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Not even the smallest of small businesses can thrive without setting realistic financial goals. A set of financial goals is like a company’s road map, always providing a frame of reference for where the business is and appears to be going. It enables business owners to put each day’s actions into context and make decisions in accordance with a broad vision. If you have decided to start a small business, there is no better time than now to begin the financial goal setting process. Sadly, the apparent difficulty of small business accounting scares many entrepreneurs away from doing a real, thorough job of this.

Following are some practical steps that will demystify the process.

Allot Regular Time to Set & Adjust Your Goals

Despite the obvious importance of financial goal setting to small business success, it’s easy to neglect in favor of other, seemingly more “urgent” tasks. Getting a new product out the door, signing a big client or eliminating corporate waste can quickly take precedence over far-off financial goals. Therefore, it is critical that business owners allot specific, regular times to both set new financial goals and review progress on existing ones. Like any other business task, financial goal setting is unlikely to get done without a firm date for completion. Nor does this need to be an especially complicated system. Something as simple as agreeing to review company finances each Monday for two hours might be all your small business needs to get and stay on track.

Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

That said, it is not enough to merely spend regular time sitting around and theorizing about financial goals. To truly get the most out of the exercise, strive to set S.M.A.R.T goals instead. As Goal-Setting-Guide.com explains, S.M.A.R.T is an acronym for “specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.” Using this criteria, it soon becomes clear that vague goals like “making a lot of money” are totally insufficient. Same goes for far-off goals like “start taking out dividends by next summer.” These types of goals are unhelpful because they express what you hope will occur without specifying in any detail how it will happen.

A S.M.A.R.T goal, in practice, might be something like “double our sales by the start of the third quarter using weekly split-testing of ad copy and improvement of our follow-up sequence.”

Consult Your Numbers

S.M.A.R.T goal setting demands that your actual numbers (rather than future, hoped-for “dream” scenarios) be used as the starting point. You must accept the current reality of your small business as portrayed by your cash flow, the income statement and balance sheet. If you are new to the business world (or have been neglecting company finances up until now), these documents may be unfamiliar. Nevertheless, they are critically important and foundational to small business goal setting. MoneyInstructor.com offers a sample income statement, while AccountingCoach.com provides a sample balance sheet.

Compare Yourself Financially to Competitors

While it may be impossible to know exactly how competitors are doing financially, it is generally common knowledge what the profit margins, labor and production costs in most businesses are. This, too, should be incorporated into the goal setting process. Do not look at your company as though it exists in a vacuum. It can be disheartening to learn that competitors are currently more profitable, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on why and how they got to that point – and how you can, too.

Create Action Plans

In accordance with the S.M.A.R.T goal philosophy, it is necessary to create specific, detailed action plans for how all goals will be reached. Once a goal has been set, move on immediately to delineating the necessary tasks. If new advertising copy needs to be written, make whomever is responsible aware of this and provide a deadline for completion. If customer support is a bottleneck, decide what needs to change, who will carry out the bulk of the work and when it needs to be done. Never be content to just set the goal. Always follow through.

Document Progress

Once the action plan is in place, document all progress made in implementing it. Task spreadsheets often work well in this regard. Simply create a shared spreadsheet in Google Docs or a similar service with the following headers:

  • Task
  • Date Posted
  • Responsibility
  • Date Due
  • Done?
  • Comments

Insist that anyone with a role to play in carrying out company financial plans use this spreadsheet to record what they are doing. This way, everyone can get a read on progress by looking in one set place.

Don’t Get Comfortable

Finally, there is much to be said for not growing complacent about financial goal setting. There is a tendency in new businesses to get comfortable with the status quo once a certain level of financial success has been achieved. Perhaps the company is turning a healthy profit, paying out handsome salaries to the owners and showing no signs of weakness. Be that as it may, no business owner can take up an attitude of complacency for long. The financial goals must always be on where the company currently is, where the owners want it to go, and what actions are needed to get there.

About the Author: Robert Steere is a staff writer at Business Owner’s Toolkit. Business Owner’s Toolkit provides information on small business accounting. They also provide useful tools for small business owners such as a sample balance sheet.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally


What Is a Credit Report and Why Does it Matter? – MintLife Blog

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financial wellness. Your credit report includes your revolving accounts — such as credit cards and home equity lines of credit — as well as non-revolving accounts like school and car loans. Credit reports also note any missed payments, the length of your credit history, and your utilization rate on each account. On the whole, the report acts as a central location for measuring your current credit health in detail.

This vital collection of data gathered by a credit bureau helps calculate your credit score and inform potential lenders, landlords, and even employers about your financial wellness, habits, and routines. Your credit report is also a place to keep yourself on track. View your borrowing habits at a glance, make adjustments to possibly raise your credit score, or even catch fraudulent activity. Overall, understanding your credit report is a crucial step in gaining financial confidence.

What Information Is Included in a Credit Report?

You may still be wondering: what is a credit report exactly and how much data does it include? Credit bureaus collect a range of information, from basic, personal data to detailed borrowing history in order to paint a picture of your credit habits. Identification details clarify who you are, where you’ve lived, and a bit about your life. They will list your full name and any alternately used names, your birthday, current and former addresses, social security numbers, and your phone number.

The meat of the credit report includes your account history including the types of credit accounts, how long they’ve been open, and their credit limits. Each month, your balance will rise or fall on your report based on payments or charges. This in turn affects the utilization rate on each card as well. Each account will also note your payment history, noting any late payments for up to around seven years. Your credit report will also include the number of recent hard inquiries, which usually occur when you apply for a new credit card or loan.

Certain public records and legal details — such as lawsuits — may also be listed on your report. It also lists if you’ve filed for bankruptcy, received a tax lien or had a bill sent to a collection agency. Though specifics vary, the majority of these details are wiped from your report after seven years, so there are often ways to improve your credit standing over time.

How Does Information Get on Your Credit Report?

