Podcasts about home repairs

In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Greg Schmitt about how he built Huge Handyman SD into one of San Diego's go-to handyman service companies. Greg explains the importance of communication, integrity, and skill when working inside a customer's home. He also shares how he built a service model that focuses on solving problems quickly and correctly while giving homeowners peace of mind.You will hear Greg discuss the value of dependable technicians, the impact of treating customers with respect, and the importance of offering a broad skill set that covers everything from repairs to installations. Greg also dives into the realities of running a growing service business and the dedication it takes to keep quality high.Resources and MentionsHuge Handyman SDhttps://www.HugeHandymanSD.comThe Trades Podcasthttps://www.thetradespodcast.comWhat You Will LearnThe mindset behind building a dependable handyman businessHow to earn customer trust through communication and qualityWhy offering a wide range of services boosts business growthWhat it means to lead a team with purpose and high standardsHow to balance business challenges with long-term visionThe key habits that keep customers loyal and referringChapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Huge Handyman01:46 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth05:37 Key Performance Indicators and Business Management11:45 Sales Strategies and Team Dynamics17:52 Customer Engagement and Marketing Techniques23:46 Utilizing Technology for Business Efficiency28:08 Embracing Technology in Construction36:23 Strategic Growth and Team Development45:44 Networking and Future Opportunities About The Trades PodcastWebsitehttps://www.thetradespodcast.comHosted byJeff Mudd and Danny TorresThe Trades Podcast features real conversations with business owners, trades leaders, and industry innovators making an impact in the skilled trades community. Support the Trades MovementIf this episode inspires you, share it with someone in the trades or anyone thinking about starting a home-services business. Like, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover these conversations.

