Weekend Getaway Ideas

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• Bloomington-Normal, Illinois: Restored 1800's buildings, farm to table restaurants, shopping, and live music venues.
• Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: This resort town has many hotels, restaurants, and resorts right along the beautiful lake shore. This gorgeous spot doesn't just attract visitors in the summer; visit in February for the annual Winterfest.
• Rockford, Illinois: Home to a newly renovated downtown area, foodie scene, and gorgeous public gardens.
• Galena, Illinois: Visitors are drawn to restaurants and shops housed in century old buildings. You can also hike, boat on the river, or ski the slopes.
• Fox River Valley, Illinois: Many towns dot this river offering great places to eat, shop, and stay. Try visiting St. Charles and their historical Arcada Theater, or Geneva for their great shopping. Oswego has a cute downtown area with brick paved sidewalks and a family run winery.
• Michigan's Sunset Coast: New Buffalo, St. Joseph and Benton Harbor offer great food, beautiful beaches, and awesome views of Lake Michigan.
• Woodstock, Illinois: Cute and cozy town, with unique stores and places to eat. Visit in early August for the Woodstock Mozart Festival.
• Beloit, Wisconsin: Famous for their throwback supper clubs.
• South Bend, Indiana: Visit the home of the Fighting Irish and enjoy water sports on the St. Joseph River and awesome dining and shopping.
• Cedarburg, Wisconsin: This quaint town has a main street that is part of the National Register of Historic Places and features many boutiques, restaurants, and chocolate shops housed in limestone buildings.
• Turkey Run Inn, Indiana
• Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: Enjoy swimming and other recreational activities on the lake or take in some races at the Road America race course. 
• Red Arrow Country, Michigan: This makes for a great fall getaway; enjoy cottage style housing, apple picking, and winery tours.

Happy Friday

Caring For Kitchen Appliances

Chicago Tribune Homes

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Stove
Average Life Span: 10-15 years
Common Repairs and Costs: Igniter cleaning or failure: $110-$200, broken control board: $260 or more, bake element problems: $160 or more.
Tips: Keep your stove clean, but avoid getting water or cleaning solution into dials and switches since they are connected to electrical parts.
Repair vs. Replace: It may be a good idea to replace the stove if you are going to spend half the price of a new unit on a repair.
Cost: $650-$2,000

Dishwasher
Average Life Span: 8-10 years
Common Repairs and Costs: Drain pump cleaning: $100 or more, Repairing water inlet valve: $160 or more, control board failure: $190 or more.
Tips: Always rinse off large food clumps off of dishes before loading them into the dishwasher since food can clog the dishwasher and get stuck in the arms.
Repair vs. Replace: If your dishwasher has rust or corrosion or if a repair costs half the cost of a new unit, it's better to replace the dishwasher than repair it.
Cost: $400-$700

Refrigerator
Average Life Span: 6-15 years
Common Repairs and Costs: Ice maker failure: $275-$325, Main control board failure: $260 or more, Clogged drain line: $110 or more.
Tips: Clean condenser coils once a year and more often if you have pets. These are located underneath the fridge, behind it, or sometimes on the top of the unit. These coils collect dust and hair and when dirty, can make the fridge work harder which leads to wasted energy and can cause the fridge to break down prematurely.
Repair vs. Replace: Take into consideration the units age and performance history. If the compressor needs to be replaced, it's almost always a good idea to invest in a new fridge.
Cost: $900-$8,000

Green Upgrades With Fast Pay Offs

Nerdwallet

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• Compact fluorescent bulbs: These bulbs are affordable and claim to last as long as 10 incandescent bulbs (10 years with about 3 hours of use a day), and will save the homeowner $60. For a home with 25 light bulbs, you can buy new compact fluorescent bulbs for under $15 total and save about $1,500 over the course of about 10 years. Don't forget that these new bulbs contain mercury and can't be thrown out; they need to be brought to a home improvement store to be disposed of.
• Consult with the utility company: Have your utility company come out and look over your home to determine where you can save money. They will be able to give you an estimate of how much major appliances cost a year and may be able to do small jobs such as putting weather stripping around exterior doors.
• Save water: Aside from installing a low-flow toilet, you can also save a considerable amount of money by making changes in your shower. By unscrewing your shower head and installing a flow restrictor, you can conserve water and save money while doing so.
• Insulate the attic: Putting insulation in the attic can pay for itself within a matter of a couple of years. If the attic is small and space is limited, insulation can be blown in.
• Be cautious with windows: Double-paned windows can save you considerable amounts of money and are a good idea if you need to replace a window. Many homeowners wonder if they should go ahead and put double- paned windows throughout the home while they are having to install one anyway. Experts caution against this large investment, about $8,000-$12,000, because if a window is not installed properly, the homeowner will not see the savings.

