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10 of the Best Luxury Housewares of 2017
Luxury housewares are getting smarter. Smart home technology is automating everything we do at home, from turning on the lights and locking the doors to turning off the oven when we forget. When I visited the International Home and Housewares Show (IHHS) here in Chicago a few months back, there were so many new high-tech [...]
Moving This Month? 5 Questions To Ask Moving Companies
Are you moving this month? You're not alone. According to Census figures, approximately 1 in 9 people move every year, or about 40 million Americans. More people move in May than in any other month, according to industry experts. Whether you're moving into a condo or moving into a rental, you'll want to make sure [...]
Starting a Home Remodeling Business? Avoid These Pain Points
Q: I’m thinking of starting a home remodeling business with one of my close friends. He knows the most about the home remodeling business because he has done it in the past and was successful with it. The only difference now is he doesn't have the capital and has a low credit score due to [...]
4 Ways You Can Prep Your Home For Winter
A mild fall is one thing, but if you don't prep your home for winter, you could be putting your home value at risk. Prepping your home for winter means more than just digging out the shovels and filling a bucket with salt. A cold winter season can cause damage to your home and property, which translates [...]
Paying too much for auto insurance? Here’s why
Are you paying too much for auto insurance? It may feel that, based on your accident history or driving record, what you’re being charged isn’t fair. Well, it turns out you might be right. A new report from the Consumer Federation of America shows that your income has a much bigger impact on your auto [...]
4 Ways To Benefit From an Empty Nest
This month, I’m sending my youngest son, Michael, off to college. (For those of you playing along at home, you may remember I have two sons, but my oldest is now a junior in college.) Sam and I are going to have an empty nest. That makes this post very personal. Back to school season is always [...]
Auto Insurance Policies: What’s In a Rate?
Owning and operating a car isn’t cheap. Aside from paying for gas, maintenance, and repairs, you’ll likely need to buy an auto insurance policy. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), most states require some form of auto insurance. Among other factors, insurance companies look at who you are and how you drive [...]
5 Common Myths About Car Insurance
When buying car insurance, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect your premium rates and coverage. But how can you tell the difference between truth and fiction? A good place to start is by reading the following on the five common myths about auto insurance. Myth 1: It’s all black and white During [...]
Your Winter Home-Maintenance Checklist
The days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting cooler, signaling that it’s a good time to prepare your winter home-maintenance checklist. Inspecting (and, if necessary, repairing) a handful of key parts of your house can help keep you warmer, save money, and prevent a number of cold-weather nuisances this winter. Seal windows and [...]