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• 30-year fixed: 4.12 percent - down from 4.25 percent last week (avg. points: 0.29)


• 15-year fixed: 3.34 percent - down from 3.45 percent last week (avg. points: 0.30)


• 5/1 ARM: 3.02 percent - down from 3.09 percent last week (avg. points: 0.31)

• Make sure your finances are in order and your credit is in good shape.


• Research homes in neighborhoods you're interested in online first to help narrow your selection. This will save time when viewing homes in person, allowing you to place a bid faster.


• If you need to sell your current home first, contact a real estate professional right away to find out what repairs/improvements you might need to make before putting your home on the market.
  
  
  -Steve Breihan

1. You've probably heard this since you were a kid, but really…turn off all lights when you leave a room. Train your kids—usually the worst offenders—to do the same.
   


2. Have an honest conversation with yourself: If you haven't used your gym membership in more than six months, cancel it. You can always rejoin and probably take advantage of a better deal when you do. Some gyms will even offer to "freeze" your membership, allowing you to pick back up after a certain period of time.
   


3. Save Starbucks and the like for a special treat. If you buy a $4 coffee five days per week, that's $80 per month. Record your coffee-buying expenses for a month and see what your own personal damage is…then adjust accordingly!
   


4. Ditto for lunch. Even grabbing a burger at a fast-food chain adds up. Start packing your lunch instead. An easy way to accomplish this is by cooking extra at dinner or on the weekends, then packing lunch-sized portions in advance. If you're banking on making lunch during the morning rush, odds are you'll run out of time and end up buying lunch instead.
   


5. Do everything you can to increase your credit score. You will save tens of thousands of dollars in interest from any loans you have simply by having a better credit score.
   


6. Call every company you have monthly bills with and ask exactly what you are paying for each month. You will be surprised how many hidden fees are mysteriously added to your bills. You will never know this unless you ask.
   


7. Consider paying interest-bearing loans twice a month instead of once a month. You might be able to knock thousands of dollars off your total bill. Arrange automatic payments with your bank on the first and the 15th of each month.
   


8. Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving in the shower.
   


9. Odds are you can reduce your cable bill. With the plethora of options for on-demand and online viewing, chances are you no longer need 200 channels and three DVR boxes.
   


10. Buy anything and everything you can from second-hand stores. Second-hand doesn't have to mean poor quality. In fact, most people donate items to these outlets because they are unused or hardly used, making it wasteful for them to be disposed of. Utilize this strategy with kids, who grow out of clothing and shoes at a rapid rate. Many teens also love shopping at second-hand stores where they can get the most bang for their buck, along with vintage or retro items.
    
    -Steve Breihan

• Shorter: The CFPB's prototype is shorter – its word count is about 1,100 words, while the industry average for a credit card agreement is around 5,000 words.
  


• Clearer: The draft credit card agreement has an easy-to-read layout and is written in plain language. It is organized into three simple sections: costs, changes, and additional information.
  


• More consumer-friendly: The simplified agreement explains the prices, risks, and features of the credit card upfront, as opposed to burying it in fine print.
  


• Consistency: The prototype establishes standard definitions for legal terms like "card" and "balance transfer" that are contractually necessary but largely uninformative to consumers. These definitions are based on standard industry usage and practices and will be housed online where consumers can readily access them. For consumers who do not have Internet access, the definitions will be available from their issuer in printed form. According to the CFPB, doing this allows for a plain language document that clearly explains to consumers how the credit card works.

• Contribute to retirement accounts. If you haven't already put money into your traditional or ROTH IRA account for 2011, you've got until April 17 to do it. If you have a Keogh or SEP (Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement for businesses), and you get a filing extension to Oct. 15, you've got until then to make your 2011 deposits. The maximum IRA contribution for 2011 is $5,000 or $6,000 if you're 50 or older by the end of the year. For self-employed people, the maximum for SEPs and Keoghs for 2011 is $49,000.
  


• Reconsider the home-office deduction. In the past, many avoided claiming a home-office deduction because it was seen as an IRS red flag. But the requirements and forms have been clarified so you can now avoid the mistakes that might lead to an audit. The rules have also been expanded so if you didn't qualify for a home-office deduction in the past, you may now. If you use a home office exclusively for business, even if you don't meet your clients there, you're eligible. For instance, a handyman who works mostly at other people's houses can claim the deduction if he does his paperwork at his home office.
  


• Maximize your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). The Health Care Act will limit the maximum you can put into these pre-tax medical expense accounts in 2013, so 2012 is the last year to use an FSA to pay for large medical expenses not covered by your health insurance with pre-tax dollars.
  


