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How to Use Credit Cards for Holiday Savings
It's no secret that your bank account gets a bit strained during the holidays. But if you use your credit cards strategically, you can ease some of the financial burden.
If you're traveling a lot for the holidays, consider using a travel rewards card. Buy your tickets with the card to rack up miles for future trips and gain other special perks.
When you're cooking big holiday meals, you're going to be spending a lot of money at the grocery store. Get some of that cash back with a grocery rewards card.
Image via Flickr/Alan Cleaver
Luxury Entry Doors Are Newest Trend in NYC Real Estate
In New York City, one of the biggest trends right now are luxury entry doors. These doors help to personalize an apartment and create a grander entrance.
"It’s not just the front door — it’s the entrance to the apartment,” Ian Bruce Eichner, CEO of the Continuum Company. “And it’s the message you get when you walk off the elevator and look at it."
Buildings are also going beyond the door and putting more effort and money into creating dramatic entry spaces.
Image via Flickr/Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose
Mortgage Applications On the Rise
Despite the higher interest rates of the past five months, buyers are still taking out home loans at an increasing rate.
According to a survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications increased 6.2 percent last week, up from the week before.
"This was despite the fact that mortgage rates reached their highest level since July," said Michael Fratantoni, the association's chief economist.
Image via Flickr/Rental Realities
Common Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid
High credit scores are really valuable, so it's important that you realize how to keep your score as high as possible.
Don't close old credit cards. Even if they are unused, keeping credit cards open helps your utilization remain low, which is an important part of your credit score.
When you're looking for an auto loan or mortgage, don't take too long to find the best interest rate. There is a 45-day shopping period, during which all credit inquiries count as just one inquiry. But if you take much longer, those inquiries can start to impact your credit score.
Image via Flickr/GotCredit
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How to Shop For Your First Home
At some point, many of us grow up and decide we want to buy a house. But not everyone knows the steps they should take for the process to go smoothly.
The first thing you should do is take stock of your finances. Buying a house is an investment, and you're going to be writing a few checks. Make sure your credit score is up to par.
Before you even start shopping, find out how much a lender will be willing to give you. You can get pre-qualified for a home loan. This will help you know the price range to look at.
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