Should You Refinance?

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Benefits of refinancing

• Paying off your mortgage early: For example, if you go from a 30 year loan to a 15 year loan without a big increase in your monthly payment, you could save thousands of dollars in interest while quickly increasing the equity in your home.
• Increase cash flow: Obtaining a lower interest rate on your mortgage may lower your monthly payment and allow you to have more cash to decrease your debt or expand your budget. 
• Utilize home equity: With a cash-out refinance, you are able to borrow more money than you currently owe on your loan. You can then use that money to pay down debt, make home improvements, or to get out from under financial burden.

Consider these factors before refinancing

• Credit score: The higher a credit score, the better interest rate you will get.
• Closing costs: Although it may be an option to add the closing costs into the refinanced loan amount, it's better to pay those costs in cash.
• Your mortgage in relation to your family's financial situation: What is your household budget? Are there college expenses on the horizon? What are your financial goals?
• If you end up with a lower monthly payment, how will you handle the extra cash? In a perfect world, the cash you save on your mortgage payment should be used to pay down debt or to increase the size of your savings account.

Happy Friday

Moving Mistakes

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• Having to rush: Not leaving enough time to move can be dangerous and can also elevate stress levels. If possible, leave enough time to plan your move and give yourself plenty of time to get to your new location.
• Not reaching out: If you are by yourself, be sure to ask friends or family to help you with this big task. Moving is not a one person job so don't hesitate to reach out and ask for assistance. Friends/family or a moving company is necessary to get the job done.
• Not researching moving companies: Be sure to do your research when looking to hire a moving company. While most moving companies are legitimate, it's still very important to shop around, ask for credentials, and get quotes in writing. Good places to start are the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, or Yelp.
• Packing absolutely everything: A move is a great time to really take stock of your possessions and see what you really need. Packing everything that you own can be costly in the long run so it's the perfect time to take inventory and sell or donate items that you don't need anymore including clothing you don't wear, furniture that won't be used in your new home, etc.
• Lack of organization: Not being organized and failing to thoroughly plan can end up costing you more time and money than is needed and can also cost you your sanity as well. Be sure to use a moving checklist, make an effort to clearly label all boxes, and be in frequent communication with your moving company.

15 Minute Home Makeovers

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• Switch the plates: Update switch plate and outlet covers.
• Make touch ups: Touch up scratched baseboards, window and door trim, and marks on the wall that won't go away.
• Change out hardware: Putting in new drawer pulls and knobs can give a room an inexpensive face lift. Home improvement stores have a wide variety of inexpensive hardware to choose from.
• Update the mailbox: Give an old mailbox a makeover by scrubbing it down and then spray painting it, either the same color or a new hue.
• House numbers: Switch out your old house numbers for new ones to create a custom look. Some numbers are peel and stick and others need to be nailed in. There are different material choices such as wood, plastic, brass, stainless steel, etc. Expect to spend about $6-$30 a number.
• Toilet seat: A new toilet seat can instantly improve the look of your bathroom without spending a lot.
• Declutter: Spending 15 minutes a day decluttering a room can really make a huge difference in your home. Start in the kitchen by clearing off your refrigerator door and watch your kitchen instantly look cleaner. Put mail and other paperwork in labeled boxes with lids or other organizers; put school supplies in caddies, etc.

