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Posts tagged with: gym membership
Mar 23, 2026    |       4 comments

Teen Budget Experiment: One Month Update (And I’m Honestly Surprised)

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We’re now in Month 2 of our financial experiment where I give my 13-year-old girls $100/month and they are responsible for buying ALL their own clothes and makeup, plus any “fancy” toiletries (I will continue to buy all their basic necessities).

I appreciate the comments and feedback I received on my last post when I shared our experiment. I updated the contract I shared with the girls to clarify I would cover ALL basic necessities (e.g., face wash wasn’t originally listed; and the contract said floss OR mouthwash when I really meant floss AND mouthwash, etc.).

The day I gave the girls their first $100, we sat down together and worked out a budget. I told them that we typically spend for back-to-school clothing shopping ($300) and what they might budget for summer time clothing (including swim suits, flip flops, etc. approx $200). 

We had a rough timeline

We need $200 by May/June for a summer clothing haul, and another $300 by July/August for back-to-school.

From there we worked backward.

We have 7 months from Feb-Aug, which is $700 worth of money; but we need to set aside $500 of it for these planned expenses. That leaves $200 for makeup/skincare and fancy toiletries or other clothing incidentals between February and August. That’s only about $30/month!

I think this was a bit of a shock and also helped them to adjust their thinking a bit.

For instance, both of them wanted to buy new clothes for our D.C. and NYC trip. However, we have LOTS of clothes that fit and will work well with the colder DC/NYC weather (it’s already summer-weather in Tucson!). I encouraged both girls to try to make outfits from their closet for the DC trip and maybe just purchase one or two new things instead of a whole new wardrobe for the trip.

This worked great! Daughter 1 spent $15 on a shirt and called it good. Daughter 2 didn’t spend anything in the month of February, but has $50 budgeted for DC/NYC (to be clear – this is money budgeted for clothing in preparation of the trip. She won’t have to spend anything on the trip, itself).

My reaction

Honestly, I was a bit shocked at how maturely the girls approached the situation. My past experience with them is that when they receive money or gift cards for birthdays, it’s like the money is burning a hole in their pocket and they “need” to go shopping STAT! I expected this to be a similar experience. But, if anything, they’ve done the opposite! They’re saving their dollars so they have well funded accounts for their summer and back-to-school hauls.

Also – we had so much fun together “crafting” – the girls made a savings thermometer! Remember when I used to make debt thermometers to track my debt payments!? 

Side Note: We realized after creating it that we probably should have created two separate savings thermometers – the first for summer and a second for back-to-school because they’ll save and then spend so it doesn’t make sense to have the two savings goals on the same thermometer. Oh well. It was a fun project and a learning experience.

I did have Daughter 1 tell me last week that she needed some new concealer and when I encouraged her to use her  money to buy it, she decided she could go a bit longer with her current concealer. I like that they’re becoming thrifty (using every last drop!), but I will definitely encourage her to continue to use her budget to buy the things that she needs as the needs arise – that’s what the money is for! 

This also brings up a comment someone left, saying they were worried that teens would prioritize the wrong things and would never buy themselves new socks or underwear, for instance. I’m planning to stay closely involved and will help guide the girls to make these types of decisions and not put off needs in favor of buying more of the “wants.”

So far, So good

One month in and, so far, I’m really pleased with how well the girls have done! It’s gone better than I’d expected!

They received their March budget and things are going well this month too! I’ll continue to monitor the situation and we plan to have intermittent check-ins to make sure everything is going okay and make decisions about whether any budget modifications are needed, etc. This is intended to help teach the girls to budget – not be punitive in nature. So if it’s really not working out, I’m happy to step in and make adjustments or help as needed. But so far I’m really proud of the maturity they’ve shown and how well things are going!

I’ll give an update in a few months (e.g., maybe after the summer shopping trip) to report back on how they’ve done on their savings goals and how things are going with this financial experiment, in general.

How much financial responsibility do you think is appropriate for teens to manage on their own?

