furniture

6 Affordable Home Remodel Tips for Pet Owners

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:30:11 +0000

A pet can bring unbridled joy and unconditional love to your life. However, they can also leave stray hair, furniture damage, and other messes behind. Here's how you can keep your home beautiful even when you have a four-legged fur-baby shedding all over everything. (See also: 5 Pet Costs You Don't See Coming)

1. Opt for hard flooring

Install floors that can stand up to scratches and dirt. Hard flooring like vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and tile offer easy maintenance and pet cleanup, along with a great value over time. Ceramic tile is also great because it's particularly resistant to animal stains.

2. Choose the right carpet

Carpeting can be very difficult to clean, particularly with accidents and excessive hair. It can also harbor stains and make your pet allergies worse.

If you do decide on carpeting, look for a synthetic blend option with low pile that won’t absorb as much hair and is easier to vacuum. Also consider modular carpet tile or inexpensive rugs that can be easily picked up and cleaned or replaced.

3. Select washable fabrics and concealing patterns

Choose washable fabrics for cushion and pillow cases whenever possible so you can easily throw them in the washing machine. Fabrics with patterns can help camouflage old stains. Avoid tweed fabrics that can trap hair between the fibers.

Look for items in colors that match your pet's fur. For instance, you wouldn't want to purchase a black couch if you have a white cat; the stray pet hair would be abundantly obvious.

4. Use semi-gloss wall paint

Flat finish paint is nearly impossible to clean. Semi-gloss paint in satin or eggshell finishes is easy to wipe down, making it more pet-friendly.

5. Set up a pet station

Convert an area by the door into a pet station. This will be for hanging leashes, walking shoes, towels, doggy bags, and anything else you need to get your pet out the door quickly. This will also come in handy on a rainy or snowy day when you need to wipe your pet off before they run around the house with wet or dirty paws.

6. Hide the litter box

Hidden litter boxes look like an ordinary nightstand or planter on the outside, but have the litter box housed inside. Keep the litter box in a private area, away from feeding areas, so your pet can feel safe and comfortable.

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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:

7 Things Not to Buy on Black Friday

Mikey Rox — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:00:08 +0000

If I had to choose one word to describe Black Friday, it would be pande-frickin'-monium. Consumers go berserk for doorbusters, big deals, and deep discounts, but all may not be as it seems. Take a look at these typical Black Friday "best buys" that are anything but to help stretch your budget and keep your sanity in check.

1. Virtual Reality Headsets

Primitive virtual reality headsets have been around for a few years now, but they're just starting to enter mainstream technology now that major tech players, like Sony, are designing their own devices. The main problem here, however, is that the tech still isn't where it needs to be to justify the high cost of these coveted Christmas-list items.

"Though it's tempting to get your hands on a virtual reality headset, we recommend sitting it out for one more year," suggests BuyVia, a website and mobile app that combines in-store and online shopping across smartphones, tablets, and laptops. "In order for the headset to be worthwhile, you need a high-end fast PC, which can be pricey without giving you great results. For instance, The Core i5 processor will run you at least $800, plus the Nvidia GTX 970 video card. The PlayStation VR costs $400 but is still pretty slow, and has limited software selection and tracking problems."

Of course, given VR's popularity right now, you do run the risk of crushing someone's holiday hopes, like, big time, if you opt out on this item — but, eh, whatever. There's always next year.

2. Winter Apparel

It's not that you won't find great deals on winter apparel this time of year, but Black Friday may not be the best day to go on a shopping spree for the long johns and wool socks that your nephews are totally dreading. (Seriously — eeeevery year, lady?)

"While you're sure to see deals on select clothing items during Black Friday, it's better to hold off until Cyber Monday when sitewide savings of 60% plus free shipping give you more options," says savings expert Kendal Perez of Coupon Sherpa. "Black Friday clothing deals are often limited to one brand or style — a crew-neck cashmere sweater, for example. What's more, discounts on winter clothing and boots are deeper in January, when these garments go on clearance to make room for spring styles, which typically debut on showroom floors in February."

3. Health and Beauty Items

Like clothing, wait until Cyber Monday and deeper-in-December sales. Prices on individual items and sets, as well as discounts for brands and subcategories, will be much better.

"You may find a few spectacular doorbuster-like deals on makeup, polish, and fragrances, but waiting until the traditional storewide discounts we see on Cyber Monday will bring you a bigger selection of items to choose from," FatWallet.com's Brent Shelton says.

Or you can do what I do: Wait until after the holidays to pick up grooming sets, from brands like Axe and Old Spice, at slashed prices and stash them away until next year. Just make sure the products won't expire within a year or two. Which is important — unless you like the idea of giving your brother a holiday rash.

4. Tools

You may be getting fooled on tools on Black Friday, according to Mike Catania, founder of thesaving community PromotionCode.org.

"While there are plenty of Black Friday 'sales' for tools, the reality is that they're marked up more for the holidays than any other time of the year," he says. The offers look good on paper — up to 30% off — but the original price is 40% higher than it was at the end of summer. This is particularly true for tools in the quality range beneath 'pro-sumer.'"

This doesn't mean that hubby can't get the new table saw that he'll use once before he starts using it as a storage surface. Just do your research and compare prices before purchasing.

5. 1080p HDTVs

Flat-screen TVs have long been a staple of Black Friday doorbusters — many shoppers have the trample marks to prove it. But this year, 1080p versions are hitting the skids for higher-end (but still affordable) 4K HDTVs.

"4K is definitely the future of TV, and the price has dropped significantly over the last year; a 50-inch 4K HDTV is about $400," writes BuyVia in a recent blog post about Black Friday. "4Ks are optimized for Blu-ray, Netflix, Amazon, DirectTV, and YouTube, and you can add Smart TV functionality with an inexpensive $40 Roku box. Plus, if you want to spend a little more money, you can find a 4K TV with HDR imaging for incredible image quality."

The one and only issue I have with this trend — and full disclosure, I own 4K TVs myself — is that cable technology hasn't caught up with TV tech. It may be another year or two until you'll get the full experience of 4K, but you can at least take advantage of the Internet-connected "smart" part of the sets in the meantime.

6. Home Furnishings

The general consensus here is that you should avoid buying new furniture this time of year, not just specifically on Black Friday. Perez explains why.

"Black Friday is all about doorbuster deals on TVs, gaming consoles, tablets, and other electronics," she says. "Rarely do we see an epic deal on love seats and recliners, and Black Friday deals for national chains like Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Pottery Barn, and the like are minimal, often limited 15% to 20% off select items and deals on holiday accessories which don't compete with post-holiday sales. Furniture deals are better in January and July/August, when new styles debut and clearance prices offer better savings compared to Black Friday discounts."

7. Gift Cards

Boy, do I love a good gift card — mostly so I can exchange all the long johns and wool socks my aunt gave me yet again and get what I want. Deal-wise, though, you're better off waiting until December to stock up on these precious pieces of plastic, says Perez.

"Gift cards are a better buy in December when restaurants and select retailers offer bonus cards with gift card purchases. In the past, we've seen free $5 to $25 bonus gift cards with purchase of restaurant gift cards $25 to $50 from Chili's, Benihana, Olive Garden, and more. Retailers like LL Bean, DSW, The Children's Place, and Toys 'R Us also offered free gift cards ranging from $5 to $25 last December with select purchases."

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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:

10 Easiest Items to "Flip" for Cash

Kentin Waits — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 09:30:29 +0000

As a devoted thrift store shopper, auction-goer, and yard sale junkie, I always joke that my hobby is also my part-time job. Since roughly 95% of everything I buy is intended for resale, I'm constantly looking for items I can flip without a huge time investment. If you know what to look for, there's money to be made around every corner — maybe even in the stacks of stuff collecting dust in your basement or garage. Here are 10 of the easiest items you can flip for fast cash.

1. Solid Wood Furniture

One of the five best deals in every thrift store, quality furniture is an easy flip. Usually, a light sanding and application of a one-step stain/sealer is all you need to bring a worn piece back to life.

Stick to small, versatile pieces that will appeal to apartment-dwellers and look for forms that can be creatively upcycled (an old roll-top desk becomes a bar or an antique steamer trunk gets a second life as a coffee table). Reduce prep time by avoiding items with heavy ornamentation. Also, when buying dining room or office chairs, steer clear of oddly-shaped seats — they're twice as hard to reupholster.

2. Brand-Name Clothing

With the retail price of clothing hovering near the stratosphere, gently-used, seasonally-appropriate brand-name clothing is an easy sell. Look for well-made items with no missing buttons, damaged zippers, extreme alterations, stains, or weird smells. Just last week, I bought a pair of nearly-new Sperry Top Sider leather shoes for $3.99 and flipped them online for $32. (See also: 9 Qualities to Look for in Well-Made Clothing).

3. Vintage Clothing

Its own unique category, vintage clothing can include a quirky shirt made 10 years ago or a classic hat made 80 years ago. Get a feel for what's in-demand by researching completed sales on eBay. Remember, as with all other clothing, condition is everything. Several weeks ago, I paid $2.99 for a '90s-era Levi's denim cap in mint condition. Three hours after I listed it online, it sold for a cool $105.

4. Retro Barware Sets

Cocktail shakers, tumblers, swizzle sticks, ice buckets, and related items appeal to the hip and well-heeled everywhere. Matching sets are the most coveted, but mismatched or harlequin sets sell well, too. Just make sure each piece is from the same general era. Recently, a 1960s set of six lowball glasses with matching decanter sold on eBay for $69.99.

5. Power Tools

When people are moving or otherwise motivated to declutter, buyers can often score power tools at bargain-basement prices. Test each item before you buy, give it a light cleaning, grease what needs greasing, and flip it for quick cash. A few summers ago, I bought a portable, gas-powered generator for $40 at a yard sale. I sold it the very next day for $125.

6. Old Canning Jars

Vintage canning jars manufactured by Mason, Ball, and Atlas have transcended their utilitarian origins to become decorative items. Unusually large jars and the green or blue glass variety sell for a premium — especially if they retain their original zinc or glass lids. If you have any of these packed away in the basement, clean with a mixture of white vinegar and water and sell them for $8-$15 each. (See also: 9 Easy Mason Jar Gifts You Can Make).

7. Mid-Century Anything

Anything from the '50s and '60s is red hot right now. Look for authentic pieces that are in relatively good shape. Dinnerware, flatware, coffee tables, chairs, and lamps are all home runs in the resale market. Last month, I snagged an iconic "starburst" wall clock at poorly-attended auction for $1. After giving it a 10-minute cleaning, I sold it on eBay for $70.

8. Basic Lawn Tools

Old metal rakes, spades, hoes, and other basic lawn care tools are well-made and easy to rehabilitate. Clean them well, use a grinder with a brush attachment to remove rust quickly, and then flip 'em for $10-$20 apiece. The best part? Anyone with a yard is a potential buyer!

9. Bicycles

A good friend of mine in Austin, Texas has created a cottage industry buying, cleaning, repairing, and reselling bicycles to feed that city's thriving biking culture. Every weekend you can find him scouring local thrift stores, yard sales, and Craigslist ads for retro models from the '70s and '80s. Though some bikes do need significant repair (which requires a basic level of mechanical skill), most just need a little cosmetic TLC.

10. Vintage Lawn Furniture

They don't make lawn furniture they way they used to. Vintage aluminum, iron, and steel pieces are in demand for their durability and classic styling. Though complete sets are ideal, don't reject singles. Condo dwellers may only have room for one or two chairs, and other buyers prefer to mix and match. In July, a pair of untouched (read: slightly rusty) metal "clam shell" patio chairs sold on eBay for $85.

What treasures have you found and flipped for minimal effort and maximum cash? Share your story!

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

Never Borrow Money for These 5 Buys

Alaina Tweddale — Tue, 24 May 2016 10:00:10 +0000

While there is a time and a place for credit — most of us won't ever be able to pay cash for a home, a college education, or even a car — there are also times when it should be avoided, at all costs.

It's difficult to delay gratification. It doesn't help that there's always a credit card or personal loan application in the mail. Still, there are certain times when it absolutely does not make sense to borrow money to make a purchase. For these big ticket items, think hard before you swipe your card or apply for that credit line. (See also: 7 Ways Pride Is Keeping You Poor)

1. A Boat

Depending on the boat purchased, a payment could equal the cost of a new car payment or — for a more luxurious option — the cost of a mortgage. At the same time, current boat loan rates range from about 4.5% for a $350,000 boat to as high as 6.25% for a $25,000 boat. That means that over a 15-year term, a modest $25,000 boat could end up costing $38,584. That's $13,584 more than the original sticker price.

When it comes to boating, though, the cost of the vessel is often the cheapest part of ownership. Additional costs to consider are state taxes, slip fees, winter storage, registration and licensing, fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Mint recently estimated the annual cost of a $20,000 boat upkeep at $4,300 per year or $358 per month.

2. Your Wedding

Getting married is one of the most exciting times in a young person's life, and yet… many don't fully realize all the costs that come after embarking on a new life together. Not everyone makes the same life choices, of course, but houses, children, college tuition, retirement accounts, and even new cars are expensive life items that many new couples choose to buy or fund as they build their lives together.

Starting a journey together with a pricey loan with a high interest rate is an expensive way to handicap yourself as you work to build a financially stable life together. When planning a wedding, it can be helpful to remember that it's just a big party. You'll have the memories when it's over, but it's the foundation that the marriage is built upon that's really most important. And that doesn't cost a dime.

3. Jewelry

High-end jewelry like engagement rings or tennis bracelets are expensive enough without adding in the financing costs. It may seem like good news that many jewelry stores are willing to help defray the costs by offering zero interest if the purchase is paid off within six or 12 months (depending on the store) but beware, there's usually a catch.

Miss one payment or fail to pay off the balance before the due date and, for most of the stores, interest will become due for the entire original balance — and it's usually at a rate that's somewhere between 23% and 29%. That means that a $5,200 ring (the average wedding ring cost) could end up costing an additional $1,461 in interest payments alone, assuming a 25% interest rate and a two-year term.

4. Furniture and Consumer Electronics

Store issued credit cards are common upsells at the cash register and, if you're buying a big ticket item like a new sofa or flat screen TV, it's easy to be tempted by the seemingly attractive financing terms. What many credit consumers don't realize is that store cards typically work in a similar way as jewelry financing, as described above.

The offer may state 12-months, zero APR (or 12-months, same as cash), but miss a payment and you'll reset the clock, finding yourself responsible for interest payments from the date of purchase, not from the date when the payment was missed. For a $4,000 furniture purchase, a missed payment could add $1,400 in interest to the bill, assuming a 24.99% interest rate and a 24-month term. In other words, that financed furniture (or computer or refrigerator or… well, you get the idea) could end up costing you a lot more than you expected.

5. Vacation

Most vacations last a week or less but, if you take out a personal loan or swipe a credit card to fund the getaway, it won't just be the memories that last a lifetime. Earlier this year, MarketWatch determined that you could raise a child from infancy to adulthood before you could repay a $2,000 credit card balance with a 18% annual rate, if you're making just the monthly minimum payment. That's 30 years in repayment, based on their analysis, and an extra $4,931 in interest payments.

For many purchases, buying on credit can cause a lot of financial strain. Before you buy, it's important to understand the full cost of the purchase, including the cost of credit. Most times, you'd be much better served by saving up, instead of swiping your card. Think before you borrow. Your wallet will thank you.

What purchases do you refuse to make on credit?

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

10 Hidden Housing Costs New Homeowners Don't Expect

Mikey Rox — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 09:00:05 +0000

You're a new homeowner — congrats! The hardest part is over, for sure. Saying so long to most of your savings isn't easy, after all. But the money hemorrhage isn't finished just yet. There are several under-the-radar and often overlooked fees and expenses that accompany homeownership that a newbie like you might miss. Keep tabs on these expenses with this list of hidden housing costs to help soften the blow.

1. Moving Expenses

Your belongings have to get from A to B somehow, but have you considered the method? If you plan to enlist the help of your friends, you'll save a huge chunk of change, but if you have more than a few truckloads, it's probably best to hire movers — and movers aren't cheap. Depending on how much stuff you have, how many flights of stairs the movers are going up and down (my fourth-floor movers haaaated me), and the distance they need to travel to deliver it, the cost could reach upwards of $10,000. With so many other expenses coming down the pipeline, this isn't one you want to forget about. (See also: Don't Forget to Budget for These Unexpected Moving Expenses)

2. Furnishing All the Rooms

Your eyes opened wide to the four-bed, three-bath colonial when you first saw it — all that space! But those rooms aren't going to furnish themselves. This is important to keep in mind if you're coming from a much smaller dwelling. You likely don't have enough furniture to outfit the entire new home, which means that you'll have to buy new items to make it livable. Beds, dining tables, couches, sofas — any or all of these may be required, and none of it is cheap. Otherwise you can take the easy way out and assign two of your empty, furniture-less rooms to "storage," like I've seen some of my friends do. You'll just have to accept that somebody (like me) is totally judging you, lazy.

