Mommy Has to Work

The Hidden Costs of Car Accidents You’re Not Prepared For

March 14, 2025 By Anne

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

Being in a collision on the road is one of the most traumatic things that can happen to a person, and it can take years to get over something like this. There are also hidden costs of car accidents that can make the ordeal even worse. So, here are some you need to watch out for.

Legal Costs and Compensation

There are obvious costs, such as car repairs and medical bills after a crash. But many people don’t realize there are much further implications. Insurance companies will always try to settle for much less than a victim deserves, and this may not be enough to cover legal costs, loss of earnings, or even therapy. So, it is in your best interest to consult with a lawyer for a car wreck incident to highlight hidden costs, avoid financial pitfalls, and ensure you’re well compensated.

The Emotional Impact

A good lawyer can help you deal with the legal and financial compensation side of things after a crash. But as excellent as some lawyers are, they can’t provide emotional support. The emotional impact of a road accident can take years to get over and include trauma and PTSD. But there are also likely to be psychological injuries that can last a lifetime. This can result in poor relationships, increased stress and anxiety, and even a phobia related to roads or cars.

Professional Costs of Car Accidents

We are always looking for ways to increase earning potential, but time off work is a common result of a car accident. Common car injuries such as whiplash can take up to 6 weeks to fully heal, and that can result in a lot of lost money. A good lawyer can work to get compensation, but that can take a while. When you are unable to work, you cannot provide for your family or even pay basic bills if you live paycheck to paycheck, only adding to the stress of the overall ordeal.

Increased Insurance Premiums

Insurance rates increase all the time, and there are specific things that impact them. Fraud is one, but the increase in road incidents is another. However, if you are directly involved in an incident and must make a claim, it is highly likely your insurance premiums will increase even though you did nothing wrong. So, be aware of this when renewing your vehicle’s policy. Of course, you can switch insurance providers or even haggle with the insurance sales rep.

Dramatically Lower Vehicle Value

A car begins to lose value the second it is driven off the lot. However, you can usually get some good money for a vehicle that has been looked after. But this doesn’t really apply to a car that has undergone extensive repairs. Even after the repairs and no matter how great the car looks, a history of one or more accidents greatly adds to the depreciation of a vehicle’s value. So, when selling your car after an incident, be prepared to accept less than you were expecting.

Summary

Legal expenses are one of the most shocking and hidden costs of car accidents that most people don’t expect. However, you can also continue to lose money after being injured and unable to work. Your car’s value will also dramatically decrease after undergoing repairs.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

3 Tips for Starting a Family Emergency Fund

March 6, 2025 By Anne

Image by Kevin Schneider from Pixabay

Starting an emergency fund for your family is definitely something that you need to do. Emergencies can happen at any time and you need to be prepared for them.

However, starting an emergency fund can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get started with your fund very quickly.

Determine How Much You Need

A good emergency fund should cover at least three to six months worth of your expenses. You should start by calculating your monthly cost of living, including random mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation as well as your insurance.

If your income is unpredictable or if you have dependents you should aim even higher than this range. This will give you greater stability.

Set a Realistic Savings Goal

Once you know how much you need it’s a good idea to break it up into smaller manageable goals. If saving six months worth of expenses seems impossible for you, start with one month’s worth.

You can then work your way into more. Even saving a few hundred dollars a month can help with your emergency fund. This way you will always make consistent progress instead of trying to focus on the total amount all at once. This can make it overwhelming and you may become discouraged.

Look for Ways to Cut Spending

You should always be looking for areas where you can cut back on spending. Simple changes, such as eating out less can make a big difference. Additionally, consider cancelling your subscriptions or shopping for better insurance.

All of this can give you extra cash that you can use towards your emergency fund.

You should place wind falls, your tax refunds or even bonuses towards your emergency funds as well. If your family or friends give you cash gifts you can also add it to there as well to accelerate your savings.

Earn Extra Income to Boost Your Fund

If saving from your current income seems to be challenging you should try other things to bring extra money. Try selling unused items or taking on freelance work.

You can use cash back apps because these can help you to reach your goals a lot easier. You may even want to consider exploring affiliate marketing opportunities, such as joining the top payday loan affiliate program to generate some passive income for your fund.

Open a Dedicated Savings Account

Keep your emergency fund separate from your regular checking account. It is going to reduce the temptation to spend when you don’t have urgent expenses.

Try a high yield savings account because it is a good option and allows your money to grow while remaining accessible in an emergency. Try to avoid accounts that have fees because they can eat into your savings.

Consider setting up automatic transfers to your emergency fund. This ensures that you always stay on track. If you receive an irregular income then you should consider saving a percentage of each payment instead of a fixed amount.

A solid emergency fund is possible but you definitely have to be strategic about saving for it.