Home Repairs for Good just received $10,000 from Kelly Clarkson! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucious Lowe never saw his empire, but his son and son-in-law figured out how to give the customer what they needed. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one of those. [OG Law Ad] Dave Young: Welcome back to the Empire Builders Podcast. I’m Dave Young, Steve Semple’s here, and we’re going to talk about another empire. Stephen Semple: Another one. Imagine that. Dave Young: And it’s another one of these big boxes. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: So this is brick and mortar big box store. And so there’s two things. One thing I love, one thing I hate about big box stores in this category. I used to love going down to my local hardware store and just tooling around. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: And I guess you can still do that, but there’s something about some old guy walking up and chatting with you about what you could maybe buy or not. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: And so Lowe’s is our subject today. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: I’m interested to see how they started. And again, I love shopping at Lowe’s, I hate shopping at Lowe’s, for two different reasons, right? Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: The variety. It’s all there. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: The old guy that knows every piece of hardware in the store. Good luck finding that person. I mean, they may be there, they may not. It’s hit and miss. Stephen Semple: Yes. So the first Lowe’s, of course, started as one of those old-timey hardware stores. Dave Young: Sure. Stephen Semple: It was a 3000-foot store in 1921 in North Wilkesboro in North Carolina by Lucius Smith Lowe. That’s basically the first Lowe’s was way back in 1921. Dave Young: Lucius Smith Lowe. Okay. Stephen Semple: But the success of Lowe’s actually did not come from Lowe, but rather an in-law named Carl Buchan, who came on the scene in 1943. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: So when Lucius died in 1940, the business was inherited by his daughter, Ruth Buchan, who then… Now, I was not able to find the family story on this, because I find this interesting. It was inherited by the daughter, who then sold the company to her brother, and I always thought, “Why’d the brother not inherit the business?” Dave Young: Right? Stephen Semple: Now, I also get why she probably sold it, because as we know, one of the really big problems, especially back in the 1940s, was women couldn’t get credit, and it was very, very, very hard in the forties for a woman to actually run a business. So I also understand why she sold. Dave Young: Yeah. Yeah, and weird estate planning goes on that you don’t know why they did what they did. Right? Maybe the son had an insurance policy. Right? Stephen Semple: Who knows? Who knows? Dave Young: I don’t know, but maybe he got… Who knows? Stephen Semple: Now, at the same time, when she sold it to her brother, her husband, Carl, ended up becoming a partner in the business. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: So it was this really weird, father dies, it goes to the daughter, the daughter sells it to the brother, and the husband ends up becoming a partner. Dave Young: Who knows about the transactions inside family businesses, right? That’s a… Stephen Semple: Right? All I’m just saying is, if it sounds weird, it was. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: That’s all I’m saying. But moving forward, what’s really incredible is today, Lowe’s is 1700 locations doing 80 billion in sales. So it is- Dave Young: That’s not nothing. Stephen Semple: That’s not nothing. That’s not nothing. But back in the early forties, hardware stores did not have building supplies. They didn’t have plywood, they didn’t have… They didn’t have building supplies. Dave Young: Yeah, yeah. You went across to the lumber yard to get that stuff. Stephen Semple: Correct. Correct. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: And so one day Carl gets this deal on toilets, and he decides to buy a whole pile of toilets. When I say a whole pile, the whole truckload, which was 400 toilets. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: And James? James Lowe comes in the office one day and he’s like, “Toilets in the office.” And he says, “Carl, why is there toilets in the office?” He goes, “Well, I bought 400 of them and I ran out of space, so they’re sitting in here.” And he’s like, “We don’t sell toilets.” He goes, “Well, we are now, because we got 400 of them.” Dave Young: “Yeah, we sell toilets. Sell them or else.” Stephen Semple: “[inaudible 00:05:20] now!” So, “Yes we are.” And what turns out is that they sell out really quickly. And Carl looks into this a little bit more and he sees this trend. Right? Think about it. It’s 1946. What’s happening in the United States? There’s a building boom. Right? The number of homes being built has grown 10 times over the last three years, because we got the baby boom happening. We got the return of the soldiers, we got the baby boom, we got the sprouting up of the suburbs. That part is growing. So they sell out these toilets in like a week, and so he wants to open a second store. He goes, “Look, here’s what I want to do. I want to open a second store and we’re going to sell everything for building and fixing a home. Everything. We’re going to turn specialty stores into one shop.” So in other words, you don’t have to go to the plumber… you know. Look, this is another variation on the department store and the convenience store. Dave Young: Absolutely. Stephen Semple: So Lowe agrees, and they invest a hundred and sixty thousand dollars in the second store, and it’s a 10,000 square foot, so they’ve gone from 3000 square feet to a 10,000 square foot store in Spartan, North Carolina. Dave Young: And so yeah, we tripled the size. It’s all the space we’ll ever need. 10,000 feet. Stephen Semple: Right. So it’s 1949, and literally customers are coming. Yeah, that’s right. It’s 10,000 square feet. I missed that for a minute. Yeah, yeah. Hold that thought. Dave Young: “Hang on.” Stephen Semple: Hold that thought. So it’s so popular, they’re actually finding customers are coming from states away from, outside of North Carolina. So Carl wants to open a third store, and Lowe doesn’t want to. He doesn’t want to grow this thing. Dave Young: Isn’t it amazing that the whole company’s not called Carl’s instead of Lowe’s? Stephen Semple: Well, here’s what ends up happening. Lowe says, “Look, I don’t want to do this. Why don’t you just buy me out?” Carl buys out Lowe, but says, “Well, let’s keep the name.” Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: “Let’s keep the name.” Dave Young: Yeah, that’s smart. You got equity there. Stephen Semple: Yeah. So in 1952, Lowe is bought out, but they keep the name. And it expands rapidly. They quickly open 13 more stores. [inaudible 00:07:27] Dave Young: Oh, wow. See, I did not know they were this old. Stephen Semple: Yeah. So it starts growing like crazy, but then they hit a problem. After six years, profits stall. Dave Young: Oh, okay. Stephen Semple: What he notices is, he’s been focusing on opening stores, but not focusing on the buying experience. And if you went into a Lowe’s at that time, it was super disorganized. Stuff was just all over the place. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: And so it was not appealing. So he hires Bob Strickland, marketing guy. Bob points out that people come in to get what they need, but what if we were able to make them to stay and buy other things? Like instead of an oven, how about a whole kitchen? Dave Young: Sure. Stephen Semple: So he says, “Let’s be like a department store.” They looked at how Sears was laid out, right? There was these departments. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: And basically this is the model that they created, which is really the template that all these big box home improvement stores are built on. Here’s the appliance section, here’s the flooring section. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: But it didn’t just have flooring. It had, okay, along with the flooring, the caulking and the this and the… Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: All the things that you need with it. Dave Young: So take those toilets out of the power tool section and put them where they belong. Yeah. Stephen Semple: Yeah. So they create this template that they’re going to roll out, and before they’re ready to roll it out, Buchan passes away. Dave Young: Oh no. Stephen Semple: And so now it’s up to Strickland to open with the new idea. So Strickland takes the ideas. He opens five stores on it. They’re super successful. In two decades they got a hundred and eighty stores, 1978 they’re the largest in the region, 1979 they’re 200 stores, and they just grow and grow and grow and become what they are today. But Lowe’s basically built this idea. The two innovations Lowe’s did was built this idea of, “We should have a store that’s dedicated to home improvement,” because they saw the trend on it. And then they created this whole idea of looking at department stores and saying, “This is how a home improvement store should be organized.” Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: That template? That template, that idea that every one of these big box home improvement stores is built on, was created by Lowe’s. Dave Young: Stay tuned. We’re going to wrap up this story and tell you how to apply this lesson to your business right after this. [Using Stories to Sell Ad] Dave Young: Let’s pick up our story where we left off, and trust me, you haven’t missed a thing. Stephen Semple: … that idea that every one of these big box home improvement stores is built on, was created by Lowe’s. Dave Young: Well, and so the reason I didn’t know about them when I was younger is that they started in the east and slowly moved west. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Yes. Dave Young: And I don’t know where Home Depot started, but in the Rocky Mountain West and Western Plains, there were Home Depot stores long before there were any Lowe’s stores. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Dave Young: So it’s just a matter of growth at that point then, right? Stephen Semple: Right. Dave Young: They figured out the formula. Stephen Semple: They figured out the formula, and then it’s just grow, grow, grow. Dave Young: I’m guessing that, yeah, Home Depot probably has a similar story. Either they copied Lowe’s or they figured it out themselves that this is the right way to do a big box home improvement store. We going to do that one sometime? Stephen Semple: Well, I don’t want to say much, because we are going to do… Oh. Dave Young: Okay. All right. I’ll hold that for another day. But- Stephen Semple: Well, what ends up often happening when I’m researching these things, there’s no way to do it without learning about both. Dave Young: Sure. Stephen Semple: So often that’s the reason why when we’re doing these, there will be two in a category, because you learn about both of them at the same time, because they have kind of a shared history, right? Dave Young: Well, and those guys absolutely copy each other. Right? Stephen Semple: They did. Dave Young: I think we go back, I don’t know what episode it was, but we talked about Cabela’s, and then we sort of told the story of them being eventually bought by Bass Pro. Stephen Semple: Right. Dave Young: And the [inaudible 00:12:08] Bass Pro, I think… Well, at least according to the people that I knew at Cabela’s, they were the first ones to build this giant experiential store. Right? Stephen Semple: Well, in Sam Walton- Dave Young: And so… But that gets copied. And Sam Walton, same thing, right? Stephen Semple: Well, Sam Walton has openly stated that he stole a lot of his ideas from Sol Price. Dave Young: Yeah. Yeah. Stephen Semple: He has come right out and said that. He’s like, “Oh yeah, I always watched what this guy did, and I’d always keeping my eye on him, because he was brilliant.” Right? Dave Young: Yeah, I mean- Stephen Semple: Who was the founder of Costco. Right? So. Dave Young: At the end of the day, these are just sharing good commerce ideas. Right? Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: Nothing new under the sun here. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: There’s a reason that every ancient city has a bazaar, a marketplace where they all gather, right? You make it convenient for consumers by, even though you’re 10,000 little competitors, you’re all in one place. Stephen Semple: Yeah. What I really liked, again, about this story, was Lowe saw a trend going on in the United States, and the trend was, “People are building these homes, and so there’s going to be more demand for home improvement stuff. How do I make it easier?” Again, that theme of, “How do I make it easier for the consumer? Wouldn’t it be so much easier for the consumer if it was this one stop?” Dave Young: Yeah. [inaudible 00:13:29] Stephen Semple: Now, the other thing I thought that was brilliant is that when the profits stalled out, he didn’t flip to, “I need more leads, I need more customers.” He didn’t go there. He went, “Oh, if this has stalled out, there’s something I’m doing wrong inside my four walls.” Dave Young: Yeah, yeah. Stephen Semple: And he looked at the experience and he said, “Okay, I’ve already got customers. What I need to do is if I make that experience better, the customers will return more often and will spend more.” I remember going to a presentation from the folks from Barnes and Noble, and Barnes and Noble talking about how they… And Ikea’s the same. They would measure how long somebody was in the store. Ikea’s amazing at this. And what they know is, the longer you’re in the store, the more you spend. Period. So what’s their whole objective is “I’m going to keep you in the store. How do I do that? I’m going to put a restaurant in. I’m going to put in a place where you can stick your kids to play. I’m going to make it so that you’ve got to walk the maze.” The point is, the longer you’re there, the more you’re going to buy. And not only that, Ikea’s figured out, “If I display these things this way, people will stop and look at it,” so that they do move through the stores slower. Dave Young: Yeah. You- Stephen Semple: But Lowe’s really caught into- Dave Young: And there’s sort of a logical progression to it. Stephen Semple: Right. Right. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: So Lowe’s created that idea of “Let’s do this one stop shop.” And then the next one was, “Okay. Now that we’ve made this idea more convenient, let’s now make this idea more enjoyable and also more convenient, because there’s all these ancillary things that you need when you’re doing that in the moment. Let’s put all that stuff together.” Dave Young: Well, and you bring designers in because if you’re coming in for all these kitchen products- Stephen Semple: Yeah, absolutely. Dave Young: … maybe you don’t know how to put that all together and make it look good. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Yeah. Dave Young: Right? So here’s you’re somebody that can help you lay it out. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: And then they can sell you all the materials that either you or your contractor need to make it happen. Stephen Semple: Now what we know is, David Young is going to leave this talk with an even more love-hate relationship of Lowe’s. Am I right? Dave Young: I’m not remodeling anything. No, I love walking around a Lowe’s. I find it hard to… If I need some adhesive, I need some Gorilla Glue or something, and I walk into a Lowe’s, two things are going to happen. Unless I’m in just a blazing hurry and I’ve left someone in the car with the car running- Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: … I’m going to just wander around. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: And I’m likely to walk out with something else besides the glue. Along with the glue. Stephen Semple: Correct. Yes. Dave Young: Sometimes without the glue, because I forgot why I went in. Stephen Semple: Oh God, yeah. Dave Young: But that’s a whole different psychological thing. We just finished talking about that at my portals class this week. Stephen Semple: Oh yeah, [inaudible 00:16:25] Dave Young: Tell you about that sometimes. That was fun. Stephen Semple: It’s a thing. It’s a thing. Dave Young: We had a blast. Yeah. Wow. Lowe’s. Stephen Semple: Yeah. There you go. Dave Young: Now I’m thinking in my head, what do I need? You know, near Wizard Academy, we’re not really close to a Lowe’s. You’ve got to drive 20 minutes or so to get to a Lowe’s. Stephen Semple: Yep. Dave Young: But about 10 minutes, 15 minutes away is independently owned Ace Hardware store. Stephen Semple: Yep. Dave Young: And I love that one too. Right? Because if you’re really just looking for a tool or some little hardware bits and bobs, you’ll always find it there. Right? [inaudible 00:17:02] Stephen Semple: Yeah, well, because Ace is the place with a helpful hardware man, right? Dave Young: Yeah. And they’re helpful because they’re locally owned. So there’s always somebody in there that can, “This is not the glue you really want. You want this.” Stephen Semple: Right. Right. Dave Young: “Oh, I thought I just wanted Gorilla Glue.” But this guy knows. Stephen Semple: Right. Dave Young: So it’s two different experiences, and a lot of your choice in it is based on experience. Stephen Semple: Yeah, yep. Yes. Dave Young: I mean, shoot. When we lived in western Nebraska, they eventually got a Lowe’s, but they had a Home Depot first in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We were a hundred miles from there. Stephen Semple: Right. Dave Young: And there was a lumber yard in Sydney, and there was a hardware store in Sydney, and we would drive to Home Depot a hundred miles away. Stephen Semple: Yes. Yes. Dave Young: Because one, we could find any of it there. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: And two, Cheyenne also had a Starbucks and a Baskin-Robbins and a… right? Stephen Semple: That’s the other thing that starts to end up happening, is you get one of these, and then the other things sprout up around that. Dave Young: Yeah. Yeah, you rarely see one off by itself somewhere. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Well, that’s the reason why you would see a movie theater, and then the restaurants go. Dave Young: Yeah, yeah. Stephen Semple: These things happen. But yeah. But you know, I was pretty impressed when I heard the history of Lowe, and also thought it was really interesting looking at this department store and bringing it across. And again, it’s that idea. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: “Who outside of my world is doing this really well?” Dave Young: I kind of wasn’t surprised that their origin goes back as far as it did, because I think you always are going to assume that that started as a little hardware store somewhere, or a lumber yard. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: But I was surprised that they started that growth curve as soon as they did. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: Right? Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: So they were really the pioneers in that. So. Stephen Semple: Yep, and the key is you didn’t need more than 10,000 square feet, as you pointed out. Dave Young: Yeah. Well, you do today. Stephen Semple: Some of them are like, “Holy crap.” Yeah. Dave Young: You need 10,000 square feet in the kitchen part. Stephen Semple: No kidding. No kidding. Dave Young: All right, well, thank you for bringing that story, Stephen. I like that. Stephen Semple: All right. All right, thanks David. Dave Young: And congrats, Lowe’s, on decades and decades of money making as an empire. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Thanks, man. Dave Young: Thanks. Thanks for listening to the podcast. Please share us, subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a big fat juicy five star rating and review at Apple Podcasts. And if you’d like to schedule your own 90-minute empire building session, you can do it at empirebuildingprogram.com.

