| How to Why Does Your Plant Soil Have Mold Posted: 05 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST Spotting mold growing on top of your beautiful houseplant's soil is never a welcome surprise. Moldy soil isn't uncommon, and it's usually easy to get rid of. Keep reading to learn why your plant soil has mold in the first place, what you can do about it, and how to keep it from coming back. [Edit]What are the causes of mold in houseplant soil? - Overwatering. Usually, a white, powdery mold or mildew will form on the top layer of soil because it's staying too moist for too long.[1] Some plants need less water than others, so be sure to look into how much water your specific plant needs.[2]
- Mold and mildew are both caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, wet environments.[3]
- Poor drainage. If the excess water can't drain out, it's going to cause a buildup of moisture, which can lead to mold. Make sure your plant is in a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom. If it's not, repot it. That way, any water that isn't absorbed by the soil will drain out of the pot instead of sitting and leading to mold growth.[4]
- Infected potting soil. Although potting soil is supposed to be completely sterile, that's rarely ever the case. If your potting soil had some mold in it already, that could be why you're noticing it in your plant soil now.[5]
[Edit]How do you get rid of mold in houseplant soil? - Scoop away the infected soil with a clean spoon. Usually, the mold is only on the top layer of soil. When you notice it, grab a clean spoon from your silverware drawer and scoop up the infected soil.[6] Throw the soil away in the garbage, not your compost, to avoid contaminating any other plants.[7]
- If you have to scoop out a lot of soil, add another layer of topsoil or potting soil to the plant.
- Put your plant in a sunny area. Powdery mold and mildew thrives in dark, dank places. If you put your plant in the sun, the soil will dry out more, making it harder for the mildew to thrive. Try placing your plant near a window so it has time to really dry out during the day.[8]
- Some plants can tolerate direct sunlight, while others can't. Be sure to look into your specific plant's needs before putting it in your window.
[Edit]How do you prevent new mold growth? - Wait until the soil dries out before watering again. Since overwatering is the main cause of mold, try to cut back your watering schedule just a little. Experts recommend waiting until the top of soil is completely dry for most houseplants.[9]
- This is a good rule of thumb for most plants, but not all of them. Look into your specific plant and how much water it needs to ensure you aren't overwatering it.
- Run fans near your plant to improve air flow. Sometimes, soil grows mold because it's too humid. You can improve air flow and stop moisture from building up by pointing a fan near your plant and leaving it on. This is especially effective in small, warm spaces, like greenhouses.[10]
- Repot the plant with fresh soil if the mold doesn't go away. It's not common, but sometimes, mold really sticks around. If you've scooped out the mold once before and it keeps coming back, dump out the infected soil into the trash and rinse out the pot. Then give your plant a fresh pot of soil to sit in. Hopefully, the new soil won't have any mold problems.[11]
[Edit]Is plant mold harmful to humans? - It can be if you're sensitive to mold. The powdery white mold that forms on houseplant soil usually isn't an issue for most people. However, if you notice that you're experiencing congestion, watery eyes, coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or a rash, the mold could be the culprit. Try getting rid of the mold to see if any of your symptoms go away.[12]
- Mold on just one of your potted plants probably won't be detrimental to your health. However, if it covers multiple plants, it could start becoming a problem.
[Edit]What is a natural antifungal for plants? - Neem oil. Neem oil is a natural oil that's made from a neem tree, and studies show that it has antifungal properties.[13] If you find that your soil or your plants are constantly battling fungus, pick up a bottle of neem oil and follow the dilution instructions on the back of the bottle.[14] Then, spray your plants and your soil with neem oil once a month to prevent mold and fungus.[15]
- Neem oil is safe to use around pets and children, but it's slightly toxic to birds and fish.
- Cinnamon. Research suggests that cinnamon can be used as a natural antifungal agent.[16] To use cinnamon, sprinkle it over your soil and then work it into the top layer to prevent mold, fungus, and insects.
[Edit]References |
| How to Fix a Leaky Sink Trap Posted: 05 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST So, you heard a "drip-drip" coming from under your kitchen or bathroom sink and found a little puddle of water when you opened the cabinet door. Fear not—this is a fix you can handle without calling a plumber! In many cases, fixing a leaky sink trap (P-trap) can be done in seconds and without any tools. Even if your case is a little more complicated, a quick trip to the hardware store is usually all you need to get the job done yourself. [Edit]Quick P-Trap Fixes - Inspect the P-trap for signs of obvious problems. If the P-trap's piping and connections appear to be lined up fairly well and in good shape, there's a good chance you can fix the leak in less than 2 minutes by properly tightening the slip-joint nuts—the collar-like connectors that join together sections of pipe. You may have to disassemble and replace some or all of the P-trap, however, if you spot any of the following:
- Cracks or other signs of damage in the piping or connectors.
- Corrosion on the pipes or connectors, if they're metal instead of PVC.
- Piping that is noticeably (not just slightly) misaligned either vertically or horizontally at the connection points.
