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Paying off your mortgage early is a good thing, right? While we’d all love to have full ownership of our homes sooner rather than later, it isn’t always the best option. In fact, depending on your financial situation, it may be better for you to put that extra money to good use elsewhere. If you’re thinking about putting extra money toward your monthly mortgage payments, then here’s what you should be considering.

When you have other costly debt

Not all debt is created equal. Mortgages are often seen as “good” debt. This is because they are for a tangible asset – your home. And your home is something that will increase in value over time. You could sell your home tomorrow and pay off your mortgage with the proceeds from the sale – and you may even make a profit. Instead, look at other debts you may have, such as credit card balances, medical bills, student loans, or car loans. Some of this debt, especially your credit cards, may have a high-interest rate attached to it. Most likely, all of this other debt has higher interest rates than your home loan. If this sounds like you, then you’re better off using your extra money to pay off your high-interest debt first. Borrowers who need to change the terms of their loans or mortgages may benefit from seeking the services of a firm that specializes in loan modifications.

When you’re going to move

If you’re thinking about moving in the near future, then it’s also not necessarily a good idea to make extra mortgage payments. Buying a house can be very expensive, especially when you consider additional costs like the down payment and moving expenses. It would be better for you to put your extra money toward the purchase of a new home instead.

When you don’t have emergency cash reserves

We’ve all learned the importance of having an emergency fund during the pandemic. You just never know what life may throw at you. Losing a job, needing a new furnace, or having unexpected car trouble can be very stressful. Having some cash saved for these kinds of emergencies will give you peace of mind and help you when you need it most. So if you don’t have an emergency fund, you’re better off saving extra money to put aside for large, unexpected expenses.

When you’re self-employed

When you’re self-employed, your tax bill can be much higher than those who are not. One great way to save money on your tax bill is by having a mortgage. Homeownership has many perks, and one of them is being able to deduct your mortgage interest from the taxes you owe on your income. If you pay off your mortgage more quickly, then you’re losing the ability to deduct your interest payments after the loan is paid off. This is also true for anyone in a higher tax bracket. It may make more financial sense to put your extra money elsewhere.

When you’re trying to save money for retirement

Finally, think twice about making extra mortgage payments when you’re saving for retirement. The more money you can save, the more it will grow when you reach retirement age. Instead, use your extra money to max out your retirement savings. Your future self will thank you.

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When you buy a house, you prepare yourself for expected costs such as a down payment and closing fees. But if you want to make sure you don’t blow your budget, you should also take into account the costs associated with moving. Whether you hire a full-service moving company and rent portable storage containers, or take a more DIY approach, you’re going to need to set aside some money for your relocation. Fortunately, there are ways that you can save on your moving costs by not investing in supplies you don’t need or can get for free, although if you’re moving from another country is always good to get the best international movers to help you with this. Here’s what you should know.

Use what you already have

The most obvious thing you can do to save on moving costs is to use items you already have. If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve no doubt squirreled away things that can be used for your move, and if you’re doing the Moving from Merced to Modesto, you should get a professional company to help you with this. This can include plastic tubs, suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, trash bags, and reusable shopping bags. Other items that can come in handy for your move include blankets, towels, sheets, and clothing for wrapping your things as you pack them.

Collect secondhand moving boxes

There are many ways that you can score free or very inexpensive boxes for your move. First, search online marketplaces such as Craigslist or your local “buy nothing” group for used boxes. Oftentimes, people will be happy to unload their boxes to another person after they’ve unpacked from a move. Grocery stores are another great place to find used boxes. Ask friends and neighbors if they have any boxes you can borrow or have. You may already have some of your own empty boxes in closets, the garage, or the basement that you can use as well.

Rent instead of buy

Did you know that in some places you can rent plastic moving boxes instead of buying them? This can save you quite a bit of money – and you’ll be helping the environment. In addition, you can rent other supplies that will be handy for your move including dollies and hand trucks. Your local home improvement store usually has items like these on hand that you can rent by the hour or by the day.

