Sunday, June 18, 2017

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How to Breed Standard Guinea Pigs

Posted: 18 Jun 2017 05:00 PM PDT

If you own Standard Guinea Pigs, which are also called cavies, you may want to breed them as pets or sell them to other guinea pig enthusiasts. Breeding Standard Guinea Pigs is not for the faint of heart because it can be risky and requires a lot of consideration and commitment. For successful breeding, it is essential to thoughtfully pair the right boar and sow and take proper care of them and their litter.

EditSteps

EditPreparing to Breed Standard Guinea Pigs

  1. Be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs. Breeding guinea pigs comes with some significant risks including high mortality rate for pregnant animals.[1] Be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs and consider if this is the right decision for your animal and for you.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 1 Version 4.jpg
    • Never breed guinea pigs for fun. Breeding guinea pigs is risky and can harm or kill your beloved pet.[2]
    • Guinea pig sows have a high mortality rate associated with pregnancy ketosis, which is a metabolic problem where the sow slowly poisons herself and dies of blood poisoning. The piglets are also large, which can cause problems when giving birth (but toxaemia is the main cause of death).[3]
    • If you are considering breeding your sow, stick to the breeding age suggestions to help minimize the risk of complications.[4]
    • If you sow needs a caesarian section because of birth complications, the survival rate is very low.[5]
    • Unless you have designated homes for pups or animals you don't want to keep after breeding, don't breed them. Many people who say they'll take pups conveniently disappear once they're born.[6]
  2. Ensure you have supplies to breed and house pups. If you are planning on breeding guinea pigs, the animal population in your home will likely increase. Ensure that you have sufficient supplies to care for breeding animals and their pups.[7]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 2 Version 4.jpg
    • You will need enough cage space to house all of the animals. Keep in mind that you will also have to separate males and females to keep them from breeding.[8]
    • The cage space will require proper bedding and hay, so consider purchasing extra and keeping a reserve for when you clean the guinea pigs' area.[9] Also consider purchasing more accessories such as toys or hiding holes for your guinea pigs to enjoy.
    • Make sure you have enough food pellets and water bottles to help keep you guinea pigs healthy.[10]
    • Allot enough time to properly clean the guinea pig cages on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to help keep your pigs healthy.[11]
  3. Choose the guinea pigs to breed. You want to find the best quality breeding stock of guinea pigs. Choosing the right guinea pigs can help ensure their health and continuation of quality breeding stock.[12]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 3 Version 4.jpg
    • The breeding plan "best to the best" is often employed by professionals when considering mates. This means that only outstanding sows, or female guinea pigs, are bred with outstanding boars, or male guinea pigs.[13]
    • Where possible, check the parentage of both guinea pigs. There are several hereditary diseases that could affect the guinea pigs and their pups or cause a so-called "lethal," or a pup with severe deformities.[14]
    • Ensure that the boar and sow are an appropriate age to breed.[15]
    • If you are unsure of the sex of your guinea pig, you can check directly above the anus while gently holding the guinea pig on its back. A male will have what appears to be a slit or visible testes. A female will have a skin fold that is in a Y shape above the anus.[16]
  4. Select a boar to mate with a sow. Part of breeding the right pair of guinea pigs is choosing a boar, or male guinea pig, to mate. Selecting the best quality boar can help ensure that a sow bears good quality and healthy pups.[17]
    769790 4.jpg
    • A good boar will have a broad head and a bold eye.[18]
    • The average age for most boars to mate for the first time is 5 months.[19] Most guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks, however.[20]
  5. Select a sow to mate with a boar. Just as boar selection is important, it is also important to find a good quality sow, or female guinea pig. Choosing the right sow can help ensure the quality and health of her litter.[21]
    769790 5.jpg
    • The sow should have good head shape, a bold eye, and a good muzzle. [22]
    • Most guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks, however.[23] A sow can mate at anywhere from 4-7 months for the first time.[24]
    • It is important that the sow is under 7months for a first pregnancy to prevent the conditions symphysis and dystocia[25].
    • Consider selecting a sow that has had time to rest in between litters to help ensure the quality of subsequent litters.[26]

