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Category: Useful articles

  • Simple Ways to Refresh Your Space

    It’s easy to get sick of your home decor, especially if you have been staying home a lot.  With the warmer weather approaching, take some time to give your home a little refresh.  There’s no need to do a complete makeover of your home, just switch up a few things.  You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook!

    Take Advantage of Natural Light
    With spring on the horizon, we are starting to see a little more sun peeking out, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine fill your home.  The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too.

    You can also take advantage of the natural light to add in some more houseplants or help your current ones thrive! By simply adding in natural light, you have so many options to refresh and enjoy your living space.

    Give Your Home a Good Clean
    It seems simple but giving your space a deep cleaning and decluttering can instantly revitalize a room and make your home much more livable.  Even if you only go this far, it will surely make a major difference in refreshing your home. Set goals to clean and declutter one space at a time, and then work to organize anything left behind.  This is an easy and rewarding way to give your home a quick refresh!

    Change Up Your Bedding
    Making small updates to your bedroom, like changing up your bedding can change the whole look of your room and give it a fresh feel. This is the perfect time of year to wake up your bedroom with some new bedding. Or simply refresh your look by switching out your heavy winter blankets, throws, and pillows with lighter-weight and lighter-toned versions.  You could also add some throw pillows or a blanket at the end of your bed to add different textures and colors.

    Rearrange Your Furniture
    Rearranging your furniture is an easy and free way to completely transform your space.  Try changing up things or even losing pieces that just don’t fit. You’d be surprised how doing this can make your space seem more open and change the whole look of the room, while also becoming more functional. Plus, it’s kind of fun to shake things up a bit and change your furniture layout.

    If you are feeling bored with your space, you don’t have to completely remodel your home to switch things up! By swapping out a few pieces, adding in some new decor, or even letting more light in, you can achieve the looks you want.  These are all cheap and easy alternatives that will have a major impact on your living space!

  • Beat Cold and Germ Season at Home

    You might have noticed that subtly longer days and milder temperatures have been creeping back onto the scene lately. It’s true, spring is on the horizon. But we’re not in the clear just yet. In fact, in addition to those days of sunshine and fresh air we’ve been treated to recently, many of us also have been battling end-of-season cold and flu germs.

    Once germs infest your home, they typically take a turn in each member of your family. To get your crew through to spring’s fresh air, here are eight ways to keep your home safe from germs:

    1. Set (and keep) a cleaning schedule. Our first and best defense against germs is to keep a clean house. Of course, on top of your work and school schedule, home cleaning duties can be overwhelming. To make sure you’re not feeling like every Saturday must be devoted to cleaning your house from top to bottom, set a cleaning schedule where you tackle a task or two each day. This way, cleaning your home will be less of a chore—and more about keeping out germs that can make you sick.

    2. Change your air filters. This chore is on every seasonal home maintenance task list out there. Though it might seem unnecessary at times, changing your HVAC system’s filter can help keep you safe from harmful germs. So, instead of dreading this regular home maintenance task—just make sure you do it on time each quarter.

    3. Circulate the air in your home. In winter, there can be a major lack of fresh air in our homes. Combat stagnant air by continuing to run your ceiling fans throughout the season. This will help improve your indoor air and keep those flu and cold germs from settling in your home.

    4. Increase indoor humidity. Speaking of improving your indoor air quality in winter, make sure you invest in a humidifier for your home. The moisture in the air can help prevent sinus infections and other germs from manifesting.

    5. Start spring cleaning early. Home cleaning tasks like vacuuming and dusting are easy to remember on a weekly basis. However, did you know that regularly wiping down your blinds and ceiling fans can help to prevent germs from finding a resting place in your home? Instead of saving these tasks for spring cleaning, tackle them before the warmer season arrives.

    6. Always put the toilet seat down. Here is an easy defense against flu and cold germs—and any other germs for that matter. Simply keep your toilet seat down. Lowering the lid before you flush and when your toilet is not in use will help keep germs away from you and your family members.

    7. Look at light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls. From your smartphone to your remote controls to doorknobs and beyond, so many things in our homes involve our touch. Take a look at your bathroom light switch for instance. You might be surprised at how much dirt and dust can compile in such a small area. Make it a habit to wipe down any devices, doorknobs, and other hand-friendly parts of your home.

    8. Wash your hands. It’s advice that probably has come from every parent out there. Routinely wash your hands to prevent them from collecting and spreading any germs throughout your home. The advice is no different during cold and flu season. Step up hand-washing efforts around your home to help keep germs out.

    The moral of this healthy home story? Give your home a little extra TLC – cleaning, maintenance, and care – to be sure you and your family stay germ-free for the remainder of cold and flu season. A healthier season will be here in no time at all!

  • 10 Questions to Ask Potential Roommates

    You’ve probably heard that renting rooms in your own home is becoming quite common. Perhaps you’re just searching for a roommate for your next semester at college. Maybe you’re a landlord who is trying to pair roommates together. In any case, finding the right roommate can be difficult. But you can help yourself by asking a few good questions upfront.

    Here are 10 things you’ll want to find out about a potential roommate before you move in with them:

    1. Will they be able to afford rent each month? Of course, the very first question you want to ask any roommate is if they will be able to pay for their share of the rent, utilities, and any other regular fees. If they do not have a reliable source of income, you may need to stop asking questions and move on.

    2. What is their definition of clean? Some people are content with regular clutter. Some people cannot go to bed at night if even one pillow is out of place on their couch. If you and your roommate cannot come to an agreement on an acceptable level of cleanliness in your home, you may have regular disagreements.

    3. Are they an early riser or a night owl? If you know that you need to be in bed by 9pm most nights, but your roommate is often up until midnight, you could face a few clashes in the mornings and evenings. The living arrangement could still work, but this is something you’ll want to know before your alarm clock goes off.

    4. What does comfortable mean to them? When you’re living with a roommate, you’ve got to find the balance between home comfort and affordable utility costs. Will your roommate be more willing to pay a little extra each month for comfort or would they rather bundle up while they’re at home?

    5. Do they have frequent visitors? Why ask this question? Because, if your roommate has frequent visitors, you’ll also have frequent visitors. It is important for you and your roommate to talk about this before any visitors start flowing in.

    6. What does home security mean to them? While you don’t need to talk about a home monitoring system with a potential roommate, you should find out what level of security makes them feel comfortable at home. Do they always lock the doors and windows when they leave? Is that a “must” for you? If you cannot agree on home safety, it may be very difficult to live together.

    7. How long do they think they will need a roommate? Are you looking for a long-term live-in roommate? Or do you just need to live with a roommate for your final semester of school? Find a roommate who is looking for a similar living arrangement that will fit your needs.

    8. Are they looking for a friendship, too? You may be looking for someone to simply share the rent and other living costs. However, some roommates may be seeking a real friendship. If you’re constantly on the go and don’t feel like you have time to cultivate a new friendship, it is nice to let a new roommate know this from the get-go.

    9. What happens with the groceries? And the cooking? Will you and your roommate go grocery shopping together? Will you share the food in the refrigerator? It may sound like a minor issue, but if you find that your roommate is constantly eating the last of your favorite foods, it could be a major problem around the house!

    10. What do they do for fun? Whether you’re looking for a new best friend in your next roommate or not, you’re likely to spend some of your free time together. Maybe you and your new roommate will be able to catch up on a favorite TV show together—or maybe you can teach each other something new.

    The bottom line when it comes to looking for a roommate? Find someone with similar views on the things that matter most to you. Beyond that, let a person’s differences teach you something new. Best of luck in your search for a roommate!