A credit bureau, also known as a credit reporting agency, gathers this information in one place so you don’t have to. Though there are hundreds throughout the world, the three main U.S. reporting agencies are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. They receive information via lending companies, courts, and local government to build your credit record. Every month, an assortment of data transfers from these locations to the credit bureau database.

If you open a new credit card, make a purchase on your store card, or pay down a balance, this data is sent to update your report. The agency organizes the data and displays information on your credit report in a clear layout for you or a potential lender to view. This constantly updating system means that your credit score may fluctuate at times. It also allows you to take immediate action on any troublesome accounts or in the case of identity theft.

Why Is It Important to Get a Credit Report?

Credit reports are an excellent tool for guiding large financial decisions. Say you’re looking to purchase a home in the next five years. Your report allows you to fully assess how to raise your score and which credit accounts most strongly affect your overall financial balance. Your report is also a glimpse into why your credit score has remained low or stagnant. It could be helpful to request a report before applying for a new credit card or transitioning to a new phase in life like graduate school.

Checking your credit report at least once a year, even if you are not planning any large financial changes, is often suggested for several reasons. Credit reports allow you to catch any discrepancies either in how your data was reported or if someone attempted to open an account under your name.

Where can you get a free credit report? Free credit report programs, like Turbo, can give you a glimpse into your score and history. If you’re looking to improve your credit score, these tools may be useful for frequent tracking and do not count against your credit as a hard inquiry.

How Does Your Credit Report Impact You?

Potential lenders and employers may check your credit report for the same reason you check in on yourself. Your credit report may signal that you can be trusted to make timely payments and prioritize your financial health. Employers have been known to check credit reports in order to confirm you’re able to stick to contracts and agreements.

Credit reports are most commonly used to determine approval for loans, credit limits, and interest rates. If you have some troubling details on your account, lenders may protect themselves by offering higher interest or lower credit limits until you’ve proven a strong history of payments. On a higher level, credit reports affect your mortgage interest rate or simply your likelihood of being approved for the mortgage in the first place.

In some cases, your credit report could also affect your insurance rates and other monthly bills. Some utility companies and cell phone companies determine offers and down payments based on your credit score. Overall, the healthier your credit report, the more chances you’ll have to practice good borrowing habits with a range of accounts.

A credit report is a detailed tracking tool of your borrowing and repayment history. The greater you understand your credit report, the more it can act as a tool for financial growth. Feeling confident about borrowing and managing debt comes over time, and your credit report is there to help track your progress along the way.

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Source: mint.intuit.com

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Everyone knows mortgage rates aren’t as low as they used to be. In fact, they’re currently up about 1% from the ultra low levels seen back in early May, per Freddie Mac data.

The good news is that they seem to have settled in at their current levels, which historically aren’t bad at all. Still quite low.

However, with mortgage rates higher, prospective home buyers will need to come to terms with paying a little bit more each month.

That is, unless they buy down their interest rate, or alternatively, come in with a larger down payment, as the National Association of Home Builders pointed out earlier this week.

Unfortunately, many would-be home buyers seem to have enough trouble coming up with a minimal down payment, so gathering even more appears impracticable for most, especially with home prices also significantly higher than they once were.

Keeping Monthly Payments in Check

Check out the table above, which details how much more a potential buyer would need to bring to the closing table in order to keep their monthly mortgage payment from rising along with rates.

At the moment, rates on the 30-year fixed are around 4.5%, so a borrower putting down 20% on a $200,000 home would enjoy a mortgage payment of $811, before taxes and insurance.

However, if rates increased another half point, the down payment would need to be upped by about $9,000 to keep payments steady.

This is especially important if a borrower’s DTI ratio demands that monthly payments stay at a specific level. Without the higher down payment, they could be deemed ineligible for a larger loan amount set at a higher rate.

If a borrower were unable or unwilling to increase their down payment, the monthly payment would rise to roughly $859.

Assuming rates increased a full point to 5.5%, the down payment would need to be $57,000, up from the original $40,000 at 4.5%.

Otherwise, the monthly payment would be about $908, or roughly $100 more each month than the payment at 4.5%.

Tip: Another positive to a higher down payment is a lower LTV ratio, which should result in a lower mortgage rate in most cases (fewer pricing adjustments).

But Home Prices Might Just Fall Instead

While the housing market in its current state might call for larger down payments, or larger monthly payments (your choice), there’s also the chance it could lead to lower home prices.

If buyers are turned off and/or not qualified for mortgages with higher rates on more expensive homes, prices may need to come back down.

As seen in the second table, bid prices could drop as mortgage rates rise, per the NAHB.

So a $200,000 home at 4.5% may only be valued at $191,500 if rates were to rise to 5.5%, and just $187,500 if rates keep climbing to 6%.

Of course, there’s no clear correlation between home prices and mortgage rates. While the obvious relationship is an inverse one, the pair often moves in tandem.

For example, when the economy is doing well, housing is typically doing well, or even the cause of the economy doing well, and if all is going well, interest rates are typically moving higher to control inflation (the money supply). So it may not play out as people expect.

Read more: Check out my mortgage payment tables to compare rates on the fly.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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In a bid to increase its listing business, Redfin has launched a new tool called the “Price Whisperer,” which aims to find out the value of your home before you list it.

By value, I mean what someone is willing to pay for it at any given time. The way it works is pretty interesting.

First, you enter your address and contact information, along with your “Test Price,” assuming you don’t want Redfin to figure that out for you.

Then a Redfin agent will contact you to iron out the details of your Whisper, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, some pictures, and will probably discuss your “hoped-for price.”

From there, Redfin will attempt to garner interest for your proposed asking price by sending e-mails to active buyers searching in your property’s area. They estimate an average of 200-300 potential buyers will be contacted.

The e-mail asks these prospective homeowners if they’d be interested in your home at the price you set, as seen in the image below:

As you can see, there are three options: Yes, No, or Maybe. Within 48 hours you will receive a report on their responses.

