If you are working remotely and concerned about climate change, you’ll need to think carefully about where you live and adopt strategies to ensure your and your family’s comfort for years down the line. Here, Marjorie Jones at Workingclasswow.com presents some tips to get you started.

Geography

Your first point of action is to identify which areas are less (or more) prone to natural disasters like fires, floods, and severe weather. Coastal regions, for example, may be at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels, while inland areas could be at risk of wildfires or heavy drought. Research the area’s history of natural disasters and scientific predictions and look for areas that have a low risk. You may, for example, want to consider the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the Northeastern states – these are typically understood to be safer in the long term.

Also look at the way different states are handling the climate crisis. For instance, Wisconsin has been supporting national and international charges towards change since 2019. In fact, in 2018 Xcel Energy became the first utility company in the country to commit to transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Properties

If you have located an area you think will be safe for years to come, your next priority is to scope out a property. You can start this process by utilizing online resources like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia to compare prices and look for features that could be useful in a crisis (such as basements or extra storage). You can also reach out to local real estate agents for help in finding a property that meets your needs.

It may even be worth considering renting for the long term – this will allow you to remain flexible in case of any drastic events, and you can still use the above options to filter by home type, cost, and the number of bedrooms/bathrooms. You can also check out available apartments from Decker Properties if you are looking to relocate in southeastern Wisconsin.

Remote Working

One of the advantages of being a remote worker is that you are not chained to a single location. This means you can be flexible in the event of climate-related phenomena. It’s important, then, to strengthen your position as a remote worker – this means journalizing your experience and collecting references and testimonials that speak to your competence. If you’re looking for new work since your move, you can employ a few clever marketing strategies to reinforce your client base.

Entrepreneurship

When it comes to future-proofing against climate change, employers can often represent another risk – you never know how a company might be affected by market shifts or their base of operations is directly impacted by the weather itself. By establishing a business of your own, you can at least have the autonomy to build a company that you know will withstand any dramatic economic or ecological changes.

Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) thanks to formation services. An LLC will protect your personal liability, provide tax advantages and reduce your paperwork quantities.

Founding your own business also gives you the opportunity to put in place sustainable, environmentally friendly, carbon-saving practices. This could involve digitizing paper records and converting files to PDF format. There are plenty of free tools to help add pages, combine files, and provide feedback on PDFs. Plus, with an editable PDF, you can make changes and get comments without ever having to use a piece of paper or waste any ink!

Support Positive Changes

Global warming is affecting everyone around the world, and, as a remote worker, you may have more flexibility to move to an area that you know will be safe in the face of climate shifts. By researching the area’s history of natural disasters, renting to stay flexible, and starting your own business (and implementing organized, sustainable business practices), you can ensure a smooth, safe transition to your new home in the years to come.

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There’s no doubt about it — multi-state living is a trend these days if you can afford it. However, even if you can live between two properties on your current budget, you still want to look at ways to save money so you can live as economically as possible. Cameron at www.bizwealthbuilder.com shares some helpful tips to ensure you’re making the most of your budget no matter what.

Work within your budget

If you are planning to live in multiple states, your budget will look a little different. After all, you’re going to have to reassess your budget to take into account your new state’s cost of living as well as all the extras on top of this such as your moving costs as well as your new mortgage repayments since you’re going to need to cover two properties instead of one.

Furthermore, Eco Talk notes that you may need to look into reducing expenditure if your current budget is being stretched to the maximum. Therefore, be sure to take advantage of cost savings, whether this involves buying groceries in bulk, buying certain items out of season, or building a pantry where you can store food items in bulk to help last you throughout the latter half of the year, etc.

Managing a business properly

Since you will be living between two places, it’s likely that you won’t be as involved in your business as you normally would. This is where having a second pair of hands and eyes on your legal affairs could come in very handy should a serious issue arise with your legal or tax duties. Virtual Post Solutions points out that having a registered agent on standby means that you’ll always be aware of what is happening with your business, no matter where you are.

Making use of storage facilities

Suppose you’re in the early stages of moving your belongings from one place to another. You want to be sure that you are not going to misplace or let go of anything you’d regret at a later date. You might want to make use of self-storage facilities in the meanwhile. This is especially helpful if you’re downsizing or moving from a larger house to a smaller apartment. For professional help and advice in this regard, reach out to Decker Properties, who can find the ideal rental unit in a neighborhood that suits your needs.

Making smarter, safer choices for your family

Indeed, you want to be sure that you are making smart and safe purchases for your family by making use of quality products that are going to end up lasting their lifetime. Therefore, be sure to read reviews beforehand to ensure that you are getting an unbiased view of what the product is actually like before you go out and buy it.

Fun facts you might want to know about before you move

• If you’re looking for a second city to call home, then you might want to consider New York if getting a quality education for your children is one of your topmost priorities.
• If you are planning on bringing your pets with you, and you desire a place that has many dog-friendly parks, then San Francisco is the way to go.
• Hawaii is rated as the top state for overall healthcare in the country.
• If you’re looking for lots to do, then you’re certain not to be bored for long in Las Vegas.
• Suppose you want to show your kids the best of what’s on offer in terms of kids’ entertainment, Orlando is the place, as Disneyland is one of the top attractions

As you can tell, considering a second home in another state is certainly something that requires careful consideration to ensure you and your family are going to be happy in the long run.

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Applying for an apartment?  You can bet your landlord will be checking you out.  More than likely, there will be an income verification, criminal background check, credit check and landlord reference.

Maybe you should check out your landlord as well.  And it isn’t hard.  What do you think the internet is for anyway?

Do an internet search on the company.  Check the Better Business Bureau.  Do a search on the apartment complex if it’s large enough to have an internet presence.

Take what you find with a grain of salt.  It’s so easy for someone that’s frustrated to drop an electronic bomb on anyone.  Look for patterns, not single instances of complaints or compliments.

At Decker Properties, Inc., we have an A+ rating with the BBB.  Our Google reviews average four out of five stars.  In fact, all our reviews are either five star or one star.  That’s what you would expect to find from any well-run company.  Most interactions are positive, but it is impossible to please everyone.

I invite you to search any of the Decker Properties locations, like Catalina Crossing in McFarland/Madison or The Oaks at 8100 in Oak Creek.

Here’s a guest post from our friends at workingclasswow.com.

Starting with a clean slate is often the healthiest way to get past big challenges. For many people, the opportunity to relocate and refresh their lives is a far-off dream. If you’re fortunate enough to be considering a big move, Decker Properties offers these tips for making it work.

Choose a Destination

Deciding where to relocate is the most important part of starting fresh somewhere new. Building a new life in a place you love is the perfect way to move forward.

Whether you relocate for a job offer, seek out a spot with optimal weather, or choose one of the more affordable places to live in the US, the destination will influence your next steps. Think about the must-haves for your new home and research the possibilities. Plan trips to visit as a tourist first, if possible.

Once you select a destination, it’s time to begin planning. Research the costs involved in moving, including fuel, hiring a moving company, box purchases, and equipment rental. Also, consider essentials like finding a new doctor, scoping out amenities, and learning how to get around.

Find the Perfect Rental

Buying a house may not be on the priority list when transplanting to a new city. Moving somewhere new is exciting, but deciding whether to put down permanent roots can take time.

Of course, finding the right rental has a big impact on the experience, too. Whether you’re interested in finding an eco-friendly rental or have your eye on a particular neighborhood, take time to research.

For help with narrowing down the options, Reach out to Decker Properties.

Move or Start a Business

Part of the appeal of entrepreneurship is the ability to work from anywhere. Whether you already run a business or want to launch a new company, it’s easy to make the move work.

If your business is moving with you, a bit of planning helps you avoid downtime. Confirm that utilities (especially internet) are available ahead of time and pack your office first. For new startups, your new home may affect your business plans or reveal new opportunities. Keep an open mind and an eye on the local market.

