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Money luck superstition is something that has been around for over 3,000 years.
Left Hand Itching has been a superstition since the dawn of time and there are a lot of people who still believe in it. Some say that if someone has a left hand itchy they are likely to receive money. Others say that the more itchy one’s left hand is, the faster they will receive money.
You may believe the meaning of life is found in one simple saying like left hand itching.
It sounds like a fortune cookie, but this quote has been around for centuries and also holds some weight when it comes to true wisdom about finances. However, there are many other sayings people use for their good luck charms such as “Toes on Head,” “Praying Hands,” “Rubbing Stone,” and “Clenched Fist.”
Let’s explore some of the most common superstitions surrounding money and take a look at whether these beliefs are plausible or not.
Seriously, what does it mean when your left hand itches?
We will cover the origins of money luck and left hand itching.
More importantly, what it means for you today.
What does it mean when your left hand itches?
It is normal to have an itchy left hand. More than likely, it is caused by many things such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrhea (dry, scaly skin).
However, there are money superstitions with your left hand that we need to investigate.
What exactly is the left hand itching meaning?
Left Hand Itching is means you are expecting to come into money soon.
Believed to be an omen of good luck for money and prosperity, but it can also mean the opposite depending on how you look at it.
The itching could be anything: winning the lottery, getting an unexpected raise at work, or even just finding a quarter on the ground.
All possibilities are endless and no one can really tell what will make your left hand itch until it happens for them!
Signs of Left Hand Itching
Left hand itches are a sign of money luck superstition and the origin is unknown.
Some believe that this is because the left hand represents one’s heart and when your body senses an issue, you scratch yourself with your dominant hand which then symbolically cleanses and clears the area. There are also those who say that scratching on the left side helps to balance out yin-yang energy in order to create good fortune for oneself or others.
Therefore, if someone has been having bad luck recently they should scratch their right hand to rebalance the yin-yang energy.
This is a good example of how people often put extra meaning into random occurrences, so if you’re feeling lucky this weekend and left hand itches start appearing on your body, don’t worry about it!
Left Hand Itching Lottery
Left hand itching is considered a positive sign for lottery winnings.
Itching the left hand means luck will come to you, and it could be an indication that your luck has changed.
Winning the lottery is however very unlikely with the odds of 1-in-292 million. More than likely, you will be struck by lightning or die from a bee sting (source).
If you ever have a chance to buy the lottery, it’s good luck if you’re itching your left hand.
It is said that some of the numbers associated with scratching your left hand will appear to you.
For Mary Shammas, her lucky numbers were the birthdays of her five family members and she ended up winning a $64 million jackpot. Check out this left hand itching lottery post.
Your lottery number for left hand itching is yet to be determined for that winning jackpot.
This is a left hand lottery where you scratch your left palm with the date and then follow it up with a rubbing of your right hand. The numbers are picked at random from 1-100, but there’s no saying what number will appear on those palms.
There is many superstitions behind this tradition, but anything is possible with itchy left palms.
Superstitions for Left Hand Itching
There are many superstitions for left hand itching. Remember, left hand itching is a superstition that has been passed down through generations.
Here are some left hand itching superstitions to look for:
The superstition believes if your left palm itches, then you’ll have a lot of money luck coming in soon.
Left hand itches when you’re about to get or win money. If your left palm is itching, then lookout for a good opportunity that will arise soon.
Left hand is the dominant hand for people that itch their palms, and left-handed people are more likely to be money handlers.
The left hand is more sensitive than other parts of your body, so if you have itchy palms, then know that good luck will come your way soon.
Left hand itching on afemale means a positive sign that will bring even more fortune and money.
Left handing itching on a male means you are going to attract money to you.
However, don’t spend all your money on lottery tickets because this isn’t going to bring you any luck!
Left Hand Itching Spiritual Meaning
Left hand itching spiritual meaning is when one’s left hand, sometimes the palm of the hand, starts to itch and tingle.
It is common for people to itch their left hands when they are troubled by something or experiencing some sort of life transition like moving, going on vacation, starting college, or getting married.
Left hand itching may be a spiritual connection and it can also have other meanings.
This type of body language is an indication that the person needs help and guidance in order to figure out what direction he wants his life to go next.
Left Hand Itch & Being Left Handed
Almost every culture associates left-handedness with bad luck or misfortune.
One of the most popular cultural beliefs states that right-handed people are lucky while left-handed people have bad luck.
In some cases, people believe that if someone holds their left hand outstretched they will receive negative energy from others around them causing illness, sadness, or even death.
In other cultures, some believe that left handed individuals are unlucky and should never undertake any activity with their hands as they might get cut off or fall sick due to this condition.
Top Money Superstitions
Money superstitions are beliefs and practices that people have about money. Some of these can be harmless, while others may cause harm to the person who follows them.
It has been said that superstitions are most popular for all, with specific beliefs such as good luck. Belief in superstitions decreases with age.
Money is one of the most commonly used symbols to represent good fortune and wealth.
The belief is that money can make you lucky or unlucky depending on how a variety of factors. Let’s discuss some of the most common money superstitions.
Spiders & Money
It is a simple, common superstition that if you have a spider crawl into your pocket or purse it means “money luck” is coming soon.
Would you consider money and spiders in the same sentence? But, there are two types of superstitions with spiders and money.
If you observe a spider spinning a web, then your income with increase due to your hard work.
When a spider crawls into your pocket, that means you will always have money.
The idea of catching spiders in order to avoid bad luck is not very scientific.
Whistling
Did you just whistle money away?
Many people have superstitions about money, but this Russian superstition is one of the more interesting ones. Russians don’t whistle in a roof because they might lose their money if it goes up into the air and returns to them.
In addition, they do not whistle inside in fear of putting themselves in poverty.
Ring in the new year with cash in your hand
The New Year is approaching, and you might be wondering what to do with that cash in your hand.
The old wive’s tale claims that you need to have cash in your hand before midnight on December 31 if you want to be prosperous for the coming year.
On New Year’s Eve, put all of your cash in one pocket and don’t set it down anywhere until after midnight.
Another superstition says putting your purse or wallet on the floor can make you lose money.
Heads Up Penny
What does it mean to pick up a penny if it is heads up?
Most people would say that if a penny is heads up, it means it has been picked up.
Since a heads up side of a penny brings good luck, the tail side brings bad luck.
We have all heard the saying, “heads up for luck and tails for bad luck.” This superstition drives that saying.
So, when you find a penny with the “good” side up, will you pick it up? What about if the “bad” side is up, will you leave it be?
Or do you prefer the penny saving challenge?
Purse on the Floor
A common superstition about money is that putting your purse on the floor will cause you to lose money. This superstition probably originated from an old wives’ tale.
Sweeping the House
A common superstition is to NEVER sweep your house before or after 6:00 p.m.
If you sweep at night, it means that you are sweeping away any good fortune and money that may have come into the home during the day.
Friday the 13th
Another superstition is some people will put a dollar bill under their pillow to make sure they have enough money for the day ahead or will not walk around on Friday 13th because it’s considered bad luck.
Bird Droppings
If a bird poops on you or your car – it will bring your financial luck.
In fact, bird droppings bring great wealth. That is what has been said before.
Good Luck Charms
Many people believe in good luck charms, so they carry one around in their pocket, wallet, or shoe.
Many times someone’s lucky charm has a significant meaning to them. One that may or not be spiritual in nature.
One thing is for sure… they carry it everywhere they go.
Money Attracts Money
Money attracts money is a saying which means that the more you have, the more likely you are to attract people who also want to be wealthy.
This is because when someone starts making more money, they usually want to be in a place where other wealthy people are, which is why many wealthy individuals live in expensive neighborhoods.
It takes money to make money.
As frustrating as that concept is, there is some truth to the statement. You cannot always have a negative bank balance and have the mindset that things you quickly change.
If you see positive growth, you are going to focus on continuing the money growth.
It all comes down to your motivation – in fact, use one of these millionaire quotes to help you reach success.
Medical Truth for Left hand itching
This is an unusual symptom that your body may be experiencing. It could signal something serious like an allergic reaction or a parasitic infection.
It is natural to scratch your hands.
When the itchiness becomes too much, you can use your other hand to help relieve the pressure. If the itchiness is in your fingers, try using a piece of cloth to cover them. If the itchiness is in your palm or wrist, then you can use some ice cubes wrapped up in a thin cloth.
Also, refer to a doctor for a specific cause of your left hand itching. The more common medical causes can be many things such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrhea (dry, scaly skin).
Does your Left Hand Itch?
Despite the fact 63% of Americans believe in superstitions, most people do not realize how much money is involved with their rituals.
Left hand itching is one of the most common money superstitions.
Left hand itching is a superstition that has been around for centuries and continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
There are many superstitions for top of left hand itching, but none have been proven scientifically. It is important to remember that left-handedness has no correlation with your luck or money status in life!
Left hand itching is a highly-common superstition that has been around since ancient times.
It means luck and money are coming your way because the left hand symbolizes wealth in many different cultures, though it’s not always true.
If you are experiencing an itch on your left palm, then there may be some truth behind this old saying.
