Now is a great time to look into refinancing your home loan. Interest rates are really low right now. According to our bank, a 30-day fixed rate mortgage is at 4.625% right now. Rates are even lower for 20-year and 15-year loans. If you're paying more, it's definitely time to check into refinancing that loan. It's amazing how much interest you can save just by lowering your interest rate. It's so much more satisfying when more of your payments go toward paying down the principle!
We need to go into the bank and sign some papers, but we're definitely planning on refinancing soon. Since we're staying with the same bank, it should be really simple, kind of like this Streamline Refinance. It's called streamlined, because the process is quick and easy, and it uses your original paper work from your original loan, so there's no extra paperwork. They already have all our information at the bank, so it's easy for everyone, and we can start saving money on interest.
With the money we save, we can have more to help put Cory through college, or maybe we can do some home improvements like they show on HGTV, or finally go on that 25th anniversary trip.
Showing posts with label 06/11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 06/11. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I Love this Summer Weather
My parents are here visiting. They live in Kentucky, where the summers are hotter and more humid. Of course, their winters are much more mild than ours here in Wisconsin - so I suppose there's always a trade-off.
I'm not complaining at all. I love our Wisconsin summers, even though I also enjoy a little heat. I just don't enjoy heat that is hot enough that my guys want to turn the air conditioning on. When the air is on, I freeze inside the house and have to go outside every so often to warm up in the sun, or I turn the temperature on the thermostat up until I'm not freezing - and then it gets stuffy in the house.
Thankfully, we don't often get that kind of heat. And, when we do, it doesn't last long. We have enough days that are warm enough the neighbors can take their above ground pool covers off and enjoy some time in the pool, but not so many days that I have to close up the house and turn the air on.
Today was a perfect kind of day - blue skies, sunshine, and a nice cool breeze. It was cool enough that my cute little Kentucky mom had to wear her sweatshirt part of the time, and my dad sat outside on the deck enjoying the sun for a while.
I'm not complaining at all. I love our Wisconsin summers, even though I also enjoy a little heat. I just don't enjoy heat that is hot enough that my guys want to turn the air conditioning on. When the air is on, I freeze inside the house and have to go outside every so often to warm up in the sun, or I turn the temperature on the thermostat up until I'm not freezing - and then it gets stuffy in the house.
Thankfully, we don't often get that kind of heat. And, when we do, it doesn't last long. We have enough days that are warm enough the neighbors can take their above ground pool covers off and enjoy some time in the pool, but not so many days that I have to close up the house and turn the air on.
Today was a perfect kind of day - blue skies, sunshine, and a nice cool breeze. It was cool enough that my cute little Kentucky mom had to wear her sweatshirt part of the time, and my dad sat outside on the deck enjoying the sun for a while.
Monday, June 27, 2011
See Monte Carlo this Summer
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I'm not talking about actually taking a trip, though that would be fun, wouldn't it? I'm talking about the new Selena Gomez movie coming out this Friday - Monte Carlo.
It really looks like a lot of fun. It's not really Jeffrey's kind of movie, so I'm thinking maybe I can get Beth to go with me. That is, if she can leave that little man of hers long enough! It would be fun, though. It's been ages since we've gone and done anything together. Hanging out at home while she does laundry doesn't count!
Be sure to check out the Monte Carlo trailer for yourself. Like the Monte Carlo Facebook page for more information and photos. I found a giveaway there, too - for a Monte Carlo mini poster and a $25 Fandango gift card. Beginning 6/29, you can get tickets for Monte Carlo online through Fandango - so that gift card could come in handy!
I'm not talking about actually taking a trip, though that would be fun, wouldn't it? I'm talking about the new Selena Gomez movie coming out this Friday - Monte Carlo.