• Consider selling investments in 2012. The Tax Relief Act maintains the tax rate cap on capital gains and dividends at 15 percent through 2012. In 2013, the cap for capital gains will increase to 20 percent and for dividends, 39.6 percent. The Health Care Act also created a 3.8 percent Medicare tax on investment income, effective in 2013. Given those scheduled increases, plan to take advantage of the rates next year.
  
  Steve Breihan

• Have the chimney cleaned. The leading cause of fires from wood-burning appliances is the result of creosote (unburned fuel) that has accumulated in the chimney.


• Have any gasket material inspected and replaced as required, such as the gasket sealing the door, the door glass and in some cases the ash dump. If an airtight appliance is operated without these gaskets effectively sealing the openings, excess air can leak into the firebox creating an over-fire condition, which may permanently damage the appliance.


• Clean the blower if your wood-burning appliance is equipped with one. Unlike your furnace blower, these blowers do not have a filtering system to prevent the buildup of dust and hair on the blower.


• Replace any broken or deteriorated brick lining. While cracks in the lining are not a concern, if the brick lining is deteriorated to the point that the steel body is exposed, the heat from the fire can cause permanent damage to the appliance.

• Have the appliance serviced by a qualified technician. A properly maintained fireplace can look as new as the day it was installed. Even the glass must be cleaned annually to keep it looking clear. Although gas fireplaces appear to be maintenance free, these combustion systems are affected by problems such as dust and insects, which could impair performance. The airways of both the pilot and main burners should be regularly cleaned to ensure that they are operating correctly.


• Clean the blower if your gas-burning appliance is equipped with one. As dust accumulates on the blower blades, the balance of the blower will change causing premature wearing of the bearings. The dust also insulates the motor, preventing it from being cooled and can eventually cause the motor to seize.


• Replace the batteries in any optional remote transmitters and in some cases, in the receiver as well. Even when not being used the power held in a battery is slowly depleted.

• Keep candles at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including decorations, wrapping paper, curtains, linens and upholstery.


• Place candles where they cannot be easily knocked down, and make sure they're out of the reach of pets and young children.


• To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations.


• Check for red or green UL marks on all light strings and extension cords. The green holographic UL mark means the light strings should only be used indoors. The red holographic UL mark indicates the light strings can be used both inside and out—and can withstand conditions related to outdoor use.


• Follow manufacturer's guidelines for stringing light sets together. As a general rule, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.


• Hang or mount light strands carefully to avoid damaging the cord's insulation.


• Plug outdoor decorations into outlets protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shock.


• When replacing a light bulb, be sure to use the correct bulb size (wattage) that is right for the fixture.


• When climbing up to hang lights or decorations, avoid the temptation to stand on a chair and get the ladder out instead.


• When using a ladder outdoors, be sure to place the ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks are engaged.


• Use the 4-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.


• Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by where your belt buckle should be. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling.


• Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.
  
  Steve Breihan

Winter Woes:

 Burst Pipe the Most-Feared Home Emergency At this time of year, many take their car in for a pre-winter check to help it withstand the months of cold, damp weather. But how many people ever think to do the same for their most valuable asset—their home?

According to the AA Home Emergency Response experts, a burst pipe is the most common call-out during winter.

The damage and distress it would cause makes a burst pipe the most feared emergency—either in the home or on the road—with more than three-quarters (76%) of 18,251 AA members in a recent AA/Populus poll rating it one of the worst imaginable scenarios.

Internal checks on your home
As well as checking pipes for missing insulation to help prevent a burst pipe, there are a number of other quick and easy steps to prepare the home for winter. If you have a gas-fired boiler, get it serviced regularly to make sure it's up to the demands of a long winter; bleed radiators to improve their efficiency; check windows for any draughts and seal as necessary; and make sure you know where your water stop valve is—it's normally under the sink or stairs.

External checks on your home
Just as you would walk round and check your tires, lights and wiper blades on your car, it will pay for homeowners to do a visual check from ground level of their roof for any missing or broken tiles and guttering for signs of overflowing; clear drain gratings and check walls for any cracks that could let water seep in.

If in any doubt, seek professional advice and assistance.