- Not sure what you're looking at under the sink? The P-trap begins where it connects to the tailpipe that comes out of the bottom of the sink basin, then makes a U-shaped curve. From there, it either connects to a mostly-horizontal drainpipe that disappears into the wall or makes another curve to connect to a vertical drainpipe that goes into the floor.[1]
- Loosen each slip-joint nut about 1-2 full turns. PVC slip-joint nuts can often be loosened by hand alone. One-by-one, grip each of the slip-joint nuts in the P-trap and twist them counterclockwise about 1-2 rotations. If any of the nuts won't budge by hand (or if they're metal nuts), grab a set of slip-joint pliers (e.g, Channellocks). Grip the nut with the pliers while steadying the adjacent pipe with your free hand, then turn counterclockwise about 1/2 of a turn. Loosen it about 1-2 full turns by hand.[2]
- All P-traps have at least 2 slip-joint nuts: one where the P-trap meets the sink drain's tailpipe, and one where it meets the main drainpipe. Your P-trap may also have slip-joint nuts at one or both ends of the U-shaped curve.
- Nudge any pipes that look crooked into better alignment. If the vertical sections of pipe line up nicely, and the same is true for the horizontal sections of the P-trap, skip this step. Otherwise, now is the time to fix any misalignment that can affect the slip-joint nut's seal and cause a leak. With the nuts now loosened, use your hands to ease the sections of pipe into better vertical or horizontal alignment.[3]
- If the misalignment is more significant and you can't nudge the sections into place, you'll have to remove the P-trap for repairs and reinstallation.
- PVC P-traps easily get nudged out of alignment and are usually just as easy to nudge back into alignment. Metal traps aren't so flexible but can still be slightly adjusted into better alignment.
- Re-tighten—but don't over-tighten—all the slip-joint nuts. For each nut, turn it clockwise by hand until you feel solid resistance. Then, grab a pair of slip-joint pliers and adjust the jaws so they grip around the nut firmly. Turn clockwise until you feel moderate resistance. For a PVC nut, this may take about 1 1/2 turns; a metal nut may or may not require more rotations.[4]
- The slip-joint nut (or the package it originally came in) may have a marking on it like "TPFT 1.5." This indicates that you should tighten it with pliers 1 1/2 rotations past hand-tight. If the nut doesn't have a marking like this, you'll just have to use your best judgment.
- Use a dry item like toilet paper to test for leaks. Now that you've properly tightened the slip-joint nuts, turn on the faucet taps full-blast. Wrap a strip of toilet paper around your fingertip, then rub your fingertip around both sides of every slip joint nut you just adjusted. If the paper on your finger remains dry, the leak is fixed. Otherwise, there's still one more quick fix you can try before starting a more involved (but still DIY-friendly) repair job.[5]
- Alternatively, dip your fingertip in baby powder or cornstarch, or use a facial tissue instead of toilet paper.
- Apply pipe sealant to the threads as one last quick-fix option. If you still find a leak at one or more of the slip-joint nuts, loosen them once again, this time until you can see the threads on the pipe. Grab a tube of pipe sealant, squeeze a glob of the toothpaste-like material on your finger, and apply a thick layer of it all around the threads on both the pipe and on the underside of the nut. Tighten the nut as before, wipe away the excess sealant, and test for leaks once again.[6]
- If this fix still doesn't do the job, it's time to remove and repair the P-trap.
- Use pipe sealant, not caulk or another adhesive or waterproofer. Unlike other options, pipe sealant won't prevent you from easily undoing the slip-joint nut in the future.
[Edit]Repairing or Replacing the P-Trap - Shut off the water supply and put a bucket or towels under the P-trap. Remember that there's always some water in the P-trap, so have either the bucket or towels ready to go before you disconnect it. It's also a good idea to shut off the water supply so that someone (even you) doesn't accidentally turn on the tap and send water gushing down the sink drain and into the sink cabinet![7]
- The hot and cold shutoff valves should be located under the sink. Turn them both clockwise to shut off the water supply.
- Undo the slip-joint nuts at both ends of the trap to remove it. Twist counterclockwise to disconnect the nut that attaches the P-trap to the sink's tailpipe, then do the same to disconnect the nut that joins the P-trap to the drain line. Pull away the entire P-trap and pour out its contents into the bucket or pile of towels.[8]
- You may be able to undo PVC nuts by hand, but you'll most likely need slip-joint pliers to loosen metal nuts.
- Plug up the exposed opening to the drain line with an old rag to prevent sewer gasses from escaping.
- Inspect the P-trap, including all nuts and O-rings, for signs of damage. If you've already pinpointed the location of the leak, check there first—you'll usually find that either the slip-joint nut is damaged or the rubber O-ring that fits inside is crumbling apart. Continue to check all other parts of the P-trap assembly for signs of wear, damage, or (if metal) corrosion that you may not have noticed. It makes sense to replace everything that isn't in tip-top shape.[9]
- This is also a good time to clean out the P-trap with a bottle brush or a bent wire coat hanger.
- The rubber O-rings compress and create a watertight seal as you tighten the slip-joint nut.
