Daylights Savings ends this Sunday — which means it’s time to “fall back” an hour at 2 a.m. local time. So, while you run around your house changing all the clocks back, why not take care of a few things that you may have put on the back burner. Find out what you can do to save more money and energy this year.
(more…)The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is working with Obama to make it easier for nearly 1 million underwater borrowers to refinance into lower-cost mortgages. Regulators are making changes to HARP to help more homeowners who are current on payments but don’t qualify for refinancing. Find out if you’re eligible and how it can help you.
(more…)Whether you’re a senior, are disabled, diabetic, or just need assistance, there are programs and benefits that can save you money and make life easier. But if you don’t know about them, or don’t think you qualify, you may be missing out on help that you deserve. Take a look at some fo the benefits you should know about and take advantage of if you aren’t already.
(more…)Looking for an apartment? Not sure where to start? Watch this video and check out the 4 things you should do before you rent to ensure you’re treated fairly and you find an affordable home for your family.
(more…)Are you one of the many Americans who is more likely to access the Internet on a mobile device than by a home Internet connection or on a PC? Now there is a new tool that allows you to find nearby public services using your mobile device – BeeLocal!
(more…)Between boxes, bubble wrap and finding the right truck or movers, moving can be chaotic to say the least. But with a few tips, calculators and a little homework, you can get from point A to point B with a little less stress.
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Recently, there was a small drop in consumer debt - somewhere around 65 percent. Which is great. But it’s not because we’ve all jumped on the budget, pay off your credit cards and save wagon. It’s due to banks writing off debt (around $695 billion!), giving up on collections, foreclosing on homes and canceling credit cards.
It seems that many of us are still in over our heads. And because many folks are unemployed, getting out of this cycle of debt can seem impossible. Fortunately, it is possible and you can do it.
Let’s start with the bad news and look at the 5 main reasons we’re in debt.
Okay, now the good news: You can reduce your debt! It’s not exactly going to be easy, but the steps to financial freedom are in front of you. So, where do you start?
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For a moment there it almost seemed like the number of foreclosure had finally slowed down. But it seems 2011 may be a peak year for foreclosures due to missed payments and unemployment.
As millions of borrowers fall behind on their mortgage, RealtyTrac estimates that at least 1.2 million homes will be lost to foreclosure this year. And with more folks missing payments due to unemployment, drained funds, etc., lenders are preparing to take back more homes this year than any other since the housing crisis began.
So, if you’re behind on your payments, here are a few steps you can take to get some help:
Talk to your lender. Not sure how to start that conversation? Here are some helpful tips.
Get help from these Federal foreclosure resources. There are a number of programs, plans and tips that may be able to help you keep your home.
Contact a housing counselor. You can get immediate housing help online, or call the following counseling services:
Take a look at your finances. Go over your budget, cut any unnecessary expenses and find ways save.
Find out about “loan workout plans”. Make sure you know your loan options - there are short term and long term plans that can help.
Between foreclosures, falling prices, tight credit and unemployment, the housing market can’t improve either. Add the number of foreclosures in 2010 (1 million) and you can see why the housing market isn’t bouncing back. Or the economy for that matter – at least not as quickly as we’d like.
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Holiday cooking, warm fires to sit by, candles and twinkly lights are all part of the holiday cheer. But they can also be potential fire hazards. That means, this is the perfect time to check your smoke alarms and make sure they’re working.
So, how do you make sure your family and home are protected?
Know which type of alarm you have in your home
Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths occur because the smoke alarm wasn’t working or there wasn’t one at all. Unfortunately, many home fire deaths also result when there were working smoke alarms, but there wasn’t enough warning.
There are two basic types of smoke detectors commonly found in homes:
Of course, having any type of smoke alarm is better than nothing. Installing both types of alarms is even better. But many safety experts recommend having a dual-mode alarm which responds to both smoke and flames.
Make sure alarms are installed correctly on every floor and in each sleeping room
Keep them clean and ready to go by testing and maintaining your alarms regularly
Discuss your home fire escape plan to make sure the whole family knows what to do and where to go.
Need a smoke alarm? Some fire departments offer low-cost or free smoke alarms. Many will even install them for free. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency number for more information.
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Are you relocating or thinking about moving? Not sure about the new neighborhood? Well, NeighborhoodScout is providing a little peace of mind with some helpful facts about each neighborhood in the U.S. And you might be surprised by what you find.
Some of the areas you’d think of as the biggest, “scariest” cities actually have some of the lowest crime rates and safest neighborhoods in America.
So, if you’re moving to Los Angeles, California you’d find that it’s safer than 98 percent of all U.S. neighborhoods – making it the safest neighborhood in the U.S. NeighborhoodScout also provides each city’s ranking and can help you find a neighborhood based on best public schools, home appreciation rates, etc.
With many folks moving around the U.S. for jobs, housing, etc. NeighborhoodScout can make your move a little less stressful. While you’re at it, find all of the tools and information you need on renting, buying, homeownership and more.
