Collectibles are anything of value that people might, well, collect—from stamps, coins and cars to the newly popular rare digital art known as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Investing in collectibles is a great way to diversify your portfolio while also owning things you love.

Can collectibles deliver the same returns as stocks, bonds and other traditional investment classes? That depends. Typically, the value of a collectible is in the eye of the beholder, and like any other investment there’s no guarantee you’ll make money.

What Are Collectibles?
Collectibles can be defined as items that are worth more now than they were when they were originally sold. Art, antiques, stamps, books, coins, trading cards and comic books are common types of collectibles. Rare collectibles often fetch higher prices, and the value of collectibles tend to appreciate over time.

Take, for example, the ultra-rare “Rabbit,” a stainless steel sculpture created in 1986 by artist Jeff Koons, which sold at auction for a record-breaking $91.1 million in May 2019. It’s still the most expensive piece of art ever sold by a living artist.

Other items are mass-produced and become collectibles—Beanie Babies, anyone? Believe it or not, some of these plush, pellet-filled garage sale treasures may still be worth something (to someone, anyway). A recent eBay search yielded a listing for the 1997 Princess Diana Purple Bear with an $900,000 “Buy It Now” price.

Ideally, collectibles should pique the passion of the collector. An authentic Babe Ruth baseball card is likely going to be worth a lot more to someone who’s into baseball and collecting vintage sports cards than someone who couldn’t care less about the history of the sport.

Nostalgia also plays a role in a collectible’s value. Nostalgia cycles tend to arrive in 20- to 30-year waves. That is to say, something that’s popular now, such as clothing or collectible toys, has the potential to become a collectible 20 or 30 years in the future as people get the itch to reconnect with their past.

There are no guarantees that’ll happen, though. In other words, if your retirement plan includes hoarding today’s top-trending items in the hopes that you’ll get rich by selling them to nostalgic Gen Zers two or three decades from now, you may want to consider another strategy.

Finally, price is often determined by a collectible’s condition. Even the smallest imperfection can wipe out its value. Again, that same vintage Babe Ruth card will garner a higher price in its original and pristine condition versus one that may be rendered worthless because of a few scratches or a bent corner.

Collectibles Are Alternative Investments
Collectibles are considered to be an alternative investment, a group of investment assets that fall into the “other” category. Put another way, alternative investments aren’t the usual suspects like stocks, bonds, mutual funds or cash.

Here’s the difference: When you put your money into traditional investments, like stocks, you expect that they’ll return income payments or profit (or both). Collectibles, on the other hand, have no intrinsic value.

“Collectibles are often subject to the tastes, moods and perceptions of buyers and sellers, which are typically temporary and can diminish overnight,” says Rob Drury, executive director of the Association of Christian Financial Advisors.

While investing in “alts,” as they’re called, can be exciting and rewarding, it can also be risky. With collectibles, there’s zero guarantee that you’ll recoup your initial investment or that you’ll be able to sell it in the future for more than it’s currently worth (it’s worth noting this is also a risk factor for many other investment assets).

Collectibles and Fraud
The world of collectibles also has a dark side rife with scams, con artists and fraud. For that reason alone, it’s critical that you be on guard so you don’t get ripped off. Understanding how to vet dealers and discern between genuine and fake collectibles may not only save you money, it could prevent a lot of heartache.

Take this tragic tale, for example: The family of a retired New Jersey firefighter found out the hard way he’d been duped out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. After he died, his family discovered that the sports memorabilia collection he’d spent more than $100,000 building—including balls and bats signed by Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth and other baseball legends—was full of fakes.

All were sold to him by the same dealer, who’d achieved credibility and fame by purchasing the personal collection of New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio. That dealer later became infamous for selling counterfeit baseball memorabilia.

Potential Rewards of Investing in Collectibles
Of course, not all collectibles investing ends as cautionary tales. When purchased intentionally, with thoughtful research, collectibles have the potential to appreciate in value and deliver better-than-decent returns.

You don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to reap those rewards, either. For instance, consider this recent study on “Star Wars” collectibles from Self read more Financial, a fintech company focused on helping people build credit. It’s no surprise that one of the largest and longest-standing franchises of all time—the first movie, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, was released in May 1977—also boasts a vast trove of collectible treasures.