- Take the whole P-trap assembly to a store to get replacement parts. There's simply no better way to make sure that you get the exact matching parts you need. No matter what condition they're in, buy all new rubber O-rings for each slip-joint nut. Also replace any nuts that are damaged or deformed in any way. If the removed trap had multiple leaks, widespread damage, or was noticeably out of alignment, it's best to just buy a whole new P-trap setup (pipe sections, nuts, and O-rings) to assemble and install.[10]
- Any hardware, home improvement, or plumbing supply store should have all the parts you need. You can buy a complete P-trap kit if you have a typical setup, or purchase parts individually.
- Reassemble the P-trap with any replacement parts you bought. If you're threading a new slip-joint nut onto the P-trap, make sure to line up the threads so that the nut isn't attached to the pipe at an angle. Also be sure to put a rubber O-ring inside each slip-joint nut before connecting any two sections of the P-trap pipe.[11]
- While it's not a necessary measure, adding some pipe sealant to the threads as you reassemble the P-trap may provide some added leak protection.[12]
- Secure the P-trap back into place and test it out. Make sure the top of the P-trap and the bottom of the sink's tailpipe are properly aligned, then tighten the slip-joint nut by hand and then with slip-joint pliers until you feel moderate resistance. Repeat the process where the end of the P-trap meets the drainpipe that disappears into the wall or floor.[13]
- Now that the P-trap is reinstalled, open the hot and cold water shutoff valves (by turning clockwise), turn on the faucet, and check for leaks with baby powder or tissues again.
- If you're still dealing with a leaky P-trap, disassemble it and give it another try. Or, just accept that you've done your best and call a plumber.
- The P-trap's U-shaped curve remains full of water to prevent stinky and potentially dangerous sewer gasses—and maybe even bugs or rodents—from emerging out of your sink drain.
[Edit]References |
| How to Reduce Pesticide Residues in Food Posted: 04 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST When you buy food from the grocery store, pesticides are unavoidable. While studies show that minimal amounts of pesticide residue in food isn't harmful, it's still a good idea to avoid it when you can, since even small amounts can build up in your body over time. In this wikiHow, we've compiled 11 ways you can reduce the pesticide residue in your food both in your shopping practices and after you get home. [Edit]Buy a variety of fruits and vegetables. - This will help minimize the risk of exposing yourself to a single pesticide. Since fruits and vegetables usually use different pesticides in their production, if you buy a variety of them, you won't have a buildup of one single pesticide in your body. Plus, eating a variety of fruits and veggies is a great way to maintain a healthy diet, so it's a great idea all around![1]
- You can make this easier on yourself by going for what's in season. That way, your purchases will change throughout the year (and your produce will be fresher, too).
[Edit]Look for produce that is exposed to fewer pesticides. - There are 15 main produce items that have very little pesticide residue. In general, onions, sweet corn, pineapple, avocado, cabbage, sweet peas, asparagus, mangoes, eggplant, kiwi, cantaloupe (domestic), sweet potatoes, grapefruit, watermelon, and mushrooms don't use as many pesticides in their production.[2] To lower your risk of pesticide exposure, go for these types of produce primarily.
- There is also produce that has much higher pesticide exposure over time. These are often called "the dirty dozen," and they include apples, celery, sweet bell peppers, peaches, strawberries, nectarines (imported), grapes, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, blueberries (domestic), and potatoes.[3]
[Edit]Go for organic produce when you can. - In general, organic produce isn't exposed to as many pesticides. Organic farmers use natural and holistic principles to get rid of pests rather than using pesticides. If you can, try to go for organic products at the store—just keep in mind that they may be more expensive than non-organic foods.[4]
- While some research supports this, other studies say that even organic produce can contain pesticide residue.[5] Organic products might be slightly better, but they aren't completely clean.
[Edit]Get your produce from a local farmer's market. - You can ask the farmers about their pesticide use. Usually, farmer's markets will have real people from the farm working their stands. You can chat with them about what they're doing to minimize pesticide residue in their food before you buy it. Plus, farmer's market produce is usually much fresher (and it even tastes better, too).[6]
- Most farmer's markets happen during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is nice.
- Keep in mind that purchasing produce from a farmer's market is usually more expensive than buying it from your local grocery store.
[Edit]Grow your own produce to minimize exposure to pesticides. - You can avoid using pesticides in your own garden. When you keep a garden, you know exactly where your food is coming from. If you don't have space in your own yard, consider checking out a community garden nearby. You can usually rent a space to grow and maintain at your leisure.[7]
- Different veggies thrive during different seasons and in different parts of the globe. Before you start your vegetable garden, look online to see what kind of produce you should start with and when to plant it.
[Edit]Wash your produce in running water. - Running water is abrasive, which can help wash off pesticides. Before you eat any of your produce, take it home and hold it under running water for about 1 minute. You can gently scrub your produce with your fingers to get rid of dirt, bacteria, and residual pesticides, although experts warn that washing your produce probably won't get rid of all pesticide residue.[8]
- While you may have heard that you need to use soap or produce wash, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that running water is just fine.[9] Produce is porous, and can actually absorb the soap or wash that you use, which can make you sick.
