Chic vs. Geek: Keeping Clutter Off Your Countertop

It seems like every time we need something in the kitchen, we can’t find it because of all the appliances, trays, bowls, and other stuff taking up our countertops. So how do we cope?

CHIC (PEARL)

Anyone who tells you kitchens are supposed to be messy never had to clean up after family dinner! Personally, I need some motivation to keep my surfaces clear. So I try to add some style to kitchen organizing, like fancy jars for non-perishable ingredients, dividers for frequently-used utensils, and elegant hanging racks for pots and pans.

GEEK (KEVIN)

There is no reason you can’t solve your kitchen clutter issues with some very simple storage strategy. Figure out where and when you need this pot or that spatula, and find a drawer or cabinet to store them when they’re not in use while keeping them readily accessible when you’re in the heat of your culinary artistry. It will save you time and stress!

Chic vs. Geek: Go Green to Save Green!

We know that decarbonizing our lifestyles is an important part of fighting climate change, but what about our homes?

CHIC (PEARL)

If you want to reduce your energy use and bring a brighter touch to your home, invest in a skylight or move some windows to capture light at different times of day. In addition to warming up the aesthetics, these “passive solar” steps reduce the need for costly artificial lighting during the day. You can also invest in awnings, shutters, and curtains to control the light and heat in your home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Natural light helps you see, but how can you survive without natural gas? Think about going electric with a heat pump for heating, cooling, and water heating. Replacing your gas stove with an induction version is another smart investment, and it won’t blow you up! Energy upgrades like this can get expensive, but there are government incentives to help, and the savings pay back the costs in short order.

Chic vs. Geek: Spring Cleaning!

It’s the time of year when we come out of hibernation and wake up to the fact that we have way too much stuff! So where do you start with whittling things down?

CHIC (PEARL)

Start by getting organized. Go room to room and make three piles: Trash, Shred, and Keep. The names should make the contents self-explanatory. Aim for about a 30-30-30 split, with 10% flex area for all of those items you can’t imagine living without but can’t quite justify keeping around. And if you’re on the fence, just pull a Marie Kondo, spin around, and go with your gut.

GEEK (KEVIN)

You still need room for all those piles, so my suggestion is to get the big stuff out of the way first. Most residential waste collectors offer a certain number of free large item pickups per year for things like old furniture, appliances, and exercise equipment. You can generally find out who collects the waste in your city by calling the 3-1-1 non-emergency info line.

Geek's Number Talk: The Honeymoon is Over

According to a new report from Redfin, average monthly mortgage payments are up 39% over just one year ago — a record spike — while interest rates are at their highest mark in more than a decade. But while median sales and asking prices are still rising, home searches, touring activity, and mortgage applications are all in decline, indicating a slowing market as buyers take pause. Get more numbers from Forbes.

Chic vs. Geek: Gaming the Rates

With interest rates soaring, how can buyers keep their mortgage payments manageable?

CHIC (PEARL)

If you want to reduce the burden of interest, the best thing to do is pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible. That could mean making a higher down payment or devoting any unbudgeted income to reducing your principal. Turn your side hustle from a money maker to a money saver!

GEEK (KEVIN)

If you don’t have a lot of extra cash lying around, congratulations! You’re officially the average homebuyer. But you can’t let the uncertainty of interest rates dictate when and how you make an offer on a home you want. And there’s no guarantee that rates won’t keep rising!