The share of all household debt held by Americans in March 2017 rose $149 billion, reaching $12.73 trillion in debt, according to the newest release by the New York Federal Reserve. And a 2016 report by University of Michigan's Retirement Research Center found that nearly 32 percent of Americans … [Read more...] about Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
Winter is definitely here, and for many that means high utility bills to heat their homes.While you can’t do anything about the chilly weather, you can take steps to make your home more energy efficient and pay less for heating.To start, the U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself … [Read more...] about 14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
If you have a bunch of folks on your holiday gift list, you know how fast even small items can add up. This year, why not stuff a stocking for each person on your list instead of buying a gift that needs to be wrapped?First, you need some stockings. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar … [Read more...] about 15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
How to avoid buying the wrong home in a hot market
Many home-buyers are finding themselves in an unusual situation: They have enough money and are preapproved for a mortgage, but can they actually secure a house?The number of homes for sale continues to fall, with the supply of homes of homes for sale even tighter at the lower price … [Read more...] about How to avoid buying the wrong home in a hot market
Plan for needed home repairs
A major home repair can tax any budget. But you don’t have to be surprised when something in your home goes kaput.It’s possible to know, more or less, how long most home components are likely to last and plan for their replacement. Plus, knowing the life span of appliances and home fixtures can … [Read more...] about Plan for needed home repairs
How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
We've all heard the sad stories: A senior citizen was fleeced out of his home by an unscrupulous caregiver. A home repair worker turns out to be a thief who takes all the jewelry. A call announcing you've won a prize turns out to be a ploy to get you to empty your bank … [Read more...] about How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
How to pay for major home improvements
Do you want to improve your home? We all do. Your list may include renovating the kitchen, addding a deck, changing outdated light fixtures, building an addition, update the heating and cooling systems or other projects.All those things sound great but they cost home. Home improvements can be … [Read more...] about How to pay for major home improvements
13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
What everyone wants to hear is that there are one or two apps or websites that will always find you the best deal on hotel rooms.Sorry. It’s just not that easy.What worked for last month’s business trip to Chicago may not work for this summer’s family vacation to Disney World – or even … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
How to renovate your home to age in place
On his 59th birthday, Robert Criner's house burned down.While planning the rebuild, he thought about what elements would make life easier for him and his wife as they get older. Like many baby boomers who remodel, he wants an attractive house that doesn't scream "old people live here," while … [Read more...] about How to renovate your home to age in place
8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
Medical costs are rising across the United States, and patients are left paying a bigger percentage of the bill. Most Americans, whether their health insurance is provided through an employer, the Affordable Care Act exchange or the open market, are paying a higher share of their medical care costs … [Read more...] about 8 ways to get help with high drug costs and medical bills
Best cloud storage for photos and music
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If you’re like most Americans, you have hundreds of photos, videos and songs scattered among your cellphone, computer, tablet and whatever other devices you own.In recent years, cloud storage options have made it easier to share and organize your multimedia content. With your documents on the … [Read more...] about Best cloud storage for photos and music
What happens to your online life when you die?
We don't like to talk about the end of our lives, but it's something that is important to plan for, both for ourselves and for those we leave behind.These days, estate planning includes not only who will inherit our worldly goods when we die, but also what will happen to our digital … [Read more...] about What happens to your online life when you die?
How to buy a home in a sellers’ market
If you’ve decided to buy a home this year, good luck to you. Your challenge will be not just finding a home you like, but also beating out all the other home buyers who like it and want to make an offer on it, too.The number of homes for sale is low nationwide, particularly in the price ranges … [Read more...] about How to buy a home in a sellers’ market
How to make money renting out a room
The sharing economy has introduced all kinds of services that make being a landlord easier. Thanks in large part to these services, many Americans have found financial gains in renting out rooms or entire homes to vacationers as well as long-term tenants.If you think this might be steady source … [Read more...] about How to make money renting out a room
What to know before buying a vacation home, plus how to rent it out
As you schlep your ski gear to your favorite resort for the umpteenth time or search for lodging near your favorite beach on a holiday weekend, you may think how much easier life would be if you had your own vacation home.An estimated 1.13 million vacation homes were sold in the U.S. in 2014, … [Read more...] about What to know before buying a vacation home, plus how to rent it out