For both new and existing businesses, paperwork will be key. Each state has unique requirements for business owners, notes Constant Contact, and rules can vary by county or city, too. Check your area’s rules before filing, and consider using a formation service for things like forming an LLC to save time and money.

Pursue Higher Education

If starting a business doesn’t suit your relocation plans, consider a different career upgrade. Furthering your education with a degree in business, communications, accounting, or management could expand your opportunities no matter where you live.

Online education is also flexible; this is a good direction if you’re balancing work and home life while going to school. Remote education could also be manageable even as you move.

Grow a Community

Especially if your move stems from a low point in your personal life, growing a community is vital. As BetterUp explains, feeling connected to others strengthens mental health and helps people manage challenges.

Networking in your new city is one way to build a community; faith-based organizations, hobby clubs, volunteer groups, and even coworking spaces can help you connect. Online friendships can also be valuable, offering a low-stakes means of sharing similar interests.

Starting over in a new place is thrilling, but it also takes preparation and patience. Building a new life means a chance to embrace change and become the best version of yourself. With these tips and a positive attitude, you’re off to a great start.

Photo by Viktor Bystrov on Unsplash

Here’s a guest post from our friends at MoneyWithJim.org.

Moving out on your own for the first time is exciting. You are ready to take on the world, but you have to be prepared and mindful of some best practices when living out of your parent’s house for the first time. Before taking the first step, make sure that you are financially stable and ready for the responsibilities that come with living independently.

Find the Ideal Residence

When it comes to living on your own, the most important part is finding the right place to call home. Do some research on different areas, consider your budget, and read reviews for a clearer picture of what works best for you. Start your search by exploring available Decker Properties in your area of choice. Once you find a place that suits your needs and wants, make sure to submit rental applications in advance as processing time can take weeks or even months.

Prioritize Financial Security

Creating a budget and limiting your debt are important steps to consider for financial stability. Setting aside money for investments, like a home, will help you reach your goals in the long run. When taking out a mortgage, lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio to make sure you can afford the loan. This ratio is calculated by adding up your monthly debt and dividing it by your gross monthly income.

Don’t Overlook Home Security

Living on your own for the first time can be an exciting experience. However, it is also important to ensure that your home is secure. Security measures such as having strong locks on all doors and windows, installing security alarms, and keeping valuable belongings in locked containers or safes can help make sure that your home remains safe. Keeping a safe environment is essential for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.

Learn to Cook

Eating out every night can be expensive and exhausting. It’s much wiser to invest in learning how to make easy meals or using recipes that you can find online or in cookbooks. This will save you money over time. Further, cooking simple meals allows you to save time and energy, while also taking charge of what goes into your body.

Kick Off Your Job Search

Having a job will help you financially, whether you are living by yourself or with roommates. Be sure to have a CV ready so that you’re ready to give them out if an opportunity arises. Ideally, craft a CV that helps employers get an idea of what skills and experiences you bring to the table.

Storing Files in PDF Formats

You want to be able to keep track of important documents, so a system to reduce clutter is a must. Digitizing your paper documents is a great way to start. You can even rotate PDF pages to portrait or landscape mode — try using this PDF rotator. Once you’ve done that, it’s easy to download and share your PDF with the world or keep them where you can easily find them when you need them.

Moving out of the family home and into solo living is something that many young people look forward to. Preparation is key when it comes to making the move, so research different areas, have a budget, explore job opportunities, prioritize security, learn to cook, and organize important documents. Following these best practices will help you transition into independent adult life with confidence.

Here’s a post from our friends at Correct Caulking.

What is mold and where does it come from

Mold and mildew are not only unsightly when they build up on the joints of your tile tub surround, but they are also hazardous to your health.

Mildew, a type of fungus, grows easily on warm, moist surfaces. It likes to form on fabric-type surfaces, such as towels, fabric shower curtains, and that shower puff you use to wash with. Mildew usually has a white, yellow, or gray appearance and almost looks powdery. Since mildew is usually easier to spot and remove, it does not present the same serious health hazards that mold does. Although mildew is considered to be “pre-mold” it is just as important to remove it as soon as possible once discovered.