EditBreeding the Chosen Pair

  1. Have each guinea pig's health checked. You cannot introduce a boar and sow unless you are sure they are both healthy. Take each animal to a vet to minimize the risk of either animal being unhealthy.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 6 Version 4.jpg
    • If you regularly treat your guinea pigs for mites, this should be done at least 2 weeks before you breed them to prevent the Ivermectin having any effect on the pups.[27]
  2. Quarantine new guinea pigs for two weeks. If you decide to mate your guinea pig with a guinea pig from another home, quarantine the new guinea pig for two weeks. This will help ensure that neither animal is ill or has parasites.[28]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 7 Version 4.jpg
    • You can quarantine new guinea pigs simply by keeping their cages in separate rooms. Also make sure to wash your hands whenever you touch animals and their feed or bedding.[29]
    • Do not allow the guinea pigs to interact during the quarantine.[30]
    • If you are breeding guinea pigs you own, there is no need for quarantine.[31]
  3. Introduce the mating pair. Once you are sure each guinea pig is healthy, you can introduce the pair. It may take a few days for the guinea pigs to get used to one another.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 8 Version 4.jpg
    • Keep the pair in the sow's normal cage to reduce stress to her and help increase the chance of pregnancy. If she is not ready to breed, she may reject the male by spraying him or showing her teeth.[32]
    • Never allow more than one boar contact with the sow as this can lead to serious fights between the males.[33]
    • If you own multiple sows that usually live together, remove the sows you are not breeding to a different cage to prevent unnecessary stress. Maintain the companionship between sows by allowing them 'floor time' together while keeping the breeding pair together the majority of the time.
  4. Don't disturb breeding pair during the heat cycle. A sow's heat cycle can last from 15 to 17 days. The breeding pair should be kept together the entire cycle to increase the chance of pregnancy.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 9 Version 4.jpg
    • The pair may try to mate throughout this period, but the sow can only get pregnant during a small 24 – 48 hour window per cycle.[34].
    • Check the breeding couple often enough to help ensure their health and happiness and reassure the guinea pigs that you are caring for them.

EditDetermining Pregnancy and Assisting Birth

  1. Check if the sow is pregnant. After at least 18 days, check if the sow is pregnant. You can do this yourself - see How to Tell if Your Guinea Pig Is Pregnant - but only a vet will be able to say for sure.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 10 Version 4.jpg
    • A pregnant female may exhibits several symptoms of pregnancy including distended abdomen and increased food and water consumption.[35] A sow may eat 2-3 times her normal amount when pregnant.[36]
    • A vet may also determine an estimated delivery date.
    • It may take several heat cycles for the sow to become pregnant. Be patient so that you do not stress your guinea pigs.
  2. Care for the sow during the gestation period. Once you're sow becomes pregnant, the gestation period will 63-70 days.[37] During this time it is important to prevent stress as much as possible.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 11 Version 4.jpg
    • Do not make any changes to the sow's cage and reduce exposure to anything that may cause stress, such as loud noises.[38]
    • Handle the sow minimally during the pregnancy and not at all during the last two weeks. You can coax her on to a towel or box for the delivery.[39]
    • You can leave the boar in the cage with the sow to comfort her.[40]
    • It's advisable to remove other guinea pigs from the sow's space and allow her to litter alone.[41]
  3. Increase the sow's diet. The amount of food and water a sow consumes will increase during pregnancy. Give her more food to help ensure she gets much needed nutrients to support the developing pups.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 12 Version 4.jpg
    • Increase the amount of fresh vegetables on offer to 1½ to 2 cups per day.[42]
  4. Check for health issues during pregnancy. Pregnancy is very risk for sows because pups are large. Check the sow thoroughly daily by looking for any signs of illness and weighing the sow.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 13 Version 4.jpg
    • The signs of illness may include crusty eyes, nose, or ears; and a thinning or patchy coat.[43]
    • The sow should gradually put on weight, though how much depends on the individual and size of the litter.
    • Check she is eating. An early warning sign of pregnancy toxaemia is lack of appetite. Any pregnant sow that doesn't eat for more than 12 hours should see a veterinarian.
    • If you notice any problems with your guinea pig, including lack of movement of her unborn pups, consult a vet.
  5. Get ready for the birth of the pups. You should be prepared for your sow to give birth at around nine weeks. Making sure you're prepared for the birth with medical supplies can help you handle any complications that may arise.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 14 Version 4.jpg
    • Guinea pigs don't show any outward signs of impending birth and don't make any specific preparations for labor so it may be hard to tell exactly when the sow will give birth.[44]
    • You may notice a slight widening of the pelvic bones in the sow right before she gives birth.[45]
    • Stock up on a syringe, which you may need to clean out a newborn pups mouth.[46]
    • It is a good idea to alert a vet when the sow reaches nine weeks so they are aware that they may need to intervene and can be on hand to attend to the sow immediately if a complication does arise.
  6. Expect short labor if there are no complications. It takes guinea pigs 10-30 minutes to give birth if a sow has no complications. If the labor takes longer than an hour, call your vet or take the sow for medical treatment.[47]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 15 Version 4.jpg
    • Do not crowd the female while she is laboring. Have only one person with her to oversee the birth and do not touch her.[48]
    • A sow should give birth every 5-10 minutes.[49] A sow will usually have between 1-5 pups.[50]
    • The sow will give birth by sitting up and hunching over or by squatting.[51]
    • Get your guinea pig to a doctor if the labor becomes complicated. For example, if it takes longer than one hour, there more than 15 minutes between pups, if she exhibits excessive bleeding, or making extreme stress calls.[52]

