Financing Your Fixer-Upper

As tempting as it is to get every home project done at once, most of us don't have the budget for it. Here are a few tips on how to tackle projects one at a time, debt-free. 

• Make a list of everything you want done in your house and prioritize it according to need and expense. This way you can focus on your time and money on one project at a time.
• Decide on the details for each project. If you have a plan, you can watch for good deals on the poieces you want without worrying that the project isn't going to come together in the end. 
• Don't go into debt. While you think you can afford the payments now, you dont acutally know what unknown expenses the future holds. Try making "payments" to yourself in the same amount of time you'd be paying the debt off with. Once you have enough money built up, make the purchase, debt-free. 
• Find odd jobs on the side and set that money aside for the thing you want done most.
• Don't forget about thrift stores like Deseret Industries or Idaho Youth Ranch. Hidden treasures tend to pop out of unsuspecting corners if you look closely enough,