Guest blog by Jessica Brody of Our Best Friends
If you own multiple homes in multiple states and you have a pet or two, then you likely have your hands full. Not only are you likely very busy with going from place to place, but you also need to learn how to manage your money so you can afford to pay more than one mortgage. Here is some advice on how to handle this complicated arrangement so that all your needs are met and everyone is happy.
Photo by Avi Richards on Unsplash
Take Advantage of the States Where You Reside
When it comes to the average cost of services that we use on a regular basis, each state has its own advantages. The good part about living in more than one state is that you can pick and choose the best benefits from each place so you can save money. For example, if you are planning to buy a car, then you may find that prices are cheaper in one state than the other. Then, you need to register that car, and again, you can pick and choose your options.
Car insurance can vary greatly depending on where you live. For example, rates are much more affordable in Alabama than they are in Florida, so if you reside in one of those states and you spend more time there then in the other state, then consider taking advantage of the insurance rates and save some money. You can apply the same principle to pet insurance. Look at the costs in the states where you spend the most time and buy the right product at the best price. Just make sure that you get the insurance that is best for your pet.
Buy Pet Products in Sets
Depending on the length of the drive, it can be exhausting to go from one state to another, and when you arrive, the last thing that you want to do is go to the store and buy pet supplies. So, to remedy this situation, buy two sets of all of the pet supplies you need, including bowls, toys, beds, leashes, and food. Then, split the pairs between your two houses, so you always have what you need the moment you arrive.
Ditch Cable and Stick With Streaming
When you live in two different places, and you have your cable set up at each residence, then your bills will likely be through the roof. You can save money by skipping the cable company and instead streaming your favorite shows and movies for a fraction of the cost. This is a great option because you can simply install the app of your choice at each residence and then log in wherever you happen to be.
Research Costs Per State for Services/Storage
While you are crunching the numbers and fine-tuning your budget, you will want to research different states and look at the average costs of items you use on a regular basis so you can find the best prices for your lifestyle. Keep in mind that every state will be different. For example:
● The average cost of healthcare in Florida is around $450 per person.
● In New Hampshire, the average grocery bill is close to $365 per month.
● When it comes to self-storage, these San Diego storage units will cost between $89 - $250, depending on the size.
● The typical cost of veterinary care in West Virginia is around $100 for a routine checkup.
● At the time of this writing, the average cost of a tank of gas in California is $5 per gallon.
The point is that you need to do your research, so you know what you will need to pay, and you can plan your budget accordingly.
As you can see, there are several tricks that you can try in order to afford the cost of two residences in separate states. Just remember to research prices, look at average costs, and make sure that your pet is safe and you can make it work.
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Jessica Brody created Our Best Friends so others could find a place to share stories and photos of their beloved animal companions. Please visit her site for even more images, articles, and pet-related resources.
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