The swimming pool: sometimes the homeowner’s crown jewel, other times a liability that presents little more than an attractive nuisance. A pool’s upkeep can be taxing if not executed properly, and the consequences of poor pool maintenance are ruinous to your bank account and personal health alike. But if you know how to take care...
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If you haven’t bought a new car in a few years, you may be in for a surprise the next time you need to change your tire. For about the past four years, most car manufacturers have been leaving an old standard off of new cars: the spare tire. “It’s been a slow, progressive change,”...
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Nothing can change the appeal of your car’s interior quite as fast as torn upholstery. One little rip or burn can change the look of your car – especially when the rest of the interior is in great condition. But before you spring for matching seat covers or start checking prices to have your seats...
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You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
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Spending money is a fact of life. You need to spend money to pay for the essentials, like food, clothing, and a roof over your head. So it’s good to know that a budget can help you manage those expenses and keep your spending in check. To avoid impulse purchases and other temptations, try to...
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What is an emergency fund? Sometimes called a rainy day fund , an emergency fund is money that you set aside to serve as your financial safety net for when you need it. What qualifies as an emergency? To a certain extent, an emergency varies by the individual, but one way to think of it...
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Credit card debt can be daunting. Like any mounting debt, it comes with concerns about how it may be affecting your credit rating. Knowing how to do a balance transfer could be an efficient way to help pay down debt – and improve your credit. Moving your balance from a high-interest credit card to a...
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Now more than ever it’s difficult to navigate life without a solid credit history. From applying for a loan to renting an apartment, good credit is a must. If you’re just starting out and lack any form of credit history – or the information on your credit report is mostly negative – the following are...
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Depending on the type of business you own, buying a company car could provide some noteworthy benefits. It might come in handy for deliveries or driving between work locations, and the tax benefits of owning a business vehicle are substantial. But like any major purchase, there are several things to consider before you sign on...
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A revocable living trust, or simply a living trust, is legal entity created to hold ownership of assets generally used to determine how their assets will be handled after they die. The person who creates this living trust is called the grantor or the trustmaker and typically also serves as the trustee, meaning they handle...
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While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage Strong winds from tornadoes can seriously damage the structural...
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Any sudden, unplanned decision to purchase a product or service is considered to be impulse buying. These spur-of-the-moment purchases can be big or small, but they are never planned. If you’re standing in line at the supermarket checkout and suddenly decide to purchase a candy bar, that’s an impulse purchase. But the same can be...
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There are seemingly endless ways to arrange your apartment, but having an arsenal of good ideas can cut through the clutter. Did you just move out of an apartment? Ready to start with a fresh design for your new one? From figuring out the best way to decorate your kitchen to knowing what plants can...
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If the responsibilities of being a homeowner have become tiresome, it might be time to make a move. Or maybe you’re looking at buying a house but think the regular maintenance is more than you, or your schedule, can handle. A condominium or co-op might be the right living option for you. Both offer the...
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Gardening is a delicate task. One crucial element of gardening that is often overlooked is the quality of the soil. High-quality soil can ensure that your plants thrive and your garden sustains itself for years. The tips below will help improve your soil quality and ensure it is fertile and less likely to be susceptible...
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