Interior of the home

• Get your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified Gas Safe-registered engineer—if it's due its annual service soon, get it booked in before the weather gets really cold

• If you regularly use an open fire or log-burning stove, get the chimney swept

• Familiarize yourself with the location of your mains water stop valve (it's usually under the sink or stairs), in case you need to shut it off in the event of a burst pipe

• If you know how to, bleed your radiators, as air pockets reduce their efficiency

• Check pipes and water tank for missing insulation and arrange replacement if necessary

• Check windows and doors for draughts—fit draught excluders or repair seals as necessary

• When required, wipe condensation off windows to help prevent build-up of mould and damp—consider buying a de-humidifier if the problem is persistently bad

• If your home is going to be empty for a while (for more than a few days) or if you have a second property, keep the thermostat set to low, to stop temperature dropping too low

• Make sure you have adequate home insurance cover on your home

• Keep a torch and spare batteries in a convenient place and have emergency contact numbers to hand, including home emergency response supplier or numbers for a local plumber, electrician and gas engineer.

Exterior of the home

• Walk round and do a visual check of the roof for any missing tiles or damage

• Check guttering from ground level by looking for signs of water overflowing during heavy rain. Get someone in to rectify if you're not confident on a ladder

• Check exterior walls for any damage that could let water in and inspect windows for cracked panes – arrange repair work as necessary

• Make sure that brick air vents are clear from obstruction

• Clear as necessary any drain gratings and pathways

• Consider purchasing sand/salt and shovel to clear driveways and paths

• Turn off and drain external water taps and store garden hoses in a frost-free place

• Lubricate external locks and padlocks with WD-40


-Steve Breihan

• Assess your financials in advance. Before you even make your gift list, look at how much you can realistically spend, advises Greenman. If the amount you're considering has you feeling anxious, then absolutely create a budget that has you spending less. Don't allow your holiday spending to negatively affect your bigger financial goals.
  
  
• Eliminate discretionary holiday spending. Increased holiday spending often goes way beyond gifts to a wide range of expenditures, such as cards, wrapping paper, a new outfit for the office party, decorations, etc. These are easy expenses to cut back on, however. If you're hosting a party, make it pot-luck. Send e-cards instead of expensive printed ones. And remember when it comes to holiday decorations, less is always more.
  
  
• Don't shop when you're down. With the joy of the holidays often comes stress and a dose of the blues. According to Greenman, studies show that we're willing to spend more when we're sad, so if you're down, curl up with a holiday movie or spend time with friends. Save the shopping for when your spirits are brighter.
  
  
• Give the gift of time together. Chances are, many of those on your holiday gift list would like to cut back on spending, too. So suggest spending valuable time together instead of purchasing gifts this year. Have your parents over for a festive dinner with their grandchildren and plan to meet your best friend for tea and a movie. Not only does this decrease gift spending, it nurtures the true spirit of the holidays—relishing time with loved ones.
  
  
• Create a shopping plan. When you do head out gift shopping, establish a clear plan in advance: make a gift list and figure out where you need to go for each present; establish how much you will spend on each gift; decide a time you want to finish by; avoid malls/areas that tend to stress you out; try to complete your holiday shopping as far in advance as possible.
  
  
• Use cash. If you stick to paying with cash, you'll be less likely to exceed your gift budget. Credit cards give us the false notion that we can spend more than we can really afford. Never make purchases on your credit card unless you can pay them off at the end of the month.
  
  
• Trade in rewards points for gifts or gift cards. If you have accrued rewards points from credit card use during the year, now is a great time to use them.
  
  Steve Breihan

1. Check the insulation. If your new home has an attic, make sure you take a peek around before you begin using the room for storage. It is especially important if you have an unfinished attic to check and be sure there is at least six inches of insulation around the entire room. Take the time to thoroughly inspect the insulation and replace any areas as needed.
   
2. Lower the temperature on your water heater. If you're looking to save some money on your energy bill, turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater is a few years old, you may want to think about adding an extra layer of insulation to keep the heat where it's needed.
   
3. Create a home maintenance checklist. Even though you have just moved into a new home, home maintenance can't be forgotten. Create a home maintenance checklist now and be sure to go through the list at least once a month. Include any maintenance projects you can think of—including tasks that may only need to be completed every few months. This way nothing will get overlooked and you can take preventive action which will help extend the life of your appliances.
   
4. Hang your clothes up to dry. While drying your clothes in the dryer is a huge convenience for many homeowners, it also eats up a lot of energy. If you're looking to save both energy and money, invest in a clothes rack where you can hang your clothes to dry.
   
5. Install energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances may cost more upfront, but in the end, they will save you plenty of money. Do your homework before heading to your local Lowe's and be sure to go for appliances that are reliable and energy efficient.
   