  • Debunking 5 Home-buying Myths for First-time Homebuyers

    Buying a home is an exciting process that buyers should enjoy. Unfortunately, many first time homebuyers can feel overwhelmed with all of the advice they receive from family members or friends who have already gone through the process. While it’s nice to hear different perspectives, it is important to remember that every buyer has a unique experience — and there are some myths circulating about buying a home that everyone should ignore. Today, we’re debunking five of these fallacies so first-time homebuyers can feel more confident in taking the plunge!

    Myth #1: You Should Wait Until You Have 20% For Your Down Payment
    This myth has been perpetuated for years, but it’s simply not true in the current market. With low interest rates and plenty of mortgage options, first time homebuyers don’t need to wait until you have saved up 20%. In fact, there are plenty of mortgage programs available that only require 3%-5% down payments. Talk to your lender and see which option works best for you.

    Myth #2: You Need To Have Perfect Credit
    Again, this myth is false and can be easily debunked by speaking with your lender. While it does help to have a good credit score (650+), many lenders will work with first time homebuyers who have lower scores as well. The key is finding a lender who understands your current financial situation and can offer guidance on how to improve your credit score over time.

    Myth #3: You Need To Buy A House As Soon As Possible
    This might be the most dangerous myth on our list because it puts unnecessary pressure on first time homebuyers before they even begin their search! There’s no rush when buying a house – take your time and look at all of your options before making any decisions. After all, this isn’t just any purchase – this is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime!

    Myth #4: You Can Skimp On Getting A Professional Inspection
    While it may seem like an unnecessary expense upfront, hiring a professional inspector for an inspection before closing on a home is non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter if you think the house looks perfect – inspections are designed to uncover hidden issues like mold or structural problems that could become expensive headaches down the line if left unchecked. Make sure you get an inspection before closing on any property!

    Myth #5: Location Is All That Matters When Buying A Home
    While location certainly plays a role in determining how much value homeowners can expect their property to retain over time, other factors are also important when shopping around for properties. Don’t forget to factor in things like schools, taxes, neighborhood amenities like parks or shopping centers nearby — those all play into whether or not you love where you live after settling into your new home!

    Conclusion: Taking advice from family members or friends about buying a home can be helpful but ultimately each buyer’s experience is unique – so take any advice with a grain of salt! We hope this post helped debunk some common misconceptions so that first-time homebuyers can make informed decisions about their future homes without feeling overwhelmed by misinformation or outdated real estate practices!

    If you are a first time homebuyer and want expert help please Contact Us Today

     

  • Six Tips for Finding the Right Rental Property

    If your future plan includes moving out on your own, you may have a few concerns as you plan to spread your wings. Unless you’ve been saving funds and working on your finances for the last year or so, you may not be quite ready to buy a home yet. So, how can you find a rental property that is right for you? With a little help, of course!

    Here are six tips for finding the right rental, right now:

    1. Know What You Can Afford
    Before you even begin to scour the rental market in your area, you’ve got to know your monthly budget. Fiscal experts suggest that renters (and buyers for that matter) spend between 20-30% of their gross monthly income on housing. But let’s not forget that in addition to a monthly rental fee, you’ll also be incurring monthly utility costs, cable/internet subscription fees and possibly trash removal costs, if your landlord is not footing the bill for that fee. Crunch a few numbers to see what portion of your monthly pay you’ll feel comfortable parting with for housing costs.

    2. Determine “Must Have” Features
    In some ways, finding the right rental property is a lot like finding the right home to buy. You certainly want to be comfortable in your chosen rental for the entire length of your lease. So, don’t settle for a rental just for the sake of being on your own. If proximity to work, shopping or public transportation are high on your priorities list, find a property that meets those standards. If on-site laundry is something you can’t do without, don’t consider a rental property that would require you to pack up and head to the laundromat. When it comes down to your everyday living, you’ve got to know what you can – and cannot – do without!

