Uncategorized • September 7, 2026

Revolving Credit and How It Affects Your Credit Score

by Kathie Aldunate

Using a credit card to buy lunch or a cup of coffee may not feel like a loan, but it can be if you use it as revolving credit.

Revolving credit is a credit line to borrow against and repay repeatedly. The amount of credit you can use each month is your credit line, or credit limit, and can be used as little or as much as you want up to that amount.

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

If you pay off the balance when you get your credit card bill at the end of each statement period, you don’t have to pay interest. Revolving credit, however, is when you don’t pay it off in full each month and carry some part of the balance, or revolve it, over to the next month and pay interest.

This can make a $3 cup of coffee and a $20 lunch double in price over time.

As a revolving balance is paid off, more of your credit line becomes available to spend again. Not paying it off and keeping too high of a balance on a credit card can lower a credit score, with a user’s credit utilization ratio making up 30 percent of a FICO credit score.

Credit utilization is a way of measuring how much credit you’re using. To find yours, divide your total outstanding balances by the total amount of credit extended to you. For example, if you have $1,000 in revolving credit owed and have a total credit limit of $3,000, that equates to a credit utilization ratio of 33 percent. For the best credit score, experts and even the credit bureaus recommend keeping it below 30 percent.

To lower that ratio that the credit bureaus see, it can help to avoid running up a large balance on your credit cards and to pay the balance a week or so before you get the bill. The balance is often reported to the credit bureaus the day your statement closes, which is a few weeks before your due date, so paying it off early can lower the amounts owed on your credit score.

Revolving credit can be a good way to manage expenses. To use it effectively and improve your credit score, don’t carry a revolving balance by paying your credit card bill in full and on time each month. This should only improve your credit score, allowing you to possibly get the best credit terms on future loans.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice.

Kathie Aldunate Realtor
Century21 New Millennium
1730 West Street, Annapolis.21401
C:443-717-0292
O:410-266-905
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Uncategorized • September 7, 2026

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Predatory Lending

by Kathie Aldunate

Some unscrupulous lenders use abusive practices, known as predatory lending, to trap borrowers in loans they can’t afford. Those lenders target vulnerable groups, make misleading claims and conceal the true cost of their loans.

Types of Predatory Lending
It’s legal for lenders to charge borrowers with bad credit high interest rates since they’re riskier than customers with good credit. Predatory lenders deliberately target people with bad credit and charge them exorbitant interest rates.

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Redlining is the illegal practice of denying loans to residents of low-income or minority neighborhoods. Reverse redlining means predatory lenders aggressively push unaffordable loans on residents of those areas.

A bait and switch is when a lender approves a borrower for one type of loan, then changes the terms without adequately disclosing future changes up front.

Asset-based lending is a practice in which a lender offers a customer with assets, such as home equity, a large loan that they know the borrower can’t afford. A borrower who defaults can lose those assets.

A balloon loan has small payments at the beginning, then a large payment for the remaining balance due. Those loans can be legitimate, but predatory lenders don’t clearly explain the terms to borrowers.

A negative amortization loan has payments that don’t cover the interest due or any of the principal. Borrowers make payments each month, but their balances keep growing.

Loan flipping is taking out a new loan to refinance an unaffordable loan. Predatory lenders often set up customers so they move from one unaffordable loan to another while the lender keeps collecting fees.

Loan packing means a lender tacks on fees for services the borrower doesn’t need or want. Those services may be legitimate, but predatory lenders may tell customers they are required, even though they’re optional.

Legitimate lenders often charge prepayment penalties to discourage borrowers from paying off loans early. Predatory lenders may charge exorbitant prepayment fees to discourage refinancing.

How to Spot a Predatory Lender
Several laws are designed to protect consumers from predatory lending, but they aren’t always strongly enforced. That means you need to be on the lookout.

Get quotes from several lenders. Verify that they’re licensed in your state, check their Better Business Bureau ratings and read reviews.

