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Interest rates remain low, though thats no reason to stow your money under your mattress.

Hiding your money at home wont earn you any interest, and thats one of the benefits”no matter how small”that banks and credit unions can offer customers. But banks and credit unions have different benefits and drawbacks, and knowing how each works can make it easier to decide where to put your cash.

Here are some differences between credit unions and banks:

Profit vs. no profit: The first thing to note when comparing banks to credit unions is that banks are in business to make money and credit unions are not for profit. This can allow credit unions to offer better interest rates, which well get to shortly.

Credit unions are cooperatively owned and run by volunteer board members, who decide interest rates and other factors. To join a credit union, you may have to be a member of an employee group, association or some other specific affiliation, and may have to live in a specific geographic area.

Interest Rates: Credit unions have slightly better interest rates than banks on CDs, money market accounts, regular savings accounts and interest checking accounts, according to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Better Loans: Credit unions also have either the same or better rates on home loans, and their car loans can be half the rate of what a bank charges, according to the NCUA data.

Deposit Insurance: Both credit unions and banks have the same protection from the federal government through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., or FDIC. It insures up to $250,000 per account for checking, savings, money market and CD accounts.

Lower Fees: Credit unions generally charge less in fees than banks, according to the NCUA, though its website didnt offer specific examples. When looking into banking fees, ask about minimum balance requirements to avoid a monthly fee, whether youre limited to withdrawals from a savings account each month, what debit card fees it charges and if youre reimbursed for fees at an ATM not affiliated with your account.

More Options at Banks: From a retirement plan to business loans and investing services, and everything in between, most banks will often offer more services than credit unions do. Banks also have more brick-and-mortar locations and ATMs that are spread around the country and are free to customers, making them a more convenient option.

Wherever you decide to put your money, check online with the FDIC to ensure that the bank or credit union you want to do business with is insured by the FDIC and is a legitimate financial institution.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

We are living in a technology-driven world, and your homes connection with the digital world can be an important part of its appeal when it comes time to sell.

It wasnt all that long ago that technology wasnt a big factor in selling a house. It didnt matter what cable company or internet provider you had; buyers werent going to make their final decision on that sort of thing. But these days, good internet and Wi-Fi service can be key for many buyers. As we rely on our devices and laptops more and more”for work, school and staying in touch with friends and relatives”connectivity is about a lot more than watching TV and playing video games.

Let house hunters know which service providers are in the area, and even keep the brochures handy during open houses. Most companies offer discounts to new customers; having that information available to buyers can be helpful in attracting interest.

Todays digital world is largely wireless, but your home may still have some unsightly wires showing that arent necessary. Give your TVs, computers and printers a check to make sure there arent unused wires and cables that are all tangled up and making the area look messy.

Show off the technology you have. If you have an Amazon Echo, or similar device, use it to set lighting, turn on TVs or to play music. Likewise, be sure to highlight features such as a smart thermostat if your home has one. Not that you should invest in these technologies if you dont have them, but they can be a plus.

Get rid of old technology. If you have old TVs or computers that arent being used, consider discarding them. Everyone likes TVs, but having one in every room is too much. And older technology can make a home seem dated.

On the other hand, a state-of-the-art television or theater room can be a big attraction. If you have a family room, or home theater space, stage the scene. Have the TV on (to a family-friendly movie) and set up snacks (nut-free) with the proper lighting. Create a scene that parents will want to experience with their kids, or that will make those without kids dream of the perfect movie night at home.

Investing in brand-new technology doesnt make a lot of economic sense when selling a home, but taking some simple steps, and showcasing what you do have, can show buyers that your home will suit their twenty-first century needs.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Bigger isnt always better when it comes to homes.

Here are some signs you should downsize

If youve retired, downsizing could lower your expenses and stretch out retirement savings.

If your children moved out or guest rooms collect dust, youre likely wasting money by heating and cooling unused space.

If maintenance is overwhelming, switching to a smaller house or rental could alleviate the burden.

If you have trouble climbing stairs due to age or medical issues, consider moving to a smaller, one-story home.

If life changes have you struggling to make house payments, paying for a smaller home may be more sustainable.

Is it time for you to downsize?

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Tiny homes dont cost much, but they can require a tiny mortgage.

Unless you have $30,000 in cash to buy the average tiny home of 200 square feet, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to get a mortgage on a tiny home. A mortgage requires that a home be placed on a permanent foundation, not a trailer with wheels, as many small homes are.

Most mortgage lenders have minimum loan amounts that are much higher than a tiny home budget. The typical size of a small home seldom exceeds 500 square feet. The average cost is $30,000, though it can range from $10,000 for a build-it-yourself tiny home to $100,000 or more for one from a professional builder. Such small loans may not be worth the risk to lenders.

The good news is that there are other ways to finance a tiny home:

RV Loan
If a tiny home meets the manufacturing and safety requirements to be certified roadworthy by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, it may qualify for an RV loan from a bank. The main requirement is that the home be on wheels.

Personal Loan
If a tiny home isnt certified as an RV, or its not on wheels and is on a foundation, then an unsecured personal loan may work best.

This way, the borrower, not the home, is being underwritten through the loan. The tiny home isnt used as collateral, as with a mortgage. A customers credit history and ability to repay will be the basis for loan approval, and they wont have to justify how the money will be used.

However, personal loan rates can be twice as high as 30-year mortgages, though at much shorter terms of up to seven years. That can be good for a tiny-homebuyer, giving them a small loan that they can pay off within several years to then save money for other things down the road.

Traditional Mortgage
If your tiny home is going to be on a permanent foundation, that may be enough to get you in the door at a bank offering a traditional mortgage, despite the small loan amount. Even for a small loan, a bank may consider you if you have good credit and your tiny home meets the local zoning codes and licensing rules. Like an RV loan, the mortgage will be secured by the home, which is key to being able to deduct interest.

With tiny homes becoming more popular, look for more lenders to enter the market. When a need for loans is created in the marketplace, banks often find ways adapt.

Published with permission from RISMedia.