Jeff Somers
MORE BY Jeff
What to Do Right Away When Your Mortgage Gets Sold
When your lender sells your mortgage to another company, the terms stay the same—but you should take a few steps to protect yourself.
Why DIY Air Conditioners Are (Mostly) a Waste of Effort
Can a bowl of ice and a fan really lower the temperature in your living room? No.
How to Cool Off a Windowless Room
No windows? No central air? Don't sweat it—there are other ways to lower the temperature.
Five Hand Tools It's OK to Buy Cheap
Some tools are worth spending extra on, but you can buy the cheap versions of some tools and not miss a beat.
"Safe rooms" give you someplace safe to weather emergencies—and you don’t have to spend a fortune to create one.
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Wrap Your Car
A wrap can give your car a visual makeover—but it’s not a great investment, for a lot of reasons.
Airport Lounges Aren’t Worth the Hype
You have a long layover, but you can do better than buying a day pass at one of those airline lounges.
10 Things You Should Almost Always Buy Used
We tend to think that buying something new is always the best option, but sometimes it really doesn’t make any difference.
You Can Probably Fix Your Stove’s Broken Burner Yourself
Gas or electric, if you’re down a burner, it’s easier to repair (or replace) than you might imagine.
You can build a surprising number of things from a flatpack kit shipped to you.
The Easiest Ways to Fix a Rug With a Deteriorating Latex Backing
You don’t run out to buy a new one—the solution is easy.
Why You Should Never Buy a New Car
That new car smell is enticing, but it’s a terrible financial decision.
Six Clever Ways to Use Luminous Paint (and Three That Aren’t Too Smart)
Glow-in-the-dark-paint can be incredibly useful in the home—if used correctly.
Eight Ways to DIY a Tool on the Spot
Need a mallet? A caulk gun? Don’t run to the store—you can MacGyver these basic tools with materials you already have.
When to Worry About Exposed Brick Walls
You might love your home’s exposed brick, but you should watch for these signs of deterioration.
Why You Should Install an In-Wall Air Conditioner (Instead of a Window Unit)
Putting an air conditioner through your wall instead of your window is easier than you think.
Three Bank Services You Can Get From Your Post Office
If you're unbanked, the USPS can help you with at least a couple of basic banking services.
What Is ‘Roof Ponding’ (and What Can You Do About It)?
Persistent puddles on your flat roof could be shortening its lifespan.
The Difference Between a ‘Duplex’ and a ‘Twin Home’
The terms sound the same, but there's a real difference in what they're describing.
Why You Probably Shouldn't Refinish Your Own Bathtub
Your old tub is a disaster. New tubs are expensive, and refinishing kits cost $30. But do they actually work?