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Compromise is an important part of marriage. From deciding how much to spend on a new living room set to what to watch on TV tonight, compromise is constant.It can also be a big part of retirement conversations. While agreeing on the financial and logistical issues around retirement is great if you can get there, chances are, there are some aspects of a life together without work that will be a compromise. Getting on the same page before retirement can make it a lot easier.Here are some topics c...
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Here are five features that millennials look for when purchasing a home.PrivacyWhether its a gated community, a building with security, or a backyard enveloped by trees, privacy is important.Eco-friendlyBy investing in sustainability, youre increasing the value of your home.Smart TechMillennials see smart home technology as a way to save time while also delivering extra peace of mind.Proximity to NatureWhether theyre in the city or the suburbs, communities with walking, hiking and biking trails ...
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If you can find a lower mortgage rate than the one you already have, then refinancing a mortgage can make sense. Here are some of the best ways to get a low rate:Raise Your Credit ScoreFor a conventional loan, borrowers with a credit score of 740 or more will usually get the best interest rates. Having a minimum credit score of 620 will often lead to a higher rate. Raising your credit score can help. Some methods take longer than others, but improving your score is one of the best moves to make ...
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State-sponsored 529 accounts are a tax-free way to pay for a childs college education. Opening an investment account when theyre young and contributing to it regularly and basically forgetting about it until theyre ready to go to college is one way to deal with it.The money is usually invested in mutual funds, so parents dont have to keep a close eye on how theyre performing.Because 529 plans have a much shorter time to grow than retirement accounts do, a severe market drop can affect how much m...
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Follow these steps to give your living room a redefining makeover…Identify Focal PointsFind the feature that immediately draws your eye and build around it.Mind the WindowsWindows seriously impact the energy of a room. Use lighter curtains that allow natural light in while still providing privacy.Add PlantsAn indoor tree can be a stylish fill to an unused space and bring the outdoors in while purifying the air.LightingRecessed lighting and wall sconces can transform an area to a bright and upl...
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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 upgrades:Tension Rod for Pot Lids If you store your pots and pans in a drawer, install a tension rod along the inside and slip your pot lids behind it. No more rattling pots or hard-to-find tops!Gallon B...
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Want to brighten up a room but don’t have the time to paint or the budget to add a window?Consider the following easy fixes:Hang a mirror. Hang a mirror (or lean a large one against a wall) to toss light around your room and open it up.Add metallics. Golds and silver accents will make any space sparkle. Think picture frames, fixtures, lamps and decorative items like vases or candle holders.Freshen with flowers. A floral pop can brighten a room, especially with fresh flowers. Add a bouquet to a...
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Use these tips to achieve an eclectic setting that maintains a sense of balance…Look to the ProsThis will help identify what really speaks to you and form the foundation of your aesthetic.Pick a Color SchemeEclectic rooms tend to have dramatic color schemes, but make sure its a palette you can add details to.Dramatic TexturesJuxtaposing multiple textures is at the heart of this style"and can often be a way of creating contrast.Introduce LayersThrow pillows, area rugs and window treatmen...
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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 Burea...
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Flooding can occur anywhere and at any time of the year. Even if you do not live near a body of water, you could still be at risk. Hurricanes strike large portions of the country every year or a large rainstorm could flood your basement. A blizzard could even dump a foot or more of snow, and when that snow melts, the water will need to go somewhere and could flood your home.Even a relatively small amount of water can cause significant damage. Just a few inches can be enough to flood your basemen...
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Living in a small space?Try these tips to make more room in your tiny home or studio.– Take advantage of vertical real estate by using wall space to install shelving for books, off-season clothes, and more.– Hanging storage is king in small spaces, and again, can maximize height. Think hooks to hang your bike or a rack for hanging pots and pans.– Choose functional furniture that double as storage, like ottomans that open and couches with stash space in the arm rests.– Create stackable st...
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Your first credit card can be the start to building your financial future. Just remember, how you use it can affect you for years down the road.For example, build a good credit score and you could see lower interest rates on home and auto loans, and receive better credit card perks. Make too many mistakes with a first card, however, and you could have less financial flexibility. Landlords, lenders and utility companies could view a low credit score as a risky customer for them and deny you servi...
