3 Helpful Home Tips for Retirees
You’ve been saving for years, but it doesn’t hurt to save a little more. Before you start spending to make your retirement pad your paradise, ask yourself if you’ve financially considered the unexpected mishaps in your home. Although you may be tempted to be gung-ho about crafting your dream home when you retire, a tucked away emergency maintenance fund to counter any unexpected costs may be a better solution. Here’s how we recommend to start thinking about the preparedness of your nest.
Find Out How Much Life is Left in Your Home
Find out life expectancy of your home and its appliances and do a home audit to plan when you will need to have your largest expenses. Getting a break-down of your home’s specific needs will help you understand what you could possibly be paying down the road.
Map Out Your Expected Costs
Additionally, for smaller upkeep costs, keep a list of future repairs or payments to stay ahead of the game. This list should include home furnishings, painting, flooring, roof, heating & cooling. Deferred maintenance can creep up on you and you want to be sure you plan ahead.
Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance
Nip big problems in the bud by keeping up with the smaller tasks around the house. Did you know that every month you should change out your HVAC filters? We also suggest you clean your sink’s garbage disposal (try a mixture of vinegar and ice cubes) and clean the hood filter over your stove monthly. Test your smoke and gas detectors every 6 months. And clean out those gutters when the seasons change. Remember: a well kept home will stand the test of time and give you more time to enjoy your retirement.
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