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Remodeling Your Home on Any Budget

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When it comes to updating your home, the expenses can feel daunting. You may be trying to increase the curb appeal of your home in preparation to sell, or perhaps it’s just time for a new look that you can enjoy for years to come. Regardless, it’s important to make the most of the money you have for whatever project you’re facing. Whether you’re starting small with a kitchen refresh or overhauling your entire house, check out these tips for making your home look great on any budget.

$100

A hundred dollars may not feel like a lot, but you can use it to make your living area look like a million bucks with new accessories. It’s all in the details. Try throw pillows to take a basic couch to the next level, indoor plants to bring the space to life and wall art to make the room look complete.

$500

Try refinishing your kitchen cabinets. A fresh coat of paint or stain can go a long way in improving the look of the room; pick a light neutral color to really open the space up. This is also a great time to replace the hardware if you have outdated pulls and handles.

$1,000

Make upgrades that will increase your comfort over time, like installing a smart thermostat. You can program and control most smart thermostats remotely using a mobile phone app; plus, you may save big on your energy bill!

Take down a wall to open up your space if that’s an option – your home will instantly feel bigger. You may also want to upgrade your lighting fixtures. Try some stylish pieces that will keep things fresh for years to come.

$5,000

Replace the flooring. After years of wear and tear, replacing worn carpet and outdated tile will refresh your home’s look and feel. If you want the look of hardwood without the price tag, opt for wood-look tile, which has the added bonus of being extra durable.

This is also a great time to update your countertops. Choose hardy materials like stone, ceramic tile, stainless steel or polished concrete.

$10,000

Make investments that will pay off in the long run. Consider installing new energy-efficient windows to cut down energy bills year-round. Upgrade your appliances to new models that simplify your life. If you spend your whole weekend doing laundry, get a programmable washer and dryer; if you’re a foodie, go for a fridge with convenient storage options. QCBN

By Mary Jo Magaw

Mary Jo Magaw is the branch manager of OneAZ Credit Union’s Chino Valley branch. OneAZ offers a full suite of financial services, including Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) with special reduced rates just in time for fall renovations. Estimates based on average home size in Arizona. OneAZ is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 607456. Insured by NCUA. Learn more at OneAZcu.com/HELOC.

Choosing the Best Credit Card Among Low Rates, Rewards, Cash Back

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 There are plenty of enticing offers for credit cards out there, but no card is one-size-fits-all. Some credit card users may benefit most from a low interest rate so they’re saving more over time. However, frequent travelers might make better use of a rewards card with travel benefits, while shoppers may prefer the convenience of cash back.

With all these choices, it may feel overwhelming to decide which card is best for you. If you’re looking for the right card to match your spending habits and take your credit card purchases to the next level, here’s all you need to know:

    If you want to get money back on your purchases, consider a cash back card.

    Cash back credit cards are just as straightforward as they sound: you’ll get a cash rebate for every qualifying purchase you make. It’s usually a percentage of your purchases. You can apply it toward your balance or cash it out to spend however you want. If you use your credit card for shopping or bills each month, this can be a convenient way to boost your bottom line.

If you carry a balance month to month, get a low-rate card.

A high Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may not be a big deal to someone who pays the credit card balance off every month. But if you carry a balance for a longer period of time, the interest can really add up. Stick with a credit card that offers a low rate and you’ll save big-time in the long run, because higher rates mean you’re paying more over time.

If you want cool stuff, gift cards or travel reservations, choose a rewards card.

With a rewards card, you’ll earn points for every purchase. Convert those rewards points into merchandise, gift cards even travel reservations and experiences for your next adventure. You can also convert your rewards to cash or apply credit directly to your balance, which will help you pay off your card even faster.

No matter the card you choose, make sure you work with a trusted lender. The right financial partner will work with you to assess your needs, understand your financial goals and then help you choose the perfect credit card for you. QCBN

By Alex McElyea

Alex McElyea is a senior product manager at OneAZ Credit Union. OneAZ offers a full suite of financial products and services, including credit cards for businesses and consumers. The new OneAZ NAU Affinity Credit Card supports the NAU Alumni Foundation by giving back 1 percent of all purchases to the Foundation. For more information, visit OneAZcu.com/NAU.