The Easy Way to Saving Money: Compare Security Companies

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly being charged more for the same services? If so, you’re not alone. This is a very common phenomenon in businesses of all sizes. Businesses will often be charged one price for something, and then when it comes time to renew their contract or sign on for another year, they'll be hit with a hefty fee that is double what they paid before. The good news is that there are some ways to avoid this trap and save money on your business security company expenses. Be sure to shop around for the best deal and comparison shop to find the best deal on the best security system for your company. Another tip to save money on your security company is to make sure you are getting the best value for your current service. Compare security companies that offer deals for loyal customers, so be sure to ask about that when negotiating your next contract. Finally, if you are a small business, you might be able to get a discount on your security company expenses if you shop around and find a company that caters to small businesses. The first step to minimizing those hidden costs is doing some research online. Unfortunately, this is often the case. The only way to protect yourself from these scammers is to do your research. You will want to look for security companies with a proven track record and stay away from any company offering deals that seem too good to be true. You may think the security company offering you their services at such a low cost must be operating some sort of scam. However, if you do some digging and see what other people are saying about them, you’ll probably find that there’s a good reason for their pricing structure. Stay Organized The more organized you are when comparing security companies, the easier it will be to find a good fit for your business. Security contracting is a competitive industry, and you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to find the best fit for your company. A thorough vetting process can help you find a contractor that is the best fit for your company’s culture, communication style, and security needs. Make a list of the services you need, and write down exactly what they should be. This will make it easier to get in touch with them and request a copy of their resume. You might also want to include any particular information you would like to see in the application or resume, like degrees, certifications, or experience in certain fields. Make sure you have a process in place for tracking the status of each applicant. You’ll want to be sure to let them know when you received the application, if you requested any additional materials, and when you’re planning to make your final hiring decision. If you have any particular ids you’re looking to hire, you might want to make a list of the contact information for each security company. If you don’t know where to begin, several online business directories can help you find a security company in your area. When you’re well-organized, you’ll be able to find the right fit much more quickly. Ask Questions and Be a Smart Consumer Once you’ve found the security company you’re looking to hire, ask plenty of questions before signing a contract. Make sure you completely understand the billing structure, cancellation policy, and everything else in the contract. Make sure you’re comfortable with it all before you sign. You’ll probably have to sign a contract with any security company you hire, so be sure to read it carefully. Review your contract thoroughly before signing, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to the vendor for clarification. If you’re still not sure, you can always opt out and go with another vendor. Be a smart consumer by being aware of all the terms in the contract, and if anything doesn’t make sense, ask questions. Watch for These Words Some words to be on the lookout for when comparing security companies' contracts include “fine print,” “rates,” and “expiration.” The fine print in a contract is the part that most people don’t read but could end up costing you a lot of money if you don’t. The rates and the expiration of any contract should be clearly stated in the contract. If either of these things is vague, or if it isn’t included in the contract, be wary. Make sure you understand everything in the contract, and if you don’t, ask questions. Diversification is Key One of the best ways to avoid getting caught in the trap of hidden cost creep is by diversifying your security company purchases. This means spreading out your purchases among multiple security companies. For example, perhaps you need some security cameras installed. Instead of hiring a single company to do the entire installation, hire a couple of different companies to do the work. You could hire one company to install the cameras and another company to install the hardware needed to run them. This way, if one company goes out of business, you won’t have to replace all of your cameras. Plus, spreading out your business security company purchases will keep you from being charged excessively high prices. Don’t be Afraid to Walk Away If you find yourself dealing with a company that won’t budge on their prices, don’t be afraid to walk away from them. It’s your company and your money, so you don’t have to accept someone’s unreasonable prices just because you feel like you have to. Be sure to let the company know upfront if you are not happy with their services and are considering switching to a different firm. If you are in the contract period, you can also let them know that you are considering other options. Most security companies will let you out of your contract without a termination fee if you let them know far enough in advance. Even if you’ve signed a contract with a security company, you can ask to cancel your service without being charged an early termination fee. You may be asked to pay for a portion of the services you’ve received so far, but it’s better than paying a high price for something you don’t need. Conclusion The security company you hire will play a big role in determining how safe your business is. This is why it’s so important to pick the right company. Finding a company that offers the services you need at the right price can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. If you are thorough and detail-oriented, it’s easy to find a security provider that works well with your team. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected from all types of threats thanks to a security provider that works well with your team. If you stay organized, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad deal, it’s easy to compare security companies that meet all of your business’s needs.

