Sarah Siddons has written almost 300 articles for HowStuffWorks on topics such as property taxes and parenting communication.
Recent Contributions
Treasury bills are a low-risk investment — and you don't need a lot of money to get started. How does the U.S. government use these bills to manage its debt?
By Dave Roos & Sarah Siddons
When you clean out your closet, you may donate items to charity or raise some extra cash with a garage sale. But what do you do when you have to clean out an entire house? An estate sale may be the answer you're looking for.
You may already know that you need to pay property taxes on your real estate. But what about your car, the new boat you just bought, or even Fido? Depending on what state you live in, you could have to pay personal property taxes.
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So maybe you don't have a great credit history, or you're having trouble coming up with a down payment. Renting to own is one way to become a homeowner -- but it has its pitfalls.
By Sarah Siddons & Chris Opfer
You've found your dream home. The asking price is $300,000 -- an amount you've already been pre-approved for by your bank. But is the home really worth that amount? That's the question at the heart of the home appraisal.
Natural sea sponges have become popular as the green trend pushes forward. What exactly is a sea sponge, and how is it any different from a regular sponge?
Do you have areas of unwanted hair but can't afford costly medical procedures? Many people find an inexpensive alternative in hair removal creams. How do they remove hair in one easy swipe?
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You may have heard there's still money in real estate, but it seems so confusing. Is there a way to learn more, mingle with some like-minded people, perhaps find a more seasoned investor to mentor you? Absolutely. Just find a real estate investment club.
For Sale By Owner signs are popping up all over the place. More and more people are sidestepping real estate agents and selling homes on their own. Some sellers save thousands of dollars this way.
When you buy or sell a house, you'll probably encounter a multiple listing service. But some agents are concerned because people sidestep them and instead use the multiple listing services to share information.
You may have seen advertisements staring celebrities James Garner or Robert Wagner that go something like this... "If you're 62 years of age or older and own your own home..." They're endorsing reverse mortgage loans. But is it a good idea, or are they just trying to make a buck?
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Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Lions Clubs International has a simple motto: "We serve." Today it's one of the world’s largest service organizations, with 1.3 million members in more than 200 countries including China, Ethiopia and Iraq.
Constant use of lip balm is a very real part of many people's lives. But is lip-balm addiction a valid medical condition?
Air and water pollution are a fact of life, and each can have an impact on the health of your skin. However, there are steps you can take to limit the effects on your skin.
Get fast facts on skin care and the many different factors that can affect skin's health and appearance, and learn what to include in your daily skincare routine.
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Get fast facts on dry lips, and learn about what causes dry lips and how to treat them.
Get fast facts on skin cleansers, and learn about the different varieties available so you can choose the best option for your skin.
Wearable crafts are popular with kids, so why not let them turn old household items into fun and frugal fashion? Try these ideas for recycled crafts your kids can dress up in.
Studies have shown that children who have a close relationship with their parents typically have higher self-esteem and perform better in school. How can parents effectively communicate with their kids?
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You may have a great serve and a killer spike, but it takes more than skills and sports experience to coach youth volleyball.
You may have noticed that "cocamidopropyl betaine" keeps popping up on the labels of your skin care products. But what exactly does this cleanser ingredient do?
Don't be fooled by clouds. You can get sunburn on sunny days or cloudy days -- and if you're outside all day, one application won't be enough. But if you do end up with a burn, here's how to treat it.
You might think you know everything there is to know about washing your face, but there are ways to make your routine more effective. What techniques are right for your skin?
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If the idea of bathing a squirming, slippery baby sounds intimidating, these tips can help. Learn proper techniques for holding your baby, and discover why tub baths aren't recommended for newborns.
Mud baths can be a relaxing way for you to pamper yourself and relieve stress, but are there any health benefits to soaking in mud?