3. Window Treatments

When I moved into my first apartment in Manhattan, I assumed that the place would come with blinds. No such luck. What was worse was that my landlord wouldn't supply the blinds… and the ones I had to order if I didn't want nosy neighbors watching me do everything had to be custom made. The cost was an extra $500 or so that I didn't plan for, which is annoying when it's for something as silly as window treatments. Although, according to interior designer Tiffani Stutzman, I got off pretty easy.

"New homeowners are always shocked at the price of window treatments," she says. "The average cost of a very basic blind or shade for a medium-sized window is normally around $500. Most homeowners should budget around $1,000 per window as a good rule of thumb. However, the cost can increase significantly for very large or tall windows or windows with non-standard shapes like arches. If you are interested in using custom fabrics or other features such as motorized shades, expect much higher costs per window."

Yeah, I definitely got off easy, and I made half my money back by selling the window treatments to the renter who was coming in after me. Business is business. For your own reference, I used Blinds To Go, which was extremely affordable compared to Stutzman's estimates, and the process was a cinch.

4. Utilities and Other Day-to-Day Usage Expenses

If you previously lived in an apartment where your utilities were included in the rent, you're in for big sticker shock your first few months of energy usage. Gas and electricity isn't cheap, and if you've been taking advantage of the built-in amenities that your rent covered, you better brace yourself. To make the transition smoother, ask the seller if you can see a copy of a recent utility bill so that you can somewhat prepare. Knowing is half the battle. Tread lightly initially, too. Stay conscious of lights, heat, and A/C running only when necessary to help slow down the speed at which you're accruing new bills.

5. HVAC Inspections and Upkeep

Heaters and air conditioners are crucial to climate-controlled living (I'm so uppity I won't even spend the night someplace without an air conditioner; I get hot, bro), and they don't fix themselves. Unless you have these very specialized skills to handle their maintenance, you'll have to hire the work out. Of course, it's wise to ward off major catastrophes with annual inspections — which will still cost you — but not nearly as much as early replacement of a furnace or A/C unit that's been neglected.

6. Termite and Pest Treatments

Before you move into your new home, you should get the all clear that it's termite-free. Your inspection will reveal the pests, and it should fall on the owner to address the problem. If not, you have the right to walk away. That's not always the case, however. The owner is not required to rid the house of pests, but only to disclose the existence of the pests. If you choose to move forward with the sale knowing that there's an active pest problem, the problem is on you if it's not negotiated that it will be exterminated by the time you move in.

And if you don't mind me saying so, it's an incredibly dumb move on your part to accept the pests, as they can be very costly to eliminate. You also want to check for roaches, ants, mice and rats, and bedbugs. None of these critters are signs of good fortune.

7. Landscaping and Other Outdoor Maintenance

I do a lot of things myself to cut costs on having to pay for someone else to do it, but I draw the line at mowing the lawn and other yard maintenance. I hate it. Thus, I bring in the big guns to do the dirty work, and it costs about $800 a year. Other hidden costs to new homeowners can include, but aren't limited to: snow removal, roof maintenance (which can be a huge expenses if there's a serious problem), gutter cleaning, and outdoor pest removal, like the hornet's nest that set up camp in my own backyard.

"Lawn mowing services can run roughly $25 a week or more, but that's just for cutting the grass; that doesn't include tree trimming, fertilization, and other landscaping services," says Ryan Farley, co-founder LawnStarter, a lawn-care concierge service. "If you go the DIY route, lawn care involves an expenditure of both time and money; it's hard to put a price on your time. If you prefer to let someone else take care of your lawn, be sure to include that cost in your monthly housing budget. Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that a well-landscaped lawn can easily boost the value of your home by 10%, and a lousy looking lawn can cause you to lose money when you're ready to sell.

8. An Eventual Increase in Property Taxes

There are only two certainties in life — death and taxes, and the latter will keep increasing until you wish the former would come faster. While you should be aware of your expected property taxes before you purchase the home, you may not expect the rate at which they will increase over the years.

“When you buy a home, most sales are reported to the taxing authority, which means your property taxes will be raised to the value — or the price you paid — for the house. For many buyers this can be a 20% to 30% increase in their property taxes," says Sissy Lapin, co-founder of ListingDoor.com, a DIY home-selling resource.

9. Homeowner's Association Dues

If you're moving to a fancy neighborhood, you can bet there's a homeowner's association, which, in my opinion, is just a congenial title for "a sanctioned group of nosy neighbors who like to tell other people what to do" — but I digress. Either way, you'll have to pay up to be part of the club, whether you like it or not. But, hey, at least you get an awkward holiday party out of it at the end of the year.

"While these fees are likely disclosed during the purchase, and may bring many benefits, they are an additional cost to owning a home in many parts of the country," Lapin says. "Furthermore, there can also be periodic 'one-time' additional assessments to cover special projects or budget deficits by the association."

10. Special Assessments to Cover Special Projects

Special assessment fees generally don't apply to single-family homeownership, but they can be a surprise aspect of condo living if you're not prepared. Recently, we had to replace the roof on our building in Manhattan to the tune of more than $1 million. Uh huh. I needed a minute when I heard that, too. With only 12 units in the building, the cost was divvied up between the owners based on the shares we held in the building. Needless to say, it wasn't cheap for anyone, and special assessments like these can force you out of your home if you're not financially capable of paying your share.

Furthermore, if you're forced to move because you can no longer afford the mortgage plus fees, it can be difficult finding a buyer given the financially-strapped circumstance of the unit and the building. There's no real way to prepare for things like this — it's more of a roll-with-the-punches situation — but it's certainly something to consider before buying a condo.

Are you a new homeowner? What are some of the pop-up fees you weren't prepared for? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

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:

4 Purchases With Financing Options That Depreciate Fast

Qiana Chavaia — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:30:07 +0000

It's refund season. Unfortunately, the first thing most people do when they receive their tax refund is purchase big ticket items that often depreciate in value. Far worse, sometimes the refund is used as a down payment, and the purchase still requires financing. Or, it's bought before the money actually arrives and carried as a credit card balance — believing you'll use your refund to pay it off. (See also: 8 Smart Things to Do With Your Tax Refund)

Investing your tax refund in smart, long-lasting purchases you really need is one thing. But using the money on big-ticket items that are certain to depreciate is a losing financial proposition. Consider avoiding these depreciating purchases:

1. Jewelry

Suze Orman likes to point out that she always wears the same jewelry. I'm the same way. Unless it's for a truly special occasion — such as an engagement ring, wedding band, or anniversary gift — jewelry isn't something you should buy often. Precious stones, in particular, tend to depreciate hard and fast. Ira Weissman, a 10-year veteran in the diamond business, says diamonds are a terrible waste of your money because their value often drops to less than half after your purchase.

2. Automobiles

You've heard that cars lose their value the moment you drive off the lot. So, why pump so much money into something that will never appreciate in value, will only cost more money over time, and ultimately need to be replaced? And worse, why would you finance a new vehicle — taking on additional debt on top of a depreciating asset — if you don't really need a new car?

The good news is, consumers have wised up to the truth about auto financing. And the automobile industry has caught on to the fact they can no longer convince people to run out and buy new cars every two to three years. But they still want your money. So, they've created an alternative scheme to traditional three to five year financing. It's an auto lease, where if you use the car for work (individual or business), you can deduct up to as much as 100% of monthly payments and other expenses. While it's not right for everyone, in some situations, it's a good alternative to taking on new car debt. Of course, the best option is still to pay for cars in cash, buying a vehicle only when you really need it.

3. Electronics

In our nation's consumer-driven economy, the sale of goods is the backbone of business. So, some businesses no longer have an incentive to make quality products that last, because consumers want the latest release with updated features. Since electronics are a necessary — and rapidly depreciating — evil, your best bet is to buy only what you need, get an extended warranty on it (if possible), insure it, and hang onto it for years to come. Help drive down the excessive costs of these expensive gadgets by simply refusing to trade them in every year.

