Outdoor play sets come in a variety of styles and a wide price range. Parents can choose from traditional swings and slides to rings, towers, forts, etc. You can find sets as low as $200 to more elaborate sets costing thousands of dollars.

Angie’s List is the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies including playground equipment.

Common materials for outdoor play sets:

• Plastic: A popular material for toddlers.
• Wood: Wooden sets typically support 120 pounds or more per child and last about 15-20 years. When selecting a wooden set, ask what the wood has been treated with and be sure to avoid such treatments that contain arsenic or chromium. Consider redwood and cedar - they are good at repelling insects and are less likely to splinter.
• Metal: More cost efficient, but weather may wear them down faster Look for a set made of heavy duty galvanized steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust.

Before you purchase and outdoor play set, Angie's List says consider these tips:

• Size up your yard: Your yard will determine the type of playground equipment you choose. Consider the size of the unit in comparison to your lawn. You don’t want the play set to take up the whole backyard. There are many smaller sets available – not all playground equipment is gigantic. Avoid sloping areas to help prevent equipment from tipping over. Select an area that is away from trees, wires, etc. Position the equipment away from direct sunlight.
• Do you have clearance? The homeowner is responsible for permits, approval from homeowner’s associations, etc. Check that you have clearance to build the set.
• Playground design: As you choose the play area, consider picking a spot that will keep children out of the sun. You also want a spot where it is easy to keep watch over them. Lay out your playground allowing at least 6 feet of open space around the equipment. Also, choose a location with proper drainage.
• Ask your kids: As you browse playground sets, consider whether it will easily transform as your child grows. Have your children test the equipment in various materials since they will be using the equipment. Are they climbers? Do they enjoy pretend play, or want to play in the sand? Choose equipment based on your child’s age and equipment that it meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines.
• Playground costs: There is a variety in costs for different materials. Do you have the skills o build the set or will you hire help? Ask if the set is delivered and installed by an installation crew or left for you to set up.
• Factor in safety: Injuries from falls can be reduced by placing your equipment on softer surfaces such as wood/rubber mulch and sand. Materials should be 9-12 inches deep. Add more material to the surface once or twice a year.
• Maintenance checkup: Weather can affect the condition of the play set. Periodic hardware tightening is required and sealing the set is strongly suggested. It’s also a good idea to regularly check the set for frayed ropes, signs of rot and peeling paint. Occasional sanding may be needed if the wood becomes splintered.

Angie’s List tips for saving money on outdoor play sets:

• A great way to save money on playground equipment is buying a used set. We’ve heard from highly-rated companies on Angie’s List who move their sets from one location to another. Their installers know how to dismantle equipment so re-assembly is easier and they know how to level according to the yard. One Angie’s List member was able to save thousands of dollars and tons of manual labor by on a swing set by buying a used set, and having a professional move it across town. The cost of the swing set would have been more than $3,300. The member had the swing set moved to her home and the best part about it is that the set has a lifetime warranty. Before the company moved the swing set, they inspected it and replaced any pieces of wood or joint fixtures that needed to be repaired or replace – at no cost to the member. So after the swing set was moved, they gave it the once over with the power washer and a fresh coat of stain – they had spent less than $1,000.  That is more than $2000 in savings!
• There are companies and sell and install new equipment and others that just install the equipment you buy from a separate store. A professional playground installer can save you time, money and take the stress out of a large backyard project. While it may seem like more money up front, consider that it may take you a day or more to install, but will only take a professional installer a few hours. And if you’re thinking about installing the playground equipment yourself you need to be really honest about your skills and your time commitment. This is not something that you can put up overnight.

Back to school shopping is about more than paper, pencils and fall clothes. It’s also a good time to check that your computer is ready for the wear and tear of the upcoming school year.

Angie's List is the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including computer repair service.

Angie's List Tips for Computer Repair:

1. Call several computer repair companies to ask about their diagnostic and repair fees. Get an estimate of what repairs will cost before you authorize any work done. Get all guarantees in writing. If the repair will cost more than half the cost of a new computer, you’re probably better off replacing it altogether
2. Before you hire a computer repair service, back up your data and delete any sensitive information.
3. Update all of your virus and spyware software and install all other necessary updates. It’s not always the best choice to buy spyware and antivirus software from where you bought your computer. Usually those programs can be very expensive while free programs are available online.
4. Back to school season is a peak time for computer repairs. If your computer needs service or repair work, call late July or early August at the latest. It’s better to find out before the homework starts that computer problems could derail your straight “A” student.

