If you’re a nanny or au pair, I’m sure you’ve realized you are your own human resources department. There’s no orientation, no specific policies and procedures to follow, and nobody looking out for you, making sure you sign up for the proper insurance policies and coverages — that’s all up to you.

Ahhh, trees. They’re beautiful to look at, create shade in your yard, and act as a habitat for the birds. But they also have more practical value -- they clean the air, slow water runoff, and buffer noise pollution. They even help save on energy costs and increase property value! They’re an appealing and sensible component of your property ... unless they fall on your home.

If you’re overseeing a construction, renovation, or installation project in your home, we understand how important your project is to you -- I mean, it is the place you eat, sleep, relax and spend time with your families, after all.

We’re officially one month into a new year (and new decade) and many of us (myself included) are thinking about getting our finances in order and planning for the future.