4. Furniture

Used furniture is only as valuable as what someone is willing pay, and that's often far less than what you paid originally. Even designer furniture in good condition only fetches a small fraction of its original price. If you're in the market for furniture, buy high-quality, durable pieces if you can. Budget and plan for their purchase and acquire them over time. If you can't quite afford those high-quality items yet, consider buying them used and let someone else take the depreciation hit, instead.

Are there other quickly depreciating buys we've missed? Please share in comments!

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

8 Things You Should Always Buy Used

Dan Rafter — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:00:04 +0000

Sure, everyone loves the smell of a new car. And there's something appealing about the thought of a brand new home that hasn't suffered the wear-and-tear of past owners. But there are some purchases that you should never make new, no matter how tempting. Here are eight items that you're better off buying used. (See also: 10 Things You Should Never Buy Used)

1. Cars

You've heard that a new car starts losing value as soon as you drive it off the lot. That's not a myth — it's a fact. Just as importantly, new cars cost thousands of dollars more than vehicles that are just one model year older.

Here's an example: TRUECar says that dealers are offering the 2016 Subaru Forester SUV for about $25,000. The same website found a 2015 Subaru Forester for $23,000. You could save $2,000 just by buying a new car one model year older. If you're willing to go with an even older model, you'll save more. TRUECar listed a 2013 Forester for $18,556.

2. Homes

It might seem tempting to buy a new home. You won't have to worry about a 10-year-old water heater suddenly bursting, or a 15-year-old roof springing an unexpected leak. But new homes are also more expensive than existing ones.

The National Association of Realtors reported that the median price for existing homes across the country stood at $221,900 in September. That's 6.1% higher than where this figure stood in September of last year, but it's still lower than the median sales price for a new home.

According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data gathered by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the median sales price for new houses sold in the United States hit $296,900 in September of this year, more than $70,000 more than the median price for existing homes.

3. Textbooks

If you're a college student, you should know this already — but it rarely makes sense to buy textbooks new. (See also: 20 Places to Buy Used or Rent Textbooks)

The College Board estimates that the average college student in the United States spends about $1,200 a year on textbooks and supplies, while the Government Accountability Office reported that from 2002 through 2013, the price of college textbooks jumped 82%. Then, when students sell these books back at the end of the year, they often receive just pennies on the dollar.

The better move is to hunt for used versions of these textbooks. It can save you hundreds of dollars a semester.

4. Pets

It always makes financial sense to buy a "used" pet from your local humane society. It may not even cost anything to adopt your new companion from the shelter.

Buying a pet from the humane society is also a good thing to do. The ASPCA says that about 2.7 million animals are euthanized each year — 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats. If you adopt from your local animal shelter, you'll do your part to reduce these numbers.

5. Baby Clothing

Here's a truth about baby clothes: Your infant will barely wear each of the fuzzy outfits you buy. That's because babies grow so fast that they're constantly — and rapidly — getting too big for their outfits.

This is why it makes financial sense to purchase your baby clothes used. You can save a bundle when compared to buying new. And if you end up with some outfits that aren't your favorite? Don't worry, your baby will outgrow them quickly enough.

6. Furniture

Furnishing a new home or apartment can cost a small fortune. But you don't have to overspend on a couch, loveseat, or end table if you buy them used.

There are plenty of sources for used furniture. You can find value-priced items at estate sales, antique stores, flea markets, and yard sales. Sure, you'll be sitting on a sofa that many others have sat on before, but think of how much fatter your wallet will be.

7. Tools

You don't need the latest year's screwdriver, do you? You don't need a shiny new hammer, either. Tools are one of the best items to buy used because there's little difference between a 10-year-old hammer and one manufactured yesterday.

As with furniture, you can find plenty of used tools at garage and estate sales. You can also hunt sites such as Craigslist for deals. But you should draw the line at tools with motors and moving parts. You don't want to buy an old power tool that might malfunction and leave you with a few less fingers on your favorite hand.

8. Musical Instruments

Ask parents who've had to buy their children tubas, baritones, or saxophones for the elementary school band: Musical instruments are pricey.

If you buy these instruments used, you can save a bundle. And many of the used trumpets, clarinets, and guitars that you buy will have been refurbished so that they feel like new. Many of these used instruments have rarely been played before hitting the resale market.

What products do you like to buy second-hand?

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

8 IKEA Shopping Tricks

Kyle James — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:15:15 +0000

Similar to other large box stores, there are ways to maximize your savings and time at IKEA. Here are eight such hacks that'll help you walk out the doors with a great deal on your next visit.

1. Make Your Shopping List Online

A great way to make your next trek to IKEA a faster, and more pleasant experience, is to first create your shopping list online at IKEA.com. Just add items to your virtual "Shopping List" and print it out. The reason this is such a great idea is because your list will tell you the exact location of each item in the physical warehouse, right down to the aisle and bin number. You'll end up savings oodles of time as you can head directly to your items without wandering the cavernous warehouse.

2. Always Enter Directly Through the Exit

With your shopping list in hand, enter through the exit. By doing so, you'll end up in the actual warehouse where you can quickly find the aisles and bins of the items on your list, and you'll skip the shiny showroom and all those temptations.

3. Use Lowe's Kitchen Design Service Before Going to IKEA

A kitchen facelift, or full remodel, is easily one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. A great way to save money on a kitchen remodel is to take advantage of Lowe's free kitchen design service and then use those plans when purchasing cabinets from IKEA. By doing so, you'll get a free professional kitchen design, plus easily save 30%–40% at IKEA compared to buying custom cabinets from Lowe's, Home Depot, or a cabinet shop in your local area.

4. Shop the "As Is" Section on a Monday

An often overlooked section of any IKEA warehouse is the "As Is" department, which is typically hidden away near the cash registers. This is where they store their discontinued items, damaged products, and returns, and they always sell them for a hefty discount. Try to always shop the "As Is" section on a Monday morning, as most returns happen over the weekend.

Plus, many of the items are already assembled, which will save you a bunch of time and frustration. Also, you'll get an extra 10% off all "As Is" items every Wednesday if you sign up for...

5. IKEA's Family Program

If you shop at IKEA at least a couple times a year, you should definitely sign up for the free IKEA Family Program. Not only will you be emailed exclusive coupons and discounts, but you'll also get 90-day price protection and a chance to win a $100 IKEA gift card. Throw in a free cup of coffee or tea on every visit, and the extra 30 minutes your kids can spend playing in Småland, and it's a total no-brainer.

6. Moving Soon? Score a $25 Coupon

IKEA rarely has a coupon available for public use. But if you're moving in the near future, you'd be wise to take advantage of their Moving Program which entitles you to a coupon good for $25 off your next $250+ purchase. Simply enter your existing address and your new address, and the $25 coupon is yours.

7. Buy IKEA Items From Amazon to Save on Shipping

Did you know that you can now buy hundreds of IKEA items on Amazon? If you're an Amazon Prime member, this is a fantastic way to get IKEA items delivered to your home with free two-day shipping. A word to the wise, prices on Amazon are roughly 25%–40% higher than the physical IKEA warehouse. But in many cases, if you don't have an IKEA near you, prices on Amazon will still beat other local furniture outlets.

8. Missing Parts? Don't Return to IKEA

If you've ever attempted to put together a piece of IKEA furniture, you already know how many parts and hardware come in the box. Inevitably you'll run into a situation where you're missing a part or screw. The next time this happens to you, don't get in the car and drive all the way back to the warehouse as you'll do nothing but add to your frustration.

Instead, examine your instruction manual and determine the exact part number you're missing. Then, call your local IKEA and they'll happily mail you your replacement parts. When calling, bypass the operator immediately by asking for the specific department your item is stocked in. Those are the only employees who can quickly get your parts in the mail.

What are some of your favorite IKEA items and did you score a deal on them?

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

8 Ways to Make a Small Room Seem Bigger for $50 or Less

Camilla Cheung — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:15:26 +0000

There may not be a budget-friendly way to actually make your home larger, but there certainly are ways you can make it seem larger. These tricks to make a small room seem bigger all ring up at $50 or less — try some of them next weekend and expand your living space!

