California might have some of the highest sales tax rates in the country, and calculating how much is owed can come down to where the item is sold, what the item is and who it’s sold to.
California state sales tax rate
In California, the statewide sales tax is 7.25%. However, the final price of any taxable purchase could be higher due to district taxes, which can be anywhere from .10% to 1.00%. It’s also possible to have more than one district tax applied to a purchase.
California state sales tax calculator
Who pays CA sales tax?
In California, sellers are responsible for calculating sales tax and paying the correct amount to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
During a sale, if sales tax is not included in the price, sellers pass the California sales tax to their buyers by meeting three conditions:
The sales agreement calls out the addition of sales tax reimbursement.
The sales tax is listed separately on receipts and invoices.
There’s a sign on the premises (or on price tags, advertising or other printed materials) stating that sales tax reimbursement will be added to prices of taxable products.
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If the sales tax is included in the price, then a notice to the buyer needs to be visible that states either one of the following:
“All prices of taxable items include sales tax reimbursement computed to the nearest cent.”
“The price of this item includes sales tax reimbursement computed to the nearest cent.”
What items are subject to sales tax?
Tangible personal property sold at retail is subject to California sales tax. This could include furniture, gifts, toys, antiques and clothing. Service and labor costs may also charge sales tax, particularly if they create physical items.
Some items exempt from sales tax include certain food products and prescription medicine.
Who is exempt from California sales tax?
No organizations, whether nonprofit, religious or exempt, have a blanket exemption from California sales and use taxes. Instead, it depends on the type of sale and organization.
In general, the types of sales and purchases that are exempt from sales tax include certain food products, prescription medicine, some vehicle and vessel transfers, as well as sales to the U.S. government.
Who collects CA sales tax?
California sales tax is collected by sellers, who then pay that amount to the CDTFA.
Does California have a sales tax holiday?
California does not have any sales tax holidays.
Can you deduct California sales tax?
You may be able to deduct California sales tax from your federal tax return by taking the SALT deduction. This allows for the write-off of up to $10,000 of state or local taxes paid that year.
However, this strategy requires itemizing, which may be ideal for those who live in a state with a high sales tax and who purchase a large number of taxable goods and services throughout the year. Otherwise, itemizing might not result in the largest tax refund, so it can be helpful to seek professional tax advice if you’re considering deducting your California sales tax.
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Generally, you shouldn’t use a home equity loan or HELOC to buy a car.
Although they may offer longer terms and lower monthly payments, home equity loans currently carry higher interest rates than auto loans.
Because cars lose value over time, they’re not worth the risk of diluting your ownership stake in your home and risking foreclosure.
It might make sense to use home equity financing to buy a car and for another aim, like a big home improvement project.
The most common way to buy a new car is with a car loan, of course. But auto loans are not the only financing game in town. If you’re a homeowner, it might be tempting to tap into your equity to purchase those wheels, via a home equity loan or a HELOC, its credit-line cousin.
This approach, however, involves vastly different considerations than an auto loan. Here’s how to determine whether using a home equity loan to buy a car is the best option for you.
Should I use my home equity to buy a car?
Frankly, no. Avoid buying a car using home equity, if possible.
With a home equity loan, your home is the collateral for the debt. If you fall behind on repayment, the lender can foreclose on the home. Translation: You could lose it.
That goes for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), too. Can you use a HELOC to buy a car? Sure. But should you? Probably not, and for the same reason: That line of credit uses your home as collateral, putting what’s likely one of your biggest assets at risk.
Generally, it’s best to tap your home equity if you’re going to spend the funds on projects or expenses that further your financial or professional well-being, such as renovating your house or paying college tuition. Because cars don’t hold their value well over time, it doesn’t make sense to tie your home up with financing for one — you’d be repaying a loan on an item that won’t be worth much when all is said and done. (In contrast, real estate generally appreciates over time, especially when money is spent to improve the property.)
Differences between home equity loans and auto loans
Auto loans
Home equity loans
HELOCs
Collateral required
Car
Home
Home
Typical repayment terms
2 to 5 years
5 to 30 years
10 to 20 years (after 5-10 year draw period)
Usual rate type
Fixed
Fixed
Variable
Repayment schedule
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly interest-only repayments during the draw period (usually the first 5-10 years); monthly payments during the repayment period
Fees
Origination fee (0.5-1% of loan amount); documentation fee
Closing costs (avg. 1% of borrowing amount)
Closing costs (avg. 1% of borrowing amount)
Home equity loans and auto loans are both types of secured debt: that is, they are backed by something that acts as collateral for the loan. While a car loan is secured by the car you purchase, a home equity loan is secured by your home. In both cases, if you fail to repay, the lender has the right to seize, respectively, the car or the house.
However, the repayment terms are very different: You could have as long as 30 years to repay a home equity loan, versus the typical two to five years associated with an auto loan. Depending on how much you borrow with the home equity loan, this longer timeline could mean you have much lower monthly payments compared to the payments on a five-year car loan.
Remember, however: A car is a depreciating asset. By the time you’re finished repaying a 15 or 20-year home equity loan or HELOC, your car won’t be worth nearly as much as what you borrowed (and paid in interest) to get it. A new car loses 23.5 percent of its value after about one year and 60 percent in the first five years, according to Edmunds.
If you’re hoping to save money on interest with a home equity loan, think again. While home equity loans did have lower interest rates compared to auto loans for some time, that trend has reversed. Now, many auto loan offers are lower or comparable to the rates on home equity products: As of December 2023, new car loan APRs were running more than a percentage point lower, on average, than home equity APRs.
In addition, you might need to pay closing costs for the home equity loan, which are typically 1 percent of the principal (though they can run you anywhere from 2 percent to 5 percent) — an expense you wouldn’t be on the hook for with an auto loan.
The pros and cons of using home equity to buy a car
Home equity loans and HELOCs were once more of a universal financing go-to, because their interest was tax-deductible — no matter what you used the funds for — provided you itemized deductions on your tax return. That changed with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It decreed the interest could only be deductible if the loan went towards improving, repairing or buying a home; it also made itemizing deductions less feasible in general.
So now, there are more risks than rewards when it comes to getting a home equity loan for a car. That said, let’s look at the pros and cons of using a home equity loan vs. car loan to buy a vehicle.
