Going "green" is great at any time of the year. No matter the season, there are always "green" steps that can be introduced into everyday family routines that can lessen our negative effects on the environment and our health while helping us to save money at the same time.

If there are old merchant cards and other credit cards taking up space in your wallet, you may be tempted to close those accounts, since you don't use them anymore. However, that would be a bad move for your credit score. Even though you're not using them, those old credit cards are helping your credit score in a number of ways.

With summer in the air, you're just itching to get that home improvement project going. It's a great time to install a rain garden, improve storm-water runoff in your yard, redo your windows or siding, or even change the look of one of the rooms inside your house with new paint and furniture.

Treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated is wisdom that is thousands of years old. And it may be more important than ever in today's litigious society where a growing number of Americans - nearly 80 percent - live side-by-side in urban and suburban areas, in many cases separated only by a wall.

Before you set foot on a dealer's lot or peruse the auto section of the newspaper, take these steps to ensure you're in a position of power when it comes time to negotiate your auto loan.

No matter if your cooking style is elaborate like Julia Child or quick and simple like Rachael Ray, there are few items in your kitchen that you shouldn't live without. Add these five affordable finds to your kitchen and you'll be cooking with class in no time.

Even though the economy has slowed down, college applications are up. Many people are enrolling in undergraduate programs or going back to school for an advanced degree. There is money out there to help you pay for tuition and room and board -- you just have to find it. Here are some tips.

In shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small business, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return. In fact, figuring out "what works" is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners.

Getting their dorm room organized, reconnecting with friends they met last year, making new friends, setting up a class schedule ... college students have a lot to look forward to as they head back to campus. Identity thieves eagerly anticipate back-to-school time too, because it often means more opportunity for them to purloin someone's private, personal information for their financial gain.

If you or your child is college-bound this fall, don't forget to review your insurance. Doing your homework now could save you money and headaches in the future.