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5 Renovations That Don't Increase Your Resale Value

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

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

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

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

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

1. Invisible improvements

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

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

2. Swimming pool

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

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

3. Bathroom and kitchen upgrades

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

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

4. Built-in high-end electronics

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

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

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

5. Extravagant landscaping

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

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

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

Renovate for the right reasons

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

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

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

Should You Use a Personal Loan or a Home Equity Loan to Remodel Your Home?

Holly Johnson — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:32:44 +0000

The costs of remodeling your home can add up quickly, and they can even be exorbitant, depending on the project you take on. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2019 Cost vs. Value study, a minor kitchen remodel would set you back $22,507 this year, replacing a roof with asphalt shingles costs an average of $22,636, and homeowners paid $47,427 on average for a mid-range bathroom addition.

The fact that remodeling can be so pricey means not everyone has the cash to pay in full. In many cases, homeowners have to borrow the money they need for a project, and most of the time they use a personal loan or a home equity loan. Here's how to decide which option is best for your own remodeling project.

Pros of home equity loans

When you own a home, it's easy to automatically assume a home equity loan would serve your needs best — and you could be right. Home equity loans let you borrow against the value in your home and use it as collateral.

Low and fixed interest rates

These secured loans tend to come with low interest rates and fair terms. Most home equity loans last for 10 to 30 years, making it easy to tailor your loan to your needs and monthly budget. Home equity loans also come with fixed interest rates, fixed monthly payments, and fixed repayment timelines, so they're easy to plan for.

Easy application process

You can also compare and apply for home equity loans online and from the comfort of your home, although you may need an appraisal and other steps completed before you can move forward.

Tax benefits

As a final upside, you may be able to write off the interest you pay on your home equity loan, provided you itemize. While you can't deduct home equity interest if you use your home equity loan proceeds for personal expenses, the interest is still deductible if you use your loan proceeds to "buy, build, or substantially improve" your home, notes the IRS. (See also: Home Equity Loan or Heloc: Which is Right For You?)

Cons

There aren't a lot of downsides when it comes to home equity loans, but there are a few issues to be aware of.

You might not qualify

Depending on how much equity you have in your home, you may not even qualify for this type of loan. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you can typically only borrow up to 85 percent of your home's value across a first mortgage and home equity loan. This means that, if your home is worth $200,000, you could only borrow up to $170,000 across a first mortgage and home equity loan.

The possibility of foreclosure

Second, the fact that you're putting your home up as collateral means you could lose your property to foreclosure if you stop paying your home equity loan bills.

Pros of personal loans

Personal loans are popular for home remodels for a few reasons.

Fixed payments and interest rates

Like home equity loans, they come with fixed monthly payments and a fixed interest rate that will never change.

Your home is not collateral

Since personal loans don't require you to put up your home as collateral, the amount you can borrow isn't tied to your home equity. For that reason, they can be a good option if you don't have a ton of equity in your home but still need to borrow money.

Less red tape

A final reason to consider a personal loan is that there aren't quite as many hoops to jump through when you apply. You don't have to prove the value of your home, for example, and there's typically a lot less paperwork involved.

Cons

While personal loans might be easier to manage and apply for, there are still a couple major downsides.

You can't deduct the interest

One issue with using a personal loan for a home remodeling project is that you cannot deduct the interest on your loan on your taxes no matter what.

Higher interest rates

Personal loans may come with slightly higher interest rates than home equity loans since these loans are unsecured.

Which option is right for you?

At the end of the day, home equity loans and personal loans can both work well for your home remodeling project. They both have fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments you can easily plan for, and either option could let you borrow enough money to bring your remodeling project to fruition.

Still, there are plenty of factors to consider before you decide. For example:

How much equity do you have in your home?
Do you want to put your home up as collateral?
How much do you need to borrow?

Also, make sure you consider any fees involved in both home equity loans and personal loans. Many lenders offer products that come with no origination fees, application fees, or hidden fees, but those typically only go to consumers with good or excellent credit. (See also: 5 Personal Loan Fees You Should Never, Ever Pay)

Fortunately, it's easy to compare home equity loan and personal loan terms online. Some websites like LendingTree even let you compare multiple loan options in one place.

No matter what you do, take the time to compare all your loan options in terms of their fees, interest rates, and repayment timelines, along with the monthly payment you'll need to commit to. With enough research, you could have your big project up and running in no time.

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

The 5 Best Cozy Home Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Thu, 07 May 2020 18:41:26 +0000

The best part of being stuck at home is the ability to make your space a serene paradise bursting with coziness. Spend the afternoon curled up on the couch with a warm blanket and a good book, and then do it again the next day! It's not like you can go anywhere right now anyway, right?

If you look around your living room or bedroom and don't immediately want to take a nap, something's missing. But that's ok! Add any of the following items to your space and you'll almost be glad you can't leave. (See also: The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Self-Care Essentials)

Top 5 Cozy Home Essentials

Chanasya Shaggy Longfur Faux Fur Throw Blanket

The Chanasya Shaggy Longfur Faux Fur Throw Blanket is a must-have if you're trying to create the coziest environment possible in your home. The cruelty-free faux fur material is 100% microfiber polyester and is super soft, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and machine-washable. It's extremely versatile, and can be used as a statement throw blanket for your couch, or the main source of warmth on your bed, as it comes in a variety of sizes. It also comes in several colors, so you'll easily be able to match it to your home's color scheme.

This blanket is backed by outstanding reviews online and has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $29.99 at Amazon.com

Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

The Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager can relieve tension, stress, and anxiety by relaxing your body. With the control panel, you can change the direction and speed or add heat. It has an ergonomic U-design, PU leather, breathable 3D mesh fabric, and comfortable, flexible straps, so you can easily apply pressure where you need it most. It also has a 20-minute auto-off function and overheat protection. This massager has eight deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes to help relieve muscle tightness, increase circulation, and even improve sleep.

It's also backed by more than 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $64.99 at Amazon.com

Husband Pillow

If you're looking to improve your reading or relaxing experience on the bed or couch, look no further than the Husband Pillow. This microplush pillow contains premium shredded memory foam and has a high backrest that supports your entire upper body, with a circular pillow that adds additional neck support at the top. It's versatile and portable, so you can take it wherever you go. The Husband Pillow also comes in a wide range of colors to choose from.

