Uncategorized

Ask any jeweler how much money you should spend on an engagement ring and theyll likely give you the jewelry industrys long-standing rule of thumb”three months salary.

The average person spends about half that amount, according to Census data.

The jewelry industry isnt recommending three months of pay after taxes, but three months of gross pay”which adds up to about $8,500 for the average man age 25-34, according to Census data. The average person spends about $4,000 on an engagement ring.

A specific dollar amount or percentage of income shouldnt be the determining factor in how much you spend on an engagement ring. The main factor should be how much you can comfortably afford.

You can also consider your earning potential in the immediate future, as well as ways to ease the cost, such as using a family ring. Here are a few things to consider:

Your financial situation
Even if your income is high, your living expenses may be so high already that you cant afford to save much for a ring. Being in debt can make the major expense of an engagement ring more difficult to handle.

Financing a ring on a credit card can only worsen your finances if you dont pay it off within a month and pay late fees or interest charges.

If you dont have an emergency fund, an engagement ring purchase could leave you vulnerable if you lose your job or suffer another financial emergency.

Wedding expectations
If your significant other wants to get married soon, then you wont have much time to save up for an engagement ring, the wedding or anything else associated with it.

This may require you to buy a simpler ring for now and add to it or replace it later.

How to pay for the wedding ceremony, honeymoon and other things can be part of the discussion around the type of engagement ring thats appropriate for your budget.

Saving on an Engagement Ring
To save money on an engagement ring, some thoughts are to use a family ring, or buy a synthetic diamond or cubic zirconium ring, shop for a vintage ring, or buy the best ring you can afford and update it later.

Hope you enjoyed this tip. Contact me today for all your real estate questions!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

It may seem like there’s always something going on as a homeowner, from silencing a squeaky hinge to unclogging a temperamental toilet. But many household problems can be easily fixed without calling a repair service.

A can of WD-40, a toilet plunger and a bottle of vinegar are great basics to keep on hand for easing sticky fittings, clearing the toilet and making short work of common stains. Here are some simple fixes for common home problems that even the non-handy can handle:

Squeaky Floorboard
Banish that annoying squeak by sprinkling a little talcum powder over the noisy area and brushing it into the cracks.

Stained Tub
Removed stubborn stains by combining equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth. Let sit for a half hour, then rinse well with water.

Stuck Sliding Windows
Loosen stuck windows by spraying a little silicon spray lubricant (found at hardware stores) onto a rag, then wiping along the tracks, whether metal, wood or plastic.

Dry and Worn Cutting Board
Revive a worn board by warming a bottle of mineral oil (available at drugstores) in a bowl of hot water, then wiping the oil onto the surface with a soft cloth. Wipe off the excess four to six hours later.

Scuffed Linoleum
Take care of scuff marks by rubbing the spot with white toothpaste and a dry cloth, or spraying WD-40 on a towel and rubbing lightly. Later, degrease the area with liquid dishwashing soap and water.

Poor Toilet Flush
Before you call a plumber, look for the water valve behind the toilet, on the wall or the floor. Turn it counter-clockwise as far as you can. Once its fully open, the tank will get its optimal water fill and power up your flush.

Torn Window Screen
If tiny tears are letting bugs in, apply clear nail polish to any tiny holes. For larger rips or tears, look for new and effective screen repair patches at the hardware store.

Published with permission from RISMedia.