How to decide if you should buy or rent a house

We've always been told buying a house is one of the best investments you can make. But is it really?

When it comes to buying a home, there are many things to consider besides the mortgage payment.

 

 

WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU?

So before you make a down payment on your dream home, take a long, hard look at your finances and make the best decision for your situation.

More than just a mortgage

Many people think if their current rent payment equals a possible mortgage payment, then they should be putting their hard-earned money into something they can call their own. This seems like solid logic, but owning a home is much more than paying your mortgage. When you buy a house, you are first required to pony up a down payment (you'll want to lower your mortgage), which will be in the thousands. But more than that, you have to pay property tax, homeowner's insurance and shell out a lot of dough for home maintenance and repairs. All this adds up, and according to financial guru Suze Orman, when figuring out the real total of your monthly payments, you should add 40 or 45 percent of your mortgage to determine what you'll actually be spending.

Future plans

If you have the down payment and are prepared for all the extra costs, the next thing to consider is how long you plan to live in that house. If relocating is a possibility, renting is probably the best option so you won't have to go through the hassle of selling or, even worse, losing money on your investment. Job security should also be a factor when deciding what to do. If you're just out of school or if there's a possibility you could lose your job or get downsized, you might want to hold off on making such a large purchase.

Resale value

If you plan to live in your home for several years, it could be a great investment for you. But if you buy a home and try to sell it shortly thereafter, especially with the market the way it is today, you'll probably lose money. If something changes in your life and you need to make a quick exit (if you get transferred or the new job you find is in another city, for example), you might not be able to unload your house for a decent price.

Benefits of home ownership

Of course, if you have the money, plan to live in your home for years and don't foresee needing to make a quick getaway, then there are many benefits to buying a house. Not only is it a good investment, but you'll receive tax breaks, be eligible for home-equity loans, free yourself from landlords and be able to make any kind of improvements you wish, which will only add to the resale value.

Rent or buy?

Buying a house is a big decision and has many benefits, but it's also all about timing. So take a hard, realistic look at your finances and where you plan to be in the next few years. If financial planning isn't your thing, you can even consult a financial planner, who will not only give you insight on whether you can afford a house, but can help you make a plan that will allow you to do so in the future.

Resource:  Sheknows.com

Top 5 Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Winter Driving

1. Check (and change) your coolant

Driving on worn-out coolant is a bad idea all year-round, but it's especially bad in winter. Worn coolant can freeze and destroy your engine. You can test its freeze protection level with an inexpensive gauge (less than $10) from any auto parts store. But there's more to coolant than just freeze protection. Fresh coolant prevents corrosion damage to your heater core, radiator and water pump. Once corrosion starts, the heater core plugs up and you lose heat. That repair alone can cost upward of $1,000. If you can't remember the last time you changed the coolant, change it now. It's cheap insurance against expensive repairs later.

2. Service your battery and charging system

Have a pro check and service your battery and charging system. On a cold winter night, you're likely to have all your electrical accessories (headlights, wipers, heater/defroster and rear window defogger) running at the same time. That puts tremendous stress on your vehicle's electrical system. So it's important to have clean connections and a fresh battery. Old batteries just can't the handle frequent discharge/recharge cycles and can actually cause premature alternator failure. If your battery is four years old (or older), it's living on borrowed time. Replace it now with the best battery you can afford.

3. Tune it up

In cold weather, new spark plugs and ignition wires can mean the difference between a rapid start and an engine that won't fire up. Check your owner's manual to find the manufacturer's recommendation for when to replace spark plugs. If you're within 20 percent of that mileage, change them now and enjoy better starting all winter.

4. Replace your wiper blades

The winter blade on the right is covered with a rubber boot to keep snow and ice out of the support arm.

Replace your wiper blades with "winter wiper blades." Winter blades are covered in a rubber boot that prevents snow and ice from packing inside the squeegee's support arms. So they keep your windshield clean even in heavy snow. Many newer vehicles come with beam-style blades that don't have support arms. If you have those on your vehicle, make sure they wipe without streaking. If you see streaks now, they'll only get worse as road salt and grit wear them down even more. Replace them now for better visibility.

5. Check your headlights

The UV coating on plastic headlights degrades over time and the lenses turn cloudy, reducing road illumination by 70 percent. You don't have to replace the entire headlight to see clearly again. Just buy a headlight restoration kit (about $25) at any auto parts store. Then pull out one of your low-beam headlight bulbs and examine it. The glass should be crystal clear. If you see gray or brown deposits on the inside of the bulb, it's time to change headlights. Those deposits can reduce nighttime visibility by almost 300 ft.