Or does are you experiencing right hand itching?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
As the new year began, the late 2023 assumption of multiple rate cuts from the Fed quickly gave way to the notion of needing “just a bit more confidence” that inflation was sustainably on the path to 2.0% before rate cuts could commence. That shift in verbiage coincided with a shift in inflation numbers in January’s data. Now that February’s inflation data is mostly in, we find inflation running nearly as hot as last month at the consumer level and even hotter at the producer level. Today’s PPI confirmed the latter and the bond market didn’t love it. Jobless claims added insult to injury with a big drop in continued claims and big revision (lower) to last week’s 1.9m+ reading. All this with less than a week to go before the next Fed announcement and dot plot.
Core MM PPI
0.3 vs 0.2 f’cast, 0.5 prev
Core YY PPI
2.0 vs 1.9 f’cast, 2.0 prev
Headline PPI MM
0.6 vs 0.3 f’cast, 0.3 prev
Retail Sales
0.6 vs 0.8 f’cast, -1.1 prev
Jobless Claims
209k vs 218k f’cast, 217k prev
Continued Claims
1811k vs 1900k f’cast, 1906k prev
08:35 AM
After the data, 10yr at 4.223% (up 3.5bps on the day). MBS down 6 ticks (.19).
09:45 AM
Additional weakness. 10yr up 7.3bps at 4.261. MBS down 10 ticks (.31).
11:57 AM
More weakness. MBS down 15 ticks (.47) and 10yr up almost 11bps at 4.294.
02:28 PM
MBS are down 17 ticks (.53). 10yr yields are up 11.2bps at 4.30.
Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.
A new year brings a fresh start. Maybe in 2024 you’re trying to refresh your skincare routine or resolving to read more. But as you work on yourself, don’t forget to give your home some TLC.
This year is bringing unique and luxurious styles to the forefront of home décor. There’s an abundance of home trends to embrace—from textured fabric to textured walls, dainty bows to soft round edges, and even glamorously ornate stylings.
While you don’t need to abandon your style, let these trends serve as inspiration for ways to refresh your space. Here are the top 10 home décor trends of 2024.
1. Bouclé fabric
Credit:
Reviewed / Beautiful
As if we needed yet another reason to adore Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful collection.
Move over velvet—bouclé is the latest fabric everyone wants. Made of looped wool or synthetic fibers, bouclé is a textured fabric often coming in soft pastel and neutral colorways. Nick Drewe, a trend expert at Wethrift, spotted bouclés rise in popularity, especially on TikTok; the hashtag #bouclechair has over 62.4 million views on the social media site.
To join in on this interior design trend, go for this chic, yet affordable chair from Drew Barrymore’s line at Walmart, which has a rotating base and comes in an darling shade of sage or a sleek white.
Beautiful Drew Chair
Lounge in style with this luxe rotating chair.
2. Bows
Credit:
Reviewed / Meri Meri / McGee & Co.
There’s no limit to what season bows can be used in.
Yes, maybe you just put away bows for the holiday season, but they’re not going anywhere. Bows are everywhere—from clothes to hair, and now your home.
These dainty ties add a feminine flair to your home design. Bows is one of the most versatile design trends of 2024. They can go anywhere, like your table with delicate taper candles from Meri Meri, and even your bathroom with this sweet shower curtain by McGee and Co.
Multi Bow Taper Candles
You’re sure to see a surge in ‘coquette’ home décor this year.
Lillian Linen Shower Curtain
These bow accents are subtle, but will offer a different feel.
3. Peach tones
Credit:
Reviewed / Ruggable / Holli_zollinger
Pantone’s “Peach Fuzz” should absolutely be on your mood board this year.
The Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz, a cheery color ready to brighten up your home’s color palette. It’s a vibrant pastel that works wonderfully as a decorative pop of color.
Ruggable, which makes our favorite washable rugs, has an exclusive line featuring Pantone Peach Fuzz. We love this tufted rug that features a playful geometric print. Or, you can go all out with a peachy accent wall using Spoonflower wallpaper.
Pantone Peach Fuzz Neutral Grid Play Tufted Rug
Peach Fuzz can add that pop of color you need.
Peach Fuzz Pantone Color of the Year Wallpaper
A bold accent wall is calling your name this year.
4. Cozy neutral colorscapes
Credit:
Reviewed / BedThreads. / CB2
Try adding deeper earth tones to achieve a moodier vibe around your home.
Brown is the new go-to shade of neutral. While black, navy, and gray usually get all the attention when it comes to neutrals, 2024 is the year of brown. Not only is it a perfect compliment to the vibrancy of peach, but it’s a gorgeous way to add depth and warmth.
Bedding is an easy way to incorporate brown into your home. Refresh your bedroom with a set of cozy linen sheets in a deep cocoa color like these from BedThreads. Or, try brown curtains for a moody display. These curtains from CB2 are a rich brown that will make your home feel luxurious.
Cacao 100% French Flax Linen Bedding Set
You’ll feel luxurious sleeping atop these earthy linen sheets.
Chocolate Brown Velvet Window Curtain Panel
Feeling moody going into the new year? Try these floor length curtains.
5. Curved furniture
Credit:
Reviewed / Orren Ellis / West Elm
Make waves with curvy furniture that is both unconventional and distinctive.
This year, rather than going for sharp, angular pieces of mid-century modern furniture, try rounded curves. This softer approach, especially through furniture, can make a statement.
Have fun with a new coffee table that swaps hard edges for smooth curves. This cloud-like coffee table is unique and cultivates a dreamy living room vibe.
Or if you’re in the mood for a new couch, try this low-profile curved sectional from West Elm.
Bothnian Cloud Shape 4 Legged Coffee Table
This abstract coffee table is the perfect mesh of modern and contemporary home décor.
Laurent 2-Piece Wedge Chaise Sectional
You’ll dream of sinking into this eccentric sectional.
6. Furniture made out of cardboard
Credit:
Reviewed / 2modern / Yona Furniture
In 2024, we’re using less wood and more cardboard.
Sustainability continues to be an important pillar of this year’s home design forecast, with cardboard furniture trending as one of the greenest ways to furnish your home.
You’d never think that cardboard could be sturdy enough to hold your mattress, but it is! Cardboard is one of the most sustainable fibers as it’s made from recycled materials rather than newly harvested ones—and it can be surprisingly sophisticated.
Cardboard furniture may be rising in popularity, but it’s been around for almost 50 years. The Wiggle Stool by Frank Gehry is crafted from perforated cardboard and makes a contemporary and stylish seat.
Yona makes cardboard bed frames that are supremely sturdy, holding over 7,000 pounds. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want the cute platform bed style, a cardboard frame is worth a look.
Wiggle Stool
A cardboard stool that takes upcycling to new levels.
Yona Cardboard Bed
Yona Furniture’s cardboard pull out bed is great for the environment.
7. Concrete walls
Credit:
Reviewed / Brewster
Faux brick walls are a thing of the past—try faux concrete instead.
Industrial style stands the test of time, but it’s getting a new look in 2024. Rather than steel, exposed brick and natural wood, it’s the year of concrete. This rough, natural material adds some nice texture to your home. It looks best in bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.
However, if you can’t build a concrete wall in your home, you can still get the look with wallpaper. This Brewster wallpaper looks like concrete, so you can create a statement wall masterpiece.
Quimby Grey Faux Concrete Wallpaper
Don’t worry, this faux concrete wallpaper is renter-friendly.
8. Ornate-inspired interiors
Credit:
Reviewed / Astoria Grand / Rifle Paper Co. x Cloth & Company
Maximalists will appreciate the appeal of bold metallics and eye-catching florals.
Some of the most popular movies and TV shows of the past year—think White Lotus, The Gilded Age, and Saltburn—feature ornate backdrops full of European-inspired homes with gorgeous plastered walls and rich fabrics. For the maximalists, tuning into this ornate style will feel natural.
This style embraces plaster and concrete walls decked out with gold trim and bold pieces of artwork.
Bring the style to your own home with gold accessories and satin florals. Hang your photos with a gold ornate frame like this one from Wayfair that’s beautifully decorated.
Rifle Paper Co. makes furniture in their gorgeous prints and this settee looks like it’s out of a stunning villa.
Greyson Wood Picture Frame
If simplicity isn’t your thing, try a fancier frame for your favorite photos.
Rifle Paper Co. x Cloth & Company Louie Settee
This settee comes in 12 different eye-catching patterns.
9. Bold tile patterns
Credit:
Reviewed / Merola Tile / MSI
May your next home DIY project be filled with new tiles and a satisfying end result.
When it comes to tiling, this is the year to go bold. While crisp white tile is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens, it’s a little dated. In 2024, go for patterned tiles. We love floral patterned tile that can deck your walls and floors.
If you don’t want to stray too far from white tiles, this mosaic tile comes in a simple black and white floral motif.
For something a little bolder, this porcelain tile features a gorgeous blueprint that will make your home stand out.
Metro 1 in. Hex Matte White with Flower
Replace old backsplashes and tile flooring with a dreamy upgrade.
Encaustic Tamensa Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile
These tiles looks like they’re hand-painted with a glossy sheen finish.
10. Curtains that let the light in
Credit:
Reviewed / Jinchan / Home Decorators Collection
Don’t forget to upgrade your windows with the rest of your home.
After years of embracing colorful lights inside your home with sunset lamps and smart bulbs, it’s time to embrace your home’s natural light.
To let in all the light possible, reassess your curtains—without sacrificing privacy. Instead, try keeping shades on just the bottom half of your windows. Short cafe curtains, like these striped ones from Amazon, are cute and allow light to drift in, creating a sense of airiness in your home.