EditHandling the Pigs After the Birth

  1. Allow the sow to clean her pups. Once your sow has given birth, let her clean the pups on her own. This can help minimize the risk of transmitting bacteria to the new pups or the mother rejecting them.[53]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 16 Version 4.jpg
    • The mother or other cage mates will eat the placenta and membranes.[54]
  2. Expect alert and fully functional pups. When pups are born, they should appear fully functional and like miniature adults.[55] In the case that a pup doesn't appear normal, consult your vet.[56]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 17 Version 4.jpg
    • Newborn pups should have hair, wide open eyes, a full set of teeth and be able to run around like other guinea pigs.[57]
    • The pups do not require a heat lamp or heating pad as long as the room is warm. They should be kept at the same comfortable temperature as the parents.[58]
    • The mother may reject one of the pups, often the runt of the litter. There may be nothing wrong with this pup however, so hand-feed and continue to place with the mother. Try some one-on-one between the pup and mother.[59]
  3. Wait a full day before handling the mother and pups. Guinea pigs are not especially protective or proactive with their young, but give the mother and pups a full day after birth before you handle them. After this, you can handle them as much as you like.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 18 Version 4.jpg
    • It is encouraged to handle the pups to help socialize them.[60]
  4. Continue to provide a rich diet for the mother. Continue to provide alfalfa hay and extra food pellets while the mother nurses. This will help ensure the sow stays healthy as she feeds her pups and minimize the risk that her milk quality is poor.[61]
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 19 Version 4.jpg
    • The sow may begin to wean her pups at 14-21 days of age.[62] However piglets can eat solid food from as soon as five days (because they are born so well developed) so if the mother rejects a piglet, make sure solid food is available and he may well start to eat for himself.[63]
  5. Examine the pups and the mother. One day following the birth and occasionally thereafter, examine the mother and pups. This will help you identify "lethals" and any other conditions. Consult a vet if you notice any medical issues or have questions.
    Breed Standard Guinea Pigs Step 20.jpg
    • The pups' size will vary though should be around 2½ to 3½ oz and be 3-4 inches.[64] For the first 2 days the pups' weight may fall but on the third day it should start to pick up again.
    • A smaller pup may benefit from 15minutes of one-on-one time with its mother once or twice a day.[65]

EditVideo

EditTips

  • If the mother rejects the pups, you can hand-rear them until they are old enough to eat on their own.
  • If you need to hand feed the pups, use kitten formula and a syringe.

EditWarnings

  • The sow will come into heat as soon as she gives birth. If the boar is still in the cage, he can impregnate her. It is best to remove the boar to prevent another immediate pregnancy. This will allow the sow to recover.[66]

EditThings You'll Need

  • At least two cages.
  • Extra supplies including food and bedding.
  • Two healthy guinea pigs of the opposite sex.
  • Records of the boar and sows immediate family.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Make Cheesecake in a Jar

Posted: 18 Jun 2017 09:00 AM PDT

Mason jars are all the rage. From salads to oatmeal, you can make just about anything in a mason jar. One of the most delicious treats to make in a mason jar are cheesecakes. Not only do they make great individual servings, but they also make for a stunning presentation! You can make them in a crockpot or you can make a no-bake version. Whichever one you make, you are bound to end up with something truly delicious!