Send us a textThe repair was “done,” but the furnace cabinet was open and a part sat on the door. That moment kicked off a blunt breakdown of how buyers can protect themselves from empty promises, fake receipts, and cosmetic fixes that fail the first cold snap. We share real stories from the field—vents “extended” with gutter downspout, window trim rebuilt with silicone, and invoices from contractors who don't exist—and turn them into a simple, repeatable playbook for getting repairs you can trust.We start with readiness and scope: why utilities must be on, access guaranteed, and the repair list written with clear materials and standards. Then we focus on control—why you should choose the contractor, how to verify licenses on state sites, and what real documentation looks like, from itemized invoices to serial-number photos. For bigger risks like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and sewer lines, we explain when to require permits and how to use specialist testing such as sewer scoping to avoid expensive surprises after move-in.If a seller insists on coordinating work, we explain the escrow approach: set a fair amount based on your bids, hold funds through closing, and hire your pro afterward so quality comes first. We also cover when a re-inspection is worth the fee, how to make that visit efficient, and why inspectors and appraisers are the only parties without a financial stake in the deal closing—meaning they're the ones you want telling you the hard truths. Looking for a smarter path to closing day? Press play, take notes, and use this checklist to keep your home, your money, and your sanity intact. If you find value, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others buy with confidence.Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV Advice from experts: Don't skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV OSU student's mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment's air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