Pros of using a home equity loan to buy a car
Longer term, lower payments: Home equity loans are structured in such a way that you can repay the money over a much longer period of time. Most car loans last between two and five years; a home equity loan lasts between five and 30 years. If you only borrow the amount you need for the car, this longer timeline might translate to lower monthly payments, all other things being equal.
Flexibility in using funds: If you take out a home equity loan or HELOC to buy a car, you don’t necessarily need to use all the money on your vehicle. If you take out $50,000 of your home’s equity, for example, you might use $20,000 to buy the car and $30,000 on a kitchen remodel. Since the larger chunk of money would go toward improving your home, money you’ll theoretically get back when you sell, this strategy makes better financial sense than using a home equity loan to buy a car alone. You might also be able to deduct the interest on the sum spent on the kitchen, if you itemize on your tax return.
Cons of using a home equity loan to buy a car
Decreased equity: By getting a home equity loan, you’re depleting some of your ownership stake, which has serious implications. For one, you might end up needing that equity in an emergency. For another, you might find you’ve taken on too much debt, in-between your first mortgage and the home equity loan. This could eat into your bottom line if you need or want to sell the home in the future (home equity loans must be repaid in full if a home is sold).
More onerous application: Applying for home equity financing is somewhat akin to taking out a mortgage and, in addition to your financials, the lender will consider the home’s value and the amount of your ownership stake. Bottom line: We’re talking weeks or even months for approval, vs. days with auto loans.
Foreclosure risk: If you can’t or don’t repay the home equity loan, you won’t lose the car, but you could lose your home — a much more important asset.
No financial gain: A car loses value over time, so, with a decades-long home equity loan term, you might be paying for an asset that isn’t worth much in the end. If your car is no longer usable, this could also put you in the unenviable position of repaying a home equity loan while financing a new vehicle.
Closing costs: Some home equity loans come with upfront closing costs. If you can afford to pay these, you might be better off putting some (or all) of those funds toward a down payment on an auto loan instead.
Bottom line on buying cars with home equity loans
It’s possible to use your home equity to take out a loan for a car, but it’s a risky move. With the interest rates on home equity loans and HELOCs creeping up, it makes more sense to compare auto loan offers first.
Of course, this assumes you’re taking out a home equity loan for a car purchase – and nothing else. If you plan to use only some of the funds to purchase a car and the rest for other, more investment-worthy aims — like, say, building a new garage to house those new wheels — it can still make sense to tap your equity.
If you own a home, you probably always have a list of improvements you’re considering. Maybe you desperately want to replace those dated kitchen appliances that scream year 2000, or you want to focus on ways to lower your energy bills, whether that means some strategic air sealing or adding solar panels.
Chances are, you also want any upgrades you pay for to increase the value of your home. You want to know that if and when it comes time to sell your place, you’ll recoup a good percentage of what you invested.
So, whether you have the cash saved up for home investment or you are looking to borrow for your next home project, consider these wise investments.
1. Improve Your Attic Insulation
We get it: You’re not going to invite friends over to see your new attic insulation.But it’s one of the best ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
You’ll not only profit when it’s time to sell, but you’ll also see immediate savings from the ongoing energy efficiency this upgrade provides. A properly insulated attic, combined with sealing air leaks throughout your home, cuts an average of 15% off your heating and cooling costs, allowing you to pocket the savings month after month. And who doesn’t want a lower energy bill?
Cost: $600 to $1,200 for blown-in insulation for a 1,000-square-foot attic. You may also need to rent the machine that blows in the fiberglass if you’re a DIY type. If you hire a pro, labor will run about $40 to $70 an hour. 💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.
2. Treat Yourself to New Windows
New windows can do double duty. Not only do they update a room’s tired appearance, they can also have energy-efficiency benefits. Depending on how many windows you replace, this can be a very big-ticket item. The average cost for a vinyl window replacement is $850, and a whole-home job can ring in at $20,091, according to Remodeling magazine. (Wood windows are pricier still.)
But here’s some good news: Replacing those windows adds value to your home. Typically, to the tune of 69% of the cost of the window-replacement project.
Cost: Anywhere from $850 per vinyl window to $20,000+ for the whole house. Again, if you go for wood vs. vinyl windows or need custom size ones (or several French doors), the price can ratchet up significantly. In that case, you might want to look at home improvement loan options.
3. Build a Deck
You and likely anyone who might buy your home in the future will love what a deck can do, lifestyle-wise. Weather permitting, you can have your AM coffee there, type away on your laptop during the day, and host friends, read, or just listen to the birdsong during off-hours. Here’s another nice thing about adding a deck: Your ROI is typically around 68% of the money you pay.
Cost: A new wood deck will cost on average $16,766. A composite one can cost more; on average, these are $22,426.
Read Next: How to Create a Renovation Plan to Match Your Budget
4. Refresh Your Bathroom
Who doesn’t love a beautiful new bathroom, whether your style is sleek and all white or if you prefer a warmer country cottage vibe? A bath remodel will cost, on average, between $6,627 and $17,494, according to Angi, the home renovation site. While an updated bath can definitely add to your home’s value, keep in mind that the sky’s the limit with the price tag. If you move the fixtures around and add one of those egg-shaped soaking tubs or a spa shower that has half-a-dozen mist settings, you may go well beyond the average range of costs.
Also, keep in mind that if you do something really singular (say, you pick tile in a super-bright shade), it may be harder to get your money out if and when you sell your property.
Cost: The average cost is $11,944, with cabinets and shelving accounting for 25% of the total, the shower and tub eating up 22% of costs, and your contractor’s fees usually being about 13% of your total expense. Of course, you can do a small bathroom remodel, perhaps repainting, adding some new artwork and a fresh shower curtain. 💡 Quick Tip: Home improvement loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Consider a loan to fund your next renovation.
5. Cook up a Cooler Kitchen
If you’re stuck with outdated appliances or hideous cabinets, a kitchen remodel is likely high on your list of improvements. It’s a great way to refresh your kitchen’s style and function.
But increasing home value with a new kitchen can fry your bank account: A remodel typically runs $14,612 and $41,392 according to Angi, but can cost much more if you move appliances’ position, opt for marble countertops, or fall in love with custom cabinetry. On average, you’ll recoup about 60% in ROI.
To update for less and wow your kitchen in a weekend, make some wallet-friendly upgrades: fresh paint, a new faucet, updated lighting (pendant lights are a good choice), and new cabinet pulls.
