Lifestyle & Trends - Money & Finance

Luxe looks for less

When summer's over it means back to spending more time indoors. But don't let the dropping temperatures take you down with them. Instead, spruce up your space with easy projects. With a little time - and even less money - you can transform your home with simple and luxurious looks ... for less. Read More

Five keys to smooth sales and bargain buys in a slow housing market

Not everyone who relocates has the luxury of doing it when school is out and the yard looks beautiful. If you're forced to sell your house and/or buy a new one outside peak season, you might have to work a little harder and think creatively. Read More

Americans wising up about credit cards, studies show

Americans seem to be learning their lesson when it comes to using credit cards wisely, two new studies indicate. The average American has fewer credit cards, is relying on them less, and is trying to pay down their debt - which, in many metropolitan areas, still exceeds the national average. Read More

Creative fundraising helps to keep schools strong

Times are tough, as every parent is keenly aware. But while everyone knows how the economy is affecting household budgets, families with school-age kids are feeling an extra crunch that is being put on their children's schools. Read More

Protect your family's home, even after you are gone

Caring for your family is something you do every day of your life. But there might come a time when you won't be available. Mortgage life insurance is a life insurance product designed to help your survivors pay your mortgage after you pass away. Read More

Why the recession can be a good thing for those in debt

It's been a tough few years for most Americans, facing a constricting national - and world - economy, job losses, pay cuts and a tough employment market. It can certainly be difficult to see the good in those circumstances, but helpful things can come out of these challenging times. You don't need to be a Pollyanna, but taking a practical look at how the recession affects your personal finances can show that there are some positives. Read More

Protect your ride for best resale value

This summer doesn't have to be a scorcher - for your health or your car's resale value. It's hard enough keeping the sand and dogs off your leather seats, let alone remembering to wear sunscreen during those afternoon cruises. And while Mother Nature might not praise you for all of that hard work, it's important to keep maintaining your car's appearance - and protecting your health - top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season. Read More

Layaway: It's back and easier than ever to use

In decades gone by, layaway was a staple for budget-conscious customers in retail stores across the country, but its popularity waned as credit cards became more available and consumers sought alternate finance methods to buy clothing and necessities. With household budgets tighter than ever due to the recent recession, layaway is once again emerging as a viable shopping tool. Read More

The surprisingly affordable, culturally educational child care alternative: au pairs

If you're a working-parent family with school-aged children or younger, you know first-hand the price of child care. Child care costs are not only high, but are rising, according to a report released by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Read More

Ten tips on how to be a good neighbor - and avoid lawsuits

Treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated is wisdom that is thousands of years old. And it may be more important than ever in today's litigious society where a growing number of Americans - nearly 80 percent - live side-by-side in urban and suburban areas, in many cases separated only by a wall. Read More