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TWS News 1: Southwest Cleaning – 00:26 Money Pit – 3:51 Podcast Promo: Plane Crash – 9:26 TWS News 2: Mac Neo – 12:28 Unanswered Prayer Reconciliation – 14:58 TWS News 3: Saved from an Avalanche – 21:49 Best Friend Game – 25:01 Rock Report: Salt Mine Tour – 30:20 Seat Divorce – 32:26 You can join our Wally Show Poddies Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/WallyShowPoddies This podcast is crowd funded - that means that you help make it possible. If you like it and want to support it, give here.
It's a Tom Hanks film from the 80's, which of course means we had to call up Abe Sword. We've had him on for The 'Burbs, Joe Versus the Volcano, Big and now The Money Pit. This home renovation nightmare of a story turns 40 years old this year and we had a great time chatting about it. Enjoy!
Slept On 80's Movies Month Continues!!! Join Kasey and Amanda as they discuss the Tom Hanks Classics The Money Pit
This week, Rush is getting rave reviews from the President himself?! Plus, John's new home is turning into a Money Pit, Randy the Chipmunk likes McDonalds, PreKay has a great new spin on "What Were They On"--and much more!
Please hit Subscribe. Click here to see our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/222paranormal Click here to see Joe's book. https://a.co/d/0fwwDiim Click here to see Jen's Book. https://a.co/d/01gy6rEd For centuries, stories of lost treasure have whispered through history like unfinished confessions—fortunes buried in secret, riches swallowed by the sea, and artifacts that vanished under suspicious circumstances. In this episode of the **222 Paranormal Podcast**, we dive deep into the world's most infamous *lost treasures* and the eerie legends that surround them. From pirate gold hidden on remote islands to royal jewels that disappeared during revolutions, these treasures aren't just missing—they're *guarded by mystery*. Many are said to be protected by curses, strange phenomena, or unseen forces that prevent them from ever being recovered. Explorers report disembodied voices, sudden storms, equipment failures, and even shadowy figures appearing near dig sites. Coincidence… or something far older watching over what was never meant to be found? We explore legendary enigmas like the **Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine**, where countless treasure hunters have vanished in the Arizona desert. We examine the chilling theories behind **Oak Island's Money Pit**, a location so strange it has claimed lives while offering only cryptic clues. We also journey into sunken realms—lost shipwrecks rumored to hold unimaginable wealth, including vessels that disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only ghost stories and unanswered questions. But this episode isn't just about gold and jewels—it's about *why* these treasures remain lost. Are they simply victims of time and geography, or are some discoveries actively being prevented? We discuss theories ranging from ancient traps and secret societies to paranormal guardians and time-slip phenomena. In some cultures, treasure is believed to become "alive," choosing who may find it—and who must never return. As always, we blend historical accounts with eyewitness testimony, folklore, and high-strangeness speculation. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or someone who just loves a good mystery, this episode will leave you questioning how much of history is still hidden… and whether some secrets are safer buried. Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and join us as we uncover the **Lost Treasures of the World**—where riches vanish, legends endure, and the past refuses to stay silent. Welcome to the 222 Paranormal Podcast, your gateway to the captivating world of the supernatural. Immerse yourself in our expertly crafted episodes, where we delve deep into a wide range of paranormal phenomena, including ghostly hauntings, cryptid sightings, and unexplained mysteries that defy logic. Each episode is meticulously researched and features engaging discussions with leading experts, seasoned ghost hunters, and renowned paranormal investigators. We cover the latest advancements in ghost hunting technology, offer practical tips for both amateur and experienced investigators, and review essential equipment for your paranormal adventures. Our podcast also explores the rich history of haunted locations, sharing true stories and firsthand accounts that will send chills down your spine. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the paranormal or just curious about the unknown, our content is designed to entertain, inform, and ignite your imagination. Stay tuned as we uncover secrets from the most haunted places around the world and analyze the most intriguing supernatural events. We also provide in-depth interviews with notable figures in the field and explore theories that challenge conventional understanding of reality. By subscribing to our Paranormal Podcast, you'll stay updated with the latest episodes, allowing you to join a community of like-minded individuals who share your fascination with the unexplained. Don't miss out on our exclusive content and special features, which bring you closer to the mysteries that lie beyond our everyday experiences. Dive into the world of the unknown with
Richard Benjamin's 1986 homeowner's nightmare comedy, THE MONEY PIT, is our feature presentation this week! We talk the stunts and pratfalls, Alexander Godunov, if the film has the Steven Spielberg magic dust, that Tom Hanks charm, Yakov Smirnoff, ageism with actresses, and much more! We also pick our Top 7 Movies Seen on Cable TV in this week's Silver Screen 7! Join our Patreon ($2.99/month) here linktr.ee/brokenvcr to watch the episodes LIVE in video form day/weeks early. Find us on Instagram @thebrokenvcr and follow us on LetterBoxd! Become a regular here at THE BROKEN VCR!
MRKT Matrix - Monday, January 12th S&P 500 hits fresh all-time high as traders look past Fed independence risk, bank rate cap threat (CNBC) For Years, Powell Avoided Fighting Trump. That's Over. (WSJ) Trump's credit card rate cap plan has unclear path, ‘devastating' risks, bank insiders say (CNBC) Trump ‘Inclined' to Keep Exxon Out of Venezuela (WSJ) Alphabet Becomes Newest $4 Trillion Company, Joining Nvidia (WSJ) Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming this year (CNBC) Apple leads global smartphone market with 20% share in 2025, says Counterpoint (Reuters) Google Unveils AI Shopping Tools for Gemini (The Information) Amazon Is Planning Walmart-Style Big Box Store Near Chicago (Bloomberg) AI Could Be a Money Pit for Individual Investors (The Information) --- Subscribe to our newsletter: https://riskreversalmedia.beehiiv.com/subscribe MRKT Matrix by RiskReversal Media is a daily AI powered podcast bringing you the top stories moving financial markets Story curation by RiskReversal, scripts by Perplexity Pro, voice by ElevenLabs
In this episode of The Evernest Real Estate Investor Show, Spencer and Adam discuss buying hoarder houses - what strategies to use, common pitfalls, and the misconceptions behind purchasing distressed homes (spoiler: good investors aren't taking advantage of people!). You'll learn: How to investigate distressed property while treating the owners kindly Why you need to assume the worst if you can't see the floors of a unit How to keep your numbers (and your bottom line) top of mind as you're fleshing out these kinds of deals =================================== Connect with Matt and Spencer at Evernest: Evernest.co Hosts: Spencer Sutton and Adam Hobson Visit the Podcast Website: Evernest.co/podcasts Email the Show: podcast@evernest.co =================================== Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Evernest 2026.
