Life
BabiesBudgeting for Twins What Parents Should Know
Having twins will require more than you may have prepared for. Here are some simple tips from our friends at DivineCaroline for parents to save money when budgeting for multiples. Read More
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Choosing a Name for Your Baby
If your last name is Budd or Banks, you may not want to name your child Rose or Robin. For assistance in naming your new arrival, be sure to check out our handy baby name resources. Read More
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Choosing an Obstetric Healthcare Provider
Choosing an obstetric healthcare provider is a big and important decision to make. To help you through your decision process, here is a starter list of things to ask and consider. Read More
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Health Insurance Options for Pregnant Women
If you have limited health insurance, don't have health insurance, or can't afford hospital costs, there are some options available. Read More
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Newborn Screening Tests by State
Newborn screening tests vary from state to state. Be informed on the subject. Read More
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Putting a Birth Announcement in the Newspaper
You can mail or e-mail your information to the newspaper(s) of your choice. Read More
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Types of Obstetric Healthcare Providers
Here are the types of obstetric health care providers that may be available to you. Read More
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Child CareChoosing a Babysitter
We researched the subject, interviewed babysitters, babysitting agencies, the American Red Cross and moms and dads about finding a good babysitter. Here are their top pieces of advice. Read More
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Choosing a Nanny
We researched, spoke with nannies, nanny placement agencies and parents who use nannies to find the best advice to start you off on your search for your own Mary Poppins. Read More
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Evaluating Your Child-Care Provider
Once you've selected a child-care provider, follow these suggestions to ensure it's the right choice for you and your child. Read More
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Finding Affordable Child Care
Finding affordable child care isn't easy. Here is a "starter" list of resources and tips to help you on your search. Read More
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Recommended Adult-to-Child Child-Care Ratios
Too much or just right? Here's the recommended ratio of caregiver-to-child. Read More
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College5 Residence Hall Theft Tips
Bicycle TheftTheft is a crime of opportunity. By leaving your dorm room doors and windows unlocked, a thief have the chance to steal anything! Read More
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A Parent's Guide to the College Send-off
We've spoken to parents about how they dealt with sending their kids off for their first year of college. Here are their top tips: Read More
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College Money Tips
Save money while at college with these quick budget-friendly tips! Read More
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College Student's Emergency Information Sheet
Post the following information on a bulletin board, by the phone or another handy place in your dorm room/apartment. Make sure your roommates know about this sheet and its location in case of an emergency. Read More
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Did I Make the Right Choice?
After freshman year, the expectation is for people to be completely settled in at their school with the best group of friends ever and to know exactly what degree they will graduate with. For many college students, this is not the case. Read More
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Dorm Fire Safety Tips
There are over 2,000 residence hall fires each year, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Here are five fire safety tips to help you get started on playing it safe. Read More
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Exploring Your College Town
Get to know your new "home" with these tips! Read More
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How to Be Safe and Smart When Studying Abroad
Here are some basic travel tips on how students can make their time abroad as memorable and stress-free as possible! Read More
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Narrowing Your College Choices
Here are a few tips on how to narrow down from the 1,300 colleges & universities to a few schools that might be right for you. Read More
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Questions to Ask When Choosing a College
Answering these questions may help you start thinking about the kind of school you'd like to attend. This is just a "starter list" — add or delete questions. Read More
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Surviving the End of the Semester
Finals tend to be a stressful time for most students, but there are ways to relax during finals and still do well on them! Read More
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Surviving the First Month of College
Written by a recent grad, here are the top 10 things you'll need to know to prepare for your first month of college. Read More
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The College ApartmentDorm Starter List
If you're heading to college for the first time, there's a lot to bring. Here's the "Essentials" list (not in any particular order) from freshmen and parents who've done this before. Read More
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The College Roommate Experience
College is a chance to meet new people — and one of them will probably be your new roommate. Read More
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Top 10 Tips for Living with Roommates
Felix and Oscar. Joey and Chandler. Bert and Ernie. Sometimes roommate pairings are a match made in heaven; other times, they're a major disaster. Here are our top ten tips to help you communicate (and peacefully coexist) with your college roommate. Read More
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Visiting a College Questions to Ask
