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...
5 Improvements That Can Increase Your Home's Value
Implement these improvements that can increase your homes value…Updated KitchenUpgrading your appliances and replacing dated countertops can transform your cooking space.Outdoor LivingAdd a fire pit or barbecue area to your patio where people can envision themselves hanging out.Eco-Friendly FeaturesEnergy-efficient windows and appliances have major appeal to those looking to lower their impact o...
Using Personal Loans Against Credit Card Debt
A poor credit score can affect people in many ways. It can make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage or other type of loan, and can lead to paying higher interest rates on those loans and on credit cards. It can also make it hard to get a cellphone contract or rent an apartment.By paying off a high credit card balance, borrowers can improve their credit score and, over time, start to see lo...
5 Amazing Building Amenities for Luxurious City Living
Published with permission from RISMedia.
Your Credit Card: What's in it for Thieves
Online security breaches where retailers are hacked and customers credit card information is stolen are becoming a regular part of the news cycle.Cybercriminals can sell the data online to other criminals, who can then use the information to open bogus accounts in the names of legitimate customers, run up charges on the stolen credit cards and commit other acts of fraud.The going rate for a U.S. c...