If you decide to replace your computer, take into consideration your and your family’s needs.

1. If it's for school, don’t wait until the last minute to buy. Give yourself at least a month before school starts, if possible, so you can install everything that you need, download old files and get comfortable with the new computer.
2. Desktop or laptop? It really depends on who will be using it and under what conditions. While a laptop is more convenient than a desktop, laptops are also more expensive and fragile.
3. Back up, back up, back up. An external hard drive is relatively inexpensive considering your child won’t be scrambling to rewrite that 20 page term paper when the computer crashes.

• Make the environment in which a child learns one where he or she can focus and feel supported. Oftentimes a student will fear failure, but if help is available immediately and the child knows this, he or she is much less likely to allow emotional aspects of school affect their cognitive ability.
• It is important to tailor a tutoring session to the individual student. If that student feels more comfortable in a group of students and thrives off competition, then a group session is best. If a student is shy about her or his academic prowess, then individual tutoring is probably in order.
  
• Put your child on a school schedule. Include bedtime, wake-up time, mealtime and study time, prior to the first day of school to help ease him or her back into a routine.
  
• Make sure your child studies or is tutored in between semesters. This will help so that he or she doesn’t lose the knowledge they’ve gained. Read books that are appropriate grade level, do something with math like multiplication tables, counting money or word problems.
  
• Go over school skills with your kids whenever you get a chance. Have them do math in their heads at the checkout counter of the grocery store, read billboards aloud when you’re driving in the car, or help you measure out ingredients in the kitchen. They’ll love the attention and it will keep their skills sharp.
  
• Have an older sibling read aloud to a younger sibling. It creates a sense of accomplishment and maturity. Also, have a family reading time when the children can read aloud. Review your child’s textbooks and look for the additional resources that often go along it.
• Interview the tutor. Have your child present to get a feel for how their personalities would mesh.
  
• Check the tutor’s credentials. Contact references and check Angie’s List for reports on the tutor, and read the fine print on any contract before entering into a hiring agreement with a tutor.
  
• Don't be afraid to shop around. Tutoring can range from $25 to $50 per hour. The price can vary depending on the type of tutoring and the level.

Interest rates are at a 50-year low, causing many homeowners to consider refinancing. 

Before signing on the dotted line, Angie's List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews, including mortgage companies, offers the following advice.

Angie’s List 10 Tips:

1. Check your Credit: Lending guidelines have tightened up, making borrowing much more difficult for people with low credit scores. Before you refinance, pull your credit report and double check that the information is accurate and up-to-date. If there are any discrepancies, work with the credit reporting agency to have those cleared up before you inquire about a loan. While credit scores where once a contributing factor in determining the cost of credit, they have now become the overriding factor.
2. Determine the Value: You now need more equity in your home in order to refinance. Expect the lender to request an appraisal and don’t be surprised when they bring in an appraisal management company to find a 3rd-party appraiser.
3. Lock it In: By holding out in the hopes rates will go down further, you risk your home depreciating more or your financial situation worsening.  Look for a lender who is willing to lock in a rate for at least 60 days.
4. Get quotes in writing: Email is fine, but be sure your mortgage consultant gives you rate information in writing so you’re not surprised by a rate change when you go to close.
5. Eliminate PMI? Private mortgage insurance is required whenever a conventional loan exceeds 80 percent of the value of the home. You can eliminate PMI if your home has at least 20 percent equity, based on a current appraisal. You can avoid paying PMI on a new loan by making up the difference at closing or by taking out a second mortgage for the difference.
6. Borrow more? If you have the equity in your home and it makes good financial sense to do so, consider borrowing additional money against your refinanced mortgage to pay off higher interest debt. This could save you substantially over the life of the loan, plus the interest you pay on your mortgage is tax deductible, which is not the case on auto loans and other credit-based interest you pay. Again, consult with your mortgage professional to determine if this is best for you.
7. Research your lender: Use an independent mortgage consultant, who can get multiple rate quotes with one credit pull. Check Angie’s List to read other consumer reviews of local mortgage professionals. Visit the local Secretary of State website to learn more about that broker’s credentials.
8. Disclose all Income: If you rely on cash income from tips, etc., it’s important you account for all of that income to better your chances of qualifying for a loan.
9. Ask for Closing Cost Guarantee: Beware of any lender that will not give you a written guarantee on the closing costs they estimate. Your costs could end up coming in a lot higher than initially disclosed. If costs do change, ask your mortgage professional for an explanation before you agree to anything. Include closing costs into your loan to avoid paying out of pocket.
10. Know your Rights: Customers are entitled to a three-day grace period during which they can pull out of a deal. The lender must be notified in writing of the rescission within three days of the date of closing and has 20 days to return the customer’s fees.