Cost: While you could just swap out cabinet pulls, which start at about $2 each, and repaint (plan on around $200), a larger kitchen remodel averages $26,849. Again, however, it’s worth noting you could spend multiples of that, depending on how large a project, how luxe the details, and where you live (cost of living can impact the price of goods and services in your area).
Recommended: Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans
The Easy Way to Finance HGTV-Worthy Upgrades
Even budget-friendly home improvements can set you back quite a bit. If you haven’t set aside the budget to bring more value to your home, you don’t necessarily have to dip into your retirement account or pay less on your student loans each month. You might want to consider a personal loan.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.
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The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is by far the most popular type of home loan. Because the terms on these mortgages are so long, borrowers who get a 30-year mortgage enjoy low monthly payments — though they’ll ultimately pay a lot more in interest over the life of the loan.
See where 30-year mortgage rates are today and if a 30-year mortgage makes sense for you.
30-year mortgage rates today
Check out the latest new mortgage and mortgage refinance rates to see how today’s 30-year mortgage rates compare. To learn more about refinancing, check out our page on 30-year refinance rates.
30-year mortgage rate trends
Here are the lowest 30-year fixed rates each year, from 2012 to 2022:
In the past couple of decades, it was pretty common to see 30-year rates in the 5% to 6% range. Pre-2000, rates were even higher, sometimes reaching double digits. During the pandemic, rates reached historic lows, at times dropping below 3%.
Will mortgage rates go down? 5 reasons you shouldn’t wait for rates to drop>>
But rates have risen from the historic lows of the pandemic, and they rose more than three percentage points last year. Rates have climbed for most of this year as well. In October, 30-year rates at times spiked close to 8%.
But since then, mortgage rates have actually dropped significantly. In November, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.11%, which is 43 basis points below its October average, according to Zillow data. And it’s dropped even lower in recent weeks, trending below 7%.
30-year fixed-rate mortgage details
Fixed-rate mortgages lock in your rate for the entire life of your loan, and they come in a variety of term lengths. A 30-year loan is the most common term length for new mortgages, but lenders offer other term options.
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage keeps your rate the same until you either make your final payment at the end of the 30 years or you sell or refinance.
Is a 30-year fixed mortgage a good deal?
If a low, stable monthly payment is important to you, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage might be a good deal. But 30-year fixed rates are also higher right now than they’ve been in over a decade. If you want a lower interest rate, other options might suit you better.
Adjustable rates are lower than 30-year fixed rates, but your rate might increase once the intro rate period ends. This means that an ARM could be the better deal if you want to sell the home before your intro rate period ends, but a fixed rate may be better if you want to stay in the house for a long time.
You’ll also pay a lower rate with a shorter term, like a 20-year or 15-year fixed mortgage. That’s the general rule: The shorter your fixed-rate term, the lower the rate. And you’ll pay less interest over time with a shorter term, because the mortgage will be paid off sooner.
But your monthly payments will be lower with a 30-year mortgage than with a shorter term, because the loan payments are spread out over a longer amount of time.
The pros and cons of 30-year fixed mortgages
Freddie Mac data:
As you can see, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has a significantly lower monthly payment. However, you’ll pay a lot more in interest over the life of the loan than you would with a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage.
But if keeping your monthly costs down is a priority, the 30-year mortgage would likely be the better fit.
How to get a good 30-year mortgage rate
Lenders take your financial profile into consideration when determining an interest rate. The better your finances are, the lower your rate will be.
Lenders look at three main factors: down payment, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.
Down payment: Depending on which type of mortgage you take out, a lender might require anywhere from 0% to 20% for a down payment. But the higher your down payment is, the lower your rate will likely be.
Credit score: Most mortgages require a minimum 620 credit score, and an FHA loan lets you get a mortgage with a 580 score. But the higher your score is, the better. To improve your score, try making payments on time, paying down debts, and letting your credit age.
Debt-to-income ratio: Your DTI is the amount you pay toward debts each month in relation to your monthly income. You generally can’t get a mortgage with a DTI above 50%, and you can land a lower rate with a lower DTI ratio. To decrease your DTI ratio, you either need to pay down debts or earn more money.
If you have a large down payment, excellent credit score, and low DTI ratio, then you should be able to get a good 30-year fixed rate.
Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today’s 30-year rates will affect your monthly payments and long-term finances.
Mortgage Calculator
$1,161 Your estimated monthly payment
Total paid$418,177
Principal paid$275,520
Interest paid$42,657
Paying a 25% higher down payment would save you $8,916.08 on interest charges
Lowering the interest rate by 1% would save you $51,562.03
Paying an additional $500 each month would reduce the loan length by 146 months
You can apply for preapproval with a lender to get an idea of the rate you’ll pay. Just be sure to pay attention to both the rate and the mortgage APR. The APR shows you the full cost of borrowing, not just the interest rate. A mortgage’s APR takes into account things like points and fees paid to the lender in addition to your interest rate.
Is a 30-year fixed mortgage a good fit for you?
You’ll probably like a 30-year fixed mortgage if you want relatively low monthly payments.
You might prefer a shorter term if you want to be aggressive about paying off your mortgage faster, and if you can afford higher monthly payments. If you’re refinancing, you might consider a 15-year mortgage refinance to lower your interest costs.
You don’t necessarily need to stay in a home for 30 years to benefit from a 30-year mortgage. Even if you plan to move in a few years, you can benefit from the low monthly payments.
You may prefer an adjustable-rate mortgage if you want to move before your intro period rate ends, because adjustable rates often start lower than fixed rates. For example, if you get a 7/1 ARM and move before the seven-year mark, you’ll never risk your rate increasing.
30-year mortgage rates frequently asked questions
Average 30-year mortgage rates have generally been elevated in recent months, but they fluctuate a bit from day to day. In general, rates have been in the 6% to 7% range recently.
Average 30-year mortgage rates recently dropped below 7%, and they could fall further in 2024.
The best 30-year mortgage rate ever happened in January 2021, when it hit 2.65%, according to Freddie Mac data.
A 30-year fixed mortgage is a home loan that is paid back over a 30-year term. Because the rate is fixed, your principal and interest payment stays the same throughout the entire life of the loan (though small increases can happen if your taxes or insurance go up).
With a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your payments will be set up so that the mortgage can be entirely paid back in monthly installments over the course of 30 years. However, most people don’t hold on to their mortgages that long; if you refinance or sell your home, you’ll pay off the mortgage early.