Some of those items sold for just a few dollars 40 years ago. Today, Star Wars collectibles could be worth thousands. For example, say you’d purchased an original 12 Back Vinyl Cape Jawa action figure for $5 back in 1980. In mint condition, that collectible toy Jawa could fetch upwards of $7,739 today—an increase of 4,000%, according to Self Financial’s study, which used eBay listings from April 2020-21 to conduct its analysis.

Another oft-cited example is the first edition of The Amazing Spiderman comic. Stan Lee’s timeless story of Peter Parker, a high school outcast turned superhero by a radioactive spider bite, sold for a mere $0.12 when it was first published in 1962. In 2011, ComicConnect.com CEO Stephen Fishler sold a copy for an eye-popping $1.1 million.

Advantages of Investing in Collectibles
Diversification. Collectibles may provide your portfolio with diversification. It’s always helpful to have your eggs in more than one basket, instead of investing only in stocks and bonds.
Portability. Collectibles are a physical asset. You can hold rare collectible coins in your hand, for example. You can also transport them easily, so you can sell or trade collectibles anywhere in the world.
Follow your passion. Unlike a share of stock or a bond investment, you get to enjoy your collectibles while waiting for them to appreciate in value. You can display a rare painting on your wall, or drive a vintage car on weekends.
Fun. True collectors revel in the thrill of the hunt—searching out the item of their desire is almost as satisfying as owning it.
Easy access. Getting your hands on collectibles is relatively simple through online marketplaces such as eBay or in local stores. If you know what to look here for, you may even be able to pick up items of value at yard sales, thrift stores or pawn shops.
Downsides of Investing in Collectibles
Rampant fraud. As mentioned above, unless you’re an expert, collectibles are extremely risky. It’s an unregulated industry full of frauds, fakes and forgeries, and even experts can be fooled by a convincing knock-off.
Markups. Collectibles dealers are notorious for marking up items so they can make a profit. Unlike collectors, most dealers don’t have the luxury of buying and holding an item that may or may not increase in value. They need to make a sale so they can pay their overhead and restock inventory.
Tough comps. When buying and selling collectibles, it’s a good idea to look at the going rates for similar items. Bear in mind, though, that if a comparable item is appraised at $5,000, that doesn’t mean yours will be valued in the same ballpark. A collectible’s value depends largely on its condition and rarity.
Lack of liquidity. Collectibles are largely illiquid because cashing out depends on your ability to find a buyer willing to pay your asking price.
Damage diminishes the value. Any scratch, ding or blemish can cause a once-coveted collectible to decline in value or become worthless.
You have to store and insure collectibles. If you don’t store them properly, collectibles can easily get ruined from sun or water damage and other hazards. And the cost to insure them is about 1% to 2% of the item’s value, per year. So a $10,000 piece would cost about $100 to $200 a year to insure.
No income stream. Investments like stocks and real estate may yield an income in the form of dividends or monthly rent payments while you wait for their values to rise. Not so with a collectible—you have to hold onto it until you can sell it.
How Are Collectibles Taxed?
A quick word on taxes: The government isn’t a fan of buying and selling collectibles, so their sale is heavily taxed.

If you’ve owned here a collectible for more than a year, it may be subject to a maximum long-term capital gains tax of 28% when you sell it. That’s notably higher than the 15% capital gains tax for traditional investments like stocks and bonds. If you sell a collectible after owning it for less than one year, you’ll be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.

The amount you owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is determined by your basis—the amount you paid for the collectible when you bought it, plus any auction or broker fees. You can also add to your basis any money you spent restoring, refurbishing or maintaining your collectible. Subtract your basis from the sale price—you’ll be taxed on the difference.

Should You Invest get more info in Collectibles?
Collectibles aren’t for everyone. They’re risky and speculative, and require in-depth research and a fair amount of experience to truly be successful.

If you’re sold on investing in collectibles, consider getting expert advice and working with reputable dealers. It’s probably a good idea to consult with your financial professional to understand how these investments may impact your portfolio and estate planning. Know what you’re buying, and where the market is going. Don’t invest more than you can bear to lose if the collectible doesn’t produce the return you expected. Finally, find gratification in owning the items you collect, and don’t purchase them with the expectation that they’ll return anything but years of enjoyment.

Another thing to keep in mind is that collectibles are illiquid, taxable investments that don’t produce an income unless you can sell them. They can also lose their value in a heartbeat if broken, damaged, lost or stolen. If you’re inspired to purchase a collectible, it should be something you truly love and can afford, and that click here you won’t mind holding onto, potentially forever.

