Why would you need legal assistance? You might be surprised

Based on what you see on TV, you might assume you'd only need legal help if you experienced some dramatic and life-altering event. But the truth is most people will have a legal need at some point in their lives - usually under fairly common circumstances. Read More

Dating safety: Don't let them steal more than your heart

Plenty of people find love online every year, but when you're dating a stranger, it's important to take steps to ensure the only thing they steal is your heart. Read More

Keeping kids safe online: What every parent should know

By now, most parents are aware that the entertainment and educational value of the Internet also comes with risks, particularly for children. Protecting children from those risks is a vital concern for any parent whose child uses the web and any web-enabled device. Read More

Pre-employment tests: What every job seeker should know

Beware of the outdoors this summer

Heading out for an afternoon in the park and a good book? Few things beat whiling away the warm summer hours immersed in a spine-tingling mystery or engrossed in a heart-warming romance. And while enjoying the latest best-seller curled up in the sun like a sleeping cat is a great way to help your body relax and unwind from all of life's stresses, you should still be aware of the dangerous health factors. Read More

How to make business productivity blossom this spring

Every year, we tackle spring cleaning at home. Why not do the same at work? Most of us grapple with overflowing email inboxes, PC desktops stuffed with random files and servers brimming with old data. Digital clutter can be particularly challenging in small and midsize businesses because people are often juggling different roles. If you are the CEO, marketing director and customer service representative, it's difficult to find time. Read More

How to get relief from excessive underarm sweat

For most people, sporting a sweat-drenched T-shirt at the gym is no big deal. However, wearing a sweat-stained blouse or shirt at work or in a social setting is an entirely different, and in many cases mortifying, scenario. One in five adults are bothered by sweat and suffer silently, going to great lengths to conceal the unsightly effects. It is an embarrassing condition, impacting both men and women, and often negatively interfering with a person's social and professional life. Read More

How to hire a wedding photographer

The average wedding costs about $27,000, according to a recent survey from The Knot. One of the most important investments for brides and grooms is hiring the right professional photographer to capture the special moments of their big day. In fact, about a quarter of brides responding to a recent Shutterfly survey wished they would have invested more on a photographer. Here's what you need to know to hire the perfect wedding photographer. Read More

Avoid becoming 'unscoreable' and maintain your credit history as you age

You've spent your whole life managing your money with flawless proficiency. You have a sparkling credit score and very little debt. But is it possible to get to a point where you have so little debt that you could actually fail to register a credit score? Read More

Putting the spotlight on rare diseases

For people with a rare and serious disease, the journey to getting an accurate diagnosis and confirming a proper treatment regimen can be arduous. Rare diseases, including some cancers, can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often misleading, misunderstood or misinterpreted. As a result, it can sometimes take years for patients to reach a correct diagnosis and begin the path to proper care. Read More

Feeling thirsty? You may want to talk to your doctor about that

Back pain, headaches and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms many people discuss with their doctors during routine checkups. Yet one symptom many patients overlook is dryness, especially dry mouth. If you think dry mouth isn't serious enough to mention to your doctor, think again. Read More

Exercise for healthy aging

When sedentary seniors experience a decline in health - stiff joints, achy limbs, fatigue, even chronic illness - they often mistake the need for more rest when the real prescription is exercise. Read More

Adapt your vehicle and driving habits to combat rising gas prices

Just as Americans are gearing up for warm-weather road trips and family vacations, prices at the gas pump are rising. For most people, driving is essential for getting to work, taking kids to school and going out to have some fun, so filling up the tank is a non-negotiable expense. However, costs add up quickly as fuel prices climb higher, taking up more of your budget. Read More

Love and relationships: March is divorce month

Have you been thinking about divorce? Have you been searching the Internet for information about divorce? But putting off the decision until after the holiday season? You're not alone. Legal websites are flooded with searches for information about divorce. It's an annual trend that occurs each January, and culminates with a surge of divorce filings in March. Read More

City snowstorm preparation can pay practical and political dividends

The snowstorm that hit Seattle in 2008 offered a learning opportunity, not only for Seattle, but for public officials across the country. The lesson was this: Road salt saves lives, protects commerce and even pays political dividends. Read More

Do you know your child could be a target for identity theft?