Buy other items in bulk

If you haven’t moved in a while, then you probably don’t realize just how much packing tape you’re going to need for your upcoming move. Get ahead of the game by ordering tape in bulk. You’ll save money on the per-unit cost and you’ll ensure that you don’t run out of tape at the very last minute. And we have also started using some new thermal pallet covers and they have been incredibly good, so look into those if you need thermal pallet covers of the best quality.

Get rid of things you don’t need or want

Finally, the best advice for saving money on moving supplies is to not take with you the things you don’t need or want. Before you begin packing, go through all of your belongings and toss, donate, or sell the items you no longer use. By doing so, you’ll be saving money because you’ll use fewer supplies. And if you’ve hired a moving company that charges by weight, you’ll save money on those costs, too.

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One of the best ways to beat the winter “blahs” is to bring a little bit of the outdoors in. Houseplants provide so many benefits from boosting your mental health to purifying the air you breathe. By reading this cortexi scam review here, you’ll be learning a good supplement like Cortexi which can help support healthy hearing, strengthen memory and boost mental sharpness.

Acquiring plants and then knowing what to do with them are two separate things. Especially if you have more than one. Fortunately, styling your houseplants is easy and fun and can give your home’s decor a wonderful refresh. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Understand their needs

Unless you want your beautiful green plants to quickly turn brown and die, you need to understand their needs. First, take a look at your space. How much natural light do you get? Are there any drafts? Is the air particularly dry? This information will help you to choose plants that are right for your conditions.

Pay attention to color, texture, and pattern

When you first get into houseplants, you may assume that they’re all basically the same color – some kind of green. But as you pay closer attention, you’ll soon see that plants come in an exciting array of colors, textures, and patterns. Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to plants that will be happy in your environment, you can then choose the ones that have the most pleasing details. You can even begin to match them with your existing decor!

Size is important

Another factor to consider when styling your houseplants is size. Too many plants that are the same size will be visually boring. Instead, opt for plants in a variety of sizes. A large plant that is a few feet tall can become a focal point in the corner of your living space. You can also create groupings of plants that are different sizes, which will help your eye move around the space. Try placing plants at different heights around the room, or place some of your potted plants on stands or tables.

Try hanging them

If you live in a small space, then you may be concerned that you don’t have room for houseplants. So don’t be afraid to think vertically! You can have plants without sacrificing any floor space if you hang them from the ceiling or curtain rods. Macrame is making a huge comeback, and macrame hangers are a great choice for displaying plants.

Consider the pots

The containers you put your plants in will have an impact on your overall design. So choose your pots wisely. Find pots that complement your decor. You can even use non-traditional objects for pots like vintage cans, wooden boxes, or pitchers. Just be sure that whatever kind of pot you use it has a drainage hole. If not, then you could also tuck your plant in its nursery pot inside another container.

Don’t forget to water them

If you want your houseplants to look good for years to come, then you’ll need to remember to water them depending on their needs. It can be helpful to use calendar reminders if you’re prone to forgetting. You can also choose plants that require very little care or even opt for faux plants – many of them look just like the real thing!

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Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day! And that doesn’t just mean the love you feel for your special someone. Your love can also extend to your home. There are many ways that we can love and care for our homes so that they are a place of comfort and refuge for years to come. For instance, you can take on home improvement projects like bathroom or kitchen remodeling or having appliance repair and maintenance. You may even install new quartz countertops to add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.

Donate unused items to charity

Nobody likes clutter. When you let things pile up, it can make your living space feel cramped and unloved. So there’s no better way to show your home how much you care about it than thinning out your possessions. Spend an afternoon going through a closet, drawer, or even a whole room. Find the items you no longer need or want and donate them to your favorite local charity.

Add plants or flowers

Adding plants or flowers to your home can make it feel cozier and more alive. If you don’t want to spend money on fresh flowers regularly, then add a plant or two to your living space. Just be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic if you have dogs or cats at home.

