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Depending on where you are in life, you might benefit more from living in the city as opposed to living in the suburbs, and vice versa. If you’re thinking about a move, here are some potential pros and cons of living in each type of environment to consider:

Suburbs: The Pros

Living in suburbia is great if you plan to raise children. Since you’ll likely pay higher property taxes in a suburban area, there’s more money available to pay for public education. Suburban schools will often benefit from a bigger budget when compared to city schools.

Next, living in the suburbs is typically calm and quiet. The noise levels are lower than those in a big city. You’ll have fewer sirens and honking horns and less busyness, in general, when living in a suburban area.

The cost of living is typically cheaper in the suburbs than in the city, which is certainly a plus.

Suburbs: The Cons

There may not be as many jobs available in the suburbs as there are in the city, so you might have a long commute to work. Some people may have to drive one or two hours each way every day. This can be a real pain and even make it harder to advance your career.

Also, many people move into a larger home when they relocate from the city to the suburbs. This requires a lot of additional furniture and other expensive items that could hike the overall price of relocating.

Lastly, public transportation may be scarcer in the suburbs. This can make it difficult to catch a train or a bus to the city and back, depending on where you live.

City: The Pros

As mentioned, there are generally more job opportunities in the city than in suburban areas. With more companies and more room for advancement, this is a major pro for living in the city. You’re likely to find a far superior transportation system in a metro area, so you can catch a bus, train or Uber to anywhere you need to go in a matter of minutes.

Also, there may be more opportunity to expand your cultural horizons living in the city. You’ll be exposed to art, the theater, musical groups and other forms of entertainment on a regular basis, whereas the suburbs may present fewer opportunities.

City: The Cons

Again, the cost of living is generally higher in the city. Things are more expensive, so you often get less for your money. Also, the competition for good jobs can be intense when living in the city. If you’re looking to get a job”especially a high-paying one”expect the competition to be fierce.

Living the city life has the potential to be more stressful, as well. It’s a fast-paced environment, and some people have a hard time keeping up.

Notably, both the suburbs and the city have many more upsides to offer. In the end, picking the ideal place to live comes down to your personal wants and needs. Speak to a real estate agent to learn more about the costs and lifestyle in any area youre considering moving to.

Source: Wendy Dessler/RISMedias Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre planning to step up your barbecue game, a new grill can make all the difference and turn your backyard into the best place for family and friends to hang out under the sun.

Here are five favorite grills to please everyone, from charcoal loyalists to high-tech grill masters.

Kalamazoo Gaucho Wood-Fired Grill with Side Burner

If you appreciate the flavors of Argentinian-style grilling, the Gaucho from Kalamazoo is going to be your new best friend. The wood-burning grill and rotisserie is designed with a spoked-wheel that regulates cooking temperature by raising or lowering the grate over a live flame. For added convenience, a gas starter system helps to fire things up and get the meat sizzling.

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg enjoys legendary status among barbecue enthusiasts, and for good reason. These kamado-style grills can pretty much cook it all, from burgers and steaks to smoked salmon and brisket. Fueled by wood or charcoal, the Big Green Egg brings versatility to grill, sear, smoke, or bake in your backyard.

Lynx SmartGrill

For a state-of-the-art grilling machine, the Lynx SmartGrill can be controlled using your smartphone or voice commands and will let you know exactly when the meat is ready to be flipped. Equipped with all the bells and whistles, like a rotisserie system, smoker box, and infrared burners, this gas-powered grill is ideal for bringing high-tech precision to your BBQ area.

Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center

Weber Charcoal grills are tried and tested. While the Kettle model is a simple and enduring classic, the Summit Grilling Center is a cut above. Its gas ignition makes it easy to light up the charcoals and fill the air with that distinct barbecue smell, and the smoker allows for low-and-slow cooked meats.

Traeger Timberline WiFi Pellet Grill

The high-tech capabalities of Traegers Timberline Pellet Grill are enough to get excited about, with an app that lets you control the temperature, set timers, and access a whole bunch of recipes. However, its the good, old fashioned quality that makes it a standout. Fueled by wood pellets that infuse flavors like mesquite, pecan, and hickory BBQ, its the perfect choice for the at-home pitmaster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Between the craziness of work, social events and family, its difficult to find the time to clean the house, let alone do a deep cleaning. Although we all somehow manage to clean regularly enough to keep our homes looking and smelling fresh, many people also likely ignore some commonly overlooked problem areas.

