Nobody likes a house with an outdated bathroom. Of course, you can use a blue toilet and bathe in a pink tub, illuminated by eight naked light bulbs shining on a stained 1970s laminate countertop. I do, for now. But do you really want to?Building the spa bathroom of your dreams may … [Read more...] about How to save on bathroom renovations
How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or tiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who … [Read more...] about How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
How to remodel your kitchen for less
We always hear that remodeling a kitchen is one of the most expensive home improvements. And it can be. The Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report listed the average cost of a major kitchen remodel at $77,939, and even a minor remodel came in at $26,790. But kitchen remodeling doesn't have to … [Read more...] about How to remodel your kitchen for less
How to teach your kids about budgets
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn.While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t want to be supporting … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
10 ways to get your financial life in order
Are you spending too much and saving too little? Do you not even know where your money is going? If the answer is yes, it's time to get your financial life in order.Even if you're doing well financially, the beginning of the year is a good time to take a look at your savings, your spending … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your financial life in order
How to visit 150-plus museums free on first full weekend of each month
On the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month, you can visit more than 150 museums nationwide for free with your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card. Each card admits one person with photo ID. The Museums on Us program includes museums in 31 states and the … [Read more...] about How to visit 150-plus museums free on first full weekend of each month
Save time, money by getting rid of clutter
As you look at your holiday gifts — the ones you wanted and the ones that made you wonder, “What was she thinking?” — there is probably one thought on your mind: Where am I going to put this stuff?The best way to find places to put your valued new gifts is by organizing what you have … [Read more...] about Save time, money by getting rid of clutter
10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
When it comes time to choose holiday gifts, there are times you just don't want to buy any more things. Yet you want to share joy, make your friends and family happy and give them a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy all year.There is a way to do that. Memberships in museums or botanical … [Read more...] about 10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
How to teach your children to budget
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn.While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t … [Read more...] about How to teach your children to budget
15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
With fall in the air, your thoughts may turn to what needs to be done to your home before winter sets in. Many tasks are done much more easily when the weather is still nice. Plus, taking care of routine maintenance tasks now can save you aggravation and money down the road. "If you … [Read more...] about 15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
How to create your own retirement community
A few years ago, Marianne Kilkenny’s elderly parents moved into an assisted living community. That got her thinking about her own plans because she didn’t want to end up in a similar community or a facility run by a company.Kilkenny, 65, the founder of Women For Living in Community, is among a … [Read more...] about How to create your own retirement community
How to save on shopping using credit card perks
As you make your shopping list, there is one other list you should make, though you may have to check it twice: What kind of additional deals or perks can you get using your credit cards?Buying with some cards gives you purchase protection, a refund if the price drops, an extended return period … [Read more...] about How to save on shopping using credit card perks
12 tips for buying your first house
For first-time homebuyers, the whole homebuying process may look a bit daunting. You’re going into what could be the biggest purchase of your life with no experience to fall back on. The good news is a little preparation can go a long way and help you approach this major decision with … [Read more...] about 12 tips for buying your first house
6 real lessons from HGTV’s ‘House Hunters’
The revelation that would-be home buyers on HGTV's popular "House Hunters" program may be looking at homes that aren't even for sale has caused a stir. But even if "House Hunters" is, in part, fake, there are some real lessons home buyers should take from the show. We're not saying that the … [Read more...] about 6 real lessons from HGTV’s ‘House Hunters’
Budget-friendly family summer vacation ideas
With summer comes thoughts of family vacations: theme parks and beach stays and island cruises. For families on a budget, fancy resorts and international travel are likely to be costly to consider. The good news is you don’t have to be rich to enjoy a great family vacation."A lot of people have … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly family summer vacation ideas