Lots of people are talking about smart lighting but what does that mean? Wikipedia says “Smart lighting is lighting technology designed for energy efficiency. This may include high efficiency fixtures and automated controls that make adjustments based on conditions such as occupancy or daylight availability.” It gets more confusing when you search for “smart lighting”
Saving Money & Enjoying Life More
For most people, home ownership is your largest purchase. Saving money looks at the total cost of home ownership. We cover everything from buying a house to monthly operating expenses that include your mortgage, insurance, taxes, utilities, cleaning services, home repair and preventive home maintenance.
We help you make smart decisions by shifting home repair costs to home improvements so you can create your dream lifestyle. Our homeowner tips look at when and how to buy things from refrigerators to furniture. With the right planning and budgeting, we know you'll become a whiz at making smart homeowner decisions.
By understanding homeowner expenses, you'll protect your investment and build homeowner equity to achieve financial independence.
Saving Money Categories
- Bills, Budget & Saving $$
- Buying a House
- DIY Home Tips
- Mortgages & More
- Moving
- Repair & Maintain
- Selling Your Home
- Smart Homes, Smart Homeowners
Are there other homeowner money topics you'd like to learn about. We'd love your ideas ...
Moving Checklist: Boxes, Trucks & More
Today’s notice that my homeowner insurance would be cancelled due to lack of payment seemed unreal. With so many other bumps in the road, it feels like nothing is going right with this move. The insurance was paid 12 days ago, as part of the closing on my new home. So now it feels like … Read More
My Home Address Nightmares
Do you know how often you write out your home address? Maybe you’re smart and carry those cute little address stickers which save you time? What you probably don’t understand is how your home address is being tracked and even sold by businesses across the US. Like many aspects of our lives, we take our … Read More
Documents Needed for a Mortgage Application
Completing a mortgage application is never easy, even if you’ve done it before! You’ll have to submit lots of documents and waste hours finding the necessary documentation, scanning pages and pages so ultimately you can upload all these documents to the lender you’ve picked. You can fight the bureaucracy or recognize that reviewing your financial … Read More
Why Your Insurance Company Wants to Inspect Your House
When you buy a house, your lender asks for proof of insurance. They also require an appraisal that supports the purchase price, What has always surprised me is neither the lender or the insurance company require a home inspection or ask for the report. And I never understood why my State Farm agent would personally … Read More
Condo Insurance: Facts You Need to Understand
With the cost of new home construction going up, more condominiums are being built with shared land that makes homes more affordable. Are you’re buying your first home or first condominium? You’ll want to learn more about the condo insurance you’re buying to make sure you’ve got the right coverage in case of an emergency. … Read More
Letter to Allstate: Time to End Gender Bias
This article is meant to change the culture at Allstate, and other corporations like them, that to date do not recognize the gender bias built into their business processes. I have been treated respectfully by my Allstate insurance agents. Sadly they have little/no influence on changing the way Allstate’s software applications are implemented.
Property Taxes: What You Need to Know
Buying a house used to be simple. Most realtors told you it’s all about location, location, location and for many years this was true. That’s because “… You can buy the right home in the wrong location. You can change the structure, remodel it or alter the home’s layout but, ordinarily, you cannot move it. It’s attached to the … Read More
Housing Industry Trends 2018
The largest housing industry show occurs at the beginning of each year, and this year it was held in Orlando, Florida. Design & Construction week combines several shows to introduce housing industry trends to the world’s builders, remodelers
What is Net Neutrality & Why It Matters!
Wondering what net neutrality means and why you should care? The best analogy I’ve come up with is your cable TV bill. If you’re old enough you remember when television was free, when families watched the Ed Sullivan show