Laura Grace Tarpley, CEPF
Personal Finance Reviews Editor
Elias Shaya
Jr Compliance Associate
Elias Shaya is a junior compliance associate on the Personal Finance Insider team based in New York City. Personal Finance Insider is Insider’s personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that readers already know and love. The compliance team’s mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team. Elias is the point person for the loans sub-vertical and works with the editorial team to ensure that all rates and information for personal and student loans are up to date and accurate. He joined Insider in February 2022 as a fellow on the compliance team. Elias has a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the CUNY College of Staten Island. Prior to joining Insider, he volunteered at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he worked with the biomedical engineering department. In his spare time, Elias enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling to visit his family in Lebanon, and spending time with friends.
Each of us has wondered whether the grass is greener on the other side from time to time, but married people and parents of young kiddos especially seem to struggle. So it’s important to ask: is youth and singleness all it’s cracked up to be, or will the challenge of fighting for your marriage and parenting young children be the investment that really pays off?
Single life has its ups and downs—moments of joy, raw happiness, intense loneliness, sadness and everything in between. But it’s ultimately up to us as individuals to find contentment with our circumstances or strive for bigger and better things. Below are 15 stories from other single people about what real singleness looks like without attachment, and whether it’s happier over all.
1. I’d Like Someone to Share Things With
One benefit of marriage that the married ones often forget about is companionship. Sure, the other elements of marriage are good and necessary, but there’s something deeply special about coming home from a really hard day at work and having somebody you can talk to about it. Or coming home after getting a promotion and having someone special to share it with—without having to search your contacts for whom you’ll text first. Is that camaraderie worth trading for the freedom to do what you want, when you want, without coordinating with anyone else? Well, maybe.
One user shared, “30M if it’s relevant. It’d be nice to find someone to share stuff with, and all that … but being solo and only having myself in my own way when it comes to doing things is great. I haven’t dated anyone in about five years. The prospect of trying to find someone I can tolerate, that also wants what I want (being childfree is a b-) feels impossible. I also don’t know if I even have the capacity to care anymore. I’m socially inept [as heck], so I’ve only really tried the online route. Until I finally decide to give a s-, I have my two cats that can bug me all they like.”
Another user added, “I’m the exact same age, haven’t dated since I was like 26 and love my cat, he’s my dude! Also, I don’t want kids, not because I hate them or anything; I just don’t think it’s for me. I don’t get the whole peopling thing either. Just realized I have liked travelling for the past couple of years, so I started being an OTR trucker. It’s pretty cool for guys like us if you ask me. I drove through the Grand Canyon the utter day, and it was f- beautiful, my guy.”
2 I’m Just a Very Touch-Oriented Person
Pets, throw blankets and soft pillows are the hugs of the home-alone world. Now don’t misunderstand us; there’s something really super special about cuddling with your pets. (Imagine all that understanding and love without any of the backtalk or arguments!) But being touch-starved is a real thing. Whether everyone is willing to trade in their singleness for someone to come home to, and to hug just depends on the person though.
One Redditor posted, “Nope. It’s not the relationship factor. I’m just a very touch-oriented person. Not being able to touch someone just hurts. I want to touch someone, but I want them actually to like me.”
One user replied, “Oh my god, it’s the touch, for sure. It’s so unbelievably easy to go literal months without being touched by a human being. I’m so touch-starved, but there’s no outlet for it in society anywhere except relationships.”
3. We Expected a Fairytale
One reason so many people are shy of commitment to another individual for the rest of their lives is that they’ve grown up on the fairytales with the magical endings, and then they’ve been sucker-punched by the reality of struggling marriages, and the hard work that relationships require. It’s enough to make anyone shy of marriage. It’s true: marriages take a lot of effort and forgiveness. There’s a lot of joy to be found in loving and sacrificing for another person, but it’s not going to be a walk in the park, and you have to know that before you choose it.
“Yeah, we all pictured a Disney movie and then had to deal with reality. Very tired of this narrative with a House, a Spouse, and a couple of kids = endless happiness,” commented one user.
One user replied, “I think, in general, we struggle with the myth of ‘if I get to this state, I’ll have happiness .’ You get there, and you want something else. Happiness is a process/journey, not a destination. You can have the nicest house, the best spouse, great kids, go on great vacations, fancy cars, etc., and be f- miserable.”
4. I’m Extremely Lonely
Regardless of whether you’re hoping to get married, all of us were designed to live in some sort of community, with some sort of friendship around us. And sometimes, that’s really hard to find outside of family.
One user shared, “No, I’m extremely lonely.”
One user stated, “Thank you for saying what most of us think. I have my parents as a support system, but if I didn’t have them, I would literally be on the street, mostly by choice but also to better survive financially. I’ve been in a relationship most of my adult life, and even though I was the codependent one, I always had things put together and looking back, I don’t even know how I did it. I am finally setting boundaries and knowing my worth, and I’ve never felt so lonely. Then I try to put myself out there, and guys love my personality but don’t find me physically attractive, and I’m just throwing my hands up like apparently I can’t f- play this game anymore.”
5 Not a Fan of the “Single and Happy” Mantra Anymore
Ultimately, the reality is that happiness isn’t tied to marriage or singleness. Your happiness is tied to you. Your mental health, your ability to choose what brings you joy, and your ability to find joy or contentment even when things don’t work out well for you are the real factors that will determine your satisfaction with life, regardless of whether you marry or not.
One Redditor posted, “I’m not really a fan anymore of the whole ‘single and happy’ mantra, like being single is just a state of being, happiness isn’t tied to happy with it. Like you can be in a relationship and be miserable, too, you know what I mean?
“For someone who’s never been in a relationship? Am I single and happy? No. Am I single and miserable? No. I’m just single. It’s just the state I’m in.”
However, one user responded, “That’s why it’s called single AND happy. The conjunction ‘and’ allows one to describe two states of being.”
6. I’m Not Good at Spotting Red Flags in People
Marriage is a serious step, and your spouse isn’t someone you want to be mistaken about later on. If you’re not able to find somebody who loves, respects and enjoys you, then yeah, the goal of marriage should probably take a back seat for a while.
