Each year, countless Americans resolve to stop mindless spending and finally start saving for the future. The New Year brings a lot of motivation and encouragement, but soon after the first few weeks of January, many of us fall off track. 

The trick to staying on top of your saving is to start early and start with a plan. Here, we’ll discover the best tips and tricks to help you make saving a habit this year, not just a wish. Let’s make 2020 our most prosperous year yet!

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BareBudgets™️👇🏽Saving Tips👇🏽 (@barebudgets) on May 31, 2019 at 4:45am PDT

Limit unnecessary purchases.
This is an obvious one, but to start saving more, we need to spend less. Look at any unnecessary subscription services, convenience spending, or impulse habits. January can be a particularly tough time for many after the hit of the holidays. Reduce the impact by cutting back and making do in January.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BareBudgets™️👇🏽Saving Tips👇🏽 (@barebudgets) on May 31, 2019 at 4:45am PDT

Reduce, renew, recycle. 
When possible, take the chance to buy used or upcycle something you already have. This goes for things around the house as well as food and personal items. Replace costly household cleaners with much cheaper (and more natural) DIY alternatives and make better use of your groceries and leftovers.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Adele (@notsotrashy.adele) on Dec 9, 2019 at 10:12pm PST

Teach your family the beauty in having less.
If your family tends to be more maximalist than minimalist, consider spending the month of January to drastically de-clutter and donating your unused items. Kids tend to accumulate a lot of toys, clothes, and “stuff” that eventually gets forgotten once the next shiny thing comes around. In fact, children can be happier just a few toys that they really love. Teach them about the joys of giving and plan to buy fewer new things throughout the year.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Moms On a Mission (@mymommission) on Jan 6, 2019 at 7:06pm PST

Save automatically.
The easiest way to start a saving habit is to have technology do all the hard work for you. Set up a recurring transfer between your checking and savings account either weekly, with each paycheck, or monthly. You’ll never have to remember to save and you won’t end up spending your savings. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Morgan Childers (@morganelainechilders) on Dec 19, 2019 at 2:43pm PST

Get a clear budget. 

It’s nearly impossible to know how much you can really save until you create a clear budget. Account for every dollar spent on monthly bills, gas, personal spending, groceries and any other necessities. Allocate what’s left over for savings. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amanda Lynne (@amandalynne21) on Dec 18, 2019 at 4:01pm PST

Save it ‘Til You Make It
Whether you’re saving for a home, saving for renovations, saving for a trip, or saving for your financial freedom, the path to success is with small, easy to attain steps and clear priorities. The tips in this blog have helped millions get out of debt, save for a home, or become financially stable. This is all possible for you, too! Best of luck this year! 

 

Escrow is not fun for anyone involved – buyers nor sellers. It can be a stressful time of waiting and feeling unsure about how things will go moving forward.

With that said, escrow is a vital part of the home buying process. It protects everyone involved in the transaction and prevents any long term negative impacts of a deal gone wrong.

Ideally, escrow will be as expedient as possible. If the process drags on, other issues have room to pop up. The interest rate could rise, stricter lending regulations might go into effect, employment status could change, or even damage to the home could occur.

Getting in and out of escrow quickly is possible. Follow these five steps to keep your escrow on schedule and prevent delays in closing.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by debt free new yorker ✨ (@yogibudget) on Nov 24, 2019 at 3:57am PST

Secure Finances First
Do not fall into the trap of wildly making offers without preapproval from your lender. Entering escrow without your financial backing in order is a recipe for a broken deal. Take the time to get approval and know how much you can actually offer on a home. It will save a lot of heartache in the long run.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ackerman Home Inspections LLC (@russ_ackerman) on Nov 23, 2019 at 5:41am PST

Have Inspections Scheduled
Escrow is often held up by missing inspection reports. Have your ducks in a row and reliable inspectors for termite, general, and roof inspections. Any hold up in the reports will result in a delay during escrow.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Greater Sudbury Police Service (@sudburypolice) on Dec 17, 2018 at 10:09am PST