The Complete Guide To Brinks Monitoring System

Over one million customers have been served by Brinks, a well-known security system provider. Many security companies offer DIY installation options, including Brinks. Brinks' installation video provides instructions on how to install its products; peel-and-stick sensors simplify installation. Some customers may qualify for free installation from Brinks if they do not have the time to install their systems. Through a touch-screen panel mounted on the wall, the Brinks Home Hub serves as a glass-break sensor as well as a control panel. It can differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles using the system's indoor and outdoor security cameras. The Brinks Life Safety Home Monitoring system also includes smoke detectors and Home FireFighter sensors that alert the system's central hub when smoke detectors go off in the home. The Brinks portfolio includes a variety of home automation items, including smart locks and thermostats, in addition to standard security hardware. A smart-home assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can be used to control all of these devices. The Brinks Home app allows you to control the system as well as view live footage from the cameras. To use Brinks's system, customers must commit to a three-year contract priced at $44.99 per month, which includes professional monitoring, which allows the monitoring center to verify alarms and notify the police of their presence. It is possible to receive a 30-day trial period from Brinks, including a Home Plus warranty, which covers the repair or replacement of damaged items from Brinks. Key Features Wireless and Cellular Monitoring DIY Installation Intrusion Protection Remote Control Home Automation Brinks Equipment Costs & Monitoring Fees You'll need to contact Brinks for a price quote, as the company does not publish pricing. Individual homes have different needs, and Brinks customizes its security system for each. To build a system that meets your needs, a Brinks representative will ask you about your home and security concerns during the quote process. The following are included in Brinks' plans: Starter Package This system includes the IQ 2.0 control panel, a wireless motion detector, and two wireless door sensors. Premium Package Brinks’ mid-tier package comes with an IQ 2.0 control panel, a doorbell camera, a wireless motion detector, and two wireless door sensors. Premium Plus Package Brinks’ premium package includes the IQ 2.0 control panel, a doorbell camera, a wireless motion detector, three wireless door sensors, and an outdoor camera. Brinks also offers a protection plan for its hardware called Brinks Home Plus. For $5 a month, the company will replace or repair any damaged equipment at no cost-free of charge. Customers can choose to either install the system themselves or pay for professional installation. Comparison A monitoring plan is also available through Brinks. However, the company does not publish any information on the plans. It's one of the pricier systems in our ratings because the basic monitoring service from Brinks costs $44.99 per month. The most affordable professional monitoring service from ADT costs $27.99 per month, while the premium monitoring plan costs $62.99 per month and includes mobile app access, live video monitoring, and smart-home device integration. With SimpliSafe, you can control the system remotely as well as watch a live video feed from cameras for $17.99 per month for standard professional monitoring. With SimpliSafe's premium monitoring service, you can integrate Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa into your smart home and view recorded footage for three months for just $27.99 per month. When purchasing Brinks' security system, you are required to make a three-year commitment. The system is available for trial for 30 days before you are locked into the contract. Self-monitoring is not offered by Brinks. Pricing The simplicity and straightforwardness of Brinks' pricing is something we like about it. Equipment packages range in price from $199 to $349. The Brinks Smart Security Complete package for $349 provides the most value in the Brinks equipment selection with hands-on experience. By financing the upper-tier packages through GreenSky, you'll be able to pay less upfront. By choosing the appropriate bundle, you can eliminate the equipment cost from about $15 to $30 per month. Let's take a closer look at each of these packages in a few minutes. The Brinks professional monitoring plan costs $39 per month, which is slightly higher than other providers. In addition to Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe, we've tested other brands which offer home security services for less than $30 each month. The difference between Brinks and other brands isn't enough to justify its higher price. Our thoughts would also be more diverse in terms of options. Most brands offer three or more monitoring plans, whereas Brinks only offers one. Conclusion Among the most reliable monitoring plans we've seen, Brinks monitoring offers affordable home security packages. With as little as $349, you can complete your home security system. We found their Essentials and Complete packages to be the most valuable in our experience with the systems. In our opinion, the Ultimate package is quite overpriced, despite having a modern touchscreen control panel that is rated as the best by the test. As well as being somewhat disappointed with Brinks' one-dimensional monitoring plan and pricing, our team was also somewhat dissatisfied with its service. The professional monitoring offered by their company is incredibly reliable, and they provide rapid response times. Unless you've got home automation and video surveillance equipped, it's too costly at $39 per month. Several companies offer similar services for $10 to $29, so people shouldn't have to pay $40 per month for basic home security monitoring. For DIY home security with plenty of great features, Brinks Home Security is a good choice.