[Edit]Scrub any firm produce under running water. - Melons and root vegetables might need a bit more than a rinse. When you wash these firm fruits and veggies, grab a soft produce brush and gently scrub the outside under the water. This will help get into any cracks and crevices to really wash your produce thoroughly.[10]
- Root vegetables include carrots, potatoes, radishes, and beets.
- If you don't have a produce brush, you can just use your fingers.
[Edit]Dry produce with a clean towel. - This last step in the cleaning process will help remove pesticide residue. When you're done washing your produce, grab a clean towel (or a paper towel) and thoroughly dry the outside of your fruits or veggies. Plus, this cuts down on drying time, so you won't have to deal with your produce dripping everywhere as you try to cook with it.[11]
[Edit]Peel or trim your produce whenever possible. - Most pesticides sit on the outermost layer of your produce. Whenever you can, try to peel the skin off your produce before you eat it. Not only will this help reduce pesticide residue, but it will also get rid of any residual dirt or bacteria.[12]
- Try peeling potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and zucchini.
- Keep in mind that peeling your produce can remove some of the essential nutrients.
[Edit]Throw away the outer layer of leafy vegetables. - Cabbage and lettuce can have pesticide residue on their outer layers. Before you dive in, rip off that outer layer and throw it away to avoid ingesting any of it. You can do this before or after you rinse—either way is fine.[13]
- Some leafy vegetables come "pre-washed" or "ready-to-eat." If that's the case, you technically don't need to wash them before eating.[14]
[Edit]Trim the fat off meat and fish before you eat it. - Pesticides tend to accumulate in the fat of animals. If you eat meat, use a knife to trim off most of the fat from meat, fish, and poultry whenever possible. If you're buying your meat from a deli, you can usually ask the person behind the counter to trim it for you before you take it home.[15]
- Pesticides accumulate in animals when they eat crops that have been contaminated. They can also accumulate when animals eat another animal that has eaten pesticides.
[Edit]References |
| How to Save for a Family Vacation Posted: 04 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST A family vacation is a perfect time to get away from the daily routine, have some adventures, and make some memories. Saving for a vacation can be stressful, though. You already know about budgeting, but sometimes it can be tough to find spots where you can cut expenses. Never fear! We here at wikiHow have some great ideas you can use to free up money you're already making for your vacation fund, plus bring in some more. [Edit]Budget so you can cut expenses down. - Careful planning helps control ballooning vacation costs. When you start planning your trip, look at the things you want to do and plan well in advance. Get input from everyone in the family, then start looking online for deals and offers. If you're flexible with your dates, you can often get better prices mid-week than on weekends.[1]
- Transportation, meals, and accommodations are going to be your biggest expenses—together, they might make up close to half of the total cost of your vacation. The good news is these are also areas where you can get some of the biggest discounts if you plan ahead.
- One option is to let each family member choose 1 thing that they really want to do. Then you can schedule your vacation based on the best days to do those things. For example, you might find that you get the cheapest tickets if you fly on Wednesday and the museum you want to visit has discount rates on Thursdays.
- Don't forget to include incidental expenses and souvenirs in your budget—these can add up if you're not paying attention.
[Edit]Create a savings plan so you can set monthly goals. - Divide your total vacation cost by the number of months you have. This gives you a basic idea of how much money you and your family need to save each month to reach your goal and cover your entire vacation. Plan some sort of reward or celebration for each monthly goal you hit—it doesn't have to cost money! It can just be something you all enjoy doing.[2]
- For example, suppose you're going on vacation in 7 months, and you've determined your vacation is going to cost $7,000. That means you need to save at least $1,000 a month toward your vacation expenses.
- Take note of expenses that need to be paid before you leave. For example, if you have to pay half the cost of your accommodations at least 30 days before you get there, that money is actually due earlier. Adjust your monthly goals so you can make sure the money will be there when you need it.
- This is a lot easier if you've started planning close to a year before you're going to head out, but even if you've only got a couple of months to save, it's still doable! You might just need to look for more ways to bring in extra money to make it work.
[Edit]Open a dedicated savings account to make saving easier. - Set up an automatic transfer to this account each pay period. Go back through your budget and figure out how much money you can contribute each pay period without getting yourself in trouble. Even if it's only $20, it'll add up over time! An automatic transfer through your bank means you don't even have to think about it—it's already done.[3]
- If you're earning cash for different side projects, get in the habit of making a deposit to your vacation account every week or so.
- Divide the total amount you want to save by the number of weeks you have until your trip to get the amount you need to save per week. You might even make a chart to put on the refrigerator or family bulletin board that shows the amount saved each week and whether you're on track to meet your goal.
[Edit]Adjust your thermostat to save on heating or cooling costs. - Just a few degrees can make a difference in your utility bill. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% per year simply by adjusting your thermostat 7-10 degrees (up in the summer, down in the winter) for 8 hours a day. Make it a habit to adjust the thermostat when everyone's going to be gone, or when you go to bed at night.[4]
- Compare your bill to your bill for the same month last year—you can pocket the difference towards your vacation. For example, if last year's November heating bill was $100 and this year's bill is $90, that's $10 toward your vacation.
