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
Home & Garden
How to throw a cheap Super Bowl party
Big events don’t have to equal big spending. A little food, some libations, a few decorations and a TV, and you’ve got the makings for a great Super Bowl party. If you’re having friends over to watch the game, here are some ideas that can help you keep the price tag under control. 1. Consider … [Read more...] about How to throw a cheap Super Bowl party
Cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always looking for something to do with the cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about Cool things to do with used Christmas cards
31 ways to stay warm, save money this winter
For many of us, winter is a time when we discover a few more cracks and crannies for the cold air to find its way inside. Not only does that make it harder to stay warm and cozy, it sends money out the door as the electric or gas bill climbs. Even using a fireplace for heat can send money up … [Read more...] about 31 ways to stay warm, save money this winter
Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
Ask my kids and they’ll tell you I’m a pretty pathetic pumpkin carver. Or I was, until I discovered free stencils to guide me to the gory. And I watched this video to teach me the basics, like how to keep my pumpkin top from falling inside.Pick up a nifty Halloween tool set like the one … [Read more...] about Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
10 things to do before a hurricane comes
Hurricane season is officially under way, and if you live anywhere near the coast, that means it's time to stock up on bottled water, batteries and non-perishable food. But those aren't the only things you need to do before a hurricane approaches. The beginning of the season is a good time to review … [Read more...] about 10 things to do before a hurricane comes
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
What to look for in a starter home
You’ve dreamed for years of buying your first home, and now it’s time. You’ve created Pinterest boards dotted with photos of beautiful home decor, watched all the episodes of HGTV’s “House Hunters” and spent hours trolling listings online. You know exactly what you want. But have you done … [Read more...] about What to look for in a starter home
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from around the house and yard. Arrange them casually down the center of the table, or … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
How to organize your life with peg board
I recently decided to organize my garage using peg board. Before began, I did a little recon work and wow, was I surprised at how much can be done with some simple, inexpensive peg board. No matter what room you want to get into shape, peg board can help, and it's cheap. For less than $30, you … [Read more...] about How to organize your life with peg board
18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift. Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy D-I-Y home improvement projects
