Froodee

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Duggars Get Ready For 19th Child

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Everyone knows about the Duggars – the Arkansas family composed of 20 members: 2 parents and 18 kids. Jim and Michelle Duggars got married in 1984, and while they started using the Pill in the beginning, bad experiences with it led them to decide to use natural birth control. Since then, their family has grown to a size that is not normally seen these days. The Duggars have attracted a lot of attention – they have their own web site and have even made numerous TV appearances.

Now you would think that having 18 children would be enough to take measures NOT to have more. It’s not so for the Duggars! They have managed to raise their children in an amazing way, and their lives are perfect examples of practical living. Actually, just recently, they built a 7000 sq. ft. home debt free!

Their adventure is not over yet, though – eight months after Michelle gave birth to Jordyn-Grace (the 18th child), she found out that she was pregnant again! She is due to give birth in March, several months after the first Duggar grandchild is due. Yup, the eldest son, John, and his wife, Anna, are expecting their first child in October. This family is something else, isn’t it?

Number of kids aside, the Duggars have been role models for many families around the world. Jim and Michelle have done an astounding job in raising their children. Perhaps more parents out there – new and experienced alike – might learn a thing or two from them!

Financial Tips For Purchasing Your First Family Home

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Purchasing a home for yourself is one thing, but finding the right place for yourself and your family is quite another.  You want a place where your family can live happily, and making smart financial choices along the way is a huge part of achieving that goal.  

With a little research and financial preparation, you and your family can comfortably own the home of your dreams.  Start learning now, and read through some simple financial tips for purchasing your first family home.  

Research the current mortgage trends 

Before you get too deeply attached to any one property, start with a more broad standpoint.  Get a good feel for what you might be looking to pay for a great home by checking into a home loan comparison tool.  

Getting a good idea of the market before you jump right in will help you scope out a better deal.  Come to the bargaining table with as much knowledge as possible, so you can find the best prices for your wallet.  

Work to refine your credit reports 

You will need a decent credit report to find the home you and your family really need to thrive.  Start working on refining your credit reports at least one to two years before you plan to make the move on purchasing a home.  

The higher you can get your credit score, the better home you’ll be able to acquire.  Work to alleviate the strain of erroneous debts as well by disputing every charge individually.  

You need a healthy savings 

You will need quite a healthy down payment to get your family into the home of your choosing.  It’s best to save up at much as possible for a down payment to make your mortgage plans a bit more manageable.  

A solid ten percent of the purchase price is common, but you could do yourself a favor by saving up 20 percent for a down payment.  You’ll need extra friends for security after you purchase your house as well, so make saving a regular part of your financial plans.  

Get a preapproval letter from the bank

Once you have all of your financial paperwork in order, you have to present yourself to a bank for a loan.  The bank will want to know some very specific information about your personal finances and your financial history, so prepare to feel a little violated.  However, once you have a preapproval letter in hand, it will be easier to present an attractive bid to sellers.  

Consider the cost of making a house a home

Once all the purchasing is said and done, your financial responsibilities are just beginning.  Saving for a down payment is only a beginning step.  Once you purchase a home, you will need money to make your house a home.  

Negligence Affected Your Family Negatively? Time To Call a Lawyer

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You don’t ever want to see something terrible happen to a family member. But if something does happen, it makes it worse if the situation is because of someone else’s negligence. Some action that some other person did means that a family member of yours is in pain, got injured somehow, or otherwise lost something of value. It is unacceptable on all kinds of levels, and that’s why you should pursue compensation to the full extent of your abilities

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Tips for Incorporating an Electric Fireplace Into Your Home

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When you’re a homeowner, most of the projects you do are probably out of necessity. Maybe the roof sprung a leak, your water heater stopped working, or your kitchen needed an upgrade. However, it’s fun to also complete some projects that aren’t necessities, but make your home a place you enjoy more. Installing an electric fireplace is one of these types of projects, and it’s an easy one to bring into any home.

Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces aren’t messy and don’t require you have any special supplies on hand to start a fire. Yet you still have the soothing appearance of a burning fire, plus the heat that comes from it. An electric fireplace will often work as an air purifier as well, helping keep your home smelling great and allergen-free. Here are just a few tips to make the process of bringing one into your home go smoothly. [Read more…]

Create an Elegant Outdoor Entertaining Space

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Entertaining well starts with a solid setup, with all of the equipment, furniture, and space you need to have people over and help them enjoy the time they spend with you. Once you’ve created the perfect indoor entertainment room, it’s time to take a look at your outdoor space and spruce that up as well. Create an elegant outdoor entertaining space with these features your family and guests will love.

Tiered Deck: Start your elegant outdoor space right outside your back door with the help of a tiered deck. This serves as a transition from your house to your yard, while also providing several spaces along the way for different activities, like playing, grilling, and relaxing. Incorporate planters into your deck to bring color and life, and consider adding a hot tub, if you have space, for the ultimate in luxury for you and your guests.

Wet or Dry Bar: You’ll be serving up all sorts of food and drinks outside, so create a space to serve those from. A simple dry bar can stock basic supplies and act as a workspace and serving area, and a wet bar allows you to do more food preparation and even wash the dishes you keep outside. Set up your bar near the main seating area so it’s always close at hand for the guests. If you’re installing a wet bar, it will be best near your home to minimize the cost of running plumbing to it. [Read more…]