EditIngredients

EditCrockpot Cheesecakes[1]

Crust

  • 1 cup (142 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Filling

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1⅔ cups (330 grams) sugar
  • ¼ cup (28 grams) cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup (170 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Serves 7 to 14

EditNo-Cook Cheesecakes[2]

Crust

  • 1¼ cup (178 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons (38 grams) brown sugar

Filling

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup (75 grams) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice

Berry Topping (optional)

  • 1 cup (100 grams) fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup (55 grams) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water

Serves 8

EditSteps

EditMaking Crockpot Cheesecakes

  1. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Crush the graham crackers first, then dump them into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, then stir everything together with a spoon.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 1.jpg
    • You can crush the graham crackers in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
  2. Pack the crumbs into the bottom of ½-pint (240-milliliter) mason jars. Fill the bottom of each jar with 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture. Pat the mixture down with the base of a wooden spoon.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 2.jpg
    • You have enough mixture to fill about 7 mason jars. Each jar will be enough to serve 2 people.
    • You can make smaller servings instead. Use 14 4-ounce (120-milliliter) jars instead.
  3. Beat the cream cheese for 2 minutes. Scoop the cream cheese into an electric mixer. Beat the cream cheese using a medium speed setting for 2 minutes. Every so often, pause the mixer, and scrape down the walls of the bowl with a rubber spatula.[3]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 3.jpg
    • The cream cheese must be softened and at room temperature.
    • If you don't have an electric mixer, you can use a food processor fitted with whisks instead.
  4. Add in the sugar and cornstarch, then beat for 2 more minutes. Scrape any cream cheese down the walls of the bowl first. Add the sugar and cornstarch. Beat them on a medium speed setting for 2 more minutes.[4]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 4.jpg
  5. Add the vanilla, eggs, and heavy whipping cream, and beat for 2 minutes more. Scrape the mixture down the walls of the mixer first. Add in the vanilla, eggs, and cream. Beat everything together for 2 more minutes using a low speed setting.[5]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 5.jpg
    • If you don't have any heavy whipping cream, or would prefer a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk.[6]
  6. Fill the jars ¾ of the way with the batter. Use a rubber spatula to help guide the batter into the jars. Be sure to scrape the bowl clean so that you don't waste any batter.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 6.jpg
    • If you got any batter on the outside of the jars, wipe it away with a damp cloth.
  7. Seal the jars, then place them into a 7- to 8-quart (7- to 8-liter) slow cooker. You don't have to screw the lids on tightly. You will be taking them off shortly. They are there simply to protect the batter from the water in the next step.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 7.jpg
    • If you do not own a crockpot, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).[7]
  8. Fill the slow cooker with warm water. The water needs to come up ¾ of the way up the sides of the jars. Once the crockpot is filled, you can remove the lids and set them aside.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 8.jpg
    • If you do not own a crockpot, place the jars into a roasting pan or casserole dish. Fill the dish hot water until the water is halfway up the jars.[8]
  9. Cover the crockpot and cook the cheesecakes on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours. The cheesecakes are done when they no longer jiggle. If you poke a knife into the cake, ½-inch (1.27-centimeters) from the edge, it should come out clean.[9]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 9.jpg
    • If you do not own a crockpot, bake the cheesecakes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.[10]
  10. Wait 20 minutes before removing the cheesecakes and allowing them to cool for 1 hour. Turn off the crockpot. Leave the jars inside for 20 minutes. Remove the jars. Set them down on a counter. Let them cool for 1 hour.[11]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 10.jpg
    • If you do not own a crockpot, remove the jars from the pan with a pair of tongs. Set them on a wire rack to cool.[12]
  11. Seal the jars, then chill them in the fridge. Once the cheesecakes have cooled off, cover the jars with lids. Place them into the fridge. Leave them there for several hours to overnight.[13]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 11.jpg
  12. Serve the cheesecakes straight from the jars. Top the cheesecakes off with whipped cream and fresh berries. You can also garnish it with chocolate chips or chocolate sauce instead. One ½-pint (240-milliliter) jar will be enough for 2 people. A 4-ounce (120-milliliter) jar will serve one person.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 12.jpg

