When your first child is learning to drive, it can make you panic. The parental anxiety that comes with having a child behind the wheel is seemingly incomparable to anything else you’ve experienced before. Fortunately, the lessons you teach while your teen is learning to drive can help ease some of your fear and some of theirs. Here are a few important lessons you can impart to your new teen driver.

The Phone Can Wait

When there are almost 6 million car accidents on U.S. roads every year, it becomes clear just how important it is to teach your teen that distractions can wait. That includes phone calls, text messages, and skipping to the next song on their favorite playlist. When distractions like those presented by smartphones get tangled up in the driving experience, the roads become unsafe for everyone on them. Every day, almost 1,000 people are injured in car accidents that occurred as a result of distracted driving. If your teen has questions about how to keep from looking at their phone, offer the following tips:

• Turn your phone off.
• Remove your phone from your pocket.
• Keep your phone in the glove compartment.
• Text friends to tell them you’ll be driving and not to text you.
• Use a CD or the radio while you drive instead of your phone.

These simple safety tips can help your teen remember to put their phone out of sight and out of mind while they’re driving. And remember: you need to set a good example for your teen, as well. Following your own advice about phones and driving can go a long way.

Learn the Bells and Whistles

One of the most dangerous distractions in a car can actually be the car itself. If you haven’t had time to familiarize yourself with a car’s buttons, knobs, and other functions, you might as well be looking at your phone while you drive. And considering that hit and run accidents occur once about every 43 seconds on U.S. roads, it’s important to be as alert and familiar with a car’s functions as possible. So before you even have your teen put their foot on the gas pedal for the first time, put them in the driver’s seat and get them familiar with the bells and whistles of the car they’ll be driving. These opportunities should be taken regularly so that when your teen is ready to start driving, they’ll know how to turn on the windshield wipers, use the high-beams, and tune the radio without even needing to look. This can help them stay focused on the road and not on learning a whole new car.

Your Actions Affect Others

The most important thing to teach your teen about driving is that they’re not the only person on the road. Their actions affect other drivers, which means staying alert and following the law are paramount to their driving success. The speed limit might seem a little bit slow, but if they come up too quickly on someone who isn’t speeding, they could get into a car accident and potentially injure or kill another driver and their passengers. Almost 72% of car accidents result in property damage, which means someone else’s car, life, or home may be affected by one driver’s actions. When you’re teaching your teen to drive, remind them that no matter how frustrated they may be, their actions inside a car can have dangerous consequences for themselves and for others.

Their actions can affect vehicles that don’t operate on roads, either. Take trains, for instance. If a car doesn’t stop at a railroad as the barriers are going down, it could have severe consequences for both the train operator and whoever is in the car driving. Considering that there were almost 4,000 railroad accidents in 2015 alone, ignoring safety precautions around railroads is not a risk anyone should be willing to take.

Teaching your teen to drive can be a wonderful experience for both parties. And when you make sure these safety tips are in your driving lessons, you’re paving the way for your teen to become a safe, responsible driver when they get their full license.

Moving can be a long, difficult, and stressful ordeal. There is a lot to do and it’s not easy to know what you should do and what you shouldn’t do yourself. Here is what you should never let your mover take and what you should never try to move alone.

Musical Instruments

DO: Carry What You Can

If you’re a musician, your instruments are like your children. You love them unconditionally and want to make sure they are safe. Smaller instruments that can be easily carried by hand should be moved by yourself. Not only will you reduce the chance of breakages and other problems, but you will also be able to keep them temperature controlled, which is important for some instruments.

DON’T: Try to Move a Piano Alone

The piano is an amazing instrument, It’s both beautiful to hear and to look at. If you have a piano and you want to bring it to your new home, don’t try to do it yourself. Even if you know ten weightlifters, let qualified movers handle it.

Pianos are very fragile mechanisms and they can weigh more than 500 pounds. One false move and your piano may not survive, especially if you’re trying to move it to any story other than the first. Save yourself the money and back problems and let your movers handle the baby grand.

Personal Papers

DO: Take What You Need

Paperwork is an unfortunate side effect of adulthood and when you’re moving you should keep close what you need. Make sure you have any necessary paperwork for your new landlord or mortgage and make sure you can access them easily.