Resource:  The Family Handyman, Rick Muscoplat, Automotive Editor

Holiday Health and Safety Tips

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips.

Wash your hands often.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

If you don’t have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Stay warm.
Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

Manage stress.
The holidays don't need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook. Keep a check on overcommitment and overspending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.

Travel safely.
Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive.


Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

Be smoke-free.
Avoid smoking and breathing other people's smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help.

Get check-ups and vaccinations.
Exams and screenings can help find potential problems before they start. They can also help find health issues early, when the chances for treatment and cure are often times better. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.

Watch the kids.
Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic media.

Prevent injuries.
Injuries can occur anywhere and some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations.  Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Wear a bicycle helmet to help prevent head injuries. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or skateboarding to help prevent head injuries. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.

Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

Handle and prepare food safely.
As you prepare holiday meals, and any meals, keep yourself and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often.


Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

Eat healthy, and be active.
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods.

Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

Resource:  CDC.gov

Checklist: Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

Nothing brings people together like the holiday season. Start preparing now with some easy home improvement projects to welcome your guests in style. 

Whether your guests are staying just for the day or will be overnight visitors, this holiday checklist will help make your home as inviting and comfortable as possible.

Entrance

• Make sure all walkways and porches are free of ice and snow.  Taking someone to the emergency room because of a fall is not the way you want to start the holidays.
• Make sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly and is turned on when it is dark.  Another important precaution to ensure your guest's safety.
• Establish a place to collect all warm weather apparel, including boots.  Add extra hangers to your coat closet or designate a room to collect these.  You should also consider adding an extra doormat for those wet boots.  If you plan for this ahead of time your entrance won't become a cluttered mess.

Living Area

• If the carpet isn't looking its best, schedule a professional carpet cleaning.
• Clean the windows so that guests can clearly see your outside decorations.
• Add some color to the walls by freshing up your space with a new coat of paint.
• Bring holiday scents to your living space with candles, potpourri, fresh garland or pine cones.

Bathrooms

• If the tile looks dingy, replacing it or even new grout can give a fresh look to a bathroom.
• Make sure the bathroom fan and window are in operating condition.  Ventilation is an important part of keeping your bathroom clean and mildew-free.
• Make sure you have enough guest bath and/or hand towels.  Consider special towels with holiday themes to keep with the spirit of the season.

Kitchen

• The kitchen has become an essential room for entertaining with the popularity and ease of serving food buffet style.  To provide more space, try installing applicances under countertops or consider investing in a kitchen island.
• Check the condition of the countertops, cabinets, and appliances.  Replacing the applicances can make a huge difference when you're preparing meals for large groups.
• Declutter your counter space by removing unsed appliances and other items and store in a place unseen to your guests.

Guest Rooms

• Make sure the guest beds have fresh linens.  Add a nice holiday decoration or treat to the bed welcoming your guests.
• Clear some closet space or a drawer to make your guests feel more at home.  No one likes to live out of a suitcase.
• Provide your guests with a bedside clock and reading lamp.  Not everyone goes to sleep or wakes up at the same time.

Color Trends for Home + Interior 2013

Pantone View Home + Interiors 2013 Trend Forecast

Earlier this year, Pantone released the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2013 Trend Forecast, a guide containing the nine most directional color palettes for home furnishings and interior design in 2013.

"To create the 'magic' that ultimately leads to sales in the marketplace, colors for 2013 will need to coax and cajole, soothe or astonish, renew and replenish," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "At the same time, there will be the consumer's expectation of practicality - what colors will have staying power and can be relied upon as a steadying influence in unsteady times. Skillfully balanced color palettes that play to their practical side, while satisfying their aspirations, hopes and needs for something novel will remain key to enticing the would-be consumer or client."

Pantone View Home + Interiors 2013 is a forecasting book that provides color and trend direction, enabling designers to select the right shades and combinations for home furnishings or interior spaces. The book contains visual inspiration, suggested color harmonies, individual tear-out palette cards for each of the nine forecasted palettes, swatches of the 75 forecasted colors, and images from the forecast for use in presentations and storyboards. Highlighting additional insight and directions, a summary page concludes the forecast with a comprehensive color overview and a look at other factors influencing the world of home furnishings and interior environments.

To enable digital design, Pantone View Home + Interiors 2013 also includes Pantone Color Manager for direct download of all Pantone Color Libraries into design software.

The nine palettes for 2013 are: Connoisseur, Glamour, New Old School, Rugged Individuals, Extracts, Footprints, Sojourn, Surface Treatments and Out of the Ordinary.