 

Hospitals and emergency rooms nationwide treat nearly 250,000 people each year who tangle with their lawn mowers and come out the loser. Nearly 20,000 of those injured are children under age 19, and the injuries are on the rise since last year.

Angie's List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews, went to it's highly rated lawn care companies and found hiring a lawn service isn’t as expensive as you might think. When you factor in the time, energy and potential medical costs you could expend, it’s generally a better deal all around. A professional cut for your lawn costs about $40 on average across the country, but can be as low as $25. Lawn care service costs typically depend on the size of the yard and how heavily landscaped they are. 

Most DIY lawn injuries are easily preventable. So if you’re doing it yourself, be smart before you fire it up.

Angie’s List 6 ways to mow without getting hurt:

1. Tune-up: Regular service for your mower will catch any equipment failures and keep your blade honed to the proper level. Do this before the mowing season begins to get the best deal and service.
2. Mow smart: While it might sound like Mr. Obvious, too many accidents happen because people try to fix the mower while the engine is running. Turn it off before you try to fix it.
3. Hands off: Use a broom handle or leaf blower to remove debris caught in the mower; don’t just grab it with your hands.
4. Pick-up: Taking the time to pick up small toys, branches, rocks and wood chips before you mow could save a painful injury to you or anyone who might be in the area as you mow.
5. Not a tanning opportunity: Sure you can catch some rays while you mow, but dressing scantily is asking for trouble: Cover up, wear covered shoes. Safety glasses and gloves are a good idea, too.
6. Not a spectator sport: Because mowers can fling out objects at high velocity, anyone in the area of the mower could be in danger. So keep children and pets out of the yard until you’re done mowing.

Injury statistics are based on a 2008 Consumer Product Safety Commission report.

If you’re traveling on vacation this summer and don’t plan to take your pet or pets with you, there is an alternative to boarding that could keep your pet happier and healthier, not to mention your home more secure.

Many professional pet sitters not only walk, feed, water, play with and care for pets, but they also bring in mail, water plants, rotate lights and blinds and help make the home look lived in while the client is away. With a sitter, pets get to stay in the comfort and safety of their own home and it avoids the hassle of having to pack up your animals and drop them off.

Angie's List, the premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including pet sitters, asked highly rated companies for advice on hiring pet care.

Angie's List tips for hiring a pet sitter:

• Begin interviewing early so you'll be confident with your decision. Pet/house sitters usually get booked up well ahead of the summer and holiday season.
• Interview the sitter in person. Ask questions such as "how long have you been in business?" And, "why did you decide to be a pet sitter?"
• Is your pet comfortable around the sitter?
• Can he/she provide written proof that he/she has commerical liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft).
• Look for a pet sitter who is trained in pet first aid and CPR and one who does background checks on all employees. 
• Ask prospective sitters if they are members of professional organizations like Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Before you leave home:

• Leave a clear, written list of contacts including how to reach you, your veterinarian and possibly a neighbor who has a spare key.
• Let plenty of pet food and prescriptions with clear instructions.

Water damage and soil erosion are the main culprits of foundation cracks, usually caused by climate changes, downspouts not extended away from the home properly, or overflowing gutters. Left unchecked, a settling foundation could lead to thousands of dollars in damage.

Foundation issues don’t just plague older homes. In fact, many newer homes are affected, often because the builder neglected to create a positive slope for drainage to go away from the home.

Angie's List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including foundation repair, asked it's highly rated companies for advice on catching foundation problems early.

When problems arise, there are two common solutions for foundation repair:

• A piering system is one in which steel rods are inserted under the foundation and stabilize (and in some cases lift) the foundation. 
• A more economical solution is underpinning or mudjacking, in which concrete is injected under the slab to stabilize it, however, mudjacking is often only a temporary fix and is more for garage floors or sidewalks that might sink.