In the second half of How To!'s wide-ranging conversation about home improvement, gender, sexuality, and much more, journalist Sam Sanders and author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) talk with co-host Carvell Wallace about a truly daunting idea: skipping the contractors—and doing the work yourself. This episode is available to Slate Plus members now. Non-members will be able to listen on Nov. 11, 2025. If you missed the first half of this conversation, check out How To Talk to Contractors (With Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. And, check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of How To!'s wide-ranging conversation about home improvement, gender, sexuality, and much more, journalist Sam Sanders and author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) talk with co-host Carvell Wallace about a truly daunting idea: skipping the contractors—and doing the work yourself. This episode is available to Slate Plus members now. Non-members will be able to listen on Nov. 11, 2025. If you missed the first half of this conversation, check out How To Talk to Contractors (With Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. And, check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of How To!'s wide-ranging conversation about home improvement, gender, sexuality, and much more, journalist Sam Sanders and author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) talk with co-host Carvell Wallace about a truly daunting idea: skipping the contractors—and doing the work yourself. This episode is available to Slate Plus members now. Non-members will be able to listen on Nov. 11, 2025. If you missed the first half of this conversation, check out How To Talk to Contractors (With Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. And, check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Generational money lessons never go out of style. In this episode, we revisit Depression-era financial wisdom — simple, hard-earned truths that built resilient families and lasting wealth. From living below your means to marrying a saver and learning practical skills, these principles have guided generations through both prosperity and hardship. We'll share 12 timeless money lessons that can help today's younger generation navigate debt, lifestyle inflation, and financial stress. These are the same habits that kept families afloat during the Great Depression — and they're just as relevant in today's high-cost, high-leverage economy. If you want your kids to build true financial independence — not just wealth on paper — this episode is a must-watch. 0:19 - Will the Government Reopen? 2:45 - Buy-the-Dip Crowd Returns 7:14 - Veterans' Day Salute 8:16 - Email - Teaching Finance to Kids 10:43 - Be Frugal - Shoes & Cars 18:14 - Budget is not a four-letter Word 21:04 The $1,200 Mechanic 27:46 - Avoid Long Term Debt 22:51 - Marry a Saver - Pre-Marital Advice 32:04 - Buying a Home - Less is More 33:06 - Funding Hobbies & Balancing Priorities 35:09 - Investing for the Long Term 37:20 - Know What You Own 39:18 - Learn the Basics of Home Repairs & Cooking 42:51 - The Problem of Subscriptions 43:43 - Don't Try to Keep Up with the Jones 46:55 - Live Like the Millionaire Next Door

