Entertaining
June 2013
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Summer vacation: kid style
Planning for the 10 weeks your kids are out of class is the key to a successful summer.
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The top 5 least expensive things you can do to make your home greener
Going green isn’t as hard (or expensive!) as you may think.
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Pool safety
That refreshing landscape can be a big safety hazard to children and pets if it’s not fenced in.
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May 2013
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Bikes are back…big time
Biking has caught on with millions because it can happen almost anytime and anywhere.
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Farmer’s Market cheat sheet
When you shop at your farmer’s market, are you really making the most out of your trip?
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Smoke detector basics
For most of us, replacing a smoke detector means picking out one in our budget range and installing it — then not giving it a second thought.
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April 2013
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Be prepared for summer
Preparing for the summer is a mommy-must. Avoid the phrase “Mom, I’m SO bored!” with our list of ways to prepare for summer break.
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Tree care 101
Arbor Day’s a good time to make sure you’re taking care of the trees you already have.
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Make sure your grill’s ready for grilling season
After a winter of snow and storms, the warmer winds of March have many an outdoor cook ready to hit the grill.
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March 2013
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Find the right bag for you
With dreams of summer vacations already creeping into your daily routines, it may be time to consider buying new luggage.
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New appliances can save energy – and money
Today’s home appliances can save you money and look stylish.
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Prepping your pool for summer
After a winter of disuse, your pool needs a little primping for be usable this summer.
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February 2013
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Preserve that Valentine’s bouquet
If you want to make the most of your beautiful flowers, consider drying or pressing them.
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Snow shoveling 101
A few tricks can help you make quicker and safer work of clearing your driveway.
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Keep within your household budget
Here are a few ideas and strategies to keep your financial goals on target throughout 2013.
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January 2013
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Taking advantage of post-holiday sales
Making the most of post-holiday sales will keep your pocketbook armed and hefty year-round.
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Five tips for a better year
A better life in the New Year is just as attainable as you want to make it.
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Ready to buy a house? Know this first.
The lingering impact of the mortgage crisis coupled with rock-bottom interest rates make this an attractive time to purchase a home.
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December 2012
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Selling your house: don’t skip holiday decor
Professional home stager Barbara Pilcher says you should be careful not to let a Grinch’s attitude show in your home.
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How to buy safe toys
To keep the little ones in your life safe, you’ll need to consider the safety of the toy you’re planning to give.
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Preparing your home for winter
Proper winterizing lets you head off potential problems before they arise.
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November 2012
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A strategy helps make the most of Black Friday
As the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday is one of your best bets for scoring great deals on holiday gifts.
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Educate your kids while they play
Purchase toys that are both fun and stimulating for your kids’ brains this holiday.
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Time to start thinking about Christmas crafts
Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start making those homemade gifts you’ve been planning all year.
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October 2012
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Make a furry friend this Adopt-A-Dog Month
Celebrate the American Humane Association’s (AHA) Adopt-A-Dog Month this October.
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It’s time to start thinking about Christmas photos
While your thoughts may be more on Halloween right now, this is the time to start thinking about Christmas photos.
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Carve pumpkins like an expert
Carving a gorgeous Jack-O-Lantern doesn’t necessarily mean mustering up iotas of artistic ability.
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September 2012
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Make time for these fast fall fixes
Set aside an hour or two for a few quick yet critical seasonal maintenance projects.
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Take great back-to-school photos
Snapping the best back-to-school photos is challenging.
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Fall lawn care tips
Doing some fortifying fall lawn care is essential to your lawn’s health and will ensure that the grass is greener on your side of the fence.
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August 2012
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What you don’t know about dorm room prep
Getting a kid ready to go off to college may seem like a daunting task. Not to mention, it can be quite the emotional event.
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Four steps to protect your mobile device
Now it’s the mobile device you carry with you everywhere they’re really trying to target.
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Don’t throw it away: upcycle!
Upcycling is one of the hottest trends in DIY crafting.
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July 2012
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Practice good bike safety
While bicycling may be as American as apple pie, experts say it’s important to keep safety in mind on the road.
