4 ITEMS WORTH A LITTLE EXTRA GET MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Not all goods are created equal. Going cheap can seem appealing (who doesn’t like to save money?), but when you use up products more quickly than expected or they just cause a hassle, you haven’t really saved. Some things are worth spending a little extra on. Here are four such everyday items. BATTERIES Discount and dollar store batteries are often made with low-quality materials and don’t hold their charge as well. Plus, because they’re made with cheaper materials, there’s a greater chance they will leak and damage the device they’re powering. Brand-name batteries use high-quality materials and hold a much better charge, so you will use fewer batteries and they are less likely to leak. Pro Tip: If you don’t plan on using a battery-powered device for an extended period of time, always remove the batteries before storing it. TOILET PAPER We’ve all experienced the disappointment of cheap, one-ply toilet paper. This subpar paper is less absorbent and more prone to tearing than its higher-quality counterpart. Furthermore, low-quality TP can irritate your
skin, causing discomfort and other problems. Regardless, the overall cost savings of buying low-quality TP will be negligible because you’ll end up using more to make up for the lack of ply. PLASTIC WRAP There are many brands of plastic wrap on the market, but several are more trouble than they’re worth. Plastic wrap is most often used to cover and save food, which means its seal or cling is of the utmost importance. Sadly, budget brands don’t have the same cling technology as name brands. While you may feel like you’re saving money by buying cheaper plastic wrap, it’s likely to leave you frustrated and with food that is only partially covered. SHOES Cheap footwear can lead to all kinds of problems. For one, cheap shoes are more likely to fall apart sooner than shoes from reliable brands, and that alone can break anyone’s budget. Worse yet, cheap shoes rarely provide the necessary foot support, which can lead to serious musculoskeletal issues, including knee problems. These may require professional intervention to fix, so take your time and spend the necessary money to get good shoes that fit properly.
ANALYSTS SAY TAR HEEL STATE A POPULAR RETIREMENT DESTINATION NORTH CAROLINA, RALEIGH RAKE IN RECOGNITION
We’ve always known Raleigh was a great place to live, work, and retire, but now we have proof! In 2020, Raleigh ranked seventh in the country as one of the most popular places for retirees to move to, edging its way into the ranking this year. (Notably, our friends in Durham, North Carolina, made the list last year.) Overall, North Carolina ranked third as the most popular state for retirees, just behind Florida and Arizona. The rankings were done by SmartAsset, a search engine to help consumers find financial advisors. It compared data about adults older than 60 and their moving patterns. Beginning in 2018, Raleigh saw nearly 2,000 older adults move into the area, while just 700 left. SmartAsset cites a few reasons for this adjustment, including the pleasant temperatures in North Carolina attracting older residents. Notably, North Carolina was one of the few states in the top 10 list that does have an income tax. Places like Florida and Texas made the list and are arguably attractive to some because of the lack of an income tax. We believe this speaks volumes about just how great our state is to our retirees!
Investopedia notes that the cost of living in the Tar Heel State is more than 5% lower than the rest of the nation, and the median home value hovers just over $200,000, compared to nearly $250,000 across the nation. This could mean finding the retirement home of your dreams is easy and attainable! The News & Observer also reported that it isn’t just retirees who are cashing in on our region. Raleigh was ranked third in the country among metro areas for millennials to move to. The moving rental company U-Haul reports that many of its one- way rentals have a final destination in Raleigh. So, what does this mean as you begin to plan for retirement? If you live in North Carolina, you just might be in a great position! Whether you want rolling hills and quiet land or a gorgeous coast and active nightlife, North Carolina has options for every retiree. We’re proud to call Raleigh home, and we’d love to help you ensure it’s your retirement home, too. For questions regarding your retirement plan, contact us today.
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