baltimoresun.com - Business

Dream home: A house to entertain

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Catonsville couple welcome guests but keep an eye on the children with open layout, large deck

Catonsville couple welcome guests but keep an eye on the children with open layout, large deck

Credit cards canceled without warning

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Customer complaints rise as companies close more accounts

On his way home from work recently, Rick Niles of Laurel stopped at a gas station to fill up and as usual pulled out his Shell credit card to pay. But this time, the card didn't work.

Job advice is just an alum away for college graduates

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Networking with college alumni is a time-honored strategy for finding a job.

Gift cards are safer, but pitfalls remain

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

This holiday season, they are increasingly popular, flexible and safe, but that doesn't mean you can't be tripped up by fine print

There's a good chance this holiday you'll either buy a gift card or receive one.

Real Estate Wonk: Housing markets: Baltimore vs. Washington

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Capital-area inventory drops as houses on market less time

H ome-sale trends are generally stronger in and around Washington, but the Baltimore area is showing some signs of life. That's the conclusion of a new report by Delta Associates, a real estate information and consulting firm, and Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, which runs the region's multiple-listing service.

A warmer, greener home

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

With caulking, insulation, clean gutters and a new filter for the furnace, you can save energy, resources and money

Every fall, we button up the house by cleaning and checking, fixing and sealing. Turns out that getting the house ready for winter isn't just a cold-winter thing - it's an eco-friendly thing, too. A tight house uses - and loses - less energy, requires fewer natural resources and produces less pollution. With just a bit of effort, you can make your fall house chores even greener. Here's how:

How to invest in a Roth IRA

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Q I'm 23 and have been making a point of saving money in a savings account. I've been told that a savings account isn't good for my future and that I should invest in a Roth instead. But I don't want to choose anything risky. Would I lose money if I invest in a Roth?