Those who respond first indicating that they want to see your property in person will get first dibs at touring your house, assuming you actually decide to sell it.

At the moment, Price Whisperer is available to both homeowners who have decided to use Redfin to list their home and also those who aren’t even quite sure they want to sell.

Either way, you aren’t obligated to use Redfin, though clearly the company will want to represent the buyer, and will likely get the opportunity in many cases I think.

So far, the company has sent Price Whisperer e-mails on behalf of six homeowners to 1,200 recipients. More than half of those e-mails were actually opened, triple the rate the company normally sees for its e-mails.

And five of the six homes sold, with prices tested “near the top of the market.” Of course, conducting a test anytime during the past few months probably yielded stellar results, given how hot the real estate market has been.

Saving Face

But there is a nice advantage to using this tool – you can save face. Instead of throwing up your property on the MLS and discovering that you asked way too much, you can do the research incognito.

This way you don’t have to worry about winding up with a stale listing, which often leads to a price reduction, and ultimately a lower selling price.

Oh, and for the record, your address is kept private, though a little bit of sleuthing could make it easy to determine what home it is.

One of their examples was a home located in Dana Point, CA that was listed for $695,000 in mid-May, pending in a week and eventually sold for $701,000 about a month later.

As time goes on, Redfin hopes to gather more data so it can correlate Price Whisperer responses to the eventual sales price of a home, which is kind of like a Zestimate on steroids.

The problem with Zestimates, as I’ve noted, is that they rely on dated and often incomplete/inaccurate data, and display quite a large range in price. In short, no one ever seems to agree with the valuation.

Redfin hopes to eventually show would-be sellers how many Price Whisperer inquiries resulted in a sale, and if so, how much above or below the test price. This would ostensibly give the seller more confidence when it came time to list. Or even if they should list to begin with.

For example, an underwater homeowner might think they’re stuck, only to discover that a prospective buyer would be interested at a price high enough to part with the property as a standard sale.

So finally people can stop arguing and determine what someone will pay right now.

Real Estate Agents Aren’t Happy

However, one major concern with the Price Whisperer is that it creates a relationship with a Redfin agent from the get go, potentially shutting out other agents.

Yes, you’re under no obligation to use a Redfin agent, but chances are many people will if it’s their first point of contact.

Additionally, there’s fear that it could create situations where Redfin agents represent both buyers and sellers, though one Redfin agent cannot represent both.

Still, if two agents work for the same company, conflicts of interest can arise.

Some agents also expressed concern that a seller could conduct private tours and possibly sales, or be steered to sell to a buyer with a Redfin agent.

In other words, use the Price Whisperer at your own risk, and don’t be surprised if Redfin wants to list your property, or happens to find a buyer represented by one of their agents.

Of course, this type of stuff can happen with standard listings as well, so there’s never an entirely conflict-proof situation in the real estate world.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Even though the most recent housing crisis is barely behind us, many distressed homeowners have already moved on and apparently moved in.

A new study from credit bureau Experian notes that some 29% of those who sold a house short between 2007 and 2010 subsequently obtained another mortgage.

That means despite not making good on mortgage payments on a prior mortgage, they were able to successfully apply for another one just a handful of years later.

The waiting period for a new mortgage after short sale can be as short (no pun intended) as no time at all if you can meet certain conditions and apply for a FHA/VA loan.

For Fannie and Freddie, the waiting period can be as little as two years, but more often four years.

Of course, it’s been nearly a decade since things went south, so many former homeowners have already more than waited things out.

And because delinquencies like short sales, foreclosures, and bankruptcies only remain on a credit report for seven years, millions of borrowers are now blemish-free.

In fact, Experian says 2.5 million consumers will see these items fall off their credit files between June 2016 and June 2017.

Perhaps more importantly, 68% of these consumers are also seeing credit scores in the near-prime or higher credit segments.

That means the negative marks are gone and their credit scores are plenty good enough to qualify for new mortgages.

Specifically, consumers with a past short sale that subsequently opened a mortgage had an average credit score of 706, a 16.5% increase from the time of the short sale.

Some Short Sellers Who Bought Again Are Already Delinquent

So you’re probably wondering how this group of past short sellers is doing on the new mortgage.

Well, the good news is they’re doing quite well. In fact, they’re doing better than the rest of the population.

Per Experian, only 1.5% of the short-sale group is delinquent (60 days or more past due) on their mortgage, which is well below the national average of 2.8%.

Still, for that 1.5%, tsk tsk. Come on. Get it together.

Meanwhile, previously foreclosed borrowers are also getting back in the game. More than 12% of those who were previously foreclosed on have boomeranged back into the housing market with a brand new mortgage.

And they too are performing well on the new mortgages. These consumers have average credit scores of 680, up 20.8% since the time of foreclosure.

Just 3% are delinquent on the new mortgages, which is just slightly above the national average.

I think you can partially thank low mortgage rates for that, along with stellar home price appreciation. Housing is hot and there’s no reason not to pay the mortgage if you can.

Underwriting is also a lot better than it was pre-crisis, and most borrowers are making relatively safe loan choices, going with the 30-year fixed instead of an ARM.

The good news is that this trend of boomerang buyers should give the housing market another boost, even if we are getting into the later innings.

The bad news is that the very same folks who got foreclosed on or were forced to sell short might purchase homes at new market highs. It’s a nasty cycle.

Top Cities for Boomerang Buyers

Unsurprisingly, boomerang buyers have been most prevalent in some of the harder-hit areas of the nation including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Sacramento.

But they’re also springing up in places like San Francisco and Denver where bidding wars are the norm and prices are at new all-time highs. So if they can do it, so can you.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Summer is full of simple pleasures: baseball games, barbecues, beach reads, and that great American classic, the road trip. Whether you are heading to a national park or a local lake, on a wine-tasting getaway, an antiquing jaunt, or just to hang with your college roommate, a road trip can be exciting, easily wrangled, and spontaneous.

