A second house might be an investment, a vacation property or a combination of the two. Regardless of its intended use, a rising number of people are purchasing residential real estate. They see real estate as a safer investment than other investments that might come with increased risks. A National Association of Realtors survey showed...
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If you’re looking to buy a house, one of the first questions a real estate agent will ask is what kind of house you’re seeking. Everyone usually has a preference, and knowing what yours is can help your agent understand what options to show you. Because buying a home is a long-term commitment, it’s important...
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If you’re looking for ways to save money, learning how to reuse household items is a good place to start. These eight common items can work double-duty, stretching their usefulness and your dollar. 1. Cereal bags When you finish your favorite breakfast cereal, keep the plastic bag and reuse it like wax paper to separate...
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More people are paying attention to what goes into their food, even their healthy vegetables. They see the advantage of buying food that is locally grown because it tastes better, picked at the best moment of flavor. So what could be more local than growing your favorite vegetables on your sunny porch? If you don’t...
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After moving into a new home, it’s going to hit you: The rooms won’t decorate themselves. While the idea of spending more money makes your stomach churn, it is possible to furnish on a budget. Here are some less expensive ideas from Better Home and Gardens to get your ideal interior. Garage sales galore One...
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You’ve been saving for a house by paying down your debt, working on improving your credit score, and cutting back on spending. For many of us, buying a home will be the single biggest financial milestone we hit. Owning a home can drastically improve your quality of life, and it can seem especially appealing now...
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You’ve been saving to buy your first home. But timing is important if you want to find the best value for your budget. Certain times of the year are often better for buyers than sellers. Prices tend to drop during these periods, and that can mean sizable savings. It’s best to research price trends thoroughly...
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The best bargain shoppers know that timing is everything. Different products follow different cycles of pricing, depending on everything from holidays to weather to annual trade shows. Check out our month-by-month suggestions for the best deals and steals.
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Shopping has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, providing consumers with more choice and convenience whether they shop in brick-and-mortar stores or browse online for their purchases. Even holiday shopping has adapted to the changing landscape, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday appealing to online and in-store shoppers. It’s easy to assume there is a...
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Check out these safety tips to protect yourself and secure your ground-floor apartment from break-ins and burglary.
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Inflation impacts everyone’s lives, especially when it comes to the cost of living. Inflation is an increase in prices over a period of time and an associated decrease in purchasing power. However, the cost of living refers to basic expenses such as food, housing, and transportation. If the costs of everything go up (inflation), then...
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Are you looking for a way to help reach your financial goals? You’re not alone. 44% of working Americans have a side hustle. [1] Whether you’re looking for some extra cash, making ends meet, trying to keep up with inflation or just looking for something to do after work, a side hustle could be right...
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Want to buy your first car but don’t know where to start? Follow these tips to set yourself up for success.
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How will inflation affect the housing market? Housing prices tend to rise with inflation. This is because the economy is dynamic and there are a lot of changes introduced to it every day. One of the major factors causing home prices to increase is interest rates.[1] When interest rates are low, buying homes can be...
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Ever heard someone say their car needs a tune up? What exactly do they mean? What is a car tune up? In years past, cars used to regularly require intricate procedures wherein many engine parts were replaced, adjusted, and tuned. This extensive process was aptly referred to as a “tune up”, but it gradually became...
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