In the second half of How To!'s wide-ranging conversation about home improvement, gender, sexuality, and much more, journalist Sam Sanders and author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) talk with co-host Carvell Wallace about a truly daunting idea: skipping the contractors—and doing the work yourself. This episode is available to Slate Plus members now. Non-members will be able to listen on Nov. 11, 2025. If you missed the first half of this conversation, check out How To Talk to Contractors (With Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. And, check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#657: This week, Paula and Joe dig into a listener's question about ETFs that track the stock trades of U.S. politicians — including the Democratic “NANC” fund and its Republican counterpart “KRUZ.” They explore whether this strategy is smart investing or just expensive entertainment. Then, they shift gears to home ownership headaches. Another listener asks how to control ballooning maintenance costs, and Paula shares her best advice for finding trustworthy contractors, budgeting for repairs, and knowing when DIY doesn't actually save money. Finally, an anonymous caller wonders if starting a small business just for tax breaks makes sense. Paula and Joe explain the IRS rules — and why energy and purpose matter more than deductions. From “fun money” investing to financial planning that actually works, this episode is all about balancing curiosity, caution, and common sense. Key Takeaways Congressional-trade ETFs aren't a shortcut to wealth. They're speculative, lag behind real trades, and carry high costs Home maintenance is predictable — plan for it. Create a repair timeline and build relationships with investor-friendly contractors DIY isn't always cheaper. Factor in time, tools, and opportunity cost Never open a business just for taxes. If it doesn't make a profit or bring joy, it's an energy drain, not a strategy Separate fun money from freedom money. Keep speculation playful, and build wealth with focus and purpose Chapters Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising segments. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) Should You Follow Congress's Trades? (06:00) The Lag Problem and Investor Bias (10:30) The “Fun Money” Rule (11:20) The Hidden Cost of Home Repairs (15:00) Finding Investor-Friendly Contractors (18:00) Planning Ahead for Repairs (22:00) DIY vs. Opportunity Cost (26:00) Starting a Small Business for Tax Breaks (29:00) The IRS “3-of-5 Rule” (32:00) Purpose Over Deductions (34:00) Final Thoughts https://affordanything.com/voicemail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Sanders is many things: journalist, podcaster, pop-culture obsessive, and a familiar voice from public radio. He's also ”quite possibly the world's most hesitant homeowner.” Sam wants to fix up the house he recently bought, but three things are holding him back: First, he doesn't have a clue where to start. Second, he's not very handy. And third, he's intimidated by the thought of talking with contractors (who might discover the first two things about him). In the first episode of a two-part series, Carvell Wallace brings on home improvement expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) to guide Sam in conquering his fears. Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. Check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Next week: How To Take Charge of Home Repair (with Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Can't wait for part 2? Slate Plus members can listen to that episode in their feeds right now!  Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Sanders is many things: journalist, podcaster, pop-culture obsessive, and a familiar voice from public radio. He's also ”quite possibly the world's most hesitant homeowner.” Sam wants to fix up the house he recently bought, but three things are holding him back: First, he doesn't have a clue where to start. Second, he's not very handy. And third, he's intimidated by the thought of talking with contractors (who might discover the first two things about him). In the first episode of a two-part series, Carvell Wallace brings on home improvement expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) to guide Sam in conquering his fears. Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. Check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Next week: How To Take Charge of Home Repair (with Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Can't wait for part 2? Slate Plus members can listen to that episode in their feeds right now!  Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Sanders is many things: journalist, podcaster, pop-culture obsessive, and a familiar voice from public radio. He's also ”quite possibly the world's most hesitant homeowner.” Sam wants to fix up the house he recently bought, but three things are holding him back: First, he doesn't have a clue where to start. Second, he's not very handy. And third, he's intimidated by the thought of talking with contractors (who might discover the first two things about him). In the first episode of a two-part series, Carvell Wallace brings on home improvement expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) to guide Sam in conquering his fears. Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. Check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Next week: How To Take Charge of Home Repair (with Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Can't wait for part 2? Slate Plus members can listen to that episode in their feeds right now!  Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Sanders is many things: journalist, podcaster, pop-culture obsessive, and a familiar voice from public radio. He's also ”quite possibly the world's most hesitant homeowner.” Sam wants to fix up the house he recently bought, but three things are holding him back: First, he doesn't have a clue where to start. Second, he's not very handy. And third, he's intimidated by the thought of talking with contractors (who might discover the first two things about him). In the first episode of a two-part series, Carvell Wallace brings on home improvement expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma'am) to guide Sam in conquering his fears. Mercury's latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. Check out the latest episodes of The Sam Sanders Show. Next week: How To Take Charge of Home Repair (with Sam Sanders and Mercury Stardust). Can't wait for part 2? Slate Plus members can listen to that episode in their feeds right now!  Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to sell smarter and keep more profit? Discover 5 common repairs that homeowners tackle prematurely and why they can actually cost you more than they're worth.In this video you'll learn:Why replacing windows, roofs, or HVAC systems too soon can hurt your bottom lineHow to use inspections and negotiations to your advantageWhat to fix now vs. what to leave for the buyer

Ziv Nakajima-Magen's presentation at the JRE Summit, autumn 2025.

