Moving Thanksgiving Outdoors

 

All things considered, unless you live in a freezing climate, this might be the year to think about moving Thanksgiving dinner outdoors. Even if your guests need to bundle up a bit, outdoor enthusiasts suggest that a little pre-planning can make it easier than you think, and it may turn out to be the most fun Thanksgiving your family has enjoyed for years.

• Timing counts – Plan your event between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, when you can take advantage of maximum daylight and warmth.
• Choose the site – A patio, front porch or covered deck is ideal, but any backyard space not far from the kitchen will work. Depending upon the weather and the number of guests, consider renting a tent. If you are concerned about harvest table seating, use two or three tables for six.
• Set smart tables – Use your best linens and china as usual, anchoring each with a vase of fall flowers or Thanksgiving centerpieces. If wind is an issue,or even if it isn’t, anchor each napkin to the plate with an apple or a miniature pumpkin.
• Plan the meal – There are two good choices this year: Do all the work yourself or assign guests to bring dishes, as you typically would, or pre-order dinner from a favorite restaurant, ensuring a lovely meal for all with far less work while doing your part to help support struggling local business. 
• Plan the fun – Backyard family football, badminton or horseshoes is always fun. Add new activities for kids into the mix, such as a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting or another Thanksgiving craft.
• Have a back-up plan – The best plans can be upset by rain, so be prepared to move the party indoors if necessary. Dinner tables can still be distanced if you wish, becoming game tables for kids and adults after the meal is over.

What to Do If You Find an Error on Your Credit Report

 

Lenders look at your credit report to determine whether you qualify for a loan or credit card. Inaccurate information could lead to an unfavorable interest rate or outright denial of your application. You should periodically request copies of your credit reports and check them for errors. If you find a mistake, act immediately to have it corrected so it doesn’t hurt your chances of obtaining credit.

How an Error Might Have Occurred
If you have a common name, your records could have gotten mixed up with someone else’s. If you are divorced, a joint account that you had with your former spouse might not have been removed from your credit report, even if it was supposed to be according to your divorce settlement. Someone might also have made an error when entering your personal information. An account might be listed on your credit report more than once, or an account that was closed might not have been removed. In a more extreme scenario, someone might have stolen your identity and opened a fraudulent account in your name.

How to Dispute an Error
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit bureaus are required to investigate any alleged errors reported by consumers, unless those claims are deemed frivolous. If you find what you believe to be an error, write to the credit bureau or fill out an online form. Explain what you believe is incorrect and provide copies of any documents that support your position. If you send letters via the postal service, mail them certified and request receipt confirmation. Keep copies of all letters you send to the credit bureau and any responses you receive.

You should also contact the company that provided the information to the credit bureau and explain why you believe it is incorrect. Include copies of supporting documents and state that you have filed a dispute with the credit bureau.

Possible Outcomes
The credit bureau should complete its investigation within 30 days. In many states, a consumer who disputes an error is entitled to receive a free copy of a new credit report showing that the mistake has been corrected.

If the credit bureau does not agree that there is an error in your report, you can ask it to include your statement disputing the information in your file. Your statement can be provided to anyone who received your credit report recently or who will in the future. You may have to pay a fee for this service, but it can be worthwhile if it helps you avoid getting turned down for a loan or credit card. If you suffer harm as a result of an error on your credit report, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you resolve the issue.

Check Your Credit Reports
An error on a credit report can prevent you from achieving your financial goals. Request free copies of your credit reports and check them for errors. If you find any, take steps to address the situation as soon as possible.

How to Make Your Home Look Luxe on a Budget

 

If you’re craving a higher-end look in your home, but your budget says otherwise, don’t abandon your vision of a more luxurious design. With some creative additions and adjustments you can create an upscale feel in no time. Try one or two of the following:

Update your lighting. If you can’t swing a full interior design update, focus just on your lighting. You can instantly add a high-end feel by investing in new light fixtures, such as contemporary hanging pendants, a dramatic floor lamp, or an abstract chandelier. Recessed lights are another option for adding a luxury look. No matter what you choose, remember that lighting draws a lot of attention and affects the entire atmosphere of a room.

