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Time is short to prepare for the Obamacare metal plans
Millions of consumers will be faced with a choice to enroll in one of four different Obamacare “metal plans,” on Oct. 1. The metal plans are new categories of health insurance - nicknamed “metal” because each plan is named after a metal - created by the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare. Many consumers have littl...
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How stay-at-home moms can prepare for retirement
When women choose to leave the workplace in order to stay at home and raise their young children, they make certain trade-offs. For example, they usually give up the chance to earn more money in exchange for the opportunity to spend more time with their children during their formative years. “Sacrificing this income ca...
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Got student debt? How your credit affects more than just borrowing power
(BPT) - If you’re a recent college graduate, chances are you left school with more than just a diploma. You’re probably carrying debt, as well. You may already know how debt affects your future borrowing power, but it’s important to also understand how credit impacts other areas of your financial life, as well – such as...
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Make your vacation dollars go farther this summer: Tips for a budget-friendly summer vacation
Summer travel season is almost here. Planning for the next family trip to visit relatives, stay at the beach or camp out in tents under the stars is in full swing, and everyone is dreaming of upcoming departure dates. Planning summer trips doesn’t have to be a tedious and expensive process. Start your research online on a site like Ebates.com , which not only has several discount coupons listed for airfare, car rentals and hotels, helping you save money on your purchase, but also will give...
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Tips for extending your home into your patio
(BPT) - In warmer weather, patios transform into the ultimate gathering space for backyard barbecues, reading, relaxing or even exercising. These outdoor rooms become an extension of the house, seamlessly merging the outdoors inside and vice versa. This summer, many homeowners will tackle revamping the home to expand t...
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Summer entertaining made easy
(BPT) - The weather is warming up and summer is right around the corner. From holiday celebrations to road trips, family vacations to block parties, it’s the time of year for cookouts. Make all of your summer cuisine extraordinary no matter what the occasion with these five simple tips: * Kick seasoning up a notch – Sp...
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Five steps to create a customized outdoor living space with railing
(BPT) - Railing can upgrade any deck from drab to fab – adding style, as well as safety and support. In fact, it’s often the one element that truly sets your outdoor living space apart from others in the neighborhood. Here are five steps to create the perfect perimeter for your deck. 1. Find ideas at your fingertips – ...
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Turn over a new leaf this season with a home energy makeover
(BPT) - As the seasons change, turn over a new leaf and give your home an energy makeover. You can improve your home’s comfort while helping the environment by making your home more energy efficient, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, a variety of compatible technologies are available to...
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What to look for in your next smartphone
(BPT) - Seventy-nine percent of smartphone users have their phones on or near them all but two hours of the day when they’re awake, according to a recent IDC Research report. For many, smartphone use is now a way of life, making it even more important to think carefully before you choose your next one. Today’s market is...
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Secrets to a fun, enjoyable and fuss-free sundae bar for summer entertaining
(BPT) - Yummy flavors, delectable toppings and the freedom to mix them together however you choose – who doesn’t love a sundae bar? With all the options available, a sundae bar may seem like too much work to pull off, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s for a graduation or birthday party, Memorial Day or Independenc...
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Easy ways to make a difference this summer
(BPT) - Summer provides a much-needed break for families and a perfect opportunity to make a difference in the community. Depending on interest and time, there are many different ways to get involved or make a charitable contribution, including the following: * Participate in a fundraiser or food collection – The holid...
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Be berry aware [Infographic]
Did you know cranberry juice can deliver the same nutritional benefit as eating a handful of the small but mighty fruit? Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, an 8-ounce beverage containing at least 27 percent cranberry juice will deliver the same health benefits you would receive from eating 1 1/2 cups of fresh cranberries. Learn how you can pack the most nutrition into your cranberry juice by visiting www.BeBerryAware.com .
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