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Micro Managing – 5 Reasons a Microfinance Loan Might Be Right For You

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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More people than ever are finding it increasingly hard to access bank loans. Perhaps you have a bad credit score or inconsistent cash flow, in which case, very few banks want to work with you. It could simply be because banks have moved away from small and personal loans ever since the 2008 financial crisis – which is probably for the best. Microfinance can be a better alternative to banks and unscrupulous payday lenders when you find yourself in need of cash in a hurry. Here are five scenarios where microfinance might be the right solution for you:

Car Trouble

Most people make use of their vehicle for their daily commute. A large segment of the population also relies on them for their very livelihood. But if that car were to break down suddenly and public transport wasn’t a viable option, a small loan would be a great solution in a tight situation. Likewise, if your car is totaled or you’re purchasing your first car, low-interest microcredit is likely what you need.

Home Improvements

Our homes can be a significant drain on our resources. Investing in energy efficient improvements can save you a lot of money over the mid and long-term. By simply replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures around the house with energy efficient light bulbs, you can save $75 per year. Plant several trees on the sunny side of your home, and you can reduce your annual air conditioning costs by as much as 50%. Alternatively, when things go wrong, repairs and maintenance can put a horrific dent in an already tight budget. Access to a ready source of cash can ensure that you can keep your home in shape without plunging yourself into unmanageable debt.

Life Cycle

The US, like most of the rest of the world, is experiencing an all-time low in the number of marriages per year. Primary amongst the reasons cited for couples delaying or deciding not to embark on marriage altogether is the spiralling costs, coupled with stagnant or shrinking real wages. Even modest weddings can still cost thousands that young couples simply don’t have. Accessing a small loan can allow you to have that wedding about which you’ve been dreaming.

Education Expenses

Spending money on your education is always a sound investment, no matter the age. Statistics show that the average college graduate with a 4-year bachelor’s degree earns twice as much money throughout his or her life as someone with a high school diploma alone. However, starting school does require some initial financial investment which can be prohibitive. This is one of those times when microcredit might just come in handy by helping to get you into the system so that you can pursue your goals and achieve your potential through higher education.

Unforeseen Expenses

Just like your car breaking down in the middle of the road, or a mind-numbing toothache in the middle of the night, or even a pipe bursting when you’re not at home, all can bring on some unforeseen expenses for which you might not have planned. And if you don’t have a rainy-day fund put aside, like 78% of all working Americans, then something seemingly as insignificant as a twisted ankle or a broken fridge can turn into a financial struggle.

Microfinance has been around for a very long time and with good reason too. Many are nonprofit organizations looking to help out the little guy wherever he may need some assistance. Do your research, and you may find that you qualify for that leg up that will help get you on financial track without trapping you in the high-interest debt cycle.

Exterior Design – How to Give Your Outdoor Areas a Stylish Makeover

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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Is your home outdoor area looking a little lacklustre these days? Are you bored of your current decor, or simply looking for a fresh injection of life into your space? If that’s the case, this is the article for you. Read on to find out a little more about how you can give your outdoor areas a stylish makeover. With a little know-how, you’ll be able to turn your space into one of your dreams.

Keep It Warm And Toasty

Summer has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that your days of lounging out in your outdoor areas have to come to an end. A simple solution to keep your outdoor area warm and toasty all year long is to install some gas outdoor heaters into your space. These heaters look stylish, and ensure that you can continue to wine and dine outside, even in the colder months. The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the weather has shifted!

Dress Your Table

Your outdoor area is not complete without a large table where people can come together to relax or have a family meal together. We recommend purchasing wooden tables or tables made of natural materials so that the aesthetic flows with the earthy tones of the outdoors. Always keep your table well dressed, with a table runner, placemats, flowers and tea lights. This will truly breathe some new life and elegance into your outdoor area, and you’ll always be ready should company come knocking on your door.

Lighting Is Key

Nothing transforms the mood of a space more than lighting does, and your outdoor area is the perfect opportunity for you to get creative with lights. You can consider hanging up affordable fairy lights, paper lanterns, or even go all out and install step lights, solar powered lights, spike lights and pathway lights into the area. Keeping the area well lit ensures that you have a great ambience even when the sun goes down, and makes your outdoor area look much more inviting in the evening.

Landscape, Landscape, Landscape!