Mold is also a fungus, but unlike mildew which usually just affects the surface of something, mold can burrow and spread onto walls, ceilings, and other close-by surfaces. Mold looks almost like dirt, and can be black, green, or red. Mold also usually has a musty smell to it, and has a fuzzy, hair-like appearance. Mold is also potentially more of a health hazard, as it can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and even lung inflammation.

Both mold and mildew love to grow in moist, humid environments, the kind of dampness that your bathroom readily provides. Different sources that can produce mold and mildew in your bathroom include:

• hot water steam
• leaking bathroom plumbing
• towels, washcloths, and loofahs that stay damp
• tile grout

If there are defects in or around your tub, you should immediately bring this to your landlords’ attentions to prevent it potentially becoming your problem.

If there is no mold or mildew, lets talk about some ways of preventing it becoming a problem, so you can keep your security deposit and stay on your landlord’s good side.

It can take as little as 24-48 hours for mold or mildew to show up on damp surfaces, so taking preventative measures is your best bet to combat these two. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can prevent mold and mildew from growing:

Clean water from grout joints

As mentioned earlier, it only takes between 24-48 hours of grout being exposed to moisture before mold or mildew can start to form on it. Especially in a bathroom, where moisture accumulates daily, it is important to make sure you keep the area as dry as possible, both in use and not.

• Proper ventilation

An exhaust fan is important to adequately deal with the constant moisture that accumulates in a bathroom. Excess moisture from those steamy, hot showers has to go somewhere. If it is not properly ventilated outside of the bathroom, it will accumulate on your shower walls, tile surfaces, and grout lines. It is genuinely less expensive to install an exhaust fan if you don’t already have one than it is to deal with mold removal and remediation. Run your exhaust fan each time you use the shower or tub, and continue to leave it running for 20-30 minutes after you’re done.

• Squeegee everyday

Yes, it’s time-consuming to use a squeegee in your shower each day, but in the long term, it is both beneficial for your home’s value, as well as your family’s health. If you’re already using a microfiber cloth to wipe down your shower walls after each use, a squeegee can cut that time in half. Since it doesn’t absorb water, you simply have to use a top-to-bottom or left-to-right motion to remove the excess water left behind. This simple step is one of the best ways to prevent mold and mildew from forming in your tub surround.

• Practical tips
  If you have a shower curtain, make sure it is a mildew-resistant one. If it is plastic, it is easily replaceable every few months. If you invest in a cloth one, use bleach (color-safe if necessary) to wash it each time you wash your towels and bathroom rugs. Make sure towels are hung up to thoroughly dry after each use. As convenient as it is, try to keep just the bare minimum of shampoo, shower gels, and other personal care products in the tub area. These containers provide nice places for mold and mildew to hide and grow. Clean the tub area and all containers regularly, drying each after you clean them.

You know the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when trying to prevent mold and mildew from forming in your tub area. Follow these guidelines and tips when you’re planning your next remodel or installation job, and you’ll be well on your way to preventing a potentially hazardous situation.

About The Author

Correct Caulking are the leading joint sealing applicators in Victoria, they have over 10 years’ experience in all types of construction from custom homes to high rise buildings.

Hi Everyone!  Welcome to this guest post from MoneyWithJim.org!

While recessions can’t be avoided, they can be better prepared for if you start planning for them in advance. Here are some helpful tips on how to get right down to it.

Save up as much as you can

Saving up as much as you can as early as you can is an extremely valuable step in the right direction when a recession hits. This way, you’ll have access to your own funds and not borrowed funds, which can come at a higher cost than you’re willing to pay for it.

Spend as little as you can

On the flip side of the coin, you should be trying to spend as little as possible in your everyday life to adjust more easily if you had to cut your salary in half, for example. Getting into this practice now before tough times hit will give you the opportunity to spend less without the stress, as it’ll be your training ground before the storm hits.

