An emergency fund should cover disasters such as a job loss, sudden illness, broken car or other catastrophe that can leave you without money or the means to work for a while. Knowing how much money to save depends on a few factors. Here are some to consider: InsuranceLife, health, auto and supplemental insurance should […]

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A debit card can be your worst enemy when it comes to identity fraud. Credit and debit card fraud totaled $4.5 billion in 2016, according to a report by iovation, a provider of digital intelligence for fraud prevention. A debit card can be a smart way to shop if you dont want to carry cash […]

Do you need to put down 20 percent to buy a house? Not necessarily. In fact, most buyers make lower down payments. But putting down 20 percent or more does come with major perks. A mortgage lender would consider you more financially stable and less risky. That means you wouldnt need to pay for private […]

When you move into a new house, there are numerous things youll want to do early on to get your house in live-in shape, and one thing you should think about early is setting up the surround sound system in your new home. Techies love this sort of stuff, but not everyone is adept at […]

Here are four reasons to consider adding smart home technology to your space… Energy Efficiency Smart thermostats regulate themselves and reduce the energy required to heat and cool your home. Security See whos ringing the doorbell via live video stream and control your door locks from anywhere using your cellphone. Convenience Smart home technology gives […]

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A good-looking houseplant adds pizzazz to your home. It can also be the next best thing to a live-in housekeeper, says John VanZile, author of Houseplants for A Healthy Home, out in May. Thats because a number of houseplants contain properties that help rid the air around you of various chemicals and parasites. In fact, […]

Create the ideal outdoor kitchen by paying attention to these characteristics… Figure Out the Features The grill is the star, but a stove top, sink and refrigerator add tons of convenience. Seating Matters Consider two seating areas: one for casual hangouts and another for al fresco dinners. Put a Roof Over It Extend the roof […]

Here are a few tips for designing the perfect space for your little ones… Fun Meets Function Dont want toys and trinkets on the floor? Look for furniture that can double as storage. Foster Creativity A designated space for arts and crafts is an excellent way to foster your childs creativity. Keep It Open By […]