Monthly Archives: April 2020

Protecting Yourself from Alarm System Scammers

If you have a sign in your front yard warning burglars that you have a home alarm system in place, you could be attracting a new breed of scammer. That's the warning from the consumer watchdogs at Consumer Reports, who say scammers look for signs of ex...

The Benefits of a Hardship Plan

If you're buried in credit card debt, there's a reasonable solution that your credit card company may allow you to use, but only if you ask about it.A hardship plan, also known as a credit card payment plan, can help dig you out of debt and ultimately ...

Hot Home Decor Trends

People are craving warmth, intimacy and a casual but sophisticated lifestyle.These 5 decor trends will make your home cozy and stylish!1. Scaled-down furnishings. Arrange smaller pieces with rounded edges in more intimate settings.2. Wall coverings. Wa...

Is Reclaimed Wood Right For Your Home?

Published with permission from RISMedia.

How Federal Rate Increases Affect Credit Cards and Loans

If you've ever noticed a rise in interest rates in the news or saw your credit card bill get a little higher, there's one federal agency that you can look to: the Federal Reserve Board.When the Fed raises interest rates, most borrowers with car and hom...

How to Get the Best Mortgage Refinance Rates

If you can find a lower mortgage rate than the one you already have, then refinancing a mortgage can make sense. Here are some of the best ways to get a low rate:Raise Your Credit ScoreFor a conventional loan, borrowers with a credit score of 740 or mo...

The Pros of Buying a Home Warranty

For $600 or so a year, plus a service fee of around $75 every time you ask for repair, a home warranty can be an inexpensive way to have peace of mind as a new homeowner.Home warranties cover breakdowns in a home, from HVAC systems to appliances. A bro...

How to Host an Effective Open House

Want to get homebuyers through your door and impress them?Here's how to host an effective open house...Do a Deep Cleaning Visitors are trying to envision themselves living in your home, so tidy up!Eliminate Unpleasant Odors Try to keep your house smell...

5 Financial Tips for First-Time Parents

So a babe is on the way? Congrats! Along with the chaos of, well, everything that is to come, your finances are about to experience an upheaval, as well. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it will cost upwards of $245,000 to raise a child...

Family-Friendly Artwork Apps

In the age of apps, there's more to preserving the masterpieces your children create than just sticking them on the refrigerator.Eventually, the magnets will slip and something that's dear to you-or your child-could fall off and end up in the trash. If...