Angie’s List tips for avoiding foundation damage:

• Keep gutters clear of debris and make sure downspouts are properly extended at least 10 feet away from the home.
• Water the ground around your home during droughts.
• Inspect your home annually and look for signs of foundation damage, like cracks in walls, around windows and doors, or on your home’s exterior; soil eroding away from the home; moisture in crawlspaces, attics and basements; uneven flooring or misaligned doors and windows.
• Address any concerns immediately. The longer the problem lingers, the more it costs. The average price of steel piering is about $1,000 for every 5 feet of damage, meaning it could end up being the most expensive repair you’ll ever make to your home.
• If you have foundation damage, before you have any work done, get estimates from at least three different companies and ask for references.
• Foundation repair companies do not require licensing and are not regulated, so it’s important to find one established with solid references from prior customers.  Ask for insurance and bonding information, and certification documentation from the piering manufacturer.
• If you’re hearing mixed advice from foundation repair contractors, bring in an independent structural engineer to assess the problem before you have it repaired.

The summer season can take a toll on your water bill if you water your lawn or garden, or have a pool, but an ignored leaky faucet or high volume toilet will cost you year round.

Experts estimate 11,000 gallons of water per U.S. household each year are wasted due each year to running toilets, dripping faucets and other leaks.

Angie’s List tips to use water smarter and save:

Out in the yard:

• Water your lawn either in the morning or evening – watering during the day is less efficient because of evaporation. Water as needed, but on a weekly, rather than daily basis. Use straight-edged container, such as a tuna can, to determine how long you need to run the sprinkler. Put the can under your sprinkler and time how long it takes to fill that glass an inch. That’s how long you need to water.
• Plant native grasses and plants, which can survive on limited amounts of water. While establishing any new landscape requires more water in the first year or so, a water-wise landscape will require about 20 percent to 50 percent less water from start to maturity.
• Protect your plants with mulch. It helps conserve water by trapping moisture and keeping the soil cool.
• If you’re asked to conserve water, don’t panic. Lawns can actually survive a few months without water, and they will recover quickly once rain returns. Just as lawns turn brown from extreme water shortages, they will also return to their natural thick green state when conditions improve - usually in the fall.
• Check your irrigation system to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace broken or damaged nozzles or heads, which can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.  Make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
• Consider a rain barrel to conserve water and put some extra money in your pocket. A rain barrel connects to your gutters and collects water as it rolls off your roof, then stores it for when you need in – to water plants, wash your car or top off your swimming pool.
• If you have a pool, cover it up. Pool covers help reduce evaporation. Also check your pool periodically for leaks.

In your home:

• Fix leaks. A sink or bathroom leak may be obvious, but some leaks, like those close to water lines, may not be seen or heard initially. And don’t forget to check your outdoor faucets, either. If your water bill dramatically and unexpectedly increases from one bill to the next, check your consumption and have your lines inspected. Another great test, add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl after about a half hour, you have a leak. Be sure to clean the bowl afterwards so it doesn’t stain.
• A water audit is also a great way to check for leaks. An auditor will check your water connections, toilets and faucets for leaks. He or she will also evaluate your home’s water use and suggest ways to make it more efficient. Some municipal utilities even offer free water audits.
• Faucets, showers and toilets combined represent two-thirds of all indoor water use. Consider replacing those as they age, with low-flow fixtures to conserve water and save money. For example, a WaterSense-labeled showerhead uses less than two gallons of water per minute.
• If your clothes washer and dishwasher are reaching their life cycle, consider replacing with a more energy efficient model. Energy Star-qualified washers use at least 50 percent less water than regular washers. If your dishwasher was built before 1994, you could be wasting up to 8 gallons of water per cycle compared to a new model.
• Take a short shower instead of taking a bath. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.

Most Americans are concerned about how to afford their prescription drugs, but few of us take the time to comparison shop like we would for other shopping needs.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leader in consumer reviews, including doctors and pharmacies says there are big savings out there if you know what to do and look for.

