The True Cost Commuting
The closer you live to work, the more money you have for a house. That’s common sense for most (we hope).
While the numbers on this info graphic are probably a stretch — they do illustrate the dynamic that even the smallest changes in our life (money spent on commute) can have on other areas of our life (our home).
According to US census data, the size of the average American home in the 1950s was a modest 1,000 square feet. Today, the square footage has more than doubled to nearly 2,500.
It’s easy to get trapped into thinking that you need a bigger house. The thing is, we’re like goldfish. We expand to the size of our living space. Because of this, it won’t be long before you feel like you’ve outgrown your new apartment or house.
Buying a new house and moving is so incredibly expensive. So, if the only reason you’re moving is to have more square footage, be sure to give it a lot of thought before signing on the dotted line.
Today five million people in the United States between ages 18 and 34 live alone, 10 times more than in 1950. But the largest number of single people are middle-aged; 15 million people between ages 35 and 64 live alone. Those who decide to live alone following a breakup or a divorce could choose to move in with roommates or family.
All signs suggest that living alone will become even more common in the future, at every stage of adulthood and in every place where people can afford a place of their own.
Economic Impact of Virginia Wine Industry Increases 106% to $747 Million Over Figures from Last Study in 2005. Full-time jobs at wineries and vineyards grow to 4,753
Visit www.Virginia.org/wine to learn more about wine travel in Virginia or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel guide. To learn more about Virginia’s wineries including wine varietals and special events, or to request a 2012 Virginia Wine Guide, go to www.VirginiaWine.org
More than 50 percent of the Tennessee population could not pay their living expenses for three months if they lost a job. The Volunteer State ranks 36th nationally.
In Virginia that figure is 35 percent that’s 15th nationally. These figures are from the corporation for enterprise development.
No house is worth the risk of living on the edge.
What’s important is having a place to call home and having enough stashed away for a rainy day.
Good video & sound advice from people that have “been through it”.
More than 19,000 rebates totaling more than $4.5 million have been paid to Tennesseans this year for using Energy Star appliances. The rebates ranged from $40 to $250 for using room air conditioners, central air conditioners, air source heat pumps and gas furnaces. Appliances purchased since April 22, 2010, are eligible for a rebate debit card on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials at the Department of Economic and Community Development estimate that $770,000 is left for future rebates. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 14, 2012.
Details are at http://www.e-rebates.org/teearp
Moving On To The Next Step
Kim in Tri-Cities will have her house completely paid off by the end of January. However, she and her husband have had this goal for so long that now it’s a little scary to have so much money freed up.
This place is 15 minutes from where I grew up. Stay classy TN.
BHC 0126 Soldier Play 03 on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Photo Earl Neikirk/ Bristol Herald Courier
Robert Vanover has written and performed a play...
I know you want to look at some pretty irises.
Tennessee state flower y’all!
