There's no better way to spend the holiday season than spending time with those you love, and there's no better way to enjoy each other's time than with a home-cooked meal. However, cooking at home can often add up if you're not prepared. Check out the BALANCE blog post below for six ways to save on homemade meals.

With the Federal Reserve reporting that Americans owe $1.021 trillion in outstanding credit card debt, having the facts about how to get out of debt has become more important than ever before. The good news is getting out of debt does not have to be as stressful, painful, or hard as you might think. Mostly, paying off debt requires focus, a changed perspective on spending, and the ability to separate the myths from the facts.

How Does a Home Equity Loan Work?

If you’re looking for a way to deal with debt that is both flexible and affordable, a home equity loan may be a good solution. For homeowners who have built up some equity in their homes, this type of loan allows them to borrow from the accumulated equity and use it to pay down high-interest debt. Here’s a closer look at how home equity loans work, and when they work well for debt consolidation.

If you are thinking about refinancing your mortgage, then you know that this is a great way to save money on your monthly payment, shorten the term of your loan, or tap into the equity of your home for a home improvement project. At the same time, refinancing is like taking out a new home loan. For this reason, you need to know what to expect. There are a few tips that you should follow to make it easier for you to refinance successfully.

Decorating my home for each season is one of my favorite things to get me into the spirit of the upcoming seasonal activities. Fall, in particular, is one of my favorite seasons to decorate for because it gives such warm and cozy vibes. 
However, incorporating new seasonal styles and décor pieces into your home at each season change can be expensive. And, of course, with styles changing all the time, last year's trends are rarely still in style, making you feel like you have to go out and buy more to keep up.
This year, I decided to try decorating my home for fall with easy-to-find items from local thrift stores. In doing so, I found great pieces that can be reused each year and for multiple seasons, depending on how I style and mix and match them. Below are some of the items that I was on the hunt for:

The start of the new school year can be exciting for kids. They get a new teacher, start seeing their friends again daily, and get all new clothes and supplies. However, beginning a new school year is also a big change and may require a bit of an adjustment period.