Lifestyle

Over the last 10 years, outdoor kitchens have become extremely popular in both new construction and remodeling ventures. These alfresco prep areas are great for entertaining or just spending quality time with the family.

With mortgage rates falling, many homeowners are rushing to refinance their 30-year mortgages into 15-year loans. Borrowers may be wondering if this is a financially sound move to make for their own mortgage. We’ve researched it and worked out the numbers for you so you can make a responsible, informed choice.

Who needs a budget anyway?

If you’re always wondering how you’re going to pay the next bill, feel guilty when you indulge in overpriced treats, and you can’t seem to find money to put into savings, then you probably need a budget.

If you feel like the middle-class squeeze is getting tighter each year, you’re not alone. The numbers don’t lie: Life really is a lot more expensive than it used to be.

Let’s take a look at what life costs like now compared to 20, 50 and 80 years ago.

Consumer debt in the United States is more than $3.4 trillion, with credit card debt alone at a staggering $16,048 average per household.

If you want to buckle down the spending belt, experts agree on tried and true measures for viewing the light at the end of debt’s tunnel.

From shoplifting to stampedes, nothing rings in the holidays more fondly than a couple of parents doing battle in the aisles over the last bargain Barbie on the shelf.

Craziness aside, though, Black Friday is the high holiday for serial shoppers. Social distancing and mask wearing are not going to keep them away from the thrill of the deal. But shopping this year does pose a few questions. Here are some answers.

Keep your holiday dollars in check and you may have some holiday spirit left over, even after the last elf is packed away and the January bills start rolling in.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but many of us may be feeling grinchy this year. With the pandemic still a looming threat to our health and happiness, the economy still a hot mess, and so many of our favorite seasonal activities canceled, getting into the holiday spirit can be challenging.

Lucky for you, we’re feeling nice, even during these naughty times. We’ve compiled a list of tips and strategies to help you keep the cheer in the holidays this year, even during COVID-19.

Leaving college often means the start of a new job, student loan debt to pay off, new living arrangements to pay for and other new expenses to cover. All of this means your finances will likely need an overhaul. It’s time to create your post-college budget.

Giving yourself an end-of-year financial review is a wonderful way to check on the progress you’ve made toward your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and update your accounts, funds, and investments.

Here’s all you need to know about this important end-of-year ritual.

What makes us overspend? Let’s take a look at five common reasons and how we can overcome them.

The news from the real estate market can be confusing. What do I need to know as a buyer, a seller, or just an American citizen, about today’s real estate market?

Who wouldn’t love some extra pocket money? Some freelance jobs don’t require any experience and can be done by practically anyone. Plus, some of them might pay you for tasks you’re already doing! These eight easy side hustles can help you pad your purse.

The rich culture and contributions of the Black community to our American story has been honored and celebrated since the late 1910s.

But who started the movement, and why was February the month chosen to celebrate Black History Month? We’ll answer those questions and more as we take a look at Black History Month through the decades until 1976 when Black History Month became the celebration as it’s known today.

Whether you’re only thinking about having a baby, or your due date is fast approaching, there’s no need to stress about finances. By taking the necessary measures today, you can learn to cover these new expenses without falling into debt.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare financially for a new baby:

There are a number of upcoming firsts for new homebuyers.

Check out these common homeowner situations to help you best prepare for them.

Hopefully, you’re working hard at keeping that score high by using your cards and paying your bills on time. You may be wondering, though, if more is better. Should you open a few more and get more available credit? Or are too many cards a liability to your score?

Read on for the answers to all your questions.