Making Financial Lessons a Family Tradition
Teaching children manners and how to tie their shoes is one thing, but financial lessons are often pushed to the wayside until it’s too late. Budgeting and financial planning should be a focus in every household. Whether you are passing along your lessons to your children, nieces or nephews, keeping financial sense in the family can have longstanding benefits.Here are some financial lessons you ...
Quick Fixes for Your Common Household Problems
It may seem like there’s always something going on as a homeowner, from silencing a squeaky hinge to unclogging a temperamental toilet. But many household problems can be easily fixed without calling a repair service.A can of WD-40, a toilet plunger and a bottle of vinegar are great basics to keep on hand for easing sticky fittings, clearing the toilet and making short work of common stains. Her...
Should You Ask Someone to Co-Sign Your Mortgage?
If you’ve found the house of your dreams but are having trouble qualifying for a mortgage, you could ask another person to co-sign your mortgage. Here are some things to consider.Reasons to Have a Co-SignerBuying your first house, high credit card balances or a poor credit history are all valid reasons for having a co-signer.Co-Signer ConsiderationsIf you ask someone to co-sign a mortgage, expec...
How to Get Extra Cash in Your Pocket
No matter what you’re saving for, having some extra breathing room in your budget is important. Whether you’re putting money away for a down payment or a new car"or looking to build an emergency fund that can get you out of a financial jam"we could all use a little extra cash in our pocket.While saving a chunk of change can seem daunting if you’re just getting started, setting money aside ca...
4 Ways to Slash Utility Bills With a DIY Energy Audit
Fixing a few of your homes most likely trouble spots can improve energy efficiency and save you a bundle on utility bills. Consumer editors at ThisOldHouse.com provide a starting point for your DIY energy audit:Drafty WindowsOn a windy day, close all windows and exterior doors, as well as the chimney flue damper. Light a stick of incense, move it around the perimeter of each window and watch for a...
4 Smart Home Features Luxury Buyers Want
These are the four smart devices luxury homebuyers are looking for…SecurityThere are tons of options to keep your home safe with motion sensors, cameras and locks that can be monitored and controlled from any device.LightingSmart lights do much more than set the mood when youre entertaining. Motion sensors illuminate hallways at night and can turn on upon your arrival home.Smoke DetectorsThey ma...
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking on a DIY Project
If you’re handy around the house, the thought of tackling a variety of home improvement projects with your own two hands might have crossed your mind a time or two.But before you dig into a DIY project, it’s important to consider some factors beyond your ability to do the job right. You’ll also want to consider the cost of all the tools and materials needed, as well as the amount of time you...
Making Your Money Last Long Into Retirement
The average length of retirement in the United States is 18 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.How do retirees pay for those 18 years? Retirement plans vary, though most people eventually collect Social Security and Medicare benefits. Here are some strategies for making the most of your money that’s set aside for retirement:Maximize Social SecurityTo get the maximum in Social Security be...