Landscaping is essential if you want to give your outdoor areas a stylish makeover. Not only are they beautiful, but plants also help to breathe life into your space, beckoning you in to sit down and relax. There are a myriad of options when it comes to landscaping – from vertical gardens to shrubs to privacy offering hedges. If you are not confident in landscaping yourself, don’t fret, there are many professionals out there who will be able to offer you guidance and assistance.

Why Not Grow Your Own Produce?

Outdoor spaces don’t have to be all about just entertainment – why not put your space to good use by starting your very own fruit and vegetable garden? There is nothing better than growing your own food, knowing how it has been grown and enjoying the bountiful crops of your hard work. You can grow many cost effective veggies such as herbs, lettuce, tomatoes and beans in your outdoor area, saving you money in the long run as well. Aside from growing your own food, you can even compost, which is a way of recycling your organic waste and turning it into a nitrogen rich substance that will greatly improve the soil in your outdoor areas.

We hope that this article has given you some insight into how you can go about transforming your outdoor area. With a little know how and a trip to a DIY store or two, you’ll be lounging in your dream outdoor patio or backyard in no time.

Boys and Their Toys – 6 Manly Gifts for Your Manly Man

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

With Christmas behind us, many people will be rejoicing at being able to close their wallets and step away from the gift stores. However, it might be a little premature to stow away the Benjamins, for Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Then there are birthdays, anniversaries and plenty other opportunities to put further dents in the bank balance. If you want to get ahead of the game and treat the man in your life to a gift he’ll just love, we’ve included six options below. You may find you’ll hit the jackpot with any of these options.

LED Light Bars

If your man has a love for the outdoors and off-roading, you can do no better than LED light bars for his beloved truck. LED light bars are the perfect accompaniment to any outdoor enthusiast’s 4WD, and can light up the darkest back road for optimum safety. You’ll never be able to wipe the grin off his face if you purchased him some of these bad boys!

Sports Tickets

The football season may be drawing to a close, but with the NBA in full swing and MLB just around the corner, your significant other will love the chance to sport that big foam finger while watching his favorite team. Tickets to a big game will be the perfect memorable experience for the passionate sports fan.

Activewear

Believe it or not, attire makes an excellent option, and in today’s health and fitness-conscious world, activewear is the wearable gift of choice. Men make up a growing proportion of the estimated $178B global sports apparel market, so forget about the socks, underwear and ties and go for something that he will love, as well as being practical. However, not just any old Walmart tracksuit will do. Go for known brands such as Reebok, Nike, and Adidas that are sure to impress.

Workshop Sets

If your man is forever engaged in the next big project with his vehicles, or he just likes to spend time in the garage tinkering away, consider purchasing a workshop set for him. “I don’t need any new tools,” said no man, ever, so you really can’t go wrong with this one. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be selective. From now until Valentine’s Day or his birthday, pay attention to what he has, uses, and what he says he needs so you can be sure to hit the mark.

Accessories

How many times have you said to your boyfriend that he needs to get rid of his cracked and peeling wallet, or his tatty belt? Accessories, while important, often don’t feature highly on any man’s list of things to buy for themselves. Even though digital wallets are beginning to gain traction, guys are not showing signs of giving up their bulging monstrosities anytime soon. If left to his own devices, he will keep using it until it is five loosely bound wallet molecules, so it’s up to you to rip that bandaid off and get him a new one!

Brew Kit

The dog might be man’s best friend, but a brew kit is sure to be a close second. Not only can he enjoy a cold brew after a hard day’s work, but he can also enjoy the fruits of his labor. A brew kit can offer a sense of satisfaction, and may even open the door to a whole new hobby that you and his friends can also enjoy with him.

Choosing a gift for your man for Valentine’s Day, his birthday or other special occasion can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Opt for one or more of these six presents, and watch as his face lights up!

From Tasteless to Trendy – Ditching the Drab With a Decor Makeover

February 27, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Whether your looking to carry out a complete makeover or just looking for some minor decoration tips to spruce up your decor, we have some great ways to revitalise your home. We’ve got decoration and style ideas from wallpaper trends through to beautiful leather lounge suites that won’t fail to brighten up any room.

