Kristi Weinstock   

Life is busy. Everyday, so many things to do. Finding a few shortcuts is key to keeping on track-and keeping your sanity. Employ a few of these tricks to make your life easier (and better!)

1. Put it on the list

It stinks to be driving home from Lowe's only to remember the one thing you didn't pick up. Or be reminded of four other things you wanted your handyman to fix-after he's already left. Keep two running lists on your phone: one for the home improvement store and one for your fix-it person. That way you'll always have the lists accessible and can add to them as necessary.  

  

Conventional wisdom tells us that any home renovation is a positive thing: money in is money out. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Some remodeling projects are a better investment than others, and the projects that yield the best return on investment can change from year to year. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, these five replacement projects will make the greatest percentage impact on the value of your home this year -- accounting for cost-to-value ratio, the key to making smart home improvements with resale in mind: