If you've got questions about healthcare reform, and who doesn't, you might want to check out http://www.healthcare.gov/ which has loads of answers.

There are lots of links to explore including information about what to do if you have a preexisting condition, how to find insurance options, understanding the new law, etc.

Are you trying to buy a foreclosed home? Or perhaps you've been trying to purchase a short sale for six months, only to be no further along in the process than when you started.

If you've wondered why in the world it's so hard you might find this article written for Mortgage Servicing News of interest. http://mortgageservicingnews.com/newsletter/stories/?story_id=329

Season two of Warehouse 13, one of my favorite shows, debuted this week. It's such a fun show packed with humor and excitement. If you don't have cable and missed the episode you can catch it on Hulu via this link:

http://www.hulu.com/warehouse-13

This isn't a post about saving money, it's about saving lives. Far too many people drown each year and the signs and symptoms of drowning are not necessarily what you think they are.

For instance:

Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs.

Here's where I read about this. Be sure to read the comments, one life was already saved by this posting. http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2010/07/this-stunned-me.html

The actual article is a clickthrough from Ms. Reid's blog.

Have you looked into a summer reading program for your children? Not only are they great ways to keep your children busy during the super hot days when they wilt when they go outside, but many libraries team up with local businesses and offer free treats. Back in the day my own children would earn Slurpees, pizza slices, books, movie tickets and more. I recently read about a credit union that is paying three dollars per book each child reads! My middle son, an avid reader, would probably have bankrupted them.

Take a look at your library to see what's available but also keep in mind that many bookstores also offer programs.

I wrote about this once before so thought you might like this short news piece about conservatorship.

Betty Crocker is currently offering a little more than fifty dollars worth of coupons on their website. http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/coupons/default

You do have to register to take advantage of these offers but once you do you get money off on products like cereal, painkillers, diapers, hot dogs and cleaning supplies. There are quite a few to choose from.

If your kids are a little antsy waiting for the fireworks to start you can download these great free paper toys from the Toymaker.

http://www.thetoymaker.com/Holidays/Independenceday/1Fourth.html

There are flags, pinwheels, fireworks and more. Plenty to keep kids entertained.

Here's an interesting article about the crackdown on scammy companies that claim to help distressed homeowners and actually defraud them.

http://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/fraud/stories/?id=542

Be very careful if you need help getting your mortgage up to date. Make sure the company is legit. Go with one of the government programs or a good nonprofit.

Joyce Carol Oates's terrifying and award winning short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" is available here as a free read. http://jco.usfca.edu/works/wgoing/text.html

It's inspired by the exploits of a serial killer Ms. Oates heard about. It's chilling.