Lifestyles & Trends - Hot Topics

Don't be 'that' parent when dropping your kids off at school

Right up there with rush hour traffic, dropping your child off at school can rank as one of the more stressful driving experiences. And you've probably seen parents who don't handle the stress of it very well. You can take steps to ensure you aren't the parent that everyone else complains about.

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Easy ways to take advantage of solar energy at home

While installing a complete residential solar energy system can be cost-prohibitive for many homeowners, recent technology that integrates solar power with individual household appliances is making it easier for homeowners to harness the power of the sun without breaking the bank.

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Five tech tools for non-gearheads

Does it ever seem like the more things new technology can do, the more complicated using it becomes? And sometimes it's so complicated you don't feel like using it at all? If so, you're not alone. If you have a place in your life for uncomplicated technology, here are five tech tools that are both easy to use and elegantly useful.

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Americans wising up about credit cards, studies show

Americans seem to be learning their lesson when it comes to using credit cards wisely, two new studies indicate. The average American has fewer credit cards, is relying on them less, and is trying to pay down their debt - which, in many metropolitan areas, still exceeds the national average.

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Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer

Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car. <br/>

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Items you must have in your car emergency kit

With today's technology, it's easy to forget about taking safety precautions when help is a phone call or the push of a button away. But when you're on the road, technology can sometimes fail, or help could be hours away. That's why it's a good idea to keep your car stocked with an emergency kit.

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Avoid 'lost' signs by tagging your cat

You've seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat - usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera - with "LOST" in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home. Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe.

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Why are hybrid cars cheaper to insure?

What kind of car is in your driveway? If it's one of the new hybrids, congratulations. Not only are you doing your part to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save energy, you're likely saving on auto insurance as well.

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What is your coverage for a rental car?

The next time you go on a trip, whether for business or pleasure, you may want to reconsider how to answer the clerk at the rental car company when he asks if you'd like to take advantage of the insurance policy their company offers.

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Weighing the costs of walking away from an upside-down mortgage

Owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth may seem like a bad investment. But the alternative - choosing to default on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - will take a significant toll on your credit rating.

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