DIY

5 Renovations That Don't Increase Your Resale Value

Emily Guy Birken — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 22:45:56 +0000

The first major home renovation my husband and I ever undertook was insulating the walls of a 1921 Craftsman bungalow we shared in Columbus, Ohio. This project made the house a great deal more comfortable in the winter and the summer, since the existing insulation was the least expensive option available in the 1920s — making it completely inadequate for maintaining heat in the winter or coolness in the summer.

Unfortunately, despite the undeniable improvement to our comfort, we found that our new insulation did nothing for our resale value. Even though we had put nearly $5,000 worth of work and materials into this renovation, we didn't see that money and effort reflected in our sale price when we had to move several years later.

Not all renovations are going to increase your resale value. That doesn't necessarily mean you should forgo working on your home if you won't see the value when it's time to sell. For instance, I would definitely insulate that house again, even knowing that the money is only going to improve my comfort.

But there are some home renovation projects that you just can't expect to recoup your investment on. Knowing that, you should consider how long you intend to live in your house and whether you're renovating just to increase your home's value before jumping into any of these home improvement projects.

1. Invisible improvements

Insulating our bungalow was the kind of invisible improvement that had to be done, but didn't appear to change the house. Unlike "sexier" improvements like updating a kitchen or bath, or even putting on a new roof, invisible improvements don't change the look of the house. These are things like re-grading the yard to keep water from getting into the basement, updating the HVAC system, tuck-pointing bricks and chimneys, and replacing gutters.

While these improvements often have to be done to protect your house, the downside is that you may not recoup the cost of these improvements when it comes time to sell. It can be helpful to think of these renovation expenses as a way of protecting your home's current value, rather than as a way to increase your future resale value.

2. Swimming pool

While homeowners in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, and Southern California may find that having a swimming pool is a big selling point for their homes, this isn't going to be the case nationwide. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a pool is over $27,000. That doesn't include the annual maintenance costs, ranging between $500 and $4,000. It's these maintenance costs, plus the work that homeowners will have to either do themselves or contract out in order to keep their pool sparkling clean that will turn off many potential buyers. Add in the additional insurance requirements that homeowners with pools will need to purchase, and it should be clear why many prospective buyers would rather not invest in a home that comes with a pool.

This is why you should only commit to the cost of installing a pool if you truly want to use it yourself and expect to stay in your home for at least five years. Otherwise, it might make more sense to invest in a membership to your local pool.

3. Bathroom and kitchen upgrades

Remodeling your bathroom and/or kitchen is an excellent way to increase your home's value, right? Yes and no. While replacing dingy tiling and updating old appliances will definitely help your home shine for potential buyers, there's such a thing as going overboard with your bathroom or kitchen upgrades.

Specifically, if you add granite countertops, custom-made cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and ceramic tiles to your kitchen and bathroom, but the rest of the home is still an ordinary suburban home, potential buyers will see the house as a work-in-progress, rather than a home that feels move-in ready. Over-improving the bath and kitchen could make buyers think that it's not worth the effort to try to get the rest of the house to match. (See also: 9 Home Improvements You Should Always Negotiate)

4. Built-in high-end electronics

We may all dream of living in a George Jetson house — where every possible electronic need you have is already built in — but committing to this kind of renovation may hurt your resale value.

There are a couple of reasons for this. First, while your personal movie theater (with remote-controlled state-of-the-art projector) may be exactly what you want from your home, a potential buyer may just see a room that will need to be torn out and remodeled as soon as they move in. Plus, technology advances at a breakneck speed, so your cutting-edge electronics will soon look as dated as shag carpeting and harvest gold refrigerators.

If you need or want built-in high-end electronics in your home, make sure you're installing them for your own pleasure and comfort, because it's unlikely a buyer will appreciate them too.

5. Extravagant landscaping

Making improvements to your landscaping requires a gentle touch. On the one hand, landscaping is often touted as an important aspect of curb appeal, and making sure your yard and garden look attractive and welcoming is certainly a great way to draw in potential buyers.

On the other hand, an elaborate landscaping remodel can turn off buyers. Those with black thumbs might look at your vast flowering garden with sculpted shrubs and pond and decide they are not up for the challenge of keeping it up, and those who do love to garden might not like your vision and want to start over.

If recreating the gardens of Versailles is how you make your house feel like a home, then there's nothing wrong with investing in this kind of renovation. But make sure you're doing this kind of work for yourself, and not because you hope to make back the money you spent once you're ready to sell. (See also: 14 Ways to Make Your Yard Look Awesome for Under $100)

Renovate for the right reasons

While many experts focus on resale value as the deciding factor on whether to take on a home improvement project, the important thing to remember is that you live in your house now. Deciding which home renovations to work on based on what someone else might like is the way madness lies.

When you make improvements to your home, make sure you take your own comfort, your plans for living in the home, and the potential resale value into consideration. They all matter.

This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Things You Can Make in an Instant Pot to Save Money

Ashley Eneriz — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 09:00:08 +0000

The Instant Pot is truly an amazing kitchen gadget that saves you time when it comes to meal prep. You probably already know that you can make delicious fall-off-the-bone ribs and perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs with your IP, but did you know you can make other everyday necessities? Here are eight items you can make in an Instant Pot to save money.

1. Popcorn

Pop delicious, homemade popcorn in the Instant Pot with just dry popcorn kernels and coconut oil. In less than 10 minutes, you can have a movie-worthy snack. Instant Pot popcorn will also save you money since you can buy the kernels in bulk and avoid prepackaged popcorn, as well as a popcorn maker. Then add your favorite seasoning, such as butter or cinnamon and sugar, and enjoy! (See also: 12 Instant Pot Recipes That Will Save You Money)

2. Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract prices are higher than ever, due to the high cost of vanilla beans and lower crop yields in Madagascar (the world's largest producer of vanilla). But the good news is, you can save a little bit of money by making the extract yourself, especially if you already have vanilla beans on hand. This Instant Pot vanilla extract recipe takes 30 minutes in the cooker and tastes best after one to two weeks of sitting. (See also: 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Recipes That Fit Any Budget)

3. Dog food

Treat your pupper to some divine goodness with homemade dog food. Making your own dog food in the Instant Pot is a great way to create several days' worth of food in less than 30 minutes. Homemade dog food can sometimes save owners money over conventional pet food, and can help remedy pet issues, like weight or skin problems.

Note that many homemade dog food recipes, even ones made in an IP, are not meant to meet all of your dog's health needs. Be sure to research what other nutrients your pet needs in their diet.

4. Cough syrup

The problem with many over-the-counter cough medicines is that they can cause drowsiness, and parents have to buy an adult version as well as a children's version for safety reasons. This Instant Pot cough syrup is safe for both kids and grown-ups and uses fresh herbs to bring natural relief to stubborn coughs.

5. Whole grain bread

Did you know that your Instant Pot can replace a bread machine? This recipe for IP whole wheat crusty bread uses the yogurt function to let the dough rise, and then you can bake the bread in the oven. This fresh, homemade bread takes five and half hours to make instead of being an all-day event. Plus, you can save the money you'd normally spend on bread at the grocery store for much cheaper ingredients and a sense of accomplishment by making your own. (See also: 5 Ways Your Instant Pot Can Save You Money)

6. Hard lotion

Hard lotion is a lotion bar that is solid at room temperature, but will melt into your skin when you go to apply it. It's convenient to travel with and makes nice handmade gifts. This Instant Pot hard lotion can be made with just three simple ingredients: cacao butter, extra virgin olive oil, and beeswax. You can add your desired scent of essential oil, too. (See also: 4 Beauty Products You Can Make in an Instant Pot)

7. Jam

Once summertime arrives, peaches and strawberries will be everywhere. You can stretch the taste of summer into fall and winter by transforming summer fruits into jam. The Instant Pot drastically cuts the prep and cooking process so you can enjoy your toast sooner. Here's a recipe for honey vanilla peach jam and strawberry jam.

8. French toast

I'm sure many of us would love to start our mornings off with a heaping plate of French toast, but who has time for that? With the Instant Pot, you can whip up a delicious batch of French toast in 30-45 minutes, giving yourself a fantastic breakfast even on work days.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Sacrifices That Will Supercharge Your Debt Payoff

Denise Hill — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:00:06 +0000

In order to get and stay out of debt, you have to shake things up. You need to change your thought patterns, financial habits, routines, and in some cases, your circle of friends. It requires intentional effort, diligence, and sacrifice. If you seriously want to get out of debt, here are the sacrifices that will expedite the journey.

