On July 4, the nation celebrated its independence. Well, it seems that some people in my neighborhood believed that the holiday extended to the liberation of lawn ornaments. At some point that night, a thief or thieves walked up to my front yard garden and stole about five gnomes. Go ahead and laugh. Yes, my front yard mulch bed had been filled with the little plastic and ceramic guys with pointed ears who prefer to wear cone-shaped hats. I had motion-sensing gnomes that spoke when you walked by, solar powered gnomes that switched on at dusk and the regular statue variety. And, they could be funny.

Posted in Real estate Sean Adkins Under Armour Your money

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From my friends and neighbors, I know that Comcast doesn't have the best reputation for responding to complaints or problems. However, my recent experience with the company did work out.

Posted in Comcast Consumer issues Sean Adkins Your money

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Most people know that sneakers and dress pants don't mix. Unfortunately, I've recently been spotted around the office sporting sneakers instead of my usual, nondescript dress shoes. And it's all because my dog mistook my shoes for chew toy.

Posted in Consumer issues Office life Sean Adkins Your money

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This weekend, my wife and I are planting a few trees in our backyard. We're hoping that we'll gain some privacy and add character to the yard. We decided to sink some money in fixing up the yard rather than spend cash on a vacation to some tourist trap. I think its paid off. We're getting some exercise, not wasting gas and increasing the value of our property. Have you taken a vacation this year? Can you afford the trip?

Posted in Gas Prices Real estate Sean Adkins Your money

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Now that local gas prices have dropped a bit, I think its time we look at the positives of paying $3.99 for regular. People cut back. And not just on gas. They found value in cutting back on retail spending, vacations and impulse buying. And that's great. I don't believe the money we make should be used to stock up on DVDs or upgrade to the latest cell phone plan. The money, if possible, should be saved and put into the "it's always something fund." That fund helps pay for the car transmission that decides to go on strike and the home oil fill-up at 3 a.m. Just because regular gas has dropped to $3.69 doesn't mean we should relax the purse strings. Keep saving as if gas was still at $3.99. Don't worry, it will rise to that mark again soon enough.

Posted in Consumer issues Gas Prices Sean Adkins Your money

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It worked. I can't believe that it work. Earlier this year, through the York County Assessment Office, I applied for tax payer relief through the Homestead Exclusion program. Basically, the program offers a reduction in real estate taxes in the form of a lower property assessment. And, I was approved. My house is now assessed at $10,000 less than what I paid for it in 2005. This year, on my school taxes, I saved about $200. Not bad for someone who doesn't have any children and wonders why his school tax bill is so high. The assessment office usually mails out Homestead Exclusion forms to all local homeowners. Next year, fill out the form and save some cash.

Posted in Consumer issues Economic Outlook Sean Adkins Your money

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Let's start off with the fact that gasoline is not inexpensive. I don't care if many local stations are posting regular gas prices at $3.89 a gallon. That price remains way, way too high. I urge drivers not to get lulled into a false sense of security by believing that gas prices will continue to drop. Keep conserving. Cut back on vacations and long car rides. Most likely you've overlooked the benefits of your backyard or local park. Should the price for a gallon of regular gas drop below $1.99, I will admit that the cost of gas is where it should be.

Posted in Gas Prices Sean Adkins Your money

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In terms of gasoline prices, I've found that how much you pay has a lot to do where you pump. Last week, my wife and I drove to Roanoke, Va. for a week-long vacation. On the day that we headed back to York County, I had to fill my tank. The gas station near Interstate-81 sold regular gas for $4.15 a gallon. Two miles headed in the opposite direction of I-81, gas was selling for $3.82 a gallon. It seems that gas suppliers are taking advantage of those who need fuel immediately. Have you noticed any discrepancies in price in relation to the location of particular gas station?

Posted in Consumer issues Economic Outlook Gas Prices Sean Adkins Your money

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A barrel of oil has hit $145 and several gas stations in the area have started selling gasoline for $3.99 a gallon, again. In the last two weeks, many stations dropped there prices to around $3.95 per gallon. So, what's it going to be? Are local stations going to hold the line until the July 4 weekend is over to boost prices or am I going to see $4.05 per gallon on way to the lake tomorrow morning?

Posted in Consumer issues Economic Outlook Gas Prices Sean Adkins Your money

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My first cell phone resembled a black, plastic brick that, I believe, weighed more than the neighbor's dog.
Unlike many of today's belt-hanging mini computers, my phone didn't "flip" anything, unless you count the telescoping antenna that snapped off in a light breeze.
During the last 15 years, mobile communication, like most technology, has jumped forward with nearly every shiny gadget that has hit the retail market.
However, not every advancement has discovered the same profit niche as cell phones.

Posted in Consumer issues Gas Prices Green business Sean Adkins Your money

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