These cues may mean your car is on the way out.

There’s nothing wrong with being frugal. But there comes a time when you really should strongly consider replacing your ride. How do you know when that time comes? Here are some suggestions to help you make the decision:

  • Odd noises. Weird noises in themselves are often just that—noise. They could be traced back to something like a loose piece of trim that can be easily corrected—or to an engine on its last legs. As ca

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Buy Health Insurance at the Mall

You can buy clothes, shoes and towels in the stores at most shopping malls and you also can pick up some health insurance. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is opening its eighth Highmark direct retail store in Pennsylvania. It also joins dozens of other stores operated by other health insurance companies across the country in Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado and other states.

Added Value for Shoppers

Inside the stores, customers can do their own research on plans as well as talk to an agent.

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Most players in the western economy have mortgaged the future based on the premise that debt can be outrun by continued growth. This assumption has resulted in countries, states, companies and individuals all suffering from unsustainable debt loads.

The problem: low interest rates have encouraged individuals to make accelerated purchasing decisions. Coupled with low interest rates, individuals are encouraged at every opportunity to take on more debt.

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JLT Specialty (JLTS) is opening a UK regional office in Reading.

The news follows last months announcement that the commercial broker is setting up a Nottingham office.

Peter Cant, who is currently head of practice, based in JLTs Southampton premises, will set up and run the new location.

Mr Cant is currently responsible for the sales and client service teams in Southampton and Maidenhead.

He has 28 years of experience in insurance broking and in his 12 years with JLT has demonstrated particular strength in developing strategy and structure for client programmes.

JLTS managing director, risk practice division, Warren Downey, comments: Reading and the surrounding area has a growing and vibrant business community which we feel will benefit from the local service we can offer linked with central specialist expertise a unique combination that provides best in class solutions.

Also this week, JLTS announced the launch of a risk practice division, following the reorganisation of its global risk solutions and regional partnership units.

Your answers will help you decide what steps you need to take to reach your goals.

When you hear the word “retirement,” what do you see in your mind? For some people it’s a house on a beach or trips to exotic locales. Others just want more time to spend with their grandkids.  

Retirement planning must be a long-term, evolving event. The best plans are the ones that provide enough timeline and flexibility to allow you to make changes as your situations change. Answering the following questions based on your current situation can help you set the plan to reach your goal:

  1. What does your ideal retirement look like to you? There are practical elements to consider when making your grand plan. If you’

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Make these financial preparations before you start hunting for your dream house.

If you’re a first-time house buyer, it’s easy for visions of your ideal home to crowd out practical considerations like hidden costs. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into financially, from your mortgage payment to the principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI).

Take It for a Test Drive
“Add up what it will cost you every month and take it for a test run for six months,” says Mary Hunt, author of 7 Money Rules for Life. “If your current rent is $1,500 but your PITI is $2,500, put an extra $1,000 into a special bank account to see if you can really make those monthly payments.”

That money you’re setting aside will come in handy if you decide you’re ready to buy. Hunt recommends m

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December 31st, 2011When Your Car Needs Cleaning

Keep your car clear of road treatments and seasonal nuisances.

Call it a cold-weather “coat of honor.” It’s the mud, salt, dirt and other substances that tend to lay on thick during chilly and wet months. And it can do lasting damage to your car.

“Any of nature’s droppings will stain and harm your paint,” says automotive industry expert Lauren Fix, a.k.a. “The Car Coach,” who serves as Time Warner’s national automotive correspondent. “Trees and sap, for example, will change with the weather and harm the clear coat and paint on your vehicle. Also, road tar from weather-related construction can cause problems.”

The best thing to do is to hose off your ride when buildup is high. If there’s an unusual

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Are you up to speed on tipping etiquette this season?

While you tip the service people in your life all year, you may be among the many Americans who like to put forth a little extra around the holidays. But how can you prioritize “thanks for a great year” acknowledgements for your hairdresser, nanny or mail carrier?

If you’re set on giving cash, you may start by budgeting a total amount for holiday tips and then allotting the most money to the people who provide the most frequent services. However, in some situations, giving gifts may be more appropriate than giving cash. And i

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