“House ordering is my prayer, and when I have finished my prayer is answered. And bending, stooping, scrubbing, purifies my body as prayer doesn’t.”
– Jessamyn West
Week 23 focus on practical and impactful actions in home care and personal finances. With summer in full swing, prioritize home maintenance tasks that promote comfort and efficiency. Check and service air conditioning systems to ensure they’re ready for warmer temperatures. Inspect windows and doors for drafts, and seal any gaps to keep cooling costs low. In outdoor spaces, consider mulching flower beds, trimming overgrown shrubs, and cleaning gutters to prevent water damage during summer storms. If you’re a caretaker, use this week to review safety measures in the home, such as ensuring fire extinguishers are functional and smoke detectors have fresh batteries.
In personal finances, week 23 is the time to refine our mid-year financial strategy. Review utility bills and explore ways to reduce energy costs, such as using energy-efficient lighting or adjusting thermostat settings. If you haven’t already, plan for summer expenses like vacations or family gatherings, and budget accordingly to avoid overspending. Evaluate your progress toward savings or debt repayment goals, and make adjustments if needed. For a proactive step, consider reviewing insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for your home and health. These actions can bring peace of mind and set a strong foundation for the weeks ahead.
Family Finances
Poor Charlie’s Almanac
Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Research and review based college rankings – college planning and prep
Updated since 2/7/2018. Looking for more perspective on a college then check out Niche.com. Using comprehensive data available on U.S. colleges and universities, Niche.com analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of…
Net price calculators – college planning and research
Updated since 1/3/2018. Calculation of the net price of colleges and universities is key to understanding what it will cost your student to attend any particular school. Googling “Net Price Calculator” with the College/University Name will likely…
Minnesota residential propane prices
Monitoring Residential MN Propane Price. Updated since 3/11/2017 Monitoring residential propane prices is crucial for cost-effective purchases. Keep an eye on market trends through online platforms, local suppliers, and government energy agencies. Track seasonal…
Online car sites for comprehensive car research
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Guardianship financials – ABLE accounts
Being a guardian for an adult with disabilities is a profound responsibility that blends care, advocacy, and love. It involves ensuring their safety, managing their healthcare, and making decisions in their best interest while…
π Day
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Learning about parimutuel markets
Benefit from understanding parimutuel markets. While it’s not an endorsement by me to participate in them, studying parimutuel markets can provide insights into human behavior and market dynamics, enriching our critical thinking and analytical…
Arithmetic for a good year
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Arithmetic for a good month
Basic math for a well-rounded month. The five monthly tasks—bills, savings and investments, health, vehicle maintenance, and social plans—were chosen for their essential roles in managing personal life. Bills ensure timely payments and financial…
Arithmetic for a good week
Basic math for a well-rounded week. The five weekly math tasks—entertainment budget, saving, household chores, exercise routines, and grocery planning—were selected for their impact on managing our personal life. Entertainment budget ensures fun within…
Arithmetic for a good day
Basic math for a well-rounded day. The five daily math tasks—budgeting, cooking, time management, fitness, and shopping have universal application and impact on daily life. These activities are essential for maintaining personal organization, health,…
Measured thinking on life insurance
For me, integrating life insurance into the overall family financial strategy complements a philosophy of balancing risk management and growth. It offers essential protection, ensuring a family’s financial security in unforeseen events. By choosing…
Contemplating the Roth IRA
Long-term growth, tax benefits, financial security. I did some research to gain a more updated comprehensive understanding of Roth IRAs today and their benefits, so I can continue to make informed decisions about my…
Freeze your credit now
Freeze your credit to prevent identity theft. Identify theft remains a significant issue in the U.S. and thanks to our current corporate and world cybersecurity situation seems to be getting much worse quickly. Freezing…
Car insurance
When shopping for car insurance in Minnesota, it’s important to consider various factors to ensure you get the coverage that meets your needs. Here are ten things to consider: Remember to review and update…
Any Wage
By Jessie Belle Rittenhouse I bargained with Life for a penny, And Life would pay no more, However I begged at evening When I counted my scanty store. For Life is a just employer,…
Home
Pothos
Easy to take care of vining houseplant and versatile water plant for water features and ponds. The pothos plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant admired…
Lucky Bamboo
Growing and propagating Lucky Bamboo Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is not actually bamboo at all but a tropical plant related to the Dracaena family, native to the rainforests of…
Hearty DIY cleaning slimes & putty
These are fun, practical projects that actually works great for cleaning keyboards, car vents, remote controls, and other hard-to-reach crumb-filled surfaces. I’ve included a few versions here. Depending on…
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Growing and propagating phalaenopsis orchids Phalaenopsis orchids are the most beginner-friendly orchid available, yet they reward experienced growers with years of repeat blooming and genuine beauty. Known as the…
Cat safe plants
Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to our houseplants and herb garden. While many common plants pose a real danger to cats,…
Determine your furniture preferences
Updated since 10/24/2023. Determining your furniture preferences is one more piece in the puzzle to defining your interior decorating style. It involves introspection, research, and a deep understanding of…
Exploring art preferences
Infusing your living spaces with a unique and personal sense of artistic style. Updated since 11/6/2023. Exploring your art preferences is a vital aspect of defining your interior decorating…
Discovering the Indian aesthetic
The Indian aesthetic in interior design celebrates vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Interiors often feature bold hues like saffron, turquoise, and deep red,…
Exploring the Native American aesthetic
The Native American aesthetic in interior design honors indigenous traditions, craftsmanship, and a profound respect for nature. Interiors often feature earthy tones—terracotta, ochre, and deep greens—reflecting the landscape. Natural…
Exploring the Middle Eastern aesthetic
The Middle Eastern aesthetic in interior design is distinguished by its luxurious textures, intricate patterns, and vibrant color palettes. Interiors often feature rich hues such as deep blues, emerald…
Discovering the Asian aesthetic
The Asian aesthetic in interior design embraces harmony, balance, and a deep connection to nature, drawing from diverse cultures such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian traditions. Spaces…
Exploring the Lakehouse aesthetic
The Lakehouse aesthetic embodies a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that connects seamlessly with nature. Interiors often feature expansive windows, natural wood, and stone elements that echo the surrounding landscape. Comfortable,…
Discovering the French Country Aesthetic
The French country aesthetic blends rustic charm with refined elegance, drawing inspiration from the rural homes of Provence. Interiors feature weathered wood, distressed finishes, and natural stone, paired with…
Exploring the Country aesthetic
The country aesthetic in interior design and decorating evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia. Rooted in rural traditions, this style celebrates natural materials, handcrafted elements, and a…