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Use a frugal month to catch up after the holidays

Posted on January 8, 2018December 13, 2017 by Victor Varma

The holidays are often filled with extra spending on things like travel, gifts, and food and many people end the year feeling weighed down in the financial department.

Popular blog Frugalwoods suggests that people make January an ‘uber frugal month’ by spending as little money as possible. Although the challenge sounds rather simple, it will require a bit of preparation.

Before starting, analyze all of the currently expected spending for the month. Then, divide those expenses into a discretionary list and a mandatory list. Rent, for instance, is non-negotiable, while a Starbucks latte can be easily skipped. Entire areas, such as entertainment, need a plan to decrease spending by substituting free or cheap options for the normal routines. Plan to stay frugal for the whole month for maximum savings. In the end, with the frugality meter reset, it will be up to participants to decide which behaviors they want to keep using in the future to save money over the long run.

According to Bankrate, using these no-spend periods isn’t just about saving money but also learning to control impulses. Being able to separate actual needs from simple wants will go a long way toward creating sustainable spending habits as well as provide an excellent jumpstart to a more frugal lifestyle.

For people that can’t manage a full month, blog Believe in a Budget recommends starting with a week or even a day. Their favorite, the no spend work week, allows a person to focus in on miscellaneous expenses that pop up during this time such as the before work coffee, expensive lunch at a restaurant, and unnecessary trips to the grocery store after work. It might feel a little strange bringing a bagged lunch to work, but it is also a great way to find more money for savings and investing in the things that are truly important.

Pop the cork on the bubbly! It’s a great time to sell (and buy)

Posted on January 2, 2018December 13, 2017 by Victor Varma

Everything is coming up champagne and roses for home sellers in 2018 as experts predict more home sales and rising home prices as Millennials appear to finally be buying.

For the new year, the real estate scene looks great for both sellers and buyers.

Buyers will benefit from low mortgage rates, ticking just past 3.9 to 4 percent in mid-November 2017 for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

Analysts do not expect those rates to rise much, if at all.

In many areas, the number of houses for sale is low and that drives prices up. On the other hand, prices are not as high as in the recession-era market. Experts say that should give buyers some confidence.

The construction industry appears to be addressing the problem of a low supply of homes for sale as new construction rose in mid-November 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The overall economy also forecasts a healthy housing market, as more people are working and tax cuts may add money to the economy.

Selling tech door to door

Posted on December 29, 2017November 5, 2017 by Victor Varma

Selling tech door to door Best Buy and Amazon plan to find business that is percolating just under the surface by doing what brush salesmen used to do: Go house to house.

With thousands of gadgets and add-ons available for communication and tasks inside the home, consumers may not even know what they need or what’s available.

But suppose you could get a high tech person to come to your house, and review your needs?

Best Buy’s in-home salespeople hope to do just that. The new program is aimed at ‘unlocking latent demand,’ Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly told The Wall Street Journal.

It’s different than showing up to a store with an item in mind. In that case, the salespeople sell that item. They might have an upsell, too. But it’s probably not what the consumer needs.

The house-to-house program will let consumers know what they could have and how it would help them. Plus, salespeople can schedule installation.

Amazon’s program sends employees to homes to provide free ‘smart home consultations’ that let people test out voice controlled devices and other gadgets like smart switches.

Unlike the traveling salespeople of yore, these consultants aren’t paid on commission and don’t press for an immediate sale. They just tell you what you could have.

The two-year-old Amazon program is currently offered in six cities.

In 2018, you can contribute more to your 401(k)

Posted on December 22, 2017November 5, 2017 by Victor Varma

There’s good news for 401(k) savers in 2018: They can put $500 more into their plan.

The IRS has announced that the 401(k)contribution limit has been raised to $18,500. That is the first increase since 2015.

The new limit also applies to 403(b), Thrift Savings Plan and 457 plans.

The limit on catch-up contributions for employees age 50 and over remains the same at $6,000.

The deduction phase out limit was also increased. This means that if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds certain ranges, the amount you can deduct is reduced (or phased out).

Single taxpayers: The phase out is $63,000 to $73,000, up from $62,000 to $72,000.

Married filing jointly: Phase out rises to $101,000 to $121,000, up from $99,000 to $119,000.

Individual contributors: The phase out range rises to $189,000 to $199,000, up from $186,000 to $196,000.

Roth IRA and traditional IRAs

There was no change in contribution limits for IRA and Roth IRA plans. The maximum you can contribute to a Roth IRA is $5,500 per year (or $6,500 if you are age 50 or older).

There was a change to deduction phaseouts, though. If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds certain ranges, the amount you can deduct is reduced (or phased out).