What it's about: Grace (Selena Gomez) is an ordinary girl who becomes an accidental heiress when a summer trip to Paris turns into the fantasy of a lifetime. On a dream vacation, Grace, along with her best friend and step-sister, discover that the greatest adventure is finding out who they really are.Of course there's a guy involved, too. In the trailer, Grace says, "I finally meet a guy who likes me for me, and I'm not even me." Will she tell him who she really is? Will it all work out? I hadn't heard anything about this movie until I watched the trailer, but now I'm looking forward to seeing it. Check it out:
It really looks like a lot of fun. It's not really Jeffrey's kind of movie, so I'm thinking maybe I can get Beth to go with me. That is, if she can leave that little man of hers long enough! It would be fun, though. It's been ages since we've gone and done anything together. Hanging out at home while she does laundry doesn't count!
Be sure to check out the Monte Carlo trailer for yourself. Like the Monte Carlo Facebook page for more information and photos. I found a giveaway there, too - for a Monte Carlo mini poster and a $25 Fandango gift card. Beginning 6/29, you can get tickets for Monte Carlo online through Fandango - so that gift card could come in handy!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Credit Score and Mortgage Rates
I was watching the news the other day, and something came on about real estate and mortgage rates. They mentioned the importance of having a good credit score and how people with better credit scores could get a better interest rate on their loans. If the credit score wasn't as good, the banks might still give someone a loan, but they'd charge a higher interest rate, because that person was a greater risk.
It just seemed kind of wrong to me. A bank feels that someone is at a greater risk for defaulting on a loan, so they charge a higher rate, making their monthly payments higher, and making it harder for that person to pay - and therefore increasing the risk. At least in my mind. I realize the banks have to protect themselves and their money, but it just seems wrong to me.
Not everyone can qualify for veteran home loans, but it's a good option for those who do, those who've so unselfishly served our country. VA loans are guaranteed by the federal government, so the banks don't have to take on the risk, allowing qualified veterans to get the lowest possible rates. One of the benefits of VA home loans is that a veteran or an active military borrower can be approved for rates not much higher than someone who has a large down payment and great credit. And that means they're more likely to be able to pay the mortgage and stay in their homes, and that's good for everybody.
It just seemed kind of wrong to me. A bank feels that someone is at a greater risk for defaulting on a loan, so they charge a higher rate, making their monthly payments higher, and making it harder for that person to pay - and therefore increasing the risk. At least in my mind. I realize the banks have to protect themselves and their money, but it just seems wrong to me.
Not everyone can qualify for veteran home loans, but it's a good option for those who do, those who've so unselfishly served our country. VA loans are guaranteed by the federal government, so the banks don't have to take on the risk, allowing qualified veterans to get the lowest possible rates. One of the benefits of VA home loans is that a veteran or an active military borrower can be approved for rates not much higher than someone who has a large down payment and great credit. And that means they're more likely to be able to pay the mortgage and stay in their homes, and that's good for everybody.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
So Many Old Pictures
After posting our wedding picture here and on facebook Tuesday, I got to thinking I ought to post some more pictures from the wedding, and tag all my facebook friends who show up in them. It's kind of fun to see how people have changed! It's still hard to believe that, when we got married, my mom was younger than I am now.
We have 9 or 10 photo albums full of pictures - all from before we got our first digital camera. We don't actually get them out and look at them very often, but it's nice knowing we have them. We have the wedding pictures, pictures from the first few years of our marriage, pictures of our babies. It would be nice to have digital copies, not just so I can share and tag people on facebook, but as a back-up, should anything ever happen to the photo albums.
I never figured out our scanner software, so I've never been able to scan the photos in, but one of my friends bought a negative and slide scanner, and she let me borrow it. I've scanned one box of negatives, which is why I have the wedding photos, but I still have a whole box of negatives to go. I really need to get back to it. It wouldn't take that long to do, if I'd just get to it. And, while I'm at it, I get to look at old pictures, and I could even do some editing if I want. But first, I've got to get them all scanned.
We have 9 or 10 photo albums full of pictures - all from before we got our first digital camera. We don't actually get them out and look at them very often, but it's nice knowing we have them. We have the wedding pictures, pictures from the first few years of our marriage, pictures of our babies. It would be nice to have digital copies, not just so I can share and tag people on facebook, but as a back-up, should anything ever happen to the photo albums.
