Money Management

If you’re paying the mortgage, you get to make the decisions. 

If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, research what designers are saying will be in style in 2023 and what they’re declaring outdated. One says wallpaper is out, while another talks about its surging popularity. One warns that home buyers are scared off by colorful rooms, while another insists that rooms without color look sterile and unwelcoming.

In other words, there is no consensus among experts. Despite that fact, everyone and their designer-brother claims to know what’s in and what’s out. It was with a giant grain of salt that we dove into expert opinions, looking for overlapping advice. It was only when we saw the same design element mentioned two or more times that we included it on this list.

Still, feel free to roll your eyes as necessary.

1. Full baths without a tub

According to one expert, the trend of choosing showers over full bathtubs is out, and it may be difficult to sell a home with a shower only. They described walk-in showers as “wonderful” but said some people either need or prefer a tub.

Another expert associates soaking tubs with self-care and predicts that self-care is going to become a priority again in 2023.

There was no mention of how the homeowner with a shower only is supposed to pay to have their bathroom remodeled. Are we talking about credit card debt or a personal loan?

2. An abundance of white

As homeowners have embraced clean lines and minimalistic decor, white has become the go-to palette for rooms. Everything from bedrooms to kitchens are bathed in white. One designer says that too much white gives a room a harsh appearance that could chill potential home buyers who might have made an offer otherwise.

Another is especially put off by all-white kitchens and even says that white ceilings will go away in 2023.

3. Large rooms with less storage

You might want to rethink eliminating storage space for any reason, warns one design expert, particularly if you’re tempted to get rid of closet space to open up a room. Americans are seeking to reduce clutter, the expert says. Proving ample storage, including well-appointed closets, gives people a place to store their belongings out of sight.

Realtor Renee Kuperman (as quoted by Bob Vila) agrees. According to them, homeowners sometimes removed closets to create a larger bedroom or master bath, instantly decreasing the value of their homes.

Of course, it’s possible that some homeowners make design changes that will make them happy rather than worrying about selling their homes.

4. Carpeting

It does not seem to matter that some people prefer the feel of carpeting under their feet. Buyers are looking for hardwood floors in living areas, and carpeting is out for 2023.

Again, does style dictate that the homeowner pull out a credit card and pay to replace carpeting with hardwood flooring?

5. Tiled backsplashes

Who knew those patterned tiled backsplashes, a staple in kitchens for decades, are suddenly out of style? According to one designer, patterned or mosaic wall tiles can look “busy” and dysfunctional. Instead, homeowners are supposed to switch to solid slab stone that matches their countertops.

Given that an estimated 69% of all U.S. households are unable to afford a median-priced home, it’s silly to think anyone should go into debt to follow a new trend. Maybe the best advice for homeowners is to create a space they’re comfortable living in. After all, if they’re making the mortgage payment, they get to make the design decisions.

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What are you waiting for? 

You probably thought you stopped getting report cards when you finished school, but that’s not exactly true. You’re constantly graded on how you handle borrowed money, and the results appear in your credit reports. Lenders use these, along with your credit scores, to decide whether they’re willing to work with you and what kind of interest rate to charge on loans and credit cards.

It’s a pretty big deal, yet a lot of people still don’t have any idea what’s in their credit reports or how it affects them. Fortunately, there’s a simple way that anyone can view their credit reports for free in 2023.

All you have to do is ask

Federal law requires that all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — provide one free credit report per year to anyone who asks for it. And since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve actually been able to request new reports weekly.

You can access these through AnnualCreditReport.com. There are other sites out there that claim to offer free credit reports, but a lot of these require you to sign up for a paid credit monitoring service. Or worse, they could be created by a scammer trying to steal your identity. So stick to AnnualCreditReport.com if you want to avoid these issues.

In order to view your credit report, you’ll have to fill out a form. This asks for some basic personal information, like your name, birthday, Social Security number, and address history for the previous two years.

Then, you’ll need to choose which credit reports you’d like to view. You can order reports from all bureaus at once or space them out throughout the year. This is largely down to personal preference. But while the credit bureaus are still offering free weekly reports, there’s no reason not to check all three at once.

After you’ve selected the reports you want, the site will ask you some identity verification questions. These might be about which bank you have your mortgage through or which street you lived on a decade ago. They’re designed to be challenging questions only you would know so identity thieves can’t gain access to your credit information. After you’ve passed that test, you can view your reports.

What you’ll find

Your credit reports list details of all your credit accounts. This includes credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages. It should show your total outstanding balance and details of your payment history, including whether you’ve ever made late payments on the account.

Credit reports from the three bureaus typically have similar information, but there might be some accounts that only show up on one or two reports. Perhaps the lender only reported the loan or credit card to some of the credit bureaus instead of all of them. That’s not a huge deal for you, but it could account for some of the differences you see in your credit scores based on each report.

Speaking of credit scores, you won’t get access to these with your free credit reports. If you’d like to see your scores, you can request them from paid services, like myFICO. Some credit cards now enable you to access your credit scores for free as well.

