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Nowadays, it seems like just about everyone has a smartphone. Even young kids want them, and parents receive conflicting advice on whether phones are appropriate for children. Smartphones have advantages for kids, but there are potential pitfalls that parents need to take seriously.Benefits of Smartphones Having a smartphone is an easy way for families to stay connected. If there’s an emergency or a last-minute change of plans, relatives can quickly reach each other, no matter where they are.A...

If you’re looking for a unique home, you may be considering buying a historic house.Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a historic home.ProsA Home With a Story " If living in a famous persons old property excites you, a historic home might be perfect.Unique Architecture " Many people are attracted to unique architecture and many historic homes offer that charm.Tax Incentives " Some areas offer tax incentives to people who purchase historic homes.ConsRepairs " The bigge...

Many people struggle to pay off credit card debt. Interest that accumulates each month can make it difficult to make a dent in balances. Juggling multiple credit cards with different minimum payments and due dates can feel overwhelming. Missing a due date can lead to fees and possible damage to your credit score.If you have lived in your home for several years, you may have built up a large amount of equity. You might be able to use a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, to pay off credit card ...

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Opening mail from your credit card company is never fun. If it isn’t a bill or marketing letter, it’s often an update to the terms of the credit card agreement, including changes to the annual percentage rate, or APR, that determines the interest rate paid on revolving balances.Credit card interest rates are tied to the benchmark rate set by the Federal Reserve, so if you’re paying attention to what the Fed does then you might get an idea of upcoming increases. Or if you wait to receive a ...

Bigger isnt always better when it comes to homes.Here are some signs you should downsizeIf youve retired, downsizing could lower your expenses and stretch out retirement savings.If your children moved out or guest rooms collect dust, youre likely wasting money by heating and cooling unused space.If maintenance is overwhelming, switching to a smaller house or rental could alleviate the burden.If you have trouble climbing stairs due to age or medical issues, consider moving to a smaller, one-story...

Victims of identity theft or fraud may feel they dont have many options to protect themselves. An easy stopgap, however, is to place a fraud alert on your credit report.A fraud alert can be placed fairly simply. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to ask that they place a fraud alert on your credit report, giving potential lenders and creditors notice that someone may be trying to fraudulently use your identity to apply for credit. The three main credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian an...

Do you have a room in your house that always seems dark no matter what? Perhaps it’s due to low ceilings or minimal windows. Maybe the walls are painted a darker color than you would like. Whatever the reason, don’t worry. Below are a few simple ways you can brighten the space.Remove or minimize window coverings. A dark room will only seem darker with heavy window hangings. Choose something light and gauzy, or remove window coverings altogether to welcome the sunlight.Paint it white. From th...

Here are five tips for designing a unique powder room…Tactile Textures and Bold PatternsOrnate patterns or unique textures can provide an unexpected visual pop.Sinks That InspireGo with an exciting design for the sink and vanity, like a stone vessel or a marble under-mount.Creative LightingDecorative sconces or lavish pendant lights illuminate the room while contributing to the overall aesthetic.Daring Color SchemesIf you choose to stay away from textures and patterns, a unique color palette c...

Many Americans are burdened by debt and have little or no retirement savings, and people who want to get out of debt and save money for the future often dont know where to begin. Some financial experts might offer general advice that doesnt fit every situation. The correct approach depends on several individual factors.Burdens of Debt and Benefits of SavingHigh-interest debt, particularly from credit cards, can weigh you down. Interest can keep building up month after month, and making only mini...

Published with permission from RISMedia.

According to leading home designers, bathrooms today should be more than utilitarian spaces. They are increasingly treated as cozy oases intended to comfort and pamper.If that’s your goal, here are a few good ideas for transforming your bathroom:Enlarge it if you can. A good contractor can steal space you didn’t know you had, taking it from an adjoining room or a seldom-used closet and adding it to your bathroom space.Use reclaimed materials. Old is new again as homeowners choose recycled ma...

Add a touch of luxury to your dressing room with these tips.Motorized Closet SystemA motorized closet system allows you to sift through your wardrobe with the touch of a button.Secure Your ValuablesInstalling a biometric safe that requires your fingerprint to unlock will keep your valuables safe and deliver ultimate peace of mind.Add a SteamerIf you want to skip having to constantly iron or go to the dry cleaners, then a steam cleaner might be your new best friend.Smart MirrorA smart mirror can ...

One third of American homes today house residents over the age of 60, and 90 percent of those residents would prefer to stay in their homes as they age for as long as humanly possible, a study by the National Institute on Aging shows.With more Americans living well into old age, that may seem like a tall order. But planning ahead can make aging in place more achievable for you or your loved ones.The National Institute on Aging and Senior Living Magazine offer practical tips for making any home s...