Decorating together: How to fix up, not break up In some ways, it was simpler before. When Joy Lane Hicks wanted to buy a new piece of furniture or do some redecorating, she says, "I would start with, 'Hey, honey, I have an idea,' and he would drop his head, groaning and moaning." More

Real estate Splitsville full of blind turns
Dear Benny — I bought a home with my husband in 2002. We are both on the mortgage. When we divorced in 2006, he bought me out and I signed over the quitclaim deed of the house to him. He was to pay me $50,000 of which I've collected only $25,000. We continue to remain in contact for the sake of our son. I decided to leave my name on the mortgage loan. He has been good in keeping up with the mortgage payment until six months ago when he defaulted on the home loan due to an unforeseen financial hardship. What can I do at this point to protect myself? Read more

Belly up to the bar: Try stools that offer function, flair
As an event planner, Krystal Donald knows a thing or two about making people feel comfortable. So when she sees barstools in someone's home, inviting is the first word that comes to mind. Read more

No capital gains tax on home exchange?
Dear Benny — My husband and I built a townhouse in 1983 for $33,000. We lived there for a few years and then rented it out for 17 years, taking all the tax advantages such as depreciation, etc. Read more