MoneyWisdom Blog

Topics: Home Ownership, mortgage

As a homeowner, I often find myself researching how to increase home value without draining my savings.  My neighbors seem to have some pretty creative ideas: one added landscaping, another updated a bathroom.  These ways were well and good, but I needed something a little different, something that would not only increase my home's value, but also help me in my day-to-day home ownership expenses.  The one thing I kept coming back to was insulation.

Topics: Home Ownership, Mass Save

Heating your home can be expensive, and this year it may be more so. The U.S. Energy Information Administration is forecasting that heating bills for American families will be higher than last year because of higher forecast energy prices. They predict natural gas bills to rise by 5%, electricity by 3% and home heating oil by a whopping 20%. How can you cut the high costs of heating your home this winter? Here are 7 winter energy savings tips that'll bring the cost of heating your home down:

Topics: Savings, Home Ownership, budget

Longer nights and falling leaves are the precursor to heating bills and chilly times at home. When you winterize your home now before the snows blow in, it can minimize the impact to your wallet later on. Here, ten easy winterizing tips at a variety of price points...plus a bonus tip:

Topics: Mass Save, Home Ownership, Green

Like many young couples, Bryan and Allysann looked forward to owning their first home together. They quickly discovered, however, the financial requirements for home ownership can be daunting … even a bit discouraging.

Topics: Home Ownership, mortgage

Maybe you’re tired of writing rent checks each month, knowing that your hard-earned salary funds your landlord’s real estate investment. Or that living below a bunch of hard-partying college kids has worn thin, along with your apartment walls, which are more like Egyptian papyrus — and as old, too!

Topics: mortgage, Home Ownership, Money Management

First-time homebuyers are sometimes caught off guard by overlooked expenses, which can create an uncomfortable financial pinch. Be sure you consider these one-time and ongoing expenses.

Topics: Home Ownership, budget

Have you ever watched a popular home buying show? Often you see home buyers searching for their ideal home turn down places with only minor flaws.

Topics: Home Ownership

Thinking about going solar? These four questions will get you started.

Topics: Home Ownership, solar energy, Mass Save

Saving water means saving money around your home. However, you might not be quite ready to put a brick in your toilet tank or reduce your shower flow to a trickle. Have no fear; you can still take steps to seriously reduce your water bill each month.

Topics: Savings, Home Ownership, budget