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From traditional elegance to contemporary cool, heres how to design a white kitchen.

Go Big on Marble

Marble is perfect for creating sophisticated countertops and backsplashes.

Warm It Up With Wood

Easily warm up the ambiance and create an effortlessly timeless aesthetic.

A Touch of Texture

There are plenty of ways to add texture, like terrazzo floors or exposed white brick walls.

Introduce Accents

A white kitchen doesnt have to be entirely white. Introducing an accent color is advised to mix it up a little bit.

Maximize Natural Light

Sun exposure will help create a light and airy atmosphere in your kitchen.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.