But if you’re wondering how to save money on a road trip, a little bit of planning can go a long way to keep costs under control.

Learn how to minimize expenses when you head out on a summer road trip, from deciding which vehicle to use, where to get gas, how to eat on the road, and more. Here, 25 easy ideas for road tripping on the cheap.

1. Choose a Fuel-Efficient Car

If you have a choice of cars to take, you may want to go with one that is large enough to be comfortable but also gives you the best gas mileage. This is true whether you are using your own wheels or renting a car.

You can use FuelEconomy.gov’s Trip Calculator to determine which car will cost you the least in gas. This tool helps estimate fuel consumption and how much it will cost for a particular route using a specific car.

2. Drive at or Below the Speed Limit

This cautionary measure can help you save money in two ways. For one, you’ll be less likely to get pulled over and slapped with an expensive speeding ticket.

For another, observing the speed limit can actually reduce your gas consumption. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 18 cents a gallon on highways for every five miles per hour you slow down.

3. Pack Your Car Wisely

You can also cut your gas costs by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than piling them on your roof. By reducing drag, this tactic can increase your fuel economy by as much as 25% on highways according to one benchmark study.

If you’re out of room in the car, using a rear-mounted cargo box or tray instead of a roof rack can improve your fuel economy by up to 9%.

4. Set a Road Trip Budget

When you first start talking about the road trip, you may want to roughly map out where you want to go, how long it’ll take to get there, and if you’ll need hotels or motels. From there, you can calculate the approximate cost of gas (FuelEconomy.gov can help) and tolls (try Tollsmart ), as well as food and fun.

Once you’ve established an overall budget for the trip, you start creating a travel fund.

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5. Bring Your Own Food and Supplies

Packing a cooler with water bottles, drinks, hand-held snacks, and sandwiches before leaving home is a proven frugal traveler trick. You can end up saving a sizable chunk of cash by not having to buy drinks and snacks at rest stops, vending machines, and drive-throughs.

You’ll also have a quick solution the next time someone in the car wants to pull over because they’re hungry.

6. Sign up for an Electronic Toll Account

Depending on which state(s) you are traveling through, you may be able to save a fair amount of money on tolls by getting the region-appropriate quick pass (or transponder) for your car. In New York, for example, drivers with EZ-Pass can save about 30% on tolls.

7. Avoid Tolls Altogether

When your road trip isn’t on any set schedule, you may want to take the scenic route and completely avoid tolls. You can do this by setting your GPS app to “avoid tolls.”

If you’re in a location with pricey bridges and highways, your savings could really add up. You may want to make sure, however, that avoiding tolls doesn’t take you so far out of your way that you’re spending a lot more on gas.

8. Look for Hotels that Offer Free Breakfasts

If you’re comparing lodging options in a similar price and quality range, one way to save on hotel costs and on road trip expenses in general is to choose the hotel with a free breakfast.

Not only will you probably get a large, filling meal, but you might even be able to take a piece of fruit or cereal box as a snack for later on in the trip.

9. Pack Reusable Water Bottles for Everyone

You’ll no doubt get thirsty while driving and sightseeing, especially in summer, and buying water or drinks can put a major dent in your road trip budget.

Making sure everyone in the car has a large reusable water bottle (or two) to fill up at rest stops and in restaurants can help you avoid spending money on drinks, and also create less plastic waste.

10. Buy a National Park Pass

If you’re going to be road-tripping across the U.S. and visiting a few national parks, you may want to consider getting an America the Beautiful pass.

The pass (which costs $80 per year and $20 for seniors) covers entrance, standard amenity, and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle (up to 4 adults) at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.

Just remember that summer is primetime for many parks, from Yosemite in California to Acadia in Maine. If you need lodging, book early.

11. Hit the Grocery Store

Once you’ve run out of your cooler meals and snacks, consider re-stocking at a local grocery store while en route so you don’t have to resort to fast food or a pricey local restaurant for the rest of your trip.

This is also a good strategy if you’re going to be staying at a hotel for a few nights. Making good use of a hotel kitchenette and fridge can help you avoid having to eat out for every single meal.

12. Pre-Book Your Hotels

Spontaneity is great, but if you’re looking to save money on accommodations, it can be wiser to book ahead of time and stick to your plan. You can often secure a better rate by booking in advance (and online), than by showing up without a reservation or booking last minute.

13. Look Beyond Hotels

Your first thought when looking for roadside accommodation may be cheap hotels or motels. But you sometimes find a better deal (or a nicer option for the same price) using a home rental site, such as Airbnb, VRBO, or FlipKey, especially if you’re staying for more than one night.

When booking lodging, it can be smart to use a travel credit card, since every swipe can help you earn points, miles, or cash back that you might apply to future trips.

14. Plan to Visit Free Attractions

Part of the fun of a road trip is to enjoy the journey and scenery while en route to your final destination.

As you travel (or before you go), you may want to research free attractions, such as a hike, walk on a beach, or a free museum, on your route for times when you need to stretch and take a driving break.

You can also look for festivals and local events by checking out the online events calendar for the towns you’ll be visiting that day. You might also check out Meetup.com and see what kinds of local groups are gathering for experiences and outings.

15. Plan Gas Stops in Advance

Getting stuck in a big city with the tank close to empty can be costly (and driving in circles looking for a gas station when you’re en route to the beach is no fun either). To avoid overpriced gas, you may want to use a gas app like Gas Guru or GasBuddy, which can help you compare prices and find affordable gas no matter where you are. This hack is an easy way to lower your gas costs.

16. Set a Daily Spending Limit

You can use your overall budget to get a rough idea of how much you can spend on the road trip each day. This can help you avoid blowing the money you’ve saved, wherever you may keep your travel fund, before the end of the trip.

