When your child starts college and you have an empty nest, you might have a to-do list, including travel abroad and fixing up the house. But before you book a flight, borrow money to turn your child’s room into a home theater or think about other activities for empty nesters, consider that a growing number...
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You just packed up your life and moved it into another state. You’re tired, but you’re relieved. The boxes are all inside, you’ve got the keys in hand and you’re having a seat now to soak it all in. But there’s something still nagging at you, what’s left to do? Oh, that’s right! You still...
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Tornado season spans a roughly three-month period, from April through June, when the bulk of tornadoes occur in the U.S. Regardless of the season, tornadoes can spin up given the right conditions, presenting a serious danger to people, animals, and property.[1] That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of a tornado threat and stay...
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Few home ailments carry the notoriety of black mold. From allegations of cancer-causing potential to lung disease, the darkly colored fungus exists in near mythological infamy among homeowners. So, are the rumors well-founded? Is black mold dangerous? Well, any home that contains it is unlikely to pass a home inspection, however, this is also true...
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According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (known as HUD)[1], the difference between manufactured, modular, and mobile homes all comes down to differences in construction and safety. Manufactured and mobile homes must be built according to HUD’s building codes while modular homes must follow local, state, and/or regional building codes. Mobile, manufactured,...
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There’s nothing quite like a day out on the water. But every time you take that boat out, you’re going to have to bring it back in. Docking can be one of the most intimidating parts of boating, but it’s an essential skill for any boater and one that can be easily picked up with...
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When it comes to planning for death or the passing of a loved one, there are common things we do such as making sure you’re covered by life insurance, funeral pre-planning, and securing your will. Many other things can be overlooked through the stress of emotionally and financially planning for the death of a spouse....
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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’re finding credit hard to get or you don’t have as much equity in your home these days, taking out a loan from your own 401(k) plan may be appealing. After all, most employers allow this, although some only allow the loans for buying your first home or paying un-reimbursed medical expenses. Your 401(k)...
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Get a Life Insurance Quote The prospect of a new home is exciting. Packing up and moving your stuff – not so much. We asked Sarah Roussos-Karakaian, whose New York company We OrgaNYze specializes in packing and unpacking for residential moves, to help us design the perfect stress-free move. “The biggest mistake people make when...
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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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Like all commodity markets, the classic car market is always evolving. Values go up, values go down, and owners buy, sell, trade, and hold their cars accordingly. But unlike other collectible objects or financial instruments, cars provide a fun way to invest your money—you actually get to drive and enjoy an old car. Often there...
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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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One way to lighten the load on your student debt is to refinance your loan through a private lender. Ideally, you’ll be able to get a lower interest rate, which will lower your monthly payment and reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. This can be a win-win when...
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