1. Live on less

The long-quoted financial rule of thumb is that your housing should be less than 30 percent of your net income. If you're above that threshold, downsizing and moving to a cheaper place is one of the easiest and most drastic ways to lower your expenses. (See also: 7 Reasons You Need to Downsize)

If your housing costs are already under 30 percent of your gross income, and you're still in debt, you'll need to find other ways to save money as best as you can. Don't just draw the line at a smaller living space. Look for ways to cut costs across the board for your standard day-to-day expenses. Find ways to reduce your grocery bill, utilities, and water bill. The lower the costs of your lifestyle, the easier it is to pay down debt and stash some cash for a rainy day. (See also: 34 Smart Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill)

2. Pay with cash

A 2016 study, "Paper or Plastic?" How We Pay Influences Post-Transaction Connection, showed that items purchased with cash are valued more than items purchased with plastic. According to the report, spending cash feels the most "painful." Therefore, cash purchases become more meaningful.

Paying with cash makes you feel more connected to the experience. Pay for all consumer goods — including groceries and gas — with cash. You will spend less and appreciate your purchase more.

3. Get a side gig

One of the biggest sacrifices you often have to make in order to get and stay out of debt is your time. A great way to aggressively tackle your debt is by sacrificing a bit of free time and getting a side gig.

You can work part-time for a company, drive for Uber or Lyft, or even deliver pizza. Or you can do your own thing and freelance as a writer, photographer, or caterer. The key here is to find a way to turn your free time into money. (See also: 14 Best Side Jobs For Fast Cash)

4. Get cheaper transportation

Transportation is a sneaky little budget buster. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation is the second largest spending category for an American family. The average household spends $9,049 annually — which is around 17 percent of the total budget.

Reducing transportation costs doesn't mean just getting a cheaper vehicle; it means lowering fuel consumption by taking fewer trips, combining errands, and mapping out travel routes. It also means using public transportation, ride-sharing or carpooling, and walking or riding your bike whenever possible.

5. Plan your meals

Convenience comes at a cost. Grabbing meals and snacks on the go is one of the quickest ways to blow your budget and eat up your income — literally.

Planning your meals and keeping snacks on hand can save you hundreds of dollars per month. Meal planning is also a great way to help you stick to your grocery budget. Try creating a menu for a week — or even a month — and making your grocery list from the menu you created. This will keep you from impulse buying and help you make fewer trips to the grocery store.

6. DIY

In America, we pay someone else to do everything. We pay to have our clothes cleaned, our dogs walked, and our toenails painted. If you simply cut back on some of the things you are paying someone else to do and invest the time and energy it takes to do it yourself, you could save a whole lot of money.

Take a minute and think about all the services you outsource. Which of those could you possibly do yourself? Can you cut your own hair? Do your own Mani-Pedi? Can you cut your own grass and trim your own hedges? Clean your own carpet? How about simple car maintenance — can you change your own oil or perform other small repairs? Can you alter your own clothing?

YouTube is DIY heaven. Find an instructional video on how to do what needs to be done and get to it.

7. Limit screen time

Instructional videos aside, TV and the internet are often counterintuitive to your efforts to get out of debt. It's estimated that the average person is exposed to 10,000 brand messages per day. Let that sink in. You are being bombarded with images and subliminal messages encouraging you to spend money. You've got to occasionally unplug and allow yourself to mentally detox in order to have the focus, drive, and discipline it takes to get out of debt.

Limiting time spent watching television, engaging in social media, and surfing the web will help you avoid spending. And if you get rid of redundant, overlapping services, you can save even more money. Consider how much you are spending on cable, internet, and subscription services like Hulu or Netflix. Work to ensure that the time you do spend watching TV or browsing online is productive and supports your efforts to be fiscally responsible.

8. Find frugal friends

"Show me your friends and I'll show you your future," is a saying that is steeped in truth and wisdom. Who you associate with directly impacts who you'll become. Hanging around people who spend big, waste money, and have to have the finer things in life — despite the cost — will keep you broke and chained to debt forever. Your friends influence your life decisions, which is why it is critical you find people that are headed in the same direction as you and share your value system.

Befriend people from Facebook groups, websites, podcast communities, and other groups that promote getting out of debt and saving for retirement. Changing your social circle is one of the most critical and beneficial things you can do to get and stay on a path to financial freedom. (See also: 10 Types of Friends Who Are Costing You Money)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Denise Hill of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Things You Should Never Hide From Your Landlord

Paul Michael — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:00:08 +0000

So, you're renting a place to live. And that means you have a landlord. Whoever is responsible for the house or apartment will be holding you to a set of standards. You'll have signed a contract. Whether you're renting the place alone, with friends, or even strangers, you better be upfront about the following, or you could find yourself out on the street.

1. Your pets

When you look for a new place to rent, you'll see that almost all of them have a pet policy. It will either be no pets allowed, pets OK with a deposit, or a stipulation on which kind of pets you can have (maybe dogs aren't allowed, but cats are).

If you have a pet and are planning to rent a place, you must disclose it to the landlord. It's tempting to think, "Whiskers is so old and small, no one will care," but that's not the point.

The policy is there for a reason. The landlord may not want the additional cleanup involved in getting a house or apartment ready for the next tenant. Some pets can cause damage far more expensive to repair than the security deposit will cover. Whatever the reason, they set the rules, and you must agree to abide by them.

If you are found with a pet, even if it's a pet you bought after you signed the lease, the landlord is well within his or her rights to ask you to get rid of it. They could also evict you for breaching the contract. It's not worth it. Find a place that's pet-friendly, or see if you can give your pet to a caring friend. (See also: 7 Smart Ways to Get Your Apartment Deposit Back)

2. Any new roommates

Many of us have shared a home or apartment with roommates so we can afford the rent. It happens a lot with college students, or when you're living in places like Manhattan or Beverly Hills. If three of you decide to rent a four-bedroom place, and all sign the contract, no problem. But if you decide to move another friend in after the fact, that's trouble.

Whether you're taking money from that person to help with the rent, or just letting them stay for free, you are breaking the rules of the lease. Think of it from the landlord's point of view. He or she vetted you, and anyone else who put their name on the contract. If you bring someone else in, they get by that process unchecked. They're an unknown, and landlords really don't like unknowns; especially if it's their own home they're renting out.

Not only that, but it's possible the apartment or home is only fit for habitation by a maximum number of individuals. Add more, and you could be putting people in harm's way. Whatever the case, you're once again risking the chance of being kicked out on the street.

3. DIY or home improvements you have made

It may be home sweet home, but it isn't yours. You're just "borrowing" it for a set amount of time. The house, and any contents that came with it in the lease, are not yours. Therefore, you don't have the right to start messing around with them.

You may think you're doing the landlord a favor; perhaps you want to rip out the carpet and install a wooden floor, or scrape off the older wallpaper and add something fresh and vibrant. Well, that may not be something the landlord wants.

Now, by all means, ask the landlord if you can do these improvements, and get it in writing if he or she agrees. Chances are, if you're planning to make upgrades that make the place more attractive, you'll get the go-ahead. But never assume, and never keep any work you've done a secret. On the day you move out, you could find your security deposit is not returned because you didn't leave the home in the same state you found it. (See also: 14 Simple Ways to Make an Apartment a Home)

4. Problems with utilities

Utilities may be included with the rent, or they may all be your responsibility, but either way, you should tell the landlord as soon as you notice any problems. Water leaks can start out as minor repairs, but left unchecked, they can lead to thousands of dollars in damages. They can also affect other tenants, and it will all be on the landlord's shoulders.

Electric problems are just as bad. If something is shorting out, it could lead to a fire, and that could be disastrous.

Even if it doesn't seem like anything — maybe just a slight drop in water pressure, a sketchy light switch, or an unexplained increase in the utility bill — talk to your landlord immediately. In this case, a stitch in time really does apply. Oh, and if the landlord has evidence that you concealed the problems, you could be liable for the full cost of the repairs.

5. Broken or malfunctioning appliances

Just like the utilities issue, broken appliances and other fixtures should also be reported to the landlord as soon as you notice them. Again, if the malfunction is caught early, it could mean a simple fix instead of a major repair — or worse, having to replace the entire unit.

Broken or malfunctioning appliances can also cause damage to the apartment. For example, a washing machine that's leaking water into the wooden floors can create issues that may not be caught until months later, and by then, it's a big problem. A stove that leaks gas is obviously a serious health hazard and should be turned off and reported. A furnace that is setting off your carbon monoxide alarm is incredibly dangerous, and makes the home uninhabitable.