Obey the Letter of the Law
You will get directions from multiple entities regarding things you need to do during escrow. Follow the instructions exactly as they are written. Get requested documents to the requestor immediately and check in with your escrow officer regularly to see if anything else is needed.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Today on the blog we’re talking about budgeting for couples! Communication is key💚 — Link in bio to read more!🔗 — #thefinancialgym #financiallyfit #couplesbudgets #budgeting #planforthefuture #relationshiphacks

A post shared by The Financial Gym (@thefinancialgym) on Oct 9, 2019 at 5:14am PDT

Think Ahead
The day of closing is not the time to come up with questions you have for your real estate agent or any other party involved. Think ahead about any concerns you may have and try to get answers before closing.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗞𝘂𝘁𝘇 (@indian_wells_properties) on Nov 21, 2019 at 9:17am PST

Experience is Invaluable
It is highly recommended that you shop around for your escrow company. Do not stop at simply deciding which one is more economical. Seek out a company that has a great reputation for their service and ability to get closing done fast. It may be worth paying a little extra to get the best service.

 

Are you dreaming of buying a home in 2020? Congratulations! Buying your first home is an amazing goal to work towards. The idea, however, can feel overwhelming and daunting if you have never bought or owned a home. 

2020 is your year to become a homeowner. Let’s start the year off right with some helpful resolutions that put you on the path to homeownership before the end of the year. 

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Buying Your First Home

 

I will save $X each month to reach my goal of a $Y down payment.
The first resolution you need for 2020 is to determine what your desired down payment is. Without a clear idea, it’s an impossible goal to towards. Once you have your number, decide how much more you need to save to reach that, and divide by the number of months you have before you hope to buy a home. That’s your monthly goal. Now stick to it!

I will unsubscribe to unnecessary, costly subscription services by February 1st, 2020.

This is a simple, but important resolution that’s great for anyone saving up to make any kind of large purchase. In the first few weeks of the new year, track down any less-than-necessary subscription services you have and cancel them. Do you really watch that much cable? What about that monthly subscription box? This goes for other purchases as well. Trim down as much as possible by reducing your coffee shop habit, grocery splurges, or impulse buying.

I will avoid making any large purchases until I have reached my down payment goal.
This goal pairs well with the previous resolution. Limit any unnecessary purchases – especially big ones – until you’ve reached your biggest goal. New cars, technology, and fancy vacations can wait. This year the focus is buying a home!

I will reach out to a real estate agent and mortgage broker by April 1, 2020 to discuss my plans to buy a home this year.
You may have browsed available homes in your desired neighborhood and gotten an idea of what’s out there. That’s great! But the first step to making real progress with finding a home is reaching out to a real estate agent and a mortgage broker. If possible, get pre-approved for a home loan and solidify an agent you’d love to work with when you’re ready to serious start the search.

I will pay off other outstanding debts to improve my credit by (date).
This resolution will vary greatly from person to person. Consider the amount of outstanding debt you have from credit cards, car loans, student loans. Pay these off to the best of your ability while also saving money for your down payment. Reducing these debts will help you funnel money into your house fund, while also improving your credit score to improve your chances at better mortgages rates.

 

 

Ring in 2021 in Your New Home
This year is the year you’ll finally become a homeowner! Starting 2021 off in your new home requires sticking to your resolutions this year. With a little determination, you can save, search, and sign those papers.  

 

When you’re selling your home, you’ll do anything to get more viewers, offers, and ultimately make the most money on your home. Selling your home during the holidays can then bring up the question, “to decorate or not to decorate?”

In general, you want potential buyers to be able to immediately picture themselves living in your home, celebrating in your home, entertaining in your home, and more. This can be tricky, as people have different decorating styles. We’ve gathered some tips to help you enhance your holiday home while still keeping buyers interested. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Whitney Findorff (@whitfinny) on Dec 2, 2018 at 8:09pm PST

Definitely Do Decorate
Even if you detest the holidays, your heart warms a little at the glistening sight of a tastefully holiday decorated home. The key is to keep it simple. Use classic decorations like white lights, green boughs and wreaths, and gold or silver decorations. These types of colors and decorations typically fit with any home style and interior design theme. They are simple enough that buyers will feel cozy, but not overwhelmed by your particular style. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dean Anthony Salon (@deananthonysalon) on Dec 25, 2014 at 6:31pm PST

Decorate with a Blank Slate
What does a blank slate mean? Basically, de-personalize your decorations. Remove family photos, child-made ornaments, personalized stockings, and Christmas cards. Again, we want buyers to picture them having their own Christmas here, not yours!

