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A Picture of Household Debt in America

December 10, 2015 1:51 am

Household debt—including mortgages, credit cards, student and auto loans—has reached $11.9 trillion, a sign of progress for the economy, according to a recent report by NerdWallet ( Though many connote debt with a negative financial situation, certain kinds can be beneficial to building credit, including mortgages and auto loans.

“It's alarming that household debt is on the rise, but it's also important to recognize that not all debt is created equal," says Sean McQuay, credit card associate at NerdWallet. “Under the right circumstances, mortgage, student and auto loan debt can be helpful in building a bright financial future. That said, it's critical for Americans to understand their debt and recognize that certain types of debt are unnecessarily costly.”

Mortgage debt owed by the average household totals $165,892, according to the report. Credit card debt owed by the average household totals $15,355; student loan debt owed by the average household totals $47,712; auto loan debt owed by the average household totals $26,530.

The report also finds the average household is paying $6,658 in interest, which equals approximately 9 percent of the average household income ($75,591).

Source: NerdWallet

Published with permission from RISMedia.


Is Your Roof Reindeer-Ready?

December 10, 2015 1:51 am

The holidays are fast approaching! Amid the gift-giving, gathering with loved ones and decorating, the season serves as an important reminder for homeowners to make their roofs “reindeer-ready,” or review their roofs.

To do that, the experts at the Metal Roofing Alliance advise completing the following 10 checks, which can be done without a ladder:

1. For homes with asphalt shingles, look for black areas indicating cracking shingles.

2. For homes with shake or shingles, look for pieces that are curled upward, split, broken off or missing.

3. For homes with slate roofs, look for black areas that indicate slate is missing.

4. Look for heavy wear around the valleys, the areas where water runs off the roof into the gutters.


6. Check eave overhangs for water damage.


8. Conduct an interior inspection for stained or discolored ceilings, which most likely indicates roof problems.

9. Check your gutters for asphalt shingle granules.  Lots of granules mean less coverage on your roof. 

10. Remove branches, twigs and leaves from gutters and clear out down spouts to allow for snow and ice run off.

Source: Metal Roofing Alliance

Published with permission from RISMedia.


Caregivers: 5 Signs of Declining Financial Capability

December 9, 2015 1:51 am

(Family Features)—If you've been entrusted to assist an elderly relative, you may struggle with knowing when it's time to take on a greater role. It is likely that at some point your loved ones' financial capability will be challenged as they age, making it more difficult to competently handle money-related matters on their own.

To best gauge their level of need, Ted Beck, president and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), recommends watching for the following signs:

1. Is the aging person taking longer to complete financial tasks? Does he or she struggle with everyday efforts like preparing bills for mailing, reconciling bank statements or organizing paperwork?

2. Is the person missing key details in financial documents? Are bills piling up and has he or she missed a payment? Is he or she able to prioritize his or her regular responsibilities?

3. Is your aging relative experiencing problems with everyday arithmetic? Maybe you recently went out to dinner with mom and dad, and while paying, they took an inordinate amount of time to calculate the appropriate tip.

4. Have you noticed a decreased understanding of financial concepts with your loved ones? Are they having increased difficulty comprehending health care matters like deductibles, or are they having a hard time understanding the bank statements they receive?

5. Are they having new difficulty identifying investment risks? Are they able to minimize the risks in potential investments? Did they recently fall victim to fraud or a scam because they could not spot the liabilities?

For both parties, approaching these discussions with candor and an open mind is critical, adds Beck.

"Especially if you're accustomed to handling money matters privately, learning to talk more candidly about your finances may be uncomfortable," says Beck. "However, allowing trusted individuals to take a closer look at your accounts can help you establish a realistic plan for the future, and help flag any potential concerns."

Source: NEFE

Published with permission from RISMedia.


5 Themes to Inspire a Kitchen Upgrade

December 9, 2015 1:51 am








Source: Cornerstone Design & Remodel

Published with permission from RISMedia.


Homeowner Handbook: What to Do If the Pipes Freeze

December 9, 2015 1:51 am







Source: Roto-Rooter

Published with permission from RISMedia.


Are Chevy Malibus Popular in Malibu? Geocentric Vehicles Debunked

December 8, 2015 1:45 am











Published with permission from RISMedia.


5 Steps to a Home Fire Safety Plan

December 8, 2015 1:45 am





Source: American Red Cross

Published with permission from RISMedia.


10 Years in Housing: What's Changed?

December 8, 2015 1:45 am



Survey highlights over the past 10 years include:





Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Published with permission from RISMedia.


Holiday Shopping? 7 Bad Spending Habits to Avoid

December 7, 2015 1:42 am








Source: ABA

Published with permission from RISMedia.


Revamp Your Home with Double the Color in 2016

December 7, 2015 1:42 am





Source: Pantone®

Published with permission from RISMedia.