If you don’t want to abandon blinds, install top-down-bottom-up blinds that are light-filtering and also allow greater flexibility of coverage.
Striped Tier Curtains
Pinstripe curtains that can make any kitchen look farmhouse-chic? We’re sold.
Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades
Filter light to your liking with these cordless shades.
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By: Rob Chrisman
Fri, Feb 16 2024, 10:42 AM
It was a sad day earlier this week for anyone who likes food out of a toaster as the inventor of Pop-Tarts passed away at age 96. (Yes, Pop-Tarts were invented… they don’t grow naturally in the wild.) Something else that isn’t found naturally is airline seat pricing. We’re in mid-February, and conference activity will increase, and families will start thinking about summer vacations. That often means flights. Prices do go up significantly 21, 14, and seven days before a flight, so keep that in mind. (For anyone who is genuinely interested, here’s an easy to read scholarly article on the awkward way in which airlines set seat prices.) And while we’re talking about dollars, recent Commentaries have mentioned the shift in regional manager’s pay to more profit-based rather than strictly volume, as well as how it is illegal to pay LOs on profits under TILA’s LO Comp Rule. Addressing management pay, attorney Steve Lovejoy with Shumaker Williams pointed out that, “If the branch manager is a producing manager, meaning he/she originates, or so much as talks to consumers, their compensation cannot be based on profitability of a loan, the branch or the company.” (Today’s Commentary podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Lender Toolkit and its AI-powered AI Underwriter and Prism borrower income automation tools. By providing lightning-fast underwriting decisions, your market reputation with borrowers and Realtors will soar, which means more repeat and referral business. Hear an interview with Figure’s Anthony Stratis on trends in home buying and the HELOC space.)
Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software
Technology and operations leaders: what’s better than a free consultation from a mortgage tech expert? Getting the advice of six. That’s what’s in store if you join “Strategies to Master the Market Now with the Right Mortgage Technology,” next Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2 pm ET. This free webinar, co-sponsored by Floify and Truv, Christy Soukhamneut, chief lending officer at UFCU; Raven Johnson, VP business systems at Legacy Mutual Mortgage; Craig Ungaro, COO AnnieMac Home Mortgage; features Jodi Hall, founder & CEO of DandaRoad, LLC; Richard Grieser, vice president of marketing at Truv; and Sofia Rossato, president & GM of Floify. Click here to register.
To gain the repeat, referral and refinance business coming in 2024, many lenders are beginning to think like a healthcare provider. Similar to a patient portal for health management, what if you could offer a home care portal that assists homeowners in managing their home? Milestones offers home finance insights, home improvement suggestions, storage for home records, and direct access to home service providers in one portal that is completely white labeled to you. Learn how to keep your lending products and partners top of mind with Milestones.
TPO Products for Brokers and Correspondents
Merchants Bank of Indiana continues to grow and recently announced the addition of a Mini-Correspondent offering to its BCU Mortgage Services platform. BCU Mortgage Services offers a dedicated Wholesale and Mini-Correspondent channel to Banks and Credit Unions. If you are a financial institution tired of Investor churn, check out Merchants. They are a strong and committed counterparty. Having recently reached $17 Billion in assets, they continue to leverage their diversified business model to grow market share and assist their lending partners. In addition to BCU, they also offer a full Correspondent Lending platform to Banks and IMBs offering Non-delegated and Delegated underwriting. Their commitment goes further, they are a top 3 Warehouse provider and are looking to grow their retail footprint. Contact Ron Berry, Retail Sales Leader to learn more about their LO opportunities. Contact Rob Wilson, Correspondent Sales Executive to learn more about their Correspondent or BCU Mortgage Services offering for Financial Institutions.
Rocket Pro TPO is continuing to support broker partners by providing professionally designed marketing toolkits & customizable flyers tailored to brokers’ specific needs, saving time and effort. For first-time homebuyers living within the 21 eligible metros, Rocket Pro TPO’s Purchase Plus product has no AMI limits and provides a $5,250 grant assistance which can be a powerful benefit paired alongside the customized open house flyers. Recently at IGNITE Live, Rocket Pro TPO announced that by utilizing Credit Upgrade, broker partners were able to save clients a combined total of over $21 million in 2023! Those are savings clients and brokers alike would all want to contribute to in 2024. Interested in learning more about a Broker or Non-Delegated Correspondent partnership? Contact Rocket Pro TPO to learn more.
“Transform your brokerage with The Loan Store, a catalyst for broker owners in pursuit of seamless growth. Picture your loan officers effortlessly earning a remarkable 200 basis points with minimal effort, ensuring unwavering borrower engagement amid market fluctuations. Our forte lies in lightning fast HELOC closings, no appraisals, no processing headaches, and approvals in minutes. Our pledge is simple: empower your team to focus on cultivating relationships. By streamlining the loan process, we empower your loan officers to outpace the competition in today’s dynamic landscape. The Loan Store stands as your ally, propelling your brokerage to unprecedented heights where speed, efficiency, and remarkable earnings effortlessly converge. Ready to redefine success? Connect with us or explore our website to embark on a journey of unparalleled success with The Loan Store.”
Exciting times lie ahead for American Financial Resources, LLC (AFR) as the recent change in ownership to a fund led by members of Proprietary Capital, LLC is now finalized. Keen observers may have noticed changes in pricing, and this trend’s expected to continue. AFR, known for its excellence in specialized loans, is poised to elevate its position even further. The infusion of capabilities from the expertise from the team at Proprietary Capital opens doors to broader product development, execution, and market growth. While AFR will remain a leader in specialized loans, the discerning eye will observe a notable expansion beyond the specialty niche. This ownership change marks the beginning of a new era for AFR, promising enhanced offerings and a commitment to the experience of our customers in all channels. Stay tuned for a journey of growth and innovation with AFR at the forefront. Contact AFR Today!, 1-800-375-6071.
Now that we’ve entered the new year, it’s time to set new goals and meet updated production targets. Axos Bank’s Wholesale & Correspondent Lending program offers unique financing solutions to help you reach those goals. Qualify more buyers with Pledged Assets for loans of up to $30MM Closed-End Seconds with a CLTV of 85%, buy-before-sell options, and Reverse Exchanges. For more information, reach out to your AE. Don’t miss our free webinar, Buy Before Selling Options, on Feb. 20, for valuable mortgage origination tips to help you reach your goals. Our Axos Residential Warehouse Lending team is also available to provide strategic direction and support your business growth. Schedule a call today! Email Eric Nelepovitz or call the Warehouse Lending team at 888-764-7080 to learn more about our warehouse program.
STRATMOR’s Customer Experience Workshop
It’s the CONSUMER experience that matters most… Price, product and technology only go so far in driving profitable relationships for banks and lenders. So how is your company employing customer experience strategy to drive revenue growth in today’s challenging market? Join STRATMOR Group customer experience experts and peer lenders March 12-14 for the three, two-hour-session virtual Customer Experience Workshop to learn how to optimize your loan processes to maximize repeat and referral business and achieve your growth goals. This highly interactive virtual workshop is designed to give lenders specific, actionable ideas to optimize the customer experience and create raving fans, especially in challenging market conditions. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot today.
Capital Markets
The Bank of Oklahoma’s trade desk reminded everyone who deals with margin requirements that FINRA 4210 is coming, effective May 22, 2024. “We want to make it clear to our originator clients that BOK is not subject to FINRA’s 4210 rule. We are a bank dealer that is governed by the OCC, not FINRA.”
A common email that I am receiving now from lenders is, “Is the economy hot or cold. Which way is it pushing rates?” Mortgage rates are inching up after reports of hotter-than-expected inflation data showed continued strength in the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve doesn’t set mortgage rates, but with inflation still over its 2 percent target alongside a robust job market, the market continues to focus on when the Fed will start cutting its benchmark interest rate, which is currently keeping mortgage rates elevated.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.77 percent as of Feb. 15, according to data released by Freddie Mac and up 13 basis points from the previous week. (One basis point is equal to one hundredth of a percentage point.) Mortgage rates were last at this level in mid-December when rates fell below 7 percent for the first time since August. For perspective, a year ago, the 30-year mortgage rate was averaging 6.32 percent. So, the economy has been performing well so far this year and rates may stay higher for longer, not helping the spring homebuying season or production numbers.
That said, a drop in U.S. retail sales yesterday helped soothe traders’ nerves about an overheated economy after this week’s inflation print came in above expectations. Retail sales declined 0.8 percent month-over-month in January compared with a 0.2 percent downwardly revised decline in December. Factory production decreased in January for the first time in three months, pointing to a loss of momentum. These reports were unduly influenced by weather-related issues over the course of the month. Weekly jobless claims also unexpectedly declined by 8k to 212k, indicative of a growing economy. However, the rising level of continuing jobless claims displayed the challenge in currently finding a new job after a layoff.
Today’s economic calendar contains some first-tier data, including the producer price index, which will be closely watched as it should help define the Fed’s next steps. PPI in January, +.3 percent, ex food and energy +.5 percent, versus expectations of increasing 0.1 percent month-over-month and 0.7 percent year-over-year. We’ve also had housing starts (-14.8 percent, but thought to be weather-related!) and building permits (-1.5 percent), seen increasing to 1.465 million and 1.510 million from 1.460 million and 1.493 million; later is the preliminary February Michigan sentiment number. Three Fed speakers are currently scheduled to close out the week: Richmond President Barkin, Vice Chair for Supervision Barr, and San Francisco President Daly. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse .250 than Thursday evening, the 10-year yielding 4.31 after closing yesterday at 4.24 percent, and the 2-year at 4.67.