Are you ready to channel your inner “Type A” personality to go the extra mile and give your home a deep cleaning on occasion? Start with the following tips:

Clean the baseboards.At least once a year, really get down on your hands and knees with a rag and a toothbrush to remove dust and grime from your baseboards. This type of detailing has a huge impact in the overall sparkle of your space.

Wipe down the ceiling fan.Sure, you vacuum your floor and dust your shelves, but how often do you stop to look up? Ceiling fans collect a large amount of dust and debris and should be cleaned at least twice a year”or seasonally, if you can manage.

Clean out the cupboards.At least once a year, take everything out of your kitchen cupboards, wipe them down and re-organize. You might be shocked to discover how many expired or unused items are taking up precious space. You can finally throw the bad items in the trash and donate the good ones.

Tackle the freezer. Because frozen food lasts so long, you might forget whats even stuffed inside your freezer. It could be packed with freezer-burned food or leftovers you never revisited. Remove everything from the freezer, toss out anything you no longer need or want, and wipe the interior down. This should be done at least twice a year.

Beat out the dust. Couch cushions, throw pillows, drapes and rugs collect dust over time. On a sunny day at least once a year, take them outside and give them a good beatdown to remove allergens. Just make sure to turn your head away and avoid breathing in the dust particles.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Facing the prospect of foreclosure can be terrifying. Programs are available to assist borrowers in difficult circumstances, but some people prey on homeowners who are afraid and desperate. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Beware of False Claims
Sometimes scammers find out the names of homeowners and their mortgage lenders and call or send letters claiming to be from the lender. In other cases, they claim to represent the lender without naming it, or say they work for a government-approved agency. Fraudsters might offer to buy your home for cash at a price well below market value. Dont provide any financial information to someone who contacts you if you didnt reach out to the company or agency on your own first.

A company other than your lender cant pre-approve a mortgage modification or guarantee that youll be approved if you fill out an application. Only your lender can decide whether to modify your loan. Paying an outside company wont increase your chance of being approved for a mortgage modification.

Dont Be Pressured Into Making Payments or Signing Documents
Its illegal for a company to demand payment up front for a mortgage modification. Dont pay, even if the company offers a money-back guarantee.

Fraudsters often tell homeowners to pay them a fee and promise that theyll handle everything. They tell homeowners not to have any further contact with their lender or instruct them to send mortgage payments to a different address. Dont fall for it.

Avoid any company or representative who pressures you to sign documents that you havent had a chance to review or dont understand. Dont sign a document unless youve had it reviewed by your own attorney and you understand the reason for it and the ramifications.

Some scammers tell homeowners they need to sign over the deed to their home but claim that the transfer is only temporary. Dont sign over your deed to anyone unless your mortgage lender has agreed to forgive your balance and youre working with the lender directly.

The Right Way to Avoid Foreclosure
The foreclosure process is long and expensive for mortgage lenders and is filled with all sorts of potential problems. Your lender would rather work with you to modify your loan and keep you in your home than proceed with foreclosure. If youve fallen on hard times, contact your lender to explain your circumstances and discuss your options.

Mortgage assistance programs are available for homeowners who are struggling, and you can apply for free on your own. You can also get help from a housing counseling agency approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

You’ve likely heard of carbon monoxide (CO) and that it’s dangerous, but what is it”and how can you protect yourself and your family from it at home?

CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced when carbon-based fuels, such as propane, natural gas and wood, are burned. The gas can become extremely hazardous when it builds up indoors and someone breathes it in. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, and confusion. However, severe CO poisoning can make you fall unconscious and even lead to death, which is why the mostly undetectable gas is often referred to as an “invisible killer.”

If you use fuel-burning appliances improperly or have faulty equipment, your home might be at risk. To help prevent CO poisoning, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers the following tips:

• Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm is certified to UL safety standards and cant be covered up by furniture or draperies. Although alarms are important and provide added protection, CPSC notes that theyre no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that produce CO.
• Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owners manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment.
• Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space, including the garage and house. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
• Never burn charcoal inside a garage or home.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• Don’t cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.
• During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys aren’t blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

If your CO alarm goes off or you think youre experiencing any CO poisoning symptoms, get outside to fresh air immediately and call 911. For more safety tips, visit CPSC.gov.

Published with permission from RISMedia.