The palette called Connoisseur takes a fresh approach to celebrating the finer things in life while displaying a sense of history and elegance. Whether it is the perfect plate or the smooth finish of a simple table linen, these fine sensibilities are often reflected in a choice of colors that are both sophisticated and refined, yet not without a touch of understated drama. The colors are a compilation of monochromatic violets and orchids, liquid pink, deep mahogany, alyssum white and beechnut green, all reflected against champagne beige and silver.

The very word Glamour expresses what this palette is all about. Sleek and sensuous, it is very much reminiscent of the Art Deco era interpreted with contemporary influences. There is something very personalized and unique in the beguiling styling that involves both confidence and flair. Colors adequately reflect the mood of a bygone era: Rio red, and Monaco blue, deepest tap shoe black and chinchilla, ethereal gray moonmist and jasper teal. To add more glimmer to the glamour, there is both silver and champagne beige.

Another palette emphatically connected to heritage and history is New Old School. Adding a twist to a somewhat "preppy," collegiate and classic palette, it celebrates the hues typically found in iconic flags and banners. The styles are also reminders of the past, yet some sport a new contemporized look. There is ribbon red, bright white and sodalite blue, while nautical blue salutes breen and ultramarine green. Gargoyle and microchip grays draw a visible link to the contrast between the old world and the new.

Ranging from out West to the Outback, picking up the "ole" of the gaucho along the way, cowboy and cowgirl styles ride firmly into interiors. These are the Rugged Individuals who encourage and inspire the natural shadings of the prairie, polished leather, weathered wood and animal hide, while the earthiness of raw sienna tones blend with the inevitable classics of both vintage indigo and stonewashed blue jeans.

Taking orangey and spice tones to a new level, Extracts employs flavorful notes of color along with suggestions of appealing scents to create combinations that are zestful, pleasing, piquant and often unexpected. There is a subtle taste implied in this palette that evokes a somewhat exotic top note in spiced coral, brandied melon and apple cinnamon. The quiet presence of dusty pink and baked clay is refreshingly balanced by a tart, green banana.

Footprints is a palette that leads us down a path to vibrant tribal colors. These are steps that are not taken lightly, but instead are bold, forthright and very directional. Following the seductive rhythm of tangerine tango are peacock blue, a fiery pink flambe and solar-powered yellow. A verdant yellow green called oasis provides respite from the heat of Sudan brown.

The Sojourn palette takes us on a journey, one that is a bit more magical and intricate, as reflected in the compelling mixtures of a heady Syrah wine hue, the purpled intensities of a blackish plum, and the rosy glow of foxglove and Baton Rouge fuchsia against pampas and the green winter moss. All are nestled comfortably within the grounded organic hues of cobblestone and shitake.

Surface Treatments is a highly textural palette that adeptly utilizes smooth and nubby - polar opposites in a tactile world. It likewise embraces the liquid colors of ocean, sea and air such as Maui blue, vapor blue, and a more tempestuous tornado gray, along with the land-locked colors of fallen rock and birch, combined with a vegetal agave green. Medal bronze adds yet another dimension and patina to this diverse yet compatible grouping.

Quirky, odd, whimsical and even a bit obtuse, Out of the Ordinary products immediately capture the imagination of the beholder. It can be styling, texture, shape or design that reaches out to tempt the eye, but most frequently it is the color that captures instant attention and awareness. Colors like bonnie blue, pureed pumpkin and chocolate truffle are deliberately enticing, while amber green, linden green, golden rod, bright violet and rosebud round out this creative array.

Resource: Dexigner.com  

Holiday shopping online? 3 tips to avoid common scams

(BPT) - Sometimes the best way to find that perfect holiday gift is to search and shop online; it's quick, easy and convenient. And more and more people are doing it: It's anticipated that sales for November and December will grow to $54.5 billion in 2012, a 16.8 percent increase over 2011, according to eMarketer.

As you venture into unknown online territory in your quest for that perfect gift, it's important to shop with a heightened sense of security. 

There are undoubtedly countless honest and hardworking sellers who peddle goods over the Internet, but there are also scammers looking to take advantage of unwitting victims.

Help protect yourself from scammers by following three simple rules:

1. Never use a money transfer service to pay for something online.

"Money transfer services are convenient and simple ways to send cash to people you personally know, but you're better off paying by credit card or using an escrow service when you're buying goods online from someone you don't know or you haven't met in-person," says Shelley Bernhardt, director of consumer protection at Western Union.

Western Union is not an escrow service provider and does not guarantee the delivery or suitability of goods or services.  Once you send a money transfer, it can be paid out to the receiver within a short time.  After the money is paid, it's gone and the odds of getting it back if the gift you thought you purchased never finds your doorstep are slim.

