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5 Home Upgrades to Consider This Season

When it comes to home improvement, the options are endless. While many homeowners have their sights set on a huge overhaul (hello five-star kitchen complete with the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets), simple home updates that can be completed in a timely manner—without breaking the bank—typically offer the best return on your investment. If you’re […]
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Getting Feedback from Boss Who’s on the Way Out

(TNS)—Q: I work for a small company that doesn’t have a lot of formal processes. My boss is retiring, and, while I know he has been happy with my work, there’s no formal documentation of my performance. I’m concerned that my new boss won’t have a good starting point to base her opinion of me […]
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As with Love, First Impressions Matter in Home Sales

(TNS)—Just as every house has a personality—whether it’s a ranch, bungalow, Queen Anne, Tudor, Cape Cod or any other architectural style — the landscape that surrounds it has a personality, too, especially out front. There are formal gardens — neatly trimmed and fertilized lawns, tightly manicured evergreens and plenty of straight lines. There are cottage […]
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Study Finds Foreclosures Fueled Racial Segregation in U.S.

Some 9 million American families lost their homes to foreclosure during the late 2000s housing bust, driving many to economic ruin and in search of new residences. Hardest hit were black, Latino, and racially integrated neighborhoods, according to a new Cornell University analysis of the crisis. Led by demographer Matthew Hall, researchers estimate racial segregation […]
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Homeownership Linked to Happiness

Based on data from the OECD Better Life Index, homeownership in the U.S. can lead to higher levels of subjective well-being. Translation: homeownership is linked to happiness. The Better Life Index gauges worldwide development, zeroing in on quality of life indicators that affect global progress – housing, jobs, civic engagement, health and safety, to name […]
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Why Is May the Best Month to Replace Your Mattress?

A good night’s sleep is critical to maintain one’s best health and well-being. And as sure as spring turns to summer, May brings with it Memorial Day and mattress sales. According to Business Insider, May is the best month to buy a mattress and other bedding accessories. But with all the mattress ads vying for […]
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Prevent Water Problems with These Spring Plumbing Tips

Spring is a time for many people to get organized around the house. Yet, it’s easy to ignore your plumbing when taking care of other household responsibilities. Here are some easy tips to help make sure your plumbing continues to work reliably throughout the coming months: Water Heaters This will be a good opportunity to […]
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Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

(TNS)—People tend to lump all debts together, yet they are not all equal. Knowing the distinction between a good debt and a bad one can help you make better financial decisions. Not that long ago, when people needed extra large sums of money, their home equity was their go-to source of loans. After the housing […]
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Diggin’ In: May Days the Best for Successful Planting

(TNS)—April showers bring May flowers and a month for the best planting time ever. If you are putting in new plants, use these best-practice planting tips from Dan Nortman, Virginia Cooperative Extension horticultural agent in Yorktown, Va., and other gardening experts. Honestly assess your space for new plants. A well-organized landscape with fewer plants looks […]