The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is a nonprofit trade organization that has been advocating for roofing professionals since 1886. This big-tent organization represents not only roofing contractors but all professionals that play a part in the roofing industry, including engineers, consultants, material distributors and architects. Read more
Industry Spotlight: National Roofing Contractors Association
Posted on August 30, 2022 by Suzanne Carroll
Posted in: Industry Organization Spotlight
Tags: consumer tips, consumer advice, roofing, NRCA, trade organization
Savvy Consumer Tip: What’s Your Used Car Worth?
Posted on August 25, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
Buying or selling a used car? Watch this video to learn the best ways to determine exactly how much it’s worth. Read more
Posted in: Auto Tips
Tags: consumer tips
Old Ben Has Timeless Advice
Posted on August 23, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
For the longest time, my kids have laughed at me for my thrifty habits. For example, I reuse aluminum foil if it’s in good condition, I turn off lights whenever I leave a room and I won’t throw away leftovers. You could say that I’ve always practiced one of Benjamin Franklin’s suggested virtues, frugality, as outlined in his “Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection.” He says frugality means not spending unless it does good for yourself or others, emphasizing that you should waste nothing. Read more
Posted in: Financial, Consumers, Savvy Tips
Tags: consumer advice, money, financial advice, frugality, budget, consumer tips, financial tips
Seven Summer Scams
Posted on July 26, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
Along with rising temperatures this summer, we’re going to see a rise in seasonal scams. I’ve been getting warnings from consumer protection agencies about what to watch out for, and I want to pass them on to you. You may have heard of some of these rip-offs before, but be aware that new variations always pop up and can catch even the savviest consumers off guard. Read more
Posted in: Consumers, Savvy Tips
Tags: summer, consumer protection, consumer tips, avoiding scams, vacation, home security
Diamond Certified Experts: Choosing Paint Colors
Posted on July 12, 2022 by James Florence
One of the most challenging aspects of any interior painting project is selecting colors. If you don’t believe it, just take a look at any color swatch gallery and try not to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume and variety of options. The intimidation factor is further compounded by the fact that you have to live with the colors you choose for the next several years. Read more
Posted in: Painting, Diamond Certified Experts
Tags: consumer tips, painting, paint colors
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
Posted on June 28, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
We’re all complaining about problems we’re having in the service sector since the pandemic wreaked havoc on all types of businesses. Have you spent 90 minutes on hold with a utility to clear up an incorrect bill like I have? If you’ve ordered new furniture, you may have been told the wait time is four to six months due to supply chain issues. And if you’ve been out to eat, you’ve probably experienced slower service (due to staffing issues) and higher prices. Read more
Posted in: Financial, Consumers, Customer Service, Personal Stories, Savvy Tips
Tags: consumer advice, customer service, pandemic, local businesses, consumer tips
Put Your (Square) Feet to Work: How to Turn Your Space Into a Short-Term Rental
Posted on June 09, 2022 by Matt Solis
De-cluttering your home and giving it a fresh coat of paint will make your short-term rental more inviting.
Ever since the introduction of Airbnb in 2008, homeowners don’t have to be serial landlords or own second homes to earn rental income. If you have an in-law apartment or a spare bedroom, you can put those extra square feet to work. Preparing your home to rent will require effort on your part, but the extra income may well be worth it. Read more
Posted in: Painting, House Cleaning, Home Security, Home Maintenance, Uncategorized, Home Tips
Tags: consumer tips, vacation, Rental