I have always considered myself somewhat of an environmentalist. My inspiration started back in 1970, when I took part in the very first Earth Day and learned the importance of recycling and taking care of the planet. I am proud to report my family does an excellent job recycling items that can be repurposed and given new life. Then there’s the rest of it that ends up in the kitchen-size garbage bag for weekly delivery to the local landfill.

With school letting out and sultry summer days ahead, it's time to start thinking vacation. Because it's a supply-and-demand world, you'll likely be up against higher airfare, hotel costs and car rental rates. But here are some tips to help keep things affordable.

Have you ever experienced that moment right after work when you feel exhausted, stressed or hungry, and while driving home you decide to stop by a drive-thru? Or it’s early in the morning and you need a pick-me-up so you stop by the local coffee shop to get some caffeine? Although they may seem like impulse or infrequent purchases, it’s amazing to see how fast and how much money you might spend over a year!

What is a cash out refinance?   Bottom line…. It is refinancing your mortgage for more than you currently owe and pocketing the difference. Your home can be a piggy bank, transforming your equity in to cash to use in multiple ways.