While millions of shoppers are expected to descend upon shopping centers and malls across the country hoping to cash in on post-Thanksgiving savings, some are deciding to stay home and avoid spending. Half of the respondents to the most recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) online poll revealed that they plan to reduce holiday spending because they are financially worse-off than the year before.
“Reducing spending may be helpful, but careful planning and preparation can make those dollars go even farther,” says Bruce McClary, spokesman for the NFCC. “It’s not too late to start finding ways to save this year and in the year ahead.”
The NFCC recommends that holiday shoppers use the following steps before the spending begins:
Review Savings
Experts agree that the use of a dedicated savings account can help avoid holiday debt hangovers in the year ahead. Before anything else, it’s time to see if there is enough room in savings to cover all of the expenses. Having enough cash to avoid using credit cards is good reason to celebrate. If savings are short, the next steps are very important.
Calculate Debt Ratios
If planning to use credit, it’s always best to look at the big picture before setting foot in the store or going online. A good indicator of financial health is the debt to income ratio. This is how to determine if there is room to save and spend, or if it’s time to put the budget on a leaner diet....
Read more: Four Steps Everyone Should Take Before Holiday Shopping Begins
While millions of shoppers are expected to descend upon shopping centers and malls across the country hoping to cash in on post-Thanksgiving savings, some are deciding to stay home and avoid spending. Half of the respondents to the most recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) online poll revealed that they plan to reduce holiday spending because they are financially worse-off than the year before.
“Reducing spending may be helpful, but careful planning and preparation can make those dollars go even farther,” says Bruce McClary, spokesman for the NFCC. “It’s not too late to start finding ways to save this year and in the year ahead.”
The NFCC recommends that holiday shoppers use the following steps before the spending begins:
Review Savings
Experts agree that the use of a dedicated savings account can help avoid holiday debt hangovers in the year ahead. Before anything else, it’s time to see if there is enough room in savings to cover all of the expenses. Having enough cash to avoid using credit cards is good reason to celebrate. If savings are short, the next steps are very important.
Calculate Debt Ratios
If planning to use credit, it’s always best to look at the big picture before setting foot in the store or going online. A good indicator of financial health is the debt to income ratio. This is how to determine if there is room to save and spend, or if it’s time to put the budget on a leaner diet....
Read more: Four Steps Everyone Should Take Before Holiday Shopping Begins
While millions of shoppers are expected to descend upon shopping centers and malls across the country hoping to cash in on post-Thanksgiving savings, some are deciding to stay home and avoid spending. Half of the respondents to the most recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) online poll revealed that they plan to reduce holiday spending because they are financially worse-off than the year before.
“Reducing spending may be helpful, but careful planning and preparation can make those dollars go even farther,” says Bruce McClary, spokesman for the NFCC. “It’s not too late to start finding ways to save this year and in the year ahead.”
The NFCC recommends that holiday shoppers use the following steps before the spending begins:
Review Savings
Experts agree that the use of a dedicated savings account can help avoid holiday debt hangovers in the year ahead. Before anything else, it’s time to see if there is enough room in savings to cover all of the expenses. Having enough cash to avoid using credit cards is good reason to celebrate. If savings are short, the next steps are very important.
Calculate Debt Ratios
If planning to use credit, it’s always best to look at the big picture before setting foot in the store or going online. A good indicator of financial health is the debt to income ratio. This is how to determine if there is room to save and spend, or if it’s time to put the budget on a leaner diet....
Read more: Four Steps Everyone Should Take Before Holiday Shopping Begins
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By John Voket
A couple of the first questions you may ask once you decide to list your home for sale are: what will a home inspector be looking at and how can I possibly prepare for a home inspection?
For answers, we turned to the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (nahi.org) According to the site, much preparation can be done with little or no cost – and many tasks are regular maintenance items for a home. Below are the top things to tackle before a home inspection:
- Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Six (6) or more inches of clearance is preferred.
- Divert all water away from the house; i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drains, etc. Grade should slope away from the structure. Clean out basement entry drains.
- Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimney, windows and doors.
- Seal asphalt driveways, if cracking, and point up masonry chimney caps.
- Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
- Test all smoke detectors to ensure they are in safe working condition.
- Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove cleaned and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
- Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.
- Ensure that all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, and sinks) are in proper working conditions. Check for and fix any leaks. Caulk around fixtures if...
Read more: How Can You Prepare for a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?