    3. Don’t Sacrifice Safety
    Being on your own is an awesomely-free feeling; but you shouldn’t feel so free that you don’t feel safe! If you’re searching for the right rental property this year, resolve to only scope out properties in safe neighborhoods and question potential landlords on their safety features. When touring through potential rentals, take a specific look at entrances, door locks and even windows!

    4. Do Your Research
    When you’re searching for a rental property, there is no doubt that you’re trying to impress potential landlords. Don’t forget that the impressing should go both ways. If you fall in love with a rental property, make sure that you and the landlord will get along as well. You can find out about a potential landlord by inquiring about their tenant turnover rate. You also can ask to speak with current or previous tenants, who are sure to give you an honest opinion about their rental experience. It is one thing to find a great rental property, but it also is important to make sure you can deal with a landlord for the entire length of your lease.

    5. Be Prepared
    Finding the right rental property and landlord for you is only half of the battle – you’ve also got to secure them! Many landlords will require documentation to ensure that you’re not only able to afford their property, but also that you’ll take good care of it. In addition to running a credit and background check on rental applicants, landlords also may require potential renters to submit proof of employment, like pay stubs or tax returns. Some may even require reference letters. Prepare a few of these documents ahead of time, so you’re ready when your potential landlord makes these requests.

    6. Understand Your Lease
    When you do find the rental property and landlord that seem like the right fit for you, you’ll need to sign on the dotted line before calling them your own. Before you add your signature to any legally binding document, make sure that you’re aware of what that signature means. Determine the length of the lease, what is included and what you may or may not be responsible for upon move-out. Further, even after you sign the lease, document the initial condition of the property with photos, so that you and your landlord are well aware of any imperfections that may be pre-existing.

    Once you’ve scoured rental properties and secured your short-term living arrangements, pick up rental insurance to cover your belongings in your new home. Undoubtedly, your landlord carries insurance on their property, but that does not cover the items you bring inside. So, protect your property, begin the decorating process, and enjoy your new rental property!

  • Give Your Home a Morale Makeover

    7 easy ways to revitalize your space and boost your mood

    With many Americans spending a lot more time at home, you may find your house taking on the roles of office, classroom, gym and community center — and it’s easy to feel uninspired by your surroundings after occupying the same space day in, day out. But all hope is not lost: There are simple and inexpensive ways to transform your home into a fresh and stimulating environment. Give your home some TLC with these seven tips from interior decorators, feng shui experts and design enthusiasts.

    Break it up

    If you’re working at home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting responsibilities. To help stay on track, designate different areas for specific activities. It’s important to ‘compartmentalize’ your living space. Assign specific areas for fitness, work and leisure: Dig out a yoga mat from under the bed and dedicate an area to working out. Clean and organize the desk in the living room or office to serve as a ‘command station’ for going online and making phone calls. The bedroom doubles as another workspace and is perfect for napping or watching movies in bed. If you live in a studio, you can simulate separate “rooms” by splitting up the space with curtains, bookshelves or other furniture.

    Experiment with color

    Painting the walls is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to immediately invigorate any home. For a classic look that will hold up against almost any decor, opt for cool neutrals; if you prefer something more dramatic, consider adding a pop of color to a feature wall. Feng shui experts and interior designers recommend greens and blues: they are most associated with health, calm and well being. If you’re not ready to commit to painting, it is suggested to use accessories like throw pillows, an area rug, curtains or artwork to bring color into your space.

    Streamline and declutter

    With millions of us now living and working alongside family members, significant others and roommates, our homes may suddenly seem more cramped than ever before. There’s no better way to create spatial harmony than decluttering: it works a powerful magic in that it gets your entire space up to speed with you.  Experts recommend starting small with a contained space like a bathroom, which “will give you a quick feeling of accomplishment and encourage you to do the next space.” The benefits of a tidy space extend beyond aesthetics — research has found that clearing clutter can lower stress levels.

