home improvement loan

Home improvement scams increase in 2022: BBB report
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Home improvement scams increase in 2022: BBB report

Home improvement scams carried the highest risk to Canadians in 2022, according to a new report from the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB Scam Tracker data shows home improvement scams increased 51.2 per cent last year, to 6.2 per cent of consumer reports from 4.1 per cent in 2021.

People lost an average of $1,900 to this type of scam, up from $661 in 2021.

The percentage of Canadians who reported losing money after being targeted by a scam increased to 46.9 per cent in 2022, from 45.1 per cent the previous year.

“Home improvement scams

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french blooms: shooting photos for a book
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french blooms: shooting photos for a book

I’m excited to tell you about a new book, called French Blooms, published by my dear friend, Sandra Sigman.

French Blooms

French Blooms shares Sandra’s love of flowers, and illustrates her inspiration that comes in large part from the time she spent living in France. Creating a book is an adventure. From outlining the concept to the writing, the photography, and then of course finding a publisher, it feels like running a marathon.

I was privileged to run part of the race with Sandra when she visited me a few years ago. Sandra stayed with me here in Normandy, along with another

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Red Lion man wanted for home improvement fraud
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Red Lion man wanted for home improvement fraud

UPDATES:Red Lion man allegedly took money for home improvement work, didn’t finish the job

A Red Lion man has been charged with home improvement fraud in Lancaster County.

Manheim Township Police charged Jonathan Robert Smith, 26, with two counts of home improvement fraud that date back to 2021 and 2022. A warrant for his arrest was issued Monday and he is still at-large.

Red Lion man wanted for home improvement fraud

According to police, the victims in each case found Smith through Facebook.

The first case took place back on Dec. 22, 2021. It is alleged that Smith received $2,700 to replace a front walkway, steps and

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French Cottage Attic Inspiration & Ideas
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French Cottage Attic Inspiration & Ideas

French Cottage Attic Inspiration & Ideas

Attic Ideas

Our attic is a room full of vintage charm and lots of fairytale romantic touches. From floral covered beds to well-loved rugs, pine plank floors and wood plank walls and ceiling. It is a quirky little space that has low ceilings on the sides and a high pitch in the center of the room. The charm starts with the steep and narrow staircase that leads up to it- and it just continues from there.

Admittedly, currently, the attic is looking a bit like a storage space. We have some boxes and extra things being stored in the half

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How to pay for home improvements
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How to pay for home improvements

How to pay for home improvements
A HELOC or home equity loan can help pay for major home improvements.

Getty Images


As the winter fades away and a new season begins, you might have more than just spring cleaning in mind; you also might be looking for more of a home refresh.

That can take the shape of making home improvements, home repairs and/or renovations. Doing so can help you enjoy your space more while also potentially increasing the value of your home.

Depending on the type of project and your local real estate market, you might be able to recover most, if not all, of

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5 Ways to Pay for Home Improvements
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5 Ways to Pay for Home Improvements

MILWAUKEE, WI / ACCESSWIRE / March 17, 2023 / Northwestern Mutual: Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a complete kitchen remodel, home improvements can make a home feel fresh and new again. And, depending on the improvement, it could add value to the house. While some improvements can be inexpensive (a can of paint and a little sweat equity can go a long way), others are a substantial expense. The good news is that homeowners have a number of options to consider when it comes to paying for a remodel. Here are several to consider.

Tap into savings

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8 Purchases Everyone Approaching Retirement Should Make
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8 Purchases Everyone Approaching Retirement Should Make

8 Purchases Everyone Approaching Retirement Should Make

PeopleImages / Getty Images

Certain retirement purchases, such as big houses and expensive boats, are often regretted by retirees.

Learn: Ways You Can Lose Your Social Security Benefits
With a Recession Looming: Make These 3 Retirement Moves To Stay On Track

However, there are other purchases that act more as investments. Here are eight purchases every retiree should make before retirement.

nycshooter / Getty Images/iStockphoto

nycshooter / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Home Improvement Items

Kimberly JC Enders, CFP at Enders Wealth Management, said one of the most common purchases she sees retires making prior to retirement are large home improvements. These are usually items in the

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14 Beautiful Vintage & Aubusson Style Rugs
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14 Beautiful Vintage & Aubusson Style Rugs

Cozy and warm underfoot- and another layer of beauty in a room. Adding a rug to a seating area or hallway brings more than just a soft spot to walk on – it also brings charm and beauty to your home. While in most of my rooms, I tend to leave much of the floor the bare hardwood- in some places, beautiful aubusson rugs are perfection. And my most favorite kinds of rugs are vintage and antique or at least ones that have a vintage or antique look and feel. We explored all those beautiful pillows recently- and this week,

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