If you have a sign in your front yard warning burglars that you have a home alarm system in place, you could be attracting a new breed of scammer. Thats the warning from the consumer watchdogs at Consumer Reports, who say scammers look for signs of existing installations, especially older-looking si

Here are the basics of what you need to know when using wood in the bathroom.Choose the Right TypeTeak, ipe and cedar wood make great candidates, as they are naturally resistant to rot and moisture.Ventilation Is KeyAn exhaust fan will help to remove the steam and allow the wood to dry quickly after

When it comes to painting your space, there are myriad options: bright and sunny yellow, the classic eggshell white, a soothing blue or a fresh green. But one color you shouldn’t overlook when painting is gray. Below are five reasons why.It matches. Gray is a fluid, flexible color that pairs well wi

Carrying cash is becoming less common these days, which can be a nuisance for parents and their children"especially when it comes to paying children their allowance each week.For many parents, cash allowances are becoming a thing of the past as they instead turn to prepaid debit cards that can be ma

Keep your cherished works of art in pristine condition with these tips.Create the Right EnvironmentRemember that artwork is sensitive to factors like sunlight, temperature and humidity.SecurityIts important to take the proper precautions to protect pieces that are particularly valuable. Motion senso

Found money is a gift. And with the internet, it’s easier than ever to find it.Unclaimed assets may be sitting somewhere in your name, waiting for you to find and claim them. With some simple online searches, you can look for unclaimed money in seconds and possibly find a windfall.Unclaimed money ca

Choosing to sell your home is a big decision, one that requires the careful weighing of a variety of factors. As your local real estate professional, I want to share with you this useful infographic to help you identify five signs that might indicate it is time to sell.Published with permission from

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities and gum disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss and other health issues. Maintaining good oral health is especially important if you have diabetes, are an older adult or are pregnant.To help you attack harmful plague, protect yo

A common phone call that new credit cardholders get from their bank is an offer for credit card add-on products, such as protection against fraud and identity theft. Payment protection is another service offered regularly, providing a monthly payment to the cardholders account if they lose their job

When its time to move your art collection, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.Get Art InsuranceBefore you do anything, make sure every valuable item is insured.Art HandlersMoving masterpieces is a serious undertaking, and there are services available to handle it every step of the way.Quali

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this countrys food supply is among the safest in the world. However, certain bacteria and pathogens can contaminate food and cause foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning.Although most healthy people will quickly recover from a fo

Many people reach the end of the month and wonder where their money went. Unplanned and unnecessary purchases can make it difficult to finance long-term goals and may even cause you to struggle to cover necessary expenses today. Creating and sticking to a budget can help you focus on your priorities

Here are four things to keep in mind when looking at waterfront property.Do Your ResearchElevation is important to take into account to ensure the house isnt prone to flooding. Property lines can also be an issue, as some shorelines are considered public land.Consider How Youll Use ItWaterfront prop

Commercial-grade cleaners may make your home sparkle, but many have chemicals that can be hazardous. If you want to clean your home using natural products, try using vinegar, a non-toxic agent, in these 10 ways:In the kitchen, vinegar can be used in place of appliance cleaners.Clean your refrigerato

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Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish concept loosely translated as a warm feeling of happiness.Heres how to implement the concept into your homes design.Keep It ComfyYour home should be personal and inviting rather than formal or trendy. Choose decor that you find calming.Bare NecessitiesStrip awa

Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, with thieves draining peoples bank accounts, destroying credit scores and even ruining reputations. Unfortunately, many victims arent aware of an issue until significant damage is done, but by learning the telltale signs of identity theft, you

One of the easiest ways to build credit and improve a credit score is to open a secured credit card. Whether youre young and new to credit, or are looking to improve your credit score because of past financial problems, a secured credit card can help.Instead of providing a high credit limit like an

Keeping eyeglasses clean, sanitized and free of scratches may seem simple enough.With this cleaning method, you can ensure clean, scratch-free and smudge-free results.Lightly rinse your lenses in lukewarm water to remove dust or debris that can cause scratches when wiped dry.For lenses with a coatin

Raising a family means dealing with laundry, cooking, cleaning and other chores. Parents often feel overwhelmed and struggle to get their kids to help out, but it doesn’t need to be that way.Start Early Young kids have a natural desire to spend time with their family members and to participate in ac