In addition to protecting your home, many simple maintenance tasks are also good for your wallet. Taking care of seemingly insignificant problems like drippy faucets can save you big money over the long run. The following cost-saving home repairs are quick and easy to complete.1. Replace … [Read more...] about 5 easy home repairs that save money
Home & Garden
18 cheap and easy DIY home improvement projects
You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift.Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy DIY home improvement projects
Home improvement: Save money on paint
Giving your home a splash of color with paint has always been touted by home-decorating experts as one of the least expensive ways to make a big impact on the look of your home. And it's true that you do get a lot of impact for your dollar. But have you seen the cost of paint lately?It isn't … [Read more...] about Home improvement: Save money on paint
Should you renovate your house or buy a new one?
Most families at some point reach a difficult real estate crossroads: Do they renovate an existing home to fit their current needs, or do they go out and buy another house that’s already the way they like it?This is a question with no one-size-fits-all answer, although most families can make the … [Read more...] about Should you renovate your house or buy a new one?
Why your home renovation won’t be like the TV shows
We've all seen the home renovation shows where the nice young couple buys a decrepit home with a kitchen so ugly even 1960 wouldn't take it back. In 30 or 60 minutes, that ugly house becomes a veritable dream home, with every detail perfect, down to the color-coordinated stand mixer and coffee maker … [Read more...] about Why your home renovation won’t be like the TV shows
How to save on bathroom renovations
Nobody likes a house with an outdated bathroom. Of course, you can use a blue toilet and bathe in a pink tub, illuminated by eight naked light bulbs shining on a stained 1970s laminate countertop. I do, for now. But do you really want to?Building the spa bathroom of your dreams may … [Read more...] about How to save on bathroom renovations
No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
If you're in the South where snow is a rarity, or you've been caught unprepared for an early season snow, you may find yourself in a conundrum when the white stuff starts pouring down. Lots of snow, no sled. Maybe you're one of the lucky few with a store-bought sled. You'll be the envy of the … [Read more...] about No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
30 easy, cheap home decorating ideas
If you’re trying to create a new look in your bedroom or living spaces, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on new furniture or a remodel. With a little bit of imagination and some effort, you can decorate a house on a tight budget by repurposing what you already own and making smart … [Read more...] about 30 easy, cheap home decorating ideas
How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or tiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who … [Read more...] about How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
How to throw a Super Bowl party on the cheap
The Big Game doesn’t have to equal big spending. A little food, some libations, a few decorations and a TV, and you’ve got the makings for a great Super Bowl party. If you’re having friends over to watch the game, here are some Super Bowl party ideas that can help you keep the price tag under … [Read more...] about How to throw a Super Bowl party on the cheap
How to remodel your kitchen for less
We always hear that remodeling a kitchen is one of the most expensive home improvements. And it can be. The Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report listed the average cost of a major kitchen remodel at $77,939, and even a minor remodel came in at $26,790. But kitchen remodeling doesn't have to … [Read more...] about How to remodel your kitchen for less
Money-saving home maintenance tips by the month
One way to preserve your home value is to keep your house in good repair. Complete one simple task each month to save money throughout the year.January: Vacuum refrigerator coils and test the seal on your refrigerator door.Accumulated dust on the coils behind your refrigerator … [Read more...] about Money-saving home maintenance tips by the month
Tools to organize your life in the new year
With the new year upon us, we’re all thinking about resolutions. While losing weight and getting your finances in order are two popular choices, one resolution many of us make year after year is to get organized, once and for all.The truth is, no one ever finishes organizing their life; … [Read more...] about Tools to organize your life in the new year
Cheap Super Bowl party food and snacks to make at home
Whether you’re hosting a crowd for game day or watching the Super Bowl with just your immediate family, you’ll want to have snacks on hand to enjoy during the Big Game. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on takeout or pre-made treats to make a great party spread. Check out these Super Bowl party … [Read more...] about Cheap Super Bowl party food and snacks to make at home
How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
It seems as if advertisements for kids' parties are everywhere I go — restaurants, gymnastics studios, the YMCA, hair salons, on and on. It only makes sense that all of these places want in on the kid birthday party scam; they know they can make a fortune hosting one. While it might be easier … [Read more...] about How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100