Create an optical illusion. This trick won’t cost you anything at all: raise your curtain rods above your windows so that your curtains hang from ceiling to floor. This instantly makes your ceilings seem higher, not to mention the luxurious feel of full-length drapes. If your current window treatments aren’t up to par for this look, invest in a new set made from a luxe fabric, such as velvet or satin.

Molding. Make any room more sophisticated by installing molding on blank walls. Use chair rail in the dining room, crown molding in the living room, or create a box pattern to add depth and interest to an entry area or hallway. Paint it a contrasting or complementary color for a creative design flair. 

Go neutral. While you may have experimented with a variety of colors in your home, consider using a neutral palette instead. While bold hues and pastels can be fun, neutrals will give your home a more elegant look. Crisp, white linens in the bedroom and white, fluffy towels in the bathrooms will continue this sophisticated look throughout your home. 

Think big. Want to instantly up the luxe factor in any room? Hang a large piece of artwork. The painting itself doesn’t need to be expensive (just tasteful!) because the sheer scale of the art will create a dramatic, upscale look. 

You can get more inspiration by flipping through luxury lifestyle magazines or perusing Pinterest boards. Notice that it’s often the details that make a design feel high-end—details that can often be recreated without breaking the bank. 

States That Won't Tax Your Retirement Income

 

Affording to retire can be difficult enough, and having your retirement income taxed can leave you with less money.

To start, the federal government taxes income from a 401(k) retirement plan, traditional IRA or pension, along with taxing Social Security benefits. In addition, most states tax at least some part of retirement income.

However, there are a dozen states that don’t tax the most common types of retirement income: 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions. Below are some quick highlights of how those 12 states handle such funds:

Alaska. This is the only state that doesn’t collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax, so even people who aren’t retired can benefit. Alaska also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and it doesn’t have an inheritance or an estate tax.

Florida. The Sunshine State doesn’t tax basic retirement income, nor does it have an income tax or tax Social Security benefits. There are no inheritance or estate taxes either.

Illinois. This is the only state in the Midwest that doesn’t tax 401(k), IRA and pension income. Illinois has an estate tax for estates worth more than $4 million.

Mississippi. The state won’t tax retirement income for retirees who are at least 59.5 years old, but people who retire early will have such income taxed. Mississippi doesn’t have inheritance or estate taxes.

Nevada. Known for gambling, Nevada doesn’t tax retirement income or have an income tax. In addition, Nevada doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, nor does it have inheritance and estate taxes.

New Hampshire. This is the only state in New England that doesn’t have a general income tax. It does, however, tax interest and dividends. Retirement income isn’t taxed.

Pennsylvania. Pension income isn’t taxed in Pennsylvania if received from an eligible employer-sponsored retirement plan. While payments from a 401(k) or IRA aren’t taxed unless you retire early, the state does have an inheritance tax that ranges anywhere from 4.5 to 15 percent.

South Dakota. Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, South Dakota doesn’t tax retirement income, and it doesn’t have an income tax.

Tennessee. The heart of the country music scene, the state’s income tax is limited, taxing only interest and dividends. Additionally, retirement income isn’t taxed.

Texas. The Lone Star State doesn’t have a personal income tax, and it doesn’t tax retirement income.

Washington. This Pacific Coast state doesn’t have an income tax and doesn’t tax retirement income. It does have an estate and inheritance tax, though.

Wyoming. This Western state doesn’t tax retirement income or have an income tax. It also doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax.

Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead, calling one of these 12 states home could help you keep more money in your pocket.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Signs That Your House Might Have an Electrical Problem

 

A problem with the electrical wiring, an outlet, or the circuit breaker or fuse box in your home needs to be taken seriously. An unaddressed electrical issue could spark a fire that could engulf your entire house and put your family’s lives in danger.

Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box Trips Repeatedly
A circuit breaker or fuse box is designed to stop the flow of electricity to the house to prevent the circuit from overloading and causing a fire. If the unit trips frequently, especially when you use a particular outlet, the circuit may be overloaded. Call an electrician.

