Keeping track of every single dollar you spend can be difficult, no matter how closely you track your spending and monitor your bank accounts. Automatic payments from your checking account to pay for a gym membership, for example, can be forgotten and leave a checkbook unbalanced. But besides accounting for where your money goes, there […]
Some first-time buyers are surprised by the full cost of homeownership. To prepare your budget, consider these extra costs: Closing costs typically total 2 – 5 percent of the purchase price and are in addition to down payments. Homeowners insurance costs an average of around $1,000 a year, but prices vary. If in a flood […]
Your investing style and tolerance for risk can help determine what type of stock mutual funds you invest in. The two main types of funds ” growth and value ” have different characteristics that can match your investing style. Owning a mix of both funds is probably a smart move, but it can still be […]
Hiring a mover to safely transport your belongings to your new home is not a decision that should be taken lightly. As your local real estate professional, I want to advise you on some red flags to keep in mind. This infographic offers an easy-to-follow breakdown of these warning signs.
Being a homeowner can be costly, but some expenses can be trimmed with regular maintenance. Since so many appliances run in the kitchen, its one of the best places to start. Here are some of the best ways to keep your kitchen appliances running well so that they last through their normal lifetime, and hopefully […]
Something every new homeowner wants is to feel safe and secure. Here are steps you can take to ensure that feeling. Do a little research and look into things like the crime rate in the area. Find out about neighborhood watch groups and how they work. Change the locks as soon as you move in. […]
If youve got a problem with credit card debt, there might be a simple solution thats already sitting in your wallet or purse ” a $20 bill. Having cash in your pocket may seem counterintuitive. If youve heard the phrase burning a hole in my pocket, then you know how enticing it can be to […]
A business credit card can be a big help to business owners. But if not used properly, they can cause credit scores to drop, affecting personal credit. There are a number of ways cardholders can negatively impact their credit score. The biggest culprit? Carrying too much debt on their business card which raises their debt-to-credit […]
The following characteristics will help you design a swoon-worthy farmhouse kitchen. Stone and Wood Natural materials, especially stone and wood, are always at the center of the farmhouse style. Open Shelving Both fashionable and functional, hang pans from a ceiling rack and use a magnetic strip to keep your knives handy. Copper Accents Wherever its […]
If youve ever noticed a rise in interest rates in the news or saw your credit card bill get a little higher, theres one federal agency that you can look to: the Federal Reserve Board. When the Fed raises interest rates, most borrowers with car and home loans wont see their rates change because theyve […]