   -Steve Breihan

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• Increasing your deductible is an easy way to save money on a monthly basis. Even raising it by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your premium
  
• Ask your insurance agent about discounts. You may be able to get a lower premium if your home has safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke detectors, an alarm system, storm shutters or fire-retardant roofing material. Long-term customers and those over age 55 may also be offered discounts
  
• Insure your house, not the land under it. After all, your land will still be there even if your home is damaged. If you don't subtract the value of the land when deciding how much homeowner's insurance to buy, you will pay more than you should
  
• Don't wait until you have a loss to find out if you have the right type and amount of insurance. Discuss with your insurance agent exactly what types of damage are covered, including natural "acts of God." Many homeowners are caught offguard by this loophole.
  
• Purchase enough coverage to replace what is insured. "Replacement" coverage gives you the money to rebuild your home and replace its contents. An "Actual Cash Value" policy is cheaper but pays only what your property is worth at the time of loss - your cost, minus depreciation for age and wear.
  
• Consider any special coverage you may need for valuable and/or unique items, such as computers, cameras, jewelry, art, antiques, musical instruments, stamp collections, etc.
  
• Remember that flood damage may not be covered by a standard homeowners' policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program.

-Steve Breihan

• Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Your Social Security number is the key to unlocking most everything about you. Make sure your Social Security number isn't apparent on other items you may carry as well, such as your health insurance card.
  
• When you head out shopping, take only the credit and ATM cards you really need with you. Most of us carry around every card we own in our wallets on a daily basis, whereas if you only carried a couple of cards, you'd be in monumentally better shape should your wallet be stolen.
  
• We've all heard horror stories about ATM crimes. Try to use ATMs that are within a bank's foyer, protected by a locked outside door, and/or in busy, well-lighted areas. If you're using your ATM to buy goods at a store, make sure no one is invading the personal space behind you when entering your PIN.
  
• Be sure to select a non-obvious PIN, one that combines upper and lowercase letters and numbers—and NEVER write your PIN on a card or anywhere else—commit it to memory.
  
• People ask all sorts of questions these days, usually aimed at future marketing efforts. Before you give a store clerk your telephone number or a business caller your address, make sure you know who you are talking to and why they are asking for the information. You are usually under no obligation to provide this information, by the way.
  
• When shopping online, stick to businesses you trust and enter personal information only on secure Web pages with "http" in the address bar and a padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window. Unless you shop very frequently at a particular vendor, avoid having your credit card and personal information stored in an account.
  
• Choose the credit cards you use online wisely. Try to use cards with smaller limits as opposed to your American Express card or checking account ATM. In the unfortunate event that your card information is stolen, a low credit limit will prevent thieves from doing much damage.
  
• Avoid even remotely suspicious emails and click-through links all together. Only bogus websites will contact you first and ask for account numbers or personal information. If the information is truly important, the sender will find another way to contact you. Unsubscribe to any "junk" email to help keep your inbox free and clear.
  
• Police your bills and checking account information on a regular basis. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, someone who gets your credit card number and expiration date doesn't need the actual card to charge purchases to your account. As soon as you see unauthorized charges on your statement, contact the credit card company immediately to report them; if you wait too long, you might not have any recourse.
  
• Properly dispose of all receipts, mail, and any papers you no longer need that may carry your personal information. Home office-sized paper shredders are available at reasonable rates.
  
  -Steve Breihan

• Eliminating certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term mortgages and lowering fees for other borrowers
  
• Removing the current 125% LTV ceiling for fixed-rate mortgages backed by Fannie and Freddie
  
• Waiving certain representations and warranties that lenders commit to in making loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
  
• Eliminating the need for a new property appraisal where there is a reliable AVM (automated valuation model) estimate provided by Fannie and Freddie
  
• Extending the end date for HARP until Dec. 31, 2013 for loans originally sold to Fannie and Freddie on or before May 31, 2009

1. If you bank online, frequently check your deposit accounts and lines of credit to spot and report errors or fraudulent transactions, just as you should with traditional banking.
   
2. Never give your Social Security number, credit or debit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs) or any other confidential information in response to an unsolicited email, text message or phone call, no matter who the source supposedly is.
   
3. Don't open attachments or click on links in unsolicited emails from anyone you don't know or you otherwise aren't sure about. And watch out for sudden pop-up windows asking for personal information or warning of a virus.
   
4. Be on guard against scams hiding behind online coupon offers. Beware of any coupon site that asks for personal, financial or payment information, which can be misused by criminals.
   
5. Be careful if you download banking software onto a smartphone. The latest emerging threat comes from criminals selling malicious software for mobile banking, some even falsely displaying bank logos. These applications may contain spyware, and downloading them could give a hacker access to your bank account or payment card information. Only download mobile banking applications from a safe site, such as your wireless provider, phone manufacturer or your bank. When in doubt, contact your bank before downloading any banking applications to your cell phone.

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