If that does happen, call the landlord immediately and get out of the home. Or at the very least, open all the windows if you cannot leave, and stay close to the fresh air. The landlord will be responsible for getting the furnace fixed, or more likely, replaced.

6. You're running a home-based business

Most of the time, the landlord isn't really going to care if it's a small business that doesn't impact the regulations of the area. For example, if you're making extra money selling knitted goods on Etsy, tutoring students, or writing web code on a laptop in your bedroom, it's probably not going to be a big deal. However, other kinds of business can cause problems for the landlord.

If you decide to turn your apartment into a massage therapy facility, or start fixing cars in the attached garage, you could be violating zoning restrictions. And if it is noisy, smelly, and a nuisance to neighbors, you're just asking to be evicted. Check with the landlord before you sign the lease; there will usually be a section in there talking about home-based businesses.

7. You can't find your key

Hey, it happens. Maybe it fell off the key ring, or you misplaced it and have no idea where it is. Even if you have a spare, you need to tell the landlord as soon as you notice your key has gone missing.

Although it's unlikely that it will be used to gain access to the property, you cannot say for sure that it didn't end up in the wrong hands. For your own peace of mind, you should tell the landlord what has happened, as any kind of security risk poses a problem.

If the landlord decides that the locks need to be changed, you will almost certainly be responsible for the costs incurred. You may also have no choice about which firm replaces the locks. If you're handy you could offer to do it yourself and save some money, but it's doubtful you'll be allowed to do that.

8. You're subletting the property

It's very tempting to sublet your apartment or home if you know you're going to be gone for a significant amount of time. Some people also sublet when they know a big event is coming to town, and services like Airbnb make it very easy to do that and make a significant profit for a few days. All of this is a big no-no if you haven't checked with the landlord first.

Some states and municipalities have specific laws regarding subletting. Your lease may explicitly prevent you from subletting. Even if the landlord agrees, he or she may want to have a say in who you choose to sublet the property to, and may insist on a background check that you must pay for.

And remember, if you do sublet and the subtenant doesn't pay you, it's your responsibility to pay the rent. So choose carefully, or you could end up in a world of financial pain. (See also: The Easy Way to Sublet Your Apartment)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Turn Your Backyard Into a Moneymaker

Max Wong — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:30:15 +0000

Having a backyard costs money. Not only do you pay to own that space, but you also have to shell out for upkeep and maintenance. Regardless, your little plot of land could actually be the answer to your financial woes. Don't just spend money on your yard — make some money with it. Here are several clever ways to monetize your outdoor space.

Build a tiny rental house

Due to the housing crunch in major metropolitan areas, cities around the United States are relaxing zoning codes or creating new housing laws to deal with the shortage of rental properties. In Los Angeles, it is now legal to turn your garage into an apartment or build a "granny flat" in your backyard. Given that the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles in July 2017 was $2,209, according to Rent Jungle, converting an existing outdoor building into a living space, or even building one from scratch, is a real estate investment worth consideration.

Turn your property into a private campground

Do you live within walking distance of a convention center, major hospital, or historic center? My friend MaryAnn has been renting out tricked-out vintage trailers in her backyard since before online rentals were even a thing. (See also: 5 Easy Ways to Make Good Money From Airbnb)

But even if you don't have a prefab shelter, don't let that stop you. If you live close to a natural wonder, a killer surf break, or a unique trailhead, you can rent out your backyard as a private campground to backpackers and glampers via Hip Camp.

Sell your surplus backyard produce

I have a gigantic Mission fig tree in my backyard. Although I personally hate figs, I love this tree. Every year, I make several hundred dollars selling ripe figs and my award-winning fig jam to my neighbors, from the comfort of my front porch. People will pay a premium for organic, seasonal produce, especially rare varieties that are hard to find in stores.

Sell your trees

My neighbor just chopped down the 70-year-old Canary Island date palm tree in his front yard because he was tired of cleaning up palm fronds. Alas, he could have saved himself the hard work and made hundreds of dollars selling this tree to a commercial landscaper. Before you chop mature trees, check with your local arborist about your tree's potential resale value.

Raise bees or rent your yard to a beekeeper

As a backyard beekeeper, I am on track to make about $4,000 this year selling honey to my urban neighbors and selling bees to local farmers. And, because Los Angeles limits me to keeping just two hives on my property, I am always on the hunt for people willing to keep two hives on their property in exchange for a percentage of the honey harvest.

Keep city chickens

In an effort to keep food waste out of the landfill, the city of Austin, Texas is offering a $75 rebate to Austinites who keep backyard chickens.

Beyond the green street cred you will gain from chicken-based recycling, raising your own chickens comes with a host of benefits. The chickens can eat your food scraps and create healthy soil, all while giving you free eggs. That said, be sure to do the math before investing in a backyard chicken empire. In urban areas like Los Angeles, where fresh, organic chickens sell for $20 and no one blinks an eye at paying $1 per backyard egg, it's easier to make money raising chickens than in some other places. Check your local poultry economy to accurately assess your return on investment.

Grow vegetable seedlings

Lora, my gardener, discovered that she could make more profit growing and selling heirloom vegetable seedlings (with less effort) than she could by growing landscaping plants. Heirloom vegetable seeds cost a few bucks per package, but she sells seedlings for $1 each at her the local farmers market a — 1,400 percent markup!

Sell your garden space or expertise

Most community gardens are on the lottery system. Only a fraction of the people who want to grow their own food have access to arable land. If you have space to spare in your backyard, try renting out your land to local greenthumbs.

If you're creative with your own garden and landscaping, you might be able to market that expertise. My friend Judy accidentally launched her career as a garden designer after fixing up her own backyard.

Offer your yard as a wedding and party venue

Is your garden or farmland picturesque? Rustic weddings are all the rage these days. Connect with local wedding and event planners in your area to find out how much you can make renting out your pristine lawn or barn.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Max Wong of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Colorstrology and 3 Modern Décor Trends That Will Fit Any Budget

Andrea Cannon — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 08:30:12 +0000

Changing the look of your home doesn't need to cost much. You can clear the clutter and use items you already own to completely change the feel of your space. Here's how you can breathe new life into your casa with these affordable modern décor trends.

Colorstrology

Colorstrology is a hybrid of astrology, numerology, and Pantone colors. Astrologist Michele Bernhardt created a calendar and corresponding book, Colorstrology: What Your Birthday Color Says about You, with a different Pantone color assigned to each day of the year, as well as one for each month. The colors are chosen based on ruling planets, sun signs, and other important dates and numbers. While there is quite a bit of science and success backing the new colorful trend, a lot of it is psychological.

As an example, Bernhardt told Goop that if you're looking for help with your relationship, "You might go to October's color, which is a light blue that is very peaceful and gentle; it helps bring harmony and balance. Or February — a high vibration purple — is a great color for people who are intense, and trying to learn how to be more detached and collaborative. Lilac and lavender can help us love without being too clingy."

How to use the colors

Incorporating these colors into your décor can help bring about positive energy. For instance, you can add a splash of color to any room by painting the trims or one accent wall with a shade in your birthday month color. You can also move certain items into different rooms so they are more color-coordinated, based on the shades you select.

Along with using these colors throughout your décor, you can also wear these power colors throughout your clothing, accessories, or makeup each day to capitalize on the positive vibes. Mindful color selection like this might require some time to get organized, but it should cost you very little money to execute.

Minimalism

Minimalism is about more than just cleaning and decluttering the house. It's about focusing on clean design, neutral or muted colors, sharp lines, and simple furnishings and décor. (See also: Ease Into Minimalism With Some Simple Steps)

Choose quality over quantity

Create a cohesive look by concentrating on one simple design and complementary accent decorations. This can be accomplished by paring down to one or two accessories per room, and you can you use things you already own. Also, be sure to keep and utilize furniture that serves double duty as storage or that takes up minimal space.

Keep it simple

Once you have gotten rid of anything that you aren't excited about and narrowed your items down to just the essentials, it's time to concentrate on your personal style. Simplify your color scheme and choose textures in similar tones. Adopting a minimalist style also means easier cleanup (less to dust), and you might even make some money selling those excess items that you no longer want.

Maximalism

While minimalism is about "less is more," maximalism is about "more is more." Maximalism has no set rules; you can even layer different colors, textures, and styles. Things like bold wallpaper and clashing patterns are acceptable with this affordable trend. This means that you can show off your latest vintage finds or eclectic paintings with pride.