Give Furniture Room to Breathe

It's a bit counterintuitive, but pulling your furniture away from the walls and giving each piece a bit of space can make your room feel bigger. For example, instead of putting sofas and chairs against the walls, float a sofa into the room with a console table behind it. Angling armchairs to face each other in a conversational grouping may make your seating arrangements more functional and make your room seem bigger. Just be careful not to block walkways as you arrange the furniture.

Getting rid of extraneous furniture can give you more breathing room. A lot of people think that you need to fill a room with furniture to make it look good, but the contrary is often true. Getting rid of smaller pieces that tend to make a room look cluttered and can obstruct foot traffic (such as side tables, small bookcases, floor lamps, or small ottomans), and consolidating with a few properly-scaled pieces of furniture, can make your room look sleeker and larger.

2. Use Transparent Pieces

Give your room a lift by replacing dark, heavy furniture with transparent glass or acrylic pieces. A glass side table gives you functionality without taking up much visual space. If you can see the floor through your furniture, the room will feel bigger.

Contemporary silver and glass table: $35.99

3. Declutter and Curate

Keep surfaces clear, displaying only a few knick-knacks at a time. Cull your collections so that you're only displaying your favorites. And instead of displaying your treasures at random, arrange them in a cluster to form a charming vignette that can act as a focal point for the room (groups of three — a tall, medium, and small item — work well). This gives your decorations a little visual organization, making them look less cluttered to the eye. Displaying items on an attractive tray can also make them look a little more pulled together. A room that is neat and clutter-free is more calming and looks much bigger.

Decorative hammered tray: $32.45

4. Use Light Colors

Dark, deep colors tend to make a room feel cozy, but can also make it feel smaller. Use light colors to reflect the light and make your room seem more expansive. Painting your moldings and trim white, or a lighter color than the walls, can also make the walls seem to recede, making the room feel larger.

One gallon of Behr Premium Plus paint: $32.98

5. Bring in Mirrors

Mirrors open up more visual space and also reflect light back into the room, making it seem larger. A large mirror hung above a console table or dresser can almost look like an extra window, while even a small mirror hung in a dark corner can breathe light into the room.

Elegant household mirror: $46.43

6. Create Hidden Storage

My personal clutter nemesis is my children's pile of toys. To keep them out of the way, I stow loose toys in large covered baskets that can be neatly stored. One of my favorite items is a large seagrass hamper with a lid that I found at Homegoods for $30. It holds a lot of toys, is attractive in its own right, and because it is tall rather than wide, doesn't take up a lot of valuable floor space.

Storage ottomans can also be great multitaskers in small rooms. Storage ottomans can do double duty as extra seating as well as hidden storage, just make sure you have a place to store them neatly (such as tucked under a table) where they won't add to the visual clutter.

Storage baskets and boxes: $15–$50
Storage ottoman: $29.99

7. Optimize Natural Light

Having plenty of natural light flooding in will make your room feel bigger. If your drapes are blocking the windows, switch them out for airy sheers (or get rid of window treatments altogether if privacy is not a factor). If you want curtains, hang them high and wide over the window frame so they block as little light as possible.

IKEA Teresia sheer white curtains, one pair: $17.90

8. Use Multiple Light Sources

Using several sources of light, such as lamps, sconces, and recessed lighting, can make your space more interesting to the eye. In addition, by highlighting different parts of the room with weaker sources of light, rather than just one bright overhead light, you bounce light into the corners of the room, making it seem bigger.

Elegant Designs modern leather table lamp: $39.99

What tricks do you use to live large in a small space?

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

5 Ways Having Good Taste Saves You Money

Max Wong — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:00:13 +0000

Good taste is a little perk, like knowing Esperanto or playing the accordion really, really well. It can help you save money on otherwise expensive purchases and enables you to pick out diamonds in the rough at garage sales or discount shops.

Here are five major ways having good taste can save you money.

1. Score Great Finds at Thrift Stores

Good taste can make shopping at thrift stores and garage sales a fairy tale experience. Even in a picked-over, second-hand market like Los Angeles, I can usually find valuable items that are severely under-priced. I built a side business buying and then reselling vintage items online and to local interior decorators. As a second-hand shopper, good taste helps me make an extra $5,000 a year.

2. Save Money on Clothing

I live in Los Angeles, which means that I have access to many excellent used clothing stores. However, even if I lived in the boonies, good taste makes buying clothes on a budget much easier, mainly because I know exactly what looks good on me. I know, for example that the most flattering skirt length on me is right at mid-knee. So, even though mid-calf skirts are all the rage for summer, I will be sitting out this trend. Why waste money on clothes that look terrible on me?

In addition to ignoring bad fashion advice, good taste helps me find designer quality garments without the designer price. For example, the classic knit wrap dress is my go-to garment for work. They don't wrinkle, they pack well, and they are easy to dress up and down with just a change of accessories. While I must credit Diane Von Furstenberg for her original design, even if I could afford her dresses, I couldn't wear them — I'm too long-waisted. After trying on approximately 450,000 wrap dresses at all price points, I've found a brand that fits my long torso to a T. At $84 the PERI Pure Eco-Rag Industry wrap dress is still pricey. However, when compared to the similar Diane Von Furstenberg dress that costs $368, the PERI dress is practically a steal. And, although exactly no one can tell this without looking at the tag, the PERI dress is made in the United States, out of organic, biodegradable, and recyclable fabric that is dyed using low-impact dyes in a solar-powered factory.

3. Decorate Frugally

I didn't know that the $3 garage sale coffee table would be valued at $1200 when I bought it, but I knew just by looking at its streamlined shape that it was worth snapping up. With the exception of my mattress and my armoire, all of my furniture was purchased second hand, at a steep discount, or actually rescued from the curb on trash day.

While owning used furniture really isn't anything to brag about, the fact that my home has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, and was a runner up for the Metropolitan Home Award, is. Good taste allows me to see the potential of lowly items. My red mohair sofa that everyone thinks is a Jean-Michel Frank original, started life as a $99 mustard yellow Hide-a-Bed.

4. Know What to Pay for Quality

Even unskilled cooks can make delicious meals with the right ingredients. But quality ingredients don't have to come with a huge price tag. In fact, according to a recent study by the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, the more informed the shopper, they more likely he is to buy store brands. The study specifically compared the shopping habits of pharmacists and chefs to less expert consumers. Researchers discovered that 77% of chefs preferred generic store brands over national brands for pantry staples like sugar, salt, and flour.

Although generic food got a bad rap in the 1970s when the quality was very poor, this is no longer the case. Store brands like Costco's Kirkland line and Trader Joe's are often superior to their name brand competitors. Simply put, store brands don't have to pay for marketing, and this 25% savings is passed along to the consumer without impacting the product quality.

Even more shocking are the numbers for generic drugs. The researchers found that pharmacists only bought national brands of over-the-counter drugs 8.5% of the time, while the average consumer bought them 26% percent of the time. The research also revealed that people without a college education were especially likely to buy the more expensive name brand drugs.

5. Save on Good Design

Design sense is a rare talent that people are born with. If everyone had good taste, then there would be no work for artists, designers, or architects. Luckily, good taste can be faked. It's called being an educated consumer. I was lucky enough to hone my design sense as a child by spending thousands of hours sorting through swap meet merchandise with my grandmother who was an interior decorator.

Practice does make perfect. Before making any big purchase, compare, compare, compare. Read online comments and reviews. If the financial risk is low enough, do a taste test! Spend $2 and try the store brand tomato sauce. Cover the sofa you trash picked with a white sheet and see if you can fool your guests into believing it's a family heirloom hiding under a dust cover. Improve your skills as a "selector" on inexpensive items. If your trash picked sofa doesn't work out, what have you really lost? Nothing. You now know one thing that shouldn't be in your living room, so you are actually ahead in your design education. And, if you fool the company, then you know your instincts were right!

Do you have good taste? How does your good taste manifest itself? Is good taste a stupid concept? Share your (tasteful) opinions with your fellow Wise Bread readers.

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:

The 5 Best Things to Buy or Sell on Craigslist

Amanda Meadows — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 11:00:10 +0000

Oh, the choppy public waters one must navigate on Craigslist. For every successful transaction, about a dozen fall through. How do you know what will work? These are the five things you should always buy or sell on Craigslist.

1. Home Appliances

Refrigerators, dishwashers, A/C units, and laundry washers and dryers are the kind of machines perfect for buying and selling on Craigslist. They're really expensive when bought new, but remain useful for years and years, so they retain a good hunk of their original value. Why buy a brand new washer/dryer combo for $1000, when you can get a slightly older one for $400? Remember to check for warranties, if possible, which could increase an appliance's used value.

