Ever get the urge to freshen up your humble abode? Whether it’s new paint in the living room or trendy front yard landscaping, you can never get enough of those DIY projects. While do-it-yourself seems more fun and less expensive, it’s not always the best option. Let’s explore which home renovation projects are safe to...
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You’ve searched long and hard for your dream home. It has everything you want – and you can envision your family there. Everything seems to be fine, but are there hidden problems? We’ve compiled a list of commonly overlooked problems from U.S. News and Trulia to help guide your decision. Remember, finding underlying issues early...
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Welcome to the second edition of our Fire Prevention Week 2014 series. Now that we’ve established fire safety tips for your home, let’s focus on the workplace. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to over 3,000 fire on office properties per year. Like at home, it’s your responsibility to take...
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The evolution of car safety has been a fascinating combination of technology, information, laws, and more - making our roads safer. See how our infographic tracks other important milestones in the past century of car safety.
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Today is national Pet Parent’s Day®, the only official day celebrating pet caregivers. You spend all year spoiling your pets and spending lavishly on them, so why not use this today as an excuse to go over the top?
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An affordable nautical adventure awaits! Have you always dreamed of buying your own boat? While it’s a romantic and exciting notion, you need to understand what the required investment of money and time actually is. Buying a used model can help reduce the sticker shock. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 60 percent of first-time...
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Here’s what grandparents should know before giving college money to their heirs. If you’re a grandparent, you know how hard it is to resist the urge to give your grandchildren everything—the extra cookie, a special toy, even an expensive college education. In fact, you may already be funneling money into a savings account earmarked for...
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Plan ahead to minimize the expenses incurred when using an ATM of credit card on vacation. There are so many things to keep track of when traveling to another country: the language, the culture and the currency. Just thinking about the currency exchange can make a vacation seem exhausting. An easier solution? Use your ATM...
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With a little education, you’ll find a rock you can roll with. When it comes to buying a diamond engagement ring, bargain hunting is futile. A too-good-to-be-true deal could easily turn into a rip-off. Arm yourself with a bit of information, and you can get more value for your money and find a beautiful...
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Americans aren’t going to let prices at the pump keep them from hitting the road. Whether you’re driving to grandma’s house or a national park, putting some thought into your packing will get your trip off to a great start and ensure the safety and comfort of your passengers. With this in mind, consider these...
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Periodically reassess your investment mix to ensure you can meet your goals Did you reassess your 401(k) portfolio this year? Although you might be enrolled in a plan that automatically shifts your investment mix over time, only you know your long-term financial goals and how much money it will take to achieve them. Take a...
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Debt-to-Income Calculator Plug in your numbers and see where you stand To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, add up all of your monthly debts (aka “recurring debt”), including your mortgage or rent, car loans, student loans, credit card payments and any other loans. Then divide that by your gross (before taxes) monthly income. Mortgage or rent...
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