Angie's List 7 Ways to Save on Prescription Medicine Costs:

1. Go Generic: On average you can save anywhere from 30 to 80 percent on prescription drug cost. So before your doctor scribbles out a script for you, be sure you let him or her know that you’d prefer a generic drug if one is available. Generics are basically former brand-name drugs whose patents have expired.  
2. Ask for Samples: Sometimes you may be able to get your medication for free just by asking for samples.  Some providers may be able to give you a full dosage.
3. Shop Around: Your first instinct may be to go to the corner pharmacy to fill your prescription, but you’ll almost certainly pay the most there. Many times, it is the wholesale clubs that have the best prices, but check around before you buy. Talk to your friendly pharmacist – if you’re shopping around, the outlet may reconsider its pricing plans or offer other incentives.
4. Buy in Bulk, Buy Online: As with anything else, buying in bulk will save you money. If you’re on a maintenance drug, think about getting 30-, 60- or even 90-day supplies. Purchasing those medications online will likely give you the biggest savings.  
5. Inspect Insurance: Depending on a consumer’s insurance plan, keeping in mind any prescription drug deductibles, it may be less expensive to not use your insurance and just pay for the medication out of pocket.
6. Find the freebies: The prescription drug war has made competition fierce. Some grocery stores offer some generic antibiotics for free. Others only charge a few dollars for them. Check out what’s available.  
7. Just Say No: Before accepting a prescription, ask your doctor if drugs are really necessary. Many times, a better diet, more exercise and adequate sleep could be the answer to health ailments.

Remodeling projects are expensive and nearly always end up taking more time and causing more personal life disruption than any homeowner expects. And some projects that homeowners think will set their abodes apart and make them a “must have” when it comes time to sell, actually end up being the first thing the new owners want to see gone.
 
If you’re going to invest in projects designed to improve your home’s value, it makes sense to know what remodeling projects will give you the most return for your money – and which ones could actually detract from your home’s attractiveness.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews, has gathered consumer ratings on home improvement contractors for 15 years. The following information is based on a 2010 nationwide survey of more than 500 remodelers and real estate agents and national remodeling statistics.

5 Remodeling Projects with the HIGHEST return on investment:

1. The Kitchen: Whether it’s a major overhaul or a simple makeover, putting a fresh face on your kitchen is your best investment. A major update could cost more than $20,000, but you can expect at least an 85 percent return.
2. The Bath: An outdated bathroom can quickly spoil a sale, and it won’t be a pleasant space for you, either. Current trends of large showers instead of space-hogging garden tubs may serve you well, as will attention to classic features rather than unusual color schemes. A major update could cost less than $20,000, but yield an 84 percent return.
3. Decks: A new deck can cost a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on size and materials used. Before you build, look at other homes in your area and build accordingly. If the deck is in good shape, your return could be more than 80 percent.
4. Siding: If your home’s façade is siding and it’s not in good shape, replacing or repairing the siding can bring instant freshness. You’ll likely spend at least $10,000, but you should get at least 80 percent back.
5. Window replacement: The energy efficiency of new windows is a clear benefit to switching out older windows, but in some cases, it’s a safety feature, too.  Costs depend on the number of windows you’re replacing, of course, and the type. Expect a return on your investment of at least 80 percent.

5 Remodeling Projects with the LOWEST return on investment:

1. Pool: Unless your home is the only home on the block without a swimming pool, you’ll rarely get back even half of the money you pay to build one, and you can scare prospective buyers off because many don’t want the responsibility or liability of a pool. In-ground pools are expensive and can range from less than $20,000 to more than $60,000, depending on how expansive your design and materials.
2. Home Office Remodel: If you work at home, you’ll want a pleasant home office, but don’t get too carried away with it. Remodeling could set you back more than $20,000 and you’ll be lucky to get half that money back. It’s better to have a room that can clearly be used as a bedroom, playroom or other space without a lot of redecorating.  Expect a return of 57 percent.
3. Sun Room or Four Season Room Addition: These rooms can set you back more than $50,000 and they’re often beautiful bonus rooms. If you’ll enjoy the room and use it, it’s worth the investment. The return on investment is generally less than 60 percent, though.
4. Master Suite: Who doesn’t want an expansive private retreat even within their own home? Master suites are expensive, though – some can run into six figures – and the return is generally in the 60 percent range.
5. The Garage: Adding that third bay to your garage may make sense when your kids start driving, but it can be expensive – especially if it’s attached to your house. You may get as much as 60 percent of your investment back, but you may scare off buyers who don’t anticipate needing that much garage space.