Should You Consider ADT Safewatch Cellguard Technology?

Since its founding in 1874, ADT has been providing security services. With their ADT Pulse security and automation system, which they've improved to provide excellent protection for homes and businesses, the company developed the first automated burglar alarm system in 1940. ADT's monitoring centers help professionals monitor home security systems around the clock to help if there is an emergency, which is the reason why they are the country's largest residential security company. Both homeowners and renters trust ADT because of its extensive security experience and large monitoring network. There are several options available from ADT when it comes to home security monitoring and equipment packages. It costs between $9 and $14 per week for equipment packages and $28.99 to $59.99 per month for monitoring. It's not always the most budget-friendly option to work with ADT since it requires a long-term contract and professional installation. A reputable and professional security company will provide customers with peace of mind, so they may be willing to pay more. Every ADT system requires professional monitoring. Customers can select their level of protection through ADT's tiered subscription approach. Safewatch Cellguard offers an optional cellular backup plan with 24/7 monitoring. ADT also offers SMART Monitoring, or System Monitoring and Response Technology, with all plans. A text-based communication system allows users to cancel false alarms without contacting monitoring agents when their systems are triggered. Home automation, smartphone notification alerts, and remote arming and disarming are included with the higher-tier Smart Home and Video plans. Cloud storage and live streaming of security cameras are included with the highest plan, Video, and Smart Home. ADT's strengths Smart home integration As well as working with Alexa and Google Assistant, ADT also works with connected devices from Liftmaster and Kwikset. Professional installation Since professional technicians will take care of the whole process, you can rest assured your system will work after installation. User-friendly app Monitoring and controlling your home's security is easy with ADT Control. Detailed information There is an installation fee of $99 and a 36-month monitoring contract required for ADT's three security packages. It offers a money-back guarantee in case you are dissatisfied or rethink your decision after six months. The Quality Service Plan is an extended warranty offered by ADT for $7 per month with all online purchases. Upon a need to repair your system's components, the service is included without extra charge. Plan Pricing Multiple elements contribute to the cost of a home security system, including the purchase and installation of equipment and monitoring. The cost of professional monitoring from ADT ranges from $28.99 to $59.99 per month, excluding equipment costs. There are three types of security plans offered by ADT, namely Basic, Smart Home, and Video & Smart Home. Some have more elements than others, but they all offer high-quality home security. Besides 24/7 professional monitoring and access to the ADT mobile app, the Basic plan includes Safewatch Cellguard (a program that allows your system to communicate with ADT's Customer Monitoring Center if necessary) as well as access to the Advanced Monitoring Center. This costs $28.99 per month. The Smart Home plan adds home automation features to the Basic plan for $45.99 per month. In addition to the previously mentioned items, the Video & Smart Home package includes live video surveillance and motion-activated recording for $59.99 per month. The monthly rates for ADT are a bit high, but it has always been the case. Having been around for a long time means they have a more established monitoring network than some of the newer alarm companies offering to monitor for low prices. Besides providing quality products and services, you're also assured that you're well protected by a credible alarm company when you choose ADT. There are six ADT monitoring centers throughout the country, which makes ADT monitoring unique. The servers and backup generators are all fully equipped with comprehensive backup measures