How to use this information

You can use the information in your credit reports to identify areas where you could improve your financial habits. For example, if you’ve made late payments in the past, working to avoid these in the future will help raise your credit scores.

Even if your credit scores are high, it’s still smart to check your reports at least annually for errors. Some of these might be innocent enough. A lender may have failed to report that you’ve paid off a loan, causing it to still show up on your credit report. Other errors could be a sign of identity fraud. If you see accounts with banks you’ve never worked with or loans you don’t recall taking out, that’s a sign that something’s wrong.

When you spot an error in your credit report, you should notify the credit bureau who created the report and the lender associated with the account immediately. If you have proof that you’ve paid off a loan that’s still shown as unpaid, be sure to provide copies of your documents to prove your point.

It can take some time to correct errors in your credit report because the lender and credit bureau will have to conduct an investigation into the matter. But stick with it and follow up as necessary to get the issue resolved. If the credit bureau updates your credit report, it will provide you with a free copy showing the change.

Reviewing your credit reports usually doesn’t take that long, and it can pay off big time when you need to borrow money. So find some time in 2023 to review your reports and, if you spot any opportunities for improvement, add them to your list of financial goals for this year.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Image source: Getty Images
What happenedWawa plans to open 40 stores this year. Almost half of the new stores will be in Florida, with others slated for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, according to the company’s website.So whatWawa is a popular East coast convenience store chain with around 850 stores, 600 of which sell gas. It’s built a loyal following of Wawa fans with its touch screen ordering and quality food. All the same, if you’re trying to save money on your grocery shopping, convenience stores can eat into your budget.If you’ve never been to a Wawa, check out their hoagies and Sizzli breakfast sandwiches and you’ll find out why the food gets rave reviews. Wawa was ranked 12th in Forbes’ 2022 Halo 100 list of companies that deliver customer excellence. Now whatSky-high living costs have put a strain on many Americans’ bank accounts over the past year. According to the National Retail Federation, some people have dipped into their savings accounts to cover expenses or taken on debt to pay for essentials.If you’re having trouble making ends meet, convenience stores are not a good way to shop. They charge a premium for convenience. Plus, they don’t have as many products, so you may not be able to find the lower-cost options. Here are some effective ways to reduce your grocery bill:Reduce trips to the store: One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to shop less often. It means fewer impulse buys or times you accidentally buy things you already had at home, and pushes you to use leftovers or food that’s in the cupboard. On a related note, always shop with a list to make sure you get what you need.Maximize your credit card rewards: If you have a rewards credit card that pays more for grocery spending, use it every time you shop. Otherwise, pay with whichever card gets you the biggest rewards. If your groceries make up a high percentage of your monthly spend, see if a grocery rewards card could make sense.Use cash back apps and coupons: Cash back apps are another way to earn rewards on your everyday spending, and they often work alongside credit cards, coupons, in-store discounts, and other offers. Coupon apps can also help you find the best deals before you shop.Compare prices and buy in bulk: Check out discount grocery stores and see how the prices compare with convenience stores or other chains. Buying in bulk can also help you reduce costs, as long as you use the items you buy before they go bad. It’s also worth experimenting with lower-cost generic brands to see if they’re similar quality-wise.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our expert loves this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee. In fact, this card is so good that our expert even uses it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Read our free reviewWe’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 

What happened

Wawa plans to open 40 stores this year. Almost half of the new stores will be in Florida, with others slated for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, according to the company’s website.

So what

Wawa is a popular East coast convenience store chain with around 850 stores, 600 of which sell gas. It’s built a loyal following of Wawa fans with its touch screen ordering and quality food. All the same, if you’re trying to save money on your grocery shopping, convenience stores can eat into your budget.

If you’ve never been to a Wawa, check out their hoagies and Sizzli breakfast sandwiches and you’ll find out why the food gets rave reviews. Wawa was ranked 12th in Forbes’ 2022 Halo 100 list of companies that deliver customer excellence.

Now what

Sky-high living costs have put a strain on many Americans’ bank accounts over the past year. According to the National Retail Federation, some people have dipped into their savings accounts to cover expenses or taken on debt to pay for essentials.

If you’re having trouble making ends meet, convenience stores are not a good way to shop. They charge a premium for convenience. Plus, they don’t have as many products, so you may not be able to find the lower-cost options. Here are some effective ways to reduce your grocery bill:

Reduce trips to the store: One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to shop less often. It means fewer impulse buys or times you accidentally buy things you already had at home, and pushes you to use leftovers or food that’s in the cupboard. On a related note, always shop with a list to make sure you get what you need.Maximize your credit card rewards: If you have a rewards credit card that pays more for grocery spending, use it every time you shop. Otherwise, pay with whichever card gets you the biggest rewards. If your groceries make up a high percentage of your monthly spend, see if a grocery rewards card could make sense.Use cash back apps and coupons: Cash back apps are another way to earn rewards on your everyday spending, and they often work alongside credit cards, coupons, in-store discounts, and other offers. Coupon apps can also help you find the best deals before you shop.Compare prices and buy in bulk: Check out discount grocery stores and see how the prices compare with convenience stores or other chains. Buying in bulk can also help you reduce costs, as long as you use the items you buy before they go bad. It’s also worth experimenting with lower-cost generic brands to see if they’re similar quality-wise.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

