Is the Time Right for You to Refinance?

Low interest rates may create a great opportunity to refinance your mortgage, but doing so often isn’t the best decision financially for families in certain circumstances.

GOLDEN IN UP: What, Oh What, Can I Get For Uncle Joe? Gift Ideas For Seniors

Okay, I know it's a bit early, but you are busy! The holiday season is upon us, and you can't figure out what to get your loved ones. Here are some suggestions.

Emerging Markets Offer More Options for Investors

While the economic recovery in the U.S. and other developed nations seems to be at a standstill, there is growth taking place in other parts of the world.

The Student Loan Bubble: Toil or Trouble?

Economists worry that more difficulties lie ahead in the student lending sector due to rising tuition costs, mounting debt and a weak job market. Here are some strategies that can help.

Bringing Your Elderly Parent Into Your Home

Whether it's to be a short term stay after an illness or a long-term arrangement, bringing a disabled or frail senior into your home means some advance preparation.

Love - Patch's Skateboard Blogger Recalls Finding It In An Unlikely Place

University Place Patch's perennial skateboard blogger takes us back to a poignant, spiritual point in his life - all he did was find perspective in a violence-ridden Texas town.

Recognizing Symptoms of Dementia

One might say that for an elder person a little forgetfulness or confusion is normal, but when do you know if there is a serious problem, such as dementia?

Caring For a Difficult, Unpleasant Parent

Now old age and disability are creeping up, and you are horrified to think that you may be called on to be caregiver to an elderly person you haven't liked very much for a long, long time.

Preparing For The "Big One"

UP resident and Patch Mom, Rachel Lauzon, offers her perspective and voice on everything University Place. Today, she shares information about C.E.R.T., or Community Emergency Response Team.

Do The Puyallup And Make Your Escape

UP resident and Patch Mom, Rachel Lauzon, offers her perspective and voice on everything University Place. Today, she talks about submitting your creations to the Puyallup Fair.

Keeping Out The "Weeds"

This week, Patch's perennial skateboard blogger examines Tacoma's decision to ban skateboarding from an academic perspective.

Social Support Activities Lead to Better Quality of Life As One Ages

Social support activities programs can be beneficial to a person’s quality of life and overall satisfaction.

Basic Education: Is it really just reading, writing and arithmetic?

Pretty much all of us have been in school at one time or another..what were we supposed to learn, and why, and who was responsible if we didn't?? Does any of it really matter anymore?

How Can We Keep Seniors Safe in Their Own Homes?

In a study of older adults, those living with a PERS reported significantly greater ability to go about daily routine and were ten times less likely to require admission to a nursing home.

How Long Can Seniors Be Cared for at Home—Realistically?

Patch's blogger on senior and family care says to keep seniors in their homes for as long as possible.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

University Place Patch's skateboard and blogger extraordinaire takes an academic approach to the issue of social capital and recaps how an event in Tacoma is an example of how it should work.

Soapbox Derby Race Day Is Here

The race is here and our derby car secret is out! Here's your sneak peak into the Lauzon's derby car.

It's A Good Time For Family Planning

With parents aging and their health and lifestyles changing, children need to discuss some changes and decisions that will be needed in the near future. Summertime is an ideal time to do so.

The Fourth Of July ... It Must Be More Than Fireworks!

The Declaration of Independence gives citizens amazing power, but with it comes an awesome responsibility. Will you renew your pledge of allegiance this Fourth of July?

Start Your Engines, UP. The Race Is Two Weeks Away

UP resident and Patch Mom, Rachel Lauzon, offers her perspective and voice on everything University Place. Today, she shares her family's participation in the Fircrest Derby Days.

A VIKING IN OL' KENTUCKY: It's A Twister!

A tornado at Churchill Downs destroyed a few barns, but shockingly no one was hurt. A Curtis grad who plays for the Louisville band shares her experience.

Skateboarding 101 Coming Soon To A City Near You

Come out and learn about skateboaring culture during event featuring lessons, giveaways and more Monday at Tollefson Plaza in Tacoma.

To Buy or Not To Buy? Part Two of a Four-Part Series

With all the great real-estate deals out there, you may have considered selling your home and purchasing a new one. This blog explores the advantages and disadvantages for today’s Move-Up Buyers.

GOLDEN IN UP: How To Protect The Family Home From Medicaid Recovery

The family home remains one of the most difficult assets to protect because of timing, but there are proven strategies that make it possible to protect the home from Medicaid recovery.

Are we broke yet? Another day and we're deeper in debt!

There has been a lot of discussion on debt recently at the federal, state, and city level. But our blogger asks, "Does public debt really matter?"

DOUGH SAVER: Put A Cap On It And Save Money

In this entry, Patch's frugal blogger writes that you can save your floors and funiture with Soft Paws for cats and dogs.

GOLDEN IN UP: Strength Training — What Can It Do For You?

Our expert on senior issues says strength training is one important aspect of a senior's ability to remain at home for as long as possible.

Skateboarding In My Life

Patch's skateboard blogger, Ben Warner, explains how in one of the darkest times of his life, skateboard provided him with light. His poignant post is an amazing read.

Save Money With Eldercare By Not Doing It Yourself

Patch's perennial blogger on senior care explains that trying to handle it yourself might save you money, but it isn't necessarily smart.

On Top Of The World! (Or The Bottom)

A recent verbal scolding by a UWT official prompts our skateboarding blogger to take an in-depth look at the misrepresentation of the symbol of the skateboard.

Downsizing, Organizing, Handicap Remodeling and Relocating

With news of UP's median age increasing, Patch's senior and elderly care blogger recounts a tale intended to help families with difficult decisions regarding accessibility.

The shoreline of University Place ... an unseen wonder!

UP is blessed with significant shoreline of salt water and freshwater. Most of it is unseen from the city. You have to go down there to experience the wonder of it all, Patch's blogger writes.

Between a rock and a hard spot...

Being caught between a rock and a hard spot, literally, is an uncomfortable feeling. One University Place resident shares his experience, and it was right in his backyard.

A Viking In Louisville: I Promise We’re Not That Bad

Did you hear about the Louisville Marching Band and UP native Carly Kaiser at the Kentucky Derby this month? If you didn’t, don’t worry. Not many people did.

Skateboarding and changing the Law

We're skating, changing rules and inviting everyone to be a part of it. An event June 21 in Tacoma, but really for all of Pierce County, will be the showcase.

To Buy or Not to Buy? A Four-Part Series

This is the first of a four-part series on the issues renters, move-up buyers, downsizers and investors are facing as they contemplate the decision to purchase and/or sell a home in this market.

Senior Care: How Do You Know If Someone Needs Helps?

Aging people are people in transition. University Place's perennial expert on senior care explains what families can to ease the transition.

Managed Growth Or Chaos?

The recent turmoil in the housing market has taken a toll in a variety of ways, but has it changed how we want to live?

Ride The UP Senior Center Train To Portland (And Skip The Tax)

University Place Kiwanis Will Provide Kids ID's at Fall Fun Day