Summary  In this episode, Elizabeth Dodson and John Bodrozic share their harrowing experience with a water damage emergency in their home. They recount the chaotic moments when they were awakened by screaming smoke detectors, leading to the discovery of water pouring from their light fixtures. The couple discusses the immediate actions they took, including shutting off the water, documenting the damage, and navigating the insurance claims process. They emphasize the importance of preparation, teamwork, and understanding the intricacies of home insurance and repair processes. Throughout the conversation, they provide valuable tips for homeowners on how to handle similar emergencies effectively.   Takeaways  Always know where your water shutoff valve is located. Document all damage with photos and videos immediately. Have a go-bag ready for emergencies. Teamwork is essential during a crisis; divide tasks effectively. Understand your insurance policy and what it covers. Water remediation is crucial to prevent further damage. Be prepared for the repair process to take time. Negotiate with contractors to ensure all needs are met. Stay organized and keep communication open with all parties involved. Invest in smart home technology to prevent future leaks.  Sound bites  "We woke up to this screaming alarm." "We had a huge water leak issue." "Teamwork makes the dream work."    Chapters   00:00 The Awakening: A Morning of Chaos 13:01 The Response: Quick Thinking and Action 24:01 The Aftermath: Navigating Insurance and Remediation 28:36 Understanding Insurance Responsibilities 31:01 Navigating Temporary Housing Solutions 34:02 The Plumbing Dilemma 37:31 Identifying Defective Piping 40:42 Investing in Smart Home Solutions 45:32 Managing the Claims Process 51:35 Contracting and Negotiation Strategies 56:57 Final Thoughts on Home Repairs

Want to feel good about your home purchase or home repair? Jo Garner, Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 757308 shares stories about people who used smart strategies dealing with required home repairs, Cost-to-Wait scenarios and setting up multiple exit strategies. Ed Hill shares important rules to follow when hiring contractors to do repairs. Pat Goldstein, Realtor, points out some details on the home purchase contract that can make or kill your deal.

Whether you're a weekend DIYer or just love learning clever home hacks, this https://FixItRadio.com episode is packed with practical wisdom and a few surprises. From discovering which concrete filler really stands the test of time to uncovering the hidden powers (and limits) of WD-40, John Rush and Larry Unger turn everyday fixes into entertaining, useful lessons you'll actually want to try. Curious which products truly earn a spot in your garage — and which ones don't? Tune in and find out why this episode might just change the way you tackle your next home project.

Have you considered fixing the home repairs yourself after the buyer's inspection? Today, I'll explain why sellers should avoid DIY repairs once they're under contract and what to do instead. While it may sound like a way to save money, it can easily trigger contract issues, scare off the buyer, or even damage the appraisal. Get the full details in my latest video.Learn more: https://blog.titanreteam.com/5-reasons-why-you-shouldn-t-diy-home-repairs.html

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host of ‘George to the Rescue' George Oliphant breaks down what to know about the home maintenance and repairs to tackle before the weather gets cooler. Also, Josh Gad joins to discuss his new dark comedy noir film ‘Adulthood,' which follows two siblings after they uncover a long-buried corpse in their parents' basement. Plus, Marion Cotillard stops by to talk about joining a star-studded cast for season four of ‘The Morning Show.' And, chef Shaw-Nae Dixon shares a recipe for chili mac and cheese muffins with sweet potato s'mores.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home repair costs are skyrocketing HR 2 full 2407 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:51:59 +0000 lrFh3lyHb3Sfg0lEgPcz8SiS4Jh69itp news MIDDAY with JAYME & WIER news Home repair costs are skyrocketing HR 2 From local news & politics, to what's trending, sports & personal stories...MIDDAY with JAYME & WIER will get you through the middle of your day! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=http

Understanding your home's electrical safety features protects both property and occupants. Regular professional inspections of electrical systems helps identify legacy installations that may no longer meet current safety standards. Double-lugging neutral conductors is a significant safety hazard and a major defect that can lead to loose connections, overheating, and arcing. The 2023 NEC 110.14(A) and NEC 408.41 now specifically prohibit double-lugging and mandate individual terminals for each neutral conductor. The NEC does not permit the termination of more than one neutral wire under a single screw at the neutral bus bar. 

Chief and Crutch go big on new ACs!

We discuss resources available for home repairs and how to avoid code violations.

This message from Pastor's sermon series "Home Repairs" was delivered during our Sunday evening service on July 27, 2025. The text being expounded is Ephesians 5:28-6:8.   To learn more about Tabernacle or access more resources, visit https://www.tabernaclebaptistchurch.com/.

In this conversation, Mark Grossman, a consultant and founder of Claim Help Me, discusses the complexities of navigating insurance claims for homeowners, particularly in the aftermath of disasters. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of public adjusters, the challenges homeowners face when dealing with insurance companies, and the ethical concerns surrounding fire chasers. Mark provides insights into how homeowners can protect themselves and make informed decisions during stressful situations.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Over 5,000 women in Ireland intentionally set the record for most people skinny dipping so we wanted to hear about your accidental nakedness, Bill Burr dissed Chicago so today's Thursday Threestyle is a Boston takedown, and more people are repairing than buying new so we had to know what your latest YouTube repair was. Catch up on everything you missed from today's show on The Morning Mix Podcast!Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am - 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.Follow The Mix: The MixstagramGet the Free MIX App: Stream The MixSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This message from Pastor's sermon series "Home Repairs" was delivered during our Sunday evening service on July 13, 2025. The text being expounded is Ephesians 5:25-33.   To learn more about Tabernacle or access more resources, visit https://www.tabernaclebaptistchurch.com/.

Rising costs are causing homeowners to delay repairs. A financial bug-out bag offers protection in emergencies and a digital detox can help reset your mind.

On the next phone scam I'm calling a guy who does marketing for a living to see if I can get him to help me with my home repair business...and one of the dumbest investments he's ever heard of.

