A few years back, Eric and Donna Reed shopped for groceries and household products just once for an entire year. How on Earth? I know. That was my reaction, too. The Reeds got the idea after reading a column in USA Today wherein the writer confessed to his weakness when it came to buying clothes….
Family Real Estate Matters Require Written Agreements
Dear Monty: I live in a two-family house that my sister and I inherited. It was free and clear of a mortgage. A few years back, my sister wanted out and wanted her half of the value, so I needed to take a mortgage on the house to pay her. At the time, I could…
Install a Tin Ceiling
Designers call a ceiling the “fifth wall” that can attract attention in a room. And a tin ceiling with pressed panels in an intricate pattern definitely does the trick of transforming any ordinary room to one with personality. The panels also do wonders to conceal a hodgepodge of repair patches in an old ceiling. You’ll…
Select the Perfect Wallpaper
The wall covering you choose can make a room appear bigger, warmer and brighter (or vice versa) and even hide imperfect elements. So it makes sense to spend a little time consider the best option for your walls and for your house. Take a cue from color. Color can set the mood in a room….
Lessons From a Refrigerator
I usually wear glasses only when reading or typing, but on this particular day, I’d forgotten to leave them at the desk, opened the refrigerator for some lunch fixings, and was appalled. I was already aware of the bigger blotches and stains, and kept telling myself the fridge needed cleaning. But the specs brought to…
Thinking of Renovating an Old House? You’ll Need a Good Checklist
Not too long ago, I was driving to get an estimate to install a new muffler on my truck. It was just after sunrise and a large sewer project forced me to detour across a street I’d never been on before. As luck would have it, I happened upon an old Victorian house that had…
A Stunning Malibu Hills Ranch Lists for $38 Million
Tucked in the Malibu Hills, the 180-acre Rosenthal Ranch is a luxurious paradise that’s a world apart. Located just five minutes from the famous Malibu beaches, this estate is a spectacular, secure, and private oasis of tranquility surrounded by vineyards and the Santa Monica Mountains. On the market for $38 million, the 180-acre estate surrounds…
‘Welfare’ for Disabled Kids With Wealthy Parents
Q: I have a neighbor who is in his early 50s. He is a pilot for a major airline and makes pretty good money. He and his wife have several children, one of whom has Down syndrome. I have heard that this 21-year-old son is collecting about $2,000 per month in welfare benefits from Social…
Proper Use of Woodworking Tools Makes Projects Easier
Dear James: I just moved into a house and bought a toolbox and general woodworking/carpenter hand tool set. Do you have any general advice on how to use the various tools? — Jenny L. Dear Jenny: Woodworking tools can be used for much more than just traditional cabinetmaking types of projects. Many do-it-yourself new and…
Most Common Social Security Questions
I get hundreds of emails each week from my readers. I try to answer them all, but I probably answer many of the same questions over and over again! I’ll include those common questions in today’s column. My answers are going to be short and to the point, just so I can squeeze in as…
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