Luscious Lavender is the New Millennial Pink

In 2017, we heard all about millennial pink, and although pastel pinks are still all the rage this year, lavender and lilacs are the new chic colour creeping into decor trends of 2018. Use these colours to create a comfortable space where you can relax. Why not add some textiles and accessories in these colours to really show you have your finger on the design pulse. Rugs, cushions and other decorative accessories are a great way to make any room shine.

Reconnect with Nature

Natural and rustic materials are gaining more and more momentum, raw wooden shelves are a great way to add extra storage space as well as some natural warmth. Earthy accessories such as terracotta plant pots featuring greenery really make a home feel welcoming and natural.

Organic and traditional handcrafted accessories are also a quick fix for more compact rooms, such as bathrooms, where you may be short on space. Try adding a beautiful woven hanging plant pot to add some freshness to smaller areas without taking up much too much floor space.

If you have the budget and are looking for a statement wall, why not look to see whether you can expose natural brick to add a focal point to your room. Combine natural brick with some bold pictures to really make the place pop.

Dark and Moody

As well as pastels moody tones are also going to be making a splash this year. Darker tones could be incorporated into artwork or used to create a tone on tone wall and furniture combo to add some variety to the house decor. Picking a bold armchair to offset a darker wall is a great way to have some fun with colour this season.

Moody blue tones are currently taking over the design world with their wonderful ability to be moody and inviting at the same time. Creating a tranquil place to relax and escape from the day-to-day hassles of busy lifestyles.

Bright Colours and Bold Patterns

Decorating with bold prints is a simple way to add a bit of life and vibrancy to your home. Why not play around with pictures and prints of different sizes on one wall. It will change the ambiance of any room without breaking the bank.

Another way to revitalise old furniture is to reupholster a signature piece to give it a new lease of life, or purchase some textured throws and cushions to add a bit of colour to your home.

Patterned wallpapers have exploded in recent years as they’re a great way to make any room breathtakingly beautiful. From bathrooms all the way through to your kitchen or bedroom, floral, geometric and even ornate designs can add a subtle updated or a bold splash of colour that can excite any guest.

Patterned wallpaper prices can vary dramatically though, therefore make sure you measure up correctly to avoid any unnecessary material wastage.

Deep Dark Woods

Dark wood will be a popular material this year with furniture moving away from lighter scandio style woods to deeper tones. These darker tones will compliment the moodier paint palettes detailed above and add a sense of luxury and glamour. Furniture designs with darker wood finishes will accentuate their metallic and copper finishings which will be much more visible in homes this year, combining the modern with the retro to create a new take on modern interiors.

What are you waiting for? Start searching for your home decor inspiration and make your home breathtaking this year.

Insightful Interiors – What Your Decor Says About You

February 27, 2018 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

Owning your own home is the great Australian dream. If you’re blessed enough to have a place to call your own, there’s a lot more to do than just pay off the mortgage. You need to maintain it, keep it clean, develop a green thumb to keep that garden look pristine as well as pay all the bills, rates and other expenses like insurance. And then there’s your interior to consider. Your home needs to be a direct reflection and expression of yourself and your unique personality. Let’s check out some interior insights and see what your decor says about you.

Dull Interiors are a No No

There’s nothing worse than a bland and lifeless interior. Well, maybe a few things, but it’s definitely up there. Your home space needs a spark of love, light and creativity to really bring it alive. There are lots of reasons why people suffer from dull interiors – lack of time, energy, motivation, money or taste. That’s why employing an interior decorator in Melbourne may be just the ticket. A local interior decorator can help transform a lifeless, dead space into one that’s just bursting with vibrant personality.

Art Tells a Story

One way to let your individualism shine through inside your home is to invest in some art. You don’t have to rob the Louvre to acquire a few pieces that really speak to your innermost vibe. You may even find that scouring some op shops and second hand stores will suffice. All you need is something that resonates with you. Some people prefer soft pastels and oils while others like bright and bold modern pieces. You could even do some research online to find out what you like best.

Get Green

Did you know that indoor plants are a great way to both decorate your home and make a statement about yourself? There’s a wide range of indoor plants that all tell a story about the homeowner. If you’re careful and considerate choose something that requires a lot of care. If you’re more laid back then choose something that you can just water once a week and forget about for the rest of the time.