Deep clean a room or area

Another great way to love your home is to devote an afternoon to deep cleaning a room or area that you use frequently. Get in all the nooks and crannies – dust, mop, vacuum, and clean from top to bottom.

Make dinner at home

Going out to eat is certainly one of life’s small pleasures. But one way that you can love your home is to prepare meals in your own kitchen. It can make your house feel more like a home. Don’t be afraid to bust out the good china and light some candles while you’re at it.

Display your favorite possessions

Do you have a collection that you keep tucked away in a box or drawer? Why not display that collection instead? Whether you love buying vintage silk scarves or coffee mugs from your travels, devote some shelf or wall space to it so that you can admire it every day.

Make it smell good

We don’t always notice what our home smells like from day to day. But adding a pleasant aroma to it can make it feel special. Treat yourself to a scented candle, diffuse your favorite essential oils, or mix up a batch of stovetop potpourri.

Rearrange

Is everything you own in the same place as when you first moved in? When we look at the same things in the same places day after day it’s easy to tune them out. Show your home some love by switching things up a bit. You can go big by rearranging furniture or do it on a smaller scale by moving around some knick-knacks. It’s almost like shopping, but you’re using things you already own and not spending a single penny.

Invite people to your home

We’ve spent so much time in isolation over the last two years. If you feel safe doing so, then invite a friend or two over! Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than filling it with the people you love.

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Is your special Valentine a new homeowner? Then there’s no better way to show them how much you care than by gifting them something for their new place! Of course, if you’re reading this then you waited until the last minute. But not to worry! We’ve compiled a list of gifts that your homeowner Valentine will love and that you can score immediately. We’re sure they’ll find a good use for anything on the list below.

Gift cards

Obviously, gift cards are one of the easiest last-minute gifts you can buy. But with so many to choose from, which one do you pick? A thoughtful gesture could be to pick up a gift card to a restaurant or shop that’s in their new neighborhood. Or you could choose a gift card for a home-improvement store, which they’ll no doubt need to use right away. If you’re unsure of their tastes, then gift cards to large online retailers are always appreciated. Then they can choose exactly what they need for their new home.

Something cozy

Another great choice for a last-minute gift for a new homeowner is something cozy. Moving is stressful! And getting settled into a new home can be exhausting. Gifting them something cozy will help soothe some of the stress of moving in. Good choices can be a new pair of soft slippers, cozy pajamas, a scented candle to make their new place smell nice, or a comfy throw blanket that will feel like a warm hug and if she’s a woman you can look for beaded bracelets for women online and shop quickly.

Houseplants

We know that flowers are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift. But flowers quickly die. Why not gift your new homeowner a houseplant instead? There’s something about a potted plant that can make a house feel like a home. Many houseplants are known for helping to purify the air, too. However, if your Valentine also has pets at home, then be sure to choose a houseplant that isn’t toxic to dogs or cats.

Meal kit subscriptions

It can take time to get unpacked, and not having access to all the essentials can make it difficult to prepare food at home. To make things easier on your Valentine as they get settled in, give them a subscription to a meal kit service. These allow your Valentine to enjoy a home-cooked meal without all the stress of gathering and preparing the ingredients.

Spa services

Moving can make people feel frazzled. Show your Valentine how much you care about their well-being by gifting them a spa service or two. Believe us when we say that a new homeowner can definitely use a massage! Other spa services your Valentine might enjoy include a facial, manicure or pedicure, or even an hour in a salt cave or float tank. However, if you’re interested to some courses or training for advanced nail techs and beginner techs to suit your budget and potential client, then a good site place like Glitterbels has the right course for you!

A night out

Finally, moving into a new home can feel like a full-time job. So treat your special someone to a night out for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a meal at a fancy restaurant or simply a walk in the park, your Valentine will appreciate having a break from the stress of moving in. You may also show your love and appreciation by giving her a jewelry item from companies like Gema & CO.