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to the final episode of The Money Pit, where we celebrate more than 21 years of helping you turn your house into a home you love. In this bittersweet finale, Leslie Segrete and Jim Kenzie reflect on our many years of offering floorboards-to-shingles advice while honoring the legacy of our late friend and long-time co-host, Tom Kraeutler. Thank you for more than two decades of The Money Pit. And remember: you can do it yourself, but you don't have to do it alone. - Preventive Maintenance: We emphasize that consistent home maintenance is the most vital habit for any homeowner, because small tasks like cleaning gutters or changing filters prevent the most expensive disasters. Remember, a home is a living thing that requires constant care and attention to truly reward its inhabitants. - Common Homeowner Mistakes: We do a review of the most common homeowner pitfalls we've seen on The Money Pit, such as the temptation to hire the cheapest contractor, which often leads to poor quality and higher costs in the long run. We also hear from listeners about water and moisture issues; make sure you address those, because they will never resolve themselves and only grow more destructive over time. - Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off: We detail home improvement investments that pay off every time, such as prioritizing energy efficiency through insulation and smart thermostats to increase comfort and reduce bills. Additionally, we recommend focusing on lighting upgrades and safety essentials like smoke alarms and secure railings to ensure a home is a place where families can thrive. Q & A: - George in Arkansas dealt with a chilly bedroom despite a 72-degree thermostat setting. We advise him to add 15 to 20 inches of insulation in his attic and use the back of his hand to find and seal drafts around window jams and outlets. - Cliff in Nebraska wanted to know how to make new wood picture frames look like weathered barnwood. We suggest burning the wood with a propane torch and using a wire brush to remove the soft char, creating a "driftwoody" texture before staining. - Lori in New Jersey asked how to treat a garage floor coated in thick oil and grease. The answer is to pressure wash the floor with a TSP solution and then apply a durable, two-part epoxy floor finish. - Lisa in Texas inquired about the safety of older two-prong outlets in her 1960s home. We explain that while they can be safe with adapters, it is much better to hire an electrician to upgrade the wiring to a modern, grounded system. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to the final broadcast of The Money Pit, a very special episode marking the end of our incredible 21-year journey of helping you make your homes safer and more beautiful. While our live show is coming to a close, we are finishing strong with the essential advice you need to plan a successful year of home improvements ahead. - 2026 Project Planning: We outline a home project plan that prioritizes safety and efficiency first, followed by maintenance and finally beautification. - Timeless Design Upgrades: Leslie shares tips for choosing finishes that won't feel dated, such as using neutral paint colors and focusing on functional kitchen upgrades like deep drawers. The key is to design your home around your actual life rather than fleeting social media trends. - The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: We review the "backbone" of home care, emphasizing that cleaning gutters twice a year and servicing HVAC systems are critical to preventing major repairs. Adopting a "maintenance first, repairs second" philosophy is the best way to protect your investment over the long haul. Maintaining a home is like maintaining a ship; if you ignore the small leaks in the hull or skip the routine engine checks, you might find yourself sinking just when you're trying to enjoy the view from the deck. Q & A: - Tom in Daytona Beach, Florida, asked for advice on replacing toilet shut-off valves. We recommend using a handheld pipe cutter for a clean, square cut and installing compression valves for a reliable, leak-free fit. - Robert in Tennessee sought security solutions after his workspace was broken into numerous times. We suggest installing motion-activated LED spotlights and considering high-tech monitored camera systems that allow guards to interact with intruders. - George in Connecticut inquired about the best way to keep concrete pavers from migrating. We advise using flexible border edging secured with stakes or ensuring the base material is prepped wider than the finished walkway to prevent edge collapse. - David in Texas wanted to restore the original "wet look" to his faded, stained concrete patio. We recommend applying a heavy-duty epoxy clear coat or exploring resurfacing kits that use real stone for a durable finish. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit! This week, we're delving into more crucial home maintenance topics for the season and helping you fix up your home sweet home as we prepare for the end-of-year happy holidays! - Indoor Air Quality: We share easy and affordable ways to significantly improve your indoor air quality, even when windows stay shut during the winter. A key step is checking your HVAC filter, which captures dust and allergens without overworking your system. - Warming Up Chilly Spaces: We tackle how to warm up those stubborn, chilly spots in your home without replacing your heating system. Simple weekend projects like applying removable rope caulk or window insulation films to seal drafts and installing foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls can make a big difference. - Kitchen Organization: With the holidays approaching fast, the kitchen is about to become your busiest room, so we offer quick kitchen organizing tricks to make cooking and cleanup easier - Hazardous Holiday Plants: We conclude with Leslie's Last Word on holiday plant safety, noting that many popular festive plants are far more toxic than commonly thought. Plants like holly, mistletoe, amaryllis, and paper whites can be dangerous if ingested by children or pets, making it crucial to keep them out of reach. Q & A: - Scott in Illinois called with a question about his crumbling 13-year-old aggregate driveway. We advise that driveway replacement, possibly with a tough concrete surface that has adequate traction for the pitch and the snowy Illinois climate, would be a better option than repeatedly trying to repair the rough aggregate, which has likely reached the end of its lifespan. - Annette in Mississippi asked what causes condensation to appear on the surface of her ceramic kitchen floor tiles. We explain that this is caused by the warm, humid air inside her home striking the cold floor surface, and suggest she install a whole-home dehumidifier to remove the moisture. - Mary from Alaska wanted advice on switching from her traditional electric water heaters to a tankless system. Leslie notes that electric tankless technology is less efficient than gas-based systems, but Mary could upgrade to a high-efficiency heat pump water heater. - Pete in Pennsylvania had a question about an area of vinyl siding that felt floppy after he repaired a piece that had blown off. We reassure him that vinyl siding is meant to be put on loosely to allow for expansion and contraction during temperature changes, but if the pieces are disconnected, he can use a "zip tool" to reconnect the siding. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! In these final festive weeks of the year, Leslie Segrete and Jim Kenzie delve into essential winter home projects, share crucial safety tips, and continue to answer your calls. Join us for these home improvement topics and expert DIY answers! - Tips for Hanging Holiday Lights: We discuss the simplest and safest ways to hang holiday lights, both indoors and out, without damaging your home. You should use damage-free hardware like gutter clips for the exterior or removable adhesive hooks and suction cups indoors, specifically avoiding damaging staples, nails, or drilling. - Winter Safety Checks: We share important early winter safety checks to keep your home and family protected through the cold weather months. This includes testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, checking the charge and expiration dates on fire extinguishers, and cleaning lint buildup from dryer vents. - Décor Tricks to Warm Up Your Space: To instantly warm up your space for the holidays without a full redesign, we suggest simple décor tricks. Focus on adding texture through chunky throws and faux fur, switch out harsh overhead lighting, and create small, inviting winter vignettes. - Insulation in Older Homes: When improving efficiency in older homes, we recommend focusing on the attic insulation and floor insulation before focusing on the walls. Q & A: - Pete in Arizona called about his 18-year-old tar patio roof, which was cracking and missing pieces, and asked if he should repair it using Flex Seal. We explain that patching would only postpone the inevitable, as the roof was likely past its expected lifespan, and recommend installing a new roof. - Diane in Minnesota asked for help with her apartment bathroom exhaust fan, which was failing to effectively remove steam. She should contact her building super to determine where the fan exhausts, as the vent may be obstructed or blocked, preventing it from functioning correctly. - Brad in Illinois was renovating his 1948 bungalow and wanted advice on whether to repair and restore his original single-pane, double-hung windows or replace them. We offer the choice of restoring them by adding weather stripping and installing storm windows or opting for replacement windows that fit inside the existing frame. - Kenny in Ohio asked for advice regarding the visible outlines of his ceiling joists on his downstairs ceiling. We confirm that it's “ghosting” and recommend sealing the area by priming and painting with a good-quality, washable ceiling paint. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
There's a lot happening in the world of home improvement, especially when it comes to the East Wing of the White House. In our latest chat, we dive into the somewhat controversial construction taking place there. Now, I won't bore you with the political stuff, but let's just say, when big machinery rolls up to a historic site, eyebrows are raised. I mean, are we really just supposed to ignore the fact that they're tearing down a building that looks like it could survive a zombie apocalypse? The East Wing might not be the original White House, but come on, it was built like a fortress! What's really going on under all that rubble? Is there a secret underground bunker being installed? I speculated that this whole operation might be a cover-up for something much bigger and way more exciting than just another reception hall. We're talking about the potential for a high-tech bomb shelter or some other government shenanigans that are too juicy for the public eye. But hey, if the President needs to hide something from the world, I guess a little demolition is the way to go, right?Takeaways: Eric G dives deep into the East Wing of the White House construction, hinting at some secretive and possibly absurd reasons behind it—because who doesn't love a good government conspiracy, right? The East Wing, built in the 1900s, is being torn down, making way for something potentially way more interesting, or at least less bunker-like, if you believe Eric's wild theories. Eric gives a heartfelt shoutout to the Money Pit show ending, while cheekily hinting that his own show is poised to take over; because, why not seize the opportunity amidst the chaos? He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the holiday travel chaos, with a sarcastic nod to how everyone just loves driving through floods and rain—what a thrill! The upcoming holiday shows promise to be engaging, with Eric teasing a best-of episode that may or may not actually highlight the best of the best; stay tuned! In a cheeky tone, Eric suggests that the government might be hiding something big under the East Wing, and if that doesn't pique your curiosity, I don't know what will! Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Amazon around the House Money Pit Eric G White House CNN Fox News US Government Connect with Us!Love the show? Follow and subscribe for more home improvement tips, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive clips:YouTube: Watch video tips and full episodes - Subscribe hereFacebook: Join the community for daily updates and discussions - Like and FollowInstagram: See project inspiration, quick hacks, and stories - Follow @therealaroundthehouseTikTok: Short DIY videos, tips, and fun trends - Follow @aroundthehousewithericgVisit
