Jeff Somers
MORE BY Jeff
Seven 'Home Improvements' You’ll Almost Certainly Regret
These home improvements might sound good on paper, but you’re probably going to regret doing them.
All the Ways an Outdoor Furnace Can Improve Your Winter
If you have access to firewood on your property, an outdoor furnace can provide heat for a lot of uses—including heating your home.
Five Ways Home Sellers Can Screw You Over After the Closing
From switching out appliances to dumbing down smart homes, sellers can play dirty at the very last minute.
Six ‘Builder-grade’ Home Features You Don’t Need to Upgrade
Builder-grade has become associated with low-quality stuff. But not every builder-grade thing in your house must be changed out.
How to Revoke a Company’s ACH Authorization to Stop Them From Debiting Your Account
Whether it’s a payday loan or some other regular debit, you always control who has access to your bank account.
Six Unconventional Tools Everyone Should Own
These uncommon tools aren’t found in every toolbox, but they probably should be.
These Are the Best Solar Panels You Can Put on Your House Right Now
If you’ve crunched the numbers and it’s time to go solar, your choice of hardware is crucial.
The First Six Things to Do When You're Facing Foreclosure
Being foreclosed on is a scary experience—but try not to panic.
How Fractional Ownership Can Help You Actually Afford a House or Car
You don’t have to buy all of something. You can buy just as much as you need.
These Five Analog Tools Are Superior to Their Digital Versions
From books to tape measures, there are reasons to ditch the apps and digital tools and stick to the old-school glory of physical tools.
Six Signs a Home Seller Is Hiding Something
Make sure you don’t get tricked by paying attention to details—and trusting your instincts.
Here's How Much Solar Panels Will Cost You
Sunlight is free—but converting that sunlight into electricity is not.
Where to Find U.S. Communities That Are Testing Universal Basic Income
If you’re looking for a place to live that offers a financial safety net, here’s where to look.
The Most Common Causes of Death in the Home (and How to Prevent Them)
Your house is your haven and your shelter. It’s also a pretty common place to die in usually preventable accident.
These Small Home Improvements Can Also Improve Your Quality of Life
Some relatively small renovations add more than just value to your home—they also add to your quality of life.
The Senior Discounts That Will Save You the Most Money
The upside of getting older is you start getting some serious discounts—including at some unexpected places.
You Should Check Your Car’s Vehicle History Report Regularly (Even If You’re Not Selling It)
You’re not selling your car today, but it’s a good idea to know what companies like Carfax says about it—because they make mistakes.
How to Make Your Slippery Stairs Safer
Slippery stairs can cause serious injury to your pride—and your body.
The Worst House Emergencies That Come Without Warning (and How to Prepare for Them)
Sometimes your house will warn you that something is about to go very, very wrong—and sometimes there will be no warning at all.
Six Ways You Should Be Using Cat Litter (Even If You Don’t Have a Cat)
It absorbs cats' waste, and is surprisingly useful for a bunch of other reasons.