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Lifestyle

How Much Do Smart Homes Cost in 2024?

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Imagine controlling everything in the home with a smartphone. Today, smart devices make it easy to do so. You can start the sprinkler while at work or change the thermostat settings with a few clicks.

Certain smart devices are quick and easy to install, while others require the entire home to be rewired. How much will it cost to transform the home into a smart home? It depends on what the homeowner is looking for from this project.

The Cost of a Smart Home

When determining the cost of converting a residence into a Smart House, the first thing a homeowner must determine is whether they are going to do this work on their own or hire professionals to complete the tasks. Those who choose the DIY route can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $7,000 or more for the project.

Call in the professionals for brand installations, and the price could easily exceed $10,000 or more. Every home is unique so that the project will vary in purpose and scope. How does a DIY installation differ from a brand installation?

DIY Installations

With a DIY installation, the homeowner installs and maintains the smart home system. They retain complete control over the cost of the system and will choose which brands to purchase, which devices to buy, and other features. The final price depends on the items they select.

A smart thermostat won’t cost much, but a smart refrigerator can run as much as $10,000. The final price depends on what the homeowner chooses to automate. For basic home automation, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000.

Brand Installations

Many homeowners choose to invest in brand installations. They may choose individual items to automate or select a brand package. When a specific package is selected, the homeowner may pay as little as a few hundred dollars. However, depending on the package selected, they could also end up spending $7,000 or more. Custom installations can run anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000.

Three things determine how much the homeowner will pay: the devices selected, labor charges, and any wiring needed. The devices themselves will account for a large part of the bill. Labor costs typically run $80 to $100 an hour, depending on the project’s complexity. Rewiring the entire home could be as little as $5,000 or over $20,000, depending on the home’s size. The homeowner can adjust the purpose and scope of the project to remain within budget while still getting the features they most want and need.

Factors That Influence Smart House Costs

Several factors influence the cost of an intelligent house. Home size has a significant impact on the homeowner’s payment when upgrading their residence to a smart home. Larger homes cost more to upgrade because they will have more rooms, appliances, and devices to connect to the system.

The systems included in the upgrade and the devices selected also influence the price. Depending on their desires for the home, homeowners may choose from low-end, average, and high-end systems. When installing this system, compare brands to find those with the desired features at affordable prices.

Home automation is becoming the norm today. It will no longer be found only in books and movies set in the future. A homeowner can easily install specific devices, but others need the assistance of professionals. Thanks to the many products, services, and devices available today, every homeowner can find the right combination for their needs, one that transforms their house into a home.

Going Healthy, Health, Life, Parenting

5 Ways To Save Money On Kid’s Dental Treatments

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money, finance, health, dentist, kids, teeth

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Every child needs to see a dentist and have a regular dental schedule by the time they are 1 year of age. However, routine dental treatment can be costly, and for parents with multiple children, being able to afford dental care can be a worry.

But there are ways for you to reduce the cost of dentist visits for your kids. Read on to learn how.

Dental Insurance for Kids

There are multiple options when it comes to dental insurance for kids, so it’s important to find coverage that works for you. Most plans will include regular dental checkups, which your child should need every 6 months at a minimum. For the cost of the monthly premium payment, you will be covered for a set amount of treatment per year for your child, which can include emergency treatment, orthodontics, and more.

Medicaid or CHIP

Medicaid or CHIP (children’s health insurance programs) are state-run programs that offer assistance to low-income families. You will need to meet specific financial requirements to qualify for this type of assistance; however, it is always worth looking to see if you qualify to help reduce the cost of dental treatments for children. Regular checkups, x-rays, cleaning, extractions, and fillings are a few of the treatment options covered by Medicaid.

Luckily, around 43% of dentists in the US take Medicaid, so you should still be able to find a provider in your local area to register with via these programs.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans are very similar to dental instances but don’t require you to wait around for the funds to be clear or for paperwork and applications to be approved. You need to shop around for dental savings plans much like you would insurance plans, as various options are available.

These types of plans are available at different price points and coverage requirements, so it is important you find one that works for your needs and budget so you can afford the treatment your child might need. You might be able to benefit from additional benefits or discounts exclusively for these types of savings plans.

Dental Schools

Dental schools are schools where dental students train, and they often offer services with trainee dentists for reduced costs, making it more affordable for people. All students will be supervised by fully qualified dentists, meaning you don’t have to worry about not receiving proper care.

Not only will you be getting the treatment and advice you need for your child or even yourself, but you will also be helping to train future dentists and support ongoing training and development in this area. The fee schedules can vary from school to school or even for the type of student you see, so always ask beforehand how much it will cost so you know what to expect when you come to pay.

Practice Healthy Habits

This should go without saying, but practicing healthy habits each day when it comes to the mouth and teeth will help you reduce the number of dental visits you need to make and the treatments you need for them. Brushing teeth twice daily, drinking water after eating, flossing, reducing sugary treats and drinks, and using fluoride products can all be instrumental in helping you to support a healthy mouth for your child, and instilling healthy oral habits in them can be an excellent way of helping you to keep dental costs down.

Life, Tips

How To Prepare For College Tuition When It’s Almost Time

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The transition from high school to college is an exciting and transformative time in a student’s life. However, the looming reality of college tuition costs may overshadow this exciting journey. As college tuition continues to rise, it is important for students and their families to be financially prepared. This article explores effective strategies to navigate the financial maze and ensure a smooth transition into the world of higher education.

graduating, college, school, career, future

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1. Early Planning Is Key: 

The earlier you start planning for college costs, the better. Ideally, you should start financial planning during high school. Create a comprehensive budget that includes tuition, housing, books, and living expenses. It serves as a guide for the years leading up to college, helping you anticipate and alleviate potential financial hurdles.

2. Explore Financial Aid Options: 

Financial aid is a lifeline for many students, and there are a variety of options available. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. This application evaluates your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, when you research and apply for scholarships from private organizations, foundations, and the university itself, every dollar you earn in scholarships takes $1 off your student loans.

3. Consider Federal And Private Student Loans: 

When scholarships and grants can’t cover the entire cost of tuition, federal and private student loans can fill the gap. Federal loans often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of any loan you’re considering and only borrow what you absolutely need to cover your education costs.

4. Save Strategically: 

Encourage students to take part-time jobs or internships during high school to save money for college. By opening a special savings account and regularly depositing a portion of your income into it, you can build up a large emergency fund over the long term. Additionally, consider tax-advantaged savings plans, such as 529 plans, which offer investment opportunities for education expenses.

5. Consider Work-Study Options: 

Many universities offer federal work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus to help defray expenses. These positions are often related to the student’s field of study and provide valuable work experience while providing tuition assistance.

6. Sell What You Own: 

An often overlooked practical way to generate additional funds for college tuition is to sell items you no longer need or use. Take a thorough inventory of your belongings, from old cars (get that Porsche appraisal done!), electronics and furniture, to clothing and textbooks. Online platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace offer convenient ways to contact potential buyers. Getting rid of things you no longer need will not only free up space but also save up additional funds that can be used for educational expenses. This approach not only contributes to the achievement of financial goals, but also stimulates a sense of responsibility and resourcefulness, and emphasizes that every small effort is important in the pursuit of higher education.

In summary, preparing for higher education requires a proactive and strategic approach. Students and their families can begin their college experience with confidence and financial security by starting early, exploring financial aid options, saving strategically, and selling valuables. Remember that investing in your education is investing in your future, and with careful planning, the path to higher education is worthwhile and financially viable.