Should you pay to fix your credit score?
If you’ve got some dings on your credit, it can be tempting to think about hiring someone to clean it up. But is that a good idea? Experts generally say…
Author: Rick Good
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader's money, real estate, and business coverage.
Virtual currency value soars, but risky
At this point, it seems like everyone from the most serious of investors to the dabblers have a cryptocurrency story to share. It’s tempting to jump in,…
Lumber prices rise as production ramps up
Anyone looking to build or renovate a home has quickly encountered the latest sticker shock item: lumber. Lumber prices have tripled in the past year,…
Back to the office?
When Google announced this spring that it would brings its employees back to the office, many wondered whether other businesses would follow suit. What…
Supply chain woes still stall production
The microcomputer shortage is still stalling production and delivery of new cars, phones and even dishwashers, causing prices to rise, experts say. It’s…
Ask the Expert: What home buying programs are available for veterans?
Military veterans have access to a range of home-buying programs as well as post-purchase benefits like tax credits. It can take some research, but the…
Open space out, gray/yellow combos in
Last year left many of us eyeing our homes in a new light, whether we were forced to confront long-overdue renovations or simply felt like sprucing up….
Bank-owned homes offer opportunities
One way into the real estate home or investment market is through bank-owned homes, which can be both affordable and problematic. Bank-owned properties…
How to worry usefully
Doctors at the University of Arkansas say worry can help you respond to a problem. With anxiety, there is no exit, but healthy worry motivates you to come…
A big payoff in taking the optimistic view
If you’re an optimist, you believe that any defeat is a temporary setback or a challenge. It doesn’t knock you down. Using this theme in your life helps…