And it has over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $84.95 at Amazon.com

BELLA Electric Tea Kettle

The BELLA Electric Tea Kettle is the perfect addition to any kitchen, as it can boil water faster than a microwave and it's safer than a standard kettle on the stove top. Turn it on with the flip of a switch and make your favorite hot beverage or meal using the fully detachable 360-degree power base. The kettle also has an automatic shut off and boil dry protection, as well as a concealed heating element for maximum safety. It comes in several beautiful designs to add a unique pop of color to your kitchen.

It also has over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $33.81 at Amazon.com

Pure Daily Care Aromatherapy Diffuser

The Pure Daily Care Aromatherapy Diffuser has a 300 ml capacity and comes with a 10-piece set of essential oils in classic scents like lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, orange, peppermint, lemongrass, and more. It includes seven ambient light modes with two intensity settings for 14 different light combinations. It also includes four timer settings and a convenient auto shutoff feature for low water levels. This diffuser is made of BPA-free plastic and features a beautiful wood grain design.

It's backed by outstanding online reviews, including over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $48.95 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Beauty Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Tue, 05 May 2020 19:53:44 +0000

An important aspect of self-care is basic grooming and hygiene, and without the need to leave the house every day, that can take a backseat. It's understandable, since you can attend work meetings sans pants and have your own happy hours well before 5 p.m.

Your daily routines have changed quite a bit, but that doesn't mean you need to neglect your beauty regimens, especially if they boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of control in this strange, chaotic time. Use any of the items below, and you'll feel like a glowing goddess in no time — all without breaking your budget. (See also: The 5 Best Eyelash Curlers)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Beauty Essentials

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

amika Perk Up dry shampoo was voted one of the best dry shampoos by several publications because it can help improve hair health with each use. The ultra-lightweight, talc-free mist is formulated to clean and refresh hair, absorb excess oil and dirt, add volume, refresh the roots, and shape without buildup. The nutrient-rich, vegan, dry shampoo contains sea buckthorn berry extract, which is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fatty acids. This helps repair split ends, impart shine, and strengthen and nourish hair.

This dry shampoo is perfect for when you want to extend your style an additional day without washing. It's ideal for all hair types, including color treated hair, and does not leave any powdery white residue behind. It also has over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $25.00 at Amazon.com

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair can visibly fade the look of stubborn wrinkles and crow's feet, brighten skin tone, smooth fine lines and texture, and protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays with SPF 30. It combines Retinol SA with hyaluronic acid and glucose complex, an exclusive booster that delivers pure stabilized retinol into the skin's surface, leaving skin smoother. The exclusive sustained action works to continuously moisturize and renew the look of skin throughout the day, helping to smooth wrinkles fast and diminish the look of age spots.

It is backed by outstanding reviews online and has over 4,500 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $17.50 at Amazon.com

Sally Hansen Cream Hair Remover Kit

The Sally Hansen Cream Hair Remover Duo Kit has remained one of the most popular pain-free hair removal creams for the face, upper lip, and chin area for women. After using the gentle hair remover cream, you can use the extra care skin conditioning lotion to soothe and moisturize the skin. The kit is also enhanced by collagen and vitamin E to soften and smooth the skin, as well as willow herb and pumpkin seed extracts to reduce the appearance of hair regrowth.

Since you can't get to the salon for a wax or threading, this is your best bet for at-home hair removal. Many users found that the vanilla scent is much better than most other hair removal products. It also has over 1,500 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $5.27 at Amazon.com

Hempz Original Herbal Moisturizer

Hempz Original Herbal Moisturizer is one of Amazon’s best-sellers and top rated items, with more than 6,500 5-star reviews. This lotion is a cult classic because it absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue behind. It contains 100% pure natural hemp seed oil and other pure herbal extracts. It will moisturize and protect your skin for 12 hours using essential fatty acids, key amino acids, Shea butter, and ginseng. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks.

Most reviewers describe the scent as light and fresh, but if you aren’t a fan, there are a number of other options available, like green tea with Asian pear, sweet pineapple and honey melon, and fresh coconut and watermelon.

Currently $13.28 at Amazon.com

Tweezerman Stainless Steel Slant Tweezer

The best-selling, award-winning Tweezerman Stainless Steel Slant Tweezers have been recommended by professional makeup artists, celebrities, and models. The stainless steel tips are hand-filed, sharp enough for precision hair removal, perfectly aligned, and have a 25-degree angled edge, which works well against the brow bone. Stainless steel is safer than other types of metals, so these shouldn’t cause skin irritation or infections. They are also available in a range of colors.

These high-quality tweezers are backed by outstanding online reviews, including over 3,000 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $23.00 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:07:39 +0000

With social distancing measures in place and stay-at-home orders issued, it's been difficult for many of us to replicate the beauty treatments that we're used to getting at our local salons. Which face mask should you use? Is it time to try a new night cream? Are you using the right products for your skin type? Without the regular guidance of your dermatologist or esthetician, these are not easy questions to answer. Luckily, you don't need an expert to build your ideal skincare regimen. You can DIY!

If you've been missing your regular facial appointments, or you're just looking to switch up your skincare routine, the items below will give your skin a fresh glow, without breaking your budget. (See also: The 5 Best Acne Treatments)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

Neutrogena Cleansing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Cleansing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover can remove even the most stubborn makeup, like waterproof mascara. The dermatologist-developed, ophthalmologist-tested remover is safe for contact lens wearers and won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. The oil-free, fragrance-free remover has been clinically proven to naturally remove makeup while moisturizing the skin around the eyes. Your skin will feel clean and fresh thanks to the aloe and cucumber extracts. It is 97% naturally derived and leaves no greasy residue behind.