You may need them in cases of emergency or other problems, so putting them in a box and letting them get lost among the chaos isn’t a great idea. Keep any housing paperwork, identification papers, and anything else you may need in an easily accessible place.

DON’T: Bring the Entire Filing Cabinet

While there are papers you should keep, there is no need to bring your car’s title or your tax papers with you. Lock up your papers in a safe or filing cabinet and let the movers handle it. Just don’t lose those tax papers! The IRS can audit any business tax return within three years of filing.

Not only will you be sure they arrive safely, but you also won’t have to pull everything out of the filing cabinet to move it. So long as you have your identification paperwork, you should be able to replace any other paperwork if there is a problem. Give the filing cabinet to the movers and check it off of your to-do list.

Memorabilia

DO: Take What is Unreplaceable

You probably have a collection of something, whether they be records, comic books, or video games. These bits and bobs of memorabilia should be taken to your new apartment by you if you really can’t stand to part with them.

Anything you could never replace, like grandma’s sculptures or dad’s records, should also go with you. You don’t put those in the hands of movers who could lose or break them.

Valuables should also stay with you as they could easily be stolen or damaged, affecting the price. Taking your valuable and unreplaceable items will make you feel secure and keep you from feeling unnecessary anxiety during an already tough time.

DON’T: Try to Bring Everything

As much as you want the things you most care about with you, don’t try to bring it all. Movers can help with moving artwork and electronics.

Whether you are an artist or just an admirer of one, art is common to have to move. And it’s one to leave to the pros. Artwork often needs specific packing materials and conditions so it can be difficult to get right. The exception would be any artwork that may be affected by climates changes. Some artistic mediums can be heavily affected by changes in humidity and temperature and may need monitoring during the move.

Electronics are also delicate and require a precise hand to ensure they will not break when moved. Let your moving company deal with the flat screen and the X-Box. They will be in safer hands and you will be able to focus more on what matters.

Moving is a stressful, stressful time. Movers can help you tremendously but make sure you know what to keep with you. Keep what matters most close and let the movers worry about the rest.

Eco-friendly homes are becoming increasingly popular, and if you’re selling your home, taking steps to go green can make your property more appealing to buyers. To learn how you can take advantage of this eco-friendly home boom, here are some important points to consider.

Eco-Friendly Homes and Savings

Eco-friendly homes aren’t just appealing for their lowered environmental impact, but they can also help reduce costs to homeowners. For instance, brick exteriors can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 8%, while tinting windows can result in an additional 40% savings on the same. Additionally, modular construction is something to consider if you’re building or adding any spaces. This type of construction can help reduce energy consumption during building by up to 67%, while also saving energy costs for future owners. Homes that reduce energy waste help lower costs paid by homebuyers making them more appealing on the market and more likely to sell.

Energy saving steps such as sufficient insulation, electrical fixtures, and appliances, are effective for reducing overall energy costs and lowering energy bills for future occupants. These savings can be used as a pitch point during sales to help solidify the deal for a higher price with the promise of future savings.

However, these savings aren’t just a great selling point, they are a tangible benefit that homeowners have come to expect from eco-friendly homes. Considering the daily cost of living, average homeowners can expect to save a minimum of $800 every year in living expenses.

Furthermore, water-saving appliances are also important to include, as these can help reduce water bill charges and reduce waste. After all, flushing the toilet consumes about 38% of the average household’s water usage. With only 1% of the earth’s water being drinkable, saving every drop that you can is important.

What Makes Eco-Friendly Homes Valuable

Green homes have been found to be worth up to $25,000 more than conventional homes. This boost in value comes from the savings that amass from the reduction in daily living costs. While general savings are important, there are a couple of specific updates that buyers are looking for. These include (from most requested to least):

• Energy-efficient windows
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Whole-home efficiency
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Water-saving toilets

When installing these features in a home, it’s important to consider how much utility consumption each upgrade will reduce and if they are going to provide the high ROI that you’re looking for. You can also consult your agent for their advice on features that are popular in your local market. While the ones listed above represent the top features wanted nationwide in 2019, local markets can vary. Furthermore, you’ll always want to consider the tax credits that come with installing energy-saving features. You might want to consider receiving them yourself before selling the property.

