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Hey Kiddo!
Take some time this weekend to take care of the following tasks around your house, to ensure safe, efficient, and healthy living/driving situation. You got this kiddo!
Task 1: Household - Replace your HVAC Filter, Clean out your Dryer Lint Trap, Check your sinks/toilets/pipes for leaks
Replacing your HVAC Filter every month (or inspecting it if its a 3 month rated filter) in an important function of your AC/Heating system. It keeps the system running smoothly, for the long haul, and reduces the risk of fires and allergens in the air.
You should clean your Dryer lint trap after EVERY use as lint buildup can be a huge fire risk, but this week in particular make sure it is fully clean, and shine a flashlight down into the lint trap area with it removed to check for debris buildup. If you see something that shouldn’t be there use a vacuum to clean it up ASAP.
Go around your house and check under sinks, behind toilets, your washer, hot water heater, and spigots etc. Make sure there are not any slow leaks that could cause costly damage, dangerous mold, or higher then needed water bills. If you find any leaks get them taken care of quickly!
Task 2: Automotive - Check Your Seatbelts, Booster Seats, and Car Seats
Inspect your car seatbelts for damage, make sure they go in and out, and lock like they should (a quick tug on the seatbelt should cause it to lock as it would in a crash or sudden stop. Releasing it and fully retracting it should release the lock)
Inspect any Car Seats or Booster Seats, Make sure they have not come loose, or become unlatched. Make sure they are clean and clear from debris, food, trash etc. This will help your kids have a safe, and healthy drive in the car.
Task 3: Life - Check your finances and see if you can get out of debt!
Take a look at your finances.
Do you have credit card debt, car loans, student loans?
These can be a financial burden on yourself and your family
Consider if you are at a place where you can buckle down and get out of debt faster, and stop taking on new debt.
A debt free lifestyle takes a lot of hard work and determination, but can be incredibly freeing, and can prime your family for financial prosperity into the future.
There are several methods you can use to get out of debt, which are listed in the How To section of this email.
You got this!
Task 4: Life - Review your Loans and Debts
Log into your loan/lender websites to review your terms and payments
Make sure all your loans are getting paid on time and are set up to auto pay to avoid late fees
Make sure you understand your terms, interest rates, minimum payments etc./
Don’t get caught off guard after years of payments when your progress is not what you expect!
Make a plan to get out of debt and put more wealth on your own net worth, not the banks!
HOW TO GUIDES
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this guide is intended for educational purposes only. By using this guide, you acknowledge and agree that you are fully responsible for your actions and decisions while performing the tasks described herein.
The author and publisher shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or negative consequences that may arise from the application of the information contained in this guide. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and safety precautions in place before undertaking any tasks. Always seek professional advice or assistance if you are unsure about any procedures or actions.
Proceed at your own risk.
How to do: Task 1
How to replace your HVAC Filter:
Supplies Needed:
New HVAC filter (check your current filter for size - it's printed on the side)
Flashlight or phone light
Disposable gloves (optional)
Steps:
Turn off your HVAC system using the thermostat (set to "OFF")
Locate your air handler unit (usually in a closet, basement, attic, or garage)
Find the filter slot - it's typically a rectangular opening near where the large air duct connects to the unit
Note the direction of airflow arrows on the old filter before removing it
Slide the old filter out carefully to avoid scattering dust
Check the size printed on the filter frame (like 16x25x1 or 20x20x1)
Remove the new filter from its packaging
Insert the new filter with the airflow arrows pointing the same direction as the old one
Make sure the filter fits snugly with no gaps around the edges
Turn your HVAC system back on
Dispose of the old filter in your regular trash
How to clean your dryer lint trap:
Supplies Needed:
Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
Soft brush or old toothbrush
Warm soapy water
Clean towel
Steps:
Pull out the lint screen from inside your dryer door (it's usually at the top or bottom of the door opening)
Peel off the layer of lint by hand and throw it in the trash
Hold the screen up to the light to check for buildup in the mesh
If you can't see through the mesh clearly, wash the screen with warm soapy water
Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove fabric softener buildup
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a towel
While the screen dries, use your vacuum hose to clean inside the lint trap slot
Vacuum out any lint you can reach in the dryer cavity
Slide the completely dry lint screen back into place
Make sure it's seated properly and securely
How to check for Leaks in your house:
Supplies Needed:
Paper towels or rags
Food coloring (for toilet test)
Steps:
Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks:
Open the cabinet doors under each sink
Look at all visible pipes and connections
Check for water stains, damp, & dripping
Run water in the sink and watch for leaks
Feel around pipe joints for moisture
Look for white mineral deposits or rust, which indicate old leaks
Check where pipes enter wall for damage
Toilets:
Look around the base of each toilet for water or stains on the floor
Check behind the toilet at the supply line
Remove the toilet tank lid and set it aside
Add 10-15 drops of food coloring to the tank
Wait 15-30 minutes without flushing
If colored water appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak between tank and bowl
Check the toilet handle and flush mechanism for proper operation
Replace the tank lid when finished
Exposed Pipes:
Check any visible pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or utility rooms