Imagine that you've taught your child everything they need to know about personal finance. Then as he's getting ready to head off to college and applies for financial aid, he's unexpectedly rejected for financial aid due to poor credit. Yet he's never applied for credit in his life. Sounds outrageous, doesn't it? But this can happen to victims of child identity theft. Read More

Retirement planning crucial for small business owners

Planning for retirement is crucial for everyone, and it is especially critical for small business owners, the business leaders many cite as the life blood of the American economy. The challenge before American small business owners is keeping their companies financially healthy long-term. This is so that small business owners do not over-rely on the sale of their business alone to take care of them in retirement, and so the business will continue to remain a viable employer in the communities it serves. Read More

Fighting the five most common foot woes

From eating healthier foods to getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise, we're a very health-aware society. So why is it that many Americans routinely overlook one of the cornerstones of good health? Here are the five most common types of foot problems and their causes. Read More

Changing your name? What you should know to protect against identity theft

After the "I do's" are said, will you change your last name? Brides consider a host of factors when answering that question - everything from how a name change might affect a woman's sense of identity to how having the same last name can make a family feel more bonded. Our modern world has added a new element for brides to consider - the risk of identity theft. Read More

Taking a test drive: Do it right

When shopping for a new or used car, the test drive is an essential part of the process. While the test drive may be exciting, experts advise car shoppers keep emotions in check and evaluate the car in its entirety to make a good purchase decision. Read More

Upgraded decking materials offer enduring quality and beauty

Tackling your home improvement list this summer likely includes doing some work on your outdoor spaces. If replacing or updating a deck is your focus, it's wise to look into new products that help ensure your efforts will be enjoyed for many seasons to come. Read More

Save time and money by learning IRA rollover basics

The two things that everyone could use more of are time and money. One way to help free up some of both is by rolling over your existing retirement assets into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). An IRA rollover may give you greater control of assets spread across multiple accounts and potentially offers improved diversification, flexibility, guidance and service. This could save you money in fees and other costs from different accounts as well as cut down on financial paperwork and other headaches from dealing with multiple assets. Read More

Protecting your nest egg from virtual crows

Just as crows and other invaders can come along to rob a bird's nest, your nest egg can be at risk from predators like identity thieves and scammers. Read More

Tips for choosing tax preparation software

Instead of paying a professional hundreds of dollars to do their taxes, an increasing number of U.S. taxpayers are doing it themselves. The IRS reports that 9.8 million tax returns were self-prepared and e-filed last year, a 14.2 percent increase over the previous year. Not only have more affordable do-it-yourself tax preparation software solutions become easy enough for tax novices to use, they allow consumers the luxury of doing their taxes at their leisure from the comforts of home. Read More

Love and relationships: Should you return the ring after a broken engagement?

A broken engagement can be a very painful and confusing experience. And in the fog of hurt feelings that accompany such a stressful moment, one question often arises: Should the engagement ring be returned? Read More

Healthy children's options are now appearing on restaurant menus

Today's youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What's encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating - and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive. Read More

Cool new concepts for gardening

One of the driving forces in gardening is many American's pursuit of healthier eating and greener living. This means that the new face of gardening has begun to change considerably in recent years. Today's gardeners are younger and more urban than traditional gardeners, therefore, making unique impressions on the green world. Read More

Making sure your wedding day really is the best day of your life

You spend your life dreaming about your wedding day, so imagining it going any other way than perfect is not easy to think about. However, it doesn't hurt to do a little planning for potential setbacks as you continue to invest precious time and money into your big day. Read More

How credit and debt fall between the generation gaps

Different tastes in music and varying perspectives on history aren't the only factors that define the gaps between the generations. A new credit trends study shows that the generations also differ on how they handle credit and debt. Read More

Know your legal rights in personal injury cases

Americans of all walks of life experience personal injuries every day - many of them through no fault of their own. They just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. While most can recover from these injuries, the road to recovery is long for others. Some may never again be able to lead normal, healthy lives. Read More

Despite setbacks, swimmer takes head-first approach to reaching Paralympic gold

By 10 a.m., Anna Johannes has crossed more off of her daily to-do list than most strive to accomplish in a week. As a swimmer with her eyes set on the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, every moment of her day counts as she balances training, practice, taking college courses and completing homework assignments. Read More

Military families and mental health: Understanding the issues and available resources

