Home renovations need to be planned with care. Here are some strategies for planning a remodeling project that makes financial sense: Decide your primary objective. If resale is your biggest concern, a minor kitchen update may enhance resale opportunities more than adding a home office. Decide how to finance the renovation. Other than cash, there are three basic options: refinancing, home-equity loans and home-improvement loans. If you have little or no equity in your home, lenders are... [read more]

1. Hey!  There’s a gift! 2. Well, well, well ... 3. Boy, if I had not recently shot up four sizes that would’ve fit. 4. This is perfect for wearing around the basement. 5. Gosh, I hope this never catches fire!  It is fire season, though.  There are lots of unexplained fires. 6. If the dog buries this, I’ll be furious! 7. I love it – but I fear the jealousy it will inspire. 8. Sadly, tomorrow I... [read more]

Anyone can be the target of identity theft.  To safeguard your money and your credit rating, take these common-sense precautions: · Access, print and carefully examine your credit report at least once per year. · Never give out personal information via phone or email to people you don’t know. · Do your homework on how online sites like PayPal and eBay work before you use them. · Be skeptical of “business” emails... [read more]

Caring for an elderly relative can be challenging when you’re committed to your career. Many people leave their jobs to care for parents, but that isn’t your only option. Consider these strategies for keeping your job—and your sanity: ¨ Look into workplace regulations for taking time off to care for relatives. ¨ Flex your work schedule. You may be able to telecommute, work part-time, or take on a flexible schedule. Talk to your manager. If you’re... [read more]

If poinsettia plants are a “must” for your holidays, here’s a note of caution:   A recent study indicated that individuals who are allergic to the latex in rubber may be allergic to poinsettia plants because both are of the same plant family.  Researchers warn that about 40 percent of the approximately 26 million people in the United States and Canada who are allergic to latex could experience a reaction to poinsettias ranging from a skin rash to wheezing, chest... [read more]