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Labor of love: How a local couple turns cocoa beans into chocolate bars 02/13/2018 02:12am • WASHINGTON — Think chocolate for Valentine’s Day is cheesy or boring? Think again. D.C.-based artisan chocolate company Harper Macaw is anything but. Owners Colin and Sarah Hartman’s brand is one that’s built around rainforest conservation — they even named their company after two en 5 Ways to Get the Most Bang for Your Timeshare Buck 02/12/2018 07:00pm • Timeshares can be a way to own a piece of property in a vacation destination, but think twice before adding a timeshare to your investment portfolio. "I have never heard of a timeshare being sold for profit by anyone other than the resorts," says Gordon Newton, president of Gilbert, Arizona-based N 6 Ways to Earn Passive Income When You're Retired 02/05/2018 07:00pm • If you're looking to pad your bank account or stretch your retirement savings without working longer hours, passive income could be a good option for you. Passive income is money you earn that isn't directly tied to the hours you work. You might need to commit time and energy upfront before seeing How to Invest in Small Business Strength 02/05/2018 07:00pm • Many indicators show the economy is strong, which in turn means small businesses are following suit. Small business financials were at the strongest point in 2017 since data collection started in 2007, according to BizBuySell's Q4 2017 Insights data. The median revenue of sold businesses grew more t What Every Borrower Should Know About Student Loan Interest Rates 02/05/2018 07:00pm • If you're a student taking out a loan for your education, you know that every penny counts. You want to borrow what you need, and not a dollar more, for the least amount of interest. After all, the interest rate on your student loan could have a substantial impact on your total cost of borrowing an 7 Great Ways to Earn Extra Cash in Retirement 02/01/2018 07:00pm • It's no secret that many people are entering retirement without enough savings to sustain themselves through 20 or 30 years of retirement living. If you fall into this category, you might have to earn some extra income to keep the lights on and put groceries in the fridge. The good news is that ear Can't Handle the Cold? 6 Steps to Move to a Warmer Climate 02/01/2018 07:00pm • You hit your cold-weather limit every year around this time, and yet somehow you still haven't learned your lesson. And as you see that same meme of the bundled-up stick figure contemplating life circulate online yet again, you have to wonder: Why do you live in a place where the air hurts your face Is Your Auto Insurance Going Up? Here's How to Lower Your Bill 02/01/2018 07:00pm • Car insurance rates have been steadily climbing, and while there are several culprits, one might surprise you: the rise of high-tech safety features, which are costly for mechanics to replace and companies to insure. Federal Consumer Price Index data shows that car insurance rates typically rise Six Flags America has 2,000 jobs to fill (and some unique ones) 01/31/2018 11:02am • WASHINGTON — Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is gearing up for its new season and said it has 2,000 seasonal jobs to fill this year. The theme park is now conducting daily interviews for jobs that range from the park's culinary, aquatics, rides and operations, security, guest rel Compare prescription prices with smartphone apps, websites 01/31/2018 05:09am • WASHINGTON — Different pharmacies can charge vastly different prices for the same medicine, but there are smartphone apps and websites that comparison shop prices for prescriptions. "The GoodRX app is the link to a network of pharmacies," said Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Tips for Investing in No-Penalty CDs 01/30/2018 07:00pm • Investors willing to give up returns for ironclad safety have often turned to federally insured bank savings, which are even more secure than money market funds. And to earn a bit more than checking and savings accounts offer, they can buy certificates of deposit. CDs come with a serious drawback, h Hotel or hangout? The Line caters to locals 01/30/2018 02:31am • WASHINGTON — There’s a new hangout in town that’s attracting artists, entertainers, community organizers, food lovers — even the Obamas. And while it’s technically a hotel, it’s safe to say The Line was built for Washingtonians — not just on-trend travelers. Inside a renovate The future of food? Integrated apps, more digital purchasing options 01/26/2018 01:23am • WASHINGTON — The future of food is here — and it looks a lot like a handheld device. Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the way consumers think about, shop for, and prepare food. Recipe videos are social media sensations, groceries are delivered on demand, and meal kit Considering a bed-in-a-box? What you need to know about the new mattress trend 01/25/2018 04:05am • WASHINGTON — Sales of beds-in-a-box have doubled in the last four years, and a leading consumer group has explored the online mattress experience for you in case it's something you want to try. "There are many more options available on the market now," said Sara Morrow, a deputy editor with Con How to Make a Budget -- and Stick to It 01/23/2018 07:00pm • For many consumers, the cornerstone of a healthy financial life is a strong budget. "A budget is a very powerful tool," says Jamie Ebersole, a certified financial planner in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. "It gives you the ability to think further ahead so you can make plans for goals coming up."