home improvement
How to Prepare for Hurricane Florence

How to Prepare for Hurricane Florence
As the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states brace for a severe hurricane, residents in its path still have time to protect their homes and finances.
September 12, 2018
How to Protect Your Home from Hurricanes

How to Protect Your Home from Hurricanes
Hurricane season begins June 1, and scientists at Colorado State University expect 2018 to be another big year, forecasting seven hurricanes—three of …
September 10, 2018
Great Tiny Homes for Retirement

Great Tiny Homes for Retirement
If you're planning for retirement, downsizing is likely near the top of your to-do list.
August 27, 2018
10 Small Home Projects That Pay Off Big

10 Small Home Projects That Pay Off Big
The home-improvement boom shows no signs of slowing.
August 6, 2018
Art ‘Investors’: Are You Collecting Art or Merely Decorating?

Art ‘Investors’: Are You Collecting Art or Merely Decorating?
There’s a difference between the two. Before you buy or sell a piece of art, consider some guidelines on authentication and what might make one piece …
July 23, 2018
10 Ways Retirement Will Be Different in 2030

10 Ways Retirement Will Be Different in 2030
Social Security is a critical source of retirement income.
June 13, 2018
Decluttering in Retirement (or at Any Age) Frees Space and the Soul

Decluttering in Retirement (or at Any Age) Frees Space and the Soul
Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, letting go of unneeded possessions is liberating for you and your heirs.
June 7, 2018
Finding a Smart Lock That Clicks for You

Finding a Smart Lock That Clicks for You
Lock and unlock your door with your smartphone, no matter where you are.
June 7, 2018
13 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

13 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund
If you have a refund check coming your way, consider using it to bolster your personal balance sheet.
April 17, 2018
9 Projects to Spruce Up Your House
9 Projects to Spruce Up Your House
Our spring fixes for $1,000 or less will declutter your home, and add style and value.
March 9, 2018
How I Bought My First Home

How I Bought My First Home
Millennials came of age as the housing bubble burst and lenders put credit in a vise. Now we make up the largest group of home buyers.
March 7, 2018
10 Great Tiny Homes for Retirees

10 Great Tiny Homes for Retirees
For retirees looking to undergo extreme downsizing, a tiny home might be the answer.
March 6, 2018
How Can I Deduct Home-Equity Interest Under the New Tax Law?

How Can I Deduct Home-Equity Interest Under the New Tax Law?
Still want to tap your home equity and deduct the interest? Options remain.
February 9, 2018
Prep Your House for Snowbird Season

Prep Your House for Snowbird Season
Ways to make sure your empty home remains in ship shape.
January 19, 2018
House Hunters: Learn from My Rookie Mistakes

House Hunters: Learn from My Rookie Mistakes
When I bought my first home in my 20s, I had worked hard and saved for a down payment. But I didn't do all the homework a buyer should do. Looking bac…
December 15, 2017
Holiday Disasters: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Holiday Disasters: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
If you've ever watched "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," you probably laughed as one disaster after another wreaked havoc on the Griswold famil…
December 5, 2017
Expect Higher Rates for Home Insurance Losses

Expect Higher Rates for Home Insurance Losses
Losses in states hard hit by natural disasters are pushing up premiums.
November 28, 2017
Best Black Friday Deals at Home Depot and Lowe's 2017

Best Black Friday Deals at Home Depot and Lowe's 2017
Look for bargains on appliances, tools and holiday decor at the home improvement chains during Black Friday sales.
November 21, 2017
Raising Cash to Make Hurricane Damage Repairs

Raising Cash to Make Hurricane Damage Repairs
Many hurricane victims are still waiting for payments from insurers or disaster assistance from FEMA to make home repairs. In the meantime, here are w…
November 2, 2017
6 Ways to Prevent Water Damage This Winter

6 Ways to Prevent Water Damage This Winter
If the worst happens, your homeowners insurance will cover leaks and burst pipes, or water that comes into your home through your roof and windows. Bu…
October 12, 2017
10 Great Movie Rentals That Will Pay You Back
10 Great Movie Rentals That Will Pay You Back
Here are some timeless classics from which we all can learn valuable personal-finance lessons
October 3, 2017
How to Vet a Contractor

How to Vet a Contractor
Before you agree to work with a particular remodeling company, here's what you need to know.
September 22, 2017
How to Remodel Your Home

How to Remodel Your Home
Transform your home the way you want, on time and on budget.
September 22, 2017
10 Projects to Help You Live in Your Home Forever

10 Projects to Help You Live in Your Home Forever
In response to demands from baby boomers, aging-in-place improvements that help seniors stay safely in their homes are more stylish and functional tha…
September 15, 2017
Home Buying for Dummies

Home Buying for Dummies
This book was a big help to me as a first-time home buyer in my early 30s a few years ago.
August 25, 2017
What You Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance in Hurricane-Prone States

What You Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance in Hurricane-Prone States
Policies can be prohibitively expensive in areas susceptible to hurricanes, but home buyers can take steps to make sure they’re not overwhelmed by the…
August 16, 2017