Here is a "starter list" of questions to ask when you visit or talk with a college. Feel free to omit or add questions of your own to the list. Read More
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Wallet Theft at College — What I Learned
School is about learning — and in this article, I'll share what I learned after having my wallet stolen! Read More
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DeathAverage Funeral Costs
Here is a list of the average costs of funeral items and services, taken from the National Funeral Directors Association 2010 General Price List Survey. Please contact your local funeral directors for a General Price List for prices in your area. Read More
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Choosing a Casket
Caskets hold the body before burial or cremation. Read More
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Choosing a Cemetery
You will need to choose a location for burial or cremated remains if the deceased has not previously paid for a cemetery plot. You may wish to have a trusted friend or family member assist you in gathering and reviewing the information. Read More
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Choosing a Funeral Home
Here are a few "starter" tips, questions and things to know when choosing a funeral home. Read More
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Choosing Cremation
Here are some starter questions if you choose to visit a crematorium (or what to ask your funeral director if you don't go yourself). Read More
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Choosing OrganBody Donation
If your loved one requested organ donation or that his or her body be donated to a medical school, here are some things to know. Read More
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Common Estate and Inheritance Tax Terms
These are simple, starter definitions for estate and inheritance taxes. Check with your financial advisor before doing anything. Read More
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Dividing Up Family Heirlooms
What happens to possessions after the owner has passed on? Family members might battle over Mom's emerald earrings, Dad's golf clubs or even Grandma's yellow pie plate. Read More
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Low-Cost Funeral Options
Today's average funeral costs upwards of $7,755. Fortunately, there are ways to lower funeral costs. Read More
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Making Funeral Arrangements
Making funeral arrangements involves many different tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, since many of these things happen simultaneously. Read More
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Planning a Funeral 5 Common Questions
Here are answers to common questions about planning a funeral. Read More
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Planning a Funeral Memorial Funds
Families often want to set up memorial funds so money can be donated in memory of their loved one. If you are considering this, and are wondering where money can be donated, here are a few ideas to get you started. Read More
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Planning a Funeral Military Honors
Military Funeral Honors are provided whenever possible. Law mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. Read More
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Preparing a Eulogy
A eulogy is a tribute to a person's life, usually read at funerals or memorial services. Read More
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Writing an Obituary
An obituary includes a biographical outline and possibly a picture of the deceased. As early as possible, begin compiling the information for the obituary. Friends and family can help write this. Read More
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Divorce5 Steps to Prepare for Divorce
Here are the top five steps from Minnesota attorney Jonathan Fogel on preparing for a divorce. Read More
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9 Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer
It is extremely important to hire a good lawyer early in your divorce process. But how do you determine who is a "good" lawyer? What should you ask as you seek legal representation? Read More
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Common Family Law Terms
Subpoena, interrogatories, affidavit…legal jargon can be quite confusing. Here are some common family law legal terms you may encounter throughout the divorce process. Read More
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MarriageAfter the Wedding Changing Your Name
After getting married, most states will allow you to change your name simply by usage. However, you will also need to contact organizations and institutions listed below. Read More
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Bride's Wedding Day Emergency List
Of course, you hope that nothing will go wrong on your big day — but better safe than sorry. Below is a great DIY wedding day emergency list. And just like your big day, make this list your own. Pick out items you want, don't worry about the others. Read More
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Getting Insurance as a Couple
Marriage is a life-changing event — legally and financially. Insurance agents recommend reviewing your policies and coverage options before you tie the knot. Read More
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Groom's Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Of course, you hope that nothing will go wrong on your big day — but better safe than sorry. Below is a great DIY wedding day emergency list. And just like your big day, make this list your own. Pick out items you want, don't worry about the others. Read More
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Low-Cost Wedding Tips
The average wedding is estimated to be around $26,000. That's as much as new car and a down-payment for a first home! If you're looking to save a few extra pennies to have AFTER the wedding, here are top tips from five frugal brides. Read More
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Marriage as a Legal Agreement
Below is a list of links to marriage legal matters. Read More
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Preventing Wedding Day Disasters
Learn how to handle a big wedding day emergency BEFORE it happens! Top tips from brides, florists and wedding planners from across the country. Read More
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Wedding Insurance FAQs