[Edit]Clean house and have a yard sale. - Put the money you make towards your trip. This is a twofer: you get rid of clutter and make some money for your family vacation. It's also a great way to get your kids involved and teach them basic business principles, such as how to price goods.[5]
- Check for other yard sales going on in your community. Go to a few before you hold yours to get some pricing ideas. Encourage your kids to compare the prices and condition of items for sale to the stuff you would offer.
- If you have collectibles or media that you're ready to part with, consider taking them to a resell store instead—you'll likely get more than you would at a yard sale. Online platforms, such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace, are good for this too.
- Clothing in good condition might sell at a brick-and-mortar consignment shop—especially designer stuff. You could also use an app, such as LetGo, Poshmark, or ThredUP.
[Edit]Save money by bartering for services. - Talk to your neighbors and friends about skills and services you can trade. Brainstorm a list of things that you're really good at so you have something to offer in return. If you have a group of friends or neighbors, you might even set up a barter circle in which you all contribute.[6]
- For example, you might find out that your neighbor has always changed the oil in his car. He's willing to change your oil too if you're willing to watch his kids for an hour on Friday afternoons. You've just saved yourself the cost of an oil change (minus the cost of the oil itself), money you can put toward your trip.
- You might also offer to teach something in exchange for services. For example, if you're good at math, you might tutor your neighbor's kid in math in exchange for mowing your yard.
- Apps such as NextDoor and Facebook can help connect you with people in your area who are interested in trading services.
[Edit]Do chores yourself instead of hiring someone. - If you can DIY it, you can probably save a little money to put toward your vacation. A lot of the chores you might pay someone else to do for you, such as washing your car, mowing your lawn, or cleaning your house are things you can easily learn to do yourself. Some of these things even make good family projects—get the kids involved![7]
- For example, if you normally get a manicure every 2 weeks, start doing your nails yourself and put the money you'd normally spend on your manicure towards your vacation.
- If you feel a little braver, you might also try your hand at trimming your hair (or your kids' hair)—although it's still probably best to go to a professional for more substantial cuts.
[Edit]Prep meals for the week to cut down on takeout costs. - Takeout won't tempt you if you already have food ready to eat. Plan your meals for the week, then spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon cooking what needs to be cooked. Arrange the food in single-serving containers you can stick in the fridge. Then, you'll always have something to eat when you're too tired or don't have time to cook.[8]
- You might designate one night a week (or every other week) for eating out—no need to completely deprive yourself and your family! The rest of the week, you can eat the food you've already made.
- Get the kids to help you and you can teach them how to cook in the process. Older kids can help with the cooking, while younger kids can help put food in containers.
[Edit]Join your local library for free entertainment. - Take the kids to free storytime and craft days. If you have younger kids, you're in luck, because libraries have tons of events for the little ones. Many libraries also offer digital subscriptions to magazines, audiobooks, ebooks, and more—all for free! Take the money you have budgeted for entertainment and save it for vacation.[9]
- Many libraries also have tools and spaces where you and your kids can create arts and crafts or work on other projects.
- If your library or community center has health and fitness programs available, you might also consider canceling that gym membership.
- Remember to take the money you would've otherwise spent and put it away toward your vacation. Include canceled subscriptions as well! If you cancel a print or digital magazine subscription because you get free access through the library, go ahead and sock that money away.
[Edit]Cancel subscriptions you don't use or can do without. - Since the expense was already budgeted, you can think of it as free money. Go through last month's bank statement and highlight all the subscription fees that came out. Are there any that you never use? Get rid of them and save that money for vacation![10]
- If you already paid for a year's subscription to something but don't use it anymore, they'll usually refund you the balance for the rest of the year when you cancel. Just shuffle that money right over to your vacation fund.
- Likewise, there might be some that you use but don't really need to. For example, if you have subscriptions to several different streaming services, maybe pick the one you like the best and cancel the others. You can always swap them around if you change your mind.
[Edit]Negotiate lower rates for monthly bills. - Call up companies you pay monthly and ask for a better deal. If you've been with the same company for years, chances are they'll cut you a break on your service—all you have to do is ask. It helps if you're a good customer who always pays your bill on time, but even if you've had a couple of late payments, it still doesn't hurt to ask.[11] If they're willing to give you a better rate, you can put the money you save towards your vacation.
- For example, suppose you call your cell phone company and they evaluate your usage and recommend a cheaper plan that better suits you and saves you $50 a month. That's $50 a month that can go straight into your vacation fund.
- You can also try shopping around for lower rates. If your insurance or cell phone company won't work with you, you might be able to get a better rate elsewhere.
- If the idea of negotiating makes you nervous, there are apps, such as Trim, Truebill, and BillShark, that'll do it for you! Read the fine print, though, and choose carefully—many of these services charge up to 50% of the amount they save you, and some require you to buy a subscription.[12]
[Edit]Pay with cash when you go shopping to prevent overspending. - Withdraw the amount you have budgeted to spend and leave your plastic at home. Whether you're buying household essentials or enjoying a night out, swiping a debit or credit card is easy—parting with hard-earned cash is not. Only spending cash also ensures that you don't spend more than you have budgeted, which helps you stay on track.[13]
- Here's how this helps your vacation fund. Say you have $200 a week budgeted for groceries. Before you go to the grocery store, you make a list and pull $200 out of your bank account. When you check out, your total comes to $146.72. There's $53.28 to go toward your vacation fund.
