Finance

Homesteading has come a long way from traditional methods, and technology is playing a huge role in shaping the future of self-sufficiency. From smarter farming tools to energy-efficient solutions, tech is making it easier than ever to live off the land. Ready to take your homestead to the next level? Here are 9 game-changing tech trends every homesteader should know to boost efficiency, sustainability, and success. 1. Drones Redefining Urban Homesteading Forget the rural-only homesteading model. Drones are revolutionizing urban agriculture by managing vertical farms within cityscapes. With AI and IoT sensors, drones help startups like Plenty produce 350x more crops per square foot than traditional farming. The result? A new frontier in hyper-local food production, turning

Hosting an epic backyard party on a budget takes a bit of creativity and strategic planning, but it's entirely possible without sacrificing any fun. By focusing on simple yet impactful elements like DIY decorations, affordable food options, and engaging activities, you can create a memorable experience for your guests. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, graduation, or just a summer evening, it is important to prioritize what matters most: good company, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. Here's how to do it: 1. Set a Budget and Stick to It First, you're going to want to set up a realistic budget that covers all aspects of your party, including the food, decorations, and fun activities for your guests.

Buying your first home with a mortgage is a major milestone—but taking on a second one is a whole different challenge. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or investing, managing two mortgages at once can be both exciting and financially tricky. While a second mortgage offers advantages, it also comes with risks that could strain your budget. Before diving in, here’s what you need to know to make a smart and stress-free decision. The Double Mortgage Dilemma—Why It’s a Big Decision A second mortgage isn’t just another bill—it’s a high-stakes financial move. Whether you’re buying before selling, investing in a second home, or leveraging home equity, the risks can be steep. Carrying two mortgages means double the financial responsibility,

A million-dollar home might sound luxurious and fancy, but a million dollars can buy you something vastly different depending on your country. From gorgeous condos in Japan to trendy beachfront apartments in Brazil, this is what one million dollars in real estate can get you in nine different countries. 1. South Africa In South Africa, a million dollars could buy you a luxurious house in Capetown, a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast. You could afford a 10,000-square-foot, five-bedroom mountainside home with features such as a bar or a private pool for this price. 2. United States You could afford an apartment in Manhattan, New York City, with one million dollars. These modern apartments are stylish, with easy

1. Turn a Narrow Entryway into a Storage Dream Is your entryway cramped? The IKEA BRIMNES wardrobe is a budget-friendly alternative to the PAX system and fits perfectly into tight spaces. Give it a built-in look with some paint, and add baskets inside for extra storage. Now your entryway has a sleek, organized atmosphere, all without splurging. 2. DIY Textured Cushion with an IKEA SORTSO Rug If you want an expensive-looking cushion without sewing a single stitch, this one's for you. Grab an IKEA SORTSO rug, some hot glue designed for fabric, and fiberfill stuffing. Simply fold the rug, glue the sides, stuff it, and seal the last edge. Now you have a chic, textured cushion that instantly

Mice are some of the most persistent and unwanted guests in homes and gardens. They can get in almost anywhere by squeezing through cracks or nibbling their way in. Luckily, you can try a few simple tricks to keep these pesky rodents out of your home and garden. 1. Seal Entry Points When you want to keep these little guys out, the first place to start is to seal possible entry points. Checking your home for potential entry points can be challenging, but sealing up the most apparent areas is a great place to start. Ensure to check areas where pipes enter your home and repair any gaps with expandable foam or concrete. 2. Keep A Clean Home Mice

In the world of houseplants and veggie gardens, a new trend is emerging—hydroponic gardens. The concept is fairly simple: growing plants in nutrient-rich water, forgoing the need for soil. This method of plant growth allows you to enjoy the plants’ foliage and fascinating root systems. The best part is that plants grown in water are extremely easy to take care of and keep alive! 1. Lucky Bamboo The Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) plant is said to bring good luck to its grower and prefers bright, indirect light. The stalks can be trained to grow into spirals or woven shapes, but ensure that they are secured in the vase as they can become top-heavy as more leaves grow.

Looking to add value to your home without moving? Home additions can be a great solution! In this article, we'll cover nine types of home additions that can boost your home's value. Plus, we'll give you an idea of each project's cost. Let's dive in! Room Addition (Bump-Out) A room addition, or bump-out, involves adding a new room or expanding an existing one. This can be a guest bedroom, a den, or even a bigger kitchen. Depending on the size and whether plumbing is needed, costs range from $10,000 to $50,000+. Sunroom A sunroom brings the outdoors in, giving you a light-filled space to enjoy year-round. You can choose a three-season or four-season sunroom, which is pricier due to