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You’ve found a home you love and would like to put in an offer. But the thing is – it’s on a one-way street. If you’ve never lived on a one-way street then you may be wondering whether or not it’s a good choice. How will affect your day-to-day life? Is it a convenience, or a hassle? Will it be safer, or are you more likely to get into car accidents? When you have been injured in motorcycle accidents, it is important to find a lawyer with strong experience representing other motorcyclists. If you do unfortunately get into a car accident then you should call a car accident lawyer or a vehicle accident attorney for professional auto accident attorney services. And will it affect your ability to sell down the line? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering living on a one-way street.

They can be inconvenient

One of the things you’ll want to consider when buying a home on a one-way street is the convenience factor. In general, one-way streets tend to be a little more inconvenient for drivers. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, then living on a one-way street may cause you some frustration. You may have to go out of your way to get to where you’re going. If the street is busy during rush hour, then you may have problems backing out of your driveway. One-way streets tend to be narrower than two-way streets, which can be a hassle if you’re trying to park on the street.

They can be safer

On the flip side, while one-way streets may be a little more inconvenient than two-way streets, they tend to be safer. Traffic is only going in one direction so there’s less chance of getting hit by a car. However, there’s always a chance that someone will drive the wrong way down a one-way street, so you should always look both ways before crossing. One-way streets are usually less busy than two-way streets, which can be an important consideration if you have kids. That’s especially true in the suburbs. In quiet neighborhoods, one-way streets may often double as play areas for kids since the only traffic is usually from people who live on the street.

They are quieter but may be less accessible

One-way streets are often quieter than their two-way counterparts. If you hate traffic noise, then this can be an important consideration. You’re less likely to hear noise from emergency vehicles, large vehicles, or even garbage trucks and snowplows. That being said, if you live in an area that gets snow, a one-way street may be less accessible in the winter. Snowplows tend to plow busier streets first, so it may be a challenge to get in and out after a heavy snowfall. And if you park on the street, you’re more likely to get plowed in when the snowplow goes by.

The bottom line

If you’re considering buying a home on a one-way street, then it usually comes down to personal preference. You may decide that other factors are more important than whether or not the home is on a one-way street. Buyers will often be more concerned about the quality of the neighborhood in general, the home’s proximity to amenities, and how good the local public school system is. As long as the one-way street isn’t a high-traffic road, it’s unlikely to affect your ability to sell down the line.

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Homeownership is a dream for many Americans. But if you’re a single parent, you may think that buying a home is out of reach. While it can be challenging to buy on your own with kids, it’s not impossible. In fact, there are programs available that can help you achieve your dreams of becoming a homeowner. Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to buy a home as a single parent.

Check your credit report

Before you begin your journey to homeownership, you should get a handle on your current financial situation. This begins with checking your credit report. Lenders will be looking closely at your credit report to determine your eligibility. We recommend ordering a copy of your credit report at least six months before you begin your home search. This allows you plenty of time to check it for errors so that you can begin the process of having them removed. It also gives you time to improve your credit score. The higher your credit score the more likely you will be to qualify for a home loan. You’ll also get a better interest rate which will save you money over the life the loan.

Make a budget

The next thing you should do is to create a budget. This will help you determine how much house you can afford. When you’re making a budget, be sure to include all your monthly expenses. You’ll also want to take into consideration not only your potential monthly mortgage payments but also other costs associated with buying and owning a home. These include your down payment, insurance premiums, property taxes, HOA fees, closing costs, and moving costs.

Research assistance programs

Buying a home on your own can be intimidating. Fortunately, there is assistance available. If you’re a member of the military, then look into assistance provided through the Veterans Administration. You may qualify for a VA loan which requires no money down. You should also contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They offer housing counseling services which are offered at low cost or even for free. You may also qualify for homeownership vouchers or monthly financial assistance. Also, try contacting your state’s Public Housing Assistance program (PHA) to determine other programs that may be available to you through the state.

