Lifestyle Trends

Five time-saving tips for simplifying your back-to-school routine

As summer winds down, it means fewer backyard barbecues, shorter days, and most of all, kids headed back to school. The transition from summer to school can be daunting for any parent and each year it seems the to-do list gets longer. Lisa Gurry, one of Working Mother Magazine's 2009 Moms of the Year, has some ideas with the help of Bing.com that can make it a bit more manageable this fall. Read More

Conquer your canine cleaning challenges for a pet-friendly home

Pet owners understand extra cleaning is part of the deal when bringing a puppy into their homes and lives. Cleaning up after a dog is enough work in itself, so the last thing any owner wants is a pooch that is agitated by the sights and sounds of cleaning. There are several techniques that can help your dog stay calm when you reach for your sponge. Read More

Amusement parks offer new thrills

In early fall, theme park thrill-seekers and amusement park aficionados prepare to flock en masse to these attractions across the country. While the big-name parks are always fun, don't overlook some equally exhilarating, but smaller, regional parks. You'll likely find smaller crowds and save on travel costs. Read More

Protect your family's future with the right level of insurance coverage

Whether you're just starting your family, the children are heading off to college, or you're enjoying your grandchildren, your insurance needs should be reviewed from time to time. As your situation changes, you may need to adjust your coverage to meet new needs or even drop coverage that no longer serves a purpose. You wouldn't want one of life's little surprises to catch you, or your family, unprepared. Read More

Why the recession can be a good thing for those in debt

It's been a tough few years for most Americans, facing a constricting national - and world - economy, job losses, pay cuts and a tough employment market. It can certainly be difficult to see the good in those circumstances, but helpful things can come out of these challenging times. You don't need to be a Pollyanna, but taking a practical look at how the recession affects your personal finances can show that there are some positives. Read More

I'm just starting a family - do I need life insurance?

You buckle her into her carseat for even the shortest trip down the street. He's never missed a well-baby checkup and you wash his little hands (and yours) constantly. As a new parent, you do everything you can think of to keep your baby safe and secure. Read More

Sun is still sizzling ... warm-weather products to keep family fun going through fall

Kids are heading back to school, but that doesn't mean summer fun has ended: The season of burgers, back flips, roller coasters and rolling coastlines lasts well into October for most of the United States. While parents and kids across the nation enjoy the rest of the season, they should also stay prepared for sun exposure and bug bites. Read More

Smart household savings start in the laundry room

For many families, household budgets are still tight in the wake of the recession. But whether times are tough or not, it makes sense to save money wherever you can. There are plenty of small ways to start cutting costs. One of the best places in your home to start saving is the laundry room. Read More

Summer fun doesn't have to cost a fortune

Many American families will opt to save money this summer by foregoing a vacation at the beach, theme park or other destination. But deciding to stay home doesn't mean you have to give up summer fun altogether. You can have plenty of fun close to home - even right in your own backyard - with a modest cash investment and a little planning ahead. Read More

Why online learning might be a better option for your student

Today's middle and high school students, who have been called the "iGeneration," are the first to crave and benefit from on-demand education - or, in other words, the option to choose where, when and how they want to learn. To reach them in their high-tech, high-touch world, many parents and educators are looking at how to rewire schools to match how the iGeneration learns. Read More