Home Improvement Apps And Websites

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• Dering Hall (deringhall.com): Assists homeowners in choosing an interior designer by allowing users to browse through hundreds of portfolios to help choose a firm. Users can also simply browse through picture galleries organized by room for inspiration.
• Porch (porch.com): Interactive maps are available on this site to assist you in seeking out trade professionals and local architects. You can also see whether or not your Facebook friends and neighbors have used their services as well.
• Homezada: This app, available for free, helps you keep track of your home's maintenance and insurance and can also help you manage renovation projects by setting a budget, setting time lines, and making to do lists.
• MagicPlan: This functional app creates accurate floor plans of your home by using photos of spaces in your home taken by your smart phone. 
• Ikea Catalog: This free app allows users to scan an image of a sofa or other item in the catalog, take a picture of the space they have in mind for the item, and then users can see how the furniture would look in their home.

How Long Does It Really Take To Increase Your Credit Score?

Trulia

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The amount of time it takes to raise your credit score can vary, although many of these tips can affect your score within 30-60 days.

• Obtain a copy of your credit report and look for errors: The FTC estimates that 1 out of 5 consumers have a mistake on their report. If you find one on yours, make a note of it and be sure to dispute it. 
• Reduce your credit utilization: You can go about this a couple of was; reduce your spending and/or increase your credit limits. Ideally only 1/3 of your available credit should be used. Lowering your credit utilization rate will have a positive impact on your score.
• Don't apply for multiple forms of credit within a short amount of time: Each time you apply for a new form of credit (credit card, car loan, etc.) your credit is pulled. Too many credit inquiries in a short amount of time can mean a decrease in your score.
• Settle late payments: Although it can be overwhelming, settling late payments is very important. Credit bureaus count a late payment beginning from the first day of your last payment so the sooner you settle late payments the better. Once you have dealt with late payments, automate your bill paying so that paying bills is less stressful. 

Fresh Tomato Recipe

Freerangestock.com

With tomatoes in season, this is the perfect time to make your favorite tomato recipe or experiment and find a new fave. Here is a great recipe where both fresh tomatoes and corn come together to create a delicious pasta salad:

Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad 

Midwest Living

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups dried bowtie pasta
• 2 fresh ears of corn or 1 cup whole kernel frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded, cooked chicken
• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons basil pesto, ready made
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth or water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• Snipped fresh basil

Directions

• In a dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions. Add corn during the last 7 minutes of cooking the pasta. Return to a boil and continue cooking. When the pasta is cooked and the corn is crisp-tender, drain pasta and corn. Rinse the pasta and corn with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well again. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cobs. 
• In a large bowl, combine the pasta, corn, chicken, and tomato.
• For the dressing: In a screw top jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, pesto, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, and up to 24 hours. Sprinkle the salad with Parmesan cheese and basil just prior to serving.

Back To School Tips For Parents

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• Meet the new teacher: Take advantage of any back to school nights or meet and greet sessions with your child's new teacher. If face to face contact is not available, try to find the teacher's picture on the school website so that your child can place a face with a name. 
• Take a tour: Take advantage of any opportunities to tour the school and to find your child's classroom and desk. For older kids, have them take you on a tour of the school to refresh both of your memories.
• Meet up with friends: See if any kids from last year's class are in your child's class this year and schedule a play date with them to refresh the friendship before the school year begins.
• Supplies: Take your child on a special shopping for their school supplies and allow them to pick out a special pen, folder, or other supply that they can be excited about.
• Get in the routine: Routines are very important to kids so to help them feel more comfortable making the transition into the school year and to avoid a chaotic morning on the first day of school, get in a routine ahead of time. A few days before school starts, set the alarm and go through the morning routine with your child so that they are comfortable. Have them get ready, eat breakfast, and get to the bus stop on time so that they know what to expect.

The school year can be a very busy time for parents as well so it's good to have crock pot recipes on hand for days you don't have a lot of time to spend making dinner.

Crockpot Orange Chicken 

thefrugalgirls.com

Ingredients

• 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup Smucker's Sweet Orange Marmalade
• 3/4 cup Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

• Cook chicken in crockpot on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
• After 3 hours, drain juices from crockpot
• Mix together bbq sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce
• Pour mixture over chicken and cook on high for 30 more minutes
• Serve this chicken with some rice and enjoy!