2. Electronics

At some point, nearly everyone has to buy or sell a computer, phone, stereo, TV, or printer. Nearly all electronics do well on Craigslist for that reason, and because they hold their resale value well. The best and fastest sellers are whatever is most in demand at the time: Apple products such as the iPad, iPhone, and Watch will yield dozens of offers in a day. When buying, remember to check the median eBay price for the item before making an offer, so that you are not paying extra for a used product.

3. Cars

Another inelastic need most people will buy at least once in their lifetime, cars do very well on Craigslist. If you're selling your car, you need good photos, the full car history, and a fair price based on the Kelly Blue Book value. If you're buying, the most important thing to watch out for are sellers who try to pass off a salvage title or a ticking time bomb of a car that has not been repaired. Be sure to fully test drive the car, and ask to bring it to a diagnostic mechanic before buying. If the seller won't allow that, consider it a big red flag.

4. High-End Furniture

Solid, well-maintained furniture also holds its value very well. The holy grail of big-ticket lifestyle items, stylish mid-century modern furniture is still extremely popular and in demand — even a basic but finely made oak dresser or table will do great on Craigslist. Some great items that are easy to sell and easy to shop for are bed frames, dressers, dining sets, new couches, and lamps. Riskier pieces would be mattresses, older couches, and rugs — you never know how clean those will actually be, so new is always better than used for those items.

5. Power Tools

When the inevitable time comes to fix the furniture, cars, and appliances you bought on Craigslist, you can go right back to Craigslist for a toolkit, a drill, a sander — you name it. The secondary market for power tools is healthy and reasonably fair for both sellers and buyers. As a seller, keep your eye out for how much the new versions sell for on Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart to be sure you're within the right pricing zone. As a buyer, remember you can always make an offer a little lower than asking price — it never hurts to negotiate.

What items do you frequently sell or buy on Craigslist?

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

15 Savvy Tips for a Smoother Move

Ashley Marcin — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 15:00:03 +0000

Whether you're moving into the house of your dreams or simply to a new apartment across town, the process can be daunting. I've been there, recently, and I'm only now recovering from the exhaustion of it all. Along the way, I learned some of the major DOs and DON'Ts related to moving, and I'm going to share them with all of you! (See also: How to Ensure You Get the Home Loan You Want)

1. Simplify

Now's the time to go through your stuff and weed out the extras. Throw away any trash that might be lingering in your junk drawers. Give away anything you no longer use to friends or donate to a local charity (some will come and pick up your items from you!).

A good place to start? Give your closet a long, hard look to see where you can pare down. Fewer things to move equals fewer headaches. (See also: 8 Essential Pieces for Your Capsule Wardrobe)

2. Sell

What you don't trash or donate, you should consider selling in a yard sale. Check to see if your community organizes any neighborhood-wide sales, which can help with getting more traffic to your location. Otherwise, use sites like Craigslist or even local Facebook boards to unload your items and earn some cash to help with your moving expenses.

3. Make a List

Everyday life can get rather hectic when all your stuff starts piling up in boxes. So, prepare yourself by making a list of what you need to accomplish during your move. This list might include any appointments you have, bills that need to be paid, or other obligations. Also put a couple moving-related points on there like changing your address with USPS or ordering checks and other necessities with your new number on them. Hang your list on the refrigerator so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

4. Start Early

As soon as we knew we'd be moving, I started packing. I packed away everything nonessential and even slimmed down my wardrobe to 10 simple, mix and match pieces. By packing early, you eliminate a lot of mess and everyday cleaning that would otherwise need to happen on top of all the other things you're doing. Designate one room in your house or apartment for boxes if you can, and pile them tall. (See also: Cheap Ways to Make Your Apartment Awesome)

5. Pack a Bag

Likewise, once you've determined what your essential items are, get a backpack or overnight bag out that you'll reserve for the move itself. You'll want these items handy when everything else in your life is in boxes. Our large suitcase contained a change of clothes, pajamas, personal care items, important documents, our laptop, and some other valuables.

6. Set Time Aside

I rather cavalierly thought we'd be able to pack our entire home in a couple hours each evening for a few days. Boy, was I wrong. Especially if you have children, it's important to set aside dedicated time for packing — preferably when your little one is being taken care of elsewhere. Not only is a half-packed home dangerous for young kids (lots of choking hazards hanging around), but it's also nearly impossible to finish everything you need to do. (See also: This Is Why Your Projects Always Take Longer Than You Expect)

7. Reserve

If you plan to rent a moving truck, reserve it as early as you have your move date. We learned the hard way that vans get scheduled quickly, and if you live in a smaller area — it can be hard, if not impossible, to find alternatives. Also be sure to check your local paper or the company's website for any deals they might be running. And read all the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.

8. Organize

When it comes to packing, don't toss everything in a box. Come up with an organization method that works for you. Maybe you pack all your office items in one box or all your dinnerware in another. Label the boxes clearly — including which boxes contain fragile items and even which box goes into what room — so when you arrive at your new digs, there's no guesswork involved.

9. Hunt Around

And speaking of boxes, don't immediately go out and buy brand new cardboard. Check grocery and big box stores for sizes big and small that will be recycled. We were able to get all the boxes we needed for our move with a few trips to a grocery store across town. Call ahead before making any big trips to see if the store offers its boxes to the public. Before you recycle them after the move, see if you can pay it forward to a friend.

10. Think Outside the Box

Better yet, pack what you can without the use of boxes. Suitcases can hold a good number of your clothes, tote bags can carry stuffed animals and other soft items, zip bags can house small items, and laundry bins are golden. You can even keep your clothes in the dresser drawers, just remove them while moving the dresser itself to lighten the load.

11. Repurpose

If you run out of packing material (bubble wrap, newspaper, etc.), use towels, socks, and even old plastic grocery bags to help cushion delicate items. You can use paper plates to cradle fragile china. I even used a couple pillows and big blankets to keep our television and other electronics safe from dings and dents during their travels.

12. Dig Deep

Reach into the far back of your pantries and freezers to use up any last bits of food you have hiding. It's best to keep fresh food purchases to a minimum in the week before your move to eliminate any waste that might occur in transit. Plus, there's nothing more gratifying than filling up your new refrigerator with a stock of fresh groceries.

13. Incentivize

For basic moves, you might need a few more hands. Invite your friends over and offer pizza and beer (or a quinoa bake and herbal tea — you get the idea) for their efforts. As much as moving is hard work, the whole thing is made much more pleasant when you spend the time with friends and family. And while you're at it, make sure that everything is ready to move when they arrive so no one is standing around awkwardly waiting.

14. Hire Help

For very large or tricky items (think pianos!), you might want to consider hiring movers. Did you know you don't need to contract them move all your stuff? Call and arrange for a quote for just the biggest, heaviest, and otherwise trickiest pieces of furniture. You may save yourself some money this way, as well as hold onto potential dollars you otherwise sink into medical bills or replacement items that are damaged by your amateur schlepping techniques.

15. Make Time

If it's at all possible, try to get some overlapping dates for your move. For example, explore the idea of pre-possession or post-possession if you're buying a home. Many lawyers don't love drafting up the extra paperwork involved, but we got pre-possession of our home for an extra two days and it made a huge difference. Just FYI: You'll need to arrange for insurance coverage and cover utilities during this time, among a few other considerations that your agent can help walk you through.

What smart tips do you have for people on the move?

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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:

15 Cheap and Ingenious Ways to Upgrade Your Furniture

Camilla Cheung — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 10:24:15 +0000

Don't have the money to buy a new sectional for the living room? Still making it work with hand-me-downs from your parents? Don't worry if you can't spend the big bucks on updating your furniture yet — there are plenty of fast and easy ways to refresh your home on the cheap. Use these thrifty finds and innovative solutions to make the most of what you already have. (See also: Where to Find Cheap, Good-Looking New Furniture)

1. Add Trim to Curtains

Plain white IKEA curtains (or equivalents from other stores) are cheap and go with everything, but don't always pack the most stylish punch. Update that $20 pair of curtains by adding a few yards of trim — be it pom-pom trim, craft store ribbon, or a strip of colorful fabric. You don't even need to know how to sew — attach the trim using iron-on hem tape or easy-to-apply fabric glue.

