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
Home & 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
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
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
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
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
How to find the best home inspector
Before you buy a home, it’s always a good idea to get a professional home inspection. In most cases, you can make your purchase contract contingent on a satisfactory inspection. That means if you don’t like the inspection results, you can cancel the contract, get your deposit back and walk away from … [Read more...] about How to find the best home inspector
How to get your adult child out of your basement
It’s become somewhat of a stereotype: Young adults are living in their parents’ basements, unable to secure gainful employment and unwilling to grow up. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, 33% of 25- to 29-year-olds were residents of multi-generational households in 2016, according to a Pew … [Read more...] about How to get your adult child out of your basement
How to buy your first house
Buying your first home is intimidating, and the current economy makes it even tougher. According to a recent article in Market Watch, the inventory of starter homes available to first time home buyers is dwindling. Many homes are in need of major repairs, which drives up the investment cost.But … [Read more...] about How to buy your first house
How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
One hurdle many would-be home buyers face – or think they face — is the need to come up with a big chunk of cash to make a 20% down payment. The good news is that you don’t have to have 20% down, even in today’s tight credit environment, to buy a house.Buyers with good jobs and decent credit … [Read more...] about How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
Green onions aren’t expensive to purchase in the grocery store, but they are one of those ingredients that I either forget to buy, or they go bad in the fridge before I remember to use them, which is definitely a waste of money. Green onions, also known as scallions, are great for flavor and garnish … [Read more...] about Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
