Budget & Savings

A couple of years ago I believed that I was good to go when it came to home insurance. I had taken out a regular policy when I purchased my home, filled out the paperwork, paid the premiums, and didn’t give it another thought. That changed one night when there was a heavy storm brewing and a massive piece of tree branch collapsed onto my roof in the middle of a thunderstorm.

When I decided to buy my first house, I quickly ruled out getting a home warranty. My logic was simple: “Why should I pay extra for coverage when I already have homeowners insurance?” Fast forward a couple of years, and I found myself in a frustrating situation. Within a few months, the oven, dishwasher, and air conditioner all broke down and at that point, I bitterly regretted not rethinking my stance on home warranties.

When I started my first big home renovation, I was confident, excited, and honestly… a little naïve. I thought I could upgrade my old kitchen, knock out a wall, and still stay within a tight budget. By week two, I was already over budget, facing unexpected electrical upgrades, and wondering where all my careful planning had gone.

Owning a home is one of life’s biggest milestones and biggest responsibilities. When I bought my first home, I was filled with excitement and nerves. What no one prepared me for were the sudden, unexpected expenses that popped up almost immediately. Within months, my water heater failed, the dishwasher stopped working, and a small leak in the roof turned into a bigger headache. That’s when I learned about home warranties