One thing is for certain, marriage is full of challenges – and perhaps nothing is more challenging to a marriage than finances. After the wedding day, couples need to know that the journey of a thousand miles and decades into the future together – financially speaking – is going to be drastically different than if you were to “do it alone”. Here are some major considerations couples should know and plan for when it [...]
Fences come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and can be used for a variety of purposes. In order to help you pick out the perfect fence, we have compiled a list of things to consider throughout the fence buying process. What to Consider Before Choosing a Fence First, if you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowner’s Association – check with them first to see if there are any fence restrictions. [...]
If you are considering applying for any sort of credit, including a loan, credit card, mortgage, etc., you need to understand the type of credit you are considering and its possible risks. One important step to take before signing the dotted line is to review your financial situation to see if you can handle another monthly payment. Establishing a monthly budget is essential to determining how much credit you can truly afford. The American Financial Services Association (AFSA) [...]
The backyard shed is like a closet to your outdoor living space. There are many benefits to owning a shed – increased storage space, decreased clutter inside your home, increasing storage space inside your garage, and convenient storage of lawn care equipment (mowers, trimmers, etc.) – just to name a few. However, like closets, sheds can get unorganized and cluttered quickly. So whether you own a shed, or you are about to make a new purchase, here are [...]
When you are considering taking out a loan, the first thing you may look at is the loan’s Annual Percentage Rate or APR. When comparing loans of similar size and duration, APR can be a useful tool to determine which loan is right for you. However, APR is not a helpful tool when comparing different types of loans, ie. secured loans vs. unsecured loans, personal loans, home equity loans, etc. AFSA, the American Financial Services Foundation, has created an [...]
Pool Buying Guide If you are thinking about purchasing a pool, it is important to understand the different types of pools available in order to determine which pool is right for you. We talked to Julie Pettis, owner of Pettis Pools located in East Rochester and Greece, NY (chosen as Rochester, New York’s number one pool store 12 years in a row and rated as one of the top 100 swimming pool retailers in the U.S) [...]
Most loan types fall into one of two loan categories – secured loans and unsecured loans. To clarify we’ve defined each type of loan below. What is a Secured Loan? Secured loans are loans that are protected by an asset or collateral of some sort. The item purchased, such as a home or a car, can be used as collateral, and a lien is placed on the item. The finance company or bank will hold [...]
Landscaping tips for spring With our Landscaping it’s time to get your yard in shape! In order to have the best looking yard in the summer, it’s important to start building the right foundation in early spring. Here’s a quick planning guide on things you can do to make your yard look great as we get closer to the outdoor season! How to prepare ground for landscaping A spring landscaping project should begin with a thorough yard cleanup. One [...]
