How Home Equity Can Help Fuel Your Retirement

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  How Home Equity Can Help Fuel Your Retirement If retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next chapter. And you probably want to make sure you’re set up to feel comfortable financially to live the life you want in retirement. What you may not realize is you likely have a hidden goldmine of cash you’re not thinking about — and that’s your home.  Data  from the  Federal Housing Finance Agency  (FHFA) shows that home values have gone up nearly 60% over the last 5 years alone (see graph below): And that appreciation gave your net worth a big boost. According to  Freddie Mac , over the same five-year period: “ . . .  Boomer overall wealth increased by $19 trillion, or $486,000 per household, half of which is due to house price appreciation.” So if you’ve been in your house ever longer than that, chances are you have even more equity in your home. If you want to have access to more of the wealth you’ve built up throughout t...
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Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen

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A small kitchen doesn’t have to mean dark or cramped, you can maximize a small kitchen by using these clever tips. From tricking the eye to great ways to get extra storage, these easy design ideas will help you love your small kitchen. 

• Tone on Tone Colors Scheme – Trick the eye by using subtle variations of the same color palate. 

• Strategic Shelving – Add a shelf above the backsplash to add room for spices or décor; place on a wall to display glasses or dishware and gain extra storage in the process. 

• Design with an Island – If possible, open a closed off kitchen to the family or breakfast room, use an island as double duty by adding a breakfast bar on one side and sink, dishwasher and storage on the other. 

• Tile a Whole Wall – Consider making a blank wall a focal point by tiling the space floor to ceiling. Glossy tile brings interest and light to the kitchen. 

• Big Style Elements – There is no need to shy away from large fixtures simply because the space is smaller. Large retro pendant lights are a great way to not only light the space but add interest and a modern vibe to the kitchen. 

• Seek Extra Storage – There is plenty of hidden storage opportunities in most kitchens. Pull out drawers are a great way to access the recessed areas of pantries and cabinets. 

Small kitchens can be just as inviting as their spacious counterparts. With a little creativity and stagecraft, your kitchen can be the heart of the home, at any size.

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