Monthly Archives: August 2014

Tips To Strengthen Your Credit Score

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Tips To Strengthen Your Credit Score - Rita Boswell1

Tips To Strengthen Your Credit Score – This is always a tricky subject. Just for the simple fact that everyone’s situation is different. To help you out, here are a few tips from Bankrate that will help you move in the right direction…

Watch Your Credit Limit – A way to help strengthen your credit score is to keep the balances on your credit cards low. How much revolving credit you have vs. how much you’re actually using. According to Bankrate, the optimum is 10% or lower.

Reduce The Number Of Cards – This isn’t what you think! This means stop using all of your credit cards. Instead have one or two cards you use for everything. It may hurt your credit score to have a $50 balance on one card and a $30 balance on another. Instead, pay those off and keep to just a few main cards.

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt – Good debt is where you have a long history of repayment records, such as a car loan. Some try to get this removed from their credit report once they pay it off thinking it could be harmful to their score when in fact it can be great for their credit score.

Pulling Credit – When shopping for your next big purchase such as a home, car, etc, these lenders will need to pull your credit score to see what loan options you have. Try sticking to a short time frame when shopping around and pulling your credit score with different companies.

Pay Bills On Time – This might seem obvious but it’s even more important when you are trying to make a big purchase. If you are saving up for a home, don’t pass on paying that electric bill because you need that money for your down payment. Mistakes like this can change your credit score which can effect the purchase of your home.

Don’t Hint Risk – Missing payments or paying less on your credit card than you usually do can hint risk to your card issuer. Taking out cash advances or paying for a divorce attorney can do this as well. Although it doesn’t necessarily effect your credit score, it is still something you should avoid.

Stay Informed – Whether you are looking to make a big purchase or not, it’s still important to know where you stand on your credit report. However, don’t obsess over until the moment comes where you are ready to make that big purchase. Pay your bills on time, keep a low balance on your card and create some consistency. Feel free to monitor your score every four months or so to know where you stand.

With these tips in mind, strengthening your credit score will be an easier process! Do you have any tips to share? Comment to share with us!

10 Tips To Save Money On Landscaping

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10 Tips To Save Money On Landscaping - Rita Boswell1

10 Tips To Save Money On Landscaping – The outside of your home is the first impression people see. Whether you’re trying to sell your home, or just update the look, landscaping is a great way to create more curb appeal for your home. Landscaping can be an expensive project, but with the right tools you can make it work right within your budget. Here are ten tips to save money on landscaping.

1. Make A List

Make a list or a picture board of inspirations and looks you want to create for your home. That way you will have a better idea of what you need to purchase.

2. Do Your Research

Conduct research to figure out where you can the things you need at the most inexpensive prices.

3. Avoid Impulse Buys

When you go to the store to purchase the materials you need, don’t get suckered into buying something you don’t need because you think it will look cool. Stick to your list – and your gut – to purchase only the things you’ve planned to buy.

4. Don’t Overplant

Make sure you don’t plant too many flowers or shrubs in your front lawn, it can look tacky and crowded. Stick to a minimal look and wait until it grows in. If you still want more after that, add it.

5. Talk To A Pro

You don’t necessarily have to hire someone to do the landscaping for your home; however, hiring a pro for a consultation will be well worth the money.

6. Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

Don’t assume that buying cheaper will help your budget. Cheaper isn’t always better and you might end up paying even more money to fix the mistake.

7. Shop End-Of-Season Sales

If you shop at the end of the season, you will have cheaper and more materials to use the following season.

8. Be Neighborly

There is a chance that you’re not the only one in the neighborhood working on your landscaping. If you’re renting equipment offer to split the cost and share it for a day.

9. Check Out Craigslist

Some people are willing to just give things away. Check out Craigslist before you buy anything, who knows, you may find it for free.

10. Make Your Own Compost

You can convert kitchen and garden refuse in a hommade compost to improve the soil’s tilth, aeration, and water-holding capacity.

To learn about more ways to save money on landscaping, visit here. Keep these money saving tips in mind when updating your landscape before fall! What do you think of these tips? How do you save money on landscaping? Comment to share with us!

10 Reasons To Make Sure A Home Is Inspected Before Buying

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10 Reasons To Make Sure A Home Is Inspected Before Buying - Rita Bosewell1

 

10 Reasons To Make Sure A Home Is Inspected Before Buying – Buying a home is a major investment and can be a lot to take on. Having a home inspection before you buy your new home is one of the key ingredients in the home buying process. Here are ten reasons why you should make sure a home has been inspected by a professional before you buy.

1. It can prepare you for projects you might have to complete upon moving in to your new home. If you’re not able to complete the projects, then the home isn’t for you.

2. Depending on the results of the inspection, you can decide on what to offer for the home. A less than perfect home inspection can often warrant a lower offer price.

3. You will learn about the ins and outs of your new home.

4. It will help you make sure the home you are moving into is safe and livable, for the whole family.

5. It will provide you with the actual value of the home, which in the long run can help you determine how much return you will get on your investment in the future.

6. If you’re in a high-risk area, having a home inspection can let you know if your home is able to withstand earthquakes or natural disasters.

7. You can get recommendations from a home inspector and if you choose to follow them, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

8. You will have an accurate evaluation of the entire home before you choose to purchase it for you and your family.

9. It gives you a deeper look, past the shiny floors and clean exterior.

10. Above all else, it gives you peace of mind knowing that a professional has given your new home the stamp of approval.

To learn more about why you should make sure a home inspection has been completed before buying your new home, visit here. What do you think about these tips? Have you had your home inspected before buying? Comment to share with us!