This is one of Amazon’s best-selling makeup removers. Good Housekeeping selected it as the best remover for waterproof makeup, as well as a top performer compared to all other waterproof eye makeup removers. It also has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $5.82 at Amazon.com

Mario Badescu Cleansing Milk

The Mario Badescu Cleansing Milk with carnation rice oil is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to smooth and soften the skin. The gentle, creamy, wipe-off cleanser works on all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. It removes makeup and debris, fights free radicals, and slows skin degradation.

The cult classic has outstanding online reviews and is frequently recommended by beauty bloggers. It also has hundreds of four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $12.00 at Amazon.com

Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask

As Amazon’s #1 best-seller in facial masks, this Dead Sea Mud Mask can produce noticeable results on both the face and body. The mask is rich in natural minerals and nourishing oils that are known to treat, detoxify, cleanse, and hydrate the skin. After each use, the mask can minimize pores and blackheads, reduce wrinkles, fight acne, remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, absorb excess oil and toxins, and moisturize the skin.

This premium spa quality mask can even help reduce the appearance of acne scarring on the face. It can also treat other conditions of the skin, besides acne and acne scarring, and can even provide incredible anti-aging benefits. It also has over 8,000 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $13.99 at Amazon.com

Alina Skin Care Enhanced Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

Alina Skin Care Enhanced Vitamin C Serum is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to wrap their serum and moisturizer up in one simple step. This feels like a cream, but works like a serum, penetrating the surface levels of the skin to deeply repair your skin. It's enhanced by vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, organic aloe vera extract, green and white tea extracts, and Alina’s antioxidant blend, which can help fight free radicals and reduce stress to the skin.

It's also a powerful collagen booster and anti-aging solution, so it can help reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This has outstanding reviews and over 1,000 four-star reviews on Amazon alone.

Currently $24.46 at Amazon.com

CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM

CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM can repair the most damaged skin by replenishing ceramides throughout the night. The lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and repairing ceramides. The dermatologist recommended lotion has patented time release MVE technology, which will slowly release the potent ingredients over time. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and is ideal for all skin types, particularly for sensitive and dry skin.

This lotion was selected as the best night cream by Consumer Search and received an InStyle Award for the Best Night Cream. It's also recommended by Total Beauty, Into the Gloss, and About.com. It also has stellar online reviews, including more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $12.38 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

The 5 Best Home Office Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:52:53 +0000

Lately, many of us have had to scramble to create a suitable home office using the items and space we have on hand. That is no easy task, especially when you're on a budget.

But once you have the desk space, a chair, and your necessary devices, you only need a few more items to make your work-from-home setup complete. You need to make sure you're comfortable, you have the space you need, and you can also organize important documents and keep your cables from knotting up into a messy ball. The items below will provide all of the above, and make your work-from-home transition a stress-free process. (See also: The 5 Best Bluetooth Keyboards)

Top 5 Home Office Essentials

Epson Perfection V600 Photo & Document Scanner

For those looking to scan photographs, documents, and film in color, the Epson Perfection V600 Photo & Document Scanner is the scanner to beat. This scanner produces high quality photo and film scans at a resolution of 6400 x 9600 dpi. It's also capable of fixing dust, scratches, and other physical defects from photos, making your old photos look brand new. You can also convert scanned documents into editable text — ABBYY FineReader Sprint Plus OCR. This scanner has over 3,000 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $219.99 at Amazon.com

SOFTaCARE Seat Cushion

The SOFTaCARE Seat Cushion can help ease strained and tense muscles caused by sitting in an office chair all day. The two-piece cushion set includes a seat cushion and lumbar support pillow that decrease pressure on the coccyx and relieve pain of sciatica, herniated discs, tailbone injuries, and pregnancy back pain. The seat cushion features a non-slip rubber bottom to keep in place, and a washable velour zippered cover for easy cleaning. The lumbar support pillow has 3D breathable mesh and two adjustable straps. This set also has over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $53.91 at Amazon.com

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones are a hit year after year for a reason. They feature three levels of world-class noise cancellation for a better listening experience in any environment, noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up, and they are Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more. These headphones also come with Bose AR — an innovative, audio-only version of augmented reality — and the Bluetooth-pairing process is completely hassle-free. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones also have over 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $299.00 at Amazon.com

OHill Self-Adhesive Cord Holders

These OHill Self-Adhesive Cord Holders are essential for anyone newly working from home. They keep those cluttered cables and cords around your desk, TV, power strip, filing cabinets, computer, or cell phone much nicer, organized, and tangle-free. These black cord holders come in a 16-pack in various sizes to fit all kinds of cords.

The self-adhesive backing is easy to use and install the cord organizers, with an extra strong sticky pad that holds them securely and adhered easily to multiple surfaces. They also have over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.99 at Amazon.com

Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector

Amazon’s #1 best-seller in power strips, the Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector features six regular surge-protected outlets and six BlockSpace surge-protected outlets for larger adapters. It has a 3996-Joule energy rating and features two USB ports.

Belkin is the leader in surge protection, so you can count on this to work well. It is also backed by a Lifetime Warranty and $250,000 Connected Equipment Warranty for your added peace of mind. It has outstanding online reviews, including more than 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $34.99 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Self-Care Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 17:54:12 +0000

Even though we're all staying at home, and encouraged to do so for the foreseeable future, getting in the right mindset to relax has not been easy. Between the grim news updates, many local business and public places being closed, and having to share the same space as your entire family all the time, self-care can feel like an impossible chore.

Luckily, all you need to do to prioritize self-care is make sure you have the proper tools and accessories to create a spa-like atmosphere at home. And it won't even put a dent in your budget. Use any of the items below, throw on some sweatpants, and take some time just for you. (See also: The 5 Best Massage Tools)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Self-Care Essentials

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask can help with acne, breakouts, and oily skin. The silky cleansing clay mask contains lemon tea tree oil and Tamanu oil, so it has a smell that most reviewers tend to like. The instantly cooling mask has menthol, which creates a soothing effect for acne-prone skin, helping to calm irritation and redness. It is the perfect natural blemish fighter because it eliminates existing blemishes, prevents future breakouts, removes impurities, and controls oil and shine. It has antibacterial benefits and will leave your skin feeling deeply cleansed, refreshed, soft, smooth, and ready for makeup.

