Putting a Price on the Assets in Your House

When most people think about the value of their home, they think in terms of square footage, curb appeal, or resale potential. But what about everything inside? 

From your living room couch to the tools in your garage, the combined value of your belongings might surprise you. Putting a price on your household assets in your home isn’t just an interesting exercise; it’s a smart move for protecting your finances and giving yourself peace of mind.

Read More

Design a Dreamy Summer Reading Escape

With mortgage rates and home values remaining stubbornly high, home renovation has exploded in popularity. Homeowners are calculating that it makes more sense to improve their current home instead of buying a new one.

This is especially true for Gen Z buyers, 90% of whom want to buy a home, but face steep financial obstacles. Once they finally get into a fixer-upper or starter home, they start customizing their space. One recent survey found that saving money for home renovations was the second most common financial goal among recent buyers after purchasing their home. 

Read More

How to Build a Home Theater Room on a Budget

It’s Friday night. A bowl of popcorn is nestled in your lap, the lights are dimmed, and your family is piled onto the couch waiting for the movie to start. The room feels cozy, the sound surrounds you, and the screen pulls you in. It’s just like the theater, except you didn’t have to pay $12 for a ticket (or $8 for popcorn).

Creating that experience at home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some creativity and a little planning, you can build a home theater room that makes movie nights feel magical, without overspending.

Read More

Would Your Homeowners Insurance Cover an Alien Abduction?

You’ve probably heard about insurance for fire, flood, and maybe even earthquakes. But what about…aliens? It may seem crazy, but did you know that some companies sell alien abduction insurance?

Yes, you read that right.

While these novelty policies are more about laughs than legitimate protection, they raise an interesting question: what does your homeowners’ insurance actually cover, and what’s out of this world?

Read More

Creating a Budget Backyard Waterpark Without a Pool

For many, summertime evokes images of trips to water parks with massive slides, expensive theme park vacations, or days spent lounging around a luxurious pool. However, with rising costs on everyday items and many people unable to even afford their homes in today’s economy, that type of vacation isn’t a reality for many families.

Fortunately, there are many ways to create summer magic on a budget in your own backyard (and the truth is, your kids won’t know the difference!). While it might sound expensive, the truth is you can do it on nearly any budget. Here are some tips on how to create a budget backyard waterpark for a fraction of the cost of an expensive vacation.

Read More