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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...

Some first-time buyers are surprised by the full cost of homeownership.To prepare your budget, consider these extra costs:Closing costs typically total 2 – 5 percent of the purchase price and are in addition to down payments.Homeowners insurance costs an average of around $1,000 a year, but prices vary. If in a flood or earthquake zone, youll need extra hazard insurance.Property taxes could range from hundreds of dollars to thousands a year, and they often fluctuate.All home maintenance become...

Looking to boost your daily productivity? Start by taking a look at your morning habits. Incorporating just a few of these into your get-up-and-go routine may help.Say no to snooze. Hitting the snooze button is tempting, but starting your day by procrastinating your wake-up will not set you up for productivity! Set your phone or alarm clock across the room so you have to rise to shut it off.Have a “you” ritual. Whether it’s a walk with your pup, reading a few poems from your favorite poem ...

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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 furnace filters. Clogged furnace filters cost you in both efficiency and higher bills. For peak performance, replace them every 30 – 60 days. Keep track of when you replaced them last by buying seve...

Here are four tips to ensure that your homes surroundings are on full display.Oversized WindowsIt goes without saying, but more windows means more views. They frame an unforgettable backdrop and bring the scenery into your house.Thoughtful LandscapingYour landscaping should enhance the scenery, not take away from it, while also maintaining privacy.Decorate AccordinglyLow-slung furniture can be useful to avoid creating obstructions in a room, and the color palette that you choose should complemen...

The average college graduate in 2016 had $37,172 in student loan debt, according to the website Student Loan Hero. Thats a lot of money to pay off after graduation.Paying it off should be as simple as writing a monthly check to the lender. Unfortunately, there are some potential student loan problems that borrowers should be aware of when repaying their student loans. Here are some of them:Track your loansKnow how much you owe and to whom. This sounds straightforward, but it can be confusing. Wh...

Unable to get a credit card? If so, it may be harder for you to build a good credit rating, making everyday life tasks like making a hotel, plane or car reservation a little more difficult. The same goes for loan approvals.A secured card can help those who dont qualify for a regular credit card to establish or repair a poor credit history. But what is a secured credit card and how do you get one?You’ll Need a DepositThese cards use your cash as a deposit for your spending funds, unlike regular...

There are two different types of outdoor spaces youre likely to come across when viewing real estate in the cityThose that are wide open to skyline views and those that are enclosed hideaways.Heres a detailed look at how these types of spaces differ.Open Urban SpacesWhether its a rooftop terrace or a spacious balcony, some luxury homebuyers are drawn to outdoor spaces with far-ranging city views.Enclosed Urban SpacesA courtyard or a walled terrace with lush plantings has the power to transport y...

How medical debt and other collection items are tallied in a credit score is changing, potentially increasing the credit scores of millions of people.Called the FICO 9, the new credit score changes how medical collections are treated from non-medical changes, such as credit cards. A medical debt will now damage a credit score less than paying a credit card bill on time, for example.FICO 9 came out in 2014, but the improved credit scores could just now be coming to fruition for many consumers bec...

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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 i...

Take these essential steps to stage a luxurious bathroom…Fresh Towels & MatsKeep an assortment of neatly folded towels on display, along with a clean bath mat.Aromatic AppealCandles or essential oils will be sure to greet buyers with a pleasant fragrance. Choose something fresh, like eucalyptus or lavender.Update the FixturesMaking a few updates goes a long way. If the hardware feels dated, it might be time for a stylish new faucet or heavenly rain shower to impress buyers.Depersonaliz...

Raising your kids to be adults who can successfully navigate through life is the end goal of parenting, and a big part of that responsibility centers around teaching them about money so that they’re financially independent as they transition from childhood to adulthood.Here are some of the best money skills to teach your children:Explain that everything costs money. This basic concept is one that some people forget. Everything you buy costs money, whether you pay for it now with cash or later ...