Living close to the ocean is usually a wonderful thing. The views are breathtaking and recreation opportunities are never far away. But there’s a danger associated with coastal living: hurricanes. Statistics show that 97% of hurricanes in the Atlantic occur between June 1 and Oct. 15. This is according to researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the Pacific, that date range runs from May 15 to Nov. 30. Like it or not, hurricane season will soon be upon us! There’s nothing you can do to stop them from coming, but you can take steps to minimize…

It’s no secret that a car accident can cost you a lot of money. The easiest way to avoid this expenditure is to stay safe, and that’s what defensive driving is about. Besides lowering your risk for an accident, defensive driving also helps you save gas mileage. And if you take an official course, you could even save on auto insurance. Defensive Driving Basics Being focused and alert is the key to defensive driving. This includes: Avoiding distractions, especially phone use. Looking ahead and being aware of your surroundings, including what other drivers are doing. Monitoring speed. Maintaining safe following distance.…

Americans spend billions each year to keep their furry friends healthy and happy. Healthcare for pets can get costly, but it might not be as bad as you think. Follow these tips to help keep your wallet healthy too! Discuss Vaccines Many vaccine boosters are now good for 3 years. Have an open discussion with your veterinarian about which vaccines are necessary for your pet and if it makes sense to spread boosters out more. Check Out Veterinary Colleges Many schools offer free or steeply discounted wellness visits, spay/neuter operations, vaccines and other routine services. Student doctors work alongside board-certified…

While Amazon remains a convenient online marketplace to find the things you want at low prices, it’s not without flaws. The latest scam involves using Amazon’s third-party selling feature to trick customers into paying for high-ticket items… which they never receive. The Scam Numerous victims have come forward about this scam, and their stories all follow a similar pattern. They find an expensive item they’ve been looking for at a good price on Amazon. The customer notices the item is through a third party seller (not directly through Amazon), and there are instructions to contact the seller before placing the order.…

Your wallet can easily become cluttered with loyalty cards, coupons, cash, checks, store credit cards, and a host of identification cards. Not only is a over-stuffed wallet a hassle to carry, it may make identity theft easier. Give your purse or wallet a good once over. Look for things you don’t regularly need, and take them out! Some things should never be in your purse or wallet. If you see these items as you’re trimming down your daily carry, take them out immediately. 1.) Your Social Security card It’s easy enough to stuff the card into your wallet when you…