Livingston Reporting - page 328

Important Upgrades For Resale Value

Upgrades are an important part of any home and are helpful when going to sell in the future.  Certain features are more for the benefit of the homeowner while they are living there and do not add up to big selling bonus points. However, things such as energy efficient windows with blinds built in add extra digits to the asking price of a home.  How do homeowners decide if there renovations will pay off in the future?  Consider the area in which you live to determine the benefits of various remodeling efforts.

First start with a renovation such as putting in a new swimming pool in areas with four seasons it is not as lucrative as in areas where the sun is blazing year round.  In areas such as Arizona and Florida pools increase the value of your home over eight percent.  When adding a pool it is best to think about the long term enjoyment it will bring to your family.  If that outweighs the fact that in a more temperate climate a pool can be seen as a drawback than go for it but if not think long and hard before soaking money into an investment that won’t give a favorable return.

Basement renovations are another area that can prove to be profitable if done correctly.  Before worrying about carpet or fancy furnishings think about the area and the moisture.  Basements are notorious for smelling damp and musty.  If you have flooding or the home is prone to water leakages call in a professional to fix the issue before continuing with the basement remodel.  When remodeling a basement don’t over or under renovate it.  It is important that the quality keeps in line with the rest of the home and the homes in the area.

Central air conditioning is another renovation that can add weight to an asking price.  On average a central air unity can cost between four to eight thousand dollars.  This may seem like a lot of money but it is safe to consider that the unit will boost the selling price of the home by ten to twenty percent.  Add a central air conditioning unit and windows with blind built in you are looking at keeping a home cool in the summer.

Landscaping is another area, if done correctly that can have major paybacks.  The curb appeal of your home is what will draw buyers in.  Keeping up on lawn maintenance along with reasonable landscaping will draw prospects into the home to look further.  Perennials and trees are items that homeowners should look into when remodeling the landscape of their lawns.  These items require lower maintenance and add value. The home should be visually appealing not to over grown or too busy.  When contemplating items for the landscape consider the natural environment around the home this will help maintain continuity throughout.

Homeowners should live in their castles and make it home. It is only imperative to think about home renovations in the form of resale value when the possibility of moving enters the picture.  If a renovation will bring happiness than don’t worry about the cost or value adding qualities it brings just go for it and enjoy it while you can.

Taking Winter Weather Conditions In Stride

Here in Michigan the snow has yet to really fly for the snow season.  It is sure to come and we will all be in need of snow removal services but as of now we are good.  That is not true around the country.  Many counties have been hit with snow, ice and the wrath of Mother Nature. It is important for people to remember how truly dangerous the conditions can be.  Anything in excess can lead to life threatening injuries whether it is too hot or too cold.

In the winter it is important to remember that the snow is beautiful and it is tempting to stay out and work and play in it farther than individuals should.  Putting a time limit on the outside time in the winter is a good practice.  It might take a few trips inside to warm up and back out to finish the work of shoveling sidewalks but it is necessary.  These chores can take hours and lead to thousands of emergency room visits each year.  Hypothermia, frostbite and torn muscles top the list of related injuries.

One way to avoid the risk is to hire a snow removal service company.  Their professionals are seasoned and trained to work in these conditions. This option is especially smart for individuals you exercise minimally or are older.  The snow is heavy adding ice to this and the weight is unbelievable. Many homeowners turn to snow blowers to help with the snowy conditions Michigan winters bring.

There are many types of snow blowers.  A single stage blower is not a good option for gravel driveways but for most suburban driveways this option is acceptable.  They are light and easy to use.  They handle well on many types of snow, light and fluffy and damp and heavy.  A two stage snow blower is useful for larger driveways, ice and drifts of snow.  These units are manly self propelled, this makes them easier to use.  However should be used with caution as well because you are still doing extra work even if a minor piece of the burden has been alleviated.

Chemicals can be used to remove snow and ice as well.  These options add up and truly by the end of the season using chemicals or the gas and expense of the blower could have bought you the freedom a snow removal services company brings residents struggling with horrible winter conditions. Removing the top layer of snow is sometimes only the beginning to the battle.  It is often required that chemical agents are applied to completely clear the surface and make it safe to travel and walk on.

