As sure as spring turns into summer, or wish lists for Santa are being made, many parents across the nation will soon give into their children's pleas and buy a backyard trampoline.As you might guess, a trampoline is one item that you don't want to buy second-hand, second-rate or, … [Read more...] about What you need to do before buying a trampoline
Home & Garden
How to save money with a rain garden
Most of the rain that falls on your property is collected by rain gutters or flows from driveways and patios into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water.As urban and suburban areas grow, storm water runoff … [Read more...] about How to save money with a rain garden
How to create and organize the perfect gift closet
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Doesn’t it always seem to happen that you find the perfect gift for someone in July, but their birthday isn’t until November? You decide not to buy that perfect gift, then come November, you have no clue what to get that person. If you had a gift closet, you could go ahead and purchase that item in … [Read more...] about How to create and organize the perfect gift closet
15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
When Glad Press’n Seal first appeared on the market, I saw it as an expensive version of plastic wrap and couldn’t see how it would be worth the extra money. After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, it’s definitely something I plan to keep in stock.It … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
How to avoid HOA battles that cost time, money and energy
If you buy a condominium, townhouse or single-family home in a newer development, you’re likely to become a member of a community association.More than 50 percent of American homeowners live in a community governed by a condo association, homeowners association or co-op board, according to … [Read more...] about How to avoid HOA battles that cost time, money and energy
7 easy ways to lower your energy bill right now
That utility bill jumped so high this month that it should have won an Olympic medal. You can lower your energy bill right now by being mindful of your electricity consumption. Even the smallest of changes can help reduce energy costs, and keep your utility bills low. Here are seven simple tips for … [Read more...] about 7 easy ways to lower your energy bill right now
How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
The old saying is that in real estate, everything is negotiable. But is it really? When you go to buy a house, you’re certainly hoping to get the best price and terms. To do that, you need to know when to start negotiating and when to stop. That begins with being familiar with the market, down to … [Read more...] about How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
6 homemade DIY cleaners that will save you money
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A clean home is a happy home, but getting it that way can cost you serious money. You don't need to schedule a pricey cleaning service or stock up on a cupboard full of expensive cleaning products to create a sparkling clean space. A few easy-to-make homemade cleaners can serve you better than an … [Read more...] about 6 homemade DIY cleaners that will save you money
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 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
9 ways to rack up savings on magazines
You browse through the piles of beauty magazines at the hair salon and wish the dentist's office had better (and newer) choices of magazines. So where can you get a good deal on magazine subscriptions for yourself? Living on a budget does not mean you have to do without glossies and other 'zines. … [Read more...] about 9 ways to rack up savings on magazines
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
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
Green Beans: More than just a side dish
Most of us think of vegetables as just an accompaniment to meat loaf, a broiled steak, grilled fish or roast chicken. But green beans – cheap and bountiful this time of year in both supermarkets and at farmer’s markets – can be the star of the meal.Green beans, also called string beans or snap … [Read more...] about Green Beans: More than just a side dish
5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease
This post is by Catey Hill of Zillow.com.While many people fear negotiating with landlords, car dealers or salesmen, finding the courage to negotiate up front can save time, money and a lot of hassle down the road. For most people, housing is the largest monthly bill they pay, whether that’s … [Read more...] about 5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease
