Artwork adds color and personalization to a home, and can also help define your style. Having photos, prints, or other art on the walls transforms a sterile space into a home. Whether you’re a collector investing in high-quality artwork or a budget-minded homeowner interested in low-cost prints, here’s a brief how-to guide to buying art…. Read more »
With Christmas over and Super Bowl on the horizon, January is a big month to score deals on purchases for the home. Everything from holiday decor and big-screen TVs to sheets, towels and digital scales is on sale this month. Deals on furniture and appliances may also be available. Clearance is king. If you’re patient… Read more »
In many home remodeling circles, doing it yourself — or DIY — has become more than just a term, but a way of life. It’s all about surfing for the right how-to video, right? Not so fast. Unfortunately, DIY doesn’t always equate to saving money because DIY disasters can cost homeowners plenty in repairs and… Read more »
Father’s Day and high school graduations are big drivers of what’s on sale during the month of June. Grills, tools, coffee makers, TVs and other electronic equipment, and summer sporting goods are all marked down, making it a great time for home-related purchases. ✓ Kitchen gear. The latest and greatest home gadgets that appeal to… Read more »
You can thank Mom for many of the home best buys that can be scored in May with Mother’s Day sales driving many of this month’s discounts. Later in May, the three-day Memorial Day weekend offers another round of discount opportunities. Kitchen Gear The latest and greatest home gadgets that appeal to busy moms —… Read more »
It’s April, which means it’s a great time for spring cleaning, gardening, home repairs, and let’s not forget, pressing the button on those last-minute tax documents that could yield a refund large enough to make a few purchases for the home. Retailers are ready with sales in all the right categories. Home and garden Expect… Read more »
Are you in the market to refinance your home? Before signing any paperwork, it’s best to do your homework. Work the numbers. The top reason for refinancing is to obtain a lower interest rate. Depending on the terms, this could save you several hundred dollars a month. Those savings add up. However, you also need… Read more »
Before the House Hunt Begins, Fix Your Credit. When buying a home and applying for a mortgage, a good credit score is critical. A home can be purchased with less than stellar credit, but often at interest rates and terms that aren’t to your advantage. Improving a damaged credit score is something that takes time,… Read more »
The next time the monthly utility bills arrive, resist the urge to blindly write a check or schedule a payment. Take the time for a more in-depth examination. You just might find a way to trim the bill. Understanding your electric bill. Using a fixed rate, the power company charges a set rate of x… Read more »
Setting up a home gym isn’t as expensive or labor intensive as you might think — and just might provide the incentive you need to exercise. Take a look. Location. No need to build an addition or finish off a basement. A spare bedroom, an office space, or garage can all work. In the right… Read more »
Your children’s precious years are preserved on tape and in photo albums. Or are they? Old video tape degrades over time. Photos turn yellow. Here’s how to rescue those memories for the digital age. Preserving photographs. Purchasing a scanner is a great first step to preserving photos. Choose one that is NOT a combination printer… Read more »
Having homeowners insurance is a necessity, but there’s no reason to pay more in premiums than you must. Here are multiple ways to save money while still staying safe. Insurance rates are calculated by the insurable risk you pose to the company. Most of the savings listed here reduce risk. Don’t forget: The insurance amount… Read more »
The so-called “McMansions” are out and smaller homes with open floor plans are in. Let’s take a look at who is leading the trend and four resulting benefits. Trendsetters. Empty nesters and young couples with no children and limited budgets both find smaller homes desirable. Also fueling demand for smaller houses is the trend toward… Read more »
If you received an unusually high property tax bill, don’t be afraid to fight back. Here’s how to effectively question your tax appraisal and file an appeal. Taxing authorities have two ways to boost tax revenue. One is to raise the tax rates. Typically, several local entities each has its own tax rate, which is… Read more »
Harvesting rainwater for home gardens has become popular in many sections of the country — particularly in drought-prone areas. But is water collected in rain barrels safe to use and do you save enough money with lower municipal water usage to make them worthwhile? Rain barrel systems are simple, and relatively cheap to assemble. The… Read more »
Smart homeowners think of their homes as more than just a place to live. Their houses are also their biggest investment. By strategically investing modest sums of money now, you’ll see major savings later. Here are 11 keys spots to spend money with an eye toward saving. Heating and air conditioning units should be inspected… Read more »
A vegetable garden is a good way to provide delicious and healthy produce to your family without spending a lot of money. With some careful planning and prep work, you can grow nutritious vegetables in every season. Follow these steps to ensure a bountiful harvest year-round. Design your garden. Two to three raised beds (four-foot… Read more »
Growing your own produce is an excellent way to save money on groceries, but it’s not without its challenges. A raised garden avoids several pitfalls and provides good results with a minimal amount of effort. Here’s how to get started. Design. Plan to make your garden no more than four feet wide to ensure you… Read more »
The beauty of a lawn comes with a price: mowing, lots of water, plus bags of fertilizer, weed and pest control. The amount of time, sweat and resources going into the yard may eventually overwhelm your pride in it. You could hire someone to maintain the lawn, but one way or the other, it’s costing… Read more »
If you’ve always shoveled the snow around your home — or paid someone to do it — you might find yourself asking yourself: Is it time to buy a snowblower? Let’s examine the pros and cons. How often does it snow? This is the first question you need to ask yourself when considering a snow… Read more »