A spending plan can also let you know when you can splurge a bit and when you’ll have to reign it in with a meal, activity, or lodging. You may also want to set aside some of your budget for the unexpected, such as the car getting a flat and needing to be towed, or discovering the cheap hotel you planned to stay in is actually a total dump. Also factor in some summer road-trip treats: You’re likely to be stopping for ice cream here and there and maybe even a lobster roll.

17. Entertain the Kids on the Cheap

Road trips can help you afford a family vacation since you sidestep pricey plane tickets. But remember that kids have a tendency to get bored, tired, and antsy on a road trip. To avoid giving in to impulse toy purchases, you may want to bring along their favorite toys and also pick up a variety of new ones at the dollar store before you leave.

Good choices include coloring books and games they can play in the car that won’t create a mess. You might also consider borrowing audio books or DVDs from the library to give yourself an hour or so of peace and quiet.

18. Search Online for Local Coupons and Passes

It can be worthwhile to research online coupons and discount codes for local attractions and restaurants at some of your scheduled stops.

Consider checking Groupon or LivingSocial for deals and steals. Sometimes booking online ahead of time saves you money, and it’ll give you a reason to try to reach a specific destination by a certain day.

19. Save on Alcohol

Sipping a cold beer or glass of wine at a local bar at the end of your long drive might sound like the perfect way to unwind.

But alcohol costs can quickly add up on a road trip vacation. Consider buying a few local beers or a small bottle of wine that’s native to that area to enjoy in your hotel room. You’ll save money on tipping too.

20. Volunteer at a Festival

Yes, you read that correctly. Some festivals and special events offer discounts or free admission to volunteers. You can look up events taking place in the town you’ll be visiting and reach out to the event organizer to see if they need help. Summer is full of events like these, from concerts to craft fairs to food festivals.

21. Sign up for a AAA Membership

An auto club like AAA can save you time, money, and hassle should you run into car trouble during your trip. What’s more, a membership (often starting at around $5 a month) gives you access to discounts at loads of hotels, restaurants, and many retailers nationwide.

22. Travel During the Off-Season

Yes, summer can be the most welcoming time of the year to hop behind the wheel. But visiting national parks when kids are back in school can often help save money on lodging and activities. Planning a road trip to a destination like Disney World or Disneyland? You’ll likely find better deals if it’s not during a spring break or other school vacation.

You can often also save money by visiting warm weather locations during “shoulder seasons.” This is the period in between a destination’s low and high seasons of tourism, when prices for hotels tend to be lower, and crowds tend to be smaller, at popular attractions.

23. Do Some Camping

Outdoorsy road trippers might enjoy setting up a tent at a free or low-cost public campsite. You can find out more on the Bureau of Land Management site.

This can end up saving you a lot of money on hotel costs, provided you don’t go out and buy a lot of expensive camping equipment.

If you don’t have any camping gear, you may want to consider renting equipment from an outdoor specialty store or asking a friend who regularly goes camping if you can borrow their equipment. As noted above, summer can be prime time for basking in some of America’s natural beauty, so book your campsite early.

24. Eat Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner

If there are special restaurants you want to try without breaking the bank, consider going there for lunch. You might get a slightly smaller portion than you would if you ordered it off the dinner menu, but the price will likely be more affordable.

25. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Booking with the same hotel chain as often as possible and signing up for their member loyalty (or “points”) program may net you a free night after a few stays.

Travel booking services, such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Hotels.com, may also offer discounted rates and free nights for loyal customers.

Recommended: Getting the Most Out of Credit Card Rewards

The Takeaway

Planning a summer vacation? A car trip might sound much more affordable than traveling by plane. However, gas, food, and accommodations can add up.

One of the best ways to cut road trip expenses is to plan out your trip and research deals, coupons, and discounts ahead of time. Packing wisely and loading up on drinks, snacks, toys, and activities can also help cut costs once you’re out on the road.

Ready to start planning and saving for your next road trip? Consider signing up for a SoFi Checking and Savings® account.

SoFi Checking and Savings has a special “vaults” feature that allows you to separate your savings from your spending, while earning competitive annual percentage yield (APY) on all of your money and paying no account fees. You can even set up a separate vault for your travel fund.

SoFi Checking and Savings: The smart, simple way to save for your next trip.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 4/25/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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Source: sofi.com

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Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

Is your debt stressing you out? If so, we promise you’re not alone. Especially if you are financing a home. According to the Center for Microeconomic Data, mortgage balances—the largest component of household debt—rose by $60 billion during the second quarter of 2018.

If you’re committed to getting out of debt, we’ve got you covered on how to set up a debt repayment plan to make sure you stay on track and reach debt freedom as soon as you can.

Here are five simple steps on how to jump-start your debt repayment journey:

#1 Assess The Amount of Debt You Owe

Of course, that’s what Mint is here to help you do — easily and automatically track where every last penny goes. Tracking your expenses will help you see where you can cut down, thus helping you reduce outstanding debt, as well as your debt/income ratio (outstanding debt divided by annual net income). Having a clear view of the numbers will empower you to make a plan that actually works based on where you are now.

#2 Sleuthing For Savings

Don’t think you have any extra money to create a debt destroyer? Once you start tracking your expenses, you might be surprised. For example, can you can cut your cable bill (average of $75 a month) and switching to a streaming service (about $10.99 a month)? Or is there a subscription you’re paying for that you don’t actually use? The smallest things here and there can really add up, so make sure you understand what you don’t actually need to be paying for in order to find some extra cash to put toward your debt goals.

#3 Pick A Debt To Tackle First

Some people choose the smallest debt first because getting a few wins on the board helps motivate them to keep working toward bigger goals. Others choose to go after debt with the highest interest rate first because it’s costing the most money right now. Once you choose which debt to work on first, pay the minimums on all other outstanding debts, and put every leftover dime toward the debt you’re targeting.

#4 Start Snowballing

After you pay off the first debt, move on immediately to the next one on your list, instead of taking a break and using that extra money elsewhere. As your number of debts decrease, the amount of money you have to attack the ones that remain increases. This means you can snowball your payments until all of your debt is pummeled

#5 Enjoy Life After Debt

Once you’ve started paying down debt, now you’re ready to establish a commitment to saving. First, determine what you are you saving for! The first goal you should set is an emergency fund. This will help protect you in case of sudden unemployment, a medical emergency or other unexpected expenses. If you want to be consistent with your savings contributions, try automated savings. Start small and then increase the deposit amount when you feel confident that you can set aside more.

The earlier you get started with a strategic debt repayment plan, the better. Remember, take things step by step and first get organized to figure out what you owe. We know debt can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s important to remember it doesn’t have to last forever if you’re committed to creating a better financial future!

Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

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Source: mint.intuit.com

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Idaho has become a hot spot for those looking to relocate. Whether you’ve moved to Boise, Idaho Falls, or one of Idaho’s many small towns, you’ll need a place to park your money. The best banks in Idaho offer low fees and plenty of services. Here are some top contenders to consider if you’re in the market for a new bank.

13 Best Banks in Idaho

1. D. L. Evans Bank

Southern Idahoans looking for a local option should consider D.L. Evans Bank. Founded more than a century ago, this bank offers online and mobile options, as well as access to both D.L. Evans ATMs and 40,000 MoneyPass network ATMs.

Although D.L. Evans has multiple checking accounts, Free Community Checking is a great all-around option, featuring no monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements. You’ll also get online and mobile banking, along with savings, CDs, and loan options.

Fees:

  • No monthly service fee

Balance requirements:

  • $100 opening deposit
  • No minimum daily balance required

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at D.L. Evans ATMs
  • Fee-free at 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Tiered APY on checking with $500 balance
  • 0.05% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Video chat with customer service representatives
  • Competitive loan rates

2. Chime

To pull new customers away from big banks, online-only banks like Chime have competitive offerings. You’ll get a fee-free checking account with a mobile app to meet all your banking needs.

Chime also offers a higher interest rate than other banks, at 2.00% APY. And autosave features will help you boost your balance.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • No overdraft fees

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum daily balance
  • No opening deposit required

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at more than 60,000 ATMs nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • 2.00% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Automatic savings feature available
  • Access to paycheck up to two days early

3. Chase

Another national bank with a robust ATM network is Chase Bank, which has a heavy presence in Southern Idaho. You’ll find banking options both at branches and in select Fred Meyer grocery stores.

You can get fee-free checking with Chase as long as you either maintain a $1,500 balance or receive at least $500 in direct deposits each month. Chase also has a variety of other financial products, including savings accounts, CDs, and wealth management services through JPMorgan.

Fees:

  • $12 monthly fee (waived with balance or direct deposit qualifications)
  • $34 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • $1,500 minimum or $500 in direct deposits to waive service fee
  • No opening deposit required

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at 16,000 ATM locations nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.01% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • $200 bonus on new checking with qualifications
  • Special accounts available for ages 6-17

4. Washington Federal Bank

Now known as WaFd, Washington Federal Bank is a great regional bank that serves Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Your account includes access to 37,000 ATMs in the MoneyPass network, which operates nationwide.

WaFd account holders choose from multiple checking options, but if lower fees are what you want, the Free Checking tier is worth checking out. One of the best things about WaFd is its online banking app, which includes standard features like bill pay and Zelle payments, along with tools that help you track your spending habits.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • $30 overdraft fee per presentment

Balance requirements:

  • No balance minimums
  • $25 opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at 37,000 ATM locations nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.25% APY on high-balance checking
  • Up to 0.10% APY on savings ($100 minimum balance)

Additional perks:

  • Financial management tools in app
  • Competitive credit card and loan options

5. Zions Bank

As far as regional banks go, Zions Bank is a great choice. With a 150-year history in the area, Zions Bank is a trustworthy financial institution that offers a variety of banking products, including auto loans, CDs, and military checking accounts.

It’s important to note that Zions is limited in its reach. You can deposit checks, pay bills, and manage your money through mobile banking, but if you regularly need cash, check the ATM locator. There are only 200 ATMs, located in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, and Zions charges a $2.50 out-of-network transaction fee in addition to fees charged by the other ATM operators.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • $29 overdraft fee per transaction

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $50 opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at 200 ATM locations regionally
  • $2.50 fee per out-of-network transaction

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.19% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Competitive rates on loans
  • Easy-to-use mobile app

6. Washington Trust Bank

Washington Trust Bank has a long, fascinating history. Not only is it the oldest community bank in the nation, but it was also the first bank to print bills with George Washington on them. Washington Trust has branches in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

If you’re looking for an online bank with no monthly service charges or balance minimums, Washington Trust could be a great choice. However, if you regularly travel, it may not be the best bank for you.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • No overdraft fees

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $25 minimum deposit to open

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at Washington Trust ATMs
  • $2.00 fee per out-of-network transaction

Interest on balance:

  • 0.01% APY on checking if you keep a $5,000 daily balance
  • Up to 0.05% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • $200 bonus for Freedom Checking with qualifying deposits
  • No overdraft fees with Simply Free checking account

7. KeyBank

Another regional bank option is KeyBank, which has locations in 15 states. Unlike other regional banks, it’s fairly large, though. In fact, it’s one of the largest banks in the U.S.

One of the best features of KeyBank is its automatic savings program. Debit cards can be set up to automatically move money into your savings account to help you start saving.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • $29 overdraft fee on each item

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $10 minimum deposit to open

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at KeyBank ATMs
  • Fee-free at AllPoint network ATMs

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.01% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Automatic savings available with every debit card purchase with EasyUp
  • Competitive rates on loans

8. First Federal Savings Bank of Twin Falls

If you don’t mind an Idaho-only bank, check out First Federal Bank of Twin Falls. Branches are primarily in the Twin Falls area, but bank accounts come with a 30,000-plus ATM network across the U.S.

Currently, this bank offers a checking account that issues an impressive 4.07% APY on checking. The savings account rates aren’t quite as competitive, but it’s worth checking out if you keep a decent checking balance.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • $30 overdraft fee on each item

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $100 minimum deposit to open

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at more than 30,000 MoneyPass ATMs nationwide
  • Refund of $25 in fees per statement cycle

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 4.07% APY on checking
  • 0.10% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Robust business banking options available
  • Competitive rates on loans

9. Idaho Central Credit Union

Residents of Idaho, Washington, or eastern Oregon, may qualify to join Idaho Central Credit Union. There are plenty of benefits to being a member, including competitive rates on savings accounts and loans.

Although ICCU does have fee-free checking accounts, you can find higher interest rates on savings with other options. But ICCU gives you nationwide ATM and mobile banking options, so it may be worth it if you prefer a smaller lender.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • $24.94 overdraft fee on each item

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum daily balance
  • $5 membership fee
  • $100 minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at more than 30,000 ATMs nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.10% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Security features built into debit card
  • Free credit score and monitoring

10. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo has branches in both Northern and Southern Idaho, particularly the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, and Boise Falls areas. Currently, Wells Fargo is offering a $300 bonus to new checking customers who make $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits in the first 90 days.

Northern and Southern Idaho residents who prefer traditional banks will like the availability of ATMs across the nation, as well as the convenience of branch locations. The most affordable checking account is Everyday Checking, which comes with a $10 monthly service charge that can be waived by keeping a $500 balance or having $500 in at least one qualifying deposit each month.

Fees:

  • $10 monthly fee (waived with balance or direct deposit qualifications)
  • $35 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • $500 minimum or $500 in direct deposits to waive service fee
  • $25 to open

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at 12,000 ATM locations nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.10% APY on Prime Checking
  • Up to 2.51% APY on high-balance savings

Additional perks:

  • $300 bonus on new checking with qualifications
  • $525 bonus on new savings with qualifications

11. Farmers Bank

Another option for those who like local banks is Farmers Bank. You can get a fee-free checking account and features like bill pay and alerts in the app.

One downside to Farmers is that there are only a few branches in Idaho. But if you regularly travel outside Idaho, you’ll enjoy ATM access at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide.

Fees:

  • No service fees with e-statements
  • $30 overdraft fee per transaction

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum daily balance
  • $100 opening deposit required

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at Farmers ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.30% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Competitive rates on loans
  • Drive-up banking on Saturdays

12. Bank of Idaho

If you’re looking for an Idaho bank with a community focus, Bank of Idaho can help. Like many banks with a local angle, Bank of Idaho goes beyond money to focus on connecting with its customers.

But Bank of Idaho does have only a few locations. You’ll rely on mobile apps to do most of your banking with a community-centered bank, making it more like online banks.

Fees:

  • No service fees with e-statements

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum daily balance
  • $100 opening deposit required

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide

Interest on balance:

  • Rates not publicly disclosed

Additional perks:

  • Community focus, including local events
  • Financial tools on the website

13. Citizens Community Bank

Fee-free checking accounts and competitive loan rates make Citizens Community Bank a great option for Idahoans. You’ll get a fee-free checking account with an online app to make things easy.

Although Citizens is local, you can withdraw money at ATMs at MoneyPass locations across the country. You’ll get all the amenities of online banks with the benefits of a small, local lender.

Fees:

  • No service fees
  • $30 overdraft fee per item

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum daily balance
  • No opening deposit required

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide and Glacier Bank local ATMs

Interest on balance:

  • Up to 0.20% APY on savings

Additional perks:

  • Competitive rates on loans
  • Free thank you gift for new members

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for an interest-bearing account for your money or a fee-free checking account, Idaho has plenty of options. If you prefer a small or regional bank, make sure you’re getting the amenities a larger bank offers with your account.

Source: crediful.com

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Your net worth is based not only on how much moolah you have in the bank, but also on your human capital — that is, your ability to earn income. “We can think of human capital as assets specific to each person, such as intelligence, education, specialized skills, work ethic, and social skills in the workplace,” wrote Motley Fool contributor Doug Short (who has turned his own human capital into an investing website that’s popped up as far away as an Australian business TV show — it’s amazing what smart, retired people can do in their spare time).

These days, jobs are few and far between — and unemployment is poised to rise and stay high for a very long time. At a town hall meeting last year, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said gross domestic product growth would have to exceed 2.5% for the unemployment rate to fall. Unfortunately, consulting firm McKinsey says that newly-thrifty baby boomers, who are now saving at rates not seen in decades, will reduce GDP growth to just 2.4% annually for the next 30 years.

So to survive in a world of long-term high unemployment, we can’t take our jobs — or our human capital — for granted. Ask yourself these ten questions to make sure you’re investing in your most important money-making asset: You!

What’s going on in your industry and location?
Employment and wage trends aren’t the same across the country. The unemployment rate is in the mid-single digits for business and financial managers, but almost 20% for those in the construction industry. North Dakotans have the lowest unemployment rate, while Michiganders have the highest. Stay up on the news to know who’s being hired, fired, promoted, and downsized in your area. It could help you land a job — or know when it’s time to leave one.

How does your company make most of its money?
Most companies have more than one source of income, but not all of those revenue streams are of equal importance. Determine your company’s essential sources of income, and become an integral player in those parts of the business.

What can you do to protect your job and salary?
Pretend you’re your boss and you have to decide who gets a raise and who gets a pink slip. What qualities would you look for? What makes someone indispensable at your company?

If you own a business, how can you make yourself essential to your customers?
Even if you’re self-employed, you have bosses. They’re your customers, and they can fire you as easily as Donald Trump can. What can you do to make that hard for them?

