Decorating and maintaining a home is expensive, but there are things you can do to cut the cost. Lately it seems that every time I turn on the news, there’s a story about the mortgage crisis or an impending recession. The cost of living is going up, and oftentimes salaries aren’t going up to meet … Read more 75 Frugal Hacks for Your Home
Today, if the weather cooperates, my kids and I will be starting our Square Foot Garden. We have a lot of work to do, as the boxes aren’t even on the ground yet. In fact, we still have to build a square foot garden box. Though it’s tempting to just hoe out a patch of … Read more 10 Benefits of Raised Garden Beds
It started so innocently. I’d come home from shopping, and I’d throw a receipt in my “inbox.” I needed the receipt to start the price book that I was determined to start this year. And then I’d get some mail that needed to be dealt with…later. So into the inbox it went. The problem was, … Read more How to Reduce Paper Clutter
When it comes to fixed rate and adjustable rate (ARM) mortgages the standard personal finance advice is to always get a fixed rate mortgage. Most people opt for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, but a 15-year fixed rate mortgage is also fairly popular. Getting a fixed rate mortgage is almost always given as the best … Read more Should You Choose an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?
Many of us are looking for ways to save money, as well as be greener in our habits. Luckily, more sustainable living and saving money often go hand in hand. Indeed, many of the things that you can do to live greener can also save you money. If you are looking for ways to green … Read more 5 Ways to Green Your Home and Save Money
A second mortgage is an additional loan on your home subordinate to the primary mortgage on the property. Homeowners take out a second mortgage for a number of reasons, such as to improve their home, to consolidate their debts, or to purchase an additional home or investment property. The loan is called a second mortgage … Read more What is a Second Mortgage? Advantages and Disadvantages
With the Federal Reserve doing everything it can to keep interest rates low in the United States, mortgage rates have reached historic lows week after week. If you are a current homeowner the dropping rates could potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. It is smart to look at your … Read more When is the Right Time to Refinance Your Home?
With home prices still fairly low in many markets, it is little surprise that some think that now is a great time to buy. Buying a house is a big commitment, and it’s a big expense. The expense of buying a home can be made even bigger when you pay a higher mortgage rate. Even a … Read more Buying a Home? How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate
Tenants often forgo renters insurance under the assumption that either they will be covered under the landlords insurance, or that it’s really not a big deal. But even though you don’t own the building, you still have valuables that may need to be replaced in the event of a disaster, and even potential liability to … Read more Why Tenants Need to Buy Renter’s Insurance
Whenever you are trying to improve your debt situation, whether you are trying to pay down credit cards or refinance your home, it can help to have a solid idea of where you stand. Being able to see your situation, visually laid out for you, can give you a starting point. This can be very … Read more How to Find the Best Mortgage Rates and Refinancing Options