Make sure you understand all the loan terms, including the fees, interest rate and monthly payments, and how any of those terms could change in the future. If a lender won’t provide those details up front and in writing, don’t sign a loan agreement.

A lender that doesn’t check your credit should raise a red flag. The company doesn’t care if you can afford to repay a loan because it can get money through high interest rates and fees or take your car or home if you default.

Don’t sign a contract with blank spaces. Someone could add other information later and you’d have a hard time proving you didn’t agree to those terms.

Uncategorized • September 7, 2026

Warning Signs Your Identity Has Been Stolen

by Kathie Aldunate

Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, with thieves draining people’s bank accounts, destroying credit scores and even ruining reputations. Unfortunately, many victims aren’t aware of an issue until significant damage is done, but by learning the telltale signs of identity theft, you have a much better chance of detecting any problems before it’s too late.

LifeLock, a part of credit reporting agency TransUnion, suggests watching out for the following red flags:

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Personal Banking

You receive a call, email or letter from your bank notifying you of possible fraud on your account.
You see withdrawals you can’t explain on your bank statement, or charges you didn’t make on your credit card statement.
Your interest rates go up due to unknown credit activity.
Your credit report shows accounts you didn’t open or credit checks by companies you haven’t done business with.
You’re denied credit or a rental application, even though you know you have a strong credit record.

Mail and Telephone

Bills or other pieces of mail you’re expecting never come.
You receive a bill for services you didn’t use.
You get a credit card you didn’t open or a letter related to an account you never established.
Debtors call you about bills you’ve never heard of before.

Taxes and Social Security

The IRS informs you that more than one tax return was filed under your name or that a dependent’s Social Security number was already claimed.
You receive tax documents from an employer you never worked for.
Your Social Security statement shows errors. For example, your reported earnings appear inflated.

Health Insurance

Your health plan rejects a medical claim with the explanation that you’ve already reached your coverage limit.
You can’t get coverage under a new plan because your medical record lists a condition you don’t have.
You regularly receive treatment solicitations for health conditions you don’t have.

Other

A merchant refuses your check, or your credit card gets declined.
An employer denies you a job based on a bad background check, even though you know your record is clean.
A company you have an account with (or regularly do business with) notifies you that it’s experienced a data breach. Or, you learn about such a breach in the news.

If you suspect you’re a victim of identity theft, contact your bank, relevant government agency or health insurance provider immediately. Early detection can help minimize the damage and simplify the recovery process of identity theft, saving you unnecessary stress and lost time.

Uncategorized • September 7, 2026

A 10-Point Guide to Healthy Meals

by Kathie Aldunate

Most everyone knows a healthy diet is important for a healthy body. But eating the right foods every day might be easier said than done–especially with so much tempting junk food available! If you’re looking to improve your diet, start by making some small changes and learning the keys to healthy eating.

Try to include all the major food groups–fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein–as part of your meals and snacks daily. You’ll also want to limit added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. For further guidance, check out these 10 tips from ChooseMyPlate.gov for building healthy meals and meeting your eating needs throughout the day:

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

1. Make half your plate veggies and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are full of nutrients that support good health. Choose fruits and red, orange and dark-green vegetables, such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli.

2. Include whole grains. Aim to make at least half your grains whole grains. Look for food labels indicating the product is 100-percent whole grain or whole wheat. Whole grains provide more nutrients, including fiber, than refined grains do.

3. Don’t forget the dairy. Complete your meal with a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk. You’ll get the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk but fewer calories. Don’t drink milk? Try drinking soymilk or include low-fat yogurt in your meal or snack.

4. Add lean protein. Choose proteins such as lean beef, pork, chicken or turkey, as well as eggs, nuts, beans or tofu. Twice a week, try to make seafood the protein on your plate.

