Schitt’s Creek was an Emmy-winning television series that told the riches-to-rags tale of the Rose family. Once the ultra-wealthy family behind a successful video store chain, they are brought low when their financial manager embezzles away their fortune. After this, they must reinvent themselves to cope with their new financial standing.

Of course, life is not a sitcom. Still, there are many lessons from the show that anyone can apply to their own circumstances. From budgeting tips to the benefits of routine maintenance, Schitt’s Creek is an unexpected trove of wisdom. Here are three ways the show highlights how to reinvent yourself through financial change.

Maintain Your Stuff, and Yourself

Despite their obvious flaws, the Rose family took care of their belongings. And they didn’t cut corners on themselves, either. While we all can’t afford David’s Parisian eye cream, we and our belongings are all worth the extra care.

If you have a vehicle, make sure you stay on top of maintenance. Follow all the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Car purchases and unexpected repairs can have a massive impact on your finances. Without maintenance, you can miss dangerous issues. In fact, tire blowouts cause over 11,000 accidents and 200 deaths a year. With regular maintenance and tuneups, problems like worn treads and tire damage can be caught early, before you become a statistic.

Maintenance doesn’t stop with your vehicle. Home maintenance is just as essential. Make sure you inspect the major systems on a regular schedule. In particular, pay attention to:

• HVAC systems: Always change air filters on time. Clean your vents and ducts. If you have a chimney, have it swept every year.
• Carpets: Vacuum and clean your carpets often. Dander, mold spores, and pollen are just a few of the natural debris found in carpets. Routine carpet care will help you avoid recurring allergies, colds, and other ailments.
• Appliances: Get to know the sounds and operating functions of your devices. Whenever an issue arises, call in a professional. Prompt action can mean the difference between a $30 part and an $800 fridge.

Don’t neglect yourself, either. Focus on your health and wellness. Find routines that keep you fit, both mentally and physically. Reinventing yourself begins with taking small, attainable steps. It is meant to create new habits that become normal. So, keep maintenance of all varieties easy to follow and stress-free.

Take Care of Your Home

Maintenance isn’t the only aspect of caring for your home. Whether you own or rent, ensure that your living space is safe, functional, and enriching.

Add some color or go after that aesthetic you’ve always loved. Minimalism is in, and it’s affordable, as well. Rearrange your rooms to revitalize your space and your mind. Get to know your rooms again, and you might even find more space to upgrade. Your home should be your safe space. Make sure the decor meets that requirement.

If you own your home, find a suitable home warranty to go along with your insurance. These won’t cover your appliances, but you’ll save plenty of headaches trying to fix issues yourself, or hiring a technician. Many of its systems may be out of the manufacturer’s warranties if the home isn’t new. Often costing around $100 a month, the expense gives welcome peace of mind.

Finally, invest in security. This can be a monitored service with a monthly subscription, or devices installed and controlled by yourself. Home cameras allow you to monitor your space at all hours and from any location. Though some systems can be pricey, the safety of you and your family is worth the cost.

Keep Your Credit Strong

Even after they lost it all, the Rose family needed some extra time to get the hang of credit. David, the spoiled son, didn’t realize that credit wasn’t free money as he bought his favorite eye cream with his one remaining card.

Strong credit is necessary to achieve many things in today’s world. From favorable loan and mortgage rates to even renting an apartment, credit scores matter. Building credit is a worthwhile means to provide extra financial security and opportunity. Even without any existing credit, building your credit can be simple by following these steps:

1. Search for cards with low interest rates: Don’t worry about cash back or points. Low interest rates will save you money.
2. Pay off all purchases immediately: If you don’t have the funds in your bank account, don’t buy an item with credit. This method ensures you never miss a payment, or accrue interest.
3. Use credit with caution: Not everything needs to be purchased with credit. Routine use and payments are enough to build your credit.
4. Monitor your credit score: Good credit will not come overnight. Part of your credit score is based on the history of your credit accounts. Those new to credit will have lower scores for the first year or so. Stay the course, and the benefits will arrive.

Creating and sticking with a budget will benefit your credit skills. A budget lets you know how much money you have at all times. It also keeps you apprised of where your money will be going. Spending now on credit that needs to be paid next week is a bad habit. However, a budget will show you how to keep money reserved for next week’s inevitable expenses.

Final Thoughts

Healthy finances start with daily monitoring and smart decisions. It will take time to grow and improve your finances, but it can be done. And during the time it takes for you to reach your goals, you can achieve so much more. Focus on yourself and your family. Bring in safety measures and education into your home, and reinvent yourself into the person you’ve always wanted to be.

Article written by: Molly Barnes – Digital Nomad Life  

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, their grandson, Justin Woodard, is the third-generation president and CEO. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard began as a cleaning company and expanded to offer fire and water mitigation, mold remediation and reconstruction, as well as board-up, smoke restoration and hard surface cleaning. Woodard has the most capable employees in the industry! With a mission of Helping People Get Back to Their Lives, Woodard serves both residential and commercial clients in the greater metro area. Woodard takes pride in investing in their employees and is recognized by the St. Louis Post Dispatch as a Top Workplace. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 4/22/2022