Use mirrors

If a room appears small, add a mirror to make it appear larger. If you don't want to hang a mirror, consider propping a large framed mirror against a wall. It can create drama and brighten the space instantly.

Display everyday items

Take a look around for posters or cards you already own that can be framed, unique items of clothing or shoes that can be displayed, or antique pieces that can serve as the focal point of a room.

And if a room doesn't feel cozy, Better Homes and Gardens recommends adding a colorful throw and pillows.

Natural elements

Use items you find outside your home in nature to decorate your space. Birch tree limbs and pine cones can be spray painted in white or gold for decor. Rocks, shells, and leaves can also create beautiful (and free) art pieces or table scapes.

This trend also encourages adding lots of greenery. If you don't have any greens of your own, pick up some inexpensive seeds to plant, or ask a friend to divide up one of their plants for you. (See also: 6 Surprising Ways a Houseplant Can Save You Money)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Paint Colors That Can Boost Your Home's Value

Annie Mueller — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 08:30:15 +0000

If you want to sell your home, the right paint color can make a huge difference. No matter what Pantone's color of the year might be, a recent report found that certain colors boost a home's value. Blues and neutrals, in particular, can increase the amount you're able to get for your home.

Zillow, the home-listing app of choice for thousands of people who want to sell or buy a home, recently released its 2017 analysis of paint colors and home values. It's pretty interesting. Turns out that the right paint color in the right room can boost the selling price by several thousand dollars. (See also: 6 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your House)

Greige

You and I and every homeowner out there may have long grown tired of that grayish beige, the go-to neutral for the modern home. But homebuyers aren't tired of it. Zillow reports that as an exterior house color, a lovely shade of greige can boost the sale price by more than $3,000.

It's not just about the neutral, though; it's this particular neutral that makes buyers go batty, apparently. Homes with dark brown or taupe exteriors sold for less than their greige counterparts. All neutrals are not created equal when it comes to home sales. Taupe is out. Greige is in.

Navy blue

Navy blue is a perennial in home decor, a classic color that can work with a multitude of design styles. Perhaps its depth renders a solid, enduring feel to a home. Perhaps it's just everybody's secret favorite color. Either way, it turns out a front door painted in navy blue can garner an additional $1,500 in the home sale. Considering that you can paint a door for around $20, this is an update well worth the investment.

Navy blue can serve you well in other areas of the home, too. Dining rooms painted navy and sporting white trim can bring almost $2,000 more to the selling price. Go ahead and buy a gallon of interior paint in navy when you pick up that quart of exterior paint for the front door. (See also: Beginner's Guide to Finding Your Interior Design Style)

Other blues

Here is a short list of interior colors that homebuyers do not like: pink, red, and yellow. Why so much hate for these warm colors? There's plenty of room for speculation (a psychological hive-mind? An innate response to global warming?). Motivations are mysterious; money is easier to count. A pink bedroom will reduce selling price by $200 in some areas, and a red dining room will bring the price down by $2,000. So apparently people literally see red when they see red.

Here's a short list of interior colors that homebuyers really do like: blue. Make your world a blue world. Bedroom? Paint in light cerulean for potential $1,800 increase. Bathrooms in light powder blue or periwinkle are very popular, and those home prices got a boost of about $5,000. Kitchens are popular in light blue or soft grayish blue tones, and can add almost $2,000 to your home's value.

Oatmeal

There's one exception to the blue rule, and that's the living room. A living room in blue can reduce a home's value by $800. A living room painted in a light taupe or beige, however, can increase by $1,800.

And white is a major negative when it's in the bathroom. Homes with white bathrooms saw a decrease in value of around $4,000. Buyers seem to place a very high value on the bathroom being the right color. Keep your bathrooms blue and your living rooms the color of oatmeal, and everybody's happy.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

13 Problems You Can Solve With Duct Tape

Mikey Rox — Wed, 31 May 2017 08:00:12 +0000

When Johnson & Johnson first developed duct tape in the early 1940s, it was used in the military to keep boxes of weapons sealed. It would later be used by soldiers to repair just about everything, before becoming commercially available and marketed for household repairs postwar. Today, the miracle adhesive has innumerable uses, but here are a baker's dozen that save money, time, and even lives. (See also: 27 Things You Should Have in Your Utility Drawer)

1. Hide holes in your porch or mobile home skirting

Duct tape comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns these days, but you'll most likely require the white version to hide holes or cracks in the skirting around your porch or mobile home. This quick fix is a much cheaper alternative to replacing the damaged panels, especially since the skirting never gets a close look by anyone.

2. Reattach side-view mirrors if they get knocked off

City dwellers know all too well how easy it is to have a side-view mirror knocked off overnight. Sure, you can call your insurance company when it happens, but then you're faced with paying the high deductible and a potential fee increase to your policy. If you don't have the money to handle the situation yourself, consider reattaching the mirror with duct tape. The hack won't pass inspection in all states, so if you encounter this crisis, investigate with your state motor vehicle department before making the fix a long-term solution.

3. Help senior citizens navigate stairs better

A strip of duct tape on the stairs can potentially save a life, according to the caregivers at SYNERGY HomeCare, who use the technique in clients' homes.

"A simple strip of colorful duct tape on the edges of stair steps makes it easier for seniors to judge the depth and distance to keep from tripping and falling," says a spokesperson for the organization.

Staircases and stairway accidents are one of the leading causes of accidental injuries — second only to motor vehicle accidents. Each year 12,000 people die from stairway accidental deaths, many of whom are seniors. This is an easy, cheap way to prevent accidents and possibly save lives.

4. Keep strips of sandpaper from tearing

To keep strips of sandpaper from tearing when sanding rounded surfaces, apply duct tape to the back of the sandpaper before cutting it into strips.

5. Ward off scuff marks on your floors

If you have chairs or other furniture scratching your floors, wrap the feet in small strips of duct tape. This works particularly well for furniture on wheels, since you can't buy pads for these items like you can for your flat-footed furniture.

6. Open tightly closed jars

If you have a stubborn jar whose lid won't open easily, create a simple solution with about a foot of duct tape. Fold three or four inches of it around half of the lid then use the remaining eight inches to pull the lid counterclockwise. The gripping action of the duct tape should open it right up.

7. Clean up pet hair with a paint roller

I have a hypoallergenic dog specifically because I can't stand pet hair. It's bad enough when it's on my clothes, but it really grosses me out when it's all over my bed. If you have either of these problems, an easy way to remove the pet hair quickly and efficiently is to apply duct tape to a paint roller with the sticky side facing out. It's bigger than a regular lint roller, so it's great for large surfaces. Of course, you can spot clean the pet hair by hand with duct tape, but you'll cover much more surface area in less time with the roller.

8. Stop a hose leak

Small leaks in hoses — indoor and outdoor — can be stopped with duct tape. Don't, however, take this advice to mean that you can solve all plumbing problems with duct tape. That's not a good idea. If you have a major leak or other plumbing issue, contact a professional.

9. Close a hole in an air duct

Unlike repairing plumbing pipes, you can probably successfully plug a hole in your ductwork with duct tape. At least in this case, you have the advantage of only spilling air, whereas a water leak can become a real disaster.

10. Repair a cracked trash can

Why buy a new trash can if all you're putting in it is rubbish? Granted, duct tape probably won't prevent squirrels from getting into your trash bins — they've eaten holes straight through the very hard plastic my garbage cans are made of. I'm all ears to your solutions to that problem.

11. Waterproof your tennis shoes

A friend of mine does a lot of walks for cancer research — often dozens of miles over the course of a few days — and she told me that she covers her shoes in duct tape, around the sides and over the top – to keep them from getting wet and uncomfortable in inclement weather. Smart idea.

12. Pick up shards of glass or metal

Small shards of glass and metal are hard to see and sweep. To ensure the complete cleanup of the debris, do a thorough sweep or vacuum then pick up any remaining bits with a strip of duct tape.

13. Save your life or someone else's

Out of all duct tape's problem-solving uses, first-aid is the most important. Duct tape can stop bleeding, clean wounds, close wounds, keep wounds dry, and even prevent a collapsed lung. Certainly it's not the ideal method of care, but if it's the only thing you have on hand in a life-or-death situation, you'd better reach for it.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

23 Recipes for Slime Your Kids Can Make — and Even Sell!

Carrie Kirby — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:01:05 +0000

At a Girl Scout retreat last weekend, I watched a middle school girl knead and roll a cerulean ball of pliable, shiny, stretchy … stuff … as she chatted with friends. The other girls at the table couldn't take their eyes off it.