Understand your mortgage options

When you’re in the market for a home, it’s helpful to understand that you have many options available to you when it comes to a mortgage. Just as with any purchase, it pays to shop around. One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership is the down payment required. Conventional loans typically require at least 20 percent down when you buy a home. That can be out of reach for many people, particularly if you’re a single parent. Fortunately, there are other loans available that don’t require a big down payment. VA loans, as mentioned above, are a great choice for those in the military community. You should also check out FHA loans and USDA loans. These loans are backed by the federal government and require down payments of as little as 3.5 percent.

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Are you getting ready to start fresh in a new house? Congratulations! That’s a big achievement and a milestone to celebrate. But before you pop that champagne cork, you need to think about the next big step – moving. Packing up and moving from one house to another can be stressful and expensive. That’s why we’re here to share our secrets about how you can save money on your next move. And with the money you saved, maybe you can splurge on an expensive bottle of your favorite bubbly to celebrate!

Don’t move what you don’t need or want

You will save money if you don’t move what you don’t need. You’ll need fewer boxes and supplies to pack up your stuff. It will take less time for movers Edmonton to move your stuff. And if you’re shipping by weight, you’ll have a lighter load to send. All this adds up to savings in your pocket. So it pays to spend time as you’re packing up to determine what you no longer need. Then toss, sell, or donate those items.

Move during the off-season

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably getting ready to move in the near future. That’s good news because you’ll save money if you move during the off-season. In most places, that means October through April. There is less demand for moving services in the off-season, so many companies drop their prices to lure customers. Use that to your advantage.

Reuse packing supplies

We know that it’s convenient to just buy the boxes you need and be done with it. But boxes and other moving supplies can really add up, especially if you purchase them from the moving company. Instead, try to find secondhand boxes that still have life left in them. Many stores will be happy to give you the boxes they would otherwise break down and recycle. You can also search online for people who are giving away their moving boxes. Use newspaper and other recycled paper to cushion packages, and save any packing materials you get when you have things shipped to you. You’ll probably still need to buy packing tape, but you’ll save money if you shop around for bulk packages.

Pack yourself

If you have the money for a full-service moving company, then go for it! There’s nothing like letting someone else pack up all your stuff and move it. But if you’re trying to save some money, then consider packing your boxes yourself. You can then hire a Boise moving company to simply move the boxes to your new location.

Shop around

Finally, you should definitely shop around when using the services of a moving company or a penske truck rental service. Get quotes from multiple movers – at least three. Take into account whether or not they do an in-person or video inspection of what you’ll be moving. Some moving companies may give you a low quote only to charge you more on the day of the move because you have more stuff than they estimated. Also, be sure to research moving companies so you don’t fall victim to a scam.

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Do you have a space in your home that’s just, well, sort of quirky? You know what we mean – it’s oddly shaped, small, or has an unusual layout? It can be challenging to figure out what to do with these unique spaces. But those underutilized spaces are actually brimming with possibilities. If you’re trying to make the most of an unusual nook or space in your home, then try one of these inspiring ideas!

Create a reading nook

Do you love reading? Then turn your quirky space into a reading nook! It can be so much fun to read in a space that feels tucked away from everything else in your home. You can make your reading nook cozy with a comfortable chair, a small table, custom drapery and a good reading lamp to get lighting just right. If you have room for a shelf, great. If not, use a basket to collect some of your favorite reading material so it’s always at the ready.

Use it for storage

Who couldn’t use a little extra storage space? Nooks are great for storing things that you don’t regularly use. Even if the space has a challenging configuration, you can add Plastic Shelving to the wall. Use the shelves to display decorative items, or keep them available for storing things you only need once in a while. You can then camouflage the space with a Cotton modern farmhouse curtain set or a room divider.

