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 air that stirs the rise of smoke. If you find a culprit, scrape out any cracked or dried caulk on the outside where the casing meets the siding. Apply a fresh bead of paintable acrylic latex, such as DAP’s Alex Plus. For doors, add new weather stripping. The work may shave off up to $20 from your annual bill for each window and door you weatherize.Damaged Fireplace DamperUp to 20 percent of your homes warmed air can be drawn up and out via your chimney flue. Check it by closing the damper and holding a lit candle inside the firebox. If it blows around or blows out, you are losing a lot of warm air. Hire a chimney sweep to give it a good cleaning and check the damper. The $100 or $200 service call may reduce your annual heating bill by as much as $500.Old, Tank-Style Water HeaterWater heaters more than 10 years old are likely lined with fiberglass insulation, which is less effective at preventing heat loss than the foam used today. Check the age of yours on the printed label, then touch the tank. If it feels warm, its losing insulation. Wrapping it in a pre-cut blanket and fitting foam sleeves or insulating tape around the pipes can reduce annual water-heating bills by up to 9 percent.An Over-Worked FridgeThe refrigerator gets no time off, and wear and tear over time will take a toll on the gasket. Check by closing the door on a sheet of paper. If you dont feel resistance when you pull it out, the gasket seal is leaking cold air. Order a new one from the manufacturer for about $60 – $90. Its relatively easy to remove the old one, and installing the new one following the manufacturers instructions will improve its performance by up to 25 percent.Published with permission from RISMedia.

In the modern world, children are exposed to technology at a young age. Many parents introduce their children to technology early in the hope that they will grow up to be tech savvy and do well in school and on the job. With all of the challenges and stresses of being a parent, it can be tempting to sit children down in front of the TV to have some time to cook, clean and do laundry.Scientists have noted that too much screen time, particularly at a young age, can affect childrens development. The amount of time that children spend in front of screens should therefore be monitored and limited.Effects of Too Much Screen TimeToo much exposure to technology can cause children to become detached from their families and friends. Kids may spend so much time focused on TV, video games or a computer that they are not having conversations with others, even if they are sitting in the same room.Kids who spend several hours a day in front of a screen dont spend nearly as much time playing outdoors. Exercise helps children develop motor skills and maintain a healthy weight. Exposure to sunlight and fresh air can reduce stress and contribute to a sense of wellbeing. Children lose these benefits if they spend hours inside focused on a screen.Too much time watching TV and playing video and computer games can cause children to become overstimulated. This can cause them to become easily distracted, making it difficult for them to concentrate in school.If children have TVs, video games or computers in their bedrooms, they are often tempted to use them at night when they should be sleeping. Even if parents impose strict bedtimes, studies have shown that using a screen shortly before going to bed can make it difficult to fall asleep, which means children may not get the rest they need to stay focused in school the next day.It’s important to make a distinction between time spent watching TV and playing video games for entertainment and time spent using a computer for homework. The risks to childrens health and development come from overuse of screen time for entertainment.The Right Amount of Screen TimeThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 18 months not be exposed to screens at all because of the impact on their brain development and ability to bond with family members. Between the ages of two and five, the AAP advises parents to limit screen time to an hour a day. For older children, parents should use their discretion.Talk to your family about the benefits and risks of technology and set guidelines for your children. Set a positive example yourself. Make a point of spending time with your children talking face to face without distractions so you can develop strong bonds as a family.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few tips on how to stage your home during the holidays…Keep It SimpleTry going for an understated feel thats festive and inviting without being too personalized.Holiday Curb AppealGreeting guests with some holiday cheer at your front door is always encouraged. A simple lighting arrangement and wreath will do the trick.Tasteful TouchesSimple touches, like a bowl of pinecones in the foyer or a garland around your banister can create a cozy ambiance.Seasonal ScentsCandles and essential oils are great, but for a DIY scent, try boiling cinnamon and orange peels on the stovetop.Maintain BalanceKeep a sense of space and harmony by using colors that go well with your current palette.Published with permission from RISMedia.

