Features
More euro for your dollar: convenience and value in European cruises
(ARA) - There is so much to see in Europe that it can be difficult to narrow down your itinerary, and to give each destination its due attention. And inevitably, if you visit Europe, you start collecting purchased items, adding to the luggage you have to schlep, pack, un-pack and re-pack with every arrival and departure. It's a fun challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.
You can still get scholarships - here's how
(ARA) - A slow economy and dwindling resources for financial aid may have you worrying more than ever about funding your child's college education. But there are still scholarships available for those who pursue them and take the all-important step of applying long before the school year starts.
Get online to find great deals on travel this season
(ARA) - The travel bug is striking Americans across the country. Most of us feel a need to get away and recharge our batteries with a change of scene. If this urge to travel has struck your family, there are deals to be found, whether you're planning an in-state excursion, flying across the country or even boarding a boat for a cruise.
Simple tips to protect and organize your precious data
(ARA) - The old joke goes "death and taxes are the only things you can count on 100 percent." Add a new item to that list - disk and tape drive failure.
Putting finance in the fast lane with high speed wireless Internet
(ARA) - Traditional, bricks-and-mortar banks are going to have to start offering much more than free lollipops to keep customers coming through the doors. According to a new survey, four out of five households with Internet access use some form of online banking. And why not? You can pay your bills, manage investments, buy stocks and do your taxes without leaving the comfort of your home.
Finally, an in-home party that pays you and your guests for your unwanted gold
(ARA) - You've been invited to parties selling plastic storage containers, purses, candles and even decorative baskets for many years. The parties are fun, and you enjoy socializing with friends and coworkers and sampling delicious snacks at these houseware and home products parties. In fact, there are times when you come away from them with excellent items for your house or gifts for family members. And other times, you come away feeling you've spent money you didn't have on items you didn't need.
Seek the best returns for your hard-earned savings
(ARA) - More Americans are setting money aside in savings accounts these days, due to the financial crisis. And investing Americans have become more conservative, holding onto more cash than they might have in the past. Both trends are good ones and will lead to a stronger economy in the long run.
Help cut costs, tackle home improvement projects
(ARA) - Once spring arrives and the daffodils begin to bloom, your old front door may look pretty drab. Still, many consumers may avoid home improvement projects because of a reluctance to spend money in a questionable economy.
'A penny saved is a penny earned' and other financial lessons from the past
(ARA) - If the recent financial turmoil has taught us anything, it's that maybe we should pay attention to the age-old sayings that our parents and grandparents passed on to us.
Buying from bulk bins saves cents, makes sense
(ARA) - When you hear the term "bulk," do you envision cases and 5 gallon containers, and say to yourself, "I just don't need that much of anything?" You probably don't. But "bulk" means something completely different in food stores -- it refers to how the store offers the product, not how much you have to buy. Actually, one of the advantages of buying in bulk is that you can get as little or as much of a product as you want - literally a pinch or a pound.
Obama's stimulus bill includes huge student aid investments
(ARA) - The Obama administration has set forth an extensive bill designed to get the economy out of the recession and moving again. This $70 billion bill has a large portion directed towards students and investing in their education.
Growing and maintaining a healthy business credit score in 2010
(ARA) - For owners of new and young small businesses, there are a plethora of elements that need to be managed and overseen every day to ensure success. While focusing on income, expenditures, employees and marketing, thinking about your business' credit can sometimes fall by the wayside.
Tips to make your home project easier
(ARA) - You might be ready to sell your house. You might be contemplating redoing a room in your house for better functionality, space usage or aesthetics. You might just want to change the look of your house to make it more "you."
Gambling on college sports can have consequences
(ARA) - The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament tips off March 18. And while the 64 qualifying teams hope to make the Final Four, the rest of the country will follow the tournament through brackets illegally completed on college campuses, in office buildings and in sports bars.
Four easy ways to lower bills and save money in 2010
(ARA) - Clipping coupons and counting coins has never been so chic. Following one of the toughest economic years in decades, more Americans are looking for ways to save. Whether you need to pay off debt or cut costs so you can afford an upcoming family vacation, there are a variety of simple ways to save money. Fortunately, many of the easiest money-saving tips can be found under your own roof.