Paint Schemes

Your choice of paint palette says a lot about you as a person. If you’re bright, sparkly and colourful then choose some indoor paint colours that will perfectly reflect your personality. If you are more reserved, that’s fine, just pick a paint palette that doesn’t make a huge statement. Either one is fine, and that’s the beauty of modern individualism. And the best news is that if you ever have a change of heart and mind either way you can just paint again!

Minimalism

Do you think that less is more? Are you a bit fed up with clutter and chaos in your house? Then a minimal approach may be right for you. Minimalism essentially means living with less stuff, including home decor. It can be a tough road to travel, but a well-designed minimal interior is to die for. Having a lot of space in your home can mean that a few well-placed items really pop out and scream “this is my stripped-back, bare essence”.

Do it Yourself

If you’re a fan of DIY – renovations, crafting and artwork, then why not decorate your space with all of your own creations? They will look truly unique, and it’s a great bragging point when somebody compliments your decor.

There You Have It

Hopefully by now you’ve got a clear idea of how to make your personality shine out through your home. From getting creative and doing it yourself through to adopting a minimal approach, there’s a lot you can do. Consider hiring an interior decorator, choose your paint scheme carefully, invest in some houseplants and pick up some new or second-hand art. Enjoy your new found expression.

The Ant Almanac – A Guide to Common Household Pests

February 27, 2018 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

The planet Earth is filled with life. Creatures great and small inhabit its forests, oceans, springs, glades and oases. From great white sharks through to quokkas, there are so many majestic, magnificent, malicious and mighty creatures that are awesome to behold. And then there’s ants. And flies. And spiders. And all those creepy crawlies that just love to call your house their home. We’re going to take a quick look at the most common household pests and how you can avoid them.

Termites

Termites, or “white ants”, are tiny insects that are found on every continent of the planet except Antarctica. It’s probably too cold for them there. They love to eat dead plants, which actually makes them a vital part of our ecosystem. Unfortunately, dead plants include the timber that makes up the frame of your house. Once you have a termite infestation they can destroy your home within months. You may want to consider a termite inspection to ensure your home is safe and secure.

Spiders

Spiders. Ugh. Sadly, these eight-legged scary things love to live in your home. Especially in dark nooks and crannies like your garage or garden shed. The good news it that the humble huntsman and other non-venomous spiders help to keep the population of other pests, like flies and mosquitoes, at manageable levels. The bad news is that deadly species like redbacks, whitetails and funnel webs can also take up residence too. Do yourself a favour and take care when poking around your garden shed or garage.

Ants

Ants, like termites, play a vital role in the world’s ecosystem. But of course, when they invade your home that’s the last thing you think about. Ants tend to be attracted to stray crumbs and bits of food, especially sugar and sweet things. Did you know they can carry many times their own weight? Although that knowledge is no comfort when you find them crawling all over your stash of doughnuts. If your home is prone to ants, try to keep all sweet food sealed in tight containers so they can’t get in.

Bed Bugs

While we’re on the topic of creepy crawlies, bed bugs are another common household pest. Bed bugs actually live on the blood of humans and other animals. They tend to find their way into your home through infested linen, furniture or luggage. So, think twice before buying or accepting second-hand gifts of these items. Their bites can feel like mozzie bites. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s probably best to recruit a professional to come and examine your home.

Rodents

Mice and rats are another common household pest. They tend to live in between your walls or under the floor and love to feed on leftover food scraps, compost and other bits and pieces you may leave laying about. They can be a real hazard as they can chew through insulation and wiring, creating a serious fire hazard. Do yourself a favour and contact an exterminator if you find an infestation.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a really common household pest. They tend to thrive in your kitchen and other areas where food is prepared. They can actually spread salmonella and gastro to humans, as well as trigger allergies. It’s important to keep your house clean and tidy and free of food scraps in order to avoid visits from these awful critters.

In Summary

There are many other common household pests, but these tend to be the most common. From wood-devouring termites, ants and scary spiders to disgusting cockroaches, rodents and bed bugs – many creepy crawlies can come knocking. Try to follow some of the advice in this blog and your home will be a clean and serene haven.

Key Ways To Help Reduce Your Risk Of Bankruptcy In Business – Law Office of Ronald D. Weiss

February 7, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Bankruptcy in business is a topic that isn’t often discussed by businesses, primarily because this is something that should be avoided. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that the threat to bankruptcy in a company isn’t removed. It’s important to be able to understand how bankruptcy is a real threat to a business so more measures can be undertaken to avoid it. Below are some key ways to help reduce your risk of bankruptcy in business.