for continuous operation. The other five centers can take over if one is unable to operate. Add-Ons and Upgrades Among the equipment available from ADT (e.g., cameras and sensors), you can select from a wide variety of options. Three different home security packages are available from ADT, including motion sensors, cameras, and switches. The three packages build off of one another. Starting with the basics, the Essentials plan includes alarm monitoring, a digital keypad, three door/window sensors, an infrared motion detector, an alarm siren, a backup battery, a wireless keychain remote, a yard sign, and window decals. There is a $9 per week minimum for the Essentials plan. There is a weekly fee of $11 for the Total Protection plan. ADT's Customer Monitoring Centers can communicate with your security system through cellular networks, so you'll get everything in the Essentials package. You get Safewatch CellGuard, a service that includes everything in the Essentials package. In the event of an emergency, you'll be able to reach your family via a backup telephone. Adding ADT Pulse to the Total Protection package makes ADT's Premium Protection plan even more secure. The ADT Pulse mobile app allows users to remotely monitor their security monitoring system and smart devices by connecting their home automation. There is a weekly fee of $14 for this package. What is ADT Safewatch Cellguard? Through cellular networks, ADT's Customer Monitoring Centers can communicate with your home security system. Since cellular services are supplied by cellular service providers, ADT is not responsible for ensuring uninterrupted or error-free service. It is extremely expensive to keep a cellular phone with CellGuard. It is possible to get CellGuard for $300 in total after the installation and costs, depending on the merchant. Other situations may require the presence of a landline and a home security system to be more cost-effective. Using cellular backup, you can stay connected. We encourage you to use Safewatch Cellguard as your backup solution. When an ADT Customer Monitoring Center notices a cellular network failure, Safewatch Cellguard may relay alarm signals to the ADT Customer Monitoring Center, preventing a security gap. Video Storage When you're not home, you can monitor your home with video cameras. Whenever an intruder spots one, they will flee. It is possible to obtain valuable evidence in court based on the footage captured by your security video cameras. Security cameras with ADT Pulse are included in packages offered by ADT. Although videos are limited to 30 seconds, the company offers unlimited storage for security cameras. Installation You don't need to do the DIY installation with ADT since its technicians are trained to install your security system properly. Depending on your package and equipment, professional installation can cost more or less. To determine the possibilities and create a custom security plan, a certified ADT security advisor will visit your home to discuss security options. Your advisor will then return to ensure everything is working properly after the technicians install the components of your system. This professional installation makes ADT a good option for those who don’t want to worry about the installation process themselves. If you’re uncomfortable with technology, ADT will take care of all the details for you. Conclusion ADT is one of the leading home security companies in the industry (and one of the oldest). ADT is an excellent choice if money isn't a huge concern for you and you're searching for a reputable company. Customers love ADT for the peace of mind it brings them, knowing that the company is there to keep their homes safe. On the other hand, if you're budget-conscious, you may opt-out of ADT safewatch cell guard tech. It is relatively expensive to subscribe to their monthly plan in the industry. The quality of other systems and devices may not be as high as the ones you find in cheaper plans. Despite this, ADT has made extensive technological improvements over the years, including Alexa and Google integrations, as well as an easy-to-use app. It is important to note that ADT offers its customers a great deal of value even though cheaper options are available.