It will also serve you well to keep all documentation related to energy-saving upgrade and modification to ensure the future homeowner can have access to copies of the information. You may also consider seeing if specific warranties will be transferable to the new owners.

Staging Your Home Using Green Designs

When it comes time to sell your property, staging is important. Not only is it the first impression that a potential buyer will get but it can also highlight the eco-friendly improvements.

• Decorative Pillows:
  Cozy spaces are highlighted with the addition of decorative pillows made from eco-friendly materials. Consider recycled fabrics and organic hemp, or fabrics dyed with soy-based chemical-free dyes.
• Glass Decorations:
  Glass decorations are chic, stylish, and eco-friendly. Consider decorating the living rooms and bedrooms with glass lamps and blown glass items to really make the home come to life. Bonus points if the materials were locally sourced and made.
• Painting:
  While the painting is usually completed before staging, using VOC free paint is something to keep in mind. Not only will it save your home from having that ‘fresh paint’ smell, but it will also prevent the inhalation of harmful chemicals. Low or VOC free paints are a must for any green home on the market.
• Bathroom Staging:
  When staging the bathrooms make sure to try and create a serene spa-like environment. Burning some soy or beeswax candles is one way to help set the mood. You should also include some certified organic towels for an additional homey touch.
• Lighting:
  Lighting in your home should be done with either low-voltage halogen lights or LEDs. Both of which can provide you with a bright white light that can help the home feel more open and welcoming.
• Fabrics:
  Blankets and drapes can really make a home feel cozy; however, those made with synthetic materials should be avoided. Look for fabrics made from organic materials and dyed with non-toxic dyes.
• Appliances:
  If you’re using food during your staging, placing snacks in the kitchen near energy-efficient appliances can give you a chance to point out the upgrades. This, in turn, can open up a conversation about the eco-friendly benefits that come with the home, something that might have otherwise gone understated.

When staging your home, keep in mind the need for green products and items. If you want your home to feel as eco-friendly as possible, this trend needs to run through to everything on display. Doing this can also help show potential buyers your commitment to going green, making them more inclined to trust that your property is the best for them.

The Bottom Line

Eco-friendly homes are becoming increasingly popular and it isn’t hard to see why. Between the benefits to the environment and the lowered cost of utilities, more and more homebuyers are on the lookout for homes like this.

If you’re looking to take advantage of this boom, keep in mind the above points and speak with a real estate agent to learn what kinds of upgrade would benefit you most. With the proper advice, you can make the most out of your property and reap the greatest ROI.

Budgeting as a single parent can be tough, especially if you’re just coming out of a divorce. However, saving and budgeting comfortably is possible if you know how to take advantage of creative solutions. To help make budgeting a little bit easier, let’s take a look at the different strategies you can use to your benefit.

Changing the Number of Household Incomes

Children ages 12 and above can speak with a judge about which parent they would prefer to live with. If you’re granted custody tackling child care with one less source of income can be a challenge. To make saving and budgeting easier once you’ve hard your baby, here are some tips on how to cope with the sudden loss of extra income.

• Buying in Bulk
  Wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club may require you to purchase a membership, but the savings will be worth it. Stores like this allow you to stock up on the things you need without breaking the bank. Buying bulk items also means you won’t have to worry about running out essential items before payday. Buying things like laundry soap, toilet paper, diapers, and non-perishable foods at wholesale stores can save you both time and money.
• Thrift Shopping
  Too often people turn away from thrift shopping because they think they’re going to get worn out old clothes; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. At many thrift stores, you can find like-new items at prices well below what you’ll find at a department store. Thrift stores are also great for buying clothes that kids will outgrow quickly. If you’re a single parent in need of new back to school clothes, thrift shops are the place to go.
• Cutting Back on Eating Out
  Finding time to cook as a single parent can be just as hard as budgeting. But before grabbing take-out for dinner, consider investing in a crockpot and looking up some quick and easy meal ideas. Slowcooker meals are ideal for single parents because all you have to do is throw in the ingredients and let it cook during the day. This allows you to prep everything in the morning and come home to a dinner that’s ready to serve.
• Lowering General Expenses
  Phone plans, cable costs, and other bills can quickly stack up when you lose a source of household income. To help make the burden of paying for these necessities easier, consider switching to alternatives. If your current cell phone bill is too high, consider either switching your plan or finding a lower costing service. Companies like StraightTalk and Tracfone offer no contracts and you can pick pre-paid plans that work for you. Likewise, streaming is quickly taking the place of cable and can be a lower-cost alternative that still allows you to watch your favorite shows and movies. Finding ways to cut back on these general expenses can help save you hundreds in the long-term. Also if you use credit cards, compare credit card plans to see if you can get a better deal with something like cash back or travel rewards.

