Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to eliminate debt. Not only does it take patience, time and diligence, but also a clear understanding of why we get ourselves into debt in the first place. Was it that our wants were greater than our means? Was it thinking we could pay down our debt, only to...  Read more

BrightNest is a free site that provides tools and tips to homeowners to help them save money, get organized and keep their homes in great shape. Sign up for a free BrightNest account today! With homeowners insurance (or any insurance for that matter), you’re really paying for peace of mind – comfort in knowing that life’s curveballs won’t...  Read more

I loathe bread makers. I’ve never come across one that turns out edible bread. Each loaf, no matter how I manipulate the settings, is hard as a dog biscuit–clunk. A brown hunk of broken promises. But handmade bread, that is the way into my heart. Which is why, with anything I’m tempted to fall in...  Read more

If insanity is defined as repeatedly doing the same thing and expecting a different result, the student loan interest rate throwdown that’s about to be reprised in Washington, D.C., warrants an intervention. You may recall that at this time in 2012, Congress was in a lather over the subsidized student loan interest rates that the feds make...  Read more

One of the busiest days of shopping is just around the corner. And if this Memorial Day is anything like last year, chances are you’ll be heading to the mall or out of town on a trip. Either way, you’ll spend a lot of money. An IBM survey of social media sentiment found a 46...  Read more

When the wedding bells stop ringing, you’re left with some serious topics to discuss with your partner. What’s on the top of the list? Finances. Many couples fail to discuss money before walking down the aisle, which can lead to major marital issues down the line. From credit scores, to debt, to sharing bank accounts,...  Read more

Now that the real estate market is picking up again, many people are looking to sell their homes at last. But when you sell, you have to move somewhere — which usually means buying another home. Buying and selling at the same time brings up a whole new set of challenges, but those who plan...  Read more

The global economic outlook has gotten murkier; no longer does the outlook appear assuredly sanguine. The premise that the US has had its recession and that now the economy and the markets will advance seems to be not so certain. Bearish sentiment has risen and inflows into broad market ETFs have lessened. An investor has...  Read more

Trying a raw food diet will definitely cut your electric and gas bills as the oven and stovetop gather dust, but it’s not a surefire money saver. You’re typically using a large quantity of vegetables, fruit and nuts for each meal. It might not be a time-saver, either — raw food recipes can be heavy...  Read more

When conventional credit markets get tight, individuals and businesses are pushed to seek alternative lenders to obtain financing. Some of these alternative financing sources have been around for a long time, but the 2007-2008 credit crisis spawned some new opportunities for business owners and individuals, as well as some new ways to access them. In this article,...  Read more