As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
It’s a seller’s housing market, but that doesn’t mean you have to be complacent about your home’s value. Here are several projects that can add value to your home, so that when you do decide to sell, you’ll get the best offers possible.
Upgrading items in your kitchen is an easy way to add value to your home. The first place to start is your countertops. If they’re laminate, try changing them to some sort of stone. In a recent survey, 57 percent of home buyers preferred a stone countertop in their kitchens, while just eight percent preferred laminate. You could also upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models. As USA Today notes, these minor kitchen changes typically yield an 87 percent return on your investment.
The appeal of “curb appeal” is real. Home buyers love seeing a well-maintained exterior, and you should too — simple landscaping can reap huge returns. Basic yard care will run you an average of $340, but can yield a 539 percent return. Likewise, adding mulch to your home’s exterior can cost about $275, but yield a 536 percent return.
If you want to go big, go open. An open floor plan can make your home enticing to buyers. You’ll want to focus on the kitchen. That same home buyers’ survey found that 85 percent of buyers prefer an open floor plan between the dining room and kitchen, and 79 percent preferred an open floor plan between the family room and kitchen. The more value you add to your home, the more likely you are to get attractive offers from buyers.