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Money & Finance
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Lower summer energy costs and get a facelift for your home
During summer, many of us look forward to fun-filled days at the pool or beach, but we definitely don't look forward to exorbitantly high cooling bills during the heat of the season. There are a number of ways you can improve the energy-efficient aspects of your home and save on electricity costs.
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Family-friendly tips to save energy at home
Saving money and reducing your home's energy usage are a priority for many homeowners these days. Some energy-saving actions such as switching off lights when leaving a room and turning off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your hands are simple and cost effective. This summer, try a few energy saving tips to save your family some money while keeping the environment in mind.
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How much does that doggie in the window really cost?
No matter how you acquire your new best friend, pet ownership comes with significant start-up costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. Often, people and pets come together unexpectedly. Sometimes, however, you do have the opportunity to plan ahead for pet ownership. When that opportunity occurs, keep these considerations...
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Five rules for buying a foreclosure or short sale with confidence
Some analysts say the rebound has begun and home prices may rise by the end of 2012. This means now may be buyers' last chance to take advantage of affordable properties and low interest rates. If you want to score a bargain before the housing market recovers, you'll need to follow a few rules to invest with certainty.
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How to ease arthritis pain
For the 50 million American adults currently suffering from arthritis, symptom management is the name of the game. Although it's the leading cause of disability in the U.S., and the second most frequently reported chronic condition, there are currently no cures for the family of musculoskeletal disorders known as arthrit...
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Increase garage sale profits with some marketing basics
As the weather warms up, garage sales begin appearing all over the U.S. Garage sales are a great way to clean out clutter while making some extra dollars for home improvements, bills, vacations or even "retail therapy." Garage sales are great opportunity to employ basic marketing principles in a fun way; a little innovat...
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What lies beneath your dream home?
In a buyer-friendly market, home shoppers can be pretty particular in their search for a dream home. A sewer line inspection is not included in the standard home inspection and is regularly waived in the purchasing process. Buyers should reconsider including this important step before they sign a deal.
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Avoid becoming 'unscoreable' and maintain your credit history as you age
You've spent your whole life managing your money with flawless proficiency. You have a sparkling credit score and very little debt. But is it possible to get to a point where you have so little debt that you could actually fail to register a credit score?
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Home organization for the busy household
Between work, school, children's activities, family obligations and travel plans, today's busy families are left with little time to keep their homes tidy and well-organized. With summer fast approaching, it is important for on-the-go families to realize that home organization does not have to be difficult or time consum...
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Financial tips for new graduates
If you are a new graduate, a college degree is just the first step in the new direction your life will be taking. A new career, potentially a new community to live in and a bit of cash in your pocket to spend - there are a lot of changes happening. Here are some financial tips to help grads get the most out of their new ...
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Protect your identity as you would other valuables
There is good reason for the concern to protect your assets. You've worked hard to obtain them and will do everything reasonable to shelter them from harm. As has been true throughout time, as advances are made in securing and protecting our valuables, there's someone working just as diligently to gain access to your hard-earned assets. Your identity is no different.
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Financial savings and more when shopping online
Saving money is a hot topic these days, from television shows about extreme coupon clipping to stores advertising huge savings for specially marked and bulk items. But you might be surprised to discover how much money you can save while shopping online.
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national news
Huge tornado touches down near Oklahoma City, more forecast
By Lindsay Morris TULSA, Oklahoma (Reuters) - A huge tornado touched down on Monday near Oklahoma City, and the National Weather Service urged residents to immediately take cover as a massive storm system in the middle of the country threatened to pummel as many as 10 states. "The tornado on the ground right now is huge and has hit through populated areas," Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin said on CNN. She said it was too early to know the extent of the damage, but live television showed extensive destruction in the area. ...
Mon May 20 16:05:36 UTC 2013
Vermont passes law allowing doctor-assisted suicide
By Jason McLure (Reuters) - Vermont on Monday became the fourth U.S. state to end legal penalties for doctors who prescribe medication to terminally ill patients seeking to end their own lives. The law, which includes a number of safeguards over the next three years as the state adapts, marked the first time a U.S. state has used the legislative process to make assisted suicide legal. Oregon and Washington have similar laws passed through ballot measures and a Montana court authorized the practice in 2009. ...
Mon May 20 14:14:46 UTC 2013
Five killed, six injured from church group in Illinois van crash
By Tim Bross ST. LOUIS, Mo (Reuters) - Five people were killed and six were injured Monday morning when a van carrying them home from a religious gathering in California rolled over off of Interstate 70 near Vandalia in southern Illinois, police said. Fayette County Sheriff's Department Deputy Shawn Carter said the van had Maryland plates, but the van's destination is as yet undetermined. Carter said the van was eastbound about four miles west of Vandalia, which is about 70 miles northeast of St. ...
Mon May 20 14:22:33 UTC 2013
Huge tornado touches down near Oklahoma City
A devastating, mile-wide tornado touched down near Oklahoma City on Monday, leveling homes, businesses and schools in the suburb of Moore. There were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries. The funnel cloud could be seen for miles, creating a debris field several miles wide. Weather officials estimated the strength of the tornado to be [...]
Mon May 20 15:55:48 UTC 2013