5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

STEAM Crate
Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (also known as STEAM) can come to life in the form of a subscription box that your kids will adore. From simple machines to new works of art, your child will have a blast while learning some hands-on skills. While there are many options on the market today, your pick will likely require an adult to assist younger children during the creation process, but having a boredom-busting craft without parent prep, is priceless.

Living Room Picnic or Camp Out
There’s nothing like the joy of a picnic lunch in the spring, but if you want to add a little fun to your afternoon on a rainy day, try a living room picnic or camp out. Grab your standard summer picnic faire, spread out a blanket to protect your carpet and enjoy some family time in the comfort of your own home. Kids will love the opportunity to eat all together and in the living area. Make it even more fun by creating crafts to decorate like the great outdoors. Consider setting up a tent to make it a camping event.

If you live in a less-than-temperate climate, having strategies and activities in your back pocket for a (litteral) rainy day can be a lifesaver. These ideas can help you fight the rainy-day doldrums.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

How to Automate Your Savings
If you have a retirement plan through work, your employer likely already transfers a portion of your earnings to the account each pay period. You can set up savings accounts with competitive interest rates to work toward other goals, such as college, home renovations or a vacation. It’s best to have a separate account for each objective so you can track your progress and stay on track.

Automatically transfer money into one or more accounts each time you get paid. Your bank or credit union probably has an easy way to do that through its website or app. If your pay is direct-deposited, your employer may even be able to divide your earnings among multiple accounts so you won’t have to think about it.

Save Extra Money You Receive
If you have a budget and use your regular earnings, minus automatic savings, to cover your bills, any extra funds that come your way, such as an annual bonus or an income tax refund, can be used to beef up your savings. If you were getting by fine without that additional money, you won’t miss it, but you will appreciate it later when you reach your savings objectives.

Prioritize Your Long-Term Goals
If all your money goes into one account, it’s too easy to spend it in a pinch or on a whim instead of thinking about the big picture. Automatically saving money can help you achieve financial success. Even if you only set aside a small amount each time you get paid, doing so consistently over a period of months or years can help it grow. As you become accustomed to making ends meet with a little less money and see your balances increase, you may be inspired to make other small changes that can help you boost your savings and reach your goals even faster.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Balance Transfer Credit Card
Some credit cards advertise themselves as balance transfer cards. They have high credit limits that allow customers to roll over balances from other cards. The annual percentage rate, or APR, is low enough to make it a better deal than any of the other cards you have.

The best ones charge no interest for an introductory period of up to 18 months before switching to a low interest rate. If you can pay off the consolidated debt before the introductory rate expires and don’t add new debt to your credit cards, this can be a great way to pay off your debt without paying any interest.

However, be aware that balance transfer cards often charge a fee of 3 – 5 percent of the amount transferred. And when the introductory rate ends, you could then be charged a variable APR that can be higher than what you had before.

Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit
Equity in your home—the difference between its appraised value and how much you owe on the mortgage—can be borrowed against as a loan or line of credit to use when you need it.

The interest rates on home equity loans are often lower than the rates for credit cards and the loan amounts can be larger than your credit card limits. Most will have a fixed rate and a fixed monthly payment, making budgeting easier. Repayment terms can last as long as 30 years.

The biggest potential downside is that your home becomes collateral to secure the debt. Credit cards don’t require any collateral. If you don’t make timely payments on a home loan, your home could be repossessed.

Personal Loan
If you have a good credit score to qualify for a low interest rate, and enough money to pay your debts on a comfortable repayment term, then a personal loan from a bank could help you consolidate your credit card debt.

Personal loans are unsecured, meaning you won’t have to put up collateral, so your credit profile is important in getting a loan with a low interest rate. The rates are fixed and typically lower than credit cards, and monthly payments are fixed.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Safety Deposit Box
If you’re looking for extra security, consider renting a bank safe deposit box. The bank will only allow you and anyone else on the agreement access to the box, which is protected with a lock and key, as well as alarm systems. You also have assurance that your items will never be left alone unattended, per bank security guidelines. Remember to keep a list of everything you store inside your safety deposit box.

Online Document Storage
For digital documents, storing your information in the cloud is another secure way to keep them safe. With an internet connection, companies like Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive are available with 24/7 access wherever you are. Storing your documents online also allows you to share them with medical professionals or family members with ease. Though there is a risk of online hackers, protecting your accounts with a password, a private internet connection or an electronic encryption will keep your documents safe and secure.

No matter where you choose to store your most valuable documents and paperwork, keep an inventory of location and a list of who can access which item. In case of emergency, these items can be of great importance for you and your family, so be sure you are keeping them safe.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

2. Get the best price. Check the local newspaper, online and at the store for sales and coupons. Ask about a loyalty card for extra savings at stores where you shop. Look for specials or sales on meat and seafood, which are often the most expensive items on your shopping list.

3. Compare and contrast. Locate the “unit price” listed on the store shelf directly below the product. Use the price to compare different brands and different sizes of the same brand to determine which is more economical.

4. Buy in bulk. It’s almost always cheaper to buy foods in bulk. Smart choices are family packs of chicken, steak, or fish and larger bags of potatoes and frozen vegetables. Before you shop, remember to check if you have enough freezer space to store the extra food.

5. Buy in season. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lower the cost and add to the freshness. If you aren’t going to use them all right away, buy some that still need time to ripen.

6. Ditch the convenience costs. Convenience foods like frozen dinners, pre-cut vegetables, and instant rice, oatmeal, or grits will cost you more than if you were to make them from scratch. Take the time to prepare your own, and you’ll save.