Lights Dim or Flicker
Light fixtures use less electricity than other appliances. If lights dim or flicker, it’s probably because a major appliance is using so much energy that the circuit cannot handle both it and the lights. Ask an electrician to wire the lights to another circuit or to install a dedicated circuit for the appliance.

Buzzing Sound
Under normal circumstances, the electricity flowing through your house should be silent. If you hear a buzzing sound, a problem with an outlet or wiring could be the cause. Call an electrician right away.

Odor
A new appliance might produce an odor the first few times it’s used, but a smell from an older appliance or an odor with no clear origin is a reason to call an electrician. There could be a problem with an outlet, the wiring in the walls, or the fuse box or circuit breaker.

Sparks
If the fuse box or circuit breaker is sparking, call an electrician immediately. If sparks are coming from an outlet, turn off and unplug anything that is plugged into it and call an electrician. If sparks are coming from an appliance, call the manufacturer to have a repairperson inspect the appliance and make any necessary repairs.

Hot Outlet
Electricity may cause an outlet to become warm to the touch, but it should never be hot, even if an appliance that produces heat is plugged into it. If an outlet is hot, unplug the appliance and plug it into another outlet. If the second outlet also becomes hot, there is a problem with the appliance and you should contact the manufacturer. If the first outlet was hot but the second is not, that indicates a problem with the first outlet that requires help from an electrician.

Old Wiring
Even if you don’t notice any of these signs, you could still be at risk for an electrical fire. If you live in an old house and the wiring has not been updated in decades, there could be a serious issue that could put your family in danger.

Take Risks Seriously
Electrical fires are more common than many people realize. Don’t ignore warning signs. If you have any concerns, or if you are not sure about the age and condition of the wiring in your home, contact an electrician.

4 Antimicrobial Materials to Use in Your Home

 

Everyone wants to keep a clean home. Regularly washing, vacuuming and wiping surfaces around the house is certainly essential, but you can give yourself extra peace of mind by using materials that have proven antimicrobial powers. From countertops to doorknobs, these surfaces are perfect for designing a stylish home that naturally combats germs.

Copper Alloy
Copper, brass and bronze are well-known for their ability to quickly kill a wide variety of pathogens, like viruses, bacteria and fungi. If that’s not enough to get excited about, they’re ideal materials for high-traffic areas around the house, such as cabinet pulls and doorknobs, so you can create a timeless aesthetic without having to worry about any lingering germs. 

Quartz
It’s crucial to keep your kitchen and bathroom countertops free of harmful microorganisms. After all, these are the surfaces where you prepare food or keep your toothbrush, so it’s important to ensure that they aren’t contaminated. Fortunately, quartz is a stylish option to use for countertops as it can prevent the spread of pathogens due to the fact that it’s nonporous. Taking that a step further, many of today’s engineered quartz options are made with an antimicrobial compound that proactively kills germs.

Bamboo
In recent years, bamboo has become a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners because it’s highly sustainable. Additionally, this fast-growing species of grass is nonporous and has naturally antibacterial capabilities. Whether you want to use it for your floors or countertops, bamboo is particularly well-suited for areas that are prone to collecting germs around the house.

Cork
Cork flooring never ceases to amaze. It’s sustainable, fire-resistant and, of course, boasts antimicrobial properties to protect the whole family from harmful organisms that find their way into your home. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, this long-lasting wood is an excellent option to use throughout the home and is sure to lend warm, visual appeal. 

Halloween 2020: Making it Fun and Safe

 

This Halloween, health experts suggest that finding safe ways to celebrate can make the day playful and exciting. While some activities like dressing up and decorating pumpkins hardly need to change at all, others may need a bit of a twist: 