Employment
Kind Lending, LLC is pleased to announce that Will Fisher has joined Kind as the Executive Vice President of Non-QM. Will brings with him over 11 years of experience in building and designing Non-QM platforms and products. He has served in executive roles at LoanStream where he successfully built a non-QM-focused operations and sales teams. Additionally, Michael Falce has joined the team as the Director of Capital Markets, Non-QM Division. He boasts an award-winning background in Non-QM lending spanning over 15 years, with a strong focus on Capital Markets. Kind Lending is extremely excited for the experience and skills that both Will Fisher and Michael Falce bring to the team and the direct contribution they will have in the continued focus and growth of Kind’s in house Non-QM product offerings. To learn more about opportunities at Kind Lending, visit us here.
Steve Adamo, President of Residential and Consumer Lending looks to continue to expand OceanFirst Bank’s Residential Lending division. In 2023, the Bank saw top producing Loan Officers join the team as well as expanding its geography in the new metropolitan market of Washington D.C. OceanFirst Bank blends the benefits of an independent mortgage company with the stability of a banking environment. The Bank provides their Loan Officers with a strong portfolio, direct agency lending, retained servicing, innovative marketing and technology products and services, and the ability to lend nationally as a National Association bank. Additionally, our NeighborFirst program has benefits such as a low-down payment, no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), and no LLPAs based on credit score or loan amount. Contact John Costa, Senior Vice President and Head of Mortgage Sales or 609.444.6121 to take your business to new heights. FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | Equal Opportunity Employer
US Mortgage Corporation proudly celebrates 30 years of unwavering excellence. Founded by Steven A. Milner on February 17, 1994, the company has evolved into a national leader in the mortgage sector and continues to invest in growth fueled by its deep ‘YOU&US’ Culture and commitment to its Mission that ‘everyone deserves a roof over their head’. From its inception, US Mortgage has been committed to transforming homeownership dreams into reality. It’s remarkable journey from a local lender to a nationally recognized mortgage leader has been propelled by the trust of its amazing team who focuses on longevity through putting others first. US Mortgage is thrilled to announce an ambitious expansion plan that underscores their commitment to growth. “As we celebrate 30 years of excellence, we are energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. Our expansion signifies not just growth but an unwavering commitment to serving our clients, referral partners, and each other with the highest standards of professionalism,” said Steven A. Milner. For info, contact: Mike Veli, VP of Strategic Growth.
I have not conducted a formal study of the matter, but it seems like few people actually retire from our business. Many hang on, doing their jobs or consulting into their 70s or even 80s. Not so with Susan Semba of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association who is retiring after 40 years in the trenches. Susan has supported her local MBA Chapter, Idaho Mortgage Lenders Assoc., for 30+years included being President, chairing the Pacific NW Lenders Conference, and always willing to be a speaker. She has been a mentor and strategic partner for HFAs across the country. As Susan heads to Las Vegas for a little golf Chuck Kracht will assume the role of VP of Homeownership Lending and Servicing. Congratulations all the way ‘round.
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In AD PRO’s monthly Having a Moment column, AD senior design editor Hannah Martin reports as a weathervane for fads big and small, documenting the patterns and home decor trends she’s clocked in the pages of AD and beyond. Here, enjoy a look back at 2023’s most defining moments.
From nostalgic styles making a comeback to innovative responses to how we live today, there were many stand-out moments in the world of interior design this year. Reviewing them retrospectively, the selections sum up the past year’s tentpole memories—from the design fair debuts we’re still thinking about to the interiors that will inspire well into the new year. Before diving into the design forecasts and color predictions for 2024, take a minute to reflect on the home decor trends that ruled interiors this year.
The kitchen counters and island of Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s renovated New York family home are clad in Calacatta Turquoise Antico marble from ABC Stone.
Photo: Kelly Marshall
Forget the subtlety of travertine (last year’s surface du jour) or the always-in elegance of snow-white Carrara. This year was all about an eye-popping specimen—strong veining, unusual colors, and (for the ultra-daring) perhaps a graphic mix of both. Surfaces need not blend into the background; they can say something too. Let’s call it personality marble—that essential dose of pattern that can make any interior pop. Take, for instance, the freestanding onyx bar Roman and Williams turned into a showstopping moment in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito living room, or the all-over marble bathroom of Tinder founder Sean Rad and his wife, Lizzie Grover Rad, conjured by designer Jane Hallworth. Consider it a new kind of conversation piece for the home.
Jaxx Red Marble Side Table
In artist Mary Weatherford’s midcentury-modern LA home, revamped by AD100 designer Oliver M. Furth, the pink toilet is vintage Kohler.
Photo: Douglas Friedman
“With a rise in midcentury-modern home remodels and an increased nostalgia for retro furnishings, we’re seeing more customers favoring color,” says Alyssa Wilterdink, senior marketing manager at Kohler, which relaunched a duo of vintage hues for its plumbing fixtures in honor of the American manufacturer’s 150th anniversary this year. Designers are indeed leaning in: Virginia Tupker recently ordered custom colored Water Monopoly sinks in pale pink and blue for a family home in Connecticut; color fiend Frances Merrill installed a cobalt blue sink in the powder room of a Cape Ann, Massachusetts, home; and designer Oliver M. Furth opted for a vintage pink toilet from Kohler for artist Mary Wetherford’s midcentury-modern abode in LA.
Lookin’ Good Shower Set
The Plain English kitchen of this Virginia Tupker project in Connecticut, features a backsplash made of custom Portuguese tile, hand-painted with a William Morris–inspired motif.
Photo: Isabel Parra
This year, we witnessed a surge in designers adding color, pattern, and artistic flair to their projects with hand-painted tile. “I’ll tile just about anything,” says interior designer Jessica Jubelirer, who applied the treatment to the hearth, the bathrooms, the baseboards, and, most memorably, inset in the closet doors in a lakeside Wisconsin family home. Meanwhile, in a historic Connecticut family home designed by Virginia Tupker, Delft and Portuguese tiles create a sort of wainscoting in the entryway and bathrooms, as well as fireplace surrounds. In the kitchen of that project, hand-painted tile adds a splash of pattern (drawn from a William Morris motif) as a backsplash. Practical and durable with an artisan flair, hand-painted tile adds visual interest wherever needed. Adds Jubilerer: “Kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces can all benefit from its practicality and beauty.”
São Dinis 88 Portuguese Tile
Massimiliano Locatelli’s Milan apartment features task lighting; an industrial, stainless-steel kitchen; and terrazzo floors.
This spring’s design fair circuit hinted at a return to the industrial minimalism, high-tech style of the ’70s and ’80s—an industrial revolution of the interior, if you will. In April we returned from Milan with notes about a minimalism resurgence, with a particular emphasis on industrial materials. Knoll had reissued some of high-tech star Joe D’Urso’s super-adaptable and sleek low tables from the ’80s. Ledongil Workshop’s experimental lighting and furnishings, on display at Ordet gallery, felt like an elevated take on track lighting. And at Drop City, designer Daisuke Yamamoto showcased a collection of clean-lined chairs made of the most frequently trashed construction material: lightweight gauge steel. Indeed, industrial materials and minimalist silhouettes were the protagonists of this year’s debuts.
Hector Small Dome Clip Light
A pale plink moire dressing room by Sophie Ashby
Photo: Alexander James
“We’re blowing the dust off moire,” says Raffaele Fabrizio, creative director of Dedar, while showing off the Italian fabric house’s newly expanded Amoir Libre textile. Cue the ripple effect. As of late, a handful of brands and interior designers have redirected their gaze to the historic textile that oozes opulence, repackaging it for today’s quiet luxury. Interior designer Sophie Ashby, who recently wrapped a dressing room in a pale pink Dedar moire, praises the home decor trend for its ability to expand space: “When used in the right way it can really enhance a space, enveloping the interior with tactility whilst also subtly playing with light to make smaller spaces—such as dressing rooms or hidden nooks—appear larger.”
Quadratic Rug in Burgundy by Objects of Common Interest for CC-Tapis
Aerin Lauder mounted a grid of prints in the service pantry of her Palm Beach kitchen.
Photo: Simon Upton
Before there was photography, botanists—or anyone wishing to document flora—created detailed illustrations, known as botanical studies, intended to convey the plant’s physical appearance and other qualities. Unsurprisingly, such botanical studies have long been used to decorate. Lately, the botanical studies trend—a longtime hallmark of traditional, even preppy interiors—is blooming anew. In Lauren Dupont’s Connecticut home, designed by Stephen Sills, a pair of antique botanical prints purchased at auction hang in her dressing room, and in her Palm Beach kitchen, Aerin Lauder mounted a grid of floral prints in the service pantry. Sure, there’s nothing innately groundbreaking about florals when it comes to home decor trends, but perhaps that’s just what gives them eternal life.
Nasturtium Wall Tray
In his Manhattan loft, Colin King styles a minimalist bed—or “grandma-style,” as he dubs it.