[Edit]Host a neighborhood car wash. - Make it a regular thing to build a steady clientele. If your neighbors know your family is going to be out there washing cars every other weekend, they'll be more likely to come to you than to go to a commercial car wash. Since this project doesn't require much initial investment (just some cleaning supplies), you'll be making money for your trip in no time, and you can get the whole family involved.[14]
- If you live in an apartment building or community, get the landlord's permission to have a car wash in the parking lot.
[Edit]Sell crafts locally or online. - Turn family bonding into vacation dollars with simple craft projects you can sell. If you or your kids like to make things, why not sell them at a craft fair or through an online platform such as Etsy? Starting a small crafts business is also a great way to teach kids the basics of running a business, including how to calculate fair prices for the things you sell.[15]
- These things don't have to be complicated. Does one of your kids like making bracelets? They could easily sell those!
- If you're not particularly crafty, look at Etsy shops for ideas of things you could do or maybe take a class at your local library or community center.
- It's true that you'll spend some money on supplies for this venture, but hopefully you'll sell enough to turn a profit! Keep your craft money separate and use it when your supplies are running low. When it gets close to time for your trip, you can transfer the profits over to your vacation fund.
[Edit]Keep a big jar for spare change. - Encourage everyone to put change in the jar when they come home. This is easy if you set the jar near the front door—whenever anyone comes home, they can simply empty their pockets. While it might not seem like much, it'll add up over time.[16]
- The week before your trip, take the change to your bank and get bills. Split it among family members to use as spending money for souvenirs on the trip.
[Edit]References |
| How to Find the Admin of a Facebook Page Posted: 04 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST Do you need to find the admin of a Facebook page you're not a part of? Admins manage the posts and members of a given Facebook Page. There are times you may want to find and contact the Admin to ask a question, address an issue, or just to know who's behind the page. This wikiHow article will teach you how to find the Admin of a Facebook Page, whether you're a part of the page or not. [Edit]Navigating to a Page - Go to Facebook. On your preferred web browser, type in facebook.com to the top search bar.
- If you are using a mobile device, simply open up the Facebook application on your device.
- Click on the "Pages" tab. This is located in the left menu bar and there is a red flag icon next to the text.
- On your mobile device, tap on the "Menu" icon that looks like three lines located in the bottom right of your screen. From there, tap on the rectangle labeled "Pages."[1]
- Go to a Page. Click on the "Liked Pages" tab in the left menu bar and then click on the title of a Page. If you want to search for a Page instead, click on the search bar up top, type in the name of a Page, and then click on its title within the search results.
- On a mobile device, tap on the "Liked Pages" button at the top of your screen and then tap on the title of a Page. To search for a Page instead, navigate to the "Menu" section, tap on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner, type in the name of a Page, and tap on its title from the search results.[2]
[Edit]Finding the Admin of a Facebook Page - Go to the About section. Once you're on the Facebook Page, click on the "About" tab located in the left menu bar.[3]
- If you're using the mobile app, tap the "About" tab located in the menu bar underneath the header. "About" is directly to the right of "Home."[4]
- Look through the provided information. In this About section, a Page may list various contact and business information such as an email, a website address, the founders of the company, and the business overview.[5] While Facebook does not allow you to see the specific Admin, this About information may help you find out who is behind a Facebook Page. [6]
- Keep in mind that a Page is not obligated to provide all of this information. Therefore, it may be a bit harder to find the Admin if there is less visible information.[7] If this is the case, follow the next step for an alternative method!
- Send a message. Another way to find the Admin is to simply ask them yourself by sending a message through Facebook. To do this, click/tap on the Message button on the Page. This will either appear as a blue button labeled "Send Message," or as a smaller gray button with the Facebook Messenger icon (shaped like a speech bubble). [8]
- On both the website and mobile app, this button will be located directly underneath the Page title.
- Keep in mind that sending a message uses Facebook Messenger, so you will be redirected to the Facebook Messenger app if you are using a mobile phone.
[Edit]Contacting a Facebook Admin - Choose your method of contact. You should first choose one of the contact methods we outlined above. This may be through an email or a Facebook message.
- Type out your message. This should include the overall message, question, or issue you want to raise with the Admin. We recommend keeping it relatively short (a few sentences); you can provide additional information once you hear back from them.
- Send your message. If you are using the email provided in the About section, simply send an email as you normally would. Your subject line can be something such as, "Inquiry." If you are using Facebook Messenger, type out your message into the pop-up chat box at the bottom of the screen and then click the blue airplane icon to send it.
- If you are sending a Facebook Message on your mobile device, you will automatically be redirected to the Facebook Messenger app after tapping on "Send Message." Simply type out your message into the chat box that appears for the Page. Tap on the blue arrow button to send the message.[9]
- Wait for a reply. It may take a little while for the Admin to email or message you back.
