8 Easy Decor Updates That Will Invite Positive Energy to Your Home This Year

 
 

Now that it's officially 2025, it’s the perfect time to turn your home into a space you truly love.

It's a fresh start after all! While this might sound intimidating, there’s no need for a full-scale renovation or a total redesign. Small, simple changes can truly make a major difference. Here are eight easy decor updates to welcome positive vibes into your home for the new year.

Clear the Clutter

Designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow says that simply decluttering your home can make a big difference. It not only makes the space feel less stressful, but it’s also the best way to evaluate if you want to make bigger changes. “It's usually difficult for homeowners to refresh a space because they can't see past what's taking up all of it,” explains Guyton. “Remove unnecessary items so you can truly see the blank canvas in front of you and better imagine updates that can be made to enhance the space." This may equal a new area rug or wall paint, or even something as simple as new lampshades and throw pillows.

Not sure where to begin? Interior designer Becky Shea suggests starting by putting away those holiday decorations. “For me, as soon as the holiday season comes to an end, I immediately put away all the decorations and give the house a thorough tidy-up,” she says.

Bring in Plants

Bringing more nature into your home can bring about positive energy. Designer Shauna Jones of Shauna Glenn Design is a huge fan of doing this. “You'll see them all over my house, and I'm lucky, because my husband is an awesome plant parent," she says. "There really is just something about being surrounded by nature that brings a calming energy to a space.”

Not a good plant parent? It’s okay. The designer suggests the “fake it until you make it” approach. “If you are not the best plant parent, there are great fake plant options, but perhaps this is the year your green thumb finds its calling,” she says.

And if you simply aren't a plant person, bringing in flowers can have the same impact. “It's a simple yet transformative way to breathe new life into a space, creating an atmosphere of renewal and tranquility," explains Shea. "Fresh flowers not only brighten up a room visually but also infuse it with vibrant, positive energy."

Install Dimmer Switches

When it comes to creating a calm environment, being able to customize light can make a major impact, according to Teresa Mack Noval of A Design Company. “Dimmable lighting is a must for adjusting the mood throughout the day, and a sound system can amplify soothing music or calming nature sounds to transform the atmosphere," she says.

If you rent or can't install dimmer switches in your home, consider buying lamps with dimmers as an alternative. 

Edit Your Bookshelves

Even if you don't have a budget to buy new things for your home, you can always edit and re-style your bookshelves. “Thoughtfully styled shelves can act as a visual centerpiece in a room, showcasing your home's aesthetic and your own personal style," says Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors. "But without being carefully curated, they can also feel messy and overwhelming to look at."

She recommends starting with a clean slate by removing all of your existing items, then editing out books and objects that no longer bring you joy.

Update Your Picture Frames

We all take so many photos and post them online, but we should really be incorporating them into our real lives instead. So, consider reliving those moments by printing those photos and updating your picture frames. “Freshen up picture frames with up-to-date photos, and then rearrange for a new fresh perspective and a visual clean slate,” says Macuga.

Swap Out Your Hardware

Changing out hardware is an easy, affordable DIY that can instantly update everything from a kitchen to a bathroom or even a piece of furniture like an old desk or dresser. “A pop of color or an interesting shape can instantly bring new energy and personality to a space, whether it's on cabinet hardware or drawer handles," says Kyle Kurtenbac, owner of ROUS Hardware. “Best of all, it's a DIY-friendly update that doesn't require a lot of tools or time—just a few simple swaps can make a significant impact.”

Buy a New Doormat

It's the first thing you see when you enter your home, and if your doormat is looking less than welcoming, it's a quick and easy replacement. So, feel free to treat yourself and make your home a happier place.

Treat Yourself to New Curtains

New year, new curtains. We are so here for it. Curtains are a fantastic way to add color and texture to any space. So, feel free to experiment and change yours up. Another thing to consider is how sheer or opaque you want your curtains to let more or less light in. 

Read more at Real Simple

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The Future of Real Estate Investing: Why Turnkey Properties are Shaping New Paths to Wealth

 
 

Real estate investing has traditionally been a hands-on, high-commitment endeavor that requires extensive knowledge, time, and effort to yield profitable returns. But the landscape is changing, and turnkey properties are emerging as game-changers.  

For new investors and seasoned veterans, turnkey real estate investing offers a compelling way to enter the market with minimal day-to-day management while seeing consistent returns. In the investment world, turnkey solutions are reshaping paths to wealth with greater accessibility, predictability, and efficiency. 

Why Turnkey Properties? 

Turnkey real estate investing refers to purchasing properties that are fully renovated, rented out, and managed by a professional company, allowing investors to generate income without taking on the operational tasks typically involved in property management. In his book Turnkey Revolution, real estate expert and REINation CEO Chris Clothier explains, "Turnkey properties take the headaches out of investing by providing you with a hands-off way to build wealth through real estate." This type of investing opens doors for those who want to diversify their portfolios or secure a steady income stream without diving into the complexities of property management. 

The turnkey model fits well in today’s market, where individuals often juggle multiple responsibilities and lack the time or expertise to manage properties independently. This approach provides entry-level investors with a lower-risk way to get involved in real estate while offering seasoned investors an opportunity to grow their portfolios more efficiently. For both groups, turnkey properties are a powerful tool for building wealth in real estate without the usual barriers. 

The Attraction of Ease and Accessibility 

One of the primary reasons investors are increasingly turning to turnkey properties is the ease of entry. Unlike traditional real estate investing, which requires extensive research, property renovations, resident screening, and ongoing maintenance, turnkey properties are ready to generate income from day one. The turnkey company handles all the logistics, from finding the property to maintaining it and ensuring residents’ needs are met. This structure offers an attractive option for individuals with full-time careers or other commitments. 

By outsourcing the management to experienced professionals, investors can achieve “passive income” more reliably. For those new to the market, turnkey properties provide an accessible way to experience real estate investing without becoming overwhelmed by the complexities. Chris Clothier mentions in Turnkey Revolution, “Investors want a hands-off solution. They want to know they’re putting their money into something stable and productive without getting caught up in the minutiae of managing residents and repairs.” This simplified approach makes it possible for anyone to start building a real estate portfolio, regardless of their schedule or experience. 

Streamlined Management for Consistent Returns 

In the traditional real estate model, investors must balance property maintenance, resident management, and financial tracking—a time-intensive, ongoing responsibility. Turnkey properties remove this barrier by providing streamlined, professional management services. Investors gain peace of mind knowing that experienced property managers are handling day-to-day tasks, including resident communication, repairs, rent collection, and legal compliance. This model is especially advantageous for those investing in properties far from where they live, as the turnkey company oversees the property on their behalf. 

Consistent returns are another major draw. Since turnkey properties are already rented and generating income, investors can avoid the uncertainties associated with vacant properties or unforeseen renovation costs. For those looking to earn income immediately, turnkey properties offer the opportunity to do so while minimizing the risks often associated with real estate. The consistent income potential makes turnkey investments attractive to those focused on building a reliable revenue stream for long-term financial goals. 

Diversifying in a Fast-Paced Market 

Turnkey investing enables investors to diversify their portfolios across different regions and property types. Traditionally, managing properties spread across various locations could be logistically challenging. However, turnkey providers operate in multiple regions and offer investors access to a broader array of markets without requiring them to relocate or build new networks in each area. This flexibility allows investors to target high-growth areas or markets with strong rental demand, even if they reside elsewhere. 

For example, an investor living in a high-cost city like San Francisco or New York could invest in properties in markets with lower property costs and higher rental demand, such as the Midwest or Southeast. This strategic diversification not only provides a buffer against local market downturns but also increases the potential for capital appreciation over time. As the real estate market continues to evolve, turnkey properties serve as an efficient way to diversify portfolios and mitigate risk. 

A Pathway to Passive Income 

The allure of passive income has always drawn people to real estate. However, the reality of traditional property ownership can sometimes be far from passive, requiring time, energy, and hands-on involvement. Turnkey properties, by design, align with the passive income model, allowing investors to benefit from monthly rental income without taking on the day-to-day responsibilities. This is particularly valuable in today’s economy, where the need for multiple income streams is increasingly common. 

For those nearing retirement or seeking to balance work with other life goals, turnkey properties provide a straightforward path to passive income. With the property managed and maintained professionally, investors are free to focus on other pursuits, confident that their investment is being optimized. 

Rising Demand and Competitive Advantage 

As more investors recognize the benefits of turnkey real estate, demand for these properties is growing. In a competitive market, this demand has led to increased availability of high-quality turnkey properties, as companies strive to offer attractive options to meet investor needs. Real estate companies specializing in turnkey solutions are refining their offerings, including better property selection, comprehensive maintenance packages, and even options to customize property management approaches to suit investor preferences. 

In Turnkey Revolution, Chris Clothier highlights how turnkey investing is a forward-thinking solution for investors who seek both simplicity and stability: "It’s about finding a system that works for you and delivers the kind of returns you’re looking for without becoming a full-time job.” Clothier’s insights capture the appeal of turnkey investing in an era where convenience and efficiency are prized. 

Looking Forward: How Turnkey Properties Shape Future Real Estate Investing 

The shift toward turnkey properties is likely to continue as investors increasingly value convenience, risk reduction, and passive income. As technology advances and property management tools become more sophisticated, turnkey companies can provide even more transparent, efficient services, improving communication and performance tracking for investors. This trend aligns with a larger shift in real estate toward digital solutions and hands-off investment models that prioritize ease and security. 

As the demographic of investors broadens, with younger people seeking alternative investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds, turnkey properties offer an accessible, manageable way to enter the market. Whether individuals are looking to diversify their portfolios, generate passive income, or create long-term wealth, turnkey properties present a viable and appealing option. 

Time is limited, and financial security is increasingly sought after, turnkey real estate is paving the way for a new generation of investors. By removing barriers and offering streamlined, efficient management, turnkey properties allow anyone to step into the real estate market with confidence and a clearer path to wealth. With experts like Chris Clothier leading the way and demonstrating the power of turnkey investing, the future of real estate may indeed lie in its simplicity and accessibility. 

**Investing involves risk, and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. These statements do not constitute and cannot replace investment advice. 

Read more at USA Today

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New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

 
 

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?

Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling.

Focus on Your Why

To lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are finally ready to buy your first home. Whatever your reason, it’s important to keep it front and center.

Your why is what helps you stay focused. Share your motivation with your agent and they’ll use their expertise to help support that goal, no matter what the market looks like. With a great agent by your side, you’ll have someone to guide you, problem-solve, and keep you moving forward until you can check that goal off your to-do list.

Get Clear on What You Need

Then it’s time to figure out what your next home needs to have. How many bedrooms do you need? If you don’t have a designated home office, is that a deal-breaker? What about a big fenced-in backyard? Knowing your must-haves and nice-to-haves makes the search a lot smoother.

Since affordability is still tight, it’s important to have a clear idea of your essential items upfront. Maybe you can flex a bit on location, if it’s got everything else you’re looking for. Go over those essential items with your agent and they’ll help you focus on the homes that check the boxes that matter most while staying within your price range.

Know Your Numbers

Before you jump in, take a look at your finances. How much have you saved? What monthly payment feels comfortable? Getting clear on your budget early will help you know what’s possible.

The best way to do this is by partnering with trusted real estate professionals, like a local agent and a lender. They’ll help you:

  • Plan for your down payment and look into down payment assistance programs

  • Understand the equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next move if you’re selling

  • Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what you can borrow

Lean on a Pro To Guide You

It can be hard to know where to start, but you don’t have to do it alone. A real estate agent knows what you need to do to get ready to buy or sell, how to navigate the process, and can answer your questions every step of the way. As Bankrate puts it:

“. . . now more than ever, it’s smart to lean on the guidance of an experienced local real estate agent. If you want to enter the housing market in 2025, whether as a buyer or a seller, let a pro lead the way for you.”

Remember, buying or selling is a big milestone and a great goal for this year. With the right expert on your team, you’ll feel confident and ready to take on the market.

Bottom Line

If buying or selling a home is part of your goals for 2025, now’s the time to get started. Focus on your why, know what you need, and connect with trusted pros to make it happen. Team up with an expert and make this the year you accomplish your real estate resolutions.

Read more at Keeping Current Matters

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Personal finance tops 2025 New Year's resolutions. Here's how to make it stick.

 
 

Usually health and fitness top most peoples' New Year's resolutions – but for 2025 money and how to better manage is also a top priority for a lot of people.

That's according to a survey shared by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. The survey found that 45% of respondents said they wanted to save more money, while 32% said their goal was to reduce debt. Exercising more fell between those two responses, at 37%.

But often sticking to your goals is easier said than done, which is why several financial experts and advisers recommend you start small and simple to set yourself up for success.

"Slow and steady absolutely wins the race," said Thomas Nitzsche with the non-profit credit counseling agency Money Management International. The best-laid plan, he said, should begin with the basics.

Setting a budget

"Budgeting is the ground floor of it all, you can't have a plan without a budget in place," Nitzsche said. "Most people we work with haven't created a budget or haven't done one in a very long time, and they don't have a firm grasp on what's coming in, what's going out, and where they can plug some of those gaps."

After three years of inflation, any pay increases you might have experienced likely haven't caught up to your monthly expenses, warns Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.

"Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year," he said.

Track your expenses

You won't get far, Nitzsche explains, if you don't keep track of how you're spending throughout the year. How you do that is up to you – whether it's old-fashioned pen and paper, an Excel spreadsheet, or an app.

"Everybody's different," he said. "It really doesn't matter how you do it, it's just that you're doing it."

He recommends committing yourself to detailed tracking for at least a few months until you feel better about your spending in general and then you might opt to do it less frequently. For example, you might find you're paying for several unwanted subscriptions you didn't know you had, Nitzsche said.

McBride also cautions you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, requiring cutting back in other areas.

"Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account," he said.

NerdWallet offers a free app lets you track your cash flow. Empower Personal Dashboard is also a free app with features to help you track your spending, according to NerdWallet.

Other tips

When it comes to tackling your credit card debt and high interest rates, you have more power than you realize, according to Nitzsche.

"Most creditors will work with you to reduce interest rates," he said. "That's just really important to make sure that the payments you're making is as much as possible, and going to principal rather than interest so you're able to make some progress on it."

Lending Tree found the majority of people who simply picked up the phone to ask for a lower rate got it, cutting it by an average of six points.

According to Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, a 0% balance transfer credit card is also "a good weapon" in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates.

Ultimately, Nitzsche says to take things slow and keep in mind setbacks along the way don't have to spell defeat.

"Especially after a prolonged period of inflation and high cost of living," he said. "I think it's just important to understand that you're not alone."

Experts also warn to beware of scams when seeking relief options. Scammers use urgency to trick people, so taking your time to make any financial decision can help protect you from losing money. CBS News Philadelphia previously warned that agencies charging upfront fees before offering services, employing pushy sales tactics, or promising big claims that guarantee to eliminate your debts could signal a scam.

Read more at CBS News

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5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Home

 
 

Every year when January rolls around you vow to lose weight, save money or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you set for your home?

Here are our five picks for the best home improvement resolutions for the new year and how to achieve them:

1. Streamline the stuff

One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.

Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most. (All that clutter also makes your house look dated and dirty, designers say.)

This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don't use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in, says Antoinette Nue, an Atlanta consultant who specializes in helping people simplify and go green.

"Fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken," she says.

Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets. Group similar items together on sleek trays, says Stuart McCormick, a designer with Liz Levin Interiors in Washington D.C.