Knowing how these tips could work to help you reduce your risks of bankruptcy will be able to allow to set up proper plans to secure the financial future of your company. Understanding bankruptcy may not be the easiest thing to do, but it can be an efficient way to ensure there is some degree of preparation on your end for all eventualities.

According to Intuit’s Quickbooks, risk of bankruptcy in business is always present in whatever kind of industry you choose to be in and in whatever form your business takes. There’s no sure way to stay in the market forever, which means you have to be constantly on the move to make sure your assets and resources are placed and utilized correctly in order to avoid chances of bankruptcy. Below are some key ways to help reduce your risk of bankruptcy in business.

Get Alternative Revenue

One of the biggest reasons businesses have to file for bankruptcy is because the revenue generated out of the business isn’t enough to support its operations. Without the appropriate capital, businesses have to resort to debt and, given the lack of capital in the first place, the cycle can continue into a deadly spiral. However, this doesn’t mean having to resort to debt or lacking a bit of capital so low sales expectations mean having to close down immediately. You might be in need for alternative revenue.

When you say “alternative,” you can actually borrow the money from investors or ask them to step up for now and help you finance some aspects of the company’s operations. Their contribution can help ensure you can get the business back on track as you just need that push to help it regain its stability.
You can also start assessing the kind of sales, budget, savings, and deficits your business is earning in order to check which areas are lacking in terms of performance. This is especially important when you look at your expenses as you can see which areas of the business are you spending money on that don’t necessarily matter for now. For instance, are you insured in areas of the business you don’t currently need, or do you have subscription services you’re subscribed to but don’t use? These might be removed for now in order to save money.

Get Managerial Changes

Sometimes, when you’re seeing a problem in your business, it might be a sign that you have to change leadership roles in-house. Humans are creatures of habit, and sometimes ideas fail to spark and appear because your staff have gotten used to a certain protocol that don’t necessarily help in the long run. Gather your teams’ managers together and assess the kind of problem you have and what can be changed in the management’s outlook in order to get more positive changes in the long run.

These changes can simply be about how management runs things overall, but if you think the kind of push needed is by switching around managerial roles, this might greatly help in the future stability of your company in the long run.

Get A Consultant

When a problem is being tackled, normally things are kept in-house. After all, a company has got to be able to solve its own affairs, right? When it comes to finances, however, sometimes a little shift in perspective counts. If you think you’re having a bit of trouble managing your company’s finances, perhaps hiring a financial consultant can help make the kind of positive change you want in the company.

Try to get someone who has training in “revitalizing” companies within your industry. This allows you to get a fresh take on the issues you’re having as an outsider can get a better look at your company from an outside angle. Solutions your consultant may present don’t even necessarily require you to replace your staff.

Conclusion

Bankruptcy in business is something you have to avoid, but it’s a reality of business that has to be accepted. At one point or another, a business’s overall financial status will be too low to make a recovery, and bankruptcy can be an option. Understanding this reality can be the best way for anyone to work on a turnaround to be able to turn the tide and avoid bankruptcy altogether. This means knowing what goes on in business bankruptcy is perhaps the smartest approach in terms of finding ways to avoid it.

However, do remember that the ideas stated above shouldn’t be taken as legal or financial advice. It’s better to consult a legal and financial professional as they have the training necessary to answer your concerns on the subject matter.

Guest Post Author:

Monika Hall is a businesswoman and has been a law writer for the past 12 years. She is currently writing a new law piece and hopes to impart her knowledge to others in her writing. Monika is forever a creative spirit. She always expresses herself with creative pieces such as poetry whenever she has the time.

How to Instill the Love of Reading in Your Child

January 22, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

When does your child read? A) Every single day – he just loves learning and letting his imagination run free, B) Read? He uses his books to reach the TV dial or C) When I make him, come hell or Lambchops Play-along!

If your answer is ‘A,’ congratulations: Your child will grow pup with initiative, creativity, and knowledge needed in today’s competitive world. If your answer is ‘B,’ welcome to the club; many other mothers get the urge to throw the TV and computer games out the window. And if your answer is ‘C’ – well, it is a step in the right direction. Sort of.

Here are six ways on how to instill the love of reading in your child:

1. Get together with other mothers. Some kids, even if they grow to like books, might eventually abandon them because their friends want to play, or they cannot keep up with the neighborhood discussions on Barbie. Organize some reading group, or at least encourage other parents to fix their own children’s reading habits. Then you can throw back an argument your child has used for most of his life: “other kids are doing it.”

2. Don’t make reading a chore or a punishment. It is easy to tell a hyperactive or underachieving child to “Keep quiet for half an hour and just read a book.” Or “Your grades are low because you do not read enough…from now on I want you to keep books and not to play!” But this will give negative reading connotations that no amount of Brothers Grimm can erase. Separate the situation from the solution. If you do want your child to sit still, tell him to go his room, where books will be waiting for his quiet enjoyment. Or if his grades are low, limit his play, then at another time; gently explain to him how reading can help him in his studies. Books then become the friend, not the enemy, and friendship is the first step to love.

3. Do not criticize his reading. So what if he reads slowly, or if he reads the same books over and over again? The important thing is that he is reading, and if he needs correction, be sure to sandwich it with lots of his effort. “Son, I’m proud that you’re reading a lot, and writing stories of your own too! But don’t write on the books, okay?! Here, I bought you a nice notebook. If you want to write after reading, you can put it here so everyone can read your beautiful stories.”

4. Cultivate a general interest in learning. You have taught your child to love reading; now you have to teach him to take the initiative. Organize nature trips, collect bugs or flowers, or just place him in any situation that will expose him to new things. Now that his senses are stimulated, he will naturally turn to what suggestions number 1-9 have drilled into him day after day. “Hey, didn’t I read a book on that some time ago? I think I’ll look it up again when I get home.”

5. Make books available. Rarely does a child plan to read a book. It is spontaneous, like everything else he does, a hungriness that springs on a sleepy Saturday afternoon or after a wonderful discovery in the garden. So do not keep the encyclopedia set behind a locked glass case, or the fairy tale books on a shelf too high for him to reach. And most importantly, do not cripple him with the fear that he might “ruin the book.” Books are to be read, and if the pages get a little crumpled, then they are beautiful books indeed. Haven’t you read The Velveteen Rabbit?

6. Set him free. After you have instilled the love of reading in him, let him explore its realm for himself. You have given him the most beautiful gift possible, but he will never be able to know this until he discovers this on his adventuring own. If he likes Sherlock Holmes, well and good. If he prefers Ghosts and Goblins, then step back and let them be. After all, your child is A) reading every single day – he just loves to learn and allowing his imagination run free!

Author Bio: Sohail is a content marketer and a blogger, currently he is associated with Smiletutor.sg an online tuition agency in Singapore. His hobbies include writing, reading books, traveling and gardening.

Unconventional Wisdom – 7 Alternative Sources of Renewable Energy

January 18, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Given the global energy resource crisis, it’s certainly important that we now consider unconventional sources of power. We know that continuing to burn fossil fuels is detrimental to the environment, and has only a finite potential.

So, what are some renewable (think-outside-the-box) alternatives when it comes to generating energy?

Solar panels

Perhaps no longer one of the most unconventional of energy sources, solar panels are, nevertheless, one of the most viable. Solar panels harness clean and renewable energy from the sun. They have become easier than ever to source and maintain due to the Australian government’s feed-in-tariff scheme. Solar energy providers, including AGL offer a range of solutions for any budget or individual requirement.

Biomass

Biomass refers to energy which is generated by the breakdown of organic matter (for example wood waste, ethanol and municipal waste). In 2017, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has lobbied to put biomass back on the political agenda as ‘ … as an option to bolster the baseload energy supply.’ Some detractors argue that biomass is not financially competitive and that, in particular, wood waste presents as a threat to native forests. However, unlike solar energy, biomass is readily available and able to be used at any time.

Geothermal energy

This form of renewable energy is innovative. Geothermal technology uses the Earth’s heat for both heating and cooling energy applications. Far below the surface of the crust of our planet, temperatures rise rapidly, whilst tectonic, volcanic and steam systems exist as relatively untapped sources of unbridled power. The practical application of this sustainable underground resource relates primarily to the use of various pumps and systems that take the heat from within the ground and transfer it into usable forms of energy.

Hydropower

Hydropower technology works with the energy of flowing water (kinetic energy) to convert it to electricity. The most common type of hydroelectric power plant uses a dam on a river to store water in a reservoir. However, even a small canal may be used to turn water through a turbine. A hydroelectric power plant can store power for generators or an energy grid. A small (aka micro-hydroelectric power system) can power a home, farm or even a small ranch. Hydropower relies on the availability of a running water source – so, in some ways this may be limited.

Wind power

Energy derived from the power of the wind provides a clean and renewable form of electricity, and other applications. It is said that as long as the sun shines the wind will blow. The force that is intrinsic in the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area on low pressure is harnessed by turbines and windmills and converted to usable energy. Some of the biggest wind turbines in the world produce enough electricity in a year (around 12 megawatt hours) to supply 600 standard homes.

Marine energy

As much as 95 percent of the Earth’s ocean remains unexplored and considering the power of the tides, waves and currents, marine energy remains another vast source of virtually unused potential. Marine energy uses the movement of water to generate electricity. Wave power plants harness the energy of up and down motion waves and convert this into a reservoir of power. Tidal energy generates electricity using the regular local flows of the tidal cycle whilst ocean thermal energy uses temperature variation in the ocean’s depths.

Artificial photosynthesis

One of the most futuristic of renewable energy technologies, artificial photosynthesis has been cited as the energy source of tomorrow. Photosynthesis is behind the building blocks of every living thing, and is a veritable power packed bundle of organic energy. It is the process that uses sunlight to produce hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. Splitting the water in oceans (and other bodies of water) into these three chemical structures is seen as one of the ways forward in producing artificial photosynthesis – a renewable energy source that may just power the electric cars of the emerging future.

Unconventional wisdom

It’s necessary to think-outside-the-box when it comes to finding renewable sources of energy to fuel our planet’s future. Protecting our environment (and our people) depends on it.

Wallet Wisdom – 5 Tips For Saving Money on Your First Home

January 18, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Buying your own home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your life. It’s complicated and even a little scary, but there are a few simple things you can do to make it easier and save yourself money at the time you’re making your purchase and over the life of your mortgage.

Continue reading for five great money saving tips you can employ when buying your first home.

Plan ahead

Whether you are dreaming of a ranch in the country or a project home in Sydney, one of the best things you can do to prepare for home ownership is to reduce your debt. Not only does it make room for the mortgage payment in your budget, you’ll get a better interest rate that can save thousands over time.

What Can You Afford

Don’t base this off of the highest loan amount that you can get approved for because going for the maximum can leave you in over your head later on. Instead, look at your budget and decide what you are comfortable with for a monthly payment. You can start with a home loan eligibility calculator to help you choose a price range.

Get Expert Help

Getting a professional home inspection will help you to find problem areas before you buy and save you money on repairs. Even if you are a handy person, it’s better not to assess things on your own. If the inspector finds something you can ask the seller to deduct that amount from the price or to fix it before you sign the contract, plus you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.

The professionals helping you to find your dream home should also be willing to help you, from your realtor or your mortgage broker to your conveyancer. Ask questions and be suspicious of anyone who doesn’t seem willing to explain the process. Remember, they are working for you.

Know What Your Agreeing To

There can be costs that are separate from the mortgage, such as Homeowners Association fees. These can range from $50 to hundreds per month on top of your mortgage and taxes. Read HOA agreements thoroughly and be sure you understand what the additional cost will be. Take into consideration concessions such as stamp duty or removal costs if you plan to renovate part of the property.

There are also helpful options, such as a First Home Owners Grant, that you may qualify for to help with the cost of buying your first house. Look at the whole picture, not just your monthly house payment.

Kinds of Mortgage

All mortgages are not created equal, so do some reading and see which kind of mortgage will be best for you. It’s smart to talk with your realtor or mortgage broker, but in the end, you will be the one making the payments so it’s important to understand what you are signing up for.

Having Money Saves Money

It’s not a requirement, but if you save up a deposit of at least 20% not only will it improve the interest rate you will be offered but you can avoid having to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance. A PMI agreement protects the seller in case you default and it can add up to thousands over the life of your mortgage.

Ready To Make An Offer

Once you fall in love with a particular house chances are someone else will be interested too, so be prepared to act. By knowing how the process works, what you can pay and being ready to make an offer you will be in a position to snap up that perfect house before anyone else can.