Finding Affordable Childcare

If your child is too young for school or needs afterschool care then you’re probably aware of how expensive childcare programs can be. To help lower these costs you should consider shopping around at the different centers near you and asking about their rates, as well as their fees. Some daycare centers will tack on hidden fees that aren’t explicitly stated upfront. Be sure to ask for details thoroughly to find the best option for you. Additionally, to lower costs further, ask if there are additional discounts you can benefit from. For instance, if you pack all the food and snacks your child will need for the day or opt-out of certain services you might be able to get a better rate.

You might also consider enlisting the help of a family member if possible. While they don’t have to be the sole caretaker when you’re at work but can be a huge help when you are. Having your child stay with a family member a couple of days out of the week can help reduce the amount of time they need to be in daycare, saving you money overall.

Furthermore, you can ask your employer about helping with the cost of childcare. Flexible spending accounts can sometimes be used to help offset costs, and they sometimes come as part of your employment benefits package. If you don’t have an FSA, asking your employer may be beneficial anyway, since they might know other low-cost options in the area.

Tackling Large Expenses

In 2016 homeowners in the U.S. paid around $88 billion in assessment costs toward community associations. Mortgages and HOA fees can quickly break budgets and leave you feeling trapped. To make managing these expenses easier, consider looking into assistance grants and other programs that are designed for low-income families.

It’s also important to sit down and plot out what all major costs are before allocating the remaining funds in your budget. For instance, make a note of how much your mortgage or rent is, coupled with essential bills such as electric, gas, and water. Once you have the total sum estimated, see how much you have remaining in your budget for groceries and other services. If you’re finding that your margin of savings is lower than you would like, consider these steps.

• Lowering Bill Costs
  Consider how you can lower the cost of your electric bills by taking steps to minimize wasteful power consumption. Things like making sure lights are off when not in use, lowering the thermostat temp when not at home — or relying on open windows during the summer — and unplugging unused electronics can help you cut back on energy costs and save you hundreds each year.
• Think About Where You Shop
  As mentioned above, buying in bulk is a great way to save; however, when not shopping in bulk consider alternative brands and stores like Aldi that allow you to buy items at a lower cost than big-box stores. More often than not the generic versions of items are the same as brand named goods, just with less stylish packaging.
• Coupons and Apps
  Today many stores feature apps that offer special deals and coupons. Download apps for stores you shop at most and keep an eye out for sales on the things you need most. This will prevent you from buying something at a higher price elsewhere. While it might only have you a couple of bucks, over time that amount will add up.
• A New Location
  If all else fails and it is something you can feasibly do, it may be worth looking into moving to a more affordable home or apartment. If you’re currently in a house, moving into an apartment can help save you money, especially if some utilities are included by the landlord. While not ideal for everyone, it can help lower the cost of expenses while still giving you a comfortable place to make your own.

Living as a single parent after a divorce can be hard, but saving and budgeting are possible. With a little bit of creativity, you can cut costs while still maintaining your quality of life. Budgeting doesn’t have to mean going without the things you want, instead, it is about finding alternatives and making the most out of the things you already have.