Anne

5 Ways to Get Into a Healthy Sleep Routine

February 25, 2025 By Anne

As a mom, you know all too well how important a good night of sleep is. And it’s not just about the kids either. Everyone goes through a bad night of sleep every now and then, but when it happens more often than not, it can quickly take a toll on your physical and mental well being. Whether you’re losing sleep because of a big work deadline coming up or you’re studying hard for a big exam, getting yourself into a healthy sleep routine is a must. So, let’s look at the best ways of achieving that.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sleeping-on-mattress-covered-with-blanket-371109/

Go to bed at the same time each night

While there’s nothing wrong with a late night every now and then, it’s important to go to bed at the same time each night. The human body likes routine, and if you’re not settling down to go to sleep at the same time each night, it throws your circadian rhythm out. When that happens, you might find it harder to fall and stay asleep, grogginess during the day, and even some health issues. Choose a time that works well for your routine but still allows you to get the recommended amount of sleep.

Get into a relaxing routine

It’s all well and good telling you to go to bed at the same time each night, but you also need to be relaxed too. Getting into a relaxing routine will also let your brain know that it’s time to start winding down ready for sleep. Doing relaxing things like taking a warm bath or reading a book are a great way of relaxing. However, everyone is different, so it might take some time before you find what works for you. You might find that writing in your journal and then taking sleeping gummies from My Pain Center work best for you.

Make sure your sleep environment is clean and comfortable

If the environment you’re sleeping in isn’t clean and comfortable, you’re not going to be able to properly relax. Make sure you’re in a dark space with a comfortable mattress, pillow and comforter. You might find that adding a white noise machine into the mix gives you the optimal sleeping conditions. Again it might be trial and error, but it’s worth trying out for a good night of rest.

Go outside

No, we don’t mean heading outside at bed time. We mean make sure you get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day. Remember we mentioned circadian rhythm earlier? Sunlight helps to regulate it, and the fresh air won’t do you any harm either.

Turn off screens

Finally, we’ve all found ourselves falling asleep to the TV before, but it’s not the best way to fall asleep. In fact, any screen should be a no-no at least an hour before bed. The blue light from screens can make it much harder to fall into a restful sleep. Try listening to music or reading to help wind down before drifting off.

Anne

Harlem Globetrotters – Family Fun!

February 17, 2025 By Anne

We had the opportunity to go see the The Harlem Globetrotters a few weeks ago. We traveled down to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL. The Stephen C. O’Connell Center was a perfect venue, small and cozy for lots of family fun.

The globetrotters did not disappoint. There was plenty of live action and comedy. Silliness and audience participation were also included.

I took my 17-year-old daughter. We had fun but this would have been more suited to younger children. However, we still had lots of laughs!

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Anne

Unlocking the Secrets to Successfully Owning a Property

February 16, 2025 By Anne

Owning property is often seen as a significant milestone; it’s a sign of financial stability and personal success, as well as a secure future. However, navigating the path to successful property ownership can be complicated. With careful planning and the right approach, you can unlock the secrets to turning this dream into a reality.

Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-holding-miniature-wooden-house-7579132/

Start with a Clear Financial Picture

Before diving into property searches, it is important to have a clear understanding of your current finances. Create a budget that outlines all of your income, expenses, and potential costs, such as down payments, closing fees, and any ongoing maintenance expenses. Establish a solid financial foundation to help you determine a realistic price range and prevent unexpected strains in the future.

Research the Market Thoroughly

Real estate markets can vary greatly from one location to another. Spend time researching different neighborhoods, property types, and current market trends. Consider factors such as property values, local schools, future development plans in the area, and community amenities. Paying attention to these details ensures that you make a well-informed decision that aligns with both your lifestyle and future finances.

Work with Professionals

Navigating property ownership is much easier when you have the guidance of professionals. Real estate agents, legal advisors, and mortgage brokers can provide you with the experience and knowledge to help you make the right decisions. Their insights can help you negotiate better prices, understand complex contracts, and avoid potential pitfalls. Becoming a property owner is tied to your knowledge and finances, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice.

Understand the Importance of Legal Documents

Legal documents are crucial in any property transaction. Among these, one tool that can be particularly beneficial in some situations is a quitclaim deed. Unlike traditional deeds, a quitclaim deed is a legal tool used to transfer interest in a property without guaranteeing that the grantor holds a valid title. It’s often used among family members or in situations where trust is established, such as during divorces or transfers within a business. The key here is that this process can be quicker and less expensive, providing a simplified option for property transfers.

The Benefits of Using a Quit Claim Deed

A quit claim deed can streamline your transfer process, which means that when the property’s history is well-known by both parties, it can be beneficial to use this option. If you’re transferring ownership between family members, this deed can help bypass some of the more cumbersome procedures needed for a traditional transaction. However, it’s essential to consult with a legal advisor regarding a quitclaim deed to ensure it is the right tool for your specific situation, as it does not provide any warranties regarding the title’s validity.

Plan for the Future

Successful property ownership goes beyond just buying the property. You also need to consider the long term, such as potential renovations, possible resale of the property, and property appreciation. Creating a plan for ongoing maintenance and updates can also help maintain the property’s value, ensuring it continues to meet your needs over time. By following these tips, you should be able to make informed decisions and successfully work your way toward property ownership. Embark on your journey today with confidence, armed with the knowledge that you need to transform your dreams into reality.