The holidays were good to you this year. You gave gifts that made your friends and family genuinely happy, and you received beautiful treasures from the ones you love.

Your spouse went above and beyond, spending a lot of money on a special item. You love it and can’t wait to show it off and use it. It’s the gift of a lifetime.

Whether it’s an antique, an expensive piece of jewelry, or the latest in surround-sound equipment for your home, you’re going to want to protect your new and very valuable gift. There’s a good chance you don’t have enough insurance to replace it if it the worst happens.

It happens to all of us when we rent a car. We’re signing on the dotted line and the person behind the counter offers extra insurance coverage – and then details all the ways we could be out thousands of dollars if we don’t accept it.

Some of us say no and spend the rest of the trip hoping nothing bad happens. Others take all the coverage offered, sometimes doubling the cost to rent a car. Which is the right answer?

If you thought your biggest worry during the holiday shopping season was finding the perfect present at the lowest price, think again. While the focus may be on the competitive shopping people do once Thanksgiving is over, you don’t want to forget that identify theft is a real issue at this time of year.

Take a look at these shopping tips to avoid identity theft and security issues on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the rest of the holiday season.

Whether this is your first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner for your family, or you’ve been doing it for years and you’re ready for something new, there’s a turkey recipe for every taste. Take a look at several popular ways to prepare your bird this Thanksgiving so that everyone ends the day with a full stomach and a long nap.

Every year, around the holidays, something goes wrong. The turkey doesn’t get cooked all the way through. Someone hates their gift. One aunt isn’t talking to another. Of all the things that can go wrong, holiday travel can be the most expensive and frustrating problem you’ll have.

Because it’s such a busy time for travellers, it’s important to be prepared so that the trip can go as smooth as possible, even if your time with family and friends is as hectic as ever. Here are a few holiday travel tips to make sure you get to where you’re going without as much hassle.

You have auto insurance coverage. Your spouse has coverage. Your kids know that when they’re adults, they need to have it. As a responsible and concerned person, you’ve practically wrapped your family in bubble wrap with all of the insurance coverage you’ve taken out.

Unfortunately, when you’re rear-ended sitting at a red light, the other driver doesn’t have insurance. There’s no insurance company to pay the claim or anyone other than your insurer to talk to about how to pay for the damage and the medical bills. The driver who hit you is one of 30 million drivers across the country on the road with no insurance coverage.

Spring and summer may be the fun times of the year to work out in the yard, watching everything bloom and soak up the sun and water, but there’s plenty to do in the fall, too. Now is the time to take care of your yard’s landscaping so that you’re ready for next spring. Plus, you don’t want to deal with dead plants, cracks in the driveway, or any other landscaping issues in the middle of winter.

Anyone who has owned a car for any amount of time knows the pain. Your car breaks down, and it’s out of warranty – if it was ever under warranty to begin with. You need to find a mechanic who can fix it without costing too much money or leaving you wondering if you’ve been cheated.

Finding a good mechanic is a bit like online dating. Their website (profile) can say one thing, and the reality – like whether your vehicle still runs – may be something else. Take a look at these tips and tricks to help you find the right mechanic for you.

Fall is here which means winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to have your HVAC system checked to make sure it works properly and to make any changes or upgrades in your home so that you’ll be cozy and warm when the cold weather strikes.

Follow these HVAC maintenance tips for fall and don’t get left out in the cold this winter.