The telltale flash, a floor-shaking boom, and darkness. Thunderstorms are often the culprit, but power outages can be caused by a variety of problems, from transformer malfunctions to a squirrel chewing through the wrong wire. With so many ways your power can be cut, it’s important to be prepared in the event of a power...
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The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and you’re sitting in a lush, green Eden of your own making. For many, there are few better ways to enjoy warm weather than gardening. Keeping a garden can be a wonderful way to spend your free time outdoors, a great way to gain access to fresh produce...
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In 2020, many people were forced to turn their kitchens, living rooms, and spare rooms into home offices. Depending on your job type, you may be able to get things done just fine from your home workspace with a few tweaks. But there’s usually room to improve. Here are a few tips on creating a...
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Working remotely seems like a great option for giving your career more freedom, but it can also have its own unique challenges. Whether you’re new to working remotely or are a longtime practitioner, these quick tips will help you boost productivity, streamline your process and make the most of your endeavors. Working from home means...
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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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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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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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From kicking back at the best BBQ joint in town to swimming at the beach with friends or road tripping with your family – nothing is better than taking full advantage of a beautiful summer day. Here are some of the best travel apps you can use to make the most of this summer. Stay...
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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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Learning how to live on your own can be an exciting time in your life, but it’s also a big and costly transition. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make involves finding a place to live that fits your budget. Because this is typically your largest expense, it raises the...
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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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