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Summer turf water tips
Conserving water doesn’t mean sacrificing a stunning lawn.
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Getaways with Groupon
Getting a good deal on a vacation these days can be as simple as signing up for social deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial.
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June 2012
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Save your energy for summer fun!
Here are some simple and smart ways to save energy this summer.
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Give your patio furniture a makeover
Whether it’s wood or metal, old furniture can be brought to life with a little sandpaper, elbow grease and paint (or stain).
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Stay smart in the sun this summer
The days are getting longer and the time for fun in the sun will soon be upon us.
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May 2012
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Groceries for less than $100 a month!
Getting groceries for fewer than $100 a month may be easier than you think!
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Summer vacation on a budget
Summertime living is supposed to be easy, but with the nation still in a protracted recession, easy and cheap may be more your thing.
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Sidewalk chalk works of art
Chalk is easy for warm summer days; get more out of the experience with a few simple tips.
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April 2012
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Give your home a springtime checkup
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. Evaluate your house this spring for any maintenance issues.
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Uncovering second-hand gems
It’s no wonder vintage, second-hand, and thrift-store clothes have jumped from the fringe into the mainstream.
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It’s time to start your spring garden
Seasonal planting doesn’t have to be a chore.
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March 2012
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Buy a car like a pro
Most people put all their research into the car they want to buy, and they don’t pay enough attention to the car they’re trading in.
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Last-minute Spring Break travel tips
Just because you didn’t start planning last summer doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fabulous trip this spring.
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Cook healthier, not harder
Healthy eating actually broadens your palate and offers a variety of foods to choose from.
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February 2012
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Bathing your dog in the winter
When it comes to dogs, warm weather can mean all sorts of outdoor fun and mischief—with plenty of cause for a bath.
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Organize your taxes
Fortunately, there’s still time to get organized and be ready well in advance of the April filing date.
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Keep your weight loss resolution
Staying motivated with weekly measurements, make this the year your weight loss resolution comes true.
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January 2012
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Gardening in January
Garden plants in most of the country are dormant in January, but gardeners don’t take the month off. Here’s how to prepare for the next growing season.
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Reorganize your pantry to lose weight
The key to losing weight this year could actually be in your pantry.
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Create an affordable home spa
Transforming your bathroom into a home spa may be as simple as incorporating nature to relax the senses.
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December 2011
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Winter home tune-up musts
Taking time to give your home a winter tune-up can save the lives of you and your family.
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5 great holiday teacher gifts under $20
When it comes to holiday teacher gifts, go for top honors with these five fabulous presents under $20.
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Delightful gift wrapping ideas
Kick your gift giving into high gear by reinventing yourself as a wrap star using interesting, eclectic materials.
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November 2011
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Smartphone lists for organization there’s an app for that
With today’s technology, organizing your life may be only an app away.
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Prep your garden for winter
Your garden may look fab now, but don’t put the tools away after the first frost!
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Your Black Friday survival guide
The power to save yourself time and money during Black Friday is in the palm of your hands, thanks to everything from QR codes to creative couponing.
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October 2011
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10 dirty buildups: fixed
From crayons to mayo, here are 10 uncommon items that’ll fix impossible-to-remove stains.
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Banish energy vampires
With rising energy prices and higher demand, saving power today is more important than ever.
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Laundry made easy
Heaping mounds of clothing and linens don’t need to haunt you — or drain your bank account.
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September 2011
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Buying plants in the fall
As garden centers clear their inventories to make way for holiday plants, fall is a great time to buy flowers and shrubs.
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Clean your house like a pro
These actions will keep dust bunnies from multiplying in corners and closets — and will help you achieve the clean home you’ve always wanted.
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10 fall home must-dos
Fall is the perfect time to inspect your home — before serious winter storms wreak havoc on your abode.
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August 2011
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Four simple ways to conserve water
Don’t let water woes dampen your home, follow these four easy ideas.
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How to cash in on coupons
Coupons are the new platinum card. Everybody likes saving money, and that’s why many shoppers are flashing coupons.
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Surprising online safety tips
From buying online to location-based services on your phone, there are simple ways to stay safe.
