The proposal was perfect and you just can’t stop looking down at that sparkly new ring on your left hand. Your engagement ring is a symbol of your commitment and the love you share. And not surprisingly, it may often be the most expensive piece of jewelry a woman owns. Because an engagement ring is an investment, it should be treated that way. That means it’s in your best interest to find the right ring insurance.
Going to a far-flung destination is always exciting, but today’s travelers demand a bit more from their experiences. Trends indicate that as people start to plan and embark on their 2011 vacations, the central goal, for many travelers, is getting a real sense of place. This emerging breed of traveler makes a point of seeing the major sights, but also wants a local view of each destination to experience the most fulfilling getaway possible.
Do you feel like you’re living from paycheck to paycheck, even though you’re making a pretty good salary? If so, it’s time to take a step back and analyze where your money is going.
Flat tires can happen at any time and anywhere – you may run over some construction debris while in the middle of a swirling intersection of highways in a large metropolis, or catch a screw out in the middle of nowhere. Either way, when you hear a loud flopping sound and possibly feel a slight tug on the steering wheel, you know you’re not going very much further without replacing a tire.
With the holiday season just around the corner, there’s much to look forward to. From visiting with out-of-town guest to baking cookies for friends, family and coworkers, it’s the perfect time to celebrate. While there are extra expenses that come along with making all this happen, there are several ways to tighten the holiday budget that are not only money-saving, but fun to do.
Building credit is becoming easier for renters thanks to new developments in the credit world.
Homeowners who installed early home security systems often wound up thinking they would have been better off simply installing sturdy locks on their doors and calling it a day. The technology was labor-intensive to install, offered keypads that looked as complicated as an airplane cockpit, and did nothing for you if the homeowner forgot to set the alarm before leaving the house.
Feeling like you’ve caught a case of the winter blues? Itching to get away, but still experiencing a bit of the post-holiday pinch? Have no fear. Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your travel budget – regardless of its size – and hopefully, cure those pesky winter blues.
The Great Recession inspired many Americans to better manage their finances by cutting spending, saving more and tackling debt. But one aspect of good personal financial management may be harder for many to manage – understanding their credit.
As you begin planning your next home improvement project, make sure you have all the tools you need before you start the work. As you are gathering the “staples,” such as hammers, screw drivers, saws and wrenches, you might need – don’t forget to look into oscillating tools.
Checking your credit report regularly can help you avoid the pitfalls of bad financial decision making that can negatively impact your credit score. Knowing where you stand can also help you find inaccuracies in your credit report and correct them before they have long lasting effects on your credit-worthiness.
Are you heading out of town for the holidays? Perhaps for a family reunion or to visit with friends you haven’t seen in a while? No matter where you’re heading, you’re sure to have a great time. There’s nothing like reminiscing about the good old days with your friends and family.
Soldiers preparing for deployment have no shortage of to-dos to take care of before they ship out. One item on your checklist that might be easy to forget – yet should not be ignored – is making the necessary adjustments to your home and auto insurance.
Last year, 100 million Americans chose to file their taxes in what the IRS deems the safest, fastest and easiest way to submit returns — electronically. If you’re thinking about e-filing your taxes, it’s never been easier to do so.
Ask anyone who has bought a car lately what their least favorite part of the process was and they’ll likely say, “Negotiating with the salesperson.” No matter how nice your salesperson is, or appears to be, it may still be hard to shake the feeling that you’re being had. But with a little education, you can turn the game more in your favor.
The road trip is a rite of passage for college students all over the country. When it’s time to unwind, nothing beats a week somewhere far away from the dorm or apartment – not to mention books, tests and term papers. And with spring break coming soon, it’s time to start planning.
Getting from place to place is a necessity, and driving certainly carries its risks. But are certain times more dangerous than others? The answer is yes, it can be more dangerous to be on the road during certain times of year – and also certain times of day.the answer is yes, it can be more dangerous to be on the road during certain times of year – and also certain times of day.
Whatever the reason the remodeling itch has settled into your brain, before you bring in a contractor – or pick up a hammer – you should consider two important questions: How will you fund your project? And will it be worth it in the end?
Spring is just around the corner, so it’s not too early to start thinking about preparing your garden tools and lawn equipment for the warm weather months. Taking the time to do simple maintenance can eliminate the hassle of a piece of lawn equipment failing to start.
Tax season is approaching, and while you’re wondering how your tax return will affect your bank account, you might also want to consider how it could influence another aspect of your financial well-being – your credit score. If you better understand your credit, you may be better equipped to deal with your tax situation if you end up owing, and to better take advantage of your windfall if you’ll be getting a refund.
For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than inside the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in inefficient systems and less-than-perfect conditions. To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, here are a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end.
Whether you are starting a new company, or refreshing your existing business, one of the most important items on your list should be to develop an eye-catching and effective corporate logo. Why? Just think of the thousands of businesses worldwide that are easily identifiable by people of all ages just based on the logo that they see on a marquee, awning or sign.
Do your address, job and interests make you more likely to be a victim of identity theft? Recent research shows that may, indeed, be the case.
When your youngest child packs up his room, loads all his belongings into the car, and drives away – to college, a new job or his first apartment – the quiet in the house can be unsettling at first. Then it hits you, your ’empty nest’ is a remodeling opportunity. You now have the time to redo that guest bathroom and design the ultimate bath retreat for the friends and family you are eager to invite over and renew old ties with.
Public perception often turns negative when a city, county or state does not have enough plows, salt and workers to make its roads clear and safe. This winter’s headlines have made many people aware that snowstorm snafus can symbolize a government’s ability, or inability, to take care of its citizens.
The 2010 Tax Relief Act that Congress was signed into law at the end of last year. What many Americans probably missed, however, is how the act will affect them as they prepare to file their 2010 tax returns this April 15.
If you’re thinking of buying a house – whether it’s new or existing, your first home or your fifth – you can help ensure you get the best possible deal by doing a few things before you get down to serious shopping.
Wondering where that small increase in your paychecks came from? Take a closer look at your pay stub and you’ll see that your Social Security taxes are 2 percent lower this year. The employee and self-employed portion of the FICA-OASDI Social Security taxes has been reduced to 4.2 percent for employees and 10.4 percent for self-employed.
Winter rain and storms take a toll on metal gate hardware. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.
Just as improving dietary, exercise and financial habits can improve your overall wellbeing and security, resolving to do more to protect your identity in 2011 can reduce your risk of falling prey to one of the fastest growing and costly types of crime. The good news is that making lifestyle changes to protect your identity can be a lot easier – and quicker – than dropping a few pounds, working out more or spending less.
