Everyone wants to keep their homes safe. But even the best alarm system can’t keep out the smallest of home intruders: the pest. Nobody likes a pest, especially the creepy, crawly kind. But they exist, and, unfortunately, too many of us make it easy for...
Read MoreBackyards have always been places where families can get away without actually going away. Outdoor areas connect people with their favorite natural treasures while providing a place to relax. Whether it's adding an outdoor kitchen and replacing your old picnic table with a truly impressive...
Read MoreWhile September may seem far away, it will be upon us before you can say “back to school.” As a parent, you know that between school supplies, dorm essentials and clothing, the cost of returning to the classroom can add up fast. ShopSmart magazine, from the...
Read MoreWith taxes in the news almost every day, and many important tax breaks having expired at the end of 2011 and more set to expire at the end of 2012, taxpayers would benefit from spending some time this summer reviewing their tax profiles and learning...
Read MoreLooking to set up a nursery or revamp the color of your tweens bedroom? Painting is an easy and cost-effective way to create just the right atmosphere. But knowing how to get started can feel overwhelming. These tips will help you choose the best type...
Read MoreIn today's hurry-up world, many families are looking for ways to slow down a little and spend some quality time together, just having fun. The good news is that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and you don't have to go very...
Read MoreYour monthly mortgage loan payment may be fixed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to lower it, notes consumer finance advocate Sarah Tann. Tann, a frequent contributor to consumer finance publications, suggests the top five ways you may be able to lower your monthly...
Read MoreMost deck owners know that one of the keys to keeping their decks looking good is staining it every few years. However, while deck staining is a process that most homeowners are capable of doing themselves, finding the time to do it can be difficult....
Read MoreNational Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress recently that proposed mortgage lending reforms under the Dodd-Frank Act must be imposed in a manner that causes minimum disruption to the mortgage markets while ensuring consumer protections. Testifying before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions...
Read MoreOut-purchasing single white men, today’s single women represent 20 percent of homebuyers – men only account for 12 percent. Even with those percentages, many remain in the dark about the ins and outs of the homebuying process. Whether it’s because they are uncertain about their...
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