Which skills could you acquire that would make you more valuable or diversify your human capital?
Your value in the workplace depends on your abilities. How many things can you do, and how well do you do them? Consider working toward a degree or starting a late-night self-study regimen that expands your human capital. Keep it focused on efforts that will really pay off. Simply getting an extra degree in the sociology of Star Trek could be a waste of money.

What would you do if you were fired today?
You’d probably: (1) apply at a few other places, or (2) change careers. If you’d apply elsewhere, ask yourself, “What can I add to my résumé to make them want to hire me?” If you want to begin a new career, ask yourself, “What should I be doing in my spare time to prepare?”

What can you do that you’re currently paying someone else for?
Expanding your human capital includes learning how to do things so you don’t have to pay someone else to do them. This pays off even for retirees. Think about doing your own home repairs, taxes, or (ahem) financial planning (though not until you know what you’re doing).

Can you pick up side jobs to earn extra income?
In our Rule Your Retirement service, we pay a team of retired financial professionals to answer subscribers’ questions. The previously mentioned Doug Short makes a tidy little income from advertisements on his website. Dabbling in extracurricular part-time work can pad your cash flow, expand your skill set, and could lead to a whole new career.

Can you sharpen your people skills?
I believe it was columnist Ben Stein who said your career depends on your affability as well as your ability. (Unfortunately for Stein, that didn’t spare him from being dropped by The New York Times after showing up in commercials for a credit-score company, violating a corporate policy.) Your career depends at least partially on how pleasant, cooperative, collegial, and fun you are. So play nice!

What do you want to do with the rest of your life?
You’ll probably do your best work if you’re doing what you enjoy most. This economy might not provide the greatest opportunities for you to pursue your dream job, but you can start preparing now so you’re ready when the market is.

Live long and prosper!

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

You bought a beautiful piece of art for your wall, but it still feels like something is missing? Sometimes it is not enough to just hang a picture on the wall, and since regular lighting is not always so flattering, your artwork needs a boost.

“There’s nothing better than a beautifully lit piece of art.” – Richard Mishaan, AD100 designer

You can achieve a more eye-catching effect by carefully adding special lighting to your art. You can either directly illuminate it or simply have a piece live in a pleasantly lit room. Of course, there are several things you need to consider before starting your new DIY project.

In today’s article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to do it properly, because too much of the wrong light can steal the piece’s beauty and even damage it.

Different types of lighting suitable for your art

Since art is delicate, you cannot just place any light anywhere and risk light damage. Sometimes it is better not to use special lighting if you are not willing to do it correctly. After all, you want that painting to last and admire its beauty for years.

Ceiling-mounted lights

This is an elegant-looking solution that can light up your art wall. Ideally, you should adjust the light to a 30-degree angle, so that the light beam hits the center of the artwork. If you go just ten degrees higher or lower, the effect would not be the same – you’ll either get reflective glare or some intense shadows.

Wall washers

Wall washing is often used in contemporary design when a large surface needs to be accented with light, but it can also be great for paintings or 3D metal signs. With this type of lighting, you are not pointing the light directly to the object, the accent is more on the wall, but at the same time, it does the trick for art too. Wall washers can be placed on the ceiling, floor, or anywhere on the wall.

Track-lighting

Although some will claim that track lights are not the prettiest, we have to disagree on that. This is by far the type of accent lights we usually see. It is widely used in museums and galleries, and it is also suitable for your home. These ceiling lights are flexible and can be moved till you find the perfect angle and position that will beautifully lighten your artwork. 

Painting lights

These are usually smaller, decorative lights that can be mounted even on the frame. But even when they are installed on the wall, close to the artwork, they brighten it up and create a sense of intimacy, where it almost seems like the art is coming out of a shadow.

Lamps used for this type of lighting have to have a very low voltage, and they can rarely be enough to lighten up the entire room.

The importance of a picture frame

Even though we are talking about lighting, the frame of a piece plays a significant role in here as well. And we are not talking just about its color. The material and texture can sometimes be too reflecting, and if the picture is framed with glass, the situation becomes even more complicated.

  • In case your beloved piece of art is trapped behind glass, you have to really think about the lighting and adjust the angle precisely to avoid glare. It goes the same for oil paintings or pieces with a surface texture
  • In case you want to mount picture lights, make sure that the frame is solid enough to support the fixture. In other cases, that involve ceiling or wall-mounted lights, you can use minimal frames or no frames at all.
  • If you are in charge of the framing process, do not pick frames that are too shiny and wide because they will also have a reflection.

How to preserve your painting and avoid negative reactions to light

Paintings are particularly sensitive and vulnerable. Thick layers can easily start to crack and crumble, colors can change their shade over time, etc. And all this is due to exposure to intense lighting.

Do you remember that trick, where a magnifying glass can burn a piece of newspaper or a leaf when the sun rays hit on the right angle? Pretty much the same thing happens to art, but over a much longer period of time. The deterioration process is so slow that at the beginning, you will barely be able to notice the difference.

Two great enemies of paintings are the UV light and the heat. So this implies that direct exposure to natural sunlight is a huge no-no. Sunlight can fade your painting’s colors, so make sure that they are not looking directly towards the window.

So what can you do to protect them? Avoid halogen lights and make sure that the light system you are using has UV filters on. The best solution is to use LED lights. They are the safest because they do not emit UV, and they barely heat up.

Bottom line

If you are an art lover or simply appreciate art, we are sure you understand how important this aspect is. Lighting has to be done properly, so if you do not want to hassle with it, better leave it as it is. However, the least you can do is to avoid exposing your pieces to direct sunlight.

Having a piece of art or more in your home is really something special. Everyone enjoys art, its serenity, and stunning effect that makes us stop and stare, and feel a different kind of joy every time.

Author’s bio: Since traveling to different places fascinates her, Karen takes advantage of her escapades to see the world’s best home interior designs and styles. She has a degree in Interior Design and is practicing for several years now. When she’s energized, you will often see her name on different blogs as she writes on some of the best design ideas.

Source: fancypantshomes.com