Page 25 – The Money Coach

Photo Preventative Maintenance, preventative maintenance saves money

Preventative Maintenance Saves Money: A Cost Avoidance Framework

Leave a Comment / Saving Money / Abdul Qadeer / cost avoidance, equipment reliability, maintenance ROI, operational efficiency, preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a proactive approach to maintaining equipment and systems to prevent unexpected failures and costly repairs. By regularly scheduled inspections, servicing, and replacements, organizations can ensure that their assets operate efficiently and effectively. This strategy is not merely about fixing problems as they arise; it’s about anticipating issues before they become significant disruptions. […]

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Insurance Deductibles: Setting the Right Number for Your Risk

Leave a Comment / Insurance / Abdul Qadeer / coverage costs, Financial Planning, insurance deductibles, Insurance Premiums, risk tolerance

Insurance deductibles are a fundamental aspect of many insurance policies, serving as the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. This concept is prevalent across various types of insurance, including health, auto, and homeowners insurance. Understanding how deductibles work is crucial for making informed decisions about your coverage. Essentially, a

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Gas vs Electric Appliances: Doing the Operating Cost Math

Leave a Comment / Personal Finance, Family Finances / Abdul Qadeer / appliance costs, electric appliances, energy efficiency, gas appliances, home energy savings

When it comes to choosing between gas and electric appliances, homeowners often find themselves at a crossroads. The decision can significantly impact not only your utility bills but also your overall comfort and convenience in the home. Gas appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, and dryers, are known for their quick heating capabilities and often

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Roof Repair vs Replacement: Make the Smart Call

Leave a Comment / Real Estate / Abdul Qadeer / energy-efficient roofing, home maintenance, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing costs

Recognizing the signs of roof damage early is essential to protecting your home. A leaking or deteriorating roof can quickly escalate from minor inconvenience to major structural issue if left unaddressed. But should you opt for roof repair vs replacement? The right choice depends on the extent of the damage, the age of your roof,

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Leak Detection Methods Explained: Acoustic, Infrared, Metering, Dye

Leave a Comment / Real Estate / Abdul Qadeer / acoustic leak detection, dye leak detection, infrared leak detection, leak detection, metering leaks

Leak detection methods are essential tools for identifying and addressing leaks in various systems, from plumbing to industrial applications. Detecting leaks early can save significant costs, prevent damage, and enhance safety. With a variety of techniques available, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each method is crucial for effective leak management. This article will explore

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Blockchain Solutions for Small Businesses: A Practical, Fact-Checked Guide

Leave a Comment / Business / Abdul Qadeer / blockchain solutions, document verification, small business finance, SME blockchain, supply chain traceability

Small and midsize firms face persistent pain points—verifying suppliers, reconciling records, proving product origin, and getting paid faster. A blockchain is a tamper-resistant, shared ledger that multiple parties can read and write, with cryptographic mechanisms to make recorded transactions extremely hard to alter. That core property is well-documented by the U.S. National Institute of Standards

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Holiday Spending and College Kids: Setting Boundaries Before the Season Starts

Leave a Comment / Personal Finance, Family Finances / Abdul Qadeer / college budgeting, financial boundaries, holiday spending, october planning, student money management

During her freshman year, my daughter Alexis Facetimed us to discuss a carefully thought-out proposal about spring break plans with her boyfriend and some friends. She’d researched costs, looked at alternatives, and even started setting aside money of her own. What impressed my husband Earl and me wasn’t just her planning. It was how she’d

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Spring 2026 Planning: Why October is Prime Time for College Financial Strategy

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / college planning, fafsa tips, financial aid strategy, october college finances, student budgeting

October is the most important month for college financial planning, particularly for October college financial planning – not just for the current academic year, but for setting yourself up for success next year and beyond. Here’s what I’ve learned from guiding three children through college and from advising parents and students through my work as

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Photo Emergency Fund, emergency fund for homeowners

Emergency Fund for Homeowners: How Much and Where to Keep It

Leave a Comment / Real Estate / Abdul Qadeer / emergency fund for homeowners, Financial Planning, home repair savings, money market account, savings strategies

An emergency fund for homeowners is a crucial financial safety net, providing peace of mind in times of unexpected crises. Homeownership comes with a unique set of responsibilities and potential financial burdens, from sudden repairs to unforeseen medical expenses. Having an emergency fund for homeowners allows them to navigate these challenges without derailing their financial

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Choosing a Contractor: Quotes, References, Warranties, Red Flags

Leave a Comment / Credit Scores / Abdul Qadeer / contractor credit tips, credit repair for contractors, debt negotiation, financial health, improve credit score

When embarking on a home improvement project or hiring a contractor, getting quotes is a crucial first step. A well-structured quote not only provides an estimate of costs but also outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, and the timeline for completion. To ensure you receive accurate and comparable quotes, it’s essential to

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A woman wearing glasses and a light blue shirt holds books and a backpack—perhaps considering budgeting for college students living off campus—as she stands outside near modern buildings and trees.

The Mid-Semester Money Check: Why October is Your Financial Wake-Up Call

Leave a Comment / Personal Finance / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

You know that feeling when your college sophomore calls home in early Fall, voice slightly concerned, asking if you can “help me figure out this budget thing”? I remember getting that exact call from my daughter Alexis just last month. She’d been doing well managing her money at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro,

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Credit Repair for Contractors and Tradespeople: Practical Steps

Leave a Comment / Credit Scores / Abdul Qadeer / contractors and tradespeople, credit repair, credit report tips, debt negotiation, financial health, improve credit score

Credit scores and reports are essential components of your financial health, serving as a snapshot of your creditworthiness. A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that lenders use to assess the risk of lending you money. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for loans

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Photo Permits and Inspections, permits and inspections for home projects

Permits and Inspections for Common Home Projects

Leave a Comment / Real Estate / Abdul Qadeer / building code compliance, contractor tips, home improvement safety, home renovation permits, permits and inspections

Permits and inspections for home projects are crucial components of any home renovation project. They serve as a safeguard, ensuring that the work being done adheres to local building codes and safety standards. By obtaining the necessary permits, homeowners not only protect their investment but also contribute to the overall safety and integrity of their

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Photo Home Repairs. pay for home repairs

Best Ways to Pay for Home Repairs Without Overspending

Leave a Comment / Real Estate / Abdul Qadeer / DIY vs professional, home maintenance tips, home repair budget, pay for home repairs, repair financing

Setting a realistic budget is the cornerstone of any successful home repair or renovation project. Before diving into the specifics of what needs to be done, it’s essential to take a step back and assess your financial situation. Start by determining how much you can comfortably allocate for repairs without straining your finances. When you

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Top Tips for Running Your Business Budget

Leave a Comment / Business / Abdul Qadeer / Budgeting Tips, business budget, Expense Tracking, Financial Planning, small business finance

Managing a business budget effectively is one of the most important responsibilities for any entrepreneur or even a financial manager. A well maintained budget will keep your company financially healthy, support decision making, and help you prepare for unexpected expenses. There are plenty of tools that you’ll need to make this happen, and there are

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