“Most of the relationships I’ve had, I’ve either been cheated on, abused, or both. I’ve had partners who take endlessly and never give. My last relationship was really terrible, and he mistreated me horribly. I have accepted that I’m just not good at spotting red flags in people, and I guess I’m not a great judge of character, so for my own safety and sanity, I need to be alone. Being alone is better than being with someone who actively chooses to mistreat you and doesn’t view you as a partner but rather a domestic servant.
“I wish my life would have turned out differently because I’d like to know what it feels like to be loved. But it’s not in the cards for me. Other than that, I try to be as happy as I can. I have a lot of hobbies and don’t often get bored or lonely. I’m certainly happier not being abused,” shared one Redditor.
7. Don’t Want to Change Who I Am Anymore
An online user said, “I could have written this. I worked on my codependent tendencies, but I don’t want to change who I am anymore. I like that I’m easygoing and kind. But I realized that most people are not, and I end up being taken advantage of endlessly, so I decided it’s better to be alone.
“In answer to the question, I AM happy. It’s not because I’m single or despite it. I have been happy in relationships and out of them. Happiness is more about being at peace with yourself, aligning with your values, and having a purpose. I have all those things with or without a partner. Looking for one felt like an exercise in futility, so I stopped and just started living my life. And I love it.”
8. Sometimes Happy, Many Times Lonely
Whether you’re touch oriented, want somebody to talk to, or just wish there were somebody to come home to, another person present in the house—marriage can be hugely satisfying. Loneliness is nearing epidemic proportions in the US these days, and it’s an ache that never fully goes away without a strong community of family or friends around you. To be fair, there are lonely marriages as well, and many people with happy marriages and strong family and friend relationships feel lonely from time to time. But the feelings are likely to be less pervasive with a spouse or even roommates in your life.
One user commented, “Sometimes happy, many times lonely.”
9. Would Rather Want Something I’ll Never Have Than Have Something I Never Wanted
“My grandma used to say ‘I would rather go through life wanting something that I could never have rather than having something I never wanted.’
“We have the most significant single population that we have ever had. At least, we live in a time when we have a choice. Many of the women in my family were almost guilted into marriage,” one user added.
10. I’m Solely Responsible for Everything
One user shared, “No, the way I see it, even if you ignore the mental health aspects of isolation, it’s made my life MUCH harder. I’m solely responsible for paying for and doing everything on my own. I have no feedback from others on any of the decisions I made. Pretty much no one knows where I am or what I’m doing. My life feels sort of meaningless and without connection as a result. I’d say it’s about as damaging to my overall quality of life as being broke and unemployed, and it’s made me much lazier and more pessimistic as a person as a result.”
11. Trying to Be Happy on My Own
One user said, “I’m trying to be happy alone. However, there are a few things I know for sure:
“Humans are wired for connection (romantic and platonic). Successful mating is the single biggest biological driver we have. Our society generally reinforces the idea that we need a partner to be whole and happy.
“I have accepted that I will never be the happiest version of myself without the right long-term romantic relationship. However, I’m still pretty happy being single. I’m glad I can say so, as this has prevented me from marrying the wrong person several times.
“I’d much rather be single and a little lonely than coupled up with someone that I’m not madly in love with.”
12. Become a Cat Dad
Another user posted, “I’ve become a cat dad. The relationships I’ve tried can’t handle my work schedule for one reason or another. I’d love for a companion, but video games keep me happy enough.”
As much as we value human connection, it’s important to have good boundaries with unhealthy people, and to fill those needs for connection in ways that nurture you. For example, with cats.
13. I Have Good and Bad Days
One Redditor added, “I would say I have good and bad days. I’m a 30-year-old, single woman who hasn’t dated anyone in over 9 years. I have wanted to, but it never seems to work out. The times I have shown interest in someone, it wasn’t mutual and vice versa. I would love to get married and have kids one day, but in the dating culture of today, it seems harder and harder to believe it can happen.”
14. Not Comfortable Settling Down
“I’m more comfortable in my off-and-on relationships rather than settling down yk, but my social anxiety keeps me from seeking out new relationships, so idk. It certainly is less stressful, as some people might say, because you don’t have to worry about keeping tabs on another person, or trying to focus on their happiness as well as your own. But sometimes loneliness seems overwhelming, but there are other things you can do to overcome it rather than thinking that happiness can only come from relationships,” stated one user.
15. I Am Responsible for My Own Happiness
One user shared his brightness and posted, “Yes. I am responsible for my happiness whether it be with or without a partner.”
It’s true: ultimately, even the glow of a new romantic relationship will wear off, and you’ll get into fights with the spouse you love more than anyone else in the world. So whether you’re married or single, perfectly content or wishing things were different, remember that joy get to choose how you react to your own situation, and you can make the best of it wherever your path lies.
What do you think of the statements listed above? Share your thoughts down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re in the US
Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
Moms and dads love when their kids give them something with which they’ve put a lot of thought and effort. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or friend, you’d be lucky to receive one of these DIY Christmas gifts from kids.
1. Framed family names crossword
Photo courtesy of diys.com
Instead of a normal family tree, you could have a family crossword! Made with Scrabble tiles and a picture frame, this personalized piece of work makes a house feel like a home.
Just glue Scrabble letters onto a board (cardboard works fine) covered in your choice of paper and frame it. Even if your family is still growing, it’s easy to keep adding onto the crossword of names.
2. Painted wooden cooking spoons
Photo courtesy of todaysparent.com
Every time you cook or bake and use one of these wooden spoons, you’ll think of the love that your kids put into making them for you. What’s better than a daily reminder that someone loves you? All you need is acrylic paint and wooden utensils to make these cute one-of-a-kind gifts.
3. Keyboard art
Photo courtesy of paperplateandplane.wordpress.com
It’s easy to get caught up in things and even get down on yourself as a parent. By having a short message in your room or office, you can always remember that your kids are on your side.
The best part is that these messages can be anything – “My mom is the nicest mom in the world,” “You’re the best dad ever,” or even a simple “I love you.”
4. Printed dish towels
Photo courtesy of toddlerapproved.com
Any time you dry your hands or wipe up a spill, you’ll use a colorful custom-designed hand towel that resembles your kids. These are quick to make and way better than store-bought designs.
5. Clay bowl
Photo courtesy of frogandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com
You’ll find a place for these anywhere at home or at work — holding bobby pins, paper clips, jewelry, etc. Your kids will be satisfied knowing you’re not only looking at their handiwork, but you’re using it each day.