- If you are not friends with the Admin on Facebook, keep in mind that they will need to first accept your message request before replying.
- If it's been more than a few days and you still haven't heard back, you can consider sending a follow-up message or friendly reminder.
- Send a message back. Once the Admin gets back to you, consider replying to them. This is also when you can elaborate on your first message to provide more detailed information if wanted.
[Edit]References |
| How to Retire if You Do Not Own a Home Posted: 03 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST Planning for retirement can feel like a balancing act! You have to save for your retirement needs while currently paying expenses like a mortgage or monthly rent. Plus, you'll need to decide what type of housing will suit your retirement lifestyle best. We'll give you suggestions for renting, downsizing, or finding other ways to pay off a mortgage early so you can enjoy peace of mind during your golden years. [Edit]Paying off Your Mortgage - Look for a smaller home to save on your mortgage and utilities. If you currently have more space than you need, ask yourself how much is really necessary. Maybe you're living in a 3-bedroom home and you really only need a 1-bedroom for yourself. If you purchase a smaller place, you'll most likely save money every month on housing.[1]
- Moving to a smaller place can also save you money on heating, cooling, and electricity costs.
- Relocate to a more affordable area. Make your retirement funds go father by reducing your housing costs. After all, your job isn't keeping you in your current city and you might be able to save a lot of money![2]
- Research the state's tax codes when you look at relocating. Some states might have lower taxes or a lower cost of living.
- Refinance your mortgage if you're a homeowner. Consider it if you can get a full percentage point lower than your current rate. Yes, you will have to pay a refinancing fee based on the principal you still owe, but if you get a better rate, you can save thousands in the long run.[3]
- Ensure that your new mortgage terms match the time that's left on your current mortgage. For instance, if you've paid 10 years on a 30-year loan, don't take out a new 30-year loan. Instead, fix the term at 20 years so you don't end up paying more in interest.
- Switch to a short-term loan if you want to pay off a mortgage. You'll have a higher monthly payment, but you can pay off the mortgage faster. Plus, shorter loans usually have better interest rates so you pay less in interest over the life of the loan.[4]
- For instance, instead of paying off a 30-year mortgage, modify your terms so it's a 15-year mortgage.
- Pay down your current debts. It's hard to save for retirement if the interest on loans or credit cards is costing you. Look at your highest interest debts and make a plan to pay these down first or tackle your smaller balances if it motivates you to pay off debt faster.[5]
- Think of paying off debt as a form of investing. If you've paid off $1,000 that was financed at 16% interest, you're getting a 16% return on that money.
- Make additional mortgage payments to quickly pay off your mortgage. Extra payments toward principal will save you money on interest. They don't have to be huge payments either! Even paying an extra $50 a month could save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your mortgage. Look at your monthly expenses and find ways to cut back on spending.[6]
- You might negotiate a lower cable bill or drop streaming services that you no longer use, for instance.
[Edit]Renting a Home - Weigh the personal pros and cons of renting versus buying. You might find that renting is cheaper than maintaining and owning a home, or you might realize that paying off your home early is a better fit for you. Don't forget to take your emotional needs into account—where will you feel happiest? Is it important for you to own property?[7]
- If you want flexibility in retirement, especially to travel, renting is probably a great option.
- However, if it's really important to you that you have a home to leave for your family, then it makes sense to explore options like refinancing, paying your mortgage off early, or looking for a home in a more affordable area.
- Find a roommate to split the cost of rent. This is a great option if you have friends who are looking for accommodations. Being able to split the rent payment as well as utilities can really help you save for retirement or stretch your retirement dollars even further.[8]
- Try to get a roommate that you get along with. This makes for the easiest living situation for everyone!
- Prepare for paying rent in retirement. Anticipate inflation and ensure that you put aside enough to cover rent.[9] Although there's no way of knowing what inflation will be when you retire, you can probably bet that inflation will make rent more costly. In the U.S. inflation usually fluctuates between 0% and 6%. You can search for the current inflation rate and use that in your savings calculator when you figure out how much monthly rent payments will cost.[10]
- For example, if your rent currently costs $1,500 a month and you plan to retire in a few years when you don't think inflation will be too high, you might calculate it at 3%. This gives you a monthly retirement rent payment of $1,700.
- Consider moving in with family to save on housing. Talk with family members so everyone's on the same page. Discuss whether you'll contribute to their housing costs and where you'll stay. You may be able to live in your own part of their home, or you may have a single bedroom. Either way, living with family is a great way to save for retirement or to help your retirement money last longer.[11]
- Plus, you'll have the comfort of knowing that your family is close by.