Rich Stapleton
In the bedroom, gone are the piles of decorative pillows and fussy, overstuffed duvets. Back is a simple coverlet that is perfectly happy not to take center stage. You know this super-simple look: a flat coverlet is laid across the bed, folded down a little at the top, and then back over a pair of standard pillows. “It always felt a bit traditional and almost religious,” says Colin King, the stylist and longtime AD contributor, who favors the minimalist bed. “It’s clean and tidy, simple but elegant. It gives the room the feeling you want your bedroom to have—serenity.” The back-to-basics look has been spotted in a restored Brooklyn Heights apartment by Augusta Hoffman, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s California bedroom designed by Jake Arnold, and Andre Mellone’s Manhattan sleeping quarters too.
Repose Heavyweight Bedcover
A pair of Biedermeier armchairs add a classical touch to a Nashville living room designed by Roger Higgins.
Photo: Haris Kenjar
In Germany and Austria between 1815 and 1850, when the Napoleonic wars had ended and a burgeoning middle class emerged, a new style of furniture was created to suit their needs: streamlined versions of more opulent Empire furniture, characterized by strong lines, warm local woods, and simplified shapes—though, notably, not totally stripped of ornament. Biedermeier furniture, as it would later be named, has regained appeal in contemporary interiors for its chameleon qualities. It brings a calculated hit of classicism to a cool, minimalist interior, but it can deliver streamlined modernity to one that is layered and super decorated. These days, says Campbell-Rey’s Charlotte Rey, it’s all about the mix: “It is important to not be afraid to mix them with color and other periods. Perhaps you place a Memphis Milano lamp on top of a Biedermeier sideboard? Being too respectful can make it feel overly polite.”
The weather is nippy, the sun is low in the winter sky, and all thoughts are turning to comfort food. In other words, it’s officially the season to hunker down and gleefully embrace your homebody instincts to stay in.
If your household is anything like ours, these next few months will also be when the dining room becomes a place for more than just meals. Indeed, winter hibernation includes slow mornings over a book and long evenings with your latest craft in hand.
But your dining room might need some extra love these days, especially if your home feels a bit bare sans all the holiday decor. To help, we’ve gathered up some timeless dining room looks from Instagram that will make your space feel just as cozy as it did around the holidays.
Here are five decor ideas to keep the warm vibes going in your space well into the new year.
1. Dining room library
One of our favorite chic and snug looks for the season? This dining room/dream reading space by @kateabtdesign. The best part of this look is that it doesn’t take a lot of construction chops to achieve, just a few well-placed bookshelves.
“The concept of integrating a library into a dining room has grown more popular because it adds a layer of intellectual charm and character to the space,” says designer Guillaume Drew, of Or & Zon. “Bookshelves adds a warm, lived-in feel and a unique ambiance that’s both cultured and comfortable.”
Get the look: Get your dining room library off to an exciting start with this etagere bookshelf.
2. Warm wood side table
When creating a cozy space that you genuinely want to spend time in this winter, nothing achieves that feeling quite as well as vibrant wood tones. This is especially true when the wood vibes come in the form of a spotlight piece of furniture, like this side table from @oezlem.oezsoy.
“Warm wood tones have this inherent quality of making any space feel grounded and cozy due to their connection with nature and the outdoors,” says Drew. “The rich hues and grains pair well with both traditional and modern decor and evoke a sense of durability and timelessness.”
Get the look: Give your space a homey hue with this midcentury buffet in Acorn.
3. Woven-backed chairs
Another variation on the theme of using natural materials to create a grounded, comfortable space is a woven-backed chair, such as the ones featured by @heidicaillierdesign.
“Current dining areas are overwhelmingly wood—with hardwood flooring and built-in wood storage,” says designer Courtney Wollersheim, of FLOOR360. “Choose a dining room chair that has a complementary wood tone and woven seat back to tie the space together.”
Get the look: Complement your naturally decorated space with a set of these Astrid upholstered rattan dining chairs.
4. Grand-scale chandelier
Is a high ceiling making your dining room feel more formal than comfy? Not to worry. A perfectly placed grand-scale chandelier like this one from @chairishbydesign might be the thing to change that.
“Including a grand-scale chandelier in a dining room is more than just a statement. It’s about creating intimacy and ambiance,” says Drew. “The sheer size draws the eye up, then down, illuminating the room in a soft glow and shrinking to a more comfortable scale.”
Get the look: Cast a welcoming glow over your space with this Cassi 6 chandelier.
5. Tabletop taper candles
Taper candles are having a serious moment this winter. And if you’ve been feeling like your dining space lacks a certain glowing ambiance, then a few styled candles like these from @barwny_domek will work wonders.
“Your dining room tablescape is a space to showcase things that demonstrate your heritage, thrifting talent, eco-consciousness, and seasonal flavor,” says Wollersheim. “Tapered candles complement any style while adding an elegant vintage feel with warming, cozy candlelight.”
Get the look: Shop this collection of tapered candles on Etsy, or skip the matches and opt for a few of these Wick rechargeable LED table lights.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Get answers to common questions that will allow you to maximize your credit card rewards points and avoid common point planning pitfalls with our Nerdy expert tips.
How can you travel more while spending less? How could changes in airline loyalty programs affect your travel plans? What are the benefits of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards versus flexible rewards cards? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Erin Hurd dive deep into credit card rewards points, addressing a range of topics that will resonate with anyone eager to maximize their credit card points and travel perks. They discuss recent changes in airline loyalty programs, including Delta and Alaska Airlines, and explore the advantages and drawbacks of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards and the benefits of using flexible rewards cards.
They also present strategies for maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses while avoiding common mistakes that can lead to fewer rewards, and offer tips for how you can track and manage credit card points and perks. Sean and Erin also explain the pitfalls of carrying a balance on travel credit cards, the implications of credit card fees and surcharges at local stores, potential industry changes, such as interest rates and fee structures, and the potential impact of the Credit Card Competition Act on rewards programs.
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Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
Airline points, restaurant points, retail points, rental car points, hotel points, points, points, points, points, points. Wrap them all up in credit cards and sometimes it can be head spinning.
Erin Hurd:
My guidance is generally pretty similar for most people, even if they have pretty different travel goals, and that all really goes back to the idea of just earning flexible points. If you have a stash of flexible points that aren’t locked into any one travel brand, you have a lot of options.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Erin Hurd:
And I’m Erin Hurd.
Sean Pyles:
This is the final episode of our nerdy deep dive into your money in 2024. Erin, we’re almost a month in, so how is your 2024 going so far?
Erin Hurd:
So far, so good. I can’t believe we’re already into 2024, but all is going well.
Sean Pyles:
Love to hear it.
Erin Hurd:
How about you, Sean?
Sean Pyles:
It’s been alright so far. I’m just glad the days are getting longer at this point, however slowly. So, Erin, we’ve brought you back onto the show because you are a nerdy points pro. How did you come to be so interested in credit card points programs and do you have a degree in complex mathematical equations? Because sometimes it seems like you need one to figure out how to use all of these.
Erin Hurd:
That sounds like it could be true, but actually it’s quite the opposite. I majored in English and math was always my least favorite subject. I’ve always been a deal seeker. I’m always looking for sales, I’m finding coupons, I’m figuring out how to get more, but how to pay less for it. So my husband and I have always loved to travel and I started dabbling in points and miles many years ago to help defray our travel costs so that we could travel more. But I really fell down the rabbit hole with the points and miles when we grew our family, and now we needed four seats on the airplane and in some circumstances, we need two hotel rooms for our family of four. So that’s when I really got serious about earning enough points and miles so that our family could travel more than just to the local campground, because that’s all that I would be willing to pay for.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. And when you’re wrangling kids, I’m sure you don’t want to spend time doing math, but the good news is nobody needs a math degree because all they have to do is go to the NerdWallet site, poke around with our very handy calculators, and all will be revealed. But let’s give everyone a rundown of things they might want to think about when managing their credit card points. Now, would you say that the start of a new year is a good time for listeners to take stock of where they are with their points programs? Or is that something they should be monitoring all year round?
Erin Hurd:
Great question. Well, in a perfect world, ideally you do want to be giving your points some attention more than once a year, especially if you’re trying to save them up to take a big trip, because the amount of points that you’ll need for that trip can fluctuate. Often it requires more than you think that you’ll need and it can take time to earn those points and then to find great redemptions for them. But don’t fear, it’s never too late, so the new year is a fantastic time to check in if you haven’t been already.
Sean Pyles:
Well, we are going to give everyone a head start by taking a look at what we can expect from 2024 in Point Land. But before we get started, a reminder that we always want to hear what you think, too, listeners. To share your ideas, questions, concerns around credit card points, or anything else, leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at (901) 730-6373. That’s (901) 730-NERD, or email a voice memo to [email protected]. Stay with us. We’re back in a moment with the future year in credit card points.
So Erin, let’s start with a look back at last year in Point Land and see if there are some lessons that we can learn from 2023 to take into this year. And before we get too deep into the conversation, I want to flag that we are going to mention some companies that are NerdWallet partners, but that does not influence the way that we talk about them. So, Erin, in this conversation, we’re mostly going to focus on maximizing credit card points, but I want to briefly touch on the fact that at least two of the major airlines, Delta and Alaska, changed their point reward systems toward the end of last year. What did that mean for flyers and were there any kind of bigger messages about point systems that came out of that?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, those were big headlines in the travel world. Now, they were pretty different in scope. Delta changed the requirements to earn elite status in future years, this won’t actually take effect just yet, but they also put limits on some of the benefits that credit card holders can use, like airport lounge access.