Renovation Safety Tips: Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore It

The renovation of a home is usually a process that takes place over several months, with the scope of work expanding as the project continues. At the outset, you will likely be working with a contractor who has a general idea of what the project will entail but won’t know the exact details until the renovation begins. If you’re hiring a contractor to renovate your home, you should make sure you have a clear agreement that outlines the scope of work, along with a schedule and timeline for the project. You will likely want to set up regular meetings with the contractor so you can keep track of progress and make sure you both have a clear idea of any changes that may come up during the renovation. During this time, you’ll need to hire contractors, buy construction materials, and spend days working on the home. However, renovating your home poses some risks that you should be aware of before proceeding. If you are planning to renovate your home or have recently finished a renovation project on your premises, you should be aware of all the safety hazards that exist within it. While renovating a house can be exciting and result in new and exciting opportunities, it often comes with its fair share of dangers. To help ensure that your next renovation project goes smoothly and without incident, we have compiled this article on why you shouldn’t ignore renovation safety tips. The Importance of Renovation Safety While renovations are often put up with some inconvenience, it is important to remember that safety must come first. Make sure to hire a contractor who knows how to bring in the materials and supplies without disrupting your daily routine. Be sure to communicate the best way to access each room and what materials are needed for the job to ensure the safety of your family. When hiring a contractor, make sure to check their credentials and references. You also want to make sure they carry the right insurance in case something happens during the renovation process. If you aren’t careful or aware of the risks involved with renovating your home, then you could put yourself and your loved ones in harm’s way. This can range from a minor injury sustained from a slip and fall to a serious accident due to a lack of electrical safety. When it comes to renovations, many factors need to be considered when it comes to safety. Fire Safety Concerns One of the main areas of concern when it comes to renovations is fire. The risk of fire is higher during the renovation period because of the materials that are often used – such as ladders, power tools, and other equipment. In particular, the use of power tools and ladders can greatly increase the risk of fire. To reduce the possibility of a fire occurring on your renovation site, you should ensure that you have proper fire extinguishers close by. If you are working with power tools, you should also make sure that they are being used properly: Make sure that your power tools are properly grounded, if applicable. Use tools that are in good condition (replace older tools that might be faulty). Wear appropriate PPE when using power tools on-site (such as gloves and ear protection) Structural Safety Concerns While you might be excited to rip out old walls and repair or replace the foundation of your home, you should be aware of the structural issues that exist in your home. When undertaking renovations, you might need to remove or repair structural elements, such as load-bearing walls. These types of renovations can be very dangerous, and you should hire a contractor to do the work. A contractor will be licensed and bonded, and they can provide you with the necessary liability insurance to protect you from accidents happening on your property. Make sure you have the contractor’s policy in writing so if something happens, you are covered. You should be careful not to remove or damage any part of your home that is integral to its foundation. If you remove a significant part of your home’s structure and aren’t careful, you could risk bringing your home down. To avoid any structural issues during your renovations, you should hire a structural engineer to provide advice on the best way to proceed. Health and Wellness Concerns Renovations often involve the use of power tools and toxic materials that can pose serious health and wellness concerns. Many of these materials emit dangerous fumes that can negatively impact your health if not used correctly. Inhaling these fumes for just one minute can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health issues, like cancer. To protect yourself against these hazards and stay healthy, you should always wear the right safety gear when working on renovations. Buildings that are undergoing renovations often create dust and other air pollutants that can be harmful to your health: Stick to work hours and avoid working at night or when the neighbors are sleeping. Make sure that you are using appropriate breathing equipment when working with toxic substances. Wear a respirator mask when working with toxic substances or when there is a lot of dust in the air. Close windows and doors that are in the path of the dust and fumes created by construction work. With these reasons why you shouldn’t ignore renovation safety tips in mind, make sure that you are prepared for any potential hazards before starting work on your next project. Conclusion When it comes to renovations, safety needs to be your top priority. From electrical hazards to falls, construction sites are often full of hazards that can cause significant injury or even death. While it may be easy to let your guard down, it is critical to stay alert and make sure that you are doing everything you can to stay safe. By taking a few precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of injury or even death in your home renovations. From contractors coming in with their heavy equipment to the materials used for the job, several hazards come with any renovation project. While many of these dangers can be mitigated through good planning, awareness, and precaution, there is always a risk of something going wrong on any construction site. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to make sure you stay as safe as possible during your next renovation project. While renovating your home can be exciting and result in new and exciting opportunities, it often comes with its fair share of dangers. To help ensure that your next renovation project goes smoothly and without incident, make sure that you are prepared for any potential hazards. When it comes to renovations, many factors need to be considered when it comes to safety. From fire safety concerns to structural safety concerns, health and wellness concerns, and more: safety must be a top priority.

