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home fixes

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 6 alternatives to Airbnb. Also in the news: The importance of used car inspections, small home fixes that have a big impact on safety, and how to not go broke at the ballpark this summer.

6 Alternatives to Airbnb for When You Want Other Options
The vacation rental giant may have a near stranglehold on the market, but there are other options.

Get a Used Car Inspection Before You Buy — or After
Getting your own inspection of the car you bought online can provide peace of mind about your purchase.

Small Home Fixes Can Have a Big Impact on Safety
The following fixes typically cost $200 or less.

How to Not Go Broke at the Ballpark This Summer
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack (so long as it doesn’t break the bank).

Small home fixes can have a big impact on safety

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If it ain’t broke, maybe you should fix it anyway.

That’s the message consumer advocates and insurance experts want you to hear about your home’s hidden dangers. Too often, they say, people put off relatively inexpensive repairs or improvements that could prevent significant damage, injuries or even death. While you can’t eliminate every potential hazard, some small moves can have a huge impact on home safety.

In my latest for the Associated Press, fixes that typically cost $200 or less.