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cynthia (@cynthie54) on Aug 10, 2019 at 9:16pm PDT

Use Fresh Flowers and Greenery
It’s no secret that plants add life and vibrance to a home. During the winter months, decorate with poinsettias, holly, and evergreen. Use winter fruits like oranges and pears or other natural elements like cinnamon sticks or cloves to add a homey touch.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Velas Encantus® -CandleCharms (@velasencantus) on Oct 10, 2019 at 6:46am PDT

Scents of the Season
One of the best ways to “decorate” for the holidays is to opt for scents instead of items. Light pine or cinnamon candles, bake cookies, or light the fireplace. Smell is an intense sense and can add an emotional experience to the viewers of your home. If they feel nostalgic, homey, or welcome in your home, that’s a good start for a great offer. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Christmassgram (@christmassgram) on Oct 10, 2019 at 1:54am PDT

Home for the Holidays
With these decorating tips, you’ll be well on your way to welcoming new buyers and bids into your home for the holidays. Enjoy the season and best of luck!

Long Beach boasts a plethora of longstanding traditional events and festivals. This curated list highlights the longer running events in the Long Beach, California area throughout the holiday season. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jenna (@jennacadamson) on Nov 26, 2018 at 1:30pm PST

November 2 – Long Beach Festival of Flight

Long Beach Airport

Enjoy viewing aircraft up close while dining at local food trucks. There will also be a beer garden for the 21+ crowd. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Museum of Latin American Art (@molaaart) on Oct 3, 2019 at 5:30pm PDT

November 2 & 9 – Dia De Los Muertos Annual Art Exhibit and Altar Display

Museum of Latin American Art

This annual event will highlight the impacts of family history on current beliefs and customs. Be prepared for some introspection as a look back may explain a lot about who you are today!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aquarium of the Pacific🐋 (@aquariumpacific) on Sep 18, 2019 at 10:05am PDT

November 16 – 7 – Autumn Festival at the Aquarium

Aquarium of the Pacific

Experience Asian maritime culture with a hands on experience full of learning opportunities. Take in the food and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bloody Mary Tourist (@bloody_mary_tourist) on Nov 24, 2018 at 9:43am PST

November 28 – Long Beach Turkey Trot

Granada Boat Launch Ramp

Get in a morning run with the Long Beach community before devouring all those calories you earned later on Thanksgiving Day! This event also features a .5-mile kid’s walk to keep the whole family involved. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by stacksjohnson (@stacksjohnson) on Nov 27, 2018 at 7:02pm PST

December 2 – Christmas Tree Lighting

Terrace Theater Plaza

The ceremony to light the Long Beach, California Christmas tree begins at 6:00 PM. Kids can meet the Claus family and go for a train ride while adults can snack at local food trucks and enjoy a live band. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ABC7 Southern California (@abc7la) on Feb 27, 2019 at 8:00pm PST

December 14 – Annual Parade of 1000 Lights

Shoreline Marina

This isn’t your average holiday parade! Well lit boats will set sail from the Shoreline Marina area and float past the Pine Avenue Pier, moving across the water alongside the Queen Mary. Get the best vantage point at Shoreside Village, the Queen Mary, or Rainbow Harbor.

December 14 – Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrea Strouse (@the_strouse_house) on Dec 9, 2017 at 10:58pm PST

Daisy Avenue between PCH and Willow Street

This parade has been going strong for 66 years and 2019 will be no different. Stake out your spot before the 5:00 PM start time to make sure you can see it all!

 

With Halloween right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll decorate for the spooky season. There are many different ways to enhance your home for Halloween no matter your Halloween style. Read on for our best Halloween decorating tips and tricks!

