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Three Tips to Help You Find a Health Insurance Plan
As major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) go into effect in January of next year, health insurance is more relevant than ever to many Americans, a June 2013 Kaiser Health Tracking Poll found. That includes young adults, a group that “many have speculated may be resistant to getting coverage under the ACA,” the Kaiser [...]
Four Tips to Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams
You can do nearly everything online these days, including booking the vacation of your dreams. Whether it’s a long journey around the world or a short trip to a tropical beach, finding a hotel, car and plane ticket can be done with a simple click of your mouse. The Internet has also made it easy [...]
Three Tips to Maximize Your Medical Tax Deduction
This year, our household has the biggest medical expenses we’ve had in a decade—and we’re not alone. My Webmaster is facing over $25,000 in expenses not covered by his family’s high-deductible insurance policy. Are you hurting, too? If so, there may be tax implications. Let’s look at what has changed since last year and find [...]
Help! How Can I Stop My Yard From Flooding?
If you want to know how you can stop your yard from flooding, talk to a landscape designer or the local municipality. Q: I am trying to figure out who is responsible for the flooding and damage that is happening to my property due to runoff from the road. I am hoping that you could [...]
Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) Right for Your Family?
Health care and insurance costs continue to rise. To offset the ever-increasing price tag, some families are turning to a health savings account (HSA) to help them make the most of their health care dollars. With an HSA, it may be possible for you to offset some of the costs related to health insurance. What [...]
Are There Tax Credits Available for Remodeling Your Home?
One of the things no one really explains to you when you buy a home is that there are many costs for which you are responsible that go above and beyond mortgage payments. Paying taxes, insurance, and homeowners association fees is all part of being a homeowner. Additionally, when you are the homeowner, you are [...]
Remodeling Your Home: Look at Cost vs. Value Report
If you're remodeling your home, there are reasons why you should look at cost vs. value report. The data can be presented by region. Q: Today I read your advice in the Washington Post to a question about cost (and value) of remodeling a bathroom. My husband was an Art Director for Remodeling Magazine for [...]
Increase Your Home’s Value With These Five Outdoor Upgrades
When redecorating your home, it’s important to remember the outside as well as the inside. Upgrading your outdoor space can make your home a more enjoyable space for both you and potential buyers—especially during summer months. “It’s useless to have a beautiful home inside and a mess outside,” says Jessica Yonker, editor of HGTVGardens.com and [...]
Car Sales, Auto Loans Climb as Lending Standards Loosen
Whether due to the sluggish economy or anxiety over job security, many consumers have been putting off large purchases. But as stock and home prices have started to recover and unemployment has continued to improve in a baby-step fashion, these same consumers are spending again. Many consumers are now looking to purchase new vehicles to [...]
Expensive Home Upgrades: Tips on Spending and Saving Money Wisely
Considering expensive home upgrades? Expert tips on spending and saving money wisely, including paying off a mortgage and saving for retirement. Q: I have a $138,000 mortgage at 3.75 percent on a 15-year term with 10 years left to pay. The property is appraised at $300,000. I have $130,000 cash reserve. My wife wants to [...]