Search

16 Perfect Places to Ring in 2016 12/02/2015 07:00pm • Start the new year off right in these vibrant destinations.Each year, elaborate fireworks, colorful street parades, impressive cultural traditions and all-night parties inspire travelers to begin the new year in exciting destinations across the globe. Chances are, if you're not considering battling 5 real estate trends to watch in 2016 12/02/2015 07:20am • At the close of last year, many real estate experts predicted the U.S. Federal Reserve would raise interest rates in 2015. That prediction never came to be, but even if rates rise later this month or next year, Ralph McLaughlin, a housing economist at Trulia, doesn't think it will scare away many bu 5 ways to prepare your home before your holiday vacation 11/25/2015 10:00am • Winter travel is supposed to be all about holiday traditions, snow-capped mountains and warm mugs of hot cocoa. However, for some travelers, it can mean returning home to an unpleasant surprise, like frozen pipes or stolen mail. To help increase your odds of a relaxing homecoming, protect your house The Best Frugal Household Hacks 11/24/2015 07:00pm • Last spring, the blogging husband-and-wife team known as "Mr. and Mrs. Frugalwoods" realized that they wanted to live a different kind of life, unlike the typical consumer-driven lifestyle usually featured on television. They decided they wanted to retire in their early 30s and live in rural Vermon 5 red flags to look for on Airbnb and other vacation rental sites 11/20/2015 07:15am • With the proliferation of vacation rental sites like Airbnb, HomeAway and TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals, you've probably tried, or at least toyed with the idea of, staying in someone else's home. After all, with competitive pricing and more space and amenities than you would expect at a standard hote Is relocating for cheaper rent worth it? 11/18/2015 11:30am • If there's one thing all renters worry about, it's how much they're paying for rent. While most financial experts agree that the amount you pay per month should be less than one-third of your monthly income, young renters with entry-level salaries sometimes have a tough time paying less than half of 5 Tips for Spending the Holidays Abroad 11/17/2015 07:00pm • In the United States, the holiday season kicks off in November, with Thanksgiving recipes showcased in every magazine and sparkling Christmas lights decorating every boutique window. However, for many, the allure of spending the holidays on the pristine beaches of Thailand, the winter wonderlands of Steps to Take Now to Make Filing Your Income Taxes Easier 11/17/2015 07:00pm • In mid-April, shortly after the income tax filing deadline for millions of Americans, we encouraged readers to begin planning for their 2015 return. Here's another timely reminder, and this one is especially worth heeding: Steps you take between now and the end of the year can dramatically reduce y 5 family-friendly winter escapes in the Pacific Northwest 11/17/2015 12:00pm • Hot cocoa and s'mores by an outdoor fire pit. Cozy lodge rooms outfitted with beds draped in wool blankets. Adventurous outdoor excursions with reputable guides. There's nothing quite like a Pacific Northwest winter getaway. Here's where to go within easy driving distance of major Pacific Northwest 5 Things You're Entitled to When Signing a New Lease 11/15/2015 07:00pm • When you sign a lease, you're establishing a legal relationship with your landlord or management company. This isn't something that should be approached lightly, by you or by apartment management. If you're considering agreeing to lease terms, run through a mental checklist to make sure the other pa Region's real estate prices reflect squeeze in areas near D.C. 11/12/2015 08:44am • WASHINGTON — The rising prices for houses and condominiums in the D.C. area have its positives and negatives, as the prices can form a barrier to people trying to get into the market. That’s the word from CNBC real estate reporter Diana Olick, who spoke with WTOP on Thursday morning. While m 5 Simple Ways to Rack Up Rewards Points This Holiday 11/11/2015 07:00pm • Frequent flier miles and hotel loyalty points aren't just for road warriors anymore. Even if you're not a frequent flier with top-tier status and hundreds of thousands of miles under your belt, you can still collect lucrative perks and points in outside-the-box ways, from using shopping portals to d Own a Vizio Smart TV? It’s watching you 11/10/2015 12:44pm • By Julia Angwin, ProPublica TV makers are constantly crowing about the tricks their smart TVs can do. But one of the most popular brands has a feature that it’s not advertising: Vizio’s Smart TVs track your viewing habits and share it with advertisers, who can then find you on your phone and An Angler's Retirement in New Zealand 11/09/2015 07:00pm • New Zealand's beautiful, unspoiled beaches, warm weather and friendly, English-speaking people make it an ideal choice for escaping harsh North American winters. And thanks to a dramatic shift in currency exchange rates, U.S. dollar holders have almost 40 percent more buying power in New Zealand th 8 Perks That Might Be Hiding in Your Credit Cards 11/09/2015 07:00pm • Credit cards often get a bad rap, and deservedly so. They aren't for everyone, and even the most responsible people can get into trouble if they find themselves amid a layoff or an expensive illness. But when everything is going well, and you know what you're doing, credit cards can save you a lot