In case you’ve at any time shopped for an image body, then likelihood is excellent you know the way frustrating it could be getting just the proper body for your photograph. You can find just so numerous ones… black photo frames, silver picture frames, antique image frames and lots of much more… how do you end up picking?

Initially request yourself some queries…

That is the image frame for?
What’s your spending budget?
Where by will it's utilized?
These may possibly audio primary but these 3 very simple questions can slender down your options a whole lot. Let’s get started with the very first issue.

Who is the picture body for?
Is definitely the frame a present for another person, or will you be attempting to Screen your very own images? Although this will likely look noticeable it’s essential to reply this dilemma due to the fact this may narrow down your quest considerably.

Deciding on a frame as a present for a liked one, or for any Specific event, can typically be a good deal less complicated then buying a frame for your own personal photos. Often situations frame outlets will likely have sections dedicated to Specific instances or themes like marriage frames, child photo frames, and graduation frames rendering it a whole lot simpler to obtain an ideal present.

With this type of wide selection of frames offered in the marketplace, you’ll uncover all the things from price reduction picture frames for $five-6 to sterling silver frames for more than $500. So, another problem you want to ask your self is:

What’s your spending budget?
Understanding just how much you would like to spend on a little something is always vital since it can help you narrow down your decisions even more. The good detail with frames, is that there's usually A variety of frames for every funds, regardless of whether you ought to find frames for below $fifteen or super read more distinctive frames for more than $one hundred.

As soon as you’ve acquired that discovered it’s time to get started on image body browsing and give thought to…

Wherever will the picture frame be made use of?
Whether you’re offering the body as a present more info or keeping it on your own you really want to be aware of in which the frame are going to be employed. If it’s a gift, then it may be stored additional as being a memento than an image body sitting at operate or at home. In the event the body is for you, then know in which you decide to use it and what you wish to put in it.

Both of these things are significant in picking out the best body. The frame should really buy collectables online fit in Using the atmosphere but it ought to make the photograph stand out. If possible, check out to own the image with you when picking out the frame in order to make sure it can appear fantastic when you get it.

But I need to acknowledge… If you're an image frame fanatic like me and often acquire photo frames and not using a photo in your mind or even a spot… have no worry… it is possible to generally come across a photo that looks excellent… you just might have to take a few shots.

If you'd like much more specific approaches for matching frames with images take a look at this article identified as How to define the Perfect Body To your Photo.

Video content has become one of the most effective investments that are engaging a huge audience. Many individuals are currently investing more resources in video production for marketing. With the increasing competition in video content creation and marketing, it’ll be wise to choose the appropriate background music to make your content stand out.

Background music significantly impacts your video content, audience response, and your brand’s success. Choosing the right music aligning with your video and audience plays an integral role in generating more leads and traffic to your brand. Nonetheless, selecting the best site to download suitable background music for your video content is usually challenging. This article outlines the best sites to find the best background music in 2022.

1. Pixabay
Pixabay is a top and popular resource for downloading images and photos. Despite being well-known for downloading pictures and videos, it’s a suitable option to get the best background music. The platform allows you to browse for the right music based on the mood or genre to suit your video or audience. Pixabay offers a wide range of sounds you can use for your narration or audio drama. When getting the music, you don’t need to worry about paying a fee or giving the artist credit, as the site offers copyright-free content that they release under the Pixabay license.

2. Freeplay Music
It’s an excellent and secure website you can consider for your background music needs. This site has various subscriptions you can choose for the non-commercial or commercial categories. You can get an extensive production of music libraries at the Freeplay site with high-quality tracks. The collaboration of Freeplay Music and YouTube allows free personal use of the platform, while social media users pay only $0.99. Notably, the site licenses all the content, making it easy to use the music without crediting the artist. You can use Freeplay Music to choose the right music suiting your mood, scene, or genre.

3. IncompeTech
It’s one of the best sites you can choose for your background music and downloads. Kevin MacLeod, a top musician, owns this excellent website that has an extensive tracklist. You can get suitable music for your background needs at the site, as it provides various genres and royalty-free tracks. The platform allows you to choose the right tracks, suiting your needs for free when searching or downloading the music. Nonetheless, when downloading tracks without the artist’s attribution, you’ll have to pay $20 for each track.