Mar 17, 2026    |      0 comments

What You Should Know About Having New Roofing Installed

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A new roof is one of the most consequential upgrades you can make to a home because it affects protection, comfort, curb appeal, and long-term maintenance. The right decisions up front can reduce leak risk, improve indoor consistency, and help you avoid repeating major work sooner than expected. Before you sign a contract, it helps to understand what you are buying, how materials differ, and which questions matter most during planning.

Start With Your Goals and Constraints

Begin by defining what you want the new roof to accomplish beyond simply “stop leaks.” Some homeowners prioritize durability in severe weather, while others want lower cooling costs, better resale appeal, or reduced ongoing maintenance. Your climate, roof shape, attic condition, and existing ventilation all influence which options make sense. A clear goal list also helps you compare bids that may use different materials and scopes.

You should also confirm any constraints that can narrow choices early. Neighborhood rules, HOA guidelines, and local code requirements can affect materials, colors, and venting approaches. If the home has a history of ice dams, wind uplift, or recurring moisture in the attic, those symptoms should shape the plan. A new roof performs best when it is designed around the house you actually have, not an idealized model.

Understand Common Roofing Materials and Why They Are Popular

Most homeowners are familiar with asphalt shingles because they are widely available and fit many architectural styles. According to This Old House, a 2023 report found that 83% of roofing contractors identified asphalt shingles as their primary revenue source, which signals how dominant this material remains in the market. That popularity often translates to many profile and color options, and it can make it easier to find experienced installers. Still, the best choice depends on your priorities, because convenience is not the same as long-term performance.

When evaluating materials, pay attention to how they handle heat, wind, hail, and moisture over time. Ask how the material sheds water at valleys and penetrations, and how it performs at roof edges where problems often begin. Make sure you understand what is included in the quote, especially underlayment, flashing, and ventilation details. Those components often determine whether the roof stays reliable, regardless of the outer material.

Consider Energy Performance and Comfort Impacts

Energy performance is not just about utility bills, it is also about how stable the home feels from room to room. An energy-efficient roof can reflect most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This can help cool the home and, with “cool roof” designs, reduce peak cooling demand by 10 to 15% by limiting heat transfer into the building. If indoor comfort is a major concern, ask how your roofing choice works with insulation and ventilation to manage heat and moisture.

To make energy gains stick, the roof upgrade should pair with a quick attic review. Poor air sealing or weak insulation can blunt the benefit of a more reflective surface, and ventilation issues can create condensation that harms decking and insulation. Ask your roofer what they observed in the attic and what improvements would best support the new roof system. A roof is a performance layer, but it works only as well as the layers under it.

Think In Life Cycle Terms, Not Just Upfront Cost

A roofing decision is easier when you compare materials by lifespan and maintenance expectations rather than only price. According to The Spruce, metal roofs can last from 30 to 50 years, which makes them appealing to homeowners who want longevity and fewer replacement cycles. Metal can also be a strong choice in regions with extreme weather, although appearance, noise considerations, and installation details should be part of the conversation. The right fit depends on your goals and how long you expect to own the home.

Whatever material you choose, ask how it will age in your environment and what maintenance looks like. Find out how sealants and flashing transitions are handled, and how water is directed into gutters and away from vulnerable areas. Also confirm what workmanship coverage is provided and what actions could affect that coverage, such as improper roof access or unapproved modifications. Good documentation protects you if a problem appears later.

Questions to Ask Before You Approve the Work

You will get better results when you ask targeted questions that reveal how the contractor thinks about durability. Ask what will be inspected once the old roof is removed, and how any damaged decking will be handled if it is discovered. Clarify how flashing will be addressed at chimneys, skylights, and roof-to-wall transitions, because those points are common failure zones. You should also confirm how the site will be protected during the work and how debris will be managed.

Finally, request a clear scope that lists the materials and components being used, not only the headline roofing material. Make sure you understand ventilation changes, drip edge and underlayment details, and what is included in cleanup and final review. When the scope is precise, you can compare bids more accurately and reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises. A well-planned roof installation is not only about the new surface, it is about how every protective layer works together.

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