When it comes to homes, they just don’t make em’ like they used to! In today’s world of urban sprawl and cookie cutter tract homes in suburban subdivisions, there’s nothing quite like keeping history alive by living in an older home. Unfortunately, the great craftsmanship of the past didn’t always meet the most rigorous safety standards, and living in an older home can often be a seemingly endless series of repairs and upgrades to keep you and your family safe.
There are certain times of year when we simply expect the occasional power outage. Our utility companies do great work, and when there’s an emergency, they act as quickly as they can. Unfortunately, that only gets you so far. Some people rely on a constant supply of electricity to power life-saving medical equipment, and all of us have grown so accustomed to using our electronics and household appliances that doing without them for even a few hours is difficult. Not to mention the fact that when there is a storm, it’s important to be able to access television and the internet to monitor weather updates.
Running a small business presents a lot of big challenges, and the first big one is keeping the doors open for those crucial first few years. No matter how good that the product or service may be, there are no guarantees that the customers will come. That’s why it’s so important for small business owners to take good care of their customers, and to do what it takes to get them to keep coming back (and referring their friends). The number of years that a company has been in business doesn’t tell you everything, but it tells you a lot!
During certain times of year (particularly the summer months), we often walk to the mailbox in fear on the days when our electric bill arrives. Arkansas summers can be punishingly hot, and they last for much more than 3 months. Staying cool and comfortable comes at a price.The good news is that there are several ways to significantly reduce your energy usage with a little “belt tightening.” Even though it might not seem like very much when you get your monthly statement, it all adds up over time. And wouldn’t you rather have those few extra dollars in your own pocket instead of the utility companies?
Most of us live our lives “plugged in.” We surround ourselves with all sorts of modern conveniences to make our lives easier, more comfortable, and more entertaining. Unfortunately, most homes don’t seem to have quite enough electrical outlets to go around, and we have to use power strips to accommodate all of our household needs. Power strips are a common sight in most homes and offices that use a lot of electronic devices, and are perfectly safe if used properly. But they are no substitute for a hard-wired, grounded outlet, and present certain risks when overloaded.
It’s difficult to predict the future, but we all know that the cost of living will continue to increase. What this means for consumers is less discretionary spending, and more belt tightening. Fortunately, when it comes to household utilities and energy costs, there are many different ways to lower our bills. It might only be a few dollars a month, but every little bit helps!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home with our families. We work hard to tastefully decorate our homes and to keep them cleaned and maintained, and owe it to ourselves to make our homes safer, and more comfortable inside and out. We might not be able to go out as much as we’re used to, but our backyards are still always there for us to enjoy!
As we begin to settle gradually into the “new normal,” we’re still being encouraged to remain at home as much as we can to stay safe. The experts are currently working on the best ways to stay safe from the pandemic, and we don’t know how soon that they will have a workable solution. The good news is that when it comes to electrical safely, we are much better informed.
Operating a successful small business means focusing on the right details. It’s simply not possible to handle every aspect of your daily operations, and the most successful business owners understand the importance of putting the right people in charge. You need to pick a great team, and give them the chance to succeed. And there’s nothing wrong with hiring contractors for the responsibilities that you can’t easily handle with your own personnel.
No matter how much money that you make, or what kind of economic conditions that we’re experiencing, it never hurts to figure out ways to save money. We all certainly enjoy our utility services, but we also know that most of us could do a little more than we’re currently doing to spend less. This includes weatherstripping, insulation, a programmable thermostat, and taking shorter showers. And if you haven’t already made the upgrade to LED lighting, you’re missing out on significant energy savings!
We’ve already experienced two rounds of snowfall in 2025, and it won’t be long before we’re forced to deal with another springtime tornado season! Every Arkansan considers inclement weather his or...
Whether you built your home from the ground up or found the perfect “new to you” home after a lengthy search, you owe it to yourself and your family to ensure it’s both functional and safe. Older ...
Owning and operating a small business is all about finding ways to do more with less, and money will never be more important than creativity when it comes to maximizing the customer service experi...
2025 has already gotten off to a wintry start, and parts of central Arkansas were recently blanketed with nearly a foot of snow! Our children love snow days, and there’s nothing like watching them...
We all remember how challenging it was to find the right home, but nothing’s too good for our families! We all started out with plenty of “must haves” for our ideal home, but the reality is that w...
