Ask the expert
What does Private Mortgage Insurance do for me when I buy a house? Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required when a homebuyer makes a down payment…
Month: April 2023
Home warranties can be useful when selling
A home warranty can be a useful tool if you want to sweeten a deal for a potential buyer. Home warranties are not the same as homeowners insurance…
The danger of pessimism and how to change it
At both extremes in the continuum between pessimism and optimism, there is trouble. The foolhardy extreme optimist might never save a dime and be defeated…
Exhausted after a family vacation?
Here’s a secret: Going on vacation with the kids is a lot of work. Parents are often exhausted after being full-time nannies, swim or snow board…
Dark retreat: Finding yourself with nothing
Even as you drift to sleep, pinpoint LED lights blink a silent reminder that something around you is computing, consuming, or waiting. When wake, you’ll…
A look at America’s trashed recycling
As Earth Day approaches, many folks are rightly wondering how they can improve their environmental footprint. Fact is, the Earth has finite resources, and…
Mystery solved: Why Roman concrete seems immortal
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That’s also pretty good advice if you’re paving a driveway or building something out of concrete. Turns out, Roman…
Can molten sand batteries supercharge sustainable energy?
Renewable energy sources might be able to reduce energy costs, but storing energy remains a serious challenge. Better batteries could solve the energy…
Retirees should prepare for healthcare sticker shock
Retirees now live longer and often enjoy a higher quality of life than in decades past. However, longer lifespans make financial security, especially in…
Celebrate Arbor Day by planting the right tree in your yard
A tree can add beauty to your landscape and value to your home, but choosing its location can be tricky. Consider both the type of tree you want and its…