In recent posts, we’ve reviewed how you can get a better rate on your mortgage – and therefore reduce your monthly payment as well as the overall cost of your loan over 30 years – by improving your credit score and paying off credit card debt. But that’s not the only way to save money…

The housing market in New Hampshire is very attractive to many. Beautiful three and four bedroom homes in great neighborhoods near excellent schools and amenities can be found in the $350,000 range. In some cases, an investment of this size can even get you into a new construction home that can be customized to your…

In our last post, we explored how having a high credit card utilization rate negatively affects your credit score. The utilization rate is the ratio of the balance owing to the credit limit. We also talked about just how much you can save on your mortgage by improving your credit score. Today, we’ll take a…

One of the best things about living in New Hampshire is the option for a small-town New England lifestyle with access to urban centers and their culture, entertainment, and industry. But many of the state’s smaller communities have much to offer and be proud of in their own right. Take Merrimack, NH for example. .…

It’s the time of year when you’re doing a little more cleaning to prepare for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re planning to have a houseful for just a day or overnight stays, it’s a great feeling when some of the areas of your home that don’t get much regular attention can sparkle. Even when some of…

Decorating for Halloween can be fun, with a little imagination. Whether you’re catering to your young children or prefer a more sophisticated look, there are lots of ways to spook up your home for the holiday. We’ve scared up a list of our favorite ideas. The orange gourd is a Halloween staple, but pumpkins don’t…

We talked recently about the growing numbers of families in multi-generational living situations. If that sounds like a good fit for you and extended family members, there are some things to keep in mind – logistically and financially – when deciding to buy a home together. Determine what everyone is looking for in this new…

Straight from the fashion runway and into your home, you can get some great decorating ideas from those who are setting the latest trends in clothing.  From statement pieces to metallics to textures and new color combinations, the fashion houses have laid out their plans for what we’ll be wearing in the months ahead. So…

This time of year, many New Englanders mourn the fact that deck and patio season just feels too short. Temperatures are cooler, days are shorter, and we long for the warm summer weather we enjoyed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. When autumn arrives, it’s easy to think we have to shutter ourselves in the…

It wasn’t so long ago that it was very common for several generations of a family to live together under one roof. As people retired from their jobs and careers, they were able to help look after children, prepare family meals, and tend to the home. Aging parents had their adult children to assist them…

The new school year is about to begin, which means getting back to familiar autumn routines. For some, starting school this year means everything new. If you’ve moved to a new town or district, or if your kids are about to transition from one school to the next, they (and you!) may have some anxiety…

Need a reprieve from the sweltering sun, but just don’t have the money in your budget to find an entertaining way to cool off? There are some great ways to beat the heat without digging into your savings. For instance, consider your own backyard. Have you thought about transforming your backyard into a water park…