From House to Home: 4 Financial Tips You Need to Know

You saved, you planned, you bought a house. And now you’re ready to make that new house, your house. But before you get caught up in a swirl of paint colors, curtain choices and deciding if that duvet is really all that, hit the pause button and check out our four steps to budget-friendly decorating. You’ll still end up with the house of your dreams, but without dreading the arrival of your credit card bill.

1: Make a list of everything you’d like to have for your new house.

Go room to room and write down everything you’d like to change, big and small. Does the living room need new blinds? Would an energy-efficient fridge be a good addition to the kitchen? Do you hate the color of the powder room? Does the landscaping need an overhaul? Would you like new cabinet handles in the kitchen? Think about how you’ll really use your rooms and plan accordingly: that white Downton Abbey chaise lounge probably isn’t a great fit if you have three kids and a dog. Share your house? Check in with your significant other and the kids. They’ll have opinions and good ideas for how to turn your new house into something you can all be proud and excited about.

2: Set a decorating budget that doesn’t depend on your credit cards.

How much can you realistically afford to spend each month on redecorating? And by “realistically” we mean that you’re paying all the bills and saving money for things like retirement, college and your “rainy day” fund. Don’t compromise anything important for the thrill of new curtains. That thrill is fleeting while the reality of not having enough money to pay the utility bill is not. It can be tempting to pull out the credit card, but think long and hard before you do.

3: Be creative.

There are so many ways to save on furniture, services and appliances. Check out Craig’s List or eBay. Visit your local Habitat Restore shop. Consider taking a class and handling some of your own renovations and repairs. See if you can trade a skill of yours for one of a friend’s. Look online to find the best prices—but be sure to pay attention to warranties, shipping costs and return policies. And take a look around your own home. Do you have “hidden” treasures that could find a new life? Ask a friend whose taste you admire to brainstorm with you—a fresh perspective can make a big difference.

4: Have a “moving in” garage sale.

As you unpack and decide what belongs where, be open to discarding things. If something doesn’t fit or doesn't have a special place in your heart, put it into one of three piles: donate, toss or sell. If you have enough items in the “sell” pile, have a garage sale and use the money to buy what you need, or want, for your new home.

You’re on the right path to really “owning” your new home. Good luck and congratulations!

Not a Red SHOES member?

Gain control and be confident in your financial decisions with this exclusive financial wellness program.

You might also be interested in

As long-time home owners will tell you, costly household repairs make you miss the good ol’ days of calling your landlord to come and fix things “quickly...

You saved, you planned, you bought a house. And now you’re ready to make that new house, your house. But before you get caught up in a swirl of paint colors...

An easier, more affordable way to buy, build or refinance a home A house is one of the biggest purchases you’ll probably ever make. Which means you really...

Home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) — which one’s right for you? Thinking about making some home improvements this fall — or planning ahead so you’re...

Your home is your castle, your refuge and—let’s face it—a place where it can be very easy to sink a big chunk of money. Which is why you’re always on the...

Buying your first home can be intimidating, so we asked real people to share their new homeowner tips. Find out their strategies to ace the homebuying...

Spring is a great time for fresh starts and new beginnings. And what feels more fresh start-y than being on the hunt for a house...

Looking to start the new year under a new roof, but having trouble locking one down? Look no further! Our President and CEO Kim Sponem talks about what...

Ah, spring! The days are longer, the temps are getting warmer and “For Sale” signs are popping up in neighborhoods around town. If you’ve been thinking...

Certificates

Checking Accounts

Home Equity Loans

Home Loans

Business Banking

Upcoming Events

Programs

Tools & Calculators

On-demand Webinars

Podcasts

Equity in Money™

About Summit

Careers

News

Community Giving

Member Support Center

Schedule an Appointment

Find a Branch

Please read the following before proceeding to:

The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site.

The Wisconsin's #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2023, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23

SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2024.

Insured by NCUA