Now Alaska, on the other hand, made big changes to its award chart and an award chart is what determines the number of miles you’ll need to pay for a ticket. But these are both examples of a bigger takeaway that we see over and over again, and that is that you should never have all your proverbial eggs or points in one basket. So what I mean by that is that even if you fly a certain airline often because that’s what serves your home airport, having only a credit card that earns points or miles for that one brand really limits your options. The truth is that, unfortunately, travel loyalty programs change or get devalued relatively often and sometimes with little to no notice. So that means if you’ve racked up a nice chunk of say, Alaska miles for an upcoming trip, but they suddenly change their award chart, as they just did, and decide that the flight you want to book will now cost double the miles, you’re pretty hamstrung if all you’ve got is a chunk of Alaska miles.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, having multiple different cards from different brands is a way of having credit card dollar cost averaging in a way, where you’re spreading your risk across different kinds of products. So, that is one way to offset the ups and downs of what these companies are doing. But I can see these changes making some folks wary of using these cards that are co-branded with an airline or hotel. Do you still think they’re worthwhile given recent changes?
Erin Hurd:
I do. For travelers, carrying a co-branded airline or hotel credit card, it can be really beneficial for certain perks. Some of the airline cards, for example, will give you free checked bags for you and sometimes, depending on the card, up to eight traveling companions every time you fly. So, that can add up to a huge value if you’re flying relatively often, even if you’re flying a couple times a year and you’re checking a bag, that can make it worth it. And especially because you’ll earn, generally, a welcome bonus when you open up the card.
But I advise leaning more on what we call flexible rewards credit cards, and they can give you a lot more options for your travel, plus they often earn more rewards on everyday purchases.
Sean Pyles:
Can you tell us what you mean by flexible points? How do they work and how do you earn them?
Erin Hurd:
Oh, sure. As the term suggests, they are flexible. So, there’s a number of credit cards that have their own travel points. Instead of earning Delta miles or Alaska miles or Marriott points, for example, there are several Chase cards that earn points called Ultimate Rewards. There are many different American Express cards that earn something called Membership Rewards. There’s City Thank You points, ect. And the beauty of these flexible points is that they can be used to book all kinds of travel, not just a Delta flight or not just an Alaska flight.
So generally, these credit card issuers have their own travel portal and you can book your travel there and pay directly with your points and you don’t have to involve any cash. And many of these programs also allow you to transfer those points to certain airline and hotel travel partners, usually at a one-to-one ratio, which is great because often you can get more value from your points when you transfer them to the airline or the hotel and book directly. But really, the biggest benefit is just having so much more flexibility. So instead of being locked into a Delta flight, like you probably would be if you only had a Delta miles earning credit card, flexible points just give you lots of options.
Sean Pyles:
Okay. Well let’s get to cards. First, anything from last year stand out to you? Any program changes you saw that were worth paying attention to or new ways to use them?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah. Well, the good news is that we’re still seeing some pretty juicy bonuses offered for new card holders who sign up for a card and meet certain spending requirements in the first few months. And we’re excited that those seem to be sticking around. Years ago, it used to be that a credit card welcome bonus of around 30,000 or 40,000 points was really generous, but over time those numbers have crept up and up, and it became not uncommon to see bonuses of 60,000 points or 80,000 points or even 100,000 points offered to new cardholders.
Now, that trend continued throughout COVID, even when people weren’t traveling as much, the banks kept offering big bonuses to keep travel credit cards interesting. And we’ve been wondering, all this time, if we’d start to see the bonuses start to shrink back down as people return to travel, as inflation and recession fears crept in. But the good news is we have not seen that happen so far. Right now, there are several six figure welcome bonuses out there for various travel credit cards and welcome bonuses are an important part of the travel credit card strategy for a lot of people.
Now, I don’t open credit cards just for the welcome bonus. I don’t advise doing that, but I also know that I’ll earn more rewards from that bonus than I probably will from a year or more of regular spending on that card. So it’s definitely a factor.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. And these signup bonuses are often folks’ best chance at getting a huge amount of points since points can take a long time to accrue through daily purchases alone. And we’ve also seen new ways to use rewards, right? What’s the latest on that front?
Erin Hurd:
As far as new ways to use rewards, we’ve seen a steady stream of options evolving to use your points to pay for merchandise at various stores. At Amazon, for example, when you check out, you may have noticed you have the option to pay using several different kinds of points, credit card points. It makes it really easy and it can feel like you’re getting stuff for free if you’re using points instead of actually charging your card or paying cash. But really be careful because the downside is that you’re often getting poor value for your points when you use them this way. You’re paying for convenience and they’re betting on people not really understanding or questioning the value of the points.
So for example, if you use Chase Ultimate Rewards at Amazon to check out, they’re worth 0.8 cents each, but those same points can be worth up to 1.5 cents each when you use them to book travel through Chase, depending on which card you have, or often even more than 1.5 cents each if you transfer them to travel partners.
Sean Pyles:
Wow, that breakdown is really eye opening. I’ve seen that at Amazon checkout and I’ve been a little tempted to use my points in that context, but after that, I definitely won’t be doing so. So, thank you for that. So Erin, I think one of the most common questions people have is how to know which card and point program is not only best in class, but best for them and their specific situation. So, if you’re looking to maximize points, how do you figure out which card to get in the first place?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, it’s a great question and there are so many options, and I know it can be really overwhelming for people who aren’t immersed in credit cards all day long like we are here at NerdWallet. And it may seem like there are many different factors, maybe you think it’s going to be different if you want to use points for travel, which airlines are most convenient for you? What style of travel do you enjoy? What kind of trips are you planning for? But really my guidance is generally pretty similar for most people, even if they have pretty different travel goals. And that all really goes back to the idea of just earning flexible points. If you have a stash of flexible points that aren’t locked into any one travel brand, you have a lot of options.
So I also encourage people who really want to get the most from their points to not get scared off by credit card annual fees. I know it can seem silly to pay a fee just to have a card, I hear resistance from people, and I get it, but the rewards and the perks that you get from the cards that charge annual fees often far outweigh the fee itself. In a lot of cases, you get what you pay for, and yes, there are lots of excellent no-fee cards out there, but if you really want to up your points game and take it to the next level, it’s really worth considering the more premium cards that do charge a fee.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, I, for a long time, was really opposed to annual fees on credit cards because I just didn’t want to pay for access to a credit card and the fee-free option seemed to be sufficient for me. But I recently actually acquired a travel credit card that does have an annual fee because I looked at all of the perks that it was going to offer me and then compared that to how much the card costs on an annual basis. And the perks, by far, outweighed the cost. So you’re really getting something that’s worth more than you’re paying an annual fee if you make it worth it. You do have to do a bit of work to make sure you’re taking advantage of all of the benefits that these cards offer you.
Erin Hurd:
That’s right.
Sean Pyles:
So Erin, since you are deep in the points world, I would love to hear how you have approached this thought process in the past. Are you the type to be selective with cards in your wallet, or do you have a small collection of cards at your disposal?
Erin Hurd:
Well, both. So personally, I am selective, but I have also collected a pretty large portfolio of cards over time. Our family does travel a lot, and so we make pretty full use of the credits and the perks that the cards give us, but I also reevaluate each and every year to make sure every card still makes sense for me and for our family. And I really recommend that people go slowly and have a strategy. It’s really easy to get excited by the big welcome bonuses and people can be tempted to open lots of cards all at once, but please just slow down. Be aware that each credit card issuer has their own set of guardrails. They won’t extend excessive amounts of credit to any one person, and they want to make sure that you’re going to be a good long-term customer.
One issuer, for example, won’t approve you for a new credit card if you’ve opened more than five cards across any card issuer in the past 24 months. So I really like to hammer home that this is a long-term game and it pays to have a strategy. Don’t just go opening cards willy-nilly without a plan.
Sean Pyles:
And then with the cards that you use, how do you keep track of the points and perks that you have and the fees associated with them? Do you have a spreadsheet? Are you using a notebook? What’s your process for that?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, I have a simple spreadsheet. As a credit cards Nerd, I’m also pretty engrossed in it all day long. NerdWallet has a lot of resources to keep everyone up to date, we cover all the news. So you can always check NerdWallet, but I recommend just a simple spreadsheet, taking note of what cards you have, when you opened it, what signup bonus you earned when, and then just what categories that bonus is on.
So another tip is to make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirements when you do open a new credit card. In order to earn the bonus, you’ll typically need to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 or even more on that card in the first three to six months. Make sure you have a plan to meet those spending requirements without spending any more money than you intend to or would otherwise.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, and one big thing to watch out for is bonus categories. You can look for specific spending areas, say travel or groceries or gas, and get more points for those than for other purchases. Walk us through how to make sure we’re using each card in the most efficient way to rack up those points and rewards.
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, that’s a great point. And honestly, that’s another reason why many brand-specific cards, like a Delta card, probably won’t be your best bet because they tend to offer only 1x rewards on most everyday spending categories, except purchases on their brand. So if you really want to ramp up your points earning, don’t just blindly use one card for every purchase. I like carrying a few cards that can work together to earn the most rewards across many different categories. So you could use one card for groceries, but have a different card for restaurants.
