I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers
Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments!
16 ways to expand your brain with free online courses
Are you a potential brainiac who can read/watch/absorb via online methods? Then free online courses may just be your window to the world. Or even the way you can get a professional certificate or an actual degree. You can be the brains of the ball with these 16 sites to take free courses and/or explore free ways to learn. Learn what exactly? Think coding, technologies, languages, music theory, social sciences, arts, and tons of others. Some of these courses are even through Ivy League universities! For you, for your kids, for your book club… anyone can learn if they’ve got the drive and an internet connection. Let’s see the sites, shall we?
What do you pack for lunch?
At the grand old age of 35 I’m still figuring out how to be an adult. One thing I wish someone had warned me of is that one of the hardest parts will be feeding yourself. A challenge I’ve had for years is… I just don’t know what to pack for lunch at the office. Homies, what do you pack for lunch?
How do you tell your parents things they don’t want to hear?
For many reasons, including my religious and ethical beliefs, I feel I need to tell my parents that I am in a polyamorous relationship. I’ve previously come out to them as queer and trans, which feels different from this conversation. How do you, as an adult in your agency, tell your parents things they don’t want to hear?
How do deal with gift-giving as your families and finances change?
Now that our brothers are over 21, do we still get them presents? And how do we tell them we don’t want them to use their limited funds to get us anything? And can we not get them presents while still buying my younger siblings presents? And what about when our siblings have kids too? We can’t afford to buy 10 kids quality presents as well as all of our other people! Plus, I don’t want our kid coming home with a truckload of gifts. How have other Homies dealt with family gift giving as their families and finances have changed?
Help! My parents want to move near me. What do I do?
How do I tell my parents that having them live that close is stepping on my opportunities for growth and freedom as an adult? What is the best way to explain that living near my parents has to be as much my choice as theirs?
How can I overcome the dread of moving?
In a month I’m moving from a small town in Michigan to Washington DC. I’m moving with my best friend, and we have a great place picked out. I’m finally moving out of my parents and becoming an adult! The thing is I’m freaking terrified. How can I get over my fear of leaving and just let myself enjoy this change or at least relax a little?
How a fortune cookie taught me to deal with transitions
Small-town Chinese food outings were part of the fabric of my college days. The food was always delicious, regardless of the spelling, especially when flavored by good conversation and laughter. Fortune cookies offered a final opportunity for a smile — especially when followed with “in bed.” Once a friend got “Everyone knows you are the best.” While that still may be the best fortune, I’ve come across a contender…