I never figured out our scanner software, so I've never been able to scan the photos in, but one of my friends bought a negative and slide scanner, and she let me borrow it. I've scanned one box of negatives, which is why I have the wedding photos, but I still have a whole box of negatives to go. I really need to get back to it. It wouldn't take that long to do, if I'd just get to it. And, while I'm at it, I get to look at old pictures, and I could even do some editing if I want. But first, I've got to get them all scanned.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
How to Save $16,000
We keep talking about refinancing our home loan. Rates are really going down. I think our loan was at 7.5% when we first built the house, and we've refinanced a couple times over the years as rates continued to fall. We're currently at 5.25%, but I just checked the rates on our bank's website last night, and a 15-year fixed rate mortgage is at 3.75% right now. We've been paying on our mortgage for 13 years now and paying a little extra each month - enough to equal making two extra payments a year - so, continuing as we are, we could have the house paid off in about 14 years.
So why refinance? If we refinance to drop the interest rate, our payment doesn't change much at all, and if we continue paying extra every month, we can have the house paid off two years earlier and save $16,000 in interest. Wow! It will cost us about $900 to do it, but I'd say it's worth it - and we really should have done this earlier. Of course, I don't remember what the rates were last fall when I went to the bank to get the insurance checks taken care of. Maybe they were lower; maybe they were higher; but that really doesn't matter. What matters is now.
If you think you might be paying more interest on your mortgage than you need to, now might be the time to look into refinancing. You can check out FHA Streamline Refinance to easily find out how much you could save. Enter your mortgage balance and current interest rate to get a free quote. If you already have a VA Loan or FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loan, you're already approved, there's no additional paperwork, and there are no out-of-pocket costs. The process is quick and easy - that's why it's called Streamline. If you don't have a VA or FHA loan, there are options for Conventional Streamline Refinance too.
I'm not saying you'll save $16,000, but it's worth checking out. You might be able to pay your house off sooner or lower your monthly payments so you have more money for other expenses.
So why refinance? If we refinance to drop the interest rate, our payment doesn't change much at all, and if we continue paying extra every month, we can have the house paid off two years earlier and save $16,000 in interest. Wow! It will cost us about $900 to do it, but I'd say it's worth it - and we really should have done this earlier. Of course, I don't remember what the rates were last fall when I went to the bank to get the insurance checks taken care of. Maybe they were lower; maybe they were higher; but that really doesn't matter. What matters is now.
If you think you might be paying more interest on your mortgage than you need to, now might be the time to look into refinancing. You can check out FHA Streamline Refinance to easily find out how much you could save. Enter your mortgage balance and current interest rate to get a free quote. If you already have a VA Loan or FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loan, you're already approved, there's no additional paperwork, and there are no out-of-pocket costs. The process is quick and easy - that's why it's called Streamline. If you don't have a VA or FHA loan, there are options for Conventional Streamline Refinance too.
I'm not saying you'll save $16,000, but it's worth checking out. You might be able to pay your house off sooner or lower your monthly payments so you have more money for other expenses.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Win a $10,000 College Scholarship from Parent's Choice
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
We all know having a baby can be expensive - diapers, formula, clothes that are rapidly outgrown, car seats, cribs, etc. And the expenses continue throughout childhood and through paying for that college education. Smart parents start thinking about paying for college when their babies are still in diapers. We thought about it, but we didn't really have any extra money to put aside for college, and we just never got to it. But enough about us...
Parent’s Choice Infant formula, Walmart’s private brand formula has been helping parents save money for 13 years, while still providing their babies with the same nutrition as popular national brands. It is available exclusively at Walmart locations nationwide and online at www.walmart.com. Parent's Choice Infant Formula is subject to the same exacting standards of the FDA, but costs half the price. Yes, breast milk is best, but if you have to feed your baby formula, you don't have to buy the most expensive kind.
