I got married in my parents’ living room, officiated by a friend, followed by a very nice dinner that was still about an nth the price of a “real” wedding. We had a backyard BBQ for our reception six months later (with a formal wedding cake because I assumed I’d never have another excuse for four tiers of buttercream,…

I own low income rental property in a Midwestern city, and one thing I tell every single tenant when I sign a lease with them is that the minute they think they’ll have trouble with rent, call me and tell me. I can’t make rent cheaper, but I am 100% willing to make a payment plan or at least waive late fees if they…

Replacing exterior doors: we bought an old house with HUGE gaps between the front door jamb and door (nearly an inch at one corner). We considered gutting the entry and using a pre-hung door from a big-box, but ultimately decided that for the money and quality to order a "remodeler" door, which comes in a metal frame…

Name of Dish: Skillet Gardener's Pie

Yes, home inspectors are CRUCIAL, and worth every penny. Ours saved us from buying a $15k rewiring nightmare (all old knob and tube behind plaster, behind knotty pine paneling, behind drywall).

Also, for managers who might be reading—notifying coworkers is the hidden true purpose of the office sympathy card.