EditMaking No-Cook Cheesecakes

  1. Prepare the blueberry topping, if desired. You do not have to use this topping for your cheesecake if you do not wish to; you can use your own topping or fresh berries instead. If you wish to use the blueberry topping, do the following:[14]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 13.jpg
    • Combine the blueberries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan.
    • Simmer them over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Set the topping aside to cool.
  2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Crush the graham crackers first, then pour them into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar and melted butter next. Stir everything together with a rubber spatula.[15]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 14.jpg
    • You can crush the graham crackers in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
    • Melt the butter in a little saucepan over the stove or in the microwave.
  3. Pack the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of your mason jars. You have enough mixture to fill about eight 4-ounce (120-milliliter) mason jars. Scoop the mixture into the jars with a spoon first. Next, pat the mixture down with the end of a wooden spoon. Set the jars aside when you are done.[16]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 15.jpg
    • Use less mixture for a thinner crust.
  4. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. Place the cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Beat everything together until combined.[17]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 16.jpg
    • Don't like lemon juice? Use ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.[18]
  5. Beat the heavy whipping cream separately. Pour the heavy whipping cream into a chilled bowl.[19] Beat it on medium speed until it turns light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. You can use a hand-held beater, an electric mixer, or a food processor fitted with whisks.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 17.jpg
  6. Use a rubber spatula to fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl often so that everything gets evenly mixed together.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 18.jpg
  7. Spoon the cheesecake into the jars. When you done, gently tap the jars against the counter. This will help settle the cheesecake and reduce air pockets.[20]
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 19.jpg
  8. Top the jars off with the blueberry topping. If you did not make the blueberry topping, you can top it off with your favorite pie topping, such as strawberry or cherry. You can also top it off with fresh, sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 20.jpg
  9. Chill the cheesecakes in the fridge for at least 1 hour.[21] If you'd like to, cover the jars with lids before putting them into the fridge. After the hour is up, they are ready to serve!
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 21.jpg
  10. Serve the cheesecakes straight from the jars. You can serve the cheesecakes as they are, or garnish them further with whipped cream. If you used the blueberry topping, consider adding some lemon zest on top.
    Make Cheesecake in a Jar Step 22.jpg


EditTips

  • Eat the cheesecakes straight from the jar. Refrigerate any leftovers.
  • Spray the jars with cooking spray first. This will prevent the cheesecakes from sticking to the glass and make them easier to eat.[22]
  • Instead of using ½-pint (240-milliliter) jars, you can use twice as many 4-ounce (120-milliliter) jars instead. You may need to adjust the cooking times.
  • Try it with other cheesecake recipes. If you need to transport them, do so in a cooler.
  • Keep the cheesecakes refrigerated.
  • For a tasty twist, try it with chocolate wafer cookies instead. You can also use Oreos without the filling.[23]
  • Can't get any fresh fruit? Try it with strawberry jam![24]

EditWarnings

  • Do not cool the jars by running them under water. Let them cool down to room temperature on the counter first before placing them in the fridge.


EditThings You'll Need

EditMaking Crockpot Cheesecakes

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Electric mixer
  • 7 ½-pint (240-milliliter) mason jars
  • Crock pot (or casserole dish and oven)

EditMaking No-Cook Cheesecakes

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Electric mixer
  • 8 4-ounce (120-milliliter) mason jars


EditSources and Citations


Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


How to Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

Posted: 18 Jun 2017 01:00 AM PDT

If you are a homeowner, your biggest monthly expense is most likely your mortgage. By examining the terms of your loan and by working with your lender, there is potential to save and expand your monthly budget. You can lower your monthly mortgage in a variety of ways, including restructuring your loan's interest rate and removing your home's monthly private mortgage insurance. To save money over a longer period of time, consider reducing the cost of interest by rescheduling your mortgage payments. Examining your loan's principal, interest rate, and insurance, you can lower your monthly contributions.