Make a workstation

Are you one of the millions of Americans who are now working from home? If you don’t have a room that you can use as a home office, then why not turn your nook into a workstation? It’s kind of amazing how little space you need in order to make a functional workspace. Add a small desk, or even use a floating desktop that attaches to the wall. It can then be folded down and out of the way when you aren’t using it.

Use it as a breakfast nook

Do you have a space in or near your kitchen that you’re not quite sure what to do with? Why not create a breakfast nook? It can be nice to have a space to have a casual bite to eat without having to make a mess at the dining room table. Use a small cafe table with two chairs, which is the perfect amount of space for a quick breakfast in the morning.

Make a small home bar

We’re all spending more time at home. So why not turn your unused nook into a bar? Get a glamourous bar cart or a small sideboard for the space. Add your bottles of spirits, barware, and other bar essentials. Soon it will be your favorite place to unwind after a stressful day.

Create a play space for kids

Finally, nooks are great places to create play space for kids. What kid doesn’t want to feel like Harry Potter tucked away under the stairs? You can make any small or challenging space in your home feel like a hideaway for your kids. It’s a great way to spark the imagination and keep your kids’ toys from taking over the entire house.

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Brrrrrrrr! Did you just feel a cold draft? Winter is here, and for many of us, that means freezing temperatures. It can also mean higher electric bills when we’re trying to warm up a room that is always cold.

Extreme temperatures can also affect power lines and create blackouts that can take extended periods of time to restore. No power to heat up a room is much worse than a high electric bill. A generator installation, specially if you live in an area where these extreme temperatures can present themselves seasonally, is a great idea to keep your family safe and warm.

But did you know there are many ways that you can make a room warm without cranking up the thermostat or using a space heater? Here are six ways that you can warm up a cold room this winter.

Open vents and registers

If you’ve got a cold room, then the first thing you should do is to make sure that all the registers and vents in that room are open. In addition, check to see if anything is blocking the flow from a register, such as furniture or curtains. Simply making sure that your vents and registers can operate freely can solve your cold room problem in an instant.

Check the furnace filter

Did you remember to clean or replace your furnace filter at the beginning of winter? If not, then that may be why you’re feeling so chilly. According to the Furnace tune up in Scranton, clean filters help to improve airflow and let your system run more efficiently. So be sure to check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary. If you need Furnace maintenance in Manassas, you may need a furnace tune-up provider like the furnace repair in Meridian that can maintain your furnace when it’s running, repair it when it isn’t, and let you know when the time comes to order a new heating replacement. Most importantly, make sure as well to conduct regular repairs and maintenance; you may hire professional HVAC contractors in Arlington, TX. You can as well check out this helpful site at  https://www.arnoldjonesservices.com/ for your furnace needs.

Seal cracks

Another reason you may have a cold room is that cold air is getting in from outside. Check around doors and windows for cracks or gaps. If you find any, then seal them with caulk or weather stripping. You might also use a window film to add an extra layer of protection. Draft guards for doors and windows can also help to keep out the cold.

Reverse ceiling fans

Did you know that you should reverse the rotation of your ceiling fans in the winter? In the summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise. This will push down cool air. But in the winter, reverse the direction to clockwise. Run the ceiling fan at a low speed, which will gently pull up warm and air and force it back down.

Swap out curtains

It’s nice to have light curtains on your windows in the summer. They can let in all that glorious sunshine! But in the winter, swap out curtains for a heavier variety. Using heavy curtains or drapes in the winter can help to keep the cold air out. Leave the drapes open during the day to let in the sunshine, which can help to warm the room. Once the sun sets, close the drapes to help keep the room warm. Portable heaters for camping are a fantastic way to keep warm.

Use area rugs

If your floors are made of wood, tile, or linoleum, then they may feel very cold against your feet. The simplest way to make your floors warmer in the winter is to use area rugs. This will help to keep your feet (and your pets’ feet) warmer in winter. You can even layer your rugs for maximum effect.