"What slime recipe did you use?"

"Can I touch it?"

At an age where interests lean toward Snapchat and heavy eye makeup, it was refreshing to see the childlike wonder that a plastic bag of slime brought out in these young teens.

That's why the trend of making, Instagramming, and even selling various types of slime in middle schools all over the country warms my heart. It's hands-on. As a non-Newtonian fluid with properties that change with ingredient variations, it's also science-y. It appeals to kids' senses, not just their eyeballs. And since it's made with just a few dollars' worth of household materials, it's frugal fun, too. It can even be a source of spending money for kids who get so good at slime-making that other kids want to buy it. (See also: 13 Businesses Your Tween Can Start)

If your child wants to get in on the slime trend but needs some instructions to get started, here are some winning recipes.

1. Opaque slime

The original slime recipe has been around for a generation. It calls for just three ingredients: school glue, borax, and water. The result is a whitish, flexible putty. Note that slimes containing borax are not edible; the powdery substance can be toxic in large doses.

For extra fun, try molding your slime into a ball and bouncing it. It will lose its bounce gradually, but keeping it moist in a plastic bag will help.

2. Clear slime

This is the same recipe as above, but with clear glue. The difference is striking!

3. Liquid starch slime

Just as borax does, liquid starch can cross-link the polymers in glue, creating that moldable blobbiness that's fun to knead. If you hate mixing powders with your hands, like I do, you might prefer this recipe to the borax version. The resulting slime is the kind that kids can use to make rude noises when moving it in and out of a plastic container. If you don't get it, just ask your tween.

4. Fake snot

Younger kids might enjoy this gross-out snot version more than the middle school set. The recipe includes gelatin, corn syrup, and water.

5. Flavored edible slime

Perhaps disturbingly, the fake snot recipe listed above is an edible slime. To make it more palatable, you can take the same recipe and add flavored extracts or small amounts of fruit juice. (Giving it a different name would probably help, too.)

6. Nickelodeon slime

Gen-Xers will remember the early cable Nickelodeon show You Can't Do That on Television, on which the young actors (including Alanis Morissette) were doused with buckets of gross green gook. This reverse-engineered recipe calls for Jell-O, flour, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, water, and food coloring.

7. Sticky kitchen slime

Dish soap, water, and flour. This is a convenient slime recipe to whip up on a snow day, since you probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen. Only make this one if the idea of slime that adheres to your hands doesn't revolt you.

8. Soapy slime

For some good clean fun, mix soap flakes or a microwaved bar of Ivory with water. This slime is ideal for keeping in a large container and running your hands through it, since the consistency can be soupy.

9. Sticky edible slime

Cook sweetened condensed milk with cornstarch on the stovetop for a slime that you will have to lick off your fingers. Flavor this with chocolate syrup to make chocolate slime.

10. Cookie cutter slime

Using soluble fiber such as Metamucil, you can make this slime that is easily sliced with a knife or shaped with a cookie cutter without sticking.

11. Bathroom slime

Mix a thick shampoo one-to-one with toothpaste, then freeze to take out the sticky factor. You'll end up with a translucent putty that's easy to make without a trip to the store.

12. Colored slime

To any of the above recipes, add a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolor paint. If you add green color to the clear slime, it looks like the ectoplasm in Ghostbusters.

13. Glitter slime

Replace the glue in any of the basic recipes with clear glitter glue, or use clear glue and pour in glitter from a jar, and you will have a sparkly slime that's perfect for glam party favors.

14. Galaxy slime

This twist calls for three batches of glitter slime in different colors — using colored glitter glue, food coloring, or acrylic paint. Lay them side by side and twist them together to get a streaky, Milky Way effect.

15. Black light slime

Use diet tonic water in the Metamucil slime recipe, and you've got a goop that glows under a black light.

16. Attraction slime

Mixing iron oxide powder into a classic slime recipe will make goop that is attracted to strong magnets. This one is not safe for really little kids who might put the slime or the magnets in their mouths. Watch out for pets around this one, too.

17. Mood ring slime

Color any slime recipe with thermochromatic pigment, available on Amazon, and you'll get a substance that changes color when you press your palm into it, touch it to a cold drink, or heat it with a hair dryer. This one should drive the middle school kiddos wild.

18. Slime with mix-ins

Once the novelty of kneading a polymer gets old, you can crank up the sensory factor of your slime by adding mix-ins, as if you're working at Cold Stone Creamery. You can pretty much add anything you want: Small toys or "alien eggs" add pleasant textural and visual surprises as you knead.

This is a great way to make holiday-themed slime, such as eyeball slime for Halloween or star-spangled slime for Independence Day.

19. Sandy slime

Glue, detergent, and smooth sand make this product that stretches like regular slime but has a nice grainy texture. Colored sand would be a fun twist.

20. Fluffy slime

Adding shaving cream and foaming soap to typical slime ingredients yields a slime with a lot of air in it, which makes for bubbles to pop and the ability to create pretty swirly shapes.

"Adding shaving cream makes it fluffy, which is something that many middle schoolers like. You can also make it more stretchy by putting in a little bit of lotion, which is also something middle schoolers like," explained a middle school source who agreed to speak with me on the condition of anonymity.

Adding in scented personal care products also create a pleasant feel on the fingers.

21. Homemade "Floam"

Take a standard slime recipe and add polystyrene beads, the kind that fill a bean bag chair. You can buy them at a craft store, or upcycle Styrofoam packaging by crumbling it up. The result is a more moldable slime, sold commercially as Floam.

22. Iceberg slime

Start with fluffy slime. Set it out to dry uncovered for two days to achieve a crunchy crust on the top, for the sheer pleasure of breaking holes in the top and watching — and listening to — the surface crack.

23. Avalanche slime

This project involves combining white slime in a container with colored transparent slime to create a whirled, multicolored effect.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Things You Already Own That Can Be Turned Into a Tote Bag

Ashley Marcin — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:30:21 +0000

Need a bag to carry your stuff around, but don't want to head to the store to buy one? No problem. You can make a sturdy tote by upcycling things you already own. It's possible to make a pretty awesome tote bag without spending any money at all. Here are 10 items that you can easily transform into a tote.

1. T-shirt

If you have an old T-shirt in your closet, try turning it into a tote bag. This no-sew tutorial takes just 10 minutes to complete. You'll need some sharp scissors and a washable marker. Cut the sleeves and neckline area off your shirt. Then figure out how deep you want your bag to be. Cut fringe at the base of your to-be bag, turn it inside out, and tie the fringe.

Alternatively, you can leave the fringe out for a more stylish look.

2. Wool sweater

You can make a felted tote bag using an old wool sweater. Just wash the sweater using hot water and dry on high heat. This will make the fibers shrink and ultimately add strength to your bag. Cut the arms and neckline out of the shrunken sweater. Turn it inside out and then stitch along the bottom to close.

You can also fold over the edges of the strap and hem if you like, but felted wool likely won't fray much if at all.

3. Jeans

Maybe you've recently lost some weight and are looking for ways to use your discarded roomy jeans. Make a tote out of 'em. Upcycled denim makes a particularly ingenious tote that has built-in pockets. What about a handle? Use the leg seams! It's super simple and will stand up to heavy loads. (See also: 20 New Things You Can Make With Old Blue Jeans)

4. Rice bag

Do you buy your rice in bulk? Keep the bag! Once you slice and dice it a bit, you can sew around the edges and make a durable grocery bag that will last for years. You only need a few tools: scissors, a needle, and nylon thread. The rest is in the magic of folding it into the classic grocery bag shape and sewing it up.

You can follow this exact same process using any stiff bag. Feed bags for chickens and other livestock make great choices as well. This type of bag is exceptionally easy to clean. That's great news if you plan to use it to pick up produce at the farmers market.

5. Place mats

Use place mats for this DIY cross-body bag. To make it, lay the place mats atop one another, inside out. Start at the bottom seam and thread with an embroidery needle. Stitch along three sides of the mats, leaving the top open. Turn bag right-side out. To add a strap, pull a loop from the inside of the bag. The tutorial says to then thread a purse strap through the loop on both sides.

If you don't have a purse strap to use, consider braiding a thick rope using old T-shirts to your desired length.

