Millennial First Time Homebuyers: Send Me Your Questions
Millennials are breaking into the housing market with great force with hopes of attaining one of the biggest stepping-stones to the American Dream- homeownership. Whether or not the American Dream still exists is questionable, but one thing that is certain is that as the largest active generation in the housing market at 34%, millennials are making lemonade out of lemons and turning the boomerang generation into homeowners.
Buying a house is the largest financial investment that most people make in their lifetime. Its benefits, especially if the path to homeownership is achieved by establishing better money habits before buying, result in financial rewards throughout the year.
Before buying a home, first-time buyers should save for a down payment, raise one’s credit score, and figure out how much house they can actually afford. To take the savings benefits one step further, first-time millennial buyers are urged to do a little research of their own to see what tax breaks are available that makes the home buying process a little more affordable.
Keeping affordability in mind, the housing and financial industries have teamed up to offer resources that make the transition of renting to owning easier for first-time and millennial buyers. By anticipating some of the financial setbacks plaguing millennials, such as staggering student loan debt, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have changed the amount allowed to be financed and lowered some of the qualifications to attract young buyers. I bought my house five days after my 24th birthday with an FHA loan. This was the best move for me at that time because I was looking for a nice apartment when I came across a property that was priced so well I couldn’t miss out on the opportunity. I hadn’t saved specifically for a home or better yet a traditional 20% down payment, but I did have enough to put down to secure an FHA loan and become a homeowner by age 24.
Homeownership is affordable, attainable, and provides financial advantages for those who choose this path over renting. While millennials are changing the narrative of the American Dream, one thing still rings true. Homeownership is still a good way to achieve wealth in the United States and thanks to the financial advantages of homeownership, the dream is so much sweeter.
Are you thinking about buying your first home and have questions about the homebuying process? Leave your comment or question below and/or tweet me @shemakescents to have your question answered.
Categories Fix Your Finances, Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags Atlanta blogger, first time home buyer, first time home buyers down payment questions, how to buy a home, millennial home buyer, millennial money blogger, personal finance blogger for women, She Makes Cents	
How to Use Art To Blend His & Her Styles at Home
Published on May 12, 2017 May 22, 2017 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment	
Sponsored: This post contains affiliate links.
The Mr. and I have been married for almost two years now and we have just started to decorate our home in a way that reflects both of our styles. The goal is a little less bachelor pad and a little more like something that reflects both of us. My style used to be eclectic but I am leaning more traditional with pops of accent colors. The Mr., well his style is clean modern lines and about four fewer pillows than I prefer. In addition to blending our furniture preferences, we have been working to blend our varying art styles. I left my 30”x30” canvas print of Audrey Hepburn at my old house for my niece to enjoy. I’m sure the Mr. appreciated that. The same way I took down some of his posters. To blend our two aesthetics, I came up with a design plan that reflects our joint loves, hobbies, and experiences. I believe people should walk in one’s home and think, oh, this is so them.
One thing that unmistakably represents us both is our love for the city of Atlanta. Although we are from two very different areas, we are both Atlanta natives. We are fluent in Southside, Eastside, and Buckhead, he can recite every Outkast lyric, and I am the queen of the Beltline. These are things we wanted our space together to represent- our love for music, our love for Atlanta, and our love for each other. During our first year of marriage, I bought a 45”x30” Boom Box canvas painting that represents our joint music interest. I then started a gallery wall of wedding pictures to represent our love for each other. The only thing that is missing is something Atlanta. We wanted our home to have a fun Atlanta flair by including iconic elements in the design for our home. What better than an art map of the city? I started looking for a map that fit the style of our home when Modern Map Art contacted me to see if I would consider one of their maps in exchange for telling she makes cents readers about the experience. They come in a range of cities and colors, including Aruba where we spent our honeymoon, but of course, we only had one city in mind.