6. Fingerprint magnets
Photo courtesy of rhythmsofplay.com
Replace the boring black magnets on your refrigerator with vibrant ones that feature the fingerprints of the kids. Parents can use these to display their children’s work from school or even art they create at home.
7. Dyed coasters
Photo courtesy of onelittleproject.com
Display these mini works of art on your coffee table for everyone to see. They’re a great conversation starter and everyone will love that your kids made them just for you.
They’re easy to create and aren’t meant to look perfect, so even the smallest children can make them without much trouble.
8. Custom wood letter
Photo courtesy of Jo-Lynne Shane
Add a new addition to your office or home decor that reminds you how much your kids love you. The best part is that there are so many options. You can write a note on them or decorate the letter with your parent’s favorite things. All you need is the letter of your choice and decorating material and you’ve got a great Christmas gift for parents.
9. Handprint key chains
Photo courtesy of grey house harbor
Replace the old key chain that you’ve had forever with this heartfelt handprint key chain. Although it’s simple to make, it’s super meaningful and fun. All you need is Shrinky Dink paper, some paint and you’re all set.
While you can’t stop time from moving forward, you can look back and think of your small child every time you use these handprint key chains. Each time you go to open your door, you’ll look down and see a tiny hand full of love.
10. Smiley plants
Photo courtesy of Parents.com
Everyone loves succulents and plants as decorations. While you could buy them at the local garden store in terra cotta pots, it’s a lot cuter and more memorable if you gift tiny succulents in hand-designed pots. You can use any kind of pot or even an empty egg carton.
All you need to do is get some paint and let the children decorate away. Once they’ve designed the pot, work together to plant succulents, and voila, you’ve got yourself a great DIY gift idea for kids. The best part about these plants is that their pots are designed uniquely for you.
11. Spa jar
Photo courtesy of Parents.com
This spa jar is a great gift that’ll remind you how much your kids appreciate everything you do, even at the end of an extremely long day. It also reminds you that every once in a while, you need to take some time to care for yourself.
Maybe have a girls night and do masks, pedicures and manicures together. You just need to get their favorite things and put them together in a mason jar, and you have a thoughtful, relaxing gift.
12. Nail polish marbled coffee mugs
Photo courtesy of DIY Candy
At one point, you may have had a beautiful matching set of china dishes you registered for when you got married. However, as your family grows your matching dishes may diminish and become replaced with DIY mugs. But, that’s OK!
Not only are these mugs adorable, but they’re also really fun and easy to make. With a couple of steps, you can have a great mug that everyone will be asking you where you got it, making it all the more special when you tell them your kids made it for you.
13. Flower art
Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens
What parent doesn’t love getting fresh flowers as a gift? The only downside is they don’t last forever. Well worry no more, with this pressed flower art you never have to worry about that again. Each time you see these hand-pressed flowers that your child picked and flattened, you’ll smile.
14. Potpourri
Photo courtesy of Tidbits
Everyone loves a house that smells good. Candles can do the trick, but can also be a safety hazard. So, you can make your house smell delicious year-round with some homemade potpourri.
Pick your parents’ favorite smells and design a custom blend just for them. Not only is it a fun activity, but it’s useful and everyone will enjoy the gift for weeks to come!
DIY Christmas gifts for parents
Getting a beautifully wrapped, expensive gift for the holidays is always nice, but it’s the heartfelt, DIY projects that you’ll remember forever. These DIY gifts for kids are all easy-to-make, fun for the kids and memorable for you for years to come.
Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.
Secured credit cards are designed to help individuals improve their credit history and score. However, these cards differ from traditional unsecured cards in a few ways, and it’s important to understand all the details before you apply for a secured card.
What Is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured card is one with a credit limit that’s secured by collateral you put up. In the case of these cards, the collateral is a cash deposit you make to secure the credit limit. Typically, your credit limit is equal to your deposit, and you may have an option for how much that is.
For example, some cards allow you to deposit $200 to $3,000 to open your card account. So if you choose to deposit $500, your credit limit will be $500.
Your deposit is held by the credit card company the entire time you have the card. If you fail to make payments on your balance in a timely manner, the credit card company may close your account and use the deposit funds to cover its losses. This reduces risk for the lender, which is why these card companies are willing to offer credit cards to people with no or bad credit.
Once you close your account—assuming you’ve paid off your balance—you get your security deposit back.
Other than the factors surrounding the security deposit, a secured credit card typically works like any other credit card. You can use it to pay for purchases anywhere it’s accepted—these are usually Visa or Mastercard cards, so they’re accepted widely. If you carry over a balance each statement cycle, you’ll be charged interest on it in keeping with the rates associated with your card.
Building Credit With a Secured Credit Card
Secured credit cards aren’t a magic elixir for your credit. You have to manage these accounts appropriately to get the benefits. Here are some tips for building credit with a secured credit card.
Don’t apply randomly for credit cards. Every application could result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, bringing your score down further. Instead, do your research. Check your own credit, and consider what type of credit the lender is looking for before you apply. That increases your chances of getting approved the first time.
Make sure the cardholder reports your payments. Credit card companies don’t actually have to report your payments—so some won’t report to any bureaus, while others report to just one or two. Ideally, you want to work with a secured credit card lender that will report to all three credit bureaus. That way, your timely payments can help you build your credit on each of your credit reports.
Make every payment on time. Failing to make a payment can result in a negative mark on your credit reports, which defeats the entire purpose of the card. It can also result in hefty missed payment fees, which increase your balance even more.
Don’t max out your credit limit. Try to keep your utilization below 30%. That means if you have a credit limit of $1,000, keep your balance at $300 or lower. Your credit utilization—how much of your credit limit you use—impacts your credit score.
Don’t expect your credit to improve immediately. It takes time to build your credit via any means.
Tools like our Credit Report Card can help you keep track of your credit score and the factors affecting it so you can make good and informed decisions when building credit.
How to Choose a Secured Credit Card
When shopping for a secured credit card, consider the following factors:
Likelihood of approval. Don’t apply for a card you know requires good or excellent credit if you have poor credit. That just creates unnecessary hard inquiries.
Annual fee. You want to pay as little as possible for the benefit of building your credit. A few secured credit cards have no annual fee, but most do. Look for options with the most competitive annual fees, which tend to be under $40 per year.
Credit reporting. The best secured credit card options are those that report to all three credit bureaus. Plenty of secured credit card companies do, so you don’t have to settle for one that doesn’t.
