Renting out property can be a lucrative venture, but it also opens up property owners to a host of vulnerabilities. Consider the following preventative measures to ensure your personal assets are kept safe regardless of what might come your way within your role as landlord.

Consider Property Management

Many landlords look to save money and handle the management of their own properties, but this can be a mistake for those looking to minimize liability. There are a host of ordinances and laws you’ll need to stay updated on, including local, state, and federal rules regarding the legalities of every facet of your “landlording” responsibilities. If that sounds like too heavy of a burden, it’s not a bad idea to consider property management. Skilled professionals will be versed on all the ins and outs, minimizing the risk of a consequential mistake.

Understanding Your Taxes

I wish I could say ignorance was an accepted excuse for the IRS, but unfortunately it’s not. Your duties as landlord extend into the confusing world of taxes, and without extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of tax filing in regards to property ownership and leasing, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Make sure you’re versed in local, state, and federal tax laws regarding rentals. If you don’t think you’ve crossed all of your T’s and dotted all of your I’s, I highly recommend looking into hiring professional tax help, at least until you understand all the various facets that come along with your venture.

The Insurance Issues

Few things are as important when starting out on a rental property venture as securing the right insurance. The list of things that can go wrong is long, so it’s essential that you have the fullest coverage possible to protect yourself in case of emergency. Don’t settle on the cheapest insurance; most companies won’t offer coverage for disastrous events you might think would be included automatically, including floods, terrorist events, and other disasters. Spending a few hundred more throughout the year can save you thousands, so it’s a worthy investment. Many landlords are also encouraging or requiring their renters to purchase supplemental renter’s insurance for an added cushion of coverage.

A Steady Investment

A rental business doesn’t mean immediate profits; the only way to properly protect your investment is to continue to throw money into the gamut. From property taxes to utility bills, maintenance concerns to vacancies, a rental business can paradoxically serve as a money suck and great source of income simultaneously. Be prepared to part with a small fortune to make one in return.

Placing the Perfect Tenant

Everyone’s heard the outlandish stories, but nightmare tenants plague landlords with a host of stresses that can often turn into legal issues. Always be sure to perform detailed background checks with a company like MySmartMove. In this day and age, a good credit score doesn’t mean someone will be a great tenant, and a poor credit score doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be a bad tenant. That’s why it’s important to use a service that will give you more information, like an eviction and criminal history. Leave no stone unturned when selecting a tenant. Skipping this step is a surefire way to open yourself up to legal issues, and courts usually side with tenants in case of rental property disputes—unfortunate, but true.

Separating Your Personal Assets

Instead of claiming the rental property or properties under their name, more and more landlords are choosing to file a separate LLC for their rentals. This is a good choice for several reasons. This legal step separates the remainder of your personal assets from your property, meaning if a suit were to occur, your personal belongings and personal home would be safe from legal action in most cases. Not only can you safeguard the rest of your assets, but you will also find filing as an LLC provides you with a host of tax benefits simply based on your property business’s title. Be aware that filing as an LLC doesn’t automatically protect you from all legal issues, and depending on where you live, might cost you a pretty penny.

While renting our personal property can seem like an easy source of income, be prepared for the liabilities that come along with this venture. Whether you’re about to purchase a property for rental purposes or you are a seasoned landlord, these tips and guidelines will help keep you and your family safe.

We’re in the thick of tax season, and most military personnel and their families must file their taxes before the April 18^th cutoff. In contrast to the majority of U.S. citizens, service members are eligible for a variety of military-specific tax breaks and deductions. While nothing can pay back the time and effort these wonderful individuals deserve for defending our country, there are many tax provisions available for our servicemen and women and their families to take advantage of. If you’re personally handling your taxes this year and are in the service, these are the tax tips you need to know before you file.

Hire a Professional

While many wonderful tax companies offer free filing services for military members, sometimes more detailed and intensive help is required. If you’re concerned about missing out on lucrative exemptions or your filing will be more difficult this year, consider using the help of a tax professional from a company like Community Tax. A well-versed finance expert will be knowledgeable with the tax rules specifically regarding the military community, and help you save more money than you might have trying to file on your own, along with helping keep you out of hot water with the IRS.

Is Combat Pay Considered Income?

When filing, remember that any payment received from time in combat need not be included in your taxable income. However, it can be claimed on your EITC—that’s Earned Income Tax Credit—filings. This can help in situations where you would have claimed no earned income, which would disqualify you from receiving an EITC refund. This is definitely an all or nothing situation, however. You must either report all of your combat income earnings, or none at all—there are no in-betweens. The Earned Income Tax Credit can provide a hefty sum of tax credit, ranging from $450 to $5,000 for qualified individuals so it’s definitely a worthy route to consider. Other qualification considerations: the taxpayer must fall between the ages of 25 and 65 years old, and make less than $3,150 in investment income.

A Reduced Interest Rate

If you entered the service with pre-existing debt, the government gives you a break on the hefty interest charges that can come along with paying back a longstanding bill. Instead of continuously appreciating, the IRS has to cap the interest rate they charge at six percent. There are caveats to this deal, however; you will only qualify if your military service provably hinders your ability to pay, and only applies while you are still a member of the military.

The Various Deductions

There are a host of deductions available to military members, and missing out on these can mean missing out on a fortune in savings. Failing to claim all of your qualifying deductions can result in a smaller refund, or even see you having to pay more when tax season rolls around. Moving expenses due to relocation efforts from the military are tax deductible and transportation fees due to Federal Reserve and Federal Guard duties are also deductible depending on the distance traveled and the lodging required. Even military uniforms can be applicable for a tax reductions, so long as they’re articles of clothing you’re prohibited from wearing when not on duty. There are reductions available even after you’ve left active service, like job hunting expenses including travel, resume preparation fees, and any agency fees that you may have to cover while searching.

Are the Deadlines Different?

While the majority of military families are required to file before the April 18^th deadline this year, those serving in combat zones are automatically given a 180-day extension to file their taxes. Keep in mind however that the deadlines for both Medicare and Social Security are exempt from this rule, so you’ll need to remain updated on those two facets of the tax process.

While many of these deductions and tax breaks require a bit of digging to discover, taking the time to find them yourself or investing the money in a professional tax preparer is often well worth the investment. If you’re a military member and looking to reduce your tax debt this year, consider these wonderful tips and make filing easier—and more profitable—than ever.

Architect Louis Kahn, a man who is perhaps most associated with “International Style” – an architectural movement concerned most with form and style – recognized that light was not some secondary element in the grand scheme of architecture, but was in fact vital in its capacity to shape experience and direct activity. “We are born of light,” he once said. “The seasons are felt through light. We only know the world as it is evoked by light.”

Human kind has been fascinated by light since our first vision of the sun, and though it set every day, there was a desire to keep its warmth and light burning long after it had disappeared beyond the horizon. It is believed that our first instance with lighting design was one of happenstance. A lighting bolt is said to have probably hit a tree whose dry branches burst into flame and were carried away by humans enamored by its bright light, much like a moth to the flame.

 The Torch & Ancient Rome

Through trial and error, our ancestors learned how to start and build up a fire using grass and weeds for kindling andnimal fat for “lighter fluid.” Though rudimentary by today’s standards, communal fire pits protected our ancestors from predators at nightfall, and later helped them to communicate with each other through smoke signals.

The Ancient Romans redesigned this lighting system using fire pits as a source of warmth, and created the torch, the world’s first flashlight. Using a long, rod-like piece of wood (so as not to burn themselves) with a flammable rag wrapped around the end, the Romans would set the torch in a sconce, a functional bracket that was affixed to both the interior and exterior walls of the home. This provided light in the house and in the streets, revolutionizing the ways in which humankind moved throughout their living quarters and in the streets. No longer restricted by the night sky, the Romans were able to move about freely, no matter the hour. We still see the torch today, used to light outdoor barbeque and picnic areas for social gatherings.

Luminaries and the Medieval World

With time, lighting came to mean more to people by its design than its function. People began to recognize that light could be displayed in a number of ways, and its beauty could transform space and heighten social rankings. At the height of the Renaissance, we begin to see large, pounded gold chandeliers in the homes of nobles and the rising merchant class. Inspired by the Greek and Roman art, metal workers and glass blowers designed the chandeliers with Neoclassical etchings referencing mythological stories of comedy, adventure and tragedy. To own such a chandelier wasn’t just to denote your social status, but it was also used to show your guests your knowledge of the ancient texts, rituals and stories, making it appear that you were as highly educated as you were wealthy.

The Brilliance of the Gas Light

Using a specially mixed fuel set to flame, the gas light burst onto the scene in the 19^th century. The most popular lighting method before the invention of the electric light bulb, the gas light was used for home lighting and on urban and rural streets. For the first time, people could control the brightness of the light in their homes by mixing high and low levels of chemicals as opposed to extinguishing an open flame; imagine—alchemy as yesterday’s dimmer switch!