We decided on the black print because we both love the crisp contrast. After we narrowed down the best color option for our home, the print arrived about 3 days later. We both were pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t a traditional poster print. The paper has a velvet-like finish that looks even better in person. I am really into is oversize artwork so I requested the largest print size of 24″x36″ with the plan to have it matted and framed. In my opinion, oversize art makes everything look more expensive and special, results my wallet and hubby can both appreciate. One thing to keep in mind, though, when considering large-scale art for your home is framing. I wanted to frame this print with a 4″ mat, which means I am now moving into custom framing which can be expensive. To save money, I gave up the matted background. The Mr. and I found a simple frame at our local Target and added the print in it the moment we got home. Seriously, don’t you just love the scale of this? The Mr. modeled the print for me because I looked naked trying to take a similar picture in a dress. We are so proud of our growing art collection! We keep trying out our new Atlanta print from Modern Map Art in different locations to find the best location in our home. For now, it lives right next to our beloved Boom Box painting. To grab your very own print to remember your hometown, the place you fell in love, or the best vacay ever, click here. Insider Tip: Follow them on Instagram for 10% off your purchase (code: INSTA10).
Categories Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags @shemakescents, Atlanta art, Atlanta blogger, city map art, His and Her Home Decor, Modern Map Art, She Makes Cents	
Steals & Deals | White Pineapple Lamp
Published on February 25, 2017 July 2, 2020 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment	
I have been obsessed with pineapples before they became a trend. A friend of mine once shared the funniest story about pineapples and since then, every time I saw something pineapple related I thought of him. Being from the south, they are also a welcoming sign of hospitality so it’s no wonder why I incorporating pineapple decor for the shemakescents office was a must. I was on the hunt to replace my desk lamp since the layout of the new shemakescents office is totally different that where I blogged since 2011. Then it came down to two options.
The more expensive lamp gave me the chic and slightly playful design and I wanted to blend into the design. What it was lacking was respect to my budget. I kept looking and while shopping at Hobby Lobby one day with my best friend, I found the exact lamp I was looking for; aesthetically and financially. In fact, I loved it more for the gold accents that match other gold accents in the office. Retailing at $59.99 + the 40% off coupon that I use EVERY TIME I shop at Hobby Lobby, I ended up paying $36.00 (not including taxes). This has been my favorite decor steal, thus far, for the shemakescents office!
Categories Home and Decor•Tags decor inspiration, decor look-a-likes, High Low, hobby lobby coupon, Home on a Budget, millennial design, steals, white pineapple lamp	
{The Bouqs} The Most Epic Way to Buy Flowers – But Is It Worth It?
Published on June 21, 2014 April 24, 2017 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment	
You know I’m all about using my “cents” to live a fabulous life. As I get older, however, I’m feel empowered to define and redefine what a fab life looks and feels to me. One thing that is classic and has always made me feel… well fabulous is fresh flowers at home. It’s something about them that makes me feel very adult and chic, which inspires me to get my house super neat and clean as if Elle Décor was coming through. Being in the event design industry, I am fortunate to see all sorts of beautiful floral from around the world. Being on a financial plan, though, means that it is imperative to find creative yet economical ways to make sure that a simple luxury like fresh flowers is in the budget. Check out what could be one of my new go-to stops for fresh flowers on a budget.
The Bouqs is a company out of California who contacted me last month about reviewing their product. Prior to that, I had not heard of them (I guess I missed that episode of Shark Tank). After doing a little digging, I learned that they offer sustainable and eco-friendly flowers that are grown on an active volcano in South America. Have you ever had volcano flowers??? Yeah, neither had I, so I had to order a bouq (short for bouquet) and let you all know if this is worth adding to your “simple luxuries” money envelope. I went to their website and I was immediately impressed that they had Ranunculus at a time when my floral distributor could not even get them for my brides at work. Swoon-worthy right?