Easy ways for moms to save time and money
(ARA) - A mom is always walking a fine line between trying to provide her family with everything they need, while at the same time balancing a budget and saving money for the unexpected surprises life can throw at her.
How to know if your insurer can keep its promise to your family
(ARA) - When you buy life insurance, you aren't just making a simple purchase like a cell phone or other retail item. Instead, you are buying into a promise. You are paying premiums to an insurance company in return for the promise by that insurance company that it will pay a death benefit to your beneficiary in the event something were to happen to you. Sometimes the coverage you purchase can last 30 years or longer.
Resolve to get your debt under control
(ARA) - The bills are coming in, complete with due dates, minimum amounts due and debt dollars adding up. Sure, you had a great time over the holidays, but now it's time to figure out how you can prepare yourself to start the new year off right with your finances.
When it comes to home improvement, small projects pay off
(ARA) - Current economic conditions have forced many families to re-evaluate their spending habits and cut back in certain areas that are no longer deemed necessities. Dining out, family vacations and the purchase of that new TV are all being postponed until the economy makes it out of the red - but some things, like home improvement projects, can't be pushed off quite as easily. And while you may not be ready to invest in a whole new set of tools to begin your home improvement project, a trip to your local rental store provides a cost-effective solution to help you tackle those jobs that just can't wait.
Home inspections help you sell
(ARA) - When you're ready to sell your home in the current market, you need to take every step you can to ensure a timely sale at the price you want. A surplus of homes for sale means that yours needs to stand out in style, amenities and quality to make an impression on potential buyers. The more steps you take to make your house sale-ready, the better results you'll get.
How to get the most out of your health benefits this year
(ARA) - It's the New Year and like millions of other Americans, you may be thinking about your New Year's resolutions. One resolution that many people may not consider is making the most of their new health benefits plan. By fully maximizing your benefits and learning the ins and outs of your plan, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars this year.
10 smart money strategies for '10
(ARA) - The recession has altered the way individuals and families think about money and financial security. As Americans begin the slow process of economic recovery, former lifestyle expectations, spending habits and financial plans need a closer look.
Entering the third dimension - the best 3D technology bets for 2010
(ARA) - For years, 3D technology was limited to amusement park attractions and comic books. But in 2010, 3D is everywhere -- even in your living room.
Tips for saving money with a new generation of rebates
(ARA) - Every consumer has seen the weekly flyers that advertise phones, appliances and even tools as great deals after the manufacturer's rebate. Most people have even applied for one or two of these rebates but may have given up because the experience was less than rewarding.
Banking on the go puts you in control of your money
(ARA) - Ever wish you could get more done in a day? Now it's possible - and easy - to pay bills, transfer money, check balances in your bank accounts, even send money to a strapped family member, all with the device most people never leave home without: the mobile phone.
Small-business owners see silver lining in the recession
(ARA) - The current gloomy economic conditions contain some good news for the small-business sector.
Buying a home: know the difference between mortgage life insurance and individual life insurance
(ARA) - For many new homeowners, it can be very confusing to decide whether you should buy an individual insurance policy from a reputable life insurance company to protect your new home from the unexpected, or if you should purchase a mortgage insurance policy through your lender.
Ten steps to turn your hobby into a small business
(ARA) - Given the state of the U.S. economy, you might assume that turning your hobby into a small business right now isn't the best idea. On the contrary, launching your own small business in a down economy can be a very smart move -- if you plan in advance and set yourself up for success from the start.
Save money on energy by preparing your heating and cooling system for winter
(ARA) - Getting ready for winter often means changing to warmer clothes and taking stock of mittens and hats. But it's also a good idea to prepare your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for winter, too - especially if you want to keep energy bills down.
How to run a NCAA bracket competition
(ARA) - Does the sound of basketball sneakers scuffing hardwood make your heart skip a beat? If so, you're not alone. Basketball fans across the country are preparing for the NCAA college tournament, which kicks off on March 18.