De-icer is used to penetrate through the snow and into the concrete below helping to loosen the connection after a snow.  Applying an anti-icer when a big snow is expected helps in the removal process.  A reliable snow removal company can often be seen out on nights when a snow is forecasted.  They lay a thin layer of de-icer on the surfaces they are in charge of.  In the morning it is easy to spot the homes that have been treated with anti-icer and the ones that have not.

When you live in a state that experiences the ups and downs of winter weather it is important to recognize the dangers that surround the weather and maintenance due to the conditions.  When in doubt hire a snow removal service company.  It will save time, money and injury.  The job will also be done when you awake or before you arrive home alleviating the stress involved in the snow removal task and allow for more time with the family.

The Gift Of Time

The days of simple gift giving are over for my oldest child.  She has moved on from playhouses, dolls and doll house to iPhones and iTunes.  This happens to all parents at one time or another.  What are parents to do when their babies out grow toy boxes and playhouse and move from dollhouse on to docking stations for every tech gadget known to man.  My suggestion is simple -STOP.

The beautiful little lady has blossomed into an incredible young lady who is in need of nothing and in desire of it all.  We have reached the point where we pack up the play area and store the kid kitchen and train table.  The play area is now being transformed into a study nook.  With this comes the days where Santa moves down the totem pole and the “but they have two cell phones and I don’t even have texting” starts.  With this is the need to simplify and explore options to help preteens and teens realize the world does not, has not and will never start revolving around their need to be like everyone else.

It has become a family tradition that around age eleven birthday gifts start to come to an end.  Don’t get me wrong it is still a huge deal that this is the day of her arrival however it is celebrated with her at the center.  No gifts center this holiday.  Time and togetherness however are very much present and accounted for.  She controls the mood of the event, invites people within the family she wants to spend time with and that is how the day proceeds.  Games are played, private conversations are carried on, food is eaten and time is shared.  Does the fact an iPhone has not been opened bother her?  Not one bit as in this moment her heart is filled with the maximum amount of affection one could ask for.

The same will be started this year at Christmas.  Our family will always believe in the spirit of Santa and so he will always visit bringing one most wanted present for each child.  This year a pillow pet is wished for by Bear and for Belle a game, Apples to Apples.  The main present we are choosing for our children is time.  Usually the holiday is a hustle of cramming events in followed by being beyond broke!  This year however we will take the entire week off both my spouse and I.  This is our gift to them.

It is an amazing feeling to see your child open a doll house on Christmas morning that they will play with every day until the day until they trade it in for make-up and tech gadgets.  Giving presents to children especially something personalized is and will always be a special treat.  When the magic of those presents teeters off and the greed starts to show itself, give them the one thing they crave more than anything…time.  It is one of the least expensive presents you can buy.

Addressing Mold Remediation and Mold Removal

Mold remediation, clean up, removal and prevention will likely occur within ones home or business at one time or another.  Handling mold is not a job for everyone.  Mold carries with it risks.  There are measures to take when resolving the issues mold brings with it.  It is important to find the source, minimize the mess during the clean up phase, clean and remove the mold.  Prevention will be the final step in resolving a mold problem.

First and most important to fixing the mold issue is finding and fixing the moisture issue.  Likely this will be in the vicinity of where the mold has been spotted.  If the source of the moisture is not fixed and only the mold is cleaned it will come back.  The problem is only masked at that point.  In fixing the issue it is important to resolve to gain control over the moisture levels.  If the levels in one given room are over fifty-five percent the best option is a dehumidifier.

If a leak or flood has occurred the problem is more clear and defined.  This will be a matter of removal of the excess water using a pump to clear the area of water.  From there it is important to ensure that the area is completely dry.  This is possible using fans to circulate the air and a humidifier.  All wet items should be removed and properly taken care of.  Problems that go unattended for over forty-eight hours can lead to the most complications. Immediate care and resolution are the best options in mold remediation.

