John Cruz' parents both suffer from chronic health issues and are in their 70s. Both have had falls that have resulted in broken bones, so their mobility is compromised. Cruz (not his real name) has helped them out two or three times per week for years. "Before the pandemic, they needed … [Read more...] about Caring for aging parents from a distance
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Customize your Zoom meetings with backgrounds from TV, sports and more
Do you cringe every time you have to attend a Zoom meeting because of your "natural" background?You might not want to share the view of your kitchen after lunch. Or your webcam may give other meeting attendees a look at your bedroom or your family photo wall.You can add some privacy (and … [Read more...] about Customize your Zoom meetings with backgrounds from TV, sports and more
Free or low-cost home security strategies
You want to keep your home safe from thieves, but you don't want to spend a fortune doing so because, frankly, you don't have a fortune worth stealing. Technology has significantly brought down the cost of home security systems and home surveillance cameras, many of which you can install … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost home security strategies
How to insure future trips in case of a crisis
What if it happens again? What if coronavirus resurges this summer, just as you’re leaving for a well-deserved vacation? Or during the winter holidays?Many travelers are looking for ways to protect their next trip from another wave of the virus. One of them is Baron Hanson, who takes frequent … [Read more...] about How to insure future trips in case of a crisis
Make a statement and a donation with these fashionable face masks
If you’ve been wanting a more stylish solution to face masks, you’re not alone. You can make your own mask, and many people have. You can also order a free mask from the apparel company Dhvani. But you may need something different. Check out these suppliers for re-useable masks that will help you … [Read more...] about Make a statement and a donation with these fashionable face masks
Film festivals online, some free
Looking for a new flick to watch? Yes, you can watch movies on Netflix or on Disney+, but why not try something new?Film festivals are a great way for up-and-coming film directors and writers to get their films in front of an audience, but you’re not going to travel across the country right now … [Read more...] about Film festivals online, some free
What to do if you can’t pay your rent
As a new month approaches, many tenants are panicked about how to scrape together the money for next month’s rent.More than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past month, and many state unemployment offices are backlogged.The CARES Act offers forbearance and blocks … [Read more...] about What to do if you can’t pay your rent
What to do if you can’t pay your bills
There’s no doubt that for many people have suffered a big toll on their finances. Whether you’re down an income (or two) in your household, or waiting on unemployment or small business help, you might be stressing about what to do with the stack of bills that is piling up or on the way.On the … [Read more...] about What to do if you can’t pay your bills
Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Refund or reschedule? As the current crisis deepens, that’s the difficult choice many travelers face. And either way, they may need a few expert negotiation strategies to recoup the value of their canceled vacations.“At this point, everything is negotiable,” says Casey Halloran, chief executive … [Read more...] about Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Travel deals: It’s a buyer’s market, but should you buy?
The travel deal was too good to pass up. For just $500, Danielle Tedrowe could enjoy a week at the five-star Live Aqua Beach Resort in Cancún, Mexico, this fall. "It was a phenomenal rate," says Tedrowe, a property manager and travel agent from Austin, Texas. An 80% discount for an ocean … [Read more...] about Travel deals: It’s a buyer’s market, but should you buy?
What to know about buying a car now
Even during a global shut-down, sometimes you need to buy a car.After all, if you have to get from Point A to Point B, you have to get there – and this isn’t a time when a lot of people want to take public transit. Of course, you may have financial reasons for wanting to buy a car now despite … [Read more...] about What to know about buying a car now
Health care documents everyone should have
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to think more seriously about getting their affairs in order, including the healthcare documents needed in case they’re incapacitated and need someone else to make medical decisions. Even if you manage to avoid contracting Coronavirus, completing these … [Read more...] about Health care documents everyone should have
How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
It’s time to talk about the nuclear option.If a travel company isn’t refunding payment for your canceled vacation, maybe it’s time for a credit card dispute. Asking a bank to force a merchant to return your money is typically a last resort. But that’s where we are now. Some travel companies have … [Read more...] about How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
What sports fans can watch now
With practically every live game and event canceled, sports fans are aching for something to watch. This might be a great time to watch some of the best classic games from each sport. Cook up some hot dogs and hamburgers and take in a World Series classic or a replay of a Masters golf game. It might … [Read more...] about What sports fans can watch now
How to make simple, cheap bike repairs
So you have decided to reduce your carbon footprint, or get healthy by riding a bicycle. You found a used bike with potential, or you pulled out that 10-year-old bicycle that has been gathering dust in the garage. Pavel Cherkasov, coowner of Magic Wheel Bike Shop in Websterville, Vt., says you … [Read more...] about How to make simple, cheap bike repairs
