Economists have long looked for signals in unexpected places. During tough times, Leonard Lauder popularized the lipstick index — the idea that small luxuries rise when bigger purchases are out of reach. Here’s a new kind of measure: “the Going Rate.” How we give, tip and celebrate offers another lens into the economy alongside traditional […]
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Posted inAt Home
What You Need to Know about Home Equity Loans
If you have large or unexpected expenses on the horizon, you may have access to an untapped resource: your home. You could use some of the equity you’ve built up in your house to meet financial goals, depending on how much equity you have and how you use it. Here’s a guide from the experts […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Get Your Home Ready for Warmer Weather with These Seasonal Tips
As spring unfolds, it’s time for homeowners to prepare their homes for the changing season. Freezing temperatures, heavy rains and snow buildup can take a toll on your property, making spring maintenance essential for preventing costly repairs and keeping your home in top shape. “The transition from winter to spring is the perfect time for […]
Posted inAuto Talk
How to Save on Auto Repairs
With rising costs associated with operating and repairing a vehicle, Mercury Insurance is offering some tips to reduce running costs while keeping your vehicle in optimal condition. These simple steps can show your second most costly investment how much you care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average cost of car maintenance and […]
Posted inAt Home
Two Crucial New Year’s Tasks to Help Protect Your Home and Belongings
The beginning of a new year is a time when many people take stock of their lives, addressing important tasks like getting wellness exams or scheduling home maintenance. To help protect your home and property, these two steps should be at the top of your list: These steps can give you peace of mind that […]
Posted inAuto Talk
How to Prepare Your Vehicle and Secure Your Home for a Summer Road Trip
As peak summer travel season approaches, the cost and stress associated with road trips are top concerns for many travelers. With 43% of households planning road trips as their top travel plan this year, proper preparation of both your vehicle and home is essential. Mercury Insurance offers important tips to ensure your vehicle is road-ready […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Outdoor Play Each Day Will Help Keep the Screens Away
It’s difficult to distance ourselves from screens; they follow us everywhere — in the car, into stores, at restaurants and all around our houses. Children often become reliant on screens for entertainment, and parents sometimes use screens as a distraction. While there’s high-quality, educational digital content available, even too much of a good thing can […]
Posted inAround West Sound
How to Find the Right Summer Camp
With the days growing longer and warmer, securing a suitable camp for your child can feel like an impossible task. However, finding the perfect camp experience for your kid this summer doesn’t have to be daunting with these top 10 considerations. 1. Your child’s interests As parents, you know your child best and can determine […]
Posted inAt Home
Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Rest
Did you know nearly 8 in 10 Americans are trying to improve their sleep this year? In a recent survey, nearly half ranked this goal as their number one priority. If getting better sleep is at the top of your list to improve your health, you may want to review habits which could be preventing […]