Before finalizing your travel plans and dishing out the dough for the perfect getaway, you might want to consider a travel insurance policy to protect your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. While your vacation will hopefully be restful, remember that flights can be delayed, tours can be cancelled, family members can get sick, and luggage can go [...]
Consumer debt is falling in most major U.S. metropolitan areas, according to new data from Equifax’s National Consumer Credit Trends Report. While the sharp declines experienced by some markets in 2012 have leveled off, overall consumer debt fell to $10.92 trillion in the first quarter of this year, down from $11.02 trillion in the first [...]
The real estate market is recovering, and mortgage interest rates are at an all-time low. Is now the time to buy a home? According to Steve Cook, former vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Realtors, there are other issues at play. A number of hurdles stand in the way of potential [...]
This post was written by guest blogger Eve Becker. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, garden party, pool party or family get-together, there’s nothing quite like entertaining outside in the summer. Many people, recognizing the value of an outdoor entertaining space in the warmer months, have upgraded their decks and patios to enjoy with guests in [...]
This post was written by guest blogger Teri Cettina. As summer approaches, most of my friends talk about the camps, classes, and other activities that their kids will be attending this summer. But when I raise the idea of the kids earning summer money—whoa. This may still be a foreign concept for many parents of [...]
Being self-employed requires passion and determination. With some hard work and creative thinking, you can turn your favorite hobby into a small business that makes money and helps you achieve your financial goals. Almost 15 years ago, the manager of the gym where I was working as a bookkeeper asked me if I wanted to [...]
Today’s real estate market is uncertain, and homeowners want to do whatever they can to increase the value of their homes—even if they’re not planning to sell in the near future. Updating the look of your home doesn’t have to bust your budget. Lisa Laube, chief merchandising officer for Floor & Decor, says that a [...]
If you want to perk up a real estate agent, just say, “Spring is here.” Spring is normally the busiest time of year for real estate agents and brokers, and this year looks to be more of the same. As February’s colder-than-average temperatures started to rise, the real estate market also began heating up. Sales [...]
You open the door to your condominium after a long day of work, but before you settle in for the night, you notice water dripping from the ceiling and a large discolored spot on your living room carpet. It appears as if a toilet or bathtub belonging to your upstairs neighbor has overflowed, causing damage [...]
Remodeling your home can be a daunting task, and it’s not just about the money. Whether you’re giving your entire home a facelift or you’re focusing on a single room, a remodeling project will take a great deal of time and effort. What do you want the finished product to look like? What are your [...]
