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Investing in your Outdoor Space

It isn’t just the spring fever that makes me want to be outdoors, it’s that many of us have spent far too much time indoors over the last year. We’re happy to be safe and healthy, and we’re ready to get back in the sunshine!

One of my favorite things to do every spring is to make my outdoor patio space into my summer oasis. It will be the space where I get to decompress after a long day with a crisp drink and a book or magazine – or just with my family. It’s important to put in a little bit of effort to get the truly relaxing payoff I want.

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Steps towards a greener home: auditing your home’s energy performance

As time has gone by we have all become more aware of the actions that we take that have impact on the environment, and this also extends to our homes. Additionally, we have become aware of the efficiencies and cost savings that can come from making some changes within the home.

In fact there are so many different option for “greening” or making your home efficient these days that we can become overwhelmed – what is really gong to make difference given my particular circumstances? What steps should I take and in what order?

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Trying Something New

It can be challenging to step up (with compassion) and risk being bad at something. It’s one of the reasons that learning a new skill can be so scary. Nobody wants to look like a fool. But after the changes of the last year, finding something new for your brain or body to do can be extremely refreshing.

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Current refinance rates

What are today’s refinance rates?

On Monday, December 28, 2020, according to Bankrate’s latest survey of the nation’s largest refinance lenders, the benchmark 30-year fixed refinance rate is 2.950% with an APR of 3.170%. The average 15-year fixed refinance rate is 2.410% with an APR of 2.640%. The 5/1 adjustable-rate refinance (ARM) rate is 3.090% with an APR of 4.040%.

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Greening Your Home and Life – Places to Start

Our home environment is so important, especially when we spend extended time there, and our home is also an investment worth protecting using efficient and green methods.

I have written before about the benefits of a Home Energy Assessment, which can really improve your home and its efficiency. (See “The Importance of a Home Energy Assessment.”)

But there are also ways to roll up your sleeves yourself and start greening your home and your life.

There are common areas in every home that are responsible for the loss of unused energy. By reviewing a few trouble spots here and making a trip to the hardware store you’ll be ready for some simple fixes that can make a great impact.

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