Now the folks at Parent's Choice, in partnership with PBM Products, LLC, a Perrigo Company, have launched the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship in the form of a College Savings 529 Plan. Believe me, that will be a big help!
The Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Sweepstakes was officially launched June 15th, and will run through 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2011, so be sure to visit the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes page for more information, rules, and entry form. You could win a $10,000 college scholarship for your little one.
We all know having a baby can be expensive - diapers, formula, clothes that are rapidly outgrown, car seats, cribs, etc. And the expenses continue throughout childhood and through paying for that college education. Smart parents start thinking about paying for college when their babies are still in diapers. We thought about it, but we didn't really have any extra money to put aside for college, and we just never got to it. But enough about us...
Parent’s Choice Infant formula, Walmart’s private brand formula has been helping parents save money for 13 years, while still providing their babies with the same nutrition as popular national brands. It is available exclusively at Walmart locations nationwide and online at www.walmart.com. Parent's Choice Infant Formula is subject to the same exacting standards of the FDA, but costs half the price. Yes, breast milk is best, but if you have to feed your baby formula, you don't have to buy the most expensive kind.
Now the folks at Parent's Choice, in partnership with PBM Products, LLC, a Perrigo Company, have launched the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship in the form of a College Savings 529 Plan. Believe me, that will be a big help!
The Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Sweepstakes was officially launched June 15th, and will run through 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2011, so be sure to visit the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes page for more information, rules, and entry form. You could win a $10,000 college scholarship for your little one.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Father's Day is This Sunday
This Sunday is the day that has been set aside to honor our fathers and let them know how much we appreciate them. Whether you've been shopping for the best gifts for Father's Day, sent your dad a card, planned a special day to spend together, or plan to call your dad on Father's Day, I hope you have a good one. And if you haven't done anything yet, you still have time to send an e-card.
My dad lives in Kentucky, so I don't get to see him very often - a couple times a year. We won't get to spend Father's Day together, but he will be here for a visit about a week later. He's not really coming to see me, though. Well, he does want to see me, but mostly Mom & Dad want to meet Jason. I suppose I can forgive them, since he is pretty precious.
Speaking of Jason - it will be his Daddy's first Father's Day ever!
My dad lives in Kentucky, so I don't get to see him very often - a couple times a year. We won't get to spend Father's Day together, but he will be here for a visit about a week later. He's not really coming to see me, though. Well, he does want to see me, but mostly Mom & Dad want to meet Jason. I suppose I can forgive them, since he is pretty precious.
Speaking of Jason - it will be his Daddy's first Father's Day ever!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Save Money with Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Jeffrey has been having some pain in one of his knees. He stopped walking with me because it was hurting him so much and finally went to the doctor to get it checked out. The doctor told him he has a touch of arthritis and needs to be taking some kind of joint health supplement . So I went to Walgreens to see what I could find for him. Walgreens has all the name-brand supplements, but they also offer their own line of Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products. What I like about the Walgreens products is that they have all the same ingredients and are just as good as the name-brand products, but the price is so much better. In fact, lots of times they even offer their products Buy 1 / Get 1 FREE, which is a really great deal.
So I bought this Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex for Jeffrey. Since Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are Walgreens pharmacist recommended, most contain the same active ingredients as other national brands, and all have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, I felt perfectly confident buying it instead of shelling out extra money for the name-brand. Jeffrey is planning to start walking with me again soon, so I think it's working!
There are plenty of other Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products to choose from, and a percentage of each purchase goes toward the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™. Also, be sure to check out these giveaways. Several bloggers are giving away Walgreens gift cards, which could help you save even more money on your health and wellness needs.
Jeffrey has been having some pain in one of his knees. He stopped walking with me because it was hurting him so much and finally went to the doctor to get it checked out. The doctor told him he has a touch of arthritis and needs to be taking some kind of joint health supplement . So I went to Walgreens to see what I could find for him. Walgreens has all the name-brand supplements, but they also offer their own line of Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products. What I like about the Walgreens products is that they have all the same ingredients and are just as good as the name-brand products, but the price is so much better. In fact, lots of times they even offer their products Buy 1 / Get 1 FREE, which is a really great deal.