Join us, as we uncover a case that led to FBI intervention, a search through thousands of tons of landfill waste, and a defense built on cocaine, forged checks, and claims of brain damage. How to support: For extra perks including exclusive content, early release, and ad-free episodes - Go to - Patreon How to connect: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Please check out our sponsors and help support the podcast: Nutrafol - Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code MADNESS Mint Mobile - For premium wireless plans starting at $15 a month go to mintmobile.com/madness Rula - Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that's actually covered by insurance. Visit Rula.com/madness to get started. After you sign up, you'll be asked how you heard about them —please support our show and let them know we sent you. Smalls - For a limited time only, get 35% off plus an additional 50% off your first order when you head to Smalls.com and use code MADNESS. Masterclass - See MasterClass's latest deal–at least 15% off–at MasterClass.com/MADNESS Cremo - Head to Target or Target.com to find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants in the Italian Bergamont and Palo Santo scents. IQBAR - IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your twenty percent off, text MADNESS to 64000. Quince - Upgrade your wardrobe with pieces made to last with Quince. Go to Quince.com/madness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Research & Writing: Giselle Melanson Tattrie Editing: Aiden Wolf Sources: First Coast News First Coast News 2 First Coast News 3 Court TV 1 Court TV 2 The Independent News 4 Jax News 4 Jax 2 Been Verified Office of the State Attorney - Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida Legacy Facebook Crime Circus Realtor

Real Estate Expert & Best-Selling Author, Gerald Lucas reveals & discusses 3 of the most expensive home repairs.

I'm pleased to interview one of our Biz Book Pub Hub Partners. Our Hub Partners are experts who support entrepreneurs along their author journey.  Today's guest is a ghostwriter and content strategist who's made it her mission to help bold thinkers turn their Big Ideas into books that actually move the needle. Known for her truth-telling style and sharp strategic brain, she works with experts who are ready to own their voice, take a seat at the table, and build a platform that drives their business, not just their book sales. She doesn't believe in writing a book just to say you did it. She believes in developing thought leadership that creates real traction: the kind that builds credibility, lands speaking gigs, and fills pipelines. Through her company, The Pocket PhD, she helps Big Idea Experts test, refine, and amplify their message long before the manuscript gets started—so that when the book comes, it's not just smart, it's unstoppable. She's the author of Unwritten: The Thought Leader's Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book, the go-to guide for business owners who want to stop overthinking and finally complete their book without pausing everything else in their business. Please join me in welcoming Emily Crookston.  In this episode, we discuss the following:

Talk about an unexpected journey! We run quite a bit longer than usual in this one because there was just so much ground to cover. Mercury Stardust's recent fame as the Trans Handy Ma'am, with a unique brand of compassionate education in the Home Repair world, is only the tip of the iceberg. From a career in burlesque through several encounters that radically changed her views of the world, listen in to find out how she developed her unique style.

Featured on WGN Radio's Home Sweet Home Chicago on 06/07/25: Lindemann Chimney, Fireplace, Heating, and Cooling's CEO, Rob Lindemann, joins the program to discuss how summer is a great time to work on your home. To learn more about what Lindemann Chimney, Fireplace, Heating, and Cooling can do for you, go to lindemann.com or give them a […]

Financing. Whether it is a water heater, a generator, or a new HVAC system, financing is a way of life now. With the average homeowner having less than $5,000 in savings, according to a US banking study, when a major repair happens, the only option is financing. So, how do you choose a financing company? What should you look for? What should you avoid? My guest Erica Leonor, is the Director of Business Development for Goodleap. She will answer these questions and more. Free P&L Statement and Balance Sheet https://tinyurl.com/2rjd6wxu Ruth King Twitter - @RuthKing LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/   Podcast Produced by Nick Uttam https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-uttam-4b33a1147

Renovating a cluttered space is like trying to cook in a messy kitchen. You might be able to make it work, but you'll spend more time, money, and effort to get the results you want. In episode #256 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly, Gayle Goddard, professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, explores how clutter complicates home renovation and DIY projects and offers strategies to set yourself up for success in your home reboot.Show notes: https://cfhou.com/tcfw256The Clutter Fairy Weekly is a live webcast and podcast designed to help you clear your clutter and make space in your home and your life for more of what you love. We meet Tuesdays at noon (U.S. Central Time) to answer your decluttering questions and to share organizing tools and techniques, success stories and “ah-hah!” moments, seasonal suggestions, and timeless tips.To participate live in our weekly webcast, join our Meetup group, follow us on Facebook, or subscribe to our mailing list. You can also watch the videos of our webcast on YouTube.Support the showHalfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual JourneyMidlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