If an individual seller or online retail website only accepts money transfers as payment, be wary and look elsewhere. And don't be fooled, even if the seller appears friendly and offers a reasonable explanation as to why he or she only accepts money transfers - fraudsters are well-trained in gaining your trust.

2. Never email any financial information.

It's a red flag if a seller asks you to email a credit card number or checking account number. And remember: Never give out your Social Security number when shopping online; retailers don't need this information to complete a transaction. If you're paying for something online, use a secure money exchange service like Paypal or use the secure payment portal on the seller's website.

3. Read product descriptions carefully, including the fine print, and determine exchange and return policies before you purchase.

If the seller or website you bought from doesn't have an exchange policy and the product you buy ends up being something different than what you expected, you're likely out of luck if you try to return it.

You can shop online safely and securely during the holidays or anytime of the year. But make sure you're a savvy shopper and protect yourself from scammers by approaching your purchases with the required amount of scrutiny.

For more information on avoiding common scams, visit www.westernunion.com/stopfraud or www.ftc.gov/moneymatters and click on "Scam Watch".

10 Easy Green Household Habits from Top Eco-friendly Bloggers

Environmentally friendly habits don't have to be expensive. In many cases, protecting your bank balance and protecting the planet go hand in hand! Here we've rounded up ten easy habits that save can save families money and help the environment at the same time, all suggested by Circle of Moms' Eco-friendly Mom Bloggers.


1. Buy Secondhand

"One second-hand big ticket purchase alone can save your household thousands of dollars and reduce environmental impact." Gretchen Covine, EdenFeed

2. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

"An easy, eco-friendly and FUN habit that helps save money is to make your own household cleaning products. With pantry items like baking soda and white vinegar, Castile soap, and essential oils you can make inexpensive cleaners that are safe for you, your family, and the planet." –Mindy McLaren, Sweet & Woodsy Blog

3. Reduce Food Waste

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that about 30 cents of every dollar we spend on food we end up throwing away because what we've bought spoils, or expires, or because we've just bought too much. The solution? Put leftovers in the front of the fridge, not the back where you might forget about them. Try to plan menus in advance, then grocery shop with an ingredients list so you buy what you really will use. Go to the grocery store just once a week - after 'leftovers' night, if possible, and when the fridge is almost empty." Diane MacEachern, Big Green Purse

4. Save Water and Energy on Laundry

“Avoid using the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. New Energy Star-rated washers use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. Wash your laundry in cold water — 80-90 percent of the washing machine's energy is used to heat the water. Your clothes will be just as clean — honest!" -Lori Popkewitz Alper, Groovy Green Livin'

5. Drive Less

"Drive less and walk/ride/roll more…Adopting a more active-lifestyle approach to transportation saves money on gas and car repairs, provides an "excuse" for families to exercise together, and reduces natural resource depletion." -Kimberly Danek Pinkson, ecomom blog

6. Reuse Containers

"One of the best ways to save money AND be eco-friendly is to reuse/recycle what you already have! Save tons of money on storage containers by reusing glass and plastic food containers when they are empty." Jennifer Nitzky, Sprout's Green Family

7. Start a Garden

"The taste of homegrown produce is AMAZING, and it's a great family project. When local produce is in season, you can also preserve the bounty for pennies on the dollar compared to store products. We can, dry, freeze, lacto-ferment, root cellar, and use cold frames and a greenhouse for season extension. The kids are so proud of themselves when they share ‘their’ fruits and vegetables with family and friends.” -Laurie Neverman, Common Sense Homesteading

8. DIY Gift Wrap

“Wrapping paper, tissue and gift bags are insanely expensive for something that ends up in the trash before the party is even over. Instead, use what you have to wrap gifts — a basket or a beach bucket can be two gifts in one. Or use your child's artwork to make an extra special presentation. -Amity Hook-Sopko, Green Gifts Guide

9. Cloth Diapers

"You can significantly reduce the cost of diapering by using cloth. After the initial start up cost to purchase the materials you need (in our case, it was around $150), you can save several hundred dollars each year by committing to cloth. If you plan to have more children and reuse your cloth diapers, you will have saved a serious amount of money!" -Charise Rohm Nulsen, I Thought I Knew Mama

10. Turn Off Lights & Unplug Electronics

"I know this sounds incredibly easy and almost silly, but turning off the lights when you are not using them, as well as putting your computers, TV's, etc. on a power strip and turning them off nightly [saves money]. ... Computers, TV's, DVD players, and other electronics that are plugged in 24/7 are considered 'energy vampires.' They use energy even when we are not using them." Amy Todisco, Green Living Now


Resource: The Circle of Moms Editors