Today's service men and women are facing particularly challenging circumstances. Many soldiers have been deployed several times to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, often serving in prolonged combat operations. Many soldiers, veterans and their families may have trouble recognizing the signs of a mental health condition. Read More

Flat-screen dangers: The summer safety risk and what parents should know

For many families, summer vacation means children will spend more hours at home than they do during the school year. Extra time at home may expose children to unexpected risks from surprising sources - such as an unstable television. Read More

Master's degrees help educators navigate changing roles

Education is the second largest industry in the United States, and nearly everyone is impacted by its professionals in some way. Unfortunately, budget cuts have forced many states to cut faculty size and increase classroom size in K-12 schools. These changes have put educators under increased pressure to meet new demands while also staying abreast of evolving industry trends and regulations. Read More

Why offers to become a 'mystery shopper' require lots of scrutiny

Being paid to shop - a dream come true, right? Not so fast. While legitimate "mystery shopper" programs that pay people to shop and provide feedback on their experience exist, there are a number of scams out there that use "mystery shopping" as a cover. Therefore, it pays to be ultra-skeptical if you're ever approached with a mystery shopping offer. Read More

Distracted driving laws quickly changing use of smartphones while driving

Distracted driving is receiving lots of attention - in the media and in the legislature. One cause of distracted driving is use of electronic devices. Due to quickly advancing technology, people are more reliant on mobile phones for both personal and business use. Hands-free devices are allowing people to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, while still being able to take calls and handle email using their voice. Read More

Seven websites to inspire the everyday designer in you

Certification can improve your career prospects in a shrinking job market

Bridal registry trends reflect old and new

Amanda Davis grew up listening to stories of her grandmother's beloved china. When her grandmother surprised her by giving those cherished pieces to Davis to celebrate her own wedding, the precious gift marked a dream come true. Read More

Hot wheels vs. smart wheels: How to find a safe car for your teen

When the time comes to purchase a car, your teenagers might be dreaming of hot wheels. They may be thinking sporty, while you're looking for reliability and affordability. Use these tips to help you and your teen settle on a car that fits your budget and offers you peace of mind. Read More

Tired of offensive TV? Programming heads back to the heartland

An increasing number of television viewers are turning away from rude gestures during half-time shows, lewd early evening sitcoms and dark, extreme crime dramas in search of more wholesome viewing options. Fortunately, some in the entertainment industry seem to have heard and heeded the loud sound of remote buttons clicking and are now promoting family-friendly programming options. Read More

Just the right size: How to shop online

Shopping online for clothes has many benefits. Still, the concern that stops many people from pushing their virtual shopping basket to check out is sizing. To learn how to order just the right size when shopping online for clothes, follow this advice from fashion school pros in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Read More

Consuming more fatty acids may reduce symptoms of dry eye

Dry eye is a condition where tears lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision. Tears not only wash away dust, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea and help defend against eye infections by removing bacteria. Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome. Read More

The secret to successful dating: Know yourself first

Even if you dated through high school and college, entering the dating world as a single, independent adult can be daunting. When it comes to dating, knowing who you are and what you have to offer another person is every bit as important as knowing what you want. Here are some tips for learning about yourself, and how to parlay that self-knowledge into positive dating experiences. Read More

Tips to help seniors avoid identity thieves

Tommy and Susie aren't the only ones who love Grandmom and Grandpop. Identity thieves love seniors too. Fortunately, taking precautions - including monitoring one's identity and credit - can help seniors reduce their risk of identity theft. Read More

Get smart on the hottest Hollywood races this season

Identity theft sweep brings attention to tax season security concerns

Tax time has a reputation for being almost universally stressful. As the looming April deadline closes in, Americans are concerned with getting their taxes done correctly and on time. As financial information starts to fly between individuals, tax preparers and the IRS, concerns about personal security are rising. Read More

Why your social media habits are just as important as what's on your resume

You may have spent hours making sure you are using just the right action verbs in your resume, and crafted the perfect cover letter to catch the attention of your future employer, but if you haven't spent the time to clean up what's on your Facebook page, all that work could be for naught. Not only do social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow you to connect and network as you search for a job, but they give you a platform to sell yourself - or shame yourself - to future employers. Read More