5. Avoid extra fat. Using heavy gravies or sauces will add fat and calories to otherwise healthy choices. Try steamed broccoli with a sprinkling of low-fat parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon.

6. Get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re making a sandwich, stir-fry or casserole, find ways to make them healthier. Try using less meat and cheese, which can be higher in saturated fat and sodium, and including more veggies that add new flavors and textures to your meals.

7. Take control of your food. Eat at home more often so you know exactly what you’re eating. If you eat out, check and compare the nutrition information. Choose options that are lower in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

8. Try new foods. Keep it interesting by picking out new foods you’ve never tried before, such as mango, lentils, quinoa, kale or sardines. You may find a new favorite! Trade fun and tasty recipes with friends, or find some online.

9. Satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Indulge in a naturally sweet dessert dish—fruit! Serve a fresh fruit salad or a fruit parfait made with yogurt. For a hot dessert, bake apples and top them with cinnamon.

10. Remember that everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix of foods in your meals and snacks can help you be healthier now and into the future. Small, practical changes in how you eat can improve your diet and add up to big wins over time.

Uncategorized • September 7, 2026

Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Scams

by Kathie Aldunate

Scam artists continue to find new, creative ways to defraud innocent people, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to protect themselves, their families and their money. That said, by remembering these 10 tips from the experts at the Better Business Bureau, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding most scams:

1. Don’t click on links or open attachments in unsolicited email. Links can download malware onto your computer and/or steal your identity. Be cautious even with email that looks familiar; it could be fake.

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

2. Don’t believe everything you see. Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts and other details. Just because a website or email looks official, that doesn’t mean it is. Even Caller ID can be faked.

3. Don’t buy online unless the transaction is secure. Make sure the website has “https” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Even then, the site could be shady. Read reviews about the quality of the merchandise, and make sure you’re not buying cheap and/or counterfeit goods.

4. Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you’ve met online. Scammers use dating websites, Craigslist, social media and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner, but that’s part of the con to get you to trust them.

5. Never send money to someone you’ve never met face-to-face. Seriously, just don’t ever do it.

6. Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media or even at your front door. This includes your birthdate and Social Security number.

7. Don’t be pressured to act immediately. Scammers typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited-time offer. They want to push you into action before you have time to think or to discuss it with a family member, friend or financial advisor. High-pressure sales tactics are also used by some legitimate businesses, but it’s never a good idea to make an important decision quickly.

8. Use secure, traceable transactions when making payments for goods, services, taxes and debts. Don’t pay by wire transfers, prepaid money cards, gift cards or other non-traditional payment methods. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, overpayments, and handshake deals without a contract.

9. Be cautious about what you share on social media. Consider only connecting with people you already know, and be sure to use privacy settings on all social media and online accounts. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you.

10. Whenever possible, work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing and insurance, especially contractors who’ll be coming into your home or anyone dealing with your money or sensitive information. Check them out at bbb.org to see what other consumers have experienced.

Uncategorized • September 7, 2026

How to Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen

by Kathie Aldunate

Imagine coming out of your house or a store, only to discover your car is gone–it’s been stolen. No one wants to be the victim of vehicle theft, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 700,000 drivers are impacted by this “costly crime” every year. And many of those incidents are due to simple driver mistakes.

To help protect you and your vehicle from car thieves, the auto insurance experts at GEICO offer the following 10 tips:

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5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

1. Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving.

2. When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Close all the windows and the sunroof.

3. Never leave your car running and unattended.

4. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.

5. Know where you’re going. Avoid known high-crime areas even if the alternate route takes longer.

6. Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn’t have one. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles if they know the cars have a security device or can be recovered quickly. Furthermore, many insurers offer discounts for certain types of anti-theft systems.

7. Thieves prefer to work in the dark. Be particularly cautious at night about where you park your car. Park it in a well-lit area if possible.

8. Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots and gas stations.

9. On an incline, leave your car in park or in gear with the wheels turned toward the curb or some other obstruction. This makes it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle.