Now, the good news is many of the major credit card issuers offer several cards that have synergy. They all earn the same bucket of flexible points for you, but one card is better for some categories and another is better for different kinds of purchases. Now, in the show notes, we’ll include our articles about some three-card combos you can have that can really help you ramp up your rewards.
But I know there’s a lot of people out there who don’t want to futz with having a lot of cards, and that is completely fine, but I would ask you to at least consider two cards. That way, if the largest spending in your budget is on grocery stores, say, you could choose a card that earns good bonus rewards at grocery stores, and then you could use another card that earns a flat 2% on all other purchases, and you’ll be good to go.
Sean Pyles:
When you’re thinking of which card to use or which card to take out, it really helps to know yourself and where you’re spending the most amount of money. So the card is helping you earn points on those categories that you’re spending on.
Erin Hurd:
That’s right.
Sean Pyles:
So Erin, what are some common mistakes that people make when trying to maximize their points? Can you run down a few of those for us?
Erin Hurd:
Absolutely. I think one of the problems I see a lot are that people don’t really understand the value of their points. And please do not feel badly if this is you, because it is a pretty complex scenario. Not all points are created equal.
The good news is NerdWallet has a full breakdown of baseline values for your points, and it shows you how you should expect to redeem them. Consult that guide before you redeem your points and it’ll help give you a gut check to see, is this a good use of my points or is this a poor value? I think it helps to think of points like a currency, right? So there are many different kinds of points and they all do have some kind of value, and that value is equivalent to an amount of money. And once you start thinking of them like a currency, and not just something that you get for free, you’ll be apt to spend them more wisely.
Sean Pyles:
And we should also mention that carrying a balance on a credit card that offers points, especially travel credit cards, can be a really costly mistake. Credit card interest rates are really high right now, and paying interest on your balance can negate any benefit that you get from the points that you earn.
Erin Hurd:
Yes, that is the number one rule in this game. The interest that you’ll pay on balances that aren’t paid in full every month will far outweigh the rewards that you’ll earn. Now, if you need a breather on interest, there are many cards on the market that offer a 0% intro APR period, and they also earn rewards. Another reminder is that it also rarely makes sense to pay more in order to use your credit cards. Like sometimes at local stores or restaurants, you may have to pay a surcharge in order to use that credit card, and the reality is that that surcharge that you’ll pay usually outweighs the reward that you’ll earn.
Sean Pyles:
That’s a great point and something that I am guilty of, because I just want the convenience of using my credit card and getting those points. But like you said, it negates the point of doing that in the first place. So, I’m taking that with me into 2024.
So Erin, if you could look into your plastic credit card crystal ball, is there anything you think is worth watching for this year in particular besides possible changes in interest rates?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, we’ve seen several cards raise their annual fees, creep up the fees in exchange for adding more perks and benefits to the cards. And I think that’s a trend we could see continue. But just be careful because oftentimes these perks require some hoops. For instance, some offer credits towards certain purchases, but those credits are doled out monthly or quarterly, and they’re use it or lose it in that short timeframe. So just make sure you’re taking a look at the value you personally receive from a card each year when it’s up for renewal and not just its potential value on paper. If you are not using the perks, then it may not make sense for you any longer, even if it still makes sense for others.
Sean Pyles:
Erin, I also want to ask you about the Credit Card Competition Act, which has been making headlines for over a year at this point, but it seems like we might finally see some movement on this legislation that could change how we use points. Can you give us a rundown on that and what it might mean for point fanatics?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah. So, the Credit Card Competition Act is definitely something we’re keeping close tabs on here at NerdWallet. For those who aren’t familiar, this is proposed legislation that could really affect the rewards you earn from your credit cards.
See, merchants pay transaction fees as a cost of doing business for accepting credit cards. They’re called interchange fees, and this is where a lot of the money comes from that fund the credit card rewards. So if credit card issuers get less money from these fees, they may be forced to cut back on the rewards that they offer to consumers. So, we could be having a pretty different conversation about credit cards this time next year if it passes.
Sean Pyles:
We will all be keeping close eyes on this, and folks listening, we’ll let you know what happens as there’s any updates on this. Well, Erin Hurd, thank you so much for joining us and getting to the point.
Erin Hurd:
Thanks, Sean. And that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at (901) 730-6373, that’s (901) 730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected] and also visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info in this episode. And remember to follow, rate, and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
Sean Pyles:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland and Erin. I helped with editing. Kenley Young helped with fact checking. Kaely Monaghan mixed our audio. And a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.
Erin Hurd:
And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general education and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sean Pyles:
And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
When it comes to home design, we’ve all decorated with a trend or two that we wish we could forget (anyone remember pistachio-colored kitchens?). But we’ve also discovered trends that have turned into classic finishes that are here to stay. (Looking at you, marble!) With that said, while trends come and go, it’s always fun to forecast what’s going to be hot in the new year. And as with the “never dress in a trend from head-to-toe” fashion rule, the same applies to home decor. It’s never wise to outfit an entire house in them, but sprinkle in a trend here and there for an updated look. From embracing bold hues to incorporating textured wallpapers, 2024 looks to be a colorful year. Four designers weigh in on what you’re sure to see inside beautiful homes around Dallas this year.
Trend: Working pantries
Working pantries, like this one designed by Hayden Dendy of BRNS Design, feature prep space, storage cabinetry and a pop of pretty design.(Becca Lea Photography)
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More and more, new home builds and renovations are including a spot for a working pantry, which is a larger walk-in version with storage and prep space. “Adding countertops, outlets and space to prep in pantries bring an added layer of function to the home and can help achieve a mess-free kitchen space while entertaining,” says Hayden Dendy, designer for BRNS Design, a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm.
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Designer Kara Adam, owner of Kara Adam Interiors, is also urging her clients to consider adding a working pantry to their floor plans. Not only is it practical, but it’s another opportunity to have fun with design. “Pantries are no longer a closet with white shelves,” she says. “They are gorgeous and they’re functional. Design them with pretty countertops, tile and wallpaper, or paint them a fun color. They are truly treated as a room now, not just a closet. This will be budgeted into more and more of my clients’ projects.” She suggests storing appliances that take up space in the kitchen such as coffee makers, blenders and toasters. “They can also be plumbed with a sink or ice machine. Basically all of the things that are noisy or unattractive, so that your kitchen remains a pretty space,” she says.
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Trend: Saturated color
Rich color is starting to saturate every room of the house, like in this bold blue dining room designed by Kara Adam.(Michael Hunter)
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“This year we are going to see homeowners being more adventurous with color,” says Danielle Frazier, co-owner and principal designer of interior design studio Twilly & Fig. “When you saw the trends go towards gray and neutrals and cooler tones, people lost that richness and connection to color. They are starting to feel that void and want to be more playful with color.” Within that, Frazier notes that spaces will continue to see monochromatic use of color, particularly with moody hues. She says she’s seeing an increase in purple spaces, as well. “We just did a living room in a grayish plum that is really rich. It’s a color you don’t hear a lot about now, but you’ll start to see it more,” she says. She suggests trying Benjamin Moore’s “Hazy Lilac” as a way to introduce the trending palette. Aside from the walls, Frazier also notes that homeowners are starting to ask for colorful pieces like rugs, sofas and wallpaper as well. “I think people are willing to take a risk with color on more investment pieces than they have in the past,” she says.
Adam agrees that the neutral all-white look is starting to fade. “In 2024, few people are going to ask for that,” she says. “People want a cozier environment rich in color. Even formal spaces are looking less formal because of the rich color. It draws you in and makes a space scream ‘come hang out in here,’” she says.
Trend: Mixing and matching genres
Designer Kara Adam artfully mixes fresh, contemporary fabrics; furniture pieces with traditional lines; modern lighting; and crown molding details in this family living space.(Michael Hunter)
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As the neutral palette starts to fade, so does the matchy-matchy interior that looks more like a catalogue than a personalized lived-in space. “Our clients are craving an element in their design and in their homes that have a soulfulness to them,” Frazier says. “For instance, we’ve been designing a kitchen with custom handmade tiles on the backsplash. We’re finding that people are wanting to add depth, character and personality through handmade pieces and antiques.” She suggests shopping estate sales and local antique stores for hidden gems or planning a road trip to one of Round Top’s antique show weeks for one-of-a-kind finds.
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“We always encourage and push clients to embrace the unexpected,” adds Adam. “Mixing a contemporary piece with an antique will make an environment that is pleasing to the eye.”She also urges clients to purchase art, which personalizes a home even more. She suggest that her clients buy works that speaks to them, rather than what “matches” their interiors. “Your home is an expression of you,” she says. “Art is very subjective. And, it’s not just decoration anymore. It’s a statement.”
Trend: Bold bars and beverage centers
Homeowners are asking for bars and beverage centers that are stylish and functional, much like this striking blue bar designed by Danielle Frazer.(Michael Hunter)
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“Bars are huge right now,” says Adam. “We have some homes with multiple bars. And much like how powder baths are the jewel box of the home, that’s how bars are going to be too. They will be extremely layered, rich in colors and accessories, and usually have unique countertops.” And thanks to the playful powder bath aesthetic that has been trending for some time, homeowners are craving more of that layered look throughout the home, which is where a bold bar comes in. “It used to be that we’d go into these beautiful, airy light homes and they’ve had this wild powder bath, but now you’re seeing that personality throughout the home,” she says.