Think outside the box

Few jobs are 100% secure, so you should think outside of the box to secure your income in other areas. From starting a side hustle to expanding your investment portfolio, there are numerous options you can consider to soften the blow of a recession. Speaking of softening the blow, what if you could avoid the blow altogether with recession-proof jobs that aren’t as affected as much by the state of the economy? Some examples of careers that you could pursue on the side to help boost your income include repair services, accounting, or even freelance services to keep you busy and your pocket fuller at a time when you could use the distraction. Furthermore, since each of these is a service-based business, you don’t require much start-up capital at all to get going in the first place.

Get organized

Being organized is often seen as an underrated skill until you have to find those all-important documents you’re looking for in a hurry. Add this to being in panic mode, and this might even cause you to overlook or gloss over the fine print, which may be to your detriment. If you’re dealing with large PDF files, you can use a tool if you want to extract just some of the pages, making them easier to handle.

Pay off your debts

If you have quite a bit of outstanding debt, then you can safeguard your finances better by settling your outstanding debt as fast as possible. Start with settling the largest amounts with high interest first so that the interest doesn’t snowball into something that is unmanageable. And then, before you know it, your balances and the relevant interest amounts will start to reduce over time until you eventually owe very little.

Pay attention to your mental health

If you’re feeling overly stressed, you can’t be expected to think clearly. Moreover, prolonged periods of stress can lead to serious health issues, which can end up costing quite a bit to remedy. Paying attention to your mental health and health, in general, can help you overcome and even prevent the negative consequences of stress so that you can make more financially sound decisions at critical times.

Getting through a recession favorably may sound like hard work. However, you can succeed when you are open to options such as taking on that side hustle you may not have been open to before to help you thrive in, through, and beyond a dreaded recession.

Inflation is eating a hole in everyone’s pockets, let’s make sure you’re not sending the utility company any extra money.  Here’s a few ideas:

1. Switch to LED bulbs. This might be a no brainer.  You can’t even buy energy hogging incandescent bulbs anymore for most applications.  But beware the decorative lights in your apartment.  Those might be old school energy hogging bulbs.  So check the bath bar light and make sure those decorative bulbs are LEDs.  Likewise, you may have some vintage pendant lights, sometimes called Edison bulbs, that are still incandescent.  Finally, some of your bulbs are hiding behind ceiling fixtures.  Check everything.  Unless you live at a Decker Properties apartment, where we’ve already done this.
2. Check your refrigerator setting. Don’t run it any colder than you need to.
3. Consider advanced power strips (APS). Many electronic items continue to consume power even when they are off.  Advanced power strips will turn them completely off.    There are two different kinds of APSs:
   1. Tier One Strips cue off one device as the control. For example, if you designate your TV as the control, if you turn your TV off, all other appliances plugged into the APS are turned off too.
   2. Tier Two Strips have a motion sensing device that can additionally turn off electronics not in use.
4. Manage your water consumption. You might be surprised to learn that the appliance consuming the greatest amount of water in the home is the commode.  If you hear your toilet running spontaneously, be sure to call for maintenance.  There’s probably a slow leak because of a bad gasket, but these seemingly innocuous leaks can cost a fortune.  If you live at a Decker Properties apartment, you probably have a two-stage flush toilet for flushing liquid waste with just a little water and solid waste with more water, helping you save.  Otherwise, it may be gross, but remember this rhyme:  If it’s brown flush it down, if it’s yellow be mellow.

Christmas can fill you with a warm feeling, but hopefully not from your Christmas tree being on fire!  So let’s review a few tips to keep you safe this year.