2. Create Cushion Covers Out of Napkins

One of the easiest ways to update an old couch is to add accent pillows in a fun and trendy print. And one of the easiest ways to make new cushion covers is to make them out of cloth napkins! They are cheap, brightly colored, and already cut into squares! You can sew them of course, but iron-on hem tape is again your friend. Here's a great tutorial for creating your own no-sew napkin pillow covers.

3. Refresh Wood With Mayonnaise

I love finding old wood furniture at thrift shops or estate sales, but often the wood is dry and stained with water marks. One easy, old-fashioned, cheap, and non-toxic way to refresh wood is to rub in some mayonnaise! Yes, mayonnaise! Simply apply the mayonnaise in a thin layer, and let it sit for a couple of hours before wiping it off. The oil in the mayo helps to cover the water marks and brings out the depth in the wood. (See also: Surprising Home Uses for Mayonnaise)

4. Skim-Coat Countertops With Concrete

Those old laminate countertops might be worn out and dated, but new countertops aren't cheap. A great interim solution is to skim-coat your laminate countertops with a concrete product manufactured for this specific purpose. The materials are cheap, and the method is surprisingly easy. This tutorial on how to skim-coat your laminate countertops with concrete is a great place to start.

5. Paint With Chalkboard Paint

Chalkboard paint is enjoying a renaissance in home decor these days. It's not surprising; chalkboard paint is cheap and even comes in spray-on versions. If you've got an old table that numerous generations of kids have destroyed, why not paint the top with chalkboard paint and let the next generation go nuts with the chalk? Lately I've even seen dressers, chairs, and walls painted with chalkboard paint!

6. Spray Paint Almost Anything

Spray paint is a great way to revitalize old pieces of furniture that you're about ready to toss. What have you got to lose? These folding chairs look amazing with fresh coats of colorful spray paint, and these brassy builder-grade doorknobs now look way more upscale with a coat of bronze paint. Small pieces of furniture like stools and chairs, and accessories like lamps and vases, are perfect for spray paint. I love the look of a wood table paired with spray-painted mismatched thrift store chairs — just make sure all the chairs are painted the same color for a cohesive look! (See also: 40 Ways to Use Spray Paint)

7. Change the Legs

For a fun and modern update to an old couch, try removing the skirt and painting the sofa legs a bright color. The same goes for an old coffee table or outdated dining chairs. Or switch out the legs altogether with something more updated (here are a few great ideas). Slim tapered legs are much more trendy now than the fat blocks that were popular 10 years ago and are easy to swap out.

8. Paper It

Another easy way to update old furniture is by applying patterned paper. A roll of wallpaper goes a long way when used to cover the back of a bookcase or an old hutch. For an even thriftier update (albeit not as durable), use wrapping paper. Contact paper now comes in lots of beautiful patterns and can even mimic the look of natural stone. Stick marble contact paper on top of a laminate nightstand or use it to gussy up a cheap Ikea side table. Or, as in this project, use stone-patterned vinyl wallpaper to cover your cabinetry for a unique and luxe look. (See also: Clever Uses for Leftover Wallpaper)

9. Paint or Stain It

If you're just sick of the honey oak finish on your hand-me-down wood furniture, the best thing to do may be to paint or to refinish it.

10. Reupholster It

Sure, reupholstering your grandfather's wingback chair might be a bit out of your reach, but chances are there are plenty of simple upholstery projects that you are more than capable of taking on. Recovering the seats on your dining chairs with a fun fabric is easy and can make a huge difference, and all you need is some fabric and a manual staple gun. Turn a cheap or thrifted coffee table into a plush ottoman. Find a cheap stool and upholster the top with a fuzzy (real or faux) sheepskin, making it perfect for a vanity or foyer. Once you start, you'll be looking at everything in your home as a potential upholstery job!

11. Swap Hardware

Like jewelry, adding a little bling in the form of new hardware to your old furniture is one way to update its look. Sometimes you don't even need to add new hardware — just shine up old brass pulls and knobs with a little salt and elbow grease. An old dresser or built-in cabinetry can look new if you add modern hardware, and a couple of fun knobs can really dress up plain closet doors.

12. Cover It With Mirrors

Don't like the finish of your old furniture? Try covering it with inexpensive acrylic mirror material, which you can have cut to size at the hardware store. For example, cover a cheap dresser with mirrors for a high-end, glamorous look. Or cut a piece of mirror to fit the top of a worn-out coffee table.

13. Add Molding

An old set of bookshelves can be spruced up by adding some chunky molding to the bottom and top and then painted. By doing this, you can make them look like built-ins, especially if you create a whole wall of bookcases trimmed out with molding.

14. Stencil It

Stencils nowadays come in all sorts of trendy patterns. Apply paint with a sponge roller for a quick and easy update, like this stenciled table top that looks like bone inlay.

15. Cover It With Fabric

A fun way to update a dresser is to cover it with grasscloth or linen fabric, with nailhead trim to complement the texture of the fabric. You can also use fabric as the backing for a bookcase, or in this case, a cleaning closet.

Do you have any old furniture that would benefit from a little innovative updating? What's your plan?

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

10 Places to Find Cheap, Good-Looking New Furniture

Kelly Medeiros — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:24:09 +0000

Finding affordable furniture doesn't mean you are relegated to college dorm decor or dumpster diving. Besides thrift stores, Craigslist, and garage sales, cheap-yet-attractive retail options do exist if you know where to look. Here are some great places to score some stylish furniture on a budget. (See also: How to Save on Patio Furniture)

1. Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus World Market, which originally got its name from selling items at cost plus 10%, now has 250 locations and an online site selling a collection of home items from around the world at extremely economical prices. World Market's eclectic furniture choices include many decorative fabric chairs for under $300, sofa options for under $600, and tufted upholstered beds under $500. Most products are made of solid wood and quality fabrics, and the site provides helpful running commentary from online reviewers.

2. IKEA

No frugal furniture list would be complete without a reference to IKEA. IKEA has some of the cheapest furniture around, and while it's true this is often due to things like particle board construction, there are a number of IKEA finds that even designers use as high-end substitutes. Check out the super affordable chairs and sofas from the EKTORP line, which start as low as $250 and whose white slipcovers make for a great spa feel. You can also score a good-looking KIVIK chaise for $350 in a variety of colors, while the AINA curtains rival more lux Belgian linen draperies. (See also: DIY Curtains)

3. Wayfair

With over 11,000 brands, Wayfair has an overwhelming number of home furnishing options available on its site. Furniture ranges from the extremely cheap to the high-end name brands, most of which are then discounted well below the original list price. Many pieces also include free shipping, which can save hundreds of dollars over other furniture retailers. Walmart also sells some Wayfair furniture on its site, too.

4. Pier 1

Pier 1 Imports offers some furniture with flair at very reasonable price points. Most items have a global artisan feel, and the in-store displays prove helpful in providing inspiration for your furniture finds. You can now also order online and have items delivered or choose free next-day pickup at a store location. Some of my favorites are their collections of affordable upholstered chairs, which always make a statement with unique fabrics and eye-catching designs.

5. Overstock

Finding 20% or more savings on great pieces of furniture makes Overstock worth a look. A vast furniture inventory and everyday free shipping on items over $50 (including the big stuff) also helps. Some of the more economical furniture buys may require some assembly, but the savings can help justify the labor involved. Overstock often runs additional sales on already reduced items for even more bargain shopping.

6. Home Decorators

If you've ever received one of Home Decorators' catalogs, you know they sell a variety of well-priced furniture items and rugs. It's also one of the few places online where you can customize fabrics and colors for fairly affordable prices. While durability can be questionable at times, a collection of product reviews is available to help you make your purchase. Make sure to check their outlet section and various sales events, too. I have had great luck with many items, including some custom upholstered dining chairs for $150, a hall tree from the outlet for under $100, and a handsome French-inspired settee for around $300.