4. CcMixter
CcMixter is an exclusive website open to all producers, singers, or music lovers to get the appropriate background music. It’s a website with a wide range of music from different genres and artists worldwide. You can freely choose the appropriate music, tracks, or remixes without attributing the artists. You don’t need to attribute the artists as the platform licenses its tracks under the Creative Commons licenses. The platform allows you to download various high-rated music in different audio formats like Ogg, WMV, Mp3, etc.

5. Amazon Music
Amazon Music offers the best option for a top site to download your background tracks or songs. The site offers unlimited access to more than 70 million tracks for non-commercial purposes. Despite operating an online music store, Amazon became the first site to sell its tracks without Sony BGM, EMI, and Universal digital terms management. However, you have to pay a monthly subscription of $7.99 to download suitable music for your video content or audience. Many individuals prefer downloading their background music from the platform as it offers a wide range of options for your needs.

6. Beatpick
Beatpick is the best option when looking for quality music content for your different needs. You can get appropriate music for commercial purposes like internet videos, films, games, or advertising. Many freelancers or agencies prefer choosing music from Beatpick to enhance the video content or audience. Before downloading, the site allows you to test and certify if the music is perfect for your needs. You can use the search bar to choose the appropriate background music from the different instruments, genres, moods, artists, etc.

7. AudioJungle
AudioJungle is an essential part of Envato Market, which offers different sound effects and royalty-free music. Experts reveal that this platform allows you to choose an appropriate track from the broad files, exclusive category list, and collection. It’s the best location or site to download various tracks from different sound technicians and the global music community. Furthermore, after downloading the tracks or background music, the platform has features that allow get more info you to customize the tracks to suit your content. After downloading your suitable track or song, you can use the music kit option for the customization to enhance your audience engagement.

8. YouTube Audio Library
Experts reveal that YouTube is the best platform for downloading or getting your background track or music. The platform has a wide selection of different royalty-free music for unlimited downloads and use by multiple users. YouTube has a simple interface more info that allows you to choose the suitable music library based on the track name, mood, genre, or artist. After uploading the podcast, the platform will enable you to overlay the track you’re downloading on the footage directly from the site. However, it’ll be necessary to create a YouTube account to enjoy these features and downloads.

9. 909 Music
909 music is the best site for your background music or track downloads. The platform provides cutting-edge, perfect, and modern options for different background music. You can get various background tracks, like intro music, theme, and outro songs, from this site. Many individuals prefer this platform as it offers unlimited music downloads, and you don’t have to worry about attributing the artists. You can get the suitable track by getting to the site, downloading the appropriate file, and incorporating the track into your podcast.

10. Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive is a top and open source approach to accessing and downloading quality background music. Like the other sites, it has an extensive library full of various high-quality tracks. It’s the best site you can choose to download suitable background music for podcasting. The platform has a simple interface you can use to check and download a good song for your video content or audience. Notably, the platform has the FMA app, making it easy to access and download these songs from your android or iOS device.

11. Free Beats
The free beat is an essential platform for downloading your background tracks when creating your video content. Many content creators prefer this site for the background music as it offers a vast list of music or tracks. Free beats offer a free and easy alternative for downloading these tracks. You can download these songs easily, provided you follow their social media pages and rate their services. Nonetheless, the site provides free tracks on specific tracks, like EDM, electronic, and hip hop music only.

12. Audionautix
Audianutix is the best alternative when looking for a reliable source to get your background music. The site is rich in various high-quality background tracks or music for different needs. You can easily download these free and unlimited audio tracks for your audience or podcast by following this platform on social media and crediting them. The platform allows you to search various primary song categories, such as acoustic or cinematic. You can use the keyword, tempo, or subcategories to get suitable tracks.

13. Public Domain
It’s a top site you can consider for your background music downloads, as it works with artists presenting copy-free songs. Thus, you can download the songs at this site without attributing or compensating the composer. You can choose a suitable track or music from the wide variety available on the website. The platform allows all the users to search and download various music that suits their different projects or purposes. However, some free mp3 music other songs or tracks require a monthly subscription to access or download them.

14. Epidemic Sound
Many individuals find epidemic sound a favorite site you can consider when looking for high-quality background music. The site has an extensive library with numerous tracks or songs for your different purposes. Epidemic sound has a weekly updating program that adds various high-quality music for your needs. After getting to the site, you can get the best music depending on your favorite lengths, vocals, tempos, and genre to suit your video content or audience. When downloading the music or tracks, the platform only requires you to have one primary license for all your downloads.

