Everyone who takes out a mortgage hopes to be able to make payments on time, but life sometimes gets in the way. A job loss, an unexpected expense, or an illness or injury can wreak havoc on a familys finances. A mortgage that converts from a fixed- to an adjustable-interest rate can cause mortgage

Programmable thermostats let you set the temperature in your home and have the thermostat change it based on the time of day. What makes them ‘smart’ is that they can learn from your behaviors, let you control the climate remotely, show you energy consumption in real-time and even adjust themselves

Do you feel like you’re constantly battling clutter around the house? You’re not alone, and nothing can feel more frustrating than not being able to locate something when you need it, or wading through piles of items to get there. Below are five, easy organizational tips that can offer major upgrade

Here are just a few reasons why reclaimed wood might be the right choice for you! Its an eco-friendly option, so youre helping to preserve natural resources. You can feel good about using timber that would otherwise go to waste. Each piece of reclaimed wood is unique, and has often already developed

Are you looking for out-of-the-box decorating ideas for your space? Below are a handful of interesting accent ideas to up the creativity of your interior design.Hanging accent lights. Caged, bubbled, modern, antique"there are myriad styles for hanging accent lights, which can be clustered, paired or

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While world peace is a great idea, if you want to add a touch of calm to your life, begin with your bedroom. Your room isn’t merely the place to rest your head, it’s where you wake, and the vibe of your room can set the tone for the rest of your day. Below are five tips for bringing a peaceful vibe

Cleaning your window screens is a chore few homeowners look forward to. No matter how shiny you can get your window panes, if your screens are scuzzy, your windows will look less than well washed. Below are several tips for properly cleaning your pesky window screens.Start by removing your screens.

Thinking about adding a home security system?Criminals are less likely to target homes with built-in security, so installing one could protect your family and valuables.Safety isnt the only benefit, though.Some systems let you control them remotely, allowing you to unlock the door for visitors and k

Did your toddler scribble on the walls? Or perhaps a year or two of wear and tear have your interior paints looking less than pristine. If your walls could use a little TLC, but you’re not quite ready for a fresh coat of paint, consider the following methods for freshening up.Latex PaintsWhether you

If you want to make an important purchase but do not currently have the money, you dont necessarily have to put things on hold. If you own a house and have been paying your mortgage for several years, you may have enough equity to qualify for a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. Before you take t

Like most homeowners, you probably have your water heater strapped down and you flush out the gutters every spring. But there are many other tips that make a big difference in terms of both safety and thriftiness.The home safety watchdogs at FamilyHandyman.com offer seven tips to start with:Monitor

Having a student loan payment each month as a college graduate leaves little room in the budget to contribute to a retirement savings account.College grads without student loans are much more likely to save for retirement. By the time they reach age 30, grads without student loans are predicted to h

Studies have shown that looking at certain colors can impact your mood, so if you’re looking to brighten your days, look at the walls.Orange This color boosts social connection, so paint a wall in your living room or kitchen a vivid orange and enjoy deeper, longer, joyous conversations.YellowThis su

Thinking of sprucing up your home with a fresh coat of paint?Keep these tips in mind:Dont forget to caulk. Caulking will help trim and wall finishes stand out.Choose the right brushes. Invest in a good paintbrush. The smaller the brush, the more control you have.Use an extension pole. If you have a

A cash-back credit card can result in 5 percent or more back on your purchases, essentially giving you a small discount for everything you buy with a credit card.But that perk can cost you some money in the long run, if youre not careful. Here are some mistakes to avoid with a cash-back credit card:

Sponges are a kitchen staple, but a clean sponge can spread grime all over your eating space. How often should you clean your sponge, and how should you do this? Don’t just trash a sponge when it begins looking spotty. Instead, clean them weekly, and toss them out monthly or sooner, depending on fre