Clear your counters of everything you don't use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home. 

2. Make it safe and sound

Your home may be beautiful, but is it safe? There are a few things that every homeowner should do to ensure that they're not living with a potential health hazard or fire risk.

First, check your house for radon. This colorless, odorless gas causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels. And with test kits costing as little as $20 at your local hardware store, there's no reason not to get right on that.

While we're on the subject of deadly gas, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor in addition to fire detectors. If a chimney flue or furnace vent gets blocked or leaks, carbon monoxide could back up in your house and kill you. Like a radon test, this is a small investment — $40 or more — for such an important safeguard.

Watch out for dryer lint. We know you clean the little trap inside the door, but most people neglect to clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer. Lint may seem innocent, but it's highly combustible, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires a year.

Make sure your house can breathe. Hickory Hills, Ill. home inspector Jack McGraw is always surprised at how many people's bathrooms and attics aren't vented to the outside (or the vents are covered over with shingles.) This makes you a prime candidate for mold.

And if you're considering a remodel — and your home was last built or remodeled before 1978 — consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring. It will have to handled properly during removal, or particles can be released into the air for you to ingest.

3. Shrink your bills (and your carbon footprint in the process)

When people think of going green, they often think it takes solar panels or a hybrid car to make a difference.

Not so, says Bob Schildgen, who wrote the "Hey Mr. Green" column for Sierra magazine. It just takes a little old-fashioned common sense.

The best place to start is by cutting your energy usage in your home:

- Remember your mom's advice and switch off the lights when you leave a room.

- Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house and dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night.

- Install LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads.

- Try drying some of your clothes on the line and wait for the dishwasher or washing machine to be full before you run them.

- Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.

- Water your yard less. Put in drought-tolerant landscaping if necessary.

- Give composting a try. Your garden will thank you.

4. Work out a weekly system for keeping your house clean

Here are a few tips for keeping the mess under control from Jeff Campbell, author of the book Speed Cleaning and owner of the Clean Team housekeeping service in San Francisco.

Daily: Dishes go in the dishwasher every night - no excuses! Dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets or clean clothes are hung in the closet. Bring everything back to its assigned place.

Weekly: Clean your entire house, using these tips:

- Keep all of your cleaners, as well as rubber gloves and spare cleaning cloths - in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room.

- Stash cleaning implements such as a toothbrush, scraper, sponge, a few cleaning cloths and plastic bags in a builder's apron that you wear when you clean. Hook your glass cleaner and all-purpose cleaning spray on the loops to keep your hands free as you work around the room clockwise, cleaning from high (cabinets) to low (floors.)

- Focus on one type of cleaning at a time. It's faster, Campbell says. Wipe down fingerprints on all of the cabinets, for instance, before moving on to spraying and wiping counters. Then move on to windows and mirrors and appliances. Once that's done move on to sweeping and then mopping floors.

- For optimum efficiency, enlist the help of your family. If you can, divide the jobs among at least three parties: One of you can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing beds, the other can do the bathroom cleanup, leaving only the kitchen and trash emptying for you to handle. The upside? You can get the whole house done in 45 minutes, Campbell says, leaving more time on the weekends for the park or the movies.

5, Get your place ready for entertaining

Each year most of us vow to spend more time with family and friends. To make you feel like inviting people in, why not give the areas you entertain in a little update?

You don't have go for broke here and invest in a new kitchen remodel. All it takes to get a fresh new look is a little bit of rearranging and a few updates, says designer McCormick.

One easy update that makes your home seem more "finished" is the addition of plants, she says.

"They bring in new energy and help clean the air," she says. "And it's a great way to decorate if you're on a budget."

A couple of dramatic presentations like a large flowering agapanthus or potted palm in a bright ceramic planter that complements your existing color scheme will do the trick.

Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw to update your look, McCormick advises. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.

Lastly, take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up for chances for real conversation and connection in the New Year.

Read more at HGTV

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