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Halloween UK (@halloween.uk) on Sep 25, 2019 at 12:45pm PDT

Keep it Natural
One of the great things about Halloween is that it falls right in the middle of beautiful autumn. If you like to keep things natural, take advantage of the abundant fall foliage, gourds, pumpkins, and branches that you can find this time of year. Use twine, linen, acorns, pinecones, feathers, or any other natural-type material you can find.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ben Franklin Crafts (@bfranklincraftsbl) on Sep 25, 2019 at 1:35pm PDT

Mix up the Textures
For table arrangements, mantle pieces, or even porches, experiment with different textures. Find faux fur a la Werewolf, burlap sacks, lace, or even yarn to make a space spooky or chic. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zuria Maxicimam (@zuria.maxicimam) on Sep 20, 2019 at 2:24pm PDT

Paint it Black
Goth or Glamour? An all-black Halloween can make quite a statement. Find matte black paint and cover a variety of pumpkins to create a monochrome look. Mix in ivory touches (skulls and bones) or pale greens (eucalyptus and other plants) to really make them pop.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr.Halloween👩🏽‍⚕️ (@doctorholidaymd) on Sep 19, 2019 at 8:57am PDT

Creepy Quotes
Mysterious literature can be a great way to decorate your home for Halloween with a touch of class. Print out famous creepy quotes (try The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe or an extract from The Legend of Sleepy Hallow) and frame them. Place them around the home or on a Halloween-themed porch to welcome visitors…if they dare!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by illooms® (@illoomsofficial) on Sep 24, 2019 at 6:40am PDT

Luminate with Candles
If you’re looking for a cozier Halloween vibe, stock up on candles. Candles create the perfect spooky ambiance while also making your home feel relaxed and tranquil. You can even create little pumpkin candles or ghost candles with just a few simple steps.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🖤🎃 Rachael 🎃🖤 (@spookythankfulmerry) on Sep 24, 2019 at 5:58pm PDT

Go Treasure Hunting
Antique stores can be the perfect place to find Halloween decorations. As things age, they can sometimes feel a little creepy with the right presentation. Dig up old black and white photographs, aged lace, old medial texts or other books, and even some unique glassware to hold tealights or creepy crawlies. Go with an open mind and see what speaks to you! 

 

Make this year the DIY Halloween year! Decorating for the seasons in always fun, but even more fun when you get to use your creativity. With these ideas, you’ll surely have one of the spookiest, yet tasteful houses in Long Beach!

 

Renting a house is an ideal way for people to transition into the next chapter of their lives. Traditionally, people rent to save up to buy a Long Beach house. However, renting a house in Long Beach leaves you with no assets and very little savings. Why wait to start investing in your future, especially when Long Beach has new programs that make purchasing a home worth your while? Here are some reasons why you should buy a Long Beach house instead of renting one.

Buying a Long Beach House Gives You Assets

At this point, paying rent for a Long Beach house is the same price as a monthly mortgage. If you know you want to spend the rest of your life in Long Beach (and we don’t blame you), then why wait for your forever home? 

 

When you rent, you are paying off someone else’s mortgage. Pay off your own. If you decide to move, at least you might be able to make some money on the deal. For those who are Long Beach lifers like us, then you’ll eventually own your property and have no payments. Either way, buying a house leaves you with far more options than renting one does.

Long Beach Home Improvement Rebate Program

One of the reasons people like to rent is that the upkeep of a home is too expensive. Thankfully, Long Beach has made renovating your home easy and affordable. Through the Long Beach Home Improvement Rebate Program, the city will allow qualifying homes up to $2,000 toward exterior home renovations. 

 

Some of the services they offer cover:

 

• Paint
• Stucco
• Doors
• Driveways
• Porch
• Windows

 

With this program, you can save money by buying a Long Beach house that needs a little TLC. In fact, these fixer-uppers may end up being cheaper than renting each month! Then, you invest the money awarded through the program toward improvements that will bring up the value of your home. That makes buying a Long Beach house a smarter financial investment in the short-term and long-term. 

Buying a Long Beach House is More Secure Than Renting

Initiatives like the Long Beach Home Improvement Rebate Program drill home the sense of individuality that comes with owning a home. When you rent a house, you might not be able to dictate things like paint colors, flooring, or a garden in the backyard. However, homeowners have the right to do whatever they please with their property.

 

Plus, renters never have a permanent roof over their heads. Even the longest-running tenant-landlord relationships can come to an end. Perhaps the landlord wants to sell? Maybe they passed away, and an heir wants to move in? 