The gaslight was used in stores, restaurants, cafes and factories providing longer business hours for patrons and customers while extending shifts for factory workers – all of which led to increased production and commercialization in the West.

Electricity: Industry in Review

Thanks to the industrious efforts of Thomas Edison, the world was introduced to the electric light bulb. Electricity proved to be less expensive and more user-friendly, and thus during the 20^th century, electricity was available in every nuclear American family’s home nationwide, and lighting design once again was making an impact in interior design, with brands like Feiss, Artemide and Flos lighting. With their architectural running magnet runners and pendant lamps, design lighting revolutionized the way space was used in the home, and transformed the way the public looked at light; it wasn’t just an energy source, it was, and is, a way of life.

As king of your own domain, you have decorating and design needs that need to be met in order to ensure your home reflects your personal style. Designing a masculine bathroom by combining form and function with thoughtful amenities will create a man-friendly space that reflects your design aesthetic.

When designing your personal retreat, pay attention to the details that will blend in with your home’s architecture and home decor, while adding your own signature.

Conservative Colors or Vibrant Hues?

It is important to understand your own style. Are you modern and sophisticated, traditional and conservative, laid back and casual, or quirky and eclectic? Once you narrow down your likes and dislikes you can begin choosing a palette that matches your vision. Understated neutrals work best for a conservative look, shades of black, silver and grey scream urban, brown, green and red are laid back tones, and hot lime and tangerine add an eclectic feel.

Image Courtesy of flickr.com

Color isn’t just for walls and flooring – modern stone tile, quartz, marble and granite are available in a wide array of colors and patterns to match any home decor. While brown tiles are the standard masculine fall-back, go daring with unusual color combinations that combine coordinating tonal flourishes. Look for dark, saturated, moody hues for a men’s lounge appeal, or opt for a high-gloss white aesthetic to move it into spa territory.

Beyond Basic Amenities

While a toilet and vanity are obvious musts, there are many luxurious amenities you may want to include. For example, why install a standard toilet when you can opt for a more European-inspired bidet? In the bathtub vs. shower debate, why not both? The latest bathroom design trends lean toward a non-fussy bathtub design that pairs beautifully with angular bathroom fixtures like the Caso in-wall designer bathroom faucet in polished chrome by Maestro Bath.

Image Courtesy of homedit.com

When selecting your vanity, keep two things in mind: vanity height and storage. Your vanity needs to not only provide ample storage, but also be installed at a level comfortable for your height. If you are especially tall, look for vanities specifically design to accommodate taller people. Committing to a cohesive design theme will make creating your perfect bathroom a lot easier. Modern trends in masculine bathroom home decor include:

Woodsy – Adding the unexpected ruggedness and texture of rustic, unpainted planks and raw paneling on your walls, ceiling, floor and vanity add warmth and a cozy feel.

Subway Appeal – The traditional subway tile aesthetic is a classic touch for a masculine bath. Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, from pristine white to metallic jewel tones, they add strong, clean lines. Your choice of grout color can create more even more drama – consider a dark grey grout with ivory tiles for a Paris
Metro station feel.

Mixed Metals – The combination of brass, iron, steel and bronze infuses your space with a decidedly masculine raw industrial quality. Iron light fixtures, an aged steel vanity and un-lacquered brushed brass plumbing fixtures all play well together, and provide a look that is anything but delicate.

Hint of History – By incorporating antiques or classic retro accents into your home decor, you’ll add a patina of age and history to your room. Antique, heavily-framed mirrors, vintage sconces and aged tapestries and upholstery add a cohesive, timeless elegance to your bath, which works especially well with claw-footed tubs and details such as vintage shaving accessories.

When designing your masculine bath, keep it simple for high impact, but make sure to emphasize a variety of textures, uncommon finishes, and unexpected details to inject your personal character.

As your children grow, their tastes and interests also develop. While most of us can’t afford to cater to our child’s every whim, parents want to give their children a space to play, to feel comfortable and happy, and where their imaginations will be inspired. If you’re wanting to revamp your child’s room, but worry about the expense, there are plenty of ways to make your ideas come to life without killing your budget. Upcycling, clearance racks, and store credit cards that let you pay over time are just some of the ways to keep your playroom ideas affordable.