When is buying “Made in the USA” worth it? Plus, learn where to stash savings for home repairs to maximize your returns. What does it mean when something is “Made in the USA”? Should you use a money market or high-yield savings account for home repairs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to evaluate products labeled “Made in the USA” and how tariffs and global supply chains influence pricing and availability. Joined by NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski, they begin with a deep dive into how “Made in the USA” labels are regulated, the real-world impact of tariffs on costs, and why U.S. manufacturing isn't as clear-cut as it seems. Then, personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to manage and rebuild savings after major home repairs. They cover the pros and cons of high-yield savings vs. money market accounts, strategies for prioritizing urgent repairs, and smart ways to automate your savings. You'll also hear how to stay financially flexible, explore low-interest financing options, and use “mental accounting” to juggle multiple savings goals with clarity and confidence. Learn more about money market accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/faq-money-market-account The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place. Download it today to set up your Atomic Treasury account and more: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Made in USA meaning, FTC Made in USA rules, tariffs and prices, US manufacturing trends, buying American products, how to find Made in USA products, import tariffs effects, supply chain and tariffs, high-yield savings account vs money market account, money market vs savings account, best account for home repairs, home repair savings tips, sinking funds savings, budgeting for home repairs, saving after renovation, using 0% APR credit card for home repairs, home improvement budgeting, multiple savings accounts strategy, emergency funds after buying a house, prioritizing home repairs, savings account APY, Atomic Treasury account, saving for home maintenance, home equity for renovations, refinancing home repairs, saving 1 percent of home value, how to choose savings account type, home maintenance budget rule, saving buckets strategy, rebuild emergency fund, automatic savings deposits, smart home budgeting, save for home emergencies, and high-yield savings account pros and cons. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Summary In this episode, Beth Dodson and John Bedrozik delve into the world of Homeowner AI, focusing on its application in home maintenance. They discuss the challenges homeowners face in managing maintenance tasks, the importance of preventative maintenance, and how AI can simplify the process. The conversation highlights personal experiences, the significance of health and safety in home maintenance, and the potential impact of maintenance on home value. In this conversation, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of budgeting for home maintenance, the role of AI in assisting homeowners with maintenance tasks, and the benefits of understanding future maintenance costs. They explore how AI tools can provide personalized advice, help with DIY repairs, and forecast expenses, making homeownership more manageable and efficient. The discussion emphasizes the need for homeowners, especially first-time and aging homeowners, to be proactive in maintaining their homes to avoid costly repairs and ensure safety. Takeaways Homeowner AI can significantly reduce the learning curve for new homeowners. Preventative maintenance is crucial for saving money and avoiding costly repairs. Understanding the specific maintenance needs of a home based on its location is essential. Pest control is a vital aspect of home maintenance that is often overlooked. Health and safety issues can arise from neglecting home maintenance tasks. Deferred maintenance can negatively impact the resale value of a home. Homeowners often learn about maintenance through trial and error. AI technology can provide step-by-step guidance for home maintenance tasks. A comprehensive maintenance schedule is beneficial for homeowners. Communication with real estate agents can provide valuable insights into home maintenance.  Budgeting for home maintenance is essential for homeowners. AI tools can provide accurate cost estimates for maintenance tasks. Homeowners can choose between DIY and hiring professionals for repairs. Understanding the risks of neglecting maintenance tasks is crucial. AI can help troubleshoot home repair issues interactively. Forecasting future maintenance costs aids in financial planning. Older homeowners benefit from understanding maintenance budgets. AI tools can help avoid overbuying unnecessary tools. Home maintenance is vital for preserving the value of a home. Being proactive in home maintenance can save significant costs. Sound Bites "You can budget for it." "This is amazing." "Lint is highly flammable." "This would have been brilliant." "This is huge." "This is amazing information." "Our homes are our castles." "Be a smarter homeowner." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Maintenance 05:52 The Journey of Homeownership and Maintenance Challenges 11:40 Preventative Maintenance and Its Importance 16:38 Health, Safety, and Home Maintenance 21:40 Homeowner AI: Revolutionizing Home Maintenance 23:18 Budgeting for Home Maintenance 24:45 Understanding Maintenance Tasks and Costs 28:39 Utilizing AI for Home Repairs 30:34 Interactive Troubleshooting with AI 32:32 Forecasting Future Maintenance Costs 36:13 Planning for Aging Homeowners 40:16 Becoming a Smarter Homeowner  

4-28 Adam and Jordana 9a hour

With an undergraduate degree from New York University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Jon Malankar joined the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in 2018. He climbed the corporate ladder at this top managment consulting firm and became a partner in his mid-30s. But the bureaucratic burden of working for a large consulting firm with Fortune 100 clients and a strong desire to be more plugged in to his local community ("I felt like a nomad in my hometown"), Jon yearned to be his own boss. After a year of exploration, he opted to become a Mr. Handyman franchise owner in Long Branch, New Jersey. Despite no experience in home repair work, Jon is successfully managing four teams of repair professionals. According to Jon, "Owning a very local, present, visible, tangible small business really filled up the scorecard for me."

Hazaa! Our first balance patch of Path of Exile 2's Early Access! We played as much as we could today (launch day) before recording and, no joke, could have easily doubled the length of the episode. GGG's 0.2.0 patch is out and it's loaded with changes to fuel us for months! We hope you're enjoying Dawn of the Hunt! Thanks, as always for your listens each week. You all rock!(00:00:00) Welcome and Grip It and Rip It(00:01:00) Patrons, Drinks, and After Dark Vibes(00:04:45) GGG Apology and Calendar Confession(00:08:30) Home Repairs, Squirrels, and Skate Parks(00:12:00) Path of Exile Begins – Patch 0.2.0 Hype(00:15:00) The Reveal vs The Q&A(00:18:45) UI Improvements and Subtle Changes(00:22:00) Skill Balance and Unlisted Fixes(00:25:45) Mapping, QoL, and Controller Updates(00:30:15) Resistances, Quest Zones, and Boss Icons(00:34:00) Private Leagues and Future Content(00:39:00) League Starters and Build Discussion(00:43:00) Poison and Minion Builds in 0.2(00:47:30) Progression Speed and Campaign Thoughts(00:52:00) Loot Impressions and Gear Drops(00:57:00) Enemy Density and Pack Spacing(01:01:00) Accessibility and New Player Experience(01:05:45) GGG Direction, Trust, and Player Feedback(01:10:30) Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-UpForever Exiled Info:www.foreverexiled.comPatreonTwitter @ForeverExiled82Path of Exile WebsiteWrecker of Days Builds ListDiscord...FE Merch StoreFE Nexus Store