    Do a digital detox

    The digital detox movement is not new, but it’s worth revisiting in this climate of constant COVID-19 news and social media chatter. Though it’s important to stay informed about the health crisis, it’s easy to slip from a healthy level of engagement to compulsive checking. To reduce screen dependence, set up manageable boundaries based on time or place. For example, designate dinnertime as phone-free, or remove mobile tech devices from your bedroom for a daily reset.

    Invigorate with scents

    Scent is a powerful vehicle for uplifting your mood. Every room should have a different scent track to score your moment. Use woody scents like cedar, palo santo, oud, copal and frankincense to feel grounded; rosemary for invigoration; and incense to focus and meditate. There are many ways to suffuse a room with scent — candles, oil diffusers, air mists and fresh flowers, to name a few. For a more subtle effect, crack open a window to balance out your chosen fragrance with fresh air.

    Greenify and purify

    While you’re staying put, there’s no better time to bring the outside world in. If there’s one thing that makes a space feel livable, it’s some elements of green. Not only do plants bring light and color, they also add oxygen to your home — something that many of us could use more of as we hunker down indoors. Consider the level of care you want to give: Some folks may find something less fussy to be easier to deal with, whereas others may want a more ‘high-maintenance’ plant that requires attention every day. Whichever plant you choose, she says that the ritual of maintaining it can be deeply healing.

    Lighten up

    Natural light is the top office perk, according to a study of workplace benefits published in the Harvard Business Review. If your home is now your office, you have more control than ever over the light conditions of your workday. To maximize your exposure to natural light, position your desk near a window and keep drapes and shades open during the daytime. If you don’t have much natural light coming in, it is recommended to affix aluminum mini-blinds to your windows. You can direct or cut out light (and inquisitive neighbors across the street) as needed, and when the sun hits them just right, you can use them to throw light into the room without getting blinded. Adding reflective surfaces — like a mirror, lacquered table, or chrome lamp — enhances the light in dark rooms.

  • How to Save for A Home

    Have you been dreaming of owning your own home or even upgrading the one you currently have? With a few simple steps and a little saving, you could be well on your way to move-in day. If home ownership is on your to-do list, follow these simple steps to save throughout this next year.

    Track spending and make a budget
    Prior to even looking at homes, decide what amount you can comfortably afford. January is a good time to not only track all your monthly spendings and create a budget of your expenses but to look at your spending habits from the previous year. Once you’ve looked at all your expenses, you’ll have a more complete picture of how much money you truly have at the end of the month and what you can do to increase your savings.

    When you go to get pre-approved, keep in mind what the bank may say you can afford might be drastically different from what you can actually afford and maintain the lifestyle you want. Calculate your total home costs, including mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance, which can often add several hundred dollars to your total mortgage. A good agent can help you determine general numbers to start.

    Save for a down payment
    Having a low debt to income ratio will be beneficial when saving for a down-payment and getting a mortgage.  Your savings are another aspect of your financial picture that lenders will be very interested in. But you don’t only want to build up your savings to impress lenders. You’ll want to save money for a down payment on your new home. It’s also important to note that you will need to have cash on hand for closing costs.

    Finally, nearly every homeowner would agree that you will want to have money saved up for things like home décor, maintenance, and renovations. Start saving early to put yourself in the best position possible to afford the home you want—and the things you want to put in it!

    Check if you qualify for housing programs
    Before you purchase a home, you will want to see if you qualify for any housing programs.  If this is your first home, you can qualify for a first-time homeowner’s loan. These loans have lower down payment requirements and are easier to qualify for than a conventional loan. FHA loans are excellent for first-time homebuyers because, in addition to lower upfront loan costs and less stringent credit requirements, you can make a down payment as low as 3.5%

    If you are not a first-time homebuyer, you still might qualify for a loan that can help you save.  Military service members and veterans can get a Department of Veterans Affairs loan that doesn’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance and comes with low closing costs.  There are also other loans available for teachers, police officers and firefighters through the Good Neighbor Next Door Program.
    Improve your credit score

    Your credit score is a significant factor that lenders use to determine your eligibility to buy a home. The better your credit score, the better your chances will be to secure a home loan. Some ways to improve your credit score are to pay off any credit card bills, refinance student loans and refrain from opening any new accounts.

