I find it stunning anyone with a brain would be recommending having 40% long term treasury bonds.  

I remember a Realtor calling me to see if we were ready to sell the ranch and I was shocked, stunned, and offended.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/12/a-stunning-map-shows-how-living-on-americas-coasts-really-is-so-different/?

I have a typical 3 bedroom ranch, 1000 sqft, with not much space for a dining room.

So, I need some advice on how to cut some on this project; here is the budget...............Demo- $2800Roof- $4800 (fix roof on addition and raise roof in kitchen)Gutters- $1200 (replace gutters)Siding- $3500 (replace with new siding)Exterior Doors- $1800 (replace 3 doors)Shutters- $600 (add to front windows)Exterior paint- $1500 (paint cinder block, trim, porch, columns, shed, etc)Landscaping- $700Windows- $3000 (replace all windows{14} except 3)Walls- $2500 (open up 2 walls from living room, dining room and kitchen)Drywall- $4500 (replace all ceilings, repair and patch as needed)Rough Electrical- $4800 (bring up to code, install new outlets, GFCI and ARC fault breakers, move electrical in basement to free up ceiling space)Finish Electrical- $1600 (replace all receptables, outlet covers, switches, switch covers, light fixtures, and ceiling fans)Rough Plumbing- $3500 (replace water heater, relocate/replace plumbing to free up basement ceiling space)Finish Plumbing- $700HVAC Rough- $4500 (Replace oil heating furnace and add AC unit)HVAC Finish- $400 (replace covers)Ductwork- $2500 (add new ductwork, registers, and grills)Kitchen- $10,000 (add bar style pennisula with cabinets, replace all cabinets, add grade A granite, create pantry, replace flooring, glass backsplash, new appliances)Bathroom #1- $3500 (bathroom #1 remodel)Bathroom #2- $4500 (basement bathroom creation with injector pump)Interior Paint- $2200Interior Doors- $600 (replace all with 6 panel)Baseboards- $3500 (replace all baseboards)Flooring- $4500 (replace with new hardwood)Carpet- $600 (in basement family room and bedroom)Finish Basement- $7500 (framing, insulation, drywall, trim, etc.)Leveling Basement Flooring- $5300 (tear up concrete and relevel)This is an older house with older doors, molding, finishes, etc.; nothing really has been updated.

I agree with Karen Margrave and Joel OwensFor my rental properties I have (almost) completely gone to Allure in the living/dining/ common areas and a reasonable qualtity residential carpet in the bedrooms.

I love the open concept with the kitchen and dining area.

I'm currently doing a cosmetic rehab on a SFR I recently purchase and I'm having a hard time deciding on the flooring in the kitchen, dining area and bathrooms.

If your investments are good, leverage will make them look stunning.

Check Mint to see how much you’ve spent on dining out this month and the implications those burritos might have on your bank account.There are countless apps for managing your money, some like Money Desktop offer free investment advice; some are geared towards small business owners while others are FDIC insured “piggy banks” that also track your spending habits.