Happy Friday

Tips For Moving With Pets

Redfin

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Traveling By Car

• Before making the move, have new dog tags made with your new address and your phone number and email address.  Keep both the new tags and the old tags with you during the move and make sure you have a recent picture of your pet with you in the event that your pet gets loose.
• Call ahead and make reservations at pet friendly hotels. These rooms can fill up quickly, so the father in advance the reservations are made, the better.
• Many pet friendly hotels do not allow pets to be left in the room unattended, so plan on taking your pet with you while going out to eat, etc. The hotel should be able to provide you with a list of pet friendly establishments in the area.
• Keep your dog on a leash or crated at all times during the move. Even if you have not had an issue with your pooch running away in the past, the stress of the move can cause your dog to run.
• Packing slowly over the course of weeks can help your pet adjust better and make sure to have your pet spend time in a crate before the move if they are not used to doing so. Have your pets nails clipped before the move to avoid them getting stuck in the crate.
• Although it is common sense, always avoid leaving your pet unattended in a car, even when cool outside.

Traveling By Plane

• If moving by plane, reservations need to be made well in advance for space in the cargo area as well as the cabin.
• Be prepared for airlines to cancel a pet's flight due to the weather being too hot. Also, if the flight is delayed because of bad weather, your pet may be moved to a kennel facility and will need to take a different flight than you. Be prepared to take care of any costs related to the schedule change.
• Check with your airline prior to your flight; crate size requirements can be very specific.

For All Moves

• Make an effort to find a new vet in your new town before you move in case your pet becomes sick during the move. Know the vet's exact location and hours and try to find a 24 hour vet clinic in case of an emergency.
• Keep your dog contained while all of the moving is going on; falling boxes and hazardous cleaning supplies can harm your pet.
• Set up your dog's bed and fill it with familiar toys shortly after arriving at your new home to help your pet adjust to their new surroundings.

Are You A First Time Home Buyer?

 4 Things You Should Do To Prepare To Buy Your First Home

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• Determine how much you can borrow: Meet with a mortgage lender and go over your financial history which will allow you to find out what your house budget should be, how much money you will need to put down, and what your monthly payment will be like. Going over your financial history is also a great time to discover any errors in your reports that need to be disputed and corrected.
• Figure out where you want to be: Think about what type of neighborhood/town you want to live in. Do you want to live in a more rural setting or are you looking for something more densely populated with lot's of restaurants, shopping, etc? Once you know your home budget, that can make determining your location easier and make pinpointing potential houses go more smoothly.
• Discover the hidden housing market: Dawn is an expert in the housing market, specifically in the Kendall, Will, and DuPage County markets. You need an experienced and knowledgeable agent who will know about not only the houses listed for sale, but also those that are not listed yet, called off market listings. 
• Do your research: Looking at houses online is a great place to start and will help you to discover exactly what you may be looking for in a home as well as what your money can buy you in the market you are looking in.

Real Estate Ad Terms And Lingo

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4B/2B: 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

Assum.fin.: assumable financing

Closing costs: The entire package of expenses paid by the buyer and the seller when the real estate deal closes. These costs include the brokerage commission, mortgage-related fees, escrow or attorney's settlement charges, transfer taxes, recording fees, title insurance, etc. Closing costs are usually paid through escrow.

CMA: Comparative market analysis. A CMA is a report that shows prices of homes that are comparable to a subject home and that were recently sold, are currently on the market or were on the market, but not sold within the listing period.

Contingency: A provision of an agreement that keeps the agreement from being fully legally binding until a certain condition is met.

Dk: deck

Expansion pot'l: Expansion potential means that there is extra space on the lot or the possibility of adding a room or an upper level, subject to local zoning restrictions.

Fab pentrm: Fabulous pentroom, a room on top, but under the roof, that has great views.

FDR: Formal dining room

Fixture: Anything of value that is permanently attached to or a part of real property. Examples include light fixtures, window coverings, landscape, etc.

Frplc, fplc, FP: Fireplace

Gar: Garage

Grmet kit: Gourmet kitchen

HDW, HWF, Hdwd: Hardwood floors

Hi cells: High ceilings

In-law potential: Potential for a separate apartment, subject to local zoning restrictions.

Listing: An agreement between a Real Estate broker and a homeowner that allows the broker to market and arrange for the sale of the owner's home. Listing is also used to refer to the home for sale itself.

Lo dues: Low homeowner association's dues.