    With these few simple steps, you will be well on your way to the closing table.

  • 10 Winter House Plants for Your Home

    Cold weather tends to keep some of us indoors during the long winter months. But there is some hope in battling the cabin fever that can make us feel a little blue. Houseplants are a great way to bring some fresh air and greenery into your home during winter.

    With National Houseplant Appreciation Day (January 10) just passed, what better way to start combatting cabin fever than by adding a few houseplants to your home? Here are 10 easy-to-care-for houseplants that can help bring fresh life to your home this winter and all year long:

    1. Garden Mums: Still have some mums left over from this fall? Keep them around to help you get through the cold this winter. They’re colorful and they’ll help provide cleaner, fresher air in your home during any season.

    2. Spider Plants: This is one type of spider you’ll always be glad to find in your home. Spider plants add great color and grow well with little care. In fact, this plant doesn’t need much light and is even happy when its soil dries out between watering.

    3. Ficus Trees: Want to add some height to the greens in your home? Bring in a ficus tree that could grow to be taller than you! This houseplant does like a lot of light, but it can grow well with little water.

    4. Aloe Plants: You probably already know that this plant’s gel can help soothe burns and cuts. But did you also know that an aloe plant can help soothe cabin fever? This sun-loving plant will help clean the air in your home in addition to showing off its bright green hue.

    5. Peace Lilies: Not only will this plant help freshen the air in your home all year long, but its flowers will also be a welcome sight each summer. Peace lilies do well in shady areas and will droop a bit to let you know they need a drink of water.

    6. Bamboo Palms: Though it is important to make sure this houseplant gets lots of water, the bamboo palm grows well in both sun and shade. It can last in a home for years, which makes this houseplant an excellent addition to your regular décor.

    7. Dragon Trees: If you’re looking to add more than just fresh green to your home, consider the dragon tree. Its leaves can be either green or purple! The dragon tree doesn’t need much light and will happily live indoors or outside once warmer weather arrives.

    8. Chinese Evergreen: Also known for its vibrant colors, the Chinese evergreen grows well with little light. It is great for most homeowners but is one that pet owners might want to stay away from as it can be toxic to our four-legged family members.

    9. Snake Plants: Don’t be turned away by this houseplant’s name. The snake plant can be a beautiful addition to your home décor. The fact that it is easy to care for doesn’t hurt either! This plant does well in dry conditions with some sun and occasional water.

    10. English Ivy: With just a little water, a little sun and a little shade, an English ivy plant can thrive in your home all winter long. In fact, it can live for several years. Or, once the weather breaks, you could transfer this houseplant outdoors to welcome spring.

    Celebrate a belated National Houseplant Appreciation Day by picking up an easy-to-care-for green or two for your home decor.

  • 3 Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity

    If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average borrower with a home loan has almost $300,000 in equity right now.

    As you weigh your options, especially in the face of inflation and talk of a recession, it’s important to understand your assets and how you can leverage them. A real estate professional is the best resource to help you understand how much home equity you have and advise you on some of the ways you can use it.  Here are a few examples.

    1. Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs
    If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s possible you have too much space and need something smaller. No matter the situation, consider using your equity to power a move into a home that fits your changing lifestyle.

    If you want to upgrade your house, you can put your equity toward a down payment on the home of your dreams. And if you’re planning to downsize, you may be surprised that your equity may cover some, if not all, of the cost of your next home. A real estate advisor can help you figure out how much equity you have and how you can use it toward the purchase of your next home.

    2. Reinvest in Your Current House
    According to a recent survey, 39% of homeowners would invest in home improvement projects if they chose to access their equity. This is a great option if you want to change some things about your living space but you aren’t ready to make a move just yet.

