At this time of year, people traditionally set goals for next year. Do you have something you want to achieve over the coming months? If so, then you’ll have a much better chance of reaching your goal if you make it “SMART”. SMART is an acronym that refers to the five ingredients of a successful goal: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. It is based on the work of famed management guru Peter Drucker, but the technique is equally applicable to personal

It seems like every month there is a new website offering deals on everything from electronics to travel. In fact, the “coupon industry” is booming. This trend has conditioned people, more than ever before, to look for bargains and become determined to pay well below the market price for merchandise. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all want a deal! But when it comes to shopping for a home, bargain hunting can be a bad idea. First of all, the real estate market is competi

As you’re probably aware, one of the key steps to preparing your home for sale is to get rid of as much clutter as possible. You want to make every room look spacious and comfortable. But what do you do with the pictures, boxes, clothing, tools, furniture and other stuff you need to take out of your home? For items that you don’t want anymore, you have two options: dispose or donate. You can dispose of items at your local waste depot or recycling center, (but be sure to call

It would be ideal if you could hire an interior designer and completely remodel your living room. But, let’s face it, that could be very expensive. That doesn’t mean you can’t make your current room look a lot better. Here are some simple, low-cost decorating tips that will accomplish just that. Put a covering over your worn sofa or chair. A simple throw blanket placed at an angle can make a dramatic difference. Plants, real or artificial, make just about any room look better