This natural alternative for blemish-prone skin is recommended by Allure and is a Total Beauty Top-Rated Beauty Product and has hundreds of five-star reviews Amazon.

Currently $14.49 at Amazon.com

FIVE S Vibration Massage Seat Cushion

The portable FIVE S Vibration Massage Seat Cushion can help with pain or provide the perfect at-home spa experience at the end of a long day. The vibrating massager includes a seat cushion, optional heat function, and a remote and car adapter, so you can use it at home or in the car. The 10-motor vibration massage cushion can help with pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and thighs. It has three massage speeds, four massage programs, and four zones to hit each area of the body. It also has automatic shut down after 30 minutes. It's also backed by over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $69.99 at Amazon.com

Conair True Glow All-In-One Nail Care System

If you’re looking to replicate the luxurious service you get at the nail salon, then the Conair True Glow All-In-One Nail Care System is right for you. The unique all-in-one design offers professional results from home. This nail care system can help create the perfect manicure and pedicure in just four easy steps. You can quickly shape, smooth, and polish natural or acrylic nails using the 12 attachments, including a cuticle shaper, metal smoothing plate, metal shaping plate, buffing plate, smoothing plate, medium stone cone, large sapphire cone, medium sapphire cone, small sapphire cone, smoothing disc, shaping disc, and buffing disc.

The rechargeable nail tool has variable speed control and light to help you achieve flawless results. The manicure bowl will help soften nails and cuticles, while the built-in nail dryer can speed up drying time so your nails look picture perfect in no time.

Currently $49.99 at Amazon.com

Sleep Master Sleep Mask

The Sleep Master Sleep Mask is ideal for anyone who needs to completely block out the light and sound around them. This can virtually shut off the world while you sleep. The fully adjustable, lightweight, soft, breathable cool satin sleep mask comfortably surrounds your head and covers your ears to quickly create a relaxing effect. By simultaneously blocking light and muffling sound, it can help induce a deep, refreshing sleep.

It is wide enough to comfortably fit your head and connects in the back with velcro strips. It is hypoallergenic, latex-free, hand-washable, and also works well with a CPAP facial mask. Sleep Master claims that it’s also more hygienic and longer-lasting than other masks on the market. It is an Amazon best-seller and has over 3,000 four-star reviews.

Currently $25.90 at Amazon.com

DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

Amazon’s Choice for memory foam mattress toppers, the DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper is made of soft visco-elastic CertiPUR-certified gel-infused memory foam, which adds a lot of comfort and support to any aging mattress. The 2-inch memory foam mattress topper reduces motion transfer and won't generate or retain a lot of heat.

It is available in a range of sizes and backed by a three-year warranty. It's also Consumer Search's top pick and recommended by The Wirecutter and The Sweethome. It has outstanding online reviews, including more than 5,500 four-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $63.99 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Fitness Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:11:35 +0000

Since we can't currently visit our local gyms, participate in group fitness classes, or take in spectacular views on popular hiking or jogging trails, we have to get creative if we want to work up a sweat. And a big part of that is assembling a budget-friendly home gym that also doesn't take up too much space — which isn't always easy. You don't need a room full of bulky cardio machines to get fit at home, and most of us couldn't afford that anyway.

Just a few key items and versatile accessories will help you tone every muscle in your body, and will keep you safe and healthy during your time at home. Use any of the items below, throw on a fun playlist, and get your sweat on. (See also: The 5 Best Women's Cross Training Shoes)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Fitness Essentials

Home-Complete 4 Resistance Exercise Loop Bands

As Amazon’s #1 best-seller in physical therapy arm exercisers, the Home-Complete 4 Resistance Exercise Loop Bands are ideal for your physical therapy needs and can increase your flexibility, balance, and strength quickly. This affordable set of four durable bands with varying resistance (Light-Green, Medium-Blue, Heavy-Red and XX-Heavy-Black) can help strengthen and tone your shoulders, hips, arms, and legs. The multifunctional loop bands can be used for ankle resistance, knee resistance, leg resistance, and on the thighs and wrists.

These bands offer a complete body toning workout, so you can tone and strengthen any affected areas. They are ideal for physical therapy rehabilitation, weight loss, Pilates, yoga, and stretching. They can also be effective in recovery from torn MCL, torn ACL, knee replacement, and patella and meniscus rehab. These bands also have over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.99 at Amazon.com

Sivan Health and Fitness Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Mat

The Sivan Health and Fitness Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Mat is ideal for all your favorite exercises, including yoga and Pilates. It is also one of the thickest mats on the market, providing better impact absorption. The extra thick mat is made with specially designed memory foam, so it will optimally protect your knees and joints.

The mat has a ribbed surface on one side and a smooth surface on the other side, so it will grip the floor to improve your workout and prevent injuries. The durable, long-lasting material is moisture-resistant and easy to clean, so it will last you for years. It is available in different colors and comes with an integrated carry strap, so it is easy to transport. This mat also has over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $38.99 at Amazon.com

Trideer Exercise Ball

The Trideer Exercise Ball is one of the highest density exercise balls on the market. It is 2,000 micrometers thick and can resist up to 2,200 lbs. It's also made of top quality materials, free of toxic PVC material, BPA, and heavy metals. This ball comes in a small box and includes a quick inflation foot pump. You can use this for physical therapy, yoga, Pilates, back and abdominal training, pregnancy exercises, and more. The Trideer Exercise Ball comes in five sizes and is also backed by more than 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $33.99 at Amazon.com

Fit Skuad Jump Rope

The Fit Skuad Jump Rope is the perfect addition to your home gym. It comes with a fully adjustable 10-foot long cable, and is fitted with extra-large screws that make it easy to adjust. It can be used by adults and kids, from beginners in fitness to swole elites. This jump rope has light and durable aluminum handles and a foam grip for better feel. The steel cable is coated with a PVC sleeve for protection and better durability.

You'll also receive a premium carrying bag so you can bring your rope wherever you go. It's also backed by over 800 five-star Amazon reviews.

Currently $19.99 at Amazon.com

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike allows you to get in a stellar cardio workout without ever leaving your home. The bike uses a magnetic resistance mechanism with eight resistance levels. The tension knobs control the difficulty to simulate riding on different terrains and customize your workout according to your fitness level. It comes with a high-density foam cushioned seat, and an LCD computer screen that acts as an odometer and has a sharp panel display that shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned. This exercise bike currently has over 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Currently $159.99 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Kitchen Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:43:52 +0000

During times of extreme uncertainty, where we're all spending more time at home, it's crucial to have a well-stocked kitchen for your cooking (and snacking!) needs. Since we can't frequent our favorite coffee shops and restaurants, we should at least be able to prepare healthy and delicious meals at home.

And taking that a step further, you should also make sure you have a wide variety of kitchen tools and gadgets to help you master the art of meal preparation. Even if you have all the basic kitchen staples that allow you to cook regular meals, you might be used to the convenience of your office's espresso machine, or the fresh pressed juice that the café down the street makes with zero pulp. These are things you can replicate at home with the right kitchen tools — all without breaking the bank. (See also: The 5 Best Blenders)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Kitchen Essentials

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

Amazon's Choice for portable freezers, the Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer is very practical and also portable. Its small, compact size and portable handles on both sides make it a perfect item to keep in your garage, your office, or take it with you in your car or truck. It can work as a refrigerator or a freezer, depending on the temperature setting you use. It also freezes items without ice, going down to -4ºF (-20ºC), keeping your perishable foods protected until you're ready to thaw and eat.

The Alpicool C15 comes with an instruction manual and one 12/24V DC cord so you can run it using your car battery. It comes in four sizes: 16 quart, 21 quart, 23 quart, and 53 quart. The 16 quart size can hold 20 cans of soda, for example. This fridge/freezer has hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon and is a great option for storing your stock-up food supply.

Currently $179.00 at Amazon.com

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

One of the more advanced espresso machines, the De'Longhi ESAM3300 features its own conical burr grinder. Users consistently maintain that not only does it produce great espresso, but that the machine is also easy to use, durable, and reasonably priced for the amount of features that is included. Its double boiler system allows one to quickly convert your espresso to a cappuccino with minimal wait time.It also has over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $549.99 at Amazon.com

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is an extremely versatile appliance, and one you will not regret buying. This multi-cooker is seven appliances in one: a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. It also cooks up to 70% faster and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lid, components, and accessories are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. This model features 10+ built-in safety features, including Overheat Protection, Safety Lock, and more to ensure safe pressure-cooking. The Instant Pot 7-in-1 comes in multiple sizes, and is backed by more than 60,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $79.00 at Amazon.com

SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker Bundle

The SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker Bundle allows you to make fresh sparkling water at the push of a button. This energy efficient system has helped reduce millions of single-use plastic bottles, and is powered by a Co2 cylinder. Each cylinder carbonates up to 60 liters of water, and the starter bundle comes with two 40 ml zero-calorie bottles of fruit drops in lime and orange flavors.The kit also comes with two 60L Co2 cylinders, and three one-liter BPA-free reusable carbonating bottles, helping our planet stay green and clean.

This bundle comes in a variety of colors, and currently has hundreds of five-star ratings on Amazon.

Currently $149.95 at Amazon.com

Brita Everyday Water Pitcher

If fresh still water is your H20 of choice, then the Brita Everyday Water Pitcher is the perfect addition to your kitchen. This large, clear plastic pitcher is easy to pour and refill, and is great for families. Plus, it's a fabulous eco-friendly solution to your water needs, as a single Brita water filter can replace 300 standard 16.9 ounce water bottles, while also reducing chlorine taste and odor, copper, mercury, and cadmium impurities found in tap water. This pitcher comes with one standard filter, and should be changed after about 40 gallons of water, or after two months for the average household to maintain optimal performance.

Additional Brita filters are available for purchase and won't break your budget. This pitcher is backed by over 5,000 five-star Amazon reviews.

Currently $29.99 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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

How to Keep Home Improvement Projects From Busting Your Budget

Emily Guy Birken — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:00:10 +0000

There's a leak in my dining room that my husband and I are afraid to fix. We're not worried about destroying the old plaster (the water is doing a fine job of that on its own). Nor are we concerned that we can't handle the necessary work, since we plan to contract it out.

No, we're wary of this particular home improvement project because we know how little fixes can balloon into major rehabs when you're not looking.

Here's how it might go: We'll have to open a wall to find the source of the leak. Once the wall is open, we'll need to add insulation, since our 80-year-old house has very little. Then we'll need to install an attic fan to make the most of the insulation. To make sure the intake for the new attic fan works properly, we'll need to install soffit vents — which will involve cutting holes in our soffits. Next, we're going to need to caulk and repaint them to make sure there are no further leaks.

And these are just the potential repairs we can anticipate. Who knows what kinds of problems we'll uncover once walls are open and repair personnel are hired? This is how fixing a single leak could end up costing tens of thousands of dollars, plus all the hours we'd rather spend watching Netflix.

Engaging in necessary acts of home improvement doesn't have to bust your budget, or take up all of your time. Here's what you need to know about keeping your home improvement projects from wrecking your budget. (See also: 10 Things to Know Before You Start a Home Improvement Project)

Beware of scope creep

"Scope creep" is a useful term that comes from the world of project management. It describes the phenomenon where the work required for a project continues to grow after the project has begun.

There are three main reasons why scope creep runs rampant in home improvement projects:

Unanticipated repair needs

This is when you have no idea there's an issue that you'll need to take care of until after you get started on a project. For instance, let's say you're stripping the paint off of some floor molding to get it to match the hardwood. But as you work, you discover that the previous owners patched and painted the molding to cover termite damage. You can leave the job half-done, repaint what you've stripped to try to match the paint you've been stripping off, or pay to have all of your molding replaced.

The 'while-we're-at-it' effect

This happens when you feel like you should take the opportunity to make repairs you know you'll want in the future. The while-we're-at-it effect is the reason why my husband and I are playing chicken with the leak in our dining room. We know that getting started on the repair will mean opening ourselves to a number of other projects we want to take on, just not right now.