10. If confronted by a carjacker, do not resist. Cars can be replaced; you can’t.

By keeping these tips in mind and being cautious, you’ll be better protected from car thieves. If you ever fall victim to vehicle theft, call the police immediately.

Uncategorized • September 4, 2026

5 Tips for First-Time Parents

by Kathie Aldunate

It’s an exciting time when a new baby is welcomed to the world, especially when it’s the first. And first-time parents are some of the most excited when it comes to this life-changing event. However, it’s natural for them to feel nervous and unprepared, especially once they get home from the hospital.

But with these tips, bringing your first baby home doesn’t have to be a scary experience:

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Trust Yourself
With everything you learned from the nurses, doctors and your extensive research, you should have faith in yourself and your partner. Any parent will tell you that you are never really “ready” to bring your first baby home, but only because you’ve never done it before. This is a new experience, and with new experiences come new challenges and chances to learn. Trust your gut and be confident that you will do the right thing for your new child.
Ask for Help
When things become overwhelming and you get stuck, unsure of what to do, ask for help. Whether from your partner, family, friends or even a call to your doctor, reaching out will always be a smart choice. Need help swaddling your baby? How about getting them to eat? Maybe they just won’t stop crying. Whatever the case may be, don’t expect to know all the secrets of parenting—no one does!
Take a Break
This is a stressful and tiring time for all first-time parents, and in order to give your baby the care they deserve, you need to care for yourself as well. If you have a partner, or others around to help you, take advantage of the time they give you to take a break. Shower, nap, eat or simply relax, even if for only a few minutes. Self care is an important factor for first-time parents. Though you may not feel relaxed very often during this time, even the littlest break can be a big help.
Forget “Perfect”
One of the most common causes of parental anxiety is making mistakes, especially when it comes to first-timers. The reality, though, is that no parent is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but with mistakes come lessons. You learn as you go, just as every parent has before you. Ignore judgements and perceptions and remember that perfection is an unattainable goal.
Have Fun
As each day goes by, filled with diaper changes, feeding times, sleepless nights and lots of screaming, don’t forget that these are the moments you will never get back. Enjoy the little things, including challenges, as you watch your baby grow and learn. And set aside time for your own fun, like a movie with a friend or a date night with your partner. As overwhelming as this time can be, it can be just as fun, as long as you try.

Uncategorized • September 4, 2026

How Much Money Should You Have in Your Emergency Fund?

by Kathie Aldunate

Savings Strategies
It’s easy to set a vague savings goal, but you won’t build up an adequate emergency fund unless you make a consistent effort. Look at your income and expenses and set a savings goal that is both ambitious and realistic.

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Some people have funds automatically transferred to a savings account each time they get paid, while others wait until the end of the month and transfer what they can. The problem with the second approach is that if you aren’t disciplined, you might overspend during the month, have nothing left to contribute to your emergency fund, promise yourself that you will save money next month, and repeat the cycle. Automatic transfers can help you stay committed to your savings goal.

Find Ways to Lower Costs
Housing and transportation are major expenses for most people. If you have a mortgage, see if you can refinance and lower your interest rate. If you rent, consider finding a roommate or moving to a cheaper place. If you spend a lot on gas, taking public transportation, carpooling, buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle, or moving closer to work could lower your costs.

Debt can make it tough to save. If you have student loans, consider refinancing. If your credit card balances or interest rates are high, look for a card with a favorable balance transfer offer.

People spend a lot of money for convenience. You could save by cooking at home more often and taking coffee and a lunch to work instead of eating out and going to a coffee shop.

Telephone and entertainment costs can get out of control if you aren’t careful. If your phone bill is high, see if you can switch to a cheaper individual plan or a family plan. You can also cut back on cable and go to movies and concerts less often.