6. Rag rug

You can complete a very similar project using an old rag rug. Fold your rug in half and pick up one of the corners to invert it slightly. (This will give the bag a nicer shape.) From there, you stitch both sides using an embroidery needle and floss. The author of this project used a yard of burlap to create a strap. Divide the yard in half and then sew onto the inside of the bag by hand. Yes, by hand. As you can imagine, the rug is likely too thick to run through a sewing machine.

7. Bed sheet

Here's a tote bag that will also transform into a picnic blanket for those on-the-fly gatherings. What do you upcycle in this case? A full-size cotton bed sheet! This project may take you an entire weekend to complete, but it's well worth the effort.

Lay out the sheet horizontally. You'll first cut out a square of fabric that will serve as the blanket. Then you'll use what's left over to make the tote. You eventually attach the two pieces so it's all connected and handy. The strap for this bag is made from the thicker piece at the top of the sheet.

8. Beach towel

This beach towel tote helps you carry stuff to the beach and then soak up sun without getting sandy. You just need two towels. To sew the tote, start by making a comfortable pillow that you fill with stuffing. I think this project could also work if you leave the whole pillow portion out. Either way, you'll end up folding in the sides of the pillow to roll into the bag form. Then you sew a fabric pocket on the outside and make your straps. Boom. Beach bag.

For the pocket and straps, it's helpful if you have a stronger fabric. Duck cloth works well, but you may also use old jeans.

9. Broken umbrella

We all have a wonky umbrella somewhere in a closet just waiting to be turned into this DIY tote bag. The bonus here is that the bag will be so compact that you can stash it almost anywhere. To make this bag, you'll need some thread, pins, and a needle. You'll also need to create a rough pattern and find a patch to cover the hole where the fabric used to attach to the umbrella.

To detach the umbrella fabric from its frame, carefully snip the thread that attaches it. Check for any holes and patch them. Fold the fabric in half, trace and cut to your pattern. Then sew along all the edges by hand or using a sewing machine.

10. Plastic bags

Plarn is yarn made from discarded plastic bags. You make it by simply laying a plastic bag out flat, removing the handle portion, and cutting the rest into strips. You then tie two strips together, then three, and so on, before rolling your upcycled yarn into a ball to use as you like.

Once you've made a ball of your own plarn, you can knit or crochet up dozens of cool things. Here's a tutorial for a plastic yarn tote bag that will long outlive all your individual plastic bags. You'll need a size 9-mm metal hook and crochet skills. When you've completed the project, your bag will measure approximately 12 inches wide by 12 inches long with a 4-inch bottom that expands. (See also: 18 Clever Ways to Reuse Your Plastic Shopping Bags)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 128 Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 10:30:32 +0000

Before you head over to the trash can, take a moment to consider if that empty can or citrus peel in your hand can be put to good use. Believe it or not, you might be able to save tons of cash by upcycling your garbage and turning it into something useful. Here are 128 creative ways to make your trash work for you.

25 Beautiful Things You Can Make With Paint Sample Cards — Once you've chosen the right color paint for your office, you no longer need the paint sample cards you were using, right? Wrong! Those colorful swatches can actually turn into beautiful home decor.

7 Ways to Reuse Clothes That No Longer Fit — Rather than tossing or donating those clothes you know you won't wear, see if you can use them in other ways. You could make that pile of t-shirts into a stellar quilt! Or turn an old sweater into a pair of cozy mittens.

9 Surprising Uses for Empty Beer and Soda Cans — Upon first glance, an empty soda or beer can might only seem like a piece of trash, but look again and you will see a container with a endless potential. Turn it into a mini planter, a Wi-Fi booster, jewelry supplies, and more!

18 Clever Ways to Reuse Your Plastic Shopping Bags — Beyond a backup poop bag for your pup, an empty plastic bag can easily be turned into something amazing. An emergency rain hat is just one option of many.

Egg Pan, Sugar Softener, and 50 Other Uses for Citrus Peels — Hold your peels! That citrus skin has more value than you could possibly imagine. Turn it into essential oil, a household cleaner, or a bird feeder. Oh, and there are 49 other brilliant uses here for you.

17 Ways to Use Old Newspaper — Since many people don't even read newspapers anymore, when you have some lying around, what are you supposed to do with them? Before you toss them out, consider upcycling them into book covers, gift wrap, disposable tablecloths, or something else you need!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Surprising Uses for Empty Beer and Soda Cans

Paul Michael — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 11:00:10 +0000

If you enjoy a can or two of beer or soda, you may want to think twice before throwing your empties into the trash or recycling bin. The humble aluminum can has a multitude of uses, and can save you money on the most surprising things. All it takes is a little imagination, and a few basic tools. (See also: Beer Donuts and 11 Other Recipes You Can Make With Beer)

1. Make Friendship Bracelets

An empty can has a great shape to turn into a bracelet that easily fits on a wrist. Of course, you'll have to do a little work to make it safe to wear, but the results can be stunning. Simply use a box cutter or pair of kitchen shears to cut off the top and bottom of the can, and then cut it into segments that work for you. You may want a very wide bracelet, or a bunch of smaller widths. About an inch is good for starters though. Make sure there are no sharp edges, and then decorate it by wrapping ribbon or cloth around it. If you have someone with a particularly large wrist, you can cut it, but make sure you wrap those edges carefully, or round them off. If the can already has a really great design, you don't need to wrap it at all!

2. Make a Beer Can Stove

If you do a lot of camping, or like cooking in the outdoors, you don't have to buy a portable stove. You can make one out of an empty beer or soda can, and it works incredibly well. All you need is something to cut the can with, and some fuel (rubbing alcohol works beautifully). The best part is, if you leave it behind, or it gets thrown in the trash, it costs nothing to replace.

3. Organize Your Stuff

Pens. Pencils. Screws. Hair Ties. Batteries. Cutlery. There are hundreds of different items at home that can be organized inside empty cans. You just have to cut the top off the can at the height that works best for you. If you have a junk drawer, cut them just below that height, and you can quickly organize all those little bits and pieces that clutter it up. For the garage or workshop, you can make them different sizes for different items. You could even screw them to the wall.

4. Create a Beer or Soda Can Lantern

Creating a lantern out of a beverage can takes a little skill and dexterity, but if you can follow a pattern, and work with a few basic household tools, you shouldn't have any problems. Simply cut an oval in your can, and spray paint it any color you want. Then, create a stencil of your favorite subject matter, and use it to cut a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Put the two together, add a light, and you have something very fun and decorative. You could even use these at Halloween in place of pumpkins… and they don't wither and die.

5. Make Your Own Jewelry

If you have the time and the patience, beer can jewelry can really set those tongues wagging. It will be unique, unusual, and not available in any stores. Some people simply cut out parts of the empty can's design into interesting shapes, like teardrops or ovals. Others go the extra step, adding imitation gemstones, glitters, and other adornments. Take some inspiration from these earrings selling on Etsy (yeah… you could make money!).

6. Plant Seeds and Cuttings

An empty beer or soda can is a great vessel for starting your garden's plants, flowers, and herbs. All you need to do is remove the top of the can with a can opener to give it a clean, safe edge. Then, spray it your favorite color. Add soil, seeds or cuttings, and a little water, and you can save serious money on planters you would buy at a home improvement store or garden center.

7. Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Do you have a poor Wi-Fi signal in your home? You could fork out a lot of cash on a signal booster, or a Wi-Fi router upgrade. Or, you could take one of your empty cans and make a booster that will take you from two bars to four. It should take you less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Just make sure all the edges are safe, especially if you have kids in the house.

8. Make Some Impressive Chainmail

If you are into historical re-enactments, attending Renaissance Fairs, or want to make some extra cash on the side, you can use the pull-tabs from your beer and soda cans to create chain mail. Not only does it look really authentic, it can be done with just the pull-tabs and a few simple tools. If chain mail isn't your thing, you can use the same techniques to make lampshades, belts, bowls, and several other creative ideas.

9. Create Unique Gifts for Friends and Family

The material used to make a beverage can is not as thick as it used to be. While this means you don't get a lot for the scrap, it means you can do some very cool things using tools you will find around the house. The material is so soft that you could actually draw into it with an empty ballpoint pen, and punch through it with a nail and create some beautiful personalized punch designs Just make sure you clean out the can thoroughly, and find something suitable on which to mount your finished piece of art.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Costly Mistakes DIY Investors Make

Tim Lemke — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 10:30:08 +0000

With the right approach and education, it's possible for people to handle their own investments. But it's also easy to make mistakes that could cost you large sums of money in the long run.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer, ask yourself whether you're making any of these mistakes below. If so, it may be worth seeking professional advice from a certified financial planner.