Lock box: Locked key-holding device placed on a home for sale so real estate professionals can gain access to the home after obtaining permission from the listing agent.

Lsd pkg: Leased parking area; may come with an additional cost.

MLS: Muliple listing service. This is a site which collects, compiles, and distributes information about homes listed for sale by its members, who are real estate brokers. Membership is not open to the general public, although selected MLS data may be sold to real estate sites.

nr bst schls: Near the best schools

pot'l: Potential

pvt: Private

Pwdr rm: Half bathroom or powder room

REALTOR: A real estate broker or sales associate who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Not all real estate agents are realtors.

Title insurance: An insurance policy that protects a lender's or owner's interest in real property from assorted types of unexpected or fraudulent claims of ownership. Usually the buyer pays for the lender's title insurance policy.

upr: Upper floor

vw, vu, vws, vus: View

Repairs To Make Before Selling

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1. Fix a broken screen door: The front entrance is the first impression that a buyer will have of your home so make sure it's a good one. Also, if your front door is looking worn, a new coat of paint will really make a big difference.
2. Fix up the roof: If there are missing shingles or shingles/gutters hanging off the roof, make sure to get that taken care of. A roof appearing to be in disrepair is going to be a big red flag to buyers.
3. Clear out the gutters: Ensure that the gutters are free of debris. While inspecting the gutters, recaulk the end caps on the gutter to finish them off.
4. Repair nail holes and repaint: Fill in any nail holes with lightweight putty, sand the putty down until its flush with the wall, and then paint over the area with primer. It's a good idea to repaint the entire wall to ensure that everything blends well.
5. Take care of odors: Deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms with bleach and regrout tiles. In the bathroom, use caulk to fill in the cracks in the bathtub along the tiles, around the toilet, etc.
6. Repair dripping faucets: Leaky faucets never look good and repairing them is very simple.

10 Real Estate Terms Everyone Should Know

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1. Buyer's Agent vs. Listing Agent: The buyer's agent represents the home buyers and the listing agent represents the home sellers.
2. Fixed rate mortgage vs. Adjustable rate mortgage: A fixed rate mortgage has a set interest rate for the life of the loan, usually 30 years. An adjustable rate mortgage has a variable interest rate, usually 5, 7 or 10 years. 
3. Pre-approval letter: A letter from the bank stating an estimate of how much they will lend you. This letter shows home sellers that you will be able to get a loan when needed and also helps to point you in the right direction when house hunting as far as what you can afford.
4. Listings: Homes for sale.
5. Inspection: After an offer is made on a home, the buyer needs to schedule an inspection which should cost around $500-$800 depending on the market. The inspector will thoroughly go through the home and look at the plumbing, foundation, walls, electrical, heating, and appliances. 
6. Appraisal: When an application for a mortgage is made, the lender will require an appraisal to be made of the home. A licensed appraiser will determine an estimate of the home's value based on comparable homes that have sold in the area.
7. Contingencies: When an offer is made on a home, it can be stated that certain conditions be met before the deal goes through.
8. Offers and contracts: Once you find your dream home, an offer will be made on the property with the assistance of an agent. Choosing an experienced Realtor is key to winning negotiations.
9. Closing costs: These are fees that go along with the purchase of a new home. These fees include items such as taxes, loan processing costs, and title insurance and can total about 2%-5% of the purchase price of the home.
10. Title insurance: After negotiations are complete and the seller has accepted an offer, a home title report will be received within about a week. Most lenders require title insurance to be paid; title insurers search public records to determine that the home seller had rights to the title and that there are no liens against the home.

13 Things Many Homeowners Forget To Buy

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When you first moved into your home, you probably knew to buy the obvious items like light bulbs, a hammer, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc., but you may have forgotten a few often overlooked items. Here are some things that many homeowners neglect to purchase:

1. A level
2. Guest towels
3. Oven mitt
4. Plunger
5. Fire extinguisher 
6. Mixing bowls
7. Coasters 
8. Food thermometer
9. Paper towel holder
10. Welcome mat
11. Salt and pepper shakers
12. Watering can
13. Tea kettle 