    Home improvement projects allow you to customize your home to suit your needs and sense of style. Just remember to think ahead with any updates you make, as some renovations add more value to your home and are more likely to appeal to future buyers than others. For example, a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows refinishing or replacing wood flooring has a high-cost recovery. Lean on a local professional for the best advice on which projects to invest in to get the greatest return on your investment when you sell.

    3. Pursue Your Personal Goals
    In addition to making a move or updating your house, home equity can also help you achieve the life goals you’ve dreamed of. That could mean investing in a new business venture, retiring, or downsizing, or funding an education. While you shouldn’t use your equity for unnecessary spending, leveraging it to start a business or putting it toward education costs can help you achieve other lifelong goals.

    Bottom Line
    Your equity can be a game changer. If you’re unsure how much equity you have in your home, let’s connect so you can start planning your next move.

  • 2023 Resolution: Improve Your Credit

    Is 2023 finally the year you push your credit score to Very Good? With the New Year finally here, it’s the perfect time to set goals and improve your credit score. With a few simple changes to your spending habits and payments, you can be well on your way to a better credit score in a couple of months! Here are some resolutions to help raise your credit score.

    Pay Bills on Time
    You probably already know late payments can hurt your credit score. And while carrying a credit card balance comes with its own financial risks, it’s important to know that most credit card accounts will only report a late payment to a credit bureau if you fail to make the minimum payment more than 30 days from the due date. So, if you’re able to pay your bills in full every month, keep doing so. But if you’re in a jam and can’t pay the full amount by the due date, just make sure to pay as much as you can and, at the least, the minimum.

    Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
    When your credit utilization is low, lenders will see you as less of a risk and your credit score will remain a lot higher. Credit Utilization is the amount of credit line you have versus the amount used. The lower the number, the better! To raise your credit score, keep credit utilization below 30%, but it’s a good idea to aim for 10% or less whenever possible. It’s okay to put most purchases on a primary card to maximize rewards, but make sure you aren’t damaging your credit score in the process by approaching your limits.

    Choose the Right Card For You
    There are a lot of credit card options out there and choosing the right card for you is just as important as paying off your card on time! Maybe you are paying a yearly fee that you don’t need to or perhaps you’d rather have a card that pays for travel as opposed to a percentage of cashback. Before you open a new card, make sure you look into all the benefits it has to offer. You can even use multiple cards. For example, one card might give better cashback on gas and one card might offer better travel points.  It’s okay to use both as long as you are diligent about paying them off!

    Use Your Credit Card for Points
    One of the biggest benefits of a credit card is the cashback and points that you receive.  Aim to use your credit card as a debit card and only put on it what you can afford. If you only use your credit card on what you can afford and then pay it off in full each month this will not only help you earn the maximum amount of points, but also help raise your credit score and help lenders see you as low risk!

    Stick to a Budget
    If you are working to raise your credit score this year, have your New Years’ resolution be to actually stick to a budget! A reasonable budget is key to prevent overspending that can harm your credit score. A good starting point is to lay out a long-term budget that covers all monthly expenses along with a few contingencies for unplanned bills. It’s always important to have money in savings for emergencies like car breakdowns, house repairs, and medical expenses.

    Also, avoid opening new credit accounts just to get rewards.  If you have a larger credit limit, you’re likely to overspend and carry a balance – wiping out your rewards with interest charges.

    Watch Your Credit Score
    When you are trying to raise your credit score, it’s also important to monitor where your credit is currently sitting. There are a lot of great apps like Mint and Experian that not only show you your current Credit and FICO score but also have great built-in budget tools to keep you on track.

    Whether you are trying to raise your credit score, or gain the maximum amount of credit card benefits, focusing on budgeting and paying off your cards will help! This year, make it a resolution to say goodbye to credit card debt and hello to a better credit score!