1. Trading Without Considering Fees and Taxes

For many investors, it's fun to trade stocks. The actual buying and selling can be a bit of a rush, especially when things are going well. But all of that activity can come with a cost, in the form of transaction fees and capital gains taxes. If you are finding that the returns on your portfolio seem a bit lackluster, it may be because you're investing without taking these costs into account. More experienced investors and financial advisers understand how to avoid extra fees and maximize returns as a result.

2. Getting Emotional

Investing your own money can sometimes be hard on the psyche. You may go through stretches where you see your portfolio shrink. Stocks that you personally selected may not always perform the way you predicted. Markets can be volatile, and not everyone can stomach it. If you find yourself getting stressed out by the investing process or buying and selling based on emotion, you may want to consider having a financial adviser take over the reigns.

3. Not Investing Enough

When you invest on your own, you may only be guessing as to how much you need to save. And it's common for investors to feel a little skittish and invest too little if the market is down. A financial adviser may be more tuned into the appropriate level of risk an investor can take on, and will usually advise a more aggressive approach for someone far out from retirement.

4. Not Diversifying Enough

Most do-it-yourselfers understand the basics of diversification, and will invest in index funds that track the S&P 500 or broader stock markets. And that's perfectly fine. But often, these funds are heavily weighted toward larger companies or certain industries. If you are investing only in basic index funds, you may not have good exposure to international markets or smaller companies, for example. There may be entire industries that will be underrepresented in your portfolio.

To achieve true diversification, you can have an S&P Index fund as a base, but should also look for funds and stocks that fill in the gaps.

5. Failing to Rebalance

You may think you're creating a diverse portfolio based on the investments you've selected. But have you checked the balances recently? Over time, portfolios can get out of whack if certain investments are performing better than others. For example, you may think you're investing in 50% large cap, 25% small cap, and 25% mid cap stocks. Until one day, you check your account and realize that small cap stocks make up 40% of the portfolio. Financial advisers will recommend when to rebalance, and offer advice on how to avoid taxes in the process.

6. Trying to Beat the Market

Some investors insist on doing things themselves, because they believe they are expert stock pickers and can beat the performance of the overall stock market. In most cases, they are wrong. Numerous studies have shown that even professional investment managers can't beat the market on a regular basis, and that most investors would be best off with a portfolio of index funds.

7. Falling in Love With Shiny New Things

Do-it-yourselfers can become enamored with whatever the hot stock is at the moment. They go for name brands and flash rather than looking closely at a balance sheet. They also tend to go with what's familiar, rather than doing some research and finding investments that are less well known but of sound quality.

8. Having No Backup Plan

If you are an older DIY investor, do you have a plan for what happens to your investments if you are incapacitated? Are you sharing your investment accounts with your spouse or other loved ones? Many DIY investors are too stubborn to seek help from anyone, and thus run into problems when they are no longer in a position to manage things themselves. It's fine to handle your own investments if you're confident enough to do so, but it's wise to have a plan for how things will be dealt with if you're no longer in charge.

9. Becoming Too Consumed

Realistically, the average person can handle their own investments while checking in only periodically each week. A properly balanced portfolio does not need a lot of maintenance. But investing can be like an addiction to some people, and it's possible to spend hours a day buying and selling and becoming obsessed with the movement of the markets. If you're finding that your investing is having a negative impact on your relationships and other aspects of your life, it may be best to back off and let someone else handle things.

This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Much Are Pricey Home Upgrades Really Worth?

Damian Davila — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 10:30:06 +0000

"Real estate investing, even on a very small scale, remains a tried and true means of building an individual's cash flow and wealth," writes Robert Kiyosaki author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad. (See also: The 8 Classic Personal Finance Books You Must Read)

But like with any other type of investment, you need to know what you're doing, or you'll end up eating your shirt. For example, you may think that some high-end projects, such as adding a deck that offers a majestic view or doing an upscale bathroom remodel, may provide you a great return on your real estate investment. However, the evidence from the 2016 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the contrary.

By taking a look at the project costs in 102 U.S. real estate markets, the NAR report provides a comprehensive review of what features provide you the best bang for your real estate buck. Let's round up a handful of "features" that can really boost the cost of a home, but may not actually deliver a lot of value. And we'll look at the projects you should take on, instead.

1. Bathroom Addition

The idea of having an extra bathroom so that your family members don't have to sit around for others to get ready for the day may sound like a great idea. But adding a full 6-by-8-foot midrange bathroom to your home only recoups just under 60% of your total cost, on average. In 2016, the national average cost for a midrange bathroom addition was $42,333, but offers only $23,727 in actual value — in other words, a net loss. Even worse, the NAR reported that only one out of the 102 U.S. markets provided a 100% return on this project on that year.

Going "upscale" on a bathroom addition doesn't fare well either. In 2016, the national average resale value for an upscale bathroom addition was only 0.5% better than that for a midrange bathroom addition.

What to Do Instead: Keep it simple and midrange. A bathroom remodel provides a better resale value than an addition. A midrange bathroom addition and a midrange bathroom remodel recoup 56.2% and 65.7%, respectively. Doing an upscale bathroom remodel only improves the resale value by 1% over the one offered by an upscale bathroom addition. Also, the cost advantage of midrange bathroom remodel ($24,000) over an addition allows you to pay back any financing more quickly.

2. Composite Deck Addition

Enjoying a hot cup of coffee by a bonfire during the fall, or reading an intriguing novel while getting a tan during the summer out on your deck sounds like it's worth every penny. But, the financial math doesn't add up.

Adding a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers would run you a national average between $16,798 to $37,943, depending on the scope of your project. The resale value of a composite deck addition would only recoup $10,819 to $21,877, according to national averages.

What to Do Instead: If you really want to have that deck, go with wood instead of composite. Adding a midrange deck made out of wood provides a resale value over 10% higher than that of composite.

3. Backup Power Generator

We all want to be prepared for disaster, but the addition of backup power generator runs at $12,712, according to national averages. Worse, this project only recouped an average of 59.4% of its cost in 2016.

What to Do Instead: Forget about backing up your power and focus on replacing your entry door. Replacing the entry door to your home is a good idea because it can improve the security and ability to withstand the elements (and zombies!) from your home. Additionally, the right door can enhance the look of your home. While the in 2016, the cost of a midrange entry door replacement recouped 91.1% of its cost, in past years this project has recouped up to 128.9% of its cost! In the 2015 edition of the NAR report, entry door replacement received the top rank nationally in terms of cost recouped (101.8%). That year' survey revealed that a new steel door was the least expensive project and provided the best payback out of all projects across the nation.

Additionally, eligible ENERGY STAR doors can qualify you for up to $500 in energy efficiency tax credits.

The Bottom Line: The Simpler the Project, the Bigger the Return

Currently in its tenth year, the 2016 NAR report indicates that "the simpler and lower-cost the project, the bigger its cost-value ratio."

In 2016, four out of the top five projects that ranked best for cost recouped had a total cost under $5,000. These costs estimates were made assuming that you hired a professional contractor to complete the projects. Regardless of your budget, you'd be better off tackling two or more affordable projects that recoup at least 90% of their value, than just one high-end one with a recoup value under 60%. If you have great DIY handyman or negotiation skills, you could improve your investment return even further. (See also: 4 Times You Should Splurge and Hire a Pro)

As you can see from these sample projects, replacements cost less than alternative home renovation projects, such as a kitchen or bathroom renovation, and provide the best bang for your buck. Another home renovation project that can be completed within three days and that provides a high return on investment is garage door replacement. In 2016, a midrange garage door replacement would recoup about 91.5% of its cost.

How are you improving the market value of your property?

This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Start Now: You Can Make These 23 Delicious Holiday Gifts

Max Wong — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:30:07 +0000

I have had no time to get my craft on and no money to spend on thrift store gifts, because I am hellbent on making an extra $31,000 by the end of the year.

However, my insane work schedule and budget have not stopped me from completing my holiday DIY gift list early. It's not even October, I have made 100% of my gifts from scratch, and I barely had to leave my house.

What's my holiday gift hack? Make ahead edible gifts.

1. Surplus Fruit Jam

I have a gigantic mission fig tree in my backyard. Even after I invited all of my fig-crazed neighbors over to pick as many figs as they could eat, I was still left with 50 pounds of fresh figs that I turned into 130 eight-ounce jars of fig jam. Total cost: $100 for jars and a 10-pound sack of cane sugar. (I traded figs for lemons and oranges with neighbors in order to keep my ingredient cost to a minimum).