Wedding insurance is similar to any other form of insurance: you may be reimbursed if the unexpected occurs. Below are answers to common questions about wedding insurance. Read More
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What Every Wedding Guest Should Know
You've gotten the invitation, made the hard choice between chicken and fish, and sent in your "YES" RSVP. As a guest you're set, right? Well, here are a few etiquette hints. Read More
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PetsAdopting a Pet
There are many different types of pets for many different people. Below is a "starter" list to help you select a pet for you and your family. Read More
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Animals and Natural Disasters
In a disaster, both domestic and wild animals may have been forced from their natural habitats, leaving them disoriented and possibly aggressive. Be smart and be safe, and follow these tips. Read More
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Choosing a Kennel or Pet Daycare Facility
Whether it's for a social hour at doggy daycare or an extended kennel stay while you're away, you want to know your Fluffy or Fido is safe and happy when boarded. Read More
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Choosing a Pet Groomer
Grooming services can include a hair cut, trimming or shaving, combing, brushing, bathing, clipping nails, ear cleaning and teeth cleaning. Read More
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Choosing a Pet Trainer
Whether it's puppy kindergarten or show dog or cat training, a great trainer can make a world of difference. But not every trainer can be a "dog whisperer" either! Read More
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Choosing a Vet
The best time to choose a vet is before you actually need one. Even better, meet with a vet before getting a new pet – they can recommend certain animals or even breeds that might best match your lifestyle. Read More
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Choosing and Using a Pet Crate for Travel
Crates and carriers are necessities for pet travel and are required when for pets traveling by air. Keep your pet safe and sound by following these tips for purchasing and using a pet crate. Read More
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Create a Pet Emergency Kit
Be ready for an emergency by assembling your pet's must-haves now. Read More
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Create a Pet Travel Kit
Be ready to hit the road with your pet by assembling these pet travel items. Read More
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Farm Animals and Natural Disasters
Farm animals often suffer injury during a disaster but are just as likely to receive fresh injury after the storm, if not handled properly. Here are some of the things that can be done in the immediate aftermath of the storm or flood. Read More
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Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels
Choosing a hotel can be a challenging task, but it can be even more difficult if you're bringing your pet along. Read More
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Help My Pet's Missing
If your pet disappears, here's what to do. Read More
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If You Find a Lost Pet
If you've found a lost pet, here's what to do. Read More
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Managing Your Pet's Separation Anxiety
Dogs and cats are creatures of habit; they love schedules, routines and their owners. When routines change — school starts, you're away on vacation — your pet may have a tough time handling the situation. Read More
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Pets and Disaster Preparedness
Because they are a part of the family, too, follow these tips to prepare your pets for a disaster and know what to do should a pet go missing. Read More
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Protect Your Pet
Safety first when it comes to your pets. They need you to look out for them! Read More
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Traveling by Air with Pets
More than 2 million pets and animals are transported by air each year in the United States, according to the Department of Transportation. Make it a happy trip for your pet by following these tips. Read More
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Traveling by Car with Pets
Road trip! It's great to bring the whole family on a trip, even your pets. To make your next road trip a breeze, read through these top tips from pet experts, vets and pet owners. Happy Trails! Read More
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Senior LivingChoosing an Adult Day Service
Over 10 million Americans are part of the "sandwich generation" – busy, working adults trying to care for their aging parents while also raising their own children. Read More
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Finding a Geriatric Caregiver
If the time has come for you to find a caregiver for your aging relative, Shelly Sun, founder and CEO of BrightStar Healthcare (a national caregiving franchise) has the following recommendations. Read More
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Long-Distance Caregiving Tips
If you're caring for a loved one from a distance, you're not alone. Approximately 7 million adults are long-distance caregivers, mostly caring for aging parents who live an hour or more away. Here are some quick tips to get you started. Read More
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Senior Living Services
If your aging family member needs assistance, here is information on senior living environments and services. Read More
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Seniors and Disaster Preparedness
Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable during emergency situations – hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, even heat waves. Sixty (60) percent of people who died in Louisiana as a result of Hurricane Katrina were older than 60. Read More
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Seniors Living Safely and Independently
Travel writer and author Doris Larson and her husband Gerald like their independence and freedom. So with an eye toward making their senior years as enjoyable as possible, the couple from Kent, Ohio are investigating their options. Read More
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