Competitive interest rates. Rates for bad-credit products tend to be higher than average in general. However, you can find secured credit cards with more competitive rates, and you should definitely compare these cards to each other to find the lowest possible rate.
Account management tools. Look for a card lender that makes it easy for you to manage your account well. Payment reminders, online portals and apps can keep you in the know about your balance and reduce the risks you’ll miss a payment.
Next Steps After Using a Secured Card
Once you’re approved for and start building credit with a secured card, continue to plan for your financial future. At some point, hopefully, your credit will improve enough that you qualify for cards with better rates, limits, and perks.
Once you establish new cards, you might consider closing your secured credit card account because you may not want to keep paying an annual fee on a card that no longer serves your needs. However, closing your account might hurt your credit by potentially increasing your credit utilization ratio and also by affecting your average credit age, so weigh the pros and the cons of closing your card before making a choice. Visit Credit.com to learn more about our products like ExtraCredit® that could help you stay on top of your credit.
The housing market cheered as the Federal Reserve signaled interest rate cuts next year after making a series of rapid rate hikes starting in 2022.
While the central bank did not completely rule out the possibility of a rate increase in 2024, that action seems unlikely. Instead, fresh economic projections from central bank officials showed rates would be slashed to a median 4.6% by the end of 2024, suggesting three 25 basis points (bps) cuts from current levels.
The so-called dot plot estimates show interest rates falling to a median 3.6% in 2025, indicating four more 25 bps cuts. For 2026, Fed officials projected rates to fall below 3% by the end of 2026 through three more quarter percentage point reductions.
What does this mean for mortgage rates?
“Mortgage rates should get better. If the spreads get better, that will be an extra plus,” said Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire. “The main focus now is that if the economic data gets weaker, bond traders have the green light to take yields lower.”
Mortgage rates track the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasuries, which move based on anticipation about the Fed’s actions, what the Fed ends up doing and investors’ reactions. When Treasury yields go down, so do mortgage rates. The 10-year Treasury yield hit a low of 4.007% following the Fed’s press conference, declining from 4.202% at market open on Wednesday.
“While nobody in the mortgage world would say ’tis the season to be jolly’ based on current market conditions, the Fed’s outlook at its December meeting points to an increased possibility of a happier new year,” said Marty Green, principal at mortgage law firm Polunsky Beitel Green.
Expect lower mortgage rates
With the central bank shifting toward the next phase in its fight against rapid inflation, experts expect the path for monetary policy to support further declines in mortgage rates, just in time for a traditionally busy spring housing market.
“The commentary about three expected cuts next year and no rate hikes is great news for the mortgage industry,” Michael Merritt, senior vice president of customer care and default mortgage servicing at BOK Financial. “These cuts will allow mortgage rates to fall faster throughout 2024. The conservative expectation of three cuts also paints a positive overall outlook since they are not expecting to have to make large numbers of cuts to fuel economic growth or make increases to offset inflation.”
After hovering below 8% at the time of the last FOMC meeting in November, mortgage rates sit at just under 7%, according to HousingWire’s mortgage rate center on Wednesday.
“We’re probably at an inflection point where rates have come down enough that more buyers are coming back into the marketplace,” said Melissa Cohn, regional vice president of William Raveis Mortgage.
While mortgage rates are expected to decrease, high home prices combined with low inventory still pose a challenge for potential homebuyers.
“We don’t expect rates to fall that much in this period and it may not offset rising home prices in hot housing markets. So, homebuyers who wait on the sidelines for better rates next year may find the waiting game didn’t pay the dividends they expected,” said Max Slyusarchuk, CEO of A&D Mortgage.
The median price of single family homes in the U.S. is $424,900, which is up 2.4% from last year at the same time, according to Altos Research.
“There are really no national indicators, anywhere in the data, that show home prices currently falling,” Mike Simonsen, president of Altos, said in a recent commentary.
While inventory typically rises with higher mortgage rates and falls with lower mortgage rates, there is no signal of any flood of sellers, which would be bearish for home prices, Simonsen noted.
For there to be a supply-demand balance, rates would need to stay higher and cuts would have to come slower than markets are predicting, according to Jack Macdowell, chief investment officer at Palisades Group.
“The housing market plays a role in this given the contribution to headline inflation calculations,” Macdowell said.
“If rates come down too much (and mortgage rates follow), we’ll see the current supply-demand imbalance exacerbated as pent-up demand gets released into an undersupplied market, putting upward pressure on home values–and inflation. Until mortgage rates drop below 6% it is unlikely that pent-up deferred sales will meaningfully contribute to supply.”
Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Editorial Disclosure:Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Snapshot: Provided that you’re a student, you can gain access to fantastic cash back rates (anywhere from 1% – 10%, depending on the category), even if you have no prior credit. Did we also mention the annual_fees annual fee?
Pros
Cons
annual_fees annual fee
This card allows balance transfers but there’s no introductory APR for them
3% cash back on dining, select streaming services, entertainment and grocery store purchases
Potentially higher APR
A potential for relatively low APR for a student credit card
bonus_miles_full
Like what you see? Learn how to apply for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card – which you generally have to have at least a good credit score to qualify for (and it has a higher regular APR)*.
You get access to amazing cash back rates on dining and grocery shopping – which are common expenses – in addition to a flat 1% cash back on everything else. This card does have a relatively high APR (see how it compares to other cards) but no annual fee, so as long as you pay your statement on time, you won’t have to worry about interest. (Paying your credit card bill on time will also help you build good credit in preparation for your next card, auto loan, or apartment application, after you graduate).
When you’re just starting out on your own having no credit or bad credit can be a barrier to many things you need in adulthood, like an apartment lease, a car loan or a halfway decent credit card. You need credit to get credit, and most of the time the options aren’t great.
This card is great (actually). Like we said before, many of this card’s benefits are very similar to the card_name. But where you need great credit to qualify for that card, you can qualify for the same benefits by being in school.
So if you’re worried about a low credit score, or maybe you’ve just turned 18 and are starting out on your own and have no credit, provided that you’re a student (among other qualifying factors) this is a great credit card to apply for.
Great Rewards for Dining
If you’re cramming for a test and just don’t have the time to plan out meals and need to Uber Eats some food to keep the study session going uninterrupted, at least you’ll be making a whopping 10% (10%!) cash back on your splurge (through 11/14/2024). 3% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) is also great – not only are groceries a regular expense, but 3% is a decently high rate for a cash back category.
