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6 Easy Home Upgrades for Under $100

By U.S. News & World Report

A little cash can go a long way in home improvement. Whether you’re looking to update your guest bathroom or entirely remodel your kitchen, there are plenty of budget-friendly updates for every room in your home. While it may be easy to get out of control as you brainstorm ways to freshen up a space in your home, you can still keep costs at a minimum by choosing projects you can do yourself, and those that keep a tight budget in mind.

Depending on the complexity of the project and your skill level, you may need to hire a professional to complete the work for you. Take into consideration that your price per project may increase when you bring paid labor into the equation. But you don’t need big money for big results when it comes to updating your home.

Take a look at the following home upgrades that you can complete for under $100.

[See: 9 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal.]

1. A fresh coat of paint. Painting the interior of your home is a small investment that can bring big results. Try adding a bold accent wall in your living room or choosing a neutral shade for your kitchen to instantly brighten up your home. Dressing up a space with a new stylish coat of paint is the perfect weekend project that can give a room a mini makeover, while sticking to a budget.

2. New hardware. Update your kitchen cabinet knobs, front door handle or bathroom drawer pulls for a quick cosmetic fix that can transform a room. Replacing hardware in a room is an inexpensive home improvement option that can give cabinets and doors a fresh look with little change and effort. Try mixing and matching different decorative knobs for extra style points. Some hardware, like dresser knobs, can be purchased for only a few dollars and are easy to install on your own. But for bigger replacements — those that require changing locks and installing new strike plates on doors, for example — you may benefit from the help of a professional who’s familiar with securing new hardware.

[See: 10 Ways to Save Energy and Reduce Utility Bills at Home.]

3. Install a backsplash. Switch out your current kitchen or bathroom backsplash with tile, paint, wood or wallpaper for an inexpensive home upgrade. A backsplash on a budget can be both functional and fashionable. Popular styles known to be budget-friendly include classic subway tile, wood panels and chalk paint. You can even create a mosaic backsplash with peel-and-stick tile to add style and character to your home without having to increase the total cost of the project.

4. Boost curb appeal. Make a great first impression by enhancing your home’s entryway. You can get instant curb appeal for under $100 with a few small, do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Simple projects include painting your door a new color and replacing your house numbers with a new, fresh font. Or add a few simple touches that can be swapped out seasonally — lay out a welcome mat, add a wreath to the front door or plant flowers in decorate pots to accent each side of the porch.

5. Upgrade lighting fixtures. You can refresh a room by bringing in new options for overhead and accent lighting. Switch out your old dining room light with a new decorative fixture — chandeliers may look expensive, but can cost $50 or less at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. For a quick and even less expensive fix, swap out your lamp shades on floor or table lighting, and replace your switch plates and outlet covers.

[See: 8 Easy Renovation Projects Every Homeowner Can Do Now.]

6. Accessorize with decor. Accessories can transform a room by adding personality and charm. You can bring a room to life by incorporating decor items that require little physical effort, and can easily be swapped out to fit the mood, season or theme you’d like to convey in the space. Trays, baskets, bins, candles, an accent mirror and throw pillows are all inexpensive items that can perk up a space for cheap.

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6 Easy Home Upgrades for Under $100 originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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