• Halloween Treats – Spend more time than usual creating dinner and treats as a family. Decorate a pizza with toppings in the shape of a jack-o’-lantern. Make tangerine pumpkins by peeling the tangerine and sticking a thin slice of celery on top to look like a stem. Frost cupcakes with orange-colored icing and decorate using chocolate chips, candy corn or other inventive ingredients. 
• Virtual Costume Parties and Parades – Have fun using Zoom or other video chats with friends and family to show off costumes and play games. Stage an outdoor costume parade on your block, making sure everyone is socially distanced and masked, and let each kid pick up a bag full of treats as he or she takes center stage or passes the costume judges. 
• A Halloween Piñata – Fill your piñata with treats and take turns batting it with a broomstick. This is fun for the family, but if you wish to invite a few other kids to participate, take precautions to see that everyone stays socially distanced and masked.
• Start a Spooky Movie Night – Have the whole family dress up as their favorite characters, settle in with popcorn or other snacks and choose from a wide range of age-appropriate Halloween-themed movies, ranging from Casper the Ghost and Monster House to Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus or your classic favorites.
• Attend a Safe Community Event – Instead of door-to-door trick or treating, check with your library or parks and recreation department to learn about organized outdoor venues like a corn maze, a socially distanced haunted house, a drive-through treat event or another activity your kids can safely enjoy. 

Finding a New Home When Your Adult Children Return

 

Across the country, many empty nesters are experiencing the same situation: their adult kids are moving back in. Accommodating your grown children, however, can be a challenge for various reasons. When the kids move out, it’s quite common for empty nesters to convert unused bedrooms for other purposes or even sell the family home and downsize. As a result, many are now in need of a residence that’s better suited for multi-generational living. If this sounds familiar, here are several features to look for in a home where everyone can comfortably live together.

Fully-Equipped Guest Quarters
When they were younger, a simple bedroom would do the trick. Now that they’re adults, though, that might not be enough. A home with an in-law suite or guest house will provide enough space so that you won’t have to worry about stepping on each other’s toes, especially if there’s a separate kitchen where they can do their own cooking.

Suitable Workspace
With the rise in remote work, it’s important that there’s enough space for everyone to work from home. Unfortunately, the kitchen table is not a great long-term solution when the whole family is under one roof. You might even want to have a couple of separate work areas so that there aren’t any disruptions when someone has to get on a conference call.

Places for Personal Time
Family time is always enjoyable, but too much of it might become overwhelming. Make sure you’re still able to get some alone time in different parts of the house, like a home gym or a quiet library that’s perfect for disappearing in a book. 

Amazing Master Suite
Nothing beats a comprehensive master suite where you can escape for privacy. It may take some time to get used to having the “kids” back home, but a sumptuous, spa-like bathroom will certainly help keep you relaxed.

Make Your Bedroom Better for Sleep

 

When it comes to sleep, it is important to ensure that you are as comfortable as you can be. But comfort doesn’t just mean a cozy comforter or a plush pillow. The environment in which you surround yourself plays an important role in catching z’s that will help you awake with the energy and excitement on each and every new day. Here’s how to transform your bedroom to create a place where your slumber and real rest is valued. 

Paint With Soothing Colors
When designing your ultimate bedroom, be sure to promote relaxation with the right tones. Because this is a place of rest, steer clear of bright colors. Also avoid white, as this can be an intense and jarring choice due to light reflecting off it first thing in the morning. Select a paint color for your walls in light and muted tones, such as greys, light blues and greens, like you would see in a spa. 

Swap Out Those Bright Bulbs
Bright white LED bulbs emit blue light, which is the last thing you want to fall asleep to or wake up with. Similar to the light in your phone screen, it is the last thing you should feature in a serene space. Swap out your bright whites for a warm white LED bulb with a color temperature of 2,700 degrees Kelvin. This will be better on your eyes in the morning and at night, while still keeping energy costs low.   

Set Your Thermostat for Slumber
No one likes to fall asleep freezing or wake up in the middle of the night in a pool of sweat. Perhaps one of the most important features in a bedroom is the temperature. Before you head to sleep at night, close the windows and set your thermostat between 60 – 67 degrees fahrenheit, the ideal temperature range for sleep.

Hidden Dangers in Your Backyard

 

A backyard can be an excellent place to let your kids and pets play and to entertain guests, but it could also be filled with hazards. One trip or a curious child or pet could lead to an accident and serious injuries, as well.

Water
Pools and hot tubs may look appealing to kids, but they can be deadly. Ponds, lakes and streams can also pose a threat to your family. Even if kids only sneak outside unsupervised for a minute, they can drown, even in shallow water. If you have a pool or hot tub in your yard and you have young children who live with you or visit, install a fence with a locking gate around it or cover the water when not in use. If there is any natural body of water in your yard, put up a fence to keep your kids away. Never leave a child unattended in or around a body of water, even for a few seconds.

Gardens
Gardens can be beautiful to look at, but they can be hazardous to children and pets. Young kids like to put things in their mouths, and they could ingest dirt, fertilizer or mulch if no one is watching. Some common garden plants and types of mulch and fertilizer can be poisonous to pets. Thorny bushes can cause cuts that can become infected.

Grills
A grill can be extremely dangerous to both kids and pets. If you are having a backyard barbecue or picnic, keep your pets indoors. Your kids will obviously want to be included in the party, but make sure that someone (not the person using the grill) keeps a close eye on them at all times. Find a fun activity to keep the kids occupied while an adult is cooking. Keep the grill covered when not in use.

Window Wells
Window wells can create a tripping hazard that can lead to twisted ankles, broken bones, cuts and head injuries. These accidents could be fatal to children or pets. If there are any window wells in your yard, have them covered to prevent accidents.

Trampolines
Many kids love to jump on trampolines, and they may even learn to perform flips and other acrobatic moves; however, landing the wrong way can cause a sprained ankle or broken bone. A child can fall to the ground, sustain serious injuries and possibly hurt others. Two or more people using a trampoline at the same time can increase the chance of an accident. If you have a trampoline, ask a qualified person to teach your kids how to use it safely and install netting around the trampoline to prevent falls. Make sure kids are supervised when using the trampoline so they don’t attempt any unsafe stunts.

Make Your Yard Safer
Your backyard should be a haven for rest and relaxation, but it can also be a dangerous place. If you have children or pets, look around your yard for hazards and make any necessary changes to protect your family.

Ways to Keep Your Utility Bills in Check

 

Utility bills are often much higher than they should be. By making some simple changes, you can keep your house comfortable and significantly reduce your monthly energy bills.

Lower Heating Costs
Heating and cooling are responsible for a large chunk of utility bills. In the winter, you can save money by lowering the temperature on your thermostat. Even a change of two or three degrees can result in substantial savings over the course of a year. You can install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when the house is unoccupied and raise it to the temperature your family prefers shortly before everyone gets home.

If your house has windows that face south, opening the blinds or curtains during the day can allow sunlight to naturally heat your home so that you can rely less on your heating system.

Drafts make the heating system work harder and raise utility bills. You can inexpensively seal the areas around windows and block the spaces under doors to keep cold air out. If your windows are old and inefficient, replacing them can consistently save you money over many years.

Change the Way You Use Appliances
LED lightbulbs are much more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. You will need to pay more up front, but LED bulbs can last years longer than conventional bulbs and cost less to operate. This can result in significant savings over time.

Heating water can contribute to high utility bills, especially if you have a large family. Installing a showerhead that conserves hot water and lowering the temperature on your water heater can easily save you money.

Ask Your Utility Company for Guidance
Utility companies offer a variety of tips and programs to help homeowners lower their energy bills. You may find advice on how to make your home more energy efficient, how to lower your energy usage without interfering with your lifestyle, and how to choose energy-efficient appliances.

Some utility companies also offer free or low-cost energy audits to help homeowners identify where they are losing or wasting energy so that they can make changes and save money. Participating in these programs and investing in energy-efficient appliances may make you eligible for further savings through rebates.

Your utility company might charge more for energy during peak hours than during times when demand is lower. Find out if your utility company charges more at specific times and look for ways to reduce your family’s energy consumption during peak hours.

The company might allow you to receive energy from another provider that offers a lower rate. You would still receive the same service you currently do, but your energy would come from a different source, allowing you yo save money each month without making any other significant changes.

Try a Variety of Solutions
If you dread opening your utility bill each month, take action to save money. With some strategic changes, you can lower your costs while keeping your home comfortable and relaxing.