Whether you’re the kind of shopper who loves spending time researching a great deal, or you don’t have the mental energy to pay attention to such things, this card has you covered. Not only does it have great cash back rates, but it also has a varied enough mix of rewards categories that you can earn cash back without having to go out of your way to make unusual purchases.
Like what you see? Learn how to apply for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card
The Drawbacks
No Introductory APR
If you’re looking for a 0% APR offer, you won’t find it with this card. That means you can’t use this card to make a major purchase you can pay off over a year or two without accruing interest. That’s certainly not a deal breaker for most students, but it’s something to consider.
Potentially High APR
It’s hard to say what ongoing APR you will get when you apply for this card, the quoted range is quite wide at reg_apr,reg_apr_type. If you qualify for a lower APR, great! But if you end up paying a higher APR, that could be a drawback. Especially if you want to rely on this card to help you cover larger purchases.
Is It Worth It?
For students who eat out or grab coffee on the go a lot, this card may be a good option. It lets you earn decent cash back perks, and as long as you pay off your statement every month, that’s cash in your pocket.
What Are The Credit Limits For Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card (Minimum and Maximum)?
Your credit limit is determined by your credit history and factors such as income. From what we’ve seen other users report, credit limits may range from $300 to $700 (at least initially), though approvals could certainly fall outside those ranges.
How Soon Can I Increase My Credit Limit After Being Approved For A Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card?
Capital One may let you request a credit limit increase after 6 months, though approval of the increase is not guaranteed. During that time you will need to demonstrate that you can handle your credit responsibly, which means both using and paying off your bill on-time.
How Good Is A Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card For Building Credit?
This is an excellent card for building credit because you don’t necessarily need great credit to get it. Capital One is a well-recognized credit card provider that typically reports payment history to the credit bureaus. That helps you build a stronger credit profile.
Learn more about how to apply for the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Card here:
Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
I bet you didn’t know that Home Depot isn’t just for hammers and nails — it’s also stocked with beautiful decorative items, from fancy candles to luxe linens. As a designer, I often source from the retailer, because it carries everything from key pieces of furniture to blissful bedding. Below I’ve collected just a smattering of the deals still on offer in the Home Depot 2023 Black Friday sale.
Save an orange bucket’s worth of dough with this sale, and freshen up your home. But don’t wait too long — these Home Depot extended Black Friday deals are going faster than your famous sweet potato pie did on Thanksgiving.
Home Depot
Channel hygge this winter — the art of being comfortable — with a sherpa-lined throw in cozy plaid. Save 50% on this holiday-worthy option, and snuggle up under the weight of the standard throw-sized charmer. Looks great on a chair or at the edge of your bed. Machine washable for easy cleaning.
$18 at Home Depot
Home Depot
You can never have enough storage, and large woven baskets are a charming way to keep tidy. This set includes two, so you can use them in the foyer for extra shoes, the living room for throw blankets or the bathroom for rolled-up towels. Save nearly 60% on these open-weave organic looking winners.
$50 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Score a 60% discount on lanterns so versatile, you’ll want them everywhere in the house. Designed for use with flameless candles, this set will serve you year-round. Add a welcoming touch to an entryway, some ambiance to the living room or dress them up for the holidays with fresh greens and ribbon. The set comes in varying heights of 15 and 18.75 inches tall.
$72 at Home Depot
Home Depot
A tray goes a long way as an essential multi-tasker in your home. Use it to serve up cocktails or as a reliable surface to rest your drink on your coffee table ottoman. This beauty, in a natural wood grain walnut finish, is finished with brass handles lending it elegance. Add some decor, like a live plant or trio of accessories. Get creative— it’s as functional as it is attractive.
$66 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Mirrors are a designer’s trick of the trade to catch the light and make a room appear larger. This beauty is available in different sizes for just the right fit. Hang it over your dresser in the bedroom, above a console in your entry or use it as your bathroom vanity mirror. Save 55%.
$90 at Home Depot
Home Depot
When my clients don’t have a green thumb, are worried about pests or have a second home, I recommend a faux plant to give a room a natural vibe that springs to life. At 6 feet, this palm makes a statement, filling your space with fresh greens without the worry. Save more than 40% on this lush palm with bamboo-like stems and you’ll bring a taste of the tropics indoors.
$70 at Home Depot
Home Depot
A pouf or small ottoman is a great addition to any room. It provides extra seating in a pinch, or a great place to put your feet up. Light enough to move where you need them, this knit version is just the texture for winter. I’m drawn to this pretty blush color, but check out the variety of shades, from bold to neutral. Get 25% off — I’d grab two.
$50 at Home Depot
Home Depot
I’m charmed by this pair of decorative vases, in 6 and 8 inch heights, that are the perfect objét to add to your bookcases, entry console or dining centerpiece. Natural pottery such as this adds warmth to the room with a hand-cast feel, and the speckled glaze finish is earthy and pleasing to the eye. Not waterproof, these are meant for dried flowers or add a topiary ball to the top. Though I think their shape and texture is attractive enough to stand alone. Enjoy 20% off.
$26 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Good design should inspire all the senses, so don’t forget to add a scent to the air. This candle by Root is literally rooted in its passion for bees, creating a natural beeswax-blended candle. Aromas abound, but I’ve featured the Winter Balsam scent to evoke the season with its combination of Canadian fir needle and green citrus. With a natural fiber wick, you can feel good about gifting this made-in-the-USA candle. Save 20%.
$21 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Score a 45% discount on a new set of sheets and level up your bedding. These luxurious cotton sateen sheets are wrinkle-resistant with a silky finish. OEKO-TEX certified for safety, the fitted sheet works with mattresses anywhere from 8 in. to 20 in. using patented Flexi Fit technology.
$49 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Don’t forget the bathroom. This 45%-off deal is a great opportunity to refresh your bath linens for less. Available in a bevy of colors, the set includes bath and hand towels, plus washcloths. The 100% Hygro Cotton gets softer and fluffier the more you wash.
$66 at Home Depot
Home Depot
Do you have something in your yard you’d prefer not to look at — like a rough fence around an air conditioning unit? These artificial hedges can cover up an eyesore with ease. You’ll get 12 tiles, each 20 inches by 20 inches, that will cover a total of 33 square feet.
$60 at Home Depot
Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In the Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
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