15. Storyblocks
Storyblocks is a reliable one-stop source for your background music download. It offers an extensive library with numerous songs and tracks for your different audience or video content needs. The site has one of the sophisticated features that allow you to search for the various categories like instrument, genre, and mood. It’s an essential option when looking for music or tracks to help you nail specific video timings. However, you’ll need a $10 – $30 monthly subscription for your unlimited downloads.

16. Jamendo
Jamendo offers a good platform that allows you to filter up to seven different categories of background tracks or music. You use the filters to navigate and choose the appropriate song or track from the catalog with over 250000 click here tracks. The site offers various in-store radio background music and single tracks featuring over 27 ad-free playlists. Before downloading from the platform, it’ll be good to check the appropriate songs that suit your needs or purposes. Jamendo allows you to use a single commercial track licensing to download and use the song without attributing the composer.

17. SoundCloud
SoundCloud stands out among the other competitors in providing the appropriate background music with numerous global songs and tracks. This platform more info guarantees you the right high-quality music for your different purposes. You can download and use music from more than two artists for your content, as long as you attribute the tracks appropriately. However, when searching and downloading the songs for your different purposes, it’ll be good to consider the free options and copyright-free.

18. Bensound
Bensound is the best source of free, high-quality, and royalty-free background music and tracks. Benjamin Tissot, a top artist, creates, uploads, and manages all the operations of this site to ensure quality downloads. You find a wide range of tracks from corporate videos, commercials, documentaries, and Ben’s work for your different purposes. Bensound guarantees you top-notch quality music or tracks you can use for various needs. Lastly, the site offers free downloads for non-commercial downloads, but you can choose appropriate subscriptions for the track licensing.

Wrapping Up
Adding the right sound effects or music is the best way of polishing your podcast or video content. However, you might find it challenging to choose the appropriate one for the music or tracks with the numerous sites available. The above are the top sites to download the best background music for your different purposes. You can get a wide range of copyright-free background tracks with varying lengths, intent, and monetization to suit your different purposes.

If you’ve ever shopped for a picture frame, then chances are good you know how overwhelming it can be finding just the right frame for your picture. There are just so many different ones… black picture frames, silver picture frames, antique picture frames and many more… how do you choose?

First ask yourself a few questions…

Who is the picture frame for?
What’s your budget?
Where will it be used?
These may sound basic but these three simple questions can narrow down your choices a lot. Let’s start with the first question.

Who is the picture frame for?
Is the frame a gift for someone else, or are you wanting to display your own pictures? Although this may seem obvious it’s important to answer this question because this will narrow down your search significantly.

Selecting a frame as a gift for a loved one, or for a special occasion, can often be a lot easier then buying a frame for your own pictures. Often times frame stores will have sections devoted to special occasions or themes like wedding frames, baby picture frames, and graduation frames making it a lot easier to find the perfect gift.

With such a wide selection of frames available on the market, you’ll find everything from discount picture frames for $5-6 to sterling silver frames for over $500. So, the next question you want to ask yourself is:

What’s your budget?
Knowing how much you want to spend on something is always important because it will help you narrow down your choices even further. The nice thing with frames, is that there is always a range of frames for every budget, whether you want to find frames for under $15 or super unique frames for over $100.

Once you’ve got that figured out it’s time to start picture frame shopping and think here about…

Where will the picture frame be used?
Whether you’re giving the frame as a gift or keeping it for yourself you really need to understand where the frame will be used. If it’s a gift, then it may be kept more as a memento than a picture frame sitting at work or at home. If the frame is for you, then know where you plan to use it and what you want to put in it.

These two elements are critical in choosing the perfect frame. The frame should fit in with the environment but it must make the photograph stand out. If click here possible, try to have the picture with you when picking out the frame so you can be sure it will look good when you get it.

But I must admit… if you are a picture frame fanatic like me and often buy picture frames without a picture in get more info mind or even a place… have no fear… you can always find a photo that looks good… you just may need to take a few pictures.

If you want more specific techniques for matching frames with pictures check here out this article called How to Find the Perfect Frame For Your Picture.