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In fact, this card is so good that our expert even uses it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Image source: Getty Images
What happened AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain in the United States, announced that it’s changing how it prices movie tickets. Instead of charging a set ticket price, ticket costs will vary by seat location. Three pricing tiers will be available, and the most desirable seats will come at a higher cost for most moviegoers. The new pricing initiative has been rolled out in select markets and will continue to expand to additional locations by the end of 2023. So whatThe new initiative, Sightline at AMC, will apply at participating locations to showtimes that begin after 4 p.m. and won’t be applicable on Discount Tuesdays. Theatergoers will have three options for prices, which vary by seat location. Here’s a breakdown of the tiers: Value Sightline: These seats are primarily in the front row but will include select ADA seats and are available at a lower price than Standard Sightline tickets.Standard Sightline: These seats are the most plentiful and are available at the traditional ticket cost.Preferred Sightline: These seats are typically in the middle of auditoriums and are priced slightly higher than Standard Sightling seats. Loyal customers have an advantage: Value Sightline seats will only be available to AMC Stubs members, including free Insider members. Paid A-List members can reserve Preferred Sightline seats at no extra cost. In a Feb. 6 news release, Eliot Hamlisch, the EVP and CMO of AMC Theatres said, “While every seat at AMC delivers an amazing moviegoing experience, we know there are some moviegoers who prioritize their specific seat and others who prioritize value moviegoing. Sightline at AMC accommodates both sentiments to help ensure that our guests have more control over their experience.” Now whatThis is news worth knowing whether you go to the movies a few times a year or more frequently. This pricing strategy is unique and will be a big change for many. While the news may come as a shock, this pricing update may benefit movie fans working on personal finance goals, as moviegoers on a budget now have more ways to get cheap movie tickets. Here are three ways that you can save on the cost of AMC movie tickets: Discount Tuesday: AMC Stubs members, including free Insider members, can score $5 movie tickets on Tuesdays. Matinee showings: Since this pricing model only applies to showings after 4 p.m., you can get a deal on tickets by choosing showtimes earlier in the day. Value Sightline: As an AMC Stubs Insider member, you can reserve Value Sightline seats. You’ll save money if you don’t mind sitting in a less desirable seat. With this change, sitting in a better seat could cost more. However, there are several ways to take advantage of discounted movie tickets. Be sure to plan your next movie date accordingly to keep more money in your checking account. Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our expert loves this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee. In fact, this card is so good that our expert even uses it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Read our free reviewWe’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 

What happened

AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain in the United States, announced that it’s changing how it prices movie tickets. Instead of charging a set ticket price, ticket costs will vary by seat location. Three pricing tiers will be available, and the most desirable seats will come at a higher cost for most moviegoers. The new pricing initiative has been rolled out in select markets and will continue to expand to additional locations by the end of 2023.

So what

The new initiative, Sightline at AMC, will apply at participating locations to showtimes that begin after 4 p.m. and won’t be applicable on Discount Tuesdays. Theatergoers will have three options for prices, which vary by seat location. Here’s a breakdown of the tiers:

Value Sightline: These seats are primarily in the front row but will include select ADA seats and are available at a lower price than Standard Sightline tickets.Standard Sightline: These seats are the most plentiful and are available at the traditional ticket cost.Preferred Sightline: These seats are typically in the middle of auditoriums and are priced slightly higher than Standard Sightling seats.

Loyal customers have an advantage: Value Sightline seats will only be available to AMC Stubs members, including free Insider members. Paid A-List members can reserve Preferred Sightline seats at no extra cost.

In a Feb. 6 news release, Eliot Hamlisch, the EVP and CMO of AMC Theatres said, “While every seat at AMC delivers an amazing moviegoing experience, we know there are some moviegoers who prioritize their specific seat and others who prioritize value moviegoing. Sightline at AMC accommodates both sentiments to help ensure that our guests have more control over their experience.”

Now what

This is news worth knowing whether you go to the movies a few times a year or more frequently. This pricing strategy is unique and will be a big change for many. While the news may come as a shock, this pricing update may benefit movie fans working on personal finance goals, as moviegoers on a budget now have more ways to get cheap movie tickets.

Here are three ways that you can save on the cost of AMC movie tickets:

Discount Tuesday: AMC Stubs members, including free Insider members, can score $5 movie tickets on Tuesdays. Matinee showings: Since this pricing model only applies to showings after 4 p.m., you can get a deal on tickets by choosing showtimes earlier in the day. Value Sightline: As an AMC Stubs Insider member, you can reserve Value Sightline seats. You’ll save money if you don’t mind sitting in a less desirable seat.

With this change, sitting in a better seat could cost more. However, there are several ways to take advantage of discounted movie tickets. Be sure to plan your next movie date accordingly to keep more money in your checking account.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2024

If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our expert loves this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee.

In fact, this card is so good that our expert even uses it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Read our free review

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 Read More