Prioritizing Resources

I have been getting a big life lesson this week about how much we really need. It is time to shift the focus from what we think we need to be comfortable to what we really need, prioritizing the resources. I’m hoping that the end result will be a more peaceful and centered life, and a big push toward financial freedom. While I try to practice de-cluttering for an ongoing basis, something major shifted to the point where I could let a lot more go. I started following advice from organizing guru Peter Walsh, and as I could see improvement … Continue reading

Reports of Homeschooling are Greatly Exaggerated

Las Vegas Eyewitness News reported that more students are hitting the books online. They called it homeschooling. To be more specific, the report said, “Until recently, parents choosing to home school their children felt isolated — alone not only in their belief that it would be a better choice for their family, but also because there were precious few resources to help them. But that’s not the case anymore” And “Fifth grader Pierce and third grader Sierra are enrolled at the Nevada Connections Academy. NCA is an online public charter school accredited by the Nevada Department of Education. …”We have … Continue reading

Homeschooling in West Virginia: Assessment Options

This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system. Generally, I try to write about one state in one blog. However, West Virginia has a lengthy list of assessment requirements and … Continue reading

Homeschooling Growth is Directly in Proportion to Bad Schools

An article in the Washington Post entitled “Outlook: A Home-Grown Solution to Bad Schools” refutes the stereotype that homeschoolers are “all religious or socially maladjusted.” With the American homeschooled population now topping one million, studies are still showing that homeschoolers are poised to change education as we see it and even the world. Studies also show that in states with poor education choices, homeschooling seems to be growing that the fastest rates. My state of Georgia for example, has a large booming homeschool community with numerous options for educating homeschoolers solo or in groups. While I finally began homeschooling after … Continue reading

Home Week in Review: March 17 – 23

Easter is this week, and we hope each of you has a wonderful day, however you celebrate it. For some it is a momentous, wondrous occasion, which it is for me, the day my Savior rose from the grave. For others it is a whimsical day filled with candy and fun. Others may simply enjoy a day off. Our best to everyone. We started and ended this week talking about Easter, beginning with A Few Last Minute Easter Ideas and ending with Easter Bunny Questions. In between, we covered several other topics, from decorating to disaster relief. The Art of … Continue reading

Home Improvements in a Recession

As the housing market continues to nose dive, food and gas prices continue to soar and people are finding themselves nervous about surviving a recession, it is tough to know what to do about home improvements. You want to make good decisions on home improvement whether or not you are actively thinking of selling your home. With limited resources and the possibility of having to sell a home quickly in a rock bottom market, making the right home improvements can really benefit you in the end. So how do you know the how, what and when of home improvement? Here … Continue reading

Would You Like a Q and A in the Home Blog?

Some of the blogs here at Families.com are beginning to incorporate Question and Answer sections or advice columns into their regular offerings. Would you like to see something similar here in the Home Blog? You can respond by either leaving a comment or sending a private message. Marjorie, Michele, and I can put our heads together or research the answers to your questions, or we could each offer tips and advice. This is how it might work: If you have a question, you would send a private message or email. We would use your question in an upcoming article, but … Continue reading

Home Generators: Resources

During a power outage, we soon realize how many items in our home rely on electricity. Many of the things we take for granted on a daily basis don’t work without it, from cordless phones to water pumping systems in some cases. Being without electricity is bad enough, but when it also leaves you without water, it can become a serious problem rather quickly. A home generator can be a life saver in a disaster, literally. It can also make your family more comfortable and help keep you safe during power outages caused by storms, overages during high temperatures that … Continue reading

Home Equity Loans – Smart Decisions

To ensure you get the best possible service and loan options possible, you will need to play an active role in the lending process. It is true that the lender will be providing their services for you, but you too need to invest some time to make sure communication is accurate and that you know what you “need” versus “want.” Here are a few simple strategies to help you along your way: Because your home is the collateral against a home equity loan, doing everything possible not to jeopardize it should be your number one priority. Therefore, these monthly payments … Continue reading

Understanding Home Equity Loans

Using a “cookie-cutter” approach for home equity loans may be enough for some people, but the truth is, everyone’s financial situation is just a little bit different, which requires the solution to be tailor-made for the best solution and highest level of success. Most companies specializing in home equity loans realize the importance of providing you with a unique solution. They focus on ensuring you as the customer, are 100% satisfied. These tailor-made loans include offering the most reasonable interest rate, easy repayment schedule, and obtaining the exact finances needed. Making the entire loan process convenient and customized will give … Continue reading