Lose weight for the wedding, but say 'I do' to a healthy lifestyle

Every bride wants to look great when the big day comes, but how many brides commit to fitting into her wedding dress on their 10th anniversary? Do you want to look good for a day, or feel good for the rest of your life? While considering vows, include a commitment to live healthfully ever after. Read More

How to keep up with basketball this March no matter where you are

Addressing the four most common post-retirement challenges

There are plenty of reasons to rejoice about retirement - more time to spend with your family, the ability to travel more and the opportunity to pursue your true passions. But that doesn't mean retirement comes without its challenges. Given these many challenges, most people find it difficult to save enough to guarantee financial security during retirement. Fortunately, there are new options that address these common issues. Read More

Eight red flags that could get you audited

The Internal Revenue Service audited almost 1.6 million individual taxpayers in 2010. Here are eight IRS attention-getters and eight survival tips if you catch the taxman's attention. Read More

Five things you should know about hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a silent epidemic in America. Millions of Americans have chronic hepatitis C, which is caused through infection with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer. As many as 75 percent of people who are living with hepatitis C don't know they are infected. Many myths prevail about this often-hidden disease. Here are the five things you need to know about hepatitis C. Read More

Suffer from migraines? Treatments help prevent attacks before they start

What really is migraine? Some people casually use the term to describe a bad headache. But the millions who have been diagnosed with a migraine condition know that it's so much more than that. In addition to severe head pain that can last for hours or even days, they may also experience nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. Are there effective treatments for preventing debilitating migraine attacks? New guidelines say yes, but many people are not taking advantage of these treatments. Read More

Keep prints and color combos looking bright

New York Fashion Week brought out eye-catching trends and bright colors to kick off warm weather fashions that have women shining during work or play times. Nobody wants these beautiful splashes of color to look dull and worn after just a couple washes. Colors need to keep shining brightly to maintain a fashionable closet throughout the warmer months. Read More

The new real estate reality: To buy or not to buy?

Long gone are the days when Americans assumed home ownership could only have a positive impact on their finances, and that renting was equivalent to throwing money away. While the decision to rent or buy will depend on your personal circumstances, when you're considering the question some facts are universal. Read More

Summer games in the garden

The sun is shining, birds are singing, butterflies are darting from colorful flower to colorful flower ... and children across the country are complaining about being bored. Eliminate this by taking advantage of the weather. Get the family outside and interact with nature. Read More

Early colon cancer detection means earlier treatment - what are the treatment options?

Colon cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States because it frequently catches people unaware, according to the National Cancer Institute. But half of the colon-cancer deaths each year could be avoided if every adult older than 50 is screened. Read More

Trend alert: The future of in-store shopping goes high tech

Gone are the days of loading the station wagon and heading to the local mall to spend the entire day getting everything the family needs. Today, American shoppers are savvy and smart. They know exactly what they want and how they'll get it. As a result of this fast-paced shopping evolution, the retail environment is transforming, too. The next time you visit your favorite store, don't be surprised if you see high-tech innovations that enhance your experience and make shopping easier than ever before. Read More

Make calling 811 a priority before every digging project

Winter is over and warmer weather is finally here. Homeowners can finally put away their snow shovels and venture out into their yards with digging shovels for those long-awaited home improvement projects. All across the country, homeowners and professional excavators alike will start to plan spring home-improvement projects that require digging. During the transition into "digging season," remember hat calling 811 is the first step toward protecting you and your community from the risk of unintentionally damaging an underground line. Read More

A caregiver's guide to understanding and managing opioid dependence

Gift wrapping tips: Fashionable and functional ways to make packages extra special

The warm weather seasons are well stocked with special occasions. Whether you're saying best wishes at a friend's wedding or offering congratulations to a recent grad, it's easy to make your gift the brightest in the pile. Follow these simple tips to inspire your imagination and you'll create gift wrapping that's as special and personal as the present inside. Read More

Health care trends: looking for value without sacrificing quality

If there is one thing that the recent health care debate made clear, it is that Americans are unwilling to trade quality for economy when it comes to their health. But with the growing shortage of primary care physicians in the United States and an aging population, one trend born in underserved areas of the country may have the ability to cut costs without sacrificing quality: the use of non-physician professionals, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in primary care facilities. Read More

A parent's guide to foot health for athletic kids

Olympic athletes won't be the only ones competing hard in summer sports - so will your kids. No matter what their sport or whether they play competitively or just for fun, they will have one important thing in common: They'll need their feet to be pain-free if they're going to play their best and prevent injuries. Read More

Understanding and spreading knowledge about the risks of type 2 diabetes

Knowing your risk for developing type 2 diabetes is the first step in preventing or delaying the disease. Read More

Game on! What games should kids play?

