Jeff Somers
MORE BY Jeff
All the Things You Didn’t Realize You Could Get From Unclaimed Luggage
One of the best sources for cheap stuff: the bags people lose at the airport and never bother to claim.
Outlet Grocery Stores Can Save You a Ton of Money
Outlet grocery stores—aka salvage groceries or food liquidators—buy up food that’s almost expired, dented, or otherwise imperfect and sell it to you at a large discount.
The Easiest Ways to Hide Away Mirrored Closet Doors
If they scream "tacky" to you, here's how to hide them without risking a security deposit or spending a fortune.
Five Types of Checks You Should Never Cash
When you get one of these unexpected check in the mail, think twice before cashing it.
How to Dry Out a Water-Damaged Carpet You Can’t Replace
If you can't replace it, you may be able to save it.
Yes, You Can Have Too Much Money in a Savings Account
If you’re earning 0.5% in a savings account, you’re actually losing money.
When (and How) to Paint Your Vinyl Siding
If your vinyl siding is still in good shape, you shouldn’t hesitate to paint it.
How to Get Rid of PMI As Soon As Possible
If you had to purchase private mortgage insurance to get your home loan, don’t wait around for your lender to cancel it.
Whether you’re crashing at a friend’s or waiting on a bed delivery, sleeping on the couch doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Look Out for These Signs of a Badly Flipped House
Sometimes folks slap nice finishes on a poorly renovated home and hope you won't notice.
All the Stuff in Your Home You Should Be Testing for Voltage
From your outlets to your gutters, the electricity in your house is constantly conspiring to kill you.
9 Lies Contractors Tell
No, they didn’t just drive by and happen to notice you need a new roof.
The Best Ways to (Safely) Hide Power Outlets
Electricity's great and all, but sometimes power outlets can be an eyesore.
How to Get Rid of a Smoke Smell in Your New Home
Your new home has great natural light, tremendous flow, and smells like the inside of a cigarette.
How to Know If That Bug in Your House Is an Actual Emergency
Lots of bugs look similar to each other, but pose very different risks to your home.
10 Lazy, Last-Minute Costumes You Can Throw Together Before Halloween
You're already going as a procrastinator. Might as well get creative with it.
Think Twice About Letting Vines Envelop Your House
A vine-covered house might look charming, but these invasive plants could be doing real damage.
The Case for Buying ‘Dumb’ Appliances
Smart appliances are everywhere—and you probably don't need them.
Use ‘Curb Alerts’ to Get Free Stuff in Your Neighborhood
If you're willing to put in the effort and time, you can get great stuff that people are giving away.
These Are the Cheapest Houses You Can Build
You’ve got some land and you want to build a house. What’s the most cost-effective house to build?