7. Choose cheaper. Certain foods are typically low-cost options all year round. Try beans for a less expensive protein food. For vegetables, buy carrots, greens or potatoes. As for fruits, apples and bananas are good choices.

8. Cook once to eat all week. Prepare a large batch of favorite recipes on your day off (double or triple the recipe). Freeze the portions in individual containers. Use them throughout the week, and you won’t have to spend money on take-out meals.

9. Get your creative juices flowing. Spice up your leftovers by using them in new ways. For example, try leftover chicken in a stir fry or over a garden salad, or use it to make chicken chili. Remember, throwing away edible food is throwing away your money.

10. Be savvy at restaurants. Eating out can be expensive. Save money by getting the early bird special, going out for lunch instead of dinner or looking for “2 for 1” deals. Stick to water instead of ordering other beverages, which add to the bill.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Wear It for a Day
Everyone has one or two clothing pieces that make the cut through multiple decluttering sessions but still are rarely worn. If you find yourself coming across one of these items, wear it for a full day. While you are out and about, you can determine if it’s truly a comfortable and flattering item. Chances are, you will find out why you have been avoiding it since your last wear and can confidently part with it.

Ditch the Ambition-Wear
Clothing items that don’t work with your current lifestyle may be kept simply out of ambition. You may hope you will finally become a “dress person.” You may be hanging onto your business wear though you’ve stopped working in an office or may be keeping clothing from before a weight gain. Avoid keeping items that don’t sync with your current lifestyle. This can be the biggest factor in feeling like you “have nothing to wear” and can cause frustration. Save room in your closet for clothing that you will reach for every morning.

Don’t Fear the Small Wardrobe
Often, if you have an overwhelming amount of clothing, there are a lot of items you won’t feel confident about. Don’t be afraid to re-home all of those items, even if the end result is a seemingly-minuscule remaining wardrobe. It can be tempting to keep unbecoming outfits simply out of fear that you may need it later. Realistically, you likely only wear 20 percent of your wardrobe regularly, so don’t be afraid to cull a significant amount. It may feel shocking to part with so much, but you’re unlikely to miss it.

Decluttering your wardrobe can feel like an insurmountable task, but with a little dedication and these tips, you can pair down your clothing itemKathie Aldunate Realtor
Century21 New Millennium
1730 West Street, Annapolis.21401
C:443-717-0292
O:410-266-905
.#AnnapolisRealtor #AnnapolisHomes. #AnneArundelCountyLiving #AnnapolisRealEstateMarket., #OdentonHomes, #SeniorDownsizing
#AnnapolisRealEstateMarket, #AnneArundelCountyLiving, #CroftonRealEstate, #DreamHome, #GambrillsRealtor, #MarylandRealEstate, #MoveWithKathie.,s and have an organized closet in no time.

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Is concierge medicine for you?

From finance and consumer advisors, here are five things to know that may help you decide for yourself:

• While retainer fees for concierge medical service vary, based primarily on where you live, average costs range between $1,200 and $1,800 per year for quick and personalized access to your physician.
• Doctor-patient relationship is a plus. Because your doctor has fewer patients, and you communicate more often, there’s a good chance your doc will know you very well—and your annual physical may include preventive procedures that insurance plans are not required to cover. As a result, diagnoses—and treatment—may be quicker than is usually the case.
• Patients who sign up report satisfaction as well as fewer visits to emergency rooms and specialists, some studies say. But because the patient must still initiate calls and/or doctor visits, there’s not enough research yet to prove that they receive better care overall, or that they stay healthier or recover faster from injury or disease.
• Find the right doc. Check the American Academy of Private Physicians to locate concierge doctors in your area, or find one affiliated with such networks as MDVIP.com. One advantage of MDVIP: If you become ill while traveling, you may visit the nearest MDVIP doctor.
• Check your insurance, because your retainer won’t pay for everything. You may have to pay out of pocket or buy additional insurance to cover drugs, lab tests, diagnostic screenings or hospitalization costs. If you don’t have a health savings account or flexible spending account, and you’re under 65, you may be able to purchase a high-deductible plan from your employer or through a state or federal marketplace. If you are 65 or older, you can enroll in Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Kathie Aldunate Realtor
Century21 New Millennium
1730 West Street, Annapolis.21401
C:443-717-0292
O:410-266-905
.#AnnapolisRealtor #AnnapolisHomes. #AnneArundelCountyLiving #AnnapolisRealEstateMarket., #OdentonHomes, #SeniorDownsizing
#AnnapolisRealEstateMarket, #AnneArundelCountyLiving, #CroftonRealEstate, #DreamHome, #GambrillsRealtor, #MarylandRealEstate, #MoveWithKathie.,

5  BEDS

4  BATHS

5520  SQFT

FOR SALE

$975,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Seaweed
Seaweed is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This low-calorie food is also one of the best natural sources of iodine, which is an essential mineral that your thyroid gland needs to produce thyroid hormones. Its unique flavor may take some getting used to, but with new varieties of roasted and flavored seaweed snacks becoming more popular, you’re sure to find some to your liking.

Parsnip
This root vegetable may closely resemble the carrot, but it is found on far fewer menus. Parsnips are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate, as well as several other important micronutrients in every serving. Most notably, perhaps, is its high water and fiber content, making it an ideal vegetable to consider incorporating into your diet if you have a goal of healthy weight loss.

Blackberries
Often shunned in favor of easier-to-find raspberries, blackberries should certainly hold a spot on your menu. This tart and tasty berry is packed with vitamin C and contains a hefty helping of fiber without a high sugar content.

Keeping your diet full of micronutrient rich fruits and veggies doesn’t have to be boring, and with the variety available to you, there’s no reason to get stuck in a rut.