Kids love video games - they're exciting, fun and engrossing. While games can promote learning and growth, too much video gaming - or playing inappropriate games - can lead to negative consequences. What should parents know to make good game choices for their children? Read More

Help smokers keep resolutions and stay on track to quit - simple tips and tools

On average, it takes a smoker up to nine attempts to quit before they're able to do so successfully. Every relapse begins with smaller lapses - so quitters shouldn't stop trying. Here are some tips to help. Read More

Singled out: 3 financial tips for Americans going solo

More and more people are choosing to live solo. While there are plenty of resources for home improvement, a new survey shows singles could use some help getting their financial house in order. Read More

How to understand credit scores

Even if you review your credit report every year - and you should view it more frequently than once every 12 months - it's easy to be confused by credit scoring. To help you better understand credit scoring and how it affects your financial wellbeing here are answers to six basic credit score questions. Read More

How automotive technology lightens the burden on drivers' budgets

Now more than ever, car buyers are focused on fuel efficiency. At the same time, they have demonstrated no desire to sacrifice performance, safety and style. To satisfy car buyers' tastes, automakers have been busily developing ways to squeeze more miles out a gallon of gas. In addition to better engine design, an often overlooked transformation has led to increased fuel efficiency: more and more, automakers are replacing heavier materials with lighter-weight plastics. Read More

Bone health critical issue for men with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a serious issue for men, with one in six diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. However, it is especially important for African-American men, who have a one in five chance of being diagnosed, which is the highest incident rate than any other group in the U.S. A recent survey of 90 men showed that men with prostate cancer aren't thinking about a potentially serious health concern that nearly all patients with advanced disease will experience - bone problems. Read More

More than just a trophy: This car race helps children

While Hollywood's love affair with auto racing may be making headlines in April around the time of the Toyota Grand Prix Pro/Celebrity Race, the romance with this particular contest certainly isn't new. Read More

Registered nurses encouraged to pursue bachelor's degrees

As many industries scaled back and cut resources in the last year, health care continued to grow, adding an average of 26,000 jobs per month, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. This trend is likely to continue as technological innovations and new regulations prompt additional oversight within the health care setting. Read More

Splurge vs. save: Which home improvement projects are worth the expense?

There's no place like home. It's this sense of pride that drives so many of us to embark on home improvement projects each year, some of which can be extensive and expensive. Before investing in any project, there are several things you should ask yourself to help you evaluate how you'll live in the space. Read More

What four factors influence the severity of allergy season?

While many people rejoice when the weather gets warmer, it's not always a pleasant time for everyone. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies know to expect difficulties around this time of year, but the severity of allergy season can vary. Here are some of the conditions that can affect pollen counts. Read More

From scrape to scar and beyond: tips to minimize scarring

How your credit score can impact the purchase of a home

Purchasing a home can be the most rewarding - and also the most frustrating - financial transaction of your life. Especially today, when the news is filled with stories about the great market conditions for buyers. One aspect of the home buying process that's often overlooked is the extra cost that interest from a home loan adds to the total price of the home. Read More

Centenarians can leave a lasting legacy by donating DNA to science

Living to 100 years old is a remarkable feat in itself, but now 100 centenarians will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could radically change medical care for generations to come. Read More

Five things to consider before sharing photos and videos online

Whether you are an aspiring professional photographer, videographer or just someone who wants to share your unique content with others while still getting credit for it, here are five things you should consider before sharing your work online. Read More

Putting real, human faces on the hottest election issues

Whether the issue that interests you most is job creation or tax fairness, affordable health care or renewable energy, chances are you'll be watching what happens in the presidential campaign over the next several months. The outcome of the 2012 presidential race - like every other one before it - will directly affect the lives of all Americans. Read More

Need a career change? Nursing needs you

Registered nursing - already the largest health care occupation with 2.7 million jobs - is on a massive growth trajectory. Employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to increase by 26 percent by 2020 and nursing was recently ranked No. 1 in the U.S. News and World Report's "Best Jobs" list for 2012. Read More