Earn and Save Extra Money
If there isn’t much you can cut from your budget, increase your income. Look for a part-time job or odd jobs to earn some extra money. If you have any belongings you don’t use that are in good condition, sell them.

If you receive a tax refund, bonus or monetary gift, put it straight into your savings account. If you can normally get by without the extra money every month, then you won’t miss it, but it can make a big difference in the size of your emergency fund.

Start Saving Today
An emergency can happen at any time. Having money set aside can give you peace of mind and help you avoid a financial crisis. Even if you can’t save much at first, do what you can and make saving a habit so you can gradually build an emergency fund.

Uncategorized • September 4, 2026

Shining a Light on Generator Safety

by Kathie Aldunate

Power outages occur for various reasons, including utility blackouts, downed power lines and severe weather. During an outage, using a portable generator can help you meet your basic power needs, such as providing some lighting or keeping your fridge running and food from spoiling. However, improper use of a generator can pose safety risks, including fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you plan to rely on a generator the next time your lights go out, follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

4 BEDS

5 BATHS

5520 SQFT

FOR SALE

$990,000

1232 OLEANDER WAY , ODENTON, MD

Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside at least 5 feet away from all doors, windows and vent openings. Measure the 5-foot distance from the generator exhaust system to the building.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building. The exhaust must be directed away from the building.
Make sure to install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
Before refueling a generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Never refuel a generator while it’s hot.
Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.
When plugging in appliances, make sure they’re plugged directly into the generator or a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts and tears, and make sure the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code and all applicable state and local electrical codes.

Uncategorized • September 2, 2026

6 Surprising Fixes Using Hairspray

by Kathie Aldunate

Hairspray is, of course, a beauty product for styling your hair. However, did you know that you could also use it as a DIY fix for some common problems? According to HomeAdvisor, here are six surprising ways to use hairspray at home:

Keep Curtains Dust-Free. Many homeowners claim that a little bit of hairspray goes a long way when it comes to keeping curtains and drapes clean. Simply spray new or newly cleaned drapes with hairspray, and it should help keep dust from sticking. Be sure to check with a window covering professional to make sure the hairspray won’t damage the fabric.

Remove Unwanted Pet Fur. If you notice pet fur sticking to your furniture and floors, try using hairspray to pick it up. Just spray the product on a dry rag or washcloth and wait a few seconds. Once the hairspray is close to dry, use the cloth to wipe fur off couches, carpet, clothes or any other surface. Don’t forget to spot-test this solution before applying it to a large area.

Thread Needles With Ease. Do you have trouble threading needles? Hairspray is an easy fix! Squirt just a bit of the spray on the end of the thread to stiffen up the string. It should also help keep the thread from fraying. Then, simply thread the needle as normal and get to sewing.

Keep Tights From Running. If you find a run in your tights or pantyhose, don’t panic. A little hairspray will stop the progression of the tear. Just spray the area around the run, and it should keep things from getting worse. Plus, you can use hairspray as a preventative measure. Apply the product to your hosiery immediately after purchase to make it run-resistant.

Remove Ink Stains. Although calling a professional or using actual cleaning supplies will probably work better, hairspray can remove ink stains from fabric in a pinch. Many DIYers swear that using an alcohol-based spray can lift pen ink from clothes and upholstery. Just spray the affected area and then wipe away the stain with a damp cloth.

Get Rid of Residue. Sometimes, stickers and labels can leave behind a gunky residue. Hairspray can get rid of it. Just squirt the spray on the sticky area and then rub the residue off with your fingers. Wash it off with soap and water afterward to leave a sparkling surface.

Revolving Credit and How It Affects Your Credit Score

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Predatory Lending

Warning Signs Your Identity Has Been Stolen

A 10-Point Guide to Healthy Meals

Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Scams

How to Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen

5 Tips for First-Time Parents

How Much Money Should You Have in Your Emergency Fund?

Shining a Light on Generator Safety

6 Surprising Fixes Using Hairspray

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