It's been "a long, long, long, long time before the dawn" of a national health insurance program. Better late than never, I suppose! (to paraphrase Crosby, Stills & Nash. "Long Time Gone." Atlantic Records, 1969). Have you ever realized that getting health insurance was something you needed to do, but found that comparing plans was so complicated that you either gave up, or bought a plan based pretty much only on what it cost? One of the benefits of health insurance reform is that in 2014 plans will be available for purchase in a federal Exchange. These plans will have a standardized benefit design, making it easier to select a policy that fits your budget. Important changes have already taken effect this year, but first, a little history lesson.

'Tis the season. No, not that season. It's not jolly fat man time; it's time for plunging necklines and rising hemlines to represent every job in America. 'Tis the season for jack-o-lanterns and trick or treating and costumes. Those "disguises" could run you a pretty penny, so stay with us for ideas on cheap Halloween costumes.

Sometimes you just get bored. When picking lint out of your belly button loses its appeal, consider talking to a stranger. We're not talking about anything too crazy. But mixing up your social circle, if only for a few minutes, can be a good way to blow the dust off the old brainbox. Exercise caution (because that's just smart), but check out the possibilities of talking to someone new.

It's scorching outside. Forecasters say this heat is gonna break, but until then we gotta keep cool. Air conditioning your home is often not an option, so here's our cheat sheet of ways to keep cool when temperatures soar.

Every bum dreams of something just a little out of range. Be it a new Lay-Z-Boy or a trip to the Bahamas, there's usually a fantasy "if I had a few extra dollars." Though winning the lottery is unlikely, you could use $1 to get closer to your fancy. How? Think dream jar.

Friends are great for hanging out and mooching fries off of. Life is busy though, and even bums sometimes have trouble making time to keep in touch. You can't swipe your credit card for 'em, but friends are not free. We don’t mean you have to pay them to hang out (if you're currently doing so, please re-examine your social circle), we mean that you gotta put in some effort. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be hard or expensive. We've got you covered with tips to keep in touch whether your buddy is across the hall or halfway around the world.

Chances are that you’re not the only bum you know. Meaning, if you’d choose crashing at a friends over a hotel (mostly by choice), it's likely your friends would make the same choice. Thus, you need advice on the art of being a gracious host and a considerate guest. Consider this a Miss Manners style tip sheet on how to get four stars (for less of course) as an innkeeper and patron.