When it’s time to renovate your home, you may start immediately thinking about who you can hire to get the job done at a reasonable price. While there will always be some costs involved with renovations, most are negotiable. Before you prepare to tackle your next home reno project ; Here are 10 minor home renovations you should never pay full price for. 1. Painting Interior painting is a quick refresh that can transform any space, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Painting requires relatively low-cost materials and labor, making it a prime candidate for cost reduction. Get ..read more

The silver tsunami is upon us. Baby boomers, once the backbone of the workforce, are now grappling with a harsh reality: their lifelong toil doesn’t guarantee a roof over their heads in their twilight years. Shockingly, older adults constitute the fastest-growing segment of America’s homeless population according to the American Society on Aging. This unsettling trend, reminiscent of the Great Depression, demands urgent attention. Here are 12 reasons why some baby boomers find themselves without a home and explore potential solutions. 1. Economic Downturns and Recessions Economic downturns ..read more

Dear Dave, My husband and I are in a bad situation, and we’re thinking about taking my parents up on their offer to move in with them. We both work two jobs. I’m a medical transcriptionist with a small business on the side, and he’s a warehouse clerk who is also trying to get a business off the ground. Combined, we bring home about $70,000 a year, plus we have $80,000 in debt between credit cards and a car loan. On top of all this, our rent went up 18% at the first of the year, and we can’t afford the increase. Should we move in with my folks? Melissa Dear Melissa, I’m not opposed to families ..read more

Divorce often comes as a shock, but it rarely happens without warning. Among the most telling signs are shifts in financial behavior. Understanding these signs is not just about bracing for a personal storm; it’s about protecting your financial future. 1. Sudden Secrecy Surrounding Finances Suddenly, conversations about money become taboo. Your spouse starts to hide their financial statements, or you notice a change in how they discuss money. This secretive behavior is often the first clue in a changing marital landscape. The reasoning can vary, from hiding assets to preparing for an indepen ..read more

Dental care is essential for maintaining overall health, but sometimes, the treatments offered may not always be necessary. Being informed about which dental procedures are essential and which are not can save you from unnecessary discomfort and expense. Take a look at these ten dental procedures that, in certain cases, might be unnecessary and could be adding extra costs to your dental bills. 1. Routine X-Rays While X-rays are crucial for diagnosing dental issues, routine use is often unnecessary. Annual X-rays may not be needed unless there are signs of dental problems. According to the C ..read more

With the rise in vehicle break-ins, understanding what thieves are targeting is crucial for protecting your belongings. Here’s a list of ten items commonly stolen from cars, highlighting the importance of being vigilant and taking preventive steps to safeguard your possessions. 1. Fitness Trackers and Smart Watches Fitness trackers and smart watches have become increasingly popular and are often left in cars after a workout or during a quick errand. These high-tech gadgets are not only valuable but also easy to sell, making them a prime target for thieves. To prevent theft, it’s best to ke ..read more

When tax season arrives and you find yourself unable to pay what you owe, it can be a source of significant stress. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate the situation and handle your tax obligations responsibly. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if you can’t pay your taxes on time. 1. Don’t Ignore the Problem Ignoring your tax bill won’t make it go away; it will only make things worse. The first step is to acknowledge the situation. Understand that the IRS deals with this frequently and offers several solutions to help taxpayers. The key is to act promptly to avoid additio ..read more

The role of grandparents has evolved significantly over the years, especially among the Baby Boomer generation. Today’s grandparents are more than just occasional babysitters; they are active participants in their grandchildren’s lives, often going above and beyond to provide for them. A recent trend has emerged where Baby Boomer grandparents are increasingly investing in their grandchildren’s happiness. This trend encompasses purchasing items that blend luxury with practical utility. Here, we delve into the top ten unique ways they’re achieving this. 1. Luxury Moses Baskets Baby Boomers a ..read more

123rf In our digitally connected world, public Wi-Fi networks are a boon, offering internet access on the go. However, they are also hotspots for cyber threats. As we increasingly rely on these networks for daily activities, understanding the risks and knowing what not to do is crucial. Here are 14 key things to avoid when using public Wi-Fi, to keep your digital life secure. 1. Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information DALL-E When connected to public Wi-Fi, refrain from accessing sensitive information like bank accounts or personal identification details. Cybercriminals often use unsecured n ..read more

Dividend investing is a popular investment strategy among investors looking for a steady stream of passive income. However, like any other investment strategy, dividend investing has its own risks and challenges. To make the most out of dividend investing, it is important to avoid some common mistakes that negatively impact returns. Here are 10 dividend investing mistakes to avoid. 1. Chasing High Dividend Yields One of the biggest mistakes that investors make is chasing high dividend yields without considering the company’s fundamentals. Sometimes, companies offer high dividend yields to at ..read more