Lifestyle Trends - Money & Finance

How closing credit cards affects your credit score

If there are old merchant cards and other credit cards taking up space in your wallet, you may be tempted to close those accounts, since you don't use them anymore. However, that would be a bad move for your credit score. Even though you're not using them, those old credit cards are helping your credit score in a number of ways.

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Cash-saving secrets as shopping season reaches full swing

If there's a season to save, this is it. With the kids needing new clothes and supplies for school, and the holidays approaching, the coming months can be one of the costliest shopping times for families.

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Five things small businesses can do to make marketing pay off

In shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small business, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return. In fact, figuring out "what works" is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners.

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Easy ways to take advantage of solar energy at home

While installing a complete residential solar energy system can be cost-prohibitive for many homeowners, recent technology that integrates solar power with individual household appliances is making it easier for homeowners to harness the power of the sun without breaking the bank.

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Protect your ride for best resale value

This summer doesn't have to be a scorcher - for your health or your car's resale value. It's hard enough keeping the sand and dogs off your leather seats, let alone remembering to wear sunscreen during those afternoon cruises. And while Mother Nature might not praise you for all of that hard work, it's important to keep maintaining your car's appearance - and protecting your health - top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season.

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Creative fundraising helps to keep schools strong

Times are tough, as every parent is keenly aware. But while everyone knows how the economy is affecting household budgets, families with school-age kids are feeling an extra crunch that is being put on their children's schools.

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Savvy investors lead 21st century gold rush

The term "don't put your eggs all in one basket" makes perfect sense when talking about financial investments, and after the recent stock market plummet, many families are realizing why they need financial portfolio diversification.

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Layaway: It's back and easier than ever to use

In decades gone by, layaway was a staple for budget-conscious customers in retail stores across the country, but its popularity waned as credit cards became more available and consumers sought alternate finance methods to buy clothing and necessities. With household budgets tighter than ever due to the recent recession, layaway is once again emerging as a viable shopping tool.

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Which mechanic works best for you: independent or dealership?

If you just moved, are a new driver, or are in need of a new mechanic, you have plenty of options. You have the independent mechanics with their smaller shops, and the large dealerships that handle a lot of cars every day. So which one makes sense for you and your vehicle?

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A sustainable bathroom saves water and money

With so many products claiming to be green these days, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best - and most eco-friendly - products into your bath.

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