How to Tackle Home Improvement Projects?

You just purchased your first home but it’s time to make improvements to it. With a little sweat equity and skills, you can do anything!  Plan out your project and complete it with these helpful steps.

Prioritize- It can be easy to go overboard immediately with all the projects you want to do at once.  Start by making a list of everything you want to achieve and determine which one will come first.

Know your skill level-DIY projects have various skill levels and it’s important to determine that before you start.  From the basics of hanging pictures to installing a new air conditioner or hanging curtains, you want figure out what you can handle and what you will need to call a pro for.

Prep- Once you have determined which project to start first, it’s time to prep.  Plan for time, money, and space.  DIY projects always take more time than you think they will and more money.  Consider doubling your budget and plan for extra time- take a day off work to complete or get started on the project.

Perform- Wake up early and eager to start your project.  While the coffee is brewing, survey the situation you’ve planned, prepped and laid out everything you might need.  Start the project slowing and remember to take breaks to stay safe.  Keeping yourself hydrated will help with your concentration.  Take your time and step back frequently to look at the project as a whole.  Once the job is complete, make sure you clean up well and return the space to a functioning state.

Calling in the pros- If you get into trouble and aren’t sure how to proceed, do a little research.  Others may have tried the same project and encountered the same issue.  If you can’t find any answers consider asking a hardware store, calling a friend, looking at the problem from a different angle or call in an expert.  Admitting defeat can be a let-down but the experience and knowledge is still worthwhile.

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions?

Last year’s resolutions have come and gone but now it’s time to make a new one and stick to it.  It’s a new year and a new opportunity to achieve your goals and stick with your resolution.  Follow these steps and it will be easy!

Make it something you really want- Don’t make a resolution that you “should” want or what other people tell you to want.  It has to fit with your values.

 Limit your list to a number you can handle- It’s best to stick to two or three resolution that you intend to keep.

Be specific- To be effective, resolutions and goals need to be specific.  If you want to work out more say “I’m working out at the gym everyday at 5:30pm.”

Automate- Automating financial goals can maximize your odds for success without you having to do anything.  If your goal is to save $3,000 this year, calculate the amount out of each paycheck, then arrange to have it automatically deposited into your savings.

Make a plan- Rather than starting one daunting goal, create smaller steps to reach it- have an action plan and reward yourself for achieve those goals.

Be prepared to change some habits- You must be open to change and accept it.  Your resolution may require some change and you must embrace it.

Write down the goal and visualize it regularly- Place your written goals in a spot you look at everyday or repeat your goals to yourself everyday.

To tell or not to tell- Have someone hold you accountable for your goals and have them check in on your progress.

Forgive yourself- If you fall off the wagon jump back on- never give up!