Blog

Bees are buzzing, the trees are colorful, and the air is sweet with the scent of blooming flowers. Which can only mean one thing—Spring is here! Are you itching to finally stretch your limbs and venture outside as much as I am? But as you look around, perhaps you’ve noticed your garden could use a little tender loving care, and your kitchen needs brightening up. Have no fear, Cathy & Garrett, from The Grit and Polish, can help you breat...

What is your current lifestyle? When you first moved into your home, perhaps you were a brand-new parent or bought your first house with your new spouse. Maybe the neighbors were young, too, you explored more, and you knew everyone’s name. Now the years have passed, and friends have moved to other states, or you’ve grown tired of the same old, same old. Think about a fresh start, a new opportunity to add a little zest to your lifestyle....

Will your current financial plan support your future quality of life? As you consider rightsizing, take into account your financial state. This will be crucial to moving forward with any plans, whether that’s aging in your current home or relocating to a better fit for you. It’s important to think about not just your retirement fund but the expenses of your current home. As we age, our medical expenses grow, and it’s the same with our h...

Is your world feeling cramped? Do you long to travel but have a laundry list of chores to upkeep your house? Has your house become a risk to your physical health? There are many triggers that could cause you to Rightsize but let’s not wait for a life crisis to make a change! Prepare yourself ahead of time to figure out if it’s the right time for you to Rightsize. Like other life events, Rightsizing has become an accepted rite of passage for se...

Helping your parent or loved one declutter without stress…is it possible? We’re here to tell you that it is! Try this step-by-step process and some of our tips for keeping stress low and efficiency high when helping a senior declutter. Step by Step: Decluttering for Seniors Following a guide or a process can help you feel less overwhelmed about decluttering. Here are 8 steps you can use to get started. Step 1: Bring it up tactfully. ...

How do you deal with moving into a smaller house? Sometimes you just need a little imagination and organization. With these tips for making your new small space work for you, you’ll soon be enjoying your new home. Adapting to a Smaller Space If you’ve been living in a big house for years, the idea of a smaller living arrangement can feel…well, stifling. It may be difficult at first, but it does get easier. Remind yourself that your new ho...

April is financial literacy month—a great time to brush up on your financial knowledge. The goal is to make informed decisions, plan for the future, spend wisely, and avoid frauds and scams. What Is Financial Literacy? Investopedia provides this definition of financial literacy: “Financial literacy is when you understand the basic concepts of saving, investing, and debt management at a level that gives you a sense of financial well-be...

Containing the clutter in your home is good for your mental health! Although we all have different levels of tolerance when it comes to clutter, studies have shown that an untidy home can increase stress, whereas a tidy home can help you feel more secure and calm. How Does Clutter Contribute to Stress? A messy home can consciously or subconsciously distract you to the point of physical and mental anxiety, causing an inability to relax. ...

Helping your parents downsize is an emotional process for you and for them. With some compassion, tact, preparation, and possibly some outside help, it can be a smooth experience for everyone involved. Before Helping Your Parents, Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally Sometimes the emotional aspect of downsizing goes overlooked as you focus on the more practical aspects. Checking in with yourself and setting your perspective goes a lo...

Are you wondering how to live on a fixed or low income after retirement? The idea can be daunting, but there are many ways to save money and live well in your golden years.Get Started with a Realistic BudgetIt takes some time to adjust to retirement, from the change in daily activities to the change in income. Going into it with a clear budget can help ease some of the anxieties you may experience before you retire.Here are some things to keep in...