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July 2011
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Second-home hunting tips
A second home can prove a great investment as well as a terrific family getaway, from a beachy retreat to a wintry refuge.
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Fill your home with neutral scents
Use natural items like lemons and lavender to create an aromatic ambiance in your home.
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Deflated: 5 pool safety myths
Pool safety is essential, especially when making a splash in the family or neighborhood pool this summer.
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June 2011
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Summer safety guidelines
From fire safety to hidden potential pool blunders, follow these summer safety tips.
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Checklist secrets of savvy travelers
From credit cards to compression bags, these essential travel to-dos protect your property – and your vacation.
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Rid bugs from your home this summer
Adios, ants. Battle pests with nontoxic solutions — even sugar! Plus: Back-to-basics pest control.
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May 2011
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Prepping for moving day
Don’t let moving day catch you off guard. These moving day tips will help the transition run smoother.
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Summer gardening tips for any climate
Summer is the perfect time to grow your own food or maintain a garden. Learn about how to care for it.
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Smart grocery shopping tips
Save money on your grocery shopping — without cutting coupons! Food blogger Amy Whiteley offers unique tips for the cash-strapped.
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April 2011
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Run Household Errands Efficiently
Here are a few strategies to increase your efficiency, streamline your chores, and make everyday errands a breeze.
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Spring Cleaning Checklist
It’s the time of year that the nooks and crannies of your home get attention. Get organized in no time.
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Create a Storm-Readiness Kit
Putting together a storm-readiness kit is good sense. Be well-stocked for natural disasters.
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March 2011
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Do you need a cleaning service?
Signs you need a maid to clean and organize your home
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Bargain furniture-buying tips
From shopping off-season to negotiating, look for discounts and deals
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Make Your Own Household Cleaners
Surprising uses for tea and other items straight from your pantry.
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February 2011
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Combat Cold Weather
Keep your home warm in the winter with these energy-saving tips
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Whittle Down Holiday Bills
Create a plan to pay off debt from the holidays
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Get An Organized Home in No Time
Quick way to whittle down clutter
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January 2011
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Which appliances should you replace?
If your refrigerator is old enough to vote, it’s time to shop for a newer model.
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Home Warranty Pros and Cons
Before you sign, make sure HVAC and other systems are really covered.
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Estate Sale Shopping 101
Start in the garage first & other shopping tips
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December 2010
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Do You Need a Professional Organizer?
If towers of mail dominate the kitchen counter and clutter clogs your closets, you may need to hire a pro.
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5 Gift Ideas for Any Budget
5 gift ideas for your budget, from memory books to little luxuries.
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Home makeover in 15 minutes
DIY and decorating tips to help your house sparkle this season.
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November 2010
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5 End-of-Year Tax Planning Tips
Don’t let time run out on these smart moves to save money on your 2010 tax filings.
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Holiday Budgeting 101
Guess what’s back? Christmas Clubs and layaway help you stay on track without exceeding your spending limit.
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Why You Need a Will
It’s often ignored and overlooked — especially by the under-40 set. But here’s why you need to draft and sign a will now.
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October 2010
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Great online coupon sites for saving money
Discover coupon sites and ways to make them work for you and your budget.
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Tools you need in every home
Today’s home can benefit from a few other items besides a hammer that will make home repairs easier.
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Remove tough stains from carpet
‘Blot, don’t scrub’ and other essential tips for cleaning up and getting rid of those pesky problems
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September 2010
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5 Ways to Save $500
Little changes add up, from turning down the AC to trimming the grocery bill
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Programmable thermostats may reduce your utility bill
Get the chills when you see that heating bill? Adjust your settings and save big.
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How to Grow Herbs Indoors
Enjoy parsley, mint, chives, and other seasonings year-round in three easy steps
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August 2010
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Company’s Coming? Clean Your House in 15 Minutes
Decluttering expert Marla Cilley shares how to pick up in a hurry.
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4 Home Insurance Tips You Need to Know
Are you over-insured or missing policy discounts?
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Is an Energy Audit Right for Your Home?
New and old residences can save up to 20 percent on utility bills.
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