Patricia Mertz Esswein
Latest articles by Patricia Mertz Esswein
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This Couple's Patience Helped Them Survive the Housing Bubble
real estate Rather than try to sell a home with an underwater mortgage, they stuck it out until they could eventually turn a profit.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: Man Crates, For the Man Who Has Everything
business This company offers trendy alternatives to ties, shirts and run-of-the-mill gift cards.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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How to Plan Your Own Funeral
retirement The best way to plan your funeral is to do it yourself, even if you won’t be there. Your loved ones will be eternally grateful.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Nonprofit Success Story: Flying Wounded Warriors Home
business This veteran pilot provides free, private air transport to soldiers and their families.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Apartment Rents Are Still Too Darn High
real estate Rents are rising more slowly, but in many places they are still painfully expensive.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: Taking the Sting Out of Needles
business A pediatric emergency doctor’s invention helps patients manage pain without drugs.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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6 Things You Must Know About Home Remodeling
real estate Before you start the project, figure out how you will pay for it.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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4 Ways to Disaster-Proof Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
insurance Make sure your home is covered before disaster strikes.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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10 Dream Waterfront Vacation Homes
real estate Summer is upon us, and that means you're likely headed to the water -- your just-opened local pool, perhaps, or better yet, your favorite ocean- or lakefront community.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Greensboro, N.C.: A Great Midsize City for Retiring in Good Health
retirement Proximity to the downtown district and recreational venues attracts many retirees here.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: Spicing Up an American Classic
business These college classmates built a brand around their premium ketchup.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: KettlePizza
business This duo figured out how to turn a charcoal grill into a wood-fired pizza oven.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Time-Shares on Sale
Travel You can skip the developer’s seductive pitch and get a juicy discount if you buy from a current owner.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Scam Alerts: Beware Unattended ATMs, Down-Payment Fraud
Scams Fresh hustles and cons you need to avoid.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: Native American Natural Foods Inc.
business The creators of Tanka products give a lift to athletes while supporting Native American business.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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3 Strategies to Remodel Your Kitchen for Less
real estate What to do about everything from buying cabinets and appliances to scoring discounts.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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How to Make Money as a Landlord
real estate Bargain properties are harder to come by, but mortgages are still cheap and rents are rising steadily.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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What $1 Million Buys You in Today's Housing Market
real estate If you're looking for evidence of an improving economy, look no further than the upper end of the U.S.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: A Doggie Day Spa Scales Up
business This growing franchise offers poochie sushi along with grooming services.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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6 Home Projects That Save Energy and Money
real estate The average American homeowner pays about $2,300 a year in utility bills, according to the U.S.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Upgrade Your Home, Insurance Policy Before Spring Storms Hit
insurance Mother Nature's forces of wind, water and hail account for more than half of all homeowners insurance losses.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Small-Business Success Story: A Different Kind of Service Station
business He sells vegan power bars, organic eggs, a great cup of joe—and, oh yes, gasoline.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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3 Ways Mortgages Are Easier to Get in 2016
real estate Relaxed rules help retirees, first-time buyers and buyers in expensive markets.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
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Reverse Mortgages Get a Makeover
real estate Now, with lower costs and less risk, these loans can be a flexible source of retirement income.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
real estate