It’s a little ironic that New Year’s Day, a holiday that is meant to kickstart fresh, good habits and healthy living, directly follows Christmas… a holiday known for its rich food and gluttonous ways. Even New Year’s Eve itself isn’t exactly the best lead-in for clean living. This is why, in recent years, some people have chosen to ask for Christmas gifts that will kickstart their New Year’s resolutions. This often means that, forgoing the typical candy-coated stocking stuffers and heavy presents, they ask for gift cards and memberships.

There’s a beauty to this kind of strategic gifting. If you’re the giver, you’ll be able to know that you’re giving someone something that they can actually use and appreciate. It won’t languish in their closet — especially if you really do your research and find a gift that caters to a person’s specific interests and needs. As the recipient, you’ll be able to really dive into your New Year’s resolutions and start your self-improvement kick early. The sooner you start your new routines, the more likely you’ll be to keep them up over time. Which, as anyone who has taken up a New Year’s resolution can attest, is sometimes easier said than done!

Still, finding the type of gift that will jump-start a New Year’s resolution can be somewhat daunting. Which is why we’re helping you begin your search with a few suggestions. Let’s dive in!

1. Skincare

It’s unlikely that anyone can go throughout life without feeling somewhat insecure about their skin at one point or another. Most of us expect hormonal teenage acne, but many adults continue to have breakouts throughout their lifetimes. In fact, almost 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from acne. Never mind the other skin problems that crop up over time. These can include fine lines, age spots, and even specific skin conditions connected to dry skin and redness. You could always give someone home skincare kits to help them take care of these problems on their own. On the other hand, many would appreciate more professional aid. This is why you may want to gift a loved one with a gift certificate for a professional spa or aesthetician’s clinic. While some such gift certificates are for a specific monetary value, others allow the recipient a continuous membership for a certain period of time. These are even more benefits to a continuous membership — in part because professional aestheticians typically recommend that their clients receive one facial per month. A facial allows the skin to be thoroughly cleansed and encourages skin renewal. For that matter, professional skincare allows recipients to receive targeted treatments, as well as a variety of different treatments over time. There isn’t a better way to help someone care for their skin in the new year!

2. A Massage

Maybe the person you’re buying for is worn out, their muscles strained and their stress reflected in their body. One of the most effective ways to relieve stress in the body is to get a massage. Everyone should receive a massage at least once in their lives. In fact, between July 2013 and July 2014 alone, 23% of massage clients received massages specifically for stress reduction purposes. However, a lot of people don’t feel like they should spend the money on massages, considering them an unnecessary luxury — which is all the more reason why you should consider giving someone a gift certificate for a massage. This is the perfect way for someone to begin relaxing more in the New Year, and they can either save their gift or use it to take the edge off following the stressful holiday season. With that being said, make sure that whoever you’re buying the gift for is comfortable with the idea of a massage. It’s a great gift, but it’s not going to be for everyone. An alternative could be the aforementioned facial if you’re buying for someone a bit more modest.

3. A Health Club Membership

Many of us make the New Year’s resolution to lose weight — but how many of us are able to stick to our resolution? It’s a lot easier to stick to your plan, of course, if you have a regimented one to begin with. This is why people often benefit from joining health clubs, which can offer everything from strict workout classes to meal plans, often with the help of personal trainers. Right now, about 54% of Americans are trying to lose weight. The fact is that you can’t lose weight without both the proper diet and proper exercise. Joining a health club can help someone kill two birds with one stone while hitting their goals in the new year.

4. Workout Equipment

For some people, working out in public is a deterrent. Nobody should feel embarrassed about working out in front of others. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t. Therefore, you may want to buy your loved one workout equipment, should they wish to lose weight and get healthy in the new year. Of course, weight loss isn’t the only reason why people should exercise regularly. The Cleveland Clinic, for example, recommends that people exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Ideally, this will improve a person’s cardiovascular health. If you’re giving a gift to someone who wants to be healthier in general, after Christmas, exercise equipment is perfect.

Remember — you’re giving a Christmas gift. Make sure that you’re taking the individual’s specific interests to heart. If your friend likes to garden, get them a hose that will last well beyond five to ten years. Invest in your loved ones’ hobbies! That’s the mark of a great gift-giver. Everyone is happy when they receive something that’s not only useful, but meant for self-improvement!