Perhaps you’ve inherited your grandparents’ house. Or, maybe the best house you could find was a 1950s place that looked like your grandparents’ house.You may actually be lucky. A house built in the 1950s can be easily and fairly inexpensively remodeled into a home that looks … [Read more...] about Projects to bring your 1950s house into the modern age
Home Improvement
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
Save time, money by getting rid of clutter
As you look at your holiday gifts — the ones you wanted and the ones that made you wonder, “What was she thinking?” — there is probably one thought on your mind: Where am I going to put this stuff?The best way to find places to put your valued new gifts is by organizing what you have … [Read more...] about Save time, money by getting rid of clutter
15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
With fall in the air, your thoughts may turn to what needs to be done to your home before winter sets in. Many tasks are done much more easily when the weather is still nice. Plus, taking care of routine maintenance tasks now can save you aggravation and money down the road. "If you … [Read more...] about 15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape
Xeriscape is a landscaping idea that works to conserve water through the planting of an attractive, useful, water-efficient home garden. While often associated with desert climates, xeriscapes can save you money no matter where you live. The savings come from your water bill as well as the cost … [Read more...] about Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape
6 ways to save on air conditioning
As the temperature exceeds the triple digits this summer, our electric bills are spiraling upward with the heat index.Except for a hardy few, going without air conditioning is probably not a practical cost-cutting measure. Still, there are ways to save energy and cut your electric bill.Use … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save on air conditioning
17 summer water-saving tips to reduce your bill
In summer, water usage can account for as much as 50% or more of your monthly utility bill, depending on where you live. Learning how to conserve water during the hottest months not only can save you money, but it's good for the planet. It's doubly important to think about ways to save on water use … [Read more...] about 17 summer water-saving tips to reduce your bill
Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Are you ready to downsize your home and save money? If so, you'll need to decide which of your current belongings you're going to keep and which need to go. Even if you're not planning on moving, decluttering can save you money by freeing up space and keeping you from buying more storage … [Read more...] about Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Got clutter? Here’s where you can donate
Most people will agree that clutter is bad. It takes up valuable space in your home, is difficult to clean around, and makes it hard for you to keep organized and find things. Cleaning out your household and clothing clutter can earn you money if you choose to sell it, but that can take time and … [Read more...] about Got clutter? Here’s where you can donate
Build a salad table to grow your greens
Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? A salad table might be the ideal solution for you. What is a salad table? A salad table is a portable, waist-high table just deep enough to grow salad greens, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants and vegetables. The … [Read more...] about Build a salad table to grow your greens
Organize a home office on the cheap
If you are among the millions of Americans who work from home at least part of the time, you've probably noticed that you've needed to establish a few guidelines for you and for those who live with you. Your needs will vary depending on the work you need to do, but a home office or official work … [Read more...] about Organize a home office on the cheap
How to save money with a rain garden
Most of the rain that falls on your property is collected by rain gutters or flows from driveways and patios into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water.As urban and suburban areas grow, storm water runoff … [Read more...] about How to save money with a rain garden
Get organized using containers you already own
Ever want to get organized but the thought of spending money on containers talked you right out of it? There is a way around spending money on beautiful containers and other fancy organizing gadgets; you just have to get creative and look around your house to see what you already have.Not … [Read more...] about Get organized using containers you already own
Cheap, easy carpet cleaning solutions
If you have an active household, the celebrations, the pitter-patter of little feet and an animal or two can really take a toll on your clean carpets. Different types of cleaning solutions are needed to tackle different kinds of stains, from spilled wine and food to muddy shoes and dirty paws. But … [Read more...] about Cheap, easy carpet cleaning solutions
7 easy ways to lower your energy bill right now
That utility bill jumped so high this month that it should have won an Olympic medal. You can lower your energy bill right now by being mindful of your electricity consumption. Even the smallest of changes can help reduce energy costs, and keep your utility bills low. Here are seven simple tips for … [Read more...] about 7 easy ways to lower your energy bill right now