EditSteps

EditReducing Your Current Payment

  1. Refinance your loan. The most common way to reduce monthly mortgage payments in the U.S. is to refinance your loan, or reduce your interest rate and change the length of your term payout.[1] When you refinance, you are essentially replacing the existing loan with a new one. A new loan with a lower interest rate will help reduce your monthly payments.
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 1.jpg
    • Refinancing can come with hefty processing fees and additional interest-rate costs. Be sure that you won't end up spending more money over time.[2]
  2. Remove your private mortgage insurance. If your down payment on your home in the U.S. was less than 20%, then you are paying for private mortgage insurance, or PMI. PMI protects the lender from losing money in the event of foreclosure. These yearly fees can range between 0.3% and 1.5% of the original loan.[3] When your mortgage payment falls below 80% of your home's appraised value, you can request that your lender remove the fee, thereby reducing your monthly payments.[4]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 2.jpg
    • You can also pay your PMI upfront. Talk to your lender about paying this fee upon closing instead of paying it off in increments.[5]
  3. Explore federal loan modification options. If you are having serious financial difficulties in the U.S., you may be eligible to receive help from the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) or from other federal loan modification organizations. Your lender can help you reach out and apply to the particular programs for which you are eligible. It is best to save this option as a last resort, however, as you will have better odds receiving federal assistance if you have tried other options, such as refinancing or recasting, before submitting your application.[6]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 3.jpg

EditStarting Out with a Lower Payment

  1. Negotiate a low interest rate with several lenders. You can negotiate your mortgage interest rate with your bank, broker, or lender, and shopping around will offer you more options and leverage. Strong credit scores, assets, and a stable job also work in your favor, so be sure to cite these as you are shopping for a mortgage. If your potential lender acknowledges that you are a dependable candidate and they are aware that you are looking elsewhere for your mortgage, you can make a strong case that your interest rate should be lowered.[7]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 4.jpg
    • If you have a strong credit score, point that out to your lender and mention that other banks or brokers have offered you a lower quote.
  2. Decide on the mortgage term. A 30-year mortgage can help you save more money over time, lower your monthly payments, and can provide you with tax incentives in the U.S. A 15-year payment plan can help you pay off your mortgage faster, but you will have larger monthly payments. This may hinder your cash flow and prevent you from exploring other investments.[8] When you are applying for a mortgage, consider the lifespan of the mortgage and what is most feasible for you and your family.
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 5.jpg
  3. Place a large down payment on your home. Reduce the amount of money you need to borrow by paying a large down payment on your home. If you are in the position to pay more money upfront, you will have a lower mortgage principal that you will have to pay interest on. Additionally, placing a down payment that is 20% or greater will eliminate your PMI payments. This can help shorten the lifespan of your mortgage and slash your interest payments.[9]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 6.jpg

EditPaying Off Your Mortgage Sooner

  1. Opt to recast your loan. When you recast a loan in the U.S., you pay a significant chunk of your mortgage balance, also known as the principal, in one go. Your lender will change the conditions of your existing loan and calculate a new monthly payment based upon the new, reduced principal. This will lower your monthly payments, improve your cash flow, and save money in interest over the lifespan of your loan.[10]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 7.jpg
    • Your lender may charge a modest recasting fee.[11]
  2. Make an additional monthly payment every year. To reduce the lifespan of your mortgage, aim to make an extra payment every year. It may seem counterintuitive to pay more to save, but this will trim your interest payments over time. In addition, this extra payment will reduce the reminder of your principal, which will cut back on the loan's lifespan. While you may be paying more upfront each year, you can save thousands on the interest payment.[12]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 8.jpg
    • For example, if you have a $200,000 mortgage with a 6% interest rate that is fixed over a 30-year period, you will pay $1,199 each month for your principal and your interest. Paying one more installment of $1,199 every year can cut your mortgage span by 5 years and help you save $47,000 in interest.[13]
  3. Pay your mortgage bi-weekly. Rescheduling your mortgage payments is a simple way to decrease the lifespan of your mortgage. If you pay half of your monthly payment every other week instead of once a month, you will make 26 half-payments each year. This means you will be paying 13 monthly payments instead of 12. The additional money will be applied to your remaining principal. This can help you pay off your loan more quickly and reduce your interest rate payments.[14]
    Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Step 9.jpg
    • If you set up bi-weekly payments, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage that is $270,000 with an interest rate of 3.635% can save $26,511 in interest over the lifespan of your loan.[15]
    • Talk to your lender about paying your loan biweekly instead of monthly.

EditTips

  • Look into the regulations and processes in your country. These U.S. options and regulations may vary from country to country.

EditSources and Citations


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