DIY incompetence

Sometimes a project's scope increases because of your own mistakes, and this is especially common with easy-to-fix problems. Let's say you're replacing the washer on a leaky bathroom faucet. This is an easy repair that pretty much any homeowner can handle solo. But you find corrosion once you've taken apart the faucet, so you decide to replace the old faucet with a new one. And in the process of removing the corroded faucet, you manage to break the pipe behind the wall.

Suddenly, a quick fix that costs a few bucks and an hour of your time has ballooned into a major home repair headache.

Protecting your budget

So how do you protect yourself, your budget, and your time from unexpected problems? Unfortunately, there's no way to completely eradicate the issue of scope creep in your home projects. However, there are some rules you can follow to keep the worst excesses of scope creep at bay.

Start with a plan

While no plan survives its first contact with reality, you're going to have a far easier time sticking to the plan you have than the one you don't. Before a single hammer is swung, a single paint scraper is wielded, or a single screw is driven, decide exactly what you plan to do with your project. (See also: 10 Simple Household Repairs Every Frugal Person Should Master)

Add 15 to 20 percent to every budget estimate

Planning to spend every single penny that you can afford on your project may be optimistic, but it's not good budgeting. Assume that any estimate you receive (or create, if you are DIYing) is the best-case scenario, and mentally add 15 to 20 percent to the total to see if the project is still affordable for you.

Know which problems are urgent and which are just ugly

A problem with foundation, structure, plumbing, wiring, heating, the roof, or mold is something you need to take care of right away. These issues can have long-term and serious impacts on your home if they're left unfixed. Uncovering such a problem will necessarily add to the cost of your project, but it's money you have to spend to protect yourself and your home. Problems outside those major areas may be unpleasant, but you can wait to fix them while you save up more money. It may not be fun to have a plastic tarp instead of the elegant cabinet doors you wanted in your kitchen, but it won't hurt you or your home's resale value to live with it temporarily.

Be willing to hit pause

Once you realize that your project is bigger than you planned, it can be tough to stop and assess what you'll need for the next part of the project. But pausing in the middle of a project can save you a great deal of heartache. This can give you the chance to research the best way to deal with your project as it currently stands. You can live with a little chaos while you take stock of what you need.

Scope creep doesn't have to bust your budget

Home projects will always have surprises that can potentially hurt a budget. However, thinking through what you want to accomplish before you start, adding some contingency money to your budget, understanding which problems are urgent and which are not, and a willingness to take your time to fix unexpected issues can all help you keep your project from spiraling out of control.

Which means it's probably time for us to do something about that leak in the dining room...

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

6 Items You Need to Be Prepared to Replace

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 06 May 2019 08:00:12 +0000

It can be easy to forget that the things you own will someday need to be replaced, particularly big ticket items. There's a certain sense of finality about owning an appliance, vehicle, or piece of furniture that may make it seem like you'll never have to worry about getting another one again. But there is a finite lifespan for everything, and ignoring that is how stressful financial emergencies can surprise you. If you haven't thought about the fact that your aging refrigerator will eventually need to be replaced, you won't be financially prepared when it finally gives up the ghost.

That's why it's a good idea to know the average lifespan of every big-ticket item you own, so you can plan ahead for when you will have to replace them. Here's what you need to know about when to replace your most expensive durable goods, and how you can save up for these replacements without stress.

1. Car

Even if you plan to drive your car until the wheels fall off, there will likely be a point at which you face the difficult question of whether to repair or replace your vehicle when it begins showing signs of age. In general, you can expect to get no more than 10 to 12 good years out of your car, and replacing it with a good quality used car can set you back as much as $15,000 to $20,000. And this is assuming your car has no major problems and you never get into an accident prior to the 10-year mark.

If you have a car payment, it's a good idea to continue to pay yourself the amount of that payment each month after you have satisfied the loan, so that when you inevitably reach the end of your car's life, you'll have money for a new set of wheels.

If you own your car outright, the good news is that it doesn't take much per month to save up $15,000 to $20,000 in 10 to 12 years. Set aside between $110 and $170 per month in a high-interest account, and you'll have created a new car nest egg.

2. Car tires

Of course, your car won't last 10-12 years on one set of tires, so you'll need to replace them. In general, you can expect to get five years out of a set of tires, so you'll probably have to replace your tires twice in the lifespan of your car.

A new set of tires cost an average of $525 to $725, according to Angie's List. To be prepared for this expense in five years, you'd need to set aside between $8.75 and $12 per month.

3. Mattress

While the myth that your mattress doubles in weight every eight years from the accumulation of dead skin, sweat, and dust mites is touted specifically to sell mattresses, it is true that your mattress does need to be replaced after a while. Depending on the mattress manufacturer, you should expect to replace your mattress every eight to 10 years. The true indicator that you need a new mattress is the quality of your sleep. If your aging mattress feels uncomfortable and you wake up sore and poorly rested, it may be time to buy a new one.

A new mattress costs between $800 and $1,000, which means you only need to set aside about $8.35 per month to be ready to buy a new mattress in 10 years. (See also: How to Buy a Mattress in 10 Minutes or Less)

4. Couch

We've all had the experience of being swallowed up by a fraying couch that has lost its structural integrity. But how long does it take a sofa to go from a comfy spot to watch TV to a black hole that seems to consume your guests?

The average life of a couch purchased today is between seven and 15 years. According to ForRent.com, the average sofa-buyer spends just over $1,000 for a new couch, although you can generally expect a longer lifespan the more money you spend on your couch initially.

To be ready for a new couch in seven years, you'll only need to set aside about $12 per month.

5. Kitchen appliances

According to This Old House, the average gas range can last about 15 years before needing to be replaced, while refrigerators have an average lifespan of 13 years, and dishwashers and microwaves are generally ready for retirement after nine years.

Costs vary pretty widely to replace each of these items, depending on the type and features of the new appliances you choose. However, according to Consumer Reports, the best-rated ranges cost between $1,500 and $2,000, while you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a good-quality new refrigerator, an average dishwasher will cost between $250 and $1,000, and a new microwave will set you back between $80 and $300, according to improvenet.

