Like many of us, summer time means vacation. It’s time to pack up the family and the goods and head off . But getting prepared to go can be stressful and very time consuming. Here is a list of a few household items you can take care of before you leave so that you can return from your break relaxed and travel with peace of mind. 


Here are four tasks you should take care of before leaving and the best way to tackle them. 


Make home look like you’ve never left. No matter where you are or how for you are going, your house should appear inhabited as a safety precaution. To do this, purchase low-cost timers that can be programmed to turn on and off radios, televisions and lights. Put holds on subscriptions and mail with the postal service so that your overflowing mailbox doesn’t send the message that you are away. 


Take care of your expenses. To avoid missed payments for utilities and other important bills, set up automatic bill pay before you leave. Using a Visa card or your checking account is an easy, convenient and secure way to pay household bills such as utilities, cable TV and insurance when you’re traveling. Choose a one-time payment or automatic payments to ensure that your bills are paid on time every month no matter where you are. 


Prepare your plants. To prevent returning home to overgrown landscaping and dead house plants, make arrangements to have your yard cared for in your absence. Options could be family or friends. 


Save on energy costs. Before leaving, turn off your water and gas and unplug common appliances such as microwaves and televisions. This will both reduce unnecessary usage and prevent damage caused by energy surges. Consider setting your thermostat 10 degrees lower than the outside temperature or simply turn it off. If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, turn off your pilot light for maximum savings. We did all of this when we went on our honeymoon for a month last year and it saved us a ton of money. 


Whether it’s putting lights on timers to setting up automatic bill pay, following these tips can minimize pretravel stress and help make your return home stress free.


So how do you get organized for holidays? Any tips to share?

The last few years have been what many consider a financial disaster. People have been ill-prepared for the turn in the world's economic state and many have been left picking up the pieces. The same can be true with natural disasters. Whether it’s an earthquake, water, tornado, hurricane, or brush fire, I encourage all of you to be prepared and not make the same mistake as many have with their finances. 

In order to ensure your family’s wellbeing, take the time to put together emergency supplies you might need so that you have them on hand. Make it a summer project to assemble your emergency kit. 

Although you can’t always know in advance when a specific catastrophe will strike, seasonal or regional patterns can often tell you what to anticipate. Being prepared to have on hand the supplies you will need is the best approach. Here are 5 key factors you need to consider in putting together your emergency kit. 

Water: You ought to store at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a maximum of seven days. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water every day for drinking. Other needs include washing, cooking & sanitation. Children, nursing mothers, & those who are ill need more water. Remember that high temperatures can double the amount of water needed.

Food: Include a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, avoiding items that will not make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, & canned foods with high liquid content. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, & other staples that don’t need refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Individuals with special diets & allergies will need particular attention, as will children, toddlers & elderly people. For example, nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. 

Other Emergency Supplies: 

•Emergency Radio

•Emergency Sanitation Supplies

•Kitchen accessories & cooking utensils, including a can opener

•Shovel & other useful tools

•Emergency Lighting

•Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water

•Money & matches in a waterproof container

•Fire extinguisher

•Gas & Water Shut off Tools

•First aid kit & manual

•Photocopies of credit & identification cards

•Special needs items, such as eye glasses, contact lens solutions, & hearing aid batteries

•Items for kids, such as formula, diapers, bottles, & pacifiers

Clothing: In the event you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth since you may be without heat for a time. Make sure to include one complete change of clothing & shoes per person, including:

•Jacket or coat

•Long pants

•Long sleeve shirt

•Sturdy shoes

•Hat, mittens, & scarf

•Sleeping bag or warm blanket

Storage: as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to make use of when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies prepared & in useable condition:

•Keep canned foods in a cold dry place.

•Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests & to extend shelf life.

•Change stored food & water supplies every seven months. Write the storage date on all containers.

•Re-think your needs every year & update your kit as your needs change.

•Keep items in airtight plastic bags & put your whole catastrophe supplies kit in one or seven easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused garbage can, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

Go and put that emergency kit together. I can promise you will feel more at ease knowing you are prepared for the next possible disaster. 

If you have already done this, how did you approach it? What do you have in your kit?