So I bought this Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex for Jeffrey. Since Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are Walgreens pharmacist recommended, most contain the same active ingredients as other national brands, and all have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, I felt perfectly confident buying it instead of shelling out extra money for the name-brand. Jeffrey is planning to start walking with me again soon, so I think it's working!
There are plenty of other Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products to choose from, and a percentage of each purchase goes toward the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™. Also, be sure to check out these giveaways. Several bloggers are giving away Walgreens gift cards, which could help you save even more money on your health and wellness needs.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
For the Baby Who has Everything
Beth has been working as a nanny for a couple with two kids, a 4-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl. She was pregnant when she first started working there, and the people she works for have been unbelievably wonderful to her. They don't plan to have any more kids, and they were ready to get rid of all their baby stuff. Guess who got it?
Car seat, stroller, swing, Pack 'n Play, crib sheets, blankets, baby clothes all the way up to 4T, even maternity clothes. It's amazing how many things a brand-new little person needs, and they gave Beth and Tim practically everything they could possibly need. It's really been a huge blessing.
Of course, it also means that darling little boy doesn't need a thing, and I really don't need to go shopping for cute baby boy outfits. I'll probably still have to get him something now and again - when I see something incredibly cute for a good price. I did buy him a bath towel with a puppy hood, because it was so darn cute. Never mind that he already had 7 or 8 of them. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but they do have plenty of baby towels. Yeah, they have plenty of everything.
I'm sure I'll find some way to spoil that baby boy!
Car seat, stroller, swing, Pack 'n Play, crib sheets, blankets, baby clothes all the way up to 4T, even maternity clothes. It's amazing how many things a brand-new little person needs, and they gave Beth and Tim practically everything they could possibly need. It's really been a huge blessing.
Of course, it also means that darling little boy doesn't need a thing, and I really don't need to go shopping for cute baby boy outfits. I'll probably still have to get him something now and again - when I see something incredibly cute for a good price. I did buy him a bath towel with a puppy hood, because it was so darn cute. Never mind that he already had 7 or 8 of them. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but they do have plenty of baby towels. Yeah, they have plenty of everything.
I'm sure I'll find some way to spoil that baby boy!
Monday, June 06, 2011
Protect Your Baby and Get Back in Shape
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CryoCell International for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Now that Beth has been a new mom for a few weeks, she's starting to think about getting back into shape. These little people are definitely worth it,but they sure do change your body! Somehow, all new moms have to figure out how to get that pre-baby body back.
Cryo-Cell knows it's hard for new moms to find time to exercise, so right now they're offering a free Baby Jogger City Mini stroller (a $230 value) with enrollment in their signature U-Cord service. the U-Cord service is a way for new moms to preserve their newborn's umbilical cord blood. As moms, we all hope and pray that our children don't get sick and definitely don't develop any serious diseases, but a lot of families have chosen to bank the cord blood just in case. Since 1992 Cryo Cell has helped more than 230,000 clients worldwide preserve their newborns' cord blood for potential use against many diseases. As research continues, they are finding more and more uses for stem cells, like those found in the cord blood - and the cells taken from the umbilical cord will always be a perfect match for that child. Cord blood is just the first step in new medical advancements.
If you're expecting, be sure to check out Cryo-Cell to see the services they offer and enroll today to protect the future health of your newborn, and get a free stroller, too. What better way to celebrate the birth of your newborn and get back in shape all at once? This offer ends June 12, 2011.
Now that Beth has been a new mom for a few weeks, she's starting to think about getting back into shape. These little people are definitely worth it,but they sure do change your body! Somehow, all new moms have to figure out how to get that pre-baby body back.