Upcycle From Around Your Home

Sometimes, all it takes are a few little additions to change the entire look and feel of a room. These additions do not have to be brand new, however. Take a look around your home, particularly in storage areas such as garages and attics. What have you been keeping that has never gone to good use?

Unused picture frames, for example, are an excellent redecorating project that you can do with your child. You can frame their artwork, or have them spend a day creating new artwork for you to frame. If you don’t already have the frames, there are plenty available around you. Just try your local thrift store.

Upcycling is a fun way to make your projects more interesting and unique than mass-produced options. You can also easily add splashes of color with some child-safe paint from your local crafts store; just take those frames outside, coat them well with your child’s favorite color, let them dry, and then fill them with whatever pictures your child enjoys or has created. Soon, their room could become a veritable modern, environmentally friendly art museum.

Shop Smarter

If you don’t have much to offer at home, however, you don’t have to spend a lot on new stuff.

Look for Clearance Racks and Discount Shops

All shoppers and craftspeople love clearance racks and, as with any other project, they can become your best friend. It may take some time, but you can find amazing treasures in the clearance aisles of home decor shops, department stores, and craft stores, and, of course, there is always the thrift store.

You never know what you may find; from shadow boxes and other storage containers, to sheets, lamps, and frames, you can take these discoveries and easily turn them into something creative and colorful. All you need are a few crafting essentials that you probably already have in your home, and some helpful instructions from Pinterest. Clearances can also be great if you need to restock your materials; craft stores have sales and clearances on all your DIY needs, too. Those stores may also have affordable details such as buttons, toys, and other applique to help your project. However, in your search, you may also discover a gem that doesn’t need any work at all. That’s the beauty of clearance racks.

Save Money on Purchases

If your project is bigger than merely adding bits and pieces to spice up the room and requires more time, effort, and money than small DIY plans, store credit cards are also an option. It is always advisable to be cautious when applying for a card. Choose a card carefully at a store from which you are certain you can get everything you need.

Most cards offer something to entice the applicant, so be sure that those offers contain something useful to you, whether it’s the amount of points you get by spending a certain amount immediately, the benefits of using the card regularly over time, or a special deal on the interest and annual fee. If you have significant changes in mind for your child’s room, paying off the expenses with the help of a store card is a viable method to help you carry out your plans in an affordable way.

Whether your child is a baby or a teenager, you can find a multitude of ways to creatively revamp her or his room, and do so without breaking the bank. Thanks to the Internet, access to information on DIY projects is easier than ever, encouraging greater creativity and upcycling. This also means more people are aware of better, affordable ways to make their ideas come to life.

Your children can inspire you and help you create as you look for useful objects at home, or shop the clearance aisles and thrift stores. Whether you collect and design yourself, or purchase with the help of a store credit card, there are plenty of ways to afford redecorating your kids’ room.

Advances in the science of neurology are confirming what educators have long suspected, that reading to young children causes changes in the brain that enhance verbal and visual comprehension and skill. Children exposed to books before kindergarten have measurable brain growth in key areas that help the brain process verbal and written information and set the stage for advanced learning later on.

A particular study conducted on children between the ages of three and five surveyed the home life of these children and how often and in what manner they were exposed to books and reading. The study investigated such variables as how often parents read to their children, how many books were in the home, and what other forms of parental instruction and interaction was taking place. Then, the children were placed in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) device while they listened to stories through headphones. The results showed that children who came from households with more books and reading involvement showed more activity in the parts of the brain associated with verbal reasoning and the processing of the meaning of language. More neural activity also occurred in the parts of the brain that process visual imagery, proving that imagination and visualization are key components of reading comprehension and the understanding of stories.

Books Are Tools With Many Uses

Reading to children has many other benefits besides just brain growth. Reading to preschoolers is an interactive activity, as the youngsters ask questions and point to the pictures and try to pronounce words. This allows parents and their kids to build strong bonds of trust and communication, and that leads to stronger social skills and less anxiety when children start school. Books also teach kids to process information in a standard way, such as knowing that text flows from left to right and that pictures are different than text. Reading develops other skills that apply to other forms of learning, such as logical thinking, cause and effect, and judgment.

Stories convey cultural information that your child needs to navigate the world outside the home. Kids learn about proper social interactions and common problems and fears and how to deal with them by reading stories from books. This instruction can take place first in the comfort of the home with an adult who keeps the child feeling safe while these ideas and experiences are explored for the first time. Reading is powerful, so make it a regular habit in your household and your child will be well prepared to do well in school and in the world.