Family meeting by Matthew Henry It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would handle this kind of emergency? Here are a few tips to keep you and your household safe if disaster strikes. Plan a Fire Escape Route Home fires strike thousands of families every year in America. If your home were to catch on fire, do you have an escape route planned? Every member of the family, including children, should know what to do if your smoke ..read more

Row of cars by welcomia With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s a lemon or not (most major problems show up by around 60,000 miles). Here’s a checklist for things you should assess if you’re looking at used cars. Tires and Brakes While tires can be replaced, they can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Make sure the tires are in good shape with no worn treads or patches; otherwise, this can be a good opportuni ..read more

Australian Shepherd puppy by Brett Sayles Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some practicalities. For example, should you inform your insurance company about your new dog? Are there things you can do to keep your puppy safer? What about protecting yourself financially if your dog bites someone? Here’s what you need to know as a dog owner. A New Puppy and Insurance Coverage Whether you own your own home or rent, you probably ..read more

Security Camera by ipeema A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home. 24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each. A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go throug ..read more

Car in front of a house by Jose Rago If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should know when you consider options for your residence or vehicle. What Is a Deductible? A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. Deductibles were created decades ago to discourage policyholders from filing petty or even fraudulent claims. In most cases, deductibles are a flat fee, such as $500 or $1,000, bu ..read more

Rodent by Pixabay No one likes the thought of having pests in their home, whether they be rodents, cockroaches, ants, or any other common household pests. If pest activity is common in your area, it is important to take steps to prevent them from infesting your home. Try these tips to help keep pests at bay over the years. Seal Off Access Points The best way to prevent pest infestations is to stop the pests from ever getting inside your house in the first place. To do this, you'll need to ensure there is no way for them to gain access. Check the weather stripping around your doors and windows ..read more

Backyard landscaping by iriana88w You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order to keep your yard looking its best over the years. Here are a few yard-care jobs you may have overlooked. Trimming Large Trees Pruning tall trees can be a daunting task, but it is an essential one. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, it needs to be done each year. For most trees, fall is the best time to prune ..read more

HVAC units by Sonar If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills can seriously add up over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy costs to save money without having to sacrifice comfort. Try these helpful tips, and watch the savings roll in. Check window and door seals. Doors and windows are among the worst culprits for allowing inside air to escape, so it's important to check the seals aro ..read more