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
Every December you are bombarded with suggestions (some subtle, some not-so-much) for items to buy for the holidays. But what about items to buy AFTER the holidays? If you can wait a few days or weeks, you could land yourself some outrageous deals. In fact, if a loved one wants an item on the list below, you might even want to give them a gift card and advise them to pick it up when it goes on sale. That way, they not only get what they want, but they also get more money to spend on other desired items.
Topics: Savings, Home Ownership, budget
The holidays are a great time of year for entertaining family and friends. But, you may look around your house and think about sprucing things up before you bring the first guests in. You don't have to put large amounts of money out to get a nice impact for the holidays as well as your home's value. Here are 10 holiday home improvement tips that will boost your home equity value.
Topics: Home Equity, Holidays, Home Ownership