1. Think safe lights. Get rid of those energy hogging and hot burning incandescent lights and get some cool operating LED lights.
2. Use products where they were intended. Packages are marked for indoor or outdoor use.  Use the products the way there were intended and you won’t burn your building down.
3. Be careful with candles. Candles and kids don’t mix well but plenty of adults have had tragic accidents with candles.  Why are we hung up on this 19^th century technology?  Thankfully, there are “flameless” electric candles that are very convincing and you don’t get the soot and wax mess.  Do any internet search and you’ll find dozens of alternatives.
4. Bring any electric issues to your landlord’s attention immediately. This shouldn’t wait until Christmas but should apply year-round.  Sparking, bulbs blowing, switches that require multiple attempts before they work, none of this is normal.  When in doubt, contact your landlord.
5. No cord pinching. Cords running through doors, windows or patio doors are subject to getting pinched causing the cords to fail and a fire to start.
6. Don’t overload your circuits. Don’t plug too many items into the same outlets.  Don’t employ outlet adaptors designed to multiple the capacity of an outlet.

This would be a no!

Have a Merry and safe Christmas!

Here’s a guest post from Marjorie at workingclasswow.com:

With the real estate market sizzling right now, there’s never been a better time to sell your home. If you’re looking for increased freedom and flexibility, you might want to cash in and become a renter. Renting allows you to try out new neighborhoods and avoid the unexpected costs that come along with homeownership. If you’re moving with a pet in tow, you might be worried about the process of relocating your furbaby. But with the right game plan, you could be settled into an amazing new location before you know it.

Today, Decker Properties has some tips and resources to get you started on the right track.

Get Ready to Sell

One of the perks of selling your home is the opportunity it provides to downsize and declutter your belongings. Donate items you no longer need or use. You could even consider selling some of your stuff to offset moving costs. Research the housing market in your area and depersonalize the space by removing family photos or other items with too much “character” to help your listing get maximum attention from buyers. You want to help buyers envision themselves and their possessions in your space.

As much as we love our pets, pet-related items can make your home seem more cluttered than it is. Gather up all of your furry friend’s toys, treats, and other accessories and stash them in a closet, storage area, or garage. You want them out of sight when you take real estate photos or anytime a potential buyer comes to tour your home.

Last but certainly not least, schedule movers as soon as possible. Trying to schedule a moving company at the last minute can cause a lot of problems, so take care of this step early in the process.

Relocate Your Pet First

If you can, try to line up a new home before closing the sale on your current place. If you can swing a month or two of rent without the proceeds from your current sale, it’ll definitely save you some stress. Plus, your cat or dog will have more time to acclimate to the new surroundings. Get them a larger crate or some new toys to give them an additional feeling of security, but you also want to make sure you’re getting a trustworthy product, so checking online reviews can be a big help.

If you can’t move into your permanent location right away, there are lots of short-term care options for cats and dogs. You could ask a friend to pet-sit or find a pet-friendly vacation rental. Or you can work with a business to place your beloved pet in a pre-screened, pre-approved private home where they’ll get undivided attention and superior care!

Keep this in mind when relocating with your pet: they’re going to be stressed. So, whenever possible, take steps to lessen your own stress levels. Animals are very sensitive to our emotions; when we’re upset, they can get upset. This can be doubly compounded if you bring work-related stress home with you at the end of the day. So, keep calm, take deep breaths, and focus on your pet and get them acclimated to their new home.

Finding Pet-Friendly Apartments

More and more landlords are realizing that tenants with pets are more reliable and responsible than non-pet owners. That’s why it’s easier than ever to find great apartments that allow a dog or cat with a small deposit.

To start your search, view online listings and select your ideal neighborhood. You can limit your results to apartments close to public transportation, shopping, medical care, or work. From there, be sure to filter by pet-friendliness and indicate how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. Always read the fine print on listings; some have a weight limit for dogs or have a limit of only one pet.

Before moving your pet into your home, make sure to pet-proof the space. Secure your furniture, keep chemicals and cleaning supplies locked away, and install outlet covers to prevent electrical shock.

Reap the Benefits of Downsizing

You may find that you love the renter’s lifestyle. Without the obligations of a home, you’ll be able to enjoy having more free time to explore the city – with your pet by your side.

Decker Properties traces its inception to 1986 with the acquisition of its first small apartment building. The company today owns and manages hundreds of apartments throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Call 262-785-0840.