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to the Money Pit! With only two weeks left until Christmas, we know this is a busy time of year, but we're here to help you keep your home in tip-top shape and get you through the finish line of the holidays. Whether you are doing or dreaming of projects, we make DIY doable! - 5 Common Remodeling Mistakes: We share the top five most common remodeling mistakes homeowners make, so you can be prepared for your next project. - Safe and Efficient Space Heaters: We discuss how to choose a safe and efficient space heater by understanding the difference between radiant heaters and convection heaters. - Live Christmas Trees: If you're heading out to buy a live Christmas tree, we provide tips on how to ensure the tree is fresh. - The Age of Your Home: Leslie's Last Word offers tricks for figuring out the age of your home by checking plumbing fixtures or recognizing old wiring and pipe types. Q & A: - Linda from Washington wanted to cover her outdated Formica kitchen countertops with a new product. We recommend using a product kit like Lux Rock or Marble Dream from Daich Coatings, noting that she should lightly sand the Formica surface beforehand to ensure the coating adheres well. - Jeremy from Pennsylvania was dealing with a small leak and musty smell in the corner of his finished basement with a block foundation. We suggest that the problem is caused by exterior drainage, advising him to extend his downspout and fix any grading issues to relieve water pressure. - Taylor in Michigan reported that her doors were sticking, specifically toward the top, due to swelling. We advise checking the hinges for loose screws and using chalk or dark lipstick on the door edges to identify the exact sticking point before attempting minor adjustments to realign the door in the jam. - Robin was dealing with mold growth coming out of the jets of her jacuzzi tub. We suggest filling the tub with hot water and either bleach (if not on septic) or an environmentally safe dish soap like Simple Green to sanitize the pipes. - Carolyn in Pennsylvania had a lingering musty odor in her kitchen's lazy Susan cabinet after mold grew inside. We recommend looking for mold spread behind the kickboard or trim, thoroughly cleaning all affected areas with bleach and water, and painting the interior if the odor persists. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Happy holidays, everyone! With just a few weeks left until Christmas, we're making sure you get those home projects done and make DIY doable with clear tips and advice. Join us as we chat about these home improvement topics and questions from callers like you: - Clear Advice on Buying New Windows: We simplify the confusing process of buying new windows by explaining the labels from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Understanding these ratings will help you compare energy performance and save money. - Granite Countertops in a Weekend: If you're noticing areas that need help in the kitchen, we share an easy DIY solution to give your countertops a fresh, sleek look with a smooth granite finish in just one weekend. - Holiday Lighting Safety: We offered safe and sound tips for holiday decorating, such as checking all your lights for the UL seal of approval for safety. We also discussed easy ways to replace frayed lighting strands from last year. Q & A: - Sally reported that her two large, double-pane picture windows are fogged up with moisture trapped between the panes. Unfortunately, this moisture indicates a failed Thermopane seal, which cannot be restored or repaired, so replacement is the only viable remedy. - Tim in Michigan is dealing with wrinkles in his sheet vinyl linoleum floor and mentioned that the subfloor beneath the kitchen addition is uneven. We recommend he first use a floor leveling compound to smooth out the subfloor, and then install a new, affordable product instead of chasing the issues with the old sheet product. - Maya in Iowa needs to remove old, glued-on outdoor carpet that is deteriorating on her concrete steps. She should use a chemical adhesive remover to soften the glue for easier scraping, and then consider covering the steps with an outside-rated ceramic tile or thin pavers. - Greg in Louisiana has a toilet shut-off valve handle that broke off, and he needs to replace the valve with limited working space between the pipe and the wall. We recommend using PEX fittings, which are inexpensive and easy to install without soldering. - Beverly wants to paint her cedar patio posts white to match her home's trim, but her builder warned that painting would trap moisture and cause the posts to rot. We advise her to disregard the builder's warning, prime the posts with an oil-based primer, and then apply a solid color stain to protect the wood. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: It is officially December, which means temperatures are dropping, the holidays are fast approaching, and your to-do list is likely growing by the minute. Whether you are stressing about getting your home guest-ready or worrying about winterizing your plumbing before travel, we're here to help you tackle those projects without breaking the bank. - Winterizing Pipes: We share critical steps to prevent burst pipes, such as wrapping them in foam insulation and letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold snaps to relieve pressure. - 2026 Real Estate Forecast: After years of high rates, experts predict a stabilizing market for 2026, with mortgage rates potentially dropping to around 5.9% and home prices seeing steady, modest growth. - Holiday Hosting Hacks: We discuss stress-free ways to prep your home for guests, including focusing cleaning efforts only on visible rooms, adding warm lighting, and using natural scents like cinnamon and pine. - Plumbing Safety Tip: We explain the importance of tagging your main water valve and turning off washing machine water supply valves before leaving home for extended periods to prevent flooding. Q & A: - Debbie from Arkansas found liquid nails stuck to a brick wall behind old plaster. We advise covering it with furring strips or installing faux brick panels rather than ruining the brick by trying to remove the adhesive. - Rochelle from Delaware has a cracking, dipping concrete slab in her kitchen and received a pricey quote for foam injection. We suggest she consult a structural engineer first or use a floor leveling compound instead of jumping to injection. - Victoria from Arkansas asked if she could patch small areas of missing shower grout without redoing the whole wall. We confirm she can spot-repair it, but advise doing a test patch to ensure the new sandy grout color matches perfectly. - Darlene from Baltimore asked for insulation advice to block noise from a stairwell wall. We recommend opening the wall to install mineral wool insulation combined with sound-deadening drywall like QuietRock. - Brandon sent an email to ask about replacing two-prong outlets in a 1940s home. We strongly advise against DIY electrical work and suggest hiring an electrician to install GFCIs or verify if the boxes are grounded. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to this week's episode of The Money Pit! It's almost the first weekend in December, and while we know you're running out of time for holiday preparations, we are here to help you manage your home projects before the festivities begin. - Warm Up Without High Bills: We share simple ways to keep your home cozy, such as hunting down drafts around windows and doors, changing air filters, and installing programmable thermostats to save up to 10% on heating costs. - Winter Floor Protection: To protect your floors from muddy boots and cookie crumbs, we recommend placing mats at every entrance and using specific cleaning methods for hardwood, tile, and carpet to prevent winter wear and tear. - 2026 Home Improvement Predictions: Looking ahead, we discuss top trends for 2026, including a heavy focus on energy efficiency like heat pumps, "mini-makeovers" for kitchens rather than full remodels, and multifunctional outdoor living spaces. Q & A: - Fred in Delaware built a walkout from his basement and needs to know if he requires double handrails. We advise installing two for safety. - Barbara from Rhode Island says her upstairs toilet makes a gurgling bubbly sound. We diagnose this as a venting obstruction and suggest using a toilet auger to clear the trap since plunging didn't work. - Bill from Texas scraped the popcorn texture off his bathroom ceiling and wanted to know how to seal it. We recommend using a primer like Kilz, but strongly advise against adding new texture in a bathroom due to moisture and mold risks. - Kent in Kansas has a recurring stain on his bathroom ceiling. We determine the issue is likely a deteriorated rubber boot on the plumbing vent flashing, and suggest replacing the flashing before cleaning, priming, and painting the ceiling. - Kay in South Carolina is looking to renovate a home that has been vacant with no utilities for over seven years. We recommend hiring a professional home inspector to check all systems once the utilities are on and consulting an architect if she plans to change the layout. - Tamara in Georgia explained that metal rails were cut near her walkway, leaving rust stains on her pavers. To avoid damaging the pavers with a pressure washer, we suggest using lemon juice or vinegar with a wire brush, or a rust-removing product like Iron Out. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Surely You Jest - Episode SYJ904: From Tricycle to Troubles: Embracing New ExperiencesHost: DJ Starsage Release Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! Happy Thanksgiving weekend, everyone! We are here to help you tackle your home improvement challenges – from safety tips to planning projects to finding the best deals this busy holiday season. Check out these hot topics, plus listeners' calls and solutions: - Safe and Stress-Free Babyproofing: We offer smart, stress-free tips to quickly baby-proof your space before hosting family and friends with little ones this holiday season. - Smart Shopping Secrets: We share secrets for smart holiday shopping, noting that the best deals for tools and DIY gear appear around Black Friday and into early December, while appliances see deep discounts in November and January before new models arrive. - Planning Ahead for Home Projects: Learn why winter is actually the best time to plan your spring home improvements, as starting early helps secure quality contractors who get booked months in advance. - Cleaning Range Hood Filters: We discuss a simple 10-minute maintenance job: cleaning your kitchen range hood filter by soaking a metal filter in hot soapy water mixed with baking soda. Q & A: - Lynn in New Hampshire needed advice on protecting her old cedar siding. Since natural cedar is resistant to insects but not UV light, we proposed two options: applying boiled linseed oil for natural protection without changing the color or applying a solid color stain over an oil-based primer for maximum longevity. - Carol in Maine was replacing older outlets and was unsure how to connect them to the new receptacle. Due to the serious risks involved with electrical work, we strongly advised her to hire a professional electrician. - Bill in Michigan has an unlevel floor in his attached garage, causing water from his car to pool in low spots and run toward the house wall. The recommended solution was to apply a self-leveling compound just over the areas of unevenness to correct the runoff. - Doug in Rhode Island was installing frost-free hose bibs and wanted our opinion on using SharkBite push-to-connect fasteners. We affirmed that SharkBite connectors are the perfect product for this application, as they create a permanent, watertight, solder-free connection, which is ideal for tight spots. - Heather in Tennessee had a 6x8-inch area of hardwood floor that buckled after a water filter leaked, and she sought a repair method that avoided the hassle of sanding and refinishing the entire floor. The solution was to hire a professional carpenter to discreetly cut out matching floor boards from a less visible area, such as a closet or pantry, and use them to replace the damaged section. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! Even with Leslie sporting a "brand new voice" (thanks, cold!), we're here this holiday weekend ready to help you fix up your home sweet home. Listen in as we offer tips on a range of home improvement topics and DIY dilemmas! - Choosing the Right Christmas Tree: We help you decide between a real or artificial Christmas tree, breaking down the pros and cons for each option, from the sturdy branches and fragrance of the Fraser Fir to the convenience and energy efficiency of pre-lit LED artificial trees. - Best Tool Gifts for DIYers: We share our favorite tool gifts for DIY enthusiasts from the Popular Mechanics holiday gift guide, featuring practical finds as well as fun gadgets that still get the job done. - Winterization Tips: We offer essential winterization tips, including shutting off and draining all outdoor faucets and hose bibs to prevent burst pipes. We also demonstrate how to find and seal drafts around windows and doors to help maintain heat and cut energy costs. - Healthier Indoor Air Quality: The show also featured tips for keeping indoor air healthier by filtering the air, keeping the humidity level between 35 and 40%, and installing and using exhaust fans in bathrooms. Q & A: - Greg called in with a flooring quandary, attempting to cover 6,000 square feet of concrete with an epoxy coating. The proposed solution is to prepare the concrete first by leveling uneven areas, then choosing a quality epoxy product and following the multi-step curing process carefully. - Macy was seeking advice for starting a bathroom remodel and deciding whether to use a construction company or a remodeling business. We advise her to prioritize experienced contractors and first select all desired fixtures and materials so that all companies can bid on the exact same items. - Bryce was considering using a polyethylene panel/sheet to repair his bathroom ceiling and wanted to know if it was a good substitute for wallboard. We recommend he use water-resistant drywall (green board) instead for a seamless repair. - Marian reached out regarding a leak near her chimney and needed a product to coat it to stop water from entering. We suggest applying a vapor-permeable masonry sealer to the chimney structure, which seals out water while still allowing any internal moisture to escape. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit! As the holiday season kicks into full swing, our homes start working overtime, whether we're hosting guests, cooking festive meals, or just trying to keep the utility bills manageable. This week, we're here to help you get your biggest investment running smoothly – from laundry room prep and crucial plumbing repairs to dealing with smoke damage and rescuing your holiday budget. - Laundry Room Maintenance: We discuss preparing your laundry room for the influx of guest linens and cozy sweaters by sharing smart maintenance tips for washers and dryers. - Safe and Effective Cleaning Solutions: Bruce Yako, the CEO of Jaws International, joined us to explain how their Just Add Water system uses reusable bottles and concentrated, EPA Safer Choice-certified pods to provide streak-free cleaning while reducing plastic waste. - Holiday Budget Plan: We offer a Holiday Budget Rescue Plan, suggesting simple actions like lowering your thermostat by a degree or two to save on heating costs and switching traditional holiday lights to LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy. - Water Valve Precautions: As a crucial safety measure, homeowners should locate and test the main water valve to ensure it works properly, and always remember to turn off the water supply valves to the washing machine when leaving home for an extended period to prevent burst hoses. Q & A: - Jackie from Michigan is converting an old tub into a tile shower and needs to know how to handle the pipe that previously went to the tub faucet. We advise that she cannot just cap the pipe; she must install a shower valve to get water to the shower head, and should also include a pressure balance valve to maintain constant water temperature. - Richard from Illinois has dealt with a damp spot in his brick chimney for 50 years, despite having previously replaced the flashing and chimney liner. We suggest that the highly porous brick is likely absorbing heavy rainfall, and he should apply a vapor-permeable masonry sealer to slow absorption. - Brenda's 1908 Kansas home has crumbling poured concrete basement walls, and she cannot lift the heavy block house to replace them. We stress that because this is a significant structural issue, she must hire a structural engineer who will design the precise fix, create specifications for contractors, and inspect the repair upon completion. - Jack emailed us about copper pipes in his apartment buildings that are developing pin holes and leaking. This deterioration is caused by highly acidic water, so he should consider replacing the damaged copper sections with PEX piping, which better resists acidity. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Craig has devoted almost 30 years to value real estate investing and has owned and managed 7,200 units and 2.8 million square feet of commercial space and provided advisory services on over $2 billion in value. Craig is also author of How to Take an Apartment Building from Money Pit to Money Maker, Secrets of Successful Apartment Buildings and A Guide to Creating Successful Apartment Advertisements. Now as a real estate educator, thru his books and free membership website, Craig is sharing his unique understanding of real estate value investing and how it is reinventing the way value investors should be doing business today. Enjoy this interview between Craig Haskell and Alan Pollack Part 2.
BT and Sal tear into the Yankees' offseason plans, centered on GM Brian Cashman's recent comments about the outfield. The hosts call out Cashman's attempt to temper expectations by suggesting a "worst-case scenario" of relying on prospects Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez alongside Trent Grisham as "playing possum." They then debate the merits of the top two outfield free agents, Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker, with Sal expressing strong preference for Bellinger's versatility—but only for five or six years, fearing his market will explode to $170 million or more. The segment features BT and Sal's "Money Pit" contract guesses for Bellinger and Pete Alonso, along with a caller pushing for a trade for Bo Bichette. Finally, the show is briefly interrupted by breaking news: Jaxon Dart has not been cleared from concussion protocol, dramatically lowering Tierney's interest in the upcoming Giants game.
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we're here to help you rush through your home improvement to-dos and provide fast, stress-free ways to get your house in tip-top shape before the holiday hits. We've got tips on everything from lightning protection to tackling holiday spills and getting your home ready for winter. - Stain Removal: We offer tried-and-true stain-busting tricks using pantry staples to manage inevitable holiday spills like red wine, greasy gravy, and cranberry sauce. - Proper Home Insulation: We detail how to check if your home has enough insulation. Options for insulation include affordable fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose or fiberglass, or professional spray foam. - Saving Energy in Winter: Energy-saving winter tips include checking weather stripping and installing a door sweep to block cold air, using a smart thermostat to automate heating schedules, and wrapping older water heaters with an insulation blanket. - Improving Indoor Air Quality: We offer tips for maintaining healthier indoor air quality, such as using an air purifier, keeping the humidity between 35-40%, and ensuring proper air circulation by leaving doors open and using exhaust fans in bathrooms. Q & A: - Jason in Arkansas was concerned about lightning control after installing a metal roof, especially since lightning recently destroyed his heat and air unit. We advise him to look into installing a proper lightning rod system, which typically involves a heavy copper cable running down the exterior wall to a 4- to 6-foot grounding rod. - Nancy in Georgia was dealing with a squeaky top-floor doorway after removing carpet. The solution is to locate the floor joists by finding the nailing pattern and then using long drywall screws to tightly screw down the subfloor across the entire area. - Dan in Georgia asked for advice on painting his vinyl siding because his wife disliked the current color. We strongly advise against painting the vinyl siding because paint layers will peel and require re-painting every five to six years. - Dave in Ontario, Canada, discovered that the wooden header was dry-rotted above his detached cement block garage door. We explain that he needs to build a temporary support wall inside the garage to hold the roof rafters while he disassembles and replaces the deteriorated header. - Emily (via email) wrote in about a fuzzy white growth on her basement walls that she feared was mold. We identify the growth as likely efflorescence, a mineral deposit left after moisture evaporates, and recommend that she manage exterior moisture by cleaning gutters and sloping the soil away from the foundation. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Craig has devoted almost 30 years to value real estate investing and has owned and managed 7,200 units and 2.8 million square feet of commercial space and provided advisory services on over $2 billion in value. Craig is also author of How to Take an Apartment Building from Money Pit to Money Maker, Secrets of Successful Apartment Buildings and A Guide to Creating Successful Apartment Advertisements. Now as a real estate educator, thru his books and free membership website, Craig is sharing his unique understanding of real estate value investing and how it is reinventing the way value investors should be doing business today. Enjoy this interview between Craig Haskell and Alan Pollack!