Cheers to the new home bar: How to create a modern, multifunctional space
And on that note, Frazier is seeing an increase in beverage centers, which encompasses every drink throughout the day, from breakfast to cocktail hour. “In the past a beverage center was maybe just a coffee bar or a cocktail bar, but now people want them to be multipurposeful, a place where they can make their morning coffee or tea, make a smoothie bowl after a workout or pour a beverage after work.” Most of these areas include a beverage fridge or fridge drawers, a built-in pullout trash can, a wine fridge, a sink, and cabinets for blenders, coffee pots or tea kettles. “It depends on the person, of course, but they are designed for how they want it to function,” she says.
Trend: Cozy spaces
“The light airy home has had its moment,” says designer Kara Adam. “People now want a cozier environment rich in color.”(Michael Hunter)
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Homes built in the last decade mostly feature open-concept floor plans, which usually include an open family room, kitchen and breakfast nook. But Adam is hoping to design cozier spaces in the next year. “No one wants to relax in their family room when they are sitting on the sofa and behind them is the kitchen,” she says. Dirty dishes, a pot of soup on the stove or clutter on the countertops does not create for a relaxing space. “Creating separation is good for your mental health,” she says. “You can step away from it and go back and clean it up later.” Plus, when a space is large and open, there is no breaking point for a designer to do something playful and fun on the walls or molding. “When it’s one huge space, it’s a lot harder to upholster or lacquer a wall,” she explains.
Her clients are also asking for game rooms. “We can’t do enough of them,” she says. “We are redoing spaces so that people can have a mahjong room. In our home we have a table built for mahjong, but when it’s not set up for that, we always have a puzzle out, too. Work on a puzzle for 20 minutes and it’s good for your brain and it slows things down. Then you can go back to running around or going to carpool,” she says.
Trend: Textured and printed wallpaper
Patterns, textures and fabrics are big in wall coverings this year. Brian Yates, principal designer with Yates Desygn, covered this bedroom in Ever Atelier x Yates Desygn “In-Site” patterned wallpaper.(Michael Wiltbank)
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Wallpaper has been trending for some years now, and it’s still holding strong in 2024, especially selections that boast texture, bold patterns and fabric. “In 2023, we launched our first wallpaper collection with Ever Atelier, Ever X Yates, and it led us to experiment with wall coverings in new ways. For example, new construction ceilings are typically much taller nowadays, and implementing wallpaper can help weigh it down and feel more proportional,” says Bryan Yates, principal designer of Yates Desygn. “In addition, we are currently framing three panels of a de Gournay print to work as a 9-foot-by-9-foot piece of art and create a more significant moment in a client’s dining space rather than using traditional panels as a series.”
Adam notes that adding the right wallpaper to a space helps to evoke a mood, too. “People are wanting texture as opposed to a super flat, quiet space. For instance, when you’re having a dinner party in a dining room covered in cool silk wallpaper, it makes people want to stay. We want our clients to have dinner parties that go on all night,” she says.
If you’re planning on giving your home a quick transformation for the new year, a fresh coat of paint can do the job. And if you want to master how to paint a room like a pro, you’ll also need to avoid these common painting mistakes.
I’m always updating my home, and taking on a new DIY project. Over the years, I’ve wallpapered rooms, upcycled old, tired-looking furniture and of course, painted walls. But despite writing about home decor for a living, I’ve made some rookie mistakes in the past that have cost me time, effort and money!
($15, Amazon), which are more durable.
2. Consider safety
Lady painting a wall with wrong footwear (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Just because you’re in the comfort of your own home, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your safety seriously. And while I wouldn’t consider painting to be a high-risk job, there are still certain precautions to take.
Most paints contain harmful chemicals, so ensure you always open a window, door or have adequate ventilation in the room — especially if you have children at home.
In addition, always wear appropriate clothing, or disposable coveralls like these Cleaing Pack of 3 SMS Disposable Paint Suit ($18, Amazon), to protect your skin/clothes from any splashes. If you need to use a sanding tool, it’s also advisable to wear protective eyewear, gloves and a mask so that you won’t breathe in dust.
And finally, wear the right, protective footwear to prevent slipping or losing your balance — especially when climbing a step ladder. I’ve been guilty of wearing my slippers to go up a ladder in the past, which is a massive fail! Always treat any DIY/home project as if you’re on a building site — accidents can happen.
3. Prep the walls first before painting
Filling cracks in wall with putty knife (Image credit: Shutterstock)
I’ve been guilty of painting straight onto walls without the right preparation. As a result, any dents or cracks were visible, much to my dismay! But while prepping may seem like an arduous task, this makes all the difference to the overall results and finish.
Check the condition of the walls, inspecting for cracks, holes or any dents. If these are minor, simply apply caulk to fill these in with a putty knife, and let it dry completely before any necessary sanding. If your walls are not in good condition however, you may need to hire a plasterer, to ensure it has a smooth finish.
In addition, it’s always recommended to give walls a good clean first with a soapy water solution to get rid of dust, cobwebs and grime. You can either use a damp cloth/sponge, or a sugar soap spray can also be used to prepare walls. Follow this up by washing again with clean water to remove the cleaner residue, then wipe with a clean cloth.
By taking the time to do the prep work, this ensures you have a clean, smooth wall, makes painting easier and will actually save you more time in the long-run.
4. Use masking tape to secure drop cloths
Man applying masking tape for drop cloth (Image credit: Shutterstock)
We all know how important it is to protect your floor when you’re painting. However, if you just throw drop cloths down without properly securing them, these can move out of place and cause an accident. In addition, I’d often spend extra time covering areas of the floor again, where it had lifted.
The best way to secure drop cloths is to apply about two inches of masking tape to the quarter round or shoe molding along the edge of wall. Then spread the drop cloth out on the floor next to the wall before applying another layer of masking tape so that it covers both the cloth and trim. This way, it shouldn’t shift while you’re moving the step ladder, or generally walking around the area.
5. Lining the paint tray before use
Pouring paint into a lined tray (Image credit: Shutterstock)
One thing I dread after painting a room is the messy clean-up afterwards — especially if you need to reuse your tray soon after. However, a clever painting hack is to line the tray with a plastic sheet or trash bag so that every inch is covered, before pouring out your paint.
The idea is that, once you’ve finished painting, carefully lift out the sheet or bag and throw it out in the trash. This way, your paint tray remains spotless, and ready for the next paint job. Best of all, this is quick, hassle-free and will save you precious time.
Ready to simplify your year by cutting back on some of the excess stuff? Here’s where to minimize first.
Is decluttering on your list of resolutions for 2024? (Ours too!) If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got great ideas for you.
1. The pantry
You probably have so many seasonings and food items that you haven’t used in ages. Start with cleaning out your pantry and getting rid of anything you no longer use or eat.
If you have old food or beverages that you have no use for anymore, simply throw them out. Check expiration dates, because it’s likely that you also have expired items that you never even used.
2. Bathroom drawers
Listen, we all know how cluttered and unorganized bathroom drawers get throughout the year. Before the new year, deep clean your drawers and throw out any personal items you don’t need anymore.
Items such as makeup, old toiletries and accessories often get thrown into bathroom drawers without notice. Sooner or later, you realize that your bathroom drawer has become your junk drawer.
3. Kitchen drawers
Similar to bathroom drawers, kitchen drawers can also often become “junk drawers” by accident. Go through your kitchen utensils and cooking appliances to see if there’s anything you don’t use anymore.
More times than not, kitchen items just end up collecting dust. Make sure you actually utilize the utensils you choose to keep.
4. Closets
This is a tough one. Going through your closets might take some time, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Consider giving away clothes that you no longer wear. You can donate the items to different charities.
It’s also a great idea to go through your closet floors and get rid of any items you forgot were even there to begin with. If you haven’t even looked at something in over a year, it’s a telling sign that it’s probably not something you need.
5. Magazines and books
Some people keep a lot of magazines or books in their apartment which is fine, but it’s good to purge this pile every year and start fresh. Old magazines and books serve little to no purpose in that bin next to your couch. Go through all of them and see what you actually want to keep, then decide what to get rid of.
6. Toiletries
This especially applies to people who travel a lot. If you travel often and have a toiletry bag that you re-use for trips, it’s important to clean this out each year. In general, toiletries are worth going through because it’s likely that you have a lot of old items you don’t need anymore. Toiletries need to be replaced often, so take some time to decide what you need to replenish.
7. Storage Areas
Similar to closets, this is another area that might take some time to purge. Whether it’s your storage closet, a garage or another space you keep storage items in, there’s always a lot of junk you can clean out each year. The idea is to only keep items you actually need, not things that just take up space in a storage closet.
All of your items should serve a purpose. This is why we recommend purging your entire apartment for the new year, so you don’t hold onto extra things you don’t use or need anymore. Decluttering will help you start the year fresh and in turn, you’ll feel a lot more organized going forward.
Linzi Martin has been a freelance writer for over five years. A Florida native, Linzi resides in Delray Beach, where she works as a content marketer and writer for small-to-medium sized businesses around the globe. Her work has been featured by the Porcaro Law Group, VoyageMIA and The Connect Magazine, just to name a few.