In 2018, the phase-out levels are higher. For singles or heads of households, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income range is $120,000 to $135,000.

For married couples filing jointly, the range is $189,000 to $199,000. The phase-out ranges for married filing separately have not changed.

Tips for preventing pipes from freezing; thawing frozen pipes

Posted on December 15, 2017November 5, 2017 by Victor Varma

Frozen pipes not only mean the inconvenient lack of water, they also can burst, causing an expensive repair problem.

Homeowners are often understandably frantic to get water pipes running again. But thawing the pipes improperly can lead to more problems.

Never use a device with a flame to thaw out pipes.

A little heat on the right pipe could get that water flowing. But a flame on the pipe is a very bad idea.

According to fire experts, flames under the house, even when directed at pipes, are a common cause of fire.

The open flame from a heater, especially a propane salamander, can instantly ignite insulation or flooring materials under a house.

Worse, pipes can heat up dramatically from flaming devices, with heat traveling along the piping systems inside walls. This heat can ignite wall materials, which can smolder for hours before being discovered, or bursting into flame. Alternatively, excessive heat on metal piping can cause water to boil, causing the pipe to burst, according to the Red Cross.
If you know where the pipes are frozen, first open the faucets and then apply heat with a hair dryer or electric heating pad.

Prepare ahead of very cold temperatures.

If you know your pipes are prone to freezing, take some simple steps ahead of cold weather.

First, give yourself a supply of water. Partially fill a bathtub with water when very cold temperatures are predicted. This can provide water for pets, cleaning, or bathing. It will also give you some breathing room so you can take your time unfreezing pipes.

Next, keep the faucets open to a drip. This will help prevent pipes from freezing. Although this can put a strain on water pump systems, it is usually better than broken pipe disasters.
Close garage doors, especially if there are pipes along the garage walls.

Open your cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom to allow warm room air to circulate.

Don’t turn down the house temperature during very cold nights.

Never set the thermostat to less than 55 degrees when the weather will be below zero.

Long-term prevention for frozen pipes

One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is with heat tape or heat cable. These low-heat products usually can be plugged in at the beginning of the season and left until Spring. This is especially good for pipes that are run along the outside of walls.

Be sure to unhook outdoor hoses and close valves supplying outdoor faucets.

If the problem with frozen pipes is persistent every winter season, consider moving exposed piping. Although this is a major project, it should prevent future problems.
Insulation in attics, basements and crawl spaces will help prevent frozen pipes, too.

Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

Posted on December 13, 2017January 20, 2018 by agentinsure

One of the most important aspects of understanding the limits of coverage on your homeowners’ insurance is the ability to cover storm damage. Many people assume any storm damage is covered by their homeowners’ insurance, which is not true.

What Damage Is Covered?

In the event of a natural disaster or storm, you should know what the limits of coverage are for your home. If your home insurance does not cover certain aspects of damage that you are vulnerable to, you should purchase additional insurance so you are not left unprotected. For example, you are not covered if you experience a flood either from a storm or because of mechanical failure in the home. However, wind, hail, and lightning are usually covered by a homeowners’ insurance policy. Ask your agent for specifics when choosing your insurance, and ask them to help you determine what other types of insurance you may need to cover yourself completely based on the area you live in, and the risks associated with your location.

Amount Of Coverage

Determining the amount of coverage you need to protect you from storm damage is based on the value of your home and other factors such as contents and additional structures. Gather all of your information and receipts and get an accurate total of the value of your home and let your agent help you get the right coverage amount. For more information about storm coverage and coverage amounts, call or stop by Cypress, TX, InsureUS.

Our professional insurance agents can get you the insurance you need so you can be fully protected from storms and other covered events. Don’t leave your financial well-being to chance. Get the right coverage you need today.

Selling in December can be merry after all

Posted on December 8, 2017November 5, 2017 by Victor Varma

When the weather outside is frightful, selling your house is not so delightful.

That’s what folks say, anyway. But is it always true?

Real estate agents say not necessarily. As with most things in life, it all depends.

Weather is, in fact, a factor and when frightful weather means a lot of snow, showings could slow down. But, on the other hand, a warm winter can be a boon for sellers as home buyers get an early start on the season.

The strength of the local real estate market also comes into play. A strong market can be good even in December. There are always buyers who, for many personal and business reasons, must find a home during the holidays. Those kinds of buyers are motivated.

Here are some considerations for selling during the fall/winter holidays:

– You don’t have to keep your house dark during the season of lights. Decorate, but do so modestly. A Christmas tree can make a home look warm during the cold winter season. Display just a few gifts under the tree. Too many begin to resemble clutter and buyers need to be able to look past decorations.

