Get out your gardening tools and stock up on seeds. Growing your own food provides fresh ingredients for your meals, but you’ll soon see other benefits of home gardens that you may not have expected. Here are six ways to make the most of growing your own vegetables: 1. Control your crops Growing your own...
Read more about Six Benefits of Growing Your Own Food
You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
Read more about Wildfire Safety Guide for Homes & Businesses
Spending money is a fact of life. You need to spend money to pay for the essentials, like food, clothing, and a roof over your head. So it’s good to know that a budget can help you manage those expenses and keep your spending in check. To avoid impulse purchases and other temptations, try to...
Read more about How to Save Money and Spend Less
During a global pandemic, everything can feel exponentially more stressful and difficult. With millions of Americans filing for unemployment since the beginning of March, many of us are forced to deal with the anxiety of finances on top of everything else we have to worry about. Here are 4 simple things you can do to...
Read more about How to Pay Off Debt During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Get a Life Insurance Quote Home maintenance is an ongoing process. From raking leaves and replacing shingles to cleaning disposals and replacing batteries in smoke detectors, there’s always something to take care of. And since many of us are spending more time than usual at home right now, this may be a good...
Read more about Put Extra Time at Home to Good Use with Seasonal Maintenance
Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with a financial responsibility that should not be taken lightly. It costs about $1,520 a year to own a dog and $1,158 for a cat. On a national level, Americans spent a staggering $53 billion on their pets in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. Check out our infographic containing annual pet costs, pet insurance costs and more to find out the true cost of owning a pet.
Read more about How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? [Infographic]
As climate changes continue on a global scale, the world is experiencing more natural disasters than ever before. In 2017, the U.S. experienced a historic year of weather and climate disasters. Experts predict that this pattern will continue and even get worse.[1] Part of being ready for a disaster means having an evacuation and preparedness...
Read more about How to Make a Disaster Plan for Pets
If you live in a region susceptible to extreme weather, such as heavy storms, hurricanes or tornadoes, you may want to consider building a safe room. Here are some considerations when it comes to home safe rooms and storm shelters. What is a safe room? A safe room is defined by the Federal Emergency Management...
Read more about How and Why to Build a Safe Room in Your Home
The concept of small living isn’t something only empty-nesters enjoy anymore. A growing number of people want to own a home, but it may not be feasible in their bigger financial picture. One solution? Small-space living. Research shows that 68% of homeowners who live in tiny homes don’t have a mortgage, compared to 29% of...
Read more about The upside to small living and tips to make it happen
An affordable nautical adventure awaits! Have you always dreamed of buying your own boat? While it’s a romantic and exciting notion, you need to understand what the required investment of money and time actually is. Buying a used model can help reduce the sticker shock. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 60 percent of first-time...
Read more about Tips for Buying a Used Boat
Buckle up and turn your next road trip into a veritable treasure hunt If the words “flea market” bring to mind a few dozen people rummaging through boxes full of dusty knickknacks, prepare to be surprised. Thanks to television shows like Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers, flea markets have become attractive destination spots. Each year...
Read more about Five Great American Flea Markets
Fire prevention in the home is something we all need a refresher on from time to time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 85 percent of fire deaths happen in the home, and those household fires are responsible for billions of dollars in property damages each year. The good news is that nearly all home fires are preventable by watching out for a few common fire hazards
Read more about Up in Smoke – Part 1: How to Avoid 5 Common Home Fire Hazards