Figs might seem like an exotic and rare fruit, but in southern California, there are feral fig trees that pop up in vacant lots. They are everywhere. Also, figs are like zucchinis, you only need one plant to supply an entire neighborhood.

2. Marmalade

I never liked marmalade until I figured out my own recipe for lemon marmalade. The basic recipe is made with just three ingredients: lemons, cane sugar, and water.

3. Preserved Lemons

Salt preserved lemons are one of my secret weapons in the kitchen. I use preserved lemons to perk up everything from traditional North African tagines to store-bought salad dressing. They are delicious as a garnish for fish or poultry. My favorite way to eat them is as a flavoring for thick, Greek-style yogurt that I then use as a savory topping for flat bread.

4. Limoncello

Limoncello, or Limoncino as it's know in Florence, is the classic Italian after-dinner drink made from grain alcohol, sugar, and lemon peel. Although most American recipes call for vodka, every Italian mixologist I know uses a high-proof spirit like Everclear as the base. For people who love kitchen science, I prefer to use the vapor method of infusion because I think it results in a smoother tasting drink.

5. Citrus Salts

Citrus salts are elegant food gifts that are super simple to make. All you need is citrus zest and flaky sea salt. Packed into small glass jars, citrus salts are great stocking stuffers, but they would also make beautiful wedding favors.

6. Canned Peaches

Eating a summer peach that was picked and canned at peak ripeness in the dead of winter is such a pleasure. Anyone who puts up food knows that preserving surplus food is a great way to save money and enjoy out-of-season flavors. Now is your last chance until next year to capture summer in a jar.

7. Blackberry Syrup

I grew up in Oregon, so I know that it is totally possible to eat too many blackberries. Since Marionberries grow everywhere, wild, my family never spent a dime to enjoy this summer fruit. As an adult, I now spend $8 per pound for a substandard blackberry experience.

For the love of all that is good and beautiful, if you have access to free, feral berry bushes, don't take that for granted. Stretch the last harvest of the season by making blackberry syrup instead of blackberry jam. It's amazing on everything from pancakes to ice cream.

8. Pickled Okra

Okra gets a bad rap. It's slimy. It's like eating a tiny luffa. But even haters will enjoy spicy, garlicky pickled okra, especially if it's served in a bloody mary as an edible stir stick.

9. Ketchup

Ever wonder why there are so many varieties of mustard and so few varieties of ketchup? Answer: Ketchup is a pain in the butt to make. Five years ago, I lost eight hours of my life making homemade ketchup from the sad, leftover tomatoes in my garden. It took that long for the tomato puree to cook down. This recipe makes ketchup that is so delicious, that my friends are still begging me to make it again to this day. To avoid my lengthy ketchup odyssey, use paste tomatoes that have more meat and less juice. (If you don't grow your own San Marzano tomatoes, buy the canned version when they go on sale.)

Unlike store-bought ketchup that has a shelf life of … forever, homemade ketchup needs to be refrigerated and has a life span of just a few weeks. If you want to make ketchup in advance, be sure to follow these instructions on how to can it properly.

10. Mustard

Mustard is a handmade food that requires advance preparation. Mustard needs time to marinate and mellow out, as freshly made mustard is very bitter. I use this versatile recipe as a jumping-off point because I can make it with a mortar and pestle and live out my wizard fantasies, and because it has a shelf life of 12 months in the refrigerator.

11. Fermented Tabasco-Style Hot Sauce

The secret ingredient of Tabasco sauce is time. It's aged in oak barrels for over three years! My food snob friends are suitably impressed by the artisanal version, even though I can never wait longer than 100 days for my hot sauce to ferment.

12. Cranberry Sauce

True story: I learned how to can because I wanted to be able to eat my homemade cranberry sauce year-round. As it turns out, I am not the only person who craves that sweet/tart flavor in the offseason. Cranberry sauce and peanut butter sandwiches are so yummy.

13. Cured Olives

When I was a starving student, I made marinated olives as the fancy holiday gift I gave everyone. Because olives are expensive and I was poor, I brined my own olives that I had foraged for free from my local park. Because I live in Los Angeles — where it's ridiculously hot until the end of November — I have subsequently switched to salt curing olives because I'm lazy.

14. Dried Persimmons

I was never a fan of persimmons until I tasted the dried persimmons sold by Korean and Japanese fruit vendors at my local farmers market. Luckily, I didn't have to look far to find a recipe to make my own. My superstar, homesteading neighbors not only own an over-productive persimmon tree, they also wrote this bang-up tutorial on how to make Hoshigaki (dried persimmons). These fruits are gorgeous when dried, and look great on a holiday cheese plate.

15. Prickly Pear Jelly

Nopal, aka prickly pear cactus, grows like a weed all over my neighborhood, so it's a free produce for the taking. Prickly pear cactus fruit season runs from September through January, but the cactus pads can be harvested and eaten year around. Fair warning: unless you love getting repeatedly stabbed with cactus needles, I highly recommend that Nopal newbs take the time to learn how to prepare the spiny fruits and pads before harvesting any part of the plant.

I find most prickly pear jams to be revoltingly sweet, but my neighbors developed a low-sugar prickly pear jelly that highlights the subtle taste of the fruit.

16. Pickle Prickle

My favorite way to eat prickly pear cactus is to pickle the cactus pads. My Mexican neighbor makes a spicy nopalitos salad that is my all-time favorite taco topping, but if you can't handle the heat of Mexican recipes, you can substitute cactus pads for okra in pickled okra recipes.

17. Pine Cone Syrup

Yes, I have a foraging instructor. (Insert pretentious hipster joke here.) Pascal Baudar regularly publishes free recipes for the budget-minded on Facebook, which is where I found this recipe for Pinyon pine cone syrup. Made from a 50/50 mix of brown sugar and unripe pine cones, Pascal's sun-cooked syrup is based on an old French recipe. Pretty much every European country has their own version of pine syrup, so if Pinyon pine cones are not available in your area, check out the comments section of this food blog for instructions on how to make Italian Mugolio, Romanian Sirop Muguri de pin, and Polish Syrop z Sosny.

18. Homemade Vanilla Extracts

Most flavored liqueurs are just infused spirits. If you can make flavored vinegar, you can make your own specialty cocktail supplies. One liter of bargain vodka can be turned into 20 fancy gifts.

One of the easiest make-ahead gifts from the kitchen is vanilla extract. We use vodka in our personal recipe for a pure vanilla taste, but you can use rum if you want a richer flavor. For home use, we decant our homemade extract into a huge bottle. For gift giving, we decant the extract into tiny bottles that we seal with wax for extra glamour.

19. Bathtub(less) Gin

Celebrity mixologist and food blogger Jeffrey Morgenthaler created a step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own gin without a still. All the street cred without the risk of blindness!

20. Dried Blenheim Apricot Liqueur

This recipe is a twofer. Make an apricot flavored liqueur by infusing brandy with dried fruit. The soused apricots can then be dipped in chocolate and turned into boozy candy.

21. Vermouth-Soaked Cocktail Olives

Fact: An excellent martini cannot be made with a mediocre olive. For those hard core gin drinkers who think a proper martini involves waving their bottle of gin in the general direction of France, these olives will provide all the vermouth required for the driest martini.

22. Offseason Maraschino Cherries

It's early autumn, and I want homemade maraschino cherries in time for Christmas in December, so I can be that girl who serves the totally from scratch Shirley Temple punch at her Chinese takeout Christmas dinner party. Shirley Temples are the perfect drink accompaniment for salty stir-fry! Source: I grew up in my grandparent's Chinese restaurant. So, to ensure I have maraschino cherries on my schedule, I am making my own cocktail accessories out of frozen cherries.

23. Metheglin

Metheglin sounds like the name of Bilbo Baggins' lady friend, but it's actually flavored mead. Although there are 3,000 years of metheglin recipes available, I've been meaning to try this recipe because it is flavored with lemons and herbs that are already growing in my backyard (and I am lazy and cheap).

On Wrapping and Packing

Good labels and presentation can make the humblest recipe look incredibly elegant and costly. Pinterest and Etsy are full of gorgeous labels and gift tags to buy or recreate. When is a gift not a gift? When the box arrives and it's full of broken glass and spoiled food. Pack food gifts carefully or hire a professional shipper to help you.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Max Wong of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: