Q: My team was giving a presentation recently, and half the people in the room were checking their cell phones or texting at some point—even my boss. This happens all the time. What can I...

Q: "What's the fastest or easiest way to rebuild my credit? I want to buy a house, and I can't get approved." —Tracy, Fargo, N.D. A: “The bad news is you really do need a...

Q: I'm sick of doing laundry in the basement. But we can't afford one of these major laundry room remodels. Is there an affordable way to get the washer and dryer upstairs? A: That depends,...

Q: Is rental income a good way to diversify my retirement portfolio? A: For some people, yes. “Rental property can provide another stream of income, a hedge against inflation if rental prices rise and an...

Q: We just moved out of the city and are gearing up for our first yard work. How do we decide what type of lawnmower, hedge-trimmer, leaf blower, and other machines to buy? Our options...

Q: "My wife and I will soon be first-time grandparents and would like to make monthly investments for our grandson. What are the benefits and limitations of 529 plans? We live in N.Y., but our...