The housing market in December closely mirrored conditions seen in October and November, continuing a pattern of rising inventory and softening prices, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported late Tuesday for the 27 Washington counties in its service area. Both Pierce and Thurston counties recorded more total active listings, up 23.7% and 54.4%, respectively, from […]
finance
Posted inAt Home
The Going Rate for Gifts and Tips, According to Research
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 […]
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 inAround West Sound
Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu)
Nonprofit Spotlight Washington state is gifted with almost 45,000 registered and legit not-for-profit organizations. Their missions are wide ranging, but all attempt to address a significant community need, often relying completely on donor funding and an active cadre of community volunteers to do so. For many residents, the nonprofit world can seem like a confusing, […]
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 inAt Home
How the Inflation Reduction Act and Simple Steps Can Boost Energy Savings This Summer
As Americans prepare to spend more cold cash to stay cool this summer, it’s more important than ever to learn how to leverage the benefits of The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Combining these offerings with some simple tips and tricks will help optimize energy-efficiency and minimize utility bills this summer and all year-round. The […]
Posted inAround West Sound
How to Prevent Identity Fraud When Job Hunting
Surveillance by cybercriminals on job search portals is akin to an invisible predator lurking in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting prey — job seekers. Such portals, given their rich databases of personal information, have become hotbeds for cybercriminal activity. “If you think data security is not a concern while job hunting, think again,” says Josh […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Generating Income from Your Hobby Farm
Transforming a hobby farm into a source of revenue involves more than just sowing seeds and rearing animals. With careful planning and strategic choices, hobby farmers can cultivate multiple income streams. Here are some ideas for how to bring in the dollars while enjoying rural living. Capitalize on Fresh-Grown Goods Cultivating fresh produce isn’t just […]
Posted inAt Home
Common Misconceptions about Life Insurance
With the cost of most goods and services on the rise, straining many household budgets, families are likely looking for ways to cut expenses. But it’s important to make wise decisions before cutting, as some expenses are worth more than they cost and can provide a lot of benefits.