 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Home renovations can be a fun and rewarding experience, but they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that your home renovation project goes smoothly and safely.

1. Plan Ahead

Before you start any renovation project, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. This includes determining what materials and tools you will need, as well as creating a timeline for the project. Make sure to also consider any potential safety hazards and take steps to mitigate them. Whether you’re working with power tools or handling potentially hazardous materials, it’s important to protect yourself. Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask if necessary, and make sure to follow all instructions for using tools and handling materials safely.

2. Use Caution

Electrical work can be particularly dangerous, so it’s important to use caution when working with electrical wiring or outlets. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider hiring a professional to handle it for you.

3. Consider Stone Coated Steel Roofing

If you’re planning to replace your roof, consider using stone-coated steel roofing. Not only is it 100% recyclable and lightweight (just 1.4 lbs per sq ft), but it also has a Class A fire rating and Class 4 hail impact resistance. This makes it a safe and durable choice for any home renovation project.

4. Know Your Rights

Unfortunately, accidents can happen during home renovation projects. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident that results in wrongful death, it’s important to know your rights. A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed if the defendant is found to have acted negligently or committed malpractice, made a faulty machine, sold a risky drug, or served bad food to the deceased. If you are initially denied in a wrongful death lawsuit, you have 60 days to start the appeals process. The first appeal is called reconsideration, and it usually takes an average of 60 days to complete.

5. Follow Proper Ladder Safety

Ladder accidents are a common cause of injuries during home renovations, so it’s important to follow proper ladder safety. Make sure to set the ladder up on a stable and level surface, and use the four-to-one rule (meaning the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height). Always face the ladder when climbing or descending, and never lean too far to the side or overreach.

6. Be Safe When Working With Heavy Materials

If you’re lifting or moving heavy materials, be sure to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Lift with your legs, not your back, and get help if the material is too heavy to lift on your own.

7. Keep Your Work Area Clean and Organized

A cluttered and disorganized work area can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Make sure to keep your work area clean and organized, and put tools and materials away when they’re not in use.

8. Know when to Call a Professional

If you’re not comfortable with a certain task or if you’re not sure how to proceed safely, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional. Don’t risk your safety or the integrity of your home by attempting a task that’s beyond your skill level.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your home renovation project goes smoothly and safely. Remember to always prioritize safety, and don’t be afraid to call in a professional if you need help.