Recycled plastics in the garden: It's all about the 'green' Our lawns and gardens seem to be all about the “green.” We spend a lot of green on our lawns and gardens – nearly $30 billion a year. We grow a lot of greens – nearly a third of us grow food in our gardens. And many companies now make outdoor gardening products with recycled materials, such as plastics – which contribut...
How stay-at-home moms can prepare for retirement When women choose to leave the workplace in order to stay at home and raise their young children, they make certain trade-offs. For example, they usually give up the chance to earn more money in exchange for the opportunity to spend more time with their children during their formative years. “Sacrificing this income ca...
Get ready to enjoy your home's exterior beauty (BPT) - It’s time to make your home’s exterior shine with some added summer curb appeal. You can quickly do the easy stuff – wash your windows, plant annuals, install pathway lights – to spruce things up. But you should also consider those projects you’ve been avoiding. * Is your wood deck cracked, gray and seen better...
Looking for a greener way to clean your pool? (BPT) - There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than by lounging by the pool. Unfortunately, this backyard family oasis requires regular maintenance throughout the summer that can include expensive and sometimes unhealthy chemicals. Have you ever wished there was an easier way you could clean your pool, that was also ...
Dress your home to impress buyers this summer (BPT) - Your home is a place to kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy precious time with friends and family. Nothing quite tops the feeling you get when you walk through your foyer, close the door behind you and forget the day’s troubles. But as families expand, promotions require unexpected relocations or a coveted resi...
Choosing the right financial products for all stages of life (BPT) - No matter where you are in your life, you have a lot of decisions to make. When to buy your first house? What school to attend? Is it the right time for a job change? As things change in life, those changes influence your financial decisions, too. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has put together a high-level o...
Time is short to prepare for the Obamacare metal plans Millions of consumers will be faced with a choice to enroll in one of four different Obamacare “metal plans,” on Oct. 1. The metal plans are new categories of health insurance - nicknamed “metal” because each plan is named after a metal - created by the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare. Many consumers have littl...
Got student debt? How your credit affects more than just borrowing power (BPT) - If you’re a recent college graduate, chances are you left school with more than just a diploma. You’re probably carrying debt, as well. You may already know how debt affects your future borrowing power, but it’s important to also understand how credit impacts other areas of your financial life, as well – such as...
Five steps to create a customized outdoor living space with railing (BPT) - Railing can upgrade any deck from drab to fab – adding style, as well as safety and support. In fact, it’s often the one element that truly sets your outdoor living space apart from others in the neighborhood. Here are five steps to create the perfect perimeter for your deck. 1. Find ideas at your fingertips – ...
What to look for in your next smartphone (BPT) - Seventy-nine percent of smartphone users have their phones on or near them all but two hours of the day when they’re awake, according to a recent IDC Research report. For many, smartphone use is now a way of life, making it even more important to think carefully before you choose your next one. Today’s market is...
Make your vacation dollars go farther this summer: Tips for a budget-friendly summer vacation Summer travel season is almost here. Planning for the next family trip to visit relatives, stay at the beach or camp out in tents under the stars is in full swing, and everyone is dreaming of upcoming departure dates. Planning summer trips doesn’t have to be a tedious and expensive process. Start your research online on a site like Ebates.com , which not only has several discount coupons listed for airfare, car rentals and hotels, helping you save money on your purchase, but also will give...
Secrets to a fun, enjoyable and fuss-free sundae bar for summer entertaining (BPT) - Yummy flavors, delectable toppings and the freedom to mix them together however you choose – who doesn’t love a sundae bar? With all the options available, a sundae bar may seem like too much work to pull off, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s for a graduation or birthday party, Memorial Day or Independenc...