 

All of these are real-life situations can disrupt the life of a tenant. On the flip side, homeowners don’t have these concerns. That’s why it’s better to buy a Long Beach house instead of renting one. Let us help you look for your forever home today.

 

 

Buying or selling a home can feel like a never-ending process. While it is natural to want to skip to the finale, it is important to know that simply closing escrow does not mean all the work is done.

 

You can take comfort in knowing that what comes next is far simpler than the process up to this point. Here is a quick list of things to take care of once you know that home is yours!

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ginia Reed (@perfecttaxsolutions) on Nov 14, 2017 at 8:17pm PST

Change Your Address

This seems like a no brainer but is often put on the back burner for new homeowners or those finding a new home. The USPS (the people that put the mail in your box) is kind enough to offer mail-forwarding service for a certain period.

 

Log in to any accounts you may have with magazine subscriptions, delivery services, and Amazon to make sure your address if officially changed on your profile. If you are old school and keep an address book, consider sending a notification to your most important contacts to inform them of your new address.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jason Carr (@jason.r.carr) on Mar 20, 2019 at 9:56am PDT

Get an Updated Driver’s License

This is a law and unfortunately, many people neglect to obey it. The DMV in almost every state is a hassle but your ID becomes invalid after 30 days (in most cases) of an address change. 

 

This step is especially important when it comes time to vote or travel by air. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rubes Cartoons (@rubescartoons) on Apr 11, 2019 at 5:12pm PDT

Notify the Utility Companies

You will likely want water, power, and sewer services at your new home. Cable and telephone may be important to you, as well. Once you have officially closed, contact these entities to alert them of your ownership.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @nela2dtla on Aug 20, 2019 at 8:36pm PDT

Contact Your Financial Institutions

Your bank, credit card companies, and any retirement or investment funds should be made aware of your new address immediately after closing. This will ensure any important notifications are sent to your home, as many are time-sensitive.

 

There! That wasn’t so hard. Take care of these things as soon as you close escrow, rather than putting them off and forgetting about them.

 

Whether you are looking to sell your house or need a change in scenery, there are many ways to go about decorating your house. If you’re on a budget or money is no object, there is a website out there that is destined to inspire your creative touch. Luckily for you, we can help you pick out which websites will help ignite that creative spark. Here are some home decor tips, and which websites can help you reimagine your Southern California home’s aesthetic.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Staged Spaces (@stagedspaces) on Aug 16, 2019 at 10:10am PDT

Go Simple with Domino

Golden State homes tend to have a reputation surrounding them as, “California Cool.” According to Domino, the approach to keeping that cool is to keep it simple. If you are redecorating, that doesn’t necessarily mean adding to the equation. It can also mean to take things away. 

 

Go minimal. White walls are not just clean looking, but they add light to the room. Light is one of the most sought after characteristics that potential home buyers are looking for, and using white walls is a great way to achieve that desire. 

 

Also, decorate with natural materials. Spruce up your area with bold, but neutral colors like different shades of nude or wood. Try to go with contrasting hues that pop.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by THE RHAPSODY (@_therhapsody_) on Apr 8, 2019 at 4:08am PDT

Bohemian Meets Wild West with My Domaine

In the words of My Domaine, California, has a “boho-luxe aesthetic.” One way many Californians are capturing this unique vibe is by tipping their hats to the Wild West with worn leather. 

 

Worn brown leather furniture gives the nod to the desert that’s not so far away. However, the beaten look also has that vintage vibe that laid-back Californians love. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SUBU Design | Architecture (@subu_designarchitecture) on Apr 2, 2019 at 10:07am PDT

Bring Zen to the Bathroom by San Diego Home/Garden

If you’re thinking of redecorating your house, the bathroom is a fun place to start. We spend a lot of time in there getting ready, maybe even indulging in a bath or two. It’s a small space that it’s great for the budget-conscious looking for a change.

 

An article in San Diego Home/Garden suggests that Asian-inspired bathrooms are all the rage in 2019. They transform a plain Jane bathroom into a nirvana, complete with mahogany closets, a floor made to look charred wood, and a soaking tub.