Most individuals consider interior details when preparing their house for sale; each room needs to be clean and organized, warm and inviting. But do not forget the outdoors of your house: the porch, patio, deck, or yard. Outdoor areas can dominate the minds of prospects when they check the house. An inviting outdoor space can make an excellent initial impression, generate the perceived value of the house, and even cause buyers to visualize themselves in that space. How you can stage outdoor spaces of your house to stand out in a competitive real estate market: Create a Welcoming Porch A front porch is…
Author: Tina Roth
Running an online business can be an expensive process, especially if you are using large amounts of inefficient software or failing to use the correct technology to complement the necessities of your business. In order to cut the costs of running an online business, here are some of the best ways to cut costs and reduce your expenditure online. Find a Good Web-Hosting Service Through their integrated systems, web hosting services can help you cut your business costs. Rather than investing in separate services to complete tasks such as setting up a domain name, creating a website, and running security on your…
Variable life insurance is a special kind of life insurance that combines two important features: a death benefit for your loved ones and a cash value you can invest. While this dual benefit makes the product attractive to some, there are risks involved. Let us break it down in simple terms so you can see if this policy fits your needs. What Is Variable Life Insurance? Variable life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance. This means it stays in effect for your whole life as long as you pay the premiums. The cash value component grows based on the…
If you are in bankruptcy or considering filing, you may have heard of something called the 341 meeting. This meeting is a critical part of the bankruptcy process, where important decisions are made about how you will repay your creditors. It is not as scary as it sounds—let us break it down so you will know exactly what to expect when it is your turn. What Is 341 Meeting? A 341 meeting, also sometimes referred to as a “meeting of creditors,” is something every bankruptcy case has to have as part of the process. Here is where the court trustee…
A good credit score can bring better financial opportunities, such as lower interest rates, higher loan approvals, and even lower insurance premiums. For most people, the ultimate mark of credit perfection is 850, but that requires some dedication and good financial practice. Here is an easy-to-understand guide on how credit scores work, what is the highest credit score, and how you can improve yours. What Is a Credit Score? Your credit score is a three-digit number that tells lenders how reliable you are when it comes to borrowing money. FICO scores, used by around 90% of financial institutions, range from 300…
Are you considering a career in real estate? You are not alone! Over 1.5 million members and many other agents in the National Association of Realtors make this a popular and rewarding career choice. If you want to help find that perfect home or sell the property for the best price, a real estate agent is right for you. Why Become a Real Estate Agent? Before we get into the steps, let us talk about why this career appeals to so many people. Flexible Hours: You get to decide when to work, making it easier to balance your job with personal…
It does not have to be such a hassle managing money. The 50-30-20 rule is a simple way to divide your income to ensure that you can pay for all your essentials, enjoy your life, and save for the future. This was popularized by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s book “All Your Worth”: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.” The rule is simple: After-tax income should be divided into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% should go to savings or be used for debt repayment. Step by step, let us break down how to budget and save money. What…
Money orders can be a viable option if you want to send safe, easy payments but need a checking account. They are also highly accepted as a form of prepaid payment since they are supported and covered by the issuer against default or inability to pay. Whether you are paying bills, buying items, or sending money to someone, a money order is a safe alternative to cash or personal checks. In this guide, we will explain money orders, when to use them, how to fill out a money order correctly, where to get them to help you decide whether they…
You will likely hear about two savings options available for retirement planning: the Roth IRA and the 401(k). While both allow your money to grow tax-advantaged, they work slightly differently in terms of taxes, employer contributions, and investment flexibility. Your decision about how, or if, to use one or both of these options can help set your end up securely ready for retirement. Let’s break down the difference between 401k and Roth IRA. Roth IRA: Tax-Free Growth and Flexibility A Roth IRA is a retirement account you open on your own, usually through a brokerage or bank. Unlike a 401(k),…
Rent-to-own homes are a fantastic yet usually ignored opportunity for prospective homebuyers. For most, the Canadian dream of having their very own home seems more elusive than ever, either because of financial constraints, credit issues, or a lack of savings for a down payment. The rent-to-own option, sometimes called lease-to-own, gives renters the possibility of getting into a house with the chance to buy it later on. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of rent-to-own homes in Canada, from understanding the process to weighing the pros and cons. What is Rent-to-Own? Rent-to-own houses are a form…