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For the ninth time in just over a year, the Federal Reserve voted on March 22 to raise its target range for the federal funds rate. The increase of 25 basis points (0.25 of a percentage point) is as small as these hikes get. But the Fed indicated that more hikes will follow, with only … Read more

A reusable water bottle is a great tool for reducing waste and helping the environment. But if you have such a bottle, chances are good that it is loaded with germs. In fact — brace yourself — a squeeze-top water bottle might have 6,000 times more bacteria than you would find on a typical toilet … Read more

Cast Of Thousands / Shutterstock.com I’ve been sucked in by more than one gee-whiz gadget or appliance in my day. I tried to live the bread-maker lifestyle for years. There was a time when my panini-maker enjoyed regular workouts. And my “baby” is 12 now, but if I could look back at our baby registry … Read more

One of the issues that many people have been concerned with during this recession is what happens when a bank is seized by the FDIC. This is a matter of concern because the recession saw quite a few bank closings, and there are still hundreds of banks still on the FDIC watch list for potential … Read more

SeventyFour / Shutterstock.com You know those bumper stickers that read “I brake for yard sales”? Well, mine says, “I brake for thrift stores.” And I do. Over the past three decades, I’ve thrift-shopped my way across the Midwest, Northeast and from L.A. to Seattle. Thankfully, I’m too picky to be a hoarder. I buy only … Read more

Ariane Hoehne / Shutterstock.com For most of us, understanding one retirement income system is hassle enough for a lifetime. But a new report examined the systems of 44 countries, which collectively cover two-thirds of the world’s population. The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index identifies the best pension systems on Earth — both public and … Read more

Simone Hogan / Shutterstock.com Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on LawnStarter. Looking for the best plants for xeriscaping your garden? You’re in the right place. We put together a list of beautiful ground covers, shrubs, wildflowers, cacti, and trees you can choose from. You’re also on the right track. Xeriscaping has become very popular … Read more

NaMong Productions / Shutterstock.com Editor’s Note: This story comes from Wealthramp. Billionaire Warren Buffett still lives in the Omaha house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. Mega-star Keanu Reeves is worth over $350 million but says he’s happier living a modest lifestyle rather than in a Hollywood mansion. In fact, Reeves didn’t own a home … Read more

Hryshchyshen Serhii / Shutterstock.com Millions of Americans remain uneasy about the future of the economy. Troubles in the banking industry are just the latest sign that an economic downturn could be just over the horizon. CEOs of major companies are especially worried that the economy will contract soon. Last October, 86% of chief executives polled … Read more

mae_chaba / Shutterstock.com A whopping 30% of net spending by the federal government — $1.7 trillion — went toward health programs and services during the 2023 fiscal year, according to a recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Millions of Americans from all walks of life benefit from these programs. Spending related to government health … Read more