A debit card is a smart way to shop if you want to avoid using a credit card that will charge you interest if you dont pay the balance in full each month. But because a debit card is directly tied to your bank account, you can lose a lot of protections.Debit Card HasslesWhile a debit card can be seen as safer than carrying cash, it can be a costly mistake if a thief steals it or your personal information to empty your bank account.If your credit card is lost or stolen, or the information on it is stolen, you cant lose more than $50 in unauthorized transactions, according to federal law. The same is true for an ATM or debit card if you report it within two business days, according to the Federal Trade Commission. You wont be responsible for any unauthorized withdrawals if you report the card missing before someone uses it without your permission"thats the good news. But it can get much worse with a debit or ATM card, the FTC says, if unauthorized use happens before you report it.If you report a debit card loss within 60 days after your statement is mailed to you, you could lose up to $500 in unauthorized transfers. If you dont report it within 60 days, you risk unlimited loss. You could lose all of the money in that account and the unused portion of your maximum line of credit for overdrafts. The thieves could overdraft your account if you wait more than two months to report it.Once you report the loss or theft of your debit card to the issuer, youre not responsible for additional unauthorized use.Credit Card ProtectionsIf your credit card or number is stolen, federal law offers a simple protection: Youre only liable for up to $50 in unauthorized transactions. That comes with one important caveat"you must report it to your credit card issuer.Some issuers wont charge you the $50 and are vigilant, alerting customers when they see potential credit card fraud.The $50 limit after quickly reporting the loss of a credit or debit card is great if you do it within two days. But wait any longer than that and a debit card could be much costlier than a credit card if thieves get their hands on it.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

No one likes a crumby car seat or a dashboard covered in dust. But as our lives get busier, it seems our cars get dirtier. Below are tips for keeping your car cleaner.Install a “no-eat” policy. This may be hard for those of us who practically live out of our cars, but by not eating in your vehicle, you will naturally reduce the level of mess inside.Add a trash bag. Hang a small bag in your car to place receipts and paper trash in. Empty the bag once a week.Carry a cleaning kit. Keep a rag and bottle of all-purpose cleaner in your trunk to wipe down your dash and doors once a week.Consider an “odds and ends” bin. Place a small plastic bin or box on the floor in your backseat for umbrellas, books heading to the library, that extra sweater, etc. By containing your necessary clutter, your space will appear cleaner.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are the most lavish amenities in apartment buildings today.Wellness CenterWell-being is a top priority among high-end homebuyers and the latest buildings deliver the highest of standards in this regard.Bars and RestaurantsTheres nothing like having an excellent restaurant (or two) right in your building.Activity SpacesFrom full-sized movie theaters to golf simulators, billiard rooms and lounge areas, more and more buildings are being designed with elaborate activity spaces.Work SpaceWell-appointed conference rooms that are equipped with cutting-edge technology have become the norm in exclusive buildings.Concierge ServicesResidents need not sweat the small stuff, as such services often include dog grooming, restaurant bookings, event planning, and more.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Looking to add some of your own personal chicness to your bathroom? Below are a few ways you can add a little oomph to your powder room.Climbing plants. Climbing vines indoors can add a jungly, naturalistic element to your space. Some of the coolest vines for interiors are ivy, heartleaf philodendron, jasmine and betel leaf plant.Art. Don’t be afraid to add some unique art to your bathroom! A cool painting or sculpture can make a great focus piece.Lighting options. From an interesting lighting fixture to a colored bulb or recessed lighting beneath, don’t be afraid to get funky with your lights.Mirroring. Add an expressive picture frame to the edge of your vanity mirror, or create an entire mirrored wall to open up the space and add light.Playful patterns. If you’re a fan of patterns, consider placing a bold pattern on your ceiling, floor or on one wall to make the space more interesting.Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you want to get a second mortgage so you can make renovations to your home, it can be difficult if you have poor credit.A second mortgage can use a homes equity as collateral for a second home loan, allowing up to 80 percent of a homes value to be borrowed. However, getting a second mortgage through a home equity loan or line of credit can be difficult if you dont have a credit score of 680 or better.While high home equity will make a second mortgage less risky and may compensate for poor credit, there are other options:Cash-Out RefinanceInstead of getting an additional loan on your home, the cash you need is refinanced into one loan with one payment.Even if you have bad credit, a cash-out refi is less risky for the lender because it doesnt involve a second loan. With a second mortgage, the second lender is second in line to get paid if a lien is ever put on the home.Streamline RefinanceSome government home loans offer whats called a streamline refinance, which has a lower mortgage rate. FHA and VA home loans, for example, allow borrowers to refinance into a lower rate and payment without a credit check, income or employment verification, or property appraisal. It also doesnt matter how little home equity you have or if youre underwater on your mortgage.For borrowers with a VA loan or FHA mortgage in good standing, refinancing a loan through the federal government is so streamlined that its almost automatic. The underwriting process is simplified enough to allow a refinance to happen based largely on if youve stayed current on your mortgage payments.HARP RefinanceThe Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP, was created in 2009 to help people who were underwater on their mortgage refinance into a lower rate. Without it, the fear was that people who owed more on their home than the home was worth would walk away from the loan and lose their home. The federal program is set to expire at the end of 2018, though it may be extended.Improve Your Credit ScoreIf a poor credit score prevents you from getting a second mortgage, the simple solution is to improve your credit score. While not easy and usually not fast, here are the best ways to increase a credit score within a few months:Pay off your credit card balancesPay your bills on timeRemove or pay off collections accountsGet added as an authorized userDont apply for new creditDispute negative accounts with the credit bureausPublished with permission from RISMedia.