3 Annoying Mortgage Hurdles And How To Get Over Them

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1. High debt ratio: Even if you have a stellar credit score and lot's of money in the bank, a high debt ratio is a problem when trying to get a mortgage. If your housing payments and your credit obligations are greater than 45% of your monthly income, it will be very difficult to obtain a mortgage, at least without making some changes. If debt such as car payments and payments on credit cards are holding you back from getting a mortgage, take an in depth look at those accounts. Can any of them be paid off in full? If not, see if your payments can be consolidated into a lower payment. Your loan officer will be able to assist you in managing your debt better.
2. When a solution creates another problem: Getting a loan can be frustrating. For example, if a loan officer asks you to provide pay stubs showing your yearly income and last year shows a lower income than previous years, your loan officer may ask you for a letter of explanation about why your income is less. Sometimes these conditions can snowball, making the process slow. If things get complicated, consider cancelling the loan and starting over with very clear directions.
3. Undocumented funds: Even if you are self employed, lenders will still want your funds documented. Any funds being deposited into your account that are separate from your income need to be documented, explained, and sourced in order to be considered loan eligible. If it is possible, try to avoid depositing monies into your bank account that you will be unprepared to document. Instead, try using a different asset account without the deposit activity or try getting gift funds that you can provide documentation for. 

Home Improvement Projects With The Best Returns

Illinois Realtor Magazine

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When thinking about doing a home improvement project to your home, do you ever wonder what your return may be? The Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report from Illinois Realtor Magazine lays out what type of return you can expect on your projects:

• Replacing the garage door: 83%
• Steel entry door replacement: 82.5%
• Attic bedroom: 81%
• Wood deck addition: 78%
• Minor kitchen remodel: 76%
• Wood window replacement: 74%
• Vinyl window replacement: 73%
• Vinyl siding replacement: 73%
• Composite deck addition: 69%
• Fiberglass entry door replacement: 66.8%

What Are Closing Costs?

www.realtor.com

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Closing costs are the fees which are charged by lenders and third parties related to the purchase of a home. What exactly makes up closing costs? Below is a break down of the different components:

• Escrow/Attorney Fees: Some states require third party escrow companies handle real estate closings while others allow attorneys to perform the function. Title companies, title agents, lenders, brokers, and real estate agents are allowed to handle closings and/or escrows depending on the state. These fees are usually split between the buyer and the seller.
• Title Insurance: There are usually two types that need to be purchased-the lender's policy and the owner's policy. The title company or a lawyer will research the title to ensure there are no liens against the property or unidentified owners. These policies protect both the lender and the new owner for the full value of the property. In most cases the seller pays for the owner's policy and the buyer pays for the lender's policy. 
• Transfer or documentary taxes: These are paid either to the state, county, city, or a combination depending on the state. The government agency gets their piece of the pie during this transaction.  This is also called a reconveyance tax.
• Recording Fee: Paid to the county for recording the deed, which shows ownership of the property.
• Settlement or closing fee: This is usually split between the seller and the buyer and it covers the costs charged by the escrow company, lawyer, or whoever handles the transaction's financial transfers.
• Brokerage Commission: The fee you contractually agreed to pay for the selling of your home.
• Pest Inspection: Most lenders require a pest report to ensure the property is in good condition. This fee is usually paid by the seller and they may be responsible for fixing areas that have been damaged by termites, carpenter ants, dry rot, fungus, etc. In many cases these repairs can be negotiated. 
• Septic Inspection: If you have a septic tank, the sales contract will likely require you to have it inspected. 

Things That Don't Factor Into Your Credit Score (That you thought did)

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• Location: The place that you live doesn't have any bearing on your credit score. Even if your hometown statistically has bad credit, all that matters if how you handle your finances.
• Employment: On some occasions, information about your employment may be on your report depending on what is reported to each bureau. Although employment information may be present on your report, it is not used in calculating your score. Even if you are unemployed, that will not reflect on your credit score unless you start to miss payments.
• Income: This isn't used in determining your credit score, although lenders may ask you for your income when applying for a loan. Lenders may also be able to estimate your income using clues found on your report such as the size of your mortgage.
• Age: Although age itself doesn't officially factor into your score, the length of your credit history does. 
• Marital status: You and your spouse have separate credit scores, unless you apply for a joint line of credit. Also, if you add your spouse as an authorized user on a credit card or if you co-sign on a loan for them, that will affect your credit.