To replace your range in 15 years, you will need to set aside about $11 per month. Your refrigerator replacement in 13 years will see you setting aside between $3.85 and $7.69 per month. To get a new dishwasher in nine years, put aside between $2.32 and $9.25 per month, and for a new microwave, set aside $0.75 to $2.80 per month. (See also: 7 Ways to Save Big on Appliances)

6. Basement appliances

According to Consumer Reports, you can expect to get 10 years out of your washer and dryer before you need to replace them. Your water heater will give you about eight to 12 years of service before needing replacement. Your furnace should last about 15 to 20 years, while your central air conditioner should give about 10 to 15 years of service, according to This Old House.

To replace each of these items, you can expect to spend an average of $275 to $1,000 for a new washing machine, and $200 to $800 for a new dryer, according to Kitchens.com. It costs $800 to $1,500 for a new water heater, and an average of $5,400 for a new central a/c unit, according to Home Advisor. And it costs between $2,250 to $3,800 for a new furnace, according to Angie's List.

To replace your washing machine in 10 years, you'll need to set aside between $2.29 and $8.35 per month. For your dryer, you'll set aside $1.67 to $6.67 per month. To replace your water heater in 12 years, you'll need to set aside between $5.55 and $10.41 per month. You can replace an air conditioner in 10 to 15 years if you set aside $30 to $45 per month. And for your furnace, plan on setting aside $9.38 to $21.11 per month.

Creating a replacement fund

No matter where your possessions are in their life cycle, you can start preparing for their replacement today by starting a replacement savings fund. Setting aside between $208 and $322 per month will have you ready to replace each of these items in time.

But even if there's no way you can set aside several hundred a month to replace items that are currently working just fine, remember that any amount of money you can set aside each month will help keep the inevitable from being an emergency. Knowing that your possessions have a finite lifespan can help you prepare for the day when they will need to be replaced.

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

5 Ways Your Instant Pot Can Save You Money

Ashley Eneriz — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 09:00:09 +0000

Maybe you've used your Instant Pot a few times, or after pinning several feast-size recipes, you've started using it once a week. If you love your Instant Pot but don't use it on weekdays because your schedule is just too hectic, these quick tricks will turn you into a frequent user. You can cook faster and easier, no matter how busy you are, and you can even do it on the cheap! Here are five ways your Instant Pot can save you time and money. (See also: 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Recipes That Fit Any Budget)

1. Freeze food in round containers

Take advantage of how much time and money homemade freezer meals can save you. You can batch-cook healthy meals in large quantities for the week, freeze them in individual servings, and freeze in round containers that will fit inside the Instant Pot for the week ahead. When you're ready to eat the frozen dish, rest your container on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with a half cup of water added to the bottom of it in order to heat it thoroughly. This is called the pot-in-pot method (PIP). This will save time on busy workdays, and loads of cash you might usually spend on eating out for lunch or dinner.

2. Add one-pot pasta dishes to your weekly menu

We've all had those crazy days where making dinner seems like an impossible feat. This is where one-pot pasta dishes can save you time and money. The Instant Pot allows you to cook the meat and pasta all in the same pot in less than 15 minutes, which helps curb the desire to order takeout on a Tuesday night.

There are several recipes available — even ones that use only pantry goods, so you know you'll always have what you need on hand. (See also: 10 One Pot Meals That Will Transform Dinner)

3. Use a steam basket for a side of veggies

Using a steam basket that fits inside the Instant Pot will allow you to make a healthy side of steamed vegetables to go alongside any meal in about five to 10 minutes. Even frozen vegetables can be heated perfectly this way, by setting the Instant Pot to "Manual" for zero minutes. That means your frozen vegetables — which are almost always budget-friendly staples — will be ready to go in the time it takes the IP to build and release its pressure.

4. Use the Instant Pot as a sterilizer

Baby bottle sterilizers can cost as much as $60, and most parents use them for baby items and breast pump parts for only a year or so. Not to mention that a separate sterilizer can take up valuable counter space.

Instead, use your Instant Pot as a sterilizer. To do this, add a half a cup of water to the IP, then place a steamer basket in the pot and place your baby items/pump parts in the steamer basket. You don't want your baby items to be touching the bottom of the Instant Pot as they will get too hot. You want to sterilize them with steam. Set the IP to steam for one minute and then let it come back to base pressure on its own before opening. (See also: 12 Instant Pot Recipes That Will Save You Money)

5. Can foods to extend their life

Canning is a method of food preservation that has been around centuries. The process is also a little intimidating, since most people don't want to serve a side of botulism with their homemade applesauce. For food safety, can high-acid foods, such as fruit, jams, jellies, and pickles, not meat or vegetables. Here's a video to show you how to can in the Instant Pot safely.

If you and your Instant Pot aren't best friends yet, then what are you waiting for? There's a small learning curve with the cooker, but once you learn how to use it, it can save you money on cooking, electricity (i.e. not heating up the house during the summer), and by replacing other kitchen gadgets.

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

Ask the Readers: How Will You Prep Your Home for Winter?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:30:10 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Mary, sweepermom, and Donna for winning this week's contest!

Winter is coming! Sure, it's still a few months away, but now is actually the best time to get to work around the house so that you stay cozy and secure when the cold weather rolls around.

How will you prep your home for winter? What are some of the common seasonal hazards in your area, and what will you do to prevent any damage or accidents? Will you need to get any special gear or equipment?

Tell us how you'll prep your home for winter and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

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Good Luck!

Tell us how you'll prep your home for winter and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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

5 Home Investments to Make Your Summer Cooler

Ashley Eneriz — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:00:10 +0000

Summer heat is already in full effect, and you might already be sweating the bills that comes with keeping the house cool. While you want to save the most money possible this season, sometimes you have to invest money to save money in the long run. These home upgrades will cost you upfront, but will keep you cool and on budget for several summers to come. (See also: 5 Things to Do Now to Prepare Your Home for Summer)

1. Install a smart irrigation system

Using a smart irrigation system, like Rachio, helps your grass stay greener through the dryer months without costing you an arm and a leg. Smart irrigation systems connect to Wi-Fi to keep track of how wet the soil is and waters it on the smartest, money-saving schedule possible. They cost anywhere from $150–$250.