Cryo-Cell knows it's hard for new moms to find time to exercise, so right now they're offering a free Baby Jogger City Mini stroller (a $230 value) with enrollment in their signature U-Cord service. the U-Cord service is a way for new moms to preserve their newborn's umbilical cord blood. As moms, we all hope and pray that our children don't get sick and definitely don't develop any serious diseases, but a lot of families have chosen to bank the cord blood just in case. Since 1992 Cryo Cell has helped more than 230,000 clients worldwide preserve their newborns' cord blood for potential use against many diseases. As research continues, they are finding more and more uses for stem cells, like those found in the cord blood - and the cells taken from the umbilical cord will always be a perfect match for that child. Cord blood is just the first step in new medical advancements.
If you're expecting, be sure to check out Cryo-Cell to see the services they offer and enroll today to protect the future health of your newborn, and get a free stroller, too. What better way to celebrate the birth of your newborn and get back in shape all at once? This offer ends June 12, 2011.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Saving Money with Online Shopping
I read yesterday that by 2015 purchases on mobile phones are expected to total $119 billion. I don't know about the mobile phones, because that's not something I do, yet. Possibly by 2015, though!
In the meantime, I do my share of online shopping. I'm sure there are statistics about how much people are spending online and how that compares to money spent in physical stores, though I haven't looked that up. I think the online shopping has to have a pretty good share of the sales, though, because there are so many good deals to be found online. I'm not sure how they do it - low overhead maybe? - but sometimes the prices are just a fraction of what you can find in the store.
For instance, we recently bought a couple digital camcorders, one for Jeffrey and one for Beth. (We have a new grandson; there needs to be video) When we bought the camcorders, we also bought two extra batteries and a battery charger, because we could get 30% off for buying them all together. We went ahead and bought them, because those things rarely go on sale, but we did not use them - until I had checked to see how much we could get them for online. I ended up finding the exact same batteries and a charger that included an adapter to use it in the car. All three items cost about $26, shipped. The ones we bought in the store? About $150. They all went back.
Besides the better prices you can often find coupons codes for shopping online. Once you've found the item you want, but before you check out, just search for coupon codes for the that store. There are several online sites that compile lists and links for all kinds of online coupons. You can find free shipping or just save some extra money off your purchase. Even a few dollars savings can make it worth your time to search. Even if you don't find any codes to save money off the initial purchase, you can often get money back by shopping through sites like Ebates. Create a free account, then when you're ready to shop or check out, simply click through the site, and you'll get money back. It's definitely worth it! I don't know why I didn't start using it sooner.
How about you? Do you have any tips for saving money shopping online? Are you one of those who uses your mobile phone for shopping?
In the meantime, I do my share of online shopping. I'm sure there are statistics about how much people are spending online and how that compares to money spent in physical stores, though I haven't looked that up. I think the online shopping has to have a pretty good share of the sales, though, because there are so many good deals to be found online. I'm not sure how they do it - low overhead maybe? - but sometimes the prices are just a fraction of what you can find in the store.
For instance, we recently bought a couple digital camcorders, one for Jeffrey and one for Beth. (We have a new grandson; there needs to be video) When we bought the camcorders, we also bought two extra batteries and a battery charger, because we could get 30% off for buying them all together. We went ahead and bought them, because those things rarely go on sale, but we did not use them - until I had checked to see how much we could get them for online. I ended up finding the exact same batteries and a charger that included an adapter to use it in the car. All three items cost about $26, shipped. The ones we bought in the store? About $150. They all went back.
Besides the better prices you can often find coupons codes for shopping online. Once you've found the item you want, but before you check out, just search for coupon codes for the that store. There are several online sites that compile lists and links for all kinds of online coupons. You can find free shipping or just save some extra money off your purchase. Even a few dollars savings can make it worth your time to search. Even if you don't find any codes to save money off the initial purchase, you can often get money back by shopping through sites like Ebates. Create a free account, then when you're ready to shop or check out, simply click through the site, and you'll get money back. It's definitely worth it! I don't know why I didn't start using it sooner.
How about you? Do you have any tips for saving money shopping online? Are you one of those who uses your mobile phone for shopping?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)