When you're in the market for a new home to buy, your real estate agent will likely invite you to ride along with them to view homes. This is a convenient courtesy, but you may want to reconsider. Your other option is to follow the real estate agent in your own car instead. Here are some reasons to take your own car when viewing homes: 1. It Gives You Time To Confer With Your Partner After you've looked at one house, getting back into your private vehicle with your partner allows some time to openly talk about the house you just saw without worrying about how it may influence others. 2. … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reports included readings on inflation, retail sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Consumer Price Index Lower in May as Retail Sales Hold Steady Last month's Consumer Price Index, which is a widely-used gauge of inflation, dropped to 0.10 percent in May and matched expectations. April posted month-to-month growth of 0.30 percent. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose 0.10 percent in May and fell short of expectations of 0.20 percent growth. April's Core Consumer … [Read More...]
Perhaps you have won the lottery, received an inheritance, or cashed in one of your investments, and now you have a large sum of money you don't know what to do with. Although it is tempting to cruise around town in a brand new sports car it is important to think carefully about how to spend your newfound cash. To give you some ideas on the smartest way to use your new wealth, here are five things to do with a windfall other than spend it right away: 1. Erase Your Debt Your new found money will allow you to clear up all of your debts, which will lift a huge financial burden off your back and … [Read More...]
It can be challenging to be organized when you have children. But this is only because, as a devoted parent, you want to be sure your child has everything they need to become happy, well-rounded adults some day. This usually means you'll be bringing your kids to extracurricular activities, play dates, fun events and family outings. It also typically means that over the years there will be a steady stream of school supplies, toys, new clothes and maybe even a musical instrument or two. So how can busy parents stay organized with kids? Share A Calendar Depending on how you prefer to … [Read More...]
It can be physically and emotionally challenging when moving from one town to another. There are lots of things going on at once; the actual packing and moving your belongings, saying goodbye to friends, changing jobs and just getting used to a new way of living. It can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Try these six tips for a smooth transition. 1. Let Go Try to look forward instead of back. You will certainly want to remember all the wonderful moments you've had in your "old" town, but give yourself permission to be excited about your new place to live. Leave the past in the past … [Read More...]
Are you dreaming in color of your future new home? You probably can't wait to get your hands on a paintbrush and a bucket of beautiful new paint. But how will you choose the colors to decorate your new home? If you've been to a paint store recently, you know there are thousands upon thousands of shades to choose from. Choose wisely, because color can affect your home and psyche. Shades of Purple Whether you call it purple or eggplant or violet or plum, purple evokes feelings of warmth and vitality in a home. The dustier shades of plum are ideal for walls in the dining room, where taste buds … [Read More...]