Home Water Leaks: Prevention, Detection, and Best Practices

When it comes to home repairs and maintenance, water is one of the most feared and despised elements. Water leaks are known for their ability to sneak up on homeowners, especially those who don’t live in the house full-time. We know you dread thinking about plumbing, but it isn’t going away anytime soon. When it comes to home leaks, however, there are several things you can do to protect your property from water damage. Even small leaks such as dripping faucets or burst pipes can add up and cause major damage if left unchecked. Water leak detection is easy, thanks to a wide range of sensors and alarms that can be installed in your home. These systems can be programmed to send you notifications when a leak is detected, allowing you to fix the problem before significant damage is done. Water leaks in your home aren’t just a pain; they also cost you money over time by increasing your utility bills and decreasing the value of your house. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can prevent water leaks in your home, as well as provide best practices and tips on how to detect them if they do occur so that you can remedy the situation sooner rather than later. Maintaining Your Home’s Water Supply System Having a well-maintained water supply system is key to avoiding leaks and water damage. There are several steps you can take to ensure your water system stays in good condition. The first is to make sure all of your water fixtures are turned off when you aren’t using them. This includes faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems. Preventing leaks starts with paying attention to your water usage and taking care of your fixtures. The second step to preventing water damage is to make sure your water supply system is properly maintained. This includes annual inspections of your pipes and fixtures to look for damages, breaks, or leaks. It also includes cleaning your faucets and irrigation systems regularly. Detecting Home Water Leaks If you feel some water is trickling out of a pipe or fixture, you might leak. But how do you know for sure? Here are a few signs you may have a water leak in your home: The toilet is running - If you’ve ever heard a toilet bowl water running without someone flushing it, you know just how annoying and wasteful that can be. Leaking or running toilets are a common sign of a water leak. It’s important to note that you should never ignore a leaky toilet but should instead call a plumber to fix it as soon as possible. Leaky faucets - One of the most common and minor signs of a water leak is a slowly dripping faucet. Dripping faucets often go unnoticed and can cost you a lot of money over time, especially if you have several leaking at once. To test for a leaky faucet, put a few drops of food coloring in the water. An easy way to keep track of your dripping faucets is to install a water sensor in the sink so that it sends you a notification when the water level gets too low. This will ensure that you don’t leave a sink dripping for days or even weeks before noticing it. You can also install a diverter on your sink to help prevent dripping. These are very cheap and easy to install. If the faucet is leaking, the water will change color. There are many ways to fix a leaking faucet, and it’s often a simple DIY project. Tips for Detecting and Stopping Home Water Leaks If you suspect a water leak in your home, some common sense tips can help you determine the source of the leak and stop the water from doing damage to your property. Here are some tips for detecting a water leak: Check your water meter - If you notice an unusually high usage during the month or see your water meter spinning but don’t know why you could leak. A water meter will spin more quickly if there is a leak in your system. If you suspect a leak, but can’t find it, check your water meter. Make sure the dial or numbers are going in the same direction as the water is flowing. Leak detection - Several leak detection products can help you find small leak sources. One example of a popular product is the Leak Alert Leak Detector. This product uses carbon dioxide gas to find leaks, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. Check the exterior of your home. Look for any discoloration or staining on the outside of your home. These could be signs of a leak. Check the roof line and pipes, as well as the landscape. If you see anything that looks suspicious, it’s a good idea to have a professional investigate it. Repairing Major Water Leaks If you discover a major leak in your home, don’t ignore it. Contact a professional as soon as possible to fix the leak. Even if you have a small leak, such as a dripping faucet, it can add up over time and cause major damage. A small leak can waste gallons of water every day. The sooner you fix the leak, the less damage it can cause to your home. Correcting the problem quickly could save you thousands of dollars in damages. Here are a few steps you can take to repair a major water leak: Shut off the water - If the leak is in your plumbing, shut off the water main. If the leak is in a water line (e.g., a sprinkler system or irrigation), turn off the water to the area of the leak. Shut off the power - If the leak is inside and causing water to drip onto the floor, shut off the power to that room. Shut off the gas - If the leak is outside the house, shut off the gas to the line. Conclusion Home Water leaks can be a serious problem, especially if they go undetected and unrepaired for a long time. They can cause significant damage to your property, and in some cases, they might even pose a risk to your safety. To prevent these issues from happening, you should make sure to repair any visible leaks as soon as you discover them. If you want to make sure that you catch every leak before it causes serious damage, you might want to install a leak detection system in your home or commercial property. To protect your home and your wallet, keep an eye out for signs of leaks and repair them promptly if you find them. With diligence, you can catch most leaks before they become expensive, major problems that require a lot of money and time to fix. Finding and fixing leaks in your business doesn’t have to be a stressful, expensive process. With the right approach and the right tools, you can prevent most leaks before they happen and save yourself a lot of money and time in the long run.