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If you’re revamping your interior design scheme, you may be considering a new color palette. Should you go with earthy hues? Vibrant jewel tones? Cool blues and grays? Below are five ways to pick a color scheme that will work for you.Choose from what you have. If you’re not revamping with an entirely new furniture set, then you may want to pick a color from what you already have. A boldly patterned sofa or floor rug can serve as a jumping off point.Start with three. If you’re feeling overw...

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...

Buying a house is complicated. First-time buyers can make costly mistakes. Here are things to avoidNot Knowing What You Can AffordUse a mortgage affordability calculator to avoid wasting time looking at listings that are too expensive.Not Comparing RatesBy applying to several lenders, you could secure a loan with much more favorable terms.Not Checking Your Credit ReportCheck your credit and, if you find any errors, contact the credit bureau to have them corrected before you apply for a mortgage....

If your child has a Social Security number, they can become a victim of identity theft.With a clean credit history, a childs Social Security number can be more valuable to a thief than an adult’s. It can be used to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, and apply for a loan.This could lead to a poor credit history before your child reaches age 18. A poor credit score can make it difficult to get good terms on credit, a mortgage and insurance. Some employers and land...

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In an age where the majority of our communication happens from behind a screen, our face-to-face interactions are often lacking. Below are several tips for having clearer communication. 1. Make eye contact. Direct eye contact can go a long way in having a clear conversation. Not only will it help you pick up on non-verbal cues, but it will show respect " you’re not staring off into space.2. Listen. Communication is often stalled when one (or more) parties involved simply awaits their turn...

Here are a few tips to style a foyer to make a warm first impression…Keep It OrganizedDesignate a space for everything: A tray for keys, cubbies for shoes and a stylish armoire for extra storage.Dramatic FloorsIncorporate elaborate tile-work or stone to create a grand entryway that demonstrates attention to detail.Add Some PlantsPlants liven up the space by providing visual appeal, making your home feel more calming.Oversized MirrorA large mirror near the entryway will make the space feel bigg...

In the age of apps, theres more to preserving the masterpieces your children create than just sticking them on the refrigerator.Eventually, the magnets will slip and something thats dear to you"or your child"could fall off and end up in the trash. If you have the space for keeping their school artwork or homemade projects, you may keep them in plastic containers and sort through them at a later time. But if youre running out of closet space or are worried that too many of these preciou...

You’ve heard the warnings about global warming, you feel compassion for stranded polar bears and you worry about overwhelming the landfills. As a homeowner, you may not be ready for composting, but there are ways to become an eco-friendlier household.Ecologists provide simple but useful tips that even the laziest activist can use to do their part in helping the environment:Cut down on water use. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Drink tap water in reusable containers instead of plast...

Take your home to the next level with these ultra-high-end features.Two KitchensA designated cooking space for caterers or chefs makes it easy to play host without interrupting your daily routine.Showroom GarageShowrooms enable auto enthusiasts to put their collection on full display.Wellness SpaConsider a spa where you can relax and pamper yourself like a five-star retreat.Indoor Swimming PoolYoure free to swim laps or go for a relaxing dip regardless of the weather.Bowling AlleyThe perfect act...

Improving your credit score can take a few months. So if youre looking to get an auto or home loan, or want to apply for a new credit card, an early start can give you time to raise your credit score and then get a loan or new credit card at a better interest rate.Here are some ways to improve your credit within a few months:Pay your bills on timePayment history is the most important factor in FICO scores, accounting for up to 35 percent of a credit score. Paying your bills on time " from c...

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Reading books to your children is fun, and one of the great joys of parenthood is watching them learn to read by themselves.Lessons about personal finance and how money works can be included in books you read to children, or in books they read with you or on their own.Here are some good books about money that are aimed at kids, listed by title, grade level and price. Many can also be checked out for free at the library.One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money: K-2, $6. This book ...

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 large surface to paint, an extension pole will come in handy.Put your roller in the fridge. Taking an overnight break? Wrap your brush and roller in a plastic shopping bag, secure with a rubber band, ...