December 30, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
With the rest of the winter in front of you and spring looming, it’s also the time that families start to plan their home remodeling or landscaping projects for the year. As cabin fever sets in, the thoughts of a new deck or siding afford you an opportunity to escape the winter blahs as you envision the finished project.
December 30, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
You’re about to sign a four or five figure contract for a major remodeling, landscaping or storm damage repair job. You’re comfortable with the contractor and his bid. He seems capable. He’s shown up in a truck full of tools and magnetic signs on the vehicle’s doors every time he’s come to visit you. He’s even given you a business card with his mobile phone number listed, although you’ve wondered why it doesn’t list a physical address or even a website.
December 17, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
In this free ebook, we wanted to give parents 5 simple tips how to keep their kids safe online and off. Be sure to download it and feel free to share it with anyone you know who could use some help keeping their kids safe in this day and age.
Download the Five Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe eBook
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
I received a phone call tonight at my busiest time of the day – trying to get dinner prepared with loud, attention-deprived, hungry kids swirling around my feet. The caller ID showed it was a ‘Private Name, Private Number’ call. This did not signal a telemarketer, so I answered it.
The caller told me I’d...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Just three years ago, most parents (85%) were completely unaware of the issue of cyber bullying and their children; yet, 9 out of every 10 middle school children will admit to being hurt or humiliated online.
Long gone are the days where the school-yard or school-bus bully hits us up face-to-face for our lunch money. Nowadays, anyone can be a bully – it’s anonymous and can...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
If talking to your teenager about dating makes you squirm, you’re not alone. Most parents are clueless about teen dating ‘in this day and age.’ Do we even really want to know what happens on teenage dates? Wouldn’t it be easier just to...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
I suppose it should come as no surprise that the biggest dangers of online dating are also the top three offenses in traditional dating: lying, cheating and stealing. Online dating, however, makes it much easier to...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
If you’re questioning whether or not the tradesman you’re looking to hire needs a license – the answer is: absolutely, undeniably, no question about it, YES! Don’t hire any tradesman to do a job without a current state contractor license. Here’s why...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
I recently put in a call to a local self-employed window washer. Several friends in my neighborhood have used him and his prices can’t be beat. He called me to set up a day and time to do the inside and out. When we were having a rough time synchronizing our schedules, he told me that a lot of customers...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
There are three major influencers when you look to hire a nanny for your family: 1. Will he/she be a good nurturer to your children? 2. Is this nanny qualified? 3. Is this nanny affordable?
What most people fail to take into account is...
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Get the work you need done around your home without getting scammed by learning how to find a good contractor.
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
So you want to work from home to increase your household income while not sacrificing time with your family? Finding legitimate home based jobs and work at home opportunities can be tough. Be sure you know what to look out for to avoid those that would like to scam you out of your time and/or money.
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Scamming isn’t anything new. It’s been around for centuries packaged in all different forms. But it’s the latest form of scams that have been raising concerns for law enforcement agencies. In an effort to protect you and the ones you love, we have put together a complete guide (though not exhaustive) on internet fraud by the various types and how you can protect yourself from each.
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Don't become the victim of internet identity theft. Check out some quick tips to shop safely from the comfort of your home online and not become a victim.
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Charity scammers are experts at playing on your sympathies and undermining common sense. Don’t be intimidated by their tactics, and never be afraid to question them. Here are some quick tips to identify and avoid charity scams.
December 16, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Each year in the United States, billions of dollars are contributed to charitable organizations. While this humanitarianism is heartwarming, there is also a downside. Where there’s money to be had, there are scammers ready to take their share.
December 14, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Coaching is a position of trust. You rely on this person to spend time with your child teaching them how to play like a pro – but how reliable is this person? Perform a coach background check on any coach who spends time with your child to be sure.
December 10, 2010 by Kelly Ansboury
There are quite a few ways to find a nanny – professional nanny agencies, newspaper classifieds, internet classifieds, word of mouth, and online nanny services. But which is right for you? In a nutshell, what it comes down to
December 10, 2010 by Kelly Ansboury
· FACT Most state laws require criminal background checks for teachers and other school employees but not for coaches and volunteers for non school sponsored youth organizations. Is your child’s safety really an ‘option’? · FACT 60%
December 10, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
Shortly before I delivered my first baby, I panicked and realized that I had no more time to put off the inevitable decision what to do about child care when I go back to work. Finding child care for your baby can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation, forethought and calm thinking, you might just find it's easier than you thought.
December 10, 2010 by Kelly Ansboury
You’re ready to embark on a major home improvement project – remodeling the kitchen or bath, adding a deck or patio, or replacing siding or windows. You’ve done your research, and you’ve gotten competitive bids from at least three
December 08, 2010 by Kelly Ansboury
Contractor scams… do some homework on the people who are going to do your homework2010 12 08 “We were in the neighborhood and noticed that your front steps need to be replaced…” I was surprised how easy it was to
December 03, 2010 by Jason Koeppe
So, you’ve met that ‘someone’ whom you feel a connection with and are wondering when it’s considered ‘safe’ to meet face-to-face?
In the online dating world, there are no set rules for the appropriate time of courtship before meeting – probably because the issue never existed in the traditional world of romance.