- Invest the money you're saving on housing. Fund your savings account or add to your 401(k).[12] If you're saving money by renting, put the extra money into your retirement savings. The earlier you do this, the better since your savings will accumulate interest that compounds.[13]
- For example, you might tell yourself that you have to save $250 a month toward retirement. Treat this like any other monthly expense and try to save more if you have extra income for one month.[14]
[Edit]References |
| How to Harvest Leeks Posted: 03 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST So you planted some delicious leeks in your garden and are excited to cook with them, but how can you tell when they're ready to use? Luckily, there are a few sure signs to look for around harvest time. We know you have a few questions about digging up and storing your leeks, so just keep reading for all the answers you need! [Edit]What do leeks look like when they're ready to harvest? - The top leaves will have a dark-blue color. Check the leafy growth at the top of the leek stalk to see if it has a darker color. If the leaves still look light green, then your leeks are still growing, so just leave them in the ground.[1]
- The white stalk should feel firm and be tall. The edible part of a leek is the white part of the stalk near the bottom. Squeeze the stalk to check that it feels firm rather than mushy. Once the white section grows up from the ground, you're ready to harvest your leeks![2]
- Leek stalks should be at least in diameter. That's about the same size as a quarter. Check your leeks near the end of their growing season to see if they're the right size. If your leeks are any smaller, let them fill in before you start your harvest.[3]
- It's okay for your leeks to grow larger than in diameter if you want larger plants.
[Edit]When are leeks ready to harvest? - Leeks take around 70–120 days to fully mature for harvest. Harvest times all depend on the variety of leek you're growing. Early season varieties like Varna, King Richard, Columbus, and Rival may only take around 70–80 days. Late season leeks, like Otina, Titan, 'Durabel', and Bandit, may take up to 4 months before they're ready.[4]
- Mid-season varieties take around 90–100 days before harvest, and include Dawn Giant, Jolant, Lancelot, and Splendid.
[Edit]How do you pull leeks out of the ground? - Dig around the leek with a trowel to loosen the soil. Push your trowel into the soil a few inches out from your leek stalk, and break apart the soil. Work the trowel around the leek in a circle until you can easily move and pull the leek out.[5]
- Twist and pull the leek out of the soil. Firmly grab the base of the leek and give it a slight twist to get the roots out of the ground. You should be able to easily lift the leek straight out of the soil after that. If you can't, loosen the soil with your trowel a little bit more.[6]
- Trim the roots and any dead leaves right away. If there are any yellow or wilted leaves on the leek, simply pull them off by hand. Be sure to leave the healthy leaves attached to the stalk for now. Then, use a pair of garden scissors or a knife to cut the roots off at the base of the leek stalk.[7]
[Edit]How long can leeks be left in the ground? - You can leave leeks in the ground until you're ready to use them. Leeks keep growing if you leave them alone, so don't rush to harvest them all right away. When you want to use leeks in your recipe, just dig up as much as you need and leave the rest in your garden. They can even survive when the temperatures drop and there's frost on the ground.[8]
- Leeks will not survive in the ground if temperatures drop below .[9]
[Edit]How do you prepare leeks for storage? - Wrap leeks in plastic wrap before putting them in your fridge. Leeks may give off an odor that other foods in your fridge might absorb. Leave your leeks whole until you're ready to cook them. Put a layer of plastic wrap around the entire leek stalk to keep odors locked away. You can keep fresh leeks in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.[10]
- Cut and clean the leeks before cooking them. Some soil can easily get caught between the leaves of leeks, so always wash them. Slice the whole leek lengthwise and separate the layers of leaves. Rinse the leaves underneath cool running water to remove any leftover dirt.[11]
[Edit]How do you store leeks in the freezer? - Clean and trim your leeks first. Start by making a vertical slit down the length of the entire stalk. Trim off the dark green leaves on top and get rid of them since they aren't edible. Peel all the outer layers on the remaining part of the stalk until you reach the tender parts underneath. From there, you can chop the leeks to whatever size you want before rinsing them in cold water.[12]
- Blanch your leeks in boiling water to preserve their flavor. Blanching can help your leeks maintain their texture and flavor for longer. Fill a pot with some water and bring it to a boil. Toss in your leeks and let them boil for 2–3 minutes before taking them out to cool and patting them dry with a towel.[13]
- Keep leeks frozen in airtight containers. Scoop your leeks into freezer-safe bags or containers so there's about of space left on top. Label the bags with the date so you can track how long you've had them. Keep your leeks in the freezer until you're ready to use them.[14]
- Frozen vegetables usually last about 1 year before they start losing flavor.[15]
- Leeks may develop a mushy texture of bitter flavor after they've been frozen.[16]
[Edit]How do you store leeks long term? - Leave leeks in the ground with mulch to preserve them through mild winters. Since leaks will go bad more quickly after harvesting them, leave them in the ground if you can. When colder weather starts coming in, build a hill around the leek stalk with soil and mulch to protect it. Many leeks are safe in temperatures as low as .[17]
- Be sure to harvest leeks if the soil is about to freeze solid.
- Dry chopped leeks to use in soups and sauces. Dried leeks retain their flavor and nutrients the best long-term. If you want to have dried leeks to sprinkle onto your recipes, wash and cut your leeks into slices. Place them on a tray in a single layer and put them in your oven at until they're crisp.[18]
- Always trim and rinse leeks before you use them because soil could easily be trapped in between the leaves.[19]
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using any leeks that have dry or discolored leaves since those could be signs of disease or damage.[20]
[Edit]References |
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