There have been several signs in recent weeks that the Bay Area real estate market is slowly recovering. This is good news for homeowners who saw their property values plunge during the nationwide housing-market meltdown. According to a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News: “. . . the median...

Ready or not, 2010 is here! In the spirit of getting in shape for the New Year (financial shape, that is), we’ve put together 10 tips that will help you make 2010 a financially healthy year for you. 1. Review your credit card terms With new credit card reform laws going into effect in February,...

Where a person decides to spend their retirement years depends on many factors: preference for climate, access to health care, the cost of living, recreational choices, proximity to family and friends, the availability of arts and cultural activities and more. Several finance magazines issue an annual...

With record numbers of foreclosures taking place in California, we thought it would be worth taking a look at some of the issues people deal with after a foreclosure has taken place. The most pressing concern, of course, is housing. Often, it’s difficult for families to find something quickly that’s...

Until recently, many homeowners have shied away from installing “green” technology into their homes because of the high upfront costs, but that’s changing. Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress in June, the process of  “greening” your home is now more affordable...

Maybe you’re trying to hold onto the last bit of this Indian summer with a relaxing barbeque in your backyard (though you could be in a sweater this week!), but like it or not, winter is coming. And along with the colder days and nights, come higher heating bills. Why not take the initiative and do...