May 30, 2014

Tips for deducting moving expenses

Are you planning a move for a new job? Are you relocating to find a new job? Are you moving and self-employed? Good news: If you meet any of these criteria, you may be eligible to deduct your moving expenses.


As an “above the line” deduction, you don’t have to itemize the write-off, either. Expenses can include an array of items that really add up, including:

  •  Utility disconnection and reconnection fees
  •  Up to 30 days of storage unit costs
  •  Hotel rooms (though not the expenses like minibars and meals!)
  •  Shipping and packing costs (from the boxes to the moving company, etc.)
  •  Travel to the new home, as well as automotive deductions of 24-cents/mile

May 23, 2014

Clever kitchen hacks

You probably don’t need a scientific study to tell you that the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a family home. It serves as a hub for food, a communal space for gathering, and often a message center for family traffic. Some consider it the “brain” of the home. While giant master bedrooms might sound nice, a kitchen with abundant space can be surprisingly satisfying!

Unfortunately, many homes have kitchens which are small or overrun by clutter. The mess can be a major barrier to enjoying the space, and without some systems in place to keep it organized, the kitchen can be rendered almost useless for many of the enjoyable aspects of cooking and entertaining. So, what’s the solution? Does opening up your kitchen require a total renovation? Not necessarily. Below are six clever kitchen hacks to open up your usable space.

May 16, 2014

Protect yourself from bidding burnout and save money on your home

You probably don’t need a scientific study to tell you that the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a family home. It serves as a hub for food, a communal space for gathering, and often a message center for family traffic. Some consider it the “brain” of the home. While giant master bedrooms might sound nice, a kitchen with abundant space can be surprisingly satisfying!

Unfortunately, many homes have kitchens which are small or overrun by clutter. The mess can be a major barrier to enjoying the space, and without some systems in place to keep it organized, the kitchen can be rendered almost useless for many of the enjoyable aspects of cooking and entertaining. So, what’s the solution? Does opening up your kitchen require a total renovation? Not necessarily. Below are six clever kitchen hacks to open up your usable space.


May 9, 2014

Tips for considering a second home

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a second home, it’s never too early to begin planning how to make that dream a reality. Whether you’re ready to buy now or think it may be a little while before you make the move, there are several key considerations that will inform your “second home strategy.”