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FURNITURE | FROM Page 9 vices to get a better feel for the color. Consumer reviews can be helpful, too, as many people will comment if the furniture is darker or lighter than it appears online. • Read several reviews. When fi nding the ideal piece or furniture, read as many consumer reviews as possible, keeping a critical eye out for comments about the quality of the furniture and the experience with the retailer. Use these for reference before making a fi nal purchasing decision. • Ask questions right up until making a purchasing decision. Reputable furniture companies will happily answer any questions about a specific product until the button to purchase it is clicked. When in doubt, contact the company directly. For example, maybe it's essential to know whether the feet of a couch unscrew so it will fi t through a tight doorway. Many companies are also willing to send fabric swatches for a reasonable fee – a good idea if there is a specifi c color or texture preference to match in the room. • Do a price comparison. Some pieces of furniture are available from multiple retailers, so always compare prices before getting the best deal. Don’t forget to factor in shipping fees and taxes when comparing prices. • For store fi nancing, rentTHE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024 GRANT | FROM Page 1 HUD-assisted families to so to-own, and layaway plans, carefully read the fi ne print. Since furniture can get expensive, many retailers off er store fi nancing, layaway plans, and rent-to-own options. If you are considering one option, carefully read the fi nancing plan. How much interest is charged? How long does the payment plan last? How many payments over how many months or years will it last? Is there an fee to pay the balance in full? Get the answers to all of these questions before signing a fi - nance agreement. • Inspect furniture upon delivery. Before signing any delivery paperwork, inspect the furniture. If it is damaged or missing pieces, you don’t have to accept it. When a delivery is refused because of damage, you will no longer be responsible for payment. For more information Learn more about safe online shopping by reading the BBB Tip: Smart Shopping Online tip. Read the FTC's advice on renting to own. When researching a furniture retailer, look to businesses who adhere to the BBB Standards for Trust. Read more about BBB's Accreditation Standards. that they have the chance to fi nd employment and build assets,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. "HUD remains committed to working with our local partners to empower residents and promote economic justice for all Americans.” "This funding will empower HUD’s housing partners in (STATE) to collaborate directly with low-income residents, enabling them to enact positive transformations in their lives," stated HUD New England Administrator, Juana B. Matias. "The Family Self-Suffi ciency Program is instrumental in fostering individual success and cultivating sustainable, self-reliant lifestyles. It stands as a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to fostering economic mobility WATER | FROM Page 1 Rystrom said the inventory is for the entire city and there could be more delays for Winthrop Street but said that he could talk to the Paving coordinator. “If there’s an opportunity to do some paving in the interim, we can look at that,” he said. However, the inventory of the entire city needs to be done Page 19 and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to pursue and realize their American Dreams." The FSS program is a voluntary initiative off ered to families in HUD-assisted housing. Participants receive coaching, referrals to services, and establish a family escrow savings account. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources. These resources aim to increase their earned income and fi nancial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-suffi ciency. “Regardless of how much money one might make, where they live, whether or not they receive assistance, every person in this country deserves to by October 2024. MassDEP and the Clean Water Trust are authorized to make loans and grants to communities for the purpose of funding construction related to water pollution abatement projects and drinking water projects. Rystrom told councillors the inventory would consider the age of a house, any historical documentation on the dwelling and, if                                                                                      have the sense of security for their families that comes with consistent saving,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio. “We are thrilled to off er the benefi ts of the FSS program to more participants than ever before.” According to HUD offi cials, "Unequal access to savings, negative or invisible credit history, and low relative engagement in mainstream banking are national problems that especially impact renters and contribute to the racial wealth gap. "This leaves renters with a minimal safety net to draw from in times of unemployment or unanticipated expenses such as car repair or medical emergencies. The FSS program helps to keep the unexpected from becoming larger fi nancial problems through savings and support." needed, a physical investigation, such as digging a test pit. “We will use all the tools in our toolbox to fi nd out what’s lead and where it is, and how can we make a plan to systematically remove it,” said Rystrom. Any loans or grants awarded to the City are intended to be used to pay for planning and the city will pay costs for its share of the project.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

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