Look for water stains on walls or ceilings
Check around your water heater for any puddles or rust stains
Inspect washing machine hoses for damage
Check the connectors on the hoses
How to do: Task 2
How to check car seatbelts:
Steps:
Pull each seatbelt all the way out to check for fraying, cuts, or worn spots
Check the metal buckle and latch for cracks, rust, or damage
Insert the buckle into the latch - it should click securely
Try to pull the buckle out without pressing the release button - it should stay locked
Press the release button - the buckle should pop out easily
Pull the seatbelt out quickly - it should lock (emergency lock feature)
Repeat for all seating positions in your vehicle
How to check your Car Seats:
Steps:
Look over the entire car seat for cracks, breaks, or damage
Check all straps and buckles for fraying, cuts, or worn spots
Test the harness buckle by clicking it together and pulling it apart
Verify the car seat label shows it's appropriate for your child's current weight and height
Confirm the car seat hasn't expired (check the expiration date on the label)
Check that the car seat is installed at the correct angle (look for built-in indicators)
Push and pull on the installed car seat - it should not move more than 1 inch
Check that harness straps are at correct height (at or below shoulders for rear-facing, at or above for forward-facing)
Ensure the harness is snug - you should not be able to pinch slack in the straps
Verify the chest clip is positioned at armpit level
How check your Booster Seats:
Steps:
Look over the booster seat for cracks, breaks, or damage to the plastic
Check that all clips, buckles, and adjustment mechanisms work properly
Verify the booster seat label shows it's appropriate for your child's current weight and height
Reinstall the booster seat according to the manufacturer's instructions
Check that the lap belt sits low across your child's hips, not their stomach
Verify the shoulder belt crosses your child's chest and shoulder, not their neck
Push and pull on the installed booster seat - it should not move more than 1 inch
Final Check:
Confirm each child safety seat is appropriate for your child's current age, weight, and height
Schedule a car seat inspection with local fire department or police if you have concerns
How to do: Task 3
How to Get Out of Debt:
Supplies Needed:
Paper towels or rags
Food coloring (for toilet test)
Using the Debt Snowball Method:
List all your debts - Write down each debt with total amount owed and minimum payment.
Order debts from smallest to largest balance - Ignore interest rates, focus on dollar amounts.
Pay minimums on all debts - Never skip minimum payments to avoid fees.
Put all extra money toward the smallest debt - Attack your smallest balance with every extra dollar.
When the smallest debt is paid off, move to the next - Take that full payment amount and apply it to the next smallest debt.
Repeat until all debts are gone - Continue this process debt by debt.
Don't create new debt - Stop using credit cards while paying off existing debt.
Track your progress monthly - Update balances and celebrate paid-off debts.
Key Rule: Pay smallest debts first for quick wins that keep you motivated
Using the Debt Avalanche Method:
List all your debts - Write down each debt with total amount owed, minimum payment, and interest rate.
Order debts from highest to lowest interest rate - Ignore balance amounts, focus on interest rates.
Pay minimums on all debts - Never skip minimum payments to avoid fees.
Put all extra money toward highest interest rate debt - Attack your highest rate debt with every extra dollar.
When highest rate debt is paid off, move to the next - Take that full payment amount and apply it to the next highest interest rate debt.
Repeat until all debts are gone - Continue this process debt by debt.
Don't create new debt - Stop using credit cards while paying off existing debt.
Track your progress monthly - Update balances and celebrate paid-off debts.
Key Rule: Pay highest interest rate debts first to save the most money over time!
Which one to choose:
The Debt Snowball Method works best for people who need psychological motivation and quick wins to stay on track. If you struggle with sticking to financial plans, get discouraged easily, or have many small debts, the snowball method's early victories can keep you motivated throughout the debt payoff journey.
The Debt Avalanche Method works best for people who are disciplined with money and motivated primarily by saving the most money possible. If you can stay committed to a plan without needing frequent psychological rewards, and you want to minimize the total interest paid over time, the avalanche method will save you more money in the long run.
In essence, choose snowball if you need motivation, choose avalanche if you want maximum savings.
Want an even deeper dive into the Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche (and the secret third option… the hybrid method?) and also the Complete Debt Tracker (via google sheets)? Refer 3 people to signup for DadMinders and you will get the Get Out of Debt Guide and the Debt Tracker free via the DadMinders referral program!
How to do: Task 4
How to check your loans:
Steps:
Gather All Your Loan Information:
Collect statements for all loans (mortgage, car loans, student loans, personal loans)
Find your credit card statements from all companies
Log into each lender's website or app to get current balances
Review Your Loan Terms:
Check when each loan will be paid off (the payoff date)
Look at how much of your monthly payment goes to interest vs. principal
Verify that your payment amounts match what you originally agreed to
Look for any fees you're being charged (late fees, maintenance fees, etc.)
Calculate Your Total Debt:
Add up all your loan balances to get your total debt amount
Add up all your minimum monthly payments
Calculate what percentage of your monthly income goes to debt payments
Optional: Use the DadMinders “Complete Debt Tracker” to keep track of this information (yours free when you use the DadMinders referral program and refer 3 friends to sign up for DadMinders)
Review Payment History for issues:
Check if you've made any late payments in the past 6 months
Verify that all your payments have been applied correctly