– Avoid flashing lights inside and out. Stick to simple, classic decorations.

– Limit decorations to the main living area. Although some families go all out decorating every room, as a seller you want to keep decorations of all kinds to a minimum.

– Most agents say that sellers should avoid religious displays, but in some areas of the country this would be acceptable, especially if done modestly. The key is not to overwhelm the house. Make it easy for the buyer to see the rooms.

– Make the most of the season by enhancing curb appeal. Although the trees might not have leaves, the garden won’t have weeds either. Some decorations are seen as welcoming, no matter what the season: A wreath on the door or outdoor lights that emphasize the walkway or special parts of the property.

– If your property looks especially glorious in Spring and Summer, consider leaving out a photo album.

– Play muted classical music to add to the overall ambience, according to HGTV.

– Use light holiday fragrance. Avoid heavy floral scents that make some people cough or sneeze. Don’t overdo it. One scented candle is probably enough.

– Light the fire. Winter is also a great time to show off your fireplace. So spread the warmth!

Wishing you joy and peace!

Posted on December 1, 2017November 5, 2017 by Victor Varma

It’s common these days to complain during the holidays about how commercialized the season has become. In fact, complaining about the holidays has become as much of a tradition as the holidays themselves.

Well let’s break tradition for a moment.

Call it commercial if you want, but when your family members gather around the Christmas tree, each one hopes the gift he gives delights the receiver. Call it commercial, but when you light the last candle of the menorah and give the last gift, you hope you have given light and joy.

We are hoping this year you’ll enjoy the fruits of all your good work for the year. You are appreciated by your family, your employers and your nation.

So this year, maybe we should complain less, delight in the giving more, and then open up our hearts and be thankful for the season — maybe a little commercial but also a lot of fun. Here’s hoping you’ll be joyous!

What is a conforming loan?

Posted on November 17, 2017October 5, 2017 by Victor Varma

A conforming loan is one that conforms to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are giant government-chartered mortgage companies that buy loans from lenders, allowing lenders to have more flexibility to make new housing loans.

Most everyone who gets a mortgage has a conforming loan.

How much you can borrow to conform:
Conforming loans are generally limited to $424,100, although there are higher limits in areas where housing is very expensive. The conforming loan limit can go up to $636,150 in specific housing markets, such as certain counties in California and New York, among others.

Loan-to-value ratio:
Your down payment has to be equal to 20 percent or more of the home’s value, but buyers can qualify for an FHA loan with as little as 3 percent down. With a down payment of less than 20 percent, buyers have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance, which can be expensive.

Credit score:
A conforming loan requires a FICO credit score of 620-640. However, an FHA loan requires a credit score of 580. A lower credit score than that requires a higher down payment.

Debt-to-income ratio:
Your debt-to-income ratio can be no more than 41 percent (although there may be exceptions that raise this percentage) of your gross income.

A non-conforming loan, by contrast, goes over the loan limit and the requirements are stricter. Credit scores must be 680 or higher. The down payment must be 15 percent or higher. Debt-to-income ratio must be 43 percent or less. Generally, the borrower shows high cash reserves, according to the Lenders Network.

What is a Business Owner Package (BOP), and How Can One Help You?

Posted on November 15, 2017December 19, 2017 by agentinsure

If you are a business owner, you know how important comprehensive coverage can be to protect your interests. Properly insuring any business requires different types of coverage that may be found in separate policies. In order to fully protect your business, it may be necessary to carry a different policy for each type of coverage which can be less than convenient. With a Business Owner Package (BOP) many lines can be bundled together which can save you money as well as help you to keep your insurance streamlined. InsureUS has the necessary experience and expertise to help you protect your business. If you are in the greater Cypress, TX area we are here to work with you to ensure that you have the coverage you need.

What Exactly is a BOP?

This bundle of commercial coverage is perfect for small businesses that are looking to save money. The package generally includes Commercial Property Insurance and General Liability Coverage, bundled together. There is no coverage for business or commercial vehicles in these packages, and a separate vehicle policy will be necessary. This package covers lawsuits brought by third-party interests, catastrophic loss, such as fire damage, and third party property damage. Some BOPs also include Business Interruption Coverage which is vital for small businesses. Our agents can work with you to ensure that you have the comprehensive coverage you need.

Please give our agency a call today at (281) 640-8888 to schedule an appointment with one of our business specialists who can review your current coverage and help to streamline your policies to make your insurance work best for you. InsureUS is here to help you with a BOP and all of your other insurance needs in the greater Cypress, TX area.