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How Starting a 529 College Savings Plan Early Helps

Even if your children are just a few years away from starting college, its not too late to start a college savings account. But its never too early to start one, either.Saving for college is something parents may not think about, or act on, until their...

Tips for Teaching Children Table Manners

When you sit down for family dinner, at home or at a restaurant, its comforting to witness your children mind their manners. But these arent behaviors that come naturally, rather, they need to be taught. Of course this is no easy task, as children can ...

How to Master Transitional Style in Your Home

Here are a few guiding principles to master transitional style.Mix It UpBoth antique and contemporary furniture can coexist side-by-side to create a timeless feel.Light ColorsVariations of whites, grays and soft earth tones are versatile and avoid bein...

The Essentials of Mid-Century Modern Design

Published with permission from RISMedia.

4 Reasons to Try a Weighted Blanket

It seems like everyone"from friends to the media"are touting the benefits of weighted blankets these days. These specialized blankets weigh between 7 and 25 pounds and are usually filled with beads or pellets. Heres what you should know about this tren...

The Upsides of 20 Percent

Do you need to put down 20 percent to buy a house?Not necessarily. In fact, most buyers make lower down payments.But putting down 20 percent or more does come with major perks.A mortgage lender would consider you more financially stable and less risky....

How to Avoid Setting Your Children on a Path Toward Financial Problems

A lot of parenting is about setting a good example. In teaching children how to deal with money, how you talk to them at a young age about it can help them in the long run.Parents can also go the other way by teaching their kids bad financial habits.He...

5 Household Chores for Kids Under 10

When everyone pitches in around the house, there is more time for fun, games and family bonding. Teaching household chores and responsibilities at a young age can help children grow up to be clean, organized and happy adults.So, what chores should you ...

5 Phone Apps to Help Manage Your Money

Saving, spending, budgeting and paying off debts"we all try to do it, and do it responsibly. But its not always easy to pay bills, buy groceries and budget for your future all while enjoying the cash you work so hard for.In todays tech-filled world, it...

IRS Audit Red Flags Retirees Should Watch Out For

Only about 1 percent of Americans are audited in a given year, and most of those are weighted toward people with high incomes. Still, its something you dont want to take a chance on.Retired taxpayers should be aware of some red flags that could lead to...