While I LOVE ranunculus, I wanted something with a little flirty touch, so I took a chance and ordered their Desperado bouquet. As seen below, the Desperado is comprised of a lovely composition of pink roses and soft purple Dianthus. I thought the colors were gorgeous so I pressed “order” and waited a week. The delivery came as scheduled, but to my surprise, my pink and purple bouquet was all pink. It was not a big problem, but it just wasn’t what I expected… until I looked online and saw the note that stated: “Pink Roses with Purple Dianthus or similar accent flowers“. This folks, is a prime example of why it is important to read to the end of the line and the bottom of the page J.
Being that I had these delivered to my office, I had a slew of vases in our floral department to choose from. They arrived in a box so I immediately cut them under water at a slight angle to help them last longer. I also was advised by one of our senior designers at my office to remove all extra leaves and cut them short so that water and flower food is not wasted on foliage. I mixed in the flower food that was provided and started playing with how I wanted to style the arrangement I was making. This was my first arrangement right after I took it out of the box on day one.
Bouqs start at $40.00 an order, including shipping, and would be a great option for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, dinner parties or just because. It’s not in my financial plan to get these weekly, but I will definitely take advantage of their concierge service that allows you to schedule floral deliveries to your favorite people. I know I will also use them again because the quality, service, and ability to stay fresh longer than your grocery store flowers makes it worth the money. I will list this as: A GOOD BUY.
What’s Your Take on Fresh Flowers? Fab or a Waste of Money
Categories Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags @shemakescents, Atlanta blogger, Bouqs Review, Danielle Y. Boler, flower company from Shark Tank, how to buy flowers online, product reviews, She Makes Cents, The Bouqs, volcano flowers	
{Style Cents} Best Renovations for Resale Value
Published on February 26, 2013 February 26, 2013 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment	
This may seem random, but I sometimes read up on home remodeling and staging tips from professional stagers all the time. I’m not looking to sell my home, I just LOVE to see what’s new in home decor trends and how I can make my house even more visually appealing. Below is a cool infograph from eLOCAL to help homeowners and prospective buyers decide which remodeling projects will give the largest bang for their buck in the end. Even if you are like me and just looking to keep your home looking magazine ready, it’s great to understand the rate of return on your renovation.
Categories Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags bathroom remodel, eLocal, home decor, Home Improvement, homeowner checklist, homeowners and prospective buyers, improve curb appeal, improve home resale value, increase resale value, rate of return, remodeling and staging tips, remodeling projects for resale, Renovation Ideas, Renovations with the Best Resale Value, She Makes Cents, upgrade your fixtures	
{Happy Monday} Behind the Scenes of SMC
Published on December 10, 2012 July 1, 2020 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments	
Happy Monday Folks!! Around this time of the year, people tend to reflect on things they want to change. I decided that I would not wait until the New Year and start making positive changes NOW; hence, the new look of the site. In addition to the new layout of SMC, we are getting our offices in order. Here are some offices that are giving me everything I need in terms of inspiration.
Check my inspiration for the new SMC office!
Categories Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags Chic Office, Danielle Boler, decor inspiration, Home Office Inspiration, New Year Resolutions, She Makes Cents, She Makes Cents Office, SMC, things to do in 2013	
{Neiman Marcus + Target} Preview the Holiday Collection NOW!!!
Published on October 19, 2012 by Danielle YB Vason3 Comments	
Words cannot express my excitement over the 2012 holiday collaboration between retailers Neiman Marcus and Target which will launch on December 1st (for more information, click here)! Based off the amount of views I got when I first announced the collaboration, I know I am not alone in my excitement. This is the ultimate shopping opportunity to use your “cents” to live the fab life! Click the picture below for a sneak peek of the goodies to come!
Categories Fashion Cents, Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags Council of Fashion Designers of America, Danielle Boler, Neiman Marcus and Target, She Makes Cents, Target Designers, Target Holiday Collection, Tory Burch at Target	
{Looking for Money} Simple Suggestions to Start Saving Money TODAY!