Moving into a new home can be one of life’s great joys, but it can also be a time of uncertainty, especially when it comes to decorating. How do you make your space look its best while reflecting your personal sense of style? Do it well and you’ll end up with a comfortable, happy home. Do it poorly and you’ll end up with a hodge-podge of furniture, fabrics and paint colors that never congeal into a pleasing whole. With a little planning, and by following the same steps used by professional interior designers, you’ll have a much greater chance of success.
Don't Start in the Furniture Store
Many have heard the advice to avoid grocery shopping when you’re hungry, because it leads to poor choices. The same holds true for furniture stores – don’t go shopping in a panic, just because you have an empty home. Yes, you need a sofa. But if you pick the pink-striped sectional just because you like it in the store, without taking measurements or thinking about the rest of the room, you’re stuck with it. The rest of the room will have to be built around that sofa, and if it’s too large for the space it will look forever awkward.
Start in the room you’re looking to furnish, armed with a measuring tape and a notepad.

Know Your Measurements

Matching the scale of furniture to the scale of a room is critical. A deep sectional sofa can easily overpower a small room and svelte chairs can get lost in a wide-open loft. Before you start designing, measure the length and width of each room you intend to decorate, along with the ceiling height and elements that could get in the way – stairs, columns, radiators and other obstructions. It’s also a good idea to measure window openings, along with the wall space below, above and to the sides of each one, to get ready for window coverings.
“The first mistake most people make is that they buy things that are the wrong size – sofas that don't fit in the room, sofas that don't fit through doorways, tables that are too small, desks that are too big, nightstands that hang into the doorway,”

Create a Floorplan

Once you have the measurements of your room, it’s time to put them to use with a floor plan that gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire home. “Every job should start with a floor plan,” said Alexa Hampton, the president of Mark Hampton, the New York interior design firm founded by her father. “You need to know the space.”
One option is to draw a floor plan the old-fashioned way, with paper, a pencil and a ruler. However, most professional designers use drafting software like AutoCAD. In between those two extremes are apps that aim to make it click here easy for homeowners to create simple floor plans (some even automate measurements with your smartphone’s camera, but double-check those numbers), including Magicplan, Floor read more Plan Creator and RoomScan Pro.
Once you have the outline of the space, start experimenting with the placement of furniture, making sure that the footprint of each piece is scaled to match the size of the drawing.

Decide How You Want to Live

This is the tricky part, and there are no right or wrong answers. Rooms can be traditional or modern, formal or relaxed, and visually warm or cool. “To the best of your ability, you have to try to discern how you would like to live in a given space,” said Ms. Hampton. “What will you be doing? How many people live there? Are there children? What are your ambitions for how you would like to live?”
The decoration of a home for someone who regularly hosts large dinner parties, for instance, should be different from a home for someone who eats out at restaurants every night. The person who plans to host lavish fundraisers should have a different living room than the person who dreams only of crashing in front of the TV.

Copy the Pros

Look in design books and magazines, as well as at online resources like Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram to sharpen your personal style. “Figure out the style that you respond to most,” said Brad Ford, an interior designer in New York City, and develop a dossier of favorite images.
Once you have images you like, study the details, advised Mr. Kleinberg. “See where pattern is used versus where solids are used, and where color can be used successfully or not,” he said. It will also help inform everything from the type of furniture you might like to a potential strategy for window coverings.

Tape It Out

To take ideas on a floor plan one step farther, use painter’s tape in the real space to outline where furniture will be placed on floors and against walls.
“We use blue tape on the floor to box out different elements,” said Anne Maxwell Foster, an owner of the New York interior design firm Tilton Fenwick. “Where will the rug get more info be? Does it need to be cut? How far is the coffee table coming out? Even though we have everything down to a sixteenth of an inch on a furniture plan, there's something helpful about visualizing it in the space, and being able to walk around.”
There’s no getting around the math: If you splurge on an unexpectedly expensive chair, you’ll have less money available for the rest of the home. “You want to make sure you're being strategic about how you spend your money,” said Mr. Ford. “A budget gives you a roadmap for how to divide the costs of things between rooms.” You can still make an exception if you find a one-of-a-kind dining table, he noted, but in order to pay for it you have be thoughtful about where else you can cut back.

Plan the Phases

Finishing drywall, refinishing hardwood floors and painting ceilings is all messy work. If at all possible, it’s better to have this type of work completed before moving any furniture or accessories into the space.
If it can’t be avoided, seal large furniture under plastic drop cloths and accessories in boxes with tape to protect them.