Want to be a star home cook? Stock your kitchen first
Often, when I’m at a cocktail party meeting new people, the conversation usually comes around to the fact that I cook for a living. Many people are in awe of the fact that I love to […]
A beginners guide to reading (& understanding) a hospital bill
Whether it was a planned procedure or an unplanned emergency, a hospital visit is often a disorienting and stressful experience — and that’s before you receive the bill. Hospital bills are notoriously difficult to understand, […]
Can I get a VA or FHA home loan with a 500 credit score?
You applied for a loan from the Federal Housing Administration or the Veterans Administration, but your lender said your credit score is too low to qualify. So what now? Here is the number one thing you […]
Win every fall potluck with this easy $12 chili recipe
Fall is finally in the air and for me, it means pulling out my slow cooker and making some hearty chili. Chili is great for many reasons. It’s easy to make, delicious, feeds a crowd […]
How much car insurance is required in each state?
Almost every state requires motorists have car insurance — for the good, the bad and the weird. Unfortunately for those looking for easy answers, each one of those states has a different minimum amount of […]
How to go cash only this fall
The summer is just about over, which means we’re in the home stretch when it comes to meeting end-of-the-year financial goals. If you strayed a little (or, let’s be honest, a lot) last season, you […]
What happens when your check bounces?
Ever wonder what happens if your check bounces? Although checks might seem like relics of the past, many companies still use them, and so we must keep a box or two on hand. The problem […]
What would you give up for a better night’s sleep?
Millions of Americans have trouble sleeping. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic estimates that 70 million Americans fall into this category. Troubled sleep can range from tossing and turning on your mattress to severe insomnia, but […]
The cost of insuring a lab-made vs. a mined diamond
Pressure and heat, applied over millions of years, turns carbon into diamonds. These days, humans in labs can do the same. Man-made diamonds and “natural” diamonds are increasingly hard to distinguish. Chemically, they are identical. […]
How to ensure that your mortgage loan gets approved
Buying a home can be as nerve-wracking as it is thrilling. Indeed, applying for a mortgage is the most stressful part of the process for many prospective buyers. After all, your financial and employment history become open […]