Published on October 10, 2012 April 19, 2013 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments	
If I walked in a room and asked everyone who is completely debt free to raise their hands and someone did, I would truly be surprised. It’s not because I’m unaware of the fact that debt-free people do exist, it’s just because I see an abundance of people from all walks of life trying to get their finances in a better place. I myself am one of those people. The inspiration for this post comes after sitting down and looking at my finances for this month. A wrench was unexpectedly thrown into my financial pattern when a mistake was made on one of my checks (hey, it sucks but it happens). This caused me to take a closer look at my money. Where is it going and could I save more?
I started the morning trying to pay a bill online that I have already paid. What can I say, at the point in the day, I hadn’t gotten my Starbucks fix. Once on the site, though I saw something about saving money with a FREE online Energy Audit from GA Power, so I followed the link. It took less than 10 minutes and it showed me how the changes I have made over the past year have saved me money in a monthly comparison of 2011 to 2012. It also provided some suggestions for home improvements that can increase comfort while lowering monthly bills. According to Energy Star, “a home energy audit is often the first step in making your home more efficient. An audit can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency.”
After the Energy Audit, I checked out my credit card balance (insert sad face). Just to give a little background, a few years ago I paid off my credit card by paying a set amount ($200 a month) instead of the minimum payment. During that time, I saw the decrease in the balance move rather quickly. Now, after living off of my credit card for one year + span of not working, then a complete career change with a different kind of salary, my credit card balance hit an all time high. I’ve been working to pay it and the balance is moving in the right direction, but it’s not moving fast enough. So, I decided to input my information into a credit card payment calculator to find out the timeframe of being credit card debt free. I added a credit card calculator on the right panel of SMC, but I really like this one from the Consumer’s Alliance because it reveals just how much that credit card is going to cost you, or how you can pay off your existing credit card debt a bit faster. Now, i have an exact goal date and I understand better how a few dollars can make a big difference in the end.
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Categories Fix Your Finances, Home and Decor, She Makes Cents (Money Journal)•Tags Consumer Alliance, credit card balance, credit card calculator, credit card debt free, Danielle Boler, Earth Cents, Energy Audit from GA Power, Energy Star, how to be debt free, making minimum payements, Save It, Save On Energy Cost, Saving & Budgeting, She Makes Cents	
{SMC Experiment} Wall Stencils Instead of Wallpaper
Published on June 12, 2012 August 27, 2013 by Danielle YB Vason7 Comments	
I have been waiting until I completed my stencil project to show you the results. If it wasn’t my VERY FIRST post, it was one of my early ones, Buy vs. DIY: Wallpaper vs. Stencils, where I decided to take on the challenge… and I do mean challenge of stenciling my entire guest bathroom. It almost took me an entire year to do it, partly because I was super busy doing other things like planning other renovations and updates in the house, working, and actively NOT working on the wall. I will say it definitely takes patience but I am happy to announce that I am more than pleased with the results.
Check out the Guest Bath!!
This was an in progress picture, hence the green Frog tape and blue painter’s tape to keep my pattern in line.
Now that the project is complete I can truly answer the question, Buy v. DIY. The answer may surprise you, though. If you are trying to make this decision on a purely financial basis, you might break even. I spent more money than expected on paint and adhesive. I didn’t realize that the Flash Bronze came pint size, so I found myself going back and forth purchasing small things of paint. Expenses really add up quickly since you have to purchase or make the stencil, base coat paint, paint to be stenciled, brushes, trays, tape, and adhesive spray. I would suggest comparing ALL of those costs to the price of wallpaper. Would I make the same decision knowing what I know now? Maybe! Check back next week to learn my tricks I learned along the way that would make a second stencil project a breeze.
Categories Home and Decor, Lifestyle•Tags @shemakescents, Bathroom Upgrades, damask wall pattern, Danielle Boler, DIY Decor, Guest Bathroom Ideas, Home Improvement, metallic wall paint, She Makes Cents, SMC Experiment, wall paper, Wall Stencils	