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit! Home sweet home is the biggest investment you'll ever make, but it doesn't have to be a bottomless money pit. We know you're busy at this time of year with holidays and projects, but we're here every week to help you handle those improvements, whether you have questions about painting, plumbing, home safety, security, or curb appeal! - Smart, Damage-Free Ways to Decorate for the Holidays: We emphasize the importance of using plastic light clips instead of nails or staples to prevent damage to your siding or roof. We also stress power safety, recommending outdoor-rated lights, weatherproof extension cords, GFCI outlets, and smart plugs or timers to control usage. - Simple Strategies to Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling: Make your house look lived in by using varied timers on lights and having trusted neighbors check on packages and park in the driveway. Key safety measures include locking all doors and windows and setting the thermostat to 55-60 degrees to prevent pipe freezing. - Must-Have Winter Checklist: We run through a must-have checklist of essential items to stock up on now, such as ice melt that's safe for concrete and pets, snow tools, furnace filters, and emergency items like batteries, flashlights, and extra phone chargers. - Hide Messy Wires: Finally, we cover smart and simple ways to hide messy TV wires for a clean, modern media setup. Q & A: - Karen in Pennsylvania needs a sturdy way to install a railing post into a prefabbed hollow concrete porch step. We advise using blue Tapcon screws specifically designed for masonry surfaces. - Pete in Ohio and his wife want to install canned lights in their finished, two-story home ceiling. We caution that this is an advanced electrical project requiring special tools, making it a job best handled by a professional electrician. - Lori in Missouri asks about a less messy way to remove her popcorn ceiling to achieve a flat surface. We suggest she first test for asbestos, then use the "wet scrape" method by spraying the ceiling lightly with a garden sprayer, letting it soak for 10–15 minutes, and scraping it off carefully with a wide spackle knife. - Robin in Wisconsin was refinishing her basement floor and has areas of carpet glue residue that resist sanding. We explain that sanding warms up adhesives and makes them stickier, advising her to choose a more rigid vinyl plank with an underlayment to bridge the small areas of uneven glue instead of trying to scrape or sand further. - Rich in Illinois has cedar siding that is weathered and untreated, and he seeks advice on how to secure and treat it. We recommend applying an oil-based anti-tannin primer first to prevent the natural oils from leaking, followed by a latex-based exterior stain to achieve a durable finish that could last around 15 years. - Ronnie emailed from New York City, asking if he should close off the five HVAC vents in his unused basement to save money. We advise against shutting off a large portion of the system, as it may strain the 15-year-old HVAC unit by forcing it to work harder. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Hey, everyone! With the seasonal craziness upon us, it feels like we're cramming more stuff into the same schedule. Join us this week as we share how to get your house in order, keep it in tip-top shape through the winter, and prepare for spring with these time-saving tips: - Caulking for Winter Protection: We share why checking and sealing your exterior caulking now is crucial to prevent energy leaks, energy loss, and sky-high heating bills this winter. - Transforming Your Garage into a Workshop: Learn how to convert that chilly, cluttered garage into a warm, usable workspace by winterizing appropriately and making specific upgrades. - Understanding the Housing Market Crunch: We dig into the current real estate affordability crisis and discuss the “golden handcuffs effect.” While high rates and surging prices make affordability a challenge, buyers are gaining slightly more negotiating power. - Preparing Your Appliances and Fireplace for the Holidays: Before Thanksgiving, we give tips on how to give your dishwasher a deep clean. For your fireplace, ensure your chimney has been professionally inspected and swept, and check for debris like nests before starting it up for the season. Q & A: - Scott in Florida wants to swap the location of the shower and toilet in his first-floor master bathroom, but we advise against it since moving plumbing drains in a concrete slab requires massive construction. The better solution is to make the existing shower smaller and convert that wasted space into a storage closet. - Amy in South Dakota observed grayish discoloration on the wood parts of her windows and on the metal frames. We recommend sanding the oxidized gray wood and refinishing it with an exterior-grade, oil-based urethane. - George in Connecticut was planning to install natural wood flooring over the carpet in his family room, above a dry basement. He was advised to choose prefinished hardwood for its durability and easier installation. - Belinda is adding GFCI outlets to her older home and asked if they require their own circuit breaker. We confirm they do not, and an electrician can splice the GFCI into existing wiring to protect that outlet and others downstream if needed. - Dennis in Michigan was trying to remove powdered roofing cement that had gotten wet, cured, and hardened onto his stained concrete garage floor. He should first scrape off as much cured material as possible and then use a solvent like mineral spirits or acetone, working it in with a wire brush to break down the remaining material. - Dave in Houston, Texas, sought advice on whether to glue down or float the engineered wood flooring he is installing in his second-floor bedrooms. We prefer floating floors because they are easier to install, lock together, and allow for expansion and contraction. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Coast to coast and floorboards to shingles, this is The Money Pit! As we enter this wonderful, thankful time of year, we are focused on making sure your home is prepped to look nice and stay safe before the holiday guests and cooking sprees begin. Listen in for this week's home improvement topics and calls, including: - Refreshing Your Home's Exterior: Fall provides crisp, dry weather that is perfect for refreshing your exterior paint. We'll give you some tips on how to boost curb appeal and better protect your home. - Preventing Holiday Plumbing Disasters: Before guests arrive, take steps to avoid kitchen clogs and toilet backups, such as avoiding putting grease, potato peels, or bones down the garbage disposal. - Essential Fire Safety for the Season: Holiday lights and decorations can increase fire risks, so use surge protectors and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords, which can overload wires. Also, always remember that unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. - Quick Clean-Up Preparation: Since spills are inevitable during big meals, prep a quick grab-and-go stain-fighting kit with essentials like paper towels, a carpet-safe stain remover, white vinegar, and a scrub brush. Q & A: - Cameron has a 100-year-old home with counterweighted windows, and he needs to restring the weights. To fix this, he needs to carefully remove the interior trim/casing to gain access to the cavity behind the sash, making sure to use a utility knife to cut the paint seam first to avoid damage while repairing the window. - Nicole is dealing with loud banging pipes in the basement every time water is run. The noise is either "water hammer" from loose pipes shaking against the wood framing, or the well pump turning on and off too frequently. - Linda wants to build a single concrete structure that can serve as a patio in the summer and a covered carport for her collectible car in the winter. To get a solid, permanent base, we recommend consulting with a professional. - Bill installed a new LED light fixture and noticed there is a 1.5 to 2-second delay before the light actually comes on when flipped. This behavior is actually normal due to the complex internal circuitry required to bring the light up and maintain the correct level. - Gail emailed to say she recently moved and asked how to stop the stains left by falling acorns on her concrete driveway. The recommended solution is to stay on top of maintenance by scrubbing the stains with a strong solution of oxygenated bleach. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! As the days grow shorter and we settle into the realities of daylight savings time, it's the perfect time to tackle those crucial home improvement projects and winter preparations. We're here every week with home improvement how-tos, hacks, tips, tricks, and advice to help you fix up your home sweet home! Today's featured home improvement topics and calls include: - Home Improvement ROI: We break down the top five home improvement projects that will deliver the biggest bang for your buck. - Hiring Contractors: We share our insider checklist for hiring the right contractor, emphasizing the critical steps you need to avoid getting scammed this holiday season. - Outdoor Chore List: We detail the essential last outdoor chores you need to complete before winter settles in. - Refreshing a Backyard Garden Bed: For those with an unused space, we discuss how to rejuvenate a tired backyard garden bed in the fall. Q & A: - Tracy in Florida was considering installing high-density styrofoam crown molding instead of traditional wood because she isn't handy. Foam trim is an excellent DIY choice, as it is easy to cut and install and once painted, it is indistinguishable from wood. - John in Arkansas has a height difference where a new addition meets his house's slab foundation, complicating the connection of LVP flooring, especially near an exterior door. We think John should install a transition strip (saddle) to safely navigate this height difference. - Dewey owns a three-unit building where a basement unit has a bad odor coming from the drywall due to a previous sewage flood. To address this, he needs to hire a remediation company to tear out the impacted drywall and wiring. - Gail in Virginia has an oil boiler that is delivering water that is too hot, and she cannot turn the boiler temperature down without impacting the heating performance. She needs to have a technician locate and correctly set the mixing valve built into her tankless coil system to automatically add the proper amount of cold water. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! It's getting chilly out, so we're focused on preparing a cozier home for the colder season ahead. Give us a call now at 888 Money Pit, but first, listen in for this week's topics and DIY caller questions! - Fireplace Safety Check: Before striking that first match for a cozy fire, pay attention to our quick fireplace safety checklist. We'll walk you through tips to tackle before lighting your first log. - Pre-Winter Power Washing: Before winter wraps your home in a snowy blanket, it's a great time to give your exterior a deep clean. Coming up, we're talking about the power of power washing! From removing grime and mildew to making your walkways safer and your house sparkle for the holidays, we'll share why this quick weekend project is the ultimate pre-winter refresh. - Smoke Detector & Cold Prep Reminders: Changing the clocks is a perfect reminder to replace the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and to swap out any units that are more than 10 years old. Other quick prep tasks include reversing ceiling fan direction, inspecting weather stripping, and cleaning the HVAC filter. - Wallpaper Accents: In Leslie's Last Word, we discuss how wallpaper is having a serious design moment and can be used sparingly and stylishly as an accent in small spaces like powder rooms or inside decorative molding for instant impact. Q & A: - Mara in Louisiana wanted to screen in or convert part of her two-story porch on her 1910 home, which has 22 large Corinthian columns. We explain that trying to work around or box in the unique columns would severely change the architectural style of her beautiful home, and recommend consulting with an architect for a major redesign. - David in Anchorage, Alaska, was preparing to tile a bathroom wall that featured a "knockdown" texture, and he needed to know what prep work was necessary. We suggest that he lightly sand the raised spots or score them with a knife to provide a clean, flatter surface for the tile adhesive. - Stacy in Minnesota wanted to update her 1968 fireplace by filling in the mortar between the bricks and then applying a lime wash. We explain that a lime wash won't absorb correctly into brick as it does with wood grain, and she should instead consider alternatives like tiling, using faux stone fascia, or applying stucco. - John in Florida stripped his entire house down to the studs and asked if "cocooning" his home with spray foam insulation was a good idea. We affirm that spray foam is an excellent method for achieving energy efficiency, especially since the walls were open, and we note that breathability issues are rare in existing homes. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this powerful episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, sits down with Ben Reinberg, Founder and CEO of Alliance Consolidated Group of Companies, to expose one of the biggest financial misconceptions of our time — the myth that “cash is king.”Fresh off his recent TED Talk, Reinberg shares how he built an empire in commercial real estate from the ground up, and why hard assets—not savings accounts—are the true path to long-term wealth. From raising $2 million at age 23 to managing hundreds of millions in recession-resilient assets today, Reinberg breaks down the mindset, strategies, and disciplines that separate those who get rich from those who stay wealthy.The two Bens dive deep into the 2026–2027 commercial market reset, where trillions in real estate debt are set to come due—creating what Reinberg calls “the buying opportunity of a generation.” You'll learn why the ability to hold, not just buy, is the defining trait of great investors… and why communication, focus, and emotional discipline remain the ultimate assets in business.Whether you're a residential agent looking to expand your wealth portfolio or an investor preparing for the next market cycle, this episode delivers tactical insights and timeless financial wisdom you won't hear anywhere else.Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Intro: The “Lie About Money” and the Power of Hard Assets[00:01:30] – How Ben Reinberg Built His Empire from $0 to Millions[00:03:40] – What True Wealth Means (It's Not About Being Rich)[00:06:20] – The Ability to Hold: Investing's Most Underrated Skill[00:09:15] – $90 Trillion in Real Estate Will Change Hands: What That Means[00:12:00] – The Coming Commercial Market Reset (2026–2027)[00:16:00] – Why Residential Real Estate is a “Money Pit”[00:21:10] – Renting vs. Owning: The New Wealth Perspective[00:24:45] – How Over-Leverage Destroys Investors (and How to Avoid It)[00:27:00] – The Missing Skill in Real Estate: Communication[00:29:00] – Mindset is the Best Real Estate You Own
SHOW NOTES: Happy Halloween weekend! Once spooky season is officially behind us, it's time to turn things over and get ready for the real holiday hustle. We are sharing easy ways to prep your kitchen and dining areas for all the extra cooking, baking, entertaining, and guests you'll have. Plus, we're tackling exterior maintenance tips before the deep freeze sets in. Stay tuned to hear all this and more! - Holiday Kitchen Prep: We offer easy tips to prep your kitchen for the holidays, emphasizing deep cleaning the oven well in advance of a major feast and clearing out expired items from the fridge and freezer to make space for groceries and leftovers. - Refresh Your Dining Room: We provide quick and affordable ways to refresh your dining room, focusing on simple centerpieces and cozy lighting upgrades. - Making Space for Guests: If you're hosting holiday guests but don't have a spare room, find out how to create a warm overnight space using visual separation, high-quality air mattresses, and thoughtful bedside basics. - Winterizing Pipes: To prevent costly water damage from burst pipes, we discuss important winterizing tips for your outdoor space. Q & A: - Mike from Little Rock, AR, is listing his house for sale after three years of piecemeal remodeling and wants to know the best way to advertise the improvements. He should create an inventory list of all that was done, including dates for things like energy-saving updates, as this detail is very appealing to buyers. - Marty in Cape May, NJ, has a tankless water heater and is frustrated that it takes almost five minutes for hot water to reach her kitchen sink. We explain that the issue is the physical distance the water must travel through the pipes, not the type of water heater. - Mark in Ohio is attempting a budget kitchen remodel and is considering IKEA cabinets, but is concerned about their durability. We confirm that our experience with IKEA kitchen cabinets suggests they are good quality, very well priced, and are notably easy to install. - Mike in Florida recently moved and had an AC technician recommend installing a UV light. We suggest that the technician was likely trying to upsell and give Mike some other useful tips besides relying on an expensive UV light. - Larry in Connecticut needs to replace two aging water heaters in his attic and asked whether a recirculating pump or a tankless heater is the better solution. We caution against adding a recirculating pump to the old units and note that while a tankless heater is small and efficient, Larry should consider whether one small unit could meet all his hot water needs. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit! Home sweet home doesn't have to be a bottomless money pit, and we are here every week to take your calls and offer expert advice. This week, we're getting festive with last-minute Halloween treats and tackling your scariest home improvement dilemmas! Topics this week include: - Last-Minute DIY Halloween Decor: If Halloween snuck up on you, there is still time to haunt your house with easy decor ideas like using cheesecloth or gauze draped over balloons to create floating ghosts, cutting black trash bags into spiderwebs, or creating spooky silhouettes from paper and cardboard. - Budget-Friendly Yard Frights: We share quick and clever DIY lighting effects to transform your yard into a haunted masterpiece, including using toilet paper rolls with cellophane and LED lights tucked into bushes to create glowing eyes, or setting up a glowing, smoky cauldron with a fog machine or dry ice. - The Best Way to Store Decorations: Once the spooky season is over, you should sort and label indoor decor, wrap string lights around cardboard to prevent tangles, and ensure all outdoor items (like inflatables and lights) are completely dry before boxing them up to prevent mold and damage. - Fall Home Maintenance Wins: Leslie's Last Word offers easy projects to ready your home for winter, including draining off sediment from your tank-style water heater and swapping out the furnace filter to ensure warmer air and lower heating bills. Q & A: - John in Texas was questioning whether to install a metal roof over just 1x3 wood lath strips or over solid plywood sheathing on his new small home. Our recommendation is to use solid decking because it provides greater structural strength, reduces the loud noise caused by rain, and allows for better insulation. - Janet was looking for the best way to insulate a side entrance floor, debating whether to insulate from underneath or pull up the linoleum and plywood from the top. If she has access to the crawlspace, we advise inserting insulation between the joists from underneath, but note that the ceiling/attic should be insulated first. - Lauren asked if her neglected, ivy-damaged cedar siding was worth salvaging and what type of contractor to hire for the job. Our advice is to restore the siding by hiring a good painter to prep the surface and caulk seams, using a solid color stain for durability, and potentially hiring a carpenter to replace severely damaged boards. - Bosley emailed to say he wanted to remove a large bathroom mirror glued to the wall without breaking it and needed safety advice. The solution requires wearing protective gear and using a thin, strong wire, like piano wire or a guitar string, to carefully saw back and forth behind the mirror and cut through the adhesive. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Weird History: The Unexpected and Untold Chronicles of History
1986 was a remarkable year in cinema, offering something for every viewer! Sci-Fi aficionados enjoyed Aliens, while horror enthusiasts got Maximum OverDrive. Fans of comedy laughed with The Money Pit, and drama lovers were moved by Stand By Me. Join us as we revisit all the 1986 releases. What's your favorite? Did you catch any of these classics in theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments! #1986 #movies #cinema #Aliens #MaximumOverDrive #TheMoneyPit #StandByMe #filmreleases See show notes: https://inlet.fm/weird-history/episodes/68fe61f96d98d3715f6bca19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit! You can make your outdoor space your favorite place, and we can help. Whether you're tackling projects inside or outside, we are on your side, and we're discussing some awesome autumn topics today and answering DIY questions from callers like you! - Smarter Fall Leaf Cleanup: We share a better, faster, and more eco-friendly way to clean up the yard this fall. You'll learn why not raking every leaf is the best thing you can do for your lawn and the planet. - Preparing the Garden for Winter: Fall is the time to prep your flower beds and vegetable gardens to ensure a vibrant, healthy, bountiful spring. This includes clearing out old or diseased plants, enriching the soil with organic matter, and giving perennials a necessary trim. - Tool Tune-up and Winterization: Before you stash that mower and hang up the rake, we walk you through a simple tool tune-up that will save you time, money, and headaches next season. Q & A: - Mark was seeking options for adding an attractive and affordable solar boiler kit to his current water heater system. We explain that solar water heaters are cost-effective in any climate because their fuel is free sunshine, and he should consult the Energy Saver website for resources on active or passive systems. - Laura in Illinois needs to paint a ceiling covered in oil-based paint, but lives in Illinois, where oil-based paints are restricted. We recommend thoroughly cleaning the ceiling and then using a quality water-cleanup primer (latex or alkyd-based) before applying a low-gloss topcoat like eggshell. - Living in a rural area, Sherry asked for advice on choosing a burglar alarm or security system. We share that the first step is ensuring she has a solid internet connection, preferably with a cell phone dialer backup, and then choosing a system that provides 24/7 monitoring by an actual person. - Lee's puppy chewed triangular corners off four pieces of his cement board siding. We suggest using a two-part epoxy putty product called Wood Epox to reform and shape the corners, which can then be sanded and painted once cured. - David was shopping for a power washer and wanted to know the ideal PSI. We recommend that he look at the gallons per minute and motor type (gas vs. electric), noting that an electric model around 1,800 PSI is generally great for standard house cleaning. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most exclusive experiences: after hours hard ticket events. From Boo Bash to Jollywood Nights, are these late-night parties packed with unique perks, or are they just overpriced parades, cocoa, and chaos? Chris Cox and Len Testa present both sides while Judge Jim Hill keeps the cocoa flowing and the wardrobe sequins shimmering. What's on trial this week: The history of after hours events and how they evolved from one-night novelties to multi-month marathons Whether reduced crowds, short ride times, and exclusive parades justify the hefty ticket price The reality of hauling sleepy kids through midnight Magic Kingdom—and missing rope drop the next morning Unique snacks, trick-or-treating, and photo ops with rare characters like Zombie Goofy and the Seven Dwarfs Why weather, timing, and strategy can make or break your experience—and how to avoid the rookie mistakes Are these late-night parties the secret sauce of a magical Disney trip, or just an expensive way to ruin your socks in the rain? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Your home is the biggest investment you'll ever make, and we're here every week to make sure it doesn't have to be a bottomless Money Pit! Today, we're tackling the projects you need to get done before winter arrives, from refreshing your home with a perfect fall paint job to reclaiming your basement space, plus lots more DIY ideas. - Fall Painting for the Perfect Finish: Fall is the perfect time to refresh your home with a fresh coat of paint, because cooler temperatures and lower humidity help the paint cure evenly and prevent streaking. We discuss trending colors and how to prep for a professional-looking result. - Transforming the Basement into a Bonus Room: If your home is shrinking or your basement is currently just a storage unit, we share creative tips for turning that blank slate into your home's best bonus room, which is one of the smartest ways to add square footage. - Durable Flooring for High-Traffic Entryways: Since the front entry is the hardest-working floor in the home, we break down the best durable and water-resistant flooring options to stand up to mud and foot traffic. Q & A: - Kim from New York reported discolored hot water coming from her old, oil-fired water heater. We think her unit is probably rusting and advise her to replace it with a much more efficient electric heat pump water heater. - Robin in Maryland was planning to install laminate flooring in her condo, but was worried about installing it over existing luan. She must first lift the feet on the dishwasher or remove the appliances to prevent them from being blocked by the higher new floor, and install a wide transition piece for stability in the high-traffic doorway. - Barry in Texas has an exterior wooden arbor where the paint keeps wearing off, and he is concerned about wood rot. We stress that the issue is poor adherence and give tips to prepare the arbor for painting. - Mirabel, via email, asked for suggestions on waterproof or damp-proof basement flooring options for a new home office. We suggest the best, most durable option is luxury vinyl plank or rigid vinyl plank that is 100% waterproof and can be layered with an area rug for a cozier feel. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: It's spooky season and cozy season, which means the weather is outstanding for tackling home improvement projects, both inside and out. Coming up, we're sharing a quick heating system checkup, life-saving fire safety tips, and creative ideas for decorating your yard safely for Halloween! Let's get to it! - Heating System Seasonal Checkup: Don't wait until the first frost to discover your heating system isn't working! We will walk you through the steps for furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps to keep your home warm, safe, and energy efficient all winter long. - Fire Safety and Prevention: Since October is Fire Safety Month, we share practical, life-saving tips that every household should know, including the importance of developing and practicing a home escape plan. - Safe Halloween Decorating: We provide creative tips for decorating your outdoor space for Halloween safely, whether you're adding a few eerie touches or going for a full haunted house vibe. - Interior Lighting Tips: Since the days are getting darker earlier, consider swapping out cool-toned bulbs for warm white LEDs to make cozy corners more inviting. You can also add personality and light using beautiful plug-in sconces, which require no complex electrical work. Q & A: - Vincent from Delaware was concerned about recent cracking in his cousin's 1930s brick home. We recommend hiring an ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified professional home inspector for diagnostic advice, or, if the problem is severe, a structural engineer who can specify the required repair. - Mike from Chicago found that his walls likely had no insulation and asked for safe options to insulate the brick while avoiding moisture issues. We advise that his primary option is the disruptive project of removing the interior drywall to install rigid foam insulation sheets. He can also focus on cutting down drafts by caulking around windows and trim, plus maximizing attic insulation. - Sue noticed moss growing on her roof and wanted to know more about using copper flashing to prevent buildup. We confirm that copper flashing is effective because the metal naturally fights moss and mildew as rain washes over it. - Tim planned to install luxury vinyl flooring and asked if an additional sound barrier was necessary. We feel that no additional sound deadener is needed because the flooring is going directly over concrete. - Sherry from Iowa asked if it was worthwhile to have her air ducts or furnace ducts cleaned in her 50-year-old home. We believe that duct cleaning is typically not needed unless there's an existing problem, and the best preventative measure is to invest in a high-quality air filter and replace it regularly. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome to The Money Pit! We're here every week to help you protect your biggest investment – your home sweet home – and make sure it doesn't become a bottomless money pit. We've got a busy hour planned, diving into seasonal home maintenance musts. Join us for today's topics, including: - Reclaiming Your Yard with Hardscapes: Learn how Pavestone products can help you ditch constant mowing, weeding, and watering while boosting your curb appeal. We'll discuss ideas for creating stunning, smart, and sustainable outdoor spaces. - Essential Garage Door Maintenance: The garage door is the biggest moving part of your home, and we'll share simple tips to keep it running smoothly, safely, and quietly before it becomes dangerous and expensive. - Winterizing Your Sprinkler System: Before the first deep freeze hits, we detail the crucial fall task of shutting down your in-ground sprinkler system to prevent serious and costly damage. Q & A: - Margaret's home has ceramic bathroom tiles confirmed to contain lead, and she needs questions to ask contractors who seem unaware of safe removal requirements. We advise her to seek a contractor who is EPA certified in lead paint renovation or removal. - Gonzalo successfully reduced his home's air infiltration through air sealing, but is concerned there may still be leaks. We recommend using specific science to locate drafts rather than guessing. - Bobby in Virginia notices a small amount of water in his basement after heavy rains, which he suspects is due to hydrostatic pressure. We suspect the problem is caused by bad grading and drainage outside the foundation, and urge him to extend his gutters and downspouts farther from the house perimeter. - Lillian in Florida is dealing with worms that repeatedly crawl onto her screened-in patio! We explain that worms come out after heavy rain because they breathe through their skin and need oxygen when the soil gets too wet. - Allan in North Dakota wants to reseed his lawn and asked if seeding right before the snow falls is the correct timing. We confirmed that fall is the best time for reseeding, but advised him not to wait until winter is approaching. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: It is full-on spooky season here at The Money Pit, and we are relishing fall! But while this is the perfect season for cozy projects, it's also prime time for scammers looking to cash in on unsuspecting homeowners. Today, we're walking you through some great home improvement projects, plus the red flags to protect yourself and your wallet. - Mold and Mildew: We're examining the difference between mold and mildew and offer advice on how to spot it, when to clean it yourself, and when it's critical to call in a professional. - Wildlife Pests: Protect your perfect fall porch display from critters who view your pumpkins and decor as a seasonal feast. We share clever tricks to keep animals away. - Contractor Scams: We're warning homeowners about the top scams making the rounds this fall, a busy season for cons that include fake chimney sweeps, shady furnace checkups, and unsolicited offers for gutter cleaning. Q & A: - Rochelle called to ask if she received a fair price for a contractor to remove and replace a section of gutter and repair her fascia board. We advised her that the quote doesn't sound terrible, but she should obtain a second bid to compare the project's true cost. - Andrew is planning to build a floating deck for an inflatable hot tub and inquired about using Trex decking and ensuring sufficient structural support. We confirmed that Trex is a great, durable decking surface for use around a hot tub, but stressed he must beef up the structure to handle the weight. - Gail reached out from Georgia concerning her persistent problem with mud daubers building nests on the side of her house. We suggested she try strong-smelling natural deterrents or use effective wasp traps. - Will wanted to know the best way to add insulation beneath his attic floor without having to pull up the existing plywood. We provided a simpler solution: he can lay unfaced batts of insulation directly on top of the existing insulation in the attic floor. - Stan needs a fix for his wood garage door that won't seal at the bottom. The solution is to cut the bottom to match the angle of the floor precisely, which then allows for the installation of a new, even seal. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! Today, we are tackling those big fall projects, including protecting your home from the tough winter ahead and figuring out how to reclaim those spaces that feel like a lost cause. Let's take a look at the main topics we are tackling this hour, plus home improvement questions from callers: - Weekend Concrete Repair: Winter is super tough on concrete, so with a few simple steps right now, you can save yourself from big repair bills later. We will show you how to seal cracks and protect your concrete surfaces with help from Quikrete, making this an easy and inexpensive weekend project. - Perfect Painting Tips: If you are ready to give your space a fresh look before the holidays, fall is actually the perfect time to pick up a paintbrush due to the cooler, drier weather. We will share seasonal tricks to help you choose the right color, prep your walls, and ensure your paint job is smooth and long-lasting. - Reclaiming Unusable Space: We know more than half of Americans say at least one room in their house is unsalvageable, but we are sharing simple, stress-free ways to declutter and reclaim that space. - Home Lighting: As the days get shorter and darker earlier, lighting becomes everything, so we are sharing simple ways to bring in light and give your home an autumnal glow. Q & A: - Ladonna in Alaska called us with a snow management question about her log cabin, wondering if placing tarps over her roof would prevent buildup. We advise her that tarps won't provide the relief she wants and suggest sticking with her snow rake, - Bill in Maryland has small cracks in his chimney crown and was told by a chimney sweep to cover them with plastic roof cement. We confirm that removing the crown is unnecessary, but strongly advise against the plastic roof cement because it traps moisture; instead, Bill should use a good-quality silicone caulk to seal the cracks. - Marilyn reached out because her daughter can hear her condo neighbors talking through thin walls. We suggest soundproofing solutions like adhering a second layer of drywall or implementing decorative solutions like long drapes or acoustical wall panels. - Shen in New Hampshire wants to tile a poured concrete wall in her garage staircase and asked about prepping the surface. We recommend first ensuring her gutters are directing water away from the wall to reduce moisture, then using an uncoupling membrane, such as Dietra, to prevent the tiles from cracking from differential movement. - Keith in Georgia has a very low crawl space and needs suggestions to seal the dirt floor to prevent moisture evaporation. The simple solution we suggest is laying polyethylene sheeting across the entire crawl space floor and up the walls to keep the space drier and prevent mold and mildew. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back, home improvement enthusiasts! We love this time of year, with the cool, crisp air and the anticipation of autumn. But the chill also means higher heating bills, so today we are dedicating the hour to helping you stay warm and save some serious energy dollars! Here is what we've got coming up today on The Money Pit: - Sealing Drafts: We'll show you easy and effective ways to find and fix the sneaky drafts around your windows, doors, and attics. Learn how to use a simple candle to locate leaks and then seal them up, using inexpensive solutions like weather stripping and foam gaskets. - Adding Insulation: If you've noticed your energy costs creeping up, it might be time to beef up your insulation, but remember that not all types are created equal. We'll break down the pros and cons of different insulations, so you know exactly what will work best for your space. - Smart Thermostats: Are you still heating your home with an older thermostat? We're going to show you how making the smart switch to a smart thermostat can lower your energy bills, learn your habits, and make your home cozier, all with just a few taps on your phone. Q & A: - Belle from Bristol, Virginia, says the solid stain on her deck started chipping after only a year. We advise that the deck was likely too damp when the stain was applied and recommend scraping off the loose spots until she is ready to strip the entire surface. - Steve in Arizona asked about the cost of a three-ton air conditioner. We explain that the price is dependent on the contractor and equipment efficiency (SEER rating), urging him to get competitive bids from three vendors for the same product. - Katherine contacted us about deteriorating brick faces and mortar near her foundation. We recommend using Quikrete ReCap to repair the masonry and a mortar repair product for the joints, mixing in available dyes to match the color of the old materials. - Nick emailed regarding attaching his new vanity top to the base. We suggest using a strong adhesive on the vanity edge, followed by a bead of caulk along the back wall, to secure the composite top without needing physical fasteners. - Billy from New Jersey asks about installing a storm door and exterior door combination. We tell him that modern, Energy Star-rated steel or fiberglass exterior doors have superior integral weather stripping, making the storm door unnecessary. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: Welcome back to The Money Pit! Today, we have an action-packed show designed to help you tackle those crucial fall projects, regain control over clutter, and navigate the shifting landscape of housing. Join us as we discuss topics and caller questions that include: - Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Hardscaping: We'll share projects perfect for this time of year, including how products like Ladera and RumbleStone from Pavestone can transform forgotten yards with gorgeous patios, fire pits, and useful garden walls, adding curb appeal that lasts. - Understanding Home Organization and Clutter: A new national survey reveals that women are far more likely to take charge of tidiness and feel better when their homes are organized. We'll discuss what motivates Americans to get things under control, the tools they prefer, and the biggest challenges to staying organized. - The Evolving Townhome Market: Townhomes used to be the go-to for affordable home ownership, but we are looking at how rising construction costs, stricter regulations, and tougher master insurance rules are making this dream harder to build. - Essential Fall Floor Protection: As the weather cools, we spend more time indoors – bringing mud and other grime inside, too. We're sharing easy ways to care for your floors, including using doormats, switching to microfiber mops, and deep cleaning high-traffic areas. Q & A: - Courtney in Pennsylvania calls about adding air conditioning to her Cape Cod house and asks whether she should remove her existing baseboard heating system for an all-in-one unit. We strongly advise against removing that wonderful, clean baseboard heat, suggesting Courtney seek a second opinion on ductwork. - David in Kansas City had foundation repairs done and was told by the contractors to seal the entire foundation and close off all the crawl space vents. We give David basic steps to reduce moisture, including installing a thick plastic vapor barrier on his dirt floor, ensuring his downspouts are clean and extended, and checking the soil grading. - Carrie is deciding where to put a second bathroom in her 1912 house, choosing between a vacant basement area or a partially finished attic space. We recommend the second-floor (attic) location, since adding a bathroom upstairs is more attractive for future buyers and improves the overall resale value of the home. - Greg in Ohio wonders if he can apply stone veneer over his old exterior glazed block building to improve curb appeal. We advise him that this project is possible, especially with a thin veneer, provided that he researches the proper strong veneer adhesive and ensures the underlying glazed stone is in good shape. - John in Bedford, New York, emailed us because his circuit breaker keeps tripping immediately every time he resets it, even though everything is unplugged. We stress that this means there is a short, and he needs to call a professional electrician who can quickly and safely resolve the issue. ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW NOTES: This is the Money Pit! Fall is officially here, and we've got a lot of exciting projects to tackle today, both indoors and out. Give us a call with your questions at 888-MONEYPIT, but first, here are the home improvement topics we'll be sharing in this show: - Preparing Your Trees for Winter: Fall is the perfect time to prep your trees before winter rolls in. We'll share the best ways to trim, tidy up, or even take down a troubled tree. - Tapping into Home Equity: Many longtime homeowners are sitting on a gold mine of equity, sometimes totaling six figures of untapped value. We'll break down how to put that equity to good use, whether through a refinance, a home equity line of credit to fund renovations, or by strategically downsizing. - Hottest Fall 2025 Design Trends: If you want to give your home a fresh fall feel without a full-blown renovation, we're breaking down the hottest Pinterest design trends. - Seasonal Home Safety and Efficiency: As we head into the heating season, we offer quick tips to keep you safe all winter long. Q & A: - Beth in Pennsylvania shared a story about a home fire where the insurance-recommended contractor ruined her home and took materials she paid for. We advise her that since the theft of materials is a criminal matter, she should file a theft complaint with her local police department! - Randall in West Virginia has a half-underground basement that felt damp after flooding, and he asked if he needed to vent the space. We explain that venting is not needed for a full basement, and the dampness is likely a drainage issue that can be solved by cleaning gutters, extending downspouts, and installing a heavy-duty dehumidifier. - Linda in Tennessee noticed black particles coming out of the water in her toilets and bathroom sink in her 100-year-old rental home. The solution is twofold: installing a whole-house water filter after the main supply and cleaning the aerators at the base of the faucets, where black particles may be trapped. - Jerry in Vermont said his furnace serviceman recommended switching from his old oil system to a heat pump due to discounts, but Jerry worried whether heat pumps could handle cold Vermont winters. We confirm that modern heat pumps are very efficient and suitable for cold climates, but he must weigh the full costs of the new system, permanently abandoning the old oil tank, and leak testing before making the investment. - Rich in Florida wants to know how to break up his concrete slab foundation floor to install a safe inside a closet. We advise against cutting the slab, suggesting instead that he secure the safe by bolting it directly onto the concrete. - Lori (via email) asked for an inexpensive band-aid fix for a rotting wood window frame in her tub surround before a planned tear-out next year. We suggest scraping out the rotted wood and filling it with a wood replacement compound. ASK A QUESTION: Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are home warranties worth it? We answer this question and more. We break down how home warranties work, their pros and cons, and considerations for your primary home versus a rental property. We share personal experiences with home warranties and offer our tips on how to shop for and maximize the benefits of a home warranty if you decide to purchase one.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/127-home-warranties-a-safety-net-or-a-money-pit/
Are home warranties worth it? We answer this question and more. We break down how home warranties work, their pros and cons, and considerations for your primary home versus a rental property. We share personal experiences with home warranties and offer our tips on how to shop for and maximize the benefits of a home warranty if you decide to purchase one.Get the full show notes, show references, and more information here: https://www.insideoutmoney.org/127-home-warranties-a-safety-net-or-a-money-pit/
Are fixer-uppers really the best way to profit in real estate, or are there smarter strategies? With over 4,000 single-family homes under his belt, Kris Krohn shares firsthand experience on whether renovating properties is worth the effort. Learn when fixer-uppers can pay off, when they're a trap, and what alternatives might deliver bigger returns. A must-listen for anyone considering real estate investing strategies.
This episode features Travis and producer Eric in a wide-ranging, practical talk about what it really takes to build wealth in real estate, busting through common myths and offering clear, non-hype advice for buyers in 2025. Whether you're scared of becoming a “Money Pit” homeowner, unsure about Grant Cardone's “asset for asses” line, or just wondering how to buy smarter and flexibly, this one's packed with lessons from real-world experience. On this episode we talk about: – The “Money Pit” phenomenon—how to spot and avoid big real estate mistakes – Is buying a house actually an investment, or a liability? – Grant Cardone's radical take on homeownership—and why context matters – Creative buying strategies (house hacking, buying with “subject to,” etc.) – Tips for first-time buyers (avoiding emotional decisions, maximizing flexibility, stress-testing your finances) Top 3 Takeaways 1. Your house is not usually an investment; treat it as a home first, and focus on flexibility, smart terms, and the ability to hold long-term. 2. Don't let emotion or lenders dictate your limits—set your own payment boundaries and shop patiently for deals. 3. Opportunities still exist via creative financing, multi-units, and focusing on acquiring and holding real estate for the long game—don't wait to buy, buy and wait. Notable Quotes "Always be careful of advice that directly benefits the person who's giving you the advice." "Don't wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait." "In real estate, the deal is what matters. Nothing else." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traviscchappell Website: https://www.travischappell.com/podcast/ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️
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