You can easily turn off your sprinklers, too, if you want to skip a watering, or if you know your kids are going to be engaging in water play outside. (See also: 34 Smart Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill)

2. Start using a smart thermostat

When smart thermostats, like Nest, first hit the market several years ago, they were initially seen as a luxury. Now that smart thermostats have been a proven way to save money and reduce energy usage, they are a must-have for every home. Smart thermostats cost anywhere from $100–$225, they learn your cooling and heating preferences when you're home, and many connect through Wi-Fi so you can manage them when you're away.

Check with your electric company to see if they offer any additional incentives for using a smart thermostat. (See also: The 5 Best Smart Thermostats)

3. Get your HVAC serviced annually

Even if you think your HVAC system is working fine, it's worth the money to have it inspected, serviced, and cleaned once a year by a professional. Throughout fall and winter, debris can build up in and around your unit, hindering the air flow. If your HVAC has to work harder to cool your home, then you are going to see the increase in your electricity bill. Servicing your HVAC system can also prevent more costly issues from occurring down the road, and is there anything worse than a broken A/C unit in the middle of summer? Nope. (See also: 6 Ways You're Wearing Out Your Furnace Too Soon)

4. Buy an Instant Pot

I'm a fan of the Instant Pot because it easily allows anyone to cook delicious meals in less time than with other cooking methods. And you can cook almost anything without heating up your entire kitchen. Many popular dishes can take 45-60 minutes in the oven, which can heat up the house and cause your AC unit to kick into overdrive.

The Instant Pot costs about $100 upfront, it cooks meals quickly without putting out a lot of heat, and can be much easier than firing up the grill every night. (See also: 10 Summer Foods You Can Make in an Instant Pot)

5. Purchase and install solar panels

If you're a homeowner, there's a good chance you've been solicited by a solar energy company in the past few years with claims that you can drastically cut your electricity bill with no money down. While solar panels can save you money on your monthly energy bill and add value to your home, it's more beneficial to own the solar panels outright rather than to lease them from a solar installation company. Purchasing the solar panels also entitles you to redeeming the tax credits and clears you to sell them without any issue when you sell your home.

According to Energysage.com, solar costs in 2018 range from $11,380 to $14,990 after deducting the tax credit. Yes, the initial investment is costly, but you can pay for it through a home-equity loan or a home equity line of credit. If you're thinking of going with solar, skip the leasing option to save the maximum amount of money on your electricity bills for many years to come. (See also: 10 Ways Anyone Can Go Solar and Save on Energy)

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

The 5 Best Oven Mitts and Pot Holders

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Many people suffer painful burns and scalding from handling hot plates. Fortunately, pot holders and oven mitts can effectively save your hands and your table from damage.

What are oven mitts and pot holders?

A pot holder is a thick, padded piece of fabric that can be used to handle hot pans or dishes. It may be quilted or made of cotton, polyester, or silicone, and available in a range of fabrics and designs to match your decor. Oven mitts are insulated gloves that protect your hands from hot objects.

Top 5 oven mitts and pot holders

DII Cotton Terry Pot Holders and Machine Washable Hot Pads

The DII Cotton Terry Pot Holders and Machine Washable Hot Pads are ideal for both cooking and baking. The cotton, machine washable pot holder set has terry cloth on one side and a heat-resistant lining on the other. They have a hanging loop and long-lasting material for optimal usage.

These are available in a wide range of colors. The Amazon best-sellers are one of the "Most Wished For" items on Amazon. They also have more than 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and are recommended by Business Insider and The Wirecutter.

Currently $6.82 on Amazon

Ritz Royale Collection Terry Cloth Pocket Mitt Set

The Ritz Royale Collection Terry Cloth Pocket Mitt Set can be used as a pocketed pot holder, oven mitt, and hot pad. The terry looped cotton offers an additional layer of heat protection. The machine-washable pot holders are available in a wide range of colors. They have more than 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon and are recommended by The Wirecutter.

Currently $9.98 on Amazon

Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt

Amazon's #1 best-seller in oven mitts, the Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt offer protection up to 450°F. The heavy-duty, heat-resistant oven mitts are made from FDA-approved, BPA-free silicone and can protect from burns and scalds. The commercial-grade, nontoxic, waterproof silicone oven mitts are ideal for all baking, grilling, and cooking needs. The extra-long, flexible, breathable gloves can keep your fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms free from burns. They have a nonslip, textured palm and soft, quilted cotton lining. They can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher or washing machine.

These are available in multiple colors. The Amazon's Choice item is a "Best Rated" item, an Amazon best-seller, and a top "Gift Idea" and "Most Wished For" item on Amazon. They have over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and are recommended by Business Insider and The Wirecutter. They're also backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Currently $11.97 on Amazon

Grill Armor 932°F Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves

The Grill Armor 932°F Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves offer the highest heat resistance available. They can withstand up to 932°F, making them ideal for cooking and grilling. The machine washable, flexible gloves have a hanging hook. The two five-finger gloves make it easy to grip and carry hot dishes. The oven mitts also work as pot holders and are ideal for cooking, baking, grilling, using the microwave, smoker, Dutch oven, fireplace, campfire, or hot pans. They have soft cotton lining and quality insulation for reliable, long-lasting use.

These come with a free ebook and are available in a range of colors and sizes. They are recommended by Business Insider and have more than 1,400 five-star reviews on Amazon. They are also backed by a money-back guarantee.

Currently $25.95 on Amazon

Bekith Silicone Pot Holders

The set of four Bekith Silicone Pot Holders are heat resistant to 350°F and distribute heat to protect your hands and table. The multipurpose silicone pot holders can also be used as a trivet mat, jar opener, garlic peeler, and spoon rest. The nonstick, FDA-approved material won't stain, mold, mildew, crack, or absorb odors. They are dishwasher safe and each flexible pot holder can roll up small or be hung from a hook. The set comes in four bright colors. They have nearly 800 five-star reviews on Amazon and are backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Currently $9.97 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best oven mitts and pot holders. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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