Home renovations for retirees weigh costs and gains
Retirees face decisions on remodeling to age in place with common upgrades like kitchen and bath upgrades, home offices, and energy efficient windows. Costs versus resale value vary by project. major kitchen remodels recoup about 67.8 percent, baths around 70 percent, and vinyl siding about 80 percent. Experts advise durable exterior materials, accessible bathrooms, and practical upgrades for long-term living.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wes Moss
Merrill Lynch
National Association of Realtors
Craig Webb
Webb
Las Vegas
Linda Rheinberger
Rocky Mountain States
Remodeling advice for retirees and long-term home plans
The article advises weighing costs and benefits of home renovations for retirees. It suggests converting rooms for accessibility, installing safer features, and planning with a real estate agent and financial planner. If retirement is near, consider delaying major work unless you expect to stay five years or more.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Eleanor Blayney
Certified Financial Planner Board
Blayney
Moss
Simple Steps to a Good Credit Score
Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling suggests aiming above 760 on the FICO scale, while Rod Griffin of Experian cautions against obsessing over a number. He notes credit scores reflect risk and that consistent, on time payments plus good habits matter more than monthly fluctuations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bruce McClary
National Foundation For Credit Counseling
McClary
Rod Griffin
Experian
Griffin
NFCC
Javelin Strategy and Research
AnnualCreditReport.com
Credit habits boost score and lender appeal
Experts say timely bill payment and low balances attract favorable terms from lenders. Review credit reports for errors, close unused accounts, and aim to keep debts low. Maintain 1-2 cards with small monthly charges and pay in full to keep credit accessible in emergencies.
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