7. West Elm

As the more affordable sister store to Pottery Barn, West Elm's furniture is best known for small-space living and clean lines with a modern touch. Their Emmerson Collection boasts a rustic look for modern or industrial spaces, while their Mid-Century Collection provides a '50s vibe. Price points are not necessarily rock bottom, but you can score some nice pieces for under $500. Check out their inspiration and ideas sections, or head into your local store for designer advice. (See also: How to Live Large in a Small Space)

8. One Kings Lane and Joss & Main

Flash sale sites One Kings Lane and Joss & Main carry some high-end brand furniture, vintage finds, and affordable furnishings at major savings (think as much as 50% or more). However, you are limited to what's available during the timed sale periods, which means you need to be patient and check back often if you are searching for a particular item. Like many flash sale sites, you'll need to register, and also beware to buy only what you truly are looking for. (See also: Flash Sale Sites: Great Discounts…With a Price)

9. Target

Don't rule out Target for finding some attractive and affordable furniture. The store is great for finding cheap, simple furniture items, like bookcases, tables, desks, dressers, and nightstands for under $150. Like many cheap furniture items, assembly may be required. You can also spiff up some of their relatively modest pieces by buying your own knobs, pulls, and other hardware to make for a unique look.

10. Big Lots

As one of the largest broadline closeout retailers, Big Lots offers some extremely discounted furniture. Shopping Big Lots is easy with over 1,400 stores nationwide and the ability to browse online. Microfiber sofas under $300, nightstands under $70 and majorly discounted Serta mattresses are just some of the extremely cheap furniture finds available.

Where are some of your favorite places for cheap, good-looking furniture?

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

Make Old Furniture Shine With These Simple Refinishing Tricks

Camilla Cheung — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 10:00:03 +0000

So you've scored an awesome piece of wood furniture at an estate sale, on Craigslist, or at your local dumpster, but it's looking a little worse for wear. How can you make that old wood furniture new again? The easiest thing to do is to give it a light sanding and then paint it in a fun new color. However, if you're into the look of wood grain, stripping it down and re-staining that wood furniture might be your best bet. (See also: How to Tell If You Should Refinish Wooden Furniture)

Is It Possible to Restore Without Stripping?

First things first: are stripping and re-staining really necessary? I'm not going to lie — stripping the original finish off a piece, sanding it down, and re-staining it can be a long and arduous process. If you're not up to the task, you may have a half-finished piece of wood furniture sitting in your garage for the next eight months. (See also: 10 Costly DIY Mistakes)

Refresh Instead for Short Term Shine

If the wear and tear on the piece is superficial, or if the finish is just looking a little dry and tired, refreshing your wood piece might be an easier (if somewhat temporary) solution. This helpful tutorial from Design*Sponge details how to lightly sand your piece, oil it with Teak Oil, and finish it off with a coat of furniture wax. This method will greatly improve the look of your piece but will require additional maintenance over time.

Stripping Off the Finish

If your piece does require full stripping of the previous finish, here's what to do.

The goal of using a chemical stripper is to remove the protective coating on the wood furniture, exposing the grain of the wood. I prefer a relatively "safer" gel stripper like CitriStrip, which gets the job done with fewer caustic chemicals. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for whichever stripping product you use, and do it in a well-ventilated area (preferably wearing a mask).

After cleaning your piece, apply the gel stripper using a brush, covering the entire surface of the wood. Wait the appropriate time detailed in the instructions. The stripper will cause the finish on the wood to crinkle up, allowing you to scrape it off with a paint scraper. Repeat if not all of the finish was removed.

When the protective finish has been removed to your satisfaction, wipe down the piece with mineral spirits (this will deactivate any remaining stripping product that may be in the grain). Be aware that if the piece was stained, the color may still remain after stripping because the stain has soaked into the wood itself. Leftover stain may prevent new stain from absorbing evenly. If you use a similar color stain, however, it may not be a problem. The only way to completely remove stain is to sand it out.

Sanding Down the Surface

After you've stripped off the protective coating, sand the wood furniture to smooth it out and to remove surface scratches and imperfections. You won't be able to do much about deep gouges unless you want to fill them with wood filler, but the filler will take future stain differently than the original wood (I say, stick with the gouges — they add "character").

Remember that if your wood furniture is made of veneer over plywood, you won't be able to sand too far without sanding through the veneer (a lesson I learned the hard way). If your furniture is made of solid wood, you can do a lot more sanding, and you should able to remove any old stain by sanding down to raw wood (in which case, invest in an electric sander). Start with an coarser grit sandpaper (60-100 grit) and finish with a finer grit sandpaper (220 grit) for a smooth finish.

Staining the Wood

Now that your wood furniture is stripped and sanded, wipe the whole thing down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. You may wish to treat the piece with a pre-stain treatment or wood conditioner to help the stain go on more evenly (though I have never found this to be necessary).

Apply wood stain in the color of your choice. If you weren't able to sand out all of the old stain, you will need to choose a similar color for your new stain. I like to use oil-based stain for a longer drying time and therefore a more even application, although water-based stains have fewer harmful chemicals. Again, do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. I prefer to apply stain using an old lint free rag dipped in the stain (you can also use a brush). After a few minutes, wipe off any excess stain (do not allow excess stain to dry or it will stay tacky forever). Repeat until you have the color you want. (See also: Repaint Your Old Furniture for a Budget Update)

Protecting the Wood

After your stain is thoroughly dry, you'll need to add a protective finish. There are a range of water and oil-based polyurethanes available that are easy to brush on for a shiny, hard, and durable finish. In a well-ventilated area, apply the polyurethane in thin, even coats, allowing time to dry in between each coat. You should sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper (wiping off any dust) to ensure a smooth finish and to improve the adherence of the polyurethane.

If you prefer a more hand-rubbed look, using paste wax (brown or clear) is another option for a protective finish. Apply the wax with a brush or rag, and then buff it out for a smooth finish. Wax will not offer the hardness of a polyurethane, but some people prefer the greater depth and color it gives the finish. Also, with wax, minor surface scratches can be buffed out. You will need to re-apply the paste wax periodically to maintain the finish. If you can't decide which to use, this comparison of paste wax vs. poly may help.

Let the protective coating on your wood furniture cure for a few days, and you'll be ready to use your newly restored piece of furniture!

Have you ever stripped and stained old furniture? How did it work out?

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

furniture

6 Affordable Home Remodel Tips for Pet Owners

1. Opt for hard flooring

2. Choose the right carpet

3. Select washable fabrics and concealing patterns

4. Use semi-gloss wall paint

5. Set up a pet station

6. Hide the litter box

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7 Things Not to Buy on Black Friday

1. Virtual Reality Headsets

2. Winter Apparel

3. Health and Beauty Items

4. Tools

5. 1080p HDTVs

6. Home Furnishings

7. Gift Cards

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10 Easiest Items to "Flip" for Cash

1. Solid Wood Furniture

2. Brand-Name Clothing

3. Vintage Clothing

4. Retro Barware Sets

5. Power Tools

6. Old Canning Jars

7. Mid-Century Anything

8. Basic Lawn Tools

9. Bicycles

10. Vintage Lawn Furniture

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Never Borrow Money for These 5 Buys

1. A Boat

2. Your Wedding

3. Jewelry

4. Furniture and Consumer Electronics

5. Vacation

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10 Hidden Housing Costs New Homeowners Don't Expect

1. Moving Expenses

2. Furnishing All the Rooms

3. Window Treatments

4. Utilities and Other Day-to-Day Usage Expenses

5. HVAC Inspections and Upkeep

6. Termite and Pest Treatments

7. Landscaping and Other Outdoor Maintenance

8. An Eventual Increase in Property Taxes

9. Homeowner's Association Dues

10. Special Assessments to Cover Special Projects

4 Purchases With Financing Options That Depreciate Fast

1. Jewelry

2. Automobiles

3. Electronics

4. Furniture

8 Things You Should Always Buy Used

1. Cars

2. Homes

3. Textbooks

4. Pets

5. Baby Clothing

6. Furniture

7. Tools

8. Musical Instruments

8 IKEA Shopping Tricks

1. Make Your Shopping List Online

2. Always Enter Directly Through the Exit

3. Use Lowe's Kitchen Design Service Before Going to IKEA

4. Shop the "As Is" Section on a Monday

5. IKEA's Family Program

6. Moving Soon? Score a $25 Coupon

7. Buy IKEA Items From Amazon to Save on Shipping

8. Missing Parts? Don't Return to IKEA

8 Ways to Make a Small Room Seem Bigger for $50 or Less

Give Furniture Room to Breathe

2. Use Transparent Pieces

3. Declutter and Curate

4. Use Light Colors

5. Bring in Mirrors

6. Create Hidden Storage

7. Optimize Natural Light

8. Use Multiple Light Sources