The next step after removing and finding the source of the issues is to clean and remove the mold.  Before this is even started it is advisable to prevent the spores from scattering. When the mold becomes airborne it will start to reproduce on whatever it lands on given the conditions are right.  To prevent these areas of mold growth from spreading each area should be blocked off and cleaned separately.  You can do this by sealing the room with plastic sheeting and place tape on the edges as a seal. Air purifiers are wise to run throughout the space.

Cleaning the mold is another beast all on its own.  Know going into the mold remediation process, depending on the size, quantity and type of mold present professional mold restoration services might be the better option.  Professional mold restoration services are provided by trained professionals. They know exactly what they are doing and can have life back to normal before many homeowners can even have the area prepped for the cleaning and mold removal process.

The mold should not be completely dry.  Dry mold has a tendency to sail through the air better than moist mold.  The affected areas should be cleansed with cleaner specially designed to kill and remove mold.  Many non-porous materials can be reused after being affected by mold however porous materials such as ceiling tiles, carpet, furniture etc. that are visibly affected need to be destroyed.  Sometimes those items can be cleaned and reused if not badly affected however it is best to not chance anything that may be uncertain.

Mold should be removed and placed in thick construction grade plastic bags.  Don’t try to move the bag through the house.  With mold it is best to throw the bag directly out the window eliminating the movement of mold from each room on the way out to the trash.  Mold is nothing to mess with. It is unsightly, unhealthy to live with and breathe in and hard to safely take care of.  If in doubt with a situation involving mold look for advice from professional mold remediation services.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Leads To A Health Financial Future

The phone rings for the tenth time today.  It goes unanswered.  Creditors are calling.  There is absolutely not a dime to send them. What is the next step? What will make this nightmare end?  Chapter 7 bankruptcy might be the answer.  After loans have been consolidated, credit counseling obtained without any luck it might be time to review the facts with an attorney and get financials under control and in order.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy becomes a best fit option when credit card minimums start to become impossible to make, creditors are calling and debt collectors have started the cycle of harassment. When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy the court orders an automatic stay which prohibits creditors from pursuing the debt any further.  The order of relief is needed in order to prohibit further collections from happening.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy takes a look at all debt and assets.  Trustees sell all nonexempt assets; this could possibly include homes, cars and large dollar item possessions and distributes the money amongst debtors.  It is possible that some assets will fall under a category known as exempt property.  Some homes that don’t have any equity and vehicles often fall into this category.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy process is one that is fairly straight forward and simple.  The process starts out with a gathering of information.  This information includes the name and an address of people money is owed to, how much is owed along with information regarding incoming funds and monthly expenses.  Of course paperwork is involved and will need to be filled out and filed; this is often referred to as a petition or case file.  Then the paperwork will need to be filed in federal court.  An automatic stay is then issued by the federal court and all creditors must stop pursuing debt.

Then about twenty to forty days later the court will send notice of a 341 meeting which is attended for creditors to be able to dispute and question the claim.  Many times this process takes about ten to fifteen minutes to finish as creditors don’t usually stake claim unless at least fifty cents on the dollar can be recouped.  This is usually not the case in bankruptcy cases. After this is done the court will then accept the petition and sell of nonexempt assets to creditors and the debt will be wiped away in the form of a discharge sixty to ninety days later.  The next step is to rebuild a financial life to be proud of.

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is not a free service.  It is necessary to pay the fees involved in court expenses. There are case filing fees, miscellaneous expenses and trustee surcharges.  Although Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed on one’s own it is preferable to have an attorney represent the case.  This will prevent any mistakes from happening and to ensure all bases have been covered.  When dealing with a court of law and a fruitful financial future it is best to hire a profession bankruptcy attorney.

Boost Sales And Website Visibility With Excellent Search Engine Placement

When it comes to your online business, visibility is imperative to your success. This means that you need a Search Engine Placement that will allow our online business to be noticed potentially on the number one page of the most popular and highly used search engines, such as Google and Yahoo. What this will do, is increase the probability that people who are looking for the products and services that you offer will look no further than your website and potentially boost your sales because of it. However, search engine placement is vital, but having a complete, sound and effective search engine optimization will help you to target more people, in more areas around the world.

Search engine optimization (SEO), is used to design a website placement campaign for you that will help you increase your traffic and sales. In addition to search engine placement, you can also have a complete SEO service that can boost more than just your page rank. You can have an SEO service not only increase your search engine placement, but promote your website on social media websites, Ad words campaigns, semantics, blogs and so much more. You can have them create articles about your website, which will benefit both you and your readers. Your readers have the option of reading an informative and accurate article about your website, services and products, while you sit back and enjoy the success of your website.

All of the articles written about your website are thoroughly researched to ensure accuracy about the products and services you offer, as well as offering information that is vital to your readers. You can also opt for keyword targeting, so when someone is searching for the products and services that you offer, you will possibly show up on the first page of popular search engines such as Google and Yahoo. You can also get your articles written and submitted to a number of online article submission websites, which will also help in driving customers to your website.

In addition to promoting your website, you can also offer a wide variety of services that will help you and your business by keeping your computer up and running properly at all times. With networking, security, website design, hosting and more, you can find a complete array of services that will assist you and your online business in succeeding. Whether you need computer repair, virus removal, malware or spy ware infestations, you can have everything that you need done for your computer or your online business under one roof. Discover the difference of search engine placement can make for you and your online business today. With a complete computer repair and help company, you can improve your website page rank, keep your business up and running smoothly, update your web pages and so much more to keep your online business moving efficiently. Discover for yourself the difference that a professional programming, consulting, repair and search engine placement company can do for you and all of your business needs.

Home Safety Modifications For Seniors

Home modifications is a fairly new concept that has come along with the incarnation of seniors choosing to stay living in their homes in place of moving to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Due to limitations that naturally occur as we age changes need to be made in order for needs to be met and safety kept at a premium.  Home modifications can range from replacing the knobs on cabinets to bathroom remodels that include barrier free entry tubs.

Seniors need home modifications in order to age in place.  They promote keeping independence in senior citizens life while keeping them safe. It is important to recognize that eighty-five percent of elderly people wish to stay in their homes and are doing so.  Out of those eighty-five percent only a small percentage are equipped with accommodations that will allow them maximum safety.

Homes without age in place modifications become harder to maintain and live in for seniors.  It is proven that a home that is perfectly safe and allows for independent living at sixty-five does not necessarily accommodate the needs of a seventy year old.  It has been proven that simple modifications done to the home can eliminate up to fifty percent of the accidents that occur to seniors aging in place.

The most common accident to occur within the home to seniors is a fall.  There are many home modifications that can be done to prevent accidental falls.  Many age in place specialists will come into the home and do a free home analysis of problem areas.  With this information homeowners can budget to make arrangements to accommodate their needs as they begin the aging process.  If their goal is to age in their homes and wish to live as independently as possible starting out early in making simple changes will ease both the financial and emotional burdens that can occur.

Below is an example of an inspection of the kitchen and bathroom space within a home.  With this general look it is easy to see how home modifications are necessary to safely age in place.

  • It is important to make cabinet knobs easy to pull open.  As people age they often begin to lose the strength and ability to work door knobs that have to be turned or that are hard to pull open.
  • Stove controls must all be marked with bold lettering and easy to use.  It is important that there are lights that are on the stove that signal when it is on and the stove top is hot.  This is important to prevent the stove from being left on or a hand placed on the stove while it is still on.
  • Faucets should be levered instead of turn knobs. This will ease turning them on and off.
  • Grab bars should be put in place in spaces such as tub and toilet areas.  It is also important to evaluate the area around the toilet and the toilet itself.  Seniors begin to have a harder time lowering and raising themselves. This issue can be resolved with grab bars and high rise toilet aides.
  • Ovens are also another area of concern.  They are often heavy and hard to open.  This is something to look into.  A convection oven can be purchased to help with this issue.
  • A place to sit while working in the kitchen becomes necessary.  The aging process has a strange effect on joints and the ability to stand for long periods of time.  Cutting celery and dicing carrots is made simpler with a seated work area.  The risk of falling or slipping while using a knife decreases significantly.
  • The tub and shower is a large area of concern.  A barrier free shower entrance is an incredibly nice feature to have installed.  Bathroom remodels are a common renovation for homeowners.  A bit of forwarding thinking can save a lot of money later on.
  • Water temperatures should be regulated to prevent burning.  This is something that is simple and does not require any renovations.
  • Items that are used on a regular basis such as shampoo and dish soap should be within reaching distance.  Over reaching can lead to falls.  It is important that everyday use items are well within reach.

Home modifications can improve the lives of those aging in place.  Safety is of course the main concern however a skilled age in place contractor can blend safety and aesthetics while putting in place home modifications.

Collaboration Allows A Clear Logistic Vision

Business is all about things working together.  The collaboration of departments functioning as one helps minimize delays and costs and brings maximization to profits.  This is the goal for all businesses big, small, service or tangible goods.  The truth is that when a company is operating clearly the objective of collaboration has been achieved.  This could not be any truer than within a company’s supply chain.

It has been proven time and time again that when each division of a business is working cooperatively, interacting and exchanging ideas it is reasonable for objectives to be met.  This in turn leads to increased profits, decreased costs, higher customer satisfaction and an overall heightened sense goodwill for the company.  For divisions of a business it is not an option to work alone.  The old adage, “There is no I in team” rings so true in the workplace.

Management teams exist in many different industries that can help improve businesses of all types and sizes.  When it comes to the logistic division within the company it is important to seek out the advice of a supply chain management consulting team.  A supply chain audit will be done to analyze the current strategy and ideas will be evaluated to find the combination that will provide logistic optimization.

When a reconfiguration is done a company will be able to see direct results.  The needs of customers will be met, while obtaining alignment within the sales division, the production group all while becoming cost efficient.  It is important when an evaluation is started that the supply chain consultant that is hired does not look simply at the transportation end of things.  An evaluation will look at all aspect within the company and make recommendations based on the information found and look to provide more efficiency throughout the company helping to expand and sustain business opportunity.

Supply chain audits consist of multiple layers in which consultants are able to provide effective steps that can be taken to achieve big results.  The first step in an audit is to identify areas where simple tweaks and improvements will achieve major results.  Often it is the little things that owners and managers miss because they are too engaged in the everyday transactions and overlook small ways to save that can add up to big savings.  This is super important before company’s waste money on expensive software that will not necessarily help the individual company.

If software is a necessary part of the supply chain audit the consultant will be able to recommend the right package to blend the needs and desires of the company into one software package.  Software is an expensive investment to a company and the options available are abundant.  Supply chain audits lead consultants to know exactly what a firm needs in software so that they are not overspending for a product that will not add value.

A consultant will provide information to the company in the form of comparison to show the pros and cons of each program they are implementing such as; software integration, carrier changes and production changes.  A recommendation will be given and implemented when approval is given. The consulting team works side by side with each of the businesses they are working with to guide them.  Some supply chain companies will continue to support a firm even after initial implementation depending on the firm.

Continuing To Understand Differences within Medicare

Medicare is a discussion that often comes with many misinformation being shared and past on.  One issue that is often misunderstood is how much money Medicare will cost and exactly what is included within the insurance plan.  Medicare can be broken down into two main parts coverage types; Medicare Part A and B with supplemental added on or Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Part A and B is offered to individuals sixty-five and older that meet the requirements associated with the government offered health insurance plan.  It is also available to people you qualify that under sixty-five.  The eligibility requirements associated with Medicare are quite in depth themselves so much that there are internet sites devoted to that subject entirely.

Part A of Medicare is a completely free insurance plan.  Part A offers recipients coverage for hospital visits; in-patient hospital services, skilled nursing homes if required after a hospital stay, hospice and blood transfusions after the first three pints.  However Part B is requires a monthly premium to be paid out of pocket from the individual.  Coverage from Part B offers coverage for miscellaneous medical coverage such as; medical expenses, laboratory services, outpatient service and preventative health exams.

With Medicare Part A and B recipients are able to purchase supplemental insurance that helps fill in the gaps of what is not covered.  Medicare supplemental insurance plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N offer benefits ranging from hospitalization co-pays to deductibles.  All services not covered by Medicare all the recipients’ responsibility unless a Medigap plan has been purchased through an independent insurance company.  Medigap is the term used for the insurance that is purchase to cover the gaps left by Medicare.

For many this territory is uncharted and confusing.  Terms are used interchangeably which can only add to the confusion.  It is best to get a handle on the terms and there meanings.  For instance a premium is the amount that an individual pays for their coverage.  It will be the amount paid for Medicare Part B plus the additional for the Medigap supplemental insurance policies.  Depending on the coverage that is chosen the premium will vary for each individual.  Deductibles are the amount that is paid out of an individual’s pocket before any covered medical expenses are paid for by Medicare. Co-pays, copayments, are a fixed dollar amount that is paid for medical visits. Finally coinsurance which is the amount that is required to be paid by an individual after Medicare has paid their agreed upon portion.

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered to individuals that are eligible and have Medicare Plan A and B and that live in an area that offers the advantage plan.  When enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plan recipients are still a part of the government supplied Medicare insurance  however are not eligible to purchase extra supplemental insurance such as the Medigap policies talked about earlier.  Medicare Advantage is in the simplest term a program in which Medicare offers contracts to certain area hospitals and doctors for approved amounts.  In turn individuals enrolled in this insurance plan must attend to the facilities of these medical professionals.

Medicare Advantage plan does offer greater coverage for individuals than original Medicare however not available in all areas and not right for everyone.  Individual participants are limited in their choice of doctors and hospitals.  If it is imperative that certain doctors and hospitals are seen than it is up to the individual to make sure they accept Medicare Advantage before signing up for the plan.

It is important for individuals to seek out the Medicare supplements or advantage plans that are best for their situations.  No one can predict their medical future however, using the past as a basis will help guide individuals to the right choice.  Medicare supplemental insurance is all set in stone by the federal government the cost to individuals however is not.  All supplemental policies are sold through private insurance companies.  Companies such as Senior Health Direct offer services in which clients can review different plan options available in the area and the premiums charged by multiple insurance companies.  This is helpful in the search to find the right coverage at the right price without having to meet with multiple private insurance companies.

Revive Your Company Profits With Tweaks Found In Freight Transportation Management

Freight transportation management can make or break a company.  It is important for companies with or without a logistics division to look into hiring consultants to ensure mode optimizing techniques are not being overlooked.  Some companies assume because they own their own fleet of vehicles that they could not be experiencing any logistic issues.  However, this is not always the case.  It necessary that a freight transportation management firm is hired to access, evaluate and make recommendations to improve the transportation, inbound and outbound.  It has been proven that when all of the pieces of the business our working together and movement is fitting together like gears on a wheel business will not only thrive but prosper.

With businesses that own truck fleets of their own it is often difficult to look objectively at the logistic process.  It is standard for people within a situation to find it difficult to see problems that exist. This is not only true within freight management businesses invite consultants in to review many different aspects.  Finance and marketing are other areas that are often of consulting concerns.  When a consulting team is hired they look at aspects with a bird eye view.  This often leads to inexpensive switches which lead to major cost savings for the client.

A freight management solutions expert will come in and begin by providing a thorough analysis of current activities within the company.  This includes a review of current freight activities, service needs, freight fees and current carriers.  A comparison is then done using current industry standards to measure errors within the current system.  Knowing the segments that needs to be dealt with lays a foundation for growth.  Improving the deficiencies in the system using industry standards as a guideline will lead to direct cost cutting and improvements within service.  Whenever a consultant is brought in the goal is to reduce waste and improve procedure, this is true with a team of experts offering freight management solutions.

Freight management solutions are tailored to each individual company.  The task can be broken down depending on the client’s wants and desires.  Some firms believe it is only necessary to have an outside source managing a portion of the freight shipping operations rather than the entire operation.  Consultants can work either on site or off site to continue monitoring and improving upon shipping, track and reduce damage/loss, file claims, expedite shipments and manage the quality of service.  Most companies are in direct communication the minute something is not as it should be and working to resolve the issue.

Mode optimization is one area of the shipping process in which a watchful eye is needed.  With changes in rules, regulations and shippers happening everyday companies often lose track of what is happening in the industry things that will affect their procedures and in turn company profits.  Employing an outside freight management solutions team can allow a company to find industry experts keeping up with to date with the latest software, regulations and carrier changes.