Bored with your basic kitchen? These inexpensive updates will liven things up in no time!Add style to standard wood cabinets with a quick coat of paint. Try painting the lower cabinets a dark color, like gray or navy, and the upper cabinets white.Open up a closed space by converting a cabinet to open shelving. Just remove the door and leave the shelving and back of the cabinet in place.Update older appliances with appliance-approved paint or magnetic stainless panels.Create an airy feeling by taking down a pantry or closet door. Install some shelving and stock it with attractive baskets, jars and other containers.Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youve checked your credit reports lately for errors, congratulations! Thats a smart first step to improving your credit score, which can make getting approved for home loans and credit cards, along with getting the best interest rates, a lot easier.Errors can be as simple as a misspelled name, wrong phone number or address, or as serious as an account wrongly reported as delinquent.The next step is to fix them. Here are some ways to resolve errors on your credit reports:Write the Credit BureausWrite a letter to the credit reporting bureau where you found the mistake. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three major credit bureaus, and you can write to them online or by mail.Include your contact information, and explain the error you found and why its wrong. Include supporting documentation, such as a copy of an email verifying the status of an account that has been reported incorrectly.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has sample letters on its website for disputing credit reports. Be sure to keep copies of any letters or documents you send, and if sending anything by mail, use certified mail with a return receipt.Alert CreditorsBanks and credit card issuers that provide information about you should also be notified of errors, unless its an identity-related mistake made by the credit bureau"those should be sent directly to the credit bureau.Also known as furnishers, companies that provide information to credit bureaus will often have their address listed on your credit report so you can contact the company directly.Allow 45 DaysAfter reporting errors, allow up to 45 days for them to be fixed. The credit bureau generally has 30 days after receiving your dispute to investigate and verify the information with the furnisher. The credit bureau must report the results back to you within five days of completing its investigation.If you dispute an error with the furnisher, it typically takes 30 days to investigate and they must report their findings to you.If youve submitted incorrect or incomplete information, or have tried to contest the same item multiple times without any new information, then the bureau or furnisher may decide your dispute is frivolous. They must tell you this within five days, along with providing their reasoning. Once this is done, they don’t need to investigate further. You can resubmit a dispute with updated materials if your original dispute was labeled frivolous.Even if the furnisher insists the dispute information is accurate, you can ask the credit bureau to include a statement in your credit file explaining the dispute.Check BackCredit report updates may take a while to appear, depending on when new information is sent and a bureaus update cycle. If you dont see a change in a few months, contact them again to verify that your account information is being reported and updated.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Having a child can require many adjustments. Losing sleep and changing dirty diapers are just some of the things parents have to deal with. And even though you’re probably a little sleep deprived right now, there are some financials you’ll have to think about, as well.Here are five financial moves parents should put at the top of their to-do list after coming home with a new baby:Revise Your BudgetChildren can be expensive, especially in the first year when new costs you’ve never experienced crop up. Diapers, formula, a crib, a changing station, car seats, toys and clothes are just some of the items you’ll have to purchase. Day care may also be needed if both parents are working full time. Some families may need a bigger car or house, and that require more long-term financial planning.Revise your family budget and find ways to cut costs, if necessary. Since medical bills will likely go up, check with your employer about starting a health savings account so you can use pre-tax money to contribute to an account for your familys medical costs.Save for CollegeA 529 college savings plan can help you save for college costs. Contributions grow tax-free and arent taxed when withdrawn to pay for qualified educational expenses, such as tuition. More than 30 states offer a full or partial tax deduction or credit for 529 plan contributions.As of 2018, each parent and grandparent can contribute up to $15,000 per child and exclude the money from gift or estate taxes. If four grandparents contribute, that could mean $60,000 per year in a 529 plan.Update Your Life InsuranceAny major life change should lead to a discussion with your life insurance agent. In the case of a parent death, you could be left to pay and take care of your child by yourself. Insurance can, however, provide money to pay for childcare or a lost income. You’ll also want to update your beneficiaries in case something happens to you.Update Your Estate PlanAs with life insurance, you’ll have to update your estate plan documents when you have a new baby. Wills and trusts should be updated to include a guardian for minor children and to determine who has control over your assets. Without an update, a court could appoint a guardian for you.Also update your beneficiary designation forms for your 401(k) and other retirement plans, along with any other bank accounts that arent designated in a will.Organize Your RecordsMake paper copies of key records such as the birth certificate, Social Security card and immunization record. Order three copies of your childs birth certificate so you have one and your child has one later in life.Keep a record of immunizations, which will be needed if your child goes to day care. Put everything in a fire-proof safe.Published with permission from RISMedia.