Marilyn Dyer's Blog

 1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.

 How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale

 Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter — and earn a little extra cash — before you move onto your new home. But make sure the timing is right. Garage sales can take on a life of their own, and it might not be the best use of your energy right before moving. Follow these tips for a successful sale.

 1. Don’t wait until the last minute. You don’t want to be scrambling to hold a garage sale the week before you move. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand a lot of time and energy.

 2. Get a permit. Most municipalities will require you to obtain a special permit or license in order to hold a garage sale. The permits are often free or very inexpensive, but still require you to register with the city.

 3. See if neighbors want to join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up with